Abstract: A data processing means for user tunable and selectable (FIG. 2) of a database wherein the data contained therein have associated descriptive properties (FIG. 2) capable of being expressed in numeric form is described. Descriptive property values (FIG. 2) may be standardized numerically to eliminate property value overweighting. A quantized vector (FIG. 2) representative of the descriptive properties is created for each item in the database. This quantized vector becomes the fingerprint for each data item. The user submits a query item to be matched against the database for similarity. A fingerprint is calculated for the query item. The user may then assign weights to the individual descriptive properties based upon perceived importance (FIG. 2). A newly weighted fingerprint for the query item is then compared with the fingerprints for all the data in the database. A list of results is presented to the user (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that allow a user to identify, within a certain level of confidence, the raw materials consumed in the manufacture of a particular chemical product. In addition, the system and method allow a user to identify, within a certain level of confidence, the chemical products, the manufacturing processes of which, consume a raw material. The system compares a raw material or chemical product to a database of companies comprising the raw material purchases of companies, as well as the chemical products manufactured by companies. Through a statistical analysis, the system reports results to the user that meet a pre-established threshold of accuracy.