Article order system, management server, article order method, and article order program

Abstract

To provide an article order system configured to improve the usability of a subscription service for replenishing a specific article.SOLUTION: An article order system 1 includes: a management server 2 which manages a subscription service provided to a registered guardian of a registered nursery school; a nursery school terminal 3 owned by the registered nursery school to order an article related to the subscription service; and an EC server 4 which outputs an instruction to deliver an article to the registered nursery school based on order information, in accordance with a reception of the order information from the nursery school terminal 3 over a network. The EC server 4 transmits the order information to the management server 2 over the network. The management server 2 collects fees for the subscription service from the registered guardian over the network, and transfers payment according to the order information in the collected fees to the EC server 4 which has transmitted the order information, over the network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an item ordering system, a management server, an item ordering method, and an item ordering program. [Background technology]

[0002] In various facilities, such as childcare and educational facilities such as nurseries and schools, and care facilities such as nursing homes for the elderly, a service has been proposed that allows specific items such as consumables to be replenished as needed by paying a regular usage fee, namely a subscription service (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-122278 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional subscription services that replenish specific items, there is room for improvement in terms of usability for facilities receiving the service, such as automatically determining the amount of replenishment based on usage.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an item ordering system, management server, item ordering method, and item ordering program that can improve the usability of a subscription service that replenishes specific items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An item ordering system according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention comprises a management server that provides a subscription service for specific items to users associated with registered facilities and manages the subscription service; a terminal device owned by the registered facility and that uses a network to place orders for the specific items related to the subscription service; and an item source server that, in response to receiving order information from the terminal device via the network, outputs an instruction to provide the specific item to the registered facility that is the recipient of the order based on the order information, wherein the item source server transmits the order information to the management server via the network, and the management server collects a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network, and, in response to receiving the order information, the management server transfers a fee corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fee to the item source server that transmitted the order information via the network.

[0007] Similarly, a management server according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is a management server that provides a subscription service for specific items to users associated with registered facilities and manages the subscription service, and has a payment management unit that receives order information from a product provider server owned by the registered facility and that, in response to receiving order information from a terminal device that uses a network to order the specific item related to the subscription service, outputs an instruction to provide the specific item to the registered facility that is the order recipient based on the order information, collects a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network, and transfers a fee corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fee to the product provider server that sent the order information via the network.

[0008] Similarly, a product ordering method according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention includes an ordering step in which a terminal device owned by a registered facility registered with a subscription service that provides a specific product places an order for the specific product related to the subscription service using a network; a product providing step in which, in response to receiving order information from the terminal device in the ordering step, a product provider server outputs an instruction to provide the specific product to the registered facility that is the order recipient based on the order information; a sending step in which the product provider server sends the order information via the network to a management server that provides the subscription service to users associated with the registered facility and manages the subscription service; a collecting step in which the management server collects a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network; and a remittance step in which, in response to receiving the order information, the management server remits, via the network, a fee corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fee to the product provider server that sent the order information.

[0009] Similarly, a method for ordering goods according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a subscription service for a specific item to a user associated with a registered facility, and includes a receiving step in which a management server that manages the subscription service receives order information from a product provider server owned by the registered facility and that outputs an instruction to provide the specific item to the registered facility that is the order recipient based on the order information in response to receiving order information from a terminal device that uses a network to order the specific item related to the subscription service; a collecting step in which the management server collects a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network; and a remittance step in which the management server remits, via the network, a fee corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fee to the product provider server that sent the order information.

[0010] Similarly, an item ordering program according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention enables a terminal device owned by a registered facility registered with a subscription service that provides a specific item to realize an ordering function for placing an order for the specific item related to the subscription service using a network, and also enables an item providing function for outputting an instruction to an item provider server, in response to receiving order information from the terminal device by the ordering function, to provide the specific item to the registered facility that is the order recipient based on the order information, and a sending function for sending the order information via the network to a management server that provides the subscription service to users associated with the registered facility and manages the subscription service, and also enables the management server to realize a collection function for collecting a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network, and a remittance function for, in response to receiving the order information, transferring a fee corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fee to the item provider server that sent the order information via the network.

[0011] Similarly, an item ordering program according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a subscription service for a specific item to a user associated with a registered facility, and has a management server that manages the subscription service implement a receiving function that receives order information from an item provider server owned by the registered facility and that, in response to receiving order information from a terminal device that orders the specific item related to the subscription service using a network, outputs an instruction to provide the specific item to the registered facility that is the order recipient based on the order information; a collection function that collects a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network; and a remittance function that remits, from the collected usage fee, a fee corresponding to the order information to the item provider server that sent the order information via the network.

[0012] According to these aspects, a registered facility using a subscription service can order items related to the subscription service from the item provider server via a terminal device. This allows the registered facility to place an order for the subscription service directly to the item provider server without going through the management server, making it easier to arbitrarily adjust the quantity of items ordered from the terminal device to the item provider server. For example, it is easy to adjust orders according to the circumstances of the registered facility, which is the ordering party, such as changes in storage space at the registered facility or fluctuations in demand for items within the registered facility. As a result, these aspects can improve the usability of subscription services that replenish specific items.

[0013] In a product ordering system relating to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the product provider server may include an EC server that provides a sales service for selling products using the network, and the EC server may be configured to output an instruction to deliver the specific product related to the subscription service to the registered facility of the order recipient based on the order information.

[0014] According to this embodiment, existing resources such as online shopping implemented by the EC server can be used for the subscription service, simplifying system construction.

[0015] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, in an item ordering system, the item provider server may include a plurality of the EC servers, and the terminal device may be configured to use the network to place an order for the item to one of the plurality of EC servers that handles the item that the user wishes to order.

[0016] The product groups handled by an EC server vary depending on the business that owns the EC server and operates the EC site. For this reason, if the product ordering system includes multiple EC servers, as in this case, it becomes easier to expand the variety of products available for subscription services provided by the management server, making it easier to provide services that meet the needs of each user.

[0017] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, in an item ordering system, the management server may provide a plurality of subscription services, and the terminal device may be configured to be able to order items related to services contracted for by the registered facility where the terminal device is located, from among the plurality of subscription services.

[0018] According to this aspect, a variety of service options can be provided to users associated with registered facilities, thereby improving the convenience of the subscription service and promoting the use of the subscription service.

[0019] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is a product ordering system that includes a user terminal owned by the user, and the management server accepts applications for the subscription services subscribed to by the registered facility with which the user is associated from the user terminal via the network, and if the registered facility has subscribed to multiple subscription services, the management server accepts applications for a service selected by the user from among the multiple subscription services via the user terminal, and the management server may be configured to collect, for each user, a usage fee for the subscription service subscribed to from the user terminal via the network.

[0020] According to this aspect, various procedures such as signing up for and canceling a subscription service, and collection of subscription service fees can be carried out more reliably by utilizing communication between the management server and the user terminal.

[0021] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, in a product ordering system, the user terminal or the terminal device can individually order products other than the subscription service from the product provider server via the network, and the product provider server, in response to receiving individual order information for the product sent from the terminal device or the user terminal, outputs an instruction to deliver the product to the registered facility or the user as the order recipient based on the individual order information, the product provider server sends the individual order information to the management server via the network, and the management server collects the price of the individually ordered product from the registered facility or the user from the terminal device or the user terminal via the network and transfers the price via the network to the product provider server that sent the individual order information.

[0022] According to this aspect, registered facilities or users can order items other than the specific items related to the subscription service from the item provider server, thereby expanding the uses of the item provider server and improving convenience. Furthermore, since the management server manages the subscription service as well as the collection and payment of the prices for these other items, the management server can pay the purchase prices for the items related to the subscription service and the individually ordered items together to the item provider server. This allows the item provider server to easily collect the purchase prices.

[0023] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, in an item ordering system, the item provider server includes a leasing server that provides a leasing service for leasing specific items using the network, and the management server may be configured to provide the leasing service to the users associated with the registered facility in addition to the subscription service.

[0024] According to this aspect, in addition to the subscription service, a leasing service can also be provided to registered facilities, thereby further improving convenience for registered facilities and users. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an item ordering system, a management server, an item ordering method, and an item ordering program that can improve the usability of a subscription service that replenishes specific items. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an item ordering system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of a management server. [Figure 3] An example of a registered nursery school database [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a registered parent database [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server, nursery school terminals, EC server, and parent terminals. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an item ordering system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an item ordering system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0028] The term "registered facility" used in the following embodiments refers to a facility that is registered as a target for which the item ordering system 1, 1A, or 1B according to the embodiment provides a subscription service. Registered facilities include various childcare and educational facilities such as nursery schools, kindergartens, after-school care centers, elementary schools, junior high schools, and cram schools, as well as various care facilities such as nursing homes for the elderly, nursing care facilities for the elderly, and nursing care hospitals. In the following explanation, a nursery school will be used as an example of a registered facility. Note that a nursery school that is registered as a target for which the item ordering system 1, 1A, or 1B provides a subscription service may also be referred to as a "registered nursery school" below.

[0029] In the following embodiments, the term "user associated with a registered facility" refers to the parents of children or students attending the registered facility if the registered facility is a childcare or educational facility. Furthermore, if the registered facility is a nursing care facility, the term refers to the family members of patients residing in the nursing care facility. In the following description, a parent of a child attending a nursery school will be used as an example of a user. In the following embodiments, the subscription service is applied for by users such as these parents or family members. In the following description, a parent who has applied for a subscription service and registered with the service may also be referred to as a "registered parent."

[0030] The term "item provider server" used in the following embodiments refers to a terminal device such as a server provided at a registered facility or a business that provides specific items to users. The item provider server includes an EC server 4 that handles specific items related to the subscription service provided by the item ordering system 1 according to this embodiment, and a leasing server 7 that provides a leasing service for leasing specific items.

[0031] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0032] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an item ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the item ordering system 1 includes a management server 2, a nursery school terminal 3, and an EC server 4.

[0033] The management server 2 provides a subscription service for specific items to parents associated with registered nurseries and manages the subscription service. In this embodiment, the subscription service refers to a service that allows specific items to be replenished as needed or ordered at will by paying a fixed usage fee on a regular basis. In the following explanation, the term subscription service may be abbreviated as "sub." The usage fee for the subscription service is set arbitrarily depending on the type of item covered by the service, etc. The management server 2 is a device owned by a business operator that handles the subscription service related to the item ordering system 1.

[0034] The nursery school terminal 3 is a terminal device owned by a registered nursery school, and uses a network to order specific items related to the subscription service. The nursery school terminal 3 is communicably connected to the EC server 4 via a network such as the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0035] In response to receiving order information from the nursery school terminal 3 via a network such as the Internet, the EC server 4 outputs an instruction to provide a specific item to the registered nursery school that received the order based on the order information.

[0036] Typically, the EC server 4 provides a sales service for selling goods over a network such as the Internet or an intranet. Here, the sales service provided by the EC server 4 is related to electronic commerce (EC), including online shopping where companies sell products to consumers via websites, etc., and the products handled include not only electronic information but also physical objects. For example, an EC server 4 is provided for each company that provides Internet sales services. The EC server 4 is a device owned by these EC companies. Since each company handles different products in its sales service, the management server 2 can easily expand the variety of products handled in the subscription service by partnering with multiple EC companies and using multiple EC servers 4 from each company, making it easier to meet customer needs.

[0037] In this embodiment, the EC server 4 handles specific items related to the subscription service based on a contract concluded between, for example, the EC business operator that owns the EC server 4 and the subscription service operator that owns the management server 2. The EC server 4 is communicatively connected to the management server 2 and the nursery school terminal 3 via a network such as the Internet or a mobile communication network. The EC server 4 receives order information related to the subscription service from registered nurseries and, based on the received order information, outputs instructions to deliver specific items to the registered nursery school that received the order. The EC business operator can deliver the specific items to the registered nursery school that received the order in accordance with the instructions output from its EC server 4. By using the EC server 4 as an item provider server for the subscription service in this way, existing resources such as online shopping implemented by the EC server 4 can be used for the subscription service, simplifying system construction.

[0038] "Specific items" covered by the subscription service include, for example, consumables that are discarded after one use and replaced with new ones. In the case of registered nurseries, examples of such items include nonwoven fabric products such as disposable diapers and baby wipes, stationery, educational materials, and food (especially food that does not contain allergens).

[0039] 1, the EC server 4 purchases the goods from manufacturers 6 that produce the goods to be handled and delivers the goods to registered nurseries that are recipients of orders. Alternatively, the EC server 4 may purchase the goods to be handled from each manufacturer 6 in advance and store them in a warehouse or the like owned by the business operator related to the EC server 4, and deliver the stored goods in response to orders.

[0040] In the product ordering system 1, the EC server 4 transmits order information received from the nursery school terminal 3 to the management server 2 via the network. The management server 2 periodically collects subscription service fees from each parent via the network according to the application status of the parent associated with the registered nursery school. In response to receiving the order information, the management server 2 transfers the amount according to the order information from the collected fees via the network to the EC server 4 that transmitted the order information.

[0041] Preferably, the item ordering system 1 is configured to include multiple EC servers 4. In this case, the nursery school terminal 3 uses the network to place an order for the item to one of the multiple EC servers 4 that handles the item that the user wants to order. As mentioned above, the product groups handled by the EC server 4 vary depending on the business that owns the EC server 4 and operates the EC site. For this reason, if the item ordering system 1 is configured to include multiple EC servers 4, it becomes easier to expand the variety of items that the management server 2 can provide for the subscription service, making it easier to provide services that meet the needs of each user.

[0042] Furthermore, in the product ordering system 1, the management server 2 is preferably configured to provide multiple subscription services. In this case, the nursery school terminal 3 is configured to be able to order products related to services subscribed to by the registered nursery school where the nursery school terminal 3 is installed, from among the multiple subscription services. This configuration makes it possible to provide parents associated with registered nursery schools with a variety of service options, thereby improving the convenience of the subscription service and encouraging parents to use the subscription service.

[0043] The product ordering system 1 also includes a parent / guardian terminal 5 owned by a parent / guardian. The parent / guardian terminal 5 is a terminal device used by a parent / guardian of a child attending a registered nursery school, and is communicably connected to the management server 2 via a network such as the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0044] The management server 2 accepts applications from the parent terminal 5 via the network for subscription services subscribed to by the registered nursery school with which the parent is associated. If the registered nursery school has subscribed to multiple subscription services, the management server 2 accepts applications for a service selected by the parent from among the multiple subscription services via the parent terminal 5. The management server 2 periodically collects the usage fees for the subscribed subscription services for each parent from the parent terminal 5 via the network. With this configuration, the product ordering system 1 can more reliably carry out various procedures such as signing up for and canceling subscription services, and collect the usage fees for subscription services, by using communication between the management server 2 and the parent terminal 5.

[0045] 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the management server 2. Regarding the functions implemented in the management server 2 described above, the management server 2 includes a service management unit 21, a registrant database 22, and a payment management unit 23.

[0046] The service management unit 21 performs various procedures such as applying for and canceling the subscription service, and manages registrants to whom the service is provided. When application information or cancellation information regarding the subscription service provided by the product ordering system 1 is input from the nursery school terminal 3 and the parent terminal 5, the service management unit 21 updates the registrant information in the registrant database 22.

[0047] The registrant database 22 records information about registrants who have subscribed to the subscription service provided by the product ordering system 1. The registrant database 22 can record, for example, information about registered nurseries that have subscribed to the subscription service in association with information about their guardians.

[0048] Furthermore, in the case where the management server 2 is configured to provide a plurality of subscription services, the registrant database 22 may include, for example, a registered nursery school database 22A and a registered parent database 22B.

[0049] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the registered nursery school database 22A. As shown in Figure 3, the registered nursery school database 22A records the items "nursery school name" and "application service" linked together as a set of data. In the example of Figure 3, it is recorded that "nursery school X" has subscribed to three types of subscription services, services 1, 2, and 3, and "nursery school Y" has subscribed to four types of subscription services, services 1, 2, 3, and 4.

[0050] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of registered parent database 22B. As shown in Figure 4, registered parent database 22B stores the items "parent name," "nursery school name," and "application service" linked together as a set of data. The example in Figure 4 records a situation in which "parent A whose child attends nursery school X" has applied for service 1, which is one of three types of subscription services 1, 2, and 3 (see Figure 3) that have been applied for by nursery school X, and "parent B whose child attends nursery school X" has applied for all three types of subscription services 1, 2, and 3 (see Figure 3) that have been applied for by nursery school X. It also records that "Parent C, whose child attends nursery school Y," has applied for two of the four subscription services 1, 2, 3, and 4 (see Figure 3) that have been applied for by nursery school Y: service 1 and service 2, and that "Parent D, whose child attends nursery school Y," has applied for all of the four subscription services 1, 2, 3, and 4 (see Figure 3) that have been applied for by nursery school Y: service 1, 2, 3, and 4.

[0051] Returning to Figure 2, the payment management unit 23 performs processing to pay the cost of ordered items to the EC server 4 in response to an order placed by the nursery school terminal 3. The payment management unit 23 periodically collects service fees from registered guardians of the subscription service via the guardian terminal 5. When the EC server 4 receives order information regarding items ordered by the nursery school terminal 3 and delivered, the payment management unit 23 transfers the purchase price according to the order information to the EC server 4 that sent the order information via the network.

[0052] Furthermore, when receiving order information, payment management unit 23 may refer to registrant database 22 to check whether the item corresponds to the subscription service for which the registered nursery school or registered guardian has subscribed, and may remit the payment if the item corresponds. In this case, if the information about the item included in the order information is not a product that corresponds to the subscription service for which the registered nursery school or registered guardian has subscribed, payment management unit 23 may be configured to individually bill the registered nursery school or registered guardian for the payment of the item via the network, and remit the payment received in response to the bill to EC server 4.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, the procedure of the product ordering method in the product ordering system 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0054] In the first stage, the management server 2 concludes a dealer contract with the EC server 4 for a specific item to be handled by the subscription service.

[0055] In the second stage, the management server 2 makes a proposal (subscription proposal) to the nursery school terminal 3 about available subscription services. If the nursery school terminal 3 wishes to apply for one or more subscription services in response to the proposal, it sends application information to that effect to the management server 2. Also, if the nursery school terminal 3 wishes to cancel a service for which application has already been made, it sends cancellation information to that effect to the management server 2. In response to receiving the application information and cancellation information from the nursery school terminal 3, the service management unit 21 of the management server 2 updates the information about registered nurseries in the registrant database 22 (or registered nursery school database 22A).

[0056] In the third stage, the nursery school terminal 3 provides the parent terminal 5 with information (subscription information) about subscription services that can be provided by the nursery school where the parent sends their child. The type of subscription service provided from the nursery school terminal 3 to the parent terminal 5 is the same as the type applied for from the nursery school terminal 3 to the management server 2 in the second stage.

[0057] In addition, the processing from stages 1 to 3 may be performed directly between the subscription service provider and the e-commerce site provider, between the subscription service provider and the nursery school, or between the nursery school and parents, without using each server, terminal, or network.

[0058] In the fourth step, the parent / guardian terminal 5 carries out the procedures for applying for or canceling (subscription application / cancellation) the subscription service notified by the nursery school terminal 3 in the third step. If the nursery school has applied for multiple subscription services with the management server 2, the parent / guardian can select and apply for at least some of the multiple subscription services for which the nursery school has applied via the network from the parent / guardian terminal 5. The parent / guardian terminal 5 transmits application information for the service to be applied for to the management server 2 via the network. Furthermore, if the parent / guardian terminal 5 wishes to cancel a service for which they have already applied, it transmits cancellation information to that effect to the management server 2 via the network. In response to receiving the application information or cancellation information from the parent / guardian terminal 5, the service management unit 21 of the management server 2 updates the information of the registered parent in the registrant database 22 (or registered parent database 22B).

[0059] In the fifth stage, the management server 2 notifies the nursery school terminal 3 via the network of information regarding the application and cancellation of subscription services by parents. This allows the registered nursery school to know which child's parents have applied for which service, and allows the registered parents to use specific items related to the applied-for services for their children.

[0060] In the sixth stage, the nursery school terminal 3 places an order for a specific item related to the subscription service with the EC server 4 over the network (ordering step). The nursery school terminal 3 transmits order information input by, for example, a staff member of the registered nursery school to the EC server 4 via the network. In response to the order from the nursery school terminal 3, the EC server 4 outputs an instruction to the manufacturer 6 to deliver the item. The EC server 4 also outputs an instruction to the nursery school that received the order to deliver the ordered item (item delivery step). The EC operator places an order for the item with the manufacturer 6 in accordance with the instruction output from its EC server 4, and once the item is delivered by the manufacturer 6, the EC operator delivers the item to the registered nursery school that received the order. The registered nursery school uses the delivered item for the child of the parent who is the target of the subscription service.

[0061] In the sixth stage, it is preferable to configure the system so that the order quantity of goods sent from the nursery school terminal 3 to the EC server 4 can be adjusted arbitrarily. This allows for flexible ordering according to the nursery school's needs, such as changes in the nursery school's storage space or fluctuations in demand for goods within the nursery school. It also allows for smaller order units than when ordering directly from the manufacturer 6. For example, it is relatively easy to order desired goods in quantities smaller than one lot, which is the smallest unit that the manufacturer 6 can deliver. This allows for flexible ordering according to the size of the nursery school, such as when a small nursery school orders a relatively small quantity at a time, and allows for faster delivery. In this way, the ability to arbitrarily adjust the order quantity of goods sent from the nursery school terminal 3 to the EC server 4 can further improve the convenience of the subscription service and promote its widespread use.

[0062] In the sixth stage, the EC business may be configured to deliver the relevant items, which have been ordered in advance from the manufacturer 6 and stored in the EC business's warehouse or the like, to the registered nursery school that received the order, in accordance with instructions output from the EC server 4 that it owns. This configuration makes it possible to make small-lot orders and shorten the order term.

[0063] In the seventh step, the EC server 4 transmits order information regarding the items ordered by the registered nursery schools in the sixth step to the management server 2 (transmission step). The payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 receives and stores the order information (reception step).

[0064] In the eighth stage, the management server 2 periodically bills the registered guardian for the subscription service via the network and the guardian terminal 5 for the usage fee for the subscription service that has been applied for (collection step). The registered guardian uses the guardian terminal 5 to transfer the usage fee to the management server 2 via the network. The payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 pools and manages the usage fees deposited from the guardian terminal 5.

[0065] In the ninth stage, the payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 transfers the purchase price according to the order information received in the seventh stage from the usage fees collected and pooled from each registered guardian in the eighth stage via the network to the EC server 4 that sent the order information (transfer step).

[0066] In the tenth step, if the EC server 4 has obtained the goods ordered in the seventh step from the manufacturer 6, the purchase price is paid to the manufacturer 6 that provided the goods.

[0067] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 2, nursery school terminal 3, EC server 4, and parent terminal 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the management server 2, nursery school terminal 3, EC server 4, and parent terminal 5 can be physically configured as a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 and ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 which are main storage devices, input devices 104 such as a keyboard and mouse which are input devices, output device 105 such as a display, communication module 106 which is a data transmission / reception device such as a network card, and auxiliary storage device 107 such as a hard disk, etc.

[0068] 1 to 4 are realized by loading predetermined computer software (item ordering program) onto hardware such as CPU 101 and RAM 102, thereby operating communication module 106, input device 104, and output device 105 under the control of CPU 101, and reading and writing data from and to RAM 102 and auxiliary storage device 107. In other words, by executing the item ordering program according to this embodiment on a computer, management server 2 functions as service management unit 21, registrant database 22, and payment management unit 23 shown in FIG. 2.

[0069] The item ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a management server 2 that provides a subscription service for specific items to registered guardians associated with registered nurseries and manages the subscription service; a nursery school terminal 3 owned by the registered nursery school and that uses a network to place orders for specific items related to the subscription service; and an EC server 4 that, in response to receiving order information from the nursery school terminal 3 via the network, outputs an instruction to provide the specific item to the registered nursery school that received the order based on the order information. The EC server 4 transmits the order information to the management server 2 via the network. The management server 2 collects a usage fee for the subscription service from the registered guardians via the network, and, in response to receiving the order information, transfers the amount corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fee via the network to the EC server 4 that transmitted the order information.

[0070] With this configuration, registered nurseries using the subscription service can order items related to the subscription service from the EC server 4 via the nursery terminal 3. This allows registered nurseries to place subscription service orders directly to the EC server 4 without going through the management server 2, making it easier to arbitrarily adjust the quantity of items ordered from the nursery terminal 3 to the EC server 4. For example, it is easy to adjust orders according to the convenience of the ordering nursery, such as changes in the nursery's storage space or fluctuations in demand for items within the nursery. As a result, the item ordering system 1 of the first embodiment can improve the usability of subscription services that replenish specific items.

[0071] Furthermore, by configuring the system so that orders for the subscription service are placed directly from the nursery school terminal 3 of a registered nursery school to the EC server 4 without going through the management server 2, there is no need to exchange information between the nursery school terminal 3 and the management server 2 when placing an order for the subscription service, thereby reducing the communication load within the system. The management server 2 that manages the subscription service manages the data of registered nurseries and registered guardians that have applied for the service, and periodically collects subscription service fees from registered guardians and transfers the purchase costs of ordered items to the EC server 4 according to the order information provided by the EC server 4. This enables the management server 2 to handle the item ordering process for the entire system, thereby reducing the workload of the management server 2.

[0072] [Second embodiment] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an item ordering system 1A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the item ordering system 1A according to the second embodiment is an example of a configuration that provides another service in addition to a subscription service. In the example of Fig. 6, a leasing service that leases specific items using a network will be described as an example of another service.

[0073] In addition to the components of the product ordering system 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, the product ordering system 1A further includes a leasing server 7. The leasing server 7 provides the above-mentioned leasing service. If the registered facility is a nursery school, the specific products handled by the leasing service include, for example, bedding and linens for children to take naps on, which can be collected by the leasing service operator after use and washed and reused. The leasing server 7 is a device owned by the operator that handles the leasing service related to the product ordering system 1A.

[0074] In this embodiment, the leasing server 7 handles specific items related to the leasing service based on a contract concluded between, for example, the leasing service provider that owns the leasing server 7 and the subscription service provider that owns the management server 2. The leasing server 7 is communicatively connected to the management server 2 and the nursery school terminal 3 via a network such as the Internet or a mobile communication network. The leasing server 7 receives order information related to the leasing service from registered nurseries and, based on the received order information, outputs instructions to deliver (lease) specific items to the registered nursery school that received the order. The leasing service provider can lease specific items to the registered nursery school that received the order in accordance with the instructions output from the leasing server 7 that it owns.

[0075] In the second embodiment of the product ordering system 1A, the management server 2 provides a leasing service to parents associated with registered nurseries in addition to the subscription service. Therefore, the management server 2 collects the leasing service fee in addition to the subscription service fee from each parent via the network, depending on the application status of the parent associated with the registered nursery. The leasing service fee can be calculated, for example, based on the amount of leased items used. The leasing server 7 transmits order information received from the nursery terminal 3 to the management server 2 via the network. Upon receiving the order information, the management server 2 transfers the amount corresponding to the order information from the collected leasing fee to the leasing server 7 that transmitted the order information via the network. The leasing service fee may also be configured to be a fixed amount paid periodically, similar to the subscription service fee.

[0076] The product ordering system 1A of the second embodiment can provide registered facilities with other services, such as leasing services, in addition to subscription services, thereby further improving convenience for registered nurseries and registered guardians. In particular, when a leasing service is provided as a separate service other than subscription services, the system can provide registered facilities with items suitable for leasing services, such as linens, in addition to providing them with items such as consumables suitable for subscription services, which is particularly effective in improving convenience. Furthermore, in the product ordering system 1A of the second embodiment, the management server 2 collectively manages services other than subscription services, so registered guardians only need to complete various procedures related to multiple services with the management server 2. Therefore, even if the number of services increases, the user's payment process and other hassles can be reduced, improving convenience for users.

[0077] It is preferable that the item ordering system 1A is configured to include multiple leasing servers 7. In this case, the nursery school terminal 3 uses the network to place an order for the item to one of the multiple leasing servers 7 that handles the item that the user wants to lease. The group of leased items handled by the leasing server 7 varies depending on the business that owns the leasing server 7 and operates the leasing service. For this reason, if the item ordering system 1A is configured to include multiple leasing servers 7, it becomes easier to expand the variety of items for the leasing service that the management server 2 can provide, and it becomes easier to provide leasing services that meet the needs of each user.

[0078] Furthermore, in the product ordering system 1A, the management server 2 is preferably configured to provide multiple leasing services. In this case, the nursery school terminal 3 is configured to be able to lease products related to the services contracted by the registered nursery school where the nursery school terminal 3 is installed, from among the multiple leasing services. This configuration makes it possible to provide parents associated with registered nursery schools with a variety of service options, thereby improving the convenience of the leasing service and promoting its use by parents and nursery schools.

[0079] Furthermore, the product ordering system 1A of the second embodiment is configured to also provide a subscription service similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore can also achieve the same effects related to the subscription service as in the first embodiment.

[0080] With reference to FIG. 6, the procedure of the product ordering method in the product ordering system 1A of the second embodiment will be described.

[0081] In the first stage, the management server 2 concludes a dealer contract with the EC server 4 for a specific item to be handled by the subscription service.

[0082] In the second stage, the management server 2 concludes a dealer contract with the lease server 7 for a specific item to be handled in the lease service.

[0083] In the third stage, the management server 2 proposes to the nursery school terminal 3 the subscription services and leasing services that can be provided. If the nursery school terminal 3 wishes to apply for one or more subscription services and leasing services in response to the proposal, it sends application information to that effect to the management server 2. Also, if the nursery school terminal 3 wishes to cancel a service that has already been applied for, it sends cancellation information to that effect to the management server 2. In response to receiving the application information and cancellation information from the nursery school terminal 3, the service management unit 21 of the management server 2 updates the information of the registered nursery school in the registrant database 22 (or registered nursery school database 22A).

[0084] In the fourth stage, the nursery school terminal 3 informs the parent terminal 5 about the subscription services and leasing services that can be provided by the nursery school where the parent sends their child. The types of subscription services and leasing services provided from the nursery school terminal 3 to the parent terminal 5 are the same as the types applied for from the nursery school terminal 3 to the management server 2 in the third stage.

[0085] In addition, the processing from stages 1 to 4 may be performed directly between the subscription service provider and the e-commerce site provider or leasing service provider, between the subscription service provider and the nursery school, or between the nursery school and parents, without using each server, terminal, or network.

[0086] In the fifth step, the parent / guardian terminal 5 carries out procedures for applying for or canceling the subscription service or lease service notified by the nursery school terminal 3 in the fourth step. If the nursery school has applied for multiple subscription services or lease services with the management server 2, the parent / guardian can select and apply for at least some of the multiple subscription services or lease services for which the nursery school has applied via the network from the parent / guardian terminal 5. The parent / guardian terminal 5 transmits application information for the service to be applied for to the management server 2 via the network. Furthermore, if the parent / guardian terminal 5 wishes to cancel a service for which they have already applied, it transmits cancellation information to that effect to the management server 2 via the network. In response to receiving the application information or cancellation information from the parent / guardian terminal 5, the service management unit 21 of the management server 2 updates the information of the registered parent in the registrant database 22 (or registered parent database 22B).

[0087] In the sixth stage, the management server 2 notifies the nursery school terminal 3 via the network of information regarding the application and cancellation of subscription services by parents. This allows the registered nursery school to know which child's parent has applied for which subscription service, and allows the registered parent's child to use specific items related to the applied-for subscription service.

[0088] In the seventh stage, the management server 2 uses the network to communicate information about leasing service applications and cancellations made by guardians to the leasing server 7. This allows the leasing service provider to know which registered nurseries have applied for which services, and to provide the registered nurseries with specific items related to the applied-for services.

[0089] In the seventh stage, the management server 2 may be configured to communicate information about leasing service applications and cancellations made by guardians via the network to the nursery school terminal 3. This allows the registered nursery school to know which guardians of which children have applied for which leasing service, and allows the children of the registered guardians to use the specific items related to the applied-for leasing service.

[0090] In the eighth stage, the nursery school terminal 3 places an order for a specific item related to the subscription service with the EC server 4 over the network (ordering step). The nursery school terminal 3 transmits order information input by, for example, a staff member of the registered nursery school to the EC server 4 over the network. In response to the order from the nursery school terminal 3, the EC server 4 outputs an instruction to the manufacturer 6 to deliver the item. The EC server 4 also outputs an instruction to the nursery school that received the order to deliver the ordered item (item delivery step). The EC operator places an order for the item with the manufacturer 6 in accordance with the instruction output from its EC server 4, and once the item is delivered by the manufacturer 6, the EC operator delivers the item to the registered nursery school that received the order. The registered nursery school uses the delivered item for the child of the parent who is the target of the subscription service.

[0091] In the eighth stage, the EC business may be configured to deliver the relevant items, which have been ordered in advance from the manufacturer 6 and stored in the EC business's warehouse or the like, to the registered nursery school that received the order, in accordance with instructions output from the EC server 4 that it owns. This configuration makes it possible to make orders in smaller lots and shorten the order term.

[0092] In the ninth step, the EC server 4 transmits order information regarding the items ordered by the registered nursery schools in the ninth step to the management server 2 (transmission step). The payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 stores the order information received from the EC server 4 (reception step).

[0093] In the tenth stage, the nursery school terminal 3 processes an order for specific items related to the leasing service via the network to the leasing server 7 (ordering step). The nursery school terminal 3 transmits order information input by, for example, a registered nursery school's staff member to the leasing server 7 via the network. In response to the order from the nursery school terminal 3, the leasing server 7 outputs an instruction to the nursery school that received the order to deliver the ordered items for lease (item delivery step). The leasing service operator leases the specific items to the registered nursery school that received the order, in accordance with the instruction output from its leasing server 7. At the registered nursery school, the delivered items are used by the children of the parents who are the recipients of the leasing service.

[0094] In the 11th step, the leasing server 7 transmits to the management server 2 order information regarding the items for lease that were ordered from the registered nursery schools in the 11th step (transmission step). The payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 stores the order information received from the leasing server 7 (reception step).

[0095] In the twelfth stage, the management server 2 periodically bills the registered guardian for the subscription service via the network and the guardian terminal 5 for the usage fee for the subscription service that has been applied for (collection step). The registered guardian uses the guardian terminal 5 to transfer the usage fee to the management server 2 via the network. The payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 pools and manages the usage fees deposited from the guardian terminal 5.

[0096] In addition, in the 12th stage, the management server 2 also bills the registered guardian for the lease service via the network and the guardian terminal 5 for the fee for the lease service that has been applied for (collection step). The registered guardian uses the guardian terminal 5 to transfer the fee for the lease service to the management server 2 via the network. The fee management unit 23 of the management server 2 pools and manages the lease fees received from the guardian terminal 5.

[0097] It is preferable that the management server 2 settles and bills the registered guardian for the leasing service fee at predetermined intervals, for example, at the time of billing for the subscription service fee. This allows the registered guardian to be billed for the subscription service fee and the leasing service fee together, reducing the frequency of billing processing by the payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 and the registered guardian's payment procedures, making the process more efficient.

[0098] In the 13th stage, the payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 transfers the purchase price corresponding to the order information received from the EC server 4 in the 9th stage to the EC server 4 that sent the order information via the network from the usage fees collected and pooled from each registered guardian in the 12th stage (transfer step), in accordance with the order information received from the EC server 4.

[0099] In the fourteenth step, if the EC server 4 has obtained the goods ordered in the eighth step from the manufacturer 6, the purchase price is paid to the manufacturer 6 that provided the goods.

[0100] In the 15th stage, the payment management section 23 of the management server 2 transfers the lease fee corresponding to the order information received from the lease server 7 in the 11th stage, from the lease fees collected from each registered guardian and pooled in the 12th stage, via the network to the lease server 7 that sent the order information, in accordance with the order information.

[0101] [Third embodiment] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an item ordering system 1B according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the item ordering system 1B according to the third embodiment is configured to allow individual orders for items other than the specific items related to the subscription service to be placed with an EC server 4 that handles specific items related to the subscription service.

[0102] The product ordering system 1B is configured with the same components as the product ordering system 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

[0103] In the item ordering system 1B according to the third embodiment, the EC server 4 receives individual order information for items other than the specific items related to the subscription service, sent from the nursery school terminal 3 or the parent terminal 5. Based on the received individual order information, the EC server 4 outputs an instruction to deliver the ordered items to the registered nursery school or parent that received the order. The EC server 4 sends the individual order information to the management server 2 via the network. The management server 2 collects the payment for the items individually ordered from the registered nursery school or registered parent via the network from the nursery school terminal 3 or the parent terminal 5, and transfers the payment via the network to the EC server 4 that sent the individual order information.

[0104] With this configuration, registered nurseries or registered guardians can order items other than the specific items related to the subscription service from the EC server 4, thereby expanding the uses of the EC server 4 and improving convenience. Furthermore, since the management server 2 manages the collection and payment of the prices for these other items in addition to managing the subscription service, the management server 2 can pay the purchase prices for the items related to the subscription service and the individually ordered items together to the EC server 4. This allows the EC server 4 to easily collect the purchase prices.

[0105] The procedure of the product ordering method in the product ordering system 1B of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Although not shown in Fig. 7, it is assumed that the processes such as contract and application in the first to fifth stages of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 have already been performed as a prerequisite for Fig. 7.

[0106] In the first stage, the nursery school terminal 3 places an order for a specific item related to the subscription service with the EC server 4 over the network (ordering step). The nursery school terminal 3 transmits order information input by, for example, a staff member of a registered nursery school to the EC server 4 over the network. In response to the order from the nursery school terminal 3, the EC server 4 outputs an instruction to the manufacturer 6 to deliver the item. The EC server 4 also outputs an instruction to the nursery school that received the order to deliver the ordered item (item delivery step). The EC operator places an order for the item with the manufacturer 6 in accordance with the instruction output from its EC server 4, and once the item is delivered by the manufacturer 6, the EC operator delivers the item to the registered nursery school that received the order. The registered nursery school uses the delivered item for the child of the parent who is the target of the subscription service.

[0107] In the second stage, the nursery school terminal 3 places an individual order for items other than the specific items related to the subscription service with the EC server 4 via the network. The nursery school terminal 3 transmits the individual order information, entered by, for example, a staff member of the registered nursery school, to the EC server 4 via the network. In response to the individual order from the nursery school terminal 3, the EC server 4 outputs an instruction to the manufacturer 6 to deliver the item. The EC server 4 also outputs an instruction to the nursery school that received the order to deliver the ordered item. The EC operator places an individual order for the item with the manufacturer 6 in accordance with the instruction output from its EC server 4, and once the manufacturer 6 delivers the item, the EC operator delivers the item to the registered nursery school that received the order.

[0108] In the second stage, the EC business may be configured to deliver the relevant items, which have been ordered in advance from the manufacturer 6 and stored in the EC business's warehouse, to the registered nursery school, in accordance with instructions output from its EC server 4. This configuration makes it possible to order in small lots and shorten the order term.

[0109] In the third stage, the parent / guardian terminal 5 uses the network to place an individual order for items other than the specific items related to the subscription service with the EC server 4. The parent / guardian terminal 5 transmits the individual order information, input by, for example, the registered parent / guardian, to the EC server 4 via the network. In response to the individual order from the parent / guardian terminal 5, the EC server 4 outputs an instruction to the manufacturer 6 to deliver the item. The EC server 4 also outputs an instruction to the order recipient, to deliver the ordered item. The EC operator places an individual order for the item with the manufacturer 6 in accordance with the instruction output from its EC server 4, and once the item is delivered by the manufacturer 6, the EC operator delivers the item to the registered parent / guardian who received the order. Alternatively, in accordance with the instruction from the registered parent / guardian, the item individually ordered by the registered parent / guardian may be delivered to the registered nursery school rather than to the registered parent / guardian.

[0110] In the third stage, the EC business may be configured to deliver the relevant items, which have been ordered in advance from the manufacturer 6 and stored in the EC business's warehouse or the like, to the registered guardian or registered nursery school that received the order, in accordance with instructions output from the EC server 4 that it owns. This configuration makes it possible to make small-lot orders and shorten the order term.

[0111] Also, in the third stage, the example in Figure 7 illustrates a configuration in which individual orders are placed directly from the parent terminal 5 to the EC server 4, but it is also possible to configure the parent terminal 5 to place individual orders to the EC server 4 via the management server 2.

[0112] In the fourth step, the EC server 4 transmits to the management server 2 order information regarding specific items related to the subscription service that were ordered by registered nurseries in the first step (transmission step). The payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 receives and stores the order information (reception step).

[0113] In the fifth stage, the EC server 4 transmits to the management server 2 individual order information regarding individual orders for items other than the specific items related to the subscription service, which were received from registered nurseries in the second stage and from registered guardians in the third stage. The payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 receives and stores the individual order information.

[0114] In the sixth step, the management server 2 bills the registered nursery school for the purchase price for the individual order placed by the registered nursery school, in accordance with the individual order information received in the fifth step, via the network and the nursery school terminal 3. The registered nursery school uses the nursery school terminal 3 to transfer the individual order price to the management server 2 via the network. The payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 pools and manages the individual purchase prices deposited from the nursery school terminal 3.

[0115] In the seventh stage, the management server 2 periodically bills the registered guardian for the subscription service via the network and the guardian terminal 5 for the usage fee for the subscription service that has been applied for (collection step). The registered guardian uses the guardian terminal 5 to transfer the usage fee to the management server 2 via the network. The payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 pools and manages the usage fees deposited from the guardian terminal 5.

[0116] In the seventh stage, the management server 2 bills the registered guardian for the purchase price for the individual order placed by the registered guardian via the network and the guardian terminal 5 in accordance with the individual order information received in the fifth stage. The registered guardian uses the guardian terminal 5 to transfer the individual order price to the management server 2 via the network. The payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 pools and manages the individual purchase prices deposited from the guardian terminal 5.

[0117] Preferably, the management server 2 settles and bills the registered guardian for the individual order fee at predetermined intervals, for example, coinciding with the billing period for the subscription service fee. This allows the registered guardian to be billed for the subscription service fee and the individual order fee together, reducing the frequency of billing processing by the payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 and the registered guardian's payment procedures, making the process more efficient.

[0118] In the eighth stage, the payment management unit 23 of the management server 2 transfers the purchase price corresponding to the order information and individual order information via the network to the EC server 4 that sent the order information and individual order information, based on the order information received in the fourth stage and the individual order information received in the fifth stage, from the individual purchase prices collected and pooled from each registered nursery school in the sixth stage and the usage fees and individual purchase prices collected and pooled from each registered guardian in the seventh stage (transfer step).

[0119] In the ninth step, if the EC server 4 has obtained the goods ordered in the first to third steps from the manufacturer 6, the purchase price is paid to the manufacturer 6 that provided the goods.

[0120] In the example of Figure 7, an example is shown in which the nursery school terminal 3 and the parent terminal 5 use the EC server 4 that handles items related to the subscription service as an item provider server for placing individual orders for items other than the specific items related to the subscription service, but it is also possible to place individual orders to another server that does not handle items related to the subscription service.

[0121] The configuration of the item ordering system 1B of the third embodiment may be applied in combination with the configuration of the item ordering system 1A of the second embodiment. That is, in the item ordering system 1A of the second embodiment, the nursery school terminal 3 or the parent terminal 5 may transmit individual order information regarding items other than the specific items related to the subscription service to the EC server 4, and the EC server 4 may deliver the ordered items to the registered nursery school or parent that is the order recipient based on the received individual order information.

[0122] The present embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Design modifications to these specific examples made by a person skilled in the art as appropriate are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they comprise the features of the present disclosure. The elements of each of the above-described specific examples, as well as their arrangement, conditions, shape, etc., are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. The elements of each of the above-described specific examples can be combined in various ways as appropriate, as long as no technical contradictions arise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1, 1A, 1B Item Ordering System 2 Management Server 23 Payment Management Department 3 Nursery school terminal (terminal device) 4. EC server (product provider server) 5. Parent terminal (user terminal) 7. Lease server (item provider server)

Claims

1. a management server that provides subscription services for specific items to users associated with registered facilities and manages the subscription services; a terminal device owned by the registered facility and configured to place an order for the specific item related to the subscription service using a network; an item provider server that outputs an instruction to provide the specific item to the registered facility of the order recipient based on the order information in response to receiving order information from the terminal device via the network; Equipped with the item provider server transmits the order information to the management server via the network; the management server collects a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network; In response to receiving the order information, the management server transfers the amount corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fees to the item provider server that transmitted the order information via the network. Goods ordering system.

2. the product provider server includes an EC server that provides a sales service for selling products using the network; the EC server outputs an instruction to deliver the specific item related to the subscription service to the registered facility of the order recipient based on the order information; The item ordering system of claim 1 .

3. the product provider server includes a plurality of the EC servers; the terminal device uses the network to place an order for the item to one of the plurality of EC servers that handles the item to be ordered; The product ordering system of claim 2 .

4. the management server provides a plurality of subscription services; the terminal device is configured to be able to order items related to a service to which the registered facility, where the terminal device is installed, has a contract from among the plurality of subscription services; The item ordering system of claim 1 .

5. A user terminal owned by the user is provided, the management server accepts, from the user terminal via the network, an application for the subscription service to which the registered facility associated with the user has subscribed; the management server, when the registered facility has subscribed to the plurality of subscription services, accepts an application for a service selected by the user from the plurality of subscription services via the user terminal; The management server collects, for each user, a usage fee for the subscription service subscribed for from the user terminal via the network. The product ordering system according to claim 4.

6. the user terminal or the terminal device is capable of individually ordering products other than the subscription service from the product provider server via the network; the product provider server, in response to receiving individual order information regarding the product transmitted from the terminal device or the user terminal, outputs an instruction to deliver the product to the registered facility or the user that is the order recipient based on the individual order information; the item provider server transmits the individual order information to the management server via the network; the management server collects the payment for the individually ordered item from the registered facility or the user via the network from the terminal device or the user terminal, and remits the payment via the network to the item provider server that transmitted the individual order information; The product ordering system of claim 5.

7. the item provider server includes a lease server that provides a lease service for leasing a specific item using the network; The management server provides the leasing service to the users associated with the registered facilities in addition to the subscription service. The item ordering system of claim 1 .

8. a management server that provides a subscription service for a specific item to a user associated with a registered facility and manages the subscription service, receiving order information from a product provider server that outputs an instruction to provide the specific product to the registered facility that is the order recipient based on the order information in response to receipt of order information from a terminal device owned by the registered facility and that places an order for the specific product related to the subscription service using a network; collecting a fee for the subscription service from the user via the network; a payment management unit that transfers a payment corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fee to the product provider server that transmitted the order information via the network; Management server.

9. an ordering step in which a terminal device owned by a registered facility registered with a subscription service that provides a specific item places an order for the specific item related to the subscription service using a network; an item providing step in which, in response to receiving order information from the terminal device in the ordering step, the item provider server outputs an instruction to provide the specific item to the registered facility of the order recipient based on the order information; a transmission step in which the item provider server transmits the order information via the network to a management server that provides the subscription service to users associated with the registered facility and manages the subscription service; a collection step in which the management server collects a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network; a remittance step in which the management server, in response to receiving the order information, remits a fee corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fees to the item provider server that transmitted the order information via the network; Including how to order goods.

10. a receiving step in which a management server that provides a subscription service for a specific item to users associated with a registered facility and manages the subscription service receives order information from an item provider server that is owned by the registered facility and that outputs an instruction to provide the specific item to the registered facility that is the order recipient based on the order information in response to receiving order information from a terminal device that places an order for the specific item related to the subscription service using a network; a collection step in which the management server collects a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network; a remittance step in which the management server remits, via the network, a fee corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fee to the item provider server that transmitted the order information; Including how to order goods.

11. a terminal device owned by a registered facility that is registered with a subscription service that provides a specific item is provided with an ordering function for placing an order for the specific item related to the subscription service using a network; To the product provider server, an item providing function that outputs an instruction to provide the specific item to the registered facility that is the order recipient based on the order information in response to receiving the order information from the terminal device by the ordering function; a transmission function for transmitting the order information via the network to a management server that provides the subscription service to users associated with the registered facility and manages the subscription service; Realize this, The management server, a collection function for collecting a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network; a remittance function of, in response to receiving the order information, remitting the amount corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fee via the network to the product provider server that transmitted the order information; An item ordering program to achieve this.

12. A management server that provides a subscription service for a specific item to a user associated with a registered facility and manages the subscription service, a receiving function for receiving order information from a product provider server that is owned by the registered facility and that outputs an instruction to provide the specific product to the registered facility that is the order recipient based on the order information in response to receiving order information from a terminal device that places an order for the specific product related to the subscription service using a network; a collection function for collecting a usage fee for the subscription service from the user via the network; a remittance function of remitting, via the network, a payment corresponding to the order information from the collected usage fee to the product provider server that transmitted the order information; An item ordering program to achieve this.

Images