Work support device, work support method and work support program

Abstract

To make it possible to carry out flexible business transaction works while enabling business transactions at an appropriate profit margin, and in some cases, also enabling business transactions falling below a minimum profit margin.SOLUTION: A comparison unit compares a minimum profit margin of a business transaction subject stored in a memory unit with a calculated gross profit margin. When a comparison result is obtained that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin, a transaction reason input screen display control unit displays a transaction reason input screen for entering a transaction reason for carrying out a transaction that the gross profit margin is below the minimum profit margin. An approval application data generation unit generates approval application data for approval application including sales amount, cost amount, gross profit amount, gross profit margin, and transaction reason. An approval data generation unit generates approval data by adding approval information indicating whether or not the transaction is allowed, determined by an approver based on the approval application data to the approval application data. An output control unit outputs this approval data via an external device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a business support device, a business support method, and a business support program. [Background technology]

[0002] The product sales data processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 2006-072810 A) includes an allowable price reduction information storage means for storing information on the allowable price reduction for each product in association with the product code of the product. When a price reduction command is issued for a product for sale whose product code has been input, the allowable price reduction information is displayed as a selection based on the information stored in the allowable price reduction information storage means in association with the product code of the product for sale. When any of the price reduction information is selected from this price reduction information, a price reduction calculation is performed for the sales price of the product for sale in accordance with the selected price reduction information. This allows for appropriate price reduction sales to be processed with simple operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-072810 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, in order to ensure sound management, it is preferable for companies and the like to conduct business transactions with an appropriate profit margin. However, depending on the business strategy, business transactions with a profit margin below the minimum margin may be necessary.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a business support device, a business support method, and a business support program that enable flexible commercial transactions by enabling commercial transactions with an appropriate profit margin and, in some cases, by enabling commercial transactions with a profit margin below the minimum margin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the business support device of the present invention has an acquisition unit that acquires at least a sales amount and a cost amount of a commercial transaction object, a calculation unit that calculates a gross profit amount, which is the difference between the sales amount and the cost amount, and a gross profit rate, which is the ratio of the gross profit amount to the sales amount, a comparison unit that compares the calculated gross profit rate with a minimum profit rate of the commercial transaction object stored in a memory unit, and when a comparison result indicating that the gross profit rate is less than the minimum profit rate is obtained from the comparison unit, a transaction reason input screen display control unit that displays, via a display unit, a transaction reason input screen for inputting a transaction reason, which is a reason for conducting a commercial transaction in which the gross profit rate is less than the minimum profit rate, an approval request data generation unit that generates approval request data for an approval request including the sales amount, the cost amount, the gross profit amount, the gross profit rate, and the transaction reason input via the transaction reason input screen, an approval data generation unit that generates approval data in which approval information indicating whether or not the commercial transaction can be approved, which is determined by an approver based on the approval request data, is added to the approval request data, and an output control unit that controls output of the approval data generated with the approval information added via an external device.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the business support method according to the present invention includes an acquisition step in which an acquisition unit acquires at least a sales amount and a cost amount of a commercial transaction object, a calculation step in which a calculation unit calculates a gross profit amount which is the difference between the sales amount and the cost amount and a gross profit rate which is the ratio of the gross profit amount to the sales amount, a comparison step in which a comparison unit compares the calculated gross profit rate with a minimum profit rate of the commercial transaction object stored in the storage unit, and a transaction reason input screen display control unit inputs a transaction reason which is a reason for conducting a commercial transaction in which the gross profit rate is less than the minimum profit rate when a comparison result in which the gross profit rate is less than the minimum profit rate is obtained in the comparison step. the approval request data generating unit generates approval request data for an approval request including the sales amount, the cost amount, the gross profit amount, the gross profit rate, and the transaction reason input via the transaction reason input screen; an approval data generating step in which the approval data generating unit generates approval data in which approval information indicating whether or not the transaction can be approved, as determined by the approver based on the approval request data, is added to the approval request data; and an output control step in which the output control unit controls the output, via an external device, of the approval data generated with the addition of the approval information.

[0008] and an output control unit that controls the output of the approval data generated by the external device. The approval data generation unit generates approval data for approval application including the approval data, the cost amount, the gross profit amount, the gross profit amount, and the reason for the transaction input screen. The approval data generation unit generates approval data by adding approval information indicating whether the approval data is acceptable or not, which is determined by the approver based on the approval data, to the approval data. The approval data generation unit generates approval data by adding approval information indicating whether the approval data is acceptable or not, which is determined by the approver based on the approval data, to the approval data. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The present invention enables commercial transactions to be conducted at a fair profit margin, and in some cases, enables commercial transactions to be conducted at less than the minimum profit margin, thereby enabling flexible commercial transactions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a task support device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the product master. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the product number master. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transaction reason master. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the estimate input screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the estimate details input screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display form of the estimate details input screen when the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the error message screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the transaction reason search screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the quotation details input screen in a state in which the reason for the transaction has been input. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the estimate input screen on which a new record is registered. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of quotation header data constituting the quotation data. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of quotation detail data constituting the quotation data. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the unapproved list selection screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen for details of unapproved quotation data selected on the unapproved list selection screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing quotation header data in which the approval status has been input. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing quotation detail data including a commercial transaction in which the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the order input screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of order header data constituting the order data. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of order detail data constituting the order data. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the order header data constituting the order data. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of order specification data constituting the order data. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase input screen. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of purchase header data constituting the purchase data. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of purchase specification data constituting the purchase data. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the sales input screen. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of sales header data constituting the sales data. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of sales statement data constituting the sales data. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the sales performance inquiry screen. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the source of acquisition of each tally item displayed on the sales record inquiry screen. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 shows the sales performance inquiry screen in which only data on commercial transactions below the minimum profit margin is displayed. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 shows the sales record inquiry screen in a state in which only data in which the difference between the minimum profit margin and the gross profit margin is equal to or greater than a designated percentage is displayed. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining manual change of the minimum profit rate in the product type master and the product number master. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention applied to a business support device that supports commercial transactions in the electrical materials wholesale industry will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment described as an example, and may be applied to business support devices that support commercial transactions in other industries. Even in this case, the same effects can be obtained.

[0012] (overview) In the electrical materials wholesale industry, sales staff are responsible for sales from quotation to sale, and discounts are decided at the discretion of the individual staff. This has often led to the inconvenience of sales being made with low profit margins. Also, because profit checks are done after the product is sold, even if a transaction is made below the minimum profit margin, this is not noticed until after the product is sold. It is preferable for a sales staff member to notice a transaction below the minimum profit margin at the time of quotation and to review the transaction.

[0013] For this reason, the business support device according to the embodiment is capable of setting a minimum profit margin on a product type basis and / or on a part number basis in accordance with the fluctuations in the base price or cost of raw materials such as copper.

[0014] In addition, by obtaining approval from an approver for a business transaction through a workflow at the quotation stage, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of a quotation for a business transaction below a minimum profit margin being issued before the approver's approval, and to prevent the inconvenience of a low-profit business transaction being carried out at the discretion of an individual.

[0015] Furthermore, for transactions that fall below the minimum profit margin, the approver can input (select) the reason for the transaction, allowing the transaction to be carried out at his / her discretion even if the transaction falls below the minimum profit margin.

[0016] (Hardware configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the business support device 1 of the embodiment includes a storage unit 2, a control unit 3, a communication interface unit 4, and an input / output interface unit 5. An input device 6 and an output device 7 are connected to the input / output interface unit 5. The output device 7 corresponds to a display unit such as a monitor device (including a home television), a printing device, or a speaker device. The input device 6 may be a keyboard device, a mouse device, a microphone device, or a monitor device that cooperates with a mouse device to realize a pointing device function. The communication interface unit 4 is connected to a network such as a wide area network such as the Internet or a private network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0017] The storage unit 2 may be, for example, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). A business support program that supports commercial transactions taking into consideration a minimum profit margin is stored in the storage unit 2. The storage unit 2 also stores a product type master 11, a product number master 12, a transaction reason master 13, and an acquisition source table 14, which are each storage areas within the storage unit 2. The storage unit 2 also stores quotation data, order data, ordering data, purchase data, and sales data.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the product type master 11 stores a product type code, a product type name, a product type classification code, a product type classification name, and a minimum profit rate in association with each other for each product type such as lighting fixture or lamp.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the item number master 12 stores the item number code, item number name, and minimum profit rate of each of the above-mentioned types of products in association with each other.

[0020] 6, when making an estimate for a commercial transaction, the business support device 1 of the embodiment refers to the product type master 11 and the product number master 12 and displays the minimum profit margin corresponding to the commercial transaction on the estimate details input screen. As an example, when the minimum profit margin for the product to be estimated is stored in both the product type master 11 and the product number master 12, the business support device of the embodiment selects and displays the minimum profit margin in the product number master 12.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 4, the transaction reason master 13 stores options for selecting a transaction reason for conducting a business transaction below the minimum profit margin. Specifically, for a transaction reason of "due to fluctuations in raw material price", the person in charge selects a code value of "0", and for a transaction reason of "for sales promotion", the person in charge selects a code value of "1". Also, for a transaction reason of "to eliminate backlogged inventory", the person in charge selects a code value of "2", and for a transaction reason of "for test sales", the person in charge selects a code value of "3".

[0022] The acquisition source table 14 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0023] (Functional configuration of business support device) 1, the control unit 3 executes the business support program stored in the storage unit 2, thereby functioning as an acquisition unit 21, a calculation unit 22, a comparison unit 23, a display control unit 24, a data generation unit 25, and an output control unit 26. The display control unit 24 functions as a transaction reason input screen display control unit 27, a sales record inquiry screen display control unit 28, a maintenance screen display control unit 32, etc. The data generation unit 25 functions as an approval application data generation unit 29, an approval data generation unit 30, a sales data generation unit 31, an update processing unit 33, etc.

[0024] The acquisition unit 21 acquires at least the sales amount and cost price of the commercial transaction object (including services as well as products). Specifically, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the sales amount and cost price by reading them from the storage unit 2, by downloading them from a predetermined server device or the like via a network, or by manually inputting them by a person in charge.

[0025] The calculation unit 22 calculates a gross profit amount, which is the difference between the sales amount and the cost amount, and a gross profit rate, which is the ratio of the gross profit amount to the sales amount.

[0026] The comparison unit 23 compares the minimum profit margin of the commercial transaction object stored in the storage unit (the product type master 11 or the product number master 12) with the calculated gross profit margin.

[0027] When the comparison unit 23 obtains a comparison result in which the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin, the transaction reason input screen display control unit 27 displays, via the display unit (output device 7), a transaction reason input screen (see Figure 9) for inputting a transaction reason, which is the reason for conducting a commercial transaction in which the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin.

[0028] The approval request data generation unit 29 generates approval request data for approval request (pre-approval quotation data shown in Figures 12 and 13) including the sales amount, the cost amount, the gross profit amount, the gross profit rate, and the reason for the transaction input via the transaction reason input screen.

[0029] The approval data generation unit 30 generates approval data (post-approval quotation data shown in FIGS. 16 and 17) by adding approval information (approval status shown in FIG. 16) indicating whether the transaction can be permitted, which is determined by the approver based on the approval request data, to the approval request data.

[0030] The output control unit 26 controls the output of the approval data generated with the approval information added via an external device (output device 7). When the external device (output device 7) is a display device, the output control unit 26 controls the display of the approval data, and when the external device (output device 7) is a printer, the output control unit 26 controls the printing of the approval data. When the external device (output device 7) is a speaker device, the output control unit 26 controls the audio output of the approval data.

[0031] Furthermore, when the comparison unit 23 obtains a comparison result indicating that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin, the transaction reason input screen display control unit 27 displays a predetermined error message indicating that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin on the display unit (output device 7) (see FIG. 8). Then, the transaction reason input screen display control unit 27 displays the transaction reason input screen (see FIG. 9) on the display unit at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing when the OK button 51 is operated) after displaying the error message.

[0032] When the comparison unit 23 obtains a comparison result indicating that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin, the transaction reason input screen display control unit 27 displays a predetermined warning mark (for example, an exclamation mark in FIG. 7) indicating that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin in a display area within the display unit (the display area for the transaction reason in FIG. 7) that displays the transaction reason input via the transaction reason input screen (see FIG. 9).

[0033] The sales data generation unit 31 generates sales data (see Figures 27 and 28) including the sales amount, cost amount, gross profit amount, and gross profit rate of the transaction target, which corresponds to the approval data for the transaction of the specified customer, to which approval information approving the transaction has been added.

[0034] The sales record inquiry screen display control unit 28 controls the display of a sales record inquiry screen (see FIGS. 31 and 32) that displays a list of the generated sales data on the display unit.

[0035] Furthermore, the sales performance inquiry screen display control unit 28 displays a first object (the option "Display only transactions below the minimum profit margin" shown in FIG. 31) for specifying the display of the sales data corresponding to transactions below the minimum profit margin on the sales performance inquiry screen. Then, when the display of sales data corresponding to transactions below the minimum profit margin is specified via this first object, the sales performance inquiry screen display control unit 28 selectively displays a list of sales data corresponding to transactions below the minimum profit margin on the sales performance inquiry screen (see the display form in FIG. 31).

[0036] Alternatively, the sales performance inquiry screen display control unit 28 displays a second object (the option "Display only sales data where the difference between minimum profit margin and gross profit margin is ±□% or more" shown in FIG. 32) on the sales performance inquiry screen for specifying the display of sales data corresponding to commercial transactions in which the difference between the minimum profit margin and gross profit margin is a specified value, or more than the specified value, or less than the specified value. Then, when a value for the difference between the minimum profit margin and gross profit margin is specified via this second object, the sales performance inquiry screen display control unit 28 selectively displays a list of sales data corresponding to commercial transactions in which the difference between the minimum profit margin and gross profit margin is a specified value, or more than the specified value, or less than the specified value (see the display form in FIG. 32).

[0037] Furthermore, the maintenance screen display control unit 32 displays on the display unit a maintenance screen for resetting the minimum profit margin of the commercial transaction object stored in the storage unit (the product type master 11 or the product number master 12 in Figs. 2 and 3).

[0038] The update processing unit 33 updates the minimum profit margin for the commercial transaction object specified via the maintenance screen, which is stored in the memory unit (the product type master 11 or the product number master 12 in Figures 2 and 3), to the minimum profit margin specified via the maintenance screen.

[0039] (Supporting business transactions taking into account minimum profit margins) Next, the operation of supporting commercial transactions taking into consideration the minimum profit margin in the business support device 1 of the embodiment having such a configuration will be described. The control unit 3 of the business support device 1 executes the operation of supporting commercial transactions taking into consideration the minimum profit margin by functioning as the acquisition unit 21 to the sales data generation unit 31 based on the business support program stored in the storage unit 2. Note that, in this example, the operation of such business support is described as being executed by each function based on software, but the operation of some or all of the functions of the acquisition unit 21 to the sales data generation unit 31 may be executed by hardware. In either case, the same effect as that described below can be obtained.

[0040] (Quote input processing) First, prior to a business transaction, the person in charge inputs an estimate to be submitted to the customer. When inputting an estimate, the person in charge designates the display of an estimate input screen via the input device 6. When this designation operation is performed, the display control unit 24 displays the estimate input screen, an example of which is shown in FIG. 5, via the output device 7.

[0041] The person in charge inputs the estimate date, the customer code of the customer for whom the estimate is being made, and the person in charge code of the person in charge of inputting the estimate into this estimate input screen. If there is previously inputted estimate data for the customer, the display control unit 24 displays a list of the data in the details display field as shown in Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 5, there is already inputted estimate data for lighting fixture A and cable X as estimate data for customer "TOK001", so these records are displayed in a list in row order.

[0042] Next, the person in charge selects a blank line among the lines in the display column of the details shown in Fig. 5 and operates the "new line" button. When this operation is performed, the display control unit 24 displays the quotation details input screen shown in Fig. 6 via the output device 7.

[0043] In the example of Fig. 6, the record on the "third line" in the details display field shown in Fig. 5 has been selected, so the number "3" is displayed in the line number to indicate input for the third line. On this quotation details input screen, the person in charge inputs the product number code, product number name, quantity, sales price, cost price, and sales amount for the product for which an estimate is being input.

[0044] When a part number code is input, the display control unit 24 refers to the product type master 11 shown in Fig. 2 and the part number master 12 shown in Fig. 3 based on the input part number code, detects the minimum profit margin corresponding to the input part number code, and displays this in the minimum profit margin display field on the estimate details input screen. The example in Fig. 6 is an example in which the minimum profit margin of cable Y "SHO2002" is detected from the part number master 12, and this detected minimum profit margin of "15%" is displayed in the minimum profit margin display field on the estimate details input screen.

[0045] When the minimum profit margin for the product for which an estimate is being made is stored in both the product type master 11 and the item number master 12, the display control unit 24 selects and displays the minimum profit margin in the item number master 12.

[0046] Next, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the quantity, sales price, cost price, and sales amount input by the person in charge on the estimate details input screen, as shown in Fig. 7. The calculation unit 22 calculates the cost price by multiplying the acquired quantity and cost price (330 yen in the example of Fig. 7). The display control unit 24 displays the calculated cost price in the cost price display column on the estimate details input screen, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0047] The calculation unit 22 also calculates a gross profit amount, which is the difference between the sales amount entered by the person in charge and the cost amount calculated by the calculation unit 22 (30 yen in the example of FIG. 7). The display control unit 24 displays the calculated gross profit amount in the gross profit amount display field on the estimate details input screen, as shown in FIG.

[0048] The calculation unit 22 also calculates the gross profit margin by calculating "gross profit amount ÷ sales amount." The display control unit 24 displays the calculated gross profit margin (8.3% in the example of FIG. 7) in the gross profit margin display field of the estimate details input screen, as shown in FIG.

[0049] Next, when the gross profit margin and minimum profit margin, etc. are input in this manner, the person in charge operates the Confirm button 50 on the estimate details input screen shown in Fig. 7. When the Confirm button 50 is operated, the comparison unit 23 compares the minimum profit margin on the estimate details input screen with the calculated gross profit margin.

[0050] When the comparison unit 23 provides a comparison result indicating that the gross profit margin is equal to or greater than the minimum profit margin, the display control unit 24 displays a quotation input screen as shown in FIG. 11, and in this example, displays the details of the commercial transaction entered via the quotation details input screen in the record on the third line of the details display column of the quotation input screen.

[0051] On the other hand, when the comparison result obtained from the comparison unit 23 indicates that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin, the transaction reason input screen display control unit 27 displays an error message screen showing an error message such as "Below minimum profit margin" via the output device 7, as shown in Fig. 8. By seeing this error message, the person in charge recognizes that the transaction for which the quotation was made has a gross profit margin less than the minimum profit margin.

[0052] If the person in charge sees this error message and wants to reconsider the quotation, he or she operates the OK button 51 on the error message screen shown in Fig. 8, and then operates the "Close" button on the transaction reason search screen shown in Fig. 9, which is displayed. This allows the display screen to be returned to the quotation details input screen in Fig. 7, and the person in charge can re-enter the quotation, such as entering the reconsidered sales price, on this quotation details input screen.

[0053] On the other hand, if the person in charge wishes to ask the approver to approve the quotation despite the error message being displayed, the person in charge operates the OK button 51 on the error message screen shown in Fig. 8. When the OK button 51 is operated, the transaction reason input screen display control unit 27 displays the transaction reason search screen shown in Fig. 9 via the output device 7.

[0054] The person in charge specifies the transaction reason for requesting approval of a business transaction in which the gross profit margin falls below the minimum profit margin via this transaction reason search screen, and operates the Confirm button 52. In this example, it is assumed that the person in charge specifies the transaction reason "due to fluctuations in raw material price" with a code value of "0", and operates the Confirm button 52.

[0055] When the Confirm button 52 is operated, the display control unit 24 returns the display screen to the estimate details input screen as shown in Fig. 10, and in the transaction reason display field on this estimate details input screen, the code value of the transaction reason designated by the person in charge and the transaction reason "due to fluctuations in raw material price" are read out and displayed from the transaction reason master 13 in Fig. 4. This example is an example in which the code value of "0" and the transaction reason "due to fluctuations in raw material price" are displayed in the transaction reason display field.

[0056] When the person in charge views this quotation details input screen and submits an approval request to the approver based on the displayed details, the person in charge operates the Confirm button 50 shown in Fig. 10. When this Confirm button 50 is operated, the display control unit 24 returns the display screen to the quotation input screen as shown in Fig. 11, and in this example, displays the details of the commercial transaction entered via the quotation details input screen in the record on the third line of the details display column.

[0057] Furthermore, when the confirm button 50 shown in Fig. 10 is operated, the approval request data generation unit 29 generates quotation data shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 and stores it in the storage unit 2. The quotation data before the approval request to the approver functions as "approval request data."

[0058] Fig. 12 shows the quotation header data of quotation data. As shown in Fig. 12, this quotation header data is composed of quotation number, customer code, customer name, person in charge code, person in charge name, quotation date, and approval status. "Approval status" is approval information that indicates whether approval by the approver is possible or not. At this stage of approval request, approval by the approver has not been obtained, so "approval status" is null data (NULL).

[0059] Fig. 13 shows quotation detail data for quotation data. This quotation detail data includes quotation number, detail line number, product code, product name, minimum profit margin, quantity, unit price, sales amount, cost unit price, cost amount, gross profit amount, gross profit margin, and transaction reason code. The transaction reason code indicates the reason for applying for a business transaction even if the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin as described above (see Figs. 4 and 9). In the example of Fig. 13, the supplier code for cable Y, conduit X, and conduit Y is "0: due to fluctuations in raw material price."

[0060] (Approval process) Next, the approver designates the display of the unapproved list selection screen at a desired timing. When this designation is made, the display control unit 24 displays the unapproved list selection screen illustrated in Fig. 14 via the output device 7. The display control unit 24 also refers to the quotation header data illustrated in Fig. 12, extracts records whose approval status is "NULL" (=unapproved applications), and displays them in a list on the unapproved list selection screen together with a check box for each record, as illustrated in Fig. 14.

[0061] When the approver approves the transaction application of the record, he / she inputs a check mark (a tick mark) in the check box of the record to be approved and operates the Approve button 53. On the other hand, when the approver rejects the transaction application of the record, he / she inputs a check mark in the check box of the record and operates the Reject button 54.

[0062] Furthermore, when the approver wishes to review the details of the business transaction, he or she may, for example, double-click on the record. The display control unit 24 displays the quotation input screen shown in Fig. 15 based on the quotation detail data shown in Fig. 13 that corresponds to the record on which the double-click was performed. The example in Fig. 15 is an example in which the details corresponding to the record "XX Industry" in the first line shown in Fig. 14 are displayed in a list on the quotation input screen.

[0063] As described above, this quotation input screen displays a list of details such as the sales amount, gross profit margin, and transaction reason for each product to be transacted. Based on this list, the approver identifies the products with gross profit margins below the minimum profit margin and the transaction reason, and determines whether to approve the transaction. After making this decision, the approver returns the display screen to the unapproved list selection screen shown in FIG. 14 and operates the approve button 53 or the reject button 54.

[0064] When the approver operates the approval button 53, the approval data generation unit 30 generates quotation header data with an approval status of "approved" added, as shown mainly in the quotation header data of Fig. 16, from among the quotation data shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, and stores the generated data in the storage unit 2. On the other hand, when the approver operates the rejection button 54, the data generation unit 25 generates quotation header data with an approval status of "rejected" added, and stores the generated data in the storage unit 2.

[0065] The quotation data to which the approval status of "approved" or "rejected" has been added in this way functions as "approval data." The output control unit 26 outputs the quotation data shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 to the output device 7 at the timing designated by the person in charge. This allows the quotation data to be displayed, printed, or output as audio via the output device 7, enabling the person in charge to confirm the propriety of a transaction in which the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin.

[0066] (Order entry processing) When the approver approves a transaction in which the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin in this way, the person in charge displays the order entry screen shown in Fig. 18 and enters orders for each product to be traded with the customer. In response to this order entry, the data generation unit 25 generates the order data shown in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 and stores it in the storage unit 2. Note that Fig. 19 is an example of order header data of the order data, and Fig. 20 is an example of order detail data of the order data.

[0067] (Order entry processing) After entering this order, the person in charge displays an order entry screen (not shown) and enters an order for each product to be traded with the customer. In response to this order entry, the data generation unit 25 generates the order data shown in Figures 21 and 22 and stores it in the storage unit 2. Note that Figure 21 is an example of order header data of the order data, and Figure 22 is an example of order detail data of the order data.

[0068] (Purchase entry processing) After entering this order, the person in charge displays the purchase input screen shown in Fig. 23 and performs purchase input for each commodity to be traded with the customer. The data generation unit 25 generates the purchase data shown in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 in response to this purchase input and stores it in the storage unit 2. Note that Fig. 24 is an example of purchase header data of the purchase data, and Fig. 25 is an example of purchase detail data of the purchase data.

[0069] (Sales input processing) Furthermore, when the person in charge ships the purchased products to the customer, the sales input screen shown in Fig. 26 is displayed and the sales of each product sold to the customer are input. In response to this sales input, the sales data generation unit 31 generates the sales data shown in Fig. 27 and Fig. 28 and stores it in the storage unit 2. Note that Fig. 27 is an example of sales header data of the sales data, and Fig. 28 is an example of sales detail data of the sales data.

[0070] (Sales record inquiry process) Next, when the sales data is generated, it becomes possible to inquire about the sales results of the commercial transactions of each person in charge. When an inquiry about sales results is specified by a person in charge, the sales results inquiry screen display control unit 28 displays the sales results inquiry screen shown in Fig. 29 via the output device 7. Sales results can be inquired by specifying a collection period and one or more collection items.

[0071] That is, the person in charge inputs the desired tally period in the tally period input field of the sales performance inquiry screen shown in Fig. 29, and inputs the desired tally items in the tally item input fields. The example in Fig. 29 is an example in which March 1, 2023 is specified as the tally period. Also, the example in Fig. 29 is an example in which the person in charge, transaction reason, customer, and product number code are specified as tally items.

[0072] The sales record inquiry screen display control unit 28 obtains the sales data corresponding to the specified tally period and tally item from the storage unit 2, and displays it in a list as shown in Fig. 29. Specifically, Fig. 30 shows the acquisition source table 14 in which the sales record inquiry screen display control unit 28 stores the acquisition source of the specified tally item. When the person in charge specifies a tally item, the sales record inquiry screen display control unit 28 obtains various data corresponding to the specified tally item from the acquisition source specified in this acquisition source table 14.

[0073] For example, the source table 14 shown in FIG. 30 indicates that when a sales number is specified as the aggregation item, the sales number of the sales detail data shown in FIG. 28 is acquired. The source table 14 also indicates that when a sales date is specified as the aggregation item, the sales date of the sales header data shown in FIG. 27 is acquired. The source table 14 also indicates that when a minimum profit margin is specified as the aggregation item, the minimum profit margin of the quotation detail data shown in FIG. 17 is acquired. The source table 14 also indicates that when a gross profit margin is specified as the aggregation item, the gross profit margin of the sales detail data shown in FIG. 28 is acquired. The source table 14 also indicates that when a transaction reason is specified as the aggregation item, the code name of the transaction reason master shown in FIG. 4 is acquired.

[0074] The sales record inquiry screen display control unit 28 then displays the data for each tally item thus acquired in a list in order along the column direction, as shown in Fig. 29. For the total sales number, the calculation unit 22 tallys up the sales number for each tally item, and the sales record inquiry screen display control unit 28 displays the tally result. For the total sales amount, the calculation unit 22 tallys up the net sales amount for each tally item, and the sales record inquiry screen display control unit 28 displays the tally result.

[0075] For gross profit amount, the calculation unit 22 tallies the gross profit amount for each tally item, and the sales record inquiry screen display control unit 28 displays the tally result. For gross profit rate, the calculation unit 22 calculates "(gross profit amount ÷ total sales amount) × 100", and the sales record inquiry screen display control unit 28 displays the calculation result.

[0076] (Display behavior for transactions below minimum margin) Here, the sales performance inquiry screen display control unit 28 displays a check box "Display only transactions below the minimum profit margin" on the sales performance inquiry screen as shown in Fig. 29. When a check mark (a tick mark) is entered in this check box "Display only transactions below the minimum profit margin", the sales performance inquiry screen display control unit 28 selectively displays, on the sales performance inquiry screen, sales data whose gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin, from among the sales data tallied in the specified aggregation period.

[0077] (Display behavior of sales data that has the difference between the specified minimum profit margin and gross profit margin) Furthermore, the sales performance inquiry screen display control unit 28 displays a check box "Display only when the difference between the minimum profit margin and the gross profit margin is ±□% or more" on the sales performance inquiry screen, as shown in Fig. 29. When the person in charge enters a check mark in the check box "Display only when the difference between the minimum profit margin and the gross profit margin is ±□% or more", the sales performance inquiry screen display control unit 28 selectively displays, from the sales data collected during the specified collection period, sales data whose difference between the minimum profit margin and the gross profit margin is a specified percentage or more on the sales performance inquiry screen, as shown in Fig. 32.

[0078] In this way, the sales data with the desired gross profit margin can be selectively displayed on the sales performance inquiry screen. This allows the person in charge, etc. to review the sales data with the desired gross profit margin after the transaction, and to review the subsequent transaction, etc. based on the results of this review.

[0079] (Modification of minimum profit margin of product master and item number master) In addition, in the business support device of the embodiment, it is also possible to manually reset the minimum profit margin for each type of product or each product number in the product type master 11 illustrated in FIG. 33(a) and / or the product number master 12 illustrated in FIG. 33(b), based on the results of examining the sales data for the desired gross profit margin.

[0080] In this case, the person in charge specifies the display of a maintenance screen for the product type master 11 and the product number master 12. When this specification is made, the maintenance screen display control unit 32 displays, via the output device 7, a maintenance screen that includes a selection field for the master to be maintained, from the product type master 11 and the product number master 12, an input field for the product type code or product number code of the product type for which the minimum profit margin is to be reset, and an input field for the desired minimum profit margin, etc.

[0081] Through this maintenance screen, the person in charge selects the master to be maintained from the product type master 11 and the product number master 12. The person in charge also inputs the product type code of the product type or the product number code of the product number for which the minimum profit margin is to be reset, and also inputs the desired minimum profit margin.

[0082] The update processing unit 33 updates the minimum profit margin set in the product type master 11 or product number master 12 for the product type or product number corresponding to such selection operation and input operation to the minimum profit margin input by the person in charge. The example in Fig. 33(c) shows an example in which the minimum profit margin for the product of electric conduit Y with product number code "SHO3002" stored in the product number master 12 has been raised from "18% (see Fig. 33(b))" to "10%."

[0083] In this way, the business support device 1 of the embodiment can reset the minimum profit margin in the product type master 11 or the part number master 12 with a simple input operation. Therefore, the minimum profit margin can be reset in response to the results of reviewing the sales data via the sales performance inquiry screen described above in a flexible manner, which can contribute to future business transactions.

[0084] (Effects of the embodiment) As is clear from the above explanation, the business support device 1 of the embodiment enables commercial transactions to be conducted at an appropriate profit margin, and in some cases, enables commercial transactions to be conducted at less than the minimum profit margin, thereby enabling flexible commercial transaction operations.

[0085] In addition, the task support device 1 according to the embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0086] 1. A minimum profit margin can be set on a product type or part number basis in accordance with fluctuations in the list price or cost of raw materials such as copper, which fluctuate.

[0087] 2. Even in cases where a transaction falls below the threshold at the quotation stage, approval can be determined through approval processing in the workflow.

[0088] 3. For transactions that fall below the minimum profit margin, the total amount for each sales representative, customer, product type, reason, etc. can be confirmed on the inquiry screen.

[0089] [Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This embodiment can contribute to improving business efficiency and promoting appropriate management decisions by companies, and can therefore contribute to Goals 8 and 9 of the SDGs.

[0090] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and electronic systems, thereby contributing to the achievement of Goals 12, 13, and 15 of the SDGs.

[0091] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, making it possible to contribute to Goal 16 of the SDGs.

[0092] [Other embodiments] The present invention may be embodied in various different embodiments other than those described above within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims.

[0093] For example, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods.

[0094] In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registered data and search conditions for each process, screen examples, and database configurations shown in this specification and drawings may be changed as desired unless otherwise specified.

[0095] Moreover, with regard to the task support device 1, each of the components shown in the figures is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figures.

[0096] For example, the processing functions of the business support device 1, particularly the control unit 3 and each processing function performed by the control unit 3, may be realized in whole or in part by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware using wired logic. The program is recorded in a non-transient computer-readable recording medium including programmed instructions for causing the information processing device to execute the processes described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by the business support device 1 as necessary. That is, a computer program for giving instructions to the CPU in cooperation with the OS and performing various processes is recorded in a storage unit such as a ROM or HDD. This computer program is executed by being loaded into a RAM, and constitutes the control unit 3 in cooperation with the CPU.

[0097] In addition, the business support program of this business support device 1 may be stored in another server device connected to the business support device 1 via any network, and it is also possible to download all or part of it as needed.

[0098] The business support program for executing the process described in the present embodiment may be stored in a non-transient computer-readable recording medium, or may be configured as a program product. Here, the term "recording medium" includes any "portable physical medium" such as a memory card, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)), a Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Magneto-Optical Disk (MO), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), and a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc.

[0099] Moreover, a "program" is a data processing method written in any language or description method, and may be in any form, such as source code or binary code. Note that a "program" is not necessarily limited to a single configuration, but also includes a distributed configuration as multiple modules or libraries, and a program that achieves its function by working with a separate program, such as an OS. Note that well-known configurations and procedures can be used for the specific configuration and reading procedure for reading a recording medium in the business support device 1 shown in the embodiment, as well as the installation procedure after reading.

[0100] The memory unit 2 is a storage means such as a memory device such as RAM or ROM, a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, or an optical disk, and stores various programs, tables, databases, and web page files used for various processes and providing websites.

[0101] The business support device 1 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer device or a workstation, or may be configured as an information processing device to which any peripheral device is connected. The information processing device may be realized by implementing software (including programs or data, etc.) that realizes the processing described in this embodiment.

[0102] Furthermore, the specific form of distribution and integration of the devices is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various additions or functional loads. In other words, the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented in any combination, or the embodiments can be implemented selectively. [Industrial Applicability]

[0103] The present invention can be applied to all types of business transactions. For example, the present invention is suitable for application to industries such as the electrical materials industry, where raw material prices fluctuate frequently, and where profit management is not left to the discretion of individuals, but rather where a decline in profit margins is prevented or analyzed through workflow checks. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 Business support equipment 2 Storage section 3. Control Unit 4. Communication Interface Section 5 Input / Output Interface Section 6 Input Devices 7 Output Devices 11 Product Master 12 Part Number Master 13 Transaction Reason Master 14 Source table 21 Acquisition Department 22 Calculation section 23 Comparison section 24 Display control section 25 Data Generation Division 26 Output control section 27 Transaction reason input screen display control section 28 Sales record inquiry screen display control unit 29 Approval application data generation unit 30 Approval data generation unit 31 Sales Data Generation Department 32 Maintenance screen display control section 33 Update processing section

Claims

1. an acquisition unit for acquiring at least a sales amount and a cost amount of a commercial transaction object; a calculation unit that calculates a gross profit amount, which is the difference between the sales amount and the cost amount, and a gross profit rate, which is the ratio of the gross profit amount to the sales amount; A comparison unit that compares the minimum profit margin of the commercial transaction object stored in a storage unit with the calculated gross profit margin; a transaction reason input screen display control unit that displays, when a comparison result indicating that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin is obtained from the comparison unit, a transaction reason input screen for inputting a transaction reason for conducting a commercial transaction in which the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin via a display unit; an approval request data generating unit that generates approval request data for an approval request, the approval request data including the sales amount, the cost amount, the gross profit amount, the gross profit rate, and the reason for the transaction input via the transaction reason input screen; an approval data generating unit that generates approval data by adding approval information, which indicates whether or not the transaction is permitted, determined by an approver based on the approval request data, to the approval request data; an output control unit that controls output of the approval data generated by adding the approval information via an external device; A business support device having the above configuration.

2. the transaction reason input screen display control unit, when a comparison result is obtained from the comparison unit that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin, displays a predetermined error message on the display unit indicating that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin, and displays the transaction reason input screen on the display unit at a predetermined timing after displaying the error message; 2. The business support device according to claim 1,

3. when a comparison result indicating that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin is obtained from the comparison unit, the transaction reason input screen display control unit displays a predetermined warning mark indicating that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin in a display area within the display unit, the display area displaying the transaction reason input via the transaction reason input screen; 3. The business support device according to claim 2,

4. a sales data generating unit that generates sales data including the sales amount, the cost amount, the gross profit amount, and the gross profit rate of the commercial transaction target, the sales data corresponding to the approval data to which the approval information approving the commercial transaction is added, out of the approval data corresponding to the commercial transaction of a designated customer; a sales record inquiry screen display control unit that controls the display of a sales record inquiry screen that displays a list of the generated sales data on the display unit; 4. The business support device according to claim 3,

5. the sales performance inquiry screen display control unit displays a first object on the sales performance inquiry screen for specifying a display of the sales data corresponding to a commercial transaction with less than the minimum profit margin, and when a display of the sales data corresponding to a commercial transaction with less than the minimum profit margin is specified via the first object, selectively displays a list of the sales data corresponding to the commercial transaction with less than the minimum profit margin on the sales performance inquiry screen; 5. The business support device according to claim 4,

6. the sales actual result inquiry screen display control unit displays a second object on the sales actual result inquiry screen for specifying the display of the sales data corresponding to a commercial transaction in which the difference between the minimum profit margin and the gross profit margin is a specified value, or is equal to or greater than a specified value, or is equal to or less than a specified value, and when a value for the difference between the minimum profit margin and the gross profit margin is specified via the second object, selectively displays in a list on the sales actual result inquiry screen the sales data corresponding to a commercial transaction in which the difference between the minimum profit margin and the gross profit margin is a specified value, or is equal to or greater than a specified value, or is less than a specified value; 6. The business support device according to claim 5,

7. a maintenance screen display control unit that displays on the display unit a maintenance screen for resetting a minimum profit rate of the commercial transaction object stored in the storage unit; an update processing unit that updates the minimum profit margin of the commercial transaction object specified via the maintenance screen, which is stored in the storage unit, to a minimum profit margin specified via the maintenance screen; 7. The business support device according to claim 1, wherein:

8. An acquisition step in which an acquisition unit acquires at least a sales amount and a cost amount of a commercial transaction object; a calculation step of calculating a gross profit amount, which is the difference between the sales amount and the cost amount, and a gross profit rate, which is the ratio of the gross profit amount to the sales amount, by a calculation unit; A comparison step in which a comparison unit compares a minimum profit margin of the commercial transaction object stored in a storage unit with the calculated gross profit margin; a transaction reason input screen display control step of displaying, via a display unit, a transaction reason input screen display control unit, when a comparison result is obtained in the comparison step that the gross profit rate is less than the minimum profit rate, a transaction reason input screen for inputting a transaction reason that is a reason for conducting a commercial transaction in which the gross profit rate is less than the minimum profit rate; an approval request data generating step in which an approval request data generating unit generates approval request data for an approval request, the approval request data including the sales amount, the cost amount, the gross profit amount, the gross profit rate, and the reason for the transaction input via the transaction reason input screen; an approval data generating step in which an approval data generating unit generates approval data by adding approval information, which indicates whether or not the commercial transaction is permitted, determined by an approver based on the approval request data, to the approval request data; an output control step in which an output control unit controls output of the approval data generated by adding the approval information via an external device; A business support method having the above-mentioned features.

9. Computer, an acquisition unit for acquiring at least a sales amount and a cost amount of a commercial transaction object; a calculation unit that calculates a gross profit amount, which is the difference between the sales amount and the cost amount, and a gross profit rate, which is the ratio of the gross profit amount to the sales amount; A comparison unit that compares the minimum profit margin of the commercial transaction object stored in a storage unit with the calculated gross profit margin; a transaction reason input screen display control unit that displays, when a comparison result indicating that the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin is obtained from the comparison unit, a transaction reason input screen for inputting a transaction reason for conducting a commercial transaction in which the gross profit margin is less than the minimum profit margin via a display unit; an approval request data generating unit that generates approval request data for an approval request, the approval request data including the sales amount, the cost amount, the gross profit amount, the gross profit rate, and the reason for the transaction input via the transaction reason input screen; an approval data generating unit that generates approval data by adding approval information, which indicates whether or not the transaction is permitted, determined by an approver based on the approval request data, to the approval request data; functioning as an output control unit that controls output of the approval data generated by adding the approval information via an external device; A business support program that features:

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