Packaging material order management device

Abstract

To enable a simple order operation by an orderer to appropriately control a manufacture of a flexible packaging material according to the order.SOLUTION: A packaging material order system 1 includes a packaging material order management device 10 and a packaging material manufacturing management device 20. The packaging material order management device 10 includes: an order related information acquisition part configured to acquire, from an orderer terminal 90, order information including information designating a model number of a flexible packaging material and design data to be printed onto the flexible packaging material; a material information holding part 18 configured to hold material designation information associating the information designating the model number of the flexible packaging material and information identifying a material to be used in the flexible packaging material identified by the model number; and a packaging material preparation instruction part 13 configured to transmit, to the packaging material manufacturing management device, a packaging material preparation instruction including the material designation information selected according to the information held by the material information holding part 18 and the design data. The packaging material manufacturing management device 20 starts a management regarding a production of the flexible packaging material according to the packaging material preparation instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a packaging ordering system and a packaging ordering management device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art An online print system is known that receives orders, prints, and arranges for delivery based on an order signal from an orderer terminal via the Internet (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-9506 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, online commerce using e-commerce sites and the like has become widespread, and consideration is being given to allowing flexible packaging materials printed with designs specified by users to be ordered online. However, the system described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account printed materials that use a wide variety of materials, such as flexible packaging materials, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that allows an orderer to easily place an order and that allows appropriate management of the production of flexible packaging materials based on this order. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a packaging ordering system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a packaging ordering system including a packaging ordering management device that receives an order for the production of flexible packaging materials from an orderer terminal via the Internet, and a packaging manufacturing management device that manages the manufacturing of the flexible packaging materials based on instructions from the packaging ordering management device in a manufacturing department that includes a printing machine, wherein the packaging ordering management device receives order information from the orderer terminal that includes information specifying a model number of the flexible packaging material and design data that includes a design to be printed on the flexible packaging material. and a packaging production instruction unit that transmits to the packaging production management device a packaging production instruction including: an information acquisition unit; a material information storage unit that stores material designation information that associates information designating the model number of the soft packaging material with information designating materials used in the soft packaging material identified by the model number; and material designation information that designates materials for the soft packaging material that correspond to the model number included in the order information and that is selected based on the information stored in the material information storage unit; and the design data, and the packaging production management device starts management of the production of the soft packaging material based on the packaging production instruction.

[0007] Furthermore, a packaging order management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a packaging order management device that receives orders for the production of flexible packaging material from an orderer terminal via the Internet, and includes: an order-related information acquisition unit that acquires, from the orderer terminal, order information including information specifying a model number of the flexible packaging material and design data including a design to be printed on the flexible packaging material; a material information storage unit that stores material designation information that associates the information specifying the model number of the flexible packaging material with information specifying materials to be used in the flexible packaging material identified by the model number; and a packaging material production instruction unit that transmits, to a packaging material production management device that manages the production of the flexible packaging material, a packaging material production instruction that includes material designation information that specifies materials for the soft packaging material corresponding to the model number included in the order information, selected based on the information stored in the material information storage unit, and the design data.

[0008] According to the packaging material ordering system and packaging material order management device, an order can be placed from a purchaser's terminal by specifying the model number of the flexible packaging material. Meanwhile, the packaging material order management device prepares material specification information specifying the materials for the flexible packaging material associated with the model number based on the model number, and sends this information to the packaging material production management device as a packaging material production instruction, which then begins managing the production. Thus, when ordering flexible packaging material from a purchaser's terminal, an order can be easily placed by specifying the model number, while the packaging material order management device transmits a packaging material production instruction to the packaging material production management device with each of the various materials included in the flexible packaging material specified. Therefore, the packaging material ordering system and packaging material order management device allow purchasers to easily place orders and appropriately manage the production of flexible packaging materials based on these orders.

[0009] The material specification information may include information specifying the materials of the base material, ink, adhesive layer, and sealant layer contained in the flexible packaging material.

[0010] Various characteristics of the flexible packaging material can be realized by combining the base material, ink, adhesive layer, and sealant layer that make up the flexible packaging material. By including information that specifies these materials in the material specification information, the purchaser can order a flexible packaging material that meets the desired characteristics by using the model number, and information about each material that makes up the flexible packaging material that corresponds to the model number is appropriately transmitted to the packaging material manufacturing management device.

[0011] The packaging material production instruction may include information specifying the shape or size of the flexible packaging material.

[0012] With the above configuration, the packaging material order management device can handle a variety of flexible packaging materials with different shapes or sizes, making it possible to handle a wider variety of flexible packaging materials.

[0013] The material specification information may include information specifying the thickness of a material used in the flexible packaging material identified by the model number.

[0014] The materials used for flexible packaging may be of the same type but with different thicknesses. Therefore, with the above configuration, the packaging material order management device can handle materials of the same type but with different thicknesses, allowing purchasers to order a wider variety of flexible packaging materials.

[0015] The printing machine may be a digital printing machine, and the packaging manufacturing management device may manage the process so that the design data acquired from the client terminal is used as is in printing onto the flexible packaging material by the digital printing machine.

[0016] When printing on flexible packaging material is done using a digital printing machine, the process can be managed so that the design data obtained from the client terminal as described above is used as is when printing on flexible packaging material on the digital printing machine, thereby preventing the design from being changed by the worker, and enabling appropriate printing.

[0017] The order-related information acquisition unit may provide the orderer terminal with format data corresponding to information specifying the model number of the soft packaging material, and thereby acquire data in which a design has been added to the format data as the design data acquired from the orderer terminal.

[0018] With the above configuration, design data using format data is provided from the orderer terminal, so that design data suitable for use in a digital printing machine can be reliably acquired.

[0019] The printing machine may be a non-digital printing machine, and the packaging manufacturing management device may manage the process so that the design data obtained from the client terminal is processed as required and then used for printing on the flexible packaging material in the non-digital printing machine.

[0020] When printing on flexible packaging materials using a non-digital printing machine, it is necessary to make corrections appropriate for the non-digital printing machine. Therefore, by managing the process so that the design data is processed as described above and then used to print on flexible packaging materials using a non-digital printing machine, it becomes possible to perform appropriate printing even on a non-digital printing machine.

[0021] The packaging material manufacturing management device may be configured to manage the process so that, when the flexible packaging material includes an intermediate layer and a sealant layer, the intermediate layer and the sealant layer are first bonded together to prepare a pre-bonded raw material.

[0022] The flexible packaging materials handled by the packaging material ordering system have materials used as intermediate layers and sealant layers preset for each model number. Therefore, by preparing pre-pasted raw rolls in advance and using these to create the flexible packaging materials ordered, the process can be managed to shorten the process after an order is received. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present disclosure, a technology is provided that simplifies ordering operations for an orderer and enables appropriate management of the production of flexible packaging materials based on this order. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a packaging ordering system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the material information storage unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram schematically showing the material composition of the flexible packaging material, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of information relating to the specifications of the flexible packaging material. [Figure 4] 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) are diagrams showing examples of flexible packaging materials according to their intended use. [Figure 5] 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) are diagrams showing examples of flexible packaging materials according to their intended use. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the format data storage unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of format data. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a packaging order management device and a packaging production management device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a packaging material ordering management method using a packaging material ordering system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information about flexible packaging materials presented to each user. [Figure 11] 11(a) and 11(b) are flow diagrams illustrating an example of a packaging manufacturing method (a management method in a packaging manufacturing management device) in the packaging manufacturing department. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0026] [Packaging ordering system] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a packaging ordering system 1 according to one embodiment. The packaging ordering system 1 communicates with an orderer terminal 90 operated by an orderer, and manufactures and provides flexible packaging materials based on order instructions from the orderer terminal 90. The packaging ordering system 1 includes a packaging order management device 10 and a packaging manufacturing management device 20.

[0027] The packaging ordering system 1 accepts orders from a customer terminal 90 operated by a customer and instructs the packaging manufacturing management device 20, which operates in cooperation with the manufacturing department, to manufacture and deliver products based on the orders. The products handled by the packaging ordering system 1 are "flexible packaging materials." Flexible packaging materials are packaging materials used for packaging made of soft, flexible materials such as paper, plastic film, aluminum foil, and cloth. Plastic film is often used as the primary material. Flexible packaging materials are often made of composite materials that combine multiple materials to achieve desired performance, such as barrier properties and heat resistance. Because flexible packaging materials are often used for product packaging, the content printed on the printed surface of the flexible packaging material is expected to vary depending on the order. Thus, when receiving an order for flexible packaging materials from a customer, it is necessary to obtain information specifying the materials to be used for the packaging material and design data for printing from the customer, and then provide this information appropriately to the manufacturing department.

[0028] Materials used for flexible packaging include monolayer and multilayer films. Multilayer films are typically created by laminating a substrate, intermediate layer, and sealant layer using adhesives. Design data is printed onto the substrate. Depending on the application of the flexible packaging, the intermediate layer may be omitted, or a material that functions as a barrier may be selected. When creating flexible packaging for a specific purpose, a multilayer film is created by combining materials appropriate for that application. For example, in the case of packaging for retort foods, sterilization is performed under high temperature and pressure (retort sterilization), so pressure-resistant and heat-resistant materials are selected for each layer of the multilayer film. Furthermore, since the film must be durable even after printing, adhesives and inks that are compatible with retort sterilization (retort-compatible) are also selected. On the other hand, if the contents tend to stick to the packaging due to static electricity, materials suitable for antistatic film to prevent static electricity generation may be selected. As such, flexible packaging materials are made of different materials (film, ink, etc.) depending on their intended use, and therefore a wide variety of materials are used in their manufacture. Meanwhile, purchasers place orders by selecting from a wide variety of flexible packaging materials based on the intended use of the packaging material. The packaging material ordering system 1 centrally manages orders from purchasers for the production of a wide variety of flexible packaging materials made using the above-mentioned diverse materials, and also manages the production of the ordered flexible packaging materials.

[0029] In the packaging material ordering system 1, the packaging material order management device 10 is a device that acquires orders from the orderer terminal 90. The packaging material order management device 10 is a device that acquires orders from the orderer terminal 90 via the Internet, that is, a device that performs so-called online order reception. The packaging material order management device 10 has a website that can be viewed by the orderer terminal 90, and acquires information entered by the orderer on this website. Furthermore, when the packaging material order management device 10 accepts an order from the orderer terminal 90, it manages the information and provides information related to product manufacturing to the packaging material manufacturing management device 20.

[0030] Packaging manufacturing management device 20 has a function of managing various manufacturing-related equipment in a department related to packaging manufacturing, such as a packaging manufacturing factory (referred to as the "packaging manufacturing department" in FIG. 1). Packaging manufacturing management device 20 may also have a function of controlling equipment related to packaging manufacturing, such as printing machine 21, laminating machine 22, and bag making machine 23, based on instructions from packaging order management device 10. Packaging manufacturing management device 20 may also have a function of ordering materials and managing inventory. Packaging order management device 10 and packaging manufacturing management device 20 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via wireless or wired communication, for example, and packaging order management device 10 appropriately instructs packaging manufacturing management device 20 to produce ordered packaging. Based on this instruction, packaging manufacturing management device 20 starts managing the processes related to producing the ordered packaging for each piece of equipment in the packaging manufacturing department. The management of the packaging production process by the packaging manufacturing management device 20 may include, for example, understanding the manufacturing process (e.g., laminating and printing materials) according to the ordered flexible packaging material, scheduling the work of each device to advance this manufacturing process, and procuring (ordering) materials to be used for the flexible packaging material.

[0031] The orderer terminal 90 is, for example, a terminal device used by a user who places an order, and examples of such devices include a smartphone, tablet, and personal computer. The orderer terminal 90 is connectable to the Internet. When connecting to the Internet, for example, a communication network other than the Internet may be used. The orderer terminal 90 may have a function for editing design data for printing, which will be described later.

[0032] Note that the number of orderer terminals 90 used by a specific user is not limited to one. That is, one user may use multiple orderer terminals 90. Therefore, for example, the orderer terminal 90 used by a user to send order information and the orderer terminal 90 used to send design data may be different. If multiple orderer terminals 90 are each capable of connecting to the Internet to send and receive information, the user can handle each orderer terminal 90 individually.

[0033] [Packaging material order management device] As shown in Figure 1, packaging order management device 10 includes an order receiving unit 11, a print data acquisition unit 12, a packaging production instruction unit 13, a delivery management unit 14, a payment processing unit 15, a user information storage unit 16, an order information storage unit 17, a material information storage unit 18, and a format data storage unit 19. In addition, packaging order management device 10 communicates with an orderer terminal 90 and a packaging production management device 20 to send and receive information. Communication between packaging order management device 10 and orderer terminal 90 or packaging production management device 20 can be performed via wired or wireless means. Order receiving unit 11 and print data acquisition unit 12 function as order-related information acquisition units that acquire information related to orders.

[0034] The order receiving unit 11 has a function of receiving orders for packaging materials from the orderer terminal 90. As described above, the packaging order management device 10 prepares a website that can be viewed on the orderer terminal 90, and the website can be viewed on the orderer terminal 90 in response to a request from the orderer terminal 90 (for example, a URL specification). The orderer (user) operates the orderer terminal 90 to view the website and input information required for an order by, for example, entering information into an input form provided on the website. The input information is transmitted via the Internet to the packaging order management device 10, which provides the website. This enables the order receiving unit 11 to receive the order.

[0035] The order-related information (order information) acquired by the order receiving unit 11 when receiving an order includes information identifying the orderer (such as name and address), information about the product being ordered, information identifying the delivery destination (such as name and address), and information about payment of expenses. In the case of flexible packaging, the information about the product being ordered includes, for example, information identifying the type of packaging (such as the materials used) and the order quantity. The information specifying the packaging includes information identifying the materials used in the packaging (such as information about each layer in the case of a film made of multiple types of materials) and information identifying the shape and size of the packaging (such as a three-sided square bag or a stand-up pouch). In the packaging order management device 10 of this embodiment, a model number is assigned in association with the information identifying the materials (materials) constituting the packaging and the information identifying the shape and size of the packaging. Therefore, by specifying a model number, the orderer can transmit information identifying the material of the packaging and information identifying the shape and size of the packaging to the packaging order management device 10.

[0036] The information presented to the user on the orderer terminal 90 can be adjusted so that the orderer (user) can operate the orderer terminal 90 to select a specific packaging material and place an order. For example, displaying the type of packaging material (e.g., materials used), size, shape, etc. for each flexible packaging material available to the user can be important information when the user selects a flexible packaging material. In addition, information such as the flexible packaging material's intended use (retort-compatible, boilable, microwave-compatible, examples of contents that can be accommodated, etc.) and characteristics (light-blocking properties, antistatic properties, transparency, etc.) can be more important information for the user's selection of packaging material than when the type of packaging material is directly displayed. Therefore, this information may be displayed in combination on the order screen used by the user for the purpose of increasing user convenience.

[0037] The print data acquisition unit 12 has a function of acquiring design data to be used for printing from the orderer terminal 90 that accepted the order. The design data to be used for printing is data describing the content to be printed on the packaging material for which the order was accepted. Note that types of printing on flexible packaging materials include digital printing, which basically involves printing directly from design data, and non-digital printing, which involves printing after plate-making and color matching. Examples of non-digital printing include gravure printing, flexographic printing, and EB offset printing. However, non-digital printing methods other than these printing methods may also be used. The packaging material order management device 10 can handle either type of printing. However, in the case of digital printing, the print data acquired from the orderer may be used directly for printing without plate-making. Therefore, the packaging material order management device 10 is configured to acquire design data (printing data) suitable for a specific packaging material from the orderer by providing format data to the orderer. This point will be described later. The information acquired by the order acceptance unit 11 and the information acquired by the print data acquisition unit 12 are stored in the order information storage unit 17.

[0038] If the design data sent by the client is PDF data, the print data acquisition unit 12 may perform a preflight check, which checks the data based on preset check items. The print data acquisition unit 12 may also be configured to notify the client of the results of the preflight check and the design data to be ultimately used for printing. In this case, the client may confirm the notification by accessing a specified website based on a URL notified by email, for example. While the preflight check is performed on PDF data, the same type of check may also be performed when data other than PDF data is used as design data.

[0039] The packaging material production instruction unit 13 has a function of issuing instructions to the packaging material production management device 20 to produce a packaging material, based on the order accepted by the order acceptance unit 11 and the data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 12. The packaging material production instruction unit 13 prepares information necessary to issue instructions to the packaging material production management device 20, based on the information acquired by the order acceptance unit 11 and the print data acquisition unit 12 and information held in the packaging material production instruction unit 13. By sending the prepared information to the packaging material production management device 20, the packaging material order management device 10 issues an instruction to the packaging material production management device 20 to produce a packaging material.

[0040] The delivery management unit 14 has a function of managing the delivery of packaging materials whose production has been instructed by the packaging material production instruction unit 13. Once completed, the packaging materials whose production has been instructed by the packaging material production instruction unit 13 can be sent from the packaging material production department (for example, a factory) to the delivery destination. The delivery management unit 14 has a function of notifying the purchaser of the production status and delivery status of the products for which an order has been accepted, based on delivery date information, delivery notifications, etc. sent from the packaging material production management device 20.

[0041] The payment processing unit 15 has a function of making payments for orders accepted by the order accepting unit 11. The mechanism for making payments is not particularly limited, and a combination of existing payment methods can be used. Payment history (information indicating that a payment has been made, etc.) may be associated with information about the order and stored in the order information storage unit 17. Information about the payment may be stored separately from the information stored in the order information storage unit 17. In this case, for example, an order number may be used to associate the information so that it is possible to confirm that a payment has been made for each order.

[0042] The user information storage unit 16 has a function of storing information about users (users who use the services provided by the packaging material order management device 10) who use the packaging material order management device 10. A user can register as a user of the packaging material order management device 10 by providing the information necessary for registration to the packaging material order management device 10 in advance or when placing an initial order. The information provided by the user during user registration is stored in the user information storage unit 16. Each user is assigned information identifying the user (e.g., a user ID), and information related to the specific user can be obtained using this information. By assigning a password or the like associated with the information identifying the user and notifying the user of this password, security management using the password can be achieved. By registering user information in the user information storage unit 16 in this way, the user can use the registered user information when placing a subsequent order. User registration itself is not a required component of the packaging material order management device 10. Therefore, if user management is not performed, the packaging material order management device 10 does not need to include the user information storage unit 16. Also, the configuration may be such that the correspondence with the order information storage unit 17 described later is not performed.

[0043] The order information storage unit 17 has a function of storing information on orders received from orderers. The order information storage unit 17 can store information acquired by the order receiving unit 11 and designs (print data) acquired by the print data acquisition unit 12, in association with each order from the orderer. Furthermore, the order information storage unit 17 stores user information stored in the user information storage unit 16 in association with each order, allowing users to search their past order history. When a registered user places an order, the registered user information becomes the orderer's information, and linking becomes possible by placing an order while logged in. Furthermore, when user registration is performed when placing an initial order, the information entered as the orderer at the time of the initial order can be used as user information. Data can then be linked even after an order has been placed using a user ID or other information assigned to identify the user.

[0044] The material information storage unit 18 has a function for storing information relating to the correspondence between model numbers and materials. An example of information stored in the material information storage unit 18 is shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, specifications (e.g., information identifying the specifications used in the manufacturing department), material composition, shape and size, features, and price (unit price and minimum order quantity) are associated with model numbers used when placing orders. The material composition indicates the composition of each layer that makes up the packaging material corresponding to each model number. Using this information, it is possible to identify the materials used in the packaging material for a given model number from a single model number. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the "material composition" includes information specifying the thicknesses of the substrate, intermediate layer, and sealant layer used in the flexible packaging material, as well as the materials used in these layers. The "material composition" may also include information specifying the adhesive used between layers, the ink used for printing, etc. The information included in the "material composition" can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of flexible packaging material.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the information stored in the material information storage unit 18 may include information such as shape, size, and characteristics (information describing the characteristics and uses of the material of each flexible packaging material) associated with the model number. This information may be used, for example, by a purchaser when placing an order for packaging materials. Specifically, for example, information such as shape, size, characteristics, and price may be presented to a user on a website, etc., and the user may select the model number of the packaging material to order based on this information. Furthermore, if a discount is set for some or all users, information specifying the discount target and discount rate (or discount amount) may be stored in association with the information shown in FIG. 2, as in the example shown in FIG. 2. If discount information is stored in the material information storage unit 18, the price of each flexible packaging material may be displayed on the website, reflecting the discount set for each user.

[0046] 2. With reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, an example of the configuration of the flexible packaging material included in the information shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram schematically illustrating a packaging film 200 used in the flexible packaging material, in which a first base film 201, an adhesive layer 204, a second base film 202, an adhesive layer 206, and a third base film 203 are laminated in this order. A primer layer (not shown) may be provided on one of the pair of main surfaces of the first base film 201, closer to the second base film 202. In addition, an electrostatic ink layer 205 is provided on one of the main surfaces of the adhesive layer 204, closer to the first base film 201. If a primer layer is provided, the electrostatic ink layer 205 is provided on one of the pair of main surfaces of the primer layer, closer to the second base film 202. This packaging film 200 is a film used in flexible packaging for foods to be heated in a microwave oven, for example.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the first base film 201 is a 12 μm thick biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate film (GLARH, manufactured by Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.) with a vapor-deposited layer of transparent inorganic oxides such as alumina. The second base film 202 is a 15 μm thick nylon film, and the third base film 203 is a 60 μm thick unstretched polypropylene film. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the material composition can be described by a combination of the abbreviation for the material and the thickness (number), for example, "GLARH12 / NY15 / CPP60." Furthermore, FIG. 3(b) also indicates that a film made of mechanically recycled PET (GLARNF) can be used instead of the biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate film (GLARH) with a vapor-deposited layer of transparent inorganic oxides such as alumina. Thus, the "material composition" defines the composition of the materials that make up the packaging film to achieve the functionality required of the flexible packaging material. Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the materials are listed by abbreviation.

[0048] In addition to the material composition, Figure 3(b) also shows information related to the use and bag shape (square standing pouch for microwave oven), adhesive layer, size, design (designation of location where design can be added), and bottom tape. Some of the information shown in Figure 3(b) may be included in the information shown in Figure 2, or, as shown in Figure 3(b), data may be managed individually for each flexible packaging material handled by this system.

[0049] 4 and 5 show examples of characteristic flexible packaging materials that are expected to be handled by the packaging order management device 10. FIG. 4 shows an example of a flexible packaging material that uses mechanically recycled PET film as the packaging film. Mechanically recycled PET is made by crushing and cleaning used PET bottles and then turning them back into PET resin. Because it is a packaging material that utilizes recycled resin, packaging materials that use mechanically recycled PET are one type of environmentally friendly packaging material.

[0050] Specifically, Figure 4(a) shows the material composition of a retort-compatible, transparent flexible packaging material as "mechanical recycled PET12 / AL7 / NY15 / CPP80," which is a laminate of 12μm mechanically recycled PET film, 7μm aluminum film, 15μm nylon film, and 60μm unstretched polypropylene film, and indicates that the specific shapes are stand-up pouches and three-sided square bags. Also, Figure 4(b) shows the material composition of a retort-compatible, aluminum-based flexible packaging material as "GLARNF12 / NY15 / CPP80," which is a laminate of 12μm mechanically recycled PET film, 15μm nylon film, and 80μm unstretched polypropylene film, and indicates that the specific shapes are stand-up pouches and three-sided square bags. Furthermore, Figure 4(c) shows that the material composition of aluminum soft packaging for health foods is "mechanically recycled PET12 / AL7 / NY15 / LLDPE40," which is a laminate of 12 μm mechanically recycled PET film, 7 μm aluminum film, 15 μm nylon film, and 40 μm low-density polyethylene film, and indicates that specific shapes are expected to be stand-up pouches, three-sided square bags, stand-up zipper bags, and three-sided zipper bags.

[0051] Figure 5 also shows an example of a flexible packaging material that uses a packaging film with a non-sol laminate configuration. Non-sol laminate refers to a lamination process that uses an adhesive that does not use organic solvents. Because non-sol laminate is a process that does not use organic solvents, it does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to lamination processes that use adhesives that do use organic solvents. Therefore, packaging materials using non-sol laminate are one type of packaging material that takes into consideration the working environment and the natural environment.

[0052] Specifically, Figure 5(a) shows the material composition of flexible packaging made from non-sol laminated film for health foods, such as "mechanically recycled PET12 / AL7 / NY15 / LLDPE40," which is a laminate of 12μm mechanically recycled PET film, 7μm aluminum film, 15μm nylon film, and 40μm low-density polyethylene film, and indicates specific shapes such as stand-up pouches, three-sided square bags, stand-up zipper bags, and three-sided zipper bags. Figure 5(b) shows the material composition of flexible packaging made from non-sol laminated film for confectionery, rice, and dry goods, such as "OPP30 / CPP30," which is a laminate of 30μm biaxially oriented polypropylene film and 30μm unoriented polypropylene film, and indicates specific shapes such as three-sided square bags. Furthermore, Figure 5(c) shows that the material composition of soft packaging made of non-sol laminated packaging film for pet food, confectionery, and dry food is "Barrier NY15 / Easy-to-Cut LLDPE80," which is a laminate of 15 μm barrier nylon film and 80 μm easy-to-cut low-density polyethylene film, and indicates that the specific shape is a three-sided zipper bag.

[0053] In this way, the packaging material order management device 10 can handle a wide variety of flexible packaging materials depending on the application. In the example shown in FIG. 2, only four pieces of data associated with model numbers are shown, but in reality, it is expected that a considerable number of pieces of data associated with model numbers managed by the packaging material order management device 10 will exist. When a user places an order, the packaging material order management device 10 presents the user with flexible packaging materials that can be ordered. In this case, instead of presenting all of the information managed by the material information storage unit 18, the device may be configured to select and present flexible packaging materials that meet the user's needs, etc. This point will be described later.

[0054] Returning to FIG. 2 , the format data storage unit 19 has a function of storing information regarding a set of format data provided to the purchaser and used by the purchaser to create design data for printing. Examples of information stored in the format data storage unit 19 are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 . In FIG. 6 , information (e.g., a file name) identifying data to be sent to the purchaser (orderer terminal 90) is associated with the model number used when placing an order. The format data sent to the orderer terminal 90 is data that the purchaser can use to create a design (process data) using the orderer terminal 90 or another device. Furthermore, the data (printing data) processed by the purchaser is preferably returned in a predetermined format. In particular, in the case of digital printing, it is required that the data be sent from the orderer terminal 90 to the packaging material order management device 10 in a format that can be used by, for example, the printing machine 21. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 , one set of format data may be prepared for one model number, including one format data, one setting file, and one manual data. This set of format data can be a package of data provided to the orderer terminal 90.

[0055] Format data is the source data for the data used for printing. An example of format data is shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, data D1 may define a drawing area A1 and a non-drawing area A2 corresponding to the packaging material corresponding to the model number. The drawing area A1 may also be provided with a frame A3 to separate the recommended printing area. Furthermore, if there is an area with printing restrictions, such as a zipper, a restricted area A4 may also be defined. In this way, data D1 may include information that enables the purchaser to create print data with an appropriate design for the packaging material.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 6, the setting file associated with each model number is, for example, a file that describes various settings for appropriately outputting design data used for printing in an application used by the purchaser. Furthermore, the manual data is data describing how to use the format data and setting file. Such a data set may be stored as a "set of format data" associated with one model number. The format data storage unit 19 stores the setting file and manual data in addition to the data D1. When transmitting the set of format data to the purchaser terminal 90, three pieces of data (format data, setting file, and manual data) are selected based on the model number. These pieces of data are then packaged together and transmitted from the packaging material order management device 10 to the purchaser terminal 90 by the print data acquisition unit 12.

[0057] The packaging material order management device 10 may further have a function for managing the settlement process that occurs when an order is accepted. However, since existing processes can be applied to this part, detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0058] [Packaging material manufacturing control device] The packaging material manufacturing management device 20 is a device that can operate in cooperation with the packaging material order management device 10. The packaging material manufacturing management device 20 also has a function for managing each device related to packaging material manufacturing in the department that it manages (referred to as the "packaging material manufacturing department" in FIG. 1). As an example, FIG. 1 shows a printing machine 21, a laminating machine 22, and a bag making machine 23. The printing machine 21 may be a digital printing machine or a non-digital printing machine (such as a gravure printing machine, an EB offset printing machine, or a flexographic printing machine) selected according to the type of printing. The laminating machine 22 may be a dry laminating machine, an extrusion laminating machine, or the like. Note that these machines shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and the devices managed by the packaging material manufacturing management device 20 are not limited to these. The packaging material manufacturing management device 20 may be capable of individually controlling the devices it manages (such as the printing machine 21), or may be configured to manage only the operating status or operation schedule.

[0059] Furthermore, packaging manufacturing management device 20 may be configured to collectively manage materials, processes, and the like for each product manufactured in the department managed by the device itself. In this way, the management of packaging manufacturing management device 20 can be the overall operations related to packaging manufacturing in the department it manages. However, packaging manufacturing management device 20 does not need to manage all of these operations, and may be configured to manage only some of them. As an example, in this embodiment, as part of the management of packaging manufacturing based on instructions from packaging order management device 10, packaging manufacturing management device 20 at least receives packaging production instructions from packaging order management device 10, manages the received data, and manages the production status of the packaging for which the production instructions have been received (process management). Note that these management tasks do not need to be performed by a single packaging manufacturing management device 20, and may be distributed and managed by multiple devices.

[0060] [Hardware configuration of packaging material ordering management device and packaging material manufacturing management device] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 110 used in the packaging order management device 10 or the packaging manufacturing management device 20. For example, the computer 110 includes a control circuit 100. In one example, the control circuit 100 includes one or more processors 101, a memory 102, a storage device 103, a communication port 104, and an input / output port 105. The processor 101 executes an operating system and application programs. The storage device 103 is configured as a storage medium, such as a hard disk, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or a removable medium (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.), and stores the operating system and application programs. The memory 102 temporarily stores programs loaded from the storage device 103 or calculation results by the processor 101. The processor 101 functions as an individual functional module by executing programs in cooperation with the memory 102. The communication port 104 communicates data with other devices via a communication network NW in accordance with instructions from the processor 101. The input / output port 105 executes input and output of electrical signals to and from input / output devices (user interfaces) such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and touch panel in accordance with instructions from the processor 101.

[0061] Each of the packaging order management device 10 and the packaging production management device 20 may be configured with multiple computers 110. Furthermore, when either the packaging order management device 10 or the packaging production management device 20 is configured with multiple computers 110, the multiple computers 110 may be distributed and may be connected to each other via a communication network NW.

[0062] [Packaging material order management method] Next, a packaging order management method using packaging order system 1, which includes packaging order management device 10 and packaging production management device 20, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9 , steps S01 and S02 are first performed between the orderer terminal 90 and the packaging material order management device 10. In step S01, the orderer operates the orderer terminal 90 to access a website provided by the packaging material order management device 10, enter necessary information on the website, and transmit a user registration request. In step S02, the packaging material order management device 10 receives the user registration request from the orderer terminal 90, registers the user information in the user information storage unit 16 of the packaging material order management device 10, and notifies the orderer terminal 90 that user registration has been completed. This enables the user of the orderer terminal 90 to become the orderer. Note that steps S01 and S02 are examples of a case where user registration is performed in advance, and this processing can be changed depending on the timing of user registration. Furthermore, this processing can be omitted if user management is not performed in the packaging material order management device 10.

[0064] The user registration procedure (S01 to S02) may include a procedure for confirming that the user has no affiliation with antisocial forces. By including such a procedure, transactions can be conducted while blocking affiliation with antisocial forces. A method for confirming affiliation with antisocial forces may include, for example, a process for the user to confirm the affiliation. A process for confirming affiliation with antisocial forces may also be implemented by searching online articles using the user's name, etc. A compliance confirmation process may also be implemented at this stage, in addition to the confirmation of affiliation with antisocial forces. These processes may be implemented in combination with externally provided services. An example of an externally provided service is a service that performs compliance checks based on company names, etc. As a method for combining with such external services, for example, the packaging material order management device 10 may provide information such as the company name registered by the user to an external service during the user registration procedure, and automatically acquire and store the check results from the external service. In this case, the check results by the external service are displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the packaging material order management device 10, and the administrator of the packaging material order management device 10 can confirm whether or not the user has any ties to antisocial forces by checking the check results by the external service. When incorporating such a procedure, a procedure may be added in which the user is provisionally registered until the administrator confirms whether or not the user has any ties to antisocial forces, and the user is officially registered once the administrator has confirmed that the user has no ties to antisocial forces. Note that if user management using user registration is not performed, a similar confirmation may also be performed when accepting an order, as described below.

[0065] Next, packaging material order management device 10 executes step S03 based on a request from orderer terminal 90. When a user of orderer terminal 90 attempts to place an order for packaging material with packaging material order management device 10, the user operates orderer terminal 90 to request the presentation of an order form. In response to this request, packaging material order management device 10 presents the order form. The format of the order form is not particularly limited; for example, a website may display multiple available packaging materials so that the user can select from them, or the form may be configured so that the user inputs a model number. In this way, the format, interface, etc. for inputting information when a user places an order can be changed as appropriate.

[0066] If the configuration is such that after user registration (S01 to S02) the user places an order for packaging materials via a website (for example, a user page assigned to each user), the user page assigned to each user may be configured to enable viewing of the order details placed by the user, the processing status of the packaging materials ordered by the user, data sent by the user, etc. Furthermore, the administrator of packaging material order management device 10 may use the user page to present various information to users (publicity information, notices addressed to specific users, etc.).

[0067] FIG. 10 shows an example of information related to packaging materials to be presented on a website (e.g., a user page) to a user identified by user ID "U001," extracted from information stored in the material information storage unit 18. When presenting available packaging materials to a user on a website and allowing the user to select a packaging material to order, information to be presented to the user can be selected as shown in FIG. 10, and a selection screen can be presented to the user based on that information. FIG. 10 shows information related to five packaging materials as an example. Of these, packaging materials identified by display model numbers X0101, X0102, and X0205 have "price by user" written in the remarks column. In the example shown in FIG. 2, discount information indicates that individual discounts will be applied to packaging materials with the above three model numbers for user U001. In FIG. 10, the discounts shown in FIG. 2 are reflected in the "price" for these three packaging materials. Therefore, when available packaging materials are presented to user U001, the prices shown in FIG. 10 are displayed on the website. At this time, for example, the display may be changed to make it clear that the price is a special price. In this way, for packaging materials for which a special price is set, the regular price may also be displayed, thereby proactively informing the user that a special price has been set.

[0068] The packaging material identified by the display model number X0301 shown in FIG. 10 has "Based on user industry" written in the remarks column. This indicates that the packaging order management device 10 has selected information related to the user's industry to present to the user based on information entered by the user during user registration. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, given the wide variety of packaging materials handled by the packaging order management device 10, there may be various packaging materials suitable for specific industries. When presenting available packaging materials to the user, packaging materials highly related to the user's industry are presented to the user preferentially, allowing the user to easily select packaging materials that meet their needs and simplify the ordering process. The "User Industry" shown in FIG. 10 is an example of extracting packaging materials highly related to the user, indicating that packaging materials likely to be used in the user's industry are presented to the user preferentially.

[0069] Furthermore, the packaging material identified by the display model number X0401 shown in FIG. 10 has "original specifications" written in the remarks column. This indicates packaging material created for a specific user based on a request from that user. In other words, this packaging material can be set as packaging that can only be purchased by a specific user (e.g., user U001). In this way, the packaging material order management device 10 can also set unique packaging material based on a request from a specific user. In this case, a model number and specification number are set for the unique packaging material, and all information necessary to manufacture the packaging material is prepared and stored in the material information storage unit 18 in the same way as information on other packaging materials. Then, when packaging materials available on the website are presented to a specific user, packaging materials for that user are also presented. With this configuration, it is possible to provide different packaging materials for each user based on the user's request, allowing the user to easily order the packaging material.

[0070] The method of presenting packaging materials on a website is not limited to the example described above. For example, the initial screen may display all available packaging materials, and the user may set extraction conditions and perform a search to extract and display only information related to specific packaging materials that match the extraction conditions. Furthermore, information related to packaging materials that are to be displayed preferentially to the user may be extracted using a method different from the above method.

[0071] Returning to FIG. 9, next, the orderer terminal 90 that has acquired the order form executes step S04. In step S04, the user of the orderer terminal 90 inputs various information required for the order. At this time, the information input by the user includes information specifying the model number of the packaging material. Note that the user may directly specify the model number of the packaging material, but the system may also be configured so that, for example, when a packaging material is selected from packaging materials listed on a website, the model number corresponding to that packaging material is automatically selected.

[0072] Next, the orderer terminal 90 executes step S05. In step S05, the information entered in the order form after input, i.e., the order information, is sent from the orderer terminal 90 to the packaging material order management device 10. This order information may include model number information that specifies the material, shape, and size of the packaging material. When the order information is sent from the orderer terminal 90, the order receiving unit 11 of the packaging material order management device 10 executes step S06. In step S06, the order receiving unit 11 acquires the order information and stores it in the order information storage unit 17 as a process for starting the order reception process. In addition, as necessary, the order receiving unit 11 associates the order information with the user information storage unit 16 (for example, links information using a user ID).

[0073] Next, print data acquisition unit 12 of packaging material order management device 10 executes step S07. In step S07, print data acquisition unit 12 references format data storage unit 19 and prepares a set of format data corresponding to the model number included in the order information. Next, print data acquisition unit 12 of packaging material order management device 10 executes step S08. In step S08, print data acquisition unit 12 transmits the set of format data prepared by print data acquisition unit 12 to orderer terminal 90. As an example, print data acquisition unit 12 may upload the set of format data to a website from which data can be downloaded by operating orderer terminal 90. In this case, the set of format data may be acquired by downloading the data by operating orderer terminal 90. A set of format data corresponding to each model number may be provided in a downloadable state on a specific website, or orderer terminal 90 may acquire the set of format data by downloading the set of format data corresponding to a specific model number.

[0074] In response to this, the orderer terminal 90 executes step S09. In step S09, the orderer terminal 90, which has acquired the set of format data, processes the data D1 to create design data for printing.

[0075] The orderer terminal 90 executes step S10 for the created data. In step S10, the orderer terminal 90 transmits processed design data for printing to the packaging material order management device 10. The transmitted data is acquired by the print data acquisition unit 12 of the packaging material order management device 10. The design data may be sent from the orderer terminal 90 to the packaging material order management device 10 by, for example, uploading the data to a specific website. At this time, a process may be performed to have the user confirm that the design data does not constitute copyright infringement or violate public order and morals. The packaging material order system 1 may be configured to check for copyright infringement, violation of public order and morals, etc., by combining with an external service or by executing a program pre-installed in the packaging material order management device 10.

[0076] Once the above steps are completed, the payment processing unit 15 of the packaging material order management device 10 executes step S11. In step S11, the payment processing unit 15 confirms the order from the purchaser and performs payment processing. Information indicating that payment has been made by the payment processing unit 15 is recorded in the order information storage unit 17, for example, as described above. With the above steps, the series of processes related to receiving an order is completed.

[0077] Next, packaging production instruction unit 13 of packaging order management device 10 executes step S12. In step S12, packaging production instruction unit 13 references the model number included in the order information and references material information storage unit 18 to prepare information that needs to be sent to packaging production management device 20. That is, information that identifies the materials used in the packaging specified by the model number (material specification information) is prepared. Packaging production instruction unit 13 obtains information on the materials corresponding to the model number from the information stored in material information storage unit 18. As a result, the data to be sent to packaging production management device 20 is prepared.

[0078] Next, packaging production instruction unit 13 of packaging order management device 10 executes step S13. In step S13, packaging production instruction unit 13 sends a packaging production instruction to packaging manufacturing management device 20. The production instruction includes information specifying the materials to be used in producing the packaging and design data to be used for printing on the packaging. In addition, the production instruction may also include information related to the delivery destination of the packaging.

[0079] Next, upon receiving the packaging production instruction, packaging production management device 20 executes step S14. In step S14, packaging production management device 20 starts managing the process related to the production of packaging and producing the packaging based on the production instruction. Examples of process management targets in packaging production management device 20 include procuring materials and ensuring the operating hours of each device used to produce packaging, such as printing machine 21, laminating machine 22, and bag making machine 23.

[0080] Furthermore, packaging material manufacturing management device 20 executes step S15 as necessary. In step S15, packaging material manufacturing management device 20 processes the design data so that it can be used by printing machine 21. However, step S15 can be changed depending on the state of the design data or the type of printing to be done on the packaging material. For example, when creating packaging using digital printing, printing machine 21 basically uses the design data sent from orderer terminal 90 for printing as is. This is because the design is written in predetermined drawing area A1 using data D1. As such, in the case of digital printing, step S15 may be omitted. Note that in the case of digital printing, data processing shown in step S15 may be performed. In this case, adjustments, data proofreading, etc. may be performed in step S15 to make the design data usable by printing machine 21.

[0081] In parallel with the production of the product, the packaging material manufacturing management device 20 executes step S16, and in response, the packaging material order management device 10 executes step S17. In step S16, the packaging material manufacturing management device 20 notifies the packaging material order management device 10 of the expected delivery date of the packaging material. The expected delivery date can be determined, for example, as a result of process management (step S14). The packaging material manufacturing management device 20 notifies the packaging material order management device 10 when the delivery date is estimated. In step S17, the packaging material order management device 10, which has received the information on the expected delivery date from the packaging material manufacturing management device 20, notifies the orderer terminal 90 of the delivery date information via the delivery management unit 14. The method of notifying the orderer terminal 90 is not particularly limited, and examples include notification on a website (e.g., a user page assigned to each user) and notification by email. At this time, the delivery management unit 14 may update the delivery date information in the order information stored in the order information storage unit 17.

[0082] When the product is completed, packaging material manufacturing management device 20 executes step S18. Following the execution of step S18, steps S19 to S21 are executed. In step S18, packaging material manufacturing management device 20 ships the completed product to the delivery destination included in the production instruction. In step S19, a shipping notification is sent from packaging material manufacturing management device 20 to packaging material order management device 10. In step S20, upon receiving the shipping notification, packaging material order management device 10 reports to orderer terminal 90 that the shipping has been completed. The method of notifying orderer terminal 90 is not particularly limited, and examples include notification on a website (e.g., a user page assigned to each user) and notification by email. In step S21, the product is separately sent from packaging material manufacturing management device 20 to the delivery destination. In FIG. 9, the state in which the product is sent to orderer terminal 90 is illustrated, as an example in which the delivery destination is the user of orderer terminal 90. The delivery destination is set based on the order information, and therefore the delivery may be made to a location different from the location where the user of the orderer terminal 90 is located.

[0083] This completes the series of processes related to the production of one packaging material. It should be noted that, if the same user places a packaging material order for the second or subsequent time, some of the steps shown in FIG. 9 can be omitted. For example, if user management is performed in packaging order management device 10, user registration is completed from the second order onward, so the steps related to user registration (S01 to S02) are omitted, and instead, a login process using a user ID or the like is performed. Furthermore, as described above, if user management is performed in packaging order management device 10, order information can be created using the information used for user registration, which can simplify, for example, the input of information in inputting order information (S04).

[0084] Furthermore, if the order information storage unit 17 of the packaging material order management device 10 stores information on orders received over a predetermined period of time in the past, this information may be used when ordering packaging material with the same contents. In this case, for example, if the order contents, delivery destination, etc. are the same, the input of information in the order information input step (S04) may be simplified by using the past order information. Furthermore, if design data used in the past is stored, the steps related to preparing the design data (S07 to S10) may be omitted, and the design data used in the previous order may be used as is. To improve convenience when the same user places a reorder, for example, the user may be able to reconfirm the design data stored in the order information storage unit 17 (data obtained from the orderer or data after processing used to create the flexible packaging material).

[0085] 11 shows an example of the procedure for producing flexible packaging in the packaging manufacturing department, which may be subject to process management by the packaging manufacturing management device 20. FIG. 11(a) shows a typical procedure for producing flexible packaging. Specifically, when a packaging production instruction is received from the packaging order management device 10 (step S31), materials are prepared based on information specifying the materials included in the packaging production instruction (step S32). Specifically, as described above, preparations are made for the materials for each layer, including the base layer (substrate), intermediate layer, and sealant layer, the adhesives used to bond each layer, and the ink used for printing.

[0086] When actually producing a flexible packaging material, printing is usually performed on the base material layer using the printer 21 (step S33). Thereafter, the base material layer, intermediate layer, and sealant layer are bonded together using the laminating machine 22 (step S34). Furthermore, the film that will be the material for the bonded flexible packaging material is processed into bags in the bag making machine 23 (step S35). In this way, a flexible packaging material is produced based on the packaging material production instructions. The packaging material production management device 20 manages the series of processes described above and produces flexible packaging material in accordance with delivery dates.

[0087] On the other hand, FIG. 11(b) shows a modified example of a flexible packaging material production procedure that can be employed in the packaging material ordering system 1. Specifically, first, regardless of whether a packaging material production instruction is received, a pre-applied raw roll is prepared by laminating an intermediate layer and a sealant layer (step S41). The pre-applied raw roll is a roll of pre-applied raw rolls that are made up of an intermediate layer and a sealant layer that can be used in a product (flexible packaging material) ordered by a customer. When orders are received from customers by specifying a model number, as in the packaging material ordering system 1, it is possible to prepare pre-applied raw rolls by laminating an intermediate layer and a sealant layer that will not be printed and that can be used in a specific model number of flexible packaging material according to the order trends of each product. Since the pre-applied raw rolls are not printed, they can be prepared in advance. Note that by taking product trends (sales, etc.) into consideration when preparing the pre-applied raw rolls, deterioration in quality due to long-term storage of the pre-applied raw rolls can be prevented. The pre-applied raw rolls can be produced, for example, using a laminating machine 22.

[0088] Next, when a packaging production instruction is received from the packaging order management device 10 (step S42), materials are prepared based on the information specifying the materials included in the packaging production instruction (step S43). Specifically, preparations are made for a pre-attached raw material consisting of a base layer (substrate), an intermediate layer, and a sealant layer, adhesives used to bond each layer, inks used for printing, etc.

[0089] Next, printing is performed on the base material layer in the printing machine 21 (step S44). After that, the base material layer and the pre-attached raw material are bonded together using the laminating machine 22 (step S45). Furthermore, the film that will be the material for the bonded flexible packaging material is processed into bags in the bag making machine 23 (step S46). In this way, a flexible packaging material is produced based on the packaging material production instructions. The packaging material production management device 20 manages the series of processes described above and produces flexible packaging material in accordance with delivery dates.

[0090] 11(b), by configuring the system so that the pre-attached raw material roll is prepared in advance (S41), the process after the instruction to create the packaging material is received (S42), particularly the lamination process (S45), can be shortened compared to the conventional process (S34). In other words, by reducing the number of materials to be laminated, the process using the laminating machine 22 is shortened. As a result, the time required for the process from receiving the instruction to create the packaging material (S42) to completing the creation of the flexible packaging material can be shortened, which makes it possible to deliver products in a short time.

[0091] [Effect] According to the packaging material ordering system 1 and packaging material order management device 10, an order can be placed from the orderer terminal 90 by specifying the model number of the flexible packaging material. Meanwhile, the packaging material order management device 10 prepares material specification information specifying the materials for the flexible packaging material associated with the model number included in the order information, based on the model number included in the order information, and sends this information to the packaging material production management device 20 as a packaging material production instruction. Furthermore, the packaging material production management device 20 starts managing the production of the flexible packaging material based on this packaging material production instruction. Thus, when ordering flexible packaging material from the orderer terminal 90, an order can be easily placed by specifying the model number, and the packaging material order management device 10 prepares information specifying each of the various materials included in the flexible packaging material, and sends this information to the packaging material production management device 20 as a packaging material production instruction. Therefore, according to the packaging material ordering system 1 and packaging material order management device 10, the orderer can easily place an order and appropriately manage the production of flexible packaging material based on this order.

[0092] Online ordering systems for printed materials have been known for some time. However, while conventional systems have considered the system of a server receiving an order issuing instructions to a printing machine, no consideration has been given to managing the production of packaging materials that combine multiple materials, such as flexible packaging materials. Furthermore, because the combination of multiple materials is determined to achieve desired characteristics for flexible packaging materials, it is difficult for purchasers to individually specify these materials. In contrast, the packaging ordering system 1 and packaging order management device 10 described above allow purchasers to place orders using model numbers, enabling appropriate ordering using, for example, a catalog. Meanwhile, when issuing packaging production instructions from the packaging order management device 10 to the packaging production management device 20, the instructions can be given using information specifying the materials, thereby enabling the appropriate provision of information necessary for packaging production.

[0093] The material specification information may include information identifying the materials of the substrate, ink, adhesive layer, and sealant layer included in the flexible packaging material. As described above, flexible packaging materials can achieve various characteristics depending on the combination of the substrate, ink, adhesive layer, and sealant layer. By including information identifying these materials in the material specification information, the purchaser can order a flexible packaging material that meets the desired characteristics by using the model number. Furthermore, after receiving an order, information about each material that makes up the flexible packaging material that corresponds to the model number is appropriately transmitted from the packaging material order management device 10 to the packaging material production management device 20.

[0094] The packaging material production instruction may include information specifying the shape or size of the flexible packaging material. With this configuration, the packaging material order management device 10 can handle a variety of flexible packaging materials with different shapes or sizes, making it possible to handle a wider variety of flexible packaging materials. Note that if only one type of shape and size of flexible packaging material is handled, the packaging material production instruction does not need to include this information.

[0095] The material specification information may include information specifying the thickness of each material used in the flexible packaging material identified by the model number. Materials used in flexible packaging materials may be of the same type but with different thicknesses. Therefore, with the above configuration, the packaging material order management device can handle materials of the same type but with different thicknesses, allowing purchasers to order a wider variety of flexible packaging materials. Note that, with regard to this information, if the thickness of the materials being handled is one type, this information does not need to be included in the packaging material production instructions.

[0096] The printing machine 21 may be a digital printing machine, and the packaging manufacturing management device 20 may manage the process so that the design data acquired from the orderer terminal 90 is used as is when printing on flexible packaging material in the digital printing machine. When printing on flexible packaging material is performed in a digital printing machine, managing the process so that the design data acquired from the orderer terminal 90 is used as is when printing on flexible packaging material in the digital printing machine as described above prevents the design from being changed by an operator, and enables appropriate printing.

[0097] The print data acquisition unit 12 as an order-related information acquisition unit may provide the orderer terminal 90 with format data corresponding to information specifying the model number of the flexible packaging material, thereby acquiring data in which a design has been added to the format data as design data acquired from the orderer terminal 90. With the above configuration, design data using the format data is provided from the orderer terminal 90, making it possible to reliably acquire design data suitable for use in a digital printing machine.

[0098] The printing machine 21 may be a non-digital printing machine, and the packaging manufacturing management device 20 may manage the process so that the design data acquired from the orderer terminal 90 is processed as required and then used for printing on flexible packaging material in the non-digital printing machine. When printing on flexible packaging material is performed in a gravure printing machine, corrections appropriate for the non-digital printing machine must be made. Therefore, by managing the process so that the design data is processed as required and then used for printing on flexible packaging material in the non-digital printing machine as described above, appropriate printing can be performed even in the non-digital printing machine.

[0099] The packaging material manufacturing management device 20 may be configured to manage the process so that, when the flexible packaging material includes an intermediate layer and a sealant layer, the intermediate layer and the sealant layer are first bonded together to prepare a pre-bonded roll. The flexible packaging materials handled by the above-described packaging material ordering system 1 have materials used as the intermediate layer and sealant layer preset for each model number. Therefore, by preparing pre-bonded rolls in advance and using them to manufacture the flexible packaging material upon receiving an order, the process after receiving an order can be shortened. In the above-described packaging material ordering system 1, the purchaser orders flexible packaging materials by specifying the model number. In other words, unlike when the materials to be used for a flexible packaging material are determined through customization, the types of materials ordered are limited. Therefore, it is possible to accurately predict orders for each flexible packaging material, and even when pre-bonded rolls are prepared as described above, the risk of the rolls becoming unusable and being discarded can be reduced.

[0100] [Variation] As described above, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0101] For example, some functions of packaging order management device 10 may be managed by a device separate from packaging order management device 10. For example, management of user information may be performed by a device separate from packaging order management device 10. Furthermore, payment-related matters may also be managed by a device separate from packaging order management device 10.

[0102] The information included in the order information is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various other information can be combined. The order input form, the structure of the design data, etc. can also be modified as appropriate.

[0103] [Appendix 1] A packaging material order management device according to one embodiment is a packaging material order management device that receives orders for the production of flexible packaging material via the Internet from an orderer terminal operated by an orderer, and includes an order receiving unit that receives order information sent from the orderer terminal, including information specifying the shape of the flexible packaging material; a format data holding unit that holds format data suitable for the design of the printing surface of the flexible packaging material of that shape, in association with the information specifying the shape of the flexible packaging material; a print data acquisition unit that acquires design data from the orderer terminal, including a design to be printed on the flexible packaging material, by providing the orderer terminal with format data that corresponds to the information specifying the shape of the soft packaging material included in the order information, selected based on the information held in the format data holding unit; and an order information holding unit that manages the order information and the design data in association with each other.

[0104] In the packaging order management device, format data corresponding to the shape of the ordered packaging is provided to the orderer terminal that accepts the order, and design data using that format data is provided from the orderer terminal and acquired by the print data acquisition unit. This ensures that design data based on format data in a state suitable for printing on flexible packaging can be acquired reliably.

[0105] The information specifying the shape of the flexible packaging material may be information specifying a model number associated with the shape of the flexible packaging material.

[0106] When the information specifying the shape of the flexible packaging material as described above is information specifying a model number associated with the shape of the flexible packaging material, it is possible to manage the format data using this model number, and further, it is possible to select appropriate format data using the model number and provide it to the orderer terminal, thereby enabling more appropriate management and handling of data within the device.

[0107] The flexible packaging material may be printed by a digital printing machine, and the design data acquired from the orderer terminal may have a data structure suitable for printing on the flexible packaging material by the digital printing machine.

[0108] When printing on flexible packaging material is performed using a digital printing machine, as described above, by configuring the design data suitable for printing on flexible packaging material using the digital printing machine to be obtained from the client terminal, it is possible to prevent the design from being changed by the worker, thereby enabling appropriate printing.

[0109] The format data storage unit may further store a setting file for outputting the design data at the orderer terminal in a state suitable for printing on the soft packaging material, in association with information specifying the shape of the soft packaging material, and the print data acquisition unit may provide the orderer terminal with the format data and design data selected based on the information stored in the format data storage unit.

[0110] Even when design data is created by processing format data on the client's terminal, it may not be possible to output the design data in a state suitable for printing, depending on the operating environment of the client's terminal, etc. Therefore, by providing a settings file to the client's terminal as described above, the client can create design data more appropriately.

[0111] The order information may include information specifying the material of the flexible packaging material.

[0112] Since flexible packaging materials may be made of different materials, the packaging order management device configured as described above can handle flexible packaging materials made of different materials, allowing purchasers to order a wider variety of flexible packaging materials.

[0113] [Appendix 2] The present disclosure may include, for example, the following inventions. <Invention 1> A packaging ordering system including a packaging order management device that receives orders for the production of flexible packaging materials from an orderer terminal via the Internet, and a packaging manufacturing management device that manages the production of the flexible packaging materials based on instructions from the packaging order management device in a manufacturing department that includes a printing machine, The packaging material order management device an order-related information acquisition unit that acquires, from the orderer terminal, order information including information specifying the model number of the flexible packaging material and design data including a design to be printed on the flexible packaging material; a material information storage unit that stores material specification information that associates information specifying a model number of the flexible packaging material with information specifying materials used in the flexible packaging material specified by the model number; a packaging material production instruction unit that transmits to the packaging material manufacturing management device a packaging material production instruction that includes material designation information that designates the flexible packaging material corresponding to the model number included in the order information, selected based on the information stored in the material information storage unit, and the design data; Including, The packaging manufacturing management device starts management related to the production of the flexible packaging material based on the packaging material production instruction. <Invention 2> The packaging material ordering system according to invention 1, wherein the material specification information includes information specifying the materials of the base material, ink, adhesive layer, and sealant layer contained in the flexible packaging material. <Invention 3> A packaging ordering system according to claim 2, wherein the packaging production instructions include information specifying the shape or size of the flexible packaging material. <Invention 4> 4. A packaging material ordering system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material specification information includes information specifying the thickness of a material used in the flexible packaging material identified by the model number. <Invention 5> The printing press is a digital printing press, The packaging material ordering system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the packaging material manufacturing management device manages the process so that the design data acquired from the client terminal is used as is in printing on the flexible packaging material by the digital printing machine. <Invention 6> The packaging ordering system according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein the order-related information acquisition unit provides the orderer terminal with format data corresponding to information specifying the model number of the soft packaging material, thereby acquiring data in which a design has been added to the format data as the design data acquired from the orderer terminal. <Invention 7> The printing press is a non-digital printing press, The packaging material ordering system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the packaging material manufacturing management device performs predetermined processing on the design data acquired from the client terminal and then manages the process so that the data is used for printing on the flexible packaging material in the non-digital printing machine. <Invention 8> The packaging material ordering system according to any one of Inventions 1 to 7, wherein the packaging material manufacturing management device manages the process so that, when the flexible packaging material includes an intermediate layer and a sealant layer, the intermediate layer and the sealant layer are first bonded together to prepare a pre-bonded raw roll. <Invention 9> A packaging material order management device that receives orders for the production of flexible packaging materials from an orderer terminal via the Internet, an order-related information acquisition unit that acquires, from the orderer terminal, order information including information specifying the model number of the flexible packaging material and design data including a design to be printed on the flexible packaging material; a material information storage unit that stores material specification information that associates information specifying a model number of the flexible packaging material with information specifying materials used in the flexible packaging material specified by the model number; a packaging material production instruction unit that transmits a packaging material production instruction, which includes material designation information that designates a material for the flexible packaging material corresponding to the model number included in the order information and that is selected based on the information stored in the material information storage unit, and the design data, to a packaging material production management device that manages the production of the flexible packaging material; A packaging material ordering management device including: [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1...packaging ordering system, 10...packaging ordering management device, 11...order reception unit, 12...printing data acquisition unit, 13...packaging production instruction unit, 14...delivery management unit, 15...payment processing unit, 16...user information storage unit, 17...order information storage unit, 18...material information storage unit, 19...format data storage unit, 20...packaging manufacturing management device, 21...printing machine, 22...laminating machine, 23...bag making machine, 90...orderer terminal.

Claims

[Claim 1] A packaging material order management device that receives orders for the production of flexible packaging materials from an orderer terminal via the Internet, an order receiving unit that acquires order information from the orderer terminal via a website viewable on the orderer terminal, the order information including information specifying the material and thickness of each layer of the flexible packaging material formed by laminating multiple types of materials, information specifying the shape and size of the flexible packaging material, and information specifying a delivery destination; a print data acquisition unit that presents, via the website, to the orderer terminal, information for acquiring design data including a design to be printed on the flexible packaging material; The website is configured to present the processing status of the flexible packaging material ordered by the orderer to the orderer terminal via a user page created for each orderer and included in the website. Packaging material order management device.

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