Estimate preparation support system and estimate preparation support method, and program

Abstract

To provide an estimate preparation support system and an estimate preparation support method, and a program allowing everyone to easily and efficiently prepare an estimate that is visually easily understandable for a user.SOLUTION: An estimate preparation support system 1 comprises an input device 30, a storage device 20, a processing device 10, and a display device 40. The storage device 20 stores estimate detailed information related to a plurality of estimate items. The processing device 10 calculates estimate information on the basis of the estimate detailed information and information input to the input device. The processing device 10 displays a selection button on the display device 40. When the selection button is input, the processing device displays a list of the plurality of estimate items in a pop-up window on the display device 40 to display the plurality of estimate items. The processing device 10 acquires, from the storage device, the estimate detailed information and a selection box corresponding to the estimate item for the input selection button, and displays the acquired selection box and the estimate detailed information in a pop-up window on the display device 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an estimate creation support system, an estimate creation support method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Supports the creation of quotations based on customer specifications in manufacturing industries that produce individual orders Systems are being developed that are often part of the components of the products they manufacture. Create a quote based on the results.

[0003] An example of a technology for supporting the creation of such estimates is described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes an estimate creation support system that includes an estimate performance information storage means, an estimate performance information acquisition means, and an input means for receiving code input.

[0004] The quotation performance information storage means stores product specification information that indicates the product specifications and quotation performance information that indicates past quotation details for the product, linked together. The quotation performance information acquisition means acquires the quotation performance information stored in the quotation performance information storage means based on the product specification information. The product specification information includes a product specification code that indicates the standard specifications of the product and special specification information that indicates special specifications of the product. The quotation performance information acquisition means also acquires, from the quotation performance information storage means, quotation performance information that is linked to the product specification information that includes a product specification code that matches the code input to the input means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-32602 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it was necessary to have prior knowledge of the meaning of each digit of the product specification code before entering the product specification code. Furthermore, if any of the codes obtained by breaking down the product specification code entered by the user did not exist in any of the code masters, the processing device determined that the entered product specification code did not exist in the masters. The technology then describes a process in which the user is returned to the product specification code entry screen and is prompted to enter the product instruction code again.

[0007] Therefore, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult for users without prior knowledge of product specification codes to extract the desired quotation performance information, and in order to create a quotation using the system, it is essential that the user has knowledge of product specification codes, and the system is not easy for anyone to use.

[0008] In consideration of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an estimate creation support system, an estimate creation support method, and a program that are visually easy for users to understand and that allow anyone to create estimates easily and efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the present object, the quotation creation support system comprises an input device, a storage device, a processing device, and a display device. A user inputs data into the input device. The storage device stores detailed quotation information relating to multiple quotation items for creating a quotation. The processing device calculates quotation information based on the detailed quotation information stored in the storage device and information input into the input device. The display device displays various screens in response to instructions from the processing device. The processing device also displays selection buttons on the display device that allow the user to select multiple quotation items. When a selection button is pressed, a list of the multiple quotation items is displayed on the display device in a pop-up (a display element such as a window that appears to pop up in the foreground on a computer operation screen), allowing the user to select from the multiple quotation items. The processing device also retrieves from the storage device a selection box and quotation detail information that correspond to the quotation item for which the selection button was pressed, and displays the retrieved selection box and quotation detail information in a pop-up on the display device.

[0010] The estimate creation support method also includes the following processes (1) and (4). (1) A process of displaying on a display device selection buttons from which multiple quotation items can be selected for creating a quotation. (2) When the select button is pressed, a list of multiple quotation items is displayed as a pop-up on the display device, allowing the user to select from the multiple quotation items. (3) When a selection button is pressed, a process of obtaining a selection box corresponding to the quotation item of the selected selection button and quotation detail information from the storage device. (4) A process of displaying the acquired selection box and detailed quotation information in a pop-up on the display device.

[0011] Furthermore, to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the program causes a computer to execute the following steps: A step of displaying, on a display device, selection buttons from which a plurality of quotation items can be selected for creating a quotation. When the select button is pressed, a list of multiple quotation items is displayed in a pop-up on the display device, allowing the user to select from the multiple quotation items. When a selection button is pressed, a selection box corresponding to the quotation item of the selected selection button and quotation detail information are obtained from the storage device. A process to pop up the acquired selection box and quotation details information on the display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The estimate creation support system, estimate creation support method, and program configured as described above are visually easy for users to understand, and anyone can easily and efficiently create an estimate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an estimate creation support system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of a new creation mode in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an initial selection screen in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a basic screen in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment; [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of display of an estimate item setting screen in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment, in which Fig. 5A shows an estimate main item setting screen, and Fig. 5B shows an estimate target item setting screen. [Figure 6] 13 shows an estimate main item setting screen when an estimate item is added. [Figure 7] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the definition of the major quotation items in the quotation creation support system according to the embodiment, showing the basic form of the major quotation items. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the definition of major quotation items in the quotation creation support system according to the embodiment, and is an application example of the basic form. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a quotation database in the quotation creation support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram of the detailed estimate information and selection boxes corresponding to each major estimate item in the list of major estimate items. Fig. 10A shows the selection box and detailed estimate information corresponding to "Parts" in the major estimate items, and Fig. 10B shows the selection box and detailed estimate information corresponding to "Work" in the major estimate items. [Figure 11]10 is an explanatory diagram of the detailed quotation information and selection boxes corresponding to each major quotation item in the list of major quotation items, showing the selection box and detailed quotation information corresponding to "Shipping Costs" in the major quotation items. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of a reuse mode in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a search screen in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a search result screen in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a confirmation screen in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a basic screen in a reuse mode in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment; [Figure 17] 17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a display of an estimate item setting screen in a reuse mode in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment. Note that Fig. 17A shows an estimate main item setting screen, and Fig. 17B shows an estimate target item setting screen. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of a quotation output mode in the quotation creation support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a quotation output screen in the quotation creation support system according to the embodiment; [Figure 20] 10 is an example of an estimate output in an estimate output mode in the estimate creation support system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the estimate creation support system and estimate creation support method will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 20. Note that common members in the figures are given the same reference numerals.

[0015] 1. Example of implementation 1-1. Estimate Creation Support System Configuration First, the configuration of an estimate creation support system and an estimate creation support method according to an embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this example") will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the quotation creation support system of this example.

[0016] 1, the estimate creation support system 1 includes a processing device 10, a storage device 20, an input device 30, and a display device 40. The processing device 10, the storage device 20, the input device 30, and the display device 40 are connected to each other via a network so that they can send and receive information to and from each other.

[0017] The processing device 10 is configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processing device 10 has an estimate processing unit 11, an estimate information storage processing unit 12, and an estimate creation unit 13.

[0018] The estimate processing unit 11 performs estimate processing to calculate estimated costs. Information related to the estimate processing performed by the estimate processing unit 11 is output to the estimate information storage processing unit 12. Then, the estimate information storage processing unit 12 stores the information obtained by the estimate processing in the estimate database 21 of the storage device 20.

[0019] Upon receiving an instruction to output a quote, the quote creation unit 13 extracts all quote information linked to the quote number to be quoted from the quote database 21. The quote creation unit 13 then creates a quote from the extracted quote information. The quote creation unit also outputs the created quote to the display device 40.

[0020] The storage device 20 is configured, for example, with ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory (NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM)), a hard disk drive, SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage device 20 also includes a storage unit (not shown) and an estimate database 21.

[0021] The storage unit stores estimate templates, which are prototypes of estimates. The estimate database 21 manages the information output to the estimate templates. The estimate database 21 also stores estimate information output from the estimate information storage processing unit 12. The estimate database 21 stores estimate information in association with an estimate number.

[0022] The input device 30 is a device for inputting data to the estimate creation support system 1. As the input device 30, for example, a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse or a pen tablet is used.

[0023] The display device 40 may be, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like. The display device 40 displays the estimate output from the processing device 10 and various screens instructed by the processing device 10. Furthermore, the input device 30 and the display device 40 may be a touch panel in which a display panel and an input unit are superimposed on each other.

[0024] 2. Example of operation of the quotation creation support system Next, an example of the operation of the estimate creation support system 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 2-1. New Creation Mode First, an example of operation in a new creation mode for creating a new quotation will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of operation in the new creation mode, Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the initial selection screen, Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the basic screen, and Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the quotation item setting screen. Fig. 5(a) shows the quotation main item setting screen, and Fig. 5(b) shows the quotation target item setting screen. Fig. 6 shows the quotation main item setting screen when quotation items have been added.

[0025] First, when a user receives a request for a quote from a customer, the user starts the quote creation support system 1 and starts the task of creating a quote. When the quote creation task starts, the processing device 10 displays the initial selection screen 50 shown in FIG. 3 on the display device 40. The initial selection screen 50 displays selection buttons consisting of a new creation mode 51, a reuse mode 52, and a quote output mode 53. The new creation mode 51 is selected when creating a new quote, and the reuse mode 52 is selected when reusing a quote process. The quote output mode 53 is selected when outputting a quote. When creating a new quote, the user selects the new creation mode 51.

[0026] In the following explanation, the case where "New Creation Mode 51" is selected will be explained. 2, the processing device 10 displays the basic screen 100 shown in Fig. 4 on the display device 40 (step S100). As shown in Fig. 4, the basic screen 100 displays a numbering button 101, a basic item input section 102, and an estimate item setting button 103.

[0027] Next, the user presses the numbering button 101 based on the basic screen 100 displayed on the screen of the display device 40. When the numbering button 101 is pressed, the estimate processing unit 11 assigns an estimate number based on preset information (step S110). The assigned estimate number is then displayed in the estimate number window below the numbering button 101 shown in FIG. 4. This allows the user to assign an estimate number.

[0028] Next, the user uses the input device 30 to input basic items into the basic item input section 102 based on the basic screen 100 displayed on the screen of the display device 40 (step S120). The basic item information input into the basic item input section 102 is linked to the quotation number assigned in the processing of step S110. Examples of basic item information include general items that are written on a quotation, such as "customer name," "delivery date," "acceptance conditions," and "quotation title."

[0029] Next, the user presses the estimate item setting button 103 on the basic screen 100 to set the estimate items (major estimate items, detailed estimate items) (step S130). When the estimate item setting button 103 is pressed in the processing of step S130, the processing device 10 displays the major estimate item setting screen 110 shown in Fig. 5(a) on the display device 40 (step S140).

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5(a), an estimate major item setting screen 110 displays an add estimate item button 111, an end button 112, and a select button 113. Here, on the initial estimate major item setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 5(a), the items are displayed in a tree structure forming a parent-child relationship, with the estimate number assigned on the basic screen 100 shown in FIG. 4 being the parent and the select button 113 being the child. Furthermore, when the select button 113 is pressed on the estimate major item setting screen 110, a list of estimate major items is displayed as a pop-up menu (context menu) 114. A pop-up display is a display element such as a window that appears to pop up to the foreground on a computer operation screen.

[0031] In the list of major quotation items displayed as a pop-up menu 114, typical major quotation items used in quotations, such as "parts," "work," and "shipping costs," are set in advance as reserved words.

[0032] Next, the user clicks the selection button 113 to display a pop-up menu 114 listing major items for quotation, and selects only one of the items to be set as the "item to be quoted" (step S150). When the "item to be quoted" is selected in the processing of step S150, the processing device 10 pops up an item to be quoted setting screen (a set of information on the detailed quotation information 120 and the selection box 130) corresponding to the selected item to be quoted on the display device 40 (step S160). Next, the user sets the items to be quoted based on the displayed item to be quoted setting screen (step S170).

[0033] In the processing of steps S160 and S170, the display device 40 displays, for example, a quotation item setting screen, in which the quotation detailed information 120 and the selection box 130 are displayed as a set, as shown in FIG. 5(b). The processing device 10 also displays the quotation detailed information 120 and the selection box 130 in a linked manner. For example, to set quotation items for the quotation major item "Parts," the user checks the contents of the quotation detailed information 120 and extracts the desired part name. When extracting "Parts," if the user enters "Part 1" in the search field of the selection box 130, part names containing "Part 1" in the quotation detailed information 120 are automatically sorted to be placed at the top of the parts list 121. If the user then double-clicks "Part 1" in the parts list 121, "Part 1" is reflected in the part name field of the selection box 130, and the unit price information for "Part 1," "10,000," is reflected in the unit price field.

[0034] When the user inputs the required quantity information for the part name in the quantity field of the selection box 130, the estimate processing unit 11 of the processing device 10 calculates the cost. Then, the calculated cost is displayed in the cost field of the selection box 130. Also, a confirm button 131 is displayed in the selection box 130. Then, if there are no errors in the content of the item to be estimated, the user presses the confirm button 131.

[0035] When the decision button is pressed and the processing of step S170 is completed, the quotation processing unit 11 of the processing device 10 confirms the contents of the quotation target items (quotation information of the quotation target items). Then, the quotation information storage processing unit 12 stores the confirmed quotation information (major quotation items, quotation target item names, quantity, unit price, expense (cost)) together with the basic information acquired on the basic screen of Fig. 4 (quotation number, customer name, delivery date, inspection conditions, quotation title) in the quotation database 21 (step S180).

[0036] Next, the user determines whether all quotation items have been set (step S190). In the processing of step S190, if the user determines that all quotation items have been set (Yes in step S190), the user presses the end button 112 on the quotation main item setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 5(a). This ends the new creation mode for creating a new quotation. Then, the processing device 10 causes the display device 40 to display the initial selection screen 50.

[0037] In the processing of step S190, if the user wishes to continue setting quotation items (determined as No in step S190), the user presses the Add quotation item button 111 on the quotation major item setting screen 110. When the Add quotation item button 111 is pressed, the processing device 10 displays a new selection button 113 on the quotation major item setting screen 110, as shown in Fig. 6 (step S200). The newly added selection button 113 is arranged in the same hierarchical level as the existing selection button 113.

[0038] Then, the process returns to step S150, and steps S150 to S180 are repeated to set the items to be quoted. This ends the new creation mode for creating a new quote. As described above, according to the quote creation support system 1 of this example, information on typical major quote items to be used in quotes, such as "parts," "labor," and "shipping costs," is pre-stored in the storage device 20. The user can then create a quote simply by inputting information according to the guidance on the various display screens 50, 100, 110, 120, and 130 displayed on the display device 40. As a result, the system is visually easy for the user to understand, allowing anyone to easily and efficiently create a quote.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in the basic screen 100, a numbering button 101, a basic item input section 102, and an estimate item setting button 103 are arranged in order from top to bottom based on the order in which estimates are to be created. Therefore, the user can easily create an estimate by operating each button displayed on the basic screen 100 in order from top to bottom.

[0040] Furthermore, the estimate processing unit 11 disables input in the basic item input section 102 and the estimate item setting button 103 until the numbering button 101 is pressed. The estimate processing unit 11 then disables input in the estimate item setting button 103 until input is made in the basic item input section 102. This makes it possible to force the user to operate the numbering button 101, the basic item input section 102, and the estimate item setting button 103 in that order. As a result, it is possible to reduce input errors by the user.

[0041] Furthermore, by simply pressing the selection button 113 for the desired quotation item on the quotation major item setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 5(a), the display device 40 will display a selection box corresponding to the quotation target item to be set, shown in FIG. 5(b), along with quotation detail information, as a set. This allows the user to easily create a quotation even if they do not know detailed information about the parts and work involved in the product. As a result, the user can create a quotation even if they do not have any prior knowledge required for creating a quotation.

[0042] 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams of definitions of major quotation items. Figure 7 shows the basic form of the major estimate items, and Figure 8 shows an example of applying the basic form. As shown in Figure 7, the quotation major items are assigned to the quotation detailed information, which is defined to consist of "common information," which is the minimum number of items required to create a quotation. As a result, the quotation creation support system 1 of this example can manage quotation data using only a single quotation database 21.

[0043] The "common information" items are "name of item to be estimated, unit price, quantity, unit, cost" which are required for any major quotation item. Therefore, taking into consideration data storage in the quotation database 21, a predetermined data type is specified for each item.

[0044] As shown in Figure 8, "parts," "labor," and "shipping costs" are shown as examples of major quotation items. Note that the major quotation items are not limited to "parts," "labor," and "shipping costs," and the user can add other desired major quotation items as needed.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the estimate database 21. As shown in FIG. 9, the quotation database 21 stores a mixture of cases where quotations have not yet been issued and cases where quotations have already been issued (past performance). Cases where the issue date column is blank are unissued cases, and cases where an issue date has been entered are issued cases (past performance).

[0046] The quotation information storage processing unit 12 stores the basic items (quote number, customer name, delivery date, inspection conditions, quotation title) and quotation items (major quotation items and detailed quotation items) as a linked data structure in the quotation database 21. As described above, the basic items are set on the basic screen 100, and the quotation items are set on the major quotation item setting screen 110, the detailed quotation information 120, and the selection box 130.

[0047] Each record is quotation information for a quotation target item. The "common information" items explained in Figures 7 and 8 are stored in the fields Detail 1 to Detail 5 of the database shown in Figure 9. Furthermore, if there is accompanying information specific to each major quotation item, the fields from Detail 5 onwards can be expanded as appropriate to accommodate a variety of major quotation items.

[0048] Furthermore, if there is additional information other than the common information for a major quotation item (for example, model number, manufacturer, etc. for the major quotation item "Parts"), this can be added as additional information by expanding the data fields of the quotation database 21. This allows for flexible support for any major quotation item, and allows for operation with a single database.

[0049] Furthermore, when an estimate is output, it is executed by selecting estimate output mode 53 on initial selection screen 50. Details of the output operation of the estimate process will be described later. Furthermore, during the output operation of the estimate process, the estimate creation unit 13 acquires year, month, and day information of the system time. The estimate creation unit 13 inputs the acquired year, month, and day information into each record in the issue date column that is blank for the specified estimate number, and updates the estimate database 21.

[0050] 10A, 10B, and 11 are explanatory diagrams of the estimate detail information 120 and the selection box 130 corresponding to each of the major estimate items in the list of major estimate items. Fig. 10A shows the selection box 130 and estimate detailed information 120 corresponding to "Parts." Fig. 10B shows the selection box 130 and estimate detailed information 120 corresponding to "Work." And Fig. 11 shows the selection box 130 and estimate detailed information 120 corresponding to "Shipping Costs." The estimate major item information shown in Figs. 10A to 11 is stored in advance in the storage device 20 along with the estimate detailed information.

[0051] When a new estimate major item is added to the estimate major item list, the estimate detail information 120 and the selection box 130 corresponding to the new estimate major item are stored in the storage device 20 in advance as appropriate.

[0052] Furthermore, when an estimate major item is selected from the pop-up menu 114 of the selection button 113 on the estimate major item setting screen 110, the estimate processing unit 11 searches the estimate database 21 using the selected estimate major item as a search key. The estimate processing unit 11 then extracts information that matches the selected estimate major item, and displays the extracted information, such as the "item name to be estimated" and "unit price information," in the estimate detail information 120, and common information for the estimate major item (name of item to be estimated, unit price, number of items, unit, cost) in the selection box 130.

[0053] 2-2.Reuse mode Next, an example of operation in the reuse mode for reusing a previously created quotation process will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of operation in the reuse mode, Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a search screen, Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a search result screen, Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a confirmation screen, and Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a basic screen in the reuse mode. Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of an estimate item setting screen in the reuse mode. Note that Fig. 17(a) shows the estimate main item setting screen, and Fig. 17(b) shows the estimate target item setting screen.

[0054] When the user selects the reuse mode 52 on the initial selection screen 50 shown in FIG. 3, the following operations are performed. First, as shown in FIG. 12, the processing device 10 displays the search screen 200 shown in FIG. 13 on the display device 40 (step S500). As shown in FIG. 13, the search screen 200 displays a search execution button 201, a condition clear button 202, and a condition input section 203. The condition input section 203 displays, for example, "customer name," "quote number," "period," "quote issue date," "inspection conditions," "quote title," etc., so that they can be entered. Furthermore, when the search execution button 201 is pressed, the quotation processing unit 11 extracts quotation information that matches the conditions from the quotation database 21 based on the conditions input in the condition input section 203. Furthermore, when the condition clear button 202 is pressed, the search conditions input in the condition input section 203 are cleared.

[0055] Next, the user inputs search conditions into the condition input section 203 and presses the search execution button 201 (step S510). When the processing of step S510 is performed, the estimate processing section 11 extracts estimate information that meets the conditions from the estimate database 21 based on the conditions input into the condition input section 203. The estimate processing section 11 then displays the extracted estimate information on a search result screen 250 shown in FIG. 14. The search result screen 250 displays a copy to new estimate number button 251, a check box 252, an estimate information display window 253, and an output past estimate button 254. The estimate information display window 253 displays information about the extracted past estimates.

[0056] Next, the user confirms that the content of the past estimate is the content to be copied to the new estimate number from the search results displayed on the search result screen 250 shown in Fig. 14 (step S520). Then, the user selects the check box 252 of the estimate number of the past estimate to be reused on the search result screen 250, and presses the copy to new estimate number button 251.

[0057] As a result, the processing device 10 assigns a new estimate number that does not overlap with any estimate numbers used in the estimate database 21, and then displays the confirmation screen 300 shown in FIG. 15. The confirmation screen 300 displays a message such as, "The contents of estimate number "XXXX-XXXX-0003" will be copied to new estimate number "XXXX-XXXX-0004." Is this OK?" The confirmation screen 300 also displays a Yes (Y) button 301 and a No (N) button 302. If the past estimate to be copied is correct, the user presses the Yes (Y) button 301. This copies the contents of the selected past estimate to the new estimate number (step S530). However, the issue date information is not copied.

[0058] Next, the processing device 10 causes the display device 40 to display the basic screen 100 shown in Fig. 16 (step S540). Next, the user uses the displayed basic screen 100 to confirm the contents copied for the new estimate number (step S550).

[0059] On the basic screen 100, a newly assigned quotation number is displayed in the quotation number field, and the contents of past quotations are reflected in the basic item input section 102. In the search mode, the numbering button 101 on the basic screen 100 is disabled. In contrast, the information in the basic item input section 102 is configured to be editable by the user.

[0060] Next, when the user presses the estimate item setting button 103, the processing device 10 displays the estimate major item setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 17(a) on the display device 40. Because this operation is in reuse mode, based on the idea of ​​efficiently creating estimates using past estimate information, the estimate processing unit 11 imposes a restriction on the ability to edit estimate major items copied from past estimates, limiting the number of estimate major items to the same type. In the example shown in FIG. 17(a), the estimate major item copied from the past estimate is "Parts," so the corresponding selection button 113A is displayed inverted, unlike in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the context menu 114 displayed when the selection button 113A is clicked also displays only "Parts." Then, as shown in FIG. 17(b), estimate detail information 120 and a selection box 130 corresponding to "Parts" from the past estimate are displayed.

[0061] Next, the user sets quotation items based on the displayed quotation item setting screen (step S570). When the Add Quotation Item button 111 is pressed in step S570, the processing device 10 displays a new selection button 113B on the quotation main item setting screen 110, as shown in FIG. 17(a). Note that the processing from step S560 to step S600 is similar to the processing from step S160 to step S200 in the new creation mode described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. This completes the operation of the reuse mode. This reuse mode makes it possible to utilize past quotation information, and for example, to quickly create quotations for customers who repeatedly order products with similar specifications.

[0062] Furthermore, to accommodate the needs of users who wish to output the contents of past quotations to a file for confirmation, a past quotation output button 254 is provided on the search result screen 250 shown in FIG. 14. When the check box 252 is checked (the quotation number to be output is specified) and the past quotation output button 254 is pressed, the process of step S610 is executed after step S520 shown in FIG. 12. In the process of step S620, the specified past quotation is output to the display device 40. This allows the user to output the past quotation to a file and confirm its contents.

[0063] 2-3. Quotation output mode Next, an example of operation in the estimate output mode will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of operation in the estimate output mode, and FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display on the estimate output screen.

[0064] When the user selects the estimate output mode 53 on the initial selection screen 50 shown in FIG. 3, the following operation is carried out. First, as shown in Fig. 18, the processing device 10 causes the display device 40 to display the estimate output screen 140 shown in Fig. 19 (step S700). As shown in Fig. 19, the estimate output screen 140 displays an estimate number input section 141 for inputting the estimate number of the estimate to be output, and an estimate output button 142.

[0065] Next, the user specifies the quotation number to be output in the quotation number input section 141 (step S710). The quotation number input section 141 is a pull-down menu that displays a list of quotation numbers (unissued quotation items) in the quotation database 21 whose issue date column is blank. The user specifies the quotation number to be output. Then, the user presses the quotation output button 142 on the quotation output screen 140 to output the quotation (step S720).

[0066] When the process of step S720 is executed, the estimate processing unit 11 obtains the date information of the system time as the issue date of the estimate number specified in the process of step S710.The estimate processing unit 11 then enters the obtained date information into each record in the blank issue date column for the specified estimate number in the estimate database 21, and updates the estimate database 21 (step S730).Next, the estimate processing unit 11 extracts all estimate information corresponding to the specified estimate number from the estimate database 21 (step S740).

[0067] Next, the estimate creation unit 13 outputs the estimate information extracted by the estimate processing unit 11 to a predetermined estimate template and creates an estimate (step S750).The estimate creation unit 13 then outputs the estimate created in the processing of step S750 to the display device 40 (step S760).This completes the operation of the estimate output mode.

[0068] FIG. 20 is an example of an estimate output in the estimate output mode described above. The estimate shown in FIG. 20 outputs the details of estimate number "XXXX-XXXX-0001" in the estimate database 21 shown in FIG. 9. The "estimate" details displayed in step S760 correspond to screen display and output to an electronic file in a specified file format. This allows the user to make minor edits (e.g., inputting item numbers, changing the names of items to be estimated, adding other notes, etc.).

[0069] Furthermore, the estimate to be output can be easily created in the new creation mode or reuse mode described above. Therefore, if the user knows the estimate number to be output, the user can easily output the estimate.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0071] Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be implemented in hardware, in part or in whole, by designing them as integrated circuits, for example. Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be implemented in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize each function can be stored in memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...quotation creation support system, 10...processing device, 11...quotation processing unit, 12...quotation information storage processing unit, 13...quotation creation unit, 20...storage device, 21...quotation database, 30...input device, 40...display device, 50...initial selection screen, 51...new creation mode, 52...reuse mode, 53...quotation output mode, 100...basic screen, 101...numbering button, 102...basic item input unit, 103...quotation item setting button, 110...quotation main item setting screen, 111...quotation item addition button, 112...exit button, 113, 113A, 113B...selection button, 114...pop-up menu (context menu), 120...quotation detailed information, 121...parts list, 130...selection box, 131...decision button, 140...quotation output screen, 141...quotation number input unit, 142...Quotation output button, 200...Search screen, 201...Search execution button, 202...Condition clear button, 203...Condition input section, 250...Search result screen, 251...Copy button, 252...Check box, 253...Quotation information display window, 300...Confirmation screen, 301...Yes (Y) button, 302...No (N) button

Claims

1. an input device on which a user performs an input operation; a storage device storing detailed quotation information relating to a plurality of quotation items for creating a quotation; a processing device that calculates quotation information based on the quotation detailed information stored in the storage device and information input to the input device; a display device that displays various screens in response to instructions from the processing device, The processing device includes: Displaying selection buttons on the display device that allow selection of a plurality of the quotation items; When the selection button is pressed, a list of the plurality of quotation items is displayed as a pop-up on the display device, and the plurality of quotation items are displayed so that the user can select them; A selection box and detailed quotation information corresponding to the quotation item of the input selection button are obtained from the storage device, and the obtained selection box and detailed quotation information are displayed in a pop-up on the display device. Quotation creation support system.

2. The processing device stores the content set by the user based on the estimate detailed information displayed on the display device as the estimate information in the storage device. The estimate creation support system according to claim 1.

3. The processing device includes: Based on the order in which quotations are created, a numbering button for acquiring a quotation number, a basic item input section for inputting basic items of a quotation, and a quotation item setting button for setting the quotation information are arranged in this order and displayed on the display device. The estimate creation support system according to claim 2.

4. When the quotation item setting button is input, the processing device displays the selection buttons on the display device from which a plurality of quotation items can be selected. The estimate creation support system according to claim 3.

5. The processing device includes: When the quotation item setting button is pressed, the assigned quotation number is the parent and the selection button is the child, and the tree structure is arranged to form a parent-child relationship and displayed on the display device. The estimate creation support system according to claim 4.

6. The processing device associates the basic items and the estimate information with the estimate number and stores them in the storage device. The estimate creation support system according to claim 3.

7. The processing device includes: Displaying on the display device an estimate number input section in which the estimate number of the estimate to be output can be input, When an estimate number is specified in the estimate number input section, the basic items and estimate information corresponding to the specified estimate number are extracted from the storage device, The estimate is created based on the extracted basic items and estimate information, and the created estimate is displayed on the display device. The estimate creation support system according to claim 6.

8. The processing device includes: displaying a condition input section on the display device in which various search conditions can be input; extracting basic items and estimate information from the storage device based on the information input to the condition input unit; Displaying the extracted basic items and estimate information on the display device; Display a selection button that allows you to add the new quotation item The estimate creation support system according to claim 6.

9. a process of displaying selection buttons on a display device from which a plurality of quotation items can be selected for creating a quotation; When the selection button is pressed, a list of the plurality of quotation items is displayed as a pop-up on the display device, and the plurality of quotation items are displayed so that the user can select them; When the selection button is pressed, a process of obtaining a selection box corresponding to the quotation item of the selected selection button and quotation detail information from a storage device; a process of displaying the acquired selection box and the estimate detailed information in a pop-up on the display device; A method for supporting the creation of estimates, including:

10. a step of displaying on a display device selection buttons from which a plurality of quotation items for creating a quotation can be selected; a step of displaying a list of the plurality of quotation items in a pop-up display on the display device when the selection button is pressed, and displaying the plurality of quotation items so that the user can select them; a step of acquiring, when the selection button is pressed, a selection box corresponding to the quotation item of the selected selection button and quotation detail information from a storage device; a process of displaying the acquired selection box and the estimate detailed information in a pop-up on the display device; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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