INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

An inventory management system for administering matches between user requests and provider inventory and methods for manufacturing and using same. The inventory management system includes a concierge system for communicating with one or more prequalified providers and maintaining a user profile for a user. Upon receiving a user request, the concierge system can make intelligent provider recommendations based on the user profile and/or provide the request to at least one selected provider that evaluates the request by using a demand-side inventory system. If the selected provider accepts the request, the request is fulfilled in a personalized manner and accordance with the request terms. The concierge system handles payment arrangements; whereas, the provider and user rate the transaction. In restaurant environments, for example, the inventory management system advantageously matches reservation requests with available table inventory in a manner that maximizes the dining experience while optimizing table utilization for the restaurant.