Abstract: Methods and systems for managing supplier activities. In one embodiment, a computer-based system allows a company that contracts with one or more suppliers in a global supplier base to create electronic documents for placing new work packages with those suppliers. These documents can include S.O.W.'s, work schedules, and P.O.'s. In one aspect of this embodiment, the computer-based system allows the company and the respective suppliers to update these documents during performance of the work packages. In one embodiment, the method is initiated on a general-purpose computer by the company who accesses a user interface display page from a server computer to create a new work package document. A supplier can then access the server computer to review the work package document or to update the information contained on the document.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing supplier information using a computer network. In one embodiment, the method is implemented on a general-purpose computer by a user who accesses a supplier search web page. The user searches for a supplier in this embodiment by selecting a desired supplier skill or region from a drop-down list provided on the web page. After a skill or region has been selected, another web page is displayed containing a list of suppliers who meet the selected criteria. By selecting the name of one of the listed suppliers, the user can automatically retrieve detailed information regarding that supplier. In addition to supplier contact information, this information can include supplier work history and work quality information. In one embodiment, a name of a contact individual who has worked with the supplier can also be provided. This individual may then be contacted by the user to obtain further details of interest regarding the supplier.