Supply chain optimization tool for purchasing decisions in B2B construction marketplaces

Current initiatives for e-commerce deployment in the construction industry are related to the establishment of business-to-business (B2B) marketplaces, which allow large communities of buyers and suppliers to meet and trade with each other. Although these efforts have included aspects of interoperability, database management and security protocols, trading mechanisms in the supply chain have not been properly evaluated. Buyers of construction materials interact with material suppliers in a marketplace environment, thus striving for the best possible spot buy offer. This paper addresses the purchase of construction materials as the last component in the supply chain. A tool for optimizing purchasing decisions in B2B construction marketplaces is presented. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.