METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED PAYMENT WITHIN A COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

A method and system are provided for automating validation and payment within a Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) system having a number of trading partners linked via an independent (or proprietary) communications network utilizing an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Planned orders for production items generated via a Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) system and/or orders for non-production items are utilized by a purchasing system to create a purchase order which is then transmitted to a supplier via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). A planned receipt list of items is created based upon the purchase order and utilized to validate those items listed within an advanced ship notice. In response to such validation, or after correcting any discrepancy in accordance with listed tolerances, an authorization for payment is automatically generated and payment is issued. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic funds transfer request is automatically sent to a financial institution authorizing a fund transfer. Preferably, the terms of payment for each purchase are listed within an associated purchase order and an authorization for payment which is automatically issued will comply with such listed terms, ensuring that available discounts are utilized.