Patent Publication Number: US-2012030059-A1

Title: Data Processing System For Providing An Efficient Market For Specialty Chemicals - II

Description:
STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES 
     This case is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/668,688, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to electronic commerce in general, and, more particularly, to a data processing system that provides an efficient market for the purchase and sale of specialty chemicals. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The chemical industry traditionally divides the market for the sale of chemicals into: (i) bulk chemicals, and (ii) specialty chemicals. Bulk chemicals are typically manufactured using a continuous-flow process, and the process is continually monitored and adjusted to ensure that the resulting product has the desired chemical and physical characteristics. In contrast, specialty chemicals are typically manufactured in discrete batches, and although suppliers desire that the chemical and physical characteristics of the resulting product are identical from batch to batch, variations do occur. Typically, such variability is evaluated using a “standard” and a “specification.” 
     Typically, a supplier or manufacturer (hereinafter collectively “supplier”) establishes a standard for each specialty chemical that it sells. For the purposes of this disclosure, the “standard” for a specialty chemical is defined as the set of chemical and physical characteristics that are used to describe that specialty chemical. Typically, although not necessarily, a standard is based on the empirical measurements of a sample of a previously-manufactured chemical. Illustrative chemical and physical characteristics include, but are not limited to, hue rating, dichroism rating, dispersion rating, lightness rating, impurities concentrations, etc. Often, the standard for any given specialty chemical comprises over one hundred different chemical and physical characteristics. 
     To further evaluate the variability of discrete batches, the supplier establishes a “specification.” For the purposes of this disclosure, the “specification” for a specialty chemical is defined as the nominal range for each chemical and physical characteristic listed in the standard. Typically, an upper limit and a lower limit for each chemical and physical characteristic is provided in the specification. 
     There is usually more than one testing method that can be used to evaluate any particular chemical and physical characteristic of a specialty chemical. Furthermore, it is not atypical for such testing methods to use different scales or bases for evaluating the characteristic. Moreover, testing methods have, in certain cases, idiosyncrasies that tend to skew the data. Because the testing method used typically affects the empirical data obtained for a chemical or physical characteristic, the specification for each chemical and physical characteristic that is evaluated is associated with a testing method. Table 1 depicts a portion of the standard and specification for an illustrative specialty chemical, “Specialty Chemical A.” 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 For Specialty Chemical A 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Specification 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Standard 
                 Test 
                 Upper 
                 Lower 
               
               
                   
                 Characteristic 
                 Method 
                 Limit 
                 Limit 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dichroism Rating 
                 Method 1 
                 3 MD 
                 3 LD 
               
               
                   
                 Dichroism Rating 
                 Method 2 
                 3.5 MD 
                 2.5 LD 
               
               
                   
                 Lightness Rating 
                 Method 3 
                 3 H 
                 3 D 
               
               
                   
                 Purity Rating 
                 Method 4 
                 3 P 
                 3 T 
               
               
                   
                 Hue Rating 
                 Method 5 
                 3 Y 
                 3 B 
               
               
                   
                 Color Strength Rating 
                 Method 6 
                    2+ 
                 2− 
               
               
                   
                 PH 
                 Method 7 
                    9.5 
                 6.5 
               
               
                   
                 Arsenic content, ppm 
                 Method 8 
                  50 
               
               
                   
                 Chromium content, ppm 
                 Method 9 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                 Mercury content, ppm 
                 Method 10 
                  25 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The supplier evaluates each batch in accordance with the standard for that specialty chemical and relative to its specification. In other words, a sample of each such batch is tested to obtain a measurement of each chemical and physical characteristic listed in the standard and using the appropriate testing method listed in the specification. Using the empirical data gathered from such tests and the upper and lower limits listed in the specification, the supplier then declares whether the batch is “in-specification” or “out-of-specification” as to each chemical and physical characteristic. Thus, a supplier establishes a standard and specification for each specialty chemical that it manufactures and/or sells and evaluates each batch of specialty chemical relative to the appropriate standard and specification. This approach provides the supplier and a prospective purchaser with a means for evaluating the variation in, and suitability of, each batch of each specialty chemical. 
     This technique is, however, disadvantageous. 
     Many consumers of specialty chemicals would prefer to have multiple sources from which to buy their specialty chemicals because it gives them the opportunity to price shop and also because it gives them an secondary source for their specialty chemicals. But comparing the offerings of a single specialty chemical from multiple suppliers is problematic because it is the supplier, and not the purchaser, that sets the standard and specification for its products. And the standards and specifications established by any one specialty chemical supplier for its products are almost always different from those established by other suppliers. 
     This problem is illustrated in  FIG. 1A , wherein prospective purchaser  106 - 1 , who is interested in specialty chemical A, considers purchasing specialty chemical A from three different suppliers, suppliers  104 - 1 ,  104 - 2 , and  104 - 3 . 
     Each of the suppliers analyzes the batches of specialty chemicals that they produce in their own laboratories. In particular, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , supplier  104 - 1  analyzes its samples in its laboratory or test facility  107 - 1 , supplier  104 - 2  analyzes its samples in its test facility  107 - 2  and supplier  104 - 3  tests its samples in test facility  107 - 3 . 
     Supplier  104 - 1  analyzes its batches of specialty chemical A using standard 1 and specification 1. Analogously, supplier  104 - 2  uses standard 2 and specification 2, and supplier  104 - 3  uses standard 3 and specification 3. Table 2 depicts the standard and testing method that each of the three suppliers uses for specialty chemical A. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Standards and Testing Methods For Specialty Chemical A 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Supplier 104-1 
                 Supplier 104-2 
                 Supplier 104-3 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Test 
                   
                 Test 
                   
                 Test 
               
               
                 Standard 
                 Used? 
                 Method 
                 Used? 
                 Method 
                 Used? 
                 Method 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Dichroism 
                 Yes 
                 1 
                 Yes 
                 2 
                 Yes 
                 1 
               
               
                 Rating 
               
               
                 Lightness 
                 Yes 
                 3 
                 Yes 
                 3 
                 No 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 Rating 
               
               
                 Purity Rating 
                 Yes 
                 4 
                 No 
                 N/A 
                 Yes 
                 5 
               
               
                 Hue Rating 
                 No 
                 N/A 
                 Yes 
                 6 
                 Yes 
                 6 
               
               
                 PH 
                 Yes 
                 7 
                 Yes 
                 8 
                 Yes 
                 9 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     It can be seen from TABLE 2 that suppliers  104 - 1 ,  104 - 2  and  104 - 3  use different standards. In particular, supplier  104 - 1  does not measure hue rating, supplier  104 - 2  does not measure purity rating, and supplier  104 - 3  does not measure lightness rating. Moreover, to the extent that the various suppliers are measuring the same characteristic, they are, in some cases, using different testing methods for evaluating the characteristics. For example, suppliers  104 - 1  and  104 - 3  use method “1” to measure dichroism, but supplier  104 - 2  uses a different method. As stated above, even though testing method #1 and #2 are intended to measure the same chemical or physical characteristic, the two testing methods are likely to indicate different values, and, therefore, comparing the results of testing method #1 to testing method #2 is like comparing apples to oranges. 
     As a consequence, prospective purchaser  106 - 1  might have difficulty comparing the batches of specialty chemical A offered by the three suppliers. Furthermore, prospective purchaser  106 - 1  might have some reservations about the objectivity of the test results because each supplier tests its own products. One solution to this problem is provided by third-party testing facilities (e.g., www.worldwidetesting.com, etc.) that offer buyers and sellers the benefit of independent (i.e., objective) testing. 
     The service provided by a third-party testing facility is depicted in  FIG. 1B . As depicted in  FIG. 1B , the chemical and physical tests are performed by third-party testing facility  107 , which is not owned or otherwise associated with suppliers  104 - 1 ,  104 - 2  and  104 - 3 . Although  FIG. 1  depicts only one third-party testing facility, in practice there are many more such testing facilities in existence. 
     Although third-party testing facilities overcome the problem of the objectivity of test results, prospective purchasers are still faced with the problem of how to directly compare product offerings from different suppliers. 
     Therefore, the need exists for techniques that enable prospective purchasers to compare specialty chemical offerings from different suppliers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a data processing system and method for facilitating the sale of specialty chemicals that avoids some of the costs and disadvantages of techniques in the prior art. 
     In particular, some embodiments of the present invention establish a uniform standard and specification for each specialty chemical that is being offered for sale via the embodiment. The uniform standard and specification is advantageously supplier independent, and advantageously encompasses most, if not all, of the standards used by the individual suppliers. Consequently, one standard and one specification are advantageously established for each specialty chemical. In this manner, the present invention benefits a prospective purchaser by facilitating a direct comparison of offerings from different suppliers. 
     Although this is clearly advantageous for purchasers of specialty chemicals, it is also advantageous for the suppliers of specialty chemicals because it enables them to sell non-branded products, and to sell branded products as unbranded. This is advantageous because it provides the supplier of a branded specialty chemical with an alternative marketing/sales channel that does not affect the branded specialty chemical. Furthermore, the supplier can sell the branded specialty chemical as unbranded through embodiments of the present invention at substantial discounts without offending the traditional customers of its branded product. 
     For example, a situation might arise when a supplier of specialty chemicals has excess inventory of a specialty chemical. To sell such inventory quickly, the supplier might be willing to price the excess specialty chemical below its normal selling price. If a customer of the supplier who had paid the normal price for that specialty chemical learned of this sale, problems would almost certainly arise. 
     One way to avoid this complication is to sell the excess inventory as a “unbranded” chemical. In other words, the specialty chemical is not identified as being manufactured by the supplier nor is it sold under its trademark. But to what standard and specification does the supplier reference the specialty chemical? If the standard and the specification that it normally used to characterize that specialty chemical are used with the non-branded material, the supplier risks being identified. The illustrative embodiment, wherein a uniform standard and specification is established for each specialty chemical, enables the manufacture to sell its branded products as unbranded, at steep discounts, without compromising itself as the supplier. 
     In accordance with the present teachings, a sample of each batch of specialty chemical that is available for purchase through the data processing system is analyzed by an independent testing facility, in accordance with the uniform standard established for the chemical. The test results are input into the data processing system and, in some embodiments, are organized into an inventory database. A prospective purchaser patronizing the data processing system establishes a requirement for the specialty chemical that it wishes to purchase. The requirement defines acceptable ranges for the measured values of at least some of the chemical and physical characteristics in the applicable uniform standard. 
     After the prospective purchaser enters its requirement into the data processing system, the data processing system searches the inventory database in an attempt to identify batches of the specialty chemical for sale that satisfy the purchaser&#39;s requirement. If any batches of the specialty chemical are identified that satisfy the purchaser&#39;s requirement, then that is reported to the prospective purchaser so that it can purchase the batch through the data processing system. 
     The illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises: receiving, at a data processing system, a requirement for a specialty chemical from a prospective purchaser; matching, in the data processing system, the requirement to the results of analyses performed on batches of the specialty chemical available for purchase through the data processing system to identify a batch that satisfies the requirement; and outputting, from the data processing system, an indicium of the batch to the prospective purchaser. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, information concerning the purchasing activity of patrons of the data processing system is advantageously compiled. Such information might be valuable to suppliers, among others entities, and is advantageously offered (e.g., for sale, etc.) to interested parties. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a typical interaction, in the prior art, between suppliers of specialty chemicals and a prospective purchaser preliminary to the sale/purchase of a specialty chemical. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts an interaction, via a prior art e-commerce site, between suppliers of specialty chemicals and a prospective purchaser preliminary to the sale/purchase of a specialty chemical. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a schematic diagram of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram of data processing system  202  depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts a block diagram of data storage device  320  depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a flowchart of a first method in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  depicts an illustrative method for carrying out operation  540  of the method depicted in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  depicts, via block flow diagram, the method depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts analyses of specialty chemicals offered for sale over the data processing system being stored in an inventory database. 
         FIG. 9  depicts, via block flow diagram, a prospective purchaser defining a requirement for a specialty chemical that it wishes to buy, and further depicts operation  540  and  542  of the method depicted in  FIG. 8 , and further depicts the compiling of statistics and the disbursement of such statistics to statistics subscribers. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 2  depicts a schematic diagram of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention in which data processing system  202  provides a market for the purchase and sale of specialty chemicals. The specialty chemicals, which are being sold by a plurality of suppliers, suppliers  104 - 1  through  104 - n , may be purchased by a plurality of prospective purchasers  106 - 1  through  106 - m.    
     The heart of the illustrative embodiment is data processing system  202  that:
         receives data from one or more testing facilities  208  that test, according to a uniform standard and testing methods, samples of batches of specialty chemicals that are provided by specialty chemicals suppliers  104 - 1  through  104 - n;      stores the empirical testing data in an inventory database;   receives requirements data from prospective purchaser  106 - 1 , etc., concerning a specialty chemical that it wishes to purchase;   attempts to identify, using the inventory database, at least one batch of specialty chemical that satisfies the requirements data of the prospective purchaser; and   facilitates a sale of the identified batch by advising the prospective purchaser of the existence of the identified batch.       

     Some of the information that is input into and/or is generated by data processing system  202  might be valuable. For example, specialty chemicals suppliers  104 - 1  through  104 - n  might have an interest in, and might be willing to pay for, information about the purchasing activity of other patrons of the present invention. 
     Consequently, in some embodiments of the present invention, information (hereinafter “statistics”) is offered (e.g., for purchase, etc.) to interested parties, which may include specialty chemicals suppliers and/or others (hereinafter collectively referred to as “statistics subscribers”  210 ). 
     Overview of Data Processing System Operations and Communications 
     Each prospective purchaser and specialty chemicals supplier is advantageously capable of providing data to and receiving data from data processing system  202  via a data network (e.g., the Internet, etc.) or via a telephone network (e.g., the Public Switch Telephone Network, etc.) or both. Moreover, any testing facility  208  that is not co-located with data processing system  202  (hereinafter a “remote testing facility”), advantageously communicates with data processing system  202  via a data network or via a telephone network or both. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an illustrative embodiment of data processing system  202 , which comprises: data network interface  312 , telephone network interface  314 , telephone center  316 , computer  318 , data storage device  320 , local output device  322  and local input device  324 . 
     Data network interface  312  enables prospective purchasers, suppliers, testing facilities and statistics subscribers to communicate with data processing system  202  via a data network, such as the Internet. For example, data processing system  202  can be accessed via the World Wide Web. 
     Alternatively, prospective purchasers, suppliers, testing facilities and statistics subscribers can communicate with data processing system  202  via telephone, such as through a toll-free “800” number. To this end, telephone network interface  314  advantageously comprises one or more telephones that are capable of receiving calls from and placing calls to prospective purchasers, testing facilities and statistics subscribers. Telephone network interface  314  can further comprise an automatic call distribution system, in well-known fashion, for routing incoming calls to the various telephones. Furthermore, telephone network interface  314  is advantageously capable of receiving information from prospective purchasers, suppliers, testing facilities and statistics subscribers via a touch-tone interface wherein the parties input information into the system by pushing the buttons on their telephones in response to queries from an automated operator. 
     Telephone center  316  advantageously comprises one or more computer terminals. The terminals are operated by personnel associated with telephone network interface  314  such that an operator (either human or automated) can shuttle data between computer  318  and prospective purchasers, suppliers, testing facilities or statistics subscribers that are in contact with data processing system  202  via telephone network interface  314 . 
     Computer  318  is advantageously a general-purpose computer as is well-known in the art that is capable of:
         receiving data from and outputting data to telephone center  316 ;   receiving data from and outputting data to data network interface  312 ;   executing one or more programs that are stored in data storage device  320 ;   storing data in and retrieving data from data storage device  320 ;   providing data to local output device  322 ; and   receiving data from local input device  324 .       

     Data storage device  320  is advantageously a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk, for storing program code executed by computer  318  and for storing the data that is input into and generated by data processing system  202 . More particularly, data storage device  320  advantageously comprises program code  426 , uniform standards database  428 , specifications database  430 , inventory database  432 , customer requirements database  434  and statistics database  436  (see  FIG. 4 .), all of which are described in more detail later in this disclosure. 
     Data from data processing system  202  is advantageously output to local output device  322  for delivery to suppliers, prospective purchasers and statistics subscribers. Local output device  322  can be, without limitation, a printer, a tape drive, removable hard disk (e.g., zip drive, etc.) or magneto-optical drive (e.g., DVD-ROM drive, etc.). Of course, the data can be output directly to data network interface  312  and routed, by the network, to the intended recipient if appropriate data transfer capabilities (e.g., high-speed data line) are available. 
     In embodiments of the present invention in which testing facility  208  is co-located near data processing system  202  (i.e., wherein it is physically located near computer  318 ), hereinafter referred to as a “local testing facility,” local input device  324  is advantageously used to deliver data to data processing system  202 . Local input device  324  can be, without limitation, any of the test equipment used at testing facility  208  (i.e., for testing samples of batches of specialty chemicals) that can generate a signal indicative of the test results. Such equipment will advantageously include an analog-to-digital (“A/D”) converter, although an outboard A/D converter may suitably be used. A digital signal representative of the test results is thereby delivered to data processing system  202 . Alternatively, test results can, of course, be manually input (i.e., via a terminal, etc.) to data processing system  202 . 
     It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use data network interface  312 , telephone network interface  314 , telephone center  316 , computer  318 , data storage device  320 , local output device  322  and local input device  324 . Although data processing system  202  is shown as including only one computer and one storage device, it will be understood that a data processing system in accordance with the present invention can also comprise two or more computers and two or more storage devices. 
     Establishing a Uniform Standard and Specification 
     The illustrative embodiment of the present invention establishes a uniform standard for each specialty chemical that is offered for sale via data processing system  202 . As used in this disclosure, the term “uniform standard” is defined as a supplier-independent set of chemical characteristics or physical characteristics or both that are used to describe a chemical. Typically, although not necessarily, a uniform standard is based on the empirical measurements of a sample of a previously-manufactured chemical. Alternatively, a uniform standard can be based on the desires or needs of an entity without having first been manufactured. 
     The chemical and physical characteristics listed in a standard are typically indicative or predictive of a performance attribute of the specialty chemical, although there may be other reasons for including a particular chemical and physical characteristic. For instance, a chemical or physical characteristic may be included solely for historical reasons (i.e., because it has traditionally be reported). An example of chemical and physical characteristics include, without limitation, hue rating, dichroism rating, purity rating, transparency rating, impurities concentrations, etc. The uniform standard for any given specialty chemical will typically comprise many characteristics. The exact number for any given specialty chemical is a function of the specialty chemical itself and what prospective purchasers need and desire. Those skilled in the art will be able to develop a suitable set of chemical and physical characteristics for any given specialty chemical. 
     A variety of different testing methods may be available for measuring or evaluating any given chemical or physical characteristic. Such different testing methods might evaluate a given chemical and physical characteristic on a different basis (e.g., on a different scale, by a different measurement, etc.). Consequently, in addition to establishing a set of chemical and physical characteristics, specific testing methods are selected for measuring/evaluating the selected characteristics. 
     It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that any given specialty chemical might have many uses. The chemical and physical characteristics of interest to a prospective purchaser will therefore depend, to some extent, upon the use that it makes of the specialty chemical. Consequently, the uniform standard (i.e., chemical and physical characteristics and testing methods) for each specialty chemical being sold via data processing system  202  is advantageously developed by the owners/operators of data processing system  202  through discussions with prospective purchasers and suppliers. 
     Uniform standards that are developed in accordance with the present teachings can be expected, for at least for some specialty chemicals, to comprise more characteristics than the “standards” in the prior art for that specialty chemical. But the present uniform standards are expected to have wide applicability and to be accepted by most prospective purchasers and most suppliers. 
     The uniform standard for each specialty chemical that is offered for sale over data processing system  202  is advantageously stored in uniform standards database  428 . The testing methods used for measuring the chemical and physical characteristics comprising the standard are advantageously stored in uniform standards database  428 , as well. 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a specification is established for each specialty chemical. The specification for each specialty chemical that is offered for sale over data processing system  202  is advantageously stored in specifications database  430 . 
     An Illustrative Method in Accordance with the Present Invention 
       FIG. 5  depicts a flowchart of method  500  in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention. For pedagogical purposes, method  500  is first described briefly below and then the various operations that comprise the method are described in further detail in conjunction with  FIGS. 6 through 9 . 
     In accordance with operation  538  of method  500 , a “requirement” is received, by data processing system  202 , from a prospective purchaser. As described in more detail later in this disclosure, the requirement indicates, for a specialty chemical of interest, allowed ranges (from a prospective purchaser&#39;s point of view) for the measured values of the various chemical and physical characteristics that make up the uniform standard. That is, the analyses of a batch of specialty chemical must fall within the specified ranges to be acceptable for purchase by the prospective purchaser. 
     In accordance with operation  540 , the purchaser-defined requirement is compared to the results of analyses of batches of that specialty chemical that is being offered for sale via data processing system  202 . Batches that satisfy the prospective purchaser&#39;s requirement are identified. In operation  542 , an indicium of the batch(es) satisfying the requirement is output from data processing system  202  to the prospective purchaser. 
     The various operations comprising method  500  are now described in further detail. 
     In operation  540 , the purchaser-defined requirement is compared, by data processing system  202 , to the analyses of batches of specialty chemicals to identify a batch that satisfies the requirement. Consequently, to carry out operation  540 , such analyses must be obtained and compiled by data processing system  202 . As depicted in  FIG. 6 , these steps —“obtaining analyses” (step  644 ) and “compiling analyses” (step  646 )—comprise a method for carrying out operation  540 . Steps  644  and  646  are described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, analyses of batches are obtained (step  644 ) by testing sample(s) of specialty chemical(s), typically provided by suppliers thereof, according to a uniform standard established for each particular specialty chemical. 
     Such testing is depicted in  FIG. 7  wherein specialty chemicals supplier  104 - 1  delivers sample S 1  from one of its batches of specialty chemical A to testing facility  208 . Similarly, specialty chemicals supplier  104 - 2  delivers sample S 2  from a batch of specialty chemical A to testing facility  208  and specialty chemicals supplier  104 - 3  delivers sample S 3  from one of its batches of specialty chemical A to testing facility  208 . It will be understood, of course, that the present method can be practiced with more than the illustrative three specialty chemicals suppliers, with more samples, with more specialty chemicals, and with more than the one testing facility depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
     Each of samples S 1 , S 2  and S 3  is tested by testing facility  208  in accordance with the uniform standard established for specialty chemical A. In other words, measurements are taken for each of samples  51 , S 2  and S 3  to determine a value for each of the chemical and physical characteristics that are included in the uniform standard for specialty chemical A. The chemical and physical characteristics are measured using the particular testing methods specified by the uniform standard. 
     Using the uniform standard, in accordance with the present teachings, as the basis for testing, the samples (each representative of a batch of specialty chemical A from one of the three suppliers) can truly be compared by a prospective purchaser on an “apples-to-apples” basis. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , according to step  646 , the analyses of each batch of specialty chemical being offered for sale via data processing system  202  is compiled in data processing system  202 . This operation is illustrated in  FIG. 7 , wherein the sample analyses are depicted as being in the form of three signals that are input into data processing system  202 . More particularly, signal RS 1  carries information indicative of the analyses for sample S 1 , signal RS 2  carries information indicative of the analyses for sample S 2 , signal RS 3  carries information indicative of the analyses for sample S 3 . As previously described, such signals can be generated, for example, by the test equipment that performs the analyses of samples. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments of the present invention, the analyses are advantageously organized into inventory database  432 , in known fashion. 
     As additional batches of specialty chemicals become available for sale over data processing system  202 , a sample of each such batch is provided to testing facility  208  for testing in accordance with the uniform standard for that particular specialty chemical. 
     As described above, the analyses are compiled, such as in inventory database  432 . In this manner, inventory database  432  is updated as additional batches of specialty chemicals become available for purchase through data processing system  202 . 
     Operations  538  and  540  involve a “requirement” that is specified by a prospective purchaser concerning a particular specialty chemical that it wishes to buy. In operation  538 , the requirement is received by the data processing system, and in operation  540 , the requirement is compared to the analyses of the specialty chemicals available for purchase. 
     As described below, this “requirement” is analogous to the previously described “specification.” The difference is that a prospective purchaser defines the requirement, while a supplier, at least traditionally, defines the specification. In accordance with the present teachings, the prospective purchaser defines the requirement in one of several ways. 
     For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the prospective purchaser is presented (by data processing system  202 ) with a list of chemical and physical characteristics and testing methods for a particular specialty chemical that it wishes to buy. The prospective purchaser defines, for at least some of the chemical and physical characteristics (i.e., those considered to be important), a range of acceptable values. That is, a minimum value and maximum value are advantageously listed for at least some chemical and physical characteristics. 
     Thus, the term “requirement” refers, in this embodiment, to the aforementioned prospective-purchaser defined range of acceptable values for at least a part of the set of chemical and physical characteristics comprising the uniform standard for a particular specialty chemical. This embodiment is depicted, figuratively, in  FIG. 9  at block  950  wherein prospective purchaser  106 - 1  has access to uniform standards database  428 . 
     Rather than defining its own requirement “from scratch” as in the above-described embodiment, a prospective purchaser might prefer to use a specification that has been previously established for the specialty chemical that it wishes to buy. This is depicted, figuratively, in  FIG. 9  at block  950 , wherein prospective purchaser  106 - 1  has access to specifications database  430 . 
     The established specification can be the specification developed for the particular specialty chemical by the owner/operator of data processing system  202 . Or, based on a past sales relationship with a specific supplier, a prospective purchaser might wish to use that supplier&#39;s specification for the particular specialty chemical that it wants to buy. Thus, the established specification can alternatively be the specification developed for the particular specialty chemical by any of the suppliers patronizing the system. 
     To the extent that a supplier&#39;s specification applies to chemical and physical characteristics or testing methods that are different than those comprising the uniform standard, such a specification, or certain entries in the specification, cannot be used. Specifications from suppliers are advantageously stored in specifications database  430 . 
     Typically, a prospective purchaser&#39;s requirement for a particular specialty chemical will not change with repeated purchases. Consequently, in some embodiments of the present invention, the prospective purchaser  106 - 1  advantageously stores its requirement for a particular specialty chemical in requirements database  334 . For subsequent purchases of the same specialty chemical, the prospective purchaser simply references its archived requirement. This is figuratively depicted in  FIG. 9  at block  950 , wherein the prospective purchaser has access to requirements database  434 . 
     As used herein, the term “requirement” or “defining a requirement” encompasses all of the above-described embodiments (i.e., specifying a range for some or all of the characteristics in the uniform standard, referencing a specification stored in specifications database  430  and referencing a requirement stored in requirements database  434 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , operation  540  requires comparing the requirement to the analyses. In one embodiment in accordance with the present teachings, the comparison operation involves searching inventory database  432  for batches of the specialty chemical of interest that meet or satisfy the requirement. As used herein the phrase “satisfy the requirement” or “satisfies the requirement” means that the measured values for the various physical and chemical characteristics (i.e., the analyses of a batch) fall within the nominal ranges for such values as specified in the requirement. Operation  540  is depicted, figuratively, in  FIG. 9  at block  952 . 
     In accordance with operation  542 , the prospective purchaser is notified of the results of comparison operation  540 . The analyses of the batch or batches meeting the requirement are advantageously provided to the prospective purchaser. In some embodiments of the invention, an indicium that uniquely identifies (e.g., via a code, etc.) each selected batch of specialty chemical is provided to the prospective purchaser. In some embodiments of the present invention, the indicium does not otherwise provide any identifying information about the batch (e.g., the identity of the supplier, the brand name of the product, etc.) to the prospective purchaser. The notification operation is figuratively depicted in  FIG. 9  by signal  954  that is routed to prospective purchaser  106 - 1 . 
     It will be appreciated that the requirement defined by a prospective purchaser may include a substantial list of chemical and physical characteristics. Consequently, it is anticipated that, at least in some instances, all batches of the specialty chemical of interest in inventory may be out of range (i.e., not meet the requirement) for at least some of the characteristics. To that end, in some embodiments in accordance with the present teachings, the prospective purchaser can assign a priority to each chemical and physical characteristic. 
     For example, in some embodiments, if a relatively “higher” priority is assigned to certain chemical and physical characteristics, the requirement for those characteristics must be met for a batch of the specialty chemical in inventory to be considered acceptable for purchase. On the other hand, if a batch of specialty chemical does not satisfy the requirement for several characteristics that are assigned a relatively “lower” priority, the batch may still be considered to be acceptable (i.e., meeting the requirement). As a consequence, batches of a specialty chemical of interest that would otherwise not pass muster are brought to the attention of a prospective purchaser. In this manner, among others, data processing system  102  facilitates the sale of specialty chemicals. Those skilled in the art are readily able to assign such priorities as a function of the intended application for the specialty chemical. 
     Apprised by data processing system  202  of suitable batches of a specialty chemical, the prospective purchaser can choose to purchase one or more of the batches. A purchase is made via data processing system  202  using telephone, e-mail, etc. This operation is figuratively depicted in  FIG. 8  wherein signal  956  is sent to data processing system  202 . 
     Data processing system  202  advantageously compiles statistics concerning activity within the data processing system. The statistics might include, but are not limited to:
         The amount of a particular specialty chemical that is purchased by a specific purchaser;   The relative sales volumes of the various specialty chemicals being sold over the data processing system;   The requirement defined for specific specialty chemicals by prospective purchasers; and   Time sensitive or perishable information concerning when a purchase of a particular specialty chemical occurs.       

     Regarding time sensitive or perishable information, the purchasing activity of a patron of data processing system  202  might be indicative, in some cases, of additional specialty chemicals that it may soon purchase. 
     For example, assume that the manufacture of product X requires specialty chemicals A, B, C, D and E. Also assume that, as a function of the manufacturing process, specialty chemicals A and B are obtained and used first, specialty chemicals C and D are obtained and used second, and specialty chemical E is obtained and used last. 
     Consequently, when a patron of data processing system  202  has ordered specialty chemicals A and B, it is known to a high degree of certainty that the patron is manufacturing product X and might place an order for chemicals C, D and E in the near future. To a supplier that produces any of the specialty chemicals C, D and E, knowledge of the purchase of chemicals A and B and when such purchase occurred, might be very valuable. 
     It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to compile such statistics, which, in some embodiments, are stored in statistics database  436 . The statistics are advantageously re-compiled each time a new sale is made. The operation of compiling statistics is depicted, figuratively, in  FIG. 9  by signal  958  (i.e., delivering purchasing/sales information to statistics database) and by signal  960  (i.e., delivering requirements information to statistics database). 
     Because the statistics compiled in statistics database  436  are valuable (i.e., to specialty chemicals suppliers, among others) they can be sold.  FIG. 9  depicts the disbursement of statistics, via signal  962 , to statistics subscribers  210  on any basis desired (e.g., in exchange for money, as incentive to patronize data processing system  202 , etc.). 
     Among the many benefits that the present invention provides is the ability for a supplier to offer a non-branded product. As discussed in the Summary section, selling a non-branded product via conventional sales channels is somewhat problematic. In particular, to what standard and specification does the supplier reference its unbranded product? In accordance with the present teachings, analyses of all batches of specialty chemicals that are offered for sale through data processing system  202  are advantageously referenced to the applicable uniform standard, thereby circumventing this problem. 
     A method for selling non-branded product in accordance with the present invention is consistent with the methods already described. In particular, such a method comprises:
         receiving a sample of a batch of a first specialty chemical that is to be sold at a reduced price through a data processing system;   analyzing the sample according to an applicable uniform standard of chemical and physical characteristics and methods;   inputting the analyses into the data processing system;   receiving, at the data processing system, a requirement for the first specialty chemical from a prospective purchaser; and   outputting, from the data processing system, an indicium of the batch and the reduced selling price to a prospective purchaser if the analyses of the batch satisfies the requirement established by the prospective purchaser.       

     It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and that many variations can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.