Quotation creation device, method, and program

Abstract

To create an optimal quotation.SOLUTION: A quotation creation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring component information of a manufactured product and request information from a client regarding the manufactured product; a search unit for narrowing down a similar quotation case having component information similar to the component information acquired by the acquisition unit from a past quotation case stored in advance, based on a quality keyword determined according to the request information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a presentation unit for presenting a quotation template in which a manufacturing method and man-hours of the similar quotation case narrowed down by the search unit are used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, method, and program for creating an estimate. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, when estimating parts processing in the manufacturing industry, the sales representative (estimator) at the contract manufacturing company would calculate the cost based on the customer's (client's) request and prepare an estimate. In this case, small and medium-sized enterprises often used spreadsheet software to manually input the calculations. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, calculations based on traditional spreadsheet software are dependent on the sales representative's intuition and experience, resulting in inconsistent quotes. Furthermore, quotes themselves are often used on an ad hoc basis, and are often not digitally managed or operated. This makes it impossible to select appropriate processing conditions and methods based on customer requests and reflect them in cost calculations and quotes.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to create an optimal quotation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An estimate creation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires part information for a product and request information from a client regarding the product, a search unit that narrows down similar estimate cases having part information similar to the part information acquired by the acquisition unit from pre-stored past estimate cases using quality keywords determined based on the request information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a presentation unit that presents estimate templates that use the construction methods and labor hours of the similar estimate cases narrowed down by the search unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, an optimal quotation can be created. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram (configuration example 1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an overall configuration diagram (Configuration Example 2) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a quotation creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an estimator terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a functional block diagram of a quotation creation device according to one embodiment of the present invention (first embodiment). [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a quotation creation device according to one embodiment of the present invention (embodiment 2). [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining data on new quotation items and data on past quotation items according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an estimator terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a search unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining part shape matching and quality keyword matching according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining selection of quality keywords according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating setting of a search mode based on a quality keyword according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a presentation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a quotation creation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of items to be included in a quotation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on a terminal of an estimater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on a terminal of an estimater according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] <Overall structure> [Configuration example 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram (Configuration Example 1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The quotation creation system 1 can include a quotation creation device 10, an estimator terminal 20, and a client terminal 30. The quotation creation device 10, the estimator terminal 20, and the client terminal 30 are connected to a communication network N.

[0010] In the first configuration example, the quotation creation device 10 is installed in the order-receiving company 21 .

[0011] <<Quotation Creation Device>> The quotation creation device (for example, a server) 10 is a device that supports the creation of a quotation. The quotation creation device 10 is one or more computers.

[0012] Specifically, the quotation creation device 10 acquires part information of the product that is the subject of the quotation (for example, information on the shape of the parts to be processed, etc.) and request information from the client regarding the product.The quotation creation device 10 also searches for similar quotation requests that have part information similar to the acquired part information from past quotation requests that have been stored in advance, and narrows down the searched similar quotation requests using quality keywords determined based on the acquired request information.The quotation creation device 10 also presents a quotation template that uses the construction methods and man-hours of the narrowed down similar quotation requests.

[0013] <<Estimator's terminal>> The estimator terminal 20 is a terminal (for example, a personal computer, smartphone, etc.) operated by a sales representative (estimator) of the order-receiving company (that is, a company that processes parts, etc. (for example, a contract processing company)) 21. Note that, although the estimate creation device 10 and the estimator terminal 20 are described as separate devices in FIG. 1, the estimate creation device 10 and the estimator terminal 20 may be implemented as a single device.

[0014] <<Client device>> The requester terminal 30 is a terminal (for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, etc.) operated by a requester of the ordering company (i.e., a company that requests the order-receiving company 21 to process parts and provide an estimate) 31.

[0015] [Configuration example 2] 2 is an overall configuration diagram (Configuration Example 2) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The quotation creation system 1 can include a quotation creation device 10, an estimator terminal 20, and a client terminal 30. The quotation creation device 10, the estimator terminal 20, and the client terminal 30 are connected to a communication network N.

[0016] In configuration example 2, an estimate creation device 10 is installed in an estimate creation service providing company 11. The estimate creation service providing company 11 provides a cloud service that supports the creation of estimates, and the estimator terminal 20 can access the estimate creation device 10 via the communication network N to receive the service.

[0017] <<Quotation Creation Device>> The quotation creation device (for example, a server) 10 is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] <<Estimator's terminal>> The estimater terminal 20 is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0019] <<Client device>> The client terminal 30 is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The devices described in the examples are merely illustrative of one of several computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the quotation creation device (e.g., server) 10 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster, configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network, shared memory, etc., and to perform the processes disclosed herein.

[0021] <Hardware configuration> 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a quotation creation device (for example, a server) 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The same applies to the estimator terminal (in the case of a personal computer) 20 and the client terminal (in the case of a personal computer) 30.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the quotation creation device 10 is constructed by a computer, and as shown in Figure 3, it is equipped with a CPU 1001, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1003, a HD 1004, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 1005, a display 1006, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 1007, a network I / F 1008, a data bus 1009, a keyboard 1010, a pointing device 1011, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 1013, and a media I / F 1015.

[0023] Of these, the CPU 1001 controls the overall operation of the quotation creation device 10. The ROM 1002 stores programs, such as an IPL, used to drive the CPU 1001. The RAM 1003 is used as a work area for the CPU 1001. The HD 1004 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 1005 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 1004 under the control of the CPU 1001. The display 1006 displays various information, such as a cursor, menu, window, text, or image. The external device connection I / F 1007 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external devices are, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories or printers. The network I / F 1008 is an interface for data communication using a communication network. The bus line 1009 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like, for electrically connecting the components, such as the CPU 1001, shown in FIG. 3.

[0024] The keyboard 1010 is a type of input means having multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 1011 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The DVD-RW drive 1013 controls reading and writing of various data from a DVD-RW 1012, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that this is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R, etc. The media I / F 1015 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from a recording medium 1014, such as a flash memory.

[0025] 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the estimater terminal (in the case of a smartphone) 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The same applies to the client terminal (in the case of a smartphone) 30.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the estimator terminal 20 includes a CPU 2001, a ROM 2002, a RAM 2003, an EEPROM 2004, a CMOS sensor 2005, an image sensor I / F 2006, an acceleration / direction sensor 2007, a media I / F 2009, and a GPS receiver 2011.

[0027] Of these, the CPU 2001 controls the overall operation of the estimater terminal 20. The ROM 2002 stores programs used to drive the CPU 2001, such as the CPU 2001 and IPL. The RAM 2003 is used as a work area for the CPU 2001. The EEPROM 2004 reads and writes various data, such as smartphone programs, under the control of the CPU 2001. The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 2005 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject (mainly a self-portrait) under the control of the CPU 2001 to obtain image data. Note that instead of a CMOS sensor, an imaging means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor may also be used. The imaging element I / F 2006 is a circuit that controls the operation of the CMOS sensor 2005. The acceleration / direction sensor 2007 is a type of sensor, such as an electronic magnetic compass or gyrocompass that detects geomagnetism, or an acceleration sensor. A media I / F 2009 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from and to a recording medium 2008 such as a flash memory. A GPS receiving unit 2011 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

[0028] The estimator terminal 20 also includes a long-distance communication circuit 2012, a CMOS sensor 2013, an image sensor I / F 2014, a microphone 2015, a speaker 2016, an audio input / output I / F 2017, a display 2018, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 2019, a short-distance communication circuit 2020, an antenna 2020a of the short-distance communication circuit 2020, and a touch panel 2021.

[0029] Among these, the long-distance communication circuit 2012 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via the communication network N. The CMOS sensor 2013 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 2001. The imaging element I / F 2014 is a circuit that controls the operation of the CMOS sensor 2013. The microphone 2015 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electrical signal. The speaker 2016 is a built-in circuit that converts the electrical signal into physical vibrations to produce sounds such as music and voice. The audio input / output I / F 2017 is a circuit that processes the input and output of audio signals between the microphone 2015 and the speaker 2016 under the control of the CPU 2001. The display 2018 is a type of display means, such as an LCD or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, that displays images of subjects, various icons, etc. The external device connection I / F 2019 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-range communication circuit 2020 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The touch panel 2021 is a type of input means that allows a user to operate the estimate maker terminal 20 by pressing the display 2018.

[0030] The estimater terminal 20 also includes a bus line 2010. The bus line 2010 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting the components such as the CPU 2001 shown in FIG.

[0031] <Functional configuration> FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the quotation creation device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention (first embodiment).

[0032] The quotation creation device 10 can include an acquisition unit 101, a search unit 102, a presentation unit 103, a registration unit 104, a new quotation item storage unit 105, and a past quotation item storage unit 106. The quotation creation device 10 can function as the acquisition unit 101, the search unit 102, the presentation unit 103, and the registration unit 104 by executing a program.

[0033] The acquisition unit 101 acquires part information of the product that is the subject of the estimate (for example, information on the shape of the part to be processed, etc.) and request information from the client regarding the product.

[0034] The acquisition unit 101 acquires an instruction to create a new quotation from the estimator terminal 20 and assigns a new quotation ID to the new quotation request. The acquisition unit 101 also creates a file for storing each piece of data for the new quotation request (note that the file structure will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7). The acquisition unit 101 also acquires the search mode selected by the estimator from the estimator terminal 20.

[0035] [Request information] The request information will now be described. The request information includes at least one of the following: emails between the estimator and the client, a hearing sheet for the client, and audio information from a meeting between the estimator and the client.

[0036] The search unit 102 searches for similar quotation requests having part information similar to the part information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 from pre-stored past quotation requests (past quotation requests stored in the past quotation request storage unit 106), and narrows down the searched similar quotation requests using quality keywords determined based on the request information acquired by the acquisition unit 101. Note that the search unit 102 may also perform a search using quality keywords and narrow down the search results by part information. The search unit 102 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0037] [Quality keyword selection] The search unit 102 presents (for example, displays on the estimator terminal 20) the results of extracting keywords that are the same as pre-set quality keyword candidates or keywords similar to the quality keyword candidates from the request information, and obtains one or more quality keywords selected by the estimator.

[0038] It is assumed that quality keyword candidates are set in advance by the estimator. Specifically, the estimator sets quality keyword rules (rules for extraction) in advance, and the search unit 102 extracts items that fit the rules (i.e., quality keyword candidates) from request information such as emails, hearing sheets, and audio information. For example, the estimator may be able to use rule templates (e.g., transparent, visualized, molded, heat-resistant, etc.) stored in the estimate creation device 10 as they are, or may be able to add or delete keywords from the templates, or may not use templates at all.

[0039] [Select search mode] The search unit 102 searches for similar quotation requests according to one of two search modes selected by the estimator: a search mode that places emphasis on part information (places emphasis on similarity of the parts (e.g., part shapes) that are the subject of quotation), and a search mode that places emphasis on quality keywords (places emphasis on whether the quotation request contains the desired quality keywords).

[0040] The presentation unit 103 presents (for example, displays on the terminal 20 of the estimator) an estimate template that uses the construction methods and man-hours of similar estimate requests that have been searched and narrowed down by the search unit 102. The estimate template is a template that the estimator uses when creating a new estimate (a model in which an estimate is completed by inputting necessary data). The presentation unit 103 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 13.

[0041] [Changes in construction method and man-hours] The presentation unit 103 can obtain an instruction to change the construction method and man-hours from the estimator terminal 20 and create an estimate using the changed construction method and man-hours (i.e., a construction method and man-hours different from the construction method and man-hours of a similar estimate project). Note that the presentation unit 103 may also create an estimate using the unchanged construction method and man-hours (i.e., the construction method and man-hours of a similar estimate project).

[0042] When an order for a product is placed based on an estimate created using the estimate template, the registration unit 104 stores information about the estimate as a past estimated case in the past estimated case storage unit 106. Note that when an order for a product is not placed based on an estimate created using the estimate template, the registration unit 104 may store information about the estimate as a past estimated case in the past estimated case storage unit 106.

[0043] The new quotation item storage unit 105 stores information about new quotations.

[0044] The past quotation item storage unit 106 stores information about past quotations.

[0045] 6 is a functional block diagram of an estimate creation device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention (embodiment 2). Differences from embodiment 1 will be described. In addition to the components of embodiment 1, the estimate creation device 10 can also include a machine learning unit 107 and a model storage unit 108.

[0046] The search unit 102 uses the trained model created by the machine learning unit 107 to search for similar quotation cases having part information similar to the part information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 from pre-stored past quotation cases (past quotation cases stored in the past quotation case storage unit 106), and narrows down the searched similar quotation cases using quality keywords determined based on the requirement information acquired by the acquisition unit 101.

[0047] Specifically, the search unit 102 can determine whether the part information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is similar to the part information of a past quotation request using a trained model that outputs feature amounts of the part shape when part information (for example, information about the shape of the part) is input. Also, the search unit 102 can determine whether the request information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is similar to the request information of a past quotation request using a trained model that outputs feature amounts of sentences included in the request information when request information is input.

[0048] The machine learning unit 107 creates a model used by the search unit 102 when making inferences. Specifically, the machine learning unit 107 learns to output feature quantities of the shape of a part when part information (for example, information about the shape of a part) is input to the model. Furthermore, the machine learning unit 107 learns to output feature quantities of sentences included in request information when request information is input to the model.

[0049] The model storage unit 108 stores trained models created by the machine learning unit 107. Specifically, the trained model is a model that outputs feature quantities of a part shape when part information (for example, information about the part shape) is input. Also, the trained model is a model that outputs feature quantities of sentences included in request information when request information is input.

[0050] [New quotation cases and past quotation cases] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining data on new quotation items (stored in the new quotation item storage unit 105) and data on past quotation items (stored in the past quotation item storage unit 106) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Each quotation request is managed by a quotation ID (e.g., a number). The quotation ID may be set, for example, as N0001 for new requests and P0001 for past requests, so that new requests can be distinguished from past requests. The data structure of the quotation ID includes the quotation, requirement information, part information, remarks, quotation results, and data to identify similar quotation requests.

[0052] The "quote data" includes, for example, the quotation number, destination code, destination name, part name, construction method, man-hours, delivery date, and estimated amount.

[0053] "Requirement information" is information required by a client regarding a product.

[0054] "Parts information" is information about parts of a manufactured product (for example, 3D data or 2D data that indicates the shape of the parts).

[0055] "Notes" are optional information.

[0056] The "quote result" indicates whether the quotation was adopted (i.e., an order was placed) or not (i.e., an order was not placed).

[0057] The "similar quotation request data" indicates the quotation IDs of quotation requests narrowed down by quality keywords from among quotation requests having part information similar to part information of new quotation requests or past quotation requests.

[0058] The data for a new quotation item in FIG. 7 is an example of data stored in the new quotation item storage unit 105. When creation of a new quotation is started, a new quotation ID is assigned. For a new quotation item, when creation of a new quotation is started, only a folder (empty data) is created for storing the quotation data later. Similarly, only a folder (empty data) is created for storing the quotation results later. Similarly, only a folder (empty data) is created for storing data of similar quotation items later.

[0059] The data of past quotation items in Fig. 7 is an example of data stored in the past quotation item storage unit 106. The file structure of past quotation items (data configuration of past quotation IDs) is the same as that of new quotation items.

[0060] 8 is a functional block diagram of the estimator terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The estimator terminal 20 can include an input unit 210 (which can include a parts data input unit 201, a character recognition unit 202, a voice recognition unit 203, a data conversion unit 204, and an input control unit 205) and an output unit 220. The estimator terminal 20 can function as the input unit 210 and the output unit 220 by executing a program.

[0061] The parts data input unit 201 accepts data on parts of a product (for example, 3D data showing the shape of the part, 2D data (for example, submitted data such as CAD data)) input by the estimator to the estimator terminal 20. The estimator may receive data on parts of a product from the client via any device or the like.

[0062] The character recognition unit 202 accepts text request information (e.g., text information such as emails and interview sheets) entered by the estimator into the estimator terminal 20. The estimator may receive text request information from the client via any device.

[0063] The voice recognition unit 203 accepts voice request information (for example, voice information during a meeting) input by the estimator to the estimator terminal 20. The estimator may receive voice request information from the client via any device or the like.

[0064] The data conversion unit 204 converts the part data received by the part data input unit 201, the character information received by the character recognition unit 202, and the voice information received by the voice recognition unit 203 into digital data, and transmits the converted digital data to the quotation creation device 10. Note that the conversion of various types of data may be performed by the quotation creation device 10.

[0065] The input control unit 205 accepts an instruction to create a new quotation input by the estimator to the estimator terminal 20, and transmits the instruction to create a new quotation to the quotation creation device 10.

[0066] The output unit 220 acquires various data from the estimate creation device 10 and displays it.

[0067] [Search for similar quotes] 9 is a functional block diagram of the search unit 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The search unit 102 can include a search mode setting unit 121, a part shape matching unit 122, a quality keyword matching unit 123, and a candidate selection unit 124.

[0068] The search mode setting unit 121 determines the search mode (specifically, whether to place importance on whether the parts to be estimated (for example, the shape of the parts) are similar, or whether the estimated items contain desired quality keywords) to be used when searching for similar estimated items from among past estimated items, based on the search mode acquired by the acquisition unit 101 from the estimator terminal 20.

[0069] The part shape matching unit 122 searches past quotation requests for similar quotation requests that have part information similar to the part information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 from the estimator terminal 20 (that is, the part information (part shape) acquired from the estimator terminal 20 is similar to the shape of the part that was the subject of a past quotation). The part shape matching unit 122 searches for a predetermined number (any number can be set) of similar quotation requests.

[0070] The component shape matching unit 122 can use any method for determining whether the component shapes are similar. For example, the component shape matching unit 122 can extract feature quantities of the component shapes (e.g., the position, orientation, size, etc. of the component) and determine whether the two components are similar based on the difference between the feature quantities.

[0071] The quality keyword matching unit 123 narrows down the similar quotation items searched by the part shape matching unit 122 by using quality keywords. The quality keyword matching unit 123 narrows down the items to a predetermined number (any number can be set).

[0072] Specifically, the quality keyword matching unit 123 searches for similar quotation requests that include quality keywords determined based on the requirement information from among the similar quotation requests searched by the part shape matching unit 122 (i.e., the requirement information of the similar quotation requests includes quality keywords determined based on the requirement information).

[0073] [Quality Keywords] Quality keywords are terms that represent quality that affects the manufacturing method and man-hours of parts processing, etc. For example, quality keywords include "transparency," "hollow shape," "heat resistance up to 80°C," "molded as one piece," "functional verification," "hole accuracy ±0.1 mm," "amount of material used," "quantity," and "model name."

[0074] The quality keyword matching unit 123 may narrow down the search results by using information such as use, competitive information, budget, and deadline in addition to the quality keywords.

[0075] The candidate selection unit 124 selects similar quotation items searched by the part shape matching unit 122 and the quality keyword matching unit 123 according to the search mode determined by the search mode setting unit 121 as candidates for quotation items to be used when creating a new quotation.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining part shape matching and quality keyword matching according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] In part shape matching, for example, assume that a search is made for a new quotation request (quotation ID: N0001) and past quotation requests (quotation IDs: P0010, P0021, P0013, P0050, and P0048) that have similar part shapes.

[0078] In the quality keyword matching, for example, the above five cases are narrowed down to a past quotation case (quotation ID: P0021) that includes the quality keyword determined based on the requirement information.

[0079] 11 is a diagram for explaining the selection of quality keywords according to one embodiment of the present invention. The person in charge of estimation can select quality keywords.

[0080] In <Example 1>, it is assumed that the estimator has set three quality keyword candidates: "transparent," "heat-resistant," and "plastic" (note that the number of quality keyword candidates set by the estimator is not limited to three). The number of hits for "transparent," "heat-resistant," and "plastic" in the requirement information (the number of quality keyword candidates in the requirement information) is measured. In <Example 1>, the priority order determined in the order of the number of hits (i.e., "transparent," "heat-resistant," and "plastic") and the number of hits are presented (for example, displayed on the estimator terminal 20). The estimator can check the priority order and select quality keywords for the search (decide which quality keywords to use).

[0081] In <Example 2>, it is assumed that the estimator has set three quality keyword candidates, "transparent," "heat-resistant," and "plastic," and assigned weights to each of them (note that the number of quality keyword candidates set by the estimator is not limited to three). The number of hits for "transparent," "heat-resistant," and "plastic" in the requirement information (the number of quality keyword candidates in the requirement information) is measured. In <Example 2>, the priority order, the number of hits, and the total points determined in the order of the total points obtained by multiplying the number of hits by the weights (i.e., "heat-resistant," "transparent," "plastic") are presented (for example, displayed on the estimator terminal 20). The estimator can check the priority order and select quality keywords for the search (decide which quality keywords to use).

[0082] Using a similar term search technique, the number of hits for terms similar to a quality keyword (e.g., "transparent") (e.g., "clear") may also be measured and displayed as the number of hits for the quality keyword (e.g., "transparent"). Alternatively, the number of hits for similar terms may be measured and displayed separately. This makes it possible to identify variations in spelling or keywords that may have been overlooked by the estimator.

[0083] In this way, in order to emphasize the quality aspect in the manufacture of parts, it is possible to adopt highly accurate quality keywords from among the terms contained in the requirement information or terms similar to those terms.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the setting of a search mode based on quality keywords according to one embodiment of the present invention. The estimator can determine the details of the search mode. For example, the estimator terminal 20 transmits to the quotation creation device 10 the search mode, whether to accept or reject candidate quality keywords, AND conditions or OR conditions, and the priority of quality keywords during the search, as instructed by the estimator.

[0085] For example, in the <quality-oriented mode>, past quotation requests containing all of a plurality of quality keywords may be searched for (AND search).

[0086] For example, in the <similar parts emphasis mode>, a search may be made for past quotation requests that include at least one quality keyword out of a plurality of quality keywords (OR search).

[0087] 13 is a functional block diagram of the presentation unit 103 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The presentation unit 103 can include a candidate determination unit 131, a construction method and man-hour presentation unit 132, and an estimate creation and presentation unit 133.

[0088] The candidates designation unit 131 determines quotation items to be used when creating a new quotation from among the quotation items selected by the candidate selection unit 124. Specifically, the candidates designation unit 131 determines quotation items to be used when creating a new quotation in response to instructions from the estimator terminal 20.

[0089] The construction method and man-hour presentation unit 132 extracts information on the construction method and man-hours of the estimate request determined by the candidate determination unit 131.

[0090] The estimate creation and presentation unit 133 presents an estimate template (for example, the screen in FIG. 17 ) in which the construction method and man-hours extracted by the construction method and man-hours presentation unit 132 are used (i.e., the construction method and man-hours are input) to the estimator terminal 20. The estimate creation and presentation unit 133 can change the construction method and man-hours in response to an instruction from the estimator terminal 20.

[0091] <Method> FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the quotation creation process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] In step 1 (S1), the estimator receives part information (for example, submitted data) from the client and inputs it into the estimator terminal 20.

[0093] In step 2 (S2), the estimator receives request information such as email and a hearing sheet from the client and inputs it into the estimator terminal 20.

[0094] In step 3 (S3), the search unit 102 of the quotation creation device 10 matches the parts of the new quotation request with parts of past quotation requests, and searches the past quotation requests for similar quotation requests that have part information similar to the part information of S1.

[0095] In step 4 (S4), the search unit 102 of the quotation creation device 10 extracts quality keyword candidates included in the request information. The person in charge of estimation sets the search mode, whether to accept or reject the quality keyword candidates, the AND condition or OR condition, and the priority of the quality keywords during the search.

[0096] In step 5 (S5), the search unit 102 of the quotation creation device 10 extracts quotation requests that include quality keywords from the similar quotation requests searched for in S3 (narrowing down the results using the quality keywords).

[0097] In step 6 (S6), the presentation unit 103 of the quotation creation device 10 extracts the construction methods and man-hours of the similar quotation items extracted (narrowed down) in S5, and presents a quotation template in which the construction methods and man-hours are used.

[0098] In step 7 (S7), the person in charge of estimating determines the construction method, the number of man-hours, and the contents of the new estimate.

[0099] In step 8 (S8), the presenting unit 103 of the estimate creation device 10 presents an estimate in which the construction method and man-hours in S7 and the contents of the new estimate have been input.

[0100] In step 9 (S9), the estimator makes a final decision on the new estimate.

[0101] In step 10 (S10), if the new estimate is adopted (order is received), the registration unit 104 stores the current case in the past-quoted case storage unit 106 as a past-quoted case.

[0102] 15 shows an example of items to be listed in a quotation according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the quotation may include "quote number," "destination code," "destination name," "part name," "construction method," "man-hours," "delivery date," and "estimated amount."

[0103] <User Interface> Fig. 16 is an example of a screen displayed on the estimator terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. On the screen of Fig. 16, the estimator can select a search mode (for example, when searching for similar quoted items among past quoted items, whether to prioritize similarity of the parts (e.g., part shapes) that are the subject of the estimate ("similar parts priority mode" in Fig. 16) or whether to prioritize inclusion of desired quality keywords in the quoted items ("quality priority mode" in Fig. 16)).

[0104] Fig. 17 is an example of a screen displayed on the estimator terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 17, the construction methods and man-hours of past quotation requests that have component information similar to the component information of the product being estimated and that include quality keywords determined based on the request information from the client regarding the product are displayed in a state where they have already been entered into the quotation template for creating a new quotation (i.e., the construction methods and man-hours of the past quotation requests are reflected).

[0105] <Effects> In this way, in one embodiment of the present invention, when preparing a quote for processing parts or the like, it is possible to select a construction method and man-hours (i.e., a construction method that guarantees quality and man-hours that have a proven track record) that are suitable for achieving the quality desired by the customer (client), and to prepare a quote by calculating costs within a range desired by the sales representative (the person in charge of estimating at the receiving company).As a result, it is possible to increase the probability of receiving an order with a quote that meets the customer's needs and also assumes the profits of the receiving company.

[0106] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a conventional circuit module designed to perform each function described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Quotation creation system 10. Quotation creation device 20 Estimator terminal 30 Client terminal 11. Quotation preparation service providers 21. Contracting company 31 Ordering companies 101 Acquisition Department 102 Search Section 103 Presentation section 104 Registration Department 105 New quotation item storage section 106 Past estimate case memory section 107 Machine Learning Department 108 Model Memory Unit 121 Search mode setting section 122 Part shape matching section 123 Quality Keyword Matching Department 124 Candidate Selection Department 131 Candidate Decision Department 132 Construction Method and Man-hour Presentation Department 133 Estimate Preparation and Presentation Department 201 Parts data input section 202 Character recognition section 203 Speech Recognition Unit 204 Data Conversion Unit 205 Input control section 210 Input section 220 Output section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0108] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-157507

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires part information of a product and request information from a client regarding the product; a search unit that narrows down similar quotation requests having part information similar to the part information acquired by the acquisition unit from pre-stored past quotation requests using quality keywords determined based on the requirement information acquired by the acquisition unit; a presentation unit that presents quotation templates that use the construction methods and man-hours of similar quotation requests narrowed down by the search unit; An estimate creation device comprising:

2. The estimate creation device according to claim 1 , wherein the presentation unit creates an estimate by acquiring an instruction to change the construction method and the number of man-hours.

3. The search unit Presenting the results of extracting keywords identical to predetermined quality keyword candidates or keywords similar to the quality keyword candidates from the request information; The quotation creation device according to claim 1 , further comprising: acquiring the quality keywords selected by an estimater.

4. The quotation creation device according to claim 3 , wherein the search unit acquires a plurality of the quality keywords selected by the person in charge of estimating.

5. 2. The quotation creation device according to claim 1, wherein the search unit performs a search according to a search mode selected by an estimate maker from two search modes: a search mode that places emphasis on the part information and a search mode that places emphasis on the quality keyword.

6. 2. The quotation creation device according to claim 1, wherein the request information includes at least one of emails between the estimator and the client, a hearing sheet for the client, and audio information of a meeting between the estimator and the client.

7. The quotation creation device according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit that, when an order for the product is placed based on a quotation created using the quotation template, stores information about the quotation as a past quotation item.

8. The search unit using a trained model that outputs feature quantities of the shape of the part when the part information is input, to determine whether the acquired part information is similar to the part information of the past quotation project; The quotation creation device according to claim 1, wherein a trained model is used to output features of sentences contained in the request information when the request information is input, and determines whether the acquired request information is similar to the request information of the past quotation item.

9. A method executed by a quotation creation device, acquiring part information of a product and request information from a client regarding the product; a step of narrowing down similar estimate proposals having part information similar to the acquired part information from pre-stored past estimate requests using quality keywords determined based on the acquired requirement information; a step of presenting an estimate template using the construction methods and man-hours of the narrowed-down similar estimate items; A method comprising:

10. Quotation creation device an acquisition unit that acquires part information of a product and request information from a client regarding the product; a search unit that narrows down similar quotation requests having part information similar to the part information acquired by the acquisition unit from pre-stored past quotation requests using quality keywords determined based on the requirement information acquired by the acquisition unit; a presentation unit that presents estimate templates that use the construction methods and man-hours of similar estimate projects narrowed down by the search unit; A program to function as a

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