Operation management system and operation management method

Abstract

To provide an operation management system for smoothly managing operations of a business operator who sells merchandise.SOLUTION: An operation management system including at least one computer device includes: first order means that places an order with a seller for merchandise by operation on a customer terminal operated by a customer; stock determination means that when the order for the merchandise is placed with the seller by the first order means, determines whether or not the seller's stock of the ordered merchandise satisfies a predetermined condition; and second order means that when it is determined by the stock determination means that the stock satisfies the predetermined condition, automatically places an order with a supplier of the seller for the merchandise.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a business management system and a business management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been liquor stores that mainly handle alcoholic beverages and sell them to customers. These liquor stores manage the inventory of products purchased from suppliers, and when orders are received from customers, they visit the customers' homes to deliver the products or to collect empty alcoholic beverage containers. There is a need for a business management system that can smoothly manage these operations of liquor stores. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a business management system and a business management method for smoothly managing the business of a liquor store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to [1] A business management system comprising at least one computer device, the business management system comprising: a transaction information input means for inputting transaction information relating to a transaction with a customer by operating a store clerk terminal operated by the store clerk; and a transaction information storage means for storing the input transaction information, the transaction information including information indicating that an empty beverage container has been collected from the customer; [2] The business management system according to [1] above, wherein the transaction information includes information indicating that a beverage has been delivered to a customer, and by inputting the information indicating that a beverage has been delivered to a customer, the transaction information input means is enabled to input information indicating that an empty container corresponding to the delivered beverage has been collected from the customer; [3] A business management method executed in a business management system having at least one computer device, the business management method including a transaction information input step of inputting transaction information regarding a transaction with a customer by operating a store clerk terminal operated by the store clerk, and a transaction information storage step of storing the input transaction information, wherein the delivery information includes information indicating that an empty beverage container has been collected from the customer; [4] A business management system comprising at least one computer device, the business management system comprising: a transaction information input means for inputting transaction information relating to a transaction with a customer by operating a store clerk terminal operated by the store clerk; and a sign display means for displaying a sign on map data at a position corresponding to the position information of the store clerk terminal when the transaction information with the customer is input; [5] The business management system according to [4], which includes a plurality of store clerk terminals and the sign display means displays signs in different ways for each store clerk terminal; [6] The business management system according to [4] or [5], wherein when multiple pieces of transaction information are input into one store clerk terminal, the sign display means displays signs at positions corresponding to the position information of the store clerk terminal when each of the multiple pieces of transaction information is input; [7] A business management method executed in a business management system having at least one computer device, the business management method comprising: a transaction information input step of inputting transaction information regarding a transaction with a customer by operating a store clerk terminal operated by the store clerk; a location information acquisition step of acquiring location information of the store clerk terminal when the transaction information with the customer is entered; and a sign display step of displaying a sign on map data at a position corresponding to the acquired location information; [8] A business management system comprising at least one computer device, the business management system comprising: a transaction information input means for inputting transaction information relating to transactions with customers by operating a store clerk terminal operated by the store clerk; and a transaction information display means for displaying the input transaction information in a list in chronological order; [9] The business management system according to [8], wherein the transaction information includes information on at least one of the delivery date and time, the customer, the goods delivered to the customer, the goods collected from the customer, and the purchase price of the goods;

[10] A business management method executed in a business management system having at least one computer device, the business management method comprising: a transaction information input step of inputting transaction information regarding a transaction with a customer by operating a store clerk terminal operated by the store clerk; and a transaction information display step of displaying the input transaction information in a list in chronological order;

[11] A business management system having at least one computer device, comprising an ordering means for ordering goods from a seller's supplier, and an inventory storage means for storing the ordered goods as the seller's inventory when predetermined conditions are met.

[12] The business management system according to

[11] above, wherein the predetermined condition is that the business management system has received information indicating that the goods have been delivered by the supplier and that the ordered goods have been accepted as inventory of the seller;

[13] A business management method executed in a business management system having at least one computer device, the business management method comprising: an ordering step of ordering goods from a seller's supplier; and an inventory storage step of storing the ordered goods as the seller's inventory when a predetermined condition is met;

[14] A business management system comprising at least one computer device, the business management system comprising: a first ordering means for ordering goods from a seller by operation of a customer terminal operated by a customer; and a second ordering means for ordering goods from a supplier of the seller when an order for goods is placed with the seller by the first ordering means;

[15] The business management system according to

[14] , wherein when an order for a product is placed with a seller by the first ordering means, an inventory determination means determines whether the seller's inventory satisfies a predetermined condition in relation to the ordered product, and when the second ordering means determines that the seller's inventory satisfies the predetermined condition, the business management system according to

[14] ,

[16] A business management method executed in a business management system having at least one computer device, the business management method comprising: a first ordering step of ordering a product from a seller by operating a customer terminal operated by a customer; and a second ordering step of ordering the product from the seller's supplier when the product is ordered from the seller in the first ordering step; This can be achieved by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a business management system and a business management method for smoothly managing the business of a business that sells products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a business management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a customer terminal, a store clerk terminal, or a manager terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an order processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an order management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a transaction information input process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a transaction information management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a position display process according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of an administrator terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a daily report display process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first purchasing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an inventory management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second purchasing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments as long as they do not contradict the spirit of the present invention.

[0008] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a business management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The business management system is used, for example, by a business that sells products, but the type of business is not particularly limited. The business management system is used, for example, in retail businesses such as liquor stores that sell alcoholic beverages, or in wholesale businesses.

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the business management system is composed of a customer terminal 1 operated by a customer of the liquor store, a clerk terminal 2 operated by a liquor store clerk who sells the products, an administrator terminal 3 operated by a liquor store clerk or administrator (which may be a seller), a server device 4, a supplier terminal 5 operated by a supplier company or the like from which the liquor store purchases products, and a communication network 6.

[0010] The business management system may include multiple customer terminals 1. Each customer who uses the liquor store to purchase products owns and operates a customer terminal 1. The customer may be an individual or a corporation. The business management system may also include multiple store clerk terminals 2. Each of multiple store clerks who deliver products to customers owns and operates a store clerk terminal 2. The store clerk carries the store clerk terminal 2 when delivering products to customers. Furthermore, the business management system may also include multiple administrator terminals 3. The administrator terminal 3 is provided, for example, in the liquor store or the like.

[0011] The customer terminal 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a computer device having a display screen and an input unit. The customer terminal 1 may be a stationary type or a portable type that the customer can carry when they move around. Examples of the customer terminal 1 include conventional mobile phones, tablet terminals, smartphones, and desktop or notebook personal computers.

[0012] The clerk terminal 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a computer device having a display screen and an input unit. It is preferable that the clerk terminal 2 is portable so that the clerk can carry it when moving around. Examples of the clerk terminal 2 include a conventional mobile phone, a tablet terminal, and a smartphone.

[0013] The administrator terminal 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is a computer device having a display screen and an input unit. The administrator terminal 3 may be a stationary type or a portable type that can be carried by the administrator when traveling. Examples of the administrator terminal 3 include conventional mobile phones, tablet terminals, smartphones, and desktop or notebook personal computers.

[0014] The supplier terminal 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is a computer device having a display screen and an input unit. The supplier terminal 5 may be a stationary type or a portable type that the manager can carry when traveling. Examples of the supplier terminal 5 include conventional mobile phones, tablet terminals, smartphones, and desktop or notebook personal computers.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a customer terminal, a store clerk terminal, a manager terminal, or a supplier terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The customer terminal 1, the store clerk terminal 2, the manager terminal 3, or the supplier terminal 5 comprises a control unit 11, a RAM 12, a storage unit 13, a graphics processing unit 14, a communication interface 15, and an interface unit 16, which are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0016] The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 11 executes programs stored in the storage unit 13 and controls the customer terminal 1, the clerk terminal 2, the manager terminal 3, or the supplier terminal 5. The RAM 12 is the work area of the control unit 11. The storage unit 13 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The control unit 11 reads and processes the programs and data from the RAM 12. The control unit 11 processes the programs and data loaded into the RAM 12 and outputs drawing commands to the graphics processing unit 14.

[0017] The graphics processing unit 14 is connected to the display unit 18. The display unit 18 has a display screen 19. When the control unit 11 outputs a drawing command to the graphics processing unit 14, the graphics processing unit 14 outputs a video signal for displaying an image on the display screen 19. Here, the display unit 18 may be a touch panel equipped with a touch sensor. The touch panel of this display unit 18 functions as an input unit.

[0018] The communication interface 15 can be connected to the communication network 6 wirelessly or via a wire, and can transmit and receive data to and from the server device 4 via the communication network 6. Data received via the communication interface 15 is loaded into the RAM 12, and is processed by the control unit 11. An external memory 17 (for example, an SD card) is connected to the interface unit 16.

[0019] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server device 4 includes at least a control unit 21, a RAM 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication interface 24, which are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0020] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU and a ROM, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 23 to control the server device 4. The control unit 21 also has an internal timer that measures time. The RAM 22 is the work area of the control unit 21. The storage unit 23 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The control unit 21 reads out the programs and data from the RAM 22 and performs program execution processing based on information received from the customer terminal 1, the clerk terminal 2, the manager terminal 3, or the supplier terminal 5.

[0021] The following describes the order processing in which a customer places an order with a liquor store and the liquor store accepts the order. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the order processing in a business management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The order of each process constituting the order processing flowchart may be in any order as long as no contradictions or inconsistencies occur in the process content.

[0022] A customer operates the customer terminal 1, accesses the server device 4, and logs in to the business management system (step S1). When logging in, the customer enters a customer ID and password set for each customer.

[0023] After logging in to the business management system, the customer can operate the customer terminal 1 to select a delivery date (step S2). For example, a calendar is displayed on the display screen 19 of the customer terminal 1, and the customer can select the desired delivery date by selecting the desired date from the displayed calendar.

[0024] Next, the customer selects the product they wish to purchase from among multiple products and inputs the quantity they wish to purchase (step S3). When selecting a product, they can search for products related to the keyword by entering a keyword related to the product they wish to purchase into the customer terminal 1. Also, by specifying the distributor or manufacturer of the product they wish to purchase, products related to that distributor or manufacturer may be displayed and selected.

[0025] The purchase quantity of the product selected in step S3 is an integer equal to or greater than "1" and can be changed as appropriate by operating the customer terminal 1. In step S3, multiple different products can be selected as the products desired to be purchased. The purchase quantity of each product can also be selected.

[0026] Furthermore, when selecting products and their purchase quantities, customers can also choose whether to purchase multiple products in a case, or each product individually (i.e., they can choose whether to purchase in a case or individually). Customers can operate customer terminal 1 to select whether the desired products are sold in a case or individually, and if they are sold in a case, they can select the number of cases, or if they are sold individually, they can select the number of products.

[0027] The customer can register products that they may purchase in the future as "favorite products" by operating the customer terminal 1. By registering products as "favorite products," the customer can easily select products in step S3 without having to go through the trouble of searching for the desired product.

[0028] When selecting the desired product and the quantity to purchase in step S3, a list of multiple products that can be selected may be displayed on the display screen 19.

[0029] The customer confirms the order details for the products and quantities selected in step S3 by operating the customer terminal 1 and pressing the "Confirm" button (step S4). Once the order details are confirmed on the customer terminal 1, order information is sent from the customer terminal 1 to the server device 4 (step S5). The order information includes at least a customer ID (or customer name) that can identify the customer, the input delivery date, a product ID (or product name) that can identify the selected product, and information regarding the quantity of each product to be purchased. The order information may also include the purchase price for each product and the total purchase price for the products ordered by the customer.

[0030] When the server device 4 receives the order information (step S6), the received order information is stored in an order management table set in the server device 4 (step S7). Steps S1 to S7 complete the order processing. Steps S1 to S7 are repeatedly executed every time a customer places an order for a product.

[0031] The method of payment for ordering a product is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, credit card payment, electronic money payment, QR code (registered trademark) payment, or other electronic payment. When payment is made by credit card, for example, in step S5, after order information is sent from the customer terminal 1 to the server device 4, a screen for executing payment processing is displayed on the customer terminal 1, and the payment processing is executed. Also, when a store clerk visits the customer's address, the store clerk can collect the payment from the customer.

[0032] The order management table will now be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the order management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. The order management table 30 is set in the server device 4. In the order management table 30, the delivery date 32, the customer who placed the order 33, the ordered product 34 (ordered product), its quantity 35, the total amount 36, the product delivery status 37, whether or not empty containers can be collected 38, and the empty container collection status 39 are registered in association with the order date and time 31.

[0033] The order date and time 31 is, for example, the date and time when the order information was received in step S6. The delivery date 32 is the delivery date input in step S2. The customer who placed the order 33 may be the customer name or a customer ID that can identify the customer. The ordered product 34 was selected in step S3 and may be the product name or a product ID that can identify the product. The quantity 35 was input in step S3 and is the quantity for each product. Furthermore, the total amount 36 is the total purchase price of the ordered products.

[0034] In step S6, when the server device 4 receives the order information, the received order information is newly registered in the order management table 30. At this time, the product delivery status 37 is registered as "undelivered." As will be described later, when the store clerk completes delivery of the product, the product delivery status 37 is updated from "undelivered" to "delivered."

[0035] If product 34 is a product that uses a returnable bottle, such as a 1.8L bottle, beer bottle, or milk bottle, i.e., if it is sake, beer, milk, etc., the liquor store can collect these empty containers after the customer has consumed the beverage. If product 34 is a product for which empty containers can be collected, empty container collection possibility 38 is registered as "collectible." On the other hand, if product 34 is not a beverage, or if product 34 is sealed in a container that does not need to be collected by the liquor store, such as a paper carton or a plastic bottle, empty container collection possibility 38 is registered as "not required."

[0036] In step S6, when the server device 4 receives the order information, the received order information is newly registered in the order management table 30. At this time, if the empty container collection possibility 38 is "collection possible", the empty container collection status 39 is registered as "not collected". As will be described later, when the empty container is collected by a store clerk, the empty container collection status 39 is updated from "not collected" to "collected".

[0037] Previously, when customers ordered products from a liquor store, they would call the store, send a fax, or send an email. The liquor store would then have to write down the order details on a slip based on the customer's contact, or manually enter the details into a system. By using this business management system, liquor stores no longer have to go through the trouble of writing down the order details on a slip or manually entering the details into a system, allowing them to manage order details efficiently and without errors.

[0038] A store clerk can operate the store clerk terminal 2, or a manager can operate the manager terminal 3, to display a list of products ordered by multiple customers on the display screen 19 of each terminal. In this case, the store clerk terminal 2 or the manager terminal 3 is operated to send a request to display a list of ordered products to the server device 4, and when the server device 4 receives the request to display the product list, the order information stored in the order management table 30 of the server device 4 is sent to the store clerk terminal 2 or the manager terminal 3. The list of products can also be displayed for each delivery date 32 in the order management table 30. On the day of or the day before the delivery date, the store clerk or manager can check the products to be delivered on the delivery date displayed in the list on the store clerk terminal 2 or the manager terminal 3, and then load the products to be delivered to the customers into a vehicle.

[0039] Furthermore, among the products ordered by customers, only undelivered products can be listed and displayed on the clerk terminal 2 or the administrator terminal 3, and only delivered products can be listed and displayed on the clerk terminal 2 or the administrator terminal 3. When displaying only undelivered products, the product delivery status 37 is referenced, and only order information registered as "undelivered" may be displayed on the clerk terminal 2 or the administrator terminal 3. The clerk or administrator can check the list of undelivered products displayed on the clerk terminal 2 or the administrator terminal 3 while loading the products to be delivered to the customer into a vehicle.

[0040] Next, the delivery information input process will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the delivery information input process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The order of the processes constituting the flowchart of the delivery information input process is random as long as no contradictions or inconsistencies occur in the process contents.

[0041] The store clerk, for example, gets into a vehicle such as a car or motorcycle loaded with goods and visits multiple customers with different addresses in turn to deliver the goods. After handing over the goods to the customer or collecting the empty containers, the store clerk inputs transaction information (hereinafter also referred to as delivery information) of the delivery of the goods and / or collection of the empty containers into the store clerk terminal 2 before starting to move to the address of the next customer.

[0042] In order to input delivery information, the store clerk operates the store clerk terminal 2, accesses the server device 4, and logs in to the business management system (step S11). When the store clerk logs in, he or she enters the store clerk ID and password set for each store clerk.

[0043] Next, the store clerk operates the store clerk terminal 2 to select the customer he or she visited (step S12). Here, the customer may be either an individual or a corporation. A list of multiple customers is displayed on the display screen 19 of the store clerk terminal 2, and the store clerk can select the customer for whom he or she wants to enter delivery information.

[0044] It is also possible that the customers that each clerk is responsible for are predetermined, and the customers corresponding to the clerk ID are displayed so that they can be selected. Also, it is possible that the addresses of each customer are registered in advance, and only customers whose addresses are within a predetermined distance from the current location of the clerk terminal 2 are displayed so that they can be selected. The current location of the clerk terminal 2 can be identified by the GPS function of the clerk terminal 2. The location identified by the GPS function includes at least information about latitude and longitude.

[0045] When a sales clerk visits a customer's address, transactions between the sales clerk and the customer may include, for example, delivering merchandise to the customer or collecting goods from the customer. When a customer is selected in step S12, the order management table 30 is referenced, and information regarding the merchandise and quantity ordered by the selected customer is sent from the server device 4 to the sales clerk terminal 2, and displayed on the display screen 19 of the sales clerk terminal 2 (step S13). The sales clerk delivers the merchandise to the customer according to the displayed merchandise and quantity.

[0046] The store clerk may also receive payment from the customer when handing over the product to the customer. In this case, in step S13, not only the product ordered by the customer and its quantity but also the purchase price of the product may be displayed on the display screen 19.

[0047] In step S13, not only the products and quantities ordered by the customer but also the type and quantity of empty containers to be received from the customer can be displayed. In this case, when a customer is selected in step S12, the order management table 30 is referenced, and information regarding the type and quantity of empty containers to be received from the customer is transmitted from the server device 4 to the clerk terminal 2 and displayed on the display screen 19 of the clerk terminal 2.

[0048] When the store clerk receives empty containers from the customer, the store clerk may pay the customer the cost of the empty containers. In this case, in step S13, the cost of the empty containers may be displayed on display screen 19 in addition to the type and quantity of empty containers. Alternatively, the store clerk may deduct the cost of the empty containers from the price when handing over the product to the customer and receive the remaining price from the customer. In this case, in step S13, the amount obtained by deducting the cost of the empty containers from the purchase price of the product may be displayed on display screen 19.

[0049] In step S13, information regarding the products and quantities ordered by the customer and information regarding the type and quantity of empty containers to be received from the customer may be displayed simultaneously on the display screen 19 of the store clerk terminal 2, or information regarding the type and quantity of empty containers to be received from the customer may be displayed after information regarding the products and quantities ordered by the customer is displayed.

[0050] Next, the store clerk operates the store clerk terminal 2 to press the "Complete" button, which indicates that the transaction with the customer is complete (step S14). Here, "transaction with the customer" refers to either handing over the ordered product to the customer, receiving the empty container from the customer, or handing over the ordered product to the customer and receiving the empty container from the customer.

[0051] Next, information indicating that the clerk has completed the transaction with the customer and information regarding the location of the clerk terminal 2 at this time are transmitted from the clerk terminal 2 to the server device 4 (step S15). The location of the clerk terminal 2 at the time of inputting the delivery information can be identified by the GPS function of the clerk terminal 2. The server device 4 receives the information indicating that the clerk has completed the transaction with the customer and information regarding the location of the clerk terminal 2 at this time (step S16).

[0052] In the server device 4, the order management table 30 is updated based on the information received from the clerk terminal 2 indicating that the clerk has completed the transaction with the customer (step S17). For example, when the clerk delivers the ordered product, the delivered product is updated from "undelivered" to "delivered" in the product delivery status 37 in the order management table 30. Also, when the clerk receives an empty container from the customer, the delivered product is updated from "undelivered" to "collected" in the empty container collection status 39 in the order management table 30.

[0053] Next, the server device 4 updates the delivery information management table (described later) (step S18). The delivery information management table is updated based on the information received in step S16 indicating that the store clerk has completed the transaction with the customer and information regarding the location of the store clerk terminal 2 at that time.

[0054] The delivery information input process ends with steps S11 to S18. The delivery information input process is repeatedly executed each time delivery information is input by the store clerk terminal 2. When the delivery information input process is repeatedly executed by one store clerk terminal 2, if the store clerk terminal 2 is logged in to the business management system, step S11 is omitted and only steps S12 to S18 are repeatedly executed unless the store clerk terminal 2 is logged out.

[0055] It is also possible to perform electronic payment processing during the delivery information input process. For example, in steps S12 to S14, after selecting a customer and displaying the ordered products and their quantities, the clerk can operate the clerk terminal 2 to start the electronic payment processing during the process of inputting the completion of the transaction. Specifically, the clerk operates the clerk terminal 2 to select the "Electronic Payment" button displayed on the display screen 19 of the clerk terminal 2. When the "Electronic Payment" button is pressed, "Unreceived Invoice" data is sent via the server device 4 to the customer terminal 1 of the customer to whom the products were delivered. The customer terminal 1 receives the "Unreceived Invoice" data from the clerk terminal 2.

[0056] When the customer terminal 1 receives the "Unreceived Invoice," a message indicating that the "Unreceived Invoice" has been received is displayed on the display screen 19 of the customer terminal 1. By operating the customer terminal 1 and selecting the "Unreceived Invoice" button displayed on the display screen 19, details of the "Unreceived Invoice" data are displayed on the display screen 19. The displayed content of the "Unreceived Invoice" data is not particularly limited as long as it relates to the order information placed by the customer with the liquor store, and may include, for example, the product name ordered by the customer, the product quantity, the product unit price, the order amount per product, the total price of the ordered products, the cost of empty containers, the amount billed by the liquor store to the customer (the total price of the ordered products minus the cost of the empty containers; the amount subject to electronic payment), and / or a "Receive" button. When the customer operates the customer terminal 1 and selects the "Receive" button on the display screen 19, the display screen 19 switches to the "Electronic Payment" screen, allowing the customer to make an electronic payment to the liquor store. As mentioned above, electronic payments can be made using credit card payments, electronic money payments, QR code (registered trademark) payments, etc. The payment amount is the amount billed to the customer by the liquor store.

[0057] In this way, by using this business management system, it is now possible to manage the status of product delivery, empty container collection, and other activities in a simple manner, without the hassle that previously required visiting a customer, delivering goods, and receiving empty containers, writing down the details of the transaction on a slip, and then entering the information into the business system according to the slip.

[0058] Next, the delivery information management table will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a delivery information management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the delivery information management table 40, for example, delivery information 42 is stored in association with a store clerk ID 41 that can identify the store clerk. The delivery information 42 includes not only the transaction date and time 43 and the customer ID 44 that performed the transaction, but also the transaction details 45 and location information 46. The customer ID 44 can identify the customer. The customer ID 44 may be replaced with the customer name.

[0059] Transaction details 45 include information on products delivered to a customer 47, the quantity and price 48 of the delivered products, empty containers collected from the customer 49, and the quantity and price 50 of the empty containers. When a store clerk delivers products to a customer, a product ID that can identify the type of product is registered in delivered products 47 of delivery information management table 40, and the quantity and price of the delivered products are registered in quantity and price 48 of delivered products. When a store clerk collects empty containers from a customer, an empty container ID that can identify the type of collected empty container is registered in collected empty containers 49 of delivery information management table 40, and the quantity and price of the collected empty containers are registered in quantity and price 50 of empty containers.

[0060] The location information 46 is registered with the location information of the store clerk terminal 2 when the store clerk terminal 2 inputs the delivery information. The information registered in this location information 46 may be location information acquired by the GPS function of the store clerk terminal 2, or may be location information including the address of the customer for whom the delivery information was input, and the longitude and latitude corresponding to that address.

[0061] The manager operates the manager terminal 3. The manager and the store clerk who delivers products to customers may be the same person, or may be different people. In other words, some of the store clerks may operate the manager terminal 3 as the manager, or the manager may deliver products to customers as a store clerk and operate the store clerk terminal 2.

[0062] By operating the manager terminal 3, the manager can check the delivery status of the store staff belonging to the store managed by the manager. Next, the location display process will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the location display process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The order of each process constituting the flowchart of the location display process may be in any order as long as no contradiction or inconsistency occurs in the process content.

[0063] The administrator operates the administrator terminal 3, accesses the server device 4, and logs in to the business management system (step S21). When the administrator logs in, he or she enters the administrator ID and password set for the administrator. The administrator operates the administrator terminal 3 and sends a delivery status display request to the server device 4 (step S22).

[0064] When the server device 4 receives a delivery status display request from the administrator terminal 3 (step S23), it refers to the delivery information management table 40 and identifies the delivery information to be displayed on the map data (step S24). In step S25, one or more positions corresponding to the delivery information are plotted on the image generated.

[0065] The delivery information to be displayed on the map data may be limited to delivery information entered during a predetermined period. Here, the predetermined period can be in units of one hour, either the morning or afternoon of a predetermined day, one day, one week, or one month. In addition, a time can be specified by operating the administrator terminal 3, such as 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on April 1, 2021.

[0066] If there are multiple store clerks, the delivery information entered into the clerk terminal 2 owned by each of the store clerks may be displayed on the map data, or only the delivery information entered into the clerk terminal 2 owned by some of the multiple store clerks may be displayed on the map data.

[0067] The server device 4 then generates an image in which the position corresponding to the identified delivery information is plotted on pre-prepared map data (step S25), and transmits the generated image data to the manager terminal 3 (step S26). The position corresponding to the delivery information can be identified by referring to the position information 46 in the delivery information management table 40. Alternatively, the position corresponding to the delivery information may be identified based on the address of the customer corresponding to the delivery information.

[0068] The administrator terminal 3 receives the image data generated in step S25 from the server device 4 (step S27), and the received image is displayed on the display screen 19 of the administrator terminal 3 (step S28). Steps S21 to S28 complete the position display process.

[0069] Next, the display screen 19 of the manager terminal 3 in step S28 will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the display screen of the manager terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. A map 55 corresponding to the real world is displayed on the display screen 19 of the manager terminal 3. On the map 55, for example, signs 56a to 56h are displayed at positions on the map corresponding to the actual position of the clerk terminal 2 when the delivery information was input at the clerk terminal 2.

[0070] A plurality of signs 56 corresponding to a plurality of pieces of delivery information input at the clerk terminal 2 during a predetermined period may be displayed on the display screen 19. The predetermined period can be set as appropriate, for example, in units of one hour, either the morning or afternoon of a predetermined day, one day, one week, or one month. It is also possible to change these predetermined periods by operating the administrator terminal 3.

[0071] Furthermore, multiple signs 56 corresponding to multiple pieces of delivery information input during a predetermined period at different clerk terminals 2 or clerk terminals 2 with different clerk IDs may be displayed on the display screen. In this case, the signs 56 may be displayed in different ways for each clerk terminal 2 or each clerk ID. For example, multiple signs 56 having different colors may be displayed for each clerk terminal 2 or each clerk ID. Furthermore, multiple signs 56 having different shapes, patterns, etc. may be displayed for each clerk terminal 2 or each clerk ID.

[0072] According to this business management system, the number of signs 56 displayed on the map 55 increases each time delivery information is input by the clerk terminal 2. The delivery status is displayed in real time on the display screen 19 of the manager terminal 3, allowing the manager to immediately grasp the delivery status. In addition, the manager can also grasp the route the clerk is taking from the arrangement of multiple signs 56 displayed on the manager terminal 3.

[0073] In the flowchart of the location display process in Figure 8 and the explanation of the display screen when the location display process in Figure 9 is executed, it has been explained that the location corresponding to the delivery information is displayed on a map on the display screen 19 of the manager terminal 3, but instead of the display screen 19 of the manager terminal 3, the location corresponding to the delivery information may also be displayed on a map on the display screen 19 of the store clerk terminal 3.

[0074] Next, the daily report display process will be explained. By operating the manager terminal 3, the manager can display or output a list of transactions with customers for a predetermined period, such as a daily report, weekly report, or monthly report. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the daily report display process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The order of each process constituting the flowchart of the daily report display process is random as long as no contradiction or inconsistency occurs in the process content.

[0075] The manager operates the manager terminal 3 and logs in to the business management system (step S31). When a store clerk logs in, he or she enters the manager ID and password set for the manager. The manager operates the manager terminal 3 and sends a daily report display request to the server device 4 (step S32).

[0076] When the server device 4 receives a daily report display request (step S33), the administrator terminal 3 refers to the delivery information management table 40 and identifies multiple pieces of delivery information for a predetermined period (step S34). Here, the predetermined period is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one day, one week, or one month. The predetermined period can also be changed as appropriate by operating the administrator terminal 3. If the predetermined period is one day, a daily report can be created, and if the predetermined period is one week, a weekly report can be created. If the predetermined period is one month, a monthly report can be created.

[0077] Furthermore, the delivery information identified in step S34 may be limited to delivery information entered by at least one or more specific store clerks (or store clerk IDs), or may be unrestricted and include delivery information entered by all store clerks in charge of deliveries at the liquor store. Therefore, it is possible to create daily reports, etc. not only for at least one or more specific store clerks, but also for all store clerks in charge of deliveries at the liquor store. Note that the specific store clerks for whom daily reports, etc. are to be created can be changed as needed by operating the administrator terminal 3.

[0078] Based on the delivery information identified in step S34, daily report data (or weekly report data, monthly report data) to be displayed on the manager terminal 3 is created (step S35). The created daily report data, etc. is sent from the server device 4 to the manager terminal 3 (step S36). When the manager terminal 3 receives the daily report data, etc. (step S37), the manager terminal 3 displays a list of delivery information based on the received daily report data, etc. (step S38). Steps S31 to S38 complete the daily report display process.

[0079] In step S38, instead of displaying a list of delivery information based on the received daily report data, etc., the delivery information based on the received daily report data, etc. may be printed out so that it can be viewed in a list. Also, in addition to displaying a list of delivery information based on the received daily report data, etc., the delivery information may be printed out so that it can be viewed in a list.

[0080] In step S38, the name of the customer who made the transaction (or customer ID) and the details of the transaction are displayed or printed as delivery information, for example, in association with the transaction date and time. In step S38, the customer's address, customer attributes, etc. may also be displayed or printed in association with the transaction date and time and customer name.

[0081] The transaction details displayed or printed in step S38 include the products delivered to the customer, the quantity and price of the delivered products, the empty containers collected from the customer, information regarding the quantity and price of the empty containers, or the payment received from the customer (or the expenses paid to the customer). Here, the payment received from the customer is the total price of the delivered products, or, in the case where empty containers are collected from the customer, the total price of the delivered products minus the cost of the collected empty containers. Also, here, the expenses paid to the customer are the amount obtained by subtracting the total price of the delivered products from the cost of the collected empty containers if the cost of the collected empty containers is greater than the total price of the delivered products.

[0082] Additionally, in step S38, the travel time of the store clerk can also be displayed. For example, in steps S11 to S18, if a store clerk visits customer A and inputs delivery information, and then visits customer B and inputs delivery information, the travel time can be calculated based on the difference between the time when the entry of the delivery information for customer A is completed and the time when the entry of the delivery information for customer B is started.

[0083] In addition, in step S38, the name or ID of the store clerk for which the daily report data or the like was created can be displayed. If there is multiple delivery information, the delivery information is arranged in chronological order. For example, delivery information with the oldest transaction date and time is displayed at the top, and the newest transaction dates and times are displayed at the bottom. Also, delivery information with the newest transaction date and time is displayed at the top, and the oldest transaction dates and times are displayed at the bottom.

[0084] In this way, when a salesperson visits a customer, the salesperson operates the salesperson terminal 2 and inputs the details of the transaction with the customer, thereby making it possible to easily create and output a daily report or the like.

[0085] Next, the first purchasing process will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the first purchasing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The order of each process constituting the flowchart of the first purchasing process is random as long as no contradiction or inconsistency occurs in the processing content.

[0086] The administrator operates the administrator terminal 3 and logs in to the business management system (step S41). When a store clerk logs in, they enter the administrator ID and password set by the administrator. The administrator operates the administrator terminal 3 and selects the products and quantities they wish to order (step S42). Products to be ordered can be found by search, and products that are repeatedly purchased can be registered in a master record and the products to be ordered can be selected from that list.

[0087] Next, when the order details are confirmed by operating the administrator terminal 3, the order details are sent to the server device 4 (step S43). The order details are confirmed, for example, by pressing an "order confirmation" button displayed on the display screen 19 of the administrator terminal 3. The server device 4 receives the order details (step S44) and automatically places the order according to the ordering method registered in advance for each product or each product supplier (step S45).

[0088] Here, in step S45, the server device 4 automatically executes the order, but once the contents of the order are confirmed at the administrator terminal 3, the administrator terminal 3 may automatically execute the order in accordance with the ordering method pre-registered for each product or each product supplier.

[0089] For example, for product A, a fax stating that product A will be ordered in the quantity selected in step S42 from the store to which the manager belongs is automatically sent to a predetermined fax destination, and for product B, an email stating that product B will be ordered in the quantity selected in step S42 from the store to which the manager belongs is automatically sent to a predetermined email destination. The ordering method is not particularly limited as long as it can be executed automatically, and examples include methods using fax, email, messenger apps, etc. The supplier terminal 5 receives the fax, email, or messenger app message sent from the manager terminal 3.

[0090] Each ordered product is provisionally registered in an inventory management table (described later) (step S46). The inventory management table stores the product name (or product ID), the product quantity, and the provisional registration status. This allows the liquor store to centrally manage orders and accurately manage order history.

[0091] When the ordering party (supplier) receives the order from the liquor store in step S45, it confirms the received order details at supplier terminal 5 and then delivers the quantity of goods ordered by the liquor store to the liquor store. When the liquor store receives the goods from the supplier, the manager confirms that they match the order details and operates manager terminal 3 to send information to the server device 4 that the ordered goods have been delivered (step S47). The time from when steps S45 and S46 are executed to when step S47 is executed does not have to be immediate, and there may be a period of several hours, weeks, or even months.

[0092] When the server device 4 receives from the administrator terminal 3 information that the ordered products have been delivered from the liquor store (step S48), the inventory management table is updated (step S49). In step S48, the products that were provisionally registered as in stock are now registered as in stock in the inventory management table. Steps S41 to S49 complete the first purchasing process.

[0093] In step S49, not only the inventory management table but also the purchase table may be updated. The purchase table is set in the server device 4. The purchase table manages the products for which credit transactions have been made at the store run by the administrator, as well as the payable amount, the payment status of the payable amount, and the status of whether or not delivery has been made. In step S48, when information is received from the liquor store that the ordered products have been delivered, the status of whether or not delivery has been made in the purchase table is updated from "not yet" to "completed."

[0094] By executing the purchasing process, orders can be placed in a simple manner, whereas previously different methods were used for ordering from different suppliers. Furthermore, while previously it was necessary to input each product into an inventory management system after receiving the product, it is now possible to manage inventory without such input work.

[0095] The order management table will now be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an inventory management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inventory management table 60 is set in the server device 4. The inventory management table 60 is used to manage inventory in a store run by an administrator.

[0096] The inventory management table 60 stores, for each manager or store, the product name (or product ID that can identify the product) 61 of the product in stock, and in association with that product name 61, the product quantity 62, status 63, and delivery date and time 64. The status 63 registers whether the purchased product is "provisionally registered" before delivery, or whether the product has been delivered and is "registered" as inventory. The purchase date 64 is the date the product was purchased from the supplier.

[0097] In step S46, when a new product is registered as inventory in the inventory management table 60, the product name (or product ID) 61 and product quantity 62 are registered, and the status 63 is registered as "provisional registration." At this point, the purchase date 64 is not registered. Then, in step S48, when information is received from the administrator terminal 3 that the ordered product has been delivered from the liquor store, the status 63 in the inventory management table 60 is updated from "provisional registration" to "registration," and the date on which the information that the product was delivered was received is registered as the purchase date 64.

[0098] Furthermore, when an order is received from a customer and a store clerk delivers the product to the customer, the delivered product is deleted from the inventory management table 60. For example, when the ordered product is handed over to the customer and it is input in step S14 that the transaction with the customer has been completed, the corresponding product is deleted from the inventory management table 60.

[0099] Next, the second purchasing process will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the second purchasing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The order of each process constituting the flowchart of the second purchasing process is random as long as no contradiction or inconsistency occurs in the processing content.

[0100] In the order processing, when the server device 4 receives the order information in step S6, it refers to the inventory management table 60 and determines whether the inventory of the liquor store satisfies a predetermined condition in relation to the ordered product (step S51). For example, the predetermined condition may be that there is no product corresponding to the ordered product in stock, or that there is a predetermined number or less of the product. Different predetermined conditions may be adopted for each product.

[0101] If it is determined that the predetermined condition is not met (No in step S51), the second purchasing process ends. If it is determined that the predetermined condition is met (Yes in step S51), an order is automatically placed according to the ordering method pre-registered for each product or each product supplier (step S52). For example, for product A, a fax indicating that product A is being ordered is automatically sent to a predetermined fax destination, and for product B, an email indicating that product B is being ordered is automatically sent to a predetermined email destination. The ordering method is not particularly limited as long as it can be executed automatically, and examples include methods using fax, email, a messenger app, etc. The supplier terminal 5 receives the fax, email, or messenger app message sent from the administrator terminal 3.

[0102] The ordered products are provisionally registered in the inventory management table 60 (described later) for each product (step S53). The inventory management table stores the product name (or product ID), the product quantity, and the provisional registration status. From step S53 onwards, the same processes as steps S47 to S49 of the first purchasing process are carried out. More specifically, the ordering party (supplier) confirms the details received at supplier terminal 5 and then delivers the product in the quantity ordered by the liquor store to the liquor store. When the liquor store receives the delivery from the supplier, the manager confirms that the details match the order and operates manager terminal 3 to send information to the server device 4 that the ordered products have been delivered (corresponding to step S47). When server device 4 receives information from manager terminal 3 that the ordered products have been delivered from the liquor store (corresponding to step S48), the products that were provisionally registered as in stock in the inventory management table 60 are registered as in stock (corresponding to step S49).

[0103] According to the present invention, delivery information with customers is input on a staff terminal operated by a staff member, and the input delivery information is stored.Since the delivery information includes information indicating that empty beverage containers have been collected from customers, it is possible to manage transactions regarding empty beverage containers.

[0104] According to the present invention, delivery information includes information indicating that a beverage has been delivered to a customer, and when information indicating that a beverage has been delivered to a customer is input, information indicating that an empty container corresponding to the delivered beverage has been collected from the customer can be input as delivery information, thereby making it possible to efficiently input delivery information about empty beverage containers.

[0105] According to the present invention, delivery information with a customer is input into a store clerk terminal operated by the store clerk, and a sign is displayed on the map data at the position of the store clerk terminal when the delivery information was input, so that it is easy to understand the location where the store clerk made the transaction and the route he or she is taking.

[0106] According to the present invention, a plurality of store clerk terminals are provided, and the sign display means is displayed in a different manner for each store clerk terminal, so that it is easy to know which of the multiple store clerks the sign corresponds to.

[0107] According to the present invention, when multiple pieces of delivery information are input into one store clerk terminal, a sign is displayed at a position corresponding to the location information of the store clerk terminal when each of the multiple pieces of delivery information was input, making it possible to grasp the latest location of each store clerk and how they are moving.

[0108] According to the present invention, delivery information for customers entered on the clerk terminal operated by the clerk can be displayed in a list, making it easy to create documents (e.g., daily, weekly, or monthly reports) that allow understanding of the clerk's actions.

[0109] According to the present invention, the delivery information displayed in a list includes information on at least one of the transaction date and time, the customer, the goods delivered to the customer, and the items collected from the customer, so that the details of the transaction with the customer can be understood in detail.

[0110] According to the present invention, an order for goods is placed with a supplier at a store clerk terminal operated by the store clerk, and the ordered goods are stored as inventory of goods in the store, thereby eliminating the labor of inputting each item into an inventory management system when goods are delivered from the supplier.

[0111] According to the present invention, the business management system receives information indicating that the goods have been delivered from the supplier and that the ordered goods have been accepted as inventory in the store, and thus the ordered goods can be stored as inventory in the store, and after confirming that the goods have been delivered from the supplier, the ordered goods can be registered as inventory in the store.

[0112] According to the present invention, when a customer places an order for a product with a seller, the product is ordered from the seller's supplier, so the customer can purchase the required product without any hassle.

[0113] According to the present invention, when an order for a product is placed with a seller, it is determined whether the seller's inventory satisfies predetermined conditions in relation to the ordered product, and if it is determined that the seller's inventory satisfies the predetermined conditions, the product is ordered from the seller's supplier, so that the necessary product can be purchased depending on the inventory situation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Customer terminal 2. Store clerk terminal 3. Administrator terminal 4. Server equipment 5 Supplier terminal 6. Communication Networks 11 Control section 12 RAM 13 Storage Section 14 Graphics Processing Unit 15 Communication Interface 16 Interface section 17. External Memory 18 Display 19 Display screen 21 Control section 22 RAM 23 Storage Department 24 Communication Interface 30 Order Management Table 40 Delivery information management table 55 Map 56 signs 60 Inventory Management Table

Claims

1. A business management system comprising at least one computer device, a first ordering means for ordering a product from a seller by operating a customer terminal operated by the customer; an inventory determination means for determining whether or not the inventory of the ordered product at the seller satisfies a predetermined condition when an order for the product is placed with the seller by the first ordering means; a second ordering means for automatically ordering the product from the seller's supplier when the inventory determining means determines that the inventory satisfies a predetermined condition; A business management system equipped with the above.

2. A business management method executed in a business management system having at least one computer device, a first ordering step of ordering a product from a seller by operating a customer terminal operated by the customer; an inventory determination step of determining whether or not inventory of the ordered product at the seller satisfies a predetermined condition when an order for the product is placed with the seller in the first ordering step; a second ordering step of automatically ordering the product from the seller's supplier when it is determined in the inventory determination step that the inventory satisfies a predetermined condition; A business management method having the following features.

Images