Stock management support device and support method for stock management of pharmaceuticals and the like

Abstract

To provide a technique for supporting stable supply of pharmaceuticals in the market ranging from employment, securing of stock, to decisions on disposition.SOLUTION: A stock management support device includes a reception unit that receives a user search request as to stock of pharmaceuticals, etc., an acquisition unit that acquires information about the stock of pharmaceuticals, etc. in a prescribed area, an evaluation unit that evaluates, for the stock of pharmaceuticals, etc., the degree of stable supply in the prescribed area by using a prescribed evaluation criterion, and an output unit that provides to a user information about the stock of pharmaceuticals, etc. in a report format that includes an evaluation result of the degree of stable supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inventory management support device for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like in the distribution process, and a method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the sale of medical pharmaceuticals via the Internet has been carried out (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the supply chain dealing with medical pharmaceuticals, since life-related products are handled, the stable supply of medical pharmaceuticals and the management of transportation quality are important responsibilities. However, in each player (pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies, etc.) in the supply chain, the core systems, data items, formats, etc. for handling medical pharmaceuticals are different from each other, so data sharing between players has become difficult. For this reason, for example, in the current situation, inefficiencies such as frequent deliveries, emergency deliveries, out-of-stock situations, and returns between wholesalers and insurance pharmacies of pharmaceuticals in the urban distribution process have not been sufficiently improved.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed technology has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a technology for supporting the stable supply of pharmaceuticals in the market from adoption to inventory securing and disposal decision-making.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed technology is characterized by the following. That is, this inventory management support device includes a reception unit that receives a search request regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like of a user, an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like in a predetermined area, an evaluation unit that evaluates the degree of stable supply of the pharmaceuticals and the like in the predetermined area using a predetermined evaluation criterion, and an output unit that provides the user with information regarding the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like in a report format including the evaluation result of the degree of stable supply.

[0007] By having such characteristics, the disclosed technology can evaluate the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and the like in a predetermined area using a predetermined evaluation criterion. The disclosed technology can provide a user who has received a search request regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like with information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like in a predetermined area in a report format including the evaluation result of the degree of stable supply. For the user, since the degree of stable supply of the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like included in the report-formatted information can be grasped, a technology that supports stable supply from the adoption of pharmaceuticals in the market to inventory securing and disposal decision-making can be provided.

[0008] The disclosed technology may further have the following characteristics. That is, the evaluation unit calculates an index value using the inventory quantity of the storage source that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like and information regarding the shipment quantity shipped from the storage source, and based on the numerical range of the index value corresponding to the pharmaceuticals and the like in the predetermined area and the storage source that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like, evaluates the degree of stable supply in the predetermined area according to the predetermined evaluation criterion determined. The disclosed technology, by having such characteristics, can calculate an index value using the inventory quantity of the storage source that stores the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like and information regarding the shipment quantity shipped from the storage source. Then, based on the predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the numerical range of the index value corresponding to the pharmaceuticals and the like in the predetermined area and the storage source that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like, the degree of stable supply in the predetermined area can be evaluated. As a result, compared with the case of providing the storage quantity, it is possible to expect to suppress the occurrence of inventory hoarding, and it is possible to expect to suppress shortages, returns, etc. of pharmaceuticals and the like due to inventory hoarding.

[0009] The disclosed technology may further have the following features. That is, the evaluation unit evaluates the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region according to the predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the presence or absence of the inventory at the storage source that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals, etc. in the predetermined region. By having such a feature, the disclosed technology can evaluate the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region according to the predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the presence or absence of the inventory at the storage source that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals, etc. in the predetermined region. Relative evaluation considering the distribution conditions of the stocked pharmaceuticals in the region becomes possible.

[0010] The disclosed technology may further have the following features. That is, the evaluation unit evaluates the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region according to the predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the purchase price or wholesale price of the pharmaceuticals, etc. of the storage source that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals, etc. in the predetermined region, according to at least any one of the manufacturer, product name, and attributes of the pharmaceuticals, etc. By having such a feature, it is possible to evaluate the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory from the perspectives of wholesale companies and users in the distribution process with respect to the purchase price and wholesale price of the stored pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0011] The disclosed technology may further have the following features. That is, the evaluation unit calculates an index value using the number of order destinations of the user to the storage source that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals, etc. and the total number of users in the predetermined region, and evaluates the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region according to the predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the index value divided into multiple stages according to the predetermined region. By having such a feature, it becomes possible to evaluate the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory from the tendency of the order frequency such as the amount of adoption of the pharmaceuticals, etc. in the target region.

[0012] The technology described above can also be understood as a method for a computer to assist in inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like. In the method for a computer to assist in inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like, steps such as an acquisition step, a reception step, an output step, and an evaluation step are executed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the disclosed technology, a technology can be provided that supports stable supply from the adoption of pharmaceuticals in the market to inventory securing and disposal decision-making.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, one embodiment for carrying out the invention (hereinafter also referred to as one embodiment or an embodiment) will be described. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the configurations of the devices and systems disclosed in this embodiment can be appropriately changed according to various conditions. In addition, the configurations disclosed in this embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention only to those without specific description, and can be combined as much as possible.

[0016] [Example 1] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inventory management support system 1 according to Example 1. The inventory management support system (hereinafter also referred to as the support system) 1 is a system that supports the stable supply of medical pharmaceuticals in the market from procurement to inventory securing and disposal decision-making. The support system 1 includes an inventory management support device (hereinafter also referred to as the support device) 10, a server 25, and a management terminal 30. The support device 10 and the server 25, and the support device 10 and the management terminal 30 are interconnected through a network N1. In the inventory management support system 1 of FIG. 1, one support device 10, server 25, and management terminal 30 are illustrated, but these devices may exist in plural.

[0017] The network N1 is, for example, a public communication network such as the Internet, and may include other communication networks, for example, a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone, a wireless communication network such as WiFi (registered trademark), and a dedicated communication network such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network). In the following description, medical pharmaceuticals are also referred to as "pharmaceuticals, etc.". Pharmaceuticals, etc. are regulated by, for example, laws (the "Law Concerning the Assurance of Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, etc.", commonly referred to as the "Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Law") and others, and those who can purchase medical institutions, etc. and persons, etc. are restricted, and in addition to pharmaceuticals, it includes medical devices and medical materials.

[0018] In the support system 1, the server 25 is a computer operated by, for example, a wholesaler of pharmaceuticals or the like. The wholesalers of pharmaceuticals or the like may include all operators such as wholesaling companies and transportation companies that intervene between pharmaceutical manufacturers and medical institutions such as hospitals and insurance pharmacies in the distribution process of pharmaceuticals or the like. However, depending on the form in which pharmaceuticals or the like are distributed, pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical institutions, etc. may also function as wholesalers of pharmaceuticals or the like. Further, the management terminal 30 is a computer operated by, for example, a dispensing pharmacy that dispenses pharmaceuticals, an insurance pharmacy that dispenses pharmaceuticals based on a public insurance system, or the like. The dispensing pharmacies or the like may include drugstores that dispense according to a doctor's prescription. Further, the management terminal 30 may include, for example, information processing terminals such as smartphones and tablet PCs used by medical institution personnel, the prescribed person to whom a doctor's prescription has been issued, and the like.

[0019] In the support system 1, the support device 10 is a computer that cooperates with the server 25 and the management terminal 30 connected through the network N1 to support the stable supply of pharmaceuticals and the like from procurement to inventory securing and disposal decision-making. The support device 10 may be configured, for example, as part of a cloud system configured on the network N1 by one or more computers or the like. In such a cloud system, for example, it cooperates with the core systems of pharmaceutical manufacturers (also referred to as manufacturing companies), universities, administrative agencies related to research and development of pharmaceuticals or the like. And the cloud system can provide information published in media, papers, etc., information published in academic societies, etc., and information related to events such as lectures and seminars to users as cloud services. It becomes capable. Also, it can cooperate with a system constructed for wholesalers of pharmaceuticals and the like, collect information regarding pharmaceuticals handled in wholesaling and the like (for example, handling of new original drugs and generic drugs, or discontinuation thereof), and periodically provide it to users. Such a cloud system can be operated, for example, by wholesalers of pharmaceuticals and the like, or operating companies commissioned by wholesalers and the like. However, pharmaceutical companies, universities, administrative agencies related to research and development of pharmaceuticals and the like, health insurance associations that conduct health insurance business, dispensing pharmacies, insurance pharmacies, drugstores, etc. may participate in the operation, or it may be operated by an operating company commissioned by any of these. The support device 10 that constitutes a part of the cloud system can provide various types of information collected and accumulated via the cloud system to the management terminal 30, for example.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the support device 10 is realized by a hardware configuration including a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, an input / output unit 104, a display unit 105, and a communication unit 106 that are mutually connected by a connection bus 107. The main memory unit 102 and the auxiliary storage unit 103 constitute a memory and are recording media readable by the support device 10. Each of the above components may be provided in a plurality, or some of the components may not be provided.

[0021] The processor 101 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the support device 10 and is an example of a control unit in the support device 10. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like. The main memory unit 102 is a memory that stores programs executed by the processor 101, data processed by the processor, and the like, and includes a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary storage unit 103 is a storage device such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage unit 103 includes portable recording media such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and an SD (Secure Digital) card. The auxiliary storage unit 103 is used as a storage area that supplements the main memory unit 102, and various programs, various tables, and various data are stored in a readable and writable manner. The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores an operating system (OS: Operating System) including a communication interface program for transferring data to and from devices connected via the communication unit 106. The processor 101 expands and executes the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 in the working area of the main memory unit 102, and by controlling each component through the execution of the program, it is possible to realize various functions that match a predetermined purpose as described later. Information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 may be stored in the main memory unit 102, or information stored in the main memory unit 102 may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. A part of the series of processes executed by the support device 10 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0022] The input / output unit 104 is an interface for inputting and outputting data and information processed by the processor 101 and data and information stored in the memory. The input / output unit 104 includes input devices such as buttons, keyboards, touch panels, pointing devices such as a mouse, and microphones for receiving operation instructions from an operator, and output devices such as speakers for outputting warning sounds and voice messages. The display unit 105 includes display devices such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electroluminescence) panel, and an LED (Light-Emitting Diode). The communication unit 106 is a communication interface for communicating with an external device through a communication line such as the network N1. The communication unit 106 may have an appropriate configuration depending on the connection method with the communication line. Examples of the communication unit 106 include a LAN interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the server 25 and the management terminal 30 are the same hardware as the support device 10. The server 25 is realized by a multi-layered configuration. The processor 201, main memory 202, auxiliary memory 203, input / output unit 204, display 205, and communication unit 206 of the server 25 are equivalent to the processor 101, main memory 102, auxiliary memory 103, input / output unit 104, display 105, and communication unit 106, respectively, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted. The processor 301, main memory 302, auxiliary memory 303, input / output unit 304, display 305, and communication unit 306 of the management terminal 30 are also equivalent to the processor 101, main memory 302, auxiliary memory 303, input / output unit 304, display 305, and communication unit 306, respectively, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0024] The support device 10 cooperates with the server 25 through the network N1 to acquire and collect information on logistics warehouses in which pharmaceuticals and the like handled by wholesalers and the like are stored in the city. Here, the city refers to an area divided into prefectures, cities, wards, towns, villages, and the like. However, such an area is not limited to an area divided into prefectures, cities, wards, towns, villages, and the like, and may be appropriately divided according to, for example, the scale of distribution of pharmaceuticals and the like, the location of logistics warehouses, the number of households, the population, the age distribution, and the like.

[0025] Wholesalers and others who operate the server 25 are assigned identification information (such as a name like a company name, an identification number, etc., hereinafter also referred to as a merchant ID) in advance. In the support device 10, for example, identifiers (IP address (Internet Protocol Address), MAC address (Media Access Control address), etc.) of the server 25 operated by wholesalers and others are registered in association with the merchant ID.

[0026] The support device 10 periodically acquires information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like, for example, via the server 25 for each wholesaler connected to the network N1. The information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like includes identification information (branch ID, warehouse ID) for identifying the storage location of the inventory (branch, logistics warehouse, etc.). Hereinafter, the storage location of the inventory is also referred to as the storage source. When the storage location of the inventory is a branch ID, for example, information regarding the wholesaler to which the branch belongs, location information, information regarding the pharmaceuticals and the like stored, the delivery schedule of pharmaceuticals and the like is included in the information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like. Similarly, in the case of a logistics warehouse where the storage location is specified by a warehouse ID, for example, information regarding the wholesaler to which the logistics warehouse belongs, location, information regarding the pharmaceuticals and the like handled, the delivery schedule of pharmaceuticals and the like is included in the information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like.

[0027] The information regarding pharmaceuticals and the like includes, for example, a product name, attributes, manufacturing company name, storage quantity, shipment quantity per a predetermined period (for example, one month), shipment destination (insurance pharmacy, dispensing pharmacy, etc.), price, etc., associated with identification information for identifying pharmaceuticals (also referred to as a pharmaceutical ID). In addition, the attributes of the pharmaceutical ID include, for example, identification of pioneer / non-pioneer products, handling quantity at the time of purchase, item ID to which the pharmaceutical belongs, etc. The support device 10 manages the inventory status of pharmaceuticals and the like distributed in the market based on the above information acquired from the server 25.

[0028] The support device 10 periodically provides information regarding the inventory status of pharmaceuticals and the like managed by the device itself to the management terminal 30 connected via the network N1 as an off-the-shelf inventory report expressed in a format of a predetermined form. The information regarding the inventory status of pharmaceuticals and the like managed by the support device 10 is provided in a visualized manner as an off-the-shelf inventory report indicating the inventory status according to the region where the management terminal 30 is located. The off-the-shelf inventory report of pharmaceuticals and the like provided by the support device 10 is represented in a report format including information such as the name of the manufacturing company of pharmaceuticals and the like, the product name, and attributes such as original products and generic products for each item ID.

[0029] The support device 10 according to the present embodiment evaluates the degree of stable supply for the delivery of the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like in the market stored in a branch, a logistics warehouse, or the like based on a predetermined standard. Then, as will be described later, the support device 10 includes information indicating the evaluated degree of stable supply in the above report format and provides it to the management terminal 30 as an off-the-shelf inventory report. The off-the-shelf inventory report of pharmaceuticals and the like provided by the support device 10 can represent the degree of stable supply evaluated based on a predetermined standard using, for example, a relative bar graph, a pie chart, or a radar chart indicating the evaluation for each pharmaceutical and the like included in the report. It can be represented using a radar chart showing the evaluation for each.

[0030] Information of users who receive support for providing information regarding the inventory status is registered in advance in the support device 10 via the management terminal 30 connected to the network N1. The support device 10 registers information such as authentication information (password, etc.), the name of the user, the location (address), and the region ID of the region to which the location belongs in association with the identification information (user ID) of the user. In addition, the identification information (IP address, MAC address, etc.) of the management terminal 30 connected to the support device 10 is registered in association with the user ID. When such user information is registered, an application program (hereinafter also referred to as an app) for using the information regarding the inventory status managed by the support device 10 is downloaded to the management terminal 30 and stored in a predetermined storage area of the auxiliary storage unit 303.

[0031] The management terminal 30 receives the user's operation input via the input / output unit 304 and launches an application for using the information regarding the inventory status provided by the support device 10. After the application is launched, the management terminal 30 is connected to the support device 10 through the network N1. Mutual authentication is performed between the management terminal 30 and the support device 10 connected through the network N1 based on the user ID, authentication information, etc. input by the user via a predetermined application screen. After the authentication is successful, various types of information managed by the support device 10 are provided to the management terminal 30 via the display screen displayed through the execution of the application.

[0032] <Example of providing information regarding inventory status> FIG. 2 is an example of the information regarding the inventory status provided by the support device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, on the LCD or the like of the management terminal 30 connected to the support device 10 through the network N1, a display screen Z1 for displaying the information regarding the inventory status as report information (off-site inventory report) in a predetermined format is displayed. In the following description, the information regarding the inventory status of pharmaceuticals or the like is described as being provided in the form of report information including a list of one or more pharmaceuticals or the like.

[0033] The display screen Z1 includes, for example, a region Z2 where the name of the application that provides information on the inventory status is displayed, a region Z3 where various service menus provided to the user via the application are displayed, and a region Z4 where operation components corresponding to each menu are displayed. The region Z3 where the service menu is displayed and surrounded by a dashed line frame includes an operation component Z7 for acquiring information on the inventory status of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the market. Such an operation component is, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that receives the user's operation input via an input device including a pointing device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse. Between the region Z3 where the service menu is displayed and the region Z4 where the content corresponding to each menu is displayed, an operation component Z5 for scrolling the display range of the menu up and down is provided. Also, in the region Z4, on the side opposite to the side where the operation component Z5 is displayed, an operation component Z6 for scrolling the display range of the region Z4 up and down is provided.

[0034] When the management terminal 30 receives a selection operation on the operation component Z7 by the user via the input / output unit 304, a search screen for searching for information on the inventory status provided in a report format is displayed in the region Z4. On the search screen displayed in the region Z4, an operation component Z8 for inputting a search key (for example, the name (product name) of pharmaceuticals, etc., the name of the manufacturing company, etc.) for searching for the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. as indicated by a thick line frame is displayed together with a message such as "Search for the in-market inventory report".

[0035] When the management terminal 30 receives the input of the search key to the operation component Z8, it adds to the region Z4 a region Z9 where one or more pieces of information on the inventory status of items including the product name of the searched pharmaceuticals, etc. are displayed as a report. Also, an operation component Z10 such as "Condition Clear" for deleting the search conditions and an operation component Z11 such as "Narrow Down" for further narrowing down from the list of reports displayed in the region Z9 are additionally displayed. for further narrowing down from the list of reports displayed in the region Z9 are additionally displayed.

[0036] When the user highlights and selects a desired report from the list of reports displayed in area Z9 and presses the operation component Z11, it becomes possible to narrow down information regarding pharmaceuticals and the like corresponding to the report. For example, the user selects and highlights "AAAAA Tablets 5 mg, 100 tablets" indicated by boldface Z9a from the list of reports displayed in area Z9, and presses "Narrow down" on the operation component Z11. The management terminal 30 receives, via the input / output unit 304, the highlighting operation on the desired report in the user's area Z9 and the pressing operation on the operation component Z11, and transitions to the narrowing-down screen shown in FIG. 3.

[0037] FIG. 3 is an example of a display screen for narrowing down pharmaceuticals and the like displayed on the management terminal 30. The display screen Z12 includes an area Z13 in which information on the list of reports displayed in area Z9 on the display screen Z1 is displayed, and an area Z14 in which the title of the report selected by the user is displayed. In area Z13, the same information as that displayed in area Z9 is displayed with the report selected by the user highlighted. The user can visually recognize which report the information displayed on the screen being viewed corresponds to based on the display state of the report displayed in area Z13. The title displayed in area Z14 includes content that allows, for example, the area where the management terminal 30 is located to be visually recognized.

[0038] Further, the display screen Z12 includes a region Z15, an operation component Z16, and an operation component Z18. In the region Z15, detailed information such as pharmaceuticals corresponding to the report selected by the user is displayed. The operation component Z16 is a GUI for displaying a list of pharmaceuticals etc. recommended by the operator of the support device 10, and the operation component Z18 is a GUI for displaying all the pharmaceuticals etc. included in the report. The operation component Z16 includes a description such as "----- Recommended List" including the operator name etc., and the operation component Z18 includes a description such as "All Product List". The operation component Z16 and the operation component Z18 are provided side by side in the screen region between the region Z14 and the region Z15. In the initial state of the display screen Z12, pharmaceuticals etc. for which an evaluation value equal to or higher than a predetermined value has been calculated from among the pharmaceuticals etc. corresponding to the selected report are extracted as a list of recommended pharmaceuticals etc. and displayed in the region Z17.

[0039] The list of pharmaceuticals etc. displayed in the region Z17 has columns such as, for example, "Manufacturer", "Product Name", "Original / Generic", and "Evaluation". In "Manufacturer", information indicating the name of the manufacturing company that is the manufacturer of the pharmaceuticals etc. is stored. In "Product Name", the product name of the manufacturing company that is the manufacturer of the pharmaceuticals etc. is stored. In "Original / Generic", information indicating whether the pharmaceuticals etc. are original products or generic products is stored. In "Evaluation", information indicating the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals etc. in the market, calculated based on a predetermined standard, is stored. In the list of pharmaceuticals etc. displayed in the region Z17, for example, a pharmaceutical etc. with the product name "aaaa tablets 5mg" manufactured by "■■ Pharmaceutical" is an "original product", and the "Evaluation" of the degree of stable supply of the said pharmaceuticals etc. in the market is represented as a "sunny symbol". Note that the "sunny symbol" stored in the "Evaluation" column is one form of information indicating the degree of stable supply, and other display forms may be used. At least, regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals etc., it suffices that the evaluation result of the degree of stable supply in the market can be visually recognized.

[0040] Fig. 4 is an example of a display screen that displays a list of all medicines and the like included in a selected report. The display screen Z12 shown in Fig. 4 is displayed, for example, by pressing the operation component Z18. The configuration of the display screen Z12 in Fig. 4 is the same as that in Fig. 3 except for the list displayed in the area Z19, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] As shown in area Z19, when a list of all drugs, etc. is displayed, The "assessment" of the degree of stable supply of stock in the market is displayed including medicines, etc. classified as "cloudy symbol," "rain symbol," and "thunder symbol" other than the "sunny symbol." For example, a medicine, etc. with the product name "aaaa tablets 5 mg" manufactured by "◇◇◇◇" is a "original drug," and the "assessment" of the stability of supply in the market regarding the stock status of said medicine, etc. is displayed as a "cloudy symbol." In addition, a medicine, etc. with the product name "AAAAA tablets 5 mg "FF"" manufactured by "□□do" is a "generic drug," and the "assessment" of the stability of supply in the market regarding the stock status of said medicine, etc. is displayed as a "rain symbol."

[0042] The degree of stable supply of medicines and the like in the market in the "evaluation" is, for example, the highest evaluation indicated by a "sunny symbol," followed by a "cloudy symbol," a "rain symbol," and a "thunder symbol," which indicate decreasing evaluations. In this way, the market inventory report can provide the degree of stable supply of medicines and the like in the market in multiple stages according to the evaluation value calculated based on a predetermined standard. In this embodiment, the specific number of medicines and the like in stock in the market is not provided. This makes it possible to prevent the stockpiling of medicines and the like, which may occur due to rumors, etc. According to this embodiment, unnecessary frequent deliveries, urgent deliveries, shortages, returns, etc., which may occur due to stockpiling, can be prevented, and a stable supply of medicines and the like in the market can be supported.

[0043] <Functional configuration> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the support device 10. The support device 10 includes a registration unit 11, a data acquisition unit 12, an inventory months processing unit 13, a share calculation unit 14, a report generation unit 15, and a report output unit 16 in its functional configuration. Further, the support device 10 includes a user DB 17, an inventory management DB 18, an inventory months management DB 19, a share management DB 20, a report management DB 21, and an evaluation criteria DB 22 in its functional configuration. Each DB of the support device 10 is, for example, a relational database constructed in the auxiliary storage unit 103 by executing a program.

[0044] The registration unit 11 accepts registration of users who receive support for the off-the-shelf inventory report, and registers the information of the accepted users in the user DB 17. Further, the registration unit 11 accepts a request for searching for the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. of the user via the management terminal 30. The registration unit 11 registers, for example, information such as the name of the user, authentication information such as a password, the location such as an address, identification of an individual / organization, and the regional ID of the region to which the user belongs, in association with the user ID assigned to the user. When the user is an individual, the name of the medical institution, etc. to which the individual belongs, the location such as an address, etc. are registered. When the user is the recipient, etc. for whom a prescription has been issued, the name, location such as an address, etc. of the dispensing pharmacy, drug store, etc. where pharmaceuticals, etc. are purchased using the prescription are registered. In the user DB 17, information such as the IP address and MAC address of the management terminal 30 used by the user is registered in association with the user ID. Further, the registration unit 11 that accepts a request for searching for the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. of the user via the management terminal 30 can also be referred to as a reception unit that accepts registration of the user.

[0045] The data acquisition unit 12 acquires information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like managed by wholesalers and the like via the server 25 and stores it in the inventory management DB 18. The data acquisition unit 12 registers, for example, information such as the name of the wholesaler and the like, the IP address and MAC address of the server 25, etc., in association with the trader ID of the wholesaler and the like, the warehouse ID, branch ID, location such as address, etc. for each logistics warehouse belonging to the wholesaler and the like, and the regional ID of the predetermined region to which the logistics warehouse belongs. Further, the data acquisition unit 12 acquires and registers the delivery schedule of pharmaceuticals and the like in association with the branch ID and warehouse ID. Further, the data acquisition unit 12 collects information regarding the pharmaceuticals and the like handled in association with the branch ID and warehouse ID. The information regarding the pharmaceuticals and the like includes the pharmaceutical ID, product name, attributes (pioneer product / follow - up product, handling quantity, item ID, patented product, rare pharmaceutical, etc.), manufacturing company name, storage quantity, shipping quantity per predetermined period (for example, one month), shipping destination (insurance pharmacy, dispensing pharmacy, etc.), price, etc.

[0046] The inventory months processing unit 13 calculates the inventory months, which is an evaluation index for evaluating the degree of stable supply in the market (predetermined region specified by the regional ID) for the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like, and stores the calculated inventory months in the inventory months management DB 19 in association with the pharmaceutical ID. The inventory months is calculated, for example, as [inventory quantity of the pharmaceuticals and the like to be evaluated / average shipment in the last 4 months], and is calculated for each warehouse ID and for each pharmaceutical ID. The same applies to the branch ID. The information stored in the inventory months management DB 19 is updated periodically. Here, when calculating the inventory months, the last 4 months for which the average shipment (average value) is obtained can also be referred to as the "first predetermined period".

[0047] The calculation of the number of months of inventory for a warehouse ID is described. The inventory months processing unit 13, for example, refers to the inventory management DB 18 to identify the warehouse ID and pharmaceutical product ID that are the processing targets for the number of months of inventory. Then, the inventory months processing unit 13 acquires the storage quantity (inventory quantity) associated with the pharmaceutical product ID as the inventory quantity of the pharmaceutical product, etc. that is the evaluation target. Also, the inventory months processing unit 13 acquires the shipment quantity for each predetermined period in the most recent 4 months for the pharmaceutical product, etc. that is the processing target. Then, the inventory months processing unit 13 calculates the number of months of inventory, with the average shipment quantity for the most recent 4 months (monthly average shipment quantity) obtained from the shipment quantity for each predetermined period in the most recent 4 months as the denominator and the storage quantity (inventory quantity of the pharmaceutical product, etc. that is the evaluation target) associated with the pharmaceutical product ID as the numerator. The calculated number of months of inventory is stored in the inventory months management DB 19 together with time information, warehouse ID, pharmaceutical product ID, etc. Note that the number of months of inventory stored in the inventory months management DB 19 may include various types of information acquired to calculate the number of months of inventory. The information stored in the inventory months management DB 19 is updated periodically. The calculation of the number of months of inventory is performed in the same way when the branch ID is the target.

[0048] The share calculation unit 14 calculates a share, which is an evaluation index for evaluating the degree of stable supply in the market for the inventory of pharmaceutical products, etc., and associates the calculated share with the pharmaceutical product ID and stores it in the share management DB 20. The share is calculated, for example, as [the number of order destinations for the pharmaceutical product, etc. in the past 6 months / the total number of customers], and is calculated for each target area (each region ID) where the dispensing pharmacy, etc. using the management terminal 30 is located and for each pharmaceutical product ID. The information stored in the share management DB 20 is updated periodically. Here, the 6 months during which the past number of order destinations for the pharmaceutical product, etc. is obtained for the calculation of the share can also be referred to as the "second predetermined period".

[0049] The share calculation unit 14, for example, refers to the inventory management DB 18, identifies the area (region ID) to be processed for share, and identifies the branch ID, warehouse ID, and pharmaceutical product ID belonging to the area. The share calculation unit 14 obtains, for each branch ID and each warehouse ID, the shipping destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) in the past six months associated with the pharmaceutical product ID as information related to the pharmaceutical product, etc., excluding duplicate shipping destinations. The share calculation unit 14 counts the shipping destinations obtained for each branch ID and each warehouse ID located within the area (region ID) to be processed, excluding duplicate shipping destinations between different warehouse IDs and branch IDs. The counting result is specified, for example, as the number of order sources for the pharmaceutical product, etc. identified by the pharmaceutical product ID in the past six months in the area to be processed.

[0050] Also, the share calculation unit 14 extracts, for example, the number of customers to whom the pharmaceutical product is wholesaled in the entire area (region ID) to be processed for share identified in the inventory management DB 18. The share calculation unit 14 obtains, for example, all the shipping destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) to which the pharmaceutical product is wholesaled for each branch ID and each warehouse ID associated with the region ID. Then, the share calculation unit 14 calculates the total number of customers to whom the pharmaceutical product, etc. is wholesaled in the area to be processed (region ID), excluding duplicate shipping destinations between different warehouse ID branch IDs.

[0051] Then, the share calculation unit 14 calculates the share in the area to be processed, with the number of order sources for the pharmaceutical product, etc. in the past six months specified for each pharmaceutical product ID as the numerator and the total number of customers to whom the pharmaceutical product, etc. is wholesaled as the denominator. The calculated share is stored in the share management DB 20, for example, together with the region ID of the area to be processed, the pharmaceutical product ID, the time information, the number of order sources for the pharmaceutical product, etc. in the past six months, and the total number of customers to whom the pharmaceutical product, etc. is wholesaled. Note that the share stored in the share management DB 20 may include the acquisition information for specifying the number of order sources for the pharmaceutical product, etc. in the past six months identified by the pharmaceutical product ID and the information for calculating the total number of customers to whom the pharmaceutical product, etc. is wholesaled. The share calculation unit 14, for example, refers to the inventory management DB 18, identifies the area (region ID) to be processed for share, and identifies the branch ID, warehouse ID, and pharmaceutical product ID belonging to the area. The share calculation unit 14 obtains, for each branch ID and each warehouse ID, the shipping destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) in the past six months associated with the pharmaceutical product ID as information related to the pharmaceutical product, etc., excluding duplicate shipping destinations. The share calculation unit 14 counts the shipping destinations obtained for each branch ID and each warehouse ID located within the area (region ID) to be processed, excluding duplicate shipping destinations between different warehouse IDs and branch IDs. The counting result is specified, for example, as the number of order sources for the pharmaceutical product, etc. identified by the pharmaceutical product ID in the past six months in the area to be processed.

[0052] The report generation unit 15 evaluates, for example, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and the like stored in branch offices, logistics warehouses, etc. in the region where the user (management terminal 30) is located, using a predetermined evaluation criterion. The evaluation of the degree of stable supply is performed based on the evaluation criteria stored in the evaluation criterion DB 22. As shown in the area of FIG. 3 to FIG. 4, the report generation unit 15 visualizes the evaluated degree of stable supply and adds it to the "evaluation" of the list of pharmaceuticals and the like to generate a report list, and stores the generated report list in the report management DB 21. The report list has columns such as "manufacturer", "product name", "pioneer / follower" in addition to "evaluation", and in order, stores the name of the manufacturing company that is the manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and the like, the product name of the manufacturing company, and information regarding the identification of whether the pharmaceuticals and the like are pioneer products or follower products. The report list stored in the report management DB 21 is provided as an off-the-shelf inventory report to the user (management terminal 30) who searches for pharmaceuticals and the like via the report output unit 16.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the evaluation of the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and the like stored in branch offices, logistics warehouses, etc. in the region is performed based on the evaluation criteria for each index of the number of months of inventory, lead time, price, and share. In the evaluation criterion DB 22, the above indexes, (1) number of months of inventory, (2) lead time, (3) price, (4) evaluation criteria for share are registered in advance in association with the region ID, storage destination of pharmaceuticals and the like (branch ID, warehouse ID), and product (pharmaceutical ID).

[0054] In the evaluation criteria shown in (1) to (4) above, logistics strategies for the wholesale of pharmaceuticals, etc. may be reflected in the regions where pharmaceuticals, etc. are distributed. For example, it can be reflected as a weighting (weight) for the evaluation criteria shown in (1) to (4) above. For example, if the relative weighting for the evaluation criteria shown in (1) to (4) above is set to 1:1:1:1 in order as the basic weight, the variable weight reflecting the above logistics strategy, etc. can be expressed as a weighting of 1:0:2:1 in order. In this example of the variable weight, the evaluation criteria for price can be enhanced. It may be assumed that a pattern of variable weights reflecting such logistics strategies for the wholesale of pharmaceuticals, etc. is registered in the evaluation criteria DB22. Hereinafter, the patterns of the evaluation criteria shown in (1) to (4) above will be described.

[0055] (Inventory months) For the evaluation criteria for inventory months, with the reference value set to "0.55 months", the following patterns (1) and (2) are provided. (1) When the index value indicating the inventory months exceeds the reference value, the evaluation result is visualized using a "sunny symbol" as shown in region Z19 of Figure 4. Similarly, when the numerical range of the index value is "0.45 months" or more and "0.55 months" or less, the evaluation result is visualized using a "cloudy symbol", and when it is less than "0.45 months", the evaluation result is visualized using a "rainy symbol". (2) In contrast to (1), when the index value indicating the inventory months exceeds the reference value, for example, points (e.g., 1 point) are added every "0.05 months". By adding points every certain range in this way, a ranking based on the amount of points can be given to the pharmaceuticals evaluated with a "sunny symbol".

[0056] (Lead time) The evaluation criteria for lead time are evaluated, for example, by locations with inventory (branch offices, logistics warehouses, etc.). By using the locations with inventory as the evaluation criteria, the delivery of pharmaceuticals, etc. between the locations with inventory and the users can be relatively evaluated. The following patterns (1) and (2) are provided as the evaluation criteria for lead time. The delivery of pharmaceuticals, etc. between the locations with inventory and the users can be relatively evaluated. The following patterns (1) and (2) are provided as the evaluation criteria for lead time. (1) If there is inventory at a branch within the area indicated by the regional ID, the evaluation result is visualized using a "sunny symbol". Similarly, if there is no branch within the area or there is no inventory at the branch within the area but there is inventory at the center (logistics warehouse), the evaluation result is visualized using a "cloudy symbol". If there is no inventory within the area, the evaluation result is visualized using a "rainy symbol". (2) If there is inventory at the center (logistics warehouse), the evaluation result is visualized using a "sunny symbol", and if there is no inventory, the evaluation result is visualized using a "rainy symbol". (1) In the pattern of (1), a three - stage relative evaluation considering the operation forms of multiple inventory storage locations in the city becomes possible. For example, in terms of inventory operation, when there is inventory at a branch, the distribution situation such as the person in charge of the inventory pharmaceuticals delivering them to users using a general vehicle can be evaluated. In the pattern of (2), a two - stage relative evaluation considering the distribution situation of inventory pharmaceuticals in the region becomes possible.

[0057] (Price) The evaluation criteria for price are set in multiple stages (e.g., 10 stages, etc.) according to the following patterns (1) to (4) for the price of stored pharmaceuticals, etc. (purchase price, wholesale price, etc.). (1) For pharmaceuticals, etc. related to inventory, set the evaluation stage for each product of the pharmaceutical manufacturer (manufacturer). For example, set the evaluation stage such that aaa (product name) of xx manufacturer is "10" and aaa (product name) of yy manufacturer is "4". (2) For pharmaceuticals, etc. related to inventory, set the evaluation stage for each pharmaceutical manufacturer (manufacturer). For example, set the evaluation stage such that xx manufacturer is "8", yy manufacturer is "5", and zz company is "3". (3) In addition to (2), consider the attributes of first - launched / second - launched products of pharmaceuticals, etc. and set the evaluation stage. For example, set the evaluation stage such that the first - launched product of xx manufacturer is "10" and the second - launched product is "3". (4) In addition to (2), set the evaluation stage for individual products including product characteristic classifications such as patented products and rare pharmaceuticals for the attributes (if there are no individual products, use the evaluation stage for each pharmaceutical manufacturer).

[0058] (Share) The following patterns (1) to (3) are provided as evaluation criteria for the share. (1). Scoring is performed by comparing the relative magnitudes of the indicator values indicating the share of pharmaceuticals and the like related to inventory. The scoring is performed in order from the top manufacturers. For example, the top pharmaceutical manufacturer is given 10 points, the second manufacturer is given 9 points, and so on for ranking. (2). Grouping is performed by comparing the relative magnitudes of the indicator values indicating the share of pharmaceuticals and the like related to inventory, and scoring is performed for each group. The scoring is performed in order from the top group. For example, the group to which the 1st to 3rd belong is given 10 points, the group to which the 4th to 6th belong is given 8 points, the 7th to 10th are given 5 points, and so on for ranking. (3) The share of pharmaceuticals and the like related to inventory is converted into a percentage, and scoring is performed according to the percentage share rate. For example, if the share rate is 10 percent or more, 10 points are given; if it is 8 percent or more and less than 10 percent, 8 points are given; if it is 5 percent or more and less than 8 percent, 5 points are given, and so on for ranking.

[0059] The report output unit 16 receives a search request from the management terminal 30 and outputs information on the inventory status of the corresponding pharmaceuticals and the like in the market to the management terminal 30 as information in report format. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and the like evaluated according to predetermined evaluation criteria (inventory months, lead time, price, share) is added to the information in report format.

[0060] First, when the report output unit 16 receives a search request, it refers to the user DB 17 to identify the regional ID to which the user ID belongs. The report output unit 16 refers to the inventory management DB and uses the identified regional ID to identify the storage locations (branch ID, warehouse ID) of the inventory located in the user's area. The report output unit 16 searches for information on pharmaceuticals and the like at the identified inventory storage locations (branch ID, warehouse ID) using the product name of the pharmaceuticals and the like for which the search request was received as a key. Then, the report output unit 16 acquires the item ID to which the product name for which the search request was received belongs.

[0061] Next, the report output unit 16 refers to the report management DB 21 and uses the area ID, branch ID, warehouse ID, and item ID of the area where the user is located to identify a report list that includes pharmaceuticals and the like with the product name for which the search request was received. Then, the report output unit 16 outputs the identified report list to the management terminal 30 through the network N1.

[0062] <Flow of processing> FIGS. 6 to 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of processing of the support device 10. In the support device 10, by executing the processing of the flowchart, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and the like stored in the inventory management DB 18 is evaluated according to a predetermined evaluation criterion. The evaluation result is provided to the user as a report associated with the information on the pharmaceuticals and the like to be processed. Note that the function of the control unit that executes the processing of FIGS. 6 to 7 can also be referred to as an evaluation unit that evaluates the degree of stable supply using a predetermined evaluation criterion. The processing of FIGS. 6 to 7 is executed periodically.

[0063] After the start of processing, in step S1, the support device 10 refers to the inventory management DB 18 and acquires information on pharmaceuticals and the like to be processed. In step S2, when the support device 10 identifies the storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID) of the acquired pharmaceuticals and the like and the area ID where the storage location is located, the processing proceeds to step S3.

[0064] In step S3, the support device 10 refers to the evaluation criterion DB 22 and identifies the evaluation criteria applicable to the pharmaceuticals and the like, which are associated with the area ID and the storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID) of the pharmaceuticals and the like. The evaluation criteria are index criteria for evaluating the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and the like stored in branches, logistics warehouses, etc. in a region. In this embodiment, the evaluation is performed using the number of months of inventory, lead time, price, and share as indices. After the processing in step S3, the processing proceeds to step S4.

[0065] In step S4, it is determined whether the number of months of inventory is set as an index for the evaluation criteria. If the number of months of inventory is set as an index for evaluating the degree of stable supply in the market for the pharmaceutical products or the like to be processed (step S4, "Yes"), the support device 10 proceeds to step S11; otherwise (step S4, "No"), it proceeds to step S5.

[0066] In step S5, it is determined whether the lead time is set as an index for the evaluation criteria. If the lead time is set as an index for evaluating the degree of stable supply in the market for the pharmaceutical products or the like to be processed (step S5, "Yes"), the support device 10 proceeds to step S14; otherwise (step S5, "No"), it proceeds to step S6.

[0067] In step S6, it is determined whether the price is set as an index for the evaluation criteria. If the price is set as an index for evaluating the degree of stable supply in the market for the pharmaceutical products or the like to be processed (step S6, "Yes"), the support device 10 proceeds to step S16; otherwise (step S6, "No"), it proceeds to step S7.

[0068] In step S7, information for evaluating the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the market using share as an indicator is acquired. The support device 10 acquires, from the information acquired in step S1, the delivery destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) in the past six months associated with the pharmaceutical ID, excluding duplicate delivery destinations. When there are multiple storage locations (branch ID, warehouse ID) for pharmaceuticals, etc., the delivery destinations in the past six months with duplicate delivery destinations removed between the storage locations are acquired. Also, the support device 10 refers to the inventory management DB18 and acquires all of the delivery destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) where the pharmaceuticals are wholesaled for each warehouse ID associated with the area ID of the processing target. Similarly, when a branch ID is associated with the area ID of the processing target, all of the delivery destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) where the pharmaceuticals are wholesaled for each branch ID are acquired. After the processing in step S7, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0069] In step S8, the share in the area of the processing target specified by the area ID is calculated. The support device 10, for example, counts the number of delivery destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) in the past six months associated with the pharmaceutical ID, acquired excluding duplicate delivery destinations in the processing of step S7, and calculates the number of order placement times for pharmaceuticals, etc. in the past six months.

[0070] Also, the support device 10, for example, calculates the total number of customers to whom pharmaceuticals, etc. are wholesaled in the area of the processing target, excluding duplicate delivery destinations, from the delivery destinations where the pharmaceuticals acquired for each branch ID and each warehouse ID in the processing of step S7 are wholesaled.

[0071] The support device 10 calculates the share in the area of the processing target as an evaluation index, using the counted number of order placement times for pharmaceuticals, etc. in the past six months as the numerator and the total number of customers to whom pharmaceuticals, etc. are wholesaled as the denominator. After the processing in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0072] In step S9, the evaluation of the share is determined based on the calculated index value. The evaluation of the share is performed according to the pattern registered in advance in the evaluation criterion DB22. The support device 10, for example, converts the calculated index value into a percentage and scores according to the percentage share rate. For example, when the share rate is 10% or more, it is scored 10 points; when it is 8% or more and less than 10%, it is scored 8 points; when it is 5% or more and less than 8%, it is scored 5 points, and so on for scoring.

[0073] In addition, the support device 10 executes the process of step S8 for the pharmaceutical product IDs of other manufacturers belonging to the item ID associated with the pharmaceutical product ID, and calculates the index value for each pharmaceutical product ID belonging to the above item. Then, the support device 10 may score according to the relative magnitude relationship of the index values among the pharmaceutical product IDs belonging to the same item ID. In this pattern, for example, scoring is performed as 10 points, 9 points, 8 points,... in descending order of the index value. For example, when the index value of a pharmaceutical product or the like specified by the pharmaceutical product ID is ranked fourth in descending order, the evaluation is "7 points".

[0074] When scoring is performed according to the relative magnitude relationship of the index values among the pharmaceutical product IDs belonging to the same item ID, grouping can also be performed according to the magnitude of the index value for scoring. For example, the group to which the 1st to 3rd ranks with relatively high index values belong is scored 10 points, the group to which the 4th to 6th ranks belong is scored 8 points, and the group to which the 7th to 10th ranks belong is scored 5 points, and so on for scoring. In this pattern, when the index value of a pharmaceutical product or the like specified by the pharmaceutical product ID is ranked fourth in descending order, the evaluation is "8 points". It should be noted that the designation of the evaluation pattern for such evaluation criteria is associated with the region ID and the storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID) of the pharmaceutical product or the like in advance and registered in the evaluation criterion DB22. After the process of step S9, the process proceeds to step S10. 。

[0075] In step S10, the support device 10 associates information indicating the degree of stable supply in the market evaluated according to the evaluation criteria with the pharmaceutical product or the like to be processed, and records it in a database (DB). For example, the support device 10 stores it in the report management DB21 in a report format together with the manufacturing company name, product name, and information indicating the distinction between pioneer / non-pioneer products associated with the pharmaceutical product ID to be processed. The report stored in the report management DB21 has columns such as "Manufacturer", "Product Name", "Pioneer / Non-pioneer", and "Evaluation".

[0076] The support device 10 stores the manufacturing company name in the "Manufacturer" column, the product name in the "Product Name" column, the distinction between pioneer / non-pioneer products in the "Pioneer / Non-pioneer" column, and information indicating the degree of stable supply in the market evaluated according to the evaluation criteria in the "Evaluation" column. Then, the support device 10 records the report in the above format in the report management DB21 together with the target area (region ID) where the evaluation was performed, the storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID) of the pharmaceutical product or the like, and the pharmaceutical product ID. After the processing of step S10, this routine is temporarily terminated.

[0077] In this way, in steps S7 to S9, the index value is calculated using the number of orders from users to the storage source of the inventory of pharmaceutical products or the like and the total number of users in a predetermined area, and the degree of stable supply in the predetermined area is evaluated according to a predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the index value divided into multiple stages according to the predetermined area.

[0078] In step S11, information for evaluating the degree of stable supply in the market of pharmaceutical products or the like using the number of months in stock as an index is acquired. The support device 10 acquires the storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID) and storage quantity (inventory quantity) of the pharmaceutical product or the like associated with the pharmaceutical product ID from the information acquired in step S1. In addition, the support device 10 acquires the shipment quantity for each predetermined period in the most recent 4 months associated with the pharmaceutical product ID. After the processing of step S11, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0079] In step S12, the number of months of inventory in the area to be processed specified by the regional ID is calculated. The support device 10 calculates, for example, the average shipment quantity for each predetermined period in the most recent four months obtained in the process of step S11. Then, the support device 10 uses the calculated average shipment quantity in the most recent four months as the denominator and substitutes the storage quantity associated with the pharmaceutical product ID as the inventory quantity of the pharmaceutical product to be evaluated, etc., into the numerator to calculate the number of months of inventory. After the process of step S12, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0080] In step S13, an evaluation of the number of months of inventory is determined based on the calculated index value. The evaluation of the number of months of inventory is performed according to a pattern pre-registered in the evaluation criteria DB22. The support device 10 performs a visualizable evaluation using, for example, a "sunny symbol" when the index value exceeds the reference value, with the reference value being "0.55 months". Similarly, the support device 10 performs a visualizable evaluation using a "cloudy symbol" when the index value is greater than or equal to "0.45 months" and less than or equal to "0.55 months", and a "rain symbol" when the index value is less than "0.45 months".

[0081] Also, when the index value exceeds the reference value, the support device 10 may add points (for example, 1 point) every, for example, "0.05 months". By adding points in such a fixed range, it becomes possible to add a margin amount regarding the inventory of the pharmaceutical product ID evaluated with the "sunny symbol", and a permutation based on the magnitude of the added points can be given. The specification of the evaluation method for such evaluation criteria is registered in the evaluation criteria DB22 in advance. After the process of step S13, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0082] In this way, in steps S11 to S13, the index value is calculated using the inventory quantity at the storage source where the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc., is stored and information on the shipment quantity shipped from the storage source. Then, the degree of stable supply in a predetermined area is evaluated according to a predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the numerical range of the index value corresponding to the pharmaceuticals, etc., in the predetermined area and the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0083] ​ In step S14, information for evaluating the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the market using lead time as an indicator is acquired. The support device 10 acquires information indicating the storage location of pharmaceuticals, etc. associated with the pharmaceutical ID from among the information acquired in step S1. By using the presence of storage locations of pharmaceuticals, etc. within the area indicated by the area ID as an evaluation criterion, it becomes possible to relatively evaluate the logistics related to pharmaceuticals, etc. between the storage locations (branch ID, warehouse ID) and users (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, drugstores, etc.). After the processing of step S14, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0084] In step S15, an evaluation of the lead time is determined based on the information indicating the storage location of pharmaceuticals, etc. The evaluation of the lead time is performed according to a pattern registered in advance in the evaluation criterion DB22.

[0085] For example, when there is inventory at a branch within the area indicated by the area ID, the support device 10 performs a visualizable evaluation using a "sunny symbol". Similarly, when there is no branch within the area or there is no inventory at the branch within the area but there is inventory at the center (logistics warehouse), a visualizable evaluation is performed using a "cloudy symbol". When there is no inventory within the area, a visualizable evaluation is performed using a "rainy symbol". This enables a three-stage relative evaluation considering multiple storage locations of inventory in the market. For example, when there is inventory at a branch, the distribution situation such as the person in charge delivering the stocked pharmaceuticals to the user using a general vehicle can be evaluated.

[0086] Alternatively, the support device 10 may perform a visualizable evaluation using a "sunny symbol" when there is inventory at the center (logistics warehouse) and a "rainy symbol" when there is no inventory. In this pattern, a two-stage relative evaluation considering the distribution situation of stocked pharmaceuticals in the region, such as having only warehouse inventory without branch inventory, becomes possible. After the processing of step S15, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0087] Thus, in steps S14 to S15, the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region is evaluated according to a predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the presence or absence of inventory at the storage source that stores the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like in the predetermined region.

[0088] In step S16, information for evaluating the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and the like in the market is acquired using the price (purchase price, wholesale price, etc.) of the stored pharmaceuticals and the like as an indicator. The support device 10 acquires information regarding the price of pharmaceuticals and the like associated with the pharmaceutical ID from among the information acquired in step S1. After the process of step S16, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0089] In step S17, an evaluation of the price is determined based on the information regarding the price of pharmaceuticals and the like associated with the pharmaceutical ID. The evaluation of the price is performed according to a pattern pre-registered in the evaluation criterion DB22.

[0090] The support device 10 evaluates the price of the pharmaceuticals and the like to be processed, for example, using the evaluation levels set for each product of the manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer). For example, multiple levels (e.g., 10 levels, etc.) of evaluation are performed, such as "10" for aaa (product name) of xx manufacturer and "4" for aaa (product name) of yy manufacturer. Also, the support device 10 can evaluate the price of the pharmaceuticals and the like to be processed using the evaluation levels set for each manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer). In this pattern, the price of pharmaceuticals and the like is evaluated based on the manufacturer, for example, "8" for xx manufacturer, "5" for yy manufacturer, and "3" for zz company.

[0091] In addition, the support device 10 can also evaluate the price of a pharmaceutical product or the like to be processed using an evaluation level for each manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer) that takes into account the attributes of the pioneer / me-too products of the pharmaceutical product or the like. In this pattern, for example, the price of a pioneer product of xx manufacturer is "10" and that of a me-too product is "3". In addition to the manufacturer of the pharmaceutical product or the like, the price is evaluated based on the attributes of the pioneer / me-too products. Further, the support device 10 can also evaluate the price using an evaluation level set on the condition that the pharmaceutical product or the like to be processed is an individual product of a manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer) (a product including product characteristic classifications such as patented products and rare pharmaceuticals in its attributes). In this pattern, when there is no individual product, the price is evaluated using the evaluation level for each manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer). After the process of step S17, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0092] As described above, in steps S16 to S17, the degree of stable supply in a predetermined region of a pharmaceutical product or the like is evaluated according to at least any one of the manufacturer, product name, and attributes of the pharmaceutical product or the like based on a predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the purchase price or wholesale price of the pharmaceutical product or the like of the storage source that stores the inventory of the pharmaceutical product or the like in the predetermined region.

[0093] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, in the present embodiment, for each area specified by the regional ID, branches, centers (such as logistics warehouses), users (pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, drugstores, etc.) that store pharmaceuticals, etc. located within the area can be managed. And in the support device 10 according to the present embodiment, for each area specified by the regional ID, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the city can be evaluated according to a predetermined evaluation criterion. The support device 10 can provide information regarding the inventory status of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the area where the user is located, as information in the form of a report (urban inventory report) including the above evaluation results, in response to a request from the management terminal 30 of the user connected via the network N1. As a result, in the present embodiment, the user can visually recognize the report list displayed on the management terminal 30 and grasp the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the city. According to the present embodiment, a technology for supporting stable supply from the adoption of pharmaceuticals in the city to inventory securing and disposal decision-making can be provided.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the city can be evaluated using the number of months of inventory as an index. The number of months of inventory is calculated, for example, for each pharmaceutical ID as [the inventory quantity of the pharmaceuticals, etc. to be evaluated / the average shipment in the most recent 4 months], and is calculated for each storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID) where the pharmaceuticals, etc. for each regional ID are stored as inventory. In the support device 10, based on the calculated index value of the number of months of inventory, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the city can be evaluated using visualizable symbols such as "sunny symbol", "cloudy symbol", "rainy symbol", etc. In the present embodiment, since the inventory information of the pharmaceuticals, etc. specified by the pharmaceutical ID is provided in visualizable symbols, it is expected to suppress the occurrence of inventory hoarding compared to the case of providing the storage quantity, and it is expected to suppress shortages, returns, etc. of pharmaceuticals, etc. due to inventory hoarding.

[0095] In addition, in the present embodiment, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like in the market can be evaluated using the lead time as an index. In the support device 10, relative evaluation considering the distribution conditions of the stocked pharmaceuticals in the region, such as the presence or absence of branch inventory and warehouse inventory within the area indicated by the regional ID, or having only warehouse inventory without branch inventory, becomes possible.

[0096] In addition, in the present embodiment, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like in the market can be evaluated using the price (purchase price, wholesale price, etc.) of the stored pharmaceuticals and the like as an index. For example, for the pharmaceuticals and the like indicated by the pharmaceutical ID, it is set for each product of the manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer). The evaluation levels set for each manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer), the evaluation levels set for each manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer), and the evaluation levels for each manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer) considering attributes such as first-generation products / second-generation products of pharmaceuticals and the like are used for evaluation. Also, it can include that the pharmaceuticals and the like are individual products including product characteristic classifications such as patented products and rare pharmaceuticals in terms of attributes. Regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like, from the perspectives of wholesale companies and users in the distribution process, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory can be evaluated.

[0097] In addition, in the present embodiment, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like in the market can be evaluated using the share of the pharmaceuticals and the like indicated by the pharmaceutical ID as an index. The share is calculated, for example, as [the number of order destinations in the past six months for pharmaceuticals and the like / the total number of customers], and is calculated for each area (each regional ID) where dispensing pharmacies using the management terminal 30 are located and for each pharmaceutical ID. In the support device 10, based on the calculated index value of the share, scoring is performed for the pharmaceuticals and the like according to the magnitude relationship of the index values. Regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like, by using the share calculated based on the order history in a predetermined past period in the market as the index value, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory can be evaluated from the trend of the order frequency such as the frequency of adoption of pharmaceuticals and the like in the target region.

[0098] <Modification Example> In Example 1, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the market was explained by individual evaluations using the number of inventory months, lead time, price, and share as respective index values. In a modification example, even if comprehensive evaluation is performed in a form where the above index values are combined for each region (region ID) and for each storage location of pharmaceuticals (branch ID, warehouse ID), it may be acceptable. For example, it may be held in the auxiliary storage unit 103 as a calculation formula using the number of inventory months, lead time, price, and share as parameters, or as a table in matrix form combining the evaluation results (clear symbols, scoring, etc.) of each index item. By combining the number of inventory months, lead time, price, and share, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the market, associated with each region (region ID) and for each storage location of pharmaceuticals (branch ID, warehouse ID), can be comprehensively evaluated.

[0099] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a form of comprehensive evaluation combining a plurality of index values. In table Z20 of Figure 8, an evaluation example combining the index values of the number of inventory months, lead time, and price is shown. As explained in Example 1, each of the number of inventory months and lead time is evaluated using visible clear symbols, etc. according to the index values. Also, when the index value is the price, the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the market is scored such as "8" points and "5" points. In the lead time of table Z20, "center" represents the warehouse where the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. is stored.

[0100] In this way, when combining the visualized symbols and the scored points, for example, a predetermined score can be assigned in advance to each of the visualized symbols, such as "10" points for the clear symbol, "6" points for the cloudy symbol, and "2" points for the rainy symbol. And in the support device 10 of the modification example, the scored points of the number of inventory months and lead time and the score of the price can be added together to perform a comprehensive evaluation combining the index values of the number of inventory months, lead time, and price. In the comprehensive evaluation, weighting can also be performed for each of the index values.

[0101] In Table Z20, for example, the weights for each index value of the number of months in stock, lead time, and price are set as a basic weight of 1:1:1, and a comprehensive evaluation is required. For example, in the case of "aaaa tablets 5mg" of "■■ Pharmaceutical" shown in Table Z20, the scored number of months in stock is "10" points, and each of the lead time patterns 1 and 2 is "10" points. For the price of "aaaa tablets 5mg" of "■■ Pharmaceutical", the scores for each product, each manufacturer, and first-to-market / second-to-market are "8" points, "10" points, and "10" points respectively.

[0102] And in the comprehensive evaluation of "aaaa tablets 5mg" of "■■ Pharmaceutical", for example, as "Evaluation Pattern 1", the result of adding the "10" points for the number of months in stock, the "10" points for lead time pattern 1, and the "8" points for each product in terms of price, which is "28" points, is recorded. Similarly, in "Evaluation Pattern 2", "30" points, which is the sum of the "10" points for the number of months in stock, the "10" points for lead time pattern 1, and the "10" points for each manufacturer in terms of price, is recorded. Also, in "Evaluation Pattern 3", "30" points, which is the sum of the "10" points for the number of months in stock, the "10" points for lead time pattern 1, and the "10" points for first-to-market / second-to-market in terms of price, is recorded.

[0103] In this way, in the modification example, by combining each of the number of months in stock, lead time, price, and share, and associating them for each region (region ID) and each storage location of pharmaceuticals (branch ID, warehouse ID), the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and the like in the market can be comprehensively evaluated.

[0104] In a further form of the modification example, the user of the management terminal 30 may include a manufacturing company that manufactures pharmaceuticals and the like, a sales company that sells pharmaceuticals and the like, and the like. In this way, manufacturing companies, sales companies, etc. of pharmaceuticals and the like can grasp the degree of stable supply regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like in the market by viewing the report-form information provided by the support device 10. For example, according to the evaluation of the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and the like, appropriate production increase of the pharmaceuticals and the like and appropriate increase in the circulation volume in the circulation process can be achieved.

[0105] As another form of the modification example, the functions of the support device 10 in the first embodiment may be distributed and executed by a plurality of computers. Also, in the processing flows shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, the order of some of the processes may be swapped or omitted. The above embodiments are merely examples, and the disclosure of the present embodiment can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof. The processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0106] Also, the processes in the above embodiments may be systematically and automatically processed by the above-described respective computers based on a predetermined program as much as possible. However, the present invention also includes the invention as a method of manually executing the processes according to the above embodiments by human resources. The functions of the support device 10 executed based on the program can also be the execution of the acquisition step, reception step, output step, and evaluation step in the support method for inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like.

[0107] Also, the target to which the present invention is applied may be pharmaceuticals, medical materials, medical devices, and quasi-drugs that require special storage conditions shown in the proper distribution guidelines for pharmaceuticals.

[0108] <Computer-readable recording medium> A program for causing an information processing apparatus or other machine or device (hereinafter referred to as a computer or the like) to realize any of the above functions can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Then, by causing the computer or the like to read and execute the program of this recording medium, the function can be provided.

[0109] Here, a computer-readable recording medium refers to a recording medium that accumulates information such as data and programs by means of electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical actions and can be read by a computer or the like. Examples of removable recording media among such recording media include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-R / Ws, DVDs, Blu-ray disks, DATs, 8mm tapes, memory cards such as flash memories, and the like. Also, examples of recording media fixed to a computer or the like include hard disks and ROMs.

Explanation of Signs

[0110] 1 Inventory Management Support System 10 Inventory Management Support Device 11 Registration Unit 12 Data Acquisition Unit 13 Inventory Months Processing Unit 14 Share Calculation Unit 15 Report Generation Unit 16 Report Output Unit 17 User Database (DB) 18 Inventory Management Database (DB) 19 Inventory Months Management Database (DB) 20 Share Management Database (DB) 21 Report Management Database (DB) 22 Evaluation Criteria Database (DB) 25 Server 30 Management Terminal N1 Network

Claims

1. A reception unit that receives a request for a search regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like of a user; An acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like in a predetermined area; An evaluation unit that evaluates the degree of stable supply in the predetermined area regarding the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like using a predetermined evaluation criterion; An output unit that provides the user with information regarding the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like in a report format including the evaluation result of the degree of stable supply; An inventory management support device, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The evaluation unit calculates an index value using the inventory quantity of the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like and information regarding the shipment quantity shipped from the storage source, and evaluates the degree of stable supply in the predetermined area according to the predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the numerical range of the index value corresponding to the pharmaceuticals and the like and the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like in the predetermined area. The inventory management support device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The evaluation unit evaluates the degree of stable supply in the predetermined area according to the predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the presence or absence of the inventory at the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like in the predetermined area. The inventory management support device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The evaluation unit evaluates the degree of stable supply in the predetermined area according to the predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the purchase price or wholesale price of the pharmaceuticals and the like of the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like in the predetermined area, according to at least any one of the manufacturer, product name, and attributes of the pharmaceuticals and the like. The inventory management support device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The evaluation unit calculates an index value using the number of orders from the user to the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like and the total number of users in the predetermined area, and evaluates the degree of stable supply in the predetermined area according to the predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the index value divided into multiple levels according to the predetermined area. The inventory management support device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. A method for supporting the inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like by a computer, comprising: A reception step of receiving a request for a search regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals and the like of a user; An acquisition step of acquiring information regarding the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like in a predetermined area; An evaluation step of evaluating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region for the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like using a predetermined evaluation criterion; An output step of providing the user with information on the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like in a report format including the evaluation result of the degree of stable supply; A method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like, characterized by comprising the above.

7. In the evaluation step, an index value is calculated using the inventory quantity of the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like and information on the shipment quantity shipped from the storage source, and The degree of stable supply in the predetermined region is evaluated according to the predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the numerical range of the index value corresponding to the pharmaceuticals and the like in the predetermined region and the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like. The method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

8. In the evaluation step, according to the predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the presence or absence of the inventory in the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like in the predetermined region, in the predetermined region The degree of stable supply is evaluated. The method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

9. In the evaluation step, according to the predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the purchase price or wholesale price of the pharmaceuticals and the like of the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like, at least one of the manufacturer, product name, and attribute of the pharmaceuticals and the like The degree of stable supply in the predetermined region is evaluated according to the above. The method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

10. In the evaluation step, an index value is calculated using the number of the user's order destinations to the storage source storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and the like and the total number of users in the predetermined region, and The degree of stable supply in the predetermined region is evaluated according to the predetermined evaluation criterion determined based on the index value divided into a plurality of stages according to the predetermined region. The method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

Images