Abstract: A system and methods are described for providing a fully automated, requisition-driven, “Just-In-Time” supply-based, centralized e-procurement system, suitable for governments or entities with similar procurement needs. A Web site-based reverse-auction among competing authorized suppliers is employed for purchase of all goods and services, except those that must be procured by other means. Automated methods are provided for: requisition handling and pooling; order formulation; processing and tracking; consolidated, distributed and other shipping arrangements; procurement accounting and payment authorization; supplier-relations administration; centralized e-procurement catalog management; procurement data analysis, and report and alert generation; procurement-needs analysis; and inventory management. A structure of internal and external modules is created for security. To the extent possible, all communication from and to and within the system is performed digitally.

Abstract: Even goods of a low price can be handled at a virtual shop and services to the user side are improved. When a payment instruction of certain goods is issued from a user's terminal 1, a paying method presenting unit (21) of a virtual shop (2) presents a paying method using a prepaid type electronic money by the sale on a network (6). When the payment instruction by the prepaid type electronic money is issued from the user's terminal, an electronic money purchasing unit (22) purchases the prepaid type electronic money by using a settlement unit on the network, subtracts a payment money amount of the goods from a money amount of the purchased prepaid type electronic money, and notifies the user's terminal of a balance.