Method and system for managing inventory in a supply chain

Abstract

Computer-implemented method and system enables suppliers to manage real-time manufacturer inventory levels. A client-server (e.g., Internet-based) architecture communicates with at least one inventory database. Supplier/user input defines a supplier and manufacturer plant to which the supplier supplies goods. A listing of goods the supplier supplies to the manufacturer plant is displayed at the client computer. For goods listed, the current manufacturer balance-on-hand for that good, the number of days before the manufacturer balance-on-hand will be depleted, and an indicator if the current manufacturer balance-on-hand is below a predefined level is also displayed. The user/supplier inputs a promise to supply one or more goods having a current manufacturer balance-on-hand below the predefined level (e.g., low, critical, etc.). Another indicator indicates whether supplier shipped and in-transit quantities for the good reconcile with manufacturer received quantity for the good. A user/supplier may challenge the posted manufacturer received quantity for the good.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.