Information processor, method for presenting option, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processor, a method for presenting an option, and a program which can improve customer satisfaction.SOLUTION: The information processor includes: a database for holding added value information related to an apparatus for creating a product; and an order content analysis unit for analyzing the content of an order and preparing an option including a used apparatus and added value information related to the used apparatus. The order content analysis unit extracts the used apparatus on the basis of the result of analysis of the order content, and prepares a plurality of options including information of the used apparatus and added value information for the used apparatus with reference to a database based on the extracted used apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an option presentation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printing companies often own multiple pieces of equipment, such as printing machines capable of various types of printing and post-processing machines capable of cutting, etc. In such printing companies, on-site workers select the equipment to be used based on the contents of an order from a customer, taking into consideration the customer's requests and the specifications of the equipment they own.

[0003] For example, when creating business cards, the worker selects a printer for printing the main body and a cutter for cutting the card, etc., in response to the customer's request. At that time, the worker also takes into consideration a method for checking for dirt on the created business cards, the necessity of additional functions, the importance of the customer, etc.

[0004] Recently, various methods have been proposed for selecting the equipment to be used according to the user's request. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying the charge amount and the time required for printing according to the number of image forming devices to be used and allowing the user to select before printing when performing distributed printing in which multiple image forming devices are used for simultaneous printing. Also, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for displaying suitable candidates for a printing machine from among multiple types of printing machines according to print settings before printing and allowing the user to select. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-182881 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-189530 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, various devices such as image forming devices and post-processing devices may each have their own added value. In this case, the printing company can create a product by adding added value that is not included in the order, which can be beneficial for both the customer and the printing company. However, in the past, products were often created without adding such added value.

[0007] In particular, when a customer is a frequent customer who places orders frequently, the customer desires that the printing be performed with at least the same quality as before, and therefore the worker often performs printing with the same equipment configuration as before. Therefore, even if the quality can be improved by performing printing with a different equipment configuration or adding additional functions, there are cases where the improvement of quality is not taken into consideration. In other words, there is a possibility that the printing company is not able to present an appropriate printing process for the customer's request. Therefore, there is a problem that the printing company cannot fully utilize the capabilities that the printing company has, and it is difficult to improve customer satisfaction.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the problems in the above-described conventional technology, and aims to provide an information processing device, an option presentation method, and a program that can improve customer satisfaction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The information processing device according to the present disclosure includes: a database that holds value-added information associated with equipment for creating the deliverables; an order content analysis unit that analyzes the order content and creates options including a device to be used and the added-value information associated with the device to be used; Equipped with The order content analysis unit Extracting the equipment to be used based on the analysis result of the order content; The database is referenced based on the extracted equipment used, and a plurality of options are created, each including information on the equipment used and the added-value information corresponding to the equipment used.

[0010] The option presentation method according to the present disclosure includes: Analyze the order details, Based on the analysis result of the order content, the equipment to be used in producing the deliverable is extracted; Based on the extracted equipment used, a database that holds value-added information associated with the equipment used to create the deliverable is referenced, and multiple options are created that include information on the equipment used and value-added information corresponding to the equipment used.

[0011] The program according to the present disclosure is The above option presentation method is executed by a computer. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, customer satisfaction can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013]

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Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Also, in each figure, those with the same reference numerals are the same or corresponding ones, which is common throughout the entire specification.

[0015] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming system according to the present embodiment presents options for an appropriate printing process with added value according to information related to an order when receiving an order from a customer.

[0016] [Configuration of Image Forming System 100] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes an information processing device 1, an order receiving device 2, a device group 10, and an input device 5.

[0017] The information processing device 1 is a terminal equipped with a program for managing the entire image forming system 100 and for processing and storing various information. The information processing device 1 receives order information from the order receiving device 2, and performs an option presentation process for presenting options to a customer based on the received order information. Details of the option presentation process will be described later. The options are information including a combination of devices to be used and added value that is added by using the devices.

[0018] The order information is information related to an order from a customer. Specifically, the order information includes the order details and customer information. The order details include, for example, the type of product to be created, such as business cards, as well as information regarding the number of products to be created and the images formed. The customer information includes, for example, information related to the customer, such as the customer's name, past order details, and number of orders.

[0019] The order receiving device 2 receives an order from a customer and transmits order information, which is information related to the order, to the information processing device 1. The order receiving device 2 also receives option information including options for the order from the information processing device 1. The order receiving device 2 has an operation display unit (not shown) that can, for example, display options included in the received option information and select a predetermined option from multiple options.

[0020] The device group 10 is a collection of devices for creating a deliverable. In this example, the device group 10 includes an image forming device group 3 and a post-processing device group 4.

[0021] The image forming apparatus group 3 is an apparatus group including a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30. Each image forming apparatus 30 included in the image forming apparatus group 3 is an apparatus that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium. For example, the image forming apparatus 30 is an intermediate transfer type color image forming apparatus that utilizes electrophotographic process technology. The image forming apparatus 30 may include, for example, an in-line post-processing machine as a post-processing machine 40 described later.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 30 transmits feature information and person in charge information about the image forming apparatus 30 to the information processing apparatus 1. The feature information about the image forming apparatus 30 is information including machine features such as functions specific to the image forming apparatus 30 or the cost of creating a deliverable. The person in charge information about the image forming apparatus 30 is information about the person who will operate the image forming apparatus 30 on the day and the name of the image forming apparatus 30, etc. For example, the image forming apparatus 30 can obtain the person in charge information from login information or the like when logging in to each apparatus.

[0023] The post-processing machine group 4 is a device group including a plurality of post-processing machines 40. Each of the post-processing machines 40 included in the post-processing machine group 4 is a device for performing a predetermined post-processing on a recording medium on which an image has been formed. For example, the post-processing machine 40 performs various post-processing such as folding paper as a recording medium, punching holes in the paper, gluing the paper, and cutting the paper.

[0024] The post-processing machine 40 transmits feature information and person in charge information about the post-processing machine 40 to the information processing device 1. The feature information about the post-processing machine 40 is information including machine features such as functions specific to the post-processing machine 40 or the cost of creating a product. The person in charge information about the post-processing machine 40 is information indicating the person in charge who will operate the post-processing machine 40 on the day and the name of the post-processing machine 40, etc. For example, the post-processing machine 40 can obtain the person in charge information from login information, etc., when logging in to each device.

[0025] The input device 5 is a device into which an operator inputs various types of information to be processed by the information processing device 1. For example, customer evaluation information and employee evaluation information are input into the input device 5. The input device 5 transmits the input customer evaluation information and employee evaluation information to the information processing device 1. Note that the information input function of the input device 5 may be possessed by the information processing device 1. In other words, the input device 5 may be configured integrally with the information processing device 1.

[0026] The customer evaluation information is information that indicates a customer's evaluation of a deliverable when the deliverable is obtained using a combination of equipment included in the options. The employee evaluation information is information that indicates an employee's evaluation of the use of the equipment when the deliverable is created using a combination of equipment included in the options. In the following, the customer evaluation information and employee evaluation information may be collectively referred to as "past data."

[0027] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 1 includes an order information receiving unit 11, an order content analyzing unit 12, a priority determining unit 13, an option information transmitting unit 14, a feature information receiving unit 15, a past data receiving unit 16, a person in charge information receiving unit 17, and a database 18.

[0028] The information processing device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (not shown). The CPU reads out a program corresponding to the processing contents from the ROM, loads it in the RAM, and centrally controls the operation of each block of the information processing device 1 in cooperation with the loaded program.

[0029] The order information receiving unit 11 receives order information from the order receiving device 2. Specifically, the order information receiving unit 11 receives order information including order details and customer information from the order receiving device 2. Then, the order information receiving unit 11 supplies the received order information to the order details analysis unit 12.

[0030] The order content analysis unit 12 analyzes the order content included in the order information received by the order information receiving unit 11. Specifically, the order content analysis unit 12 creates multiple combinations of image forming devices 30 and post-processing devices 40 for creating a deliverable based on the order content. The order content analysis unit 12 also refers to the database 18 based on the analysis results to acquire value-added information associated with devices such as the image forming devices 30 or the post-processing devices 40. Then, the order content analysis unit 12 creates options consisting of the combinations and the value-added information.

[0031] The priority determination unit 13 determines the priorities of the multiple options created by the order content analysis unit 12. Specifically, the priority determination unit 13 determines the priorities of the multiple options created based on the customer information included in the order information. Then, the priority determination unit 13 creates option information including the multiple options according to the determined priorities.

[0032] The option information transmitting unit 14 transmits the option information created by the priority determining unit 13 to the order receiving device 2.

[0033] The feature information receiving unit 15 receives feature information from each of the image forming devices 30 and post-processing machines 40 included in the equipment group 10. The past data receiving unit 16 receives customer evaluation information and employee evaluation information as past data from the input device 5. The person in charge information receiving unit 17 receives person in charge information of each of the image forming devices 30 and post-processing machines 40 from the image forming device group 3 and post-processing machine group 4.

[0034] The database 18 stores information required for creating options. The database 18 holds the feature information and person in charge information received from the group of devices 10, and the customer evaluation information and employee evaluation information received from the input device 5, as value-added information. The database 18 also stores the value-added information in association with the combination of devices used. The details of storing the value-added information in the database 18 will be described later.

[0035] [Option presentation processing] Next, an option presentation process by the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. In the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment, when an order is received from a customer, an option presentation process is performed to present a plurality of options for creating a deliverable to the customer.

[0036] In the option presentation process, when receiving an order from a customer, the order receiving device 2 creates order information including the order details and customer information based on the order from the customer. Then, the order receiving device 2 transmits the created order information to the information processing device 1.

[0037] When the information processing device 1 receives the order information from the order receiving device 2, it extracts the devices to be used from the device group 10 based on the order details included in the order information. For example, when the order details are for creating "business cards", in order to create business cards, a post-processing machine 40 that can cut a recording medium with an image formed thereon to the business card size is required. Therefore, in this case, the order details analysis unit 12 of the information processing device 1 extracts a post-processing machine 40 that can cut the recording medium from among the plurality of post-processing machines 40 included in the post-processing machine group 4.

[0038] Also, as the image forming device 30 that forms an image on the recording medium, it is necessary to form an image so that the extracted post-processing machine 40 can handle it. Therefore, the order details analysis unit 12 extracts an image forming device 30 that can be combined with the extracted post-processing machine 40 from among the plurality of image forming devices 30 included in the image forming device group 3.

[0039] Then, the order details analysis unit 12 creates a combination of the extracted image forming device 30 and the post-processing machine 40. At this time, when a plurality of image forming devices 30 and post-processing machines 40 are respectively extracted, the order details analysis unit 12 creates a plurality of combinations.

[0040] Note that depending on the order details, there may be cases where post-processing is not required. In that case, since the post-processing machine 40 is not extracted, the device to be used is only the image forming device 30. Also, for example, when the extracted post-processing machine 40 is integrally configured with an image forming device 30 such as an in-line cutting machine, the image forming device 30 that can be combined with the post-processing machine 40 is the integrally configured image forming device 30 automatically.

[0041] When the equipment combination is created in this manner, the order content analysis unit 12 refers to the database 18 to obtain value-added information corresponding to the equipment combination to be used. When obtaining value-added information, the order content analysis unit 12 refers to the database 18 using the equipment combination as a keyword.

[0042] As described above, the feature information, person in charge information, customer evaluation information, and employee evaluation information are prestored as value-added information in the database 18. The value-added information is registered in the database 18 at a stage prior to the option presentation process. The stage prior to the option presentation process is, for example, the time when the device is first started up or the time when the person in charge logs into the device.

[0043] Among various types of added value information, feature information is acquired from each image forming apparatus 30 and post-processing machine 40 included in the equipment group 10. The feature information includes, for example, machine features such as information indicating additional functions possessed by the corresponding equipment, or information indicating features related to the creation of a product by using the equipment.

[0044] Specifically, information indicating additional functions included in the characteristic information is, for example, a white processing for printing the base of the recording medium cleanly, or a function for inspecting the deliverables, etc. Information indicating features related to the creation of the deliverables included in the characteristic information is, for example, quality stability, cutting accuracy, cost, etc.

[0045] The person in charge information is acquired from each image forming apparatus 30 and post-processing machine 40 included in the equipment group 10. The person in charge information includes, for example, information on the person who operates the corresponding equipment and information indicating the equipment. Specifically, the person in charge information is, for example, the name of the person in charge of the corresponding equipment or the skill level of the person in charge.

[0046] The customer evaluation information is obtained, for example, from the input device 5 when the customer obtains the deliverable. The customer evaluation information includes, for example, information indicating the customer's evaluation of the deliverable. The customer evaluation information is, for example, a graded evaluation value for the completeness of the deliverable, such as "rating 4" or "rating 2".

[0047] The employee evaluation information is obtained from the input device 5, for example, after an employee creates a deliverable using a corresponding device. The employee evaluation information includes, for example, information indicating the employee's evaluation of the device used. The employee evaluation information is, for example, the content of the employee's evaluation when using the device, such as "cutting and imposition settings are easy" or "color reproduction is high."

[0048] In this way, each type of value-added information indicates a characteristic specific to each device. Therefore, the value-added information is associated with the corresponding device when it is registered in the database 18. Therefore, the order content analysis unit 12 can obtain the value-added information corresponding to the created combination of devices by using the device as a keyword.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow when feature information as added-value information from the device group 10 is registered in the database 18. In FIG.

[0050] First, when the image forming apparatuses 30 and post-processing machines 40 included in the equipment group 10 are started for the first time, in step S1, the characteristic information receiving unit 15 receives characteristic information from each of the image forming apparatuses 30 and post-processing machines 40 included in the equipment group 10. At this time, the characteristic information receiving unit 15 also receives information indicating each of the devices together with the characteristic information.

[0051] In step S2, the feature information receiving unit 15 associates the received feature information with the corresponding device based on the information indicating each device, and registers the information in the database 18.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the process flow when person in charge information as added-value information from the device group 10 is registered in the database 18. In FIG.

[0053] First, when the image forming apparatus 30 and post-processing machine 40 included in the equipment group 10 are started for the first time, in step S11, the person in charge information receiving unit 17 receives person in charge information from each image forming apparatus 30 and post-processing machine 40 included in the equipment group 10. At this time, the person in charge information receiving unit 17 also receives information indicating each device together with the person in charge information.

[0054] In step S12, the person in charge information receiving unit 17 sets the proficiency of the person in charge based on the person in charge included in the person in charge information. Then, in step S13, the person in charge information receiving unit 17 associates the received person in charge information and the set proficiency with the corresponding device based on the information indicating each device, and registers them in the database 18.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow when past data is registered as added-value information in the database 18 from the input device 5. As shown in FIG.

[0056] First, in step S21, the past data receiving unit 16 receives customer evaluation information and employee evaluation information as past data from the input device 5. At this time, the past data receiving unit 16 also receives information indicating a corresponding device combination together with the past data.

[0057] In step S22, the past data receiving unit 16 associates the received past data with the corresponding device based on the information indicating the device combination, and registers it in the database 18.

[0058] When the value-added information is acquired in this manner, the order content analysis unit 12 creates a plurality of options including the combination of the equipment to be used and the value-added information. When creating the options, an appropriate value-added is added to the combination of the equipment to be used.

[0059] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of options. Fig. 6 shows an option display 70 showing the options presented. The option display 70 includes a device display 71 showing the combination of devices to be used, and a value-added display 72 showing the value-added added when the device is used.

[0060] The device display 71 indicates a combination of devices to be used. In this example, the device display 71 indicates a combination of "image forming device 30B" and "post-processing device 40B" as the devices to be used.

[0061] The added value display 72 indicates the added value that can be added when using the equipment displayed in the equipment display 71. In this example, the added value display 72 indicates three added values: "Cutting accuracy within ±0.1 mm", "Stable quality", and "High skill level of the person in charge".

[0062] Here, the added value added to the combination of equipment differs depending on the type of customer, such as a new customer, a regular customer, an important customer, etc. For example, when the customer type is a new customer, an added value is set taking into consideration various customer requests such as quality and cost.

[0063] Also, if the customer type is a regular customer, the added value is set when the combination of equipment used when a similar order was placed in the past is used. In addition, in this case, an added value that emphasizes the evaluation of the customer and employees is set. Furthermore, if the customer type is an important customer, an added value that emphasizes the past customer evaluation and the proficiency of the person in charge is set with the aim of providing a high-quality product.

[0064] When the added value is set in this manner and multiple options are created, the priority determination unit 13 sets priorities for the multiple options created. Then, the option information sending unit 14 sends option information consisting of the multiple options for which priorities have been set by the priority determination unit 13 to the order receiving device 2. The order receiving device 2 presents the multiple options for which the option information has been received from the information processing device 1.

[0065] (Processing flow) 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the option presentation process according to the present embodiment. Here, the flow of the process performed by the information processing device 1 is shown.

[0066] In step S31, the order information receiving unit 11 receives order information including order details and customer information from the order receiving device 2. The order information receiving unit 11 supplies the received order information to the order details analyzing unit 12.

[0067] In step S32, the order content analysis unit 12 extracts, from the group of post-processing machines 4, post-processing machines 40 capable of producing the ordered product, based on the order content included in the received order information.

[0068] Next, in step S33, the order content analysis unit 12 extracts image forming devices 30 that can be combined with the extracted post-processing device 40 from the image forming device group 3, and creates combinations of the extracted image forming devices 30 and the post-processing devices 40. Here, if multiple post-processing devices 40 are extracted in step S32, and multiple image forming devices 30 are extracted for each post-processing device 40 in step S33, multiple combinations of these devices are created.

[0069] In step S34, the order content analysis unit 12 refers to the database 18 using the equipment as a keyword, and acquires value-added information associated with the keyword. Then, the order content analysis unit 12 creates a plurality of options based on the created equipment combination and the acquired value-added information.

[0070] In step S35, the order content analysis unit 12 determines whether the customer is a regular customer based on the received customer information. If the customer is not a regular customer (step S35: NO), the process proceeds to step S37.

[0071] On the other hand, if the customer is a regular customer (step S35: YES), the order content analysis unit 12 extracts past data similar to the current order based on the customer information included in the order information in step S36. Then, the order content analysis unit 12 obtains the combination of equipment in the extracted past data and the value-added information corresponding to the combination, and creates options for the past content.

[0072] In step S37, the priority determination unit 13 determines the priority of the created multiple options based on the customer information. The priority determination unit 13 creates option information including the multiple options based on the determined priority. If it is determined in step S35 that the customer is a regular customer, the priority determination unit 13 includes the options of past content created in step S36 in the option information.

[0073] In step S38, the option information transmitting unit 14 transmits to the order receiving device 2 the option information created in accordance with the determined priority.

[0074] [Example of option presentation processing] A specific example of the option presentation process will be described below. Here, a case will be described in which a printing company owns three image forming devices 30A, 30B, and 30C, and two post-processing devices 40A and 40B. In this example, both the post-processing devices 40A and 40B have a cutting function. The post-processing device 40A is an in-line cutting device that is integrally formed with the image forming device 30A.

[0075] (First example) 8 is a schematic diagram showing a first example for explaining a specific example of the option presentation process. The first example is a case where a printing order for business cards is received from a new customer.

[0076] In the first example, a post-processing machine 40 capable of cutting paper, which is a recording medium, is extracted as the post-processing machine 40 to be used. In addition, since the customer is a new customer, it is considered that various customer requests, such as quality and cost, are taken into consideration. Therefore, an image forming device 30 that can be combined with the extracted post-processing machine 40 and has additional functions, etc., according to the customer's request is extracted as the image forming device 30.

[0077] The added value is set based on the customer's requests, taking into consideration, for example, additional functions, features related to the creation of deliverables, and evaluations by the customer and employees.

[0078] From the above, for example, three options #1 to #3 shown in Fig. 8 are presented as options. Option #1 extracts the image forming apparatus 30A and the post-processing machine 40A, which is an in-line paper cutter of the image forming apparatus 30A, as the devices to be used. In addition, "Easy to set cutting imposition", "White processing possible", and "Customer evaluation: Rating 4" are set as added value information.

[0079] In option #2, the image forming device 30B and the post-processing device 40B are extracted as the devices to be used. In addition, the added value information includes "cutting accuracy within ±0.1 mm", "stable quality", and "person in charge XX, skill level: high".

[0080] In option #3, the image forming device 30C and the post-processing device 40B are extracted as the devices to be used. In addition, "cutting accuracy within ±0.1 mm", "inspection possible", and "cost ** yen" are set as added value information.

[0081] In the options presented in this way, for example, if a high-quality product is desired, option #1 is selected, which has an additional function (white processing capability) as added value and is highly rated by customers. If stability in the quality of the product is important, option #2 is selected, which allows "stable quality" as added value. Furthermore, if a balance between cost and precision is important, option #3 is selected, which has high cutting precision and takes cost into consideration.

[0082] As described above, when a customer is new and the customer's requests are important, options that can add various added values ​​are presented. This allows, for example, a printing company to present the functions of the device group 10 that the printing company owns in line with the customer's request. Also, by presenting options in line with the customer's request, the printing company can increase the customer's trust in the printing company.

[0083] (Second example) 9 is a schematic diagram showing a second example for explaining a specific example of the option presentation process. The second example is a case where a printing order for business cards is received from a regular customer.

[0084] If a customer is a regular customer, he or she has previously ordered a similar product. Usually, it is considered to create a product based on the previous order and using the same process as before. However, the same process as before is not necessarily the optimal one. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the customer is a regular customer, items that are highly evaluated by customers and employees are added as added value.

[0085] In this case, in the second example, as in the first example, a post-processing machine 40 capable of cutting paper, which is a recording medium, is extracted as the post-processing machine 40 to be used. In addition, since the customer is a regular customer, it is considered that the evaluation of the deliverables created in the past and the evaluation of the employees are important. Therefore, as the image forming device 30, an image forming device 30 that can be combined with the extracted post-processing machine 40 and has a high customer evaluation and employee evaluation is extracted.

[0086] Furthermore, since the evaluations of customers and employees are important, the added value is set to, for example, items that have high customer evaluations and employee evaluations.

[0087] From the above, for example, three options #1 to #3 shown in Fig. 9 are presented as options. If the customer is a regular customer, the process when a similar order was previously received is created as an option showing the past contents. Here, option #1 is presented as the option showing the past contents.

[0088] In the option #1 showing the past contents, the image forming device 30B and the post-processing device 40B are extracted as the devices to be used. In addition, "cutting accuracy within ±0.1 mm", "customer evaluation: evaluation 2", and "cutting setting is difficult" are set as the value-added information.

[0089] In option #2, the image forming device 30A and the post-processing device 40A, which is an in-line paper cutter of the image forming device 30A, are extracted as the devices to be used. In addition, the following are set as added value information: "Easy to set cutting imposition", "Customer evaluation: Evaluation 4", and "No hassle of moving between devices".

[0090] In option #3, the image forming device 30C and the post-processing device 40B are extracted as the devices to be used. In addition, the added value information includes "cutting accuracy within ±0.1 mm", "customer evaluation: evaluation 3", and "high color reproduction".

[0091] Among the options presented in this way, options #2 and #3 have relatively high customer ratings and are also favorably rated by employees. On the other hand, option #1 is an option that shows past content, but has relatively low customer and employee ratings. Therefore, by selecting option #2 or #3 rather than option #1, which is the same as before, the resulting deliverable may receive a higher rating than before.

[0092] In this way, if a customer is a regular customer, not only can the same process as in the previous order be selected, but also an option that is highly rated by customers and employees can be selected. This allows the customer to obtain a product with a higher level of satisfaction, for example. Also, the printing company can further increase the trust of its customers.

[0093] (Third example) 10 is a schematic diagram showing a third example for explaining a specific example of the option presentation process, in which an order for printing of business cards is received from an important client.

[0094] In the third example, similarly to the first and second examples, a post-processing machine 40 capable of cutting paper, which is a recording medium, is extracted as the post-processing machine 40 to be used. In addition, since the customer is an important customer, it is considered that the customer places importance on quality, for example. Therefore, as the image forming device 30, an image forming device 30 that can be combined with the extracted post-processing machine 40 and has an additional function is extracted.

[0095] In addition, in order to emphasize quality, the added value is set based on, for example, customer evaluation and the skill level of the person in charge. Furthermore, in order to improve quality, additional functions of the equipment to be used are set.

[0096] From the above, for example, three options #1 to #3 shown in Fig. 10 are presented as options. For option #1, image forming apparatus 30A and post-processing machine 40A, which is an in-line cutter of image forming apparatus 30A, are extracted as the devices to be used. In addition, "Customer evaluation: Evaluation 4", "Medium skill level", and "White processing possible" are set as added value information.

[0097] In option #2, the image forming device 30B and the post-processing device 40B are extracted as the devices to be used. In addition, "Customer evaluation: evaluation 3", "Level of proficiency: 'Medium'" and "Stable quality" are set as the added value information.

[0098] In option #3, the image forming device 30C and the post-processing device 40B are extracted as the devices to be used. In addition, "Customer evaluation: evaluation 3", "proficiency level: high", and "inspection possible" are set as added value information.

[0099] Of the options presented in this way, options #1 to #3 all have relatively high customer ratings and the proficiency of the staff is acceptable. In addition, options #1 to #3 all have functions that can be added when creating the deliverable.

[0100] In particular, option #1 has the highest customer evaluation, but option #3 has the highest staff proficiency and is inspectable. Therefore, option #3 may be selected as the one that is suitable for producing high-quality deliverables.

[0101] In this way, when a customer is an important customer and places importance on quality, the printing company is presented with the option of creating a deliverable based not only on the customer's evaluation but also on the proficiency of the person in charge on the day, allowing the printing company to provide a higher quality deliverable to the important customer.

[0102] As described above, the information processing device 1 of the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment extracts the devices to be used when creating the final product based on the analysis results of the order contents. Then, the information processing device 1 refers to the database based on the extracted devices to be used, and creates a plurality of options including information on the devices to be used and added value information corresponding to the devices to be used. This allows options including added value according to the customer's requests to be created, thereby improving customer satisfaction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. Information processing device 2. Order-receiving device 3 Image forming device group 4 Post-processing machine group 5 Input Devices 10 equipment group 11 Order Information Receiving Department 12 Order Content Analysis Department 13 Priority determination section 14. Selection information transmission unit 15. Special feature information receiving section 16 Past data receiver 17 Personnel Information Receiving Unit 18 Database 30, 30A, 30B, 30C Image forming device 40, 40A, 40B post-processing machine 70 Choice Display 71 Equipment display 72 Value Added Display 100 Image forming system

Claims

1. a database that holds value-added information associated with equipment for creating the deliverables; an order content analysis unit that analyzes the order content and creates options including a device to be used and the added-value information associated with the device to be used; Equipped with The order content analysis unit Extracting the equipment to be used based on the analysis result of the order content; The database is referenced based on the extracted equipment used, and a plurality of options including information on the equipment used and the added-value information corresponding to the equipment used are generated. Information processing device.

2. The method further includes a priority determination unit that determines priorities for the plurality of options and creates option information including the plurality of options in accordance with the priorities. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The apparatus further includes an option information transmitting unit that transmits the created option information. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The added value information includes information indicating additional functions of the device used, or feature information indicating features related to the creation of a product by using the device used. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. A feature information receiving unit receives the feature information from the device for creating a product, The database stores the feature information received from the feature information receiving unit as the added value information in association with a corresponding device. The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. The value-added information includes person-in-charge information regarding a person in charge of the device for creating a deliverable. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The person in charge information includes the person in charge's skill level with respect to the device. The information processing device according to claim 6.

8. a person in charge information receiving unit for receiving the person in charge information from the device for creating a deliverable, The database stores the person in charge information received from the person in charge information receiving unit as the value-added information in association with the corresponding device. The information processing device according to claim 6.

9. The added value information includes customer evaluation information indicating customer evaluation of a product created using the device used. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. a past data receiving unit that receives the customer evaluation information from an input device operated by an operator, The database stores the customer evaluation information received from the past data receiving unit as the added value information in association with the corresponding device. The information processing device according to claim 9.

11. The value-added information includes employee evaluation information indicating an employee's evaluation of the device used when a deliverable was created using the device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

12. a past data receiving unit that receives the employee evaluation information from an input device operated by an operator; The database stores the employee evaluation information received from the past data receiving unit as the added value information in association with the corresponding device. The information processing device according to claim 11.

13. Analyze the order details, Based on the analysis result of the order content, the equipment to be used in producing the deliverable is extracted; Based on the extracted equipment to be used, a database is referenced that holds value-added information associated with equipment for creating a deliverable, and a plurality of options including information on the equipment to be used and value-added information corresponding to the equipment to be used are generated. How options are presented.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute the option presentation method according to claim 13.

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