Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, an information processing method and a program enabling efficient operation of business management.SOLUTION: An information processing system according to one embodiment for managing business information is provided with a notification unit and a notification timing control unit. The notification unit notifies an employee terminal of notification-required information specified as information to be notified to employees. The notification timing control unit controls notification timing for notifying notification-required information. The notification timing control unit determines, for each of the employees, adaptive notification timing suitable for the employees to correspond to the notification-required information based on at least either of business information about the employees and situation information about the situation of the employee.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can be applied to employee work management. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses that in order to realize an attendance management system that can automatically preemptively request users to enter attendance data without the user directly expressing their intention to do so, a request message for attendance records is sent based on attendance time information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6764436 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for technology that enables efficient operation of systems that manage employee work.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that enable efficient operation of business management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system for managing business information, and includes a notification unit and a notification timing control unit. The notification unit notifies the employee terminal of notification-required information that is defined as information that should be notified to the employee. The notification timing control unit controls the notification timing for notifying the notification-required information. In addition, the notification timing control unit determines, for each employee, an appropriate notification timing that is suitable for the employee to respond to the notification-required information based on at least one of the business information regarding the employee and status information regarding the employee's situation.

[0007] The notification timing control unit may determine, as the adaptive notification timing, a timing at which it is easy for the employee to respond to the notification-required information.

[0008] The notification timing control unit may determine the adaptive notification timing by performing at least one of determining which timing is the adaptive notification timing for the employee and determining whether the current timing is the response notification timing for the employee.

[0009] The notification timing control unit may detect, for each employee, at least one of a time period suitable for the employee to respond to the required notification information, a location suitable for the employee to respond to the required notification information, and a situation suitable for the employee to respond to the required notification information, and determine the adaptive notification timing based on the detection results.

[0010] The notification timing control unit may determine the adaptive notification timing for each type of the notification-required information.

[0011] The notification timing control unit may generate notification condition information including the adaptive notification timing for each employee, and control the notification of the notification-required information by the notification unit based on the notification condition information.

[0012] The notification timing control unit may determine in real time whether the current timing is the adaptive notification timing based on at least one of the business information and the status information, and may control the notification of the notification information by the notification unit based on the determination result.

[0013] The notification timing control unit may control the timing of retransmitting the same notification information based on the employee's reaction to the notification information that has been sent.

[0014] When the notification information includes content requesting the employee to perform a specified process, the notification timing control unit may control the retransmission timing based on at least one of whether the employee confirms the sent notification information and whether the employee completes the specified process.

[0015] The notification timing control unit may control the retransmission timing so that the notification required information is repeatedly retransmitted at a first time interval if the predetermined process is incomplete and the employee has not confirmed the notification required information.Further, the notification timing control unit may control the retransmission timing so that the notification required information is repeatedly retransmitted at a second time interval longer than the first time interval if the predetermined process is incomplete and the employee has confirmed the notification required information.

[0016] The notification timing control unit may execute a completion process for the notification information if the notification information includes content requesting the employee to perform a specified process and the specified process is completed without the employee's confirmation of the notification information.

[0017] The completion process may include at least one of notifying that the specified process requested in the notification-required information has been completed, deleting the notification-required information, and processing to confirm the notification-required information.

[0018] The notification timing control unit may determine the adaptive notification timing based on at least one of an evaluation from the employee regarding the notification timing of the transmitted notification-required information and the employee's request regarding the notification timing of the notification-required information.

[0019] The notification unit may notify the notification-required information by using at least one of email and a chat application.

[0020] The notification timing control unit may determine the adaptive notification timing using a machine learning algorithm.

[0021] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer system that manages business information, and includes a notification step of notifying an employee terminal of notification-required information defined as information that should be notified to employees, and a notification timing control step of controlling the notification timing of notifying the notification-required information. In addition, the notification timing control step determines, for each employee, an appropriate notification timing for the employee to respond to the notification-required information based on at least one of the business information regarding the employee and status information regarding the employee's situation.

[0022] A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer system that manages business information to execute the information processing method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] As described above, according to the present invention, efficient operation of business management becomes possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a business management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a basic operation of notifying required notification information executed by the server device. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of notification of notification-required information using email and a chat application. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server device. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of business information stored in a DB ("personal master"). [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of business information stored in a DB ("notification information generation setting information"). FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of business information stored in a DB ("notice information"). [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of business information stored in a DB ("notification condition information"). FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of business information stored in a DB ("notified notice information data"). FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of notification of notice information. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of notification of notice information. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of notification of notice information. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining determination of adaptive notification timing. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of determining adaptive notification timing using a machine learning model. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating learning of a machine learning model using training data. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a feedback GUI presented to an employee. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of retransmission of notification information when a chat application is used. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a completion process. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device and a computer 60 that can be used as an employee terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] [Business Management System] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a business management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The business management system 1 is capable of managing business information related to business for an organization (group) such as a company, and performing business management. This business management system 1 functions as one embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention.

[0027] In this disclosure, business information includes any information related to the business of an organization such as a company. For example, business information includes information on any matter related to the business, such as personnel information, employment information, attendance information, budget information, etc. Business information also includes information on the business of each employee 2 belonging to the organization.

[0028] By managing this business information, the business management system 1 can perform various business management such as personnel management, employment management, attendance management, budget management, etc. It can also execute various procedures related to the business of the employee 2.

[0029] Furthermore, in this disclosure, managing business information does not necessarily mean managing all business information. Managing some of the information included in the business information is also an embodiment of the business information management according to the present invention. For example, a system that manages only attendance information can be constructed as an embodiment of the business management system according to the present invention.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the business management system 1 includes a server device 3, a database (DB) 4, and employee terminals 5 (5a, 5b).

[0031] The server device 3 and the employee terminal 5 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network 6. The network 6 is constructed using, for example, the Internet or a wide area communication network. Alternatively, any WAN (Wide Area Network) or LAN (Local Area Network) may be used, and the protocol for constructing the network 6 is not limited.

[0032] The server device 3 and employee terminal 5 each have hardware necessary for a computer, such as a processor such as a CPU, GPU, or DSP, memory such as a ROM or RAM, and a storage device such as an HDD (see FIG. 19). The processor loads the program according to the present invention stored in the storage unit or memory into the RAM and executes it, thereby executing the information processing method (business management method / notification required information notification method) according to the present invention.

[0033] In this embodiment, an application service (hereinafter referred to as a business management application) capable of managing various business operations is provided by the server device 3 and the DB 4. In other words, the business management system 1 can be said to be a system equipped with business software capable of managing business information and performing various business processes.

[0034] The business management application is provided as, for example, a web application. Employees 2 can use this business management application on a web page displayed by a web browser using employee terminals 5.

[0035] Of course, this is not limiting, and the business management application may be provided as a native application. In this case, the program for the business management application is downloaded to the employee terminal 5 of the employee 2. In addition, various other forms for using the business management application may be adopted.

[0036] In the business management application, various processes related to business management are executed by the server device 3. For example, various processes related to management of arbitrary matters related to employment management, attendance management, personnel management, budget management, and business content are executed.

[0037] DB4 stores any information related to work (business information). For example, employee information such as employee name, gender, address, and telephone number, as well as work and attendance information such as the salary paid to each employee, clock-in / clock-out times, holidays, and overtime work. In addition, any information related to personnel, budgets, work content, etc. is stored as business information.

[0038] 1, DB4 is configured by a storage device or the like separate from server device 3 and is connected to server device 3. The configuration is not limited to this, and DB4 may be configured by a storage unit (see FIG. 19) of server device 3. Also, DB4 may be constructed on network 6, and a configuration may be adopted in which DB4 is accessible via network 6.

[0039] 1, the server device 3 is illustrated as a computer consisting of a single housing. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and various business processes may be performed by multiple server devices with various functions working together.

[0040] In Figure 1, three employees 2 are shown, but the number of employees 2 who can use this business management application is not limited. Also in Figure 1, one of the three employees 2 is shown as a manager 7. The manager 7 is an example of an employee who has greater authority than the employees 2, and there are no particular limitations on the specific position, etc.

[0041] For example, employee 2 uses employee terminal 5 to display a login screen for logging in to this business management system 1. Then, employee 2 performs the login operation by entering his / her employee ID, password, etc. If personal authentication for the login operation is successful, this business management application becomes available, and it becomes possible to perform various business-related processes such as clocking in and out, applying for paid leave, applying for overtime, and submitting digitized documents.

[0042] The administrator 7 also logs in using the administrator terminal 8. If personal authentication is successful in the login operation, the business management application becomes available, and it becomes possible to manage various business information such as the attendance status, overtime status, and paid vacation status of the employees 2 (subordinates, for example) to be managed. Of course, it is also possible to clock in and out of work and make various applications.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 1, a laptop PC 5a and a smartphone 5b are illustrated as employee terminals 5. For example, when employee 2 is at his or her desk, he or she uses laptop PC 5a as the employee terminal 5 and uses the present business management application. On the other hand, when employee 2 is out, he or she uses smartphone 5b as the employee terminal 5 and uses the present business management application. Alternatively, he or she may use his or her own smartphone to activate an email function or chat application and exchange various business information. In this case, his or her own smartphone is also included in the employee terminal 5 according to the present invention.

[0044] In this way, there may be cases where a plurality of devices are used as the employee terminal 5. Similarly, there may be cases where the manager terminal 8 is a notebook PC 8a, a smartphone 8b, or the like, which is used by the manager 7 as appropriate.

[0045] [Basic configuration and operation of the server device] 1, in this embodiment, a notification unit 9 and a notification timing control unit 10 are configured as functional blocks by the processor of the server device 3 executing a predetermined program. Of course, dedicated hardware such as an IC (integrated circuit) may be used to realize each functional block.

[0046] The program is installed in the server device 3 via, for example, various recording media. Alternatively, the program may be installed via the Internet or the like. There are no limitations on the type of recording medium on which the program is recorded, and any computer-readable recording medium may be used. For example, any computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be used.

[0047] The notification unit 9 notifies the employee terminal 5 of notification-required information that is defined as information that should be notified to the employee 2. Of course, if the employee 2 is the manager 7, the notification unit 9 notifies the manager terminal 8 of the notification-required information.

[0048] As notification information, it is possible to set, for example, various alert notifications for Employee 2, notifications to encourage prescribed applications or submissions, notifications of outstanding processes that Employee 2 needs to complete, etc. For example, it is possible to set information that Employee 2 should check or process as priority information.

[0049] For example, notification information can include notifications of forgetting to clock in, notifications of forgetting to clock out, notifications encouraging specific applications such as overtime applications, notifications encouraging the submission of specific documents, etc.

[0050] In addition, as information to be notified to the administrator 7, it is possible to set notifications that approvals for various applications from the employee 2 under management, such as requests for clocking in, overtime, and paid leave, have not been processed, notifications that the overtime hours of the employee 2 under management are greater than the specified hours, and other alert notifications regarding the attendance status of the employee 2 under management.

[0051] Of course, the information specified as notification-required information is not limited, and any information can be set as notification-required information.

[0052] The notification timing control unit 10 controls the notification timing for notifying the notification required information. In this embodiment, the notification timing control unit 10 determines, for each employee 2, an appropriate notification timing suitable for the employee 2 to respond to the notification required information, based on at least one of the work information related to the employee 2 and the situation information related to the situation of the employee 2.

[0053] Control of the notification timing includes, for example, control such that the notification timing is when the current date and time falls within a predetermined time period or when the current date and time reaches a predetermined time. Also included is control such that the notification timing is when employee 2 enters a predetermined location (area) or when employee 2 reaches a predetermined location. Also included is control such that the notification timing is when employee 2's status becomes a predetermined status or when employee 2's status changes from the predetermined status. Other control methods may also be employed.

[0054] The status information regarding the status of employee 2 includes any information indicating the status of employee 2, such as the working status, work status, and biological status (physical condition) of employee 2.

[0055] Note that the work information of employee 2 and the status information of employee 2 are not clearly defined and separated. It is possible that a single piece of information is included in both the work information of employee 2 and the status information of employee 2. For example, information about employee 2's working hours is included in the work information. Furthermore, the information about working hours may be used as status information indicating that employee 2 is "at work" or "has finished work." For example, status information may be generated based on the work information.

[0056] An example of an appropriate notification timing for employee 2 to respond to the notification information is a timing when it is easy for employee 2 to respond to the notification information. Also, if the notification information is a notification of an outstanding process that employee 2 needs to complete, an example of an appropriate notification timing is a timing when it is easy for employee 2 to complete the outstanding process.

[0057] That is, it is possible to set the timing at which employee 2 can check the sent notification information (for example, by reading it) and smoothly perform a predetermined operation (for example, reply or execute a predetermined process) as the adaptive notification timing. For example, it is also possible to apply the present technology by setting the notification timing at which employee 2 can check the notification information and perform a predetermined operation before a predetermined time has passed since the notification information was received as the adaptive notification timing suitable for employee 2 to respond to the notification information.

[0058] Furthermore, the notification timing control unit 10 can determine the adaptive notification timing by performing at least one of determining which timing is the adaptive notification timing for the employee 2 and determining whether the current timing is the corresponding notification timing for the employee 2. Of course, it is also possible to perform both determinations.

[0059] For example, the notification timing control unit 10 can determine, for each employee 2, based on the type of notification information, which notification timing is the adaptive notification timing when notifying the employee 2 of the notification information. In this case, the timing that is the adaptive notification timing is output.

[0060] For example, the timing when the current date and time falls within a specified time period, the timing when employee 2's location falls within a specified location, or the timing when employee 2's situation becomes a specified situation are output as adaptive notification timings.

[0061] Furthermore, for example, when notifying an employee 2 of notification-required information based on the type of the notification-required information, the notification timing control unit 10 can determine whether the current timing is an adaptive notification timing for the employee 2. In this case, a result that the current timing is an adaptive notification timing or a result that the current timing is not an adaptive notification timing is output.

[0062] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a basic operation for notifying notification-required information executed by the server device 3. The notification timing control unit 10 determines an adaptive notification timing for each employee 2 (step 101). The notification unit 9 notifies the employee terminal 5 of the notification-required information according to the determination result of the adaptive notification timing (step 102).

[0063] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of notification of notification-required information using email and a chat application. The present invention can be applied to any email function (email software) that realizes sending and receiving emails, and any chat application that realizes sending and receiving messages. Chat applications are also called messenger applications or talk applications.

[0064] For example, as shown in Fig. 3A, the notification information is sent to employee 2, for whom the notification information was generated, by email. In the example shown in Fig. 3A, a notification email with the subject "(Confirmation request) Regarding forgetting to clock out" is sent from the sender, "Business Management System," to the recipient, employee 2 ("Amano Taro"), for whom the notification information was generated.

[0065] The notification email body will display the text "You forgot to clock out. Please check." It will also display a link (URL) to the main menu screen for using this business management application. Employee 2 can select the link to access the main menu screen of the business management application and perform the clock-out process.

[0066] Furthermore, if the notification information is a notification regarding an outstanding process that Employee 2 needs to complete, a link (URL) to an application for executing the outstanding process may be displayed. Employee 2 can select the link to launch the application and complete the outstanding process.

[0067] It is also possible to notify the user of information requiring notification using a chat application, as shown in Figure 3B. In the example shown in Figure 3B, the message "You forgot to clock out. Please check" is sent from the business management system account, along with a link (URL) to the main menu screen for using this business management application.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 3B, employee 2 launches a chat application and displays a read mark indicating that he or she has confirmed the notification-requiring information sent from the business management system.

[0069] A detailed embodiment of the business management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below.

[0070] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, a processor of the server device 3 executes a predetermined program, thereby configuring functional blocks such as a notification information generation unit 12, a notification information acquisition unit 13, an information acquisition unit 14, an adaptive notification timing determination unit 15, a notification condition information generation unit 16, a notification possibility determination unit 17, a retransmission control unit 18, and a notification unit 9.

[0071] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the information acquisition unit 14, the adaptive notification timing determination unit 15, the notification condition information generation unit 16, the notification possibility determination unit 17, and the retransmission control unit 18 implement the notification timing control unit 10 shown in FIG.

[0072] 5 to 9 are schematic diagrams showing an example of business information stored in DB 4. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a "personal master" is stored in DB 4. The "personal master" is created for each employee 2 (including the manager 7). The "personal master" is generated as basic data, and is data included in the employee information for each employee.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, the “Personal Master” includes the following information: "Personal code": An ID (employee ID) that can identify employee 2. For example, it may consist of a 10-digit number. Of course, any other form of data may be used as the "personal code." "Name": Name of employee 2. "Password": The password required to log in. "Affiliation code": ID that can identify affiliation. "Department head code": The department head's personal code. "Administrator flag": A flag indicating whether or not the person is an administrator.

[0074] 6, DB4 also stores "notification information generation setting information." The "notification information generation setting information" is information that is set for generating notification information, and holds conditions for generating notification information. The notification information corresponds to one embodiment of notification-required information according to the present invention.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, the "notification information generation setting information" includes the following information. "Notification name": The name to be used when notifying as notification information. For example, "Forgot to clock in," "Forgot to apply for overtime," "Notification waiting for approval," etc. are stored. "Extraction conditions": Conditions for extracting notification information. For example, there is a case where a clock-in punch has been forgotten. There is a case where a clock-out punch has been forgotten. There is notification data waiting for approval. The overtime hours per month are 45 hours or more. Extraction conditions such as these are stored. "Target period": The period of data to be extracted as notification information. For example, "Previous month," "Current month," "Previous day," "Today," "2023 / 1-2023 / 12," etc. are stored. "Notification recipient": The recipient of the notification information. For example, if there is information (data) that matches the "extraction conditions," such as "the person himself / herself," "head of department," or "human resources manager," the individual for whom the notification information is to be generated will be retained. "Startup AP (application)": An application for executing an unprocessed process is held. For example, if the unprocessed process is an approval process, the "startup AP" holds a notification approval application.

[0076] 7, the DB4 stores "notice information" generated based on "notice information generation setting information." The "notice information" includes the following information.

[0077] "Personal Code": "Personal Code" of employee 2 who corresponds to the "Notification Destination" in the "Notification Information Generation Setting Information." In other words, the "Personal Code" of employee 2 who is the notification destination of the notification information is stored. "Creation date": The date (year, month, day) when the "Notification information" was created. "Creation time": The time (hours, minutes, and seconds) when the "Notification information" was created. "Type": The type of "Notification Information." For example, "Approval Request," "Labor Alert," "Attendance Alert," "Wage Alert," "Notification," "Confirmation Items," "Employee Benefits," etc. are stored. There are no restrictions on how "Notification Information" is categorized. For example, within "Approval Request," it is possible to set up a system where regular applications with ample time before the deadline, applications for overtime work on the day or vacation / business trips with an upcoming target date, and applications related to illness or disaster are stored as separate "Types."

[0078] Furthermore, it is also possible to set detailed types as "type," such as a type indicating that the information requires notification with a high level of urgency, or a type indicating that the information requires notification with a high level of importance. In the present business management system 1, the notification timing control unit 10 can determine the appropriate notification timing for each type of information requiring notification (notification information). Therefore, by appropriately setting the "type" and categorizing the information requiring notification, it is possible to customize the notification of information requiring notification in detail for each employee 2.

[0079] "Message content": Text sent as a message by the email and chat applications shown in Figure 3. "URL": A link (URL) to the main menu screen sent with the message, or a link (URL) to execute any outstanding processing. "Sent flag": A flag indicating whether or not the notification information has been sent.

[0080] 8, "notification condition information" is stored in DB4. The "notification condition information" includes the following information.

[0081] "Personal Code": Employee 2's "Personal Code" is stored here. "Notification destination information": Information on the destination to notify of notification information. Email address and employee ID in the chat application. If multiple chat applications are used, the employee 2 ID for each chat application is stored. "Type": Type of "Notice Information." For example, the same information as "Type" in the "Notice Information" shown in FIG. 7 is used.

[0082] "Notifiable time slot": A time slot during which "notification information" can be notified. The "notifiable time slot" is information included in the adaptive notification timing of the present invention. Of the adaptive notification timings determined by the adaptive notification timing determination unit 15 shown in FIG. 4, information related to the time slot is stored in the "notifiable time slot." Specifically, the "notifiable time slot" stores information about a time slot suitable for employee 2 to respond to notification-required information.

[0083] Information stored in "Notification time period" includes, for example, "No conditions," "Working time period," "Only on working days and during working hours," "XX minutes before working hours start," "XX minutes after working hours start," "XX minutes before working hours end," "XX minutes after working hours end," "Break time period," "Only on working days and during break time periods," "Day of the week," and "Morning / Afternoon." Of course, you are not limited to this information, and it is possible to enter various information related to time periods.

[0084] "Notifiable location": The location of employee 2 to which "notification information" can be notified. The "notifiable location" is also information included in the adaptive notification timing of the present invention. Among the adaptive notification timings determined by the adaptive notification timing determination unit 15, information regarding the location of employee 2 is stored in "notifiable location." Specifically, "notifiable location" stores information about a location suitable for employee 2 to respond to notification information.

[0085] Information stored in "notifiable location" may include, for example, "no conditions," "workplace only," "other than workplace," "office," "dining hall," "location between work and home," and "near home." Of course, the information is not limited to these, and various information regarding the location of employee 2 can be entered.

[0086] "Notification status": Status information of employee 2 who can be notified of "notification information." The "notification location" is also information included in the adaptive notification timing according to the present invention. Among the adaptive notification timings determined by the adaptive notification timing determination unit 15, information relating to the status of employee 2 is stored in "notification status." Specifically, "notification status" stores status information suitable for employee 2 to respond to notification-required information.

[0087] The information stored in "Notifiable Status" includes, for example, information about various situations such as "No conditions," "At work," "Working," "On break," "On the move," "In a meeting," "Using employee terminal," "On the phone," "Sales achievement rate is less than half of the target," and "Progress in assigned project is more than two weeks behind." Of course, it is not limited to these information, and various information about the status of Employee 2 can be entered.

[0088] "Retransmission condition": A condition for retransmitting notification information of the same content. The "retransmission condition" is referred to when the retransmission control unit 18 shown in Fig. 4 executes a retransmission operation. Details will be described later.

[0089] 9, the DB4 also stores "notified notification information data." The "notified notification information data" includes the following information.

[0090] "Personal Code": The "Personal Code" of Employee 2 who notified the "Notice Information." "Notification destination information": Information about the notification destination to which the "notification information" was sent. The same information as the "notification destination information" in the "notification condition information" shown in Figure 8 is used. "Notification date": The date (year, month, day) on which the "Notification Information" was notified. "Notification time": The time (hours, minutes, and seconds) when the "Notification information" was notified. "Message content": Text sent as a message by the email and chat application shown in Figure 3. The same information as the "Message content" in the "Notification information" shown in Figure 7 is used.

[0091] "Read flag": A flag indicating whether the "Notice information" message has been confirmed by the notified employee 2. In this example, whether or not the message has been read is used as an indication of whether or not the notice information has been confirmed. For example, if the message has not been read, "0" is retained, and if the message has been read, "1" is retained.

[0092] For example, when notification information is sent via e-mail, a mode is set that requests a reply from employee 2 to confirm that the e-mail has been read. If a reply from employee 2 confirms that the e-mail has been read, it can be determined that the e-mail has not been read. If no reply from employee 2 confirms that the e-mail has been read, it can be determined that the e-mail has not been read.

[0093] When notification information is sent using a chat application, it is possible to determine whether the message has been read using information on whether the message has been read or not, which is displayed as a function of the chat application, as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0094] "Related business information data": Data related to business information corresponding to "message content" is stored. For example, the table name, ID, link, etc. of the business information corresponding to the "message content" is stored. For example, if the "message content" is a notification about an outstanding process that employee 2 needs to complete, data (table name, ID, link, etc.) that makes it possible to confirm whether the outstanding process has been completed is stored. For example, if a notification information about "forgotten to clock in" is sent, data related to the attendance information of employee 2 (table name, ID, link, etc.) is stored in "related business information data."

[0095] The notification information generation unit 12 shown in Fig. 4 generates "notification information" based on "notification information generation setting information." The generation of notification information is performed periodically or irregularly. For example, notification information is generated at a predetermined timing (e.g., daily) during a time period when the processing load on the business management system 1 (server device 3) is low (e.g., on a holiday or late at night).

[0096] In this embodiment, the notice information generating unit 12 reads out the following data related to attendance management stored in DB4. Time-stamp data: Data on the time of arrival and departure from work each day. This data is especially read when detecting missed time-stamps. Monthly ledger data: Data on monthly aggregated results of working hours, overtime hours, etc. Notification application data: Data on notifications such as overtime applications and vacation applications. Attendance status data: Current attendance status data. Work schedule data: Data such as start and end times of work, break times, etc. Presence Data: Any data regarding Employee 2's presence status. Work schedule data: Data showing meeting schedules, attendees, and schedules for each task to be performed at one's desk.

[0097] If this attendance management related data matches the conditions for extracting notification information stored in the "notification information generation setting information" shown in Figure 6, the "notification information" shown in Figure 7 is generated. Of course, the data to be read is not limited, and other algorithms may be adopted as a method for generating notification information. The generated "notification information" is stored in DB4.

[0098] The notice information acquisition unit 13 accesses the DB4 and determines whether or not there is notice information for each employee 2. If there is notice information, the notice information is acquired from the DB4.

[0099] The information acquisition unit 14 shown in FIG. 4 acquires the business information and the situation information of the employee 2, which are necessary for the adaptive notification timing determination unit 15 to determine the adaptive notification timing.

[0100] In the present disclosure, acquisition of data (information) includes not only receiving the data (information) from another device but also generating the data (information) by executing a predetermined algorithm. That is, acquisition of business information and status information by the information acquisition unit 14 includes not only reading business information and status information from, for example, DB4 or receiving business information and status information from another device but also generating business information and status information by the information acquisition unit 14.

[0101] For example, the information acquisition unit 14 can generate various status information such as the working status, work status, and biological status (physical status) of the employee 2 based on the work information of the employee 2.

[0102] For example, various status information of employee 2 can be obtained based on the detection results of various sensors, such as an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor installed in a smartphone 5b, GPS, various biosensors installed in a wearable device worn by employee 2, and an image sensor (camera) that photographs employee 2.

[0103] For example, based on location information obtained by GPS or the like, it is possible to obtain the location information and behavioral history information of employee 2 as situation information. It is also possible to obtain situation information such as employee 2's health status and sleep status based on the detected values ​​of a temperature sensor capable of measuring body temperature, a heart rate sensor capable of measuring heart rate, a perspiration sensor capable of measuring the amount of perspiration, etc.

[0104] For example, it is possible to obtain information about the current location of the employee 2, and more detailed situation information such as whether the employee is indoors, outdoors, in a meeting, etc. It is also possible to obtain situation information such as travel distance, travel time, and travel speed.

[0105] It is also possible to obtain status information such as the heart rate, sweat rate, breathing rate, and whether employee 2 is asleep or awake. It is also possible to obtain status information such as whether employee 2 is walking, running, traveling by train, or driving.

[0106] Any technology (algorithm, etc.) may be used to acquire status information of employee 2. For example, any machine learning algorithm using a DNN (Deep Neural Network), an RNN (Recurrent Neural Network), a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), etc. may be used. For example, by using AI (artificial intelligence) that performs deep learning, it becomes possible to execute each process with high accuracy.

[0107] For example, by inputting business information and detection results of various sensors into a trained learning model that has undergone machine learning to output status information for employee 2, it is possible to obtain status information for employee 2 from the learning model.

[0108] The backpropagation method is one example of a learning method used for learning models. Backpropagation is a commonly used learning method for training neural networks. A neural network is a model that originally imitates the neural circuits of the human brain, and has a layered structure consisting of three types of layers: an input layer, an intermediate layer (hidden layer), and an output layer.

[0109] Neural networks with many hidden layers are called deep neural networks, and the deep learning techniques used to train them are known as models that can learn complex patterns hidden in large amounts of data. Backpropagation is one such learning method, and is often used, for example, in training CNNs, which are used to recognize images and videos.

[0110] Furthermore, as a hardware structure for realizing such machine learning, a neurochip / neuromorphic chip incorporating the concept of neural networks can be used.

[0111] The algorithm for training the learning model is not limited, and any machine learning algorithm may be used. For example, machine learning algorithms include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, inverse reinforcement learning, active learning, and transfer learning. Furthermore, machine learning models such as HMM (Hidden Markov Model) and SVM (Support Vector Machine) may be used.

[0112] A learning block (learning unit) for learning the learning model may be configured in the information acquisition unit 14. Alternatively, the learning block (learning unit) may be configured in a computer different from the server device 3, and the learned learning model after learning has been executed may be loaded into the information acquisition unit 14. In addition, the specific configurations of the learning model and the learning block (learning unit) for learning the learning model are not limited.

[0113] The application of a machine learning algorithm may be performed for any process within the present disclosure, i.e., any process described within the present disclosure may be subjected to a process using machine learning.

[0114] For example, in the present operations management system 1, a machine learning algorithm is used for determining the adaptive notification timing by the adaptive notification timing determining unit 15. The determination of the adaptive notification timing will be described in detail later.

[0115] The notification condition information generation unit 16 generates the "notification condition information" shown in Fig. 8. For example, the adaptive notification timing determined by the adaptive notification timing determination unit 15 is appropriately input into the "notification condition information". Of course, it is also possible to provide a GUI that enables employee 2 to input the adaptive notification timing, and generate the "notification condition information" so as to include the adaptive notification timing input by employee 2.

[0116] The notification possibility determination unit 17 determines whether or not the notice information can be notified. If the notification possibility determination unit 17 determines that the notice information can be notified, it causes the notification unit 9 to notify the notice information.

[0117] The retransmission control unit 18 controls the retransmission of the same notification information. The retransmission of notification information will be described later.

[0118] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of notification of notification information. The notification information acquisition unit 13 acquires notification information for each employee 2 (step 201). The notification possibility determination unit 17 acquires the "notification condition information" shown in FIG. 8 based on the "personal code" of the notification information (step 201).

[0119] The notification possibility determination unit 17 determines whether or not the notification information can be notified (step 203). In the example shown in Fig. 10, it determines whether or not the notification conditions included in the "notification condition information" are satisfied. The business information and status information required for this determination are acquired via the information acquisition unit 14.

[0120] If the notification conditions are met, it is determined that notification is possible (YES in step 203), and a message of the notification information is sent (step 204). If the notification conditions included in the notification condition information are not met, it is determined that notification is not possible (NO in step 203), and the message of the notification information is not sent, and the processing ends. In this way, in the example shown in Fig. 10, notification of the notification information by the notification unit 9 is controlled based on the notification condition information.

[0121] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of notification of notice information. In the example shown in Fig. 11, when notice information is acquired in step 301, real-time determination of adaptive notification timing is performed (step 302).

[0122] Specifically, the adaptive notification timing determination unit 15 determines in real time whether the current timing is the adaptive notification timing for the acquired notice information based on at least one of the business information and the status information of the employee 2. The business information and the status information required for this determination are acquired via the information acquisition unit 14.

[0123] The notification possibility determination unit 17 determines whether or not the notification information can be notified based on the determination result of the real-time determination (step 303). If the determination result that the current timing is an adaptive notification timing is output, it is determined that the notification is possible (YES in step 303), and a message of the notification information is transmitted (step 304).

[0124] If the determination result indicates that the current timing is not an adaptive notification timing, it is determined that notification is not possible (NO in step 303), and the process ends without transmitting a message of notification information. In this way, in the example shown in Fig. 11, notification of notification information by the notification unit 9 is controlled based on the determination result of real-time determination.

[0125] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of notification of notification information. In the example shown in Fig. 12, when notification information is acquired in step 401, notification condition information is acquired (step 402), and real-time determination of adaptive notification timing is also performed (step 403).

[0126] The notification possibility determination unit 17 determines whether or not the notification conditions included in the "notification condition information" are satisfied. The notification possibility determination unit 17 also outputs the determination result of the real-time determination.

[0127] If the notification conditions are met and the determination result indicates that the current timing is an adaptive notification timing, it is determined that notification is possible (YES in step 404), and a message of notification information is transmitted (step 405).

[0128] If the notification conditions included in the notification condition information are not satisfied or the judgment result is output indicating that the current timing is not an adaptive notification timing, it is judged that notification is not possible (NO in step 404), and the notification information message is not sent and the processing ends.

[0129] In the example shown in FIG. 12, both the control of the notification of notice information by the notification unit 9 based on the notification condition information and the control of the notification of notice information by the notification unit 9 based on the determination result of real-time determination are executed.

[0130] [Determining adaptive notification timing] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the determination of adaptive notification timing. For example, for each employee 2, the notification date and time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second) of past notification information and the response time of the notified notification information are collected and analyzed.

[0131] For example, the time taken to confirm (read) the notification information can be used as the notification response time. Alternatively, if the notification information is a notification of an outstanding process that employee 2 needs to complete, the time taken by employee 2 to complete the outstanding process can be used as the notification response time. For example, the response time for notification information can be appropriately specified for each "type" of notification information.

[0132] Criterion information 20 is appropriately selected from business information or status information for the notification date and time of past notification information and the response time of that notification information. For example, focusing on the schedule information of employee 2, the notification date and time of past notification information and the response time of that notification information are analyzed. For example, it was observed that a certain employee 2 tended to take a short response time to notification information whose notification date and time falls within a break time. In this case, it becomes possible to determine that the break time is the appropriate notification timing for that employee 2.

[0133] Additionally, as information 20 serving as a judgment criterion, the system analyzes the notification date and time of past notification information and the response time to the notification information, focusing on the location information of employee 2. For example, it has been observed that a certain employee 2 tends to respond quickly to notification information notified when employee 2 is in the office. In this case, it can be determined that the appropriate notification timing for employee 2 is when he or she is in the office.

[0134] Additionally, as information 20 serving as a judgment criterion, the system analyzes the notification date and time of past notification information and the response time to that notification information, focusing on the biological condition of employee 2. For example, it was observed that a certain employee 2 tended to respond quickly to notification information notified when his / her heart rate was within a predetermined range. In this case, it becomes possible to determine that the timing when the heart rate falls within the predetermined range is the appropriate notification timing for that employee 2.

[0135] In this way, information relating to time units is selected from the task information or situation information as information 20 that serves as the judgment criterion, and the notification date and time of past notice information and the response time for that notice information are analyzed. This makes it possible to detect a time period that is suitable for employee 2 to respond to notice information. Based on the detection result, it becomes possible to determine the appropriate notification timing for that time period.

[0136] Furthermore, as information 20 serving as a judgment criterion, information relating to the location of employee 2 is selected from the business information or situation information, and the notification date and time of past notice information and the response time for said notice information are analyzed. This makes it possible to detect a location suitable for employee 2 to respond to notice information. Based on the detection results, it becomes possible to determine the appropriate notification timing for employee 2's location.

[0137] Furthermore, as information 20 serving as a judgment criterion, information relating to the status of employee 2 is selected from the business information or status information, and the notification date and time of past notice information and the response time for said notice information are analyzed. This makes it possible to detect the status of employee 2 that is suitable for employee 2 to respond to notice information. Based on the detection results, it becomes possible to determine the appropriate notification timing for employee 2's status.

[0138] The specific algorithm for determining the adaptive notification timing is not limited, and any data analysis technique may be used. Of course, the algorithm is not limited to a rule-based algorithm, and a machine learning algorithm may be used to determine the adaptive notification timing for each employee 2.

[0139] As information 20 to be used as a criterion for judgment, it is possible to select, for example, work schedule, work schedule, break time, location information of employee 2 (smartphone 5b), physical information such as heart rate, information on applications running on employee terminal 5, information on operations such as mouse operations and keyboard operations, etc.

[0140] Furthermore, as information 20 to be used as a criterion for judgment, it is possible to select the employee 2's schedule for the day, the subordinate's schedule for the day, the progress of the subordinate, the sales achievement rate for the month, the progress of the project in charge, and the like.

[0141] By appropriately setting the information 20 that serves as the judgment criteria, it is possible to determine the appropriate notification timing from various perspectives, such as time period, location, or situation. Of course, it is also possible to determine the appropriate notification timing for each "type" of notification information, making it possible to achieve highly accurate and flexible customization for each employee 2.

[0142] The process of determining whether to notify notification information based on whether the notification conditions included in the "notification condition information" shown in Figure 8 are met can also be said to be a process of determining whether the current timing is the timing for employee 2 to notify a response based on the "notification condition information."

[0143] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of determining the adaptive notification timing using a machine learning model. In the example shown in Fig. 14, machine learning is performed using information 20 serving as a determination criterion selected from task information or situation information as input, and information indicating whether the current timing is the adaptive notification timing (hereinafter referred to as a real-time determination result) is output. For example, the real-time determination result may be output as a binary value of "1" or "0."

[0144] That is, by inputting information 20 serving as a judgment criterion into a trained machine learning model 21 that has undergone machine learning to estimate whether the current timing is an adaptive notification timing or not, a process is executed to acquire a real-time judgment result from the machine learning model 21. This process makes it possible to output a real-time judgment result with high accuracy.

[0145] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining the learning of the machine learning model 21 using training data. As shown in Fig. 15, for the learning of the machine learning model 21, training data in which training labels are associated with training data is input to the learning unit 22. The training data is data for training the machine learning model 21, which estimates a correct answer for an input.

[0146] 15, in this embodiment, information 20 serving as a judgment criterion is input to a learning unit 22 as learning data. Furthermore, information indicating whether the current timing is an adaptation notification timing (for example, a binary value of "1" or "0") is input to a machine learning model 21 as a teacher label 23. The teacher label 23 is a correct answer (correct answer data) corresponding to information 20 serving as a judgment criterion for learning.

[0147] The method for creating the training data is not limited. For example, the training data may be created manually. Alternatively, training data created in advance may be acquired and input to the machine learning model 21.

[0148] As shown in Fig. 15, the learning unit 22 uses teacher data and performs learning based on a machine learning algorithm. Through learning, parameters (coefficients) for calculating a correct answer (teacher label) are updated and generated as learned parameters. A program incorporating the generated learned parameters is generated as the machine learning model 21. Any learning method may be used as the learning method for the learning model.

[0149] The machine learning model 21 generated by the learning unit 22 is incorporated into the adaptation notification timing determination unit 15 shown in Fig. 4. The adaptation notification timing determination unit 15 executes real-time determination of the adaptation notification timing.

[0150] [Specific examples of operation] An example of operation of notification of notice information that can be performed by the present business management system 1 will be described.

[0151] For "notification information" of a predetermined "type" (including all types), a condition that a predetermined chat application is in a state where it can respond is input as a "notification availability status." As a result, the timing when the chat application becomes in a state where it can respond is determined as the appropriate notification timing. As a result, if the predetermined chat application cannot respond, no notification is made, and if the chat application becomes in a state where it can respond, a notification is made.

[0152] For "notification information" of a predetermined "type," the condition that the "notification available time period" is 30 minutes before a predetermined reference time (for example, the shift start time) obtained from the schedule is input. As a result, 30 minutes before the predetermined reference time is determined as the appropriate notification timing, and notification is executed. Of course, the time period of 30 minutes can be adjusted as desired.

[0153] For "notification information" that includes a message encouraging employees to apply for overtime, a "notification time period" is entered as a "notification time period." This determines that the appropriate notification timing is the time before the overtime period, and notification is executed.

[0154] Notification conditions are set for each "notification destination information." This allows employee 2 to use multiple destinations (email, multiple chat applications, etc.) depending on the time period and notification content, etc.

[0155] For "Notification Information" whose "Type" is "High Urgency Notification Information," "No Conditions" is entered in the "Notification Available Time Period." This allows notifications of high urgency messages to be sent regardless of the time period.

[0156] For "Notification Information" with a "Labor Alert" "Type", "the situation in which the cumulative monthly overtime hours reach XX hours" is entered in "Notification Availability". As a result, the timing when the cumulative monthly overtime hours reach XX hours is determined as the appropriate notification timing, and notification is executed. For example, a time close to the reference time is set as XX hours. Of course, other times may also be set.

[0157] For "Notification Information" with a "Type" of "Notification Application," if the "Personal Code" is that of the Manager 7 who is in a position to approve the application, "Working hours" is entered in the "Notification Available Time Zone." As a result, when a notification application is submitted by a subordinate, the supervisor determines that working hours are the appropriate notification timing, and a message requesting approval is sent. Note that similar notification control is also achieved when "At work" is entered in the "Notification Available Status."

[0158] Furthermore, if "workplace" is input as the "notification location," the presence of the supervisor at the workplace is added as a notification condition. In other words, the timing during working hours when the supervisor is at the workplace is determined as the appropriate notification timing. Also, only one of "workable time" = "working hours," "work availability status" = "working," and "workable location" = "workplace" may be input as a notification condition.

[0159] For "Notification Information" where "Type" is "Approved" or "Request Rejected", if the "Personal Code" is Employee 2 (subordinate) who is in a position to receive approval from their superior, "Working hours" is entered in "Notification Available Time Zone". As a result, the subordinate's working hours are determined as the appropriate notification timing, and they are notified of the approved or rejected message. Note that the same notification control is also realized when "At work" is entered in "Notification Available Status".

[0160] Furthermore, if "workplace" is input as the "notification location," the presence of the subordinate at the workplace is added as a notification condition. In other words, the timing when the subordinate is at the workplace during working hours is determined as the appropriate notification timing. Of course, only one of "workable time" = "working hours," "work availability status" = "at work," and "workable location" = "workplace" may be input as a notification condition.

[0161] The "notification application," "approved," and "returned application" explained here are not limited to attendance applications, but also include all business-related matters, such as applications related to personnel, travel expenses and budgets, applications related to employee education and training, and applications related to the purchase of items such as computers.

[0162] If the "Type" is "Deadline is closer than the specified threshold," "Notification application," "Approved," or "Application returned," or "High urgency," "Notification application," "Approved," or "Application returned," "No conditions" will be entered for "Available working hours," "Available working status," and "Available working location." This makes it possible to send an approval request message regardless of the supervisor's working hours or location when urgent confirmation and processing is required, such as a request for overtime work on the same day or a request for leave with less than three days until the day off.

[0163] For "Notification Information" whose "Type" is "Attendance Alert," "A situation in which the aggregate value of an employee's monthly overtime hours exceeds the threshold" is entered in "Notification Status." As a result, the timing when the aggregate value of an employee's monthly overtime hours exceeds the threshold is determined to be the appropriate notification timing, and a message containing the alert information can be sent to the target employee 2 and their supervisor.

[0164] In many cases, it is desirable for such alert information, such as attendance alerts, payroll alerts, and personnel alerts, to be properly notified to the recipient employee 2 and handled accordingly. The present business management system 1 makes it possible to notify various types of alert information at optimal times.

[0165] For example, if a section manager totals the total working hours and the total exceeds a threshold, an alert will be sent to the section manager. For work information such as attendance and payroll, the system generates total and summary information to be displayed on the main menu image, and sends a link to the department manager in a message.

[0166] Credentials information is managed in the personnel information, and a link to a list of information about Employee 2, whose driver's license will expire in less than 60 days, is sent as an alert message to the relevant personnel. Individuals who have received a pay increase during the payroll calculation period are extracted, and an alert message is sent to the payroll officer. The payroll officer will then confirm the amount based on this information. This type of alert information notification can be sent at the optimal time for Employee 2, the recipient.

[0167] Furthermore, for "Notice Information" whose "Type" is "Information unrelated to work" such as employee benefit information, "Break Time," "Outside Working Hours," or "Vacation Day" is entered as the "Notification Time Period." This determines the timing when the employee is not working as the appropriate notification timing, and employee benefit information unrelated to employee 2's work can be notified when the employee is not working.

[0168] Furthermore, for "Notification Information" whose "Type" is "Information unrelated to work," "Location at a specified distance from the company" is entered in "Notification Location." This allows, for example, even if it is a working day, the appropriate notification timing to be determined to be when Employee 2 is on his way home, making it possible to notify Employee 2 of welfare information unrelated to his work.

[0169] For example, suppose employee 2 uses both a personal chat application and a work chat application, and both IDs are registered. In this case, enter each ID in the "Notification Information" field and set notification conditions for each ID. This allows, for example, employee benefit information unrelated to employee 2's work to be sent to the personal chat application, and work-related announcements to be sent to the work chat application. This type of notification method is also possible.

[0170] Furthermore, in determining the adaptive notification timing using the analysis process and machine learning algorithm shown in Fig. 13, the schedule information of employee 2 is selected as the information 20 that serves as the determination criterion. For example, employee 2 does not acknowledge or respond to notification information sent before a meeting. However, employee 2 acknowledges or responds to notification information once the meeting is over.

[0171] By analyzing the response trends of employee 2, the timing when the meeting ends is determined as the timing for sending a response notification to that employee 2. Furthermore, by implementing machine learning, it is possible to estimate the timing for sending a response notification that will result in a sufficient response for a given schedule.

[0172] For example, the importance of a meeting varies depending on the content of the meeting and the positions of the employees attending. For low-importance meetings, responses may be made before or during the meeting. On the other hand, for high-importance meetings, there may be almost no response to announcements before or during the meeting.

[0173] Focusing on the importance of such a meeting, the notification date and time of past notice information and the response time for that notice information are analyzed using parameters related to the demand for the meeting as information 20 that serves as a judgment criterion. This makes it possible to determine an adaptive notification timing for each employee 2 according to the importance of the meeting. For example, it is possible to execute a notification after the end of a meeting as an adaptive notification timing.

[0174] The information acquisition unit 14 acquires biological information such as the heart rate and respiratory rate of the employee 2. Based on the biological information, it is also possible to analyze whether the employee 2 is in a state suitable for responding to the notification information.

[0175] For example, if the heart rate or respiration rate is higher than the threshold, it is determined that the situation is not suitable for responding to the notification information, and if the heart rate or respiration rate drops below the threshold and becomes normal, it is determined that it is time for an adaptive notification. Using biological information such as the heart rate and respiration rate as information 20 as the judgment criteria, the notification date and time of past notification information and the response time for that notification information are analyzed. This makes it possible to determine the adaptive notification timing for each employee 2 according to the biological condition of the employee 2.

[0176] The information acquisition unit 14 acquires information on software (applications) running on the employee terminal 5 operated by the employee 2, as well as the operation history of the keyboard and mouse. Based on this information, it is also possible to analyze whether the employee 2 is in a state suitable for responding to the notice information.

[0177] For example, the employee 2 is frequently performing input work using a spreadsheet application or word processing application. Alternatively, the employee 2, who is an engineer, is actively performing input work using a source editor. In such cases, it is determined that the employee is not in a situation where he or she can respond to the notification information, and a time when no operation is being performed is determined as the appropriate notification timing. Using information 20 such as information on the running application and whether or not an input operation was performed as a judgment criterion, the notification date and time of past notification information and the time taken to respond to the notification information are analyzed. This makes it possible to detect the appropriate notification timing for each employee 2 according to this information.

[0178] It is also possible to analyze whether the manager 7 is in a suitable state to respond to the notice information based on the work information (for example, schedule information, etc.) of the subordinates of the manager 7. For example, if the subordinates of the manager 7 are on vacation, it is determined that the manager 7 is not in a position to respond to the notice information because he is following up, and the timing when the subordinates return from vacation is determined to be the appropriate timing for notification.

[0179] The business information of the subordinates of the manager 7 is used as the information 20 that serves as the judgment criteria, and the notification date and time of past notice information and the response time for that notice information are analyzed. This makes it possible to detect the appropriate notification timing for each manager 7 according to the business information of the subordinates of the manager 7. For example, if a subordinate of the manager 7 is on vacation, it is possible to realize notification control such that business messages with low importance and urgency are notified the next day.

[0180] It is also possible to analyze whether Employee 2 is in a suitable state to respond to the notice information based on the sales achievement information for that month for Employee 2. For example, if the achievement level is less than half of the target even though there is less than a week until the closing date, it is determined that the employee is not in a position to respond to the notice information. The timing for appropriate notification is determined to be when the achievement level has reached the target (or is close to the target), or when the closing date has passed.

[0181] Using the sales achievement information of employee 2 for the current month as the judgment criteria information 20, the notification date and time of past notice information and the response time for said notice information are analyzed. This makes it possible to determine the appropriate notification timing for each employee 2 according to the sales achievement level for the current month. For example, if the sales achievement level for the current month is lower than a predetermined threshold, it is possible to realize notification control such as notifying business messages with low importance or urgency after the closing date.

[0182] It is also possible to analyze whether Employee 2 is in a suitable state to respond to notifications based on the progress data for the project that Employee 2 is in charge of for the current month. For example, if there are three months until the project is scheduled to finish but there is a two-week delay, it is determined that Employee 2 is not in a position to respond to notifications. The timing for adaptive notification is detected when progress is as planned (or close to the plan) or when the closing date has passed.

[0183] The progress data of the project for which Employee 2 is responsible for the current month is used as the information 20 that serves as the judgment criteria, and the notification date and time of past notice information and the response time for said notice information are analyzed. This makes it possible to detect the appropriate notification timing for each Employee 2 according to the progress data of the project for which they are responsible for the current month. For example, if the progress of the project for which they are responsible for the current month is behind schedule by more than a specified threshold, it is possible to realize notification control such as notifying employee benefit information with low demand or urgency after the closing date.

[0184] It is also possible to analyze whether the manager 7 is in a suitable state to respond to notification information based on the manager's 7 response history to approval requests from subordinates. For example, suppose that approval requests sent from subordinates during the day are not even marked as read, but the manager has a strong tendency to check and respond to approval requests from subordinates all at once immediately after the start of work. In this case, the time period 30 minutes before the start of work is determined to be the appropriate notification timing, and approval request messages are sent all at once.

[0185] In determining the appropriate notification timing, feedback may be provided based on the employee 2's evaluation of the notification timing of the transmitted notification information and the employee 2's request regarding the notification timing of the notification information.

[0186] 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a feedback GUI presented to employee 2. For example, when notification information is sent, feedback GUI 25 is sent via, for example, email, a chat application, a web page within this business management application, or the like.

[0187] The notification timing of the feedback GUI 25 can be set appropriately, for example, to the same timing as the notification timing of the notification information, a timing delayed by a predetermined time from the notification timing of the notification information, the timing when the notification information is confirmed (read), the timing when a predetermined operation is performed in response to the notification information, etc.

[0188] 16, the feedback GUI 25 is provided with a thumbs-up button 26, a thumbs-down button 27, a free-form comment field 28, and a feedback send button 29. By appropriately selecting the thumbs-up button 26 or the thumbs-down button 27, the employee 2 can input whether the timing of the notification information being sent was good or bad.

[0189] Employee 2 can also enter a specific evaluation of the timing of the notification in the free-form comment field, such as "It was the perfect timing" or "Too early (too late)." Employee 2 can also enter requests such as "I want to concentrate on work in the morning, so please don't send me a notification."

[0190] When employee 2 selects feedback send button 29, the selection of either a good evaluation (selection of good button 26) or a bad evaluation (selection of bad button 27) and the input content (text data) in free comment field 28 are acquired by information acquisition unit 14. Furthermore, information acquisition unit 14 analyzes the input content in free comment field 28 and generates evaluation information and request information of employee 2. The algorithm for this analysis is not limited, and a machine learning algorithm may be used.

[0191] The adaptation notification timing determination unit 15 acquires the evaluation information and request information of employee 2 from the information acquisition unit 14 and reflects this in determining the adaptation notification timing. For example, in determining the adaptation notification timing using the analysis processing and machine learning algorithm illustrated in FIG. 13, the evaluation information and request information of employee 2 are used as input data. In learning the machine learning model 21 illustrated in FIG. 15, the evaluation information and request information of employee 2 are used as training data. This type of processing makes it possible to determine the adaptation notification timing based on the evaluation and request of employee 2, enabling highly accurate and flexible customization for each employee 2.

[0192] For example, if Employee 2 requests, "I want to concentrate on my work in the morning, so please don't send me any messages," notification control can be implemented so that only messages of high importance or urgency are sent in the morning, and messages of low importance or urgency are sent in the afternoon.

[0193] It is also possible to reflect information such as the time difference between when notification information is sent and when the Good button 26 is pressed, or the time period when the Good button 26 is often pressed, in determining the adaptive notification timing. For example, by analyzing the work schedule and message content during the time period when the Good button 26 was pressed frequently, it was found that the Good button 26 was pressed particularly frequently when a message requesting approval for attendance management was sent immediately after the morning meeting on a workday. Therefore, for similar messages, the same timing is determined to be the adaptive notification timing and a notification is sent. Such notification control is also possible.

[0194] [Notification information retransmission control] The following describes retransmission control of the same notification information by the retransmission control unit 18 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of retransmission of notification information when a chat application is used.

[0195] For example, the retransmission control unit 18 can control the timing of retransmission of notification information of the same content based on the reaction of the employee 2 to the notification information that has been sent.

[0196] The reaction of employee 2 to the notice information includes, for example, whether or not employee 2 has confirmed (read) the notice information. In addition, if the notice information includes content that requires employee 2 to perform a predetermined process (for example, an unprocessed process), whether or not employee 2 has completed the process is also included in employee 2's reaction to the notice information.

[0197] For example, when the notification information includes content requesting employee 2 to perform a specified process, the retransmission control unit 18 can control the timing of retransmission based on at least one of whether the employee has confirmed (read) the sent notification information and whether employee 2 has completed the specified process.

[0198] For example, the following conditions 1 to 3 are input to the "retransmission conditions" of the "notification condition information" shown in FIG. (Condition 1) If the notification information has been handled, it will not be resent. (Condition 2) If the notification information has not been handled and the "read flag" is "0" (not read), the message will be resent repeatedly at the first transmission interval. (Condition 3) If the notification information has not been handled and the "read flag" is "1," the message will be resent repeatedly at a second interval that is longer than the first interval.

[0199] If the retransmission control unit 18 has completed a predetermined process according to the "retransmission condition", retransmission will not be performed even if there is no confirmation (read).

[0200] Furthermore, if the predetermined processing is incomplete and the notification information has not been confirmed (read) by employee 2, the retransmission control unit 18 controls the retransmission timing so that the notification information is repeatedly retransmitted at a first time interval. If the predetermined processing is incomplete and the notification information has been confirmed by employee 2, the retransmission control unit 18 controls the retransmission timing so that the notification information is repeatedly retransmitted at a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval.

[0201] For example, in the example shown in Fig. 17, at "7:30" a notice was sent about forgetting to clock out. This notice has been confirmed by employee 2, and a read mark is displayed.

[0202] The "read flag" of the "notified notification information data" shown in Fig. 9 is set to "1" indicating that the message has been read. The retransmission control unit 18 periodically references the "notified notification information data" that indicates the status of the sent message, and performs retransmission control.

[0203] In this embodiment, it is determined whether employee 2 has clocked out the missed work from the "related work information data" in the "notified notification information data." If the missed work clocked out has been clocked out, retransmission is not performed in accordance with the above (condition 1). If the missed work clocked out has not been clocked out, retransmission is performed repeatedly at the second transmission interval in accordance with the above (condition 3).

[0204] In the example shown in Fig. 17, a second notification of forgetting to clock out is sent at 2:00 PM with the same content. In other words, the retransmission timing is controlled with a second time interval of 6 hours and 30 minutes. Of course, the specific value of the second time interval may be set as appropriate.

[0205] In the example shown in Fig. 17, if the first notice of forgetting to clock out is not read, retransmission is repeatedly performed at a shorter first transmission interval in accordance with the above (Condition 2). That is, retransmission is repeatedly performed at a first time interval (e.g., 2 hours) shorter than 6 hours and 30 minutes. The specific value of the first time interval is not limited and may be set appropriately.

[0206] In the example shown in Fig. 17, if the second notice of forgetting to clock out is not read, a third notice of forgetting to clock out is resent at the first time interval (for example, 2 hours) according to the above (Condition 2). Alternatively, since the first notice of forgetting to clock out has been read, subsequent notices can be resent at the second time interval regardless of whether they have been read.

[0207] Such retransmission control makes it possible to repeatedly resend the notification information in a short span of time to employees 2 who have not noticed the notification information, thereby encouraging them to complete unprocessed tasks, etc. On the other hand, for employees 2 who have noticed the notification information but have not completed unprocessed tasks, etc., it is possible to repeatedly resend the notification information in a long span of time to encourage them to complete unprocessed tasks, etc. without being too pushy.

[0208] In this embodiment, if the notification information includes content requesting employee 2 to perform a specified process (such as an unprocessed process), the retransmission control unit 18 can execute a completion process for the notification information if the specified process is completed without employee 2 confirming (reading) the notification information.

[0209] For example, there may be cases where Employee 2 logs in to this business management application without checking the notification information and clocks out for the missed time. In this case, the pending process will be completed without Employee 2's confirmation (reading). In such a case, the completion process will be executed.

[0210] The retransmission control unit 18 periodically refers to the "notified notification information data" and, if a completion process is required, executes the completion process.

[0211] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the completion process. In response to employee 2 forgetting to clock out, a notice of the forgetting to clock out is acquired as notification information. Then, the notice of the forgetting to clock out is sent using a chat application or the like. In response to this sending, the number of message notifications in the badge 34 displayed on the icon 33 of the chat application displayed on employee 2's smartphone 5b or the like is incremented (in the example shown in FIG. 18, the number of message notifications is "2").

[0212] Assume that employee 2 logs in to the business management application and clocks out the missed clock-out time without marking the notice of forgotten clock-out time as read. The retransmission control unit 18 executes a process to mark the notice of forgotten clock-out time as read, as it is data that employee 2 does not need to open a chat application to read. As a result, the number of message notifications in the badge 34 displayed on the icon 33 is decremented (returned to the original value) to "1."

[0213] In addition, within the chat application, the notification of forgetting to clock out is marked as read. Then, the "read flag" of the "notified notice information data" shown in Fig. 9 is set to "1" indicating that the information has been read.

[0214] This prevents Employee 2 from becoming confused by receiving notification information requesting the execution of a process that should have already been completed. In other words, consistency is maintained between the actions taken by Employee 2 and the notification information received on their device, allowing them to carry out their work comfortably.

[0215] The process of setting the notification information to a read state corresponds to an embodiment of a completion process of setting notification-required information to a confirmed state according to the present invention. As the completion process, a notification that the predetermined process requested in the notification information has been completed, deletion of the notification information, etc. may be executed.

[0216] As described above, the business management system 1 and server device 3 according to this embodiment determine an adaptive notification timing suitable for the employee 2 to respond to notification-required information based on at least one of the business information of the employee 2 and the status information of the employee 2. This enables efficient operation of business management.

[0217] If a chat application is used to notify employee 2 via chat, the notification can be sent directly to the smartphone 5b carried by employee 2, which has the advantage of allowing employee 2 to respond on the spot.

[0218] On the other hand, if notifications are always sent immediately when a reason to notify Employee 2 arises, it is conceivable that inconveniences may arise. For example, approval request messages may be sent outside of working hours, or messages sent during times when it is difficult to respond, such as during a meeting, may accumulate unread without being marked as read, or even if they are seen, they may tend to put off processing. There is a possibility that many such problems may occur.

[0219] Furthermore, if people find the message itself annoying or are unable to judge the importance of the message and do not respond, it could cause the business flow to stall or the message sending itself to stop working.

[0220] By applying this invention, it is possible to build a message transmission mechanism that can fully accommodate a wide variety of work styles, and to send messages at appropriate times taking into account the recipient's situation, thereby realizing smooth operation of the business management system 1.

[0221] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other embodiments can be realized.

[0222] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 3 and a computer 60 that can be used as the employee terminal 5.

[0223] The computer 60 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, an input / output interface 65, and a bus 64 that interconnects these components. The input / output interface 65 is connected to a display unit 66, an input unit 67, a storage unit 68, a communication unit 69, a drive unit 70, and the like. The display unit 66 is a display device using, for example, a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescent display, etc. The input unit 67 is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or other operating device. When the input unit 67 includes a touch panel, the touch panel can be integrated with the display unit 66. The storage unit 68 is a non-volatile storage device such as a HDD, flash memory, or other solid-state memory. The drive unit 70 is a device capable of driving a removable storage medium 71 such as an optical storage medium or magnetic recording tape. The communication unit 69 is a modem, router, or other communication device that can be connected to a LAN, WAN, or the like and that communicates with other devices. The communication unit 69 may communicate either wired or wirelessly. The communication unit 69 is often used separately from the computer 60. Information processing by computer 60 having the above hardware configuration is realized by software stored in storage unit 68, ROM 62, etc., working in cooperation with the hardware resources of computer 60. Specifically, the information processing method according to the present invention is realized by loading a program constituting the software stored in ROM 62, etc., into RAM 63 and executing it. The program is installed in the computer 60 via, for example, the recording medium 71. Alternatively, the program may be installed in the computer 60 via a global network or the like. Any other computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be used.

[0224] The information processing method (business management method / notification method for notifying information requiring notification) and program of the present invention may be executed by cooperation of multiple computers connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a network or the like, thereby constructing an information processing system or information processing device of the present invention. That is, the information processing method and program according to the present invention can be executed not only in a computer system configured by a single computer, but also in a computer system in which a plurality of computers operate in conjunction with each other. In this disclosure, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housed in a single housing with multiple modules, are both systems.

[0225] The execution of the information processing method and program according to the present invention by a computer system includes both cases where the generation of notification required information, acquisition of notification required information, notification of notification required information, control of notification timing, determination of adaptive notification timing, learning of a machine learning model, control of retransmission timing, completion processing, etc. are executed by a single computer, and cases where each process is executed by a different computer. Furthermore, the execution of each process by a specific computer includes having another computer execute part or all of the process and obtaining the results. That is, the information processing method and program according to the present invention can also be applied to a cloud computing configuration in which a single function is shared and processed jointly by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0226] The configurations of the business management system, employee terminal, server device, message sending screen of email and chat application, feedback GUI, generation of notification information, acquisition of notification information, notification of notification information, control of notification timing, determination of adaptive notification timing, learning of machine learning model, control of retransmission timing, completion processing, etc., which have been described with reference to the drawings, are merely one embodiment and can be modified as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In other words, any other configurations, algorithms, etc. for implementing the present invention may be adopted.

[0227] In this disclosure, to facilitate understanding of the explanation, words such as "approximately," "almost," and "roughly" may be used as appropriate. However, there is no clear difference between using and not using words such as "approximately," "almost," and "roughly." In other words, in the present disclosure, concepts that define shape, size, positional relationship, state, etc., such as "center," "middle," "uniform," and "equal" are concepts that include "substantially center," "substantially central," "substantially uniform," "substantially equal," etc. For example, this also includes a state where the value is within a predetermined range (for example, a range of ±10%) based on the criteria of "perfectly centered," "perfectly central," "perfectly uniform," "perfectly equal," etc. Therefore, even if the words "roughly," "almost," "approximately," etc. are not added, the concept expressed by adding "roughly," "almost," "approximately," etc. may be included. Conversely, a state expressed by adding "roughly," "almost," "approximately," etc. does not necessarily exclude a complete state.

[0228] In this disclosure, expressions using "more than," such as "greater than A" and "smaller than A," are expressions that comprehensively include both concepts that include equivalent to A and concepts that do not include equivalent to A. For example, "greater than A" is not limited to cases that do not include equivalent to A, but also includes "A or greater." Furthermore, "smaller than A" is not limited to "less than A," but also includes "A or less." When implementing the present technology, specific settings and the like may be appropriately adopted from the concepts included in "greater than A" and "smaller than A" so as to achieve the effects described above.

[0229] It is also possible to combine at least two of the features of the present invention described above. That is, the various features described in each embodiment may be combined in any way without distinguishing between the embodiments. Furthermore, the various effects described above are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be achieved. [Industrial Applicability]

[0230] The present invention can be suitably used in an information processing system equipped with business software for processing business operations of a company. [Explanation of symbols]

[0231] 1. Business management system 2. Employees 3. Server equipment 5...Employee terminal 7…Administrator 8...Administrator terminal 20...Information to be used as a basis for judgment 25...Feedback GUI 33...Icon 34...Badge 60...Computer

Claims

1. An information processing system for managing business information, a notification unit that notifies an employee terminal of notification-required information that is specified as information that should be notified to the employee; a notification timing control unit that controls a notification timing for notifying the notification-required information; Equipped with The notification timing control unit determines, for each employee, an appropriate notification timing suitable for the employee to respond to the notification-required information based on at least one of the work information related to the employee and situation information related to the employee's situation. Information processing system.

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification timing control unit determines a timing at which the employee can easily respond to the notification-required information as the appropriate notification timing. Information processing system.

3. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification timing control unit determines the adaptive notification timing by performing at least one of determining which timing is the adaptive notification timing for the employee and determining whether the current timing is the corresponding notification timing for the employee. Information processing system.

4. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification timing control unit detects, for each employee, at least one of a time period suitable for the employee to respond to the notification required information, a location suitable for the employee to respond to the notification required information, and a situation suitable for the employee to respond to the notification required information, and determines the adaptive notification timing based on the detection result. Information processing system.

5. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification timing control unit determines the adaptive notification timing for each type of the notification-required information. Information processing system.

6. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification timing control unit generates notification condition information including the adaptive notification timing for each employee, and controls the notification of the notification-required information by the notification unit based on the notification condition information. Information processing system.

7. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification timing control unit determines in real time whether the current timing is the adaptive notification timing based on at least one of the business information and the situation information, and controls the notification of the notification-required information by the notification unit based on the determination result. Information processing system.

8. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification timing control unit controls the timing of retransmission of the notification information of the same content based on the employee's reaction to the notification information that has been transmitted. Information processing system.

9. 9. The information processing system according to claim 8, When the notification information includes content requesting the employee to perform a predetermined process, the notification timing control unit controls the retransmission timing based on at least one of whether the employee has confirmed the transmitted notification information and whether the employee has completed the predetermined process. Information processing system.

10. 10. The information processing system according to claim 9, The notification timing control unit If the predetermined process is not completed and the employee has not confirmed the notification information, the timing of the retransmission is controlled so that the notification information is repeatedly retransmitted at a first time interval. If the predetermined process is not completed and the employee has confirmed the notification-required information, the timing of retransmission is controlled so that the notification-required information is repeatedly retransmitted at a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval. Information processing system.

11. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification timing control unit executes a completion process for the notification information when the notification information includes content requesting the employee to execute a predetermined process and the predetermined process is completed without the employee's confirmation of the notification information. Information processing system.

12. 12. The information processing system according to claim 11, The completion process includes at least one of a notification that the predetermined process requested in the notification-required information has been completed, a deletion of the notification-required information, and a process of confirming the notification-required information. Information processing system.

13. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification timing control unit determines the adaptive notification timing based on at least one of an evaluation from the employee regarding the notification timing of the transmitted notification-required information and a request from the employee regarding the notification timing of the notification-required information. Information processing system.

14. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification unit notifies the notification-required information by using at least one of an email and a chat application. Information processing system.

15. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The notification timing control unit determines the adaptive notification timing using a machine learning algorithm. Information processing system.

16. An information processing method executed by a computer system that manages business information, a notification step of notifying the employee terminal of notification-required information defined as information to be notified to the employee; a notification timing control step of controlling a notification timing for notifying the notification-required information; Including, The notification timing control step determines, for each employee, an appropriate notification timing suitable for the employee to respond to the notification-required information based on at least one of the work information related to the employee and situation information related to the employee's situation. Information processing methods.

17. A program for causing a computer system that manages business information to execute an information processing method, The information processing method includes: a notification step of notifying the employee terminal of notification-required information defined as information to be notified to the employee; a notification timing control step of controlling a notification timing for notifying the notification-required information; Including, The notification timing control step determines, for each employee, an appropriate notification timing suitable for the employee to respond to the notification-required information based on at least one of the work information related to the employee and situation information related to the employee's situation. program.

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