METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SOURCING PRODUCTS

摘要

A method and apparatus for sourcing products. Information relating to produc ts (102), locations (106), suppliers (104), and commodity categories (108) are collected in a master file and subjected to filters to generate a request fo r quote record (110). Requests for quote (110) are transmitted in the form of sheets with bid fields to be filled in by suppliers (104). The completed sheets are imported into the request for quote record (110) and target bids are calculated. The target bids are used for further negotiation. Various reports can be generated to facilitate negotiations and sourcing decisions. Master files and request for quote records (110) on plural computers can be synchronized.