Invoice matching method, invoice matching system, and invoice matching program

Abstract

To provide a method, a system, and a program for reducing burden in matching work.SOLUTION: In an invoice matching system according to the present invention, invoice reading means specifies the total invoice amount by associating an invoice record and an invoice amount with each other. Purchase data reading means reads purchase data. Pairing means pairs the invoice record and the purchase record, pairs the invoice record and the purchase record, and classifies them into a first invoice record with the invoice amount and the purchase amount being matched with each other, a second invoice record with the invoice amount and the purchase amount not being matched with each other, and a third invoice record which is not paired with the purchase record. Total purchase amount calculating means calculates a total purchase amount. Erroneous amount specifying means calculates the total of erroneous amounts of the second invoice record. Unpaid amount specifying means calculates the total of unpaid amounts of the third invoice record. Difference amount calculating means calculates a difference amount between the total amount of the total purchase amount, the total of erroneous amounts, and the total of unpaid amounts, and the total invoice amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bill matching method, a bill matching system, and a bill matching program. Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] One of the accounting tasks is to visually check invoices from suppliers against the purchasing data (also known as confirmed purchasing data) managed by the company to identify any discrepancies (known as "matching").This matching task is extremely burdensome. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6712738 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden of the butting operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] By way of example, the following solution is provided:

[0006] [1] a step in which a bill reading means reads bill data including a plurality of billing records and information on a billing total amount, links the billing amount to each of the plurality of billing records, and identifies the billing total amount; A step in which a purchase data reading means reads purchase data including a plurality of purchase records each associated with a purchase amount; A pairing means pairs each of the plurality of billing records with each of the plurality of purchase records, and each of the billing records is A first billing record that can be paired with any purchase record and in which the billing amount linked to the billing record matches the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; A second billing record that can be paired with any purchase record, but the billing amount linked to the billing record does not match the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; a third invoice record that cannot be paired with any purchase record; A step in which a total purchase amount calculation means calculates a total purchase amount which is the sum of purchase amounts linked to purchase records paired with any of the billing records; A step in which an amount difference identifying means identifies an amount difference between the billing amount linked to the second billing record and the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record for the second billing record, and calculates the total amount of the amount difference; an unaccounted amount specifying means for specifying the billing amount linked to the second billing record as the unaccounted amount for the third billing record, and calculating the total amount of the unaccounted amount; An invoice matching method including a step in which a difference calculation means calculates the difference between (1) the total amount of the purchase total, the total amount of the difference in amount, and the total amount of the unaccounted amount, and (2) the total amount of the invoice.

[0007] [2] The invoice matching method according to [1], wherein the invoice reading means reads the invoice data that has been digitized from a paper invoice.

[0008] [3] The invoice matching method according to [1] or [2], wherein the invoice reading means accepts a user setting for the total invoice amount after reading the invoice.

[0009] [4] The invoice matching method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the pairing means identifies a purchase record that has not been paired with any invoice record as an uninvoiced purchase record.

[0010] [5] The invoice matching method described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the difference calculation means updates the difference each time the amount difference for one of the second invoice records is identified.

[0011] [6] The invoice matching method described in any one of [1] to [5], wherein the difference calculation means updates the difference each time the unaccounted amount for one of the third records is identified.

[0012] [7] The invoice matching method described in any of [1] to [6], wherein the amount difference identification means identifies the amount difference from the difference between the billing amount of the second billing record set by the user and the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record.

[0013] [8] An invoice matching method described in any of [1] to [7], wherein the unaccounted amount identification means identifies the unaccounted amount from the billing amount of the third billing record set by the user.

[0014] [9] The billing record includes at least one of information of a date, a product name, an order number, a unit price, a quantity, and a billing amount; The purchase record includes at least one piece of information including a date, a product name, an order number, a unit price, a quantity, and a purchase amount; An invoice matching method described in any of [1] to [8], wherein the pairing means performs pairing based on information contained in the billing record and information contained in the purchase record.

[0015]

[10] a display control means for selecting a display mode based on the classification by the pairing means; Displaying first classification information in association with the billing record classified into the first billing record; An invoice matching method described in any of [1] to [9], including a step of displaying second classification information in association with the billing record classified into the second billing record.

[0016]

[11] The invoice matching method described in

[10] , wherein the display control means displays third classification information based on the identification of an unaccounted amount for the third billing record.

[0017]

[12] The invoice matching method described in

[10] or

[11] , wherein the display control means displays a screen for accepting the setting of the invoice amount for the second invoice record from the user based on the selection of the second classification information.

[0018]

[13] a bill reading means for reading bill data including a plurality of billing records and information on a billing total amount, linking the billing amount to each of the plurality of billing records, and specifying the billing total amount; a purchase data reading means for reading purchase data including a plurality of purchase records each associated with a purchase amount; Pairing each of the plurality of billing records with each of the plurality of purchase records, and A first billing record that can be paired with any purchase record and in which the billing amount linked to the billing record matches the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; A second billing record that can be paired with any purchase record, but the billing amount linked to the billing record does not match the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; a third invoice record that cannot be paired with any purchase record; and a pairing means for classifying the third invoice record as a third invoice record that cannot be paired with any purchase record. a total purchase amount calculation means for calculating a total purchase amount, which is the sum of purchase amounts linked to purchase records paired with any of the billing records; A difference amount determination means for determining the difference amount between the invoice amount linked to the second invoice record and the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record, and calculating the total amount of the difference amount; an unaccounted amount specifying means for specifying the billing amount linked to the second billing record as an unaccounted amount for the third billing record and calculating the total amount of the unaccounted amount; An invoice matching system comprising: (1) a difference calculation means for calculating the difference between the total amount of the purchase total, the total amount of the difference in amount, and the total amount of the unaccounted amount, and (2) the total amount of the invoice.

[0019]

[14] One or more computers a bill reading means for reading bill data including a plurality of billing records and information on a billing total amount, linking the billing amount to each of the plurality of billing records, and specifying the billing total amount; a purchase data reading means for reading purchase data including a plurality of purchase records each associated with a purchase amount; Pairing each of the plurality of billing records with each of the plurality of purchase records, and A first billing record that can be paired with any purchase record and in which the billing amount linked to the billing record matches the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; A second billing record that can be paired with any purchase record, but the billing amount linked to the billing record does not match the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; a third invoice record that cannot be paired with any purchase record; and a pairing means for classifying the third invoice record as a third invoice record that cannot be paired with any purchase record. a total purchase amount calculation means for calculating a total purchase amount, which is the sum of purchase amounts linked to purchase records paired with any of the billing records; A difference amount determination means for determining the difference amount between the invoice amount linked to the second invoice record and the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record, and calculating the total amount of the difference amount; an unaccounted amount specifying means for specifying the billing amount linked to the second billing record as an unaccounted amount for the third billing record and calculating the total amount of the unaccounted amount; An invoice matching program that functions as a difference calculation means that calculates the difference between (1) the total amount of the purchase total, the total amount of the difference in amount, and the total amount of the unaccounted amount, and (2) the total amount of the invoice. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] This reduces the burden of matching work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an invoice. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of purchase data. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an invoice matching system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation of an invoice matching system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an invoice reading screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a read result display screen. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a pairing result display screen. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another part of the pairing result display screen. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another part of the pairing result display screen. [Figure 7D]FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another part of the pairing result display screen. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of an amount difference identification screen. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another part of the amount difference identification screen. [Figure 8C] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another part of the amount difference identification screen. [Figure 8D] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a pairing result display screen. [Figure 8E] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another part of the pairing result display screen. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of an amount difference identification screen. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another part of the amount difference identification screen. [Figure 9C] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another part of the amount difference identification screen. [Figure 9D] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a pairing result display screen. [Figure 9E] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another part of the pairing result display screen. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of an unaccounted amount identification screen. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of an unaccounted amount identification screen. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a pairing result display screen. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another part of the pairing result display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the problems that the present inventors have found regarding the butting operation will be described.

[0023] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of an invoice. An invoice is sent from a supplier and is assumed to be primarily a paper invoice, although it may be electronic data (e.g., a PDF file that may or may not contain text data).

[0024] An invoice contains multiple invoice records A1 to A6. Each invoice record consists of fields such as date, product name, order number, unit price, quantity, and amount. However, since invoices are sent from suppliers, their format varies depending on the supplier. In other words, an invoice record may lack some of these fields, or may contain other fields. Ideally, all fields contained in an invoice record have the correct values ​​set (filled in), but sometimes, as in invoice record A3, values ​​for some fields (such as the order number) are missing, or in some cases, the values ​​for some fields may be incorrect.

[0025] An invoice also includes information on the total amount of the invoice. The information on the total amount of the invoice is usually the amount excluding tax, the amount including consumption tax and tax (total amount), but it may also be only the amount excluding tax or the amount including tax. In addition to the information on the total amount of the invoice, an invoice may also include information such as the name of the biller (supplier name), issue date, transfer destination, account name, payment due date, etc. This information is included, for example, in the mirror of the invoice.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of purchase data. This purchase data is managed in-house and is electronic data such as CSV. The purchase data includes multiple purchase records B1 to B6. Each of the purchase records B1 to B6 is linked to items such as customer code, supplier name, date, product name, order number, unit price, quantity, and purchase amount. However, a purchase record may not include some of these items, or may include other items. Because the purchase data is managed in-house, it is in a specified format.

[0027] To simplify the explanation, we will assume that the supplier name (customer code) in the purchase record is the same. If there are multiple supplier names (customer codes), the work will be performed for each supplier name.

[0028] Purchase data and invoices correspond to each other. Therefore, each of billing records A1 to A6 should correspond (be paired) with one of purchase records B1 to B6. The billing amount in a billing record and the purchase amount in the corresponding purchase record should match. However, for some reason, the amounts may not match, and there may also be billing records or purchase records that are not paired.

[0029] For example, the billing amount (600 yen) in billing record A4 in Figure 1 does not match the corresponding purchase amount (750 yen) in purchase record B4 in Figure 2. The purchase record corresponding to billing record A6 in Figure 1 does not exist in the purchase data in Figure 2. The billing record corresponding to purchase record B6 in Figure 2 does not exist in the invoice in Figure 1.

[0030] The reconciliation process involves detecting such discrepancies in amounts and unpaired billing or purchase records and identifying the cause. When there are many billing records included in an invoice or many purchase records included in purchase data, the reconciliation process becomes extremely burdensome. To reduce this workload, the inventors of this application have invented an invoice reconciliation system. A specific example is given below.

[0031] 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an invoice matching system according to one embodiment. The invoice matching system includes an invoice reading unit 1, a purchase data reading unit 2, a pairing unit 3, a purchase total amount calculation unit 4, an amount difference identification unit 5, an unrecorded amount identification unit 6, a difference calculation unit 7, and a display control unit 8.

[0032] These may be configured as a single device (computer) or may be distributed across two or more devices (computers). As one example, a predetermined program may be installed on any computer so that the computer functions as each of the above means. As another example, the invoice matching system may be configured as a server and terminals connected to a network, with user-related functions being implemented on the terminal (e.g., on a web browser) and other functions being implemented on the server.

[0033] The invoice reading means 1 reads invoice data (electronic invoices or electronic versions of paper invoices) and links the invoice amount to each of multiple invoice records. Typically, invoice data is an electronic file (PDF file) created by scanning a paper invoice. The invoice reading means 1 then digitizes the invoice data it has read using an OCR function, and uses pre-trained artificial intelligence to link each invoice record with the invoice amount contained in that invoice record. Since invoices vary by supplier, it is desirable for the artificial intelligence to be trained separately for each supplier. The invoice reading means 1 also reads invoice data and identifies the total invoice amount.

[0034] In the example invoice shown in Figure 1, the invoice amount of "1,000 yen" is linked to invoice record A1, and the invoice amount of "1,500 yen" is linked to invoice record A2. In addition, by reading the mirror of the invoice or by adding up the invoice amounts linked to each invoice record, the total invoice amount of "5,800 yen" is determined.

[0035] However, this linking may be incomplete, for example, due to errors in the OCR function or artificial intelligence, an incorrect billing amount may be linked to the billing record, or no billing amount may be linked at all. The billing total amount may also be incorrect or unidentifiable.

[0036] The invoice reading means 1 may also read invoice data and identify the supplier (XX Trading Co., Ltd. in the example of FIG. 1). The invoice reading means 1 may previously store the supplier and the customer code in association with each other, and may further identify the customer code from the identified supplier name.

[0037] The invoice reading means 1 may link some or all of the values ​​entered in the fields such as date, product name, order number, unit price, quantity, and amount for each of the multiple invoice records. The linked values ​​can be used in the pairing process described later.

[0038] The purchase data reading means 2 reads the purchase data. As shown in Fig. 2, the purchase data includes multiple purchase records, each of which is linked with a customer code, supplier name, date, product name, order number, unit price, quantity, purchase amount, etc.

[0039] The pairing means 3 pairs each billing record with each purchase record by identifying the purchase record corresponding to each billing record. Pairing may be performed using artificial intelligence, for example. Since invoices vary depending on the supplier, it is desirable that learning in the artificial intelligence be performed for each supplier. Furthermore, pairing may be performed by referencing the items linked to the billing record and the items included in the purchase record. Since the items linked to the billing record vary depending on the supplier, it is desirable that the items to be referenced be set for each supplier.

[0040] As a result of pairing, most billing records are paired with a purchase record, and the billing amount in that billing record matches the purchase amount in the purchase record. Such a pair of billing records and purchase records is called an "amount-matched pair." For example, billing record A1 in Figure 1 and purchase record B1 in Figure 2 are an amount-matched pair.

[0041] Note that an amount-matching pair may be one in which one billing record is paired with two or more purchase records, and the billing amount linked to the billing record and the total purchase amount linked to the purchase record match. Conversely, an amount-matching pair may be one in which two or more billing records are paired with one purchase record, and the total invoice amount linked to the billing record and the purchase amount linked to the purchase record match.

[0042] On the other hand, some billing records are paired with purchase records, but the billing amount in the billing record and the purchase amount in the purchase record may not match. Such a pair of billing records and purchase records is called an "amount mismatch pair." For example, billing record A4 in Figure 1 and purchase record B4 in Figure 2 are an amount mismatch pair.

[0043] In addition, an amount mismatch pair may occur when two or more purchase records are paired with one billing record, and the billing amount linked to the billing record and the total purchase amount linked to the purchase record do not match. Conversely, an amount mismatch pair may occur when two or more billing records are paired with one purchase record, and the total billing amount linked to the billing record and the purchase amount linked to the purchase record do not match.

[0044] Possible causes of such mismatched amounts include mistakes on the invoice, errors in the OCR function or artificial intelligence when reading the invoice, etc.

[0045] In addition, for some reason (mainly because they have not been recorded), some of the invoice records may not be paired with any purchase records (for example, invoice record A6 in Figure 1). Furthermore, for some reason (mainly because they have not been invoiced), some of the purchase records may not be paired with any invoice records (for example, purchase record B6 in Figure 2).

[0046] The pairing means 3 can also be said to classify multiple billing records included in the invoice data into billing records (first billing records) whose amounts match those of their paired purchase records, billing records (second billing records) whose amounts do not match those of their paired purchase records, and billing records (third billing records) that are not paired with any purchase records.The pairing means 3 can also be said to identify billing records that are not paired with any purchase records as unaccounted records.The pairing means 3 can also be said to identify purchase records that are not paired with any billing records as unaccounted records.

[0047] The total purchase amount calculation means 4 calculates the total of purchase amounts linked to purchase records paired with any billing record (hereinafter referred to as "total purchase amount").

[0048] The amount difference identifying means 5 identifies the amount difference between the billing amount linked to the billing record in the amount mismatch pair and the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record.

[0049] For example, the amount difference identifying means 5 may calculate the amount difference from the difference between the billing amount linked to the billing record and the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record.

[0050] Alternatively, the amount discrepancy identifying means 5 may identify the amount discrepancy by accepting a manual setting from the user. More specifically, considering that the invoice reading means 1 may erroneously read the invoice amount, the user visually reads the amount (invoice amount) written on the invoice and manually sets that amount. The amount discrepancy identifying means 5 may then calculate the amount discrepancy from the difference between the manually set invoice amount and the purchase amount.

[0051] If there are multiple pairs of mismatched amounts, the amount discrepancy identification means 5 calculates the total amount of the discrepancies. Note that if there are no errors in the bill or in reading it, there will be no discrepancies and the total amount will be 0 yen.

[0052] The unrecorded amount identifying means 6 identifies the unrecorded amount for a billing record that is not paired with any purchase record.

[0053] For example, the unaccounted amount identifying means 6 may identify the unaccounted amount from the billing amount linked to the billing record.

[0054] Alternatively, the unaccounted amount specifying means 6 may specify the unaccounted amount by accepting a manual setting from the user. More specifically, in consideration of the possibility that the invoice reading means 1 may erroneously read the invoice amount, the user visually reads the amount written on the invoice (invoice amount) and manually sets that amount.

[0055] If there are multiple billing records that are not paired with any purchase record, the unaccounted amount specification means 6 calculates the total amount of unaccounted amounts. If there are no unaccounted billing records, the total amount of unaccounted amounts will be 0 yen.

[0056] The difference calculation means 7 calculates the difference between the total purchase amount, the total amount of discrepancies, and the total amount of unaccounted amounts, and the total invoice amount. If there are no errors in the invoice or in its reading, and there are no unaccounted invoice records, the total amount of discrepancies and the total amount of unaccounted amounts will both be 0 yen, so the difference between the total purchase amount and the total invoice amount will be 0 yen. If this is not the case, all discrepancies are identified and the total amount of discrepancies is calculated, and all unaccounted invoice records are identified and the total unaccounted amounts is calculated, so that the difference above will be 0 yen (this point will be discussed later with an example).

[0057] The display control means 8 displays various screens on a display (not shown) so that the user can view them.

[0058] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of an invoice matching system according to one embodiment. Specific explanations will be given below along with examples of screens displayed on a display. Note that Figure 4 is not intended to limit the processing operation, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate, some processing may be omitted, or additional processing may be performed.

[0059] To read a new invoice, the display control means 8 displays an invoice reading screen as shown in Fig. 5 on the display. The user then selects the "Select File" button or drags and drops a file to specify the invoice data. This causes the invoice reading means 1 to read the invoice data (step S1 in Fig. 4).

[0060] The display control means 8 then displays the read result display screen as shown in Fig. 6. The read result display screen includes the invoice, the supplier name and the total invoice amount identified by the invoice reading means 1 using the OCR function, artificial intelligence, etc. In addition, the supplier name and supplier code are previously associated in the invoice matching system, and the supplier code associated with the identified supplier name may also be included.

[0061] The total invoice amount may be incorrectly specified or may not be specified by the invoice reading means 1 (in which case the total invoice amount field will be left blank). Therefore, the invoice reading means 1 may accept the user's input of the correct value for the total invoice amount. The same applies to the customer name and customer code.

[0062] Next, in order to newly read in the purchase data, the display control means 8 displays a purchase data reading screen similar to that shown in Fig. 5 on the display. Then, the user specifies the purchase data. As a result, the purchase data reading means 2 reads the purchase data (step S2 in Fig. 4).

[0063] Then, the pairing means 3 pairs the billing record in the invoice data with the purchase record in the purchase data (step S3).Then, the total purchase amount calculation means 4 calculates the total purchase amount, which is the sum of the purchase amounts linked to the purchase records paired with any of the billing records (step S4).The display control means 8 displays a pairing result display screen showing the pairing result on the display.

[0064] Fig. 7A is a diagram showing a part of the pairing result display screen. The base of this screen is the invoice read in step S1 (the one shown in Fig. 1 is shown as an example). Then, the display control means 8 displays a mark (classification information) indicating the pairing result in association with each of the billing records A1 to A6. In the example of Fig. 7A, ◎ means that the pair is an amount-matching pair, △ means that the pair is an amount-mismatching pair, and no mark means that the record was not paired with any purchase record (any mark may be used instead of no mark).

[0065] For example, billing records A1 to A3 are paired with matching amounts, billing records A4 and A5 are paired with mismatching amounts, and billing record A6 is not paired with any purchase records. In this way, billing records with mismatching amounts or unpaired billing records can be easily identified from the screen in Figure 7A.

[0066] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a schematic view of another portion of the pairing result display screen. The total invoice amount is that shown in FIG. 6 and is the amount read by the invoice reading means 1 (or the amount subsequently set by the user). The total purchase amount is that calculated by the total purchase amount calculation means 4 in step S4 of FIG. 4. The total difference in amount and the total unaccounted amount are 0 yen at the time when pairing is simply performed (i.e., the time when the amount difference and the unaccounted amount, described below, have not been identified). The difference is the total invoice amount - (total purchase amount + total difference in amount + total unaccounted amount) = 5,800 - (5,250 + 0 + 0) = 550 yen, and is calculated by the difference calculation means 7.

[0067] If the result of pairing is a difference of 0 yen, the total invoice amount and the total purchase amount match, meaning there are no problems with the invoice. In this way, the user can complete the matching process simply by loading the invoice data and purchase data.

[0068] On the other hand, if the difference is not 0 yen as a result of pairing, it means that there is some kind of problem (for example, an incorrect amount on the invoice, an error in OCR or AI, unbilled or unaccounted). Even in this case, the user can easily understand the reason why the difference is not 0 yen by following the steps below.

[0069] Figure 7C is a diagram that shows a schematic representation of another portion of the pairing result display screen. This figure shows a list of unbilled purchase records that were not paired with any billing records as a result of pairing. In the example shown in this figure, of the purchase data illustrated in Figure 2, purchase record B6 is marked as unbilled. In this way, unbilled purchase records (i.e., purchases that have not been billed on the corresponding invoice) can be easily identified from the screen of Figure 7C.

[0070] 7D is a diagram showing another part of the pairing result screen. The base of this screen is the purchase data read in step S2 (shown in FIG. 2 as an example). Then, the display control means 8 displays marks (classification information) indicating the pairing results in association with each of the purchase records B1 to B6. The meaning of each mark is the same as in FIG. 7A.

[0071] For example, purchase records B1 to B3 are paired with matching amounts, purchase records B4 and B5 are paired with mismatching amounts, and purchase record B6 is not paired with any billing records. In this way, purchase records with mismatching amounts or unpaired purchase records can be easily identified from the screen in Figure 7D.

[0072] As shown in Figures 7C and 7D, purchase records B1 to B5 are paired with any of billing records A1 to A6 in the billing data illustrated in Figure 1. Therefore, the total purchase amount shown in Figure 7B is 5,250 yen, which is the sum of the purchase amounts linked to purchase records B1 to B5.

[0073] The screens shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D may be displayed on a single screen, or may be displayed on multiple screens.

[0074] The user then identifies the discrepancies and unaccounted amounts. As an example, the user selects billing record A4 as an amount mismatch pair in Fig. 7A In response to this, the display control means 8 displays an amount mismatch identification screen on the display.

[0075] 8A is a diagram showing a portion of the price discrepancy identification screen. On this screen, the display mode (e.g., color) of the triangle mark changes from that shown in FIG. 7A, and details of purchase record B4 paired with billing record A4 are superimposed.

[0076] 8B is a diagram showing another part of the amount discrepancy identification screen. This screen is displayed on the display by the display control means 8 when the triangle mark associated with billing record A4 is selected.

[0077] In addition to the details of the purchase record B4 paired with the billing record A4, a "billing amount" column is provided. The purchase amount in the purchase record B4 is 750 yen. However, according to the invoice (FIGS. 1 and 8A), the billing amount in the corresponding billing record A4 is 600 yen. Therefore, the user visually reads this "600 yen" and enters it in the "billing amount" column (FIG. 8C). In response, the amount difference identification means 5 identifies -150 yen as the difference between the billing amount and the purchase amount (step S5 in FIG. 4).

[0078] As a result of the above, the display control means 8 updates the screen shown in Fig. 7A to that shown in Fig. 8D. That is, the mark associated with billing record A4 is changed to ◯, which means that the amount discrepancy has been manually set, and the difference of -150 yen is added.

[0079] Furthermore, the difference calculation means 7 calculates the total invoice amount - (total purchase amount + total difference in amount + total unaccounted amount) = 5,800 - (5,250 + (-150) + 0) = 700 yen (step S7). In this way, the difference calculation means 7 updates the difference each time an amount difference is identified for one invoice record. Then, the display control means 8 updates the screen shown in Figure 7B to that shown in Figure 8E. In other words, the total difference in amount is set to -150 yen, and the difference is set to 700 yen.

[0080] Next, as can be seen from the screen in Fig. 8D, billing record A5 also has an amount mismatch. Therefore, the user selects billing record A5 as an amount mismatch pair in Fig. 8D. In response, the display control means 8 displays an amount mismatch identification screen on the display.

[0081] 9A is a diagram showing a portion of the price discrepancy identification screen. On this screen, the display mode (e.g., color) of the triangle mark changes from that shown in FIG. 8D, and details of purchase record B5 paired with billing record A5 are superimposed.

[0082] 9B is a diagram showing another part of the amount discrepancy identification screen. This screen is displayed on the display by the display control means 8 when the triangle mark associated with billing record A5 is selected.

[0083] In addition to the details of the purchase record B5 paired with the billing record A5, a "billing amount" column is provided. The purchase amount in the purchase record B5 is 800 yen. However, according to the invoice (FIGS. 1 and 9A), the billing amount in the corresponding billing record A5 is 1,000 yen. Therefore, the user visually reads this "1,000 yen" and enters it in the "billing amount" column (FIG. 9C). In response, the amount discrepancy identification means 5 identifies 200 yen as the difference between the billing amount and the purchase amount (step S5 in FIG. 4).

[0084] Furthermore, the amount difference identification means 5 adds together the -150 yen identified in FIG. 8C and the 200 yen identified in FIG. 9C to obtain a total amount difference of 50 yen.

[0085] As a result of the above, the display control means 8 updates the screen shown in Fig. 8D to that shown in Fig. 9D. That is, the mark associated with billing record A5 is changed to O, which means that the amount discrepancy has been manually set, and the difference of 200 yen is added.

[0086] Furthermore, the difference calculation means 7 calculates the total invoice amount - (total purchase amount + total difference in amount + total unaccounted amount) = 5,800 - (5,250 + 50) + 0) = 500 yen (step S7). Then, the display control means 8 updates the screen shown in Fig. 8E to that shown in Fig. 9E. That is, the total difference in amount is set to 50 yen, and the difference is set to 500 yen.

[0087] Next, as can be seen from the screen of Figure 9D, billing record A6 is an unaccounted record that is not paired with any purchase record. Therefore, the user selects billing record A6 as an unaccounted record on the screen of Figure 9D. In response, the display control means 8 displays the unaccounted amount identification screen on the display.

[0088] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a schematic view of a portion of the unaccounted amount identification screen. This screen is displayed on the display by the display control means 8 when billing record A6 is selected. This screen shows that, according to the invoice (FIGS. 1 and 9D), the billing amount in billing record A6 is 500 yen. The user then visually reads this "500 yen" and enters it in the "billed amount" field (FIG. 10B). In response, the unaccounted amount identification means 6 identifies 500 yen as the unaccounted billing amount (step S6 in FIG. 4).

[0089] Furthermore, if there are other unaccounted invoice amounts, the unaccounted amount specifying means 6 calculates the total value of the unaccounted amounts (in this example, there are no other unaccounted invoice amounts).

[0090] As a result of the above, the display control means 8 updates the screen shown in Fig. 9D to that shown in Fig. 10C. That is, the mark associated with the billing record A6 is changed to ■ (classification information), which means that it is not yet recorded, and the unrecorded amount of 500 yen is added.

[0091] Furthermore, the difference calculation means 7 calculates the total invoice amount - (total purchase amount + total difference + total unaccounted amount) = 5,800 - (5,250 + 50) + 500) = 0 yen (step S7). In this way, the difference calculation means 7 updates the difference each time the unaccounted amount for one invoice record is identified. Then, the display control means 8 updates the screen shown in FIG. 9E to that shown in FIG. 10D. In other words, the total unaccounted amount is set to 500 yen, and the difference is set to 0 yen.

[0092] If the difference becomes 0 yen in this way, all the reasons why the total invoice amount and the total purchase amount do not match will be identified.

[0093] In this way, according to this embodiment, billing records in the invoice data are automatically paired with purchase records in the purchase data. Then, billing records with discrepancies in amounts, unaccounted billing records, and unbilled purchase records are identified and displayed visually. Therefore, even if the total billed amount and the total purchase amount do not match (the difference is not 0 yen), the user can quickly understand the cause, simplifying the reconciliation process.

[0094] Any part or all of the functional units described in this specification may be realized by a program. The program mentioned in this specification may be non-transitoryly recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0095] Such a program may be installed on a computer (a so-called native application), in which case the program may be downloaded to the computer via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet, or may be distributed in a state where it is installed on the computer.

[0096] Alternatively, the program may be one that runs on a web browser (a so-called web app), in which case the computer may receive the program written in a markup language file (e.g., an HTML file) from a server and execute it using the web browser.

[0097] Based on the above description, a person skilled in the art may be able to conceive additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the aspects of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. For example, inventions that extract only a part of each embodiment or inventions that combine multiple embodiments are naturally envisioned. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention, which can be derived from the content defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0098] For example, what is described herein as a single device (including what is depicted as a single device in the drawings) may be realized by multiple devices. Conversely, what is described herein as multiple devices (including what is depicted as multiple devices in the drawings) may be realized by a single device. Alternatively, some or all of the means or functions included in a device (e.g., a server) may be included in another device (e.g., a user terminal). Furthermore, a "system" may consist of a single device, or may consist of two or more devices (e.g., a server and a user terminal, or multiple user terminals).

[0099] Furthermore, not all of the features described in this specification are essential requirements. In particular, features described in this specification but not included in the claims can be considered optional additional features.

[0100] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the term "means" in this specification and claims refers to hardware itself (or a function realized by hardware) and does not include a human being (or human mental activity).

[0101] Furthermore, the functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory.

[0102] Also, in this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or executes the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed in this specification or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or execute the described functions.

[0103] If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0104] It should be noted that the applicant is merely aware of the inventions disclosed in the documents listed in the "Prior Art Documents" section of this specification, and the present invention does not necessarily aim to solve the problems of the disclosed inventions. The problem that the present invention aims to solve should be determined by taking into consideration the entire specification. For example, if this specification states that a specific configuration achieves a certain effect, it can also be said that the present invention solves a problem that is the reverse of that effect. However, it is not necessarily intended that such a specific configuration be an essential requirement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Invoice reading method 2. Purchase data reading method 3 Pairing Method 4. Total purchase amount calculation method 5. How to identify price discrepancies 6. Methods for identifying unrecorded amounts 7. Difference calculation method 8 Display Control Means

Claims

1. a step in which a bill reading means reads bill data including a plurality of billing records and information on a billing total amount, links the billing amount to each of the plurality of billing records, and identifies the billing total amount; A step in which a purchase data reading means reads purchase data including a plurality of purchase records each associated with a purchase amount; A pairing means pairs each of the plurality of billing records with each of the plurality of purchase records, and each of the billing records is A first billing record that can be paired with any purchase record and in which the billing amount linked to the billing record matches the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; A second billing record that can be paired with any purchase record but the billing amount linked to the billing record does not match the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; a third invoice record that has not been paired with any purchase record; A step in which a total purchase amount calculation means calculates a total purchase amount which is the sum of purchase amounts linked to purchase records paired with any of the billing records; A step in which an amount difference identifying means identifies an amount difference between the billing amount linked to the second billing record and the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record for the second billing record, and calculates the total amount of the amount difference; an unaccounted amount specifying means for specifying the billing amount linked to the second billing record as the unaccounted amount for the third billing record, and calculating the total amount of the unaccounted amount; An invoice matching method including a step in which a difference calculation means calculates the difference between (1) the total amount of the purchase total, the total amount of the difference in amount, and the total amount of the unaccounted amount, and (2) the total amount of the invoice.

2. 2. The invoice matching method according to claim 1, wherein the invoice reading means reads the invoice data that is an electronic version of a paper invoice.

3. 3. The invoice matching method according to claim 1, wherein said invoice reading means accepts a user setting of said total invoice amount after reading said invoice.

4. 3. The invoice matching method according to claim 1, wherein the pairing means identifies a purchase record that has not been paired with any billing record as an unbilled purchase record.

5. 3. The invoice matching method according to claim 1, wherein the difference calculation means updates the difference each time the amount difference for one of the second invoice records is identified.

6. 3. The invoice matching method according to claim 1, wherein the difference calculation means updates the difference each time the unrecorded amount for one of the third records is identified.

7. The invoice matching method described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount difference identification means identifies the amount difference from the difference between the billing amount of the second billing record set by the user and the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record.

8. 3. The invoice matching method according to claim 1, wherein the unaccounted amount specifying means specifies the unaccounted amount from the billing amount of the third billing record set by the user.

9. The billing record includes at least one of information of a date, a product name, an order number, a unit price, a quantity, and a billing amount; The purchase record includes at least one piece of information including a date, a product name, an order number, a unit price, a quantity, and a purchase amount; 3. The invoice matching method according to claim 1, wherein the pairing means performs pairing based on information contained in the billing record and information contained in the purchase record.

10. a display control means for selecting a display mode based on the classification by the pairing means; Displaying first classification information in association with the billing record classified into the first billing record; The bill matching method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a step of displaying second classification information in association with the billing record classified into the second billing record.

11. The invoice matching method according to claim 10, wherein the display control means displays third classification information based on the fact that an unaccounted amount for the third invoice record has been identified.

12. The invoice matching method according to claim 10, wherein the display control means displays a screen for accepting a setting of the invoice amount for the second invoice record from the user based on the selection of the second classification information.

13. a bill reading means for reading bill data including a plurality of billing records and information on a billing total amount, linking the billing amount to each of the plurality of billing records, and specifying the billing total amount; a purchase data reading means for reading purchase data including a plurality of purchase records each associated with a purchase amount; Pairing each of the plurality of billing records with each of the plurality of purchase records, and A first billing record that can be paired with any purchase record and in which the billing amount linked to the billing record matches the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; A second billing record that can be paired with any purchase record but the billing amount linked to the billing record does not match the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; a third invoice record that has not been paired with any purchase record; a total purchase amount calculation means for calculating a total purchase amount, which is the sum of purchase amounts linked to purchase records paired with any of the billing records; A difference amount determination means for determining a difference amount between the billing amount linked to the second billing record and the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record, and calculating the total amount of the difference amount; an unaccounted amount specifying means for specifying the billing amount linked to the second billing record as an unaccounted amount for the third billing record and calculating the total amount of the unaccounted amounts; An invoice matching system comprising: (1) a difference calculation means for calculating the difference between the total amount of the purchase total, the total amount of the difference in amount, and the total amount of the unrecorded amount, and (2) the total amount of the invoice.

14. One or more computers a bill reading means for reading bill data including a plurality of billing records and information on a billing total amount, linking the billing amount to each of the plurality of billing records, and specifying the billing total amount; a purchase data reading means for reading purchase data including a plurality of purchase records each associated with a purchase amount; Pairing each of the plurality of billing records with each of the plurality of purchase records, and A first billing record that can be paired with any purchase record and in which the billing amount linked to the billing record matches the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; A second billing record that can be paired with any purchase record but the billing amount linked to the billing record does not match the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record; a third invoice record that has not been paired with any purchase record; a total purchase amount calculation means for calculating a total purchase amount, which is the sum of purchase amounts linked to purchase records paired with any of the billing records; A difference amount determination means for determining a difference amount between the billing amount linked to the second billing record and the purchase amount linked to the paired purchase record, and calculating the total amount of the difference amount; an unaccounted amount specifying means for specifying the billing amount linked to the second billing record as an unaccounted amount for the third billing record and calculating the total amount of the unaccounted amounts; An invoice matching program that functions as a difference calculation means that calculates the difference between (1) the total amount of the purchase total, the total amount of the difference in amount, and the total amount of the unaccounted amount, and (2) the total amount of the invoice.

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