Patent ID: 7707075

Claim:
A method implemented in a computer device for processing an available inventory item query corresponding to inventory items defined by inventory information, the method comprising: storing a set of available inventory information according to a three level hierarchy, wherein the three level hierarchy includes: at least one group record defining a first level of detail for inventory information, wherein the first level of detail of each group record comprises information common to all item category records and inventory records below the group record in the hierarchy; a set of item category records defining a second level of detail that is associated to a referenced group record and corresponds to types of inventory items for the referenced group, wherein the second level of detail of each item category record comprises information common to all inventory records below the item category record in the hierarchy; inventory records defining a third level of detail corresponding to instances of inventory item types referenced by at least two of the set of item category records, wherein the third level of detail of each inventory record in the hierarchy describes distinct instances of inventory items than that of another inventory record, the distinct instances of inventory items including price with price adjustments applied to the price; obtaining, by the computer device, a supplier batch inventory query, the query including a set of criteria; determining at least one inventory item matching the supplier batch query criteria based on at least one group record, item category record and inventory record; and transmitting matching group record, item category record, and inventory record data for the matching inventory item.