System for automating business purchasing functions via a global computer network
First Claim
1. An automated rule-based procurement system, comprising:
- at least one computer processor;
a data store of vendors accessible to said computer processor;
a data store of vendor parameters relating to said vendors and accessible to said computer processor for use in selecting vendors for a project; and
a user interface operatively associated with said processor for enabling the user to specify requirements for said project;
wherein said rule-based system applies rules to select at least one potential vendor for said project based on the vendor parameters and the project requirements specified by said user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A Business-to-Business Web-based system is disclosed that automates the process of bidding, negotiating, reporting and purchasing of goods or services from vendors. A list of vendors and associated vendor parameters is stored in a database accessible to a computer processor. A user interface associated with the processor is provided to enable a user to specify procurement requirements. Rules are applied by the processor to select at least one potential vendor based on the vendor parameters and procurement requirements. The selected vendor(s) are contacted over a global communication network and invited to submit a bid. The bids are submitted back over the network and the system analyzes them to recommend a vendor to the user. Quality data is provided by the user upon completion of the job, and used in subsequent vendor selection sessions.
64 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An automated rule-based procurement system, comprising:
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at least one computer processor;
a data store of vendors accessible to said computer processor;
a data store of vendor parameters relating to said vendors and accessible to said computer processor for use in selecting vendors for a project; and
a user interface operatively associated with said processor for enabling the user to specify requirements for said project;
wherein said rule-based system applies rules to select at least one potential vendor for said project based on the vendor parameters and the project requirements specified by said user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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14. An automated method for procuring goods or services, comprising:
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storing a list of vendors and associated vendor parameters in a database accessible to a computer processor;
providing a user interface operatively associated with said processor, for enabling dialog between a user and a procurement application running on the processor, said interface enabling the user to specify procurement requirements; and
applying rules via said procurement application to select at least one potential vendor based on the vendor parameters and procurement requirements.
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Specification