Inventory management program, inventory management device, and inventory management method

Abstract

To provide an inventory management program, an inventory management device, and an inventory management method to reduce the increase in labor hours for inventory management.SOLUTION: An inventory management device 40, which executes an inventory management program and performs an inventory management method, obtains information regarding a wholesaler 20 corresponding to a delivery vendor and the delivery quantity. Furthermore, the inventory management device 40 updates the pick-up status based on whether the pick-up of goods by the broker 25 has been completed or not by a code assigned to the product label, which includes information about the wholesaler 20 and the delivery quantities, being read by the broker 25 corresponding to the pick-up vendor or the wholesaler 20 corresponding to the delivery vendor. The inventory management device 40 then shares the updated pick-up status with the wholesaler 20 and the broker 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inventory management program, an inventory management device, and an inventory management method. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a warehouse management system has been known that includes a terminal and a host in a warehouse where products are stored. The terminal reads location codes displayed at the product storage locations and product codes attached to the products, and inputs product information including the product quantity. The host generates management data that associates product codes with location codes based on the product information received from the terminal, and manages the inventory of products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-35830 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a value chain where business activities carried out by vendors are a series of flows for value creation, in order to manage each vendor's inventory using a warehouse management system such as that described in Patent Document 1, each vendor must have their own warehouse management system. In this case, each vendor must input information about product inventory into their respective warehouse management systems. This increases the workload for inventory management.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an inventory management program, an inventory management device, and an inventory management method that suppress an increase in the number of steps required for inventory management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is an inventory management program that causes an inventory management device to function as an acquisition unit that acquires information entered by delivery companies (10, 15, 20, 25) that deliver merchandise, and an update unit that updates the collection status, which indicates whether collection of merchandise by collection companies (15, 20, 25, 30) that collect merchandise from the delivery company has been completed, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information about the collection company and the delivery quantity, which is the quantity of merchandise to be delivered from the delivery company to the collection company, and the update unit updates the collection status by having the collection company read a code attached to a label that is attached to the merchandise by the delivery company and contains information about the merchandise, the collection company, and the delivery quantity, and shares the updated collection status with the delivery company and collection company.

[0007] The invention described in claim 15 is an inventory management device that includes an acquisition unit that acquires information input by a delivery company (10, 15, 20, 25) that delivers merchandise, and an update unit that updates the collection status, which indicates whether collection of merchandise by a collection company (15, 20, 25, 30) that collects merchandise from the delivery company has been completed. The acquisition unit acquires information about the collection company and the delivery amount, which is the amount of merchandise to be delivered from the delivery company to the collection company. The update unit updates the collection status by having the collection company read a code attached to a label that is attached to the merchandise by the delivery company and contains information about the merchandise, the collection company, and the delivery amount, and shares the updated collection status with the delivery company.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 16 is an inventory management method that includes acquiring information entered by a delivery company (10, 15, 20, 25) that delivers goods, and updating a collection status that indicates whether collection of goods has been completed by a collection company (15, 20, 25, 30) that collects goods from the delivery company, and the method acquires information about the collection company and the delivery quantity that is the quantity of goods delivered from the delivery company to the collection company, updates the collection status by having the collection company read a code attached to a label that is attached to the goods by the delivery company and that includes information about the goods, the collection company, and the delivery quantity, and shares the updated collection status with the delivery company and the collection company.

[0009] This saves the delivery company the trouble of checking the inventory of the products picked up by the pick-up company, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of steps required for inventory management.

[0010] The invention described in claim 8 is an inventory management program that causes an inventory management device to function as an acquisition unit that acquires information input by delivery companies (10, 15, 20, 25) that deliver merchandise, and an update unit that updates the collection status, which indicates whether collection of merchandise by collection companies (15, 20, 25, 30) that collect merchandise from the delivery company has been completed, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information about the collection company and the delivery amount, which is the amount of merchandise to be delivered from the delivery company to the collection company, and the update unit updates the collection status by reading, by the delivery company, a code attached to a label that is attached to the merchandise by the delivery company and that contains information about the merchandise, the collection company, and the delivery amount, and shares the updated collection status with the delivery company and the collection company.

[0011] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 17 is an inventory management device that includes an acquisition unit that acquires information input by a delivery company (10, 15, 20, 25) that delivers merchandise, and an update unit that updates the collection status, which indicates whether collection of merchandise by a collection company (15, 20, 25, 30) that collects merchandise from the delivery company has been completed. The acquisition unit acquires information about the collection company and the delivery amount, which is the amount of merchandise to be delivered from the delivery company to the collection company. The update unit updates the collection status by reading a code attached to a label that is attached to the merchandise by the delivery company and contains information about the merchandise, the collection company, and the delivery amount, and shares the updated collection status with the delivery company and collection company.

[0012] The invention described in claim 18 is an inventory management method that includes acquiring information entered by a delivery company (10, 15, 20, 25) that delivers merchandise, and updating a collection status indicating whether collection of merchandise has been completed by a collection company (15, 20, 25, 30) that collects merchandise from the delivery company, and the method acquires information about the collection company and the delivery quantity, which is the quantity of merchandise delivered from the delivery company to the collection company, and updates the collection status by having the delivery company read a code attached to a label that is attached to the merchandise by the delivery company and that includes information about the merchandise, the collection company, and the delivery quantity, and shares the updated collection status with the delivery company and the collection company.

[0013] This saves the collection company the trouble of checking the inventory of the collected products, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of steps required for inventory management.

[0014] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and the specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a value chain in which an inventory management device according to a first embodiment is used. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the inventory management device, the work of the wholesaler, and the work of the intermediate wholesaler. [Figure 3] A table showing product information and shipment information. [Figure 4] A diagram showing product labels. [Figure 5] A table showing product information and distribution information when the wholesaler is A. [Figure 6] A table showing product information and distribution information when the pickup status is complete. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the warehouse management system, the work of the wholesaler, and the work of the intermediate wholesaler when a warehouse management system according to a comparative example is used. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the inventory management device, the work of the wholesaler, and the work of the intermediate wholesaler in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a table showing product information and distribution information when the pickup amount is input. [Figure 10] A table showing product information and distribution information when the pickup status is complete. [Figure 11] 11 is a table showing product information and distribution information when a collection amount is input in the inventory management device of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] A table showing product information and distribution information when the pickup status is complete. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the inventory management device, the work of the wholesaler, and the work of the intermediate wholesaler according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the inventory management device, the work of the wholesaler, and the work of the intermediate wholesaler according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] A table showing product information and partial shipment information when the remaining shipment confirmation status is completed. [Figure 16]A table showing product information and distribution information when the pickup status is complete. [Figure 17] 10 is a table showing product information and distribution information when the wholesaler is α. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the inventory management device, the work of the wholesaler, and the work of the intermediate wholesaler according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 19] A table showing product information and distribution information when remaining cargo quantity is entered. [Figure 20] A table showing product information and distribution information when the pickup status is complete. [Figure 21] 13 is a table showing product information and distribution information when the remaining quantity is input in the inventory management device of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 22] A table showing product information and distribution information when the pickup status is complete. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the inventory management device, the work of the wholesaler, and the work of the intermediate wholesaler according to the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0017] (First embodiment) The inventory management device that executes the inventory management program and the inventory management method of this embodiment suppresses an increase in the number of steps required for inventory management. This inventory management device is used, for example, in a value chain that handles fruit and vegetables. First, this value chain will be described.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the value chain 5 includes a producer 10, a transporter 15, a wholesaler 20, a middleman 25, a retailer 30, and a consumer 35. Here, the producer 10, the transporter 15, the wholesaler 20, the middleman 25, and the retailer 30 are people or companies that carry out business activities.

[0019] The producer 10 produces fruits and vegetables as merchandise. The producer 10 then delivers the produced merchandise to a transport company 15.

[0020] The transport company 15 collects the goods produced by the producer 10. The transport company 15 then transports the goods collected from the producer 10. The transport company 15 then delivers the transported goods to a wholesaler.

[0021] The wholesaler 20 is a business that conducts sales activities and is positioned between the producer 10 and the retailer 30 described below, and receives the goods transported by the carrier 15. Furthermore, the wholesaler 20 delivers the goods received from the carrier 15 to the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0022] The intermediate wholesaler 25 acts as an intermediary between the wholesaler 20 and the retailer 30 (described later), and receives merchandise from the wholesaler 20. The intermediate wholesaler 25 also delivers the merchandise received from the wholesaler 20 to the retailer 30.

[0023] The retailer 30 receives the merchandise from the intermediate wholesaler 25. Furthermore, the retailer 30 sells the merchandise received from the intermediate wholesaler 25 to consumers 35.

[0024] The value chain 5 is configured as described above. Next, the configuration of the inventory management device 40 used in this value chain 5 will be described.

[0025] The inventory management device 40 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and is equipped with a CPU, ROM, flash memory, RAM, I / O, display, and bus lines connecting these components. The inventory management device 40 also executes programs stored in the ROM of the inventory management device 40. This allows the inventory management device 40 to manage inventory between the producer 10 and the carrier 15. The inventory management device 40 also manages inventory between the carrier 15 and the wholesaler 20. The inventory management device 40 also manages inventory between the wholesaler 20 and the intermediate wholesaler 25. The inventory management device 40 also manages inventory between the intermediate wholesaler 25 and the retailer 30.

[0026] As described above, inventory management device 40 is configured. Next, the inventory management process by inventory management device 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 2, taking inventory management of wholesaler 20 and intermediate wholesaler 25 as an example.

[0027] In step S100, an operator at the wholesaler 20 inputs product information and distribution information as shown in FIG.

[0028] The product information includes information about the delivery company, as well as the product type, grade, quantity, etc. The delivery company is a company that delivers the product.

[0029] The distribution information includes information regarding the identification number, the collection company, the delivery amount, the collection status, and comments. The collection company is the recipient of the product and is the company that collects the product from the delivery company. The delivery amount is the amount of product that is delivered from the delivery company to the collection company. The collection status is whether or not the collection of the product by the collection company has been completed. The comments are annotations, etc.

[0030] After step S100, in step S200 of FIG. 2, inventory management device 40 registers the product information and distribution information input in step S100.

[0031] In step S102 following step S100, the goods are transported by the transport company 15 and arrive at the wholesaler 20. An employee of the wholesaler 20 places the received goods in a storage area such as a warehouse. Therefore, the employee of the wholesaler 20 places the goods to be handed over from the wholesaler 20 to the intermediate wholesaler 25 in the storage area.

[0032] In step S104 following step S102, an operator of the wholesaler 20 inputs the storage location number into the inventory management device 40. The storage location number is a number indicating the storage location of the product to be delivered from the wholesaler 20 to the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0033] After step S104, in step S202, inventory management device 40 registers the storage location number input in step S104.

[0034] In step S106 following step S104, an operator at the wholesaler 20 creates a label for the product to be delivered to the intermediate wholesaler 25. As shown in Fig. 4, the label contains information about the delivery company, the place of production, item, grade and quantity of the product, and the collection company. Furthermore, a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code containing this information is attached to the label.

[0035] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 2, the worker at the wholesaler 20 prints the created label. The worker at the wholesaler 20 also attaches the printed label to the product or its packaging. After that, a worker at the intermediate wholesaler 25 comes to pick up the product.

[0036] Then, in step S300, the worker at the intermediate wholesaler 25 inputs information about the products to be collected from the wholesaler 20 into the inventory management device 40. As a result, the worker at the intermediate wholesaler 25 searches for information about the products to be collected from the wholesaler 20.

[0037] After step S300, in step S204, the inventory management device 40 outputs the storage location number, product information, and distribution information for the product to be received by the intermediate wholesaler 25, in accordance with the information input in step S300. Furthermore, the inventory management device 40 displays this output information on a screen. At this time, even if an operator at the intermediate wholesaler 25 searches for information about another intermediate wholesaler 25, the inventory management device 40 does not output the information about the other intermediate wholesaler 25 or display the information about the other intermediate wholesaler 25 on a screen. As a result, for example, if the intermediate wholesaler 25 is A, only information about A is displayed on a screen, as shown in FIG. 5. This protects the confidential information of each trader.

[0038] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 2, in step S302 following step S300, the worker of the intermediate wholesaler 25 heads to the storage area for the products to be collected from the wholesaler 20 based on the information output from the inventory management device 40 in step S204. The worker of the intermediate wholesaler 25 then collects the products from the storage area.

[0039] In step S304 following step S302, an operator at the intermediate wholesaler 25 uses a barcode reader or a two-dimensional code reader to read the code on the label attached to the product to be picked up.

[0040] As a result, in step S206, the inventory management device 40 updates the pickup status.

[0041] For example, as shown in Figure 6, when the code on the label attached to a product with identification number 1 is read, the collection status is updated from "incomplete" to "completed." Furthermore, when the code on the label attached to the product is not read, the collection status remains "incomplete." These updated collection statuses are then shared by both the wholesaler 20 and the intermediate wholesaler 25. This saves the worker at the wholesaler 20 the trouble of checking the inventory of products collected by the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0042] Then, the work of the wholesaler 20, the processing of the inventory management device 40, and the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25 are repeated.

[0043] As described above, inventory management device 40 manages inventory for wholesalers 20 and intermediate wholesalers 25. Next, it will be explained how inventory management device 40 suppresses an increase in the number of work steps required for inventory management.

[0044] In value chain 5, in order to perform inventory management for each trader using a warehouse management system such as that described in Patent Document 1 as a warehouse management system for comparison, each trader will have their own warehouse management system. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, an employee of wholesaler 20 inputs product inventory information, which is then registered in the warehouse management system of wholesaler 20. An employee of intermediate wholesaler 25 inputs product inventory information, which is then registered in the warehouse management system of intermediate wholesaler 25. This means that each trader will input product inventory information into their own warehouse management system. This increases the workload for inventory management.

[0045] In contrast, the inventory management device 40 of the first embodiment functions as an acquisition unit that acquires information input by the wholesaler 20, which corresponds to the delivery agent. Furthermore, the inventory management device 40 functions as an update unit that updates the pickup status. In this case, the pickup status indicates whether or not pickup of the product by the intermediate wholesaler 25, which corresponds to the pickup agent, has been completed.

[0046] The inventory management device 40 also acquires information about the wholesaler 20 and the delivery amount. Furthermore, the inventory management device 40 updates the pickup status when the intermediate wholesaler 25 reads a code attached to a product label containing information about the wholesaler 20 and the delivery amount. Specifically, when the intermediate wholesaler 25 reads the code, the inventory management device 40 determines that the pickup status indicates that the intermediate wholesaler 25 has completed pickup of the product. Furthermore, when the code has not been read by the intermediate wholesaler 25, the inventory management device 40 determines that the intermediate wholesaler 25 has not yet completed pickup of the product. The inventory management device 40 then shares the updated pickup status with the wholesaler 20 and the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0047] This saves the worker at the wholesaler 20 the trouble of checking the inventory of the products taken over by the intermediate wholesaler 25. This prevents an increase in the number of steps required for inventory management.

[0048] Furthermore, the inventory management device 40 of the first embodiment also provides the following effects.

[0049] [1] Here, suppose there are two intermediate wholesalers 25, A and B. The inventory management device 40 functions as a display unit that displays the product, A and the delivery quantity for A, and B and the delivery quantity for B. When the inventory management device 40 displays information about the product, A and the delivery quantity for A, the information about the delivery quantity for B and B is not displayed. When the inventory management device 40 displays information about the product, B and the delivery quantity for B, the information about the delivery quantity for B and B is not displayed. When the inventory management device 40 displays information about the product, B and the delivery quantity for B, the information about the delivery quantity for A and A is not displayed. This protects the confidential information of each trader. Note that A corresponds to the first collection trader. The delivery quantity for A corresponds to the first delivery quantity. B corresponds to the second collection trader. The delivery quantity for B corresponds to the second delivery quantity.

[0050] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25 and the processing of the inventory management device 40. The rest is the same as the first embodiment.

[0051] Here, the intermediate wholesaler 25 may not receive the entire quantity of one product from the wholesaler 20 at once, but may receive it in several installments.

[0052] For this reason, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 8, in step S306 following step S304, the worker at the intermediate wholesaler 25 manually inputs numerical information regarding the collection amount for the product whose code was read. The collection amount is the amount of product collected by the collection company. At this time, the worker at the intermediate wholesaler 25 may leave a note or comment regarding the collection of the product in multiple batches.

[0053] As a result, in step S206, the inventory management device 40 registers the withdrawal amount input in step S306, as shown in Figure 9. Furthermore, the inventory management device 40 updates the withdrawal status based on the registered withdrawal amount.

[0054] For example, when the delivery quantity for a product with identification number 1 is 10 and the collection quantity is 6, the collection status remains as "incomplete collection." Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when the delivery quantity for a product with identification number 1 is 10 and the collection quantity is 10, the collection status is updated from "incomplete collection" to "complete collection." These updated collection statuses are then shared by both the wholesaler 20 and the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0055] As described above, in the inventory management device 40 of the second embodiment, the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25 and the processing of the inventory management device 40 are performed. This second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, the second embodiment also achieves the effects described below.

[0056] [2] When the delivery quantity and the receipt quantity match, the inventory management device 40 determines that the receipt status of the goods by the intermediate wholesaler 25 is complete. Furthermore, when the delivery quantity and the receipt quantity do not match, the inventory management device 40 determines that the receipt status of the goods by the intermediate wholesaler 25 is incomplete.

[0057] This saves the worker at wholesaler 20 the trouble of checking the inventory of the products picked up by intermediate wholesaler 25 when the entire quantity of one product is not picked up at once but in multiple installments, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of man-hours required for inventory management.

[0058] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25 and the processing of the inventory management device 40. The rest is the same as the second embodiment.

[0059] Specifically, in step S306, the worker at the intermediate wholesaler 25 reads the code of the product whose code has already been read, instead of manually inputting numerical values ​​related to the amount of goods to be taken over.

[0060] As a result, in step S206, the inventory management device 40 registers the collection amount according to the value related to the number of times the code has been read by the middleman in step S306. Furthermore, the inventory management device 40 updates the collection status based on the registered collection amount. The number of times the code has been read by the middleman corresponds to the number of times the code has been read by the collection company.

[0061] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the number of times the product with identification number 1 has been read is 6, the amount of pickup is 6. At this time, the amount of delivery for the product with identification number 1 is 10, so the pickup status remains as "incomplete pickup." Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when the number of times the product with identification number 1 has been read is 10, the amount of pickup is 10. At this time, the amount of delivery for the product with identification number 1 is 10, so the pickup status is updated from "incomplete pickup" to "complete pickup."

[0062] Therefore, when the values ​​related to the delivery quantity and the number of times the intermediate wholesaler has read the data match, the inventory management device 40 determines that the receipt of the goods by the intermediate wholesaler 25 has been completed. Furthermore, when the values ​​related to the delivery quantity and the number of times the intermediate wholesaler has read the data do not match, the inventory management device 40 determines that the receipt of the goods by the intermediate wholesaler 25 has not been completed. These updated receipt statuses are then shared by both the wholesaler 20 and the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0063] As described above, the inventory management device 40 of the third embodiment performs the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25 and the processing of the inventory management device 40. The third embodiment also provides the same effects as the second embodiment.

[0064] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25, the processing of the inventory management device 40, and the work of the wholesaler 20. Other than this, the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0065] Here, the intermediate wholesaler 25 may wish to correct the receipt status due to an operator's mistake or the like.

[0066] In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, in step S310, an operator at the intermediate wholesaler 25 inputs information relating to the correction of the receiving status into the inventory management device 40.

[0067] After step S310, in step S210, the inventory management device 40 acquires information regarding the correction of the pickup status input in step S310. The inventory management device 40 also displays the acquired information on a screen for the wholesaler 20 to confirm.

[0068] After step S210, in step S110, the worker at wholesaler 20 confirms the information regarding the correction of the pickup status displayed in step S210. Furthermore, wholesaler 20 determines whether or not to approve the correction of the pickup status. Then, the worker at wholesaler 20 inputs information regarding the approval determined by wholesaler 20 into inventory management device 40.

[0069] As a result, in step S212, the inventory management device 40 acquires information regarding the approval input in step S110.

[0070] In step S214 following step S212, inventory management device 40 determines whether the information acquired in step S212 indicates approval or disapproval.

[0071] Then, when the information acquired in step S212 is "approved," that is, when the wholesaler 20 approves the correction of the receiving status by the intermediate wholesaler 25, the processing of the inventory management device 40 proceeds to step S216.

[0072] In step S216 following step S214, the inventory management device 40 updates the receipt status to the receipt status corrected by the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0073] Also, if the information acquired in step S212 is "not approved," that is, if the wholesaler 20 does not approve the change in the receipt status made by the intermediate wholesaler 25, the process of the inventory management device 40 proceeds to step S218.

[0074] In step S218 following step S214, the inventory management device 40 does not update the pickup status. Furthermore, at this time, the inventory management device 40 displays on the screen information indicating that the correction of the pickup status by the intermediate wholesaler 25 has not been approved by the wholesaler 20, for confirmation by the intermediate wholesaler 25. At this time, the intermediate wholesaler 25 takes another correction action or another action based on the information indicating that the correction has not been approved by the wholesaler 20.

[0075] As described above, the inventory management device 40 of the fourth embodiment performs the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25, the processing of the inventory management device 40, and the work of the wholesaler 20. This fourth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. The fourth embodiment also provides the following effects.

[0076] [3] The inventory management device 40 acquires information regarding the correction of the pickup status by the intermediate wholesaler 25 and information regarding the approval of the correction by the wholesaler 20. Furthermore, the inventory management device 40 updates the pickup status to the pickup status corrected by the intermediate wholesaler 25 based on the information regarding the approval of the correction by the wholesaler 20.

[0077] This allows both parties to understand how to update the pick-up status when a worker makes a mistake, etc. This prevents the relationship between parties in the value chain 5 from deteriorating.

[0078] (Fifth embodiment) The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25, the work of the wholesaler 20, and the processing of the inventory management device 40. The rest is the same as the first embodiment.

[0079] Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 14, the worker at the intermediate wholesaler 25 retrieves the product from the storage area in step S302, but does not read the code on the label in step S304 following step S302. Instead, the worker at the wholesaler 20 reads the code on the label.

[0080] For example, in step S120 after step S106, an operator of the wholesaler 20 checks the inventory of the products in the storage area.

[0081] In step S122 following step S120, the worker of the wholesaler 20 uses a barcode reader or a two-dimensional code reader to read the codes on the labels attached to the products in the storage area. After completing the inventory check, the worker of the wholesaler 20 presses the remaining goods check button.

[0082] As a result, in step S220, the inventory management device 40 updates the receiving status.

[0083] For example, as shown in Figure 15, when the code of a product with identification number 1 is read and the remaining goods confirmation button is pressed, the remaining goods confirmation status is completed, but since the product remains uncollected, the collection status remains incomplete. The remaining goods confirmation status indicates whether or not the remaining goods confirmation has been completed.

[0084] Also, suppose the code of the product with identification number 1 is not read and the remaining goods confirmation button is pressed. At this time, the remaining goods confirmation status is set to "Complete," as shown in FIG. 16. Furthermore, since the product has been picked up and no more remaining goods remain, the pickup status is updated from "Incomplete" to "Complete." These updated pickup statuses are shared by both wholesaler 20 and intermediate wholesaler 25. This eliminates the need for workers at intermediate wholesaler 25 to check the inventory of the picked-up products. This reduces the increase in inventory management workload. When the code of the product with identification number 1 is not read, the pickup status may be updated from "Incomplete" to "Complete" after a predetermined time has elapsed, regardless of whether the remaining goods confirmation status is set. This predetermined time is set through experiments, simulations, etc., using the time from when the product information and distribution information are entered until the product is picked up by intermediate wholesaler 25, so that the pickup status is updated correctly.

[0085] At this time, the inventory management device 40 also outputs product information and distribution information for the products to be delivered by the wholesaler 20. Furthermore, the inventory management device 40 displays the output information on a screen.

[0086] Here, assume that there are two wholesalers 20: α and β. The inventory management device 40 functions as a display unit that displays the product α, α, and the delivery quantity of α, as well as the product β, β, and the delivery quantity of β. When the inventory management device 40 displays the product α, α, and the delivery quantity of α, as shown in FIG. 17, information about the product β, β, and the delivery quantity of β is displayed. At this time, information about the product β, β, and the delivery quantity of β is not displayed. When the inventory management device 40 displays the product β, β, and the delivery quantity of β is displayed. At this time, information about the product α, α, and the delivery quantity of α is not displayed. This protects the confidential information of each supplier. Note that α corresponds to the first delivery supplier. The product α corresponds to the first product. The delivery quantity of α corresponds to the first delivery quantity. β corresponds to the second delivery supplier. The product β corresponds to the second product. The delivery quantity of β corresponds to the second delivery quantity.

[0087] As described above, the inventory management device 40 of the fifth embodiment performs the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25, the work of the wholesaler 20, and the processing of the inventory management device 40. The fifth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0088] (Sixth embodiment) The sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in the work performed by the wholesaler 20 and the processing performed by the inventory management device 40. The rest of the sixth embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment.

[0089] As described above, the intermediate wholesaler 25 may not receive the entire quantity of a product at once but may receive it in multiple installments from the wholesaler 20. In this case, the worker at the intermediate wholesaler 25 may leave a note or comment about receiving the product in multiple installments.

[0090] Therefore, as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 18, in step S122, the worker at the wholesaler 20 manually inputs information regarding the remaining quantity of the product whose code has been read. The remaining quantity is the quantity of the product that remains to be collected by the collection company.

[0091] As a result, in step S220, the inventory management device 40 registers the remaining quantity input in step S122. The inventory management device 40 also updates the collection status based on the registered remaining quantity.

[0092] For example, as shown in Fig. 19, when the delivery quantity for a product with identification number 1 is 10 and the remaining quantity is 4, the pickup quantity is 6, so the pickup remains incomplete. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 20, when the delivery quantity for a product with identification number 1 is 10 and the remaining quantity is 0, the pickup quantity is 10, so the pickup status is updated from incomplete to completed.

[0093] Therefore, when the remaining quantity is not 0, the inventory management device 40 sets the collection status as "collection of the goods by the intermediate wholesaler 25 is incomplete." When the remaining quantity is 0, the inventory management device 40 sets the collection status as "collection of the goods by the intermediate wholesaler 25 is complete." These updated collection statuses are then shared by both the wholesaler 20 and the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0094] As described above, the inventory management device 40 of the sixth embodiment performs the work of the wholesaler 20 and the processing of the inventory management device 40. This sixth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, as described in [2] above, the sixth embodiment suppresses an increase in the number of steps required for inventory management when the entire quantity of a product is not collected at once but in multiple batches.

[0095] (Seventh embodiment) The seventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in the work performed by the wholesaler 20 and the processing performed by the inventory management device 40. The rest of the seventh embodiment is the same as the sixth embodiment.

[0096] Specifically, in step S122, the worker at the wholesaler 20 reads the code of the product whose code has already been read, instead of manually inputting the information relating to the remaining quantity.

[0097] As a result, in step S220, the inventory management device 40 registers the remaining quantity according to the value related to the number of times the code has been read by the wholesaler in step S122. The inventory management device 40 also updates the pickup status based on the registered remaining quantity. The number of times the code has been read by the wholesaler corresponds to the number of times the code has been read by the delivery company.

[0098] For example, as shown in Figure 21, when the number of times the wholesaler has read the product with identification number 1 is 4, the remaining quantity is 4. In this case, since the delivery quantity for the product with identification number 1 is 10 and the collection quantity is 6, the collection status remains as incomplete.

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, when the number of times the wholesaler has read the product with identification number 1 is 0, that is, when the label coat on the product with identification number 1 is not read, the remaining quantity becomes 0. In this case, since the delivery quantity for the product with identification number 1 is 10 and the collection quantity is 10, the collection status is updated from collection incomplete to collection completed.

[0100] Therefore, when the number of times the wholesaler has read the data is not 0, the inventory management device 40 determines that the collection status indicates that the intermediate wholesaler 25 has not yet completed collection of the product. When the number of times the wholesaler has read the data is 0, the inventory management device 40 determines that the intermediate wholesaler 25 has completed collection of the product. These updated collection statuses are then shared by both the wholesaler 20 and the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0101] As described above, the inventory management device 40 of the seventh embodiment performs the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25 and the processing of the inventory management device 40. The seventh embodiment also provides the same effects as the sixth embodiment.

[0102] (Eighth embodiment) The eighth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in the work of the wholesaler 20, the processing of the inventory management device 40, and the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25. Other than this, the eighth embodiment is similar to the fifth embodiment.

[0103] Here, the wholesaler 20 may wish to correct the pick-up status due to an operator's mistake or the like.

[0104] In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23, in step S130, an operator at wholesaler 20 inputs information regarding the correction of the pick-up status into inventory management device 40.

[0105] After step S130, in step S230, the inventory management device 40 acquires information regarding the correction of the pickup status input in step S130. The inventory management device 40 also displays the acquired information on a screen for confirmation by the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0106] After step S230, in step S330, the worker at the intermediate wholesaler 25 confirms the information regarding the correction of the pickup status displayed in step S230. Furthermore, the intermediate wholesaler 25 determines whether or not to approve the correction of the pickup status. Then, the worker at the intermediate wholesaler 25 inputs information regarding the approval determined by the intermediate wholesaler 25 into the inventory management device 40.

[0107] As a result, in step S232, the inventory management device 40 acquires information regarding the approval input in step S330.

[0108] In step S234 following step S232, inventory management device 40 determines whether the information acquired in step S232 indicates approval or disapproval.

[0109] Then, when the information acquired in step S232 is "approved," that is, when the intermediate wholesaler 25 approves the wholesaler 20's modification of the receiving status, the processing of the inventory management device 40 proceeds to step S236.

[0110] Step S234 is followed by step S236, in which the inventory management device 40 updates the pickup status to the pickup status modified by the wholesaler 20.

[0111] Also, if the information acquired in step S232 is "not approved," that is, if the intermediate wholesaler 25 does not approve the wholesaler 20's modification of the pick-up status, the processing of the inventory management device 40 proceeds to step S238.

[0112] In step S238 following step S234, the inventory management device 40 does not update the pickup status. Furthermore, at this time, the inventory management device 40 displays on the screen, for the wholesaler 20 to confirm, information indicating that the correction of the pickup status by the wholesaler 20 has not been approved by the intermediate wholesaler 25. At this time, the wholesaler 20 takes another corrective action or another action based on the information indicating that the correction has not been approved by the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0113] As described above, the inventory management device 40 of the eighth embodiment performs the work of the wholesaler 20, the processing of the inventory management device 40, and the work of the intermediate wholesaler 25. This eighth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, as described in [3] above, the eighth embodiment allows both parties to be satisfied with the update of the pickup status when a worker makes a mistake, etc. This prevents the relationship between parties in the value chain 5 from deteriorating.

[0114] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments in the above-described embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are specifically stated as essential or are considered to be clearly essential in principle.

[0115] The acquisition unit, update unit, display unit, and methods described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the acquisition unit, update unit, display unit, and methods described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor configured with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the acquisition unit, update unit, display unit, and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions in combination with a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by a computer on a computer-readable non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0116] In the above embodiments, fruits and vegetables are listed as products. However, the products are not limited to fruits and vegetables, and may be agricultural products, livestock products, marine products, processed foods, industrial products, etc.

[0117] In the above-described embodiments, the inventory management process by the inventory management device 40 is exemplified as the inventory management of the wholesaler 20 and the intermediate wholesaler 25. However, the inventory management process by the inventory management device 40 is not limited to being used for the inventory management of the wholesaler 20 and the intermediate wholesaler 25.

[0118] The inventory management process by the inventory management device 40 may be used for inventory management of the producer 10 and the carrier 15. In this case, the producer 10 corresponds to the delivery company, and the carrier 15 corresponds to the collection company.

[0119] Furthermore, the inventory management process by the inventory management device 40 may be used for inventory management of the carrier 15 and the wholesaler 20. In this case, the carrier 15 corresponds to the delivery company, and the wholesaler 20 corresponds to the collection company.

[0120] Furthermore, the inventory management process by the inventory management device 40 may be used for inventory management of the intermediate wholesaler 25 and the retailer 30. In this case, the intermediate wholesaler 25 corresponds to the delivery company, and the retailer 30 corresponds to the collection company.

[0121] In each of the above embodiments, the value chain 5 includes a producer 10, a transporter 15, a wholesaler 20, a middleman 25, a retailer 30, and a consumer 35. However, the value chain 5 may not include the middleman 25. In this case, the retailer 30 corresponds to a collection agent that collects goods from the wholesaler 20, which corresponds to a delivery agent.

[0122] The above embodiments may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 5. Value Chain 10. Producers 15. Shipping companies 20 Wholesalers 25 Wholesalers 30 Retailers 35 Consumer 40 Inventory control device

Claims

1. 1. An inventory management program comprising: Inventory management device, an acquisition unit that acquires information input by a delivery company (10, 15, 20, 25) that delivers the product; an update unit that updates the pickup status indicating whether pickup of the product by a pickup company (15, 20, 25, 30) that picks up the product from the delivery company has been completed; It functions as The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the collection company and a delivery amount, which is the amount of the product delivered from the delivery company to the collection company; The update unit is an inventory management program that updates the collection status by having the collection company read a code attached to a label that is attached to the product by the delivery company and contains information about the product, the collection company, and the delivery quantity, and shares the updated collection status with the delivery company and the collection company.

2. The update unit When the code is read by the collection company, the collection status is set to "collection of the product by the collection company is completed"; 2. The inventory management program according to claim 1, wherein when the code has not been read by the collection company, the collection status is set to indicate that collection of the product by the collection company has not been completed.

3. The acquisition unit acquires a value input by the collection company, the value being related to a collection amount, which is the amount of the product collected by the collection company; The update unit When the values ​​relating to the delivery amount and the collection amount match, the collection status is set to "collection of the product by the collection company is completed"; 3. The inventory management program according to claim 1, wherein when the values ​​relating to the delivery amount and the collection amount do not match, the collection status is determined to be that collection of the product by the collection company is incomplete.

4. The acquisition unit acquires a value relating to the number of times the code has been read by the collection company, The update unit When the values ​​related to the delivery amount and the number of times of reading match, the collection status is set to "collection of the product by the collection company is completed"; 3. The inventory management program according to claim 1, wherein when the values ​​relating to the delivery amount and the number of reads do not match, the collection status is determined to be that collection of the product by the collection company has not been completed.

5. The collection company is a first collection company, The delivery amount is a first delivery amount, A company that collects the product from the delivery company and is different from the first collection company is a second collection company, When the amount of the goods delivered from the delivery company to the second collection company is a second delivery amount, the inventory management program causes the inventory management device to function as a display unit that displays the product, the first collection company, the first delivery amount, the second collection company, and the second delivery amount; When the display on the display unit is performed by the first collection company, information about the second collection company and the second delivery amount is not displayed, and information about the product, the first collection company, and the first delivery amount is displayed; An inventory management program as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the display unit is performed by the second collection company, information regarding the first collection company and the first delivery quantity is not displayed, but information regarding the product, the second collection company and the second delivery quantity is displayed.

6. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the correction of the collection status by the collection company and information regarding approval of the correction by the delivery company, 3. The inventory management program according to claim 1, wherein the update unit updates the collection status to the collection status corrected by the collection company based on information regarding approval of the correction by the delivery company.

7. 3. The inventory management program according to claim 1, wherein the merchandise is fruit and vegetables.

8. 1. An inventory management program comprising: Inventory management device, an acquisition unit that acquires information input by a delivery company (10, 15, 20, 25) that delivers the product; an update unit that updates the pickup status indicating whether pickup of the product by a pickup company (15, 20, 25, 30) that picks up the product from the delivery company has been completed; It functions as The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the collection company and a delivery amount, which is the amount of the product delivered from the delivery company to the collection company; The update unit is an inventory management program that updates the pickup status by reading a code attached to a label attached to the product by the delivery company, the code including information about the product, the collection company, and the delivery quantity, and shares the updated pickup status with the delivery company and the collection company.

9. The update unit When the code is read by the delivery company, the pickup status is set to "pickup of the product by the delivery company is incomplete"; 9. The inventory management program according to claim 8, wherein when the code has not been read by the delivery company, the pickup status is set to "pickup of the product by the delivery company has been completed."

10. the acquisition unit acquires a value related to a remaining quantity, which is a value input by the delivery company and is the quantity of the product that remains uncollected by the collection company; The update unit When the value relating to the remaining amount is not 0, the collection status is set to indicate that collection of the product by the collection company has not been completed; 10. The inventory management program according to claim 8, wherein when the value relating to the remaining amount is 0, the collection status is determined to be that collection of the product by the collection company has been completed.

11. the acquisition unit acquires a value relating to the number of times the code has been read by the delivery agent, The update unit When the value relating to the number of reads is not 0, the collection status is determined to be that collection of the product by the collection company has not been completed; 10. The inventory management program according to claim 8, wherein when the value relating to the number of reads is 0, the collection status is set to indicate that collection of the product by the collection company has been completed.

12. The product is a first product, The delivery agent is a first delivery agent, The delivery amount is a first delivery amount, A company that is different from the first delivery company and delivers the second product is referred to as a second delivery company; When the amount of the second commodity delivered from the second delivery company to the collection company is a second delivery amount, the inventory management program causes the inventory management device to function as a display unit that displays the product, the first delivery company, the first delivery amount, the second delivery company, and the second delivery amount; When the display on the display unit is performed by the first delivery company, information about the second product, the second delivery company, and the second delivery quantity is not displayed, but information about the first product, the first delivery company, and the first delivery quantity is displayed; 10. The inventory management program according to claim 8 or 9, wherein when the display by the display unit is performed by the second delivery company, information about the first product, the first delivery company, and the first delivery quantity is not displayed, but information about the second product, the second delivery company, and the second delivery quantity is displayed.

13. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the correction of the collection status by the delivery company and information regarding approval of the correction by the collection company, 10. The inventory management program according to claim 8, wherein the update unit updates the collection status to the collection status corrected by the delivery company based on information regarding approval of the correction by the delivery company.

14. 10. The inventory management program according to claim 8, wherein the merchandise is fruit and vegetables.

15. An inventory management device, an acquisition unit that acquires information input by a delivery company (10, 15, 20, 25) that delivers the product; an update unit that updates the pickup status indicating whether pickup of the product by a pickup company (15, 20, 25, 30) that picks up the product from the delivery company has been completed; Equipped with The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the collection company and a delivery amount, which is the amount of the product delivered from the delivery company to the collection company; The update unit is an inventory management device that updates the pickup status by reading a code attached to a label that is attached to the product by the delivery company and contains information about the product, the pickup company, and the delivery quantity, and shares the updated pickup status with the delivery company and the pickup company.

16. 1. A method of inventory management, comprising: Acquiring information input by a delivery company (10, 15, 20, 25) that delivers the product; Updating the receipt status indicating whether or not receipt of the product by a receiving company (15, 20, 25, 30) that receives the product from the delivery company has been completed; Including, Acquire information regarding the collection company and the delivery amount, which is the amount of the product delivered from the delivery company to the collection company; An inventory management method in which the delivery company affixes a label to the product, the label containing information about the product, the collection company, and the delivery quantity, and the collection company reads the code attached to the label, thereby updating the collection status and sharing the updated collection status with the delivery company and the collection company.

17. An inventory management device, an acquisition unit that acquires information input by a delivery company (10, 15, 20, 25) that delivers the product; an update unit that updates the pickup status indicating whether pickup of the product by a pickup company (15, 20, 25, 30) that picks up the product from the delivery company has been completed; Equipped with The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the collection company and a delivery amount, which is the amount of the product delivered from the delivery company to the collection company; The update unit is an inventory management device that updates the pickup status by reading a code attached to a label that is attached to the product by the delivery company and contains information about the product, the collection company, and the delivery quantity, and shares the updated pickup status with the delivery company and the collection company.

18. 1. A method of inventory management, comprising: Acquiring information input by a delivery company (10, 15, 20, 25) that delivers the product; Updating the receipt status indicating whether or not receipt of the product by a receiving company (15, 20, 25, 30) that receives the product from the delivery company has been completed; Including, Acquire information regarding the collection company and the delivery amount, which is the amount of the product delivered from the delivery company to the collection company; An inventory management method in which the delivery company reads a code attached to a label attached to the product by the delivery company, the code including information about the product, the collection company, and the delivery quantity, thereby updating the collection status and allowing the delivery company and the collection company to share the updated collection status.

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