A system of managing a supply chain via a computer network that includes a
manufacturing enterprise is provided. The system includes a host system,
a network link to at least one supply chain entity, and an a-source
application executing on the host system. The a-source application
processes a bill of material file, which includes verifying demographic
information, collecting pricing data and items in external warehouse
files, and mapping the items to a commodity. The a-source application
also generates and transmits a bid request to a web site. The a-source
application further receives marketing data including customer demand for
manufacturing enterprise components and receives and analyzes bid
responses received from the supply chain entities to determine which
components are in demand. The a-source application further generates an
award notice based in part on customer demand and availability of
components produced internally compared to similar components offered by
outside sources. The a-source application further transmits the award
notice.