PROCUREMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BUYING GOODS AND/OR SERVICES VIA THE INTERNET

摘要

Procurement systems and methods are provided for making buying and selling goods and/or services via the internet easier, faster and more efficient. A procurement system allows users to create and customize one or more orders. Each item for goods or services is standardized according to certain rules, then using a standardized item identification, a search is performed against sellers' databases to determine if item is in-stock or services can be performed. Once the search results are returned, the user can customize the display of the information and then place the order and have the items delivered or the services performed. A Request for Proposal (RFP) can be submitted with different criteria which then can be searched by users who can then place a bid on the RFP. The submitter of the RFP can select and accept the best bid.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method for procuring items in an order from a user, comprising:
receiving one or more items in a first order; searching for one or more sellers who are able to supply one or more of the items in the first order; assembling information about each of the sellers who are able to supply one or more of the items in the first order; and sending the assembled information about the sellers to the user, where the assembled information is displayed on a device associated with the user.