Abstract: Delay-paced online proxy bidding by providing a counter bid delay value parameter for automatic proxy bidding on behalf of a user in an online auction; automatically checking by an application server a current bid level of the online auction having a plurality of bids from other participants separated in time to form a bidding pace; determining by an application server that any a proxy condition has been met; and placing by an application server computer a counter bid the auction responsive to the proxy conditions being met and a time following or upon the elapse of a counter bid delay from a time of placement of the current bid; wherein the automatic checking, determining and placing counter bids produce a delay paced online proxy bidding according to the counter bid delay value and wherein escalation of the pace of bidding within the auction system is avoided.

Abstract: A proxy agent for an online or automated auction or offering system which allows automatic proxy bidding within user-specified limits and conditions, including one or more maximum bid limits related to one or more time periods during the open bidding time, a maximum bid limit during a period prior to bidding close time, and a bidding pace control.

Abstract: An inventory management system and method that is capable of generating lists of interchangeable parts. The system includes a database for indicating functional relationships between parts and a search engine for searching the database to identify groups of functionally interchangeable parts. The database includes a first table identifying the parts and a second table indicating the functional relationships between the parts. The search engine recursively searches the first and second tables to dynamically generate the lists of interchangeable parts. This permits a user to quickly determine what parts are available in inventory for manufacturing tasks, and promotes more efficient utilization of inventoried parts.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a system and method for checking expense entries for compliance with policy rules and detecting the possibility of fraud is provided. The preferred embodiment includes a policy checker comprising a knowledge based system designed to determine expense entries' compliance with policy rules and detect a possibility of fraud. The preferred embodiment also includes an auditor workflow system that works with the policy checker to guide manual audits of those expense entries that are not in compliance with the policy rules. The preferred embodiment also includes a data pattern analyzer that detects patterns of behavior that can be indicative of fraud. The preferred embodiment also includes a prioritizer for ranking detected policy violations. These systems work together to provide an automated system for checking expense entries for compliance with company rules, detecting instances where fraud is likely, and generating the appropriate reports.