Inventory management system, inventory management method, and inventory management program

Abstract

To appropriately manage inventory.SOLUTION: According to one embodiment, an inventory management system includes: an issuance part that issues inventory IDs corresponding to received commodities; an acquirement part that acquires inventory information including a quantity, an expiration date, and a storage location of inventory corresponding to the inventory ID; an updating part that updates the inventory information; and a determination part that determines whether there is inventory that meets ordering conditions based on the inventory information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002]

[0003] Conventionally, systems for managing inventory of products such as disaster prevention supplies have been used. For example, Cited Document 1 describes a disaster prevention supply stockpiling management system for managing the stockpiling status of disaster prevention supplies to be used in the event of a disaster, the system comprising: a product name storage unit for storing product name information including the product name and price of the disaster prevention supplies; a location storage unit for storing location information of bases where the disaster prevention supplies are stockpiled; a staff member storage unit for storing staff member information on the person in charge of stockpiling the disaster prevention supplies at each base; an item information control storage unit for calculating which product name of the disaster prevention supplies is stockpiled by which staff member at which base, and the number of days remaining until the expiration date of the disaster prevention supplies, and storing these as item information; a remaining days notification unit for notifying the staff member of the number of days remaining; a display unit for displaying at least the product name, quantity, and number of days remaining of the item information on a screen; and an item information sorting unit for sorting the item information displayed on the display unit in order of the number of remaining days. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-128353 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, users could grasp the expiration date and quantity of stock, but they had to decide for themselves when and how much to order for products that were running low, which resulted in excess or shortage of stock and made it difficult to properly manage inventory.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to realize appropriate inventory management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, the inventory management system includes an issuing unit that issues an inventory ID corresponding to a received product, an acquiring unit that acquires inventory information including the quantity of inventory corresponding to the inventory ID, expiration date, and storage location, an updating unit that updates the inventory information, and a determining unit that determines whether there is inventory that meets the ordering conditions based on the inventory information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, appropriate inventory management can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a stock management system 1000. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device 100. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the inventory management device 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of inventory information 121. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of order information 122. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a vendor terminal 3. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process at the time of arrival. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a typical process upon arrival. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process at the time of updating. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing at the time of ordering. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommendation screen. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process at the time of arrival. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a typical process upon arrival. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process at the time of updating. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the inventory management device 1. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 2. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process at the time of arrival. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a typical process upon arrival. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the description of the specification and drawings relating to each embodiment, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] [First embodiment] <System configuration> First, an overview of the inventory management system 1000 according to the first embodiment will be described. The inventory management system 1000 is an information processing system for appropriately managing inventory. The inventory management system 1000 can order products from vendors and manage the received products as inventory. Examples of products include, but are not limited to, disaster prevention supplies, food, drinking water, consumables, and household goods. Inventory refers to stored products.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an inventory management system 1000. As shown in FIG. 1, the inventory management system 1000 includes an inventory management device 1, a user terminal 2, and a vendor terminal 3, which are communicatively connected to each other via a network N. The network N may be, for example, a wired local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, the Internet, a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination of these. In the example of FIG. 1, the inventory management system 1000 includes one each of the inventory management device 1, the user terminal 2, and the vendor terminal 3, but may also include multiple of each.

[0012] The inventory management device 1 is an information processing device that stores and manages product (inventory) information. The inventory management device 1 is, for example, but not limited to, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a server device, or a microcomputer. In the example of FIG. 1, the inventory management device 1 is a single information processing device, but may also be realized as a system consisting of multiple information processing devices connected via a network N.

[0013] The user terminal 2 is an information processing device used by a user. A user is any person who orders products and manages inventory using the inventory management system 1000. The user terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but is not limited to these. The user terminal 2 is equipped with a display device. Furthermore, at least a portion of the user terminal 2 is equipped with a photographing device.

[0014] The vendor terminal 3 is an information processing device used by a vendor. A vendor is a business that sells products to users in response to orders from users. The vendor terminal 3 is, for example, but is not limited to, a PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a server device, or a microcomputer. In the example of FIG. 1, the vendor terminal 3 is one information processing device, but may also be realized as a system consisting of multiple information processing devices connected via a network N.

[0015] <Hardware configuration of information processing device 100> Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, a communication I / F 104, an input device 105, an output device 106, and a drive device 107, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

[0016] The processor 101 controls each component of the information processing device 100 and realizes the functions of the information processing device 100 by loading various programs including an OS (Operating System) stored in the storage 103 into the memory 102 and executing the programs. The processor 101 is, for example, but not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0017] The memory 102 is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or a combination thereof. The ROM is, for example, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a combination thereof. The RAM is, for example, but not limited to, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0018] The storage 103 stores various programs including an OS and data. The storage 103 is, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or storage class memories (SCM), but is not limited to these.

[0019] The communication I / F 104 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 100 to an external device via the network N and controlling communication. The communication I / F 104 is, for example, Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark), but is not limited to these.

[0020] The input device 105 is a device for inputting information to the information processing device 100. The input device 105 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a microphone, a scanner, an imaging device (camera), various sensors, or an operation button, but is not limited to these.

[0021] The output device 106 is a device for outputting information from the information processing device 100. The output device 106 is, for example, a display device (display), a projector, a printer, a speaker, or a vibrator, but is not limited to these.

[0022] The drive device 107 is a device that reads and writes data from and to the recording medium 108. The drive device 107 is, for example, but not limited to, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, or an SD card reader. The recording medium 108 is, for example, but not limited to, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an FD (Floppy Disk), an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a USB (registered trademark) memory, or an SD card.

[0023] In this embodiment, the program may be written to the memory 102 or the storage 103 during the manufacturing stage of the information processing device 100, or may be provided to the information processing device 100 via the network N, or may be provided to the information processing device 100 via a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as the recording medium 108.

[0024] <Functional configuration of inventory management device 1> Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the inventory management device 1. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the inventory management device 1. As shown in Figure 3, the inventory management device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0025] The communication unit 11 is realized by the communication I / F 104. The communication unit 11 transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 2 and the vendor terminal 3 via the network N.

[0026] The storage unit 12 is realized by the memory 102 and the storage 103. The storage unit 12 stores inventory information 121, order information 122, and order condition information 123.

[0027] The inventory information 121 is information related to the user's inventory. The inventory information 121 includes, for example, information indicating the product ID, order number, type, product name, quantity, expiration date, storage location, price, order date, arrival date, and vendor of the inventory.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of inventory information 121. The inventory information 121 in FIG. 4 includes information items such as "inventory ID," "product ID," "order number," "type," "product name," "quantity," "expiration date," and "storage location." The "inventory ID" is identification information that uniquely identifies inventory. The "product ID" is identification information that uniquely identifies a product set by a vendor. The "order number" is identification information that uniquely identifies an order corresponding to inventory. The "type," "product name," "quantity," "expiration date," and "storage location" are information that indicate the type of inventory, product name, quantity, expiration date, and storage location, respectively. For example, the inventory st01 with an "inventory ID" of "st01" has a "product ID" of m001, a "type" of food, a "product name" of hardtack X, a "quantity" of 100, a "expiration date" of 2024 / 4 / 28, and a "storage location" of the 2nd floor warehouse.

[0029] It should be noted that the inventory information 121 is not limited to the example in Fig. 4. The inventory information 121 may not include some of the above information items, or may include information items other than those described above. Furthermore, the quantity is not limited to the number of items in stock, but may also be the weight, volume, or number of lots of stock.

[0030] The order information 122 is information related to an order from a user to a vendor. The order information 122 includes, for example, information indicating the product ID, type, product name, quantity, expiration date, price, order number, order date, expected arrival date, delivery company, and vendor (order recipient) of the ordered product.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the order information 122. The order information 122 in FIG. 5 includes information items such as "product ID," "order number," "type," "product name," "quantity," "best before date," "order date," and "vendor." The "order number" is identification information that uniquely identifies an order. The "product ID" is identification information that uniquely identifies a product set by a vendor. The "type," "product name," "quantity," "best before date," "order date," and "vendor" are information that indicate the type, product name, quantity, best before date, order date, and vendor of the ordered product, respectively. For example, order or001 with an "order number" of "or001" has the following information: "type": foodstuffs; "product name": hardtack X; "quantity": 100; "best before date": 2024 / 4 / 28; "order date": 2024 / 3 / 20; and "vendor": retailer A.

[0032] Note that the order information 122 is not limited to the example in Fig. 5. The order information 122 may not include some of the above information items, or may include information items other than those above. Furthermore, the quantity is not limited to the number of products, but may also be the weight, volume, or lot size of the products.

[0033] The ordering condition information 123 is information indicating one or more ordering conditions. The ordering conditions are conditions for identifying products for which additional products should be ordered. The ordering conditions may be preset as defaults in the inventory management device 1, or may be arbitrarily set by the user. The ordering conditions are set for each type of inventory based on at least one of the inventory quantity and expiration date, such as "drinking water with an expiration date of one month or less," "quantity of drinking water is 100 or less," and "quantity of drinking water with an expiration date of one month or less is 100 or less."

[0034] The control unit 13 is realized by the processor 101 reading and executing a program from the memory 102 and working in cooperation with other hardware components. The control unit 13 controls the overall operation of the inventory management device 1. The control unit 13 includes an issuing unit 131, an acquiring unit 132, a generating unit 133, an updating unit 134, a determining unit 135, a recommending unit 136, and an ordering unit 137.

[0035] In response to a request from the user terminal 2, the issuing unit 131 issues an inventory ID corresponding to the received product, generates a record of the inventory information 121 corresponding to the issued inventory ID, and stores it in the storage unit 12.

[0036] The acquisition unit 132 acquires inventory information 121 including the inventory quantity, expiration date, and storage location corresponding to the inventory ID, and stores it in the storage unit 12.

[0037] The generation unit 133 generates an ID image corresponding to the inventory ID issued by the issuing unit 131 (including the inventory ID as information), and transmits the ID image to the user terminal 2.

[0038] The update unit 134 updates the inventory information 121 in response to a request from the user terminal 2.

[0039] The determining unit 135 determines whether there is stock that satisfies the order conditions based on the inventory information 121 and the order condition information 123.

[0040] The recommendation unit 136 recommends ordering the same type of product as the stock that the determination unit 135 has determined to satisfy the ordering conditions.

[0041] The ordering unit 137 places an order with the vendor for the same type of product as the stock that the determining unit 135 has determined to satisfy the ordering conditions.

[0042] The functional configuration of the inventory management device 1 is not limited to the above example. For example, the inventory management device 1 may have some of the above functional configuration, with the user terminal 2 having the rest. The inventory management device 1 may also have functional configurations other than those described above. Each functional configuration of the inventory management device 1 may be realized by software, as described above, or by hardware such as an IC chip, a SoC (System on Chip), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), or a microcomputer.

[0043] <Functional configuration of user terminal 2> Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the user terminal 2. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the user terminal 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0044] The communication unit 21 is realized by the communication I / F 104. The communication unit 21 transmits and receives information to and from the inventory management device 1 and the vendor terminal 3 via the network N.

[0045] The storage unit 22 is realized by the memory 102 and the storage 103. The storage unit 22 stores ID image information 221.

[0046] The ID image information 221 is information indicating an ID image. The ID image is an image including an inventory ID as information. The ID image is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, or a text image indicating the inventory ID, but is not limited to these. The ID image may include information other than the inventory ID.

[0047] The control unit 23 is realized by the processor 101 reading and executing a program from the memory 102 and working in cooperation with other hardware components. The control unit 23 controls the overall operation of the user terminal 2. The control unit 23 includes a display unit 231, a printing unit 232, and a reading unit 233.

[0048] The display unit 231 controls the display device of the user terminal 2 and displays a screen that enables the user to use the inventory management system 1000.

[0049] The printing unit 232 controls a printing machine to which the user terminal 2 is connected, and causes the printing machine to print an ID image.

[0050] The reading unit 233 controls the photographing device of the user terminal 3, causes the photographing device to photograph an image, and reads information contained in the photographed image. Specifically, the reading unit 233 reads at least a part of the inventory information 121 from an inventory image obtained by photographing inventory or its packaging materials (bags, containers, boxes, cardboard boxes, etc.).

[0051] The functional configuration of the user terminal 2 is not limited to the above example. For example, the user terminal 2 may have some of the above functional configuration, with the inventory management device 1 having the rest. The user terminal 2 may also have functional configurations other than those described above. Each functional configuration of the user terminal 2 may be realized by software, as described above, or by hardware such as an IC chip, SoC, LSI, or microcomputer.

[0052] <Functional configuration of vendor terminal 3> Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the vendor terminal 3. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the vendor terminal 3. As shown in Fig. 7, the vendor terminal 3 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33.

[0053] The communication unit 31 is realized by the communication I / F 104. The communication unit 31 transmits and receives information to and from the inventory management device 1 and the user terminal 2 via the network N.

[0054] The storage unit 32 is realized by the memory 102 and the storage 103. The storage unit 32 stores product information 321 and order information 322.

[0055] The product information 321 is information about products sold by a vendor, and includes, for example, information indicating the product ID (identification information), type, product name, quantity, expiration date, and price of the product.

[0056] The order information 322 is information relating to orders received by a vendor from a user. The order information 322 includes, for example, information indicating the type of ordered product, product name, quantity, expiration date, price, order number, order date, expected arrival date, delivery company, and user (orderer).

[0057] The control unit 33 is realized by the processor 101 reading and executing a program from the memory 102 and working in cooperation with other hardware components. The control unit 33 controls the overall operation of the vendor terminal 3. The control unit 33 includes an order receiving unit 331.

[0058] The order receiving unit 331 performs order receiving processing in response to an order from a user. For example, the order receiving unit 331 generates order information 322 and stores it in the storage unit 32. The order receiving unit 331 also notifies the vendor that the order has been received and makes arrangements for delivery of the product.

[0059] The functional configuration of the vendor terminal 3 is not limited to the above example. For example, the vendor terminal 3 may have some of the above functional configuration, with the inventory management device 1 having the rest. The vendor terminal 3 may also have functional configurations other than those described above. Each functional configuration of the vendor terminal 3 may be realized by software, as described above, or by hardware such as an IC chip, SoC, LSI, or microcomputer.

[0060] <Processing upon arrival> Next, a description will be given of the processing at the time of arrival executed by the inventory management system 1000. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing at the time of arrival. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a model of the processing at the time of arrival.

[0061] (Step S101) When the product m ordered from the vendor arrives (receives), the user operates the user terminal 2 to log in to the inventory management system 1000 and issue an inventory ID corresponding to the product m (step S101). Specifically, first, in response to the user's operation, the display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays a screen for issuing an inventory ID, and the user performs an operation to issue an inventory ID on this screen. Next, in response to the user's operation to issue an inventory ID, the user terminal 2 requests the inventory management device 1 to issue an inventory ID. Then, in response to the request to issue an inventory ID, the issuing unit 131 of the inventory management device 1 issues a unique inventory ID that does not overlap with any inventory IDs that have already been issued, and transmits the issued inventory ID to the user terminal 2. The issuing unit 131 also generates a record of the inventory information 121 corresponding to the issued inventory ID and stores it in the storage unit 12.

[0062] (Step S102) Next, the user registers the inventory information 121 of the product m (step S102). The following two methods are given as examples of how to register the inventory information 121.

[0063] (1) Registration Method 1 Registration method 1 is a method in which the user inputs inventory information 121. Specifically, first, in response to a user operation, the display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays a screen for registering the inventory information 121, and the user inputs the inventory information 121 on this screen and performs an operation to register the inventory information 121. Next, in response to the user's registration operation, the user terminal 2 transmits inventory information 121 including the inventory ID issued in step S101 and other inventory information 121 (quantity, etc.) input by the user to the inventory management device 1. Then, the acquisition unit 132 of the inventory management device 1 acquires the inventory information 121 transmitted from the user terminal 2 and stores it in the storage unit 12 as inventory information 121 corresponding to the inventory ID issued in step S101. This registers the inventory information of product m.

[0064] (2) Registration Method 2 Registration method 2 is a method of extracting inventory information 121 from order information 122. In this method, when a user logs in to the inventory management system 1000, the inventory management device 1 transmits the user's order information 122 to the user terminal 2. Specifically, first, in response to a user operation, the display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays a screen for registering the inventory information 121. On this screen, the user selects the order information 122 for product m and performs an operation to register the inventory information 121. Next, in response to the user's registration operation, the user terminal 2 transmits a registration request for the inventory information 121 to the inventory management device 1, the registration request including the inventory ID issued in step S101 and the order information 122 selected by the user. Then, the acquisition unit 132 of the inventory management device 1 extracts the inventory information 121 from the order information 122 selected by the user and stores it in the storage unit 12 as the inventory information 121 corresponding to the inventory ID issued in step S101. This registers the inventory information for product m.

[0065] The process of extracting the inventory information 121 from the order information 122 may be performed by the user terminal 2. In this case, instead of the order information 122 selected by the user, the user terminal 2 transmits to the inventory management device 1 information indicating the order information 122 selected by the user (such as an order number) and the inventory information 121 extracted from the order information 122.

[0066] Furthermore, registration methods 1 and 2 may be used in combination. For example, it is conceivable that the user inputs the storage location of product m (registration method 1), and the type and product name of product m are extracted from the order information 122 (registration method 2).

[0067] (Step S103) Next, the user generates an ID image (step S103). Specifically, first, in response to a user operation, the display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays a screen for generating an ID image, and the user selects product m on this screen and performs an operation to generate an ID image. Next, in response to the user's generation operation, the user terminal 2 transmits the inventory ID of product m and a request to generate an ID image to the inventory management device 1. Then, the generation unit 133 of the inventory management device 1 generates an ID image including the inventory ID of product m as information, and transmits the generated ID image to the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 stores the information of the ID image of product m received from the inventory management device 1 in the storage unit 22 as ID image information 221.

[0068] The ID image may be generated by the user terminal 2. The ID image im in FIG. 9 is a QR code (registered trademark), but is not limited to this. The ID image may also include inventory information 121 other than the inventory ID. For example, the ID image may be an image including a QR code (registered trademark) including the inventory ID as information, and other inventory information 121 written in text (product name, expiration date, etc.). This allows the user to easily understand the other inventory information 121 (product name, expiration date, etc.) from the ID image.

[0069] (Step S104) Next, the user prints the ID image (step S104). Specifically, first, in response to a user operation, the display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays a screen for printing an ID image, and the user selects the ID image of product m on this screen and performs an operation to print the ID image. Next, the printing unit 232 of the user terminal 2 transmits the ID image to a printer connected to the user terminal 2, and the printer prints the ID image. Thereafter, the user affixes the printed ID image to product m or its packaging in a visible location, and stores (stores) product m in a desired storage location. Thereafter, product m is managed as inventory.

[0070] <Processing when updating> Next, a process executed by the inventory management system 1000 when updating the inventory information 121 will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the update process. Note that the inventory information 121 is updated when inventory is used or when an inventory is taken.

[0071] (Step S201) First, the user reads the ID image attached to the inventory (step S201). Specifically, first, in response to a user operation, the reading unit 233 of the user terminal 2 controls the photographing device of the user terminal 2 to photograph the inventory or its packaging material and acquire an inventory image including the ID image. Next, the reading unit 233 reads the inventory ID from the ID image included in the inventory image, requests inventory information 121 of the read inventory ID from the inventory management device 1, and acquires the inventory information 121 corresponding to the inventory ID from the inventory management device 1. The display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays an update screen for the acquired inventory information 121.

[0072] (Step S202) Next, the user compares the inventory information 121 displayed on the update screen with the current inventory status (quantity, storage location, etc.), and if there is a discrepancy between the two, inputs update information from the update screen (step S202). The update information is inventory information 121 that indicates the current inventory status. After completing input of the update information, the user performs an update operation. In response to the update operation by the user, the user terminal 2 transmits update information including the inventory ID read in step S201 to the inventory management device 1.

[0073] (Step S203) When the update unit 134 of the inventory management device 1 acquires the update information from the user terminal 2, it updates the inventory information 121 corresponding to the inventory ID read in step S201, which is stored in the storage unit 12, to the update information (step S203). As a result, the inventory information 121 of the inventory whose inventory ID was read in step S201 is updated to inventory information 121 according to the current inventory status.

[0074] Alternatively, the user may take an inventory image showing the quantity of stock, and the reading unit 233 of the user terminal 2 may read the quantity of stock from the inventory image. This eliminates the need for the user to count the quantity of stock. The process of reading the quantity of stock from the inventory image may be performed by the inventory management device 1.

[0075] It is also possible to omit step S201 and have the user terminal 2 display an update screen for the stock for which the stock information 121 is to be updated, and update the stock information 121 for that stock, by user operation.

[0076] <Processing when ordering> Next, a description will be given of the processing performed when placing an order by the inventory management system 1000. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed when placing an order. Note that this processing is performed periodically or when the inventory information 121 is updated.

[0077] (Step S301) First, the determination unit 135 of the inventory management device 1 references the inventory information 121 and the ordering condition information 123 to determine whether there is inventory that satisfies the ordering conditions (step S301). For example, if there is an ordering condition that "the quantity of drinking water is 100 or less," inventory st02 (natural water Y) in FIG. 4, which is drinking water with a quantity of 50, is determined to be inventory that satisfies the ordering conditions. If there is no inventory that satisfies the ordering conditions (step S301: NO), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is inventory that satisfies the ordering conditions (step S301: YES), the process proceeds to step S302.

[0078] (Step S302) The recommendation unit 136 recommends ordering products of the same type as the stock that the determination unit 135 has determined to satisfy the ordering conditions. Specifically, first, the recommendation unit 136 acquires product information 321 of products of the same type as the stock that the determination unit 135 has determined to satisfy the ordering conditions from one or more vendor terminals 3. Next, the recommendation unit 136 refers to the product information 321 of each product, and selects one or more products as products to recommend for ordering based on at least one of the price, quantity, and expiration date of each product.

[0079] The recommendation unit 136 recommends, for example, the same product as the last ordered product, the product with the lowest lot price, the product with the lowest unit price, the product with the shortest expiration date, the product with the longest expiration date, the product with the largest quantity per lot, the product with the highest rating, or the product that has just started selling. The conditions for the products recommended by the recommendation unit 136 may be set in advance or may be arbitrarily set by the user.

[0080] The recommendation unit 136 may also recommend a quantity to order for the product. The recommended quantity may be set as a default, may be arbitrarily set by the user, may be the quantity ordered last time, or may be a quantity according to the consumption rate of the product calculated from the inventory information 121.

[0081] The recommendation unit 136 may also recommend accompanying products along with the product recommended for ordering. The accompanying products are of a different type from the product recommended for ordering and are advantageous when used together with the product recommended for ordering. For example, if the product recommended for ordering is drinking water, an accompanying product may be a powder that is dissolved in drinking water to change the taste or viscosity. The accompanying products may be set in advance by the vendor. For example, the vendor may set products that it wishes to cross-sell with the product recommended for ordering, new products, products that it wishes to promote, etc. as accompanying products. The accompanying products may also be selected by the recommendation unit 136 based on the sales status of the products. For example, the recommendation unit 136 selects, as accompanying products, products that are often ordered together with the product recommended for ordering or products that are often ordered by purchasers of the product recommended for ordering.

[0082] When the recommendation unit 136 selects one or more products and quantities to recommend, it transmits product information 321 of the selected products and inventory information 121 of the stock that the determination unit 135 has determined to satisfy the ordering conditions to the user terminal 2. The display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays the product information 321 received from the inventory management device 1 on a recommendation screen.

[0083] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation screen. The recommendation screen in FIG. 12 is a recommendation screen when the drinking water stock meets the ordering conditions, and includes a message "Do you want to order drinking water?", current drinking water stock information 121, product information 321 of the recommended product, an order button B1, and a back button B2. In the example of FIG. 12, three products are recommended, and product information 321 of each product is displayed so that the user can select it. The order button B1 is a button for ordering the product selected by the user. The back button B2 is a button for returning to the previous screen.

[0084] (Step S303) Next, the user selects a product to order from the products displayed on the recommendation screen (step S303). In the example of Fig. 12, the top product (mineral water X from retailer A) is selected.

[0085] (Step S304) Then, the user places an order for the selected product (step S304). Specifically, the user performs an ordering operation (selects the order button B1) on the recommendation screen, and the user terminal 2 transmits product information 321 of the product selected by the user and an order request to the inventory management device 1. The ordering unit 137 of the inventory management device 1 references the product information 321 received from the user terminal 2 and places an order for the product selected by the user. The order receiving unit 331 of the vendor terminal 3 generates order information 322 corresponding to the order from the inventory management device 1 and stores it in the storage unit 32. The order receiving unit 331 also notifies the vendor that the order has been received and makes arrangements for delivery of the product, etc. The order receiving unit 331 also transmits the order information 322 to the inventory management device 1. The order receiving unit 137 of the inventory management device 1 stores the order information 322 in the storage unit 12 as order information 122.

[0086] When the order information 322 is sent to the user terminal 2 by e-mail or the like, the user may register the order information 122 in the inventory management device 1 via the user terminal 2. In addition, the order for the product may be placed without going through the inventory management device 1.

[0087] Furthermore, the ordering unit 331 may automatically order the product recommended by the recommendation unit 136 from the vendor. This eliminates the need for the user to select the product to order, further reducing the burden on the user. In this case, the recommendation unit 136 may recommend only one product of the same type as the stock determined by the determination unit 135 to satisfy the ordering conditions.

[0088] <Summary> As described above, according to this embodiment, an inventory management system 1000 can be realized which includes an issuing unit 131 which issues an inventory ID corresponding to a received product, an acquiring unit 132 which acquires inventory information 121 including the quantity of inventory corresponding to the inventory ID, expiration date, and storage location, an updating unit 134 which updates the inventory information 121, and a determining unit 135 which determines whether there is inventory that satisfies the ordering conditions based on the inventory information 121.

[0089] This inventory management system 1000 automatically recommends products and quantities to order. By allowing users to order products according to these recommendations, the burden on the user of managing inventory and selecting and ordering products can be reduced, and excess or shortage of inventory can be prevented, enabling appropriate inventory management.

[0090] [Second embodiment] Next, an inventory management system 1000 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an ID image is attached to a received product or its packaging to manage inventory. In the second embodiment, an order information image is attached or attached in advance to a received product or its packaging. The case where the information is written will be described. Note that the description of the same configuration and processing as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0091] The order information image is an image that includes an order number as information. Examples of the order information image include, but are not limited to, a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, or a text image showing the order number. The order information image may also include order information 322 other than the order number (such as a product name). The order information image is generated based on the order information 322 held by the vendor, and is affixed to or written on the product or its packaging by the vendor or delivery company.

[0092] <Processing upon arrival> Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing when goods arrive, and Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the processing when goods arrive.

[0093] (Step S111) When the product m ordered from the vendor arrives (receives), the user operates the user terminal 2 to log in to the inventory management system 1000 and issue an inventory ID corresponding to the product m (step S111). Specifically, first, in response to the user's operation, the display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays a screen for issuing an inventory ID, and the user performs an operation to issue an inventory ID on this screen. Next, in response to the user's operation to issue an inventory ID, the user terminal 2 requests the inventory management device 1 to issue an inventory ID. Then, in response to the request to issue an inventory ID, the issuing unit 131 of the inventory management device 1 issues a unique inventory ID that does not overlap with any inventory IDs that have already been issued, and transmits the issued inventory ID to the user terminal 2. The issuing unit 131 also generates a record of the inventory information 121 corresponding to the issued inventory ID and stores it in the storage unit 12.

[0094] (Step S112) Next, the user reads the order information image attached to or written on the product m (step S112). In the example of Fig. 14, the order information image IM is a barcode, but as described above, the order information image IM is not limited to a barcode.

[0095] Specifically, first, in response to a user operation, the reading unit 233 of the user terminal 2 controls the photographing device of the user terminal 2 to photograph the inventory or its packaging material and obtain a product image including an order information image. Next, the reading unit 233 reads at least a portion of the inventory information 121 from the order information image included in the product image. The reading unit 233 may extract the inventory information 121 from the order information 322 read from the order information image, or may obtain, from the inventory management device 1, order information 122 corresponding to the order number read from the order information image and extract the inventory information 121 from the obtained order information 122.

[0096] (Step S113) Thereafter, the user registers the remaining stock information 121 of the product m (step S113). The remaining stock information 121 here refers to the stock information 121 (such as storage location) that could not be acquired in step S112.

[0097] Specifically, first, in response to a user operation, the display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays a screen for registering the inventory information 121, and the user inputs the remaining inventory information 121 on this screen and performs an operation to register the inventory information 121. Next, in response to the user's registration operation, the user terminal 2 transmits the inventory information 121, including the inventory ID issued in step S111, the inventory information 121 acquired in step S112, and the remaining inventory information 121 input in step S113, to the inventory management device 1. Then, the acquisition unit 132 of the inventory management device 1 acquires the inventory information 121 transmitted from the user terminal 2 and stores it in the storage unit 12 as the inventory information 121 corresponding to the inventory ID issued in step S111. This registers the inventory information of product m.

[0098] <Processing when updating> Next, a process executed by the inventory management system 1000 when updating the inventory information 121 will be described. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the update process. Note that the inventory information 121 is updated when inventory is used or when an inventory is taken.

[0099] (Step S211) First, the user reads the order information image attached to the inventory (step S211). Specifically, first, in response to a user operation, the reading unit 233 of the user terminal 2 controls the photographing device of the user terminal 2 to photograph the inventory or its packaging material and acquire an inventory image including the order information image. Next, the reading unit 233 reads the order number from the order information image included in the inventory image, requests the inventory management device 1 for inventory information 121 of the inventory ID corresponding to the read order number, and acquires the inventory information 121 corresponding to the inventory ID from the inventory management device 1. The display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays an update screen for the acquired inventory information 121.

[0100] (Step S212) Next, the user compares the inventory information 121 displayed on the update screen with the current inventory status (quantity, storage location, etc.), and if there is a discrepancy between the two, inputs update information from the update screen (step S212). The update information is inventory information 121 that indicates the current inventory status. After completing input of the update information, the user performs an update operation. In response to the update operation by the user, the user terminal 2 transmits the update information, including the inventory ID read in step S201, to the inventory management device 1.

[0101] (Step S213) When the update unit 134 of the inventory management device 1 acquires the update information from the user terminal 2, it updates the inventory information 121 corresponding to the inventory ID read in step S201, which is stored in the storage unit 12, to the update information (step S213). As a result, the inventory information 121 of the inventory whose inventory ID was read in step S201 is updated to inventory information 121 according to the current inventory status.

[0102] Alternatively, the user may take an inventory image showing the quantity of stock, and the reading unit 233 of the user terminal 2 may read the quantity of stock from the inventory image. This eliminates the need for the user to count the quantity of stock. The process of reading the quantity of stock from the inventory image may be performed by the inventory management device 1.

[0103] It is also possible to omit step S211 and have the user operate the user terminal 2 to display an update screen for the stock for which the stock information 121 is to be updated, and then update the stock information 121 for that stock.

[0104] <Summary> This embodiment not only achieves the same effects as the first embodiment, but also eliminates the need to print ID images and affix them to products or their packaging, further reducing the burden on users in managing inventory.

[0105] [Third embodiment] Next, an inventory management system 1000 according to a third embodiment will be described. In the first and second embodiments, a case where inventory is managed by attaching images to products or their packaging materials is described. In the third embodiment, a case where inventory is managed by attaching short-range wireless communication tags to products or their packaging materials is described. Note that a description of the same configurations and processes as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0106] <Functional configuration of inventory management device 1> The functional configuration of the inventory management device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the inventory management device 1. As shown in Fig. 16, the control unit 13 includes a writing unit 138 instead of the generating unit 133.

[0107] The writing unit 138 writes the inventory ID issued by the issuing unit 131 to the short-range wireless communication tag. The communication standard of the short-range wireless communication tag can be selected arbitrarily, such as NFC, RFID, IrDA, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The writing unit 138 may write inventory information 121 other than the inventory ID to the short-range wireless communication tag.

[0108] <Functional configuration of user terminal 2> Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the user terminal 2. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 17, the control unit 23 includes a reading unit 234 instead of the printing unit 232 and the reading unit 233.

[0109] The reading unit 234 controls the communication I / F of the user terminal 3 and reads the inventory ID from the short-range wireless communication tag attached to the inventory or its packaging material.

[0110] <Processing upon arrival> Next, a description will be given of the processing at the time of arrival executed by the inventory management system 1000. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing at the time of arrival. Figure 19 is a diagram showing a model of the processing at the time of arrival.

[0111] (Step S111) When the product m ordered from the vendor arrives (receives), the user operates the user terminal 2 to log in to the inventory management system 1000 and issue an inventory ID corresponding to the product m (step S111). Specifically, first, in response to the user's operation, the display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays a screen for issuing an inventory ID, and the user performs an operation to issue an inventory ID on this screen. Next, in response to the user's operation to issue an inventory ID, the user terminal 2 requests the inventory management device 1 to issue an inventory ID. Then, in response to the request to issue an inventory ID, the issuing unit 131 of the inventory management device 1 issues a unique inventory ID that does not overlap with any inventory IDs that have already been issued, and transmits the issued inventory ID to the user terminal 2. The issuing unit 131 also generates a record of the inventory information 121 corresponding to the issued inventory ID and stores it in the storage unit 12.

[0112] (Step S112) Next, the user registers the inventory information 121 of the product m (step S112). The method for registering the inventory information 121 is as described above.

[0113] (Step S113) Next, the user writes the inventory information 121 including the inventory ID to the short-range wireless communication tag tg (step S113). Specifically, in response to the user's operation, the writing unit 138 of the user terminal 2 writes the inventory ID to the IC chip of the short-range wireless communication tag tg by wire or wirelessly.

[0114] (Step S114) Next, the user attaches the short-range wireless communication tag tg to the product m or its packaging in a visible location (step S114), and stores (puts) the product m in a desired storage location. Thereafter, the product m is managed as inventory.

[0115] <Processing when updating> Next, a process executed by the inventory management system 1000 when updating the inventory information 121 will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the update process. Note that the inventory information 121 is updated when inventory is used or when an inventory is taken.

[0116] (Step S211) First, the user reads out the inventory ID from the short-range wireless communication tag attached to the inventory (step S211). Specifically, the reading unit 234 of the user terminal 2 controls the communication I / F, wirelessly communicates with the short-range wireless communication tag that the user terminal 2 has approached, and reads out the inventory information 121 including the inventory ID written in the short-range wireless communication tag. The display unit 231 of the user terminal 2 displays an update screen of the acquired inventory information 121.

[0117] (Step S212) Next, the user compares the inventory information 121 displayed on the update screen with the current inventory status (quantity, storage location, etc.), and if there is a discrepancy between the two, inputs update information from the update screen (step S212). The update information is inventory information 121 that indicates the current inventory status. After completing input of the update information, the user performs an update operation. In response to the update operation by the user, the user terminal 2 transmits the update information, including the inventory ID read in step S211, to the inventory management device 1.

[0118] (Step S213) When the update unit 134 of the inventory management device 1 acquires the update information from the user terminal 2, it updates the inventory information 121 corresponding to the inventory ID read in step S211, which is stored in the storage unit 12, to the update information (step S213). As a result, the inventory information 121 of the inventory whose inventory ID was read in step S211 is updated to inventory information 121 according to the current inventory status.

[0119] Alternatively, the user may take an inventory image showing the quantity of stock, and the reading unit 233 of the user terminal 2 may read the quantity of stock from the inventory image. This eliminates the need for the user to count the quantity of stock. The process of reading the quantity of stock from the inventory image may be performed by the inventory management device 1.

[0120] It is also possible to omit step S211 and have the user operate the user terminal 2 to display an update screen for the stock for which the stock information 121 is to be updated, and then update the stock information 121 for that stock.

[0121] Although the above describes the case where a user attaches a short-range wireless communication tag to a product or its packaging, a vendor may also attach a short-range wireless communication tag to a product or its packaging. In this case, the vendor writes order information 322, including an order number, to the short-range wireless communication tag. The reading unit 234 of the user terminal 2 may extract the inventory information 121 from the order information 322 wirelessly read from the short-range wireless communication tag, or may obtain, from the inventory management device 1, the order information 122 corresponding to the order number read from the short-range wireless communication tag and extract the inventory information 121 from the obtained order information 122.

[0122] <Summary> According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment, and in addition, it is possible to manage inventory using short-range wireless communication tags without reading images.

[0123] <Additional Notes> The present embodiment includes the following disclosure.

[0124] (Appendix 1) An issuing department that issues inventory IDs corresponding to received products; an acquisition unit that acquires inventory information including the quantity, expiration date, and storage location of the inventory corresponding to the inventory ID; an updating unit that updates the inventory information; a determination unit that determines whether there is stock that satisfies the ordering conditions based on the inventory information; An inventory management system comprising:

[0125] (Appendix 2) The system further includes a recommendation unit that recommends ordering products of the same type as the stock determined by the determination unit to satisfy the ordering conditions. 1. An inventory control system as described in Appendix 1.

[0126] (Appendix 3) When recommending an order for a product of the same type as the stock determined by the determination unit to satisfy the ordering conditions, the recommendation unit recommends one or more products of the same type based on at least one of the price, quantity, and expiration date of the products of the same type from one or more vendors. Attachment 2, an inventory management system.

[0127] (Appendix 4) The recommendation unit recommends an accompanying product along with the product recommended for ordering. Attachment 2, an inventory management system.

[0128] (Appendix 5) The apparatus further includes an ordering unit that orders the same type of product as the stock determined by the determining unit to satisfy the ordering conditions. 1. An inventory control system as described in Appendix 1.

[0129] (Appendix 6) The order conditions are set based on at least one of the quantity in stock and the expiration date. 1. An inventory control system as described in Appendix 1.

[0130] (Appendix 7) The inventory information is input by the user. 1. An inventory control system as described in Appendix 1.

[0131] (Appendix 8) The inventory information is extracted from product order information. 1. An inventory control system as described in Appendix 1.

[0132] (Appendix 9) The device further includes a reading unit that reads at least a part of the inventory information from an inventory image obtained by photographing the inventory or its packaging material. 1. An inventory control system as described in Appendix 1.

[0133] (Appendix 10) a generator for generating an ID image corresponding to the inventory ID; 1. An inventory control system as described in Appendix 1.

[0134] (Appendix 11) The inventory ID is further included in a writing unit that writes the inventory ID to a short-range wireless communication tag. 1. An inventory control system as described in Appendix 1.

[0135] (Appendix 12) The device further includes a reading unit that reads information written in the short-range wireless communication tag. 1. An inventory control system as described in Appendix 1.

[0136] (Appendix 13) The inventory management system An issuing step of issuing an inventory ID corresponding to the received product; an acquisition step of acquiring inventory information including the quantity, expiration date, and storage location of the inventory corresponding to the inventory ID; an updating step of updating the inventory information; a selection step of selecting a product that satisfies an order condition based on the inventory information; Inventory management method to carry out.

[0137] (Appendix 14) Inventory management system, An issuing step of issuing an inventory ID corresponding to the received product; an acquisition step of acquiring inventory information including the quantity, expiration date, and storage location of the inventory corresponding to the inventory ID; an updating step of updating the inventory information; a selection step of selecting a product that satisfies an order condition based on the inventory information; An inventory management program that executes the following:

[0138] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1: Inventory management device 2: User terminal 3: Vendor terminal 121:Inventory information 122: Ordering Information 123: Order conditions information 131: Publishing Department 132: Acquisition Department 133: Generation part 134:Update section 135: Judgment section 136: Recommendation Department 137: Ordering Department 138: Writing section 221: ID image information 231: Display section 232: Printing Department 233: Reading unit 234: Readout section 321:Product information 322: Order information 331: Order Department

Claims

1. an issuing unit that issues an inventory ID corresponding to the received product; an acquisition unit that acquires inventory information including the quantity, expiration date, and storage location of the inventory corresponding to the inventory ID; an updating unit that updates the inventory information; a determination unit that determines whether there is stock that satisfies the ordering conditions based on the inventory information; An inventory management system comprising:

2. The system further includes a recommendation unit that recommends ordering products of the same type as the stock determined by the determination unit to satisfy the ordering conditions. The inventory management system of claim 1 .

3. When recommending an order for a product of the same type as the stock determined by the determination unit to satisfy the ordering conditions, the recommendation unit recommends one or more products of the same type based on at least one of the price, quantity, and expiration date of the products of the same type from one or more vendors. The inventory management system of claim 2 .

4. The recommendation unit recommends an accompanying product along with the product recommended for ordering. The inventory management system of claim 2 .

5. The apparatus further includes an ordering unit that orders the same type of product as the stock determined by the determining unit to satisfy the ordering conditions. The inventory management system of claim 1 .

6. The order conditions are set based on at least one of the quantity in stock and the expiration date. The inventory management system of claim 1 .

7. The inventory information is input by the user. The inventory management system of claim 1 .

8. The inventory information is extracted from product order information. The inventory management system of claim 1 .

9. The device further includes a reading unit that reads at least a part of the inventory information from an inventory image obtained by photographing the inventory or its packaging material. The inventory management system of claim 1 .

10. a generating unit that generates an ID image corresponding to the inventory ID The inventory management system of claim 1 .

11. The inventory ID is further included in a writing unit that writes the inventory ID to a short-range wireless communication tag. The inventory management system of claim 1 .

12. The device further includes a reading unit that reads information written in the short-range wireless communication tag. The inventory management system of claim 1 .

13. The inventory management system an issuing step of issuing an inventory ID corresponding to the received product; an acquisition step of acquiring inventory information including the quantity, expiration date, and storage location of the inventory corresponding to the inventory ID; an updating step of updating the inventory information; a selection step of selecting a product that satisfies an order condition based on the inventory information; Inventory management method to carry out.

14. Inventory management system, an issuing step of issuing an inventory ID corresponding to the received product; an acquisition step of acquiring inventory information including the quantity, expiration date, and storage location of the inventory corresponding to the inventory ID; an updating step of updating the inventory information; a selection step of selecting a product that satisfies an order condition based on the inventory information; An inventory management program that executes the following:

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