Program, matching system, matching device and matching method

Abstract

To appropriately match a customer who wants to print with a printing organization.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to match a printing organization 14 with a customer who wants to print, and causes a server 106 to perform an operation data acquisition process that acquires operation data from a printing device in the printing organization 14, a required specification acquisition process that acquires from a customer required specification data indicating required specifications for printing and delivery location data indicating a delivery location of a printed product, and a matching process that matches the customer with the printing organization 14. In the matching process, the program matches the customer with the printing organization 14 on the basis of installation location data indicating the location where the printing device is installed in the printing organization 14, the operation data, the required specification data, and the delivery location data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, printing devices such as inkjet printers have come into widespread use. In addition, a conventional management system for the printing industry is known in which a server is connected to a client terminal, a printing company terminal, and an outsourced contractor terminal, each of which has a built-in browser, via a communication network, and an outsourced contractor is selected based on outsourced contractor selection information from the terminals (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-230372 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the quality of the printed matter (product quality), which is the product produced by printing, is used as outsourcer selection information. However, in the printing field, when requesting a printing organization to carry out printing and selecting a printing organization from among multiple printing organizations, it is desirable to select a printing organization in a more appropriate manner. In this case, it is desirable to more appropriately match, for example, a printing organization with a person who wishes to carry out printing. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program, a matching system, a matching device, and a matching method that can solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inventor of the present application has conducted extensive research into a method for matching a printing organization with a print requester. The inventor has noted that in the field of printing, the physical delivery of the printed matter, which is a commodity, is necessary, and that it is important to further consider the overall status of the commercial flow, including the operating status of the printing device (printer operating status) at the printing organization that will be the orderee of the printing request, and the delivery of the printed matter after printing. More specifically, for example, depending on the combination of the printing organization that will be the orderee and the print requester that will place the order, the possibility of delivery delays may be high due to the geographical distance between the production location of the printed matter at the printing organization and the desired delivery location specified by the print requester, the delivery method, traffic congestion, accidents, bad weather, disasters, etc. In addition, when a large amount of printed matter is ordered, the operating efficiency of the printing organization increases and the production volume increases, and the delivery cost increases proportionately. In addition, when the printing organization is busy or when a printed matter that requires a large number of man-hours is ordered, for example, it is considered that the time until delivery will be long. Therefore, when matching a printing organization with a print requester, it is preferable to consider factors other than the quality of the printed matter. With this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately match printing organizations with people wanting to print, taking into account the entire flow of business, including the delivery of printed matter, for example.

[0006] Furthermore, the inventor of the present application has further studied diligently and found the necessary features to obtain such an effect, and has arrived at the present invention. In order to solve the above problem, the present invention is a program for making a computer perform matching between a printing organization, which is an organization that performs printing using a printing device, and a printing requester who wishes to perform printing, and causes the computer to perform an operation data acquisition process for acquiring operation data indicating the operation record of the printing device from the printing device, a required specification acquisition process for acquiring from the printing requester, a required specification data indicating the required specification of the printing requested by the printing requester, and a delivery location data indicating the location where the print output is to be delivered, and a matching process for matching the printing requester with the printing organization, and is characterized in that in the matching process, the printing requester and the printing organization are matched based on installation location data indicating the location where the printing device is installed in the printing organization, the operation data, the required specification data, and the delivery location data.

[0007] In this configuration, for example, in the matching process, by having a computer perform matching based on the operation data, the required specification data, the installation location data, and the delivery location data, it is possible to match the printing organization and the printing requester with consideration of the operation status of the printing device in the printing organization, the required specification for the printed matter that is the output of the printing, and matters related to the delivery of the printed matter. More specifically, in this case, by performing matching based on the operation data, for example, it is possible to appropriately assign the printing requester to the printing organization that has a margin of operation and wishes to receive an order. In addition, this can contribute to reducing the waiting time in the printing organization and improving the operation rate, and improve the operation time of the printing organization. In addition, by performing matching based on the required specification data, for example, it is possible to appropriately assign the printing requester to the printing organization that can perform printing with the desired quality. In addition, by performing matching based on the installation location data and the delivery location data, it is possible to appropriately assign the printing requester to the printing organization with consideration of the entire flow of business including the delivery of the printed matter. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately match the printing requester with the printing organization.

[0008] In this configuration, the operational data can be considered to be, for example, data related to the operation of the printing device at present or in a specific recent period. As the operational data, for example, data indicating at least one of the remaining ink amount, print length, print time, print data, print mode, ink purchase history, ink ejection amount, and print area can be used. By using such operational data, the matching process can appropriately take into account, for example, the operational status of the printing device in the printing organization.

[0009] In addition, in this configuration, for example, it is also conceivable to cause the computer to perform a process of further acquiring data other than the above. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to cause the computer to further perform a process of acquiring history data that indicates the history of printing performed in the past by the printing device. The printing history data can be, for example, data related to the past operation of the printing device. As the printing history data, for example, data indicating at least one of the remaining ink amount, printing length, printing time, printing data, printing mode, ink purchase history, ink ejection amount, and printing area can be used. In addition, in this case, in the matching process, for example, the printing requester and the printing organization are matched based on the printing history data. By using such printing history data, for example, matters related to printing performed in the past by the printing organization can be further taken into consideration in the matching process. In addition, this also makes it possible to more appropriately match, for example, the printing requester and the printing organization.

[0010] In the history data acquisition process, for example, performance data indicating the performance of the printing device may be further acquired by the computer. In this case, in the matching process, for example, matching between the person wanting to print and the printing organization is performed further based on the performance data. The performance data can be considered to be, for example, data corresponding to the specifications of the model of the printing device. In this configuration, for example, the content of printing that can be performed by the printing organization can be more appropriately understood based on the printing history data and the performance data. In addition, this makes it possible to more appropriately determine whether the printing organization can perform printing that satisfies the required specifications indicated by the required specification data. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, matching between the person wanting to print and the printing organization can be more appropriately performed by reflecting the performance of the printing device used in the printing organization.

[0011] In addition, in the matching process, it is also conceivable that, for example, the timing of regular maintenance, which is maintenance that is periodically performed on the printing device, is determined based on the printing history data, and matching between the person wanting to print and the printing organization is performed taking into account the timing of the regular maintenance. When configured in this way, for example, it is possible to properly grasp the timing when the printing organization cannot operate the printing device due to regular maintenance. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, it is possible to more appropriately determine the delivery date (delivery time) when the printing organization will be able to deliver the printed matter, taking into account the period when the printing device cannot be operated. This also makes it possible to more appropriately match, for example, the person wanting to print with the printing organization.

[0012] In addition, in the printing organization, for example, a pre-process or post-process of the printing process executed by the printing device may be further executed. In this case, the pre-process and post-process may be considered as a pre- or post-process executed before or after the printing process executed by the printing device. In this case, not only the printing device but also the performance (specs) of the devices related to the pre- or post-process, the presence or absence of a breakdown, the timing of maintenance, etc. may be related to the required specifications and delivery date. Therefore, in this case, for example, a pre- or post-process data acquisition process for acquiring pre- or post-process data indicating the presence or absence of the pre- or post-process may be further executed by the computer. In addition, in this case, for example, the matching process may further match the printing applicant with the printing organization based on the pre- or post-process data. With this configuration, for example, the contents of printing that can be executed in the printing organization can be more appropriately grasped, including matters related to the pre- or post-process. In addition, in this case, by considering matters related to the pre- or post-process, for example, the delivery date of the printed matter can be predicted with higher accuracy. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, the matching between the printing applicant and the printing organization can be more appropriately performed.

[0013] In this configuration, the required specification data may be, for example, data indicating at least one of the desired print data, number of prints, print media, size of the print, color, delivery date and time, type of ink, combination of ink and print media, resolution, and print mode. With this configuration, for example, the content and quality of the print desired by the print requester can be more appropriately understood. Furthermore, by using such required specification data, for example, it is possible to more appropriately determine the printing organization's experience and feasibility of achieving the print quality desired by the print requester. It is also possible to determine, for example, whether the printing organization is good or bad at the print quality desired by the print requester. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, it is possible to more appropriately match the print requester with the printing organization.

[0014] In addition, in the required specification acquisition process, for example, the computer may further acquire print requester data indicating matters related to the print requester's past actions. In this case, in the matching process, for example, the print requester and the printing organization are matched based on the print requester data. With this configuration, for example, the print requester and the printing organization can be matched more appropriately by further considering matters related to the print requester. The print requester data can be, for example, data associated with the results of some past actions taken by a print requester who has received an order in the past. In addition, as such print requester data, for example, data indicating the contents of comments received from the print requester when receiving an order in the past can be used. More specifically, as the print requester data, for example, data indicating at least one of requests, complaints, and compliments by the print requester can be used. In addition, as the print requester data indicating the comments received from the print requester, it is more preferable to use data indicating comments received from the print requester when printing similar to the contents of the print indicated by the required specification data was performed in the past. In addition, as the print requester data, for example, data indicating the characteristics of the print requester or trends associated with the print requester can be used. With this configuration, for example, a printing organization selected through matching can more appropriately provide printed matter that is tailored to the printing requester.

[0015] Furthermore, in the matching process, for example, the results of matching performed under a plurality of conditions, in which different conditions are considered when delivering the printed matter, may be presented based on the installation location data and the delivery location data. In this case, as the plurality of conditions, for example, at least a plurality of conditions from among delivery distance, delivery time, delivery cost, delivery method, and greenhouse gas emissions may be used. By configuring in this manner, for example, matching between the print requester and the printing organization may be more appropriately performed according to the desired conditions. Also, in this case, it may be considered that matching is performed for each of these conditions, and the matching results are presented for each condition. By configuring in this manner, for example, matching proposals may be appropriately made according to the priority order desired by the print requester, etc.

[0016] In addition, in the matching process, for example, the printing applicant and the printing organization may be matched by further considering the traffic conditions of the route for delivering the printed matter to the location indicated by the delivery location data. With this configuration, for example, matching considering the delivery of the printed matter can be performed appropriately with higher accuracy. In this case, for example, at least one of the weather, the delivery time, and the traffic congestion situation can be considered with respect to the traffic conditions. With respect to the weather, for example, the weather forecast can be considered. With respect to the traffic congestion situation, for example, it is preferable to consider the current traffic congestion situation and the traffic congestion forecast. In addition, in order to deliver the printed matter, for example, the shipping and receiving of the printed matter is required. Therefore, in the matching process, for example, at least one of the shipping time when the printing organization can ship the printed matter and the receiving time when the printing applicant can receive the printed matter can be further considered, and the printing applicant and the printing organization may be matched. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to more accurately predict whether the printing can be delivered within the delivery date. For example, the business hours, holidays, and holidays of the printing organization and the printing applicant can be considered as the shipping time and the receiving time.

[0017] In addition, the matching process may involve, for example, matching in which multiple printing organizations are assigned to one print requester. With this configuration, for example, more diverse matching can be performed between print requesters and printing organizations. In this case, for example, matching can be performed so that the number of deliveries desired by the print requester is distributed to multiple printing organizations. With this configuration, for example, even in cases where it is difficult for one printing organization alone to print all the deliveries, matching between the print requester and the printing organization can be performed appropriately. In addition, depending on the content of the print product desired by the print requester, it may be necessary to perform multiple processes to complete the print product. In this case, for example, it is possible to assign multiple printing organizations to one print requester by allocating processes to multiple printing organizations. In this case, in the matching process, for example, it is possible to assign multiple printing organizations to one print requester so that, of the multiple processes performed when executing the print desired by the print requester, a first process is performed by a first printing organization, and a second process different from the first process is performed by a second printing organization different from the first printing organization. Even in this configuration, for example, a plurality of printing organizations can be appropriately assigned to one printing requester.

[0018] In addition, in this configuration, the required specification acquisition process is, for example, a process of acquiring required specification data and delivery location data via a management organization that manages multiple printing organizations. In this case, in the matching process, for example, the printing organization and the printing applicant are notified of the matching result via the management organization. With this configuration, for example, matching between the printing applicant and the printing organization can be appropriately performed for multiple printing organizations. More specifically, in this configuration, the management organization is, for example, a franchisor in a franchise organization that provides a print output service. Also, the printing organization is, for example, a franchisee in the franchise organization. In this case, the required specification acquisition process may be, for example, a process of acquiring required specification data and delivery location data via a franchisor in the franchise organization. With this configuration, for example, the franchise organization can appropriately assign the printing applicant to the printing organization that is the franchisee. In addition, as a configuration of the present invention, for example, a configuration of a matching system, a matching device, a matching method, etc. having the same characteristics as those described above can be considered. In these cases, for example, the same effects as those described above can be obtained. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, for example, matching between a person wanting to print and a printing organization can be appropriately performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14. Fig. 2A shows an example of the configuration of the management organization 12. Fig. 2B shows an example of the configuration of the printing organization 14. [Diagram 3] 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a matching operation executed in the printing system 10. FIG 3A is a flowchart showing an example of the matching operation. FIG 3B shows a modified example of the configuration of the printing base 112. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram illustrating the matching operation executed by the server 106. Fig. 4(a) shows an example of candidates for combinations between customers and printing organizations 14. Fig. 4(b) shows an example of the matching result. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between a management system 20 for franchise organizations and a dashboard system 30 used by the franchise organizations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 10 is a system that performs printing using a printing device (printer), and includes a management organization 12 and multiple printing organizations 14. The management organization 12 can be considered, for example, as an organization that manages the printing organizations 14. The printing organizations 14 can be considered, for example, as an organization that performs printing using the printing device. Except for the points described below, the printing system 10 may have the same or similar features as known printing systems. In addition, in this example, the printing system 10 is a franchise organization in which the management organization 12 is the franchisor (headquarters) and the printing organizations 14 are the franchisees (affiliated stores), and the printing organizations 14 provide print output services. In addition, the printing system 10 is an example of a matching system that matches a customer who wishes to perform printing with the printing organizations 14. In this case, the customer is an example of a person who wishes to perform printing. The matching operation performed in the printing system 10 will be described in more detail later. Furthermore, the printing system 10 can also be considered, for example, as an example of a data utilization system that utilizes data obtained from a printing device in the printing organization 14 .

[0022] FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14. FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the management organization 12. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of the configuration of the printing organization 14. For example, FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) can be considered to show the main parts of the configuration of the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14 related to the matching operation described later. The management organization 12 and the printing organization 14 may further have various configurations necessary for providing print output services in a franchise organization, for example. In addition, it can be considered that the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14 are staffed by employees, managers, and other personnel necessary for the operation of the organization.

[0023] In this example, the management organization 12 has a PC 102, a DB 104, and a server 106. The PC 102 is a computer used by a user belonging to the management organization 12. The PC 102 can be considered as, for example, a computer for inputting and outputting information to and from the user. In this example, the PC 102 controls, for example, the DB 104 and the server 106 in response to the user's operation. In this case, the PC 102 displays information stored in the DB 104 to the user in response to, for example, the user's operation. In addition, the PC 102 causes the server 106 to perform information processing using information stored in the DB 104 in response to, for example, the user's operation. The DB 104 is a database that stores data related to the business of the franchise organization, and stores, for example, various data acquired from a plurality of printing organizations 14 via the server 106. More specifically, the DB 104 stores, for example, printer information, which is information indicating the status of a printing device in the printing organization 14. In this example, DB 104 stores, as printer information, for example, print history data indicating the history of printing performed in the past by a printing device in printing organization 14, and operation data indicating the operation record of the printing device.

[0024] The server 106 is a server that executes information processing related to the business of the franchise organization. In this example, the server 106 is an example of a computer that uses data acquired from a printing device, and by communicating with the printing organization 14 via a wide area network such as the Internet, the server 106 acquires printer information and the like from the printing device in the printing organization 14 and stores the printer information and the like in the DB 104 as necessary. In addition, the server 106 causes the PC 102 or the like to perform display based on the information stored in the DB 104 in response to an instruction from a user who operates a computer other than the server 106, such as the PC 102. In this example, the server 106 acquires printing history data, operation data, and the like from the printing device in the printing organization 14 as necessary. In this case, the printing history data, operation data, and the like can be considered as data included in the printer information, for example. In addition, the server 106 may acquire printing history data, and the like via another computer, such as a computer in the printing organization 14, instead of acquiring printing history data, and the like directly from the printing device. In this case, the printing history data, and the like can also be considered as data acquired from the printing device in the printing organization 14. Furthermore, with regard to the printing history data and the like, the server 106 may, for example, perform a predetermined process on data acquired from a printing device or a computer in the printing organization 14, and store the generated data in the DB 104. In such a case, too, the server 106 can be considered to acquire the printing history data and the like from, for example, a printing device in the printing organization 14.

[0025] For convenience of illustration and explanation, FIG. 2(a) illustrates one PC 102, one DB 104, and one server 106 as the configuration of the management organization 12. However, the management organization 12 may have, for example, a plurality of PCs 102, a plurality of DBs 104, and a plurality of servers 106. In this case, the configuration of the plurality of DBs 104 can be considered as one virtual database. The configuration of the plurality of servers 106 can be considered as one virtual server. In addition, in the management organization 12, for example, at least a part of the functions of the DB 104 and the server 106 can be realized using a server provided by a cloud server business. In this case, too, the operation realized by the cooperation between the configuration directly provided by the management organization 12, such as the PC 102, and the cloud server can be considered as the operation of the management organization 12. In addition, in the management organization 12, for example, a single computer serving both the DB 104 and the server 106 can be used.

[0026] The printing organization 14 also has, for example, a plurality of printing bases 112 and a management unit 114. The printing base 112 can be considered, for example, as a base that performs printing in the printing organization 14. In this example, the printing base 112 also has a PC 122 and a plurality of printing devices 124. The PC 122 is a computer used by a user who belongs to the printing organization 14. The PC 122 can be considered, for example, as a computer for inputting and outputting information to and from the user. In this example, the PC 122 controls, for example, the printing device 124 that is disposed in the same printing base 112 as the PC 122 in response to the user's operation. In this case, the PC 122 controls the operation of the printing device 124 by, for example, supplying the printing device 124 with print data indicating an image to be printed in the printing device 124. The PC 122 can also input and output information to and from the management organization 12 by, for example, communicating with the server 106 or DB 104 in the management organization 12. In this case, it is conceivable that the PC 122 may perform display based on the printer information stored in the DB 104, for example. With this configuration, the printing organization 14 may manage the printing device 124 in cooperation with the management organization 12, for example. The printing device 124 is a printer that performs printing in the printing organization 14. As the printing device 124, for example, an inkjet printer for color printing that prints using ink of multiple colors can be suitably used.

[0027] In this example, the printing base 112 can be considered as a base where the printing device 124 is installed, from which the server 106 in the management organization 12 obtains printer information. In the printing base 112, the printing device 124 transmits printer information to the server 106 in response to a request from the server 106. In the printing base 112, the information may be transmitted to the server 106 via a computer such as the PC 102. In this case, the PC 122 obtains information from the printing device 124 in response to a request from the server 106 and provides it to the server 106. With this configuration, the server 106 can appropriately obtain printer information related to the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14. The specific configuration of the printing base 112 is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and may be variously different. For example, the number of printing devices 124 controlled by the PC 122 may be one or three or more. In addition, the number of PCs 122 in one printing base 112 may be multiple. Furthermore, the number of PCs 122 and printers 124, and the number of printers 124 controlled by one PC 122, may differ for each printing base 112. It is also possible for the printer 124 to also perform the functions of the PC 122. In this case, for example, the PC 122 and the printer 124 can be considered to be integrated. Furthermore, the number of printing bases 112 is not limited to the number shown in the figure and can be changed as appropriate.

[0028] As described above, in this example, the printing organization 14 further includes a management unit 114 in addition to the multiple printing bases 112. The management unit 114 is configured to manage the multiple printing bases 112, and includes a PC 126. The PC 126 can also be considered, for example, as a computer used by a user belonging to the printing organization 14. More specifically, the PC 126 can also be considered, for example, as a computer for an administrator of the entire printing organization 14. Similarly to the PC 122 in the printing base 112, the PC 126 can also be considered to communicate with the server 106 or DB 104 in the management organization 12 to input and output information to and from the management organization 12. Also in this case, the PC 126 can be considered to display information based on printer information stored in the DB 104, for example. The specific configuration of the printing organization 14 is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and can be variously different. As described above, in this example, the printing system 10 (see FIG. 1) includes multiple printing organizations 14. In this case, the specific configuration of the printing organization 14 may be different for each printing organization 14. For example, the number of printing bases 112 in the printing organization 14 may be different for each printing organization 14. In this case, for example, the number of printing bases 112 may be one in at least some of the printing organizations 14. It is also possible to omit the management unit 114 in at least some of the printing organizations 14. In this case, it is also possible to consider that any of the printing bases 112 in the printing organization 14 doubles as the management unit 114. According to this example, for example, in multiple printing organizations 14, a print output service using the printing device 124 can be appropriately executed. In this case, for example, printer information and the like related to the printing device 124 can be appropriately used in the server 106 in the management organization 12.

[0029] Next, the operation of matching between a customer and a printing organization 14 executed in the printing system 10 of this example will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the matching operation executed in the printing system 10. FIG. 3(a) is a flowchart showing an example of the matching operation. In this example, the operation shown in FIG. 3(a) is the operation of the server 106 in the management organization 12. In this case, the server 106 executes the operation shown in FIG. 3(a) according to a predetermined program. In a modified example of the operation of each part of the printing system 10, at least a part of the operation shown in FIG. 3(a) may be executed by another computer. In this case, it can be considered that any computer in the printing system 10 executes the operation shown in FIG. 3(a) according to a predetermined program. In addition, in this case, the server 106 and the like can be considered as an example of a matching device. The matching device can also be considered as, for example, a matching engine that performs matching processing. In addition, the operation of the server 106 and the like can be considered as, for example, an example of the operation of a matching method. The operation shown in FIG. 3(a) may be, for example, an operation executed in response to a request for execution of printing from a customer to a franchise organization that provides a print output service. Such a matching operation can also be considered, for example, as an operation of determining a printing organization 14 that will execute printing orders received from customers. As described above, in this example, the printing system 10 is a franchise organization that provides print output services. In this case, the customer can be considered, for example, as a customer of a service provided by a franchise organization, rather than a customer of a specific printing organization 14.

[0030] In the operation shown in FIG. 3(a), the server 106 first acquires operational data of the printer 124 from the printer 124 in the printing organization 14 (S102). In this example, the operation in step S102 is an example of the operation of the operational data acquisition process. In step S102, the server 106 may acquire the operational data from, for example, the DB 104, instead of directly from the printer 124. In this case, the operational data stored in the DB 104 can be considered as, for example, data acquired in advance from the printer 124. Therefore, even when acquiring the operational data from the DB 104, the operation of the server 106 can be considered as, for example, an operation of acquiring operational data from the printer 124. The specific contents of the operational data will be described in more detail later. In this example, the server 106 acquires operational data of the printer 124 in the printing organization 14 for each of the multiple printing organizations 14. With this configuration, for example, the operating status of the printing devices 124 in the printing organization 14 can be properly understood for each printing organization 14. This also makes it possible to properly understand, for example, how busy each printing organization 14 is.

[0031] Following the operation of step S104, the server 106 acquires installation location data indicating the location where the printing device 124 is installed in the printing organization 14 (S104). In this example, the operation of step S104 is an example of the operation of the installation location data acquisition process. In step S104, the server 106 acquires, for example, installation location data prepared in advance from the DB 104. The server 106 may acquire, for example, the installation location data directly from the printing device 124. In this case, the installation location data can also be considered to be, for example, data included in the printer information. In this example, the server 106 acquires installation location data indicating the installation location of the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14 for each of the multiple printing organizations 14. With this configuration, for example, the installation location of the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14 can be appropriately grasped. The specific content of the installation location data will be described in more detail later.

[0032] Following the operation of step S104, the server 106 acquires the customer's wishes, such as the required specifications for printing, from the customer (S106). In this example, the operation of step S106 is an example of the operation of the required specifications acquisition process. In step S106, the server 106 acquires the customer's wishes from the customer by, for example, communicating with another computer and accepting an input from this computer. In this case, the other computer is, for example, a computer operated by the customer. Also, the other computer may be, for example, a computer operated by a person belonging to the management organization 12 or the printing organization 14 according to the customer's wishes. In this case, the server 106 can be considered to acquire the customer's functions through a person who operates this computer. In this example, the server 106 acquires, from the customer, required specification data indicating the required specifications for printing requested by the customer and delivery location data indicating the location to deliver the printed matter that is the result of the printing, as the customer's wishes. The specific contents of the required specification data and the like will be described in more detail later.

[0033] Following the operation of step S106, the server 106 performs matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 (S108). In this example, the operation of step S108 is an example of the operation of the matching process. In step S108, the server 106 performs matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 based on the operation data, installation location data, required specification data, and delivery location data acquired in steps S102 to S106. With this configuration, it is possible to perform matching between the customer and the printing organization 14, for example, taking into consideration the operation status of the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14, the required specifications for the printed matter, and matters related to the delivery (transportation) of the printed matter. More specifically, in this case, for example, by performing matching based on the operation data, it is possible to appropriately assign the customer to the printing organization 14 that has a margin of operation and wishes to receive the order. In addition, this contributes to reducing the waiting time of the printing organization 14 and improving the operation rate, thereby improving the operation time of the printing organization 14. Also, by performing matching based on the required specification data, for example, the printing organization 14 capable of printing at the desired quality can be appropriately assigned to the customer. Also, by performing matching based on the installation location data and the delivery location data, for example, the printing organization 14 can be appropriately assigned to the customer, taking into consideration the entire flow of business, including the delivery of printed matter, etc. Therefore, according to this example, for example, matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 can be appropriately performed. Also, in this case, by performing matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 as described above, for example, the overall business of the franchise organization can be more appropriately optimized. Also, by performing this matching, for example, it is considered that the management organization 12 can easily manage and supervise the franchise organization. Also, in this example, the server 106 performs the matching process by, for example, a method of making a judgment using a database prepared in advance, a method of using artificial intelligence (AI) such as machine learning, etc. With this configuration, for example, the matching process based on multiple data can be appropriately performed.

[0034] The server 106 may also match the customer with the printing organization 14 by further considering other factors than those mentioned above. In this case, the server 106, for example, performs a process of acquiring data other than those mentioned above, and performs matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 based on the data. More specifically, as described above, in this example, the printer information acquired by the server 106 from the printing device 124 includes printing history data and the like. Therefore, for example, the server 106 can be considered to further acquire printing history data. In this case, the printing history data can be considered to be, for example, data indicating the history of printing performed in the past by the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14. Furthermore, the printing history data can be considered to be, for example, data related to the past operation of the printing device 124. The operation of acquiring the printing history data can be considered to be, for example, an example of the operation of the history data acquisition process. By using the printing history data, the server 106 can perform matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 by further considering other factors related to printing performed in the past by the printing organization 14 and the like. The specific contents of the print history data will be described in more detail later.

[0035] In addition, in the printing organization 14, it is also possible to further execute a pre-process or post-process of the printing process executed by the printing device 124. In this case, the server 106 may further acquire information related to the pre-process or post-process. More specifically, in this case, the printing base 112 in the printing organization 14 further includes a pre-processing machine 132 which is a device that executes a pre-process, and a post-processing machine 134 which is a device that executes a post-process, as shown in FIG. 3(b), for example. FIG. 3(b) shows a modified configuration of the printing base 112. The pre-processing machine 132 performs, for example, pre-processing of media as a pre-process. Furthermore, the post-processing machine 134 performs, for example, processing of media as a post-process. In this case, the pre-process and post-process can be considered as, for example, pre- or post-processes executed before or after the printing process executed by the printing device 124. Furthermore, the pre-processing machine 132 and the post-processing machine 134 can be considered as, for example, pre- or post-processing devices used in the pre- or post-process. In this case, it is considered that not only the printing device 124 but also matters related to the pre- and post-process devices are related to the required specifications and delivery date (delivery time) of the printing organization 14. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable that the server 106 further acquires pre- and post-process data indicating the presence or absence of pre- and post-processes. For example, the pre- and post-process data may be data indicating information other than the presence or absence of pre- and post-processes. In addition, the pre- and post-process data may be data indicating the presence or absence of pre- and post-processes by indicating matters related to the pre- and post-processes, rather than data directly indicating the presence or absence of a process. In these cases, it is considered that the pre- and post-process data may be data indicating at least one of the performance (specs) of the pre- and post-process devices, the presence or absence of a breakdown, and the timing of maintenance, regarding matters related to the pre- and post-processes. The operation of acquiring the pre- and post-process data may be considered as an example of the operation of the pre- and post-process data acquisition process. In addition, in this case, the server 106 performs matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 based on the pre- and post-process data. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to predict the delivery date of the printed matter with higher accuracy.

[0036] Next, various data used in this example will be described in more detail. In this example, the operation data may be data indicating at least one of the remaining ink amount, print length, print time, print data, print mode, ink purchase history, ink ejection amount, and print area. In this case, the operation data may be data related to the operation of the printing device 124 in the current or specific most recent period. Among these items, the remaining ink amount may be data related to the remaining ink amount in the current or specific most recent period. The print length and print time may be data related to the length of the range printed during printing in the current or specific most recent period and the time required for printing. The print data and print mode may be data related to the print data and print mode settings used in the current or specific most recent period. The ink purchase history may be data related to the purchase history of ink in the printing organization 14 in the current or specific most recent period. The ink ejection amount and print area may be data related to the ink ejection amount and the area of ​​the range printed during printing in the current or specific most recent period. The operational data can also be considered, for example, as data for determining how busy the printing organization 14 is. By using such operational data, for example, it is possible to appropriately determine how busy the printing organization 14 is. This also makes it possible, for example, to appropriately take into account the operational status of the printing devices 124 in the printing organization 14 in the process of matching customers with the printing organization 14.

[0037] In this example, the required specification data can be considered to be, for example, data indicating the content of printing desired by the customer. As the required specification data, for example, data indicating at least one of the desired print data, the number of prints, print media, size of the print, color tone, delivery date and time, type of ink, combination of ink and print media, resolution, and print mode can be used. Of these items, the desired print data can be considered to be, for example, print data indicating an image to be printed. The number of prints can be considered to be, for example, the number of prints to be delivered. The print media can be considered to be, for example, the type of media used for printing. The size of the print can be considered to be, for example, the size of the print to be delivered. The color tone can be considered to be, for example, the color tone to be expressed in the print. The delivery date and time can be considered to be, for example, the date and time of delivery. The type of ink can be considered to be, for example, the type of ink used for printing. The combination of ink and print media can be considered to be, for example, the combination of ink and media used when printing. The resolution and print mode can be considered to be, for example, the resolution and print mode used as printing conditions. By using such required specification data, for example, the content and quality of printing desired by the customer can be properly understood. In addition, in this regard, the performance of the printing device 124 owned by a franchise organization providing a print output service may vary from one printing organization 14 to another. Also, usable media and ink may differ from one printing organization 14 to another. More specifically, for example, when a customer requests printing on a three-dimensional medium, it may be possible that only some printing organizations 14 can print on the medium. Also, the realizable delivery date may differ from one printing organization 14 to another. In contrast, according to this example, for example, with respect to the quality of printing desired by the customer, it is possible to judge whether the printing organization 14 has experience and whether it can be realized. Also, by using such required specification data, it is possible to judge, for example, whether the printing organization 14 is good or bad at the quality of printing desired by the customer.In addition, for example, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether the desired printing can be performed by the customer's desired delivery date at the printing organization 14 based on the customer's desired print quality and the customer's desired delivery date and time.

[0038] As the data related to the customer, for example, data other than the required specification data may be used. In this case, for example, in step S106, the server 106 further acquires customer data indicating matters related to the customer's past actions. Then, in step S108, the server 106 performs matching between the customer and the printing organization 14, for example, based on the customer data. With this configuration, for example, matching tailored to the customer can be performed more appropriately. In this case, the customer data is an example of print requester data. The customer data can also be considered as data associated with the results of some past actions taken by a customer who has received an order in the past. As the customer data, for example, data indicating the contents of comments received from the customer when receiving an order in the past may be used. More specifically, as the customer data, for example, data indicating at least one of requests, complaints, and compliments by the customer may be used. As the customer data indicating the comments received from the customer, for example, data indicating comments (requests, complaints, compliments, etc.) received from the customer when printing similar to the contents of the print indicated by the required specification data was performed in the past is more preferably used. In addition, as customer data, for example, data showing customer characteristics, trends associated with the customer, etc. can be used. In this manner, for example, the printing organization 14 selected by matching can more appropriately provide printed matter tailored to the customer.

[0039] Also, as the installation location data, for example, data indicating the address or location information of the place where the printing device 124 is installed can be used. In this case, for example, data indicating the address or the like registered in the DB 104 in association with the printing device 124 can be used as the installation location data. More specifically, in the printing system 10, for example, account information for each printing organization 14 can be managed. In this case, for example, the address of the printing organization 14 and the address of the printing base 112 can be registered in the DB 104 in association with the name of the business operating the printing organization 14. In this case, for example, data indicating the address of the printing organization 14 or the printing base 112 can be used as the installation location data of the printing device 124. In addition, in this case, for example, the DB 104 can be considered to store an address table indicating the installation location of the printing device 124. In addition, for example, the server 106 can be considered to acquire the installation location data based on the address table. As the installation location data, data indicating location information other than an address can be used. In this case, for example, a GPS may be attached to the printing device 124, and information obtained from the GPS may be used as the installation location data. With this configuration, for example, highly accurate location information may be easily and appropriately obtained. In this case, for example, data utilizing map data provided by an Internet service may be used as the installation location data. The installation location data is not limited to address-format data, and for example, data indicating latitude and longitude obtained using a GPS or the like may be used. Furthermore, for example, the installation location data is not necessarily limited to data that can identify an exact address, and data that can grasp approximate geographical information may be used.

[0040] In addition, as the printing history data, for example, data indicating at least one of the remaining ink amount, printing length, printing time, printing data, printing mode, ink purchase history, ink ejection amount, and printing area can be used. In this case, the printing history data can be considered to be, for example, information that is easy to obtain and allows accurate estimation. Of the above items, the remaining ink amount can be considered to be, for example, a history of the remaining ink amount during past printing. The printing length and printing time can be considered to be, for example, a history of the length of the range printed during past printing and the time required for printing. The printing data and printing mode can be considered to be, for example, a history of the settings of the printing data and printing mode used during past printing. The ink purchase history can be considered to be, for example, a history of the purchase of ink at the printing organization 14. The ink ejection amount and printing area can be considered to be, for example, the ink ejection amount during past printing and the area of ​​the range printed. By using such printing history data, for example, the printing content indicated by the required specification data can be more appropriately judged for each printing organization 14, whether or not they have experience and whether or not they can be realized. In addition, the server 106 can more appropriately determine whether the printing content indicated by the required specification data is good or bad for each printing organization 14, and can also predict the time required for delivery. The server 106 can match the customer with the printing organization 14 based on the printing history data, taking these factors into consideration. The printing history data can also be, for example, data indicating the history of maintenance performed in the past on the printing device 124. In this case, the server 106 can determine, for example, the timing of regular maintenance, which is maintenance performed periodically on the printing device 124, based on the printing history data. The server 106 can match the customer with the printing organization 14, taking, for example, the timing of regular maintenance. In this configuration, the server 106 can appropriately determine, for example, the timing when the printing device 124 cannot be operated in the printing organization 14 due to regular maintenance.This allows the printing organization 14 to more appropriately determine a feasible delivery date, for example, by taking into account periods during which the printing device 124 cannot be operated.

[0041] In addition, data other than the above may be used as data for determining whether or not the printing content indicated by the required specification data can be realized. In this case, the server 106 further acquires performance data indicating the performance of the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14, for example, when acquiring the printing history data. Then, in step S108, the server 106 performs matching between the customer and the printing organization 14, for example, based on the performance data. The performance data can be considered to be, for example, data corresponding to the specifications of the model of the printing device 124. In this configuration, for example, the printing content that can be executed by the printing organization 14 can be more appropriately understood based on the printing history data and the performance data. In addition, this makes it possible to more appropriately determine, for example, whether or not the printing organization 14 can execute printing that meets the required specifications indicated by the required specification data.

[0042] Next, the matching operation performed by the server 106 in step S108 will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the matching operation performed by the server 106, and shows a simplified example of the matching operation when the number of printing organizations 14 and customers is set to two. FIG. 4(a) shows an example of a candidate combination of customers and the printing organizations 14. FIG. 4(b) shows an example of a matching result. In FIG. 4, when there are multiple printing organizations 14, which are distinguished as printing organizations A and B in the figure, matching is performed between multiple customers, which are distinguished as customers 1 and 2, and the printing organizations 14. In this case, as candidates for combinations of customers and the printing organizations 14, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(a), four combinations can be considered: a combination of printing organization A and customer 1, a combination of printing organization A and customer 2, a combination of printing organization B and customer 1, and a combination of printing organization B and customer 2. In response to this, the server 106, as explained above, matches customers with printing organizations 14 based on the operation data, required specification data, installation location data, delivery location data, etc. In addition, the server 106 thereby determines (selects) for each customer the printing organization 14 that will execute the printing of the content desired by the customer. Also, FIG. 4(b) shows an example of a matching result in which printing organization B is selected for customer 1 and printing organization A is selected for customer 2.

[0043] Here, if the printing organization 14 is selected without performing the above-mentioned matching, for example, by considering only the order amount, it is usually difficult to perform optimal matching in terms of the entire business flow including the delivery of the printed matter to be delivered. In contrast, as described above, in this example, by performing matching based on the operation data and the required specification data, it is possible to more appropriately select the printing organization 14 that can perform the printing desired by the customer. In addition, in this case, by further performing matching based on the installation location data and the delivery location data, it is possible to appropriately perform matching taking into account, for example, the time and cost required for the delivery of the printed matter. In addition, this makes it possible to appropriately assign the printing organization 14 to the customer, taking into account, for example, the entire business flow including the delivery of the printed matter.

[0044] In addition, the time and cost required for delivery may be affected by factors other than the distance between the installation location and the delivery location of the printing organization 14. Therefore, in the matching process, it is preferable to further consider factors other than the delivery distance based on the installation location data and the delivery location data. In this case, the server 106 may, for example, perform matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 while further considering the traffic conditions of the route for delivering the printed matter to the location indicated by the delivery location data. With this configuration, for example, matching considering the delivery of the printed matter can be performed appropriately with higher accuracy. In addition, in this case, it is possible to consider at least one of the weather, the delivery time, and the traffic congestion situation with respect to the traffic conditions. With respect to the weather, for example, it is possible to consider the weather forecast. With respect to the weather, it is preferable to consider factors related to heavy snowfall and typhoons in particular. With respect to the traffic congestion situation, it is preferable to consider, for example, the current traffic congestion situation and traffic congestion forecast. With respect to the traffic conditions, it is also possible to consider, for example, the influence of the disruption of the operation status of transportation such as trains and airplanes, and the influence of traffic congestion on transportation by vehicle, etc. Furthermore, in order to deliver the printed matter, it is also necessary to send and receive the printed matter. Therefore, in the matching process, for example, the matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 may be performed by further considering at least one of the shipping time when the printing organization 14 can send the printed matter and the receiving time when the customer can receive the printed matter. By configuring in this way, for example, it is possible to more accurately predict whether or not the delivery can be made within the delivery date. For example, the business hours, holidays, and public holidays of the printing organization 14 and the customer can be considered as the shipping time and the receiving time.

[0045] In this example, the server 106 matches the customer with the printing organization 14 based on an instruction received via another computer, such as a computer operated by the customer. In this case, the server 106 presents the matching result to a user (e.g., a customer) of the other computer by displaying the result on a screen (monitor) of the other computer. In this case, the server 106 may perform matching under a plurality of conditions, in which the conditions to be considered when delivering the printed matter are different from each other, based on the installation location data and the delivery location data, and present the result to the user. In this case, the plurality of conditions may be, for example, at least a plurality of conditions selected from among the delivery distance, delivery time, delivery cost, delivery method, and greenhouse gas emissions. In this configuration, for example, matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 may be more appropriately performed according to the desired conditions. In this case, it may be possible to perform matching for each of these conditions and present the matching result for each condition. In this configuration, for example, matching proposals according to the priority order desired by the customer or the like may be appropriately performed. The server 106 may also rank the matching results by, for example, displaying a ranking or a score. In this case, it is possible to use a plurality of items corresponding to the above-mentioned conditions, and display the printing organizations 14 with a high matching degree for each item. In this case, the server 106 may also present the matching results in a manner that allows the matching results to be rearranged according to the priority of the items. Such a function may be considered, for example, as a sorting function according to the priority of the items. With this configuration, for example, the matching results can be presented in a format that is easy to see and understand. This also makes it possible to more appropriately perform matching according to the needs of the person who instructs the matching. The server 106 may also present the matching results by, for example, displaying the selected printing organizations 14 on a map.

[0046] Depending on the content of printing desired by a customer, it may be preferable to have multiple printing organizations 14 share the printing work. For this reason, the server 106 may perform matching by, for example, allocating multiple printing organizations 14 to one customer. With this configuration, it is possible to perform more diverse matching between customers and printing organizations 14. In this case, it is possible to perform matching by allocating the number of deliveries desired by the customer to multiple printing organizations 14. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately match customers with printing organizations 14, for example, even in cases where it is difficult for one printing organization 14 to print all of the deliveries. More specifically, for example, if a customer desires to print 1000 units, but all of the printing organizations 14 are busy and unable to deliver 1000 units, it is possible to match the customer with the printing organizations 14 in such a way that a first printing organization 14 prints a portion (for example, 500 units), a second printing organization 14 different from the first printing organization 14 prints a portion (for example, 300 units) of the remaining units, and a third printing organization 14 different from the first and second printing organizations 14 prints the remaining units (for example, 200 units). With this configuration, for example, even if it is difficult for one printing organization 14 to execute the printing desired by the customer, the multiple printing organizations 14 can appropriately receive orders from the customer. This also makes it possible to more appropriately prevent, for example, a franchise organization from missing out on orders from customers.

[0047] Depending on the content of the printed matter desired by the customer, it may be necessary to perform multiple processes to complete the printed matter. In such a case, the matching of allocating multiple printing organizations 14 to one customer may be performed for each process to be performed to complete the printed matter. For example, such matching may be considered as allocating multiple printing organizations 14 to one customer by allocating processes to multiple printing organizations 14. In this case, in the matching process, the server 106 allocates multiple printing organizations 14 to one customer such that, for example, among multiple processes to be performed when executing the printing desired by the customer, a first process is performed by the first printing organization 14, and a second process different from the first process is performed by a second printing organization 14 different from the first printing organization 14. Even in such a configuration, for example, multiple printing organizations 14 can be appropriately allocated to one customer. More specifically, for example, when a certain printed matter needs to be completed by first performing step A and then performing step B, and at least a first and a second printing organization 14 are located in a location geographically close to the customer's base where the product is to be delivered, it is possible to assign one of steps A and B to the first printing organization 14 and the other to the second printing organization 14 according to the characteristics of the first and second printing organizations 14. In this case, for example, for a combination of a first printing organization 14 that is not good at step A but is good at step B, and a second printing organization 14 that is good at step A but is not good at step B, it is possible to match the customer with the printing organization 14 so that the second printing organization 14 performs step A and the first printing organization 14 performs step B. As another example, it is possible to perform a similar matching for a combination of a first printing organization 14 that is not owned and is required for step A, and a second printing organization 14 that is not owned and is required for step B. As yet another example, a similar matching may be performed for a combination of a first printing organization 14 that is currently busy or will have some free time in the future, and a second printing organization 14 that is expected to become busy at some point in the future and is able to complete up to process A, but will not be able to meet the customer's desired delivery date if it completes up to process B.Even in these cases, orders from customers can be appropriately received, for example, by multiple printing organizations 14. This also makes it possible, for example, for a franchise organization to more appropriately prevent losing orders from customers.

[0048] Next, supplementary explanations regarding each of the components described above will be given. As can be understood from the above explanations, in this example, the server 106 can be considered to be, for example, a computer managed by the management organization 12. Therefore, the operation of the server 106 can be considered to be, for example, an operation performed by the management organization 12, which is the manager of the franchise organization, by collecting various data. In this case, the matching between the customer and the printing organization 14 performed by the server 106 can be considered to be, for example, an operation performed under the management of the manager of the franchise organization. Also, as described above, in this example, the server 106 communicates with a computer operated by a customer, etc., and acquires the required specification data and the delivery location data by accepting input from the computer. In this case, the computer operated by the customer, etc. accepts the customer's request, for example, by various known input methods. Also, in this case, the operation of the server 106 to acquire the required specification data and the delivery location data can be considered to be, for example, an operation of a process of acquiring the required specification data and the delivery location data via the management organization 12. As described above, in this example, the server 106 presents the matching result to the customer, the user of the computer, for example, by displaying it on the screen of the other computer. In this case, the server 106 also notifies the matching result to, for example, the printing organization 14 assigned to the customer. Such an operation of the server 106 can be considered as, for example, an operation of notifying the printing organization 14 and the customer of the matching result via the management organization 12. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately match customers with printing organizations 14, which are franchisees of a franchise organization, in accordance with the needs of both the customer who will be the orderer and the orderee of the print output service, and the franchise organization.

[0049] As described above, in the printing system 10 of this example, the management organization 12 acquires printer information and the like from the multiple printing organizations 14. In this case, the management organization 12 may further acquire data other than the data described above as printer information. More specifically, in this case, in the management organization 12, the server 106 acquires printing device related information, which is various information related to the printing devices 124, from the printing devices 124 in the multiple printing organizations 14, for example, and stores it in the DB 104. In addition, the server 106 transmits the printing device related information stored in the DB 104 to the information display devices, such as computers and tablet terminals in the management organization 12 and the printing organizations 14, in response to requests from these information display devices. In addition, the server 106 thereby causes the information display device to display information based on the printing device related information, for example. The configuration for displaying information based on the printing device related information in this way can be considered to be, for example, a dashboard system that visualizes information related to the printing device 124. In this case, the various data used in the server 106 can be considered to be, for example, data based on information acquired by a dashboard system. In addition, such a dashboard system can be considered to be, for example, a system that visualizes various data acquired from the printing device 124 by displaying them. In this case, it is preferable that the management organization 12 can view the dashboard of the printing organization 14 in relation to the use of the data stored in the DB 104. The dashboard of the printing organization 14 can be considered to be, for example, a display screen based on printing device-related information related to the printing device 124 used in the printing organization 14. The dashboard system can be realized by, for example, executing a data collection program (software, application) provided by a seller of the printing device 124 on a computer such as the server 106. In this case, the seller of the printing device 124 can be considered to be, for example, a manufacturer that manufactures and sells the printing device 124, or a seller closely related to the manufacturer of the printing device 124, such as a store directly operated by the manufacturer, rather than a retailer that sells various home appliances.

[0050] As described above, the management organization 12 may have, for example, a plurality of DBs 104 and a plurality of servers 106. In this case, for example, a configuration in which a plurality of DBs 104 are combined can be considered as one virtual database. In addition, a configuration in which a plurality of servers 106 are combined can be considered as one virtual server. Furthermore, in the management organization 12, for example, at least a part of the functions of the DBs 104 and the servers 106 can be realized using a server provided by a cloud server operator. In this case, the dashboard system may be, for example, a system realized by a server and a database outside the franchise organization managed by the management organization 12. In this case, in the management organization 12, the server 106 acquires printer information such as print history data and operation data related to the printing device 124 used in the printing organization 14 by communicating with a server or database of the dashboard system as necessary. In this case, the operation of the server 106 acquiring print history data and operation data through the dashboard system can be considered as an example of print history data and operation data from the printing device 124 by the server 106. The dashboard system may be a system provided by a business operator other than the franchise organization managed by the management organization 12. In the management organization 12, data used for managing the franchise organization other than data available through the dashboard system may be stored in the DB 104 using a server provided by a cloud server business operator other than the franchise organization. In this case, the management organization 12 may use a management system for franchise organizations provided by a business operator other than the franchise organization. In this case, the server 106 in the management organization 12 obtains at least a part of the data used for matching from the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14 via the dashboard system or the management system for franchise organizations. In this case, the relationship between the management system for franchise organizations and the dashboard system is, for example, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the management system 20 for franchise organizations used by the franchise organizations and the dashboard system 30, and shows an example of the relationship between the management system 20 and the dashboard system 30 in a case where data used for managing the franchise organizations, which can be obtained by the dashboard system 30, and other data are stored in different databases. More specifically, in this case, the management system 20 is a system that manages the franchise organizations by linking with the dashboard system 30, and has DB104a, which is a database that stores data other than data that can be obtained by the dashboard system 30. In the illustrated configuration, the management system 20 is, for example, a system used by multiple franchise organizations, and is used by users identified by accounts corresponding to multiple different franchise organizations, for example, as shown in the figure as headquarters accounts 1 and 2. In this case, the headquarters account 1 can be considered, for example, as an account of the management organization 12 (see FIG. 1) in the first franchise organization. The headquarters account 2 can be considered, for example, as an account of the management organization 12 in the second franchise organization different from the first franchise organization. Also, the DB 104a inputs and outputs data to and from, for example, a server 106 (see FIG. 2) in the management organization 12 of the headquarters accounts 1 and 2.

[0052] As described above, the dashboard system 30 is a system that visualizes information related to the printing device 124 (see FIG. 2) in the printing organization 14, and has DB104b, which is a database that stores various data acquired from the printing device 124. In the illustrated configuration, the dashboard system 30 is used by users identified by accounts corresponding to a plurality of different printing organizations 14, for example, as shown in the figure as member store accounts 1 to 4. In this case, the member store accounts 1 to 4 can be considered as accounts of franchisees of a franchise organization corresponding to either of the headquarters accounts 1 and 2. The member store accounts 1 to 4 can also be considered as accounts held by affiliated organizations (affiliated companies) under the headquarters accounts 1 and 2 held by the headquarters for use of the franchise organization management system 20 for the use of the dashboard system 30. In the illustrated configuration, among the member store accounts 1 to 4, the member store accounts 1 and 2 are accounts of the printing organization 14 in the franchise organization corresponding to the headquarters account 1. The member store accounts 3 and 4 are accounts of the printing organization 14 in the franchise organization corresponding to the headquarters account 2.

[0053] In addition, in FIG. 5, a combination of one headquarters account (either headquarters account 1 or 2) and its affiliated store account can be considered as a part corresponding to the printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1. In this case, for example, the management organization 12 corresponding to the headquarters account can be considered to have a PC 102 (see FIG. 2) and a server 106. The server 106 can be considered to obtain data necessary for the matching operation from DBs 104a and 104b outside the management organization 12. The management organization 12 may have a DB 104 other than DBs 104a and 104b. In this case, the DB 104 in the management organization 12 can be used for data that is not stored in the external DBs 104a and 104b. In addition, the server 106 can be used by a plurality of franchise organizations, rather than being configured as the management organization 12 of a specific franchise organization. In this case, the server 106 can also be considered to be configured as the configuration outside the management organization 12. Also, for example, the overall configuration including the management system 20 and dashboard system 30 shown in FIG. 5 can be considered to correspond to a matching system that performs the matching operation described above.

[0054] In addition, in the management system 20, for example, with respect to the relationship between the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14 under its umbrella, it is possible to allow the management organization 12 to view data of the account for the dashboard system 30 of the printing organization 14 under its umbrella. With this configuration, for example, the management organization 12 can appropriately manage the status of the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14. In this case, for example, a user who accesses DB 104a using the headquarters accounts 1 and 2 can also access DB 104b via DB 104a to use various data (for example, print history data, operation data, etc.) stored in DB 104b. With this configuration, for example, in the management system 20, the dashboard system 30 can be used to appropriately manage the printing organization 14, which is a user of the dashboard system 30. Also, the accounts of the management organization 12, such as the headquarters accounts 1 and 2, may be directly accessible to the dashboard system 30.

[0055] As can be understood from the above description, in the dashboard system 30, the DB 104b can be considered to store and manage information on the printing device 124 of the printing organization 14, which is the user. In addition, it is considered that the DB 104b further stores various information on the printing organization 14, which is the user. More specifically, for example, the printing organization 14, which is the user of the dashboard system 30, registers its own account information in the system when creating an account. With this configuration, for example, the DB 104b of the dashboard system 30 can appropriately store and manage the account information of the printing organization 14. In addition, in this case, the printing organization 14 registers, for example, its own business name (company name) and address information as the account information. In addition, it is considered that the DB 104a in the management system 20 stores and manages data generated using, for example, the information stored in the DB 104b in the dashboard system 30 and various information related to the franchise organization (for example, customer information). More specifically, in this case, it is possible to store customer information in DB 104a, for example, linked to the printing history data collected as data related to the printing device 124 and stored in DB 104b. Also, in this case, it is possible to use, for example, information related to the customer's name (name) or delivery destination (delivery destination address, etc.) as the customer information. DB 104a may store the customer information in a format that is not linked to a specific printing job, for example, by not linking it to the printing history data. Also, DB 104a may further store data related to information related to the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14 that is not handled by the dashboard system 30.

[0056] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, when the management system 20 and the dashboard system 30 are considered separately, among the data used in the above-described matching operation, the print history data, the installation location data, and the performance data can be considered as data managed by the dashboard system 30, for example. When performing the matching operation, the server 106 acquires these data, for example, from the DB 104b in the dashboard system 30. In this case, the server 106 may communicate with the DB 104b in the dashboard system 30 via the DB 104a in the management system 20, for example. Also, among the data used in the matching operation, the required specification data and the delivery location data can be considered as data managed by the management system 20, for example. When performing the matching operation, the server 106 acquires these data from the DB 104a in the management system 20. Also, among the data stored in the DB 104b in the dashboard system 30, the DB 104a in the management system 20 may copy and store the same data as the DB 104b for the data used in the matching operation. In this case, it can be considered that the print history data, installation location data, performance data, etc. are also stored in DB 104a in the dashboard system 30. Also, it can be considered that the print history data, installation location data, performance data, etc. are not used as is in the dashboard system 30, but that at least a part of the data used in the dashboard system 30 is modified and used. In this case, it can be considered that the print history data, installation location data, performance data, etc. are stored in DB 104a in the management system 20.

[0057] In addition, in the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the management system 20 can be considered as, for example, a system higher than the dashboard system 30 that uses the data of the dashboard system 30. As described above, in this management system 20, it is possible to allow the management organization 12 to view the data of the accounts of the printing organizations 14 under its umbrella for the dashboard system 30. In this case, the management organization 12 calculates the distance between the printing organizations 14 linked to the same franchise headquarters and the customer based on, for example, the address information registered as the account information of the printing organizations 14 in the dashboard system 30 and the customer's address input by the customer. For example, the address registered in the management system 20 may be used as the customer's address. More specifically, in this case, the management organization 12 performs matching between the customer of the franchise organization and the printing organizations 14 that are users of the dashboard system 30 based on the data stored in the DBs 104a and 104b, for example, by the server 106, so as to satisfy the customer's request and to be a combination that is geographically closer. In addition, the server 106 presents the matching result to the customer, for example, by displaying the matching result on the screen of one of the computers. In addition, in this regard, it is generally considered that the greater the distance between the installation location of the printing device 124 (e.g., the address of the printing organization 14) and the delivery location (e.g., the address of the customer), the greater the transportation costs (e.g., distance, time, risk of accident, etc.) of the printed matter to be delivered. In contrast, when matching customers with the printing organization 14 as described above, for example, the shorter the distance between the installation location of the printing organization 14 and the delivery location, the printing organization 14 will be able to do business with customers in the vicinity. This will also bring about benefits such as reduced transportation costs. In this case, the customer will also be able to place an order with a printing organization 14 in the vicinity, for example, which will shorten the delivery time and reduce the risk of delivery delays due to unexpected problems.

[0058] As described above, the server 106 that performs the matching process, for example, receives input from a computer operated by the customer, acquires the customer's wishes from the customer, and matches the customer with the printing organization 14. In contrast, in a modified example of the matching operation, for example, matching may be performed according to instructions from a person belonging to a franchise organization, rather than instructions from the customer. More specifically, for example, printing organizations 14 under the umbrella of the same franchise organization often use printing devices 124 of the same model or equivalent performance. In addition, it can be considered that the customers of the printing organizations 14 often have similar needs, for example, regarding the specifications of printed materials to be ordered from the printing organization 14. In this case, for example, the management organization 12, which is the headquarters of the franchise organization, may have the server 106 perform matching between the customer and the printing organization 14. In this case, if the customers of one printing organization 14 are simply changed to customers of another printing organization 14, it is considered that the printing organization 14 will lose customers and suffer disadvantages. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to match multiple customers with the printing organizations 14 so that the customers can be replaced among the multiple printing organizations 14. With this configuration, for example, the management organization 12 can propose the replacement of customers to the multiple printing organizations 14. In addition, in this case, the customer can appropriately receive the same print output service as before the customer was replaced, for example, from a closer printing organization 14. More specifically, in this case, the server 106 displays, on the screen of a computer accessing the management system 20 for franchise organizations, a combination candidate that can reduce costs by replacing customers among the multiple printing organizations 14, based on the result of the matching performed in consideration of the distance between the customer and the printing organization 14. With this configuration, for example, the management organization 12 of the franchise organization can provide sales advice such as replacing customers to the affiliated printing organizations 14 based on the display of the above-mentioned candidate proposals.Furthermore, the operation of the management organization 12 can be thought of as, for example, visualizing a mismatch between the customer and the printing organization 14 and providing advice to the printing organization 14 to improve the mismatch.

[0059] In the above, the management system 20 for franchise organizations has been described, mainly in terms of its use together with the dashboard system 30 when matching customers with the printing organizations 14. However, the management system 20 can be used for various purposes related to the operation of franchise organizations other than matching customers with the printing organizations 14. In this case, for example, the management system 20 can perform mapping based on the address information of the customers and the printing organizations 14 on a map and visualize the information, thereby recruiting new businesses to join the franchise organization and making proposals for developing customers. In addition, the data stored in the DB104a of the management system 20 can be made public not only to the management organizations 12 corresponding to the headquarters accounts 1, 2, etc., but also to the printing organizations 14, for example. In this case, for example, data can be shared among multiple printing organizations 14 in the same franchise organization, thereby sharing customer information among the printing organizations 14. In this case, the printing organizations 14 may be further permitted to access DB 104b of the dashboard system 30 via DB 104a of the management system 20, for example, to allow the various data stored in DB 104b to be shared among the multiple printing organizations 14. In this case, for example, it is conceivable that the availability of the printing devices 124 at the printing organizations 14 may be confirmed among the multiple printing organizations 14 based on the operation data of the printing devices 124. With this configuration, for example, it may be possible to realize a sharing economy regarding the use of the printing devices 124 among multiple printing organizations 14 in the same franchise organization.

[0060] In the above, the operation of matching a customer with a printing organization 14 has been mainly described with respect to a franchise organization. In contrast, matching similar to the above may be performed in a configuration that includes multiple printing organizations 14 other than a franchise organization. In this case, the configuration may further include, for example, a management organization 12 that manages the multiple printing organizations 14. More specifically, the relationship between the management organization 12 and the printing organizations 14 other than a franchise organization may be, for example, a parent company and a subsidiary, or a head office and a factory in a company organization. In addition, with respect to the management organization 12, for example, an organization that simply manages data such as operation data and printing history data may be considered as an inter-organizational relationship, rather than an organization that manages the printing organizations 14. In this case, the multiple printing organizations 14 may be, for example, organizations in various associations, alliances, etc. As described above, when matching a customer with a printing organization 14, the customer is an example of a person who desires printing. In contrast, in the case of a configuration other than a franchise organization, a person other than the customer may be considered as a person who desires printing. In this case, the print requester can be, for example, a person who requests printing to a department within an organization such as a company that corresponds to the printing organization 14. The print requester can also be, for example, an orderer who requests printing from the printing organization 14. The printing organization 14 can also be, for example, a recipient who receives a printing order from the print requester.

[0061] In the above, the printing device 124 used in the printing system 10 is described as being, for example, an inkjet printer. However, a printer other than an inkjet printer may be used as the printing device 124 used in the printing system 10. In addition, it is also possible to use, for example, a 3D printer as the printing device 124 used in the printing system 10. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a program that causes a computer to match printing organizations with people wanting to print. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10 printing system, 102 PC, 104 DB, 106 server, 112 printing base, 114 management department, 12 management organization, 122 PC, 124 printing device, 126 PC, 132 pre-processing machine, 134 post-processing machine, 14 printing organization, 20 management system, 30 dashboard system

Claims

1. A program that causes a computer to match a printing organization, which is an organization that performs printing using a printing device, with a print requester who wishes to perform printing, an operational data acquisition process for acquiring operational data indicating operational performance of the printing device from the printing device; a required specification acquisition process for acquiring, from the print requester, required specification data indicating the required specifications of the print requested by the print requester and delivery location data indicating the location where the print deliverable is to be delivered; a matching process for matching the printing applicant with the printing organization; causing the computer to perform A program characterized in that, in the matching process, matching is performed between the printing requester and the printing organization based on installation location data indicating the location where the printing device is installed in the printing organization, the operation data, the required specification data, and the delivery location data.

2. further causing the computer to perform a history data acquisition process to acquire print history data indicating a history of printing performed in the past by the printing device; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the matching process further matches the print applicant with the printing organization based on the print history data.

3. In the history data acquisition process, performance data indicating the performance of the printing device is further acquired; 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the matching process further matches the printing applicant with the printing organization based on the performance data.

4. further causing the computer to perform a pre- and post-process data acquisition process to acquire pre- and post-process data indicating whether or not a process is to be performed before or after the printing process to be performed by the printing device; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the matching process further matches the printing applicant with the printing organization based on the pre- and post-process data.

5. In the required specification acquisition process, print requester data indicating matters related to past actions of the print requester is further acquired; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the matching process further matches the print applicant with the printing organization based on the print applicant data.

6. In the matching process, a result of matching is performed based on the installation location data and the delivery location data under a plurality of conditions in which different conditions are taken into consideration when delivering the print deliverable, and the result is presented; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of conditions include at least a plurality of conditions selected from the group consisting of delivery distance, delivery time, delivery cost, delivery method, and greenhouse gas emissions.

7. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that in the matching process, the printing requester and the printing organization are matched by further taking into consideration at least one of the shipping time when the printing organization can ship the printed product and the receiving time when the printing requester can receive the printed product.

8. A matching system that matches a printing organization, which is an organization that performs printing using a printing device, with a printing requester who wishes to perform printing, a computer that executes a matching process; In the computer, an operational data acquisition process for acquiring operational data indicating operational performance of the printing device from the printing device; a required specification acquisition process for acquiring, from the print requester, required specification data indicating the required specifications of the print requested by the print requester and delivery location data indicating the location where the print deliverable is to be delivered; a matching process for matching the printing applicant with the printing organization; and A matching system characterized in that in the matching process, the printing applicant and the printing organization are matched based on installation location data indicating the location where the printing device is installed in the printing organization, the operation data, the required specification data, and the delivery location data.

9. A matching device that matches a printing organization, which is an organization that performs printing using a printing device, with a printing requester who wishes to perform printing, an operational data acquisition process for acquiring operational data indicating operational performance of the printing device from the printing device; a required specification acquisition process for acquiring, from the print requester, required specification data indicating the required specifications of the print requested by the print requester and delivery location data indicating the location where the print deliverable is to be delivered; a matching process for matching the printing applicant with the printing organization; and A matching device characterized in that, in the matching process, matching between the printing applicant and the printing organization is performed based on installation location data indicating the location where the printing device is installed in the printing organization, the operation data, the required specification data, and the delivery location data.

10. A matching method for matching a printing organization, which is an organization that performs printing using a printing device, with a printing requester who wishes to perform printing, comprising: an operational data acquisition process for acquiring operational data indicating operational performance of the printing device from the printing device; a required specification acquisition process for acquiring, from the print requester, required specification data indicating the required specifications of the print requested by the print requester and delivery location data indicating the location where the print deliverable is to be delivered; a matching process for matching the printing applicant with the printing organization; and A matching method characterized in that in the matching process, the printing applicant and the printing organization are matched based on installation location data indicating the location where the printing device is installed in the printing organization, the operation data, the required specification data, and the delivery location data.

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