Cards Briefs: Purchase Automation With an Amex Card

Ariba Technologies Inc., which makes software that automates corporate purchasing functions, has cut a deal with American Express Co.

The Ariba Operating Resource Management System will be integrated with the American Express Corporate Purchasing Card. The Ariba system automates the buying process, with the Amex purchasing card handling payment, reconciliation, and data integration.

"Electronic purchasing is a powerful way for companies to streamline the buying process, but without American Express Corporate Purchasing Card's electronic payment system as part of the process, companies are missing a major opportunity for savings," said Brigitte Baumann, general manager and senior vice president of Corporate Services Interactive American Express.

Joseph Postiglione, director of information management and global procurement at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said the system being developed by the two vendors will help his company "gain significant savings by automating our payments."

Ariba has a similar partnership with Visa International and its purchasing card.

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