Abstract: A computer-implemented method for searching for a desired item includes, in response to user input specifying an alphanumeric string associated with a desired item, searching a database that comprises information associated with items for an alphanumeric string that matches the user-specified alphanumeric string to determine item names and item descriptions for all matching items corresponding to the matching alphanumeric string. The determined item names and item descriptions for the matching items are provided for display to the user. In response to user input indicating a desire to view attribute values for attributes of the particular matching item, attribute names and attribute values for attributes of the particular matching item are determined and provided for display to the user.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing parametric searching using a computer. The method includes providing, via a graphical user interface, a name associated with a desired item, and based on the provided name, generating a list of attribute characteristics associated with the name. The method further includes providing at least one specific attribute for at least one of the listed attribute characteristics, performing a search for items having the at least one specific attribute, based on the provided at least one specific attribute, and generating search results that include items having the at least one specific attribute.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for procuring one or more items includes, in response to user-provided data and after user selection of a search module using a client system, providing an item category. Based on user selection of the item category using the client system, one or more attributes associated with: all items in the item category are provided. Based on user input identifying an attribute value for at least one attribute, search results including one or more items matching the attribute value are generated. In response to user selection of a particular item from among the search results using the client system, an order request for the selected item is then generated.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented database system (10) includes a first table (22a) including rows each corresponding to a keyword and each including an identifier uniquely identifying the keyword. Each keyword corresponds to one or more items for which a parametric search may be performed. A second table (22b) includes rows each corresponding to an attribute of one or more items and each including an identifier uniquely identifying the attribute and a name of the attribute. A third table (22c) includes rows each corresponding to a keyword-attribute combination and each including the identifier for the keyword, the identifier for the attribute, and a set of all valid attribute values for this combination. A fourth table (22d) includes rows each corresponding to an item and each including an identifier uniquely identifying the item, a name for the item, and the identifier for the keyword for the item.

Abstract: Ordering items often involves first searching a catalogue or the like for the proper item. If not done accurately, or if not done in a time efficient manner, unacceptable loss can occur because the wrong item is ordered or all orders cannot be placed when needed. A parametric searching tool represented in various embodiments makes searching very effective. Searching is based upon user selection of specific attributes for attribute characteristics available for the user to view for determining search parameters. By being able to utilize parameters, which are already available in a database, the user does not require significant training to know how to construct a search nor particular knowledge of the attribute characteristics or specific attributes of all the various suppliers from which orders can be made.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of restricting user access to parcels of data in a database. Each user of the database may be given a specified security level depending on their needs for their job. Further, each parcel of data in the database may be assigned a particular security threshold that determines its ability to be accessed by users. Both the security threshold of parcels of data, and security levels of users can be easily changed by a user with administrator status. Further an administrator is able to allow a user to access a particular parcel of data whose security threshold is greater than the users security level, by means of an override. The present invention is easily adaptable to help restrict search results of a search of a database, so that each user could receive different results, based on their security level and overrides, from the same initial search.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for searching for a desired item includes, in response to user input specifying an alphanumeric string associated with a desired item, searching a database that comprises information associated with items for an alphanumeric string that matches the user-specified alphanumeric string to determine item names and item descriptions for all matching items corresponding to the matching alphanumeric string. The determined item names and item descriptions for the matching items are provided for display to the user. In response to user input indicating a desire to view attribute values for attributes of the particular matching item, attribute names and attribute values for attributes of the particular matching item are determined and provided for display to the user.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented database system (10) includes a first table (22a) including rows each corresponding to a keyword and each including an identifier uniquely identifying the keyword. Each keyword corresponds to one or more items for which a parametric search may be performed. A second table (22b) includes rows each corresponding to an attribute of one or more items and each including an identifier uniquely identifying the attribute and a name of the attribute. A third table (22c) includes rows each corresponding to a keyword-attribute combination and each including the identifier for the keyword, the identifier for the attribute, and a set of all valid attribute values for this combination. A fourth table (22d) includes rows each corresponding to an item and each including an identifier uniquely identifying the item, a name for the item, and the identifier for the keyword for the item.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for procuring one or more items includes, in response to user-provided data and after user selection of a search module using a client system, providing an item category. Based on user selection of the item category using the client system, one or more attributes associated with all items in the item category are provided. Based on user input identifying an attribute value for at least one attribute, search results including one or more items matching the attribute value are generated. In response to user selection of a particular item from among the search results using the client system, an order request for the selected item is then generated.