John C Berry

US Patent:

20030126025, Jul 3, 2003

Filed:

Dec 27, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/683425

Inventors:

Gary Powell - Schenectady NY, US
Adeyinka Adedeji - Albany NY, US
John Berry - Gansevoort NY, US
Jeffrey Bowlin - Evansville IN, US
Susan Brate - Mount Vernon IN, US
Huib Durpel - Rilland Bath, NL
Theodor Katsoulis - Bergen op Zoom, NL
Matthew Rowe - Slingerlands NY, US
Frits Schultze - Bergen op Zoom, NL

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705/026000

Abstract:

An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a system, method and storage medium for facilitating procurement of direct and indirect items via a cost out tool. The system comprises a cost out distribution network system comprising a server executing the cost out tool; a communications network operably coupled to the server; and a workstation and data storage device in communication with the server via the communications network. The data storage device houses information utilized by the server in executing the cost out tool including legacy data, bucket specifications and specification templates, sourcing data, and a catalog of selected items and suppliers. The system also includes a link to a plurality of supplier systems and a plurality of site systems operably coupled to the cost out distribution network system and supplier systems via the network system. The network system also includes a code structure including a specification code and an item locator for classifying and organizing the direct and indirect items. The method includes implementing a set-up process and maintenance process for carrying out the functions of the cost out tool. Another embodiment includes a storage medium for implementing the method.