Patent ID: 7069230

Claim:
A system for facilitating supply chain processes in an outsourced manufacturing environment, comprising: a manufacturing entity comprising: a server; an outsourced supply chain tool executing on said server; a terminal in communication with said server via a communications link; a data storage device in communication with said server via said communications link; a network link to a contract manufacturer system; a network link to a customer focus team system assigned to the contract manufacturer system based upon geographic proximity, said customer focus team system performing logistical administrative services for said contract manufacturing system on behalf of said manufacturing entity; wherein said logistical administrative services include at least one of: facilitating transfer and replenishment of components needed during manufacture; ensuring ongoing inventory demand issues are addressed and resolved; obtaining and providing metrics on outsourced supply chain parts and activities; assisting said contract manufacturing system during shortfalls of supplies; collaborating with said commodity team council systems relating to acquisition of critical parts; and providing assistance on matters related to import, export, and tax issues; a network link to a supplier system; a network link to at least one commodity council team system assigned to the supplier system based upon geographic proximity, said commodity council team providing logistical administrative support to said supplier system; wherein said logistical administrative support includes at least one of: ensuring timely placement of purchase orders relating to supporting supplier systems; managing order books of said supporting supplier system; providing outsourced supply chain metrics relating to supply chain activities; escalating shortfalls identified for inventories of said supplier systems; assisting said customer focus team systems in acquiring critical parts; facilitating replenishment implementation and drive to complete drop shipment functions; resolving finance issues; visiting said supplier systems providing support for other outsourced supply chain regions on unique supplier issues; providing input on supplier report cards; and interfacing with council chairs on contract issues, geographical allocations, supplier credits, and letters to suppliers on transfers; wherein said outsourced supply chain tool performs: generating a price protection plan for said contract manufacturer and said supplier, said generating a price protection plan performed by gathering data relating to goods to be manufactured, said data including: forecast and demand data; supplier commitment data; contract manufacturer award data; and logistical data; developing business rules operable for identifying cost savings in accordance with existing negotiated contract pricing and contract terms and conditions of trading partner agreements; executing supply chain activities utilizing results of said generating a price protection plan and said developing business rules.