Abstract: A computer based product catalog system is provided for automatically distributing product information to members of a network. Electronically stored catalogs of multiple manufacturers' products, including descriptions of the products, are provided. An electronically stored distributor catalog, including selected products from the various manufacturers is also provided. Descriptions of the products in the manufacturers' catalogs may be updated automatically. In response to the updating of the manufacturers' catalogs, the descriptions of the products in the distributor's catalog may be automatically updated in real time. A terminal located at the retail level of distribution may be operatively connected to the manufacturers' catalogs and to the distributor catalog to allow viewing of product information therewithin. The terminal may enable users to order products from a manufacturer's and distributor's catalog.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products synchronize product fabrication schedules with supplier schedules. A fabrication schedule is obtained from a fabricator data processing system, and supplier schedules are obtained from respective supplier data processing systems. Restrictive links are established between the fabrication schedule and the supplier schedules. Each restrictive link defines the supplier that will perform a work stage, and can also define the starting and ending times for both fabrication and supplier schedules. Activities in a critical path schedule having an actual ending time that is later than a projected ending time are identified. Float time is assigned to projected starting times of downstream activities not on the critical path such that actual starting times of the downstream activities are identical to projected starting times.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products synchronize product fabrication schedules with supplier schedules. A fabrication schedule is obtained from a fabricator data processing system, and supplier schedules are obtained from respective supplier data processing systems. Restrictive links are established between the fabrication schedule and the supplier schedules. Each restrictive link defines the supplier that will perform a work stage, and can also define the starting and ending times for both fabrication and supplier schedules. Float time preceding a selected activity starting time is assigned and utilized to absorb delays in completing activities preceding the selected activity. A computer based product catalog system automatically distributes and updates product information.