Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To improve the convenience of a commodity supplier while improving the efficiency of physical distribution in buying commodities.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes a specifying unit and a presenting unit. The specifying unit specifies a pattern of a shipping date on which collective shipping is executed, based on master information regarding the collective shipping that ships commodities collectively. When receiving a request from a store to order a commodity, the presenting unit presents, based on the pattern of the shipping date corresponding to the store, available delivery date on which the commodity can be delivered through the collective shipping of the commodity, to the store.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A technique has been proposed in which the earliest scheduled shipping date from a warehouse is identified based on product order data and various master information, and the identified earliest scheduled shipping date is notified to the customer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-133582 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques do not necessarily improve the efficiency of logistics when purchasing goods while also improving convenience for product suppliers.

[0005] For example, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not include a configuration that allows products to be shipped in a consolidated manner or that allows suppliers to know the delivery date of consolidated products, and there is room for improvement in terms of increasing the convenience of product suppliers while streamlining logistics when purchasing products.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention proposes an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can improve the efficiency of logistics when purchasing goods and also improve convenience for product suppliers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an identification unit that identifies a pattern of shipping dates, which are the days on which consolidated shipping will be carried out, based on master information regarding consolidated shipping in which products are consolidated and shipped, and a presentation unit that, when receiving a product order request from a store, presents to the store a possible delivery date on which the products can be delivered to the store when the products are consolidated and shipped, based on the shipping date pattern corresponding to the store.

[0008] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing device, and includes a determination step of determining a pattern of shipping dates, which are dates on which consolidated shipping will be carried out, based on master information regarding consolidated shipping in which products are consolidated and shipped, and a presentation step of, when a product order request is received from a store, presenting to the store a possible delivery date on which the products can be delivered to the store when the products are consolidated and shipped, based on the shipping date pattern corresponding to the store.

[0009] An information processing program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to execute a procedure for identifying a pattern of shipping dates, which are the dates on which consolidated shipping will be carried out, based on master information regarding consolidated shipping, in which products are consolidated and shipped, and a procedure for presenting to a store, when a product order request is received from the store, a delivery date on which the products can be delivered to the store when the products are consolidated and shipped, based on the shipping date pattern corresponding to the store. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of logistics when purchasing goods and to increase convenience for product suppliers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining countermeasures against logistics problems. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a service user suitable for receiving the aggregation service. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the functions provided by the aggregation service. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the functions provided by the aggregation service. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an overview of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing related to a request for consolidated shipping. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the store hierarchy master. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart (1) showing the procedure of information processing related to the selection of a shipping date pattern. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the shipping date pattern candidate master. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the store-specific shipping date pattern master. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart (2) showing the procedure of information processing related to the selection of a shipping date pattern. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the area-specific pattern master. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the store-specific area master. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a flowchart (1) showing the procedure of information processing related to specifying a shipping date pattern. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a flowchart (2) showing the procedure of information processing related to specifying a shipping date pattern. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a method for identifying a shipping date pattern. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a method for identifying a shipping date pattern. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a UI that allows a desired delivery date to be selected from available delivery dates. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing related to the special case setting. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0013] One or more embodiments (including examples, modifications, and application examples) described below can be implemented independently. However, at least a portion of the embodiments described below may be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a portion of another embodiment. These embodiments may include novel features that are different from each other. Therefore, these embodiments may contribute to solving different purposes or problems and may produce different effects from each other.

[0014] In the following embodiments, the expression "request consolidated shipping" may include the expression "perform consolidated shipping." For example, the expression "whether to request consolidated shipping" may be rephrased as "whether to perform consolidated shipping."

[0015] (Embodiment) 1. Introduction In recent years, the logistics industry has been experiencing various problems, such as a shortage of drivers and poor transportation efficiency due to small-lot deliveries. Therefore, using Figure 1, we will explain countermeasures to address logistics issues and reduce delivery costs. Figure 1 is a diagram that explains countermeasures to logistics issues. Figure 1 uses the example of a store (supplier) that purchases and sells products.

[0016] First, let's explain from the perspective of "delivery frequency." For example, when a store runs low on inventory of a product (abbreviated as "product"), it may place an order and request shipping from the warehouse. As shown in the top part of Figure 1, currently orders are placed every day, and the ordered products are processed for shipping individually, and then shipped individually from the warehouse the next day. With this method, shipping frequency increases (i.e., delivery frequency increases), which increases delivery costs.

[0017] One solution is to limit the timing of shipments. Specifically, as shown in the bottom of Figure 1, shipments could be fixed to specific days of the week (for example, Tuesday and Thursday, or Wednesday and Friday) rather than every day. This approach would reduce the frequency of shipments (i.e., reduce the frequency of deliveries), which is expected to reduce delivery costs.

[0018] Next, we will explain this from the perspective of "consolidating shipping boxes." For example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 1, currently, stores use shipping slips for each product to request shipping from the warehouse, but this method means that the products corresponding to each slip are packed separately before being shipped. For example, if there are three products to order, the store will create three shipping slips and use each slip to request shipping from the warehouse, which will result in three shipping boxes with the three products packed separately being shipped from the warehouse. Because the packing work and loading of shipping boxes are done manually, the current method, which requires handling each product individually, is inefficient, and the increased number of shipping boxes increases delivery costs.

[0019] Therefore, as shown in the lower part of Figure 1, it is possible to consolidate multiple invoices for each product into a single invoice. With this method, for example, if there are three products to order, one invoice for all three products can be used, making it possible to realize consolidated shipping by packing all three products into one shipping box and shipping them. Furthermore, consolidated shipping is expected to address labor shortages, improve delivery efficiency, and reduce delivery costs.

[0020] Combining the countermeasures described from the perspective of "delivery frequency" (reducing shipping frequency) with the countermeasures described from the perspective of "consolidating shipping boxes" (consolidated shipping) could potentially contribute significantly to resolving logistics issues. However, given the store's circumstances, there are cases where consolidated shipping with reduced shipping frequency is not suitable and high-frequency shipping of only specific products (for example, daily shipping) is required. For example, when demand for a specific product increases due to a disaster, or when a specific product is newly released, the store may need to ship that specific product immediately, without waiting for a fixed day of the week.

[0021] Therefore, the inventor of the present invention came up with an idea to ensure efficient logistics while also realizing convenience for stores by incorporating the system of consolidated collection explained in Fig. 1. This idea will be described in detail below as the proposed technology of the present invention. One embodiment of the proposed technology of the present invention will be described below.

[0022] 2. Scope of the Invention Prior to describing the embodiments, a service user who can use the service realized by the present invention (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "aggregated service") will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a service user who is suitable for receiving the aggregated service.

[0023] The aggregation service referred to here is a service that allows a user to request that multiple products ordered by the same user be shipped from a warehouse on a specific day of the week in an aggregated state (for example, packed into a single shipping box). The users who can benefit from such an aggregation service are considered to be product retailers, i.e., stores, who request individual deliveries on the shortest possible date in response to individual daily orders. Therefore, the service users who use the aggregation service of the present invention are considered to be stores (shops).

[0024] For individual customers who visit a store to purchase products or purchase products from an online shop and then receive them shipped from a warehouse, there is no concept of placing an order and requesting shipping from a warehouse when inventory is low, and it is thought that they would not benefit much from the aggregation service. Therefore, individual customers are not included in the scope of this invention.

[0025] A specific example of a store will also be described. There are no limitations on the type, sales format, size, etc. of stores that can use the aggregation service, but in this embodiment, the store will be described as a carrier shop (mobile phone shop). Carrier shops are made up of directly managed shops that directly purchase and sell mobile terminals from telecommunications companies called carriers, and agents (agency stores) that act as sales agents. Agents may form a hierarchical structure, such as a primary agent that has the closest relationship with the telecommunications company, a secondary agent that purchases and sells mobile terminals from the primary agent, and a tertiary agent that purchases and sells mobile terminals from the secondary agent. Therefore, in this embodiment, the term "store SH" refers to any of the agents (i.e., an nth-order agent) included in such a hierarchical structure.

[0026] On the other hand, the proposed technology according to the present invention can also be applied to directly managed shops, electronics retail stores that handle mobile devices, etc. Furthermore, the proposed technology according to the present invention can be applied to any business that may need to place an order and request a warehouse for shipping when inventory is low.

[0027] [3. Functions of the proposed technology] 3 and 4 are diagrams outlining the functions provided by the aggregation service, which improve the convenience of stores in aggregate shipping.

[0028] First, let us explain Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3(a), the aggregation service includes a function that allows the user to set whether or not to request aggregated shipping on a store-by-store basis. Figure 3(a) shows stores SH1 and SH2 as examples of stores SH. For example, suppose that store clerk T of store SH1 wishes to request aggregated shipping. In this case, store clerk T simply accesses a specific screen using the store terminal 10 of store SH1 and sets aggregated shipping to "ON" on that screen.

[0029] Furthermore, suppose that store clerk T of store SH2 wants to request non-consolidated shipping (individual shipping) without consolidated shipping. In this case, store clerk T accesses a predetermined screen using the store terminal 10 of store SH and sets consolidated shipping to "OFF" on that screen.

[0030] Now, let us consider Figure 3(b). For example, a telecommunications carrier M may operate multiple carrier brands (e.g., one main brand and the other sub-brands), and may group the stores SH under its control by these brands. Specifically, depending on the products handled by each store SH, each store SH may be grouped into either group G1 corresponding to products of the main brand, or group G2 corresponding to products of the sub-brand. Depending on such grouping, as shown in Figure 3(b), the aggregation service includes a function that allows the user to set whether or not to request aggregated shipping on a group basis.

[0031] The telecommunications carrier M may have the authority to set whether or not to request consolidated shipping on a group basis. For example, suppose that the telecommunications carrier M wants to control the request for consolidated shipping for all stores SH belonging to group G1 on a group G1 basis. In such a case, the telecommunications carrier M can access a specific screen using the carrier terminal 20, specify group G1 on that screen, and set consolidated shipping to "ON." If the store SH cannot agree to the telecommunications carrier M setting consolidated shipping to "ON," it can also make a final setting by resetting consolidated shipping to "OFF."

[0032] Furthermore, suppose that the telecommunications carrier M wishes to control the request for non-consolidation (individual shipping) for all stores SH belonging to group G2 on a group G2 basis, without consolidating and shipping them all together. In such a case, the telecommunications carrier M can access a specific screen using the carrier terminal 20, specify group G2 on that screen, and set consolidated shipping to "OFF." If the store SH cannot agree to the telecommunications carrier M setting consolidated shipping to "OFF," it can also make a final setting by resetting consolidated shipping to "ON."

[0033] Furthermore, setting information for each store SH as to whether or not to request consolidated shipping, and setting information for each group as to whether or not to request consolidated shipping, are managed as master information. As a result, for example, even if there is a store SH that is set not to request consolidated shipping, if the group to which that store SH belongs is set to request consolidated shipping, a configuration may be adopted in which that store SH is controlled as having requested consolidated shipping. On the other hand, if there is a store SH (affiliated store) that belongs to a group that is set to request consolidated shipping, a configuration may be adopted in which that store SH is controlled as having requested consolidated shipping.

[0034] Next, we will explain Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4(a), the aggregation service includes a function that allows you to set a shipping date pattern (shipping date pattern) for each store. The shipping date pattern here refers to information that summarizes whether or not consolidated shipping will be performed for each day of the week.

[0035] FIG. 4(a) shows stores SH1 and SH2 as examples of stores SH. For example, suppose that store clerk T at store SH1 wishes to execute consolidated shipping on Tuesday and Thursday. In this case, store clerk T accesses a predetermined screen using the store terminal 10 at store SH1 and selects, from among the candidate shipping date patterns, one that specifies Tuesday and Thursday as the execution dates for consolidated shipping as the desired shipping date pattern. Also, suppose that store clerk T at store SH2 wishes to execute consolidated shipping on Wednesday and Friday. In this case, store clerk T accesses a predetermined screen using the store terminal 10 at store SH2 and selects, from among the candidate shipping date patterns, one that specifies Wednesday and Friday as the execution dates for consolidated shipping as the desired shipping date pattern. This function can be said to realize consolidated shipping on a store-by-store basis.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the aggregation service also includes a function that allows store SH to delegate the shipping date pattern set by region (e.g., prefecture) rather than having store SH set the shipping date pattern. For example, store clerk T of store SH1, whose store is in the Hokkaido region, wants to include its own store's products in deliveries to the Hokkaido region and execute consolidated shipping on Tuesday and Thursday. In this case, store clerk T accesses a specific screen using the store terminal 10 of store SH1 and selects the region code indicating the Hokkaido region. Similarly, store clerk T of store SH2, whose store is in the Kanagawa region, wants to include its own store's products in deliveries to the Kanagawa region and execute consolidated shipping on Wednesday and Friday. In this case, store clerk T accesses a specific screen using the store terminal 10 of store SH2 and selects the region code indicating the Kanagawa region. This function can be said to realize consolidated shipping on a region-by-region basis.

[0037] The area code may not be selected by the store SH, but may be automatically set based on the location of the store SH, and as a result, master information may be prepared in which store SH information and area codes are associated. By referring to such master, for example, for a store SH that has not selected a desired shipping date pattern, it becomes possible to use the shipping date pattern defined for the area to which the store SH belongs, based on the area code corresponding to that store SH.

[0038] FIG. 4(b) will now be explained. The aggregation service includes a function for providing a UI that allows a user to select a desired delivery date from available delivery dates for an ordered product. Such a UI may be, for example, a screen that allows a user to select a desired delivery date from available delivery dates that are displayed highlighted on a calendar. For example, if store manager T of store SH desires delivery on January 15th and January 25th, out of the available delivery dates of January 15th, January 20th, and January 25th, he or she can simply select these dates from the calendar. In this way, the desired delivery date is selected from available delivery dates, so the available delivery dates can also be considered candidate delivery dates.

[0039] FIG. 4(c) will be explained. The consolidation service includes a function that allows a store SH that has requested consolidated shipping to set a special exception, temporarily canceling consolidated shipping and temporarily switching to regular shipping. For example, if a store employee T at store SH1 is in danger of running out of stock and wants the out-of-stock items shipped immediately without waiting for the day on which consolidated shipping is to be performed, he or she can access a specific screen using the store terminal 10 at store SH1 and set the special exception to "ON." Regular shipping is a shipping method that does not include the target items in the consolidation but delivers them individually so that they arrive on the shortest possible date.

[0040] [4. System Configuration] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 shows, as an example of the information processing system according to an embodiment, a system including an agency and a directly managed store formed in an n-th hierarchical structure as stores SH under a certain telecommunications carrier M. Information processing according to the embodiment (i.e., the proposed technology of the present invention) is realized in the information processing system 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the information processing system 1 may include a store terminal 10, a business operator terminal 20, a warehouse terminal 30, and an information processing device 100.

[0041] The store terminal 10 is an example of an information processing terminal used by a store staff member T of a store SH. Figure 5 shows, as examples of stores SH, a primary agency SH1, secondary agencies SH21 and SH22 subordinate to the primary agency SH1, tertiary agencies SH31 and SH32 subordinate to the secondary agency SH21, and tertiary agencies SH33 and SH34 subordinate to the secondary agency SH22, and also shows how the store staff member T of each agency can operate the store terminal 10 of their own store SH.

[0042] FIG. 5 also shows directly managed stores SH10, SH11, SH12, etc. as examples of stores SH, and also shows how a store staff member T at each directly managed store can operate the store terminal 10 at their own store SH.

[0043] The store terminal 10 may be a smartphone, a wearable device, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. A predetermined application for accessing the information processing device 100 may be installed in the store terminal 10. The predetermined application may be a dedicated application prepared in accordance with the proposed technology of the present invention, or may be a general-purpose application such as a browser.

[0044] The operator terminal 20 is an example of an information processing terminal used by the telecommunications operator M. The operator terminal 20 may be a smartphone, a wearable device, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like. A predetermined application for accessing the information processing device 100 may be installed in the operator terminal 20. The predetermined application may be a dedicated application prepared in accordance with the proposed technology of the present invention, or may be a general-purpose application such as a browser.

[0045] The warehouse terminal 30 is an example of an information processing terminal used by workers at the warehouse W from which the goods are shipped. The warehouse terminal 30 may be a smartphone, a wearable device, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like. A predetermined application for accessing the information processing device 100 may be installed in the warehouse terminal 30. The predetermined application may be a dedicated application prepared in accordance with the proposed technology of the present invention, or a general-purpose application such as a browser. The warehouse terminal 30 can transmit inventory data, etc. to the information processing device 100.

[0046] The information processing device 100 is a central device that performs information processing according to the embodiment, and may be implemented as a cloud server device. As will be described later, the information processing system 1 further includes an OMS (order management system) and a warehouse management system (WMS).

[0047] [5. Overview of proposed technology] 6 will explain an overview of information processing according to the embodiment using a more specific example of the information processing system 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing system 1 includes an OMS and a WMS, and an information processing device 100, which corresponds to an aggregation system that provides aggregation services, may be implemented between the OMS and the WMS, which are in a cooperative relationship with each other. As shown in FIG. 6, the OMS and WMS may be used by a telecommunications carrier M that acts between a store SH and a warehouse W and issues shipping instructions to the warehouse W in response to an order from the store SH.

[0048] The OMS is configured to be able to realize "order management," "inventory management," "shipment management," "document management," "product management," "sales management," etc.

[0049] The WMS is configured to be able to realize "inventory management," "distribution management," "document management," "inventory management," "warehouse receipt management," "warehouse delivery management," etc. The WMS is linked to a database that manages inventory information for each warehouse W, and can obtain inventory information from there. Figure 6 shows warehouses W1, W2, W3, etc., and the WMS can obtain inventory information for each of these warehouses W.

[0050] Next, we will explain the information processing when possible delivery dates are provided to store SH1. For example, when the information processing device 100 receives a request for consolidated shipping (consolidated shipping set to "ON") from store SH1, it identifies a shipping date pattern (for example, Tuesday / Thursday) based on master information related to consolidated shipping. The master information related to consolidated shipping will be described later. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 presents to store SH1 possible delivery dates on which the target products that are the subject of consolidated shipping can be delivered based on the shipping date pattern.

[0051] For example, if a store clerk T at store SH1 sends an order request for each product, the order request information is managed by the OMS. As a result, the telecommunications carrier M can check the orders and inventory of the products corresponding to the order request by accessing the OMS with the carrier terminal 20. For example, the telecommunications carrier M can check information for each ordered product, such as when the product will be shipped from which warehouse W and when it can be delivered.

[0052] In this way, based on the information for each ordered item managed by the cooperation between the OMS and WMS and the shipping date pattern identified for the store SH1, the information processing device 100 estimates the possible delivery date for the ordered items (target items to be shipped in a consolidated shipment) to be delivered to the store SH1. Then, the information processing device 100 presents to the store SH1 a shipping destination warehouse W from among warehouses W1, W2, W3, etc., that can consolidate and ship the ordered items, and the possible delivery date. For example, the information processing device 100 may present the possible delivery dates in a manner that allows the user to select a desired delivery date.

[0053] In this state, it is assumed that the store SH1 confirms the order for the product by selecting a desired delivery date. In this case, the information processing device 100 notifies the telecommunications carrier M of the information on the desired delivery date. For example, the information processing device 100 notifies the telecommunications carrier M of the information on the desired delivery date via the OMS.

[0054] After confirming the information on the desired delivery date, the communications carrier M issues a consolidated shipping instruction to the shipping destination warehouse W. The consolidated collection instruction may be transmitted from the carrier terminal 20 to the warehouse terminal 30 via the WMS.

[0055] 6. Configuration of Information Processing Device The information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0056] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. For example, the communication unit 110 transmits and receives information to and from the store terminal 10, the business operator terminal 20, and the warehouse terminal 30.

[0057] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 120 may store, for example, data and programs related to the information processing according to the embodiment.

[0058] 7, the storage unit 120 has a store hierarchy master 121, a shipping date pattern candidate master 122, a store-specific shipping date pattern master 123, a region-specific pattern master 124, and a store-specific region master 125. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 120 may further have a database that stores product information in response to product orders.

[0059] (control unit 130) The control unit 130 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like executing various programs (for example, the information processing program according to the embodiment) stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 130 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0060] As shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 130 has a reception unit 131, a request control unit 132, a determination unit 133, an identification unit 134, an estimation unit 135, a presentation unit 136, and a shipping control unit 137, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 7, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Furthermore, the connection relationship between the processing units included in the control unit 130 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Fig. 7, and may be other connection relationships.

[0061] (Reception Department 131) The reception unit 131 receives a setting for each store SH as to whether or not to request consolidated shipping. The reception unit 131 also receives a setting for identifying a shipping date pattern from a target store SHn, which is a store SH that has requested consolidated shipping.

[0062] For example, the reception unit 131 receives from the target store SHn a setting to select a desired shipping date pattern from among candidate shipping date patterns based on the shipping date pattern candidate master 122. Then, the reception unit 131 registers information linking the desired shipping date pattern selected by the target store SHn for each target store SHn as the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123 among the master information.

[0063] The receiving unit 131 may also receive other information. For example, the receiving unit 131 may receive an order request for ordering a product from the store SH.

[0064] (Request control unit 132) The request control unit 132 controls the setting of whether to request consolidated shipping for each predetermined group to which the stores SH belong. For example, the request control unit 132 controls the setting of whether to request consolidated shipping for each predetermined group to which the stores SH belong, in response to an instruction from a predetermined business operator (for example, telecommunications carrier M) that oversees the stores SH. Furthermore, the reception unit 131 may receive a final setting for each store SH as to whether to request consolidated shipping, depending on the content of the control.

[0065] (Judgment unit 133) The determination unit 133 performs a determination process in the information processing according to the embodiment. For example, the determination unit 133 performs a selection determination to determine whether or not the target store SHn has made a setting to select a desired shipping date pattern based on the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123.

[0066] (Specific Section 134) The identification unit 134 identifies a shipping date pattern, which is a pattern of days on which consolidated shipping will be performed, based on master information related to consolidated shipping, in which products are consolidated and shipped. For example, the identification unit 134 identifies a shipping date pattern corresponding to each target store SHn based on the result of the selection determination. For example, if a shipping date set store SHnx that has been set to select a desired shipping date pattern is present among the target stores SHn, the identification unit 134 identifies the desired shipping date pattern selected by the shipping date set store SHnx as the shipping date pattern corresponding to the shipping date set store SHnx.

[0067] If there is a store SHny for which a desired shipping date pattern has not been selected, the identification unit 134 identifies a shipping date pattern corresponding to the store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set, based on the region to which the store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set belongs among the predetermined regions and the region-specific pattern master 124. For example, the determination unit 133 performs a registration determination for each store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set, in which the determination unit 133 determines whether the region to which the store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set belongs is registered in the region-specific pattern master 124. Then, the identification unit 134 identifies a shipping date pattern corresponding to the store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set, based on the result of the registration determination and the region-specific pattern master 124.

[0068] Here, if a regionally registered store SHnyz1, whose belonging region is registered in the regional pattern master 124, is present among the stores SHny for which a shipping date has not been set, the identification unit 134 identifies a shipping date pattern corresponding to the regionally registered store SHnyz1 based on the belonging region to which the regionally registered store SHnyz1 belongs and the shipping date pattern registered in the regional pattern master 124. On the other hand, if a regionally unregistered store SHnyz2, whose belonging region is not registered in the regional pattern master 124, is present among the stores SHny for which a shipping date has not been set, the identification unit 134 does not identify a shipping date pattern corresponding to the regionally unregistered store SHnyz2 and excludes it from the stores SH that have requested consolidated shipping. In other words, the identification unit 134 excludes the regionally unregistered store SHnyz2 from being a target for consolidated shipping.

[0069] (Estimation part 135) Based on the shipping date pattern identified by the identification unit 134, the estimation unit 135 estimates a delivery date on which the product can be delivered to the target store SHn for which this shipping date pattern has been identified.

[0070] For example, suppose that the receiving unit 131 receives an order request to order products from a target store SHn for which a shipping date pattern has been identified. In this case, the estimation unit 135 estimates a delivery date on which the ordered products (target products subject to consolidated shipping) for each order request can be delivered to the target store SHn when they are consolidated and shipped, based on the shipping date pattern corresponding to the target store SHn that made the order request and information on the ordered products managed between the OMS and the WMS (for example, inventory information for each warehouse W).

[0071] (Presentation part 136) The presentation unit 136 presents to the store SH that handles the target products the possible delivery dates on which the target products that are the subject of consolidated shipping can be delivered, based on the shipping date pattern. Specifically, the presentation unit 136 presents to the target store SHn the possible delivery dates estimated by the estimation unit 135. For example, the presentation unit 136 may present to the target store SHn a state in which the desired delivery date can be selected from the possible delivery dates. For example, the presentation unit 136 may present to the target store SHn a shipping destination warehouse W that can consolidated and ship the ordered products, and the possible delivery dates. The estimation unit 135 can also estimate the shipping destination warehouse W based on information managed by the OMS and WMS.

[0072] The receiving unit 131 may receive a setting to cancel consolidated shipping from the target store SHn that has requested consolidated shipping as a special setting (a special setting that temporarily cancels consolidated shipping and temporarily switches to normal shipping). In this case, the estimation unit 135 estimates the earliest possible delivery date by which the ordered items can be delivered for each ordered item corresponding to the order request received from the target store SHn that has performed the special setting.

[0073] (Shipping control unit 137) When the order for the product is confirmed by receiving a setting from the target store SHn to select a desired delivery date from among available delivery dates, the shipping control unit 137 notifies the shipping destination warehouse W of the information on the desired delivery date, and instructs the shipping destination warehouse W to begin preparations for consolidated shipping. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the instruction for consolidated collection is transmitted from the business operator terminal 20 to the warehouse terminal 30 via the WMS.

[0074] [7. Processing Procedure] The processing units and master information explained in Fig. 7 will be explained in more detail in the specific processing procedure. Below, a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 and a diagram showing the contents of the master information will be used. In the following explanation, the store SH is assumed to be an agency (agent) included in a hierarchical structure as a sales format for mobile terminals.

[0075] (7-1. Request for consolidated shipping) 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing related to a request for consolidated shipping. First, the reception unit 131 determines whether the request control unit 132 has executed a process of collectively controlling the setting of whether to request consolidated shipping (setting of consolidated / not consolidated) for each predetermined group to which the store SH belongs (for example, a group corresponding to the type of carrier brand) (step S801).

[0076] In a state where the process of controlling the aggregated / non-aggregated setting for each predetermined group has not been performed (step S801; No), the reception unit 131 determines whether or not a setting for requesting aggregated shipping has been received from the store SH (step S802). Note that the information processing device 100 may have setting information for each group, as master information (not shown), for requesting aggregated shipping.

[0077] While the reception unit 131 has not received a setting as to whether or not to request consolidated shipping from the store SH (step S802; No), it waits until it receives a setting as to whether or not to request consolidated shipping from the store SH. On the other hand, when the reception unit 131 receives a setting as to whether or not to request consolidated shipping from the store SH (step S802; Yes), it registers the setting content as to whether or not to request consolidated shipping in the store hierarchy master 121 (step S805).

[0078] Furthermore, in a state where the process of controlling the consolidated / non-consolidated setting collectively in predetermined group units has been performed (step S801; Yes), the presenting unit 136 presents the control content to the store SH (step S803). Using the example of FIG. 3(b), the presenting unit 136 may notify each store SH belonging to group G1 that a setting to request consolidated shipping (a setting of consolidated shipping "ON") has been made by the telecommunications carrier M, and therefore, the store SH should make a final setting as to whether or not to agree to the request for consolidated shipping. Furthermore, the presenting unit 136 may notify each store SH belonging to group G2 that a setting not to request consolidated shipping (a setting of consolidated shipping "OFF") has been made by the telecommunications carrier M, and therefore, the store SH should make a final setting as to whether or not to agree to not request consolidated shipping (i.e., not consolidating).

[0079] Therefore, the reception unit 131 determines whether or not the final setting as to whether or not to request consolidated shipping has been received from the store SH (step S804).

[0080] While the reception unit 131 has not received the final setting of whether or not to request consolidated shipping from the store SH (step S804; No), it waits until the final setting of whether or not to request consolidated shipping is received from the store SH. On the other hand, when the reception unit 131 has received the final setting of whether or not to request consolidated shipping from the store SH (step S804; Yes), it registers the setting content, which indicates whether or not to request consolidated shipping, in the store hierarchy master 121 (step S805).

[0081] 9 shows an example of the store hierarchy master 121. In the example of FIG. 9, the store hierarchy master 121 has items such as "store code," "store name," "upper hierarchy store code," "hierarchy number," and "aggregated shipping flag."

[0082] "Store code" is information that identifies a store SH. "Store name" indicates the name of the store SH. "Upper level store code" is information that identifies a store SH that is directly above the store SH in the hierarchical structure. "Level number" indicates the level number of the store SH in the hierarchical structure.

[0083] The "aggregated shipping flag" is information that indicates whether store SH has set up a request for aggregated shipping or not. For example, FIG. 9 shows an example in which store code "SH×2", store name "SH2", upper level store code "SH×1", level number "2", and aggregated shipping flag "ON" are associated. This example shows that secondary agency store SH2 has set up a request for aggregated shipping (aggregated shipping "ON" setting).

[0084] The combination of "store code," "store name," "upper hierarchical store code," and "hierarchical number" is information that indicates a hierarchical structure, and the information that indicates the hierarchical structure can be registered using an agency hierarchy detail registration screen (not shown). For example, when a store SH wants to newly enter a specific hierarchy (nth hierarchy), the store SH can newly register "store code," "store name," "upper hierarchical store code," and "hierarchical number" using the agency hierarchy detail registration screen.

[0085] The information displayed on the agency hierarchy detail registration screen may be controlled by the information processing device 100. For example, the information processing device 100 may refer to the store hierarchy master 121, and if there is no higher hierarchy than the store SH to be newly registered (for example, if the store SH to be newly registered is a primary agency SH1), the information processing device 100 may display on the agency hierarchy detail registration screen that the current setting for consolidated shipping is "OFF." In this state, the store SH can also switch consolidated shipping to "ON" on the agency hierarchy detail registration screen. In response to the switch, the information on the consolidated shipping flag is updated.

[0086] On the other hand, the information processing device 100 may refer to the store hierarchy master 121, and if there is a higher hierarchy than the store SH to be newly registered, may display the consolidated shipping settings of the store SH at the directly higher hierarchy on the agency hierarchy detail registration screen.

[0087] For example, if the store SH to be newly registered is a secondary agency SH2, the information processing device 100 refers to the store hierarchy master 121 and determines whether the primary agency SH1, which is higher in the hierarchy than the secondary agency SH2, has consolidated shipping set to "ON" or "OFF." If the primary agency SH1 has consolidated shipping set to "ON," the information processing device 100 may display on the agency hierarchy detail registration screen that the current setting is consolidated shipping set to "ON." In this state, the secondary agency SH2 may switch consolidated shipping to "OFF" on the agency hierarchy detail registration screen. On the other hand, if the primary agency SH1 has switched consolidated shipping set to "OFF," the information processing device 100 may display on the agency hierarchy detail registration screen that the current setting is consolidated shipping set to "OFF." In this state, the secondary agency SH2 may switch consolidated shipping to "ON" on the agency hierarchy detail registration screen. In response to the switch, the consolidated shipping flag information is updated.

[0088] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can refer to the store hierarchy master 121 and distinguish between the registered stores SH as target stores that have requested consolidated shipping and non-target stores that have not requested consolidated shipping.

[0089] The request control unit 132 refers to the store hierarchy master 121, and if there is a non-target store among the stores SH that is set as not consolidated and does not request consolidated shipping, then refers to the setting information (master information) for each group regarding whether or not to request consolidated shipping. Then, if a setting to request consolidated shipping has been made for the group to which the non-target store belongs, the request control unit 132 may control the non-target store as having requested consolidated shipping. Furthermore, as a result, the identification unit 134 may recognize the non-target store as a target store SHn that has requested consolidated shipping, and identify the shipping date pattern using a method described below.

[0090] As another example, the request control unit 132 may refer to setting information (master information) for each group regarding whether or not to request consolidated shipping, and if there is an affiliated store among the stores SH that belongs to a group that is set to perform consolidated shipping, the request control unit 132 may control the affiliated store as having requested consolidated shipping. As a result, the identification unit 134 may recognize the affiliated store as a target store SHn that has requested consolidated shipping, and identify the shipping date pattern using a method described below.

[0091] (7-2. Selecting a shipping date pattern (selected by the store)) Fig. 10 is a flowchart (1) showing the procedure of information processing related to the selection of a shipping date pattern. Fig. 10 shows the procedure of information processing when a shipping date pattern is selected individually for a target store SHn, which is a store SH that has requested consolidated shipping.

[0092] First, the presentation unit 136 refers to the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 and presents information based on the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 to the target store SHn (step S1001).

[0093] 11 shows an example of the shipping date pattern candidate master 122. The shipping date pattern candidate master 122 may be generated in advance by, for example, telecommunications carrier M. A "shipping date pattern" is information that summarizes whether consolidated shipping is to be performed for each day of the week, and each "shipping date pattern" is distinguished by a "shipping date pattern ID." A "shipping date pattern" is defined by associating "TRUE" with days of the week on which consolidated shipping is to be performed, and "FALSE" with days of the week on which consolidated shipping is not to be performed.

[0094] Figure 11 shows an example in which the "shipping date pattern" (shipping date pattern PT1) identified by the shipping date pattern ID "PT1" is defined by the following combinations: Monday "FALSE", Tuesday "TRUE", Wednesday "FALSE", Thursday "TRUE", Friday "FALSE", Saturday "FALSE", and Sunday "FALSE".

[0095] In addition, in the example of Figure 11, the desired shipping date pattern is selected from shipping date pattern PT1, shipping date pattern PT2, shipping date pattern PT3, shipping date pattern PT4, or the default pattern, so these five shipping date patterns can be said to be candidate shipping date patterns.

[0096] 10, in step S1001, the presentation unit 136 may present a list that visualizes the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 as information based on the shipping date pattern candidate master 122. As a result, the reception unit 131 may allow the target store SHn to select a shipping date pattern ID that identifies a desired shipping date pattern from among the shipping date pattern candidates.

[0097] Then, the reception unit 131 determines whether or not a setting to select a desired shipping date pattern from among the shipping date pattern candidates (selecting a shipping date pattern ID that identifies the desired shipping date pattern) has been received from the target store SHn (step S1002).

[0098] While the reception unit 131 has not received a setting to select a desired shipping date pattern from among the shipping date pattern candidates from the target store SHn (step S1002; No), it waits until it receives a setting to select a desired shipping date pattern from among the shipping date pattern candidates from the target store SHn.

[0099] On the other hand, when the reception unit 131 receives a setting from the target store SHn to select a desired shipping date pattern from among the candidate shipping date patterns (step S1002; Yes), it registers information linking the store code of the target store SHn that selected the desired shipping date pattern with the selected shipping date pattern as the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123 (step S1003).

[0100] FIG. 12 shows an example of the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123. In the example of FIG. 12, the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123 has items such as "store code," "store name," and "shipping date pattern ID." "Store code" is information that identifies the target store SHn that selected the desired shipping date pattern from among the candidate shipping date patterns. "Store name" indicates the name of the target store SHn that selected the desired shipping date pattern from among the candidate shipping date patterns. "Shipping date pattern ID" is information that identifies the selected desired shipping date pattern.

[0101] FIG. 12 shows an example in which store code "SH×4," store name "SH4," and shipping date pattern ID "PT1" are associated. This example shows a case in which store SH4, one of target stores SHn, has made a setting to select shipping date pattern PT1 as the desired shipping date pattern from five candidate shipping date patterns: shipping date pattern PT1, shipping date pattern PT2, shipping date pattern PT3, shipping date pattern PT4, and the default pattern. The example in FIG. 12 also shows an example in which stores SH4 and SH5, both of target stores SHn, have made a setting to select their desired shipping date patterns.

[0102] (7-3. Selecting a shipping date pattern (depending on the shipping date pattern set by region)) Figure 13 is a flowchart (2) showing the information processing procedure for selecting a shipping date pattern. Instead of selecting a desired shipping date pattern, the store SH can also delegate to a shipping date pattern that has been pre-set on a regional basis (for example, a prefecture-by-prefecture basis). Figure 13 shows the information processing procedure when delegating to a shipping date pattern that has been pre-selected on a regional basis.

[0103] First, the presentation unit 136 refers to the area-specific pattern master 124 and presents information corresponding to the area-specific pattern master 124 to the target store SHn (step S1301).

[0104] FIG. 14 shows an example of the region-specific pattern master 124. In the example of FIG. 14, the region-specific pattern master 124 has items such as "region," "region code," and "shipping date pattern ID." In the example of FIG. 14, "region" indicates a prefecture, but it may also be a region other than a prefecture. For example, "region" may be a broader region such as "Hokkaido," "Tohoku," "Northern Kanto," "Kanto," "Hokuriku," "Tokai," "Kinki," etc.

[0105] The "area code" is information for identifying the "area." The "shipping date pattern ID" corresponds to the "shipping date pattern ID" in the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 (FIG. 11), and may be selected in advance from the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 by, for example, a representative of the corresponding "area." For example, FIG. 14 shows an example in which the area "Tokyo," area code "13," and shipping date pattern ID "PT1" are associated. In this example, "Tokyo" (the representative of Tokyo), identified by the area code "13," has registered, for example, that consolidated shipments to stores SH located in Tokyo will be shipped with shipping date pattern PT1 (fixed to Tuesday / Thursday). Note that registration of the area-specific pattern master 124 may be performed by the telecommunications carrier M, rather than by the representative of each area.

[0106] 13 , in step S1301, the presentation unit 136 may present a list that visualizes combinations of “area” and “area code” as information corresponding to the area-specific pattern master 124. As a result, the reception unit 131 may receive a setting as to which area is to be left to the set shipping date pattern by having the user select an area code from the list.

[0107] Then, the reception unit 131 determines whether or not a setting to select one of the area codes has been received from the target store SHn (step S1302).

[0108] While the reception unit 131 has not received a setting for selecting one of the area codes from the target store SHn (step S1302; No), the reception unit 131 waits until a setting for selecting one of the area codes is received from the target store SHn.

[0109] On the other hand, when the reception unit 131 receives a setting to select one of the area codes from the target store SHn (step S1302; Yes), it registers information linking the store code of the target store SHn that selected the area code with the selected area code as the store-specific area master 125 (step S1303).

[0110] FIG. 15 shows an example of the store-specific area master 125. In the example of FIG. 15, the store-specific area master 125 has items such as "store code," "store name," and "area code." "Store code" is information that identifies a target store SHn that has selected one of the area codes from among the target stores SHn. "Store name" indicates the name of the target store SHn that has selected one of the area codes. "Area code" is information that identifies the selected area code.

[0111] 15 shows an example in which a store code "SH×1", a store name "SH1", and a region code "13" are associated with each other. In this example, store SH1, one of target stores SHn, selects the region code "13" to include its own products in consolidated shipments to the Tokyo region.

[0112] The explanation was made separately for the case where the reception unit 131 receives from the target store SHn a setting to select a desired shipping date pattern in accordance with the function of realizing consolidated shipping on a store-by-store basis, and the case where the reception unit 131 receives from the target store SHn a setting to select a regional code in accordance with the function of realizing consolidated shipping on a regional basis.

[0113] However, the presentation unit 136 may present both information based on the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 and information corresponding to the regional pattern master 124 to the target store SHn, and the reception unit 131 may receive from the target store SHn a setting for selecting at least one of a desired shipping date pattern or a predetermined region. With this configuration, the store SHn can select both a desired shipping date pattern and a region code, or can select only either a desired shipping date pattern or a region code. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 12 and 15, stores SH4 and SH5 select a desired shipping date pattern and a region code. However, if both a desired shipping date pattern and a region code are selected in this manner, processing is executed with priority given to the desired shipping date pattern.

[0114] 13 has described a process of receiving a setting for selecting one of the area codes from the target store SHn and registering the information in the store-specific area master 125. However, the process of receiving a setting for selecting one of the area codes from the target store SHn does not necessarily have to be executed. For example, the information processing device 100 may link the store code of the target store SHn with an area code indicating the area to which the target store SH belongs, and register this linking information in the store-specific area master 125. The information processing procedure described below corresponds to a pattern in which the linking between the target store SHn and the area code is dynamically performed on the information processing device 100 side.

[0115] (7-4. Identifying shipping date patterns based on selections) Fig. 16A is a flowchart (1) showing the procedure of information processing related to specifying a shipping date pattern. Fig. 16A shows the procedure of information processing when the final shipping date pattern is specified based on whether or not the desired shipping date pattern is selected.

[0116] First, the determination unit 133 determines whether the consolidated shipping function itself is set to ON (step S1601). The consolidated shipping function is a function that controls the original information on whether consolidated shipping is permitted or not, and the authority to switch the consolidated shipping function itself ON / OFF may be held by, for example, the telecommunications carrier M. For example, even if the store SH has requested consolidated shipping, if the consolidated shipping function itself is set to OFF, consolidated shipping will not be performed.

[0117] Therefore, if the consolidated shipping function itself is not set to ON, that is, if the consolidated shipping function itself is set to OFF (step S1601; No), the determination unit 133 determines that all stores SH registered in the store hierarchy master 121 are not subject to consolidated shipping (step S1602).Then, the shipping control unit 137 sets the shipping mode of the stores SH determined to be not subject to consolidated shipping to normal shipping mode (step S1603).

[0118] If the consolidated shipping function itself is set to ON (step S1601; Yes), the judgment unit 133 refers to the store hierarchy master 121 and distinguishes between the target stores SHn that have requested consolidated shipping and the stores SH that have not requested consolidated shipping among the stores SH registered in the store hierarchy master 121 (step S1604), and proceeds to the next process A.

[0119] FIG. 16B is a flowchart (2) showing the procedure of information processing related to specifying a shipping date pattern.

[0120] The determining unit 133 determines whether or not a target store SHn exists based on the result of distinguishing between the target store SHn that has requested consolidated shipping and the store SH that has not requested consolidated shipping (step S1605).

[0121] If there is no target store SHn (step S1605; No), the determination unit 133 determines that stores SH that have not requested consolidated shipping are not eligible for consolidated shipping (step S1606). Then, the shipping control unit 137 sets the shipping mode of the stores SH that have been determined not to be eligible for consolidated shipping to normal shipping mode (step S1701). As described above, if a setting is made to request consolidated shipping for a group to which stores SH that have not requested consolidated shipping belong, the request control unit 132 may control stores SH that have not requested consolidated shipping (in other words, stores SH that are set as not being consolidated) as if consolidated shipping has been requested. Furthermore, the identification unit 134 may proceed to step S1607 to perform processing to identify a shipping date pattern for the target store SHn that has been controlled in this way.

[0122] As another example, the request control unit 132 may refer to setting information (master information) for each group regarding whether or not to request consolidated shipping, and if there is a store among the stores SH that belongs to a group that is set to perform consolidated shipping, control may be performed assuming that the store has requested consolidated shipping. Furthermore, the identification unit 134 may proceed to step S1607 to perform processing to identify a shipping date pattern for the target store SHn controlled in this way.

[0123] If the target store SHn exists (step S1605; Yes), the determination unit 133 refers to the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123 and determines whether the desired shipping date pattern has been selected for each target store SH (step S1607).

[0124] If the target store SHn has selected the desired shipping date pattern (step S1607; Yes), the identification unit 134 extracts the target store SH as a shipping date set store SHnx that has been set to select the desired shipping date pattern (step S1608).

[0125] Then, the specifying unit 134 specifies the desired shipping date pattern selected by the shipping date set store SHnx as the target shipping date pattern to be used for estimating the possible delivery date (step S1609). Also, the shipping control unit 137 sets the shipping mode of the shipping date set store SHnx for which the shipping date pattern has been specified to the consolidated shipping mode (step S1702).

[0126] Here, a specific example of steps S1607 to S1609 will be described using an example of shipping date pattern candidate master 122 shown in Fig. 11 and an example of store-specific shipping date pattern master 123 shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 17 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a method for identifying a shipping date pattern.

[0127] In step S1607, the determination unit 133 can determine that, among the target stores SHn, stores SH4 and SH5, which have registered shipping date pattern IDs, have set their desired shipping date patterns by referring to the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123. Specifically, store SH4 has set its settings to select shipping date pattern PT1, and store SH5 has set its settings to select shipping date pattern PT2.

[0128] Therefore, in step S1608, the identifying unit 134 extracts the store SH4 and the store SH5 as the stores SHnx for which a shipping date has been set.

[0129] In this state, in step S1609, the identification unit 134 uses the shipping date pattern ID as a key to identify the shipping date patterns corresponding to each of stores SH4 and SH5, depending on whether the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123 and the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 can be linked.

[0130] Specifically, the identification unit 134 can link the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123 with the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 using the shipping date pattern ID "PT1" as a key, and therefore identifies that when store SH4 orders products, the days on which consolidated shipping of the ordered products will be carried out are "Tuesdays and Thursdays."

[0131] Furthermore, the identification unit 134 can link the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123 with the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 using the shipping date pattern ID "PT2" as a key, and therefore identifies that when store SH5 orders products, the days on which consolidated shipping of the ordered products will be carried out are "Tuesdays and Thursdays."

[0132] Returning to FIG. 16, if the target store SHn has not selected the desired shipping date pattern (step S1607; No), the judgment unit 133 extracts, for each target store SHn that has not selected the desired shipping date pattern, i.e., for each store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set, the region code indicating the region to which the store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set belongs from the store-specific region master 125 (step S1610).

[0133] Then, the determining unit 133 determines whether or not the area code indicating the area to which the store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set belongs is registered in the area-specific pattern master 124 (step S1611).

[0134] If the regional code indicating the region to which the store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set belongs is registered in the regional pattern master 124 (step S1611; Yes), the identification unit 134 extracts the store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set as a regionally registered store SHnyz1 for which the regional code is to be registered (step S1612).

[0135] The specifying unit 134 then specifies the shipping date pattern associated with the registered regional code as the shipping date pattern to be used for estimating the possible delivery date (step S1613). The shipping control unit 137 also sets the shipping mode of the regional registration target store SHnyz1 for which the shipping date pattern has been specified to the consolidated shipping mode (step S1702).

[0136] Here, a specific example of steps S1610 to S1613 will be described using an example of a shipping date pattern candidate master 122 shown in Fig. 11, an example of a region-specific pattern master 124 shown in Fig. 14, and an example of a store-specific region master 125 shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 18 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a method for identifying a shipping date pattern.

[0137] First, as a premise, according to the example of the store-specific shipping date pattern master 123 shown in Figure 12, stores SH1, SH2, and SH3, which do not have a registered shipping date pattern ID, are target stores SHn that have not selected the desired shipping date pattern.

[0138] In this state, in step S1610, the determination unit 133 can extract area codes indicating the areas to which each of the stores SH1, SH2, and SH3 belongs by referring to the store-specific area master 125. Specifically, the determination unit 133 extracts area code "13" for store SH1, area code "14" for store SH2, and area code "15" for store SH3.

[0139] Therefore, in step S1611, the judgment unit 133 uses the area code as a key to judge whether the area codes indicating the areas to which each of store SH1, store SH2, and store SH3 belongs are registered in the area pattern master 124, depending on whether the store-specific area master 125 and the area-specific pattern master 124 can be linked.

[0140] Specifically, the judgment unit 133 can link the store-specific area master 125 and the area-specific pattern master 124 using the area code "13" as a key, and therefore determines that the area code indicating the area to which store SH1 belongs is registered in the area-specific pattern master 124.

[0141] Furthermore, the judgment unit 133 determines that the area code indicating the area to which store SH2 belongs is registered in the area pattern master 124 because the store-specific area master 125 can be linked to the area-specific pattern master 124 using the area code "14" as a key.

[0142] Therefore, in step S1612, the identification unit 134 extracts store SH1 and store SH2 as regional registration target stores SHnyz1. This example shows a state in which store SH1 and store SH2 do not select their desired shipping date pattern, and instead delegate the shipping date pattern to the consolidated shipping for the region to which they belong.

[0143] Therefore, in step S1613, the identification unit 134 uses the shipping date pattern ID as a key to identify the shipping date patterns corresponding to each of stores SH1 and SH2 depending on whether the regional pattern master 124 and the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 can be linked.

[0144] Specifically, the identification unit 134 can link the regional pattern master 124 with the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 using the shipping date pattern ID "PT1" associated with the regional code "13" as a key, and therefore identifies that when store SH1 orders products, the days on which consolidated shipping of the ordered products will be carried out are "Tuesdays and Thursdays."

[0145] Furthermore, the identification unit 134 can link the regional pattern master 124 with the shipping date pattern candidate master 122 using the shipping date pattern ID "PT2" associated with the regional code "14" as a key, and therefore identifies that when store SH2 orders products, the days on which consolidated shipping of the ordered products will be carried out are "Wednesday and Thursday."

[0146] Returning to FIG. 16, if the regional code selected by the store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set is not registered in the regional pattern master 124 (step S1611; No), the identification unit 134 extracts the store SHny for which a shipping date has not been set as a regionally unregistered store SHnyz2 for which a regional code has not been registered (step S1614).

[0147] Then, the identification unit 134 determines that the non-registered store SHnyz2 is not subject to consolidated shipping (step S1615). Then, the shipping control unit 137 sets the shipping mode of the non-registered store SHnyz2 that is determined to be not subject to consolidated shipping to the normal shipping mode (step S1701).

[0148] 18, a specific example of steps S1614 to S1615 will be described. As described above, in step S1611, the determination unit 133 determines, using the area code as a key, whether or not the area codes indicating the areas to which each of the stores SH1, SH2, and SH3 belongs are registered in the area-specific pattern master 124. Then, since the area code indicating the area to which the store SH1 belongs and the area code indicating the area to which the store SH2 belongs are registered in the area-specific pattern master 124, the identification unit 134 extracts the stores SH1 and SH2 as area-registration target stores SHnyz1.

[0149] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, the determination unit 133 determines that the area code indicating the area to which store SH3 belongs is not registered in the area pattern master 124 because it is not possible to link the store-specific area master 125 and the area-specific pattern master 124 using the area code “15” as a key.

[0150] Therefore, in step S1614, the identifying unit 134 extracts the store SH5 as the area unregistered store SHnyz2. Therefore, in step S1615, the identifying unit 134 determines that the store SH5 is not a target for consolidated shipping.

[0151] Next, we will explain the normal shipping mode and the consolidated shipping mode. In the normal shipping mode, the receiving unit 131 determines whether an order request for each product has been received from a non-target store SH that is not subject to consolidated shipping. When an order request is received, the estimation unit 135 calculates, for each product, the warehouse W from which the product will be shipped and when it can be delivered, based on information for each ordered product managed through cooperation between the OMS and the WMS. For example, the estimation unit 135 estimates the earliest possible delivery date, i.e., the warehouse W from which the product should be shipped and when the ordered product can be delivered in the shortest time possible. Then, the presentation unit 136 presents the earliest possible delivery date for each ordered product to the non-target store SH. When the non-target store SH agrees to the earliest possible delivery date and confirms the order, the shipping control unit 137 notifies the shipping destination warehouse W of the information on the earliest possible delivery date, thereby instructing the shipping destination warehouse W to begin preparations for consolidated shipping.

[0152] In the consolidated shipping mode, the receiving unit 131 determines whether an order request for each product has been received from the target store SHn for consolidated shipping. When an order request is received, the estimation unit 135 estimates a possible delivery date on which the ordered products can be delivered to the target store SHn and a shipping destination warehouse W if the consolidated shipment is made on a shipping date included in the shipping date pattern, based on information for each ordered product managed by the OMS and WMS working together and the shipping date pattern identified for the target store SHn. The presentation unit 136 then presents a desired delivery date from the possible delivery dates in a selectable manner. When the target store SHn selects a desired delivery date and confirms the order, the shipping control unit 137 notifies the shipping destination warehouse W of the information on the desired delivery date, thereby instructing the shipping destination warehouse W to begin preparations for consolidated shipping.

[0153] FIG. 19 shows an example of a UI that allows a desired delivery date to be selected from the available delivery dates. The presentation unit 136 can present a screen G as shown in FIG. 19 as a UI that allows a desired delivery date to be selected from the available delivery dates. Screen G is provided with a calendar function CL that is controlled so that a desired delivery date can be selected from the highlighted available delivery dates. According to the example of FIG. 19, for example, if a target store SHn desires delivery on January 15th and January 25th out of the available delivery dates of January 15th, January 20th, and January 25th, it can select these dates using the calendar function CL.

[0154] Screen G also has a button BT1. Button BT1 is activated when a desired delivery date is selected. When button BT1 is pressed in this state, the reception unit 131 receives an instruction to confirm the order for the target product that is the target of consolidated shipping.

[0155] Screen G also has a button BT2 for requesting special settings that cancel the consolidated shipping mode and switch to normal shipping mode. That is, button BT2 has the function of switching between consolidated shipping mode and normal shipping mode, and is set to "OFF" when in consolidated shipping mode, for example. For example, when demand for a specific product increases due to a disaster or when a specific product is newly released, the target store SHn may want to request special permission to ship the product immediately, prior to the desired delivery date. In such cases, the target store SHn simply presses button BT2 to set normal shipping mode "ON."

[0156] (7-5. Special Exceptions) The information processing performed when the button BT2 is pressed and the normal shipping mode is set to "ON" as an exception will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the information processing performed when the exception is set.

[0157] The reception unit 131 determines whether or not a special setting (button BT2 is ON) has been received from the target store SHn (step S2001). While the reception unit 131 has not received a special setting from the target store SHn (button BT2 is OFF) (step S2001; No), the reception unit 131 waits until a special setting is received from the target store SHn.

[0158] When the special setting is accepted from the target store SHn (step S2001; Yes), the estimation unit 135 acquires product information of each product ordered by the target store SHn that has made the special setting (step S2002).

[0159] Then, the estimation unit 135 calculates, for each ordered product, from which warehouse W and when the product can be shipped and delivered (step S2003). For example, the estimation unit 135 estimates the earliest possible delivery date, ie, the warehouse and time from which the ordered product can be shipped so that the ordered product can be delivered in the shortest time possible.

[0160] The presentation unit 136 presents the calculation results for each ordered item to the target store SHn for which the special setting was made (step S2004). Specifically, the presentation unit 136 presents the earliest possible delivery date for each ordered item to the non-target store SH. The presentation unit 136 may present the desired delivery date in a manner that allows the desired delivery date to be selected from the earliest possible delivery dates. For example, the presentation unit 136 may present a screen G similar to the example of FIG. 19 even when presenting the desired delivery date in a manner that allows the desired delivery date to be selected from the earliest possible delivery dates. In this example, the screen G is provided with a calendar function CL that is controlled so that the desired delivery date can be selected from the highlighted earliest possible delivery dates.

[0161] When the target store SHn that has set the special exception agrees to the earliest possible delivery date and confirms the order, the shipping control unit 137 notifies the destination warehouse W of the information on the earliest possible delivery date, and instructs the destination warehouse W to begin preparations for consolidated shipping (step S2005).

[0162] 8. Other Embodiments The information processing device 100 may be implemented in a form different from the above embodiment. From here on, other embodiments that can be implemented in the information processing device 100 will be described.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the estimation unit 135 estimates the possible delivery date based on the shipping date pattern. However, it is not necessary to estimate the possible delivery date from the shipping date pattern. For example, the identification unit 134 may identify the day of the week indicated by the shipping date pattern as the possible delivery date and have the presentation unit 136 present this day.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 100 identifies a shipping date pattern at any timing, and when an order request for a product is received, presents a possible delivery date to the store that has made the order request based on the identified shipping date pattern. However, when an order request for a product is received, the information processing device 100 may identify a shipping date pattern corresponding to the store that has made the order request, and present a possible delivery date based on the identified shipping date pattern.

[0165] [9. Hardware Configuration] The information processing device 100 according to the embodiment may be realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, an HDD 1400, a communication interface (I / F) 1500, an input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and a media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0166] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0167] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by these programs, etc. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and sends the data to the CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.

[0168] The CPU 1100 controls an output device such as a display and an input device such as a keyboard via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input device via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to the output device via the input / output interface 1600.

[0169] Media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in recording medium 1800 and provides it to CPU 1100 via RAM 1200. CPU 1100 loads the program or data from recording medium 1800 onto RAM 1200 via media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. Recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0170] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes programs loaded onto the RAM 1200 to realize the functions of the control unit 130. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via a predetermined communication network.

[0171] [10. Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in each of the above 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. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0172] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0173] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0174] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that include the aspects described in the "present invention" section and that have been modified and improved in various ways based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0175] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) an identification unit that identifies a pattern of shipping dates, which are days on which consolidated shipping is performed, based on master information related to consolidated shipping, in which products are consolidated and shipped; a presentation unit that, when receiving an order request for a product from a store, presents to the store a delivery date on which the product can be delivered to the store when the product is shipped in a consolidated shipment, based on the shipping date pattern corresponding to the store; An information processing device comprising: (2) the identification unit refers to master information in which whether or not consolidated shipping is set for each store, and if there is a target store among the stores that is set to perform consolidated shipping, identifies the shipping date pattern corresponding to the target store based on the master information corresponding to the target store. The information processing device according to (1) above. (3) the identification unit refers to information set for each predetermined group to which the store belongs as to whether or not consolidated shipping will be performed, and if there is a store among the stores that belongs to a group set to perform consolidated shipping among the predetermined groups, the identification unit controls the store as a target store that is set to perform consolidated shipping, thereby identifying the shipping date pattern corresponding to the target store based on the master information corresponding to the target store. The information processing device according to (1) or (2). (4) the identification unit identifies the shipping date pattern based on a comparison result obtained by comparing master information defining a shipping date pattern desired by each store and master information defining a shipping date pattern for each predetermined region with the information of the target store; The information processing device according to (2) or (3). (5) the identification unit, based on the collation result, if the target store has set a desired shipping date pattern, identifies the shipping date pattern as the shipping date pattern corresponding to the target store; the presentation unit presents the available delivery date to the target store based on a pattern of desired shipping dates set by the target store; The information processing device according to (4) above. (6) The identification unit identifies, based on the collation result, a shipping date pattern corresponding to a region to which the target store belongs among the predetermined regions, as the shipping date pattern corresponding to the target store; the presentation unit presents the available delivery date to the target store based on a shipping date pattern corresponding to the region to which the target store belongs; The information processing device according to (4) above. (7) If the target store has not set a desired shipping date pattern based on the collation result, the identification unit identifies a shipping date pattern corresponding to the region to which the target store belongs as the shipping date pattern corresponding to the target store. The information processing device according to (6) above. (8) If the target store does not set a desired shipping date pattern and a shipping date pattern is not set for the region to which the target store belongs based on the collation result, the identification unit controls the target store as a non-target store that is set not to perform consolidated shipping. The information processing device according to (4) above. (9) the presentation unit presents a desired delivery date in a selectable state from the available delivery dates; The information processing device according to (1) above. (10) When a target store that is set to perform consolidated shipping makes a special setting to cancel consolidated shipping, the specifying unit specifies the earliest possible delivery date by which the product can be delivered in the shortest time based on the inventory status of the product corresponding to the order request received from the target store, The presentation unit presents the shortest possible delivery date to the target store that has set the special exception. The information processing device according to (2) or (3). [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Store terminals 20 Operator terminal 30 Warehouse Terminal 100 Information processing device 121 Store hierarchy master 122 Shipping Date Pattern Candidate Master 123 Store-specific shipping date pattern master 124 Regional Pattern Master 125 Store-specific regional master 130 Control Unit 131 Reception 132 Request Control Unit 133 Judgment section 134 Specific part 135 Estimation part 136 Presentation section 137 Shipping Control Department

Claims

1. an identification unit that identifies a pattern of shipping dates, which are days on which consolidated shipping is performed, based on master information related to consolidated shipping, in which products are consolidated and shipped; a presentation unit that, when receiving an order request for a product from a store, presents to the store a delivery date on which the product can be delivered to the store when the product is shipped in a consolidated shipment, based on the shipping date pattern corresponding to the store; An information processing device comprising:

2. the identification unit refers to master information in which whether or not consolidated shipping is set for each store, and if there is a target store among the stores that is set to perform consolidated shipping, identifies the shipping date pattern corresponding to the target store based on the master information corresponding to the target store. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The identification unit refers to information set for each predetermined group to which the store belongs as to whether or not consolidated shipping will be performed, and if there is a store among the predetermined group that is set to perform consolidated shipping, controls the store as a target store that is set to perform consolidated shipping. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the identification unit identifies the shipping date pattern based on a comparison result obtained by comparing master information defining a shipping date pattern desired by each store and master information defining a shipping date pattern for each predetermined region with the information of the target store; 4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the identification unit, based on the collation result, if the target store has set a desired shipping date pattern, identifies the shipping date pattern as the shipping date pattern corresponding to the target store; the presentation unit presents the available delivery date to the target store based on a pattern of desired shipping dates set by the target store; The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. The identification unit identifies, based on the collation result, a shipping date pattern corresponding to a region to which the target store belongs among the predetermined regions, as the shipping date pattern corresponding to the target store; the presentation unit presents the available delivery date to the target store based on a shipping date pattern corresponding to the region to which the target store belongs; The information processing device according to claim 4 .

7. If the target store has not set a desired shipping date pattern based on the collation result, the identification unit identifies a shipping date pattern corresponding to the region to which the target store belongs as the shipping date pattern corresponding to the target store. The information processing device according to claim 6 .

8. If the target store does not set a desired shipping date pattern and a shipping date pattern is not set for the region to which the target store belongs based on the collation result, the identification unit controls the target store as a non-target store that is set not to perform consolidated shipping. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

9. the presentation unit presents a desired delivery date in a selectable state from the available delivery dates; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. When a target store that is set to perform consolidated shipping makes a special setting to cancel consolidated shipping, the specifying unit specifies the earliest possible delivery date by which the product can be delivered in the shortest time based on the inventory status of the product corresponding to the order request received from the target store, The presentation unit presents the shortest possible delivery date to the target store that has set the special exception.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

11. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, a specifying step of specifying a pattern of shipping dates, which are days on which consolidated shipping is performed, based on master information related to consolidated shipping, in which products are consolidated and shipped; a presentation step of, when receiving an order request for a product from a store, presenting to the store a delivery date on which the product can be delivered to the store when the product is shipped in a consolidated shipment based on the shipping date pattern corresponding to the store; An information processing method including:

12. a step of identifying a pattern of shipping dates, which are days on which consolidated shipping is performed, based on master information related to consolidated shipping, in which products are consolidated and shipped; a presentation step of, when receiving an order request for a product from a store, presenting to the store a delivery date on which the product can be delivered to the store when the product is shipped in a consolidated shipment based on the shipping date pattern corresponding to the store; An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the above.

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