US Patent 8112317 Providing substitute items when ordered item is unavailable

In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method operating at a server system is disclosed. The server hosts and electronic procurement system. In response to a user request to access a first item associated with the electronic procurement system, wherein the first item is unavailable, a second available item corresponding to the first item is identified. The second available item is displayed to the user in accordance with business rules associated with the user. A purchase order is generated for the displayed item. Related methods and systems are also disclosed.