Supply management system, computer program for supply management system, and control method for supply management system

Abstract

A supply management system (10) is provided with: a determination unit (23G) that determines whether or not a distribution condition for distributing a requested number of items to two or more suppliers is satisfied; a selection means (23B) that selects two or more suppliers as a supply supplier group when a distribution condition is satisfied; an ordering means (23D) for ordering items to the selected supply provider group; and a presentation unit presentation unit (23H) that presents, to a user, sales order information corresponding to an order of an article, in which, if a condition for hindering the supply of the article before the expiration of the delivery time has occurred, the selection unit selects an alternative supplier, the ordering unit orders the alternative supplier with the number of articles ordered to the malfunctioning supplier, and the presentation unit presentation unit (23H) presents the sales order information corresponding to the order of the article to the user. The presentation unit maintains presentation of the sales order information in a case where the change condition of the sales order information is not satisfied, and presents a change of the sales order information to the user in a case where the change condition of the sales order information is satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply management system for selecting two or more suppliers from a plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group, a computer program for the supply management system, and a control method for the supply management system. Background Art

[0002] As a supply-related technology, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a supply network in which a seller reserves its inventory together with other sellers using the same supply network. Specifically, a seller requests that at least a portion of its inventory be reserved in a shared inventory pool. Then, if an item is determined to be of the same type or quality as an item stocked by another seller, the seller's inventory is reserved in the shared inventory pool. Afterward, inventory credit is provided to the seller whose inventory has been reserved.

[0003] In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a supply chain design plan generation unit that generates a design plan for a supply chain of a specified item. Specifically, the supply chain design plan generation unit extracts records that are consistent with the items to be produced or supplied. Then, the supply chain design plan generation unit extracts multiple factories and multiple supply destinations corresponding to the records. Thereafter, the supply chain design plan generation unit generates a design plan for a supply chain that includes multiple models of the extracted factories, and a design plan for a supply chain that includes multiple models of the extracted supply destinations. Furthermore, the supply chain design plan generation unit evaluates whether the generated supply chain design plan meets the delivery deadline and excludes any design plan that does not meet the deadline from the supply chain design plan.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-503924

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-5186 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] Sometimes, users wish to purchase a quantity exceeding the supply capacity of a single supplier. In such cases, when a user places an order for a quantity exceeding the supply capacity, the time between order placement and delivery becomes longer. This means that the supplier needs more time than the usual delivery period to deliver the quantity exceeding the supply capacity.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] A supply management system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring request conditions and supply conditions, wherein the request conditions include the requested quantity and delivery date of an item requested by a user, and the supply conditions include the supply quantity of the item by each supplier among a plurality of suppliers that can supply the item; a determination unit for determining, based on the request conditions and the supply conditions, whether an allocation condition is satisfied that the requested quantity of the item should be allocated to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers; a selection unit for selecting one of the plurality of suppliers if the allocation condition is not satisfied, and for selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group if the allocation condition is satisfied; an ordering unit for ordering the item from the selected one supplier or the selected supply supplier group; and and a presentation unit that presents sales order information corresponding to the order of the item to the user, wherein, in a case where a faulty supplier that is one of the selected suppliers or at least one supplier in the selected group of supply suppliers creates an obstruction condition that prevents the supply of the item before the expiration of the delivery period, the selection unit selects at least one substitute supplier from the multiple suppliers that can supply the item in the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier, the ordering unit cancels the order from the faulty supplier, and orders the item in the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier from the substitute supplier, the presentation unit maintains the presentation of the sales order information as it is when a condition for changing the sales order information is not satisfied, and presents the change of the sales order information to the user when the condition for changing the sales order information is satisfied.

[0012] In addition, a computer program for a supply management system according to another embodiment of the present invention is a computer program for a supply management system, the supply management system comprising a computer, wherein the computer program causes the computer to perform the following processing: obtaining request conditions and supply conditions, wherein the request conditions include the requested quantity and delivery date of the item requested by the user, and the supply conditions include the supply quantity of the item by each supplier among multiple suppliers that can supply the item; determining whether an allocation condition is met based on the request conditions and the supply conditions that the requested quantity of the item should be allocated to two or more suppliers among the multiple suppliers; selecting one of the multiple suppliers if the allocation condition is not met, and selecting two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group if the allocation condition is met; and sending a request to the selected supplier. ordering the item from the selected supplier or the selected group of supply suppliers; presenting sales order information corresponding to the order of the item to the user; in a case where a faulty supplier that is the selected supplier or at least one supplier in the selected group of supply suppliers creates an obstruction condition that prevents the supply of the item before the expiration of the delivery period, selecting at least one substitute supplier from the multiple suppliers that can supply the item in the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier; canceling the order from the faulty supplier, and ordering the item in the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier from the substitute supplier; and maintaining the presentation of the sales order information as it is when the change condition of the sales order information is not satisfied, and presenting the change of the sales order information to the user when the change condition of the sales order information is satisfied.

[0013] Furthermore, a control method for a supply management system according to another embodiment of the present invention is a control method for a supply management system, the supply management system comprising a computer, wherein the control method causes the computer to perform the following processing: obtaining request conditions and supply conditions, wherein the request conditions include the requested quantity and delivery date of the item requested by the user, and the supply conditions include the supply quantity of the item by each supplier among multiple suppliers that can supply the item; determining whether an allocation condition is met for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers among the multiple suppliers based on the request conditions and the supply conditions; selecting one of the multiple suppliers if the allocation condition is not met, and selecting two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group if the allocation condition is met; and sending a request to the selected supplier. ordering the item from the one supplier or the selected group of supply suppliers; presenting sales order information corresponding to the order of the item to the user; in a case where a faulty supplier that is the selected one supplier or at least one supplier in the selected group of supply suppliers creates an obstruction condition that prevents the supply of the item before the expiration of the delivery period, selecting at least one substitute supplier from the multiple suppliers that can supply the item in the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier; canceling the order from the faulty supplier, and ordering the item in the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier from the substitute supplier; and maintaining the presentation of the sales order information as it is when the conditions for changing the sales order information are not met, and presenting the change of the sales order information to the user when the conditions for changing the sales order information are met.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the user's burden when placing an order with an alternative supplier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall sales management system.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the supply management according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a sales management system.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an item screen.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a detail screen.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an order confirmation screen.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a batch shipment screen.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the allocation process.

[0024] Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the supply management according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the item screen.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the presentation processing involved in the deformation method.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the presentation processing involved in the deformation method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Below, exemplary embodiments for implementing the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the following embodiments may be arbitrarily set and may be modified according to the structure of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0029] [First embodiment]

[0030] Figure 1 A sales management system 100 is shown, which includes a supply management system that selects two or more suppliers from a plurality of suppliers to form a supply supplier group. For example, a supplier is a provider that produces, processes, sells, transports, or stores goods in order to supply them. Furthermore, a single provider may also serve as multiple suppliers and own multiple storage warehouses or production locations for goods. Sales management system 100 includes user terminals 40 managed by users, inventory management servers 10 and supply management servers 20 managed by management providers such as sellers, and supplier terminals 60 managed by suppliers. For example, a user purchases goods from a seller. The seller then receives the goods from the supplier and sells them to the user. Furthermore, the supplier supplies goods to the seller.

[0031] The sales management system 100 is configured as a network system or client-server system with a supply management system, which includes a supply management server 20 and an inventory management server 10. For example, a seller manages the inventory management server 10 and the supply management server 20 to sell products based on user demand. The supply management server 20 functions as a server device, for example, by combining multiple server units 21 as computer devices to form a single logical server device. In addition, the inventory management server 10 also functions as a server device, for example, by combining multiple server units 11 as computer devices to form a single logical server device. However, the supply management server 20 can be configured by a single server unit 21, or the inventory management server 10 can be configured by a single server unit 11. Alternatively, the supply management server 20 and the inventory management server 10 can be logically configured using cloud computing.

[0032] The supply management server 20 provides various services, including an item ordering service, to the user terminal 40 or to the user of the user terminal 40. The ordering service includes a distribution service that distributes programs or data to the user terminal 40 via the network 50, and a storage service that stores data received from the user terminal 40. The distribution service is, for example, a service that distributes update data.

[0033] The inventory management server 10, as an example of a supply quantity management server, stores and manages supply conditions including the supply quantity of items. For example, the inventory management server 10 receives the inventory quantity of each item from multiple suppliers from the supplier terminal 60 as the supply quantity, which is an example of a supply condition. In addition, the inventory management server 10 receives the supply time of each item from multiple suppliers from the supplier terminal 60 as another example of a supply condition. Moreover, the inventory management server 10 stores the inventory quantity of each item in association with supplier identification information for identifying each supplier. In addition, the inventory management server 10 can also store and manage supply conditions including the supply quantity of items kept by the seller. In addition, an item can be a finished product with a unified function, an item incorporated into a finished product, or an assembly composed of multiple parts. In addition, an item includes a unit, a fixture, a device, and a device composed of a combination of multiple parts.

[0034] For example, supply time refers to the item's shipping date, the item's arrival date at the user, the item's production completion date, the item's processing completion date, or the item's arrival date at the logistics center. These supply times are specific dates or times, but any information that can determine the timing of item supply can also refer to the length of time required for shipment, arrival, or completion, or the length of time required for transportation. Furthermore, supply quantity refers to the quantity of items available to the user, and can also refer to the supplier's production, processing, or shipping volume within a specified supply timeframe. Furthermore, both supply time and supply quantity can be calculated or predicted by the inventory management server 10.

[0035] The user of the supplier terminal 60 sends the supply conditions to the inventory management server 10 using means such as e-mail at an arbitrary time (for example, a specified time, once a day, once a week, or four times a day). Alternatively, the supplier terminal 60 may automatically send the supply conditions at a specified time. In addition, the supplier terminal 60 may send the supply conditions in response to a request from the inventory management server 10. For example, when a user inputs the requested quantity of an item, the inventory management server 10 requests the supplier terminal 60 to send the supply conditions based on the input. In addition, the administrator of the inventory management server 10 may also obtain the supply conditions from each supplier using means such as telephone or fax. In this case, the administrator may also manually input the obtained supply conditions to the inventory management server 10. In addition, the inventory management server 10 may also obtain the supply conditions from an external database, such as an inventory database. In addition, the inventory management server 10 may also calculate or predict the supply conditions.

[0036] Supply conditions simply need to include the inventory level, such as the quantity of items that can be supplied within a specified period. This quantity can be zero or the quantity of items that can be produced within the specified period. Supply conditions can also include information related to the item, such as the name, model, location of the shipping source, available supply period, unit price, shipping costs, specifications, and manufacturing or processing conditions. Furthermore, supply conditions can also include information such as the supplier's name, supplier identification information, or location. The following description focuses on the case where the supply condition is inventory level.

[0037] The user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 are computer devices that can be connected to the network. For example, the user terminal 40 includes a fixed or notebook personal computer 41 and a portable tablet terminal device 42. In addition, the supplier terminal 60 also includes a fixed or notebook personal computer 61 and a portable tablet terminal device 62. In addition, the user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 include mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones (including smartphones). The user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 can enable users to enjoy the various services provided by the supply management server 20 by installing various computer programs. In addition, the supplier terminal 60 can also enable suppliers to enjoy the various services provided by the inventory management server 10 by installing various computer programs.

[0038] Furthermore, the user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 can connect to the supply management server 20 via a predetermined network 50. Furthermore, the supplier terminal 60 can connect to the supply management server 20 and the inventory management server 10 via the predetermined network 50. Hereinafter, a case will be described where the user terminal 40 is a personal computer 41 and the supplier terminal 60 is a personal computer 61.

[0039] The network 50 is configured to connect the user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 to the supply management server 20, respectively, and to connect the supplier terminal 60 to the inventory management server 10. The network 50 is configured to implement network communications using the TCP / IP protocol. Specifically, a LAN (Local Area Network) 52 connects the supply management server 20 and the inventory management server 10 to the Internet 51. Furthermore, the Internet 51, which is a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the LAN 52 are connected via a router 53. Furthermore, the network 50 may be any of a dedicated line, a telephone line, an intranet, a mobile communication network, other communication lines, or a combination thereof, regardless of whether they are wired or wireless. The user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 are also configured to connect to the Internet 51. Alternatively, the server unit 21 of the supply management server 20 and the server unit 11 of the inventory management server 10 may be connected to each other via the Internet 51, instead of or in addition to the LAN 52.

[0040] The supply management server 20 functions as a web server that displays various web pages on the display unit of the user terminal 40 in response to access from the user terminal 40. In addition, the supply management server 20 executes processes such as preparing ordered items, instructing shipping, and requesting purchase payment in response to user orders.

[0041] Specifically, refer to Figure 2The supplier terminal 60 includes a plurality of suppliers' respective terminals. Figure 2 In this example, the terminals 60 of supplier A and supplier B are included. Each supplier terminal 60 sends supply conditions including inventory quantities to the inventory management server 10 at an arbitrary timing. The inventory management control unit 13 then stores the received inventory quantities in the inventory management memory 12 in association with the respective supplier identification information for each item.

[0042] A user who wishes to purchase an item accesses a website provided by the supply management server 20 from a user terminal 40. The user then enters the requested quantity of the item via the website as one example of a request condition. Furthermore, the user also enters the delivery date of the item as another example of a request condition. Request conditions may also include information related to the item, such as the name, model, shipping destination, desired price, specifications, manufacturing conditions, processing conditions, or drawings. Alternatively, the request conditions may be included in a purchase order requesting the item. In this case, when the user places the purchase order, the request conditions are transmitted from the user terminal 40 to the supply management server 20. Alternatively, the request conditions may be included in an estimate request requesting an estimate of at least one of the item's price and delivery date. In this case, when the user issues the estimate request, the request conditions are transmitted from the user terminal 40 to the supply management server 20. For example, the delivery date is information indicating a time period, such as the item's shipping date, arrival date, or production completion date, that serves as a reference for the item's pickup.

[0043] The server control unit 23 of the supply management server 20 receives the input request conditions and stores them in the server memory 22 of the supply management server 20. Furthermore, the server control unit 23 obtains inventory from the inventory management server 10 and selects a supplier that can supply the requested item. If a specific supplier has sufficient inventory to meet the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 selects that specific supplier. The server control unit 23 then informs the user that the purchase order can be placed by notifying the user of the desired quantity. The user confirms the quantity and places the purchase order. Alternatively, the server control unit 23 may notify the user that the purchase order can be placed by displaying a predetermined button, for example, allowing the user to place the purchase order. For example, the purchase order may include information identifying the item model, the desired delivery date, the quantity, and the shipping destination. Alternatively, the server control unit 23 may notify the user that the purchase order can be placed if the purchasing company has inventory of the item supplied by the specific supplier that meets the requested quantity. For example, a seller may sell to a user an item that is supplied from a supplier and kept by the seller.

[0044] Next, the server control unit 23 accepts the purchase order and creates a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order. Furthermore, the server control unit 23 associates the purchase order with sales identification information (e.g., sales order number) used to identify the sales order. The server control unit 23 then transmits the purchase order to the supplier terminal 60 of the specific supplier. For example, the purchase order includes information identifying the item model, the shipping date, the quantity, and the shipping destination. The specific supplier then supplies the item in the quantity corresponding to the purchase order.

[0045] On the other hand, if a supplier's inventory is insufficient to meet the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 selects two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers that can supply the items to form a supply supplier group. In this case, the server control unit 23 selects the supply supplier group so that the combined inventory of the supply supplier group is sufficient to meet the requested quantity. The server control unit 23 then allocates the requested quantity of items to the supply supplier group. For example, if the requested quantity is 50, the server control unit 23 allocates 24 to supplier A and 26 to supplier B.

[0046] exist Figure 2 In the example, supplier A and supplier B constitute the supply supplier group. However, the supply supplier group may also be composed of more than three suppliers. Furthermore, the server control unit 23 notifies the user that the purchase order can be placed by notifying the user of the quantity to be purchased. The user confirms the quantity and performs the operation of placing the purchase order. Next, the server control unit 23 accepts the purchase order and creates a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order. Furthermore, the server control unit 23 creates split sales orders as multiple sales orders associated with the basic sales identification information (for example, sales order number, etc.) for identifying the sales order. The multiple split sales orders are associated with the split sales order identification information (for example, sales order number and branch number, etc.) for identifying each split sales order.

[0047] exist Figure 2In the example, the server control unit 23 creates a split sales order A and a split sales order B as multiple sales orders. The split sales order A is a sales order for supplier A, and the split sales order B is a sales order for supplier B. For example, when the requested quantity is 50, the split sales order A contains a quantity of 24 as the number of items ordered from supplier A, and the split sales order B contains a quantity of 26 as the number of items ordered from supplier B. Then, the server control unit 23 creates multiple purchase orders corresponding to the multiple split sales orders, and sends the multiple purchase orders to the supplier terminal 60 of each supplier. Figure 2 In the example of , the server control unit 23 creates purchase order A and purchase order B as a plurality of purchase orders.

[0048] The supplier that receives the purchase order then supplies the items corresponding to the purchase order. For example, the supplier ships the item specified by model, in the quantity and at the shipping date specified in the purchase order, to the shipping destination specified in the purchase order. Furthermore, if the combined inventory of multiple suppliers is insufficient to meet the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 may notify the user accordingly. This notification may also include a suggestion to change the desired delivery date or requested quantity.

[0049] [Control System]

[0050] Next, refer to Figure 3 The following describes the schematic structure of the control system of the sales management system 100. The supply management server 20, which is an example of a supply management unit, includes a server control unit 23 as a control unit of the supply management server 20, and a server memory 22 as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. Furthermore, the inventory management server 10, which is an example of an inventory management unit, includes an inventory management control unit 13 as a control unit of the inventory management server 10, and an inventory management memory 12 as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0051] The server control unit 23 and the inventory management control unit 13 are computers composed of a processor that performs various computations and controls operations according to a specified program, internal memory required for the processor's operation, and other peripheral devices. The processor, for example, is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). This processor controls the entire server device based on programs stored in the server memory 22 or the inventory management memory 12, and also comprehensively controls various processes. Furthermore, the server control unit 23 and the inventory management control unit 13 can also be controlled according to programs stored on removable recording media such as CDs, DVDs, CF cards, and USB memories, or on external storage media such as cloud servers on the Internet.

[0052] The server memory 22 and inventory management memory 12 include RAM (Random Access Memory) as system work memory for processor operations, ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs and system software, and storage devices such as HDDs (Hard Disc Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives). However, the server memory 22 is not limited to being part of the supply management server 20; it can also be provided as a database server that collaborates with the supply management server 20. Similarly, the inventory management memory 12 is not limited to being part of the inventory management server 10; it can also be provided as a database server that collaborates with the inventory management server 10. In the following description, the CPU executes various processing operations such as calculations, control, and determination according to the control programs stored in the ROM or HDD.

[0053] [Inventory Management Unit]

[0054] The inventory management memory 12, an example of a storage unit for storing supply conditions, stores supply information 12A indicating the supply conditions for each supplier. For example, supply information 12A includes information identifying the items a supplier can provide (e.g., item model) and the quantity of those items (e.g., inventory level). The inventory management memory 12 stores this quantity for each item in association with supplier identification information. Supply conditions can be directly transmitted by each supplier or input by the administrator of the inventory management server 10. The inventory management memory 12 also stores an inventory management program (not shown).

[0055] The inventory management control unit 13 acquires supply conditions based on the inventory management program and stores the supply conditions in association with supplier identification information in the inventory management memory 12. To this end, the inventory management control unit 13 includes an updating unit 13A as an example of an updating unit for acquiring information from multiple suppliers and updating the supply conditions stored in the inventory management memory 12.

[0056] The update unit 13A is a logical device implemented by a combination of computer hardware and software. Furthermore, the inventory management program stored in the inventory management memory 12 causes the inventory management control unit 13, which is a computer, to function as the update unit 13A. Furthermore, the update unit 13A may store a quantity less than the received inventory quantity in the inventory management memory 12 as the supplier's inventory quantity. This prevents delays in the delivery of items due to insufficient inventory after a purchase order is received from a user. Furthermore, the update unit 13A may store a quantity greater than the received inventory quantity in the inventory management memory 12 as the supplier's inventory quantity. For example, the update unit 13A may store the quantity of items obtained by adding the predicted increase in inventory quantity predicted by the prediction unit 23E as the supplier's inventory quantity in the inventory management memory 12.

[0057] As an example, the update unit 13A receives and acquires the supply conditions sent by the supplier periodically or in real time. Then, the update unit 13A updates the supply conditions stored in the inventory management memory 12 to the latest supply conditions based on the acquired supply conditions. Alternatively, the update unit 13A may also acquire information to update the supply conditions irregularly (for example, at any timing when the supplier sends the supply conditions). Furthermore, the update unit 13A may also acquire the latest supply conditions stored in any storage unit to update the supply conditions stored in the inventory management memory 12. In this case, the update unit 13A may also acquire information and update the supply conditions periodically (for example, at a specified time of the day). Furthermore, the update unit 13A may also automatically acquire the supply conditions, for example, the update unit 13A may also request the supplier terminal 60 to send the supply conditions.

[0058] Furthermore, the update unit 13A may also update the supply quantity in a manner that matches the requested quantity and unit entered by the user. For example, the requested quantity entered by the user may be expressed as a number of pieces, and the supply quantity sent from the supplier may be expressed in units of dozen, where 12 pieces are grouped together. In this case, the update unit 13A converts the unit of the supply quantity into a number of pieces and replaces it with the stored supply quantity. Furthermore, if the supply quantity is expressed in units of packs of 6 pieces, pairs of 2 pieces, size, weight, etc., the update unit 13A also converts the unit of the supply quantity into the same unit as the requested quantity. Furthermore, if the user enters the requested quantity in units of dozen, etc., the update unit 13A may also convert the number of pieces of the supply quantity into units such as dozen.

[0059] [Supply Management Unit]

[0060] The server control unit 23 includes an acquisition unit 23A, a selection unit 23B, an allocation unit 23C, an ordering unit 23D, a prediction unit 23E, an estimation unit 23F, a determination unit 23G, and a presentation unit 23H as logical devices implemented by a combination of computer hardware and software. Furthermore, the supply management program PG stored in the server memory 22 causes the server control unit 23, which is a computer, to function as the acquisition unit 23A, the selection unit 23B, the allocation unit 23C, the ordering unit 23D, the prediction unit 23E, the estimation unit 23F, the determination unit 23G, and the presentation unit 23H. The acquisition unit 23A is an example of an acquisition unit, the selection unit 23B is an example of a selection unit, the allocation unit 23C is an example of an allocation unit, the ordering unit 23D is an example of an ordering unit, the prediction unit 23E is an example of a prediction unit, the estimation unit 23F is an example of an estimation unit, the determination unit 23G is an example of a determination unit, and the presentation unit 23H is an example of a presentation unit. Furthermore, the server control unit 23 includes, in addition to the aforementioned logic devices, a logic device (not shown) that controls switching of the display of a web page and the like according to an operation of the user terminal 40 .

[0061] The server memory 22 stores a supply management program PG, which is used to cause the server control unit 23 to execute various processes associated with the selection of a supply supplier group and the allocation of the requested quantity of items. In addition, the supply management program PG can also function as a single program in collaboration with the inventory management program. In addition, the server memory 22 stores request information 22A that indicates the request conditions for the items requested by the user. As an example, the request information 22A includes information for identifying the item requested by the user (for example, the model of the item) and the request conditions for the item (for example, the requested quantity and delivery date). Moreover, in the request information 22A, the request conditions are associated with the user identification information used to identify each user.

[0062] The user transmits a request condition via the user terminal 40, and the acquisition unit 23A acquires the request condition and stores it in the server memory 22. Alternatively, the administrator of the supply management server 20 may store the request condition acquired from the user in the server memory 22. In this case, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the request condition from the server memory 22. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 23A may acquire the request condition stored in any storage unit and update the request condition stored in the server memory 22.

[0063] Furthermore, the server memory 22 stores order information 22B indicating the contents of a purchase order from a user. For example, order information 22B includes information identifying the item for which the user has placed a purchase order (e.g., the item model), information identifying the sales order corresponding to the purchase order (e.g., the sales order number), and the requested quantity for the item. Furthermore, the server memory 22 stores the requested quantity in association with each user's user identification information. Furthermore, order information 22B includes information indicating the contents of the sales order and purchase order, as well as information indicating the allocation results of the allocation unit 23C. Furthermore, the server memory 22 stores various data (not shown), including information for displaying user information, past estimation results, web page image data, and data containing information such as the item model, name, or features.

[0064] [Get Unit]

[0065] The acquisition unit 23A acquires a request condition including the requested quantity of the item requested by the user. As an example, the user inputs the requested quantity of the item he wishes to purchase via a web page provided by the server control unit 23. Specifically, the server control unit 23 authenticates the user through user authentication, etc. Then, the server control unit 23 causes the web page to be displayed on the display device (not shown) of the user terminal 40. On this web page, the user selects a displayed image link, or inputs an item model number or item name, etc., to determine the desired item. Thus, the server control unit 23 causes the user to Figure 4 The item screen 91 shown is displayed on the display device of the authenticated user's user terminal 40. The screen structure of the item screen 91 can be modified as appropriate. For example, the delivery date input field 91B and the quantity input field 91C can be combined into one.

[0066] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 23A acquires supply conditions, which include the supply quantity of the item for each of the multiple suppliers that can supply the item. Specifically, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the supply conditions from the inventory management memory 12. Furthermore, if the supply conditions have been updated, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the updated supply conditions from the inventory management memory 12. For example, the acquisition unit 23A requests the inventory management control unit 13 to search for the inventory quantity of the requested item. The inventory management control unit 13 then searches the inventory quantity of each supplier and sends the inventory quantity results as the search results to the acquisition unit 23A. Alternatively, the supply conditions may be stored in the server memory 22 instead of the inventory management memory 12. In this case, the acquisition unit 23A reads the supply conditions from the server memory 22 to acquire them.

[0067] exist Figure 4 The item screen 91 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with an item column 91A, in which the item name, item model number, and item image are displayed. Figure 4 In the example, "axle bracket" is displayed as the item name, and "ATHC3" is displayed as the item model. In addition, an image of the shaft bracket taken from an oblique angle above is displayed as the item image. Alternatively, the item image may be a 3D model of the item.

[0068] In addition, a delivery date input column 91B is provided in the item screen 91, and a user order number column for inputting an arbitrary symbol to confirm the purchase order is provided in the delivery date input column 91B. In addition, a delivery date column is provided in the delivery date input column 91B for inputting the delivery date of the item desired by the user. When the user inputs the delivery date into the delivery date column, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the delivery date input by the user and stores the delivery date in the server memory 22 in a manner included in the request information 22A. In addition, Figure 4 An example is shown in which a delivery date “2021 / 11 / 11” based on the shipping date is input, and “123456789” is input as the user order number.

[0069] Furthermore, a quantity input field 91C is provided on the item screen 91, and a quantity field 91D for inputting the requested quantity of the item is provided in the quantity input field 91C. When the user inputs the requested quantity into the quantity field 91D, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the requested quantity input by the user and stores the requested quantity in the server memory 22 as part of the request information 22A. In addition, when the user wishes to purchase a quantity exceeding the purchasable quantity (in Figure 4In the case of items exceeding the purchasable quantity (in the example, 51 or more), the server control unit 23 selects the delivery date confirmation button 91E to request confirmation of the delivery date from the server control unit 23. Upon receiving this request, the server control unit 23 notifies the user terminal 40 of the available shipping date for the items exceeding the purchasable quantity and the number of items that can be shipped before the expiration of this available shipping date. Alternatively, upon receiving a request for delivery date confirmation, the server control unit 23 may inquire of the supplier about the available shipping date for the items exceeding the purchasable quantity and notify the user terminal 40 of the answer.

[0070] Alternatively, the user may pre-install application software on the user terminal 40 and use it to enter request conditions, such as the desired delivery date and requested quantity. Alternatively, the user may notify the administrator of the supply management server 20 of the request conditions by telephone or email. In this case, the administrator of the supply management server 20 enters the request conditions, which are then stored in the server memory 22. Alternatively, the user may enter the request conditions on a web page provided by another server. In this case, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the request conditions from the other server. Alternatively, the request conditions may be included in an estimate request, purchase order, or inquiry.

[0071] In addition, the unit price of each item, the total amount of the prices of the items as the requested quantity, and the purchasable quantity are displayed in the quantity input column 91C. Figure 4 In the example, "1090 yen" is displayed as the unit price, "54,500 yen" is displayed as the total amount, and "50 pieces" is displayed as the available purchase quantity. Furthermore, "24 pieces" is displayed below the available purchase quantity, indicating the number of items that can be shipped on the same day the order is placed. This number represents the number of items that can be shipped on the same day the order is placed, out of the requested quantity of items that can be delivered before the desired delivery date entered by the user.

[0072] In such Figure 2 When allocating the requested quantity to the supply supplier group as described in the example, the supply period of each supplier may be different. Figure 4 The figure shows that the supply supplier group can deliver 50 items before the desired delivery date, of which the supplier that can deliver immediately after the order is placed only delivers 24 items. As an example, the number of items that can be shipped on the same day the order is placed is the number of items that have already been transported by the supplier to the seller and are stored at the seller's logistics base.

[0073] Furthermore, a detail screen button 91F and an order button 91G are provided in the quantity input field 91C. When the user selects the detail screen button 91F, the server control unit 23 causes the user to Figure 5 The detailed screen 92 shown is displayed on the display device of the user terminal 40. In addition, when the user selects the order button 91G, the server control unit 23 makes Figure 6 The order confirmation screen 93 shown is displayed on the display device of the user terminal 40 .

[0074] [Presentation Unit]

[0075] The presentation unit 23H presents the split shipment information to the user, and the split shipment information indicates that the items of the quantity allocated by the allocation unit 23C are split and shipped. For example, based on the allocation result of the allocation unit 23C, the presentation unit 23H presents the quantity of items allocated by the allocation unit 23C and the shipment date as the supply time of the items to the user as the split shipment information. Specifically, the presentation unit 23H obtains information such as the allocated quantity and shipment date from the allocation unit 23C as the allocation result, and presents the information to the user as the split shipment information. Specifically, in Figure 5 In the detailed screen 92 shown, the number of items to be split and their shipping dates are displayed in the split shipment column 92C as split shipment information. Alternatively, the presentation unit 23H may present the split shipment information to the user by notifying the user via other means such as email. Furthermore, the split shipment information may be a string indicating that the items have been split (e.g., "split shipment") or a symbol.

[0076] In addition, the order deadline is displayed in the split shipment column 92C. The order deadline is the period during which the shipping date based on the allocation result of the allocation unit 23C and the unit price and total amount estimated by the estimation unit 23F are valid. If the user confirms the purchase order before the order deadline expires, the user can purchase the items with the displayed shipping date, unit price, and total amount. After the user confirms the purchase order, the ordering unit 23D orders the items from each supplier in the supplier group in the quantity allocated by the allocation unit 23C. To this end, the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order from the user and, based on the purchase order, creates split sales orders for the same number of suppliers as are included in the supplier group.

[0077] exist Figure 5In the example, "2021 / 11 / 01" is displayed as the order deadline. In addition, "24 pieces" are displayed as the number of items shipped for the first time, and "the day of order placement" is displayed as the shipping date. Furthermore, "26 pieces" are displayed as the number of items shipped for the second time, and "2021 / 11 / 11" is displayed as the shipping date. In addition, as a condition for shipping on the day of order placement, it is also possible to set a purchase order to be confirmed before a specified time (for example, 12 o'clock). In addition, an order button 92G is provided in the split shipment column 92C. When the user selects the order button 92G, the server control unit 23 causes Figure 6 The order confirmation screen 93 shown is displayed on the display device of the user terminal 40 .

[0078] Details screen 92 includes an item column 91A and a request condition column 92B. Item column 91A displays the item name, model number, and image. Request condition column 92B displays the user's requested conditions for the item, such as the desired delivery date and requested quantity. Request condition column 92B also displays the user's order number, unit price, and total amount. The screen structure of details screen 92 can be modified as appropriate.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, order confirmation screen 93 includes an item column 91A, a request condition column 92B, and an order column 93C. Item column 91A displays the item name, model number, and image. Request condition column 92B displays the desired delivery date and requested quantity. Order column 93C displays the order deadline, the number of items to be shipped, and their shipping dates.

[0080] Furthermore, a designation column 93D for designating a shipping date is provided in the order column 93C. The user can input the desired shipping date into the designation column 93D for each of the first shipment and the second shipment. However, the shipping date that the user can input is a date after the available shipping date. For example, Figure 6 For the first shipment, since it can be shipped on the same day of order placement, users can enter a date after the next day of the order. Figure 6 Since the second shipment in the order can be made on November 11, 2021, the user can enter a date after the day following November 11, 2021. Furthermore, an order confirmation button 93E is provided in order column 93C. When the user selects order confirmation button 93E, ordering unit 23D of server control unit 23 accepts the purchase order and sends it to the supplier.

[0081] In addition, the presentation unit 23H presents to the user information about the bundled shipment, indicating that the requested number of items will be shipped together. For example, the presentation unit 23H presents to the user the number of items to be shipped together and the shipping date, which is the supply time of the items, as bundled shipment information. Here, the number of items to be shipped together matches the requested number. Specifically, a bundled shipment button 93F is provided in the order column 93C of the order confirmation screen 93. When the user selects the bundled shipment button 93F, the server control unit 23 causes the user to Figure 7 The illustrated batch shipping screen 94 is displayed on the display device of the user terminal 40. A batch shipping field 94C is provided in the batch shipping screen 94. The batch shipping field 94C displays the number of items shipped together and their shipping date as batch shipping information. Alternatively, the presentation unit 23H may present the batch shipping information to the user by notifying the user via other means such as email.

[0082] In addition, the order deadline is displayed in the combined shipment column 94C. If the user confirms the purchase order before the deadline, the user can purchase the items using the displayed shipping date, unit price, and total amount. After the user confirms the purchase order, the ordering unit 23D orders the items from each supplier in the supplier group in the quantity assigned by the allocating unit 23C. To this end, the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order from the user and, based on the purchase order, creates split sales orders for the same quantity as the suppliers in the supplier group.

[0083] In addition, a designation field 94D for specifying a shipping date is provided within the combined shipment field 94C. The user can enter the desired shipping date for the items to be shipped together into designation field 94D. However, the shipping date that the user can enter is a date after the available shipping date. For example, if 24 of the 50 items to be shipped together can be shipped at the time the order is placed, and the remaining 26 items can be shipped on November 11, 2021, the user can enter a date after the day following November 11, 2021. Furthermore, an order confirmation button 94E is provided within the combined shipment field 94C. When the user selects order confirmation button 94E, the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order and sends it to the supplier.

[0084] As an example of collective shipment of items, multiple suppliers transport items based on the quantity of purchase orders received by each supplier to a shared aggregation location (e.g., a seller's logistics location) specified based on the purchase order. For example, suppose the requested quantity is 50, Supplier A receives Purchase Order A for a quantity of 24, and Supplier B receives Purchase Order B for a quantity of 26. In this case, Supplier A transports 24 items to the aggregation location, and Supplier B transports 26 items to the same aggregation location. Afterwards, the business that manages the aggregation location (e.g., the seller) collectively transports the 50 items to the destination specified by the user. Alternatively, the aggregation location can be a logistics location of the transport provider.

[0085] The bundled shipping screen 94 includes an item field 91A and a request condition field 92B. Item field 91A displays the item name, item model, and item image. Request condition field 92B displays the requested item conditions entered by the user, such as the desired delivery date and requested quantity.

[0086] [Judgment unit and selection unit]

[0087] Based on the request conditions and supply conditions acquired by acquisition unit 23A, determination unit 23G determines whether the allocation condition, which requires allocating the requested quantity of items to two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers, is satisfied. For example, determination unit 23G determines whether the allocation condition is satisfied when the user enters the requested quantity. Alternatively, determination unit 23G may determine whether the allocation condition is satisfied when the user enters a requested quantity that exceeds a predetermined baseline quantity for each item. If the allocation condition is satisfied, selection unit 23B selects two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group. Specifically, if the allocation condition is satisfied, selection unit 23B selects a specific supplier and at least one other supplier different from the specific supplier from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group.

[0088] As an example, the selection unit 23B selects a specific supplier from among multiple suppliers. Then, if the requested quantity is greater than the supply quantity of the specific supplier, the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation condition is satisfied. For example, the specific supplier is pre-set for each item, and the selection unit 23B selects the specific supplier set for the items included in the request condition. Then, if the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation condition is satisfied, the selection unit 23B further selects at least one other supplier different from the specific supplier. For example, based on the supply time of the supply condition, the selection unit 23B selects two or more suppliers from among multiple suppliers who can supply the items before the delivery date of the request condition expires as a supply supplier group. In this way, the selection unit 23B selects a supply supplier group consisting of a specific supplier and other suppliers. In this way, the amount of the requested quantity of items that exceeds the supply quantity of the specific supplier can be allocated to other suppliers.

[0089] Furthermore, the selection unit 23B searches for suppliers who can supply the item (e.g., ship it) before the delivery date expires, referring to the delivery date in the request condition and the supply time in the supply condition. For example, if the delivery date is November 3rd and the requested quantity is 50, Supplier A's shipping date is November 2nd and the supply quantity is 24, Supplier B's shipping date is November 3rd and the supply quantity is 26, and Supplier C's shipping date is November 4th and the supply quantity is 50. In this case, since Supplier C's shipping date is later than the delivery date, the selection unit 23B selects Supplier A and Supplier B as the supply supplier group. Furthermore, if the selection unit 23B cannot find a supplier who can supply the item before the delivery date expires, the server control unit 23 notifies the user terminal 40 of the available shipping date for the item and the quantity of the item that can be shipped before the available shipping date, similar to when the user places an order for a quantity exceeding the available purchase quantity. The user confirms and adjusts the delivery date and proceeds with the purchase order as described above.

[0090] For example, the selection unit 23B searches for the supplier with the highest supply volume of the item that can be delivered before the requested delivery date expires, and selects that supplier as the alternative supplier. Alternatively, the selection unit 23B may search for the supplier with the shortest delivery time for the item that can be delivered before the requested delivery date expires, based on the delivery time of the supply condition, and select that supplier as the alternative supplier. Alternatively, the selection unit 23B may select as the alternative supplier the supplier with the highest supply volume of the item, as indicated by the forecast results of the forecast unit 23E (described later). Furthermore, the selection unit 23B may select as the alternative supplier the supplier with the shortest delivery time, as indicated by the forecast results of the forecast unit 23E.

[0091] Alternatively, the selection unit 23B may select as a specific supplier the supplier that can deliver the goods before the delivery deadline and that supplies the largest quantity, based on the supply time. In this case, the selection unit 23B searches for the supplier that can deliver the largest quantity of goods, referring to the supply conditions, and selects that supplier as the specific supplier. For example, the selection unit 23B may select a supplier with a large inventory as a specific supplier, thereby giving priority to suppliers with a large inventory supply. Furthermore, the selection unit 23B may select as another supplier the supplier with the second-largest supply quantity after the specific supplier.

[0092] Furthermore, the selection unit 23B may also select as a specific supplier the supplier that can supply goods before the delivery date expires and has the earliest or shortest supply time among multiple suppliers based on the supply time. In this case, the selection unit 23B searches for the supplier with the earliest or shortest supply time with reference to the supply conditions and selects this supplier as the specific supplier. Furthermore, the selection unit 23B selects as other suppliers the supplier whose supply time is second only to that of the specific supplier. In this way, suppliers that can supply goods to users earlier are included in the supply supplier group. In addition, the selection unit 23B may also select the supply supplier group based on costs such as the unit price of the supply conditions or transportation costs. In addition, costs may also include other costs such as raw material costs, processing costs, production costs, taxes such as customs duties, storage costs, export costs, and import costs.

[0093] As another example, if the requested quantity exceeds the predicted supply quantity obtained by subtracting the predicted purchase quantity, which is the forecast result predicted by forecast unit 23E, from the supply quantity for a specific supplier, determination unit 23G determines that the allocation condition has been met. For example, sometimes a purchase order from another user for a specific supplier is predicted near the desired delivery date. In this case, the predicted purchase quantity of the other user is subtracted to prevent the specific supplier's inventory from reaching zero. Thus, if the specific supplier's inventory reaches zero, the delivery of the purchase order for the other user will be delayed, but this delay can be prevented by subtracting the predicted purchase quantity. Alternatively, determination unit 23G may determine that the allocation condition has been met if the requested quantity exceeds a predetermined baseline quantity for each item.

[0094] As another example, if the requested quantity exceeds the predicted supply quantity obtained by adding the predicted increase, a forecast result predicted by the forecast unit 23E (described later), to the supply quantity for a specific supplier, the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation condition has been met. For example, an increase in supply quantity may be predicted before the supply condition is updated. In this case, even if the supply quantity of the selected specific supplier is less than the requested quantity, the determination unit 23G anticipates an increase in the specific supplier's inventory and adds the predicted increase. This allows the predicted increase to be used to allocate the portion of the requested quantity that exceeds the specific supplier's predicted supply quantity to other suppliers.

[0095] [Allocation Unit]

[0096] The allocation unit 23C allocates the requested quantity of the request condition to the supply supplier group selected by the selection unit 23B. As an example, the allocation unit 23C allocates the quantity corresponding to the supply quantity of the specific supplier from the requested quantity to the specific supplier. The allocation unit 23C then allocates the remaining quantity from the requested quantity to other suppliers in the supply supplier group. For example, if the requested quantity is 50 and the supply quantity of specific supplier A is 24, the allocation unit 23C allocates the remaining 26 to other supplier B. Thus, even if the requested quantity of an item is greater than the supply quantity of the specific supplier, the items can be supplied to the user through the selected supply supplier group. In addition, if a user places a purchase order for a large number of items through e-commerce, the requested quantity can be dynamically allocated to each of the multiple suppliers that make up the supply supplier group. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the supplier's inventory and ship the items in a short period of time.

[0097] As another example, allocation unit 23C may allocate the same number of requested items to each supplier selected as a supplier group. For example, if the requested quantity is 50, allocation unit 23C may allocate 25 to specific supplier A and 25 to other supplier B. Alternatively, allocation unit 23C may allocate the largest number of requested items to a specific supplier. For example, if the requested quantity is 50, allocation unit 23C may allocate 26 to specific supplier A and 24 to other supplier B.

[0098] Furthermore, to even out inventory levels, the allocating unit 23C may allocate the requested quantity so as to minimize the variance in inventory levels. For example, suppose that the inventory level of specific supplier A is 30, the inventory level of other supplier B is 20, and the inventory level of other supplier C is 15, and the requested quantity is 50. In this case, the allocating unit 23C allocates 25 to specific supplier A, 15 to other supplier B, and 10 to other supplier C. As a result, the inventory levels of specific supplier A, other supplier B, and other supplier C are each 5, and there is no variance in inventory levels.

[0099] Furthermore, allocation unit 23C may allocate the requested quantity based on multiple conditions. For example, allocation unit 23C allocates the quantity exceeding the supply quantity of a specific supplier to other suppliers in equal quantities. For example, if the requested quantity is 50 and specific supplier A can supply 24, allocation unit 23C allocates 13 of the remaining 26 to other supplier B and the remaining 13 to other supplier C.

[0100] [Order Unit]

[0101] The ordering unit 23D orders the quantity of items allocated by the allocation unit 23C to the supply supplier group. For example, after confirming the estimated content, the user confirms the purchase order (select Figure 6 Then, the ordering unit 23D that has received the confirmation of the purchase order orders the goods from the suppliers included in the supply supplier group. To this end, the presenting unit 23H presents the quantity of goods allocated by the allocating unit 23C and the shipping date as the supply time of the goods to the user. As an example, the presenting unit 23H displays the quantity of goods allocated by the allocating unit 23C and the shipping date as the supply time of the goods. Figure 5 The details screen 92 displays the shipping date and the quantity of the items to present the split shipping information to the user.

[0102] exist Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG2 , ordering unit 23D, having received confirmation of the purchase order, creates split sales orders based on the purchase order from the user, for a quantity equal to the number of suppliers included in the supplier group. Specifically, ordering unit 23D creates split sales order A and split sales order B corresponding to supplier A and supplier B. Furthermore, ordering unit 23D includes information identifying the items and information indicating the quantity of the allocated items in the split sales orders. This information is then associated with the split sales order identification information, and server memory 22 stores this information as part of order information 22B.

[0103] Furthermore, the ordering unit 23D sends purchase orders corresponding to the split sales orders to each supplier to place orders for the goods. Figure 2In the example shown in FIG. 2 , ordering unit 23D sends purchase order A corresponding to split sales order A to supplier A, and sends purchase order B corresponding to split sales order B to supplier B. Furthermore, ordering unit 23D includes information identifying the items, information indicating the quantity of the items to be supplied, and information indicating the delivery date and shipping destination of the items in the purchase order. Furthermore, this information is associated with purchase order identification information used to identify the purchase order, and server memory 22 stores this information as part of order information 22B.

[0104] The supplier that received the purchase order then ships the items within the delivery period or before the delivery period expires, and transports the items to the user. As an example of item shipment, multiple suppliers transport items based on the number of purchase orders received by each supplier to the shipping destination specified by the user. For example, suppose the requested quantity is 50, Supplier A receives Purchase Order A for 24 items, and Supplier B receives Purchase Order B for 26 items. In this case, Supplier A transports 24 items to the shipping destination, and Supplier B transports 26 items to the shipping destination. In this way, since Ordering Unit 23D creates split sales orders, the user can omit the process of placing purchase orders with multiple suppliers. Alternatively, Ordering Unit 23D can create split sales orders at the same time as Estimation Unit 23F creates the estimated results.

[0105] Furthermore, if at least one supplier in the supply supplier group encounters a blocking condition that prevents the supply of an item, the ordering unit 23D may order the item in the quantity allocated to the supplier with the blocking condition from a supplier among the multiple suppliers that can supply the item. For example, between the time a purchase order is sent and the shipping date, a supplier may experience unforeseen delivery delays. In this case, the selection unit 23B refers to the supply conditions stored in the inventory management memory 12 to search for a supplier among the multiple suppliers that can supply the item before the delivery date expires. Alternatively, the selection unit 23B searches for a supplier among the multiple suppliers that can supply the item the earliest. The ordering unit 23D then sends a purchase order to that supplier for the quantity allocated to the supplier with the blocking condition.

[0106] For example, selection unit 23B determines that a blocking condition has occurred when receiving a notification from a supplier regarding delayed or unavailable delivery. Alternatively, selection unit 23B may determine that a blocking condition has occurred if no goods are delivered before the due date, for example, if no shipment notification from a supplier has been received before the due date. Furthermore, selection unit 23B may also determine that a blocking condition has occurred when detecting a natural disaster, a disaster, or a transportation failure.

[0107] [Prediction Unit]

[0108] The forecasting unit 23E forecasts the demand for items within a specified period. In this case, the selection unit 23B selects a supply supplier group based on the forecast results of the forecasting unit 23E so as to minimize the deviation in inventory levels among multiple suppliers within the specified period. As an example, the forecasting unit 23E forecasts the purchase volume of items within a specified period (e.g., one week) and outputs the predicted purchase volume to the selection unit 23B as the forecast result. The selection unit 23B selects a supply supplier group based on the predicted purchase volume and the inventory level acquired by the acquisition unit 23A so as to minimize the deviation in inventory levels. In this way, suppliers can be selected so as to minimize the deviation in inventory levels within the specified period for which demand is predicted, thereby averaging the suppliers' inventory levels.

[0109] For example, suppose that specific supplier A has an inventory of 30 units, other supplier B has an inventory of 20 units, the requested quantity is 25 units, and the weekly predicted purchase quantity is 30 units. In this case, specific supplier A's inventory is greater than the requested quantity. However, if only specific supplier A is selected, the difference in inventory between specific supplier A and other supplier B over the course of a week becomes 15 units, resulting in a discrepancy. Therefore, selection unit 23B selects specific supplier A and other supplier B as the supply supplier group, which is also allocated to other supplier B. In this case, allocation unit 23C may allocate 17 units to specific supplier A and 8 units to other supplier B, thereby minimizing the discrepancy in inventory among multiple suppliers over the specified period.

[0110] For example, the forecasting unit 23E predicts the expected increase in supply, the expected supply, the expected supply time, and the expected purchase quantity as the demand for the item. For example, the forecasting unit 23E predicts the demand for the item during the current period based on past supply or purchase quantities. Specifically, the forecasting unit 23E outputs a forecast result using the past supply or purchase quantity as the current supply or purchase quantity. Alternatively, the forecasting unit 23E may use a learning model constructed based on learning data containing actual data such as past supply or purchase quantities to predict the demand for the item. Furthermore, the learning model may be constructed by the inventory management server 10 or the supply management server 20, or it may be a pre-constructed learning model.

[0111] [Estimation Unit]

[0112] The estimation unit 23F notifies the user of the unit price of the item and the total amount of the requested number of items as the estimation result. Figure 5The detailed screen 92 displays the unit price and total amount to inform the user. For example, the estimation unit 23F generates an estimation result by referring to the supply conditions (e.g., the unit price of the item) acquired by the acquisition unit 23A. The estimation result may also include the shipping date and the actual number of working days required to ship the item.

[0113] [terminal]

[0114] The user terminal 40 includes a user terminal control unit 45 for controlling the user terminal 40, and a user terminal memory 44 storing a control program. The user terminal control unit 45 is a computer composed of a processor that performs various calculations and motion control according to a predetermined program, as well as other peripheral devices. The user terminal 40 also includes a display device and an input device (not shown). The input device (not shown) may be a keyboard, numeric keypad, or touch panel, and the user uses the input device to input, for example, a requested quantity. The display device (not shown) displays various screens, such as web pages, and the user places a purchase order for the item according to the displayed web page.

[0115] The supplier terminal 60 also includes a supplier terminal control unit 65 for controlling the supplier terminal 60, and a supplier terminal memory 64 storing a control program. The supplier terminal control unit 65 is a computer composed of a processor that performs various calculations and motion control according to a predetermined program, as well as other peripheral devices. The supplier terminal 60 also includes a display device and input device (not shown). The supplier uses the input device to input supply quantities, etc.

[0116] As an example, the processor of the user terminal control unit 45 and the supplier terminal control unit 65 is, for example, a CPU or an MPU, which controls the entire terminal based on the control program stored in the user terminal memory 44 and the supplier terminal memory 64, and also comprehensively controls various processes. In addition, the user terminal memory 44 and the supplier terminal memory 64 include RAM as a system working memory for the processor to operate, and storage devices such as ROM, HDD and SSD for storing programs and system software. In addition, the user terminal control unit 45 and the supplier terminal control unit 65 can also be controlled according to a program stored in a removable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, CF card and USB memory, or an external storage medium such as a cloud server on the Internet. In addition, the user terminal memory 44 and the supplier terminal memory 64 are external storage devices including non-volatile storage media (non-transitory storage media that can be read by a computer) such as a hard disk and a semiconductor storage device.

[0117] [Allocation Processing]

[0118] Reference Figure 8To illustrate the allocation processing in the supply management system. When the supplier sends a supply condition including the supply quantity to the inventory management server 10, the update unit 13A obtains the supply condition (S101). Then, based on the obtained supply condition, the update unit 13A updates the supply condition stored in the inventory management memory 12 to the latest supply condition (S102). Alternatively, in the case of the initial supply condition transmission, the update unit 13A stores the obtained supply condition in the inventory management memory 12. In addition, the user inputs a request condition including the requested quantity of the item to be purchased via the web page provided by the server control unit 23. Then, the acquisition unit 23A obtains the request condition input by the user (S103). In addition, the acquisition unit 23A obtains the supply quantity from the inventory management server 10.

[0119] The determination unit 23G compares the requested quantity obtained by the acquisition unit 23A with the supply quantity (S104) to determine whether the allocation condition is met (S105). At this time, if the requested quantity is less than the supply quantity of the specific supplier, the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation condition is not met ("No" in S105). In other words, the determination unit 23G determines that the specific supplier can supply the item alone. In this case, the requested quantity is not allocated, so the estimation unit 23F notifies the user of the same quantity as the requested quantity as the purchasable quantity (S106). For example, the estimation unit 23F displays the quantity and shipping date of the item on the display device of the user terminal 40. Then, the user confirms the quantity and performs the operation to confirm the purchase order, and the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order (S107). Next, the ordering unit 23D sends a purchase order to the specific supplier to order the item (S108).

[0120] On the other hand, when the requested quantity is greater than the supply quantity of a specific supplier, the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation condition is met ("Yes" in S105). Then, the selection unit 23B selects the specific supplier and other suppliers who can supply the goods before the delivery date of the request condition expires as the supply supplier group (S109). In addition, the allocation unit 23C allocates the requested quantity of the request condition to the supply supplier group selected by the selection unit 23B (S110). Next, the estimation unit 23F notifies the user of the allocated quantity (S106). For example, the estimation unit 23F displays the allocated quantity and the shipping date of the item on the display device of the user terminal 40. Then, the user confirms the quantity and performs the operation to confirm the purchase order, and the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order (S107). Next, the ordering unit 23D sends a purchase order to each supplier in the supply supplier group to order the item (S108). Thus, the allocation process ends.

[0121] According to the supply management system involved in the first embodiment described above, it is possible to shorten the period from placing a purchase order to delivery of the items by allocating the quantity of items requested by the user to multiple sub-suppliers. That is, the quantity of the requested quantity that exceeds the supply quantity can be ordered from other suppliers, thereby delivering the items earlier. In addition, when the user places a purchase order for a large number of items, there is no need to calculate the quantity of purchase orders to place with each of the multiple suppliers. In addition, the user does not need to place a purchase order with each of the multiple suppliers. Therefore, the calculations and operations when placing a purchase order can be omitted, thereby shortening the time required to place the purchase order. In addition, since the supply quantity of each supplier is dynamically updated, the need to allocate the requested quantity is determined based on the more recent supply quantity.

[0122] Furthermore, the control method for the supply management system described above is collaboratively executed by the inventory management control unit 13 and the server control unit 23, which are computers. Specifically, the control method includes an acquisition process, a determination process, a selection process, and an allocation process. In the acquisition process, request conditions and supply conditions are acquired, wherein the request conditions include the requested quantity of the item requested by the user, and the supply conditions include the supply quantity of the item by each of multiple suppliers that can supply the item. Furthermore, in the determination process, based on the request conditions and supply conditions, it is determined whether the allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers among the multiple suppliers is met. Furthermore, in the selection process, if the allocation condition is met, two or more suppliers are selected from the multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group. Then, in the allocation process, the requested quantity is allocated to the supply supplier group. Alternatively, one of the inventory management control unit 13 and the server control unit 23 may perform the acquisition process, the determination process, the selection process, and the allocation process.

[0123] [Second embodiment]

[0124] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The second embodiment will now be described. The supply management system included in sales management system 200 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that multiple purchase orders are generated without generating multiple sales orders. Furthermore, in the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be explained, and previously described components will be assigned the same reference numbers, and their description will be omitted. Unless otherwise noted, components assigned the same reference numbers perform substantially the same operations and functions, and their effects are substantially the same.

[0125] Reference Figure 9The supply management system of the second embodiment will now be described. The supplier terminals 60 include a terminal for supplier A and a terminal for supplier B. Each supplier terminal 60 transmits supply conditions, including inventory quantities, to the inventory management server 10 at a predetermined timing. The inventory management control unit 13 of the inventory management server 10 then stores the received supply conditions in the inventory management memory 12, in association with the respective supplier identification information, for each item.

[0126] A user who wishes to purchase an item accesses a website provided by the supply management server 20 from the user terminal 40. Specifically, the server control unit 23 of the supply management server 20 makes the following Figure 10 The item screen 95 shown is displayed on the display device of the user terminal 40. Item screen 95 includes an item field 91A and a delivery date input field 91B. Item screen 95 also includes a quantity input field 95C, and within quantity input field 95C is a quantity field 95D for entering the requested quantity of the item. When the user enters the requested quantity into quantity field 95D, the server control unit 23 acquires the requested quantity entered by the user and stores it in the server memory 22 as part of request information 22A. Furthermore, if the user wishes to purchase an item in a quantity exceeding the available quantity, they can select a delivery date confirmation button 95E to request confirmation of the delivery date.

[0127] The user inputs the requested quantity and delivery date of the item via the item screen 95. The server control unit 23 of the supply management server 20 obtains the input request conditions and stores the request conditions in the server memory 22 of the supply management server 20. Then, the server control unit 23 obtains the inventory from the inventory management server 10 to select a specific supplier that can supply the requested item. Here, when the inventory of a specific supplier is sufficient to meet the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 selects the specific supplier. Then, the server control unit 23 notifies the user that a purchase order can be placed, and the user performs the operation of sending the purchase order. To this end, Figure 10 The illustrated item screen 95 includes an order button 95G. When the user selects the order button 95G, the server control unit 23 displays an order confirmation screen (not shown) on the display device of the user terminal 40. The user then confirms the details of the purchase order on the order confirmation screen and selects the order confirmation button to place the purchase order. Since item screen 95 supports batch delivery, the details screen button 91F is not provided.

[0128] On the other hand, if a specific supplier's inventory is insufficient to meet the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 selects the specific supplier and other suppliers that can supply the items from among the multiple suppliers to form a supply supplier group. In this case, the server control unit 23 selects the supply supplier group so that the combined inventory of the supply supplier group is sufficient to meet the requested quantity. The server control unit 23 then distributes the requested quantity of items to the supply supplier group.

[0129] Furthermore, the server control unit 23 notifies the user that the purchase order can be placed by presenting the quantity of the items that can be purchased as the bundled shipping information. Figure 10 ), the server control unit 23 displays an order confirmation screen (not shown) on the display device of the user terminal 40. The user then confirms the details of the purchase order on the order confirmation screen and selects the Order Confirm button to place the purchase order. Next, the server control unit 23 accepts the purchase order and creates multiple purchase orders associated with the basic sales identification information used to identify the sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order. These multiple purchase orders are associated with the basic sales identification information used to identify each sales order.

[0130] exist Figure 9 In the example, the server control unit 23 creates a purchase order A and a purchase order B corresponding to one sales order as multiple purchase orders. Purchase order A is an order for supplier A, and purchase order B is an order for supplier B. Then, the server control unit 23 sends the multiple purchase orders to the supplier terminal 60 of each supplier. After that, each supplier supplies the items corresponding to the purchase order. For example, the supplier will ship the items determined by the model in the quantity and shipping period determined by the purchase order to a common aggregation base determined by the purchase order. In this case, supplier A and supplier B each transport the allocated quantity of items to the aggregation base. After that, the business that manages the aggregation base (such as a sales business) will collectively transport the aggregated items to the transportation destination specified by the user.

[0131] [Presentation of sales order information]

[0132] Next, a method of presenting sales order information indicating the contents of a sales order corresponding to a purchase order to a user when the allocation condition is satisfied will be described. Figure 3As shown, the server control unit 23 includes an acquisition unit 23A, a selection unit 23B, an allocation unit 23C, an ordering unit 23D, a determination unit 23G, and a presentation unit 23H. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 23A acquires request conditions, including the requested quantity and delivery date of the item requested by the user, and supply conditions, including the supply quantity of the item by each of multiple suppliers that can supply the item. Furthermore, the determination unit 23G determines whether the allocation condition, which requires allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more of the multiple suppliers, is satisfied based on the request and supply conditions.

[0133] For example, the selection unit 23B selects a specific supplier from among the multiple suppliers. If the requested quantity exceeds the specific supplier's supply, the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation condition has been met. Alternatively, if the allocation condition has been met, the selection unit 23B selects two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers to form a supply supplier group. For example, the selection unit 23B selects the specific supplier and at least one other supplier from the multiple suppliers to form the supply supplier group. The allocation unit 23C then allocates the requested quantity of items to the supply supplier group.

[0134] The ordering unit 23D also functions as a production unit, which is an example of a production unit that accepts purchase orders for items from users and creates a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order. Furthermore, when a supplier group is selected (i.e., when the allocation conditions are met), the production unit creates multiple purchase orders corresponding to the sales order, in a manner associated with the basic sales identification information used to identify the sales order.

[0135] Furthermore, the presentation unit 23H presents the user with sales order information corresponding to the item order. Specifically, the presentation unit 23H presents the user with sales order information indicating the details of a sales order corresponding to the purchase order. Here, the sales order information specifies the details of the sales order. Furthermore, the ordering unit 23D orders the items from the selected supplier group. Specifically, the ordering unit 23D accepts the user's selection for collective shipment and orders the quantity of items allocated by the allocating unit 23C from each supplier in the supplier group.

[0136] As described above, the ordering unit 23D, functioning as a production unit, produces a single sales order corresponding to the purchase order, and one or more purchase orders corresponding to each sales order. Therefore, even if the allocation conditions are met and a supplier group is selected, multiple split sales orders are not produced. Furthermore, even if a supplier group is selected, the presentation unit 23H presents sales order information representing the details of a single sales order to the user.

[0137] Therefore, the user only needs to have information about a single sales order to inspect and accept the delivered items. On the other hand, when multiple split sales orders are created, a split sales order number, etc., is generated for each split sales order. For example, when each split sales order has a split sales order number, a number of invoices equal to the number of split sales orders is issued. As a result, the user needs to perform inspection and acceptance operations the same number of times as the number of split sales orders. In contrast, when only one sales order is created, only one invoice is issued. The sales order information presented to the user also corresponds to one sales order. Therefore, only one inspection and acceptance operation is required, which can reduce the user's management burden.

[0138] The supply management system according to the second embodiment can shorten the time between placing a purchase order and receiving the goods by allocating the quantity of goods requested by the user to multiple sub-suppliers. Furthermore, when placing a purchase order for a large number of goods, the user does not need to calculate the quantity to order with each of the multiple suppliers. Furthermore, the user does not need to place a purchase order with each of the multiple suppliers. This eliminates the need for calculations and operations required to place a purchase order, shortening the time required to place the order. Furthermore, because each supplier's supply quantity is dynamically updated, the need to allocate the requested quantity is determined based on the latest supply quantity.

[0139] The present invention has been described above with reference to various embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. Inventions obtained by making changes within the scope of the present invention and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. In addition, various embodiments and various modifications can be appropriately combined within the scope of the present invention.

[0140] For example, the inventory management server 10 and the supply management server 20 may be a single server. Furthermore, each logical device provided on the inventory management server 10 may also be provided on the supply management server 20. Furthermore, each logical device provided on the supply management server 20 may also be provided on the inventory management server 10. Furthermore, each logical device provided on the inventory management server 10 and the supply management server 20 may also be provided on separate servers. In this case, the separate server cooperates with the inventory management server 10 and the supply management server 20 to form the supply management system.

[0141] [First deformation method]

[0142] In the description of the first variant, the differences from the first and second embodiments are described, and the same reference numerals are assigned to components already described, and their descriptions are omitted. Unless otherwise specified, components assigned the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and their effects are also substantially the same.

[0143] Acquisition unit 23A ( Figure 3 ) obtains request conditions and supply conditions, wherein the request conditions include the requested quantity and delivery date of the item requested by the user, and the supply conditions include the supply quantity of the item by each of the multiple suppliers that can supply the item. Furthermore, based on the request conditions and supply conditions, determination unit 23G determines whether an allocation condition is met, requiring the requested quantity of the item to be allocated to two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers. If the allocation condition is not met, selection unit 23B selects one of the multiple suppliers. If the allocation condition is met, selection unit 23B selects two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group.

[0144] The ordering unit 23D functions as a production unit that receives a purchase order for an item from a user and produces a sales order corresponding to the received purchase order. When a supplier group is selected, the production unit produces a plurality of split sales orders for each supplier in the supplier group in a manner associated with the basic sales identification information for identifying the sales order. Figure 2 ). In addition, the production department produces purchase orders for suppliers corresponding to each split sales order.

[0145] The ordering unit 23D then orders the items from a supplier selected by the selection unit 23B, or from a group of suppliers selected by the selection unit 23B. Specifically, the ordering unit 23D sends purchase orders to each supplier to place the order. Furthermore, the presentation unit 23H presents the user with sales order information corresponding to the order. This sales order information is used to identify the contents of each of the multiple split sales orders. For example, the sales order information includes the delivery date (for example, the shipping date), the quantity of the items, and identification information for identifying the purchase order (for example, split sales order identification information consisting of a sales order number and a branch number).

[0146] The selection unit 23B determines whether a faulty supplier, one of the selected suppliers or at least one supplier in the selected supplier group, has created a blocking condition that prevents the delivery of the item before the due date. The faulty supplier is a supplier that is unable to deliver the item before the due date. For example, the selection unit 23B determines that a blocking condition has occurred if a delay notification is received from the faulty supplier or if the item's shipping date has passed.

[0147] Then, if a blocking condition occurs, the selection unit 23B selects at least one alternative supplier from among the multiple suppliers that can supply the quantity of goods ordered from the failed supplier. This alternative supplier is a supplier that can supply the quantity of goods included in the request before the delivery date for the goods included in the request expires. The alternative supplier can be a single supplier or multiple suppliers. Alternatively, the selection unit 23B may determine that a blocking condition has occurred when the administrator of the supply management server 20 inputs that a blocking condition has occurred.

[0148] Then, the ordering unit 23D cancels the order from the faulty supplier and orders the same quantity of goods ordered from the faulty supplier from a replacement supplier. In addition, the presentation unit 23H also functions as a change condition determination unit that determines whether the change condition of the sales order information is satisfied. Then, if the change condition of the sales order information is not satisfied, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as it is. For example, when the user opens the details screen 92 ( Figure 5 ), the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as it is by not changing the sales order information displayed on the details screen 92. Alternatively, the presentation unit 23H may maintain the presentation as it is by notifying the user of the sales order information without the change in response to a request from the user.

[0149] On the other hand, if the conditions for changing the sales order information are met, the presentation unit 23H presents the changes to the sales order information to the user. For example, if there is no alternative supplier that can supply the goods before the delivery date, the presentation unit 23H determines that the conditions for changing the sales order information are met and presents the changes to the sales order information to the user. Alternatively, the presentation unit 23H may determine that the conditions for changing the sales order information are met if the administrator of the supply management server 20 inputs that the conditions for changing the sales order information are met.

[0150] Specifically, when presenting changes to sales order information, the presentation unit 23H presents the changed split sales order or sales order content (e.g., delivery date and quantity of items, etc.) to the user. Furthermore, when the delivery date (e.g., shipping date) changes, the presentation unit 23H presents the new delivery date to the user. Furthermore, the presentation unit 23H may also present changes to sales order information to the user by highlighting the changed parts. Furthermore, the presentation unit 23H may also present to the user whether the order needs to be canceled, as well as the contents of the split sales order or sales order before the change.

[0151] For example, when the conditions for changing the sales order information are met, the production unit produces a new split sales order. Then, the presentation unit 23H presents the changes in the sales order information to the user by presenting the contents of the new split sales order to the user. Specifically, the presentation unit 23H notifies the user of the contents of the new split sales order (e.g., the delivery date of the item, the quantity of the item, and the identification information of the split sales order) via email or the like. Alternatively, the presentation unit 23H may be configured to present the changes in the sales order information to the user after the user opens the details screen 92 ( Figure 5 ), the presentation unit 23H presents the content of the new split sales order displayed on the details screen 92.

[0152] Furthermore, if the number of suppliers supplying items to the user increases or decreases, the presentation unit 23H determines that the conditions for changing the sales order information have been met and presents the changes to the sales order information to the user. For example, if there are two replacement suppliers for a faulty supplier, the number of suppliers supplying items has increased, so the changes to the sales order information are presented to the user. Furthermore, since the production unit has re-created two split sales orders to replace one, the number of split sales orders has also increased. Alternatively, if there is only one replacement supplier for two faulty suppliers, the number of suppliers supplying items has decreased, so the changes to the sales order information are presented to the user. Furthermore, since the production unit has re-created one split sales order to replace two, the number of split sales orders has also decreased.

[0153] In addition, when the quantity of items supplied by each alternative supplier increases or decreases relative to the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier (i.e., the allocated quantity), the presentation unit 23H determines that the conditions for changing the sales order information are satisfied, and presents the change in sales order information to the user. For example, in the case where the quantity ordered from one faulty supplier is allocated to two alternative suppliers for ordering, the quantity of items supplied by each alternative supplier decreases relative to the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier, and thus the change in sales order information is presented to the user. In addition, in the case where the quantities ordered from two faulty suppliers are allocated to one alternative supplier for ordering, the quantity of items supplied by the alternative supplier increases relative to the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier, and thus the change in sales order information is presented to the user. In these cases, the production unit re-produces the split sales order based on the increased or decreased quantities.

[0154] When the change conditions are met, the production department re-makes the split sales order. Then, the user discards the content determined based on the split sales order that has been presented (such as the split sales order identification information), and accepts the delivered items based on the content determined based on the new split sales order. Therefore, the presentation unit 23H needs to present the content of the new split sales order to the user. On the other hand, when the delivery date of the items is not changed so that the items can be supplied before the delivery date expires, and the number of suppliers and the number of items do not increase or decrease, the change conditions are not met. Therefore, the production department does not need to re-make the split sales order. In this case, even if an obstruction condition occurs, the presentation unit 23H does not present the change of the sales order information to the user. Therefore, the user does not need to discard the split sales order identification information, and the burden increase can be suppressed even when placing an order with an alternative supplier.

[0155] [Rendering Process]

[0156] Reference Figure 11 The following describes a presentation process for presenting a change in sales order information to a user when an obstruction condition that obstructs the supply of an item before the delivery date occurs. Figure 11A flowchart of a presentation process capable of producing multiple split sales orders is shown. First, when the user performs an operation to confirm a purchase order, the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order. Then, the presentation unit 23H presents the sales order information to the user (S201). For example, when a supplier is selected (that is, when the allocation conditions are not met), the presentation unit 23H presents the sales order information (such as a sales order number, etc.) representing the content of a sales order corresponding to the purchase order to the user. In addition, when a supply supplier group is selected (that is, when the allocation conditions are met), the presentation unit 23H presents the sales order information (such as a sales order number and a branch number, etc.) representing the content of multiple split sales orders corresponding to the purchase order to the user.

[0157] Next, the selection unit 23B determines whether an obstruction condition has occurred (S202). If no obstruction condition has occurred ("No" in S202), the process ends. On the other hand, if an obstruction condition has occurred ("Yes" in S202), the selection unit 23B searches for at least one alternative supplier from among the multiple suppliers that can supply the quantity of goods ordered from the faulty supplier (S203). In other words, the selection unit 23B searches for a supplier that can supply the quantity of goods included in the request conditions before the delivery date of the goods included in the request conditions expires, as an alternative supplier.

[0158] Then, if no alternative supplier exists ("No" in S204), the presentation unit 23H determines that the change condition is met and presents the change in sales order information (e.g., a new shipping date) to the user (S205). For example, when shipping items together, if no supplier can supply the items on time to meet the shipping date from the collection point, the selection unit 23B determines that no alternative supplier exists. Alternatively, when shipping items separately, if no supplier can supply the items on time to meet the original shipping date of the failed supplier, the selection unit 23B determines that no alternative supplier exists. Furthermore, if no alternative supplier exists, the presentation unit 23H determines that the change condition is met.

[0159] At this time, the user who is presented with the change in sales order information can cancel the order. On the other hand, in the case where the user accepts the change in shipping date and continues to place an order, the production department re-produces the split sales order or sales order, and produces a purchase order corresponding to the split sales order or sales order (S206). In addition, the ordering department 23D cancels the order (i.e., the purchase order) to the faulty supplier, and orders the same quantity of items ordered from the faulty supplier from an alternative supplier (S207). Then, the presentation department 23H presents the new split sales order or sales order to the user to present the change in sales order information. Thus, the presentation process ends. In addition, although the user order number is not canceled, the user can also change the user order number.

[0160] On the other hand, if an alternative supplier exists ("Yes" in S204), the selection unit 23B selects the alternative supplier from the plurality of suppliers (S208). Furthermore, the presentation unit 23H determines whether the conditions for changing the sales order information are met. Then, if the number of suppliers supplying items to the user increases or decreases, the presentation unit 23H determines that the conditions for changing the sales order information are met ("Yes" in S209), and presents the changes to the sales order information to the user (S205). Furthermore, if the quantity of items supplied by each alternative supplier increases or decreases relative to the quantity ordered from the failed supplier, the presentation unit 23H determines that the conditions for changing the sales order information are met ("Yes" in S210), and presents the changes to the sales order information to the user (S205).

[0161] If the conditions for changing the sales order information are not met ("No" in S209 and "No" in S210), the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is (S211). In other words, the presentation unit 23H does not present the changes to the sales order information to the user. The creation unit then creates a purchase order corresponding to the already created split sales order or sales order (S206). Furthermore, the ordering unit 23D cancels the order with the failed supplier and orders the same quantity of goods from the replacement supplier (S207). This concludes the presentation process.

[0162] This presentation process allows for the creation of new split sales orders or sales orders even when a faulty supplier creates a blocking condition and orders are placed with an alternative supplier. If the alternative supplier ("No" in S209) supplies the same quantity of goods as the faulty supplier ("No" in S210), no new split sales order or sales order is created. This prevents the user from being presented with changes to sales order information, minimizing the burden on the user when placing orders with an alternative supplier.

[0163] [Specific example]

[0164] In the first case where a blocking condition occurs with a faulty supplier A, if the full quantity ordered is ordered from alternative supplier B, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information. Furthermore, the original sales order is maintained. A purchase order is then created for alternative supplier B. Furthermore, although not specifically described below, if a blocking condition occurs, the purchase order for faulty supplier A is canceled.

[0165] In the first example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier B and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternative supplier C, presentation unit 23H presents the user with changes to the sales order information. This is because, in this case, the number of suppliers supplying the goods has increased. Furthermore, the original sales order is canceled. Then, two split sales orders and two corresponding purchase orders are created.

[0166] In the second example, if the supply supplier group includes faulty supplier A, supplier B, and supplier C, and the full quantity ordered is ordered from alternative supplier D, presentation unit 23H maintains the sales order information presentation as is. Furthermore, the original three split sales orders are maintained. Then, a single purchase order is created for alternative supplier D. Furthermore, the two split sales orders for supplier B and supplier C, along with the two corresponding purchase orders, are maintained.

[0167] In the second example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternate supplier D and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternate supplier E, the presentation unit 23H presents the user with changes to the sales order information. This is because, in this case, the number of suppliers supplying the item increases. Furthermore, the one split sales order for the faulty supplier A is canceled. Then, two split sales orders and two corresponding purchase orders are created. Furthermore, the two split sales orders for suppliers B and C, and their two corresponding purchase orders, are maintained.

[0168] In the second example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternate supplier B, which is included in the supply supplier group, and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternate supplier C, which is also included in the supply supplier group, the presentation unit 23H presents the user with changes to the sales order information. This is because, in this case, the number of suppliers supplying the item is reduced. Furthermore, the one split sales order for the faulty supplier A is canceled. Then, two new split sales orders are created for alternate suppliers B and C, along with two corresponding purchase orders. Furthermore, the quantity of the ordered items in the two new split sales orders is increased.

[0169] In the second example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from Alternative Suppliers B and C, which are included in the supply supplier group, and the remaining quantity is ordered from a new Alternative Supplier D, the presentation unit 23H presents the user with changes to the sales order information. This is because, in this case, the quantity of items ordered from Alternative Suppliers B and C has increased. Furthermore, the one split sales order for the faulty supplier A is canceled. Then, three new split sales orders are created for Alternative Suppliers B, C, and D, along with three corresponding purchase orders.

[0170] [Second Deformation]

[0171] In the second variation, the production department produces multiple purchase orders without producing split sales orders ( Figure 9 ). In addition, in the description of the second variant, the first variant and the differences from the first and second embodiments are described. Components already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Unless otherwise specified, components denoted by the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects.

[0172] The ordering unit 23D functions as a production unit, an example of a production unit that accepts purchase orders for items from users and creates sales orders corresponding to the accepted purchase orders. Furthermore, when a supplier group is selected, the production unit creates multiple purchase orders corresponding to a single sales order, associating them with the basic sales identification information used to identify the sales order. Furthermore, if a blocking condition arises, the production unit creates a new purchase order corresponding to an alternative supplier. The presentation unit 23H then presents the user with the contents of the new purchase order, thereby notifying the user of the changes in sales order information.

[0173] The ordering unit 23D then cancels the order with the failed supplier and orders the same quantity of items from an alternative supplier. If the conditions for changing the sales order information are not met, the presentation unit 23H maintains the sales order information as is. On the other hand, if the conditions for changing the sales order information are met, the presentation unit 23H presents the changes to the sales order information to the user. For example, if there is no alternative supplier capable of delivering the items before the delivery date, the presentation unit 23H determines that the conditions for changing the sales order information are met and presents the changes to the sales order information to the user.

[0174] [Rendering Process]

[0175] Reference Figure 12The following describes the process of presenting changes to sales order information to the user when an obstruction condition occurs. Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating the presentation process for creating a sales order is shown. First, when a user performs an operation to confirm a purchase order, the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order. Then, the presentation unit 23H presents sales order information to the user (S301). For example, if a single supplier is selected, the presentation unit 23H presents sales order information indicating the details of a sales order corresponding to the purchase order to the user. Furthermore, if a supply supplier group is selected, the presentation unit 23H also presents sales order information indicating the details of a sales order corresponding to the purchase order to the user.

[0176] Next, the selection unit 23B determines whether an obstruction condition has occurred (S302). If no obstruction condition has occurred ("No" in S302), the process ends. On the other hand, if an obstruction condition has occurred ("Yes" in S302), the selection unit 23B searches for at least one alternative supplier from among the multiple suppliers that can supply the quantity of goods ordered from the obstructed supplier (S303). In other words, the selection unit 23B searches for a supplier that can supply the quantity of goods included in the request conditions before the delivery date of the goods included in the request conditions expires, as an alternative supplier.

[0177] Moreover, when there is no alternative supplier ("No" in S304), the presentation unit 23H determines that the change condition is met and presents the change of the sales order information (such as a new shipping date) to the user (S305). At this time, the user who is presented with the change of the sales order information can cancel the order. On the other hand, when the user accepts the change of the shipping date and continues to place an order, the production department produces a new sales order and a purchase order corresponding to the sales order (S306). In addition, the ordering unit 23D cancels the order with the faulty supplier and orders the same quantity of items ordered with the faulty supplier from the alternative supplier (S307). Then, the presentation unit 23H presents the new sales order to the user to present the change of the sales order information. Thus, the presentation process ends.

[0178] On the other hand, when there is an alternative supplier ("Yes" in S304), the selection unit 23B selects an alternative supplier from a plurality of suppliers (S308). Here, unlike the first variant, even if the number of suppliers increases or decreases or the number of items supplied increases or decreases, a new sales order is not made, and therefore, the sales order information is not changed, and the change conditions of the sales order information are not satisfied, so the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as it is (S309). That is, the presentation unit 23H does not present the change of the sales order information to the user. Then, the production unit produces a purchase order corresponding to the sales order that has been produced (S306). In addition, the ordering unit 23D cancels the order to the faulty supplier, and orders the same quantity of items ordered from the faulty supplier from the alternative supplier (S307). Thus, the presentation process ends.

[0179] According to this presentation process, as long as there is an alternative supplier, no new sales order will be created even if the faulty supplier has a blocking condition. Therefore, the user is not presented with changes to sales order information, and the user's burden can be reduced even when placing an order with an alternative supplier.

[0180] In addition, the production unit produces one sales order corresponding to the purchase order and one or more purchase orders corresponding to one sales order. Therefore, even if the allocation conditions are met and a supply supplier group is selected, multiple split sales orders are not produced. Moreover, even if a supply supplier group is selected, the presentation unit 23H presents sales order information representing the contents of one sales order to the user. Furthermore, even if an obstruction condition arises and an alternative supplier is selected, a new sales order is not produced. Therefore, the presentation unit 23H does not need to present changes to the sales order information to the user and can maintain the presentation of the sales order information.

[0181] As a result, except when a blocking condition occurs and no alternative supplier exists (i.e., when the conditions for changing the sales order information are met), the user only needs to have access to a single piece of sales order information to inspect the delivered items. On the other hand, when multiple split sales orders are created, a split sales order number, etc., is generated for each split sales order. For example, when each split sales order has a split sales order number, a number of invoices are issued equal to the number of split sales orders. As a result, the user needs to perform inspection and acceptance procedures equal to the number of split sales orders. In contrast, when only one sales order is created, only one invoice is issued. The sales order information presented to the user also corresponds to one sales order. Therefore, only one inspection and acceptance procedure is required, reducing the user's management burden. Furthermore, when the production department creates a single sales order corresponding to a purchase order, the selection of an alternative supplier in the event of a blocking condition can be omitted. Furthermore, when the user selects the order confirmation button 94E in the combined shipment column 94C, the ordering department 23D can also accept the user's selection of combined shipment along with the purchase order. As a result, the items are transported together, and the user only needs to receive the items once, which can further reduce the user's management burden.

[0182] [Specific example]

[0183] In the first case where a blocking condition occurs with a faulty supplier A, if the full quantity ordered is ordered from alternative supplier B, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information. Furthermore, the original sales order is maintained. A purchase order is then created for alternative supplier B. Furthermore, although not specifically described below, if a blocking condition occurs, the purchase order for faulty supplier A is canceled.

[0184] In the first example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier B and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternative supplier C, presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is. Furthermore, the original sales order is maintained. Two purchase orders are then created. However, if the shipments are split between alternative suppliers B and C, even if the shipment dates are the same, delivery and acceptance procedures are generated for each supplier. Therefore, presentation unit 23H presents the user with changes to the sales order information (e.g., a change to split shipments).

[0185] In the second example, if the supply supplier group includes faulty supplier A, supplier B, and supplier C, and the full quantity ordered is ordered from alternative supplier D, presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information. Furthermore, the original split sales order is maintained. A single purchase order is then created for alternative supplier D. Furthermore, two purchase orders for suppliers B and C are maintained.

[0186] In the second example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier D and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternative supplier E, presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information. Furthermore, the original sales order is maintained. Subsequently, two purchase orders are created. Furthermore, the two purchase orders for suppliers B and C are maintained.

[0187] In the second example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier B, which is included in the supply supplier group, and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternative supplier C, which is also included in the supply supplier group, presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information. Furthermore, the original sales order is maintained. Then, two new purchase orders are created for alternative supplier B and alternative supplier C. Furthermore, the quantities of the items ordered in these two new purchase orders are increased.

[0188] In the second example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative suppliers B and C, which are included in the supply supplier group, and the remaining quantity is ordered from new alternative supplier D, presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information. Furthermore, the original sales order is maintained. Then, three new purchase orders are created for alternative suppliers B, C, and D.

[0189] A part or all of the above-mentioned embodiments can also be described as the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following.

[0190] (Note 1)

[0191] A supply management system comprising:

[0192] an acquiring unit configured to acquire a request condition and a supply condition, wherein the request condition includes a requested quantity of an item requested by a user, and the supply condition includes a supply quantity of the item by each of a plurality of suppliers capable of supplying the item;

[0193] a determination unit configured to determine, based on the request condition and the supply condition, whether a distribution condition is satisfied, that is, a distribution condition in which the requested quantity of the article should be distributed to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers;

[0194] a selection unit for selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group when the allocation condition is satisfied;

[0195] a production unit that accepts a purchase order for the item from the user and produces a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order;

[0196] an ordering unit for ordering the items from the selected group of supply suppliers; and

[0197] a presenting unit, which presents sales order information corresponding to the order of the item to the user,

[0198] In which, when the supply supplier group is selected, the production unit produces multiple purchase orders corresponding to the sales order in a manner associated with the basic sales identification information used to identify the sales order, and the presentation unit presents the sales order information representing the content of one of the sales orders to the user.

[0199] (Note 2)

[0200] The supply management system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0201] further comprising a distribution unit configured to distribute the requested quantity to the supply supplier group,

[0202] The ordering unit accepts the user's selection of collective shipment and orders the items in the quantity allocated by the allocating unit from each supplier of the supply supplier group.

[0203] (Note 3)

[0204] The supply management system according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein:

[0205] The sales order information is used to determine the content of the sales order.

[0206] (Note 4)

[0207] The supply management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein:

[0208] The selection unit selects a specific supplier from the plurality of suppliers,

[0209] The determination unit determines that the allocation condition is satisfied when the requested quantity is greater than the supply quantity of the specific supplier.

[0210] (Note 5)

[0211] The supply management system according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein:

[0212] When the allocation condition is satisfied, the selection unit selects the specific supplier and at least one other supplier different from the specific supplier from among the plurality of suppliers as the supply supplier group.

[0213] (Note 6)

[0214] A computer program for a supply management system, the supply management system comprising a computer, wherein:

[0215] The computer program causes the computer to perform the following processing:

[0216] Obtaining a request condition and a supply condition, wherein the request condition includes a requested quantity of the item requested by the user, and the supply condition includes a supply quantity of the item by each supplier among a plurality of suppliers that can supply the item;

[0217] determining, based on the request condition and the supply condition, whether a distribution condition is satisfied that the requested quantity of the item should be distributed to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers;

[0218] selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group when the allocation condition is satisfied;

[0219] Accepting a purchase order for the item from the user and creating a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order;

[0220] ordering the items from the selected group of suppliers;

[0221] presenting sales order information corresponding to the order of the item to the user; and

[0222] When the supply supplier group is selected, a plurality of purchase orders corresponding to the sales order are prepared in association with basic sales identification information for identifying the sales order, and the sales order information indicating the contents of one sales order is presented to the user.

[0223] (Note 7)

[0224] A control method for a supply management system, wherein the supply management system includes a computer,

[0225] The control method causes the computer to perform the following processing:

[0226] Obtaining a request condition and a supply condition, wherein the request condition includes a requested quantity of the item requested by the user, and the supply condition includes a supply quantity of the item by each supplier among a plurality of suppliers that can supply the item;

[0227] determining, based on the request condition and the supply condition, whether a distribution condition is satisfied that the requested quantity of the item should be distributed to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers;

[0228] selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group when the allocation condition is satisfied;

[0229] Accepting a purchase order for the item from the user and creating a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order;

[0230] ordering the items from the selected group of suppliers;

[0231] presenting sales order information corresponding to the order of the item to the user; and

[0232] When the supply supplier group is selected, a plurality of purchase orders corresponding to the sales order are prepared in association with basic sales identification information for identifying the sales order, and the sales order information indicating the contents of one sales order is presented to the user.

[0233] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-011538, filed on January 30, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0234] Description of Reference Numerals

[0235] 10: Supply management system (inventory management server); 12: Inventory management memory (storage unit); 13A: Update unit (update unit); 20: Supply management system (supply management server); 23: Server control unit (computer); 23A: Acquisition unit (acquisition unit); 23B: Selection unit (selection unit); 23C: Allocation unit (allocation unit); 23D: Ordering unit (ordering unit); 23E: Prediction unit (prediction unit); 23G: Judgment unit (judgment unit); 23H: Presentation unit (presentation unit); PG: Supply management program (computer program).

Claims

1. A supply management system comprising: An acquisition unit that acquires request conditions and supply conditions, wherein: The request conditions include the requested quantity and delivery date of the item requested by the user, and the supply conditions include the supply quantity of the item by each supplier among a plurality of suppliers that can supply the item; a determination unit configured to determine, based on the request condition and the supply condition, whether a distribution condition is satisfied, that is, a distribution condition in which the requested quantity of the article should be distributed to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers; a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of suppliers when the allocation condition is not satisfied, and selects two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group when the allocation condition is satisfied; an ordering unit for ordering the item from the selected supplier or the selected group of supply suppliers; as well as a presenting unit, which presents sales order information corresponding to the order of the item to the user, wherein, in a case where a faulty supplier, which is the selected one supplier or at least one supplier in the selected group of supply suppliers, creates an obstruction condition that prevents the supply of the item before the expiration of the delivery period, the selection unit selects at least one substitute supplier from the plurality of suppliers that can supply the item in the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier, The ordering unit cancels the order from the faulty supplier and orders the item in the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier from the substitute supplier, The presentation unit maintains presentation of the sales order information as it is if a change condition of the sales order information is not satisfied, and presents a change of the sales order information to the user if the change condition of the sales order information is satisfied.

2. The supply management system according to claim 1, wherein: If there is no alternative supplier capable of supplying the article before the delivery deadline, the presentation unit determines that a change condition of the sales order information is satisfied, and presents a change of the sales order information to the user.

3. The supply management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The system further comprises a production unit for accepting a purchase order for the article from the user and producing a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order. When the supply supplier group is selected, the preparation unit prepares a plurality of split sales orders for each supplier of the supply supplier group in a manner associated with the basic sales identification information used to identify the sales order, and prepares a purchase order for the supplier corresponding to each split sales order. The sales order information is used to determine the content of each of the multiple split sales orders.

4. The supply management system according to claim 3, wherein: When the change condition of the sales order information is met, the making unit makes a new split sales order. The presenting unit presents the change of the sales order information to the user by presenting the content of the new split sales order to the user.

5. The supply management system according to claim 3, wherein: When the number of suppliers supplying the article to the user increases or decreases, the presentation unit determines that a change condition of the sales order information is satisfied, and presents the change of the sales order information to the user.

6. The supply management system according to claim 3, wherein: When the quantity of the items supplied by each substitute supplier increases or decreases relative to the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier, the presentation unit determines that a change condition for the sales order information is satisfied and presents the change of the sales order information to the user.

7. The supply management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The system further comprises a production unit for accepting a purchase order for the article from the user and producing a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order. When the supply supplier group is selected, the preparation unit prepares a plurality of purchase orders corresponding to the sales order in a manner associated with the basic sales identification information for identifying the sales order. The sales order information is used to determine the content of the sales order.

8. The supply management system according to claim 7, wherein: The production unit produces a new purchase order corresponding to the alternative supplier, The presenting unit presents the change of the sales order information to the user by presenting the content of the new purchase order to the user.

9. The supply management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The selection unit determines that the blocking condition has occurred when a delay notice is received from the troublesome supplier or when a shipping date of the article has passed.

10. The supply management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The selection unit selects a specific supplier from the plurality of suppliers, The determination unit determines that the allocation condition is satisfied when the requested quantity is greater than the supply quantity of the specific supplier.

11. The supply management system according to claim 10, wherein: When the allocation condition is satisfied, the selection unit selects the specific supplier and at least one other supplier different from the specific supplier from among the plurality of suppliers as the supply supplier group.

12. A computer program for a supply management system, the supply management system comprising a computer, wherein: The computer program causes the computer to perform the following processing: Obtaining request conditions and supply conditions, wherein the request conditions include the requested quantity and delivery date of the item requested by the user, and the supply conditions include the supply quantity of the item by each supplier among multiple suppliers that can supply the item; determining, based on the request condition and the supply condition, whether a distribution condition is satisfied that the requested quantity of the item should be distributed to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers; selecting one of the plurality of suppliers if the allocation condition is not satisfied, and selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group if the allocation condition is satisfied; ordering the item from the selected supplier or the selected group of supply suppliers; Presenting sales order information corresponding to the order of the item to the user; When a faulty supplier, which is the selected one supplier or at least one supplier in the selected group of supply suppliers, creates a blocking condition that blocks the supply of the item before the expiration of the delivery period, selecting at least one substitute supplier from the plurality of suppliers that can supply the item in the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier; canceling the order from the failed supplier and ordering the item from the alternate supplier in the quantity ordered from the failed supplier; and The sales order information is maintained as it is when a change condition of the sales order information is not satisfied, and a change of the sales order information is presented to the user when the change condition of the sales order information is satisfied.

13. A control method for a supply management system, the supply management system comprising a computer, wherein: The control method causes the computer to perform the following processing: Obtaining request conditions and supply conditions, wherein the request conditions include the requested quantity and delivery date of the item requested by the user, and the supply conditions include the supply quantity of the item by each supplier among multiple suppliers that can supply the item; determining, based on the request condition and the supply condition, whether a distribution condition is satisfied that the requested quantity of the item should be distributed to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers; selecting one of the plurality of suppliers if the allocation condition is not satisfied, and selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group if the allocation condition is satisfied; ordering the item from the selected supplier or the selected group of supply suppliers; Presenting sales order information corresponding to the order of the item to the user; When a faulty supplier, which is the selected one supplier or at least one supplier in the selected group of supply suppliers, creates a blocking condition that blocks the supply of the item before the expiration of the delivery period, selecting at least one substitute supplier from the plurality of suppliers that can supply the item in the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier; canceling the order from the failed supplier and ordering the item from the alternate supplier in the quantity ordered from the failed supplier; and The sales order information is maintained as it is when a change condition of the sales order information is not satisfied, and a change of the sales order information is presented to the user when the change condition of the sales order information is satisfied.

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