Elizabeth G Campbell

US Patent:

20050278247, Dec 15, 2005

Filed:

Jun 15, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/868157

Inventors:

Andy Benedict - Bloomfield Hills MI, US
Edward Blanch - Bloomfield Hills MI, US
Elizabeth Campbell - Northville MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705038000

Abstract:

Method and system for generating a report for use in buyer/supplier negotiations for purchasing a commodity. Embodiments include collecting data to define the technical capabilities of two or more suppliers to supply a commodity to a buyer, collecting data to define attributes of the commodity and the commodity market, and collecting data from the selected suppliers to identify their relative competitive position. Collected data is input into a computer configured to process at least a portion of the collected data and output a consolidated report for use in negotiations. Opportunities for improving supplier competitive position may be identified. During buyer/supplier negotiation, a supplier may be encouraged or required to (i) adopt one or more of the competitive opportunities identified in the strategy report or (ii) agree to adjusted contract terms in compensation for not adopting one or more of the competitive opportunities illustrated in the strategy report.