Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for using an electronic hub to facilitate supply chain management through the creation of business rules that monitor critical supply chain parameters and the subsequent generation of alert notifications to inform suppliers and buyers of violations to the business rules. The invention further provides a method and system for allowing supply chain participants to view the data associated with an alert notification through customized report generation or drill down menus that allow the participants to actively search the relevant database.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method whereby a user having the proper permissions to access a supply chain may check the availability of an item within the supply chain network. There are three different types of availability that can be checked: (1) current inventory availability, (2) available to promise inventory (projected+current inventory), and (3) capable to promise inventory (current inventory+projected inventory+capacity for manufacturing, labor, materials, and transportation). Preferably, the system is accessible over a distributed network such as the Internet, thereby facilitating remote access by allowing remote customers to receive a reliable commitment of delivery. The system further allows businesses to offer improved customer support in multiple commercial channels.