US Patent 7941334 Supplier planning information warehouse

A method and structure for coordinating materials ordering requirements for multiple divisions of an organization, comprises a merging unit in communication with the divisions of the organization, wherein the divisions supply the merging unit with parts demand data and wherein the divisions produce the parts demand data utilizing independent demand calculation systems. An information warehouse is connected to the merging unit. The merging unit combines the parts demand data from the divisions to produce an overall demand data for parts needed by the organization.