Abstract: A storage medium for managing a supply chain is provided. The storage medium includes instructions for implementing a method. The method includes transmitting a bid request from a bill of material (BOM) file to a web site and receiving a response from a supplier, resulting in an award notice. The method also includes identifying component prices incurred by the supplier that manufactures products using the components, comparing the prices with those available to the manufacturer from a component supplier. For components in which the supplier incurs a price greater than that available to the manufacturer, the method includes requesting authorization for the supplier to purchase a quantity of the component from the component supplier at the purchase price available to the manufacturer. Upon approval, the method includes transmitting an authorization to the supplier to purchase the component directly from the component supplier. The authorization includes guidelines for the contract manufacturer to follow.

Abstract: A storage medium for managing a supply chain is provided. The storage medium includes instructions for implementing a method. The method includes transmitting a bid request from a bill of material (BOM) file to a web site and receiving a response from a supplier, resulting in an award notice. The method also includes identifying component prices incurred by the supplier that manufactures products using the components, comparing the prices with those available to the manufacturer from a component supplier. For components in which the supplier incurs a price greater than that available to the manufacturer, the method includes requesting authorization for the supplier to purchase a quantity of the component from the component supplier at the purchase price available to the manufacturer. Upon approval, the method includes transmitting an authorization to the supplier to purchase the component directly from the component supplier. The authorization includes guidelines for the contract manufacturer to follow.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a computer-based system and method for automating supply chain functions in a network environment, and more particularly, for identifying and implementing cost-savings techniques within the parts procurement and production planning system of an extended enterprise. The system includes a manufacturing enterprise or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) system comprising a host system operating a web server, an applications server, and a database manager; a data storage device in communication with the host system, and at least one terminal for accessing the host system. The OEM system runs on a network that is coupled to the Internet and is accessible to a supplier enterprise system and/or contract manufacturer system identified with proper permissions. The applications server executes a set of programs for managing the OEM system, including the A-source application of the present invention.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a computer-based system and method for automating supply chain functions in a network environment, and more particularly, for identifying and implementing cost-savings techniques within the parts procurement and production planning system of an extended enterprise. The system includes a manufacturing enterprise or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) system comprising a host system operating a web server, an applications server, and a database manager; a data storage device in communication with the host system, and at least one terminal for accessing the host system. The OEM system runs on a network that is coupled to the Internet and is accessible to a supplier enterprise system and/or contract manufacturer system identified with proper permissions. The applications server executes a set of programs for managing the OEM system, including the A-source application of the present invention.