Abstract: The present invention describes a method and system for optimizing resource plans across multiple networks. Aspects of the disclosure include creating planning data and planning rules. Planning data contains information regarding constrained resources in the multiple networks. Planning rules are based on user-defined strategies. Additional aspects include generating a plan based on the planning data and the planning rules and revising the plan in real-time. The generated plan optimally allocates the constrained resources according to the user-defined strategies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method whereby companies can optimally resolve the conflicts with respect to product availability. Embodiments of the invention allow users to search for product availability throughout its entire supply chain network to address conflicts as they arise. In particular, the present invention creates time-phased inventory plans that meet customer requirements while minimizing inventory and maximizing profit by ensuring that a company is carrying the right inventory at the right locations. Using the present invention, companies can orchestrate the time-phased storage and flow of a given product's supply to match demand by creating an optimal inventory strategy that includes deployment plans, master production schedules, and procurement requirements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for demand forecasting that enable multiple-scenario comparisons and analyses by letting users create forecasts from multiple history streams (for example, shipments data, point-of-sale data, customer order data, return data, etc.) with various alternative forecast algorithm theories. The multiple model framework of the present invention enables users to compare statistical algorithms paired with various history streams (collectively referred to as “models”) so as to run various simulations and evaluate which model will provide the best forecast for a particular product in a given market. Once the user has decided upon which model it will use, it can publish forecast information provided by that model for use by its organization (such as by a downstream supply planning program).

Abstract: The present invention provides a supply management system and method, which is useful to determine optimal supply chain configurations. Within the method of the present invention, the user sets up a supply chain model, specifies conditions for optimization, optimizes the supply chain model, and analyzes the optimal supply chain and fine-tunes the supply chain model. The user sets up the supply chain model by providing various information. The user may further define various purchase, source, and make processes that occur in the supply chain. The user may also specify resources used in the supply chain. In defining these resources, the user may further designate multi-tiered pricing. The user may also specify constraints for the process and resources. Tax and information related to international locations may also be specified. After establishing the supply chain model, the user may further define optimization conditions for finding optimal solutions.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for using an electronic hub to facilitate supply chain management through the creation of business rules that monitor critical supply chain parameters and the subsequent generation of alert notifications to inform suppliers and buyers of violations to the business rules. The invention further provides a method and system for allowing supply chain participants to view the data associated with an alert notification through customized report generation or drill down menus that allow the participants to actively search the relevant database.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking, updating and sharing information related to a supply chain purchasing transaction. The system according to the present invention provides a means for creating corresponding delivery order when a purchase order is generated. The corresponding delivery order may be configured to have any number of attributes which allows users to monitor, update and control access to the information.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and manipulating supply chain data by assigning attributes to the data, creating hierarchies, calendars, filters and freeze profiles. Manipulation of the data may be accomplished by allocation, aggregation and conversion using predefined relationships and rules. Selective sharing of data may be accomplished by predefined partnerships and filters. System users are able to selectively view the data in a customize desirable format.

Abstract: A method and system for retrieving and processing data from disparate network applications and displaying the processed data through a single user interface. The method includes retrieving data from disparate network applications using an ETL engine then storing the data in a multidimensional database. An OLAP server may then use the stored data to create key performance indicators based on the data from the various disparate network applications and display the key performance indicators through a single user interface.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides an electronic market and related methods particularly useful for negotiating the exchange of transportation services between shippers or carriers and shipping customers. Embodiments include an electronic catalog-type listing of carrier services and related rates such that buyers can purchase services at periodically listed prices, and an electronic auction exchange whereby buyers can bid on the available capacity of carriers or whereby carriers can bid on shipping orders requested by customers. In preferred embodiments, carriers and shipping customers can take into account pre-existing business relationships by designating other carriers and/or customers as preferred business partners or customers. Participation in auctions or qualification for discounted catalog rates can be limited only to those preferred partners or customers.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling manufacturing resources based on user defined scheduling and routing goals. Attributes and constraints may be assigned to manufacturing resources and SKUs that facilitates the planning and scheduling of the resources. Resource transitions may be restricted only to desirable transition by using product wheels. Excess work-in-process may be minimized by scheduling orders that consume the excess work-in-process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method whereby a user having the proper permissions to access a supply chain may check the availability of an item within the supply chain network. There are three different types of availability that can be checked: (1) current inventory availability, (2) available to promise inventory (projected+current inventory), and (3) capable to promise inventory (current inventory+projected inventory+capacity for manufacturing, labor, materials, and transportation). Preferably, the system is accessible over a distributed network such as the Internet, thereby facilitating remote access by allowing remote customers to receive a reliable commitment of delivery. The system further allows businesses to offer improved customer support in multiple commercial channels.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for supply chain management by monitoring queried factors, or business variables, by providing the ability to create customized business rules that monitor specific performance indicators. The invention also provides a system whereby electronic alert messages provide notifications if the customized business rules are changed or violated. The system further provides a central user interface that alerts subscribers in real-time to business rules violations and allows subscribers to resolve these violations. Finally, the invention provides a method for monitoring supply chain management variables that includes the steps of establishing a business rule, executing the business rule, generating exception notifications for violations of the business rule, and sending the exception notifications to authorized subscribers.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and methods for retrieving selected supply chain data from various supply chain information databases and presenting the selected data to a user for viewing. The invention allows sharing of supply chain information by receiving a data request from a user, filtering the data request, issuing a data request to an application that retrieves the data from at least one associated database, organizing the data retrieved by the application, and sending the organized data for display to the user that originated the request. The invention also provides a two-tier security system whereby the user's data access is restricted to the type of data that it is authorized to view as well as confining the user's access to predetermined fields within that data type. Finally, the invention provides a system and methods for organizing the data presented to the user in a logical and efficient manner that is responsive to the user's preferences.

Abstract: A method for solving finite capacity problems such as how to satisfy a customer's request for a manufactured product, by describing the environment in which the problem exists in the form of a demand (e.g., customer order), including the available resources for satisfying the demand, defining the demand, selecting a plan for achieving the various objectives of the demand in an optimal order, and evaluating whether the plan will work. Also disclosed is a computer program product implementing the invention, and a system for coordinating multiple sources of input into a system implementing the disclosed invention.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a series of network connection elements including automatic plug-ins, configurable plug-ins and visual based system-built customized extensions. These elements are used according to embodiments of the present invention to serve as building blocks for connecting one or more disparate systems together. In some embodiments of the present invention, these building blocks can be arranged in a visual based environment to help facilitate integration of the systems in question. In a preferred implementation, an API server provides a four-pronged solution to provide integrated data access. The four components of this implementation are an Internal Integration Engine, ETL and B2B application adapters, an XML Gateway, and an application-specific High Performance Interface.