Abstract: What is disclosed is a method, software product and database structure for storing, searching and managing multi-dimensional, discrete supplier capabilities and characteristics. This method and system consists creating, searching and maintaining a database structure containing discrete definitions of supplier material specialties, industries they serve, product families they produce, detailed processes and services they perform and certifications that they have achieved. It also consists of a search process that allows system users to perform a complex search of the supplier database structure using a multi-dimensional search string containing a combination of required supplier capabilities and characteristics. The software search process returns a list of suppliers who possess the requested capability and characteristic profile and allows system users to display a detailed supplier profile.