System and method for manufacturing and configuring intelligent electronic devices to order

A system for processing an order from a customer by a provider for an intelligent electronic device (“IED”), said IED being characterized by at least one model and at least one type, said system comprising:

• a server computer;
• a first interface coupled with said server and operative to receive a first specification identifying a first IED to be ordered, said first specification identifying a particular one of said at least one model and type;
• a second interface coupled with said server and operative to receive a second specification identifying optional hardware to be installed in said first IED;
• a third interface coupled with said server and operative to receive a third specification identifying software provided by said customer to be installed in said first IED;
• and
• an order generator coupled with said server and operative to generate said order for said first IED from said first, second and third specifications such that said provider provides said first IED capable of being utilized by said customer without further configuration according to said first, second and third specifications.

A method of processing an order from a customer by a provider for an intelligent electronic device (“IED”), said IED being characterized by at least one model and at least one type, said method comprising:

• (a) receiving by an order processing system, a first specification identifying a first IED to be ordered, said first specification identifying a particular one of said at least one model and type;
• (b) receiving by said order processing system, a second specification identifying optional hardware to be installed in said first IED;
• (c) receiving by said order processing system, a third specification identifying custom software to be installed in said first IED;
• (d) providing said first IED of said specified particular model and type;
• (e) installing said specified optional hardware into said first IED;
• (f) loading said software into said first IED;
• and
• (g) supplying said first IED to said customer wherein said first IED is capable of being utilized by said customer without further configuration according to said first, second and third specifications.