Inventory management device, inventory management method, and inventory management program

Abstract

To provide an inventory management device that can easily consider transfer of goods between stores based on inventory and sales figures.SOLUTION: An inventory management device creates a two-dimensional matrix diagram in which one axis represents products and another axis represents stores, and in squares where the axes intersect, sales figures and inventory for each product and store are entered, along with the product, the store from which it has been transferred, the store to which it has been transferred, and the number of products transferred. The inventory management device receives product transfer information that is input via the matrix diagram and is composed of a combination of the product, the transfer source store, the transfer destination store, and the number of products transferred. The inventory management device subtracts the number of products transferred from the inventory of the store from which the product is transferred in the received product transfer information, and simultaneously adds the number of products transferred to the inventory of the store to which the products are transferred, thereby updating the matrix diagram.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In the retail industry, businesses that operate multiple stores, have relatively high product unit prices, and do not maintain large amounts of inventory for each product require operations that allow them to move products between stores according to the sales situation at each store and avoid losing sales opportunities.

[0003] Until now, each store had to take into account its own sales and inventory status, grasp the inventory status of other stores, contact them, and request product transfers. This was dependent on the judgment of the store manager, which placed a heavy burden on them and made it difficult to transfer products between stores accurately.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a system that can easily consider and simulate the movement of goods between stores based on inventory and sales figures, a system that can automatically propose product movements that optimize inventory between stores based on sales figures, and a system that can easily perform processes from creating product movement data to issuing movement instructions.To date, no such system has been known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-199397 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a system that can easily consider and simulate the movement of goods between stores based on inventory and sales figures, a system that can automatically propose goods movements that optimize inventory levels between stores based on sales figures, and a system that can easily perform everything from creating goods movement data to issuing movement instructions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the inventory management device of the present invention is an inventory management device equipped with a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises: a matrix creation means for creating a two-dimensional matrix diagram in which one axis represents products and the other axis represents stores, and sales and inventory quantities for each product and each store are input into the squares where the axes intersect; a product movement acceptance means for accepting input of product movement information consisting of a combination of product, source store, destination store, and movement quantity; and a matrix update means for updating the matrix diagram created by the matrix creation means, each time product movement information is accepted by the product movement acceptance means, by subtracting the movement quantity from the inventory quantity of the source store for the corresponding product in the product movement information accepted by the product movement acceptance means, and simultaneously adding the movement quantity to the inventory quantity of the corresponding product in the destination store.

[0008] In addition, the inventory management device of the present invention is characterized in that the control unit further includes a product movement data creation means that adds the product movement information received by the product movement reception means to the product movement data and updates the product movement data each time the product movement information is received by the product movement reception means.

[0009] In addition, the inventory management device of the present invention is characterized in that the control unit further comprises a transfer instruction issuance acceptance means for accepting an instruction to create a transfer instruction displaying the product, the source store, the destination store, and the transfer quantity for each combination, and a transfer instruction issuance means for creating a transfer instruction based on the product movement information in the product movement data when the transfer instruction is accepted by the transfer instruction issuance acceptance means.

[0010] In addition, the inventory management device of the present invention is characterized in that the control unit further comprises an extraction attribute receiving means for receiving extraction conditions for narrowing down the products for which the matrix creation means is to create a matrix diagram based on their attributes, and the matrix creation means creates a matrix diagram that excludes products that do not meet the extraction conditions based on the extraction conditions received by the extraction attribute receiving means.

[0011] In addition, the inventory management device of the present invention is characterized by further comprising a product movement input content field that is displayed on the same screen as the two-dimensional matrix diagram and that lists the product movement information received by the product movement reception means.

[0012] The inventory management device according to the present invention is further characterized by comprising an automatic generation and reception means for receiving instructions to generate product movement information consisting of combinations of products, source stores, destination stores, and movement quantities; a store extraction means for extracting, for each product, overstock stores whose inventory levels exceed the overstock standard and understock stores whose inventory levels do not meet the minimum inventory standard; a product movement information generation means for generating product movement information for each product and for each combination of source stores and destination stores by selecting a combination of source stores and destination stores for each product and determining a movement quantity for each combination so that the inventory levels of the understock stores extracted by the store extraction means are increased so that the inventory levels of the overstock stores extracted by the store extraction means are equal to or less than the overstock standard, or so that the inventory levels of the overstock stores extracted by the store extraction means are decreased so that the inventory levels of the understock stores extracted by the store extraction means meet the minimum inventory standard; and a product movement data creation means for creating product movement data that summarizes the product movement information generated by the product movement information generation means and displaying it as a list in the product movement input content field.

[0013] In addition, in the inventory management device of the present invention, the overstock standard is the sum of the sales number, the standard inventory quantity by product and store, and the surplus secured inventory adjustment quantity by product and store, and the minimum inventory standard is the sum of the sales number and the standard inventory quantity by product and store.

[0014] In addition, the inventory management device of the present invention generates product movement information by product and by combination of source store and destination store, by having the product movement information generation means select combinations of source store and destination store for each product and determine the quantity to be moved for each combination, by offsetting the excess inventory of the source store and the understock amount of the destination store, for the source store, in order of overstock stores extracted by the store extraction means that have the largest excess inventory amount, obtained by subtracting the overstock standard from the inventory quantity, and for the destination store, in order of understock stores extracted by the store extraction means that have the largest understock amount, obtained by subtracting the inventory quantity from the minimum inventory standard.

[0015] Furthermore, the inventory management method of the present invention is an inventory management method executed in an inventory management device having a control unit, and is characterized by including: a matrix creation step executed by the control unit to create a two-dimensional matrix diagram, with products on one axis and stores on the other axis, and with sales figures and inventory figures for each product and for each store entered in the squares where the axes intersect; a product movement reception step to accept input of product movement information consisting of a combination of products, source stores, destination stores, and movement quantities; and a matrix update step to update the matrix diagram created in the matrix creation step, for each reception of product movement information in the product movement reception step, by subtracting the movement quantity from the inventory quantity of the source store for the corresponding product in the product movement information received in the product movement reception step, and simultaneously adding the movement quantity to the inventory quantity of the corresponding product in the destination store.

[0016] In addition, the inventory management program of the present invention is an inventory management program to be executed by an inventory management device having a control unit, and is characterized by including: a matrix creation step for creating a two-dimensional matrix diagram to be executed by the control unit, with products on one axis and stores on the other axis, and with sales and inventory quantities input for each product and for each store in the squares where the axes intersect; a product movement acceptance step for accepting input of product movement information consisting of a combination of products, source store, destination store, and movement quantity; and a matrix update step for updating the matrix diagram created in the matrix creation step, for each reception of product movement information in the product movement acceptance step, by subtracting the movement quantity from the inventory quantity of the source store for the corresponding product in the product movement information received in the product movement acceptance step, and simultaneously adding the movement quantity to the inventory quantity of the corresponding product in the destination store. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The system of the present invention allows users to easily consider and simulate the movement of products between stores based on inventory and sales figures. Furthermore, it can automatically propose product movements that optimize inventory levels between stores based on sales figures. Furthermore, it allows users to easily create product movement data and issue movement instructions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a flow from the acceptance of extraction conditions by the extracted attribute accepting unit 102g to the issuance of a transfer instruction by the transfer instruction issuing unit 102f in one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a movement instruction issuance input screen in an input stage in one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of a transfer instruction issuance input screen after inputting a product category according to an embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example of a movement instruction issuance input screen at the stage of inputting product movement information in one embodiment. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a diagram showing an example of a transfer instruction issuance input screen after input of product transfer information is confirmed in one embodiment. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a diagram showing an example of a transfer instruction issuance input screen after product transfer information is generated in one embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a product master according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of inventory data according to an embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an example of sales data according to an embodiment. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a diagram illustrating an example of a store master according to an embodiment. [Figure 4E]FIG. 4E is a diagram illustrating an example of reference data according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing by the store extraction unit 102i and the product movement information generation unit 102j in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0020] [1. Configuration] Here, an example of the configuration of a PC (personal computer) 100 according to this embodiment, including an inventory management device of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figure 1. Note that the configuration of this embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to being realized with the configuration of this embodiment. Also, in the following description of the configuration, duplicated explanations may be omitted.

[0021] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC 100. The PC 100 includes a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a storage unit 106, and an input / output interface unit 108, and is communicably connected to a server 200 (such as a Web server) that stores various data (for example, the data stored in the storage unit 106, which may be the data described below) via a network 300 (such as the Internet, an intranet, or a LAN (Local Area Network)).

[0022] The components of the PC 100 are communicably connected via any communication path.

[0023] The PC 100 may be a stationary type such as a desktop personal computer, or may be a portable type such as a notebook personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a smartphone, or a tablet personal computer.

[0024] The control unit 102 is a CPU or the like that performs overall control of the PC 100. The control unit 102 has an internal memory for storing control programs such as an OS, programs that define various processing procedures, and required data, and executes various information processes based on these stored programs.

[0025] In terms of functional concept, the control unit 102 includes a matrix creation unit 102a, a product movement reception unit 102b, a matrix update unit 102c, a product movement data creation unit 102d, a movement instruction issuance reception unit 102e, a movement instruction issuance unit 102f, an extracted attribute reception unit 102g, an automatic generation reception unit 102h, a store extraction unit 102i, a product movement information generation unit 102j, and the like.

[0026] The matrix creation unit 102a creates a two-dimensional matrix diagram that displays sales figures and inventory figures by store and by product based on sales information and inventory information.

[0027] In one embodiment, the two-dimensional matrix diagram created by the matrix creation unit 102a has either the row items or the column items on the vertical and horizontal axes as items by store, and the other as items by product, and at each intersection of the matrix diagram, both sales figures and inventory figures by store and by product based on sales information and inventory information are displayed together.

[0028] The matrix creating unit 102a creates a two-dimensional matrix diagram that displays the sales figures for a predetermined period and the latest stock figures based on sales information for a predetermined period and the latest stock figures.

[0029] In this embodiment, before creating a matrix diagram, the matrix creation unit 102a extracts sales information for a specified period based on the sales date information included in the sales information, and creates a two-dimensional matrix diagram displaying the sales numbers for the specified period and the latest inventory numbers based on the extracted sales information and the latest inventory information.

[0030] In this embodiment, the specified period refers to a specific period based on the date on which the matrix creation unit 102a creates the matrix diagram, and can be set, for example, to the past month based on the date on which the matrix diagram is created.

[0031] In one embodiment, the two-dimensional matrix diagram created by the matrix creating unit 102a can be output at any time via an output device 400 such as a display device, a projector, or the like.

[0032] The product movement receiving unit 102b receives product movement information consisting of a combination of a product (product identifier), a store from which the product is moved (store identifier), a store to which the product is moved (store identifier), and a movement quantity (numeric value). One piece of product movement information includes one product (product identifier), one store from which the product is moved (store identifier), one store to which the product is moved (store identifier), and one movement quantity (numeric value).

[0033] The product in the product movement information received by the product movement reception unit 102b may be the product displayed in the two-dimensional matrix diagram created by the matrix creation unit 102a. The source store or destination store in the product movement information received by the product movement reception unit 102b may be the store displayed in the two-dimensional matrix diagram created by the matrix creation unit 102a.

[0034] A preferred embodiment displays the two-dimensional matrix diagram created by the matrix creation unit 102a and input fields for accepting combinations of products, source stores, destination stores, and transfer quantities on the same screen via a display device, i.e., the output device 400. In this embodiment, a user can refer to the sales and inventory quantities displayed by store and product in the two-dimensional matrix diagram and input, via the input device 500 (keyboard, mouse, etc.), the products for which there is an inventory surplus or shortage between stores, the source store where the product is overstocked, the destination store where the product is understocked, and an appropriate transfer quantity that will eliminate or alleviate the inventory surplus or shortage at both stores. Note that the embodiment is not particularly limited as long as the user can refer to the sales and inventory quantities displayed in the two-dimensional matrix diagram to determine an appropriate combination of products, source stores, destination stores, and transfer quantities and enter the combination in the input fields for accepting the combination. Therefore, the screen displaying the two-dimensional matrix diagram created by the matrix creation unit 102a and the screen displaying the input fields for accepting combinations of products, source stores, destination stores, and transfer quantities may be linked to each other. The input field is provided with a confirmation button for confirming the input.

[0035] The product movement receiving unit 102b receives an instruction to delete the product movement information from the product movement data along with the product movement information identification information. After inputting product movement information for a combination of a product, a store from which the product is moved, a store to which the product is moved, and a quantity to be moved, or after the product movement information generation unit 102i has created the product movement information, if the user wishes to cancel the product movement information individually or in its entirety, the user can input an instruction to delete the product movement information and delete the product movement information.

[0036] A display field for the product movement information included in the product movement data and a reception field (for example, a button) for receiving an instruction to delete the product movement information are preferably displayed on the same screen via a display device that is the output device 400.

[0037] The product movement receiving unit 102b receives a data confirmation registration instruction for product movement data. After inputting one or more pieces of product movement information, if the user no longer needs to input additional product movement information, the user can confirm and register the product movement data including one or more pieces of product movement information.

[0038] A display field for the product movement information included in the product movement data and a reception field (e.g., a button) for receiving an instruction to confirm and register the product movement data are preferably displayed on the same screen via a display device, which is the output device 400.

[0039] The matrix update unit 102c updates the matrix diagram created by the matrix creation unit 102a each time product movement information is received by the product movement reception unit 102b. The matrix update unit 102c subtracts the movement quantity from the inventory quantity at the source store for the corresponding product in the product movement information received by the product movement reception unit 102b or the product movement information generated by the product movement information generation unit 102j (described below) and simultaneously adds the movement quantity to the inventory quantity at the destination store for the corresponding product. In other words, in the matrix diagram, a specific movement quantity value for a given product is transferred from the source store to the destination store. The user inputs the product movement information to be accepted by the product movement reception unit 102b, and then references the sales and inventory quantities by store and product displayed in the two-dimensional matrix diagram updated by the matrix update unit 102c each time product movement information is received. This allows for a simulation of inventory optimization between stores for each product.

[0040] The product movement data creation unit 102d updates the product movement data by adding the product movement information received by the product movement reception unit 102b to the product movement data each time the product movement reception unit 102b receives the product movement information. The product movement data is an information collection of one or more pieces of product movement information.

[0041] When the product movement receiving unit 102b receives an instruction to delete product movement information together with the identification information of the product movement information, the product movement data creation unit 102d deletes the product movement information corresponding to the identification information of the product movement information from the product movement data and updates the product movement data.

[0042] When the product movement receiving unit 102b receives a data confirmation registration instruction for the product movement data, the product movement data creating unit 102d stops updating the product movement data.

[0043] The product movement data creating unit 102d creates product movement data by compiling the product movement information generated by the product movement information generating unit 102j.

[0044] The transfer instruction issuance reception unit 102e receives an instruction to issue a transfer instruction that displays each combination of product, source store, destination store, and transfer quantity. The transfer instruction issuance reception unit 102e may be configured to receive an instruction to issue a transfer instruction only after the product transfer reception unit 102b receives an instruction to confirm and register the product transfer data.

[0045] The transfer instruction issuing unit 102f issues a transfer instruction when the transfer instruction issuance receiving unit 102e receives an issuance instruction based on the product transfer information in the product transfer data.

[0046] The extracted attribute receiving unit 102g receives extraction conditions for narrowing down the products for which the matrix creating unit 102a creates a matrix diagram based on their attributes. Attributes for narrowing down the products may be, for example, product category, brand, product number, supplier, etc. Based on the extraction conditions received by the extracted attribute receiving unit 102g, the matrix creating unit 102a creates a matrix diagram that excludes products that do not meet the extraction conditions.

[0047] The extracted attribute receiving unit 102g may be configured to receive extraction conditions for narrowing down the stores for which the matrix creation unit 102a creates a matrix diagram based on the attributes. Attributes for narrowing down the stores may be, for example, area, store number, contractor, sales, etc. In this configuration, the matrix creation unit 102a creates a matrix diagram that excludes stores that do not meet the extraction conditions based on the extraction conditions received by the extracted attribute receiving unit 102g.

[0048] The automatic generation receiving unit 102h receives an instruction to generate product transfer information consisting of a combination of a product, a store from which the product is transferred, a store to which the product is transferred, and a transfer quantity.

[0049] The store extraction unit 102i extracts overstock stores, where the inventory quantity exceeds the overstock standard, and understock stores, where the inventory quantity does not meet the minimum inventory standard, for each product. In one embodiment, the overstock standard is the sum of the sales volume (sales volume within a specified period), the standard inventory quantity for each product and store, and the surplus secured inventory adjustment quantity for each product and store, and the minimum inventory standard is the sum of the sales volume (sales volume within a specified period) and the standard inventory quantity for each product and store.

[0050] The products that the store extraction unit 102i extracts as overstocked stores and understocked stores are products that meet the extraction conditions received by the extracted attribute receiving unit 102g and are for which the matrix creation unit 102a creates a matrix diagram.The stores that the store extraction unit 102i extracts as overstocked stores and understocked stores are stores that meet the extraction conditions received by the extracted attribute receiving unit 102g and are for which the matrix creation unit 102a creates a matrix diagram.

[0051] The product movement information generation unit 102j generates product movement information for each product and for each combination of source store and destination store by selecting a combination of source store and destination store for each product and determining the movement quantity for each combination so that the inventory quantity of the understocked store extracted by the store extraction unit 102i is increased and the inventory quantity of the overstocked store extracted by the store extraction unit 102i is below the overstock standard, or so that the inventory quantity of the overstocked store extracted by the store extraction unit 102i is decreased and the inventory quantity of the understocked store extracted by the store extraction unit 102i meets the minimum inventory standard.

[0052] In one embodiment, the product movement information generation unit 102j generates product movement information by product and by combination of source store and destination store by selecting combinations of source store and destination store for each product and determining the quantity to be moved for each combination, by offsetting the excess inventory of the source store and the understock amount of the destination store with each other, for the source store, starting with the overstock store with the largest excess inventory amount obtained by subtracting the overstock standard from the inventory quantity among the overstock stores extracted by the store extraction unit 102i, and for the destination store, starting with the understock store with the largest understock amount obtained by subtracting the inventory quantity from the minimum inventory standard among the understock stores extracted by the store extraction unit 102i.

[0053] The communication interface unit 104 communicably connects the PC 100 to the network 300 via a communication device such as a router and a wired or wireless communication line such as a dedicated line. The communication interface unit 104 has a function of communicating data with other devices via the communication line.

[0054] Various databases, tables, files, etc. are stored in the storage unit 106. Computer programs that work in conjunction with an OS (Operating System) to issue commands to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform various processes are recorded in the storage unit 106. The storage unit 106 can be, for example, a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, etc.

[0055] The storage unit 106 conceptually includes a sales data storage unit 106a, an inventory data storage unit 106b, a product master storage unit 106c, a store master storage unit 106d, a product movement data storage unit 106e, a reference master storage unit 106f, and the like.

[0056] The sales data storage unit 106a stores sales data that compiles one or more pieces of sales information. The sales information is compiled into sales data by store and by product. In one embodiment, the sales information includes information on store identifiers, product identifiers, sales dates, sales quantities by sales date, and by store and product.

[0057] The inventory data storage unit 106b stores inventory data that compiles one or more pieces of inventory information. The inventory information is compiled into inventory data by store and by product. In one embodiment, the inventory information includes a store identifier, a product identifier, and an inventory quantity by store and by product. In this embodiment, the inventory data is linked to sales data via the store identifier and the product identifier.

[0058] The product master storage unit 106c stores a product master that compiles information on one or more products. The product information is organized into product data for each product. In one embodiment, the product information includes product identifiers as well as detailed product information such as product name, brand, supplier, and product category. In this embodiment, the product master is linked to sales data and inventory data via the product identifiers.

[0059] The store master storage unit 106d stores a store master that compiles information about one or more stores. The store information is compiled into store data for each store. In one embodiment, the store information includes detailed store information such as the store name and the store location area in addition to the store identifier. In this embodiment, the store master is linked to each of the sales data and inventory data via the store identifier.

[0060] The product movement data storage unit 106e stores product movement data that compiles one or more pieces of product movement information. The product movement information includes product movement information accepted by the product movement acceptance unit 102b and product movement information generated by the product movement information generation unit 102j. The product movement data is created or updated by the product movement data creation unit 102d. The product movement information includes a product identifier, a store identifier of the store from which the product is moved, a store identifier of the store to which the product is moved, and a movement quantity. In this embodiment, the product movement data is linked to sales data and inventory data, respectively, via the store identifier and product identifier.

[0061] The reference master storage unit 106f stores a reference master that compiles one or more pieces of reference information. The reference information is compiled into reference data by store and by product. In one embodiment, the reference information includes a store identifier, a product identifier, a reference inventory quantity, and an excess reserved inventory adjustment quantity. In this embodiment, the reference master is linked to sales data and inventory data, respectively, via the store identifier and the product identifier.

[0062] An input device 400 and an output device 500 are connected to the input / output interface unit 108. The output device 400 includes display devices such as a display or projector, audio devices such as speakers, printing devices such as printers, as well as devices that allow downloading in data file format. The data file format may be a file format known in the art, such as PDF, CSV, document file, spreadsheet file, or text file. The input device 500 may include a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or a monitor that functions as a pointing device in cooperation with a mouse.

[0063] [2. Specific Examples] Here, using a specific example, the information processing by the matrix creation unit 102a, product movement reception unit 102b, matrix update unit 102c, product movement data creation unit 102d, movement instruction issuance reception unit 102e, movement instruction issuance unit 102f, extracted attribute reception unit 102g, automatic generation reception unit 102h, store extraction unit 102i, and product movement information generation unit 102j in the inventory management device of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

[0064] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a flow from the acceptance of extraction conditions by the extracted attribute accepting unit 102g to the issuance of a transfer instruction by the transfer instruction issuing unit 102f.

[0065] 2, in this specific example, the user first inputs extraction conditions for narrowing down the products or stores for which a matrix diagram is to be created based on their attributes. Upon input, the extraction attribute receiving unit 102g receives the extraction conditions (S01), and the matrix creating unit 102a creates a matrix diagram based on the received extraction conditions (S02).

[0066] Next, the user refers to the matrix diagram created by the matrix creation unit 102a, and if the user determines that there are no stores with inventory surpluses or shortages of products, the process ends (S03-No). If the user determines that there are stores with inventory surpluses or shortages of products (S03-Yes), the user refers to the matrix diagram and inputs product movement information to optimize the inventory levels in the stores with inventory surpluses or shortages, and determines whether to perform a product movement simulation (S04-Yes) or to automatically generate product movement information (S04-No).

[0067] When simulating product movement (S04-Yes), first, the user refers to the matrix diagram created by the matrix creation unit 102a and inputs product movement information as basic information for moving inventory of specified products between stores. When the product movement information is input, the product movement reception unit 102b receives the product movement information (S05), and the matrix update unit 102c updates the matrix diagram created by the matrix creation unit 102a based on the product movement information received by the product movement reception unit 102b (S06).

[0068] When the user determines, by referring to the matrix diagram updated by the matrix update unit 102c, that there are no stores experiencing inventory surpluses or shortages of products (S07-No), the user inputs a data confirmation registration instruction for the product transfer data. When the data confirmation registration instruction is input, the product transfer reception unit 102b accepts the data confirmation registration instruction and proceeds to processing of the transfer instruction (S08). Furthermore, when the user inputs an instruction to issue a transfer instruction, the transfer instruction issuance unit 102f issues a transfer instruction (S09).

[0069] If the user determines, by referring to the matrix diagram updated by the matrix update unit 102c, that there is a store that has a surplus or shortage of products (S07-Yes), the user further refers to the matrix diagram updated by the matrix update unit 102c and inputs product movement information as basic information for moving inventory of specified products between stores.

[0070] On the other hand, if product movement information is to be automatically generated (S04-No), the user inputs an instruction to generate product movement information. When the instruction to generate product movement information is input, the automatic generation receiving unit 102h receives the instruction to generate product movement information (S10), the store extraction unit 102i extracts overstocked stores and understocked stores, the product movement information generating unit 102j generates product movement information based on the extracted overstocked stores and understocked stores (S11), and the matrix update unit 102c updates the matrix diagram based on this (S12). After the matrix diagram is updated, a data confirmation registration instruction can be input. After input, the product movement receiving unit 102b accepts the data confirmation registration instruction (S08). Furthermore, when the user inputs an instruction to issue a transfer instruction, the transfer instruction issuing unit 102f issues a transfer instruction (S09).

[0071] The above flow will be described in detail below.

[0072] 3A is a diagram showing a transfer instruction issuance input screen in this specific example at an input stage. As shown in FIG. 3A, the transfer instruction issuance input screen in this specific example includes input fields 311-314 for inputting the product category, brand, product number, and supplier of the extraction conditions accepted by the extraction attribute accepting unit 102g, input fields 321-324 for inputting combinations of the product, transfer source store (transfer destination store), transfer destination store (transfer destination store), and transfer quantity (number of transfers) included in the product transfer information accepted by the product transfer accepting unit 102b, an input confirmation button 325, and a two-dimensional matrix created by the matrix creating unit 102a and updated by the matrix updating unit 102c. Figure 330 has a product movement input content field 340 that displays the product movement data or the product movement information or the product movement information included in the product movement data, a detail deletion button 351 for deleting specific product movement information from the product movement data displayed in the product movement input content field 340, a product inventory optimization button 352 for causing the product movement data generation unit 102i to generate product movement data and display the product movement information in the product movement input content field 340, a print button 353 that accepts an instruction to issue a movement instruction sheet, and a confirm button 354 that accepts an instruction to confirm and register the data.

[0073] (A) Matrix diagram display First, the user inputs extraction conditions for narrowing down the products for which the matrix creation unit 102a creates a matrix diagram based on their attributes. The transfer instruction issuance input screen in this specific example has input fields 311 to 314 for inputting any one of product category, brand, product number, and supplier as extraction conditions. When an appropriate code is input into any one of the extraction condition input fields 311 to 314, the extracted attribute receiving unit 102g receives the information as an extraction condition, and the process proceeds to matrix diagram creation by the matrix creation unit 102a.

[0074] The process up to the display of the matrix diagram 330 shown in FIG. 3B, which is created by narrowing down the products to eyeglass frames, will be described in detail below.

[0075] 3B is a diagram showing the transfer instruction issuance input screen after product category input in this specific example. The transfer instruction issuance input screen shows the stage after the user inputs product category "1" (eyeglass frames) in product category input field 311, at which point a matrix diagram 330 created by narrowing down the products to eyeglass frames is displayed, as shown in FIG.

[0076] 4A is a diagram showing the product master in this specific example. As shown in FIG. 4A, the product master in this specific example includes product information A01 to A05, each of which includes the following items for each product: product code (product identifier), product name, brand code (brand identifier), supplier code (supplier identifier), and product category code (product category identifier). In Figure 4A, for convenience, the product master includes the brand name along with the brand code (brand identifier), the supplier name along with the supplier code (supplier identifier), and the product category name along with the product category code (product category identifier); however, in reality, for brands, the product master includes only the brand code (brand identifier), and is linked to a brand master that includes the brand name along with the brand code (brand identifier) ​​for each brand via the brand code (brand identifier); for suppliers, the product master includes only the supplier code (supplier identifier), and is linked to a supplier master that includes the supplier name along with the supplier code (supplier identifier) ​​for each supplier via the supplier code (supplier identifier); and for product categories, the product master includes only the product category code (product category identifier), and is linked to a product category master that includes the product category name along with the product category code (product category identifier) ​​for each product category via the product category code (product category identifier).

[0077] Figure 4B is a diagram showing inventory data in this specific example. As shown in Figure 4B, the inventory data in this specific example includes inventory information B01 to B08, each consisting of items such as store code (store identifier), product code (product identifier), and inventory quantity, organized by product and store. Note that the inventory data in this specific example is inventory data as of December 22, 2021.

[0078] Figure 4C is a diagram showing sales data in this specific example. As shown in Figure 4C, the sales data in this specific example includes sales information C01 to C08, which are organized by sales date, product, and store, and each of which includes the following items: store code (store identifier), product code (product identifier), sales date, and sales quantity. Note that the sales data in this specific example is sales data for December 22, 2021.

[0079] Fig. 4D is a diagram showing the store master in this specific example. As shown in Fig. 4D, the store master in this specific example compiles store information D01 to D24, each consisting of items such as a store code (store identifier), store name, and area code, for each store. For convenience, the store master in Fig. 4D includes the area name along with the area code, but in reality, the product master only includes the area code, and is linked via the area code to an area master that includes the area name along with the area code for each area.

[0080] First, when the user inputs the product category code "1" (eyeglass frames) into the product category input field 311, the extracted attribute receiving unit 102g receives the product category code "1" as an extraction condition for narrowing down the target products (S01). It is assumed that the user input the product category code on December 22, 2021.

[0081] Next, the matrix creating unit 102a extracts product information A01 to A04 with product category code "1" from the product information A01 to A05 included in the product master shown in FIG. 4A, according to the extraction conditions received by the extracted attribute receiving unit 102g.

[0082] Next, the matrix creation unit 102a extracts sales information C01 to C05, C07, and C08 with sales dates within one month of December 22, 2021 from the sales information C01 to C08 included in the sales data shown in FIG. 4C.

[0083] Next, as shown in Figure 3B, the matrix creation unit 102a creates and displays a matrix diagram 330 in which the vertical axis represents product-specific items consisting of product codes and product names based on the extracted product information A01 to A04, and the horizontal axis represents store-specific items consisting of area and store code based on all store information D01 to D24 of the store master shown in Figure 4D, with the upper row of each intersection of the matrix representing sales figures (total sales figures based on sales information within one month with the sales date of December 22, 2021 as the base date (same below)) and the lower row representing inventory figures, based on the inventory information B01 to B07 corresponding to the product codes of the extracted product information A01 to A04 out of the inventory information B01 to B08 included in the inventory data shown in Figure 4B, and the sales information C01 to C05, C07, and C08 corresponding to the product codes of the extracted product information A01 to A04 out of the extracted sales information C01 to C05, C07, and C08 (S02).

[0084] After the matrix diagram is created and displayed, if the user determines that there is a shortage or surplus of product inventory (S03-Yes), the user can select one of the following operations: (B) while referring to the matrix diagram 330, input product movement information to optimize the inventory levels of the stores where there is a shortage or surplus of product, and create product movement data while simulating the product movement, and display the product movement information in the product movement information input field 340 (S04-Yes), or (C) have the product movement information generation unit 102j automatically generate product movement information and display the product movement information in the product movement information input field 340 (S04-No).

[0085] (B) Simulation of product movement When simulating the movement of goods (S04-Yes), the user refers to the matrix diagram 330 shown in Figure 3B created by the matrix creation unit 102a, enters the goods movement information, which is the basic information for moving the stock of the specified goods between stores, in the input fields 321 to 324 as shown in Figure 3C, and updates the matrix diagram using the matrix update unit 102c as shown in Figure 3D to perform a simulation of the movement of goods between stores.

[0086] 3C is a diagram showing the transfer instruction issuance input screen at the stage of inputting product transfer information in this specific example. The transfer instruction issuance input screen shown in Fig. 3C is the transfer instruction issuance input screen at the stage when the user has entered, as product transfer information, product code "A00001" in product input field 321, store code "2" in transfer source store input field 322, store code "3" in transfer destination store input field 323, and transfer quantity "25" in transfer quantity input field 324.

[0087] Fig. 3D is a diagram showing the transfer order issuance input screen after the input of the product movement information in this specific example is confirmed. This transfer order issuance input screen is the transfer order issuance input screen at a stage where the Confirm button 325 is pressed on the transfer order issuance input screen shown in Fig. 3C, the input content is accepted by the product movement acceptance unit 102b as product movement information, the matrix diagram 303 updated by the matrix update unit 102c is displayed, and the product movement acceptance information included in the product movement data, which is the product movement information accepted by the product movement acceptance unit 102b, is displayed in the product movement input content field 340.

[0088] The process from inputting the product movement information to updating the matrix diagram 330 as shown in FIG. 3D and displaying the product movement information in the product movement input details field 340 will be described in detail below.

[0089] First, as product transfer information, the user enters product code "A00001" in product input field 321, store code "2" in source store input field 322, store code "3" in destination store input field 323, and transfer quantity "25" in transfer quantity input field 324, as shown in Fig. 3C, and then presses input confirmation button 325. By pressing input confirmation button 325, product transfer acceptance unit 102b accepts the product transfer information entered by the user, which consists of the combination of product code "A00001", store code (source store) "2", store code (destination store) "3", and transfer quantity (transfer quantity) "25" (S05).

[0090] Next, based on the product movement information received by the product movement receiving unit 102b, the matrix update unit 102c updates the matrix diagram 330 shown in Figure 3C to the matrix diagram 330 shown in Figure 3D, in which the inventory quantity for store code (source store) "2" for product code "A00001" is "60" minus the number of transfers (quantity of transfers) "25" to obtain an inventory quantity of "35", and the inventory quantity for store code (destination store) "3" for product code "A00001" is "60" plus the number of transfers (quantity of transfers) "25" to obtain an inventory quantity of "85" (S06).

[0091] On the other hand, the product movement data creation unit 102d adds the product movement information received by the product movement reception unit 102b to the product movement data, and based on the product movement information, in the product movement input content field 340 that displays the product movement information contained in the product movement data, the source field displays the store code (source store) "2" and the store name "Store 002" based on the store information D02 including the store code in the store master shown in Figure 4D, the destination field displays the store code (destination store) "3" and the store name "Store 003" based on the store information D03 including the store code in the store master shown in Figure 4D, the product field displays the product code "A00001" and the product name "○○ Frame 01" including the product code in the product master shown in Figure 4A, and the movement quantity field displays the movement quantity (movement amount) "25".

[0092] Thereafter, if the user further refers to the matrix diagram and determines that there is an excess or shortage of inventory for the product (S07-Yes), he / she further enters the product code of the product in product input field 321, enters the store code of the store with excess inventory in source store input field 322, enters the store code of the store with shortage of inventory in destination store input field 323, enters the quantity that will eliminate the excess or shortage in transfer quantity input field 324, and presses input confirmation button 325. By repeating the same operations as above, it is possible to simulate the optimization of inventory quantities relative to sales figures.

[0093] (C) Automatic generation of product movement information If automatic generation of product movement information is to be performed (S04-No), the user presses the product inventory optimization button 352 to cause the product movement information generation unit 102j to automatically generate product movement information and display the product movement information in the product movement input content field 340. By pressing the product inventory optimization button 352, the automatic generation reception unit 102h receives an instruction to generate product movement information (S10).

[0094] When the automatic generation reception unit 102h receives an instruction to generate product movement information (S10), the store extraction unit 102i extracts stores with excess inventory and stores with under-inventory, and the product movement information generation unit 102j generates product movement information based on the extracted stores with excess inventory and stores with under-inventory (S11).

[0095] Hereinafter, the flow of processing by the store extraction unit 102i and the product movement information generation unit 102j will be described in detail, picking up only the product "XX Frame 01" that is sold at multiple stores.

[0096] 3E is a diagram showing the transfer instruction issuance input screen after the product transfer information in this specific example has been generated. This transfer instruction issuance input screen is the transfer instruction issuance input screen at the stage when the user presses the product inventory optimization button 352 on the transfer instruction issuance input screen shown in FIG. 3C, the automatic generation receiving unit 102h receives an instruction to generate product transfer information (S10), the product transfer information generating unit 102j automatically generates product transfer information (S11), and the generated product transfer information is displayed in the product transfer input content field 340.

[0097] 4E is a diagram showing the reference data in this specific example. As shown in FIG. 4E, the reference data in this specific example includes standard information including inventory information E01 to E04, each consisting of a store code (store identifier), a product code (product identifier), a standard stock quantity, and a surplus secured stock adjustment quantity, for each product and each store.

[0098] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing by the store extraction unit 102i and the product movement information generation unit 102j.

[0099] Figure 5(a) is a table summarizing, for each store where sales occurred, the product name "XX Frame 01" (product code "A00001"), the store name, product name, inventory quantity based on the inventory master shown in Figure 4B, sales quantity based on the sales master shown in Figure 4C, and the standard inventory quantity and surplus-reserved inventory adjustment quantity based on the standard master shown in Figure 4E, as well as the excess inventory amount obtained by subtracting the overstock standard from the inventory quantity, and the shortage inventory amount obtained by subtracting the inventory quantity from the minimum inventory standard. Note that the excess inventory standard is the sum of the sales quantity, standard inventory quantity, and surplus-reserved inventory adjustment quantity, and the minimum inventory standard is the sum of the sales quantity and the standard inventory quantity.

[0100] Figure 5(b1) is a table showing the understocked stores extracted by the store extraction unit 102i, sorted by store, including the store name, product name, inventory quantity based on the inventory master, the understocked quantity obtained by subtracting the inventory quantity from the minimum inventory standard ("minimum inventory standard - inventory quantity"), the allocated quantity, and the remaining quantity after allocation obtained by subtracting the allocated quantity from the understocked quantity, ranked in descending order of understocked quantity. Figures 5(b2) to (b4) are tables with the same items as Figure 5(b1), but differ in that in Figure 5(b1), the allocated quantity is "0" for all stores and the understocked quantity and the remaining quantity after allocation are the same, whereas in Figures 5(b2) to (b4), as shown in the corresponding Figures 5(d1) to (d3), the allocated quantity increases and the remaining quantity after allocation decreases as the product movement information is generated in stages.

[0101] Figure 5(c1) is a table listing overstocked stores extracted by the store extraction unit 102i, sorted by store, showing the store name, product name, inventory quantity based on the inventory master, excess inventory obtained by subtracting the overstock standard from the inventory quantity ("inventory quantity - overstock standard"), allocated quantity, and remaining quantity after allocation obtained by subtracting the allocated quantity from the excess inventory, along with the order of the largest excess inventory. Figures 5(c2) to (c4) are tables with the same items as Figure 5(c1), but differ in that in Figure 5(c1), the allocated quantity is "0" for all stores and the excess inventory and remaining quantity after allocation are the same, whereas in Figures 5(c2) to (c4), as shown in the corresponding Figures 5(d1) to (d3), the allocated quantity increases and the remaining quantity after allocation decreases as the product movement information is generated in stages.

[0102] Figures 5(d1) to (d3) are tables summarizing product movement information, including the quantity moved, by product and by combination of source store and destination store, at each stage of the product movement information generation. Figure 5(d1) corresponds to Figures 5(b2) and 5(c2), Figure 5(d2) corresponds to Figures 5(b3) and 5(c3), and Figure 5(d3) corresponds to Figures 5(b4) and 5(c4).

[0103] First, when the automatic generation reception unit 102h receives an instruction to generate product movement information, the store extraction unit 102i extracts two stores, "Store 001" and "Store 002," as shown in Figure 5(c1), from the four stores shown in Figure 5(a) as overstock stores whose inventory quantity exceeds the overstock standard, i.e., stores whose excess inventory number obtained by subtracting the overstock standard from the inventory quantity ("inventory quantity - overstock standard") is a positive value.On the other hand, it extracts two stores, "Store 003" and "Store 004," as shown in Figure 5(b1), from the four stores shown in Figure 5(a) as understock stores whose inventory quantity does not meet the minimum inventory standard, i.e., stores whose excess inventory number obtained by subtracting the inventory quantity from the minimum inventory standard ("minimum inventory standard - inventory quantity") is a positive value.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 5(c1), the product movement information generation unit 102j ranks "Store 002" and "Store 001" in descending order of excess inventory, based on the two stores extracted by the store extraction unit 102i as stores with excess inventory (stores from which the product is moved), as "1" and "2." On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5(b1), the product movement information generation unit 102j ranks "Store 003" and "Store 004" in descending order of excess inventory, based on the two stores extracted by the store extraction unit 102i as stores with insufficient inventory (stores to which the product is moved), as "1" and "2."

[0105] Thereafter, the product movement information generation unit 102j repeats the process of adding the same number as the lower of the following two numbers to the allocated quantity of the overstocked store (the source store) and the allocated quantity of the understocked store (the destination store), respectively: the post-allocation remaining quantity of the higher-ranked store among the overstocked stores (the source store) whose post-allocation remaining quantity, obtained by subtracting the allocated quantity from the excess inventory (inventory quantity - overstock standard), is not "0"; and the post-allocation remaining quantity of the higher-ranked store among the understocked stores (the destination store) whose post-allocation remaining quantity, obtained by subtracting the allocated quantity from the understocked quantity (minimum inventory standard - inventory quantity), is not "0", and gradually generates product movement information that includes combinations of the source store and the destination store and the transfer quantity (S11).

[0106] First, as shown in FIG. 5(c1), the product transfer information generating unit 102j determines that, among the stores with excess inventory (stores from which goods are transferred), the store "Store 002" that is ranked "1" and has a post-allocation balance that is not "0" and is ranked higher than the store "Store 002," has a post-allocation balance of "25." On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(b1), among the stores with insufficient inventory (stores to which goods are transferred), the store "Store 003" that is ranked "1" and has a post-allocation balance that is not "0" and is ranked higher than the store "Store 003," has a post-allocation balance of "30." The smaller of the remaining amount after allocation "25" and the remaining amount after allocation "30", "25", is taken as the new transfer quantity and added to the allocated amount of "0" for "Store 002" and the allocated amount of "0" for "Store 003", respectively, to set the allocated amount for "Store 002" to "25" (remaining amount after allocation "0") as shown in Figure 5(c2), and set the allocated amount for "Store 003" to "25" (remaining amount after allocation "5") as shown in Figure 5(b2).

[0107] At the same time, the product movement information generation unit 102j generates new product movement information including the product "○○ Frame 01" and the movement quantity "25", using the combination of the overstocked store "Store 002" and the understocked store "Store 003", in which the movement quantity has been added to the allocated quantity and the allocated quantity, as the combination of the source store and the destination store, as shown in Figure 5 (d1).

[0108] Next, as shown in FIG. 5(c2), the product transfer information generation unit 102j determines that, among the stores with excess inventory (stores from which the product is transferred), the store "Store 001" is ranked "2nd" and has a post-allocation balance that is not "0", and the post-allocation balance is "15". On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(b2), among the stores with insufficient inventory (stores to which the product is transferred), the store "Store 003" is ranked "1st" and has a post-allocation balance that is not "0", and the post-allocation balance is "5". The smaller of the remaining amount after allocation "15" and the remaining amount after allocation "5" is taken as the new transfer quantity and added to the allocated amount of "0" for "Store 001" and the allocated amount of "25" for "Store 003", respectively, to set the allocated amount for "Store 001" to "5" (remaining amount after allocation "10") as shown in Figure 5(c3), and set the allocated amount for "Store 003" to "30" (remaining amount after allocation "0") as shown in Figure 5(b3).

[0109] At the same time, the product movement information generation unit 102j generates new product movement information including the product "○○ Frame 01" and the movement quantity "5", using the combination of the overstocked store "Store 001" and the understocked store "Store 003", in which the movement quantity has been added to the allocated quantity and the allocated quantity, as the combination of the source store and the destination store, as shown in Figure 5 (d2).

[0110] Next, as shown in FIG. 5(c3), the product transfer information generation unit 102j determines that among the stores with excess inventory (stores from which the product is transferred), the second-ranked "store 001" whose post-allocation balance is not "0" has a post-allocation balance of "10", while, as shown in FIG. 5(b3), among the stores with insufficient inventory (stores to which the product is transferred), the second-ranked "store 004" whose post-allocation balance is not "0" has a post-allocation balance of "20". The smaller of the remaining amount after allocation "10" and the remaining amount after allocation "20", "10", is added as the new transfer quantity to the allocated amount of "5" for "Store 001" and the allocated amount of "0" for "Store 004", so that the allocated amount for "Store 001" is set to "15" (remaining amount after allocation "0") as shown in Figure 5(c4), and the allocated amount for "Store 004" is set to "10" (remaining amount after allocation "10") as shown in Figure 5(b4).

[0111] At the same time, the product movement information generation unit 102j generates new product movement information including the product "○○ Frame 01" and the movement quantity "10" by using the combination of the overstocked store "Store 001" and the understocked store "Store 004", in which the movement quantity has been added to the allocated quantity and the allocated quantity, as the combination of the source store and the destination store, as shown in Figure 5 (d3).

[0112] As shown in Figure 5 (c4), the product movement information generation unit 102j terminates the generation of new product movement information because there are no longer any stores with excess inventory (source stores) whose remaining quantity after allocation is not "0".

[0113] Based on the product movement information generated by the product movement information generating unit 102j shown in FIG. 5(d3), the matrix updating unit 102c subtracts the transfer quantity (transfer amount) "15 (=5+10)" from the stock quantity "50" of the transfer source store code (store "Store 001") "1" for the product code "A00001" (product "○○ Frame 01") in the matrix diagram 330 shown in FIG. 3C to obtain the stock quantity "35", and The transfer quantity (transfer amount) "25" is subtracted from the inventory quantity "60" of store code (store "Store 002") "2" to obtain inventory quantity "35", the transfer quantity (transfer amount) "30 (=25+5)" is added to the inventory quantity "60" of destination store code (store "Store 003") "3" to obtain inventory quantity "90", and the transfer quantity (transfer amount) "10" is added to the inventory quantity "20" of destination store code (store "Store 004") "4" to obtain inventory quantity "30", and the matrix diagram 330 shown in Figure 3E is updated (S12).

[0114] On the other hand, the product movement information generation unit 102j displays all of the product movement information generated by the product movement information generation unit 102j shown in Figure 5 (d3) in the product movement input content field 340, which displays the contents of the product movement data, as shown in Figure 3E.

[0115] (D) Product movement data confirmation registration and movement instruction issuance If the user ultimately wishes to confirm the contents of the product transfer data displayed in the product transfer input contents field 340, the user presses the confirmation button 354, which accepts a data confirmation registration instruction, and the product transfer reception unit 102b accepts the data confirmation registration instruction for the product transfer data (S08), and the process proceeds to processing the transfer instruction using the contents of the product transfer data displayed in the product transfer input contents field 340.

[0116] Furthermore, if the user wishes to issue a transfer instruction using the contents of the product transfer data displayed in the product transfer input contents field 340, the user presses the print button 353, which accepts an instruction to issue a transfer instruction, and the transfer instruction issuance acceptance unit 102e accepts the instruction to issue a transfer instruction, and the transfer instruction issuance unit 102f issues a transfer instruction based on the product transfer information in the product transfer data displayed in the product transfer input contents field 340 (S09).

[0117] As explained above, the system of the present invention makes it easy to consider and simulate the movement of products between stores based on inventory and sales figures. Furthermore, it can automatically propose product movements that optimize inventory levels between stores based on sales figures. Furthermore, it can easily perform processes from creating product movement data to issuing movement instructions.

[0118] [3. Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This embodiment can contribute to improving business efficiency and promoting appropriate management decisions by companies, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDGs Goals 8 and 9.

[0119] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and electronic systems, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDGs Goals 12, 13, and 15.

[0120] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, which can contribute to Goal 16 of the SDGs.

[0121] 4. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments other than those described above within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims.

[0122] For example, among the processes described in the above-mentioned embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods.

[0123] In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, registered data for each process, information including parameters such as search conditions, screen examples, and database configurations shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified.

[0124] Furthermore, with regard to the PC 100, the components shown in the drawings are functional concepts, and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the drawings.

[0125] For example, all or any part of the processing functions of each device constituting PC 100, particularly the processing functions performed by the control unit, may be implemented by a CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or may be implemented as hardware using wired logic. The program is recorded on a non-transitory, computer-readable recording medium containing programmed instructions for causing the information processing device to execute the processes described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by each device as needed. That is, a computer program is recorded in a storage unit such as a ROM or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for working with the OS to issue instructions to the CPU and perform various processes. The computer program is executed by being loaded into RAM and works with the CPU to form the control unit.

[0126] This computer program may also be stored in an application program server connected to the PC 100 via any network, and all or part of it may be downloaded as needed.

[0127] Furthermore, the program for executing the processes described in this embodiment may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, or may be configured as a program first product. Here, the term "recording medium" includes any "portable physical medium" such as a memory card, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)), a Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Magneto-Optical disk (MO), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), and a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc.

[0128] Furthermore, a "program" is a data processing method written in any language or description method, regardless of the format, such as source code or binary code. Note that a "program" is not necessarily limited to a single structure, but also includes a structure that is distributed as multiple modules or libraries, or a structure that achieves its function by cooperating with a separate program, such as an OS. Note that the specific configuration and reading procedure for reading a recording medium in each device shown in the embodiments, as well as the installation procedure after reading, can use well-known configurations and procedures.

[0129] The various databases stored in the memory unit are storage means such as memory devices such as RAM and ROM, fixed disk devices such as hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks, and store various programs, tables, databases, and web page files used for various processes and providing websites.

[0130] The PC 100 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, or may be configured as the information processing device to which any peripheral device is connected. The PC 100 may be realized by installing software (including programs, data, etc.) that causes the PC 100 to perform the processes described in this embodiment.

[0131] Furthermore, the specific form of distribution and integration of the devices is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of them can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit depending on various additions or functional loads. In other words, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in any combination, or embodiments can be implemented selectively. [Industrial Applicability]

[0132] The present invention is useful for inventory management in the retail industry, for example, in which electronics retailers and other retailers operate multiple stores. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 100 PC 102 Control section 102a Matrix Creation Section 102b Product Transfer Reception Department 102c Matrix Update Section 102d Product Movement Data Creation Department 102e Transfer Instructions Issuance Reception Department 102f Movement Instructions Issuance Department 102g Extraction attribute reception section 102h Automatic generation reception section 102i Store Extraction Unit 102j Product movement information generation department 104 Communication interface unit 106 Storage section 106a Sales data storage unit 106b Inventory data storage unit 106c Product master storage unit 106d Store master storage unit 106e Product movement data storage unit 108 Input / Output Interface Section 200 servers 300 Network 400 Input Device 500 output devices

Claims

1. An inventory management device including a control unit, The control unit a matrix creation means for creating a two-dimensional matrix diagram, in which one axis represents products and the other axis represents stores, and sales figures and inventory figures for each product and each store are entered in squares where the axes intersect; a product transfer receiving means for receiving input of product transfer information consisting of a combination of a product, a transfer source store, a transfer destination store, and a transfer quantity; a matrix updating means for updating the matrix diagram created by the matrix creating means, each time the product transfer information is received by the product transfer receiving means, by subtracting the transfer quantity from the stock quantity of the product in the source store for the product in the product transfer information received by the product transfer receiving means, and at the same time adding the transfer quantity to the stock quantity of the product in the destination store for the product; An inventory management device comprising:

2. The control unit further comprising a product movement data creation means for adding the product movement information received by the product movement reception means to the product movement data and updating the product movement data each time the product movement information is received by the product movement reception means; 2. The inventory management device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The control unit a transfer instruction issuance receiving means for receiving an instruction to create a transfer instruction indicating the product, the transfer source store, the transfer destination store, and the transfer quantity for each combination; a movement instruction issuing means for issuing a movement instruction based on the product movement information in the product movement data when the movement instruction issuing receiving means receives an instruction to issue the movement instruction; 3. The inventory management device according to claim 2, wherein:

4. The control unit The matrix creating means further comprises an extraction attribute receiving means for receiving extraction conditions for narrowing down the products for which the matrix diagram is to be created based on their attributes, the matrix creation means creates a matrix diagram based on the extraction conditions received by the extraction attribute reception means, excluding products that do not meet the extraction conditions; 4. The inventory management device according to claim 1, wherein:

5. Further provided is a product movement input content field that is displayed on the same screen as the two-dimensional matrix diagram and that displays a list of product movement information received by the product movement reception means; 5. The inventory management device according to claim 1, wherein:

6. an automatic generation receiving means for receiving an instruction to generate product transfer information consisting of a combination of a product, a transfer source store, a transfer destination store, and a transfer quantity; a store extraction means for extracting, for each product, overstock stores whose inventory exceeds an overstock standard and understock stores whose inventory does not meet a minimum inventory standard; a product movement information generation means for generating product movement information for each product and for each combination of a source store and a destination store by selecting a combination of a source store and a destination store for each product and determining a movement quantity for each combination so that the inventory quantity of the understocked stores extracted by the store extraction means is increased and the inventory quantity of the overstocked stores extracted by the store extraction means is equal to or less than the overstock standard, or so that the inventory quantity of the overstocked stores extracted by the store extraction means is decreased and the inventory quantity of the understocked stores extracted by the store extraction means meets the minimum inventory standard; a product movement data creation means for creating product movement data that summarizes the product movement information generated by the product movement information generation means and displaying the data in a list in the product movement input content field; 6. The inventory management device according to claim 5,

7. The excess inventory standard is the sum of the sales number, the standard inventory number by product and by store, and the surplus secured inventory adjustment number by product and by store, and the minimum inventory standard is the sum of the sales number and the standard inventory number by product and by store, 7. The inventory management device according to claim 6, wherein:

8. the product movement information generation means selects combinations of source and destination stores for each product and determines the quantity to be moved for each combination by offsetting the excess inventory of the source store and the understock amount of the destination store with the excess inventory amount of the source store and the understock amount of the destination store, in order of the source store having the largest excess inventory amount obtained by subtracting the overstock standard from the inventory quantity among the overstock stores extracted by the store extraction means, and in order of the destination store having the largest understock amount obtained by subtracting the inventory quantity from the minimum inventory standard among the understock stores extracted by the store extraction means, thereby generating product movement information for each product and for each combination of source and destination stores; 8. The inventory management device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein:

9. An inventory management method executed in an inventory management device including a control unit, Executed by the control unit, a matrix creation step of creating a two-dimensional matrix diagram, in which one axis represents products and the other axis represents stores, and sales figures and inventory figures for each product and each store are entered in squares where the axes intersect; a product transfer reception step of receiving input of product transfer information consisting of a combination of a product, a transfer source store, a transfer destination store, and a transfer quantity; a matrix updating step for updating the matrix diagram created in the matrix creating step, for each reception of product movement information in the product movement reception step, by subtracting the movement quantity from the stock quantity of the corresponding product in the movement source store in the product movement information received in the product movement reception step, and simultaneously adding the movement quantity to the stock quantity of the corresponding product in the movement destination store; An inventory management method comprising:

10. An inventory management program to be executed by an inventory management device having a control unit, To cause the control unit to execute a matrix creation step of creating a two-dimensional matrix diagram, in which one axis represents products and the other axis represents stores, and sales figures and inventory figures for each product and each store are entered in squares where the axes intersect; a product transfer reception step of receiving input of product transfer information consisting of a combination of a product, a transfer source store, a transfer destination store, and a transfer quantity; a matrix updating step for updating the matrix diagram created in the matrix creating step, for each reception of product movement information in the product movement reception step, by subtracting the movement quantity from the stock quantity of the corresponding product in the movement source store in the product movement information received in the product movement reception step, and simultaneously adding the movement quantity to the stock quantity of the corresponding product in the movement destination store; An inventory management program comprising:

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