Information processing system, information processing method, and program product

Abstract

Disclosed are an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program product, the information processing system being provided with one or more processors that acquire specifying information relating to a specified specification and unspecified information relating to an unspecified specification, the specification information and the unspecified information are displayed on a screen for managing steps required for manufacturing the printed product in a discriminable manner for each of the steps as information relating to the specification of the printed product to be manufactured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to information processing systems, information processing methods, and program products. Background Technology

[0002] A technique is known to mitigate the risk of an order recipient mistakenly starting to manufacture an order product with undetermined specifications by providing the order recipient with information indicating that the specifications are determined (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-57701). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Manufacturing can mitigate risk for the order recipient by starting production only after the product specifications are finalized. However, starting production with some specifications still undetermined can sometimes allow the recipient to enjoy advantages such as shorter lead times. Therefore, the recipient ideally wants to be able to begin manufacturing the product based on the undetermined specifications, even if only some of them are still in the works.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to enable the order taker to determine whether to begin the necessary manufacturing processes for the printed product, even when a portion of the specifications of the ordered printed product is not yet determined.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided, comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors acquiring determined information relating to determined specifications and undetermined information relating to undetermined specifications, as information relating to the specifications of a manufactured printed product, and displaying the determined information and the undetermined information in a discriminative manner for each process in a screen that manages the processes required for manufacturing the printed product.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the invention, in the information processing system involved in the first aspect, the one or more processors cause the current status of the undetermined specification to be displayed as the undetermined information.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the invention, in the information processing system of the second aspect, the one or more processors display the current status of one or more of the following information: order information related to the receipt of the printed product, device information related to the apparatus for manufacturing the printed product, consumable information related to the consumables used in the apparatus, and manufacturing supervisor information related to the person responsible for manufacturing the printed product according to each of the said processes.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the information processing system involved in the second or third aspect, the one or more processors display the current state of the steps up to the specification determination.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the information processing system involved in any of the second to fourth aspects, the one or more processors, in addition to displaying the current situation, also display information relating to the impact of undetermined specifications.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the one or more processors use the affected processes in the multiple processes of manufacturing the printed product as information related to the affected processes.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the one or more processors cause other printed products different from the printed product that are affected by the influence to be displayed as information related to the influence.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the information processing system according to the seventh aspect, the one or more processors are further used to display the affected process among multiple processes in manufacturing the affected printed product.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the information processing system of the eighth aspect, the one or more processors display the determined information and the uncertain information in a discriminative manner on a terminal operated by a person responsible for a process affected by the influence, and do not display the determined information and the uncertain information in a discriminative manner on a terminal operated by a person responsible for a process not affected by the influence.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the information processing system covered by the fifth aspect, the one or more processors output a pre-set warning according to the degree of the influence.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a program product is provided, comprising a program for causing a computer to perform processing, the processing having the steps of: acquiring determined information relating to determined specifications and undetermined information relating to undetermined specifications as information relating to the specifications of a manufactured printed product; and displaying the determined information and the undetermined information in a discriminative manner for each of the steps in a screen for managing the steps required for manufacturing the printed product.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided, comprising the steps of: acquiring determined information related to determined specifications and undetermined information related to undetermined specifications as information related to the specifications of a manufactured printed product; and displaying the determined information and the undetermined information in a discriminative manner for each of the steps in a screen for managing the steps required for manufacturing the printed product.

[0017] (Effect)

[0018] According to the first aspect, even if part of the specifications of the printed product is not determined, the order taker can determine whether to start the processes required for manufacturing the printed product.

[0019] According to the second aspect, the order taker can determine whether to begin the necessary processes for manufacturing the printed product based on the current status of the undetermined specifications.

[0020] According to the third aspect, given the current status of undetermined specifications, the order taker can determine whether to begin the necessary processes for manufacturing the printed product based on the current status of one or more of the following information: order information, equipment information, consumable information, and manufacturing manager information.

[0021] According to the fourth aspect, as the current status of the undetermined specifications, the order taker can determine whether to begin the necessary processes for manufacturing the printed product based on the current status of the steps up to the determination of the specifications.

[0022] Based on the fifth aspect, the order taker can determine whether to begin the processes required for the production of the printed product.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect, the order taker can determine whether to begin the processes required for manufacturing the printed product based on the processes affected by the undetermined specifications.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect, the order taker can determine whether to begin the necessary processes for manufacturing the printed product based on other printed products that are affected by the lack of specifications.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect, the order taker can control the processes of other printed products that are affected by the lack of specifications.

[0026] According to the ninth aspect, the situation of being troubled by useless information can be suppressed.

[0027] According to the tenth aspect, the manufacturing manager can grasp the extent of the impact caused by the undetermined specifications.

[0028] According to the eleventh aspect, even if part of the specifications of the printed product is not determined, the order taker can determine whether to begin the necessary processes for manufacturing the printed product.

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect, even if part of the specifications of the printed product is not determined, the order taker can determine whether to begin the necessary processes for manufacturing the printed product. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall structure of an information processing system using this embodiment;

[0031] Figure 2 It indicates composition Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the management server of an information processing system;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the control unit of a management server;

[0033] Figure 4 It indicates composition Figure 1 A diagram showing specific examples of the specifications of printed products manufactured by the information processing system 1, printing-related equipment, etc.

[0034] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing specific examples of the processes required to manufacture printed products;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the current state of a printed product's specifications up to the point where the "original" is finalized.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the current status of a step in the manufacturing process of a printed product up to the point where the "number of copies (quantity)" is determined.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the relationship between the orderer and the recipient of printed products.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a method for managing the current status of steps up to the determination of the specifications of the manufactured printed product;

[0039] Figure 10 (A) and Figure 10 (B) is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a warning issued based on the extent of the impact caused by the undetermined specifications of the printed product;

[0040] Figure 11This is a diagram showing specific examples of definite and uncertain information displayed in a discernible manner on the process management screen;

[0041] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the workflow in the process management screen;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the workflow in the process management screen;

[0043] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the schedule management screen within the process management screen;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the schedule management screen within the process management screen;

[0045] Figure 16 This is a specific example of a product overview screen in the process management interface. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] <Structure of Information Processing System 1>

[0048] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall structure of the information processing system 1 using this embodiment.

[0049] Information processing system 1 is constructed by connecting management server 10, sales terminals 30, printing-related equipment 50-1 to 50-n (n being an integer value of 1 or more), and manufacturing terminals 70-1 to 70-m (m being an integer value of 1 or more) via network 90. ​​Network 90 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. Hereinafter, unless each of the printing-related equipment 50-1 to 50-n is described individually, they will be collectively referred to as "printing-related equipment 50". Similarly, unless each of the manufacturing terminals 70-1 to 70-m is described individually, they will be collectively referred to as "manufacturing terminal 70".

[0050] (Management Server 10)

[0051] The management server 10 is an information processing device that manages the information processing system 1 as a whole. The management server 10 can execute applications that utilize the information processing system 1. The management server 10 can acquire various information sent from the sales terminal 30, printing-related equipment 50, and manufacturing terminal 70, and perform various processing operations on them. Furthermore, the management server 10 can send various information to the sales terminal 30, printing-related equipment 50, and manufacturing terminal 70, causing them to perform various processing operations.

[0052] For example, management server 10 acquires information related to orders for printed products (hereinafter referred to as "order information"). The order information includes, for example, various information such as the delivery date of the ordered printed products. The order information is sent from sales terminal 30 to management server 10. Additionally, for example, management server 10 acquires information related to the specifications of the manufactured printed products. Specifically, management server 10 acquires information related to confirmed specifications (hereinafter referred to as "confirmed information") and information related to unconfirmed specifications (hereinafter referred to as "unconfirmed information"), as information related to the specifications of the ordered printed products. The confirmed information and unconfirmed information related to the specifications of the ordered printed products are information sent from sales terminal 30 to management server 10. The specifications of the printed products include, for example, design, size, paper, color mode, printing method, finishing, processing, quantity, delivery date, budget, order acceptance method, etc. Furthermore, specific examples of the specifications of printed products will be referred to later. Figure 4 To narrate.

[0053] The management server 10 generates a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "process management screen") for managing the processes required for manufacturing printed products, and displays it on the sales terminal 30 and the manufacturing terminal 70 respectively. Hereinafter, "displaying the process management screen" by the management server 10 means that the process management screen is displayed on the sales terminal 30 or the manufacturing terminal 70 under the control of the management server 10.

[0054] When generating the process management screen, the management server 10 reflects both confirmed and uncertain information on the screen. Within the process management screen, the management server 10 displays the confirmed and uncertain information for each process in a discriminative manner. This discriminative manner includes, for example, distinguishing between transparent and opaque elements, differentiating icons, using color differentiation, or differentiating fonts. Furthermore, specific examples of how the confirmed and uncertain information is displayed for each process in a discriminative manner will be provided later. Figures 10 to 16 To narrate.

[0055] The management server 10 displays, for example, the current state of undetermined specifications as undetermined information for each process in a discernible manner. Specifically, the management server 10 displays the current state of undetermined specifications as which specification is undetermined in which state for each process in a discernible manner. In addition, the management server 10 can also display information related to the impact of specification undeterminedness. For example, information such as downstream processes affected by specification undeterminedness in multiple processes of manufacturing printed products, other printed products (and their processes), etc., can also be displayed.

[0056] Additionally, for example, the management server 10 displays the current status of order information for printed products. Furthermore, for example, the management server 10 displays the current status of information related to the equipment used for manufacturing printed products (hereinafter referred to as "equipment information"). The equipment information includes information such as the operating status of printing-related equipment 50, which will be described later.

[0057] Additionally, for example, the management server 10 displays the current status of information related to consumables used in the apparatus for manufacturing printed products (hereinafter referred to as "consumable information"). The consumable information includes various information related to consumables such as paper, ink, and toner used for printing. Furthermore, for example, the management server 10 displays the current status of information related to the person responsible for manufacturing the printed product at each stage (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturing supervisor"). The manufacturing supervisor information includes various information related to the manufacturing supervisors for each stage required for manufacturing the printed product.

[0058] Additionally, for example, the management server 10 displays the current status of the steps up to the finalization of the printed product specifications. In this case, the status could refer to various stages such as manuscript writing, manuscript receipt, initial proofreading, initial proofreading return, second proofreading, second proofreading return, final proofreading, proofreading completed, and printing completed. Furthermore, specific examples of the steps up to the finalization of the printed product specifications will be provided later. Figure 6 To narrate.

[0059] Additionally, for example, the management server 10 may display information related to the impact of specification uncertainty on other printed products that are different from the manufactured printed products. In this case, the management server 10 may also display the processes affected by specification uncertainty among the multiple processes used in manufacturing the printed products affected by specification uncertainty.

[0060] Furthermore, the management server 10 displays confirmed and uncertain information in a discernible manner on the manufacturing terminal 70 operated by the manufacturing personnel in charge of processes affected by undetermined specifications. On the other hand, the management server 10 does not display confirmed and uncertain information in a discernible manner on the manufacturing terminal 70 operated by the manufacturing personnel in charge of processes not affected by undetermined specifications.

[0061] Furthermore, the management server 10 outputs pre-set warnings based on the degree of impact caused by the undetermined specifications. For example, the management server 10 outputs warning displays, warning sounds, and warning audio to the sales terminal 30 and the manufacturing terminal 70. The term "output" here includes, for example, displaying a warning color on the monitors of the sales terminal 30 and the manufacturing terminal 70, or outputting warning sounds from the speakers of the sales terminal 30 or the manufacturing terminal 70. Details regarding the structure and processing of the management server 10 will be described later.

[0062] (Sales Terminal 30)

[0063] The sales terminal 30 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone operated by sales personnel responsible for taking orders for printed products. The sales terminal 30 can execute applications available through the information processing system 1. The sales terminal 30 can acquire and process various information sent from the management server 10, printing-related equipment 50, manufacturing terminal 70, and external sources. Furthermore, the sales terminal 30 can send various information to the management server 10, printing-related equipment 50, manufacturing terminal 70, and external sources.

[0064] For example, the sales terminal 30 accepts order information for printed products and inputs information related to the specifications of the printed products that have been ordered. The information related to the specifications of the printed products input through the sales terminal 30 includes confirmed information related to confirmed specifications and unconfirmed information related to unconfirmed specifications.

[0065] Additionally, the sales terminal 30 displays the process management screen generated by the management server 10 on a monitor or similar display unit. The process management screen displayed on the monitor or similar display unit shows both confirmed and uncertain information. The confirmed and uncertain information are displayed for each process in a discriminative manner on the process management screen.

[0066] Furthermore, depending on the degree of impact caused by the undetermined specifications, the sales terminal 30 outputs warning displays, warning sounds, and warning audio. Details regarding the structure and processing of the sales terminal 30 will be described later.

[0067] (50 printing-related equipment, etc.)

[0068] The printing-related equipment 50 refers to various devices such as printing apparatus and binding machines operated by the manufacturing manager involved in the production of printed products. The printing-related equipment 50 manages the production process through the information processing system 1. The printing-related equipment 50 can acquire various information sent from the management server 10, the manufacturing terminal 70, and external sources, and perform various processes related to the production of printed products. Furthermore, the printing-related equipment 50 can send various information related to the production of printed products to the management server 10, the manufacturing terminal 70, and external sources.

[0069] For example, the printing-related equipment 50 operates itself based on control information sent from the manufacturing terminal 70 and information directly input into its own equipment. Additionally, the printing-related equipment 50 obtains its own operating status and other information as device information and sends it to the management server 10. Furthermore, details regarding the structure and processing of the printing-related equipment 50 will be described later.

[0070] (Manufacturing Terminal 70)

[0071] Manufacturing terminal 70 is an information processing device operated by the manufacturing manager involved in the production of printed products to manage the processes required for manufacturing. It consists of a personal computer, tablet computer, smartphone, etc. Manufacturing terminal 70 can execute applications available through information processing system 1. Manufacturing terminal 70 can acquire and process various information sent from management server 10, sales terminals 30, printing-related equipment 50, and external sources. Furthermore, manufacturing terminal 70 can send various information to management server 10, sales terminals 30, printing-related equipment 50, and external sources.

[0072] For example, the manufacturing terminal 70 displays the process management screen generated by the management server 10 on a monitor or similar display unit. The process management screen displayed on the monitor or similar display unit shows both confirmed and uncertain information. The confirmed and uncertain information are displayed for each process in a discriminative manner on the process management screen.

[0073] Additionally, for example, manufacturing terminal 70 accepts input of manufacturing manager information and sends the input manufacturing manager information to management server 10. Additionally, for example, manufacturing terminal 70 accepts input of consumable information and sends the input consumable information to management server 10.

[0074] Additionally, for example, the manufacturing terminal 70 outputs warning displays, warning sounds, and warning audio based on the degree of impact caused by the undetermined specifications. Furthermore, details regarding the structure and processing of the manufacturing terminal 70 will be described later.

[0075] The structure of the information processing system 1 described above is an example; as long as the information processing system 1 as a whole possesses the function to perform the aforementioned processing, it is sufficient. Therefore, some or all of the functions for performing the aforementioned processing can be distributed within the information processing system 1, or they can be performed collaboratively. That is, some or all of the functions of the management server 10 constituting the information processing system 1 can be assigned to other information processing devices, or some or all of the functions of other information processing devices can be assigned to the management server 10. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each information processing device, such as the management server 10 constituting the information processing system 1, can be transferred to other servers, etc., not shown. As a result, processing as a whole of the information processing system 1 can be facilitated, and processing can also be supplemented.

[0076] <Hardware Structure>

[0077] (Hardware structure of the management server)

[0078] Figure 2 It indicates composition Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the management server 10 of the information processing system 1.

[0079] The management server 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a display unit 16. These units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, etc.

[0080] The control unit 11 is a processor that controls the functions of the server 10 by executing various software such as the OS (basic software) and application software. The control unit 11 is, for example, composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 12 is a storage area that stores various software programs and the data used for their execution, and is used as a working area during computation. The memory 12 is, for example, composed of RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0081] Storage unit 13 is a storage area for storing input data to various software programs and output data from various software programs. Storage unit 13 may be constructed, for example, of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), semiconductor memory, etc., used for storing programs, various setting data, etc. Storage unit 13 is equipped with databases for storing various types of information. For example, storage unit 13 may contain databases storing information related to the specifications of printed products, databases storing order information, and databases storing confirmed information related to the specifications of manufactured printed products. Additionally, storage unit 13 may contain databases storing unconfirmed information related to the specifications of manufactured printed products, databases storing device information, and databases storing information about the manufacturing manager, etc.

[0082] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data via network 90 with the sales terminal 30, printing-related equipment 50, manufacturing terminal 70, and external devices. The operation unit 15, for example, consists of a software keyboard, mechanical buttons, switches, etc., and accepts input operations. The operation unit 15 also includes a contact sensor integrated with the display unit 16 to form a touch panel. The display unit 16 consists of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc., for displaying information, and displays images, text, and other data. For example, the display unit 16 displays icons composed of images and text in the display area.

[0083] (Hardware structure of sales terminals 30, printing-related equipment 50, and manufacturing terminals 70)

[0084] The hardware structures of the sales terminal 30, printing-related equipment 50, and manufacturing terminal 70 are each capable of possessing the same level of hardware as... Figure 2 The management server 10 shown has the same hardware structure. That is, the sales terminal 30, printing-related equipment 50, and manufacturing terminal 70 are each capable of having the same hardware structure as... Figure 2 The control unit 11 to the display unit 16 have the same functions as the control unit, memory, storage unit, communication unit, operation unit, and display unit. Therefore, illustrations and descriptions of the hardware structure of the sales terminal 30, printing-related equipment 50, and manufacturing terminal 70 are omitted.

[0085] <Functional Structure>

[0086] (Functional structure of the control unit 11 of the management server 10)

[0087] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the control unit 11 of the management server 10.

[0088] In the control unit 11 of the management server 10, the acquisition unit 111, management unit 112, specific unit 113, generation unit 114 and transmission control unit 115 perform their functions.

[0089] The acquisition unit 111 acquires various types of information. For example, it acquires various types of information sent from the sales terminal 30, printing-related equipment 50, and the manufacturing terminal 70. Information sent from the sales terminal 30 may include, for example, order information, confirmation information related to specifications, and uncertain information. Information sent from the printing-related equipment 50 may include, for example, equipment information. Information sent from the manufacturing terminal 70 may include, for example, manufacturing manager information and consumable information.

[0090] Management Department 112 in Storage Department 13 (see reference) Figure 2 The database stores and manages various information. For example, the management department 112 stores and manages information related to the specifications of printed products, order information, confirmed information, unconfirmed information, equipment information, manufacturing manager information, and consumable information in the database respectively.

[0091] The Specific Unit 113 performs specific analysis based on various information acquired and managed. For example, based on order information, specification-related information, equipment information, manufacturing supervisor information, and consumable information stored in and managed in a database, the Specific Unit 113 analyzes the current status of any undetermined specifications for each process. Furthermore, for example, the Specific Unit 113 analyzes the impact of undetermined specifications for each process based on the order information, specification-related information, equipment information, manufacturing supervisor information, and consumable information. Furthermore, the Specific Unit 113 assesses the degree of impact caused by the undetermined specifications.

[0092] Additionally, for example, the specific unit 113 specifies the current status of the order information based on the order information. Additionally, for example, the specific unit 113 specifies the current status of the consumable information based on the consumable information. Additionally, for example, the specific unit 113 specifies the current status of the manufacturing manager information based on the manufacturing manager information. Additionally, for example, the specific unit 113 specifies the status of the steps up to the determination of the printed product's specifications based on the order information, specification-related information, device information, manufacturing manager information, and consumable information.

[0093] The generation unit 114 generates a process management screen. Specifically, the generation unit 114 generates a process management screen to be displayed on the respective display units of the sales terminal 30 and the manufacturing terminal 70 based on various information specific to the specific unit 113. Furthermore, specific examples of the process management screen generated by the generation unit 114 will be referred to later. Figures 10 to 16 To narrate.

[0094] The transmission control unit 115 transmits via the communication unit 14 (see reference). Figure 2 The transmission control unit 115 controls the transmission of various information. Specifically, it controls the transmission of various information to the sales terminal 30, printing-related equipment 50, and manufacturing terminal 70. For example, the transmission control unit 115 controls the transmission of control information for displaying the generated process management screen to the sales terminal 30 and manufacturing terminal 70, respectively. Additionally, for example, the transmission control unit 115 controls the transmission of control information for outputting preset warnings to the sales terminal 30 and manufacturing terminal 70, respectively.

[0095] <Specific examples>

[0096] (Specific examples of printed product specifications)

[0097] Figure 4 It indicates composition Figure 1 The diagram shows specific examples of the specifications of printed products manufactured by 50 companies, including the information processing system 1 and printing-related equipment.

[0098] exist Figure 4 The image shows a specific example of information related to the specifications of printed products, stored and managed in a database. For example... Figure 4 As shown, information related to the specifications of printed products is managed by classifying them into "Specification Category (1)" as a major category, "Specification Category (2)" as a medium category, and "Specification Category (3)" as a minor category.

[0099] In “Specification Category (1)”, there are “Design”, “Size”, “Paper”, “Color Mode”, “Printing Method”, “Retouching / Finishing”, “Quantity”, “Delivery Date”, “Budget” and “Order Acceptance Method”. In “Specification Category (2)”, for example, “Design” in “Specification Category (1)”, there are “Original”, “Component”, “Design”, “Correction” and “Orientation”. Furthermore, in “Specification Category (3)”, for example, “Design” in “Specification Category (2)”, there are “Background”, “Text”, “Image”, “Illustration”, “Chart” and “Table”. In addition, other specific examples of “Specification Category (2)” and “Specification Category (3)”, such as Figure 4 As shown.

[0100] (Specific examples of the processes required for manufacturing printed products)

[0101] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating specific examples of the processes required to manufacture printed products.

[0102] exist Figure 5The diagram illustrates the six processes required for manufacturing printed products: "production," "pre-pressing," "plate making," "printing," "processing," and "distribution," performed in that order. Additionally, in... Figure 5 The diagram shows the manufacturing terminals 70-1 to 70-6, each operated by the manufacturing supervisors 20-1 to 20-6 responsible for each process. Furthermore, in... Figure 5 The diagram shows six steps, but this is just an example; the number of steps can be less than six or more.

[0103] In addition, Figure 5 The diagram shows printing-related equipment 50 operated by manufacturing managers 20-1 to 20-6, a sales manager 40 who handles order processing for printed products manufactured by the printing-related equipment 50, and a sales terminal 30 operated by the sales manager 40. Furthermore, the sales terminal 30, the printing-related equipment 50, and the manufacturing terminals 70-1 to 70-6 are connected to the management server 10 via a network 90 (not shown) (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0104] (A specific example representing the current state of the steps leading up to the determination of the specifications of the printed product)

[0105] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the current state of the steps leading up to the determination of the "original" in the specifications of the manufactured printed product.

[0106] exist Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a specific example of the current state of the steps leading up to the determination of the "original" in the specifications of the manufactured printed product. As described above... Figure 4 As shown, the "original" in the specifications of printed products is a specification that is classified into "specification category (2)" of "design" under "specification category (1)". Figure 6 The document shows eight states as the current status of the steps leading up to the finalization of the "original" in the specifications of the printed product: "Original Writing", "Received", "First Proofreading", "First Proofreading Return", "Second Proofreading", "Second Proofreading Return", "Final Proofreading", and "Proofreading Completed / Printing Completed".

[0107] exist Figure 6In the eight statuses shown, "Manuscript Received" involves the delivery of the original manuscript. "Initial Proofreading" involves confirmation based on a trial print for initial approval. "Initial Proofreading Return" provides correction instructions for the initial proofreading. "Second Proofreading" involves a corrected print run after the initial proofreading. "Second Proofreading Return" provides further correction instructions. "Second Proofreading" and "Second Proofreading Return" are sometimes repeated multiple times (e.g., three, four, etc.). "Final Proofreading" involves thorough corrections. Finally, in "Proofreading Completed / Printing Completed," no further corrections are needed, or the corrections have already been reflected.

[0108] like Figure 6 As shown, until eight states have passed, the "original" specification of the manufactured printed product is managed as "undetermined." That is, it is managed as "undetermined information" related to undetermined specifications. Conversely, after eight states have passed, the "original" specification of the manufactured printed product is managed as "determined." That is, it is managed as "determined information" related to determined specifications. Furthermore, in Figure 6 The diagram shows eight states, but this is just an example; the number of states can be less than eight or more.

[0109] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the current state of the steps leading up to determining the "number of copies (quantity)" in the specifications of the manufactured printed product.

[0110] exist Figure 7 The diagram shows a specific example of the current state of the steps leading up to determining the "number of copies (quantity)" in the specifications of the manufactured printed product. As described above... Figure 4 As shown, the "number of copies (quantity)" in the specifications of printed products is a specification that is classified into "specification category (2)" of "quantity" in "specification category (1)". Figure 7 The status, representing the current steps up to determining the "number of copies (quantity)" in the specifications of the printed product, is shown in four states: "Estimated", "Under Review", "Budget Confirmed", and "Approved / Not Approved".

[0111] exist Figure 7 In the four states shown, the "Estimation" state is used to input the estimated number of parts (quantity) to be manufactured when the order is received. Additionally, in "Confirmation," the suitability of the manufacturing quantity (quantity) is confirmed. Furthermore, in "Budget Confirmation," the budget is approved. Finally, in "Approval / Disapproval," the approval decision is made.

[0112] like Figure 7As shown, until four states have passed, the "number of copies (quantity)" in the specifications of the manufactured printed product is managed as "undetermined." That is, it is managed as "undetermined information" related to undetermined specifications. Conversely, when four states have passed, the "number of copies (quantity)" in the specifications of the manufactured printed product is managed as "determined." That is, it is managed as "determined information" related to determined specifications. Furthermore, in Figure 7 The diagram shows four states, but this is just an example; the number of states can be less than four or more.

[0113] (A specific example of the relationship between the orderer and the recipient of printed products)

[0114] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the relationship between the orderer and the recipient of printed products.

[0115] like Figure 8 As shown, the customer, as the orderer of the printed products, prepares a "Requirement Specification Sheet" (Step 11) detailing the specifications of the printed products they wish to manufacture, and presents it to the sales manager of the order-taking department (Step 12). The sales manager confirms the contents of the presented "Requirement Specification Sheet" (Step 21) and presents an "Estimated Specification Sheet" (Step 22) to the relevant departments (design department, pre-press department, sales department, etc.) for preparing a quote. Afterwards, the sales manager prepares a "Quote" (Step 23) based on the responses from the relevant departments and presents it to the customer (Step 24).

[0116] The customer confirms the contents of the provided "Quote" (Step 13), creates an "Order Form" (Step 14), and presents it to the sales manager of the receiving department (Step 15). Based on the provided "Order Form," the sales manager creates a "Manufacturing Instruction" to instruct on the production of the ordered printed products and a "Design Instruction" to instruct on the design of the ordered printed products (Steps 25, 26). Then, the sales manager presents the created "Manufacturing Instruction" and "Design Instruction" to the sales department and design department respectively (Steps 27, 28).

[0117] In the sales department that received the "Manufacturing Instructions," the contents of the "Manufacturing Instructions" are confirmed (step 29), and manufacturing instructions are given based on the "Manufacturing Instructions" (step 30). Meanwhile, in the design department that received the "Design Instructions," the contents of the "Design Instructions" are confirmed (step 31), and a design is created based on the "Design Instructions" (step 32). Then, the design is presented to the sales department (step 33). The sales manager of the sales department confirms the presented design (step 34) and presents the design to the customer (step 35). The customer who received the design confirms its contents (step 16). Steps 34, 35, and 16 are steps for determining the "original artwork" in the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured, and include the above. Figure 6 The steps for the eight states shown.

[0118] Based on the customer's confirmed design, the sales manager of the sales department creates a "plate-making instruction" (step 36) for making the plates used in offset printing and presents this "plate-making instruction" to the pre-pressing department (step 37). In the pre-pressing department, printing data is created by performing pre-pressing processing based on the presented "plate-making instruction" (step 38), and this data is presented to the sales department (step 39). In the sales department, where the printing data has been presented from the pre-pressing department, the sales manager confirms the content (step 40) and, as a print job, presents the printing data to the sales department (step 41).

[0119] (A specific example of a method for managing the current status of printed product specifications)

[0120] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a method for managing the current status of steps up to the determination of the specifications of the manufactured printed product.

[0121] exist Figure 9 The document shows a specific example of a table (hereinafter referred to as the "Specification Management Table") that manages the current status of each step up to the determination of the specifications of the manufactured printed product. The Specification Management Table manages the current status of each "specification" of the printed product, including its "status," "determined / undetermined," and "whether there have been changes."

[0122] For example, the current status of the "Original" in the "Specifications" section of a printed product can be managed by setting the "Status" to "Re-proofreading and Re-submission (6 / 9)," "Confirmed / Unconfirmed" to "Unconfirmed," and "No Changes" to "No Changes." That is, the "Status" is set to "Re-proofreading and Re-submission" (see...). Figure 6Specifically, this indicates reaching level 6 out of 9. Additionally, "Confirm / Unconfirmed" indicates an "Unconfirmed" status because the "Status" is still "Revised and Returned," meaning the specifications are not yet finalized. Furthermore, "No Changes" indicates "No Changes," meaning there is no possibility of specification changes.

[0123] Additionally, for example, the current status of the "Quantity (Copies)" in the "Specifications" of printed products can be managed by setting the "Status" to "Budget Confirmed (3 / 5)," "Confirmed / Unconfirmed" to "Unconfirmed," and "Changed" to "Changed." That is, the "Status" is set to "Budget Confirmed" (see [reference]). Figure 7 Specifically, "Level 3 out of 5" indicates that the budget has been confirmed (e.g., 3 out of 5 people who confirmed the budget have completed the confirmation). Additionally, "Confirmed / Unconfirmed" indicates an "Unconfirmed" status because the "Status" is still "Budget Confirmed," meaning the specifications are not yet determined. Furthermore, "Changes or No Changes" indicates a "Changes" status, meaning there is a possibility of future changes to the specifications. That is, it indicates that the number of copies (quantity) may change in the future.

[0124] Additionally, for example, the current status of "Retouching / Processing," "Delivery Date," and "Delivery Method" in the "Specifications" of printed products can be managed by setting "Status" to "Completed," "Confirmed / Unconfirmed" to "Confirmed," and "No Changes" to "No Changes." That is, this indicates that these specifications are finalized and are managed as definitive information indicating that there is no possibility of future changes.

[0125] (Specific examples of warnings)

[0126] Figure 10 (A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating specific examples of warnings issued based on the degree of impact caused by the undetermined specifications of printed products.

[0127] For example, if the manufacturing plan for printed products has already been approved, warnings corresponding to the scheduled start time of each manufacturing process can be displayed. Figure 10 In (A), as a specific example, an example is shown where the way the process is displayed on the process management screen changes according to the remaining time until the scheduled start time of manufacturing for each process.

[0128] exist Figure 10In the example shown in (A), the display is divided into four levels, from the lowest level to the highest. For example, when the remaining time until the scheduled start time of each process is "3 days", it becomes the lowest level of warning. When the remaining time until the scheduled start time of each process is "1 day", it becomes the second lowest level of warning. When the remaining time until the scheduled start time of each process is "half a day", it becomes the second highest level of warning. Finally, when the remaining time until the scheduled start time of each process is "30 minutes", it becomes the highest level of warning.

[0129] exist Figure 10 In (B), the above is shown. Figure 10 The example illustrated in (A) shows a difference in warning color representation corresponding to the remaining time until the predetermined start time of manufacturing, applied to an example indicating the current state of the steps up to the determination of the printed product's specifications. Figure 10 In the example shown in (B), the states representing the current status of the steps up to the point where the "original" in the specifications of the printed product is determined are "first proofreading / first proofreading return", "second proofreading / second proofreading return", "final proofreading" and "proofreading completed / printing completed".

[0130] For example, if there are "3 days" remaining until the scheduled start time of manufacturing, the display methods for "Initial Proofreading / Initial Proofreading Return," "Second Proofreading / Second Proofreading Return," "Final Proofreading," and "Proofreading Completed / Printing Completed" are all the lowest level of warning. Conversely, if there are "1 day" remaining until the scheduled start time of manufacturing, the "Initial Proofreading / Initial Proofreading Return" display method becomes the second lowest level of warning. In contrast, the "Second Proofreading / Second Proofreading Return," "Final Proofreading," and "Proofreading Completed / Printing Completed" display methods remain the lowest level of warning.

[0131] Furthermore, for example, if the remaining time until the scheduled start time of manufacturing is "half a day," the "First Proof / First Proof Return" display becomes the highest level of warning. The "Second Proof / Second Proof Return" display becomes the second highest level of warning. In contrast, the "Final Proof" and "Proofreading Completed / Printing Completed" displays remain the lowest level of warning.

[0132] Furthermore, for example, if the remaining time until the scheduled start time of manufacturing is "30 minutes", the display methods "First Proof / First Proof Return" and "Second Proof / Second Proof Return" become the highest level of warning. The display method "Final Proof" becomes the second highest level of warning. In contrast, the display method "Proofreading Completed / Printing Completed" remains the lowest level of warning.

[0133] (Specific examples of certain and uncertain information displayed in a discernible manner)

[0134] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing specific examples of confirmed and uncertain information displayed in a discernible manner on the process management screen.

[0135] In the area enclosed by the dotted line 100 on the process management screen, as an example of the specifications of the printed product, an icon 101 representing "original" as uncertain information and an icon 102 representing "delivery date" as certain information are displayed in a discernible manner. Specifically, the icon 101 representing "original" as uncertain information is transparent (i.e., colorless), while the icon 102 representing "delivery date" as certain information is opaque (i.e., colored).

[0136] Additionally, in the area enclosed by the dotted line 200 below the icon 101 representing the "original manuscript" as uncertain information, icons 201 to 204 are displayed indicating the current status of the steps up to the point where the "original manuscript" as uncertain information is confirmed. Specifically, icons 201 representing "initial proofreading / initial proofreading return", 202 representing "further proofreading / further proofreading return", 203 representing "final proofreading", and 204 representing "proofreading completed / printing completed" are displayed.

[0137] Here, in Figure 11 The above-mentioned method is applied to icons 201 to 204 shown. Figure 10 The display method of (B) is set to "30 minutes" for the remaining time until the scheduled start time of manufacturing. In this case, as... Figure 11 As shown, the display methods for icons 201 (indicating "initial proofreading / initial proofreading return") and 202 (indicating "further proofreading / further proofreading return") represent the highest level of warning. The display method for icon 203 (indicating "final proofreading") represents the second lowest level of warning. The display method for icon 204 (indicating "proofreading complete / printing complete") represents the lowest level of warning.

[0138] (Specific examples of information related to the impact of undetermined specifications)

[0139] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the workflow in the process management screen.

[0140] In the process management screen, for example, it displays something like... Figure 12 and Figure 13 Each is shown as a workflow for manufacturing printed products. The workflows include those that visualize the correspondence between component groups and processes, depending on the type of printed product being manufactured, and those that visualize the correspondence between lists of one or more printed products being manufactured, component groups, and processes.

[0141] exist Figure 12 The document illustrates a specific example of a workflow that visualizes the correspondence between component groups and processes, depending on the type of printed product being manufactured. Furthermore, in... Figure 12 In the workflow shown, the printed product is designated as "binding". Figure 12 In the left-hand area 300 of the workflow diagram, icons 301 to 312 representing the various components being manufactured and bound are listed vertically. Additionally, in the right-hand area 400 of the workflow diagram, icons 401 to 406 representing each step are displayed in chronological order. Furthermore, area 400 is displayed based on the premise that time flows from left to right in a left-right direction.

[0142] Here, for example, the specifications of the original manuscript for the manufactured "cover" are set to be undetermined. In this case, in area 300, icons 309 to 311 representing each of the binding components related to the "cover," namely "cover," "cover_Front_1," and "cover_Front_2," are displayed in a discernible manner. Furthermore, in Figure 12 In the example, icons 309 to 311 are colored so that they can be identified. Furthermore, in area 400, a region with a dashed line 410 is displayed that surrounds the process affected by the undetermined specifications of the original "cover".

[0143] In this case, for processes not enclosed by the dotted line 410, the lack of a defined cover document specification does not significantly affect production, and manufacturing can commence. Conversely, for processes contained within the area enclosed by the dotted line 410, production cannot begin. The manufacturing supervisor observes... Figure 12 The workflow shown involves simultaneously identifying and confirming processes that cannot begin manufacturing due to the undetermined specifications of the original "cover" manuscript, and processes that can begin manufacturing even if the specifications of the original "cover" manuscript are undetermined.

[0144] exist Figure 13The document illustrates a specific example of a workflow that visualizes the correspondence between lists of manufactured printed products, component groups, and processes. Furthermore, in... Figure 13 The workflow shown is designed to manage processes that receive orders for seven or more types of printed products. Figure 13 In the upper area 500 of the workflow diagram, information on each of the manufactured printed products 501 to 507 is displayed at a glance. Additionally, in the lower left area 600 of the workflow, icons 601 to 605 representing the components of the manufactured printed products are listed vertically. Furthermore, in the lower center area 610 of the workflow, icons 611 to 618 representing each process are displayed in chronological order. Moreover, area 610 is designed to display information based on the time flow from left to right in a left-right direction.

[0145] Here, for example, an operation is performed to select printed product 501 from the printed products 501 to 507 displayed in area 500. Thus, as... Figure 13 As shown, the display method of the entire area representing the information of the selected printed product 501 has changed. Furthermore, in Figure 13 In the example, the entire area representing information about printed product 501 is colored, making it discernible. Additionally, in area 610, the processes required to manufacture the printed product 501 selected in area 500 are visualized. At this time, if the specifications of the selected printed product 501 are not yet determined, icons representing the processes affected by the undetermined specifications are displayed in a discernible manner. Furthermore, in Figure 13 In the example, icon 620, representing the process affected by the undetermined specifications, is colored so that it becomes identifiable.

[0146] In this case, for the process where the icon is not colored, manufacturing can begin since it is not particularly affected even though the specifications of the selected printed product 501 are not yet determined. In contrast, manufacturing cannot begin for the process involving icon 620. The manufacturing supervisor observes... Figure 13 The workflow shown involves determining which processes cannot begin manufacturing due to incomplete specifications of printed product 501, and which can begin manufacturing even if some specifications of printed product 501 are incomplete, while simultaneously confirming the sequential relationship between processes. Furthermore, although not illustrated, [the following is unclear due to incomplete documentation / information]. Figure 13 In the example above, it is also similar to the above. Figure 12 Similarly, icons representing parts with undefined specifications are colored to make them identifiable.

[0147] (Specific example of a schedule management screen)

[0148] Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the schedule management screen within the process management screen.

[0149] In the process management screen, for example, including such Figure 14 The screen shown displays the schedule management for 50 items, including printing-related equipment. Figure 14 In the upper area 700 of the schedule management screen shown, icons representing each of the multiple printed products manufactured are displayed in a list along the left and right direction.

[0150] Additionally, in area 710 at the bottom left of the schedule management screen, icons representing printing-related equipment 50-1 to 50-6 are displayed in a vertical list. Furthermore, in area 720 to its right, schedules related to the operation of each of the printing-related equipment 50-1 to 50-6 are displayed in chronological order. Moreover, area 720 is a display based on the premise that time flows from left to right in a horizontal direction, and the solid line 730 extending vertically indicates the current time.

[0151] The multiple segments shown in area 720 represent the respective tasks performed by each of the printing-related equipment 50-1 to 50-6. The length in the left-right direction of each of the multiple segments representing the task represents the running time of each of the printing-related equipment 50-1 to 50-6. In addition, each of the multiple segments representing the task is marked with information such as a number (e.g., ID) that can uniquely identify the manufactured printed product, and the scheduled start time of manufacturing, as part of the task content.

[0152] Here, for example, it is assumed that the scheduled start time for manufacturing of printing-related equipment 50-5 is affected because the specifications of a portion of the printed products being manufactured are not yet determined. In this case, the icon representing the printed product whose specifications are not yet determined is displayed in the icons of each of the multiple printed products displayed in area 700 in a discernible manner. Furthermore, in... Figure 14 In the example, the icon 701, which represents a portion of the printed product whose specifications are not yet determined, is marked with a warning label 702, thus making it possible to identify.

[0153] Furthermore, in area 720, the section indicating operations that cannot begin manufacturing at the scheduled start time due to incomplete specifications, and the section indicating operations required for the manufacture of other printed products affected by these operations, are displayed in a manner distinguishable from the section indicating other operations. Additionally, in Figure 14In the example, section 721, indicating that manufacturing cannot begin at the scheduled start time due to undetermined specifications, is colored and marked with a warning label 722. Additionally, sections 723 and 724, indicating manufacturing operations required for other printed products affected by undetermined specifications, are also colored, making them easily identifiable.

[0154] When a selection is made, it will be displayed. Figure 14 When operating on the schedule management screen, where multiple icons represent printed products, and specifically on the icon representing a single printed product, the section representing 50 operations, including printing-related equipment running to manufacture that printed product, is extracted and displayed. Specifically, such as... Figure 15 As shown, sections other than those representing the extracted jobs are not displayed. Figure 15 The image shows a specific example of the section that is displayed (i.e., not hidden but retained) when performing an operation to select an icon representing a printed product.

[0155] exist Figure 15 In the upper area 700 of the schedule management screen shown, an icon 703 representing a printed product is displayed. Icon 703 is displayed in the aforementioned... Figure 14 In the upper area 700 of the schedule management screen shown, among the icons representing multiple printed products, the icon 703 representing one printed product is selected by the manufacturing manager. Additionally, in... Figure 15 In the lower area 710 of the schedule management screen shown, there are sections 725, 726 and 723 that represent the respective operations of printing-related equipment 50-1, 50-4 and 50-5 that are running in order to produce a selected printed product.

[0156] Here, in sections 725, 726, and 723 representing the operations of printing-related equipment 50-1, 50-4, and 50-5 respectively, section 723 representing the operation of printing-related equipment 50-5 is colored. (See reference...) Figure 14 As mentioned above, this indicates that the operation was affected by the undetermined specifications of other printed products. The manufacturing supervisor observed... Figure 15 The schedule management screen shown displays and confirms sections of work affected by the undetermined specifications of other printed products, categorized by each printed product.

[0157] In addition, Figure 14 and Figure 15 The example shown is an example of a section displaying the operation of printing-related equipment 50, etc., for manufacturing one of a plurality of printed products, selected from multiple printed products; however, it is not limited to this. For example, a section could also be shown representing the operation of printing-related equipment 50, etc., for manufacturing each of the selected plurality of printed products.

[0158] (Specific examples of printed product management)

[0159] Figure 16 This is a specific example of a product overview screen in the process management interface.

[0160] In the process management screen, for example, it includes... Figure 16 The image shows a product overview screen that lists printed products vertically. In area 800 of the product overview screen, each row represents one printed product, and various information is associated with each printed product. For example, in... Figure 16 In the product overview screen shown, printed products 801 to 821 are associated with the printing group ID, printing sequence, scheduled completion date and time, product ID, customer name, product name, warning, component group name, printing process name, status, and grouping condition name, respectively.

[0161] The "Warning" information associated with each printed product indicates that the product is affected due to the undetermined specifications of other printed products. The corresponding printed product is marked with a warning label. Furthermore, in Figure 16 In the examples, each of printed products 801, 803, and 807 is marked with warning labels 831 to 833. The manufacturing supervisor observes... Figure 16 The product overview shown confirms that printed products 801, 803, and 807 are affected because the specifications of other printed products were not finalized.

[0162] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0163] The above description of this embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the effects of this invention are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. For example, Figure 1 The structure of the information processing system 1 shown is as follows: Figure 2 The hardware structure of the management server 10 shown is merely an illustration for achieving the purpose of this invention and is not particularly limited. Furthermore, Figure 3 The functional structure of the management server 10 shown is merely an example and is not specifically limited. As long as... Figure 1 The information processing system 1 only needs to have the function of performing the above-mentioned processing as a whole, and the functional structure used to achieve this function is not limited to... Figure 3 Examples. Additionally, Figures 4 to 16 The specific examples shown are merely illustrative and not particularly limiting. Furthermore, this invention can also be applied to programs and program products.

[0164] (Postscript) (((1)))

[0166] An information processing system, characterized in that,

[0167] Equipped with one or more processors

[0168] The one or more processors

[0169] Obtain definitive information related to established specifications and indeterminate information related to undetermined specifications, as information relating to the specifications of the manufactured printed products.

[0170] In the screen that manages the processes required for manufacturing the printed product, the determined information and the uncertain information are displayed for each process in a discriminative manner. (((2)))

[0172] According to the information processing system described in ((1)), it is characterized in that,

[0173] The one or more processors cause the current status of the undetermined specification to be displayed as the undetermined information. (((3)))

[0175] According to the information processing system described in ((2)), wherein,

[0176] The one or more processors display the current status of one or more of the following information: order information related to receiving orders for the printed product, device information related to the apparatus used to manufacture the printed product, consumable information related to consumables used in the apparatus, and manufacturing supervisor information related to the person responsible for manufacturing the printed product for each of the said processes. (((4)))

[0178] The information processing system according to ((2)) or ((3)) is characterized in that,

[0179] The one or more processors display the current status of the steps up to the point where the specifications are determined. (((5)))

[0181] The information processing system according to any one of ((2)))~((4))) is characterized in that,

[0182] In addition to displaying the current status, the one or more processors also display information related to the impact of undetermined specifications. (((6)))

[0184] According to the information processing system described in (5), it is characterized in that,

[0185] The one or more processors are used in multiple processes of manufacturing the printed product to display information related to the impact of the impact on the affected processes. (((7)))

[0187] According to the information processing system described in (5), it is characterized in that,

[0188] The one or more processors cause other printed products different from the printed product that are affected by the effect to be displayed as information related to the effect. (((8)))

[0190] According to the information processing system described in ((7)), it is characterized in that,

[0191] The one or more processors are also used to display the affected processes in the multiple processes of manufacturing the affected printed products. ((9)))

[0193] According to the information processing system described in (8), it is characterized in that,

[0194] The one or more processors, on terminals operated by personnel responsible for the affected processes, enable the display of the determined information and the uncertain information in a discriminative manner, and on terminals operated by personnel responsible for processes not affected, prevent the display of the determined information and the uncertain information in a discriminative manner. (((10)))

[0196] According to the information processing system described in (5), it is characterized in that,

[0197] The one or more processors output pre-set warnings based on the degree of the impact. (((11)))

[0199] A program that enables a computer to perform the following functions:

[0200] Obtain definitive information relating to established specifications and indeterminate information relating to indeterminate specifications, as information relating to the specifications of the manufactured printed products; and

[0201] In the screen that manages the processes required for manufacturing the printed product, the determined information and the uncertain information are displayed for each process in a discriminative manner.

[0202] According to (((1)), even if part of the specifications of the printed product is not determined, the order taker can determine whether to start the process required for manufacturing the printed product.

[0203] According to ((2)), the order taker can determine whether to start the manufacturing process required for printing the product based on the current status of the undetermined specifications.

[0204] According to ((3)), as the current status of the undetermined specifications, the order taker can determine whether to start the process required for the production of the printed product based on the current status of one or more of the following information: order information, equipment information, consumable information, and manufacturing manager information.

[0205] According to (((4)), as the current status of the undetermined specifications, the order taker can determine whether to start the process required for the production of the printed product based on the current status of the steps up to the determination of the specifications.

[0206] According to ((5)), the person receiving the order can determine whether to start the process required for the production of the printed product.

[0207] According to (6), the order taker can determine whether to start the processes required for printing the product manufacturing based on the processes affected by the undetermined specifications.

[0208] According to ((7)), the order taker can determine whether to start the necessary processes for manufacturing the printed product based on other printed products that are affected by the undetermined specifications.

[0209] According to (8), the order taker can control the processes of other printed products that are affected by the undetermined specifications.

[0210] According to (9), the situation of being troubled by useless information can be suppressed.

[0211] According to (((10)), the manufacturing manager can grasp the extent of the impact caused by the undetermined specifications.

[0212] According to ((11)), even if part of the specifications of the printed product is not determined, the order taker can determine whether to start the process required for manufacturing the printed product.

Claims

1. An information processing system characterized by comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors acquiring, as information about a specification of a manufactured printed product, determined information about a determined specification and undetermined information about an undetermined specification, displaying the determined information and the undetermined information in a discriminable manner per each process required for the manufacturing of the printed product in a screen that manages the processes.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors display a current state of the undetermined specification as the undetermined information.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the one or more processors display a current state of one or more of order information about an order of the printed product, device information about a device used for the manufacturing of the printed product, consumable information about a consumable used in the device, and manufacturing person information about a person in charge of the manufacturing of the printed product per each of the processes.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the one or more processors display a current state of a step until the specification determination.

5. The information processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the one or more processors display, in addition to the current state, information about an influence caused by the undetermined specification.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more processors display, as the information about the influence, a process among a plurality of processes for the manufacturing of the printed product that is affected by the influence.

7. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more processors display, as the information about the influence, a printed product other than the printed product that is affected by the influence.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the one or more processors further display, as the information about the influence, a process among a plurality of processes for the manufacturing of the printed product that is affected by the influence.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the one or more processors display, in a discriminable manner, the determined information and the undetermined information at a terminal operated by a person in charge of the process affected by the influence, and do not display the determined information and the undetermined information in a discriminable manner at a terminal operated by a person in charge of a process not affected by the influence.

10. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more processors output a preset warning according to a degree of the influence. the process has 11. A program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute a process, characterized by, acquiring, as information about a specification of a manufactured printed product, determined information about a determined specification and undetermined information about an undetermined specification; and ​ In a screen for managing the processes required for manufacturing the printed product, the determined information and the undetermined information are displayed in a distinguishable manner for each of the processes.

12. An information processing method characterized by comprising: Having the processes of: acquiring determined information about a determined specification and undetermined information about an undetermined specification, as information about a specification of a manufactured printed product; and In a screen for managing the processes required for manufacturing the printed product, the determined information and the undetermined information are displayed in a distinguishable manner for each of the processes.

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