Distribution container management system, distribution container management method, and distribution container management program

Abstract

The distribution container management system is provided with: an inventory storage unit (11) that stores an asset inventory showing the total number of distribution containers to be managed, a site inventory showing the number of distribution containers existing in each site, and an adjustment inventory showing the number of divergences between the number of distribution containers shipped and the number of distribution containers received on each shipment and receipt; a shipping / receiving information acquisition unit (12) that acquires shipping information, in which the information showing a shipping site is associated with the information showing the number of distribution containers shipped, or receiving information, in which the information showing a receiving site is associated with the information showing the number of distribution containers received; a shipment / receipt identification information acquisition unit (13) that acquires shipment / receipt identification information, which is associated with the shipping or receiving information and identifies shipment or receipt; an inventory update unit (14) that updates the site inventory in the shipping or receiving site on the basis of the shipping or receiving information; and an adjustment inventory calculation unit (15) that calculates, on the basis of the shipping or receiving information, the adjustment inventory related to the shipment or receipt identified by the shipment / receipt identification information and causes the inventory storage unit (11) to store the adjustment inventory.

Description

The present invention relates to a logistics container management system, a logistics container management method, and a logistics container management program for managing logistics containers that are shipped in and out between multiple locations. Traditionally, pallets and other logistics containers have been used to transport goods in bulk to improve transportation efficiency. One form of using such logistics containers is the so-called logistics container rental system, where goods are loaded into a logistics container at one company's shipping base, and after the goods are unloaded at that company's receiving base, the logistics container is used by another company. When logistics containers are shared among different companies in this way, each company only needs to own (rent) the logistics containers it needs to use at its respective base. In addition, each company does not need space to store logistics containers, making it efficient. In systems for transporting logistics containers between locations, such as rental systems for logistics containers, a logistics container management system consisting of an information processing device is used to accurately manage the number of logistics containers transported to and from each location (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-246456 Incidentally, businesses that rent out logistics containers should keep track of both the number of logistics containers at each location (location inventory) and the total number of logistics containers under management (i.e., logistics containers owned by the business as assets) (asset inventory) in order to properly manage the logistics containers they own. If all of the logistics containers under management are located at one of the locations, that is, if no logistics containers move between locations, then the total number of location inventory and asset inventory at each location will match. The site inventory is managed as follows, for example. That is, when a logistics container is shipped (out of stock) or received (into stock) at each site, shipping information or receiving information indicating the number of shipped or received logistics containers is transmitted to a device provided at a center that oversees the management of the logistics containers from each site. The device on the center side updates the site inventory information based on the shipping information or receiving information received from each site. On the other hand, the asset inventory is updated (increased or decreased) when the operator newly produces a logistics container or when an old or damaged logistics container is discarded. Here, in order to properly manage both the site inventory and the asset inventory, it is preferable to manage them in a consistent state rather than separately. However, inconsistencies can occur between the site inventory and the asset inventory due to various factors. For example, the number of shipped and received logistics containers for the same shipment and receipt should originally match, but it is conceivable that, for example, the containers are lost between shipment and receipt. In this case, the total site inventory at each site fluctuates (decreases) before and after the loss of the logistics containers, but the asset inventory does not change until proper disposal is carried out, resulting in an inconsistency between the site inventory and the asset inventory. Also, when the logistics container is in transit, that is, after it is shipped from the shipping site and before it is received at the receiving site, the number of in-transit logistics containers is not reflected in the total site inventory at each site. This causes a divergence between the total site inventory at each site and the asset inventory. In addition, since the timing of information transmission from each site to the center-side device depends on each site, it is conceivable that the center-side device receives the receiving information from the receiving site before receiving the shipping information from the shipping site. In such a case, the site inventory for the shipping site is in a state where the decrease (shipment) is not reflected, resulting in a divergence between the total site inventory at each site and the asset inventory. As described above, there is a problem that it is not easy to manage the site inventory and the asset inventory in a consistent state because various causes can lead to a divergence between the total site inventory at each site and the asset inventory. The present invention was made to solve the above problems and aims to provide a logistics container management system, a logistics container management method, and a logistics container management program that facilitate the consistent management of base inventory and asset inventory. The logistics container management system according to the present invention is a logistics container management system for managing logistics containers that are shipped in and out between multiple locations, and comprises: an inventory storage means that stores asset inventory indicating the total number of logistics containers to be managed, location inventory indicating the number of logistics containers present at each location, and adjustment inventory indicating the discrepancy between the quantity of logistics containers shipped and the quantity of logistics containers received for each shipment; an inbound / outbound information acquisition means that acquires shipment information associated with information indicating a shipping location and information indicating the quantity of logistics containers shipped, or inbound information associated with information indicating a receiving location and information indicating the quantity of logistics containers received; an inbound / outbound specific information acquisition means that acquires inbound / outbound specific information that identifies inbound / outbound shipments associated with the shipment information or inbound information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means; an inventory update means that updates the location inventory of a shipping location or receiving location based on the shipment information or inbound information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means; and an adjustment inventory calculation means that calculates an adjustment inventory related to inbound / outbound shipments identified by the inbound / outbound specific information acquired by the inbound / outbound specific information acquisition means based on the shipment information or inbound information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means, and stores the adjustment inventory in the inventory storage means. In the logistics container management system according to the present invention, the inventory of each shipping or receiving base is updated when shipping or receiving information is acquired from each base. In addition, the shipping and receiving operations (a series of shipping and receiving processes from when a logistics container is shipped from a shipping base until it arrives at a receiving base) associated with the acquired shipping or receiving information are identified, and an adjustment inventory showing the discrepancy between the shipping quantity and the receiving quantity for the identified shipping and receiving operations is calculated and stored.Therefore, with the logistics container management system according to the present invention, the breakdown of the discrepancy between the total number of base inventory items and asset inventory at each base can be grasped as adjustment inventory for each shipping and receiving operation, making it easy to manage base inventory and asset inventory in a consistent manner. In the above logistics container management system, the inbound / outbound identification information includes information indicating the scheduled arrival time for inbound / outbound shipments. The adjustment inventory calculation means, if the inbound / outbound information acquisition means has acquired shipment information but has not acquired arrival information, acquires information indicating the current time, compares the current time with the scheduled arrival time included in the inbound / outbound identification information, and if the current time is before the scheduled arrival time, may associate information indicating that the logistics container is in transit with the adjustment inventory related to inbound / outbound shipments identified by the inbound / outbound identification information. With the above configuration, when a discrepancy occurs between the quantity shipped and the quantity received due to the logistics container being in transit from the shipping point to the receiving point (for example, being loaded onto a truck) in relation to a particular shipment or inbound shipment, it becomes possible to accurately identify the cause of the discrepancy. In other words, it becomes possible to accurately determine whether the discrepancy between the quantity shipped and the quantity received in relation to a shipment or inbound shipment is due to problems such as the loss of the logistics container or due to the movement related to the shipment or inbound shipment. In the above logistics container management system, the inbound / outbound identification information includes classification information indicating the classification of inbound / outbound, and the classification information is one of the following: a movement classification indicating that asset inventory will not be changed; an asset input classification indicating that asset inventory will be increased by the quantity of logistics containers received that are associated with the inbound information; or an asset exclusion classification indicating that asset inventory will be decreased by the quantity of logistics containers shipped that are associated with the outbound information. The inventory update means may refer to the classification information included in the inbound / outbound identification information, and if the classification information is an asset input classification or an asset exclusion classification, it may increase or decrease the asset inventory according to that classification information. According to the above configuration, for example, an asset input category can be assigned to the arrival of logistics containers resulting from the production and procurement of new logistics containers, allowing the asset inventory to be appropriately increased by the inventory update mechanism. Similarly, for example, an asset exclusion category can be assigned to the shipment of logistics containers resulting from the disposal of logistics containers, allowing the asset inventory to be appropriately decreased by the inventory update mechanism. In other words, asset inventory can be appropriately updated in conjunction with base inventory according to the classification information associated with incoming and outgoing items. This reduces the effort required when managing (updating, etc.) asset inventory and base inventory separately. It also eliminates the risk of inconsistencies occurring between asset inventory and base inventory due to errors in updating one of the inventory levels. In the above-described logistics container management system, the adjustment inventory calculation means may refer to the classification information included in the inbound / outbound identification information and determine whether or not to calculate the adjustment inventory based on the classification information. As described above, discrepancies between shipment quantities and received quantities in shipments where logistics containers move from one location to another (shipments related to movement classifications) are preferably managed as adjustment inventory. On the other hand, discrepancies that occur when shipments or receipts are made for asset input or asset removal (shipments related to asset input classifications or asset removal classifications) do not cause inconsistencies between location inventory and asset inventory, and therefore do not need to be managed as adjustment inventory. With the above configuration, by determining whether or not to calculate adjustment inventory based on classification information, adjustment inventory can be calculated only when it is preferable to calculate it. This makes it possible to appropriately manage only the discrepancies that should be managed as adjustment inventory. Incidentally, in addition to being described as an invention of a logistics container management system as described above, the present invention can also be described as an invention of a logistics container management method and a logistics container management program executed by the logistics container management system, as described below. These inventions are substantially the same invention, differing only in category, and therefore produce similar functions and effects. In other words, the logistics container management method according to the present invention is a logistics container management system for managing logistics containers that are shipped in and out between multiple locations, and is executed by a logistics container management system that includes an inventory storage means for storing asset inventory indicating the total number of logistics containers to be managed, location inventory indicating the number of logistics containers present at each location, and adjustment inventory indicating the discrepancy between the quantity of logistics containers shipped and the quantity of logistics containers received for each shipment, and acquires shipment information which is an The system includes an information acquisition step, an inbound / outbound identification information acquisition step for acquiring inbound / outbound identification information that identifies inbound / outbound shipments associated with the shipping information or receiving information acquired in the inbound / outbound information acquisition step, an inventory update step for updating the base inventory of a shipping base or receiving base based on the shipping information or receiving information acquired in the inbound / outbound information acquisition step, and an adjustment inventory calculation step for calculating the adjustment inventory related to the inbound / outbound shipments identified by the inbound / outbound identification information acquired in the inbound / outbound identification information acquisition step, based on the shipping information or receiving information acquired in the inbound / outbound information acquisition step, and storing the adjustment inventory in an inventory storage means. Furthermore, the logistics container management program according to the present invention includes an inventory storage means that stores asset inventory indicating the total number of logistics containers to be managed, base inventory indicating the number of logistics containers present at each base, and adjustment inventory indicating the discrepancy between the quantity of logistics containers shipped and the quantity of logistics containers received for each shipment and receipt; an inbound / outbound information acquisition means that acquires shipment information associated with information indicating a shipping base and information indicating the quantity of logistics containers shipped, or inbound information associated with information indicating a receiving base and information indicating the quantity of logistics containers received; an inbound / outbound specific information acquisition means that acquires inbound / outbound specific information that identifies inbound / outbound shipments associated with the shipment information or inbound information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means; an inventory update means that updates the base inventory of a shipping base or receiving base based on the shipment information or inbound information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means; and an adjustment inventory calculation means that calculates the adjustment inventory related to inbound / outbound shipments identified by the inbound / outbound specific information acquired by the inbound / outbound specific information acquisition means based on the shipment information or inbound information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means, and stores the adjustment inventory in the inventory storage means. According to the present invention, it is easy to grasp the discrepancy between the total inventory at each location and the asset inventory, making it easy to manage location inventory and asset inventory in a consistent manner. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a logistics container management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a diagram showing an example of shipping information, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of receiving information. This is a diagram showing an example of movement schedule information. (a) is a diagram showing movement content information, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of adjustment inventory. (a) is a diagram showing an example of asset inventory, base inventory, and mismatched quantity (adjustment inventory) before receiving and shipping, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of asset inventory, base inventory, and mismatched quantity (adjustment inventory) after receiving and shipping. This is a diagram showing an example of classification information. This is a diagram showing an example of mismatched classification of adjustment inventory. This is a diagram for explaining the fluctuation of adjustment inventory in a series of receiving and shipping processes. This is a diagram for explaining the fluctuation of adjustment inventory in a series of receiving and shipping processes. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the logistics container management system according to this embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a logistics container management program according to one embodiment of the present invention. An embodiment of the logistics container management system, logistics container management method, and logistics container management program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Where possible, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a logistics container management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The logistics container management system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for managing logistics containers that are shipped in and out between multiple locations. The logistics container management system 1 is made available for use in, for example, a center that oversees the management of logistics containers. Logistics containers are loading platforms or containers used when transporting goods, and specifically include, for example, pallets and containers. The logistics container management system 1 is a system that performs processing to manage the asset inventory and location inventory of logistics containers managed and owned by businesses in a consistent manner based on shipping information or receiving information from each location. To explain this, first, the asset inventory, location inventory, and adjusted inventory managed by the logistics container management system 1 will be described. Asset inventory (total inventory) represents the total number of logistics containers under management. In other words, asset inventory represents the total number of logistics containers that a business owns as assets. Asset inventory does not fluctuate due to the inflow and outflow of logistics containers between locations, but is updated when the number of logistics containers owned by the business increases or decreases, such as when the business produces or procures new logistics containers, or when old or damaged logistics containers are disposed of. By referring to asset inventory, managers can understand the total number of logistics containers owned by the business as assets. Location inventory indicates the actual number of logistics containers present at each location. Location inventory fluctuates due to the inflow and outflow of logistics containers. By referring to location inventory, managers can grasp the number of logistics containers present at each location in near real-time. The reason for explaining this as "near real-time" is that there may be a time lag between the timing of logistics container inflows and outflows between locations and the timing of updating location inventory by managers, etc. Adjusted inventory represents the discrepancy (mismatch) between the quantity of logistics containers shipped and the quantity received for each shipment and receipt. Here, "shipment and receipt" refers to the series of shipment and receipt processes from when a logistics container is shipped from a shipping base until it arrives at a receiving base. If all managed logistics containers reside at one of the locations, meaning no logistics containers move between locations, then the total number of inventory items at each location and the asset inventory will match. However, it is possible that logistics containers may be lost during movement for receiving and shipping. In this case, since the asset inventory does not change until proper disposal is carried out, the total number of inventory items at each location will be less than the asset inventory by the number of lost logistics containers. Furthermore, when logistics containers are in transit, that is, after they are shipped from the shipping location but before they arrive at the receiving location, the total number of inventory items at each location does not reflect the number of logistics containers in transit. In other words, the inventory at the shipping location may decrease by the number of shipments compared to before receiving and shipping, while the inventory at the receiving location may remain the same as before receiving and shipping. That is, the total number of inventory items at each location will be less than the asset inventory by the number of logistics containers in transit. Therefore, managers cannot understand the breakdown of the discrepancy between the total number of inventory items at each location and the asset inventory simply by referring to asset inventory and location inventory. The logistics container management system 1 according to this embodiment appropriately manages asset inventory, base inventory, and adjustment inventory, making it possible to grasp the breakdown of the discrepancy between the total number of base inventory items and asset inventory at each base as adjustment inventory for each inbound and outbound shipment. As shown in Figure 1, the logistics container management system 1 includes an inventory storage unit 11, an inbound and outbound information acquisition unit 12, an inbound and outbound specific information acquisition unit 13, an inventory update unit 14, and an adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 in order to achieve the above objective. In this embodiment, inbound and outbound information for each base is entered by the manager of each base into a management terminal (base terminal 2) installed at each base. Alternatively, an RFID tag holding identification information that uniquely identifies each logistics container may be attached to each logistics container, and when a logistics container is inbound or outbound, an RFID reader installed at each base reads the RFID tag of the logistics container. In this case, the identification information read by the RFID reader at each location is aggregated, for example, at location terminal 2, and then aggregated on location terminal 2 according to the classification of the logistics containers (e.g., pallets or containers) to create inbound and outbound information. The logistics container management system 1 is capable of communicating with location terminal 2 at each location via a communication network such as the Internet, and is capable of receiving inbound and outbound information entered into location terminal 2. The logistics container management system 1 is physically configured as a computer system including, for example, one or more CPUs, RAM and ROM as main memory, input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, output devices such as a display, a communication module which is a data transmission and reception device such as a network card, and auxiliary storage devices such as a hard disk drive and semiconductor memory. The logistics container management system 1 may be configured as a single physical device, or it may be configured as a group of devices that work together. The functions of the logistics container management system 1 are realized, for example, by loading predetermined computer software onto hardware such as a CPU and RAM, thereby operating input devices, output devices, and communication modules under the control of the CPU, and by reading and writing data to the RAM and auxiliary storage devices. Next, the functions of the logistics container management system 1 will be described. The inventory storage unit 11 is an inventory storage means for storing asset inventory, branch inventory, and adjustment inventory. The inventory storage unit 11 may be configured, for example, as a single physical database device, or as a plurality of database devices. Asset inventory and branch inventory stored in the inventory storage unit 11 are updated by the inventory update unit 14, and adjustment inventory is generated or updated by the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15. Figure 5(a) shows an example of asset inventory, location inventory, and discrepancy quantities (adjusted inventory) stored in the inventory storage unit 11. As shown in the figure, asset inventory, location inventory at each location, and discrepancy quantities are managed for each classification of logistics containers (goods). In the figure, the values ​​in the "Warehouse A" column indicate the location inventory for each classification of logistics containers at Warehouse A, and the values ​​in the "Store B" column indicate the location inventory for each classification of logistics containers at Store B. Here, "Warehouse A" and "Store B" are each one of several locations. Also, in the figure, the "Discrepancy Quantity (Adjusted Inventory)" column shows only the discrepancy quantity related to a specific inbound / outbound shipment (a single inbound / outbound shipment from Warehouse A to Store B). In practice, the discrepancy quantity is calculated by the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 for each inbound / outbound shipment in which a discrepancy occurs between the outbound quantity and the incoming quantity, and stored in the inventory storage unit 11. Note that this example shows a case where the classification of logistics containers is two types: "pallet" and "container," but the classification of logistics containers is not limited to these. For example, even if they are the same type of logistics container (e.g., "pallets"), those with different model numbers or other specifications may be managed under different classifications. The inbound / outbound information acquisition unit 12 is an inbound / outbound information acquisition means that acquires inbound information, which is a combination of information indicating a shipping base and information indicating the quantity of logistics containers to be shipped, or inbound information, which is a combination of information indicating a receiving base and information indicating the quantity of logistics containers to be received. As described above, in this embodiment, the inbound / outbound information acquisition unit 12 receives inbound or outbound information entered into each terminal 2 by the administrator of each base via a communication network or the like from each terminal 2. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show examples of shipping and receiving information associated with the same shipping and receiving. As shown in the figures, in this embodiment, one shipping or receiving record is created for each shipment or receiving that is delivered by the same truck, for example. In other words, in this embodiment, information regarding the shipping or receiving of different classifications of logistics containers, such as pallets and containers, is associated with one shipping or receiving record. As shown in Figure 2(a), the shipping information is associated with a data number that identifies (uniquely identifies) the shipment, the shipping location, and the shipping date (the actual date of shipment). Furthermore, for each classification of the logistics container being shipped, the shipping information is associated with a data number that identifies the shipment, the item name that indicates the classification of the logistics container being shipped, and the quantity of logistics containers of that classification being shipped. The shipping information shown in Figure 2(a) indicates that the data number identifying the shipment is "9999-1", the shipping location is "Warehouse A", and the shipping date is "12 / 1". In addition, this shipping information indicates that for pallets (logistics containers with the item name "pallet"), the data number identifying the shipment is "9999-1-1", and the quantity shipped is "100". In addition, this shipping information indicates that for containers (logistics containers with the item name "container"), the data number identifying the shipment is "9999-1-2", and the quantity shipped is "300". Here, information common to all classifications of logistics containers (shipping base and shipping date) and information specific to each logistics container (item name and shipping quantity) are linked to each other by a data number associated with that information. Furthermore, the data number associated with the shipping information (in the above example, "9999-1") is a number determined, for example, by a delivery plan devised in advance by an administrator, and is linked to the corresponding incoming information and the planned movement information described later. As shown in Figure 2(b), the incoming information is associated with a data number identifying the incoming goods, the receiving location, and the incoming date (the actual date of arrival). Furthermore, for each classification of the incoming logistics containers, the incoming information is associated with a data number identifying the incoming goods, the name of the item indicating the classification of the logistics containers, and the quantity of logistics containers of that classification. The incoming information shown in Figure 2(b) indicates that the data number identifying the incoming goods is "9999-2", the receiving location is "Store B", and the incoming date is "12 / 3". This incoming information also indicates that for pallets, the data number identifying the incoming goods is "9999-2-1" and the incoming quantity is "90". This outgoing information also indicates that for containers, the data number identifying the incoming goods is "9999-2-2" and the incoming quantity is "320". Here, the information common to all classifications of logistics containers (receiving location and arrival date) and the information specific to each logistics container (item name and incoming quantity) are linked to each other by the data number associated with each piece of information. Furthermore, the data number associated with the arrival information (in the example above, "9999-2") is a number determined in advance by, for example, a delivery plan formulated by an administrator, and is associated with the corresponding shipment information and the planned movement information described later. The Inbound / Outbound Identification Information Acquisition Unit 13 is an inbound / outbound identification information acquisition means that acquires inbound / outbound identification information that identifies inbound / outbound shipments associated with the inbound / outbound shipment information or inbound information acquired by the Inbound / Outbound Information Acquisition Unit 12. The inbound / outbound identification information can be any information that can identify the inbound / outbound shipment associated with any inbound / outbound shipment information (or inbound information). The "inbound / outbound shipment" identified here is information that can identify at least the inbound / outbound shipment information (inbound information) that is paired with the inbound / outbound shipment information (or inbound information). For example, if the inbound / outbound shipment information, inbound information, and the planned movement information described later are related to each other by their respective data numbers, then the data numbers included in the inbound / outbound shipment information themselves may correspond to the inbound / outbound identification information. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the inbound / outbound identification information is described as movement schedule information (information indicating the planned inbound / outbound) registered by an administrator or the like based on a predetermined delivery plan before inbound / outbound. Here, the inbound / outbound identification information shown in Figure 3 is information that identifies inbound / outbound shipments associated with the outbound information and inbound information shown in Figure 2. The movement schedule information (inbound / outbound identification information) is associated with information indicating a data number that identifies the planned inbound / outbound shipment, the outbound base, the inbound base, the scheduled outbound date, the scheduled inbound date, and classification information (details will be described later). Furthermore, for each classification of logistics containers subject to inbound / outbound shipment, the movement schedule information is associated with information indicating a data number that identifies the inbound / outbound shipment, the item name that indicates the classification of the logistics containers subject to inbound / outbound shipment, and the quantity of logistics containers of that classification subject to inbound / outbound shipment. The movement schedule information shown in Figure 3 indicates that the data number is "100", the shipping point is "Warehouse A", the receiving point is "Store B", the planned shipping date is "12 / 1", the planned receiving date is "12 / 3", and the classification information is "Movement" (movement classification). Furthermore, this movement schedule information indicates that for pallets, the data number identifying the inbound / outbound shipment is "100-1", and the quantity related to the inbound / outbound shipment is "100". Furthermore, this movement schedule information indicates that for containers, the data number identifying the inbound / outbound shipment is "100-2", and the quantity related to the inbound / outbound shipment is "300". The scheduled movement information is registered and stored in a predetermined database (not shown) that can be accessed by, for example, the inbound / outbound specific information acquisition unit 13. As described above, in this embodiment, the shipping information, incoming information, and scheduled movement information are associated with each other by their respective data numbers. That is, the data numbers of the shipping information and incoming information are set to be associated with the data numbers of the scheduled movement information related to the corresponding inbound / outbound shipments. In this case, the inbound / outbound specific information acquisition unit 13 can acquire the scheduled movement information related to inbound / outbound shipments associated with the shipping information or incoming information based on the data numbers contained in the shipping information or incoming information. The inventory update unit 14 is an inventory update means that updates the inventory of a shipping base or receiving base based on the shipping information or receiving information acquired by the shipping information acquisition unit 12. Specifically, the inventory update unit 14 acquires shipping information or receiving information from the shipping information acquisition unit 12, and performs the following processing in the cases where shipping information is acquired and where receiving information is acquired, respectively. When the inventory update unit 14 obtains shipping information, it decreases the inventory at each shipping base by the shipping quantity for each category of logistics containers, based on the shipping base and the shipping quantity for each category of logistics containers associated with the shipping information. On the other hand, when the inventory update unit 14 obtains receiving information, it increases the inventory at each receiving base by the shipping quantity for each category of logistics containers, based on the receiving base and the shipping quantity for each category of logistics containers associated with the receiving information. The inventory update process by the inventory update unit 14 will be explained in detail using Figures 2 and 5. Figure 5(a) shows an example of asset inventory, base inventory, and discrepancy quantities (adjusted inventory) before receiving and shipping, and Figure 5(b) shows an example of asset inventory, base inventory, and discrepancy quantities (adjusted inventory) after receiving and shipping. Let's consider the case where the inventory update unit 14 obtains shipping information for warehouse A shown in Figure 2(a) from the inbound / outbound information acquisition unit 12. In this case, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the inventory update unit 14 reduces the base inventory of pallets at warehouse A before shipment from "1000" to "900" by decreasing the number of pallets to be shipped by "100". Similarly, the inventory update unit 14 reduces the base inventory of containers at warehouse A before shipment from "500" to "200" by decreasing the number of containers to be shipped by "300". Let's consider the case where the inventory update unit 14 obtains the incoming shipment information for store B shown in Figure 2(b) from the incoming shipment information acquisition unit 12. In this case, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the inventory update unit 14 increases the base inventory of pallets at store B before arrival, which is "1000", by the number of pallets to be shipped, which is "90", to "1090". Similarly, the inventory update unit 14 increases the base inventory of containers at store B before arrival, which is "500", by the number of containers to be received, which is "320", to "820". Next, we will explain the classification information associated with the movement schedule information. Classification information is information that indicates the classification of inbound and outbound items associated with the movement schedule information. Classification information is set by, for example, the administrator who registers the movement schedule information. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the classification information is one of the following: a movement classification that indicates that asset inventory will not be changed, an asset input classification that indicates that asset inventory will be increased by the quantity of logistics containers received that are associated with the inbound information, or an asset exclusion classification that indicates that asset inventory will be decreased by the quantity of logistics containers shipped that are associated with the outbound information. The movement category indicates a normal inbound or outbound shipment where goods are shipped from one location and received at another. In such normal inbound and outbound shipments, as described above, asset inventory does not change. Therefore, when the category information included in the planned movement information is "movement" (movement category), the inventory update unit 14 updates the location inventory as described above, but does not update the asset inventory. The asset input category is set in relation to incoming goods for asset input, which increases the number of logistics containers held as assets by the business operator. When the category information included in the movement schedule information is an asset input category, the inventory update unit 14 increases the asset inventory based on the incoming goods information associated with the incoming and outgoing goods (actually only incoming goods) indicated by the movement schedule information. Specifically, the inventory update unit 14 increases the asset inventory of logistics containers for each category by the number of incoming logistics containers for each category associated with the incoming goods information. This allows the inventory update unit 14 to appropriately increase asset inventory by assigning an asset input category to incoming logistics containers resulting from, for example, the production or procurement of new logistics containers (incoming logistics containers to production sites or procurement sites). When logistics containers are introduced as assets, it is necessary to increase not only asset inventory but also the inventory at production or procurement sites. If the updates of asset inventory and site inventory accompanying such asset introduction are carried out separately for asset inventory and site inventory, there is a problem that the workload for managers will increase. In addition, there is a problem that inconsistencies may occur between asset inventory and site inventory due to errors or omissions in updating one of the inventory items. On the other hand, with the inventory update unit 14 described above, the asset introduction classification is set in the classification information of the movement schedule information indicating incoming goods to the production or procurement site, so that both site inventory and asset inventory are updated appropriately, and the above problems can be resolved. In other words, it is possible to reduce the workload that is incurred when asset inventory and site inventory are managed (updated, etc.) separately, and it is possible to eliminate the risk of inconsistencies occurring between asset inventory and site inventory due to errors in updating one of the inventory items. The asset exclusion category is set in association with shipments for asset exclusion that reduce the number of logistics containers held as assets by the business operator. If the category information included in the planned movement information is an asset exclusion category, the inventory update unit 14 reduces the asset inventory based on the shipment information associated with the inbound and outbound shipments (actually only outbound shipments) indicated by the planned movement information. Specifically, the inventory update unit 14 reduces the asset inventory of logistics containers for each category by the number of logistics containers shipped for each category associated with the shipment information. This allows the inventory update unit 14 to appropriately reduce asset inventory by assigning the asset exclusion category to shipments of logistics containers resulting from, for example, the disposal of logistics containers (movement of logistics containers from a base holding the logistics containers to be disposed of (disposal base) to the disposal site). When excluding logistics containers as assets, it is necessary to reduce not only asset inventory but also the inventory at disposal sites. If the updates of asset inventory and site inventory resulting from such asset exclusions are carried out separately for asset inventory and site inventory, it increases the workload for managers. Furthermore, errors or omissions in updating one of the inventory items can cause inconsistencies between asset inventory and site inventory. On the other hand, with the inventory update unit 14 described above, the asset exclusion category is set in the classification information of the movement schedule information indicating shipment from disposal sites, so that both site inventory and asset inventory are updated appropriately, thereby resolving the above problems. In other words, it is possible to reduce the workload incurred when managing (updating, etc.) asset inventory and site inventory separately, and it is possible to eliminate the risk of inconsistencies between asset inventory and site inventory caused by errors in updating one of the inventory items. The adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 is an adjustment inventory calculation means that calculates the discrepancy quantity (adjustment inventory) related to inbound and outbound shipments, which is identified by the movement schedule information acquired by the inbound and outbound shipment identification information acquisition unit 13, based on the shipment information or incoming information acquired by the inbound and outbound shipment information acquisition unit 12, and stores the discrepancy quantity (adjustment inventory) in the inventory storage unit 11. For example, the adjusted inventory calculation unit 15 inputs shipping information or receiving information acquired by the receiving / shipping information acquisition unit 12, as well as planned movement information acquired by the receiving / shipping specific information acquisition unit 13. The adjusted inventory calculation unit 15 generates the movement details information shown in Figure 4(a) by relating this information to each other. However, generating such movement details information is not essential for calculating the discrepancy quantity. That is, the adjusted inventory calculation unit 15 may directly calculate the discrepancy quantity by relating the shipping information or receiving information to the planned movement information without generating movement details information. As shown in Figure 4(a), the movement details information indicates the actual details of the inbound and outbound shipments. The movement details information is associated with a data number that identifies the actual inbound and outbound shipments, the shipping base, the receiving base, the shipping date (actual shipping date), the receiving date (actual receiving date), and classification information. The data number for the movement details information is set based on rules predetermined by the administrator. The shipping base and shipping date for the movement details information are set to the shipping base and shipping date associated with the shipping information. The receiving base and receiving date for the movement details information are set to the receiving base and receiving date associated with the receiving information. The classification information for the movement details information is set to the classification information associated with the planned movement information. Furthermore, for each classification of logistics containers involved in the inbound and outbound shipments, the movement details information is associated with a data number that identifies the inbound and outbound shipments, the item name indicating the classification of the logistics containers, the quantity of logistics containers shipped for that classification, and the quantity of logistics containers received for that classification. The data number for each classification of logistics containers is set based on rules predetermined by the administrator. The item name for the movement details information is set to the item name associated with the shipping information or receiving information. The shipping date and shipping quantity for each logistics container in the movement details information are set to the shipping date and shipping quantity for each logistics container classification associated with the shipping information. However, if no shipping information exists (for example, if the classification information is an asset input classification) or if the shipping information has not been acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition unit 12 at the time the movement details information is generated, the shipping date in the movement details information is not set, and the shipping quantity is set to a default value of "0". The arrival date and arrival quantity for each classification of logistics containers in the movement details information are set to the arrival date and arrival quantity for each classification of logistics containers associated with the arrival information. However, if no arrival information exists (when the classification information is an asset exclusion classification) or if the arrival information has not been acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition unit 12 at the time the movement details information is generated, the arrival date in the movement details information is not set, and the arrival quantity is set to a default value of "0". The planned movement information shown in Figure 4(a) indicates that the data number is "555", the shipping point is "Warehouse A", the receiving point is "Store B", the shipping date is "12 / 1", the receiving date is "12 / 3", and the classification information is "Movement" (movement classification). Furthermore, the movement details information for pallets indicates that the data number identifying the inbound and outbound shipment is "555-1", the shipping quantity is "100", and the receiving quantity is "90". Furthermore, the movement details information for containers indicates that the data number identifying the inbound and outbound shipment is "555-2", the shipping quantity is "300", and the receiving quantity is "320". The adjusted inventory calculation unit 15 calculates the adjusted inventory for each classification of logistics containers based on the movement information generated in this manner, and stores the calculated adjusted inventory in the inventory storage unit 11. Specifically, the adjusted inventory calculation unit 15 calculates the discrepancy quantity (deviation quantity) between the shipment quantity and the arrival quantity by subtracting the arrival quantity from the shipment quantity for each classification of logistics containers associated with the movement information. Furthermore, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 may refer to the classification information included in the planned movement information and decide whether or not to calculate the adjustment inventory based on the classification information. Specifically, if the classification information is a movement classification, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 may decide to calculate the adjustment inventory and execute the adjustment inventory calculation process as described above. On the other hand, if the classification information is an asset input classification or an asset exclusion classification, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 may decide not to calculate the adjustment inventory. The effects of the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 making such a decision will be explained below. As described above, in the inbound and outbound shipments (inbound and outbound shipments related to movement classification) where logistics containers move from one location to another, it is preferable to manage the discrepancy between the shipment quantity and the incoming quantity as adjustment inventory. On the other hand, discrepancies that occur when shipments or inbound shipments (inbound and outbound shipments related to asset input classification or asset exclusion classification) are made for asset input or asset removal do not cause inconsistencies between location inventory and asset inventory, and therefore do not need to be managed as adjustment inventory. With the above configuration, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 can calculate adjustment inventory only when it is preferable to calculate it, by determining whether or not to calculate adjustment inventory based on classification information. This makes it possible to appropriately manage only the discrepancies that should be managed as adjustment inventory. Figure 4(b) shows an example of information stored in association with each other as adjustment inventory. In this embodiment, for each classification of logistics containers involved in an inbound or outbound shipment, information is associated with the discrepancy quantity, along with a data number identifying the adjustment inventory, a discrepancy category, and the item name indicating the classification of the logistics container. Here, the discrepancy category is information indicating the cause of the discrepancy between the outbound quantity and the incoming quantity. Details of the discrepancy categories will be described later. If the shipping information acquisition unit 12 has acquired shipping information but not receiving information, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 acquires information indicating the current time and compares the current time with the scheduled arrival date (scheduled arrival time) included in the movement schedule information. If the current time is before the scheduled arrival date, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 associates information indicating that the logistics container is in transit with the adjustment inventory related to the shipping / inbound shipment identified by the movement schedule information. In other words, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 sets information indicating that the logistics container is in transit ("in transit" in Figure 7) as a discrepancy category associated with the adjustment inventory. This makes it possible to accurately grasp the cause of a discrepancy between the shipping quantity and the receiving quantity when a discrepancy occurs between the shipping quantity and the receiving quantity due to the logistics container being in transit from the shipping base to the receiving base (for example, being transported by truck) for a given shipping / inbound shipment. That is, it becomes possible to accurately grasp whether the discrepancy between the shipping quantity and the receiving quantity for a shipping / inbound shipment is due to troubles such as the loss of the logistics container or due to movement related to the shipping / inbound shipment. Furthermore, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 can obtain information indicating the current time by, for example, acquiring information indicating the hardware time of the logistics container management system 1. Furthermore, the inventory adjustment calculation unit 15 may set information indicating that the shipment quantity is greater than the arrival quantity ("Shipment Quantity > Arrival Quantity" in Figure 7) as the mismatch category if the shipment quantity is greater than the arrival quantity, except in cases where the mismatch category is "In transit". Also, the inventory adjustment calculation unit 15 may set information indicating that the shipment date is later than the arrival date ("Shipment Date > Arrival Date" in Figure 7) as the mismatch category if the shipment date is later than the arrival date due to, for example, an input error in shipment or arrival information by the branch manager. Furthermore, the inventory adjustment calculation unit 15 may set information indicating that the shipment quantity is less than the arrival quantity ("Shipment Quantity < Arrival Quantity" in Figure 7) as the mismatch category if the shipment quantity is less than the arrival quantity, except in cases where the above-mentioned "Shipment Date > Arrival Date" applies. Furthermore, if the classification information associated with the planned movement information is a movement classification, and while the shipping information acquisition unit 12 has acquired shipping information after the scheduled arrival date, it has not acquired incoming information, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 may set information indicating that the incoming information that should have been acquired has not been acquired ("shipping information available, incoming information not available" in Figure 7) as a mismatch classification (updating the adjustment inventory already stored in the inventory storage unit 11). Furthermore, if the classification information associated with the planned movement information is a movement classification, and the receiving / shipping information acquisition unit 12 has not yet acquired the shipping information, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 may set the information indicating that the shipping information that should have been acquired has not been acquired ("No shipping information, but receiving information is available" in Figure 7) as the mismatch classification, regardless of the scheduled arrival date (updating the adjustment inventory already stored in the inventory storage unit 11). Furthermore, the Adjusted Inventory Calculation Unit 15 may determine whether the updates of the base inventory ("Shipped Inventory" and "Received Inventory" in Figure 7) and asset inventory ("Total Inventory" in Figure 7) have been completed for inbound and outbound transactions related to the asset input category ("Incoming Inventory Available" in Figure 7) or asset exclusion category ("Shipped Inventory Available" in Figure 7) and set a mismatch category according to the confirmation status (see mismatch categories with IDs 6 to 9 in Figure 7). In order for the Adjusted Inventory Calculation Unit 15 to determine whether the updates of the base inventory and asset inventory have been completed, for example, the following can be done. For example, when the inventory update unit 14 has completed updating the base inventory and asset inventory, it may notify the Adjusted Inventory Calculation Unit 15 of the completion of the update for each of the base inventory and asset inventory. In this case, the Adjusted Inventory Calculation Unit 15 can determine whether the update process for each inventory has been completed by whether or not it has received an update completion notification for each of the base inventory and asset inventory from the inventory update unit 14. As described above, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 associates the discrepancy categories shown in Figure 7 with the adjustment inventory based on the expected arrival date, shipping date, arrival date, shipping quantity, arrival quantity, classification information, and the update status of base inventory and asset inventory. This makes it possible for managers to understand the adjustment inventory for each cause of discrepancy by, for example, searching for the adjustment inventory using the classification information as a search key. Next, using Figures 8 and 9, we will explain an example of fluctuations in adjusted inventory during a series of inbound and outbound processing. Figure 8(a) shows the movement schedule information that is registered in advance before inbound and outbound processing. This movement schedule information shows a plan for normal inbound and outbound processing (movement category), where 100 pallets are shipped from warehouse A on December 1st and arrive at store B on December 3rd. Consider the case where, given that such scheduled movement information is registered, 100 pallets are shipped from warehouse A as scheduled on December 1st. In this case, the inbound / outbound information acquisition unit 12 acquires the shipment information related to the shipment (see the shipment information in Figure 8(b)) from the terminal 2 of warehouse A, which is the shipping base. Then, the inbound / outbound specific information acquisition unit 13 acquires the scheduled movement information shown in Figure 8(a). At this point, the pallets shipped from warehouse A have not yet arrived at store B, so there is no arrival information associated with the shipment information. That is, at this point, the shipment quantity of pallets is "100" and the arrival quantity is "0". Therefore, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 generates an adjustment inventory with a mismatch quantity of "100 (= 100 - 0)" (see Figure 8(b)). Here, since the current date (December 1st) is before the scheduled arrival date (December 3rd), the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 processes as described above and sets the mismatch category of the adjustment inventory to "in transit". Next, let's consider the case where 90 out of 100 pallets shipped from store A on December 3rd arrive at store B (i.e., 10 pallets are missing). In this case, the inbound / outbound information acquisition unit 12 acquires the inbound information (inbound information in Figure 9(a)) related to the inbound shipment from the terminal 2 of store B, which is the receiving point. Subsequently, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 generates an adjustment inventory (see Figure 9(a)) with a discrepancy quantity of "10 (= 100 - 90)". Here, since the current date (December 3rd) is not before the scheduled arrival date (December 3rd), and the shipment quantity is greater than the arrival quantity, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 processes as described above, and the discrepancy category for the adjustment inventory is set to "Shipment Quantity > Arrival Quantity". Next, consider the case where 10 pallets that were thought to have disappeared at the receiving point are found at store B. In this case, the receiving / shipping information acquisition unit 12 acquires the corrected receiving information (receiving information in Figure 9(b)) from the terminal 2 at store B, which is the receiving point. Subsequently, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 calculates the discrepancy quantity as "0 (=100-100)", and the discrepancy between the shipping quantity and the receiving quantity is resolved. In this way, when the discrepancy between the shipping quantity and the receiving quantity is resolved, there is no longer a need to store the adjustment inventory in the inventory storage unit 11. Therefore, if the discrepancy quantity of the adjustment inventory becomes "0" due to correction of shipping information or receiving information, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 may delete the adjustment inventory from the inventory storage unit 11. Next, using Figure 10, the operation of the logistics container management system 1, which includes a logistics container management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be explained. First, the shipping / receiving information acquisition unit 12 acquires shipping information or receiving information (Step S1, shipping / receiving information acquisition step). Next, the shipping / receiving specific information acquisition unit 13 acquires movement schedule information (shipping / receiving specific information) that identifies the shipping / receiving associated with the shipping / receiving information acquired by the shipping / receiving information acquisition unit 12 (Step S2, shipping / receiving specific information acquisition step). Subsequently, the inventory update unit 14 updates the inventory of the shipping base or receiving base based on the shipping / receiving information acquired by the shipping / receiving information acquisition unit 12 (Step S3, inventory update step). In Step S3, if the shipping / receiving classification information associated with the shipping / receiving information is an asset input classification or an asset exclusion classification, the inventory update unit 14 also updates the asset inventory as described above. Next, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 calculates the adjustment inventory related to incoming and outgoing shipments, which is identified by the movement schedule information acquired by the incoming and outgoing shipment identification information acquisition unit 13, based on the shipment information or incoming information acquired by the incoming and outgoing shipment information acquisition unit 12, and the adjustment inventory is stored in the inventory storage unit 11 (step S4, adjustment inventory calculation step). Next, a logistics container management program P1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figure 11. The logistics container management program P1 is a program that causes a computer to function as a logistics container management system 1. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the module configuration of the logistics container management program P1. As shown in Figure 11, the logistics container management program P1 includes an inventory storage module P11, an inbound / outbound information acquisition module P12, an inbound / outbound specific information acquisition module P13, an inventory update module P14, and an adjustment inventory calculation module P15. The functions realized by the execution of the inventory storage module P11, the inbound / outbound information acquisition module P12, the inbound / outbound specific information acquisition module P13, the inventory update module P14, and the adjustment inventory calculation module P15 are the same as the functions of the inventory storage unit 11, the inbound / outbound information acquisition unit 12, the inbound / outbound specific information acquisition unit 13, the inventory update unit 14, and the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 of the logistics container management system 1 described above. The logistics container management program P1 configured in this way is stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, or HDD, and executed by a computer used as the logistics container management system 1. Specifically, the computer is equipped with a recording medium reader such as a CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, or HDD. When a recording medium is set in the recording medium reader, the computer can access the logistics container management program P1 stored on the recording medium from the recording medium reader. By having the computer execute the logistics container management program P1, the computer can be operated as the logistics container management system 1. The logistics container management program P1 may also be provided via the network as a data signal superimposed on the carrier wave. According to the logistics container management system 1 of this embodiment, the inbound / outbound information acquisition unit 12 acquires outbound or inbound information from each location, and the inventory update unit 14 updates the inventory of the outbound or inbound location. Furthermore, the inbound / outbound transactions associated with the acquired outbound or inbound information are identified by the movement schedule information (inbound / outbound identification information) acquired by the inbound / outbound identification information acquisition unit 13. Then, the adjustment inventory calculation unit 15 calculates and stores the adjustment inventory related to the identified inbound / outbound transactions. Accordingly, with the logistics container management system 1, the breakdown of the discrepancy between the total number of inbound / outbound inventory at each location and the asset inventory can be grasped as adjustment inventory for each inbound / outbound transaction, making it easy to manage inbound / outbound inventory and asset inventory in a consistent manner. In this embodiment, the shipping time and receiving time in the shipping information, receiving information, and movement schedule information are managed on a daily basis, but they may also be managed on other units (for example, a date and time such as month, day, and hour). Needless to say, the examples of data such as shipping information, receiving information, movement schedule information, movement details information, and adjusted inventory shown in this embodiment are not limited to these. 1...Logistics container management system, 2...Location terminal, 11...Inventory storage unit, 12...Inbound / outbound information acquisition unit, 13...Inbound / outbound specific information acquisition unit, 14...Inventory update unit, 15...Adjusted inventory calculation unit, P1...Logistics container management program, P11...Inventory storage module, P12...Inbound / outbound information acquisition module, P13...Inbound / outbound specific information acquisition module, P14...Inventory update module, P15...Adjusted inventory calculation module.

Claims

1. A logistics container management system for managing logistics containers that are shipped in and out between multiple locations, comprising: an inventory storage means for storing asset inventory indicating the total number of logistics containers to be managed, location inventory indicating the number of logistics containers present at each location, and adjustment inventory indicating the discrepancy between the shipment quantity and the incoming quantity of logistics containers for each shipment; an inbound / outbound information acquisition means for acquiring shipment information associated with information indicating a shipping location and information indicating the shipment quantity of the logistics containers, or incoming information associated with information indicating an incoming location and information indicating the incoming quantity of the logistics containers; an inbound / outbound specific information acquisition means for acquiring inbound / outbound specific information that identifies the inbound / outbound shipment associated with the shipment information or incoming information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means; and an inventory update means for updating the location inventory of the shipping location or the receiving location based on the shipment information or the incoming information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means. A logistics container management system comprising: an adjustment inventory calculation means that calculates the adjustment inventory related to the inbound and outbound shipments identified by the inbound and outbound shipment identification information acquired by the inbound and outbound shipment identification information means, based on the shipment information or incoming information acquired by the inbound and outbound shipment information acquisition means, and stores the adjustment inventory in the inventory storage means.

2. The inbound / outbound identification information includes information indicating the scheduled arrival time for the inbound / outbound shipment, and the adjustment inventory calculation means, if the outbound / outbound information acquisition means has acquired the outbound / outbound information and the inbound / outbound information has not acquired the outbound / outbound information, acquires information indicating the current time, compares the current time with the scheduled arrival time included in the inbound / outbound identification information, and if the current time is before the scheduled arrival time, associates information indicating that the logistics container is in transit with the adjustment inventory related to the inbound / outbound shipment identified by the inbound / outbound identification information, the logistics container management system according to claim 1.

3. The inbound / outbound identification information includes classification information indicating the classification of inbound / outbound, wherein the classification information is one of the following: a movement classification indicating that the asset inventory will not be changed; an asset input classification indicating that the asset inventory will be increased by the amount of the incoming quantity of the logistics container associated with the incoming information; or an asset exclusion classification indicating that the asset inventory will be decreased by the amount of the outgoing quantity of the logistics container associated with the outgoing information; and the inventory update means refers to the classification information included in the inbound / outbound identification information, and if the classification information is the asset input classification or the asset exclusion classification, increases or decreases the asset inventory according to the classification information, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The logistics container management system according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment inventory calculation means refers to the classification information included in the inbound / outbound identification information and determines whether or not to calculate the adjustment inventory based on the classification information.

5. A logistics container management system for managing logistics containers that are shipped in and out between multiple locations, comprising an inventory storage means for storing asset inventory indicating the total number of logistics containers to be managed, location inventory indicating the number of logistics containers present at each location, and adjustment inventory indicating the discrepancy between the shipment quantity and the incoming quantity of logistics containers for each shipment, comprising: an inbound / outbound information acquisition step for acquiring shipment information associated with information indicating a shipping location and information indicating the shipment quantity of the logistics containers, or incoming information associated with information indicating an incoming location and information indicating the incoming quantity of the logistics containers; an inbound / outbound specific information acquisition step for acquiring inbound / outbound specific information that identifies the inbound / outbound shipment associated with the shipment information or incoming information acquired in the inbound / outbound information acquisition step; and an inventory update step for updating the location inventory of the shipping location or the receiving location based on the shipment information or the incoming information acquired in the inbound / outbound information acquisition step. A logistics container management method comprising: an adjustment inventory calculation step, which calculates the adjustment inventory related to the inbound and outbound shipments identified by the inbound and outbound shipment identification information acquired in the inbound and outbound shipment identification information acquisition step, based on the shipment information or incoming information acquired in the inbound and outbound shipment information acquisition step, and stores the adjustment inventory in the inventory storage means.

6. The computer comprises: an inventory storage means that stores asset inventory indicating the total number of logistics containers under management, base inventory indicating the number of logistics containers present at each base, and adjustment inventory indicating the discrepancy between the quantity shipped and the quantity received for each shipment and receipt of logistics containers; an inbound / outbound information acquisition means that acquires shipment information associated with information indicating a shipping base and information indicating the quantity shipped of the logistics containers, or inbound information associated with information indicating a receiving base and information indicating the quantity received of the logistics containers; an inbound / outbound specific information acquisition means that acquires inbound / outbound specific information that identifies the inbound / outbound shipment associated with the shipment information or the receipt information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means; an inventory update means that updates the base inventory of the shipping base or the receiving base based on the shipment information or the receipt information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means; and an adjustment inventory calculation means that calculates the adjustment inventory related to the inbound / outbound shipment identified by the inbound / outbound specific information acquired by the inbound / outbound specific information acquisition means based on the shipment information or the receipt information acquired by the inbound / outbound information acquisition means, and stores the adjustment inventory in the inventory storage means. A logistics container management program that enables this to function.

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