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Method and apparatus for enhancing the business and engineering communication between a supplier and a buyer

  • US 20030036991A1
  • Filed: 08/14/2001
  • Published: 02/20/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/15/1997
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of exchanging data between a buyer and a plurality of multiple suppliers via an internet supplier on-line system:

  • generating by a buyer a request for a quotation from at least some of the plurality of suppliers for a cost of a part or device;

    determining if the request for the quotation will include attachments;

    generating documents when the request for quotation will include attachments, wherein the request for quotation and attachments include both engineering and business documents;

    determining which of the plurality of suppliers are to be provided with the request for quotation and attachments;

    inquiring whether all suppliers to be provided with the request for quotation and attachments are registered on the supplier on line system;

    registering the suppliers not on the supplier on-line system;

    notifying the buyer, automatically by the supplier on-line system, of the registration of the suppliers;

    determining whether the request for quotation is for a commodity part or device or is for a non-commodity part or device;

    building the request for quotation, wherein the building includes joining the business and technical documentation into a request for quotation pack;

    registering information in one of a item bidding process for commodity parts or devices or a service bidding process for non-commodity parts or devices;

    selecting the suppliers that are to receive the request for quotation pack;

    making the request for quotation pack available to selected suppliers on a supplier on-line system web site; and

    e-mailing all suppliers that the request for quotation pack is available at the web site.

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