Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for reducing costs in a supply chain management framework. Data is received from a plurality of supply chain participants utilizing a network. The received data relates to the sale of products by the supply chain participants. Rules are determined to ensure the incurrence of minimal costs to the supply chain participants and the rules are applied to ensure supply to the supply chain participants at minimal cost without requiring the supply chain manager to take title to any goods.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for advertising in a network-based supply chain management framework. Data from a plurality of stores of a supply chain is received utilizing a network. A supply chain participant is allowed to access the data utilizing a network-based interface. The data being accessed by the supply chain participant is analyzed so that advertising may be presented to the supply chain participant in accordance with the analysis.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for managing a book supply chain utilizing a network. A network is utilized to receive data from a plurality of book outlets of a book supply chain in which the data relates to the sale of books by the book outlets. An electronic order form is generated based on the data for ordering book from a book distributor of the book supply chain. The data is transmitted via the network to the book distributor of the book supply chain. The data is also transmitted to a book supplier of the book supply chain utilizing the network. Additionally, activity in the book supply chain is forecast utilizing the data.