Patent ID: 8296209

Claim:
A method for use in a system that includes a server, a supplier system, a buyer system, a first account management system, and a second account management system, wherein the supplier system is used by a supplier, the buyer system is used by a buyer, the first account management system manages an account of the buyer, and the second account management system manages an account of the supplier, the method comprising: the server receiving an electronic invoice from the supplier system, wherein the electronic invoice relates to a transaction between the supplier and the buyer, and wherein the electronic invoice includes an identification code, wherein the identification code uniquely identifies the electronic invoice from a plurality of electronic invoices issued to the buyer by the supplier, and wherein the identification code is generated by the supplier system; the server registering the electronic invoice in a database; the server transmitting information that defines a Graphical User Interface (GUI) screen to the buyer system, wherein the GUI screen is for showing contents of the electronic invoice registered in the database and for allowing the buyer to approve the contents of the electronic invoice; the server, in response to an approval of the electronic invoice performed by the buyer using the GUI screen, creating a transfer request message, wherein the transfer request message includes the identification code included in the electronic invoice; and the server transmitting the transfer request message to the first account management system, such that, following reception of the transfer request message at the first account management system: the first account management system and the second account management system are able, using the identification code, to perform a deposit of the amount of the electronic invoice from the account of the buyer into the account of the supplier; the second account management system is able, using the identification code, to send an electronic deposit/withdrawal statement to the server or the supplier system, wherein the electronic deposit/withdrawal statement describes that the deposit from the account of the buyer into the account of the supplier has been made, and wherein the electronic deposit/withdrawal statement includes the identification code; and at least one of the supplier system and the server is able to settle the electronic invoice using the identification code.