Trade2B R5 - the next generation of sourcing

Munich, July 10th 2003: Trade2B proudly presents the 5th release of its enterprise sourcing solution, an advent in technology. Supplier researches, requests for quotations and price negotiations (auctions) can be realized in an unprecedented maturity and operator convenience.

"Trade2B R5 is a quantum leap ahead other providers– this is simply the next generation of a sourcing solution", says the head of strategic purchasing of a Swiss group after the product demonstration.

This is an overview of the most innovative of more than 200 upgraded functionalities:

Flexible form editor:
Forms for requests for quotation can be freely defined in graphics, design and colours in a Power Point-like interface. Every company, and even every department, can customize and freely design the individual forms for their sourcing solution. Legacy standards of requests for quotation can therefore be easily brought forward into the electronic era

Explorer-like administration of detailed estimates:
Trade2B R5 can handle very complex requests for quotation with more than 50,000 calculation positions and elements. Thanks to the explorer-like construction of the detailed estimate with folders, sub folders and different hierarchical levels, navigation is very lucid. Thus the Trade2B solution is not only convenient for indirect demands, but is also perfect for project business and direct production material. Bidding for construction projects can be managed in the new sourcing solution through the integrated GAEB90 and GAEB2000 interface.

Broad result reports with integrated report editor:
In addition to the reports and graphics, which are highly appreciated also in the R4 version, the new Trade2B R5 distinguishes itself by providing for custom analyses, like value analysis. Buyers have the freedom to select only relevant fields in the generation of reports. Profile functions as the direct PDF printing attest to the convenience of this solution.

Concept competition:
Concept competition, which is often discussed, is implemented in the Trade2B R5 version and is a paragon of technical excellence. The buyer provides the basic structure of the request for quotation and the suppliers elaborate in detail their technical solutions. Suppliers reveal their conception and calculation using the predefined description modules. The buyer can then combine the best elements across all the suppliers and define in this way, the final request amount, which consequently requires a new offer from all the suppliers.

Contract Management:
There is a fully integrated contract management module, in which negotiation results can be transferred according to their material group, via a mouse click, at the end of a sourcing project. Winners and losers are informed automatically by an eMail. Through the frame contract module, recalls can be controlled. This is possible across distributors. A reminder function activates a new negotiation before the end of a previous contract.

PLUG-IN-SAP-version:
Trade2B offers, especially for SAP clients, the possibility to directly connect the Trade2B R5 solution via iDocs and the Business Connector. Because of the multi-client capability of the Trade2B solution, several SAP clients, operating in different releases, can be connected. This is the key for sourcing initiatives across groups on a universal system! In this way broad access to all SAP master data of all clients inside the sourcing solution is made possible and negotiation results can be directly transferred into new or existing SAP frame contracts. One of SAP’S TOP 3 clients worldwide has already licensed a „PLUG-IN-SAP-version“ and introduces it in parallel in multiple group divisions worldwide.


"With this release Trade2B sets a technological course and in-so-doing strengthens its reputation”, says CEO and CIO of the company, Dr. Eberhard Aust. "Besides the profitable and stable growth of our company - nearly a unique selling proposition in our industry – Trade2B R5 offers an outstanding customer benefit with typical amortization periods of less than 3 months. The very positive reactions after the first product demonstrations ensures us that we will strengthen regional presences in America and Asia and our market leadership in Europe.”