Abstract: A method and system for vendor communication is provided. The method and system allow management and documentation of the lifecycle of a contract that is outsourced to a vendor by and enterprise. Embodiments include a vendor communication software application (“VC” application) that centralizes documentation of communications between enterprise actors and vendor actors and any actions by any actor during execution of tasks associated with an outsourced package. The VC application provides a single point of input for information related to an outsourced package that can be used by the actors. Interactions with the VC application take place during the execution of the task in order to move the execution of the task forward, effectively forcing compliance with package requirements and the documentation of the same. The VC application is also compatible with legacy systems so that legacy data can be efficiently used. In one embodiment, the VC application is a hosted Internet application.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a global supplier base. In one embodiment, a computer-based system allows a company that contracts with one or more suppliers to obtain performance metrics for those suppliers on a regular basis, such as monthly. These performance metrics can include utilization of manpower, timeliness of deliveries, quality of work, and other similar data. In one embodiment, the method is implemented on general-purpose computers by one or more suppliers who access user interface display pages from a server computer and input performance-related data. This data is then transmitted back to the server computer where it is automatically stored in one or more databases. The contracting company can then access the server computer to obtain the supplier performance data in one or more useful formats.

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 exchanging information related to recruiting new employees. In one embodiment, the system can be implemented by a user, such as a human resources manager of a foreign division of a domestic-based company, to coordinate the recruiting and training of local nationals for employment by the foreign division. In this embodiment, the method is implemented on a general-purpose computer by the user who accesses a site on a server computer. From this site, the user can request a user interface display page for entering information about a foreign national the user is contemplating hiring. Such information can include the employee type and the location of the foreign division. By submitting this information, the user can obtain information related to recruiting the foreign national.

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.

Abstract: A system, method and user interface for reviewing projects to ensure that specified criteria are met. The criteria may be externally mandated and/or internally required. The system and method utilize a user interface to control the creation of work packages that may be transmitted to suppliers for work to be performed domestically or globally. Uniform documentation and attachments can be created on-line using the interface of the system and method for reviewing projects so that specific benchmarks and reviews are met. Critical reviews may be a made mandatory step in the documentation process.