Service management method, service management program and service management server

Abstract

To provide a service management method capable of managing the state of service which is provided as requested by a customer.SOLUTION: A service management method is implemented by a service management server 10 which manages a service providing device 20 for providing service to a customer by a service provider, and includes: performing processing to receive value for the service that the service providing device 20 provides from the customer; and providing the service that the service providing device 20 provides to the customer continuously for a predetermined period. Based upon an RFID tag 40 attached to the service providing device 20, the service management server 10 executes processing to manage the state of the service that the service providing device 20 provides.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a service management method, a service management program, and a service management server.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, as one form of service provision, a leaseback method is adopted in which a customer sells a service providing device to a service provider, and then the service provider leases the service providing device to the customer as a subscription service.

[0003] For example, in a system provided in a sales support company that forms a first partnership with a service provider that provides services to individual customers and a second partnership with a settlement company that conducts payment settlement, a business support system in which the sales support company provides an application to the service provider when forming the first partnership is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conventional method, since the service providing device was leased back and introduced to the customer, the ownership of the service providing device transferred from the customer to the service provider, making it difficult to manage the service status such as the operating status and asset status of each service providing device used for providing services to the customer. In addition, the service provider could only provide the service providing method by lease back to the customer, and depending on the customer's requests (needs), even when receiving a request to make a lump-sum payment for the service provided by the service providing device and to continue receiving the service provided by the service providing device for a predetermined period, the conventional method could not meet these requests.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a service management method capable of managing the status of services provided in response to customer requests.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the service management method of the present invention is a service management method executed by a service management server that manages a service providing device for a service provider to provide services to a customer, the method including performing a process of receiving in a lump sum from the customer the consideration for the service provided by the service providing device, continuously providing the service provided by the service providing device to the customer for a predetermined period, and managing the status of the service provided by the service providing device based on an RFID tag attached to the service providing device, characterized in that the service management server executes the process.

[0008] Also, through a partnering company, a process of receiving in a lump sum from the customer the consideration for the service provided by the service providing device may be performed.

[0009] Also, the asset status of the service providing device may be managed based on data transmitted from an RFID reader / writer that reads the RFID tag attached to the service providing device.

[0010] Also, based on data transmitted from an RFID reader / writer that reads the RFID tag attached to the service providing device, the operating status of the service providing device may be managed.

[0011] Further, the service management program of the present invention is a service management program executed by a service management server that manages a service providing device for a service provider to provide services to customers, and performs a process of collectively receiving the consideration for the services provided by the service providing device from the customers, continuously provides the services provided by the service providing device to the customers for a predetermined period, and causes the service management server to execute a process of managing the status of the services provided by the service providing device based on the RFID tag attached to the service providing device.

[0012] Furthermore, the service management server of the present invention is a service management server that manages a service providing device for a service provider to provide services to customers, and includes a consideration receiving unit that performs a process of collectively receiving the consideration for the services provided by the service providing device from the customers, a service providing unit that continuously provides the services provided by the service providing device to the customers for a predetermined period, and a status management unit that manages the status of the services provided by the service providing device based on the RFID tag attached to the service providing device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to manage the status of services provided in response to customer requests.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that a plurality of embodiments can be combined and implemented within a non - conflicting range.

[0016] The service management method executed by the service management server according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the service management method executed by the service management server according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a service management system 1 including a service management server 10 that realizes the service management method. The service management server 10 functions as a computer and executes processing according to the service management method by executing a service management program.

[0017] The service management system 1 includes a service management server 10, at least two or more service providing devices 20 - 1, 20 - 2 ···, 20 - n (n is a natural number of 2 or more), at least one or more RFID reader / writers 30 - 1, 30 - 2 ···, 30 - m (m is a natural number of 1 or more), and at least two or more RFID tags 40 - 1, RFID tag 40 - 2 ···, 40 - n (n is a natural number of 2 or more). When not particularly distinguishing and explaining each service providing device 20 - 1, 20 - 2 ···, 20 - n, it is hereinafter referred to as "service providing device 20". When not particularly distinguishing and explaining each RFID reader / writer 30 - 1, 30 - 2 ···, 30 - m, it is hereinafter referred to as "RFID reader / writer 30". When not particularly distinguishing and explaining each RFID tag 40 - 1, RFID tag 40 - 2 ···, 40 - n, it is hereinafter referred to as "RFID tag 40".

[0018] Before each service providing device 20-1, 20-2 ···, 20-n provides services by each service providing device 20-1, 20-2 ···, 20-n, each RFID tag 40-1, RFID tag 40-2 ···, 40-n is respectively attached.

[0019] Each service providing device 20 is associated with service management information such as customer data, reverse subscription data, and subscription data for uniquely identifying the device itself. Customer data, reverse subscription data, and subscription data will be described later. The service management information includes an account, license information, user ID, etc. The service providing device 20 is composed of hardware and SaaS. When the service providing device 20 is SaaS or the like, the service management information may be associated with the service management server 10. Each RFID tag 40-1, 40-2 ···, 40-n stores RFID identification information for uniquely identifying each service providing device 20-1, 20-2 ···, 20-n. Before the service management server 10 provides the service by the service providing device 20, it associates and stores the RFID identification information stored in the RFID tag 40 with the service management information of the service providing device 20.

[0020] The service providing device 20 manages the services provided by the service provider to the customers. As the service providing device 20, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, a printer device, SaaS (Software as a Service), an RFID reader / writer device, an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine: cash dispenser), etc. can be adopted. The service providing device 20 is not limited to the limited enumeration, and any service providing device capable of attaching the RFID tag 40 may be used.

[0021] For example, a POS terminal is a device that provides services to customers as a point-of-sale information management system in the retail and food service industries. The POS terminal integrates the input, management, and analysis of sales data, enabling the tracking of customer purchase histories and product inventories. The POS terminal is equipped with a barcode scanner, touch screen display, receipt printer, card reader, etc., to achieve efficient and rapid transaction processing. In a cloud-based POS terminal, real-time data access, analysis, and remote management are possible.

[0022] For example, a printer device is a device that provides services to customers by converting digital data into physical documents or images. The printer device includes a print head, an ink or toner cartridge, a paper feed mechanism, and a control circuit. The print head uses inkjet or laser technology to draw characters and images on paper. An inkjet printer sprays fine ink droplets onto paper, and a laser printer transfers an image to paper using toner. The paper feed mechanism passes paper through the printer and positions it appropriately. The control circuit receives commands from a computer and manages the printing process. These components can achieve high-speed and high-quality printing and play an essential role in document creation in offices and homes for customers.

[0023] For example, SaaS is a service model that provides services to customers through software via the Internet. As the basic structure of SaaS, it includes applications and services provided on a cloud basis. In this model, application software is hosted on a cloud server and customers access it through the Internet. The main components of SaaS include application software, a database, cloud infrastructure, and a network. The application software provides the core functions of the service, and the database manages user data. The cloud infrastructure supports the software and the database, and the network is responsible for transmitting data between the customer and the cloud service. With this structure, customers can access it from any location and can always provide services with the latest software.

[0024] For example, an RFID reader / writer device is a device that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to read RFID information from an RFID tag 40 and write information as needed. The RFID reader / writer device includes an antenna, a transceiver, a decoder, and an interface. The antenna is used to transmit and receive wireless signals with the RFID tag. The transceiver processes the signals from the antenna, reads data from the RFID tag 40, or transmits data to the RFID tag 40. The decoder analyzes the received signals and converts the data into a digital format. The interface is responsible for communicating between the RFID reader / writer device and an external system (such as a computer or a database). With these components, the RFID reader / writer device can provide services for a wide range of applications such as inventory management, asset tracking, and personal authentication.

[0025] For example, the structure of an ATM is composed of a plurality of main components for automating financial transactions. This includes a deposit and withdrawal processing unit, a touch panel display, a card reader, a display, a receipt printer, and a communication system. The deposit and withdrawal processing unit recognizes banknotes and coins and handles appropriate amounts. The card reader reads the customer's bank card, which is the target of the transaction. The touch panel display accepts inputs from the user, such as a PIN, deposit amount, and withdrawal amount, and displays transaction instructions and information to the user. The receipt printer prints a receipt describing the details of the transaction. The communication system is responsible for data exchange between the ATM and the bank's server. An ATM can provide services to customers by allowing them to access their bank accounts and conduct transactions such as cash deposits and withdrawals.

[0026] Each RFID reader / writer 30-1, 30-2 ···, 30-m is arranged at an arbitrary location. As an arbitrary location where each RFID reader / writer 30-1, 30-2 ···, 30-m is arranged, it can be arranged at the shipping location of the service providing device 20, the kitting location of the service providing device 20, the service providing location by the service providing device 20, and the like. Each RFID reader / writer 30-1, 30-2 ···, 30-m arranged at an arbitrary location reads RFID identification information from each RFID tag 40-1, 40-2 ···, 40-n attached to each service providing device 20-1, 20-2 ···, 20-n, and transmits the read RFID identification information to the service management server 10. The kitting location is the place where kitting is performed. Kitting is a process of performing initial settings and configurations of hardware and software.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the RFID reader / writer 30 according to the present embodiment. The RFID reader / writer 30 has a reader / writer control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication interface 33. The RFID reader / writer 30 may have a circuit configuration other than the configuration described in FIG. 2.

[0028] The reader / writer control unit 31 comprehensively controls the entire RFID reader / writer 30 and has a CPU (not shown) that reads a program and executes control processing.

[0029] The reader / writer control unit 31 is, for example, a CPU. By expanding the programs stored in the RAM, ROM, SSD, etc. of the storage unit 32 into the RAM of the storage unit 32 and sequentially executing them, the operation of the entire reader / writer control unit 31 is controlled. The reader / writer control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the RFID reader / writer 30 by executing various programs such as the OS program and application programs.

[0030] The communication interface 33 transmits and receives data and commands to and from the RFID tag 40 through the antenna. Further, the communication interface 33 transmits data including RFID identification information to the service management server 10.

[0031] The service management server 10 manages the status of the services provided by the service providing device 20. The service management server 10 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a display unit 130, and a communication unit 140. The service management server 10 is communicably connected to each of the RFID readers / writers 30-1, 30-2,..., 30-m wirelessly or by wire through the communication unit 140 via the network N. In the above-described embodiment, each device is connected via the network N, but this is not the only case. For example, each device may be communicably connected via a dedicated line.

[0032] The service management server 10 is composed of a computer such as a server. The service management server 10 may be composed of a cloud server built on the Internet. The service management server 10 manages the service providing device 20 through which a service provider provides services. For example, the service management server 10 manages the status of the services provided by the service providing device 20. As the status of the services provided by the service providing device 20, the service management server 10 manages the asset status of the service providing device 20 and the operating status of the service providing device 20.

[0033] The storage unit 120 stores service management information such as customer data 121, reverse subscription data 122, and subscription data 123.

[0034] As the customer data 121, for example, service management information such as RFID identification information, customer name, head office / operator classification, address, application classification, affiliated company name, name / position, email address / phone number, user ID, customer code, customer name, ledger code, ledger name, service name, loaned equipment name, number of applications up to the previous time, number of applications this time, total number of applications, ID option desired, contract start date, contract expiration date, management number, application date, company name, affiliated department name, designation, application classification, etc. are stored for each service providing device 20 or customer.

[0035] As the reverse subscription data 122, for example, service management information such as RFID identification information, initial sales amount, monthly reduction amount, customer code, customer name, ledger code, ledger name, service name, loaned equipment name, number of applications up to the previous time, number of applications this time, total number of applications, ID option desired, contract start date, contract expiration date, management number, application date, company name, affiliated department name, designation, application classification, etc. are stored for each service providing device 20 or customer.

[0036] As the subscription data 123, for example, service management information such as RFID identification information, monthly amount, total contract period amount, customer code, customer name, ledger code, ledger name, service name, lent equipment name, previous application number, current application number, total application number, desired ID option, contract start date, contract expiration date, management number, application date, company name, department name, designation, application category, etc. is stored for each service providing device 20 or customer.

[0037] The display unit 130 displays the operation status and asset status of each service providing device 20-1, 20-2, ···, 20-n transmitted through each RFID reader / writer 30-1, 30-2, ···, 30-m. The operator of the service providing device 20 can manage the operation status and asset status of each of the service providing devices 20 by checking the operation status and asset status displayed on the display unit 130.

[0038] The communication unit 140 is composed of a network adapter or the like. The service management server 10 receives the RFID identification information transmitted from each RFID reader / writer 30-1, 30-2, ···, 30-m through the communication unit 140.

[0039] The control unit 110 comprehensively controls the entire service management server 10 and has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) that reads a program and executes control processing.

[0040] The control unit 110 is a CPU or the like, and controls the overall operation of the control unit 110 by expanding the programs stored in the RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. of the storage unit 120 into the RAM (Random Access Memory) of the storage unit 120 and sequentially executing them. The control unit 110 controls the overall operation of the service management server 10 by executing various programs such as the OS (Operating System) program, service management program, and application program. The control unit 110 includes a consideration receiving unit 111, a service providing unit 112, and a situation management unit 113.

[0041] The consideration receiving unit 111 performs a process of collectively receiving the consideration for the service provided by the service providing device 20 from the customer. The consideration refers to money or other benefits paid for the service provided through the service providing device 20. For example, when the service providing device 20 provides a service to a customer, the customer pays a certain amount as the consideration for the service. This consideration is determined based on factors such as the value and quantity of the service and the period of use. The consideration receiving unit 111 has a function for receiving such consideration for the service from the customer. When performing the process of collectively receiving the consideration, it means that the payment for the service provided by the service providing device 20 for a predetermined period is made at once. Any period can be set as the predetermined period. As the predetermined period, any number of days, months, years, etc. can be set. The predetermined period may be changed according to the type of service provided.

[0042] The service providing unit 112 continuously provides the service offered by the service providing apparatus 20 to the customer for a predetermined period. The service providing unit 112 has a so-called subscription service function of continuously providing the service provided through the service providing apparatus 20 to the customer for a predetermined period. However, in the conventional subscription service, a customer can obtain the right to continuously use the service by periodically paying the consideration for the service, whereas in the subscription service according to the present embodiment, the customer has a so-called reverse subscription service function in which the customer can continuously use the service provided by the service providing apparatus 20 despite paying the consideration for the service in a lump sum.

[0043] Accordingly, in the service management method according to the present embodiment, it is possible to respond to the customer's request to pay the consideration for the service provided by the service providing apparatus 20 in a lump sum while also responding to the customer's request to continuously receive the service provided by the service providing apparatus 20 for a predetermined period. A customer can make a lump sum payment or investment using a budget with a specific year or deadline set, and receive a subscription service over a predetermined period (contract period) previously contracted. Therefore, in the service management method according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a service that meets the customer's requirements.

[0044] The situation management unit 113 manages the situation of the service provided by the service providing apparatus 20 based on the RFID tag 40 attached to the service providing apparatus 20. For example, the situation management unit 113 manages the asset situation of the service providing apparatus 20 based on the data transmitted from the RFID reader / writer 30 that has read the RFID tag 40 attached to the service providing apparatus 20. The asset situation is information indicating, for example, the situation in which the service providing apparatus 20, which is the asset target of the service management method, has moved. By managing the asset situation, it is possible to accurately grasp the situation of the service providing apparatus 20, which is an asset, and easily perform efficient management and tracking of the service providing apparatus 20.

[0045] For example, when a customer places an order for a service with a service provider company and the consideration for the service is paid in a lump sum, the service management server 10 receives the lump-sum consideration paid by the customer and executes an instruction to ship the service providing device 20 from the service provider company to the customer.

[0046] Each RFID reader / writer 30-1, 30-2 ···, 30-m is arranged at asset management locations such as the shipping location of the service providing device 20, the kitting location of the service providing device 20, and the service providing location by the service providing device 20. And since the RFID tag 40 is attached to the service providing device 20, every time the shipped service providing device 20 passes through asset management locations such as the shipping location of the service providing device 20, the kitting location of the service providing device 20, and the service providing location by the service providing device 20, the RFID tag 40 attached to the service providing device 20 is read for RFID identification information by each RFID reader / writer 30-1, 30-2 ···, 30-m, and data including the read RFID identification information is transmitted to the service management server 10.

[0047] The situation management unit 113 analyzes the data including the RFID identification information transmitted from each RFID reader / writer 30-1, 30-2 ···, 30-m, and confirms from which of the RFID reader / writers 30-1, 30-2 ···, 30-m the transmitted data was sent. Thereby, the situation management unit 113 can recognize through which asset management locations the service providing device 20 with the RFID tag 40 attached has passed. Therefore, the situation management unit 113 can recognize through which asset management locations the service providing device 20 with the RFID tag 40 attached has passed. By the service management method according to the present embodiment, the movement of the service providing device 20 at the asset management location can be tracked, and an accurate grasp of the asset situation can be achieved based on the tracking result. As a result, the efficiency of the circulation and management of the asset situation can be improved.

[0048] In addition, the situation management unit 113 may manage the operation status of the service providing device 20 based on the data transmitted from the RFID reader / writer 30 that has read the RFID tag 40 attached to the service providing device 20. The operation status is, for example, information indicating the situation in which the service providing device 20, which is the asset target of the service management method, is operating. By managing the operation status, it is possible to accurately grasp whether the service providing device 20 is operating normally or whether an abnormality has occurred, and it is possible to easily perform efficient management of the service providing device 20.

[0049] For example, when a customer places an order for a service with a service providing company and the consideration for the service is paid in a lump sum, the service management server 10 accepts the consideration paid by the customer in a lump sum and ships the service providing device 20 from the service providing company to the customer.

[0050] The RFID reader / writer 30 is arranged at the asset management location such as the service providing location by the service providing device 20. Since the RFID tag 40 is attached to the service providing device 20, at the asset management location such as the service providing location by the service providing device 20, the RFID tag 40 attached to the service providing device 20 has its RFID identification information read by the RFID reader / writer 30, and the data including the read RFID identification information is transmitted to the service management server 10.

[0051] The situation management unit 113 analyzes the data including the RFID identification information transmitted from the RFID reader / writer 30, and extracts what the service management information associated with the transmitted RFID identification information is like. When the situation management unit 113 receives a request for customer data based on the operation of an operator of the service management server 10, it displays the service management information corresponding to the customer on the display unit 130 based on the customer data 121 stored in the storage unit 120. Also, when the situation management unit 113 receives a request for reverse subscription data based on the operation of an operator of the service management server 10, it displays the service management information corresponding to the reverse subscription on the display unit 130 based on the reverse subscription data 122 stored in the storage unit 120. Further, when the situation management unit 113 receives a request for subscription data based on the operation of an operator of the service management server 10, it displays the service management information corresponding to the subscription on the display unit 130 based on the subscription data 123 stored in the storage unit 120.

[0052] Therefore, the situation management unit 113 can recognize what the operating status of the service providing device 20 with the RFID tag 40 attached is. By recognizing the operating status of the service providing device 20 by the service management method according to the present embodiment, it becomes possible to accurately grasp whether the service providing device 20 is operating normally or an abnormality has occurred. As a result, the efficiency of managing the service provided by the service providing device 20 can be improved.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of the service management method according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the white arrows indicate the flow of consideration (funds), and the black arrows indicate the flow of the service providing device 20.

[0054] When a customer (e.g., a company) who wants to receive services such as subscriptions and reverse subscriptions from the service providing device 20 places an order for a service with the service providing company, the service management server 10 of the service providing company accepts the order for the service ordered by the customer (S11).

[0055] When the customer makes a lump-sum payment for the contract year to the service providing company, the service management server 10 accepts the consideration for the service for the contract year in a lump sum. When the service management server 10 receives the consideration for the contract year in a lump sum, it issues an instruction to start providing the service by the service providing device 20 as a monthly service for the contract period corresponding to the lump sum amount (S12).

[0056] When an RFID tag 40 is attached to the service providing device 20 that starts the service, the service management server 10 assigns RFID identification information to the RFID tag 40 and manages the service by the service providing device 20 on the service management server 10 (S13). The service management server 10 stores the assigned RFID identification information in the customer data 121, reverse subscription data 122, and subscription data 123 of the storage unit 120.

[0057] The service management server 10 delivers the service providing device 20 to the kitting location and instructs it to perform kitting (S14). An RFID reader / writer 30 is arranged at the kitting location. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 attached to the service providing device 20 delivered to the kitting location is read by the RFID reader / writer 30, and the RFID reader / writer 30 transmits data including the RFID identification information to the service management server 10. The service management server 10 can grasp that the service providing device 20 is being kitted at the kitting location by analyzing the data including the RFID identification information transmitted from the RFID reader / writer 30. As a result, the efficiency of the circulation and management of the asset status can be improved.

[0058] After the kit is assembled and the delivery instruction for the delivery destination of the service providing device 20 is received (S15), the service providing device 20 is delivered to the designated location (S16), and the service provided by the service providing device 20 is introduced to the customer (S17).

[0059] In the service management method according to the above-described embodiment, while responding to the customer's desire to pay the price for the service provided by the service providing device 20 in a lump sum, it is possible to respond to the request for a service by so-called reverse subscription in which the customer desires to continue receiving the service provided by the service providing device 20 for a predetermined period. The customer can pay a lump sum price and receive the subscription service for a predetermined period contracted in advance. Therefore, the service management method according to the present embodiment can provide a service that meets the customer's requirements.

[0060] Further, in the service management method according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to recognize which asset management location the service providing device 20 with the RFID tag 40 attached has passed through. According to the service management method according to the present embodiment, the movement of the service providing device 20 at the asset management location can be tracked, and the asset status can be accurately grasped based on the tracking result. As a result, the efficiency of the distribution and management of the asset status can be improved.

[0061] (Alternative Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, the service providing company directly performed the process of collectively receiving from customers the consideration for the services provided by the service providing apparatus 20, but this is not the limit. In another embodiment, the service providing company may perform the process of collectively receiving from customers the consideration for the services provided by the service providing apparatus 20 through a partnering company. In another embodiment, a partner company is described as an example of a partnering company, but this is not the limit. For example, as a partnering company, in addition to a partner company, an agency, a sales agency, a franchise, a business consignment destination, a co-operator, an affiliated company, etc. may also be acceptable. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an overview of a service management method according to another embodiment. In FIG. 4, the white arrows indicate the flow of consideration (funds), and the black arrows indicate the flow of the service providing apparatus 20.

[0062] When a customer (e.g., a company) who wishes to receive services such as subscriptions or reverse subscriptions by the service providing apparatus 20 places an order for a service with the service providing company, the service management server 10 of the service providing company receives the order for the service placed by the customer (S21).

[0063] When the customer makes a lump-sum payment for the contract year through the partner company, the service management server 10 collectively receives the consideration for the services for the contract year. When the service management server 10 collectively receives the consideration for the contract year, it issues an instruction to start providing the services by the service providing apparatus 20 as a monthly service for the contract period corresponding to the lump-sum amount (S22).

[0064] The service management server 10 divides the lump-sum amount into monthly amounts for the contract period, and the divided monthly amounts are returned to the partner company.

[0065] When an RFID tag 40 is attached to the service providing device 20 that starts the service, the service management server 10 assigns RFID identification information to the RFID tag 40 and manages the service provided by the service providing device 20 with the service management server 10 (S23). The service management server 10 stores the assigned RFID identification information in the customer data 121, reverse subscription data 122, and subscription data 123 of the storage unit 120.

[0066] The service management server 10 delivers the service providing device 20 to the kitting location and instructs it to perform kitting (S24). An RFID reader / writer 30 is arranged at the kitting location. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 attached to the service providing device 20 delivered to the kitting location is read by the RFID reader / writer 30, and the RFID reader / writer 30 transmits data including the RFID identification information to the service management server 10. By analyzing the data including the RFID identification information transmitted from the RFID reader / writer 30, the service management server 10 can grasp that kitting is being performed on the service providing device 20 at the kitting location. As a result, the efficiency of the circulation and management of the asset status can be improved.

[0067] After kitting, when receiving the delivery instruction time of the delivery destination of the service providing device 20 (S25), the service providing device 20 is delivered to the designated location (S26), and the service provided by the service providing device 20 is introduced to the customer (S27).

[0068] In the service management method according to another embodiment, the customer can easily manage under the presence of hardware at the site by utilizing the RFID identification information of the RFID tag 40. The customer can receive a subscription service for a predetermined period (contract period) with lump-sum payment. Also, the customer can make payments and investments over the contract period (for example, several years) using a budget with an annual or expiration date set.

[0069] In addition, in the service management method according to another embodiment, the partner company can provide lump-sum payment for the payment of the price for services that could only be provided on a monthly basis in the past, and can widely respond to the customer's requests for payment forms. In addition, since the partner company receives a monthly payment from the service providing company during a predetermined period (contract period), stable income can be obtained.

[0070] In addition, in the service management method according to another embodiment, the service providing company can efficiently manage the assets of the services by the service providing device 20 by utilizing the RFID identification information of the RFID tag 40. In addition, the service providing company can improve the cash flow by lump-sum sales at the initial stage of service orders.

[0071] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist thereof at the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Of course, various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 1: Service management system 10: Service management server 20: Service providing device 30: RFID reader / writer 31: Reader / writer control unit 32: Storage unit 33: Communication interface 40: RFID tag 110: Control unit 111: Consideration receiving unit 112: Service providing unit 113: Situation management unit 120: Memory unit 121: Customer data 122: Reverse subscription data 123: Subscription data 130: Display unit 140: Communication unit N: Network

Claims

1. A service management method executed by a service management server that manages a service providing device for a service provider to provide services to customers, performing a process of collectively receiving from the customer the consideration for the service provided by the service providing device, continuously providing the service provided by the service providing device to the customer for a predetermined period, managing the status of the service provided by the service providing device based on an RFID tag attached to the service providing device, wherein the service management server executes the process. A service management method characterized by this.

2. Performing a process of collectively receiving from the customer the consideration for the service provided by the service providing device through a partnering company The service management method according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. Managing the asset status of the service providing device based on data transmitted from an RFID reader / writer that reads the RFID tag attached to the service providing device The service management method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

4. Managing the operating status of the service providing device based on data transmitted from an RFID reader / writer that reads the RFID tag attached to the service providing device The service management method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

5. A service management program executed by a service management server that manages a service providing device for a service provider to provide services to customers, performing a process of collectively receiving from the customer the consideration for the service provided by the service providing device, continuously providing the service provided by the service providing device to the customer for a predetermined period, managing the status of the service provided by the service providing device based on an RFID tag attached to the service providing device, wherein the service management server is caused to execute the process. A service management program characterized by this.

6. A service management server that manages a service providing device for a service provider to provide services to customers, a consideration receiving unit that performs a process of collectively receiving from the customer the consideration for the service provided by the service providing device, a service providing unit that continuously provides the service provided by the service providing device to the customer for a predetermined period, A status management unit that manages the status of the service provided by the service providing device based on an RFID tag attached to the service providing device; A service management server, characterized by comprising the above.

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