Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer-based intelligent adviser having particular applicability in industry situations and job positions in which analytical skills are secondary to a position but in which analytical skills are important to achieving the highest level of performance in the business. The present invention contemplates both the process of developing a computer based intelligent adviser as well as a system and process of using a computer-based intelligent adviser.

Abstract: A market for used vehicles is identified for a particular vehicle category. A group of dealers are selected who have a high likelihood of buying units of the products. To identify a market, inventory data is collected from each of a group of dealers within a region on a recurring basis. A dealer profile specifying the business rules for managing the inventory is obtained or produced for each dealer. A supply of products is determined by collecting inventory data from suppliers, such as automobile leasing companies and dealers with surplus inventory. The demand for products is determined by comparison of the dealer profile for each vehicle category to the actual inventory for the corresponding vehicle category and/or to the sales history for the product. The data for each product unit is expanded by reference to third party data bases by use of the vehicle identification number.