Information processing system and program

Abstract

To enable an order receiver to determine whether to start a process for manufacturing a print product even when a part of specifications of the ordered print product is not determined.SOLUTION: In the control unit 11 of the management server 10 constituting the information processing system, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the confirmed information on the confirmed specifications and the unconfirmed information on the unconfirmed specifications as the information on the specifications of the print product to be manufactured, and the transmission control unit 115 transmits the control information for displaying the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information on the screen for managing the processes related to the manufacturing of the print product displayed on each of the sales terminal and the manufacturing terminal in a mode in which the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information can be distinguished for each process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to reduce the risk of a contractor mistakenly starting production of an ordered product whose specifications have not yet been finalized, a technique is known in which information indicating that the specifications have been finalized is presented to the contractor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-57701 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] While starting production after the specifications of the ordered product have been finalized reduces the risk to the order recipient, there are cases where the order recipient can enjoy benefits such as shortened delivery times by starting production when some of the specifications have not yet been finalized. For this reason, there are requests from order recipients to start production of the ordered product according to the contents of the specifications that have not yet been finalized, even when some of the specifications of the ordered product have not yet been finalized.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable a recipient to determine whether or not to start the process of manufacturing a printed product even when some of the specifications of the ordered printed product have not been finalized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing system comprising one or more processors, which acquire confirmed information regarding confirmed specifications and unconfirmed information regarding unconfirmed specifications as information regarding the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured, and display the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information in a distinguishable manner for each process on a screen that manages the processes related to the manufacture of the printed product. The invention described in claim 2 is the information processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the one or more processors display the current status of the undetermined specifications as the undetermined information. The invention described in claim 3 is an information processing system described in claim 2, characterized in that the one or more processors display the current status of one or more of the following information: order information regarding orders for the printed product; equipment information regarding the equipment used to manufacture the printed product; consumable information regarding the consumables used in the equipment; and production staff information regarding the person in charge of each process of manufacturing the printed product. The invention described in claim 4 is the information processing system described in claim 2, characterized in that the one or more processors display the current status of the steps until the specifications are finalized. The invention described in claim 5 is the information processing system described in claim 2, characterized in that the one or more processors display, in addition to the current situation, information regarding the impact of specifications not being finalized. The invention described in claim 6 is an information processing system described in claim 5, characterized in that the one or more processors display, as information regarding the impact, the affected process among multiple processes for producing the printed product. The invention described in claim 7 is an information processing system described in claim 5, characterized in that the one or more processors display, as information regarding the impact, other printed products that are affected by the impact, among other printed products that are different from the printed product. The invention described in claim 8 is the information processing system described in claim 7, characterized in that the one or more processors further display the affected process among multiple processes for producing the affected printed product. The invention described in claim 9 is the information processing system described in claim 8, characterized in that the one or more processors display the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information in a distinguishable manner on a terminal operated by a person in charge of the affected process, and do not display the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information in a distinguishable manner on a terminal operated by a person in charge of the unaffected process. The invention described in claim 10 is the information processing system described in claim 5, characterized in that the one or more processors output a predetermined warning depending on the degree of the impact. The invention described in claim 11 is a program for enabling a computer to realize the following functions: acquiring confirmed information regarding confirmed specifications and unconfirmed information regarding unconfirmed specifications as information regarding the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured; and displaying the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information in a manner that is distinguishable for each printed product on a screen that manages the process related to the manufacturing of the printed product. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention of claim 1, the contractor can decide whether to start the process of manufacturing the printed product even if some of the specifications of the printed product have not been finalized. According to the present invention of claim 2, the order recipient can decide whether to start the process for manufacturing the printed product depending on the current status of the undetermined specifications. According to the present invention of claim 3, the contractor can decide whether to start the process of manufacturing the printed product based on the current status of one or more pieces of information among order information, device information, consumable information, and manufacturing staff information, which are the current status of the undetermined specifications. According to the present invention of claim 4, the contractor can decide whether to start the process of manufacturing the printed product based on the current status of the steps until the specifications are finalized, as the current status of the unfinished specifications. According to the present invention of claim 5, the order recipient can decide whether or not to start the process for manufacturing the printed product. According to the present invention of claim 6, the order recipient can decide whether to start the process for manufacturing the printed product depending on the process that will be affected by the fact that the specifications have not been finalized. According to the present invention of claim 7, the order recipient can decide whether to start the process for manufacturing the printed product depending on other printed products that will be affected by the fact that the specifications have not been finalized. According to the present invention of claim 8, the order recipient can understand the processes of other printed products that will be affected by the fact that the specifications have not been finalized. According to the present invention of claim 9, it is possible to prevent being confused by unnecessary information. According to the present invention of claim 10, the person in charge of manufacturing can grasp the degree of impact caused by the fact that the specifications are not finalized. According to the present invention of claim 11, the contractor can decide whether to start the process of manufacturing the printed product even if some of the specifications of the printed product have not been finalized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system to which the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management server that configures the information processing system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a control unit of the management server. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of specifications of a printed product manufactured by printing-related devices and the like that constitute the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an example of a process for producing a printed product. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a status indicating the current state of a step up to finalizing the "original" of the specifications of the print product to be manufactured. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a status indicating the current state of the step up to finalizing the "number of copies (quantity)" among the specifications of the print product to be manufactured. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the relationship between an ordering side and an order receiving side of a print product. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a method for managing the current status of steps until the specifications of a printed product to be manufactured are finalized. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing specific examples of warnings that are output depending on the degree of impact caused by the specifications of the printed product not being finalized. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing specific examples of confirmed information and unconfirmed information displayed in a distinguishable manner on a process management screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a workflow on the process management screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a workflow on the process management screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a schedule management screen among the process management screens. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a schedule management screen among the process management screens. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a product list screen among the process management screens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Configuration of Information Processing System 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. The information processing system 1 is configured by connecting a management server 10, a sales terminal 30, printing-related devices 50-1 to 50-n (n is an integer value of 1 or greater), and manufacturing terminals 70-1 to 70-m (m is an integer value of 1 or greater) via a network 90. ​​The network 90 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or the Internet. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually explain each of the printing-related devices 50-1 to 50-n, they will be collectively referred to as "printing-related devices 50." Furthermore, when it is not necessary to individually explain each of the manufacturing terminals 70-1 to 70-m, they will be collectively referred to as "manufacturing terminals 70."

[0010] (Management Server 10) The management server 10 is an information processing device that serves as a server for managing the entire information processing system 1. The management server 10 is capable of executing application programs that enable the information processing system 1 to be used. The management server 10 acquires various types of information transmitted from the sales terminal 30, the printing-related devices 50, and the manufacturing terminal 70, and is capable of performing various processes. The management server 10 also transmits various types of information to the sales terminal 30, the printing-related devices 50, and the manufacturing terminal 70, and is capable of executing various processes.

[0011] For example, management server 10 acquires information regarding orders for printed products (hereinafter referred to as "order information"). Order information includes various information such as the delivery date of the ordered printed product. Order information is information transmitted from sales terminal 30 to management server 10. Furthermore, for example, management server 10 acquires information regarding the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured. Specifically, management server 10 acquires information regarding the specifications of the ordered printed product, including information regarding confirmed specifications (hereinafter referred to as "confirmed information") and information regarding specifications that have not yet been confirmed (hereinafter referred to as "unconfirmed information"). The confirmed information and unconfirmed information as information regarding the specifications of the ordered printed product are information transmitted from sales terminal 30 to management server 10. Print product specifications include, for example, design, size, paper, color mode, printing direction, finishing, processing, quantity, delivery date, budget, and delivery method. Specific examples of print product specifications will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0012] Management server 10 generates a screen for managing the process involved in the production of printed products (hereinafter referred to as the "process management screen") and displays it on each of sales terminal 30 and manufacturing terminal 70. Hereinafter, when management server 10 "displays the process management screen," it means that management server 10 controls sales terminal 30 or manufacturing terminal 70 to display the process management screen.

[0013] When generating a process management screen, the management server 10 reflects confirmed information and unconfirmed information on the process management screen. The management server 10 displays confirmed information and unconfirmed information on the process management screen in a distinguishable manner for each process. Examples of distinguishable manners include separating information into transparent and opaque, using different icons, color coding, and using different fonts. Specific examples of confirmed information and unconfirmed information displayed in a distinguishable manner for each process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 16.

[0014] The management server 10 displays, as the unconfirmed information, for example, the current status of unconfirmed specifications in a distinguishable manner for each process. Specifically, the management server 10 displays, as the current status of unconfirmed specifications, which specifications are unconfirmed in what state for each process in a distinguishable manner. In addition to this, the management server 10 may also display information regarding the impact of unconfirmed specifications. For example, among the multiple processes for producing printed products, information regarding downstream processes, other printed products (and their processes), and the like that are affected by the unconfirmed specifications may be displayed.

[0015] Furthermore, for example, the management server 10 displays the current status of order information for printed products. Furthermore, for example, the management server 10 displays the current status of information relating to devices used in the manufacture of printed products (hereinafter referred to as "device information"). The device information includes information such as the operating status of printing-related devices 50, which will be described later.

[0016] Furthermore, for example, the management server 10 displays the current status of information relating to consumables used in devices used in the production of printed products (hereinafter referred to as "consumable information"). The consumable information includes various types of information relating to consumables such as paper, ink, and toner used in printing. Furthermore, for example, the management server 10 displays the current status of information relating to the person in charge of each process in the production of printed products (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturing staff") (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturing staff information"). The manufacturing staff information includes various types of information relating to the manufacturing staff for each process involved in the production of printed products.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, the management server 10 displays a status indicating the current status of the steps until the specifications of the print product are finalized. In this case, the status refers to various statuses, such as manuscript writing, submission, first proof, first proof returned, second proof, second proof returned, final proof, final proof, final proof, and final printing. Specific examples of the steps until the specifications of the print product are finalized will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0018] Furthermore, for example, the management server 10 displays, as information relating to the impact of the undetermined specifications, printed products that are different from the printed product to be manufactured and that are affected by the undetermined specifications. In this case, the management server 10 further displays, of multiple processes for manufacturing the printed product that are affected by the undetermined specifications, processes that are affected by the undetermined specifications.

[0019] Furthermore, the management server 10 causes the manufacturing terminal 70 operated by the manufacturing personnel in charge of the process affected by the undetermined specifications to display the determined information and the undetermined information in a distinguishable manner. On the other hand, the management server 10 does not cause the manufacturing terminal 70 operated by the manufacturing personnel in charge of the process not affected by the undetermined specifications to display the determined information and the undetermined information in a distinguishable manner.

[0020] Furthermore, management server 10 outputs a predetermined warning depending on the degree of impact caused by the specifications not being finalized. For example, management server 10 outputs a warning display, a warning sound, a warning voice, or the like to sales terminal 30 or manufacturing terminal 70. Here, "output" includes, for example, displaying a color indicating a warning on the display of sales terminal 30 or manufacturing terminal 70, or outputting a warning sound or voice from the speaker of sales terminal 30 or manufacturing terminal 70. The configuration and processing of management server 10 will be described in detail later.

[0021] (Sales terminal 30) The sales terminal 30 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone operated by a sales representative who handles orders for printed products. The sales terminal 30 is capable of executing an application program that enables use of the information processing system 1. The sales terminal 30 is capable of acquiring various information transmitted from the management server 10, the printing-related devices 50, the manufacturing terminal 70, and external devices, and performing various processes. The sales terminal 30 is also capable of transmitting various information to the management server 10, the printing-related devices 50, the manufacturing terminal 70, and external devices.

[0022] For example, the sales terminal 30 accepts input of order information for a print product and information on the specifications of the ordered print product. The information on the specifications of the print product accepted by the sales terminal 30 includes confirmed information on confirmed specifications and unconfirmed information on specifications that have not been confirmed.

[0023] Furthermore, the sales terminal 30 displays the process management screen generated by the management server 10 on the display of the display unit or the like. The process management screen displayed on the display or the like reflects confirmed information and unconfirmed information. On the process management screen, confirmed information and unconfirmed information are displayed in a manner that allows distinction for each process.

[0024] Furthermore, the sales terminal 30 outputs a warning display, a warning sound, a voice warning, etc. depending on the degree of impact caused by the specifications not being finalized. The configuration and processing of the sales terminal 30 will be described in detail later.

[0025] (Printing-related equipment, etc. 50) The printing-related devices 50 are various devices such as printing devices and binding machines that are operated by production personnel involved in the production of printed products when producing printed products. The printing-related devices 50 are subject to process management by the information processing system 1. The printing-related devices 50 acquire various types of information transmitted from the management server 10, the production terminal 70, and external sources, and are capable of performing various processes related to the production of printed products. The printing-related devices 50 are also capable of transmitting various types of information related to the production of printed products to the management server 10, the production terminal 70, and external sources.

[0026] For example, the printing-related devices 50 operate their own machines based on control information transmitted from the manufacturing terminal 70 or information directly input to the machines. The printing-related devices 50 also acquire information such as the operating status of their own machines as device information and transmit it to the management server 10. The configuration and processing of the printing-related devices 50 will be described in detail below.

[0027] (manufacturing terminal 70) The manufacturing terminal 70 is an information processing device operated by a manufacturing staff member involved in the manufacture of printed products to manage the processes involved in the manufacture of printed products, and may be configured as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, or the like. The manufacturing terminal 70 is capable of executing application programs that enable the information processing system 1 to be used. The manufacturing terminal 70 is capable of acquiring various information transmitted from the management server 10, sales terminal 30, printing-related devices 50, and external devices, and performing various processes. The manufacturing terminal 70 is also capable of transmitting various information to the management server 10, sales terminal 30, printing-related devices 50, and external devices.

[0028] For example, the manufacturing terminal 70 displays a process management screen generated by the management server 10 on a display or the like of a display unit. The process management screen displayed on the display or the like reflects confirmed information and unconfirmed information. On the process management screen, confirmed information and unconfirmed information are displayed in a manner that allows distinction for each process.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, the manufacturing terminal 70 accepts an operation to input manufacturing staff information and transmits the input manufacturing staff information to the management server 10. Furthermore, for example, the manufacturing terminal 70 accepts an operation to input consumable item information and transmits the input consumable item information to the management server 10.

[0030] Furthermore, for example, the manufacturing terminal 70 outputs a warning display, a warning sound, a voice warning, etc. depending on the degree of impact caused by the fact that the specifications are not finalized. The configuration and processing of the manufacturing terminal 70 will be described in detail later.

[0031] The configuration of the information processing system 1 described above is an example, and it is sufficient if the information processing system 1 as a whole has the functions to realize the above-described processing. Therefore, some or all of the functions to realize the above-described processing may be shared or cooperated within the information processing system 1. That is, some or all of the functions of the management server 10 constituting the information processing system 1 may be functions of other information processing devices, or some or all of the functions of other information processing devices may be functions of the management server 10. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the information processing devices such as the management server 10 constituting the information processing system 1 may be transferred to another server (not shown), etc. This promotes processing by the information processing system 1 as a whole and also enables processes to be complemented by each other.

[0032] <Hardware configuration> (Management server hardware configuration) FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the management server 10 that constitutes the information processing system 1 of FIG. The management server 10 has a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a display unit 16. These units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, etc.

[0033] The control unit 11 is a processor that controls the functions of the management server 10 through the execution of various software such as an OS (operating system) and application software. The control unit 11 is configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 12 is a storage area that stores various software and data used for executing the software, and is used as a working area for calculations. The memory 12 is configured, for example, by a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0034] The storage unit 13 is a storage area that stores input data for various software programs and output data from various software programs. The storage unit 13 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), semiconductor memory, etc., used to store programs and various setting data. The storage unit 13 is provided with databases for storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 13 is provided with a database that stores information related to the specifications of printed products, a database that stores order information, and a database that stores confirmed information related to the specifications of printed products to be manufactured. The storage unit 13 is also provided with a database that stores unconfirmed information related to the specifications of printed products to be manufactured, a database that stores device information, a database that stores information about production personnel, and the like.

[0035] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data to and from the sales terminal 30, printing-related equipment 50, manufacturing terminal 70, and external devices via the network 90. ​​The operation unit 15 is composed of, for example, a software keyboard, mechanical buttons, switches, etc., and accepts input operations. The operation unit 15 also includes a touch sensor that forms a touch panel integrally with the display unit 16. The display unit 16 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display used to display information, and displays image and text data on the screen. For example, the display unit 16 displays icons composed of images and text in the display area.

[0036] (Hardware configuration of the sales terminal 30, the printing-related equipment 50, and the manufacturing terminal 70) The hardware configuration of each of the sales terminal 30, the printing-related devices 50, and the manufacturing terminal 70 may be similar to the hardware configuration of the management server 10 shown in Fig. 2. That is, the sales terminal 30, the printing-related devices 50, and the manufacturing terminal 70 may each include a control unit, memory, storage unit, communication unit, operation unit, and display unit that have the same functions as the control unit 11 to the display unit 16 shown in Fig. 2. For this reason, illustrations and descriptions of the hardware configuration of the sales terminal 30, the printing-related devices 50, and the manufacturing terminal 70 will be omitted.

[0037] <Functional configuration> (Functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the management server 10) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the management server 10. As shown in FIG. In the control unit 11 of the management server 10, an acquisition unit 111, a management unit 112, an identification unit 113, a generation unit 114, and a transmission control unit 115 function.

[0038] The acquisition unit 111 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires various types of information transmitted from each of the sales terminal 30, the printing-related devices 50, and the manufacturing terminal 70. Examples of information transmitted from the sales terminal 30 include order information, confirmed information and unconfirmed information as information related to specifications, etc. Examples of information transmitted from the printing-related devices 50 include device information, etc. Examples of information transmitted from the manufacturing terminal 70 include manufacturing staff information and consumables information, etc.

[0039] The management unit 112 stores and manages various types of information in a database in the storage unit 13 (see FIG. 2). For example, the management unit 112 stores and manages information related to print product specifications, order information, confirmed information, unconfirmed information, device information, production staff information, and consumables information in the database.

[0040] The identification unit 113 performs identification based on various types of acquired and managed information. For example, the identification unit 113 identifies the current status of undefined specifications for each process based on order information, specification information, equipment information, manufacturing staff information, and consumables information stored and managed in a database. Also, for example, the identification unit 113 identifies the impact of undefined specifications for each process based on order information, specification information, equipment information, manufacturing staff information, and consumables information. Furthermore, the identification unit 113 identifies the degree of impact of undefined specifications.

[0041] Also, for example, the identification unit 113 identifies the current status of the order information based on the order information. Also, for example, the identification unit 113 identifies the current status of the consumable information based on the consumable information. Also, for example, the identification unit 113 identifies the current status of the production staff information based on the production staff information. Also, for example, the identification unit 113 identifies the current status of the production staff information based on the production staff information. Also, for example, the identification unit 113 identifies a status indicating the current status of the steps until the specifications of the print product are finalized based on the order information, information related to specifications, device information, production staff information, and consumable information.

[0042] The generating unit 114 generates a process management screen. Specifically, the generating unit 114 generates a process management screen to be displayed on the display unit of each of the sales terminal 30 and the manufacturing terminal 70, based on the various information identified by the identifying unit 113. Specific examples of the process management screen generated by the generating unit 114 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 16.

[0043] The transmission control unit 115 controls the transmission of various types of information via the communication unit 14 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the transmission control unit 115 controls the transmission of various types of information to each of the sales terminal 30, the printing-related devices 50, and the manufacturing terminal 70. For example, the transmission control unit 115 controls the transmission of control information for displaying a generated process management screen to each of the sales terminal 30 and the manufacturing terminal 70. Furthermore, for example, the transmission control unit 115 controls the transmission of control information for outputting a predetermined warning to each of the sales terminal 30 and the manufacturing terminal 70.

[0044] <Example> (Examples of specifications for printing products) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the specifications of a printed product manufactured by the printing-related devices 50 that constitute the information processing system 1 of FIG. A specific example of information about the specifications of printed products that is stored and managed in a database is shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, information about the specifications of printed products is managed by categorizing it into a major category, "Specification Category (1)," a medium category, "Specification Category (2)," and a minor category, "Specification Category (3)."

[0045] "Specification Category (1)" includes "design," "size," "paper," "color mode," "printing method," "finishing / processing," "quantity," "delivery date," "budget," and "receiving method." For example, "Specification Category (2)" for "Design" in "Specification Category (1)" includes "manuscript," "components," "design," "proofreading," and "orientation." Furthermore, for example, "Specification Category (3)" for "Design" in "Specification Category (2)" includes "background," "text," "image," "illustration," "graph," and "table." Other specific examples of "Specification Category (2)" and "Specification Category (3)" are shown in Figure 4.

[0046] (Specific examples of processes involved in the production of printed products) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the steps involved in producing a printed product. Figure 5 shows six steps involved in the production of printed products: "production," "prepress," "press plate," "printing," "processing," and "delivery," which proceed in that order. Figure 5 also shows production personnel 20-1 to 20-6 in charge of each step, and production terminals 70-1 to 70-6 operated by production personnel 20-1 to 20-6, respectively. Note that while Figure 5 shows six steps, this is merely an example, and the number of steps may be less than six or more than six.

[0047] 5 also shows printing-related devices 50 operated by each of the manufacturing personnel 20-1 to 20-6, a sales representative 40 who receives orders for printed products manufactured by the printing-related devices 50, and a sales terminal 30 operated by the sales representative 40. The sales terminal 30, the printing-related devices 50, and the manufacturing terminals 70-1 to 70-6 are connected to the management server 10 via a network 90 (not shown) (see FIG. 1).

[0048] (Example of a status indicating the current status of the steps leading up to finalizing the specifications of the printing product) FIG. 6 shows a specific example of a status indicating the current state of the step up to finalizing the "original" among the specifications of the print product to be manufactured. Figure 6 shows a specific example of a status indicating the current status of the steps leading up to finalizing the "manuscript" among the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured. As shown in Figure 4 above, the "manuscript" among the specifications of the printed product is a specification that falls into "Specification Category (2)" of "Design" in "Specification Category (1)." Figure 6 shows eight statuses indicating the current status of the steps leading up to finalizing the "manuscript" among the specifications of the printed product: "Manuscript writing," "Submission," "First proof," "First proof returned," "Second proof," "Second proof returned," "Final proof," and "Final proof / printing."

[0049] Of the eight statuses shown in Figure 6, "Submitted" means that the manuscript is handed over. "First proof" means that a test print is made for the first check. "Return of first proof" means that instructions are given to make corrections to the first proof. "Second proof" means that a proof print is made after corrections to the first proof. "Return of second proof" means that instructions are given to make corrections to the second proof. "Second proof" and "return of second proof" may be repeated multiple times (for example, three or four times). "Final proof" means that proofreading is done just to be sure. "Final proof / printed" means that no corrections are needed, or the corrections have been reflected, so resubmission is not necessary.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, until the eight statuses are passed, the "manuscript" among the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured is managed in an "unconfirmed" state. In other words, it is managed as "unconfirmed information" regarding specifications that have not been finalized. In contrast, after the eight statuses are passed, the "manuscript" among the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured is managed in a "confirmed" state. In other words, it is managed as "confirmed information" regarding specifications that have been finalized. Note that while eight statuses are shown in FIG. 6, this is merely an example, and the number of statuses may be less than eight or more than eight.

[0051] FIG. 7 shows a specific example of a status indicating the current state of the step up to finalizing the "number of copies (quantity)" among the specifications of the print product to be manufactured. Figure 7 shows a specific example of a status that indicates the current status of the steps leading up to finalizing the "number of copies (quantity)" among the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured. As shown in Figure 4 above, the "number of copies (quantity)" among the specifications of the printed product is a specification that falls into "specification category (2)" of "quantity" in "specification category (1)." Figure 7 shows four statuses that indicate the current status of the steps leading up to finalizing the "number of copies (quantity)" among the specifications of the printed product: "Estimated value," "Checking," "Budget confirmation," and "Approval OK / Approval NG."

[0052] Of the four statuses shown in Figure 7, "Estimated Value" involves inputting the estimated number of units (quantity) to be produced at the time of order receipt. "Confirming" involves checking the appropriate value for the number of units (quantity) to be produced. "Confirming Budget" involves budget approval. "Approval OK / Not Approved" involves a decision on whether to approve the order.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, until the four statuses are passed, the "number of copies (quantity)" of the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured is managed as an "unconfirmed" state. In other words, it is managed as "unconfirmed information" regarding specifications that have not been confirmed. In contrast, once the four statuses are passed, the "number of copies (quantity)" of the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured is managed as a "confirmed" state. In other words, it is managed as "confirmed information" regarding specifications that have been confirmed. Note that while four statuses are shown in FIG. 7, this is merely an example, and the number of statuses may be less than four or more than four.

[0054] (Example of the relationship between the ordering party and the receiving party of a printed product) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the relationship between the ordering side and the receiving side of a print product. As shown in Figure 8, the customer placing an order for a printed product creates a "requirements specification" that describes the specifications of the printed product they want manufactured (step 11) and presents it to a sales representative in the sales department of the order-receiving party (step 12). The sales representative confirms the contents of the "requirements specification" that was presented (step 21) and distributes the "quotation specification" to the relevant departments (design department, prepress department, operations department, etc.) to prepare a quotation (step 22). The sales representative then creates a "quotation" based on the responses from the relevant departments (step 23) and presents it to the customer (step 24).

[0055] The customer confirms the contents of the presented "quotation" (step 13), creates an "order form" (step 14), and presents it to the sales representative in the sales department on the order receiving side (step 15). Based on the presented "order form," the sales representative creates "manufacturing instructions" to instruct the manufacture of the ordered printed products and "design instructions" to instruct the design of the ordered printed products (steps 25, 26). The sales representative then presents the created "manufacturing instructions" and "design instructions" to the business department and design department, respectively (steps 27, 28).

[0056] The business department, which has been presented with the "manufacturing instructions," checks the contents of the "manufacturing instructions" (step 29) and issues manufacturing instructions based on the "manufacturing instructions" (step 30). The design department, which has been presented with the "design instructions," checks the contents of the "design instructions" (step 31) and creates a design based on the "design instructions" (step 32). The design department then presents the created design to the sales department (step 33). A sales representative from the sales department checks the presented design (step 34) and presents it to the customer (step 35). The customer, to whom the design has been presented, checks the contents of the design (step 16). Steps 34, 35, and 16 are steps for finalizing the "original" of the specifications for the printed product to be manufactured, and include the eight statuses shown in Figure 6 above.

[0057] Based on the design that has been confirmed by the customer, the sales representative in the sales department creates a "platemaking instruction sheet" for creating the plates to be used in offset printing (step 36) and presents this "platemaking instruction sheet" to the prepress department (step 37). The prepress department creates printing data by performing prepress processing based on the presented "platemaking instruction sheet" (step 38) and presents this data to the sales department (step 39). When the sales department receives the printing data from the prepress department, the sales representative checks its contents (step 40) and presents the printing data to the business department as a cutting plate (step 41).

[0058] (Example of a method for managing the current status of print product specifications) FIG. 9 shows a specific example of a method for managing the current status of steps until the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured are finalized. 9 shows a specific example of a table (hereinafter referred to as a "specification management table") that allows management of the current status of the steps leading up to the finalization of the specifications for the printed product to be manufactured. The specification management table manages the current status of "status," "confirmed / unconfirmed," and "changes or no changes" for each "specification" of the printed product.

[0059] For example, the current status of the "manuscript" among the "specifications" of a printed product is managed as follows: "Status" is "Returned for Revision (6 / 9)," "Defined / Undetermined" is "Undetermined," and "Changes" is "No changes." In other words, the "Status" is "Returned for Revision" (see Figure 6), which indicates that it has reached level 6 out of 9. Also, "Defined / Undetermined" indicates that the "Status" is still "Returned for Revision," and therefore the specifications are in an "undetermined" state where they have not been finalized. Also, "Changes" is "No changes," which indicates that there is no possibility of the specifications being changed.

[0060] For example, the current status of the "number of copies (quantity)" among the "specifications" of a print product is managed as follows: "Status" is "Budget Check (3 / 5)," "Confirmed / Unconfirmed" is "Unconfirmed," and "Changes" is "Changed." In other words, the "Status" is "Budget Check" (see Figure 7), and more specifically, it indicates that three out of five levels have been reached (for example, confirmation has been completed by three out of five people who check the budget). Also, "Confirmed / Unconfirmed" indicates that the "Status" is still "Budget Check," and therefore the specifications are in an "unconfirmed" state, not yet finalized. Also, "Changes" indicates that the specifications may be changed, "Changes." In other words, it indicates that the number of copies (quantity) may be changed in the future.

[0061] For example, among the "specifications" of a printed product, the current status of each of "Finishing / Processing," "Delivery Date," and "Delivery Form" is managed as "Status" being "Complete," "Confirmed / Unconfirmed" being "Confirmed," and "Changes" being "No Changes." In other words, these specifications are fixed and are managed as fixed information that may not be changed in the future.

[0062] (Examples of warnings) 10A and 10B are diagrams showing specific examples of warnings that are output depending on the degree of impact caused by the specifications of the printed product not being finalized. For example, if a production plan for printed products has already been drawn up, a warning may be displayed according to the scheduled production start time for each process. Figure 10(A) shows a specific example in which the display style indicating the processes on the process management screen changes according to the time remaining until the scheduled production start time for each process.

[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 10(A), the warning level is divided into four display modes, ranging from the lowest warning level to the highest warning level. For example, when the remaining time until the scheduled start time of production for each process is "3 days," the display mode indicates the lowest warning level. When the remaining time until the scheduled start time of production for each process is "1 day," the display mode indicates the second lowest warning level. When the remaining time until the scheduled start time of production for each process is "half a day," the display mode indicates the second highest warning level. When the remaining time until the scheduled start time of production for each process is "30 minutes," the display mode indicates the highest warning level.

[0064] Figure 10(B) shows an example in which the different warning colors shown in Figure 10(A) above, which correspond to the time remaining until the scheduled start of production, are applied to the status indicating the current status of the steps leading up to finalizing the specifications of the printed product. In the example shown in Figure 10(B), four statuses are shown as the status indicating the current status of the steps leading up to finalizing the "manuscript" of the specifications of the printed product: "First proof / first proof returned," "Second proof / second proof returned," "Final proof," and "Final proof / printed."

[0065] For example, if the time remaining until the scheduled start time of production is "3 days," the display modes of the four statuses "First proof / return first proof," "Second proof / return second proof," "Final proof," and "Final proof / printed" will all be in a display mode indicating the lowest level of warning. Also, for example, if the time remaining until the scheduled start time of production is "1 day," the display mode of "First proof / return first proof" will be in a display mode indicating the second lowest level of warning. In contrast, the display modes of "Second proof / return second proof," "Final proof," and "Final proof / printed" will remain in a display mode indicating the lowest level of warning.

[0066] Also, for example, if the remaining time until the scheduled production start time is "half a day," the display mode of "First proof / return first proof" will be a display mode indicating the highest level of warning. Also, the display mode of "Second proof / return second proof" will be a display mode indicating the second highest level of warning. In contrast, the display modes of "Final proof" and "Completed proof / Completed printing" will remain as they are, indicating the lowest level of warning.

[0067] Also, for example, if the remaining time until the scheduled start time of production is "30 minutes," the display modes of "First proof / return first proof" and "Second proof / return second proof" will be display modes indicating the highest level of warning. Also, the display mode of "Final proof" will be display modes indicating the second highest level of warning. In contrast, the display mode of "Proof completed / print completed" will remain display modes indicating the lowest level of warning.

[0068] (Examples of confirmed and unconfirmed information displayed in a distinguishable manner) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of confirmed information and unconfirmed information displayed in a distinguishable manner on the process management screen. In the area enclosed by dashed line 100 on the process management screen, an icon 101 indicating "manuscript" as unconfirmed information and an icon 102 indicating "delivery date" as confirmed information are displayed in a distinguishable manner as examples of specifications of a printed product. Specifically, the color of icon 101 indicating "manuscript" as unconfirmed information is transparent (i.e., colorless), whereas the color of icon 102 indicating "delivery date" as confirmed information is opaque (i.e., colored).

[0069] Additionally, in the area enclosed by dashed line 200 below icon 101 indicating "manuscript" as unconfirmed information, icons 201 to 204 indicating the status of the current steps until the "manuscript" as unconfirmed information is confirmed are displayed. Specifically, icon 201 indicating "first proof / first proof returned", icon 202 indicating "second proof / second proof returned", icon 203 indicating "final proof", and icon 204 indicating "final proof / printed".

[0070] Here, it is assumed that the display mode of FIG. 10(B) described above is applied to icons 201 to 204 shown in FIG. 11, and that the remaining time until the scheduled production start time is "30 minutes." In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the display mode of icon 201 indicating "First proofread / return first proofread" and icon 202 indicating "Second proofread / return second proofread" is a display mode indicating the highest level of warning. Furthermore, the display mode of icon 203 indicating "Final proofread" is a display mode indicating the second lowest level of warning. Furthermore, the display mode of icon 204 indicating "Proofread / Printed" is a display mode indicating the lowest level of warning.

[0071] (Specific examples of information on the impact of undefined specifications) 12 and 13 are diagrams showing specific examples of workflows on the process management screen. The process management screen displays a workflow for manufacturing printed products, such as those shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. The workflow may visualize the correspondence between processes and different groups of parts for each type of printed product to be manufactured, or visualize the correspondence between a list of one or more printed products to be manufactured, groups of parts, and processes.

[0072] FIG. 12 shows a specific example of a workflow that visualizes the correspondence between different groups of parts and processes for each type of printed product to be manufactured. In the workflow shown in FIG. 12, the printed product is assumed to be "bookbinding." In an area 300 on the left side of the workflow shown in FIG. 12, icons 301 to 312 representing each part of the bookbinding to be manufactured are displayed in a vertical list. In addition, in an area 400 on the right side of the workflow, icons 401 to 406 representing each process are displayed in chronological order. Note that area 400 is displayed assuming that time flows from left to right in the horizontal direction.

[0073] For example, suppose the specifications for the original "cover" of the book to be produced have not yet been finalized. In this case, icons 309 to 311 representing the "cover," "Cover_Front_1," and "Cover_Front_2," which are parts of the bookbinding related to the "cover," are displayed in a distinguishable manner in area 300. In the example of FIG. 12, icons 309 to 311 are distinguishable by being colored. Furthermore, area 400 displays an area surrounded by a dashed line 410 that encloses processes that will be affected because the specifications for the original "cover" have not yet been finalized.

[0074] In this case, for processes not surrounded by dashed line 410, production can begin even if the specifications of the "cover" manuscript are not finalized, as they will not be particularly affected. In contrast, production cannot begin for processes included in the area surrounded by dashed line 410. By looking at the workflow shown in Figure 12, the production staff can distinguish and confirm processes for which production cannot begin because the specifications of the "cover" manuscript have not been finalized, and processes for which production can begin even if the specifications of the "cover" manuscript have not been finalized.

[0075] FIG. 13 shows a specific example of a workflow that visualizes the correspondence between a list of multiple printed products to be manufactured, groups of parts, and processes. In the workflow shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that orders for seven or more types of printed products are received and the processes are managed. In the upper area 500 of the workflow shown in FIG. 13, information about each of the printed products 501 to 507 to be manufactured is displayed in a list. In the lower left area 600 of the workflow, icons 601 to 605 representing each part of the printed products to be manufactured are displayed in a vertical list. In the lower center area 610 of the workflow, icons 611 to 618 representing each process are displayed in chronological order. Note that the display in area 610 is based on the assumption that time flows from left to right.

[0076] Here, for example, suppose an operation is performed to select printed product 501 from the list of printed products 501 to 507 displayed in area 500. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the display mode of the entire area showing information about the selected printed product 501 changes. In the example of FIG. 13, the entire area showing information about the printed product 501 is colored to make it easy to distinguish. In addition, area 610 visualizes the processes involved in the production of the printed product 501 selected in area 500. At this time, if the specifications of the selected printed product 501 have not been finalized, icons indicating processes affected by the unfinished specifications are displayed in a distinguishable manner. In the example of FIG. 13, icons 620 indicating processes affected by the unfinished specifications are colored to make them easy to distinguish.

[0077] In this case, for processes whose icons are not colored, even if the specifications of the selected printed product 501 have not been finalized, there is no particular impact and production can begin. In contrast, production cannot begin for processes associated with icon 620. By looking at the workflow shown in Figure 13, the production staff can check the order of the processes, distinguishing between processes where production cannot begin because some specifications of the printed product 501 have not been finalized and processes where production can begin even if some specifications of the printed product 501 have not been finalized. Although not shown, in the example of Figure 13, as in the example of Figure 12 above, the icons indicating parts whose specifications have not been finalized are colored, making it possible to distinguish between them.

[0078] (Example of schedule management screen) 14 and 15 are diagrams showing specific examples of the schedule management screen among the process management screens. The process management screen includes, for example, a schedule management screen for printing-related devices 50, as shown in Fig. 14. In the upper area 700 of the schedule management screen shown in Fig. 14, icons representing each of the multiple printed products to be manufactured are displayed in a horizontally listed format. In addition, in an area 710 on the left side of the bottom of the schedule management screen, icons representing each of the print-related devices 50-1 to 50-6 are displayed in a vertical list. Furthermore, in an area 720 to the right of that, a chronological schedule for the operation of each of the print-related devices 50-1 to 50-6 is displayed. Note that area 720 is displayed assuming that time flows from left to right, and a solid line 730 extending vertically indicates the current time.

[0079] The multiple bands shown in area 720 represent individual jobs executed by each of the print-related devices 50-1 to 50-6. The horizontal length of each of the multiple bands representing a job represents the operating time of each of the print-related devices 50-1 to 50-6. Each of the multiple bands representing a job also lists information about the job, such as a number (e.g., ID) that can uniquely identify the printed product to be manufactured and the scheduled start time of manufacture.

[0080] For example, suppose that the scheduled start time of production of printing-related equipment 50-5 is affected because some specifications of the printed product to be manufactured have not been finalized. In this case, among the icons representing the multiple printed products displayed in area 700, the icon representing the printed product for which some specifications have not been finalized is displayed in a distinguishable manner. In the example of Fig. 14, a warning mark 702 is added to icon 701 representing the printed product for which some specifications have not been finalized, making it distinguishable.

[0081] Furthermore, in area 720, bands representing jobs whose production cannot start at the scheduled production start time because some specifications have not been finalized and bands representing jobs related to the production of other printed products that will be affected by this are displayed in a manner that makes them distinguishable from the bands representing other jobs. In the example of Fig. 14, band 721 representing a job whose production cannot start at the scheduled production start time because specifications have not been finalized is colored and is further marked with a warning mark 722. Bands 723 and 724 representing jobs related to the production of other printed products that will be affected by the fact that specifications have not been finalized are also colored, making them easy to distinguish.

[0082] When an operation is performed to select an icon representing one print product from among the icons representing each of the multiple print products displayed on the schedule management screen in Fig. 14, bands representing jobs of 50 print-related devices operating to manufacture that print product are extracted and displayed. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 15, bands other than the band representing the extracted job are hidden. Fig. 15 shows a specific example of bands representing jobs that are displayed (i.e., remain hidden) when an operation is performed to select an icon representing one print product.

[0083] An icon 703 representing one printed product is displayed in an upper area 700 of the schedule management screen shown in Fig. 15. The icon 703 is the icon 703 representing one printed product selected by a production manager from among the icons representing multiple printed products displayed in the upper area 700 of the schedule management screen shown in Fig. 14 above. In addition, a lower area 710 of the schedule management screen shown in Fig. 15 displays bands 725, 726, and 723 representing jobs of print-related devices 50-1, 50-4, and 50-5, respectively, that operate to produce the selected one printed product.

[0084] Here, of bands 725, 726, and 723 representing jobs for print-related devices 50-1, 50-4, and 50-5, respectively, band 723 representing the job for print-related device 50-5 is colored. This indicates that the job will be affected because the specifications of other print products have not been finalized, as described above with reference to Fig. 14. By viewing the schedule management screen shown in Fig. 15, the production staff can display and confirm the bands representing jobs that will be affected because the specifications of other print products have not been finalized, for each print product.

[0085] 14 and 15 illustrate an example in which a band representing a job of the print-related devices 50 operating to produce one selected printed product from among a plurality of printed products is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a band representing a job of the print-related devices 50 operating to produce each of the selected plurality of printed products may be displayed.

[0086] (Specific examples of printing product management) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a specific example of a product list screen among the process control screens. The process management screen includes a product list screen that lists printed products vertically, as shown in Fig. 16. In area 800 of the product list screen, one printed product is displayed per line, and various information is associated with each printed product. For example, on the product list screen shown in Fig. 16, each of printed products 801 to 821 is associated with a print group ID, print order, estimated shipping completion date and time, product ID, customer name, product name, warning, part group name, print process name, status, and grouping condition name.

[0087] Of the information associated with each printed product, "warning" is information indicating that the product will be affected because the specifications of other printed products have not been finalized. A mark indicating a warning is attached to the relevant printed product. In the example of FIG. 16, warning marks 831 to 833 are attached to printed products 801, 803, and 807, respectively. By looking at the product list screen shown in FIG. 16, the production staff can confirm that printed products 801, 803, and 807 are products that will be affected because the specifications of other printed products have not been finalized.

[0088] <Other embodiments> Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the above-described embodiment. For example, the configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the hardware configuration of the management server 10 shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention and are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the functional configuration of the management server 10 shown in FIG. 3 is also merely an example and is not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1 is provided with the functionality to execute the above-described processing as a whole, and the functional configuration used to realize this functionality is not limited to the example of FIG. 3. Furthermore, the specific examples shown in each of FIGS. 4 to 16 are merely examples and are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to programs and program products.

[0089] (Addendum) (((1))) one or more processors; the one or more processors: As information regarding the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured, final information regarding finalized specifications and unfinalized information regarding unfinalized specifications are acquired; The method is characterized in that the finalized information and the unfinished information are displayed in a distinguishable manner for each process on a screen for managing the processes related to the production of the printed product. Information processing system. (((2))) The one or more processors display the current status of the undetermined specifications as the undetermined information. The information processing system according to (((1))). (((3))) The one or more processors are characterized in that they display the current status of one or more pieces of information among order information regarding orders for the printed products, device information regarding devices used to manufacture the printed products, consumables information regarding consumables used in the devices, and production staff information regarding people in charge of manufacturing the printed products for each process. The information processing system according to (((2))). (((4))) The one or more processors display the current status of the steps until the specifications are finalized. The information processing system according to (((2))) or (((3))). (((5))) The one or more processors display information about the impact of the specification not being finalized in addition to the current status. An information processing system according to any one of (((2))) to (((4))). (((6))) the one or more processors display, as information about the impact, a process that is affected among a plurality of processes for producing the printed product, The information processing system according to (((5))). (((7))) the one or more processors display, as information about the impact, other printed products that are different from the printed product and that are affected by the impact; The information processing system according to (((5))). (((8))) wherein the one or more processors further display the affected steps among a plurality of steps for producing the affected printed product. The information processing system according to (((7))). (((9))) the one or more processors display the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information in a distinguishable manner on a terminal operated by a person in charge of the affected process, and do not display the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information in a distinguishable manner on a terminal operated by a person in charge of the unaffected process, The information processing system according to (((8))). (((10))) The one or more processors output a predetermined warning according to the degree of the impact. The information processing system according to (((5))). (((11))) On the computer, A function for acquiring finalized information regarding finalized specifications and unfinalized information regarding unfinalized specifications as information regarding the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured; a function of displaying the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information in a distinguishable manner for each printed product on a screen for managing the process for manufacturing the printed product; A program to achieve this.

[0090] According to the present invention (((1))), the order recipient can decide whether or not to start the process of manufacturing the printed product even if some of the specifications of the printed product have not been finalized. According to the present invention (((2))), the order recipient can decide whether to start the process for manufacturing the printed product depending on the current status of the undetermined specifications. According to the present invention (((3))), the order recipient can decide whether to start the process of manufacturing the printed product based on the current status of one or more pieces of information among order information, device information, consumables information, and manufacturing staff information, which are the current status of the undetermined specifications. According to the present invention (((4))), the contractor can decide whether to start the process of manufacturing the printed product depending on the current status of the steps until the specifications are finalized, as the current status of the unfinished specifications. According to the present invention (((5))), the order recipient can decide whether or not to start the process for manufacturing the printed product. According to the present invention (((6))), the order recipient can decide whether to start the process for manufacturing the printed product depending on the process that is affected by the fact that the specifications are not yet finalized. According to the present invention (((7))), the order recipient can decide whether to start the process for manufacturing the printed product depending on the other printed products that will be affected by the undetermined specifications. According to the present invention (((8))), the order recipient can understand the processes of other printing products that will be affected by the fact that the specifications have not been finalized. According to the present invention (((9))), it is possible to prevent being confused by unnecessary information. According to the present invention (((10))), the manufacturing personnel can grasp the degree of impact caused by the fact that the specifications are not finalized. According to the present invention (((11))), the contractor can decide whether or not to start the process of manufacturing the printed product even if some of the specifications of the printed product have not been finalized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...information processing system, 10...management server, 11...control unit, 30...sales terminal, 50...printing-related equipment, etc., 70...manufacturing terminal, 111...acquisition unit, 112...management unit, 113...identification unit, 114...generation unit, 115...transmission control unit, 90...network

Claims

1. one or more processors; the one or more processors: As information regarding the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured, confirmed information regarding confirmed specifications and unconfirmed information regarding unconfirmed specifications are acquired; The method is characterized in that the finalized information and the unfinished information are displayed in a distinguishable manner for each process on a screen for managing the processes related to the production of the printed product. Information processing system.

2. The one or more processors display a current status of the undetermined specifications as the undetermined information. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The one or more processors are characterized in that they display the current status of one or more pieces of information among order information regarding orders for the printed products, device information regarding devices used in the manufacture of the printed products, consumables information regarding consumables used in the devices, and production staff information regarding personnel in charge of the manufacture of the printed products for each process. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The one or more processors display the current status of the steps until the specifications are finalized. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

5. The one or more processors display, in addition to the current status, information regarding the impact of specifications not being finalized. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

6. the one or more processors display, as information about the impact, a process that is affected among a plurality of processes for producing the printed product; The information processing system according to claim 5 .

7. the one or more processors display, as information about the impact, other printed products that are different from the printed product and that are affected by the impact; The information processing system according to claim 5 .

8. wherein the one or more processors further display the affected steps among a plurality of steps for producing the affected printed product. The information processing system according to claim 7 .

9. the one or more processors display the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information in a distinguishable manner on a terminal operated by a person in charge of the affected process, and do not display the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information in a distinguishable manner on a terminal operated by a person in charge of the unaffected process, The information processing system according to claim 8 .

10. the one or more processors output a predetermined warning according to the degree of the impact. The information processing system according to claim 5 .

11. On the computer, A function for acquiring finalized information regarding finalized specifications and unfinalized information regarding unfinalized specifications as information regarding the specifications of the printed product to be manufactured; a function of displaying the confirmed information and the unconfirmed information in a distinguishable manner for each printed product on a screen for managing the process for manufacturing the printed product; A program to achieve this.

Images