METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION RELATING TO COSTS AND SALES OF PRODUCTS

摘要

Systems (100) and techniques for receiving, storing and analyzing product cost information are disclosed. Cost information is received from a plurality of customers (106A,106B ,106N) and stored in a data repository (102). Analysis (210) is performed on the cost information to identify cost savings opportunities (212) for customers (106A,106B ,106N). In addition, a system (100) for brokering sales and purchases of goods between customers (106A,106B ,106N)is provided. Analysis (1302) is performed to enable customers (106A,106B ,106N)to identify situations in which a customer (106A,106B ,106N) has access to goods at a favorable price and therefore has an opportunity to sell goods to other customers (106A,106B ,106N) as well as situations in which the customer (106A,106B ,106N) may advantageously purchase goods from other customers (106A,106B ,106N). Sales and purchase offers are received from customers (106A,106B ,106N) and matched according to price and terms (1306). Payment and transfer of goods is arranged between customers (106A,106B ,106N) submitting matching sale and purchase orders.