Abstract: The present invention comprises a software system having a user-friendly navigational interface utilizing an hierarchical display (20) of business documents based upon a dominant-subordinate relationship between the documents. In one embodiment, the documents are related through the use of keys, which define a relationship between the dominant (81) and the subordinate documents (91). In conjunction with the selection of a specific document, the invention displays information related to that document which can be custom defined by the user. In one embodiment, each user can define a unique set of data to be displayed. The invention further provides a means by which the underlying data can be easily edited from the hierarchical display (20). The present invention also allows the creation of expressions (230, 231) that will alert the user to predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for end-to-end transaction processing and statusing is disclosed. In one embodiment, an application server computer is used to house a variety of applications. An application accessed by a user converts a user request into an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) document. The application server computer uses a high level protocol to pass the XML document to a back office server which has access to a business' enterprise resource planning (ERP) database. The back office server performs the functions requested in the XML document, which may include complex database manipulations. Once the requested function has been performed, the back office server generates a response XML document which is passed to the application server computer using a high level protocol. The information within the response XML document is then presented to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for end-to-end transaction processing and statusing is disclosed. In one embodiment, an application server computer is used to house a variety of applications. An application accessed by a user converts a user request into an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) document. The application server computer uses a high level protocol to pass the XML document to a back office server which has access to a business' enterprise resource planning (ERP) database. The back office server performs the functions requested in the XML document, which may include complex database manipulations. Once the requested function has been performed, the back office server generates a response XML document which is passed to the application server computer using a high level protocol. The information within the response XML document is then presented to the user.

Abstract: An MRP system that operates on a single data set containing records for all item demands and supplies. The file may be opened under a demand alias and a supply alias to expedite MRP regeneration. A second item master extension file includes data for each item which is subject to MRP, which further contributes to improved MRP regeneration time. Item low level codes for an item are recalculated in real time whenever a bill of material referencing the item is created or modified. Therefore, low level codes need not be calculated during MRP regeneration.