Patent ID: 8341000

Claim:
A machine-implemented method comprising: receiving job specifications for at least one direct mail printing job from at least one user into a computerized machine; automatically, using said computerized machine, creating at least one workflow related to said direct mail printing job, said workflow comprising a plurality of individual job activities; after creating said workflow, automatically, using said computerized machine, transmitting requests for bids on said job activities to entities for allowing said entities to bid on performing job activities within said workflow, said requests for bids requiring each of said entities to break their bid down into each individual job activity of said workflow; receiving bids on said job activities from said entities and from rate cards previously established by said entities; automatically, using said computerized machine, identifying lowest bids on an individual job activity-by job activity basis from said bids received from said entities and said rate cards; automatically, using said computerized machine, outputting said lowest bids on said individual job activity-by job activity basis to said user by identifying which bidder can perform all said workflow at a lowest cost and breaking each bid down into said individual job activity-by job activity basis; receiving, through said computerized machine, an identification of a single selected entity to perform all said individual job activities within said workflow from said user; and performing said workflow to output said direct-mail printing job through said selected entity.