Increased visibility during order management in a network-based supply chain environment
First Claim
1. A method, implemented using computer hardware, for a first business entity to provide order management between at least second and third independent business entities, comprising:
- (a) receiving a service level agreement for at least one of the second business entity and the third business entity, at an automated system having a processor and operated by the first business entity, utilizing an electronic communications network, wherein the second business entity is a service provider providing a service to customers and the third business entity is a manufacturer supplying to the second business entity products for the service;
(b) storing the service level agreement;
(c) receiving inquiries from at least one of the second business entity and the third business entity concerning a service being performed under the service level agreement;
(d) generating events based on the service level agreement and at least one of the inquiries;
(e) determining whether to apply at least one of charges, discounts, rebates, or modified rates, based on a deviation from the service level agreement;
(f) receiving over the network, with the automated system operated by the first business entity, a first request for a first order from at least the second business entity;
(g) transmitting over the network, with the automated system, the first order to at least the third business entity;
(h) receiving, at the automated system via the network from the third business entity, first information relating to a status of completion of the first order by the third business entity;
(i) tracking progress of completing the first order in the automated system based on the first information;
(j) generating progress reports from the tracking with the automated system;
(k) transmitting the progress reports from the automated system to the second business entity using the network;
(l) forecasting, by the first business entity, future orders of the second business entity for products of the third business entity, the forecasting comprising;
collecting, by the first business entity, using the network, data relating to customer usage of the service provided by the second business entity;
analyzing the data to determine customer demand trends for the service; and
using the trends to predict when demand of the products will exceed supply of the products; and
(m) receiving, by the first business entity, at the automated system via the network, a subsequent request, sent from the second business entity, for a subsequent order based on the forecasting.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for a first business entity to provide a network-based supply chain framework for collaborative order management between at least a second and a third independent business entity, such as a service provider, vendor, reseller, manufacturer and the like. A request for an order is received over a network with an automated system, from at least a second business entity. The order is transmitted over a network, with an automated system, to at least the third business entity. Information is received from the third business entity relating to a status of completion of the order by the third business entity using a network. The progress in completing the order is tracked based on the information received from the third business entity. Progress reports from the tracking are generated periodically; and transmitted to the second business entity using the network.
371 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method, implemented using computer hardware, for a first business entity to provide order management between at least second and third independent business entities, comprising:
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(a) receiving a service level agreement for at least one of the second business entity and the third business entity, at an automated system having a processor and operated by the first business entity, utilizing an electronic communications network, wherein the second business entity is a service provider providing a service to customers and the third business entity is a manufacturer supplying to the second business entity products for the service; (b) storing the service level agreement; (c) receiving inquiries from at least one of the second business entity and the third business entity concerning a service being performed under the service level agreement; (d) generating events based on the service level agreement and at least one of the inquiries; (e) determining whether to apply at least one of charges, discounts, rebates, or modified rates, based on a deviation from the service level agreement; (f) receiving over the network, with the automated system operated by the first business entity, a first request for a first order from at least the second business entity; (g) transmitting over the network, with the automated system, the first order to at least the third business entity; (h) receiving, at the automated system via the network from the third business entity, first information relating to a status of completion of the first order by the third business entity; (i) tracking progress of completing the first order in the automated system based on the first information; (j) generating progress reports from the tracking with the automated system; (k) transmitting the progress reports from the automated system to the second business entity using the network; (l) forecasting, by the first business entity, future orders of the second business entity for products of the third business entity, the forecasting comprising; collecting, by the first business entity, using the network, data relating to customer usage of the service provided by the second business entity; analyzing the data to determine customer demand trends for the service; and using the trends to predict when demand of the products will exceed supply of the products; and (m) receiving, by the first business entity, at the automated system via the network, a subsequent request, sent from the second business entity, for a subsequent order based on the forecasting. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification