Custom home specification confirmation support system

Abstract

This system provides support for finalizing housing specifications, contributing to increased productivity by preventing misunderstandings during meetings between home builders and clients to determine housing specifications, facilitating the sharing of discussion status, and reducing transcription work. [Solution] The present invention is a cloud-based information system aimed at streamlining the process of determining housing specifications and centralizing information management. It has an information storage means on the cloud that registers information on standard and optional specifications of housing plans sold by construction companies as master setting data, and controls the content displayed on the display of the information processing device, such as the price fluctuations of selectable specifications and optional specifications, according to the settings in the master setting data, thereby enabling smooth meetings between construction companies and customers to determine housing specifications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for improving the productivity of housing specification negotiation carried out between a custom home builder and an orderer.

Background Art

[0002] Systems for assisting in determining housing specifications using a computer such as a personal computer have been proposed heretofore.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a person in charge of a housing company outputs a finishing table during the negotiation process with a customer, records the specification information under consideration, and uses a terminal device when the person in charge of the housing company negotiates with the customer. While displaying the part information acquired from the server via the network on the screen of the terminal device, the person in charge and the customer can efficiently proceed with the negotiation while checking the determined specifications and undetermined specifications on the screen. A system is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Regarding custom homes, after a construction contract is concluded between the builder and the orderer, specifications for the roof, exterior walls, exterior structures, interior finishes, fixtures, plumbing equipment, etc. of the house are examined, and the construction work proceeds through the creation of drawings and the ordering of materials and components. The orderer has to determine one by one dozens to over a hundred specifications and options, and moreover, the period until the start of construction is predetermined, and it is common that the number of negotiation sessions and time with the builder are not sufficiently prepared. Therefore, as the process of deciding on the specifications of a house progresses through several meetings, differences in understanding can arise between the builder and the client regarding the content and combination of the decided specifications, as well as the cost of optional features. Since the client decides on each house specification based on paper catalogs provided by the builder or on the builder's verbal explanations, it is difficult for them to grasp the accurate information for each item. Furthermore, they may not be aware of the price changes that come with selecting optional features, making it difficult for them to manage their budget. Furthermore, if meeting details are not properly recorded, it may become necessary to change specifications later, potentially leading to delays in construction schedules and disputes between the construction company and the client.

[0006] On the other hand, construction companies face the challenge of having limited manpower due to a worsening labor shortage and recent regulations on overtime hours, while still having to meet with clients and determine housing specifications in a way that avoids misunderstandings between both parties. To ensure smooth negotiations with clients regarding housing specifications, each employee of a construction company needs to have a precise understanding of the housing product plans offered by their company. Since the available specifications differ for each plan, and the distinction between standard and optional features also varies, it is difficult for even employees of a construction company to accurately remember all the plans. When discussing the specifications of a house, if there is information that the construction company's employees are unaware of, it will create extra work to clarify any uncertainties, further shortening the already limited meeting time. If the client is then asked to consider numerous specifications under these circumstances, it can lead to specification changes or disputes about what was said or not said in later stages of the process, disrupting the work.

[0007] This invention is a system developed in response to the challenges faced by both construction companies and clients as described above. Its objective is not only to streamline meetings for considering housing specifications, but also to prevent problems such as the need to revise construction plans due to later specification changes or the accidental execution of work using specifications not specified in the order, thereby providing a work environment that enables the smooth progress of construction work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This invention solves the following problems through a cloud-based information system aimed at improving efficiency and centralizing information management in determining housing specifications.

[0009] First, the system includes an information storage mechanism for setting information on standard housing specifications and optional housing specifications that incur additional costs as master setting data in a cloud-based database for each housing product plan sold by the construction company. This information storage mechanism centrally manages the specification information of housing products and enables the provision of accurate information.

[0010] Next, based on the master setting data, the system includes a means to display the available housing specifications, unavailable specifications, and option costs on the information processing device's display when the construction company holds a meeting with the client to decide on the housing specifications. This display means allows both the construction company and the client to accurately confirm the progress of the housing specifications decision-making process while viewing the display during the meeting.

[0011] Furthermore, the system includes a specification information storage mechanism for saving housing specifications decided upon during meetings between the builder and the client to a cloud-based database. This specification information storage mechanism ensures accurate recording of meeting details, making it easy to review and modify them later.

[0012] In addition, the display means allows the customer to select and confirm the specifications of the house. Based on the customer's actions, the system accesses the information storage means via internet communication, determines the correspondence with products selected in other specification selections based on master setting data set in the information storage means, and allows the customer to visually recognize selectable and unavailable specifications on the display.

[0013] Furthermore, when selecting housing specifications, if optional products are selected, the system accesses the housing product information data, which is set as master setting data via a cloud-based information storage system, to update the estimated price in real time and display the changed information on the screen. This allows the builder and the client to conduct meetings while referring to the same information.

[0014] Furthermore, the display methods include electronic devices such as tablet terminals for use by construction companies during consultations regarding housing specifications, thereby improving portability and convenience.

[0015] Furthermore, the operating mechanism includes an interface that allows the customer to select and finalize the specifications of their home themselves using electronic devices such as tablet terminals or smartphones. This enables the customer to make specification decisions at home or while on the go.

[0016] The interface displays specifications and option prices for housing products and includes buttons for customers to confirm their selected product specifications, providing a simple and intuitive user experience.

[0017] Finally, the above information system centrally manages specification information for multiple housing products offered by the builder and includes a data storage mechanism for saving a history of customer-selected specifications. This allows for more appropriate suggestions to be made by referring to past selection history.

[0018] By these means, the present invention can achieve the efficiency improvement of housing specification determination, the unified management of information, the improvement of price transparency, the realization of optimal proposals, and the accuracy improvement of negotiation records.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] The present invention realizes the efficiency improvement of housing specification determination, the unified management of information, the improvement of price transparency, the realization of optimal proposals, and the accuracy improvement of negotiation records, and has the effect of reducing the burdens of construction companies and customers.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing the system configuration of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the concept of master setting data set by a construction company in the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram of the login screen of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram of a screen for a construction company to manage information of an orderer who is its customer in the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram of a product setting screen for setting master setting data in the present invention. (Basic setting: major item) [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram of a product setting screen for setting master setting data in the present invention. (Basic setting: category) [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram of a product setting screen for setting master setting data in the present invention. (Basic setting: group) [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram of a product setting screen for setting master setting data in the present invention. (Basic setting: manufacturer) [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram of a product setting screen for setting master setting data in the present invention. (Basic setting: series) [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram of a screen for setting parts to be specified in product selection in the present invention. [Figure 11]This diagram illustrates how, in the present invention, a "product item," which is an option that can be specified when selecting specifications for a product, is indicated by a mark that shows it is an optional specification. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating that the product in question is an optional item and that an additional fee will be incurred, as indicated on the screen. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates a screen for setting whether a product item, which is a selection of specifications for a product according to the present invention, is an option. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates the screen used in the present invention for setting the association between a product and product items, which are the selectable specifications for that product. [Figure 15] This diagram shows how control is implemented on the screen to prevent selection of parts or combinations of product items that cannot be selected. [Figure 16] This invention provides a screen for setting up plans for each housing product sold by a construction company. [Figure 17] This diagram shows a screen for setting the initially selected products and product items in a plan for each housing product sold by a construction company, according to the present invention. [Figure 18] This is one of the screens used in meetings between the builder and the client to decide on the specifications of the house, and it is an explanatory diagram of the screen where the desired house plan is initially decided. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram of the screen where you select the desired product for your home equipment and choose your preferred options from the available specifications. [Figure 20] These are diagrams of a plan sheet and a finishing schedule output from this system based on data registered and reflected in the database of housing specifications determined using the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the aforementioned drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a diagram of the overall system configuration for implementing the present invention. This housing specification confirmation support system 1 comprises a server 3 on which the program runs and a client 4 used by custom home builders and clients. The server 2 and client 4 are interconnected via a network 2 such as the Internet.

[0023] Server 3 comprises a control unit 5 consisting of a CPU and the like, and a storage unit 6 consisting of an HDD, SSD, etc., and the control unit 5 operates according to the processing content implemented by the server program installed in the storage unit 6. The storage unit 6 stores specification information such as standard specifications and optional specifications, price information, etc., for each plan of housing products handled by the construction company as master setting data. In addition, information on the intermediate stages of housing specifications, which is entered by the construction company and the customer while operating the display 7 during meetings, is transmitted from the client 7 via the internet or other network 2 and stored in Server 3.

[0024] Client 4 refers to personal computers and tablet devices. These devices consist of a control unit 8, which includes a CPU, a storage unit 9, which includes memory, and a display 7. Construction companies and clients operate the devices on the screen using a mouse or, in the case of touch-panel tablet devices, by directly touching the screen. The control unit 8 operates according to the client program installed in the storage unit 9.

[0025] With the configuration described above, system users (builders and clients) can use the housing specification confirmation support system 1, which implements the present invention, via the internet using a PC or tablet device.

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates the mechanism of master setting data that a construction company sets when using the Housing Specification Confirmation Support System 1. By setting parts and product items for each product according to classifications such as category and manufacturer, basic housing specification data is created, and based on that, product set information is set according to the housing product series and plan defined by the construction company. In addition, the following terms are used in the Housing Specifications Confirmation Support System 1. • Main categories: Classification of housing equipment, interior specifications, and exterior specifications. • Series: A series or lineup of housing products as defined by the builder. • Plan: A set of initial products determined by the builder, set for each series. • Products: Refers to kitchens, bathrooms, front doors, windows, etc. • Parts: The components that make up the product • Product items: Specifications such as color and material that can be selected for each part.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the login screen of the Housing Specification Confirmation Support System 1 that implements the present invention. Construction companies and clients enter their username and password on the screen, press the login button to log in to the Housing Specification Confirmation Support System 1, and use the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 shows a list screen for managing customer information. The customer list 401 is displayed, and by pressing the customer details button 402, you can check the desired housing series for each customer. In addition, customer information is also stored on server 3, which holds confirmed housing specifications data for each customer.

[0029] Figures 5 and 6 show the screen for registering product-specific information as master setting data. First, select the items to be used in the main category, and the entered content is saved when the save button is clicked. Next, specify the product and the category to be attached to the product item (kitchen, vanity, bathroom, toilet, etc.). Then, as shown in Figure 7, register the installation location group to specify where in the house the product will be installed, and in Figure 8 set the manufacturer, and in Figure 9 set which series to register it to as determined by the builder. Performing these items for each product is preparation for improving the productivity of meetings to determine the specifications of the house.

[0030] In Figure 10, the builder sets the parts that make up the product. For example, when determining the specifications for a system kitchen, the builder sets the parts that make up the kitchen as a product, such as the pattern of the doors, the handles, the sink, the height of the counter, and the range hood. In Parts List 1001, the parts that need to be decided for each product are listed. The specifications that can be selected for each part are shown in Product Item List 1002. Even for the same system kitchen, some parts can be selected and some cannot depending on the product, so ideally, the builder, who has a precise understanding of the specifications of each product, should guide the customer appropriately in making these decisions.

[0031] However, the product configuration is complex, and the available specifications usually differ depending on the housing plan set by the builder. Therefore, even employees of the builder cannot accurately remember all the specifications, which can lead to problems such as explaining incorrect information to the customer and causing them to choose specifications that are not actually available. Pre-configuring complex specification information in the system can prevent such problems and is therefore effective in improving productivity.

[0032] Furthermore, product items are defined for each part of the product. Specifications such as selectable colors are registered. By setting product options and option prices for each housing series, the option prices can be automatically reflected in the estimated price. Option specifications are indicated by the option specification mark A1102, as shown in Figure 11.

[0033] In Figure 12, the option specification mark B1201 is displayed. This mark appears on the screen as an indicator when an option specification is selected for a product item, and it also shows how much the price has changed.

[0034] In the settings screen shown in Figure 13, optional specifications are specified using OP selection item 1301. This allows both the builder and the client to easily distinguish between optional specifications that incur additional costs, as shown in Figure 12.

[0035] Figure 14 shows how to configure product control. By setting controls such as "If you select this specification, you cannot select that specification" within the system, it becomes possible to select specifications that match the series and grade without relying on the vague memory of the construction company's representative, leading to improved productivity in specification meetings. Figure 15 shows that specifications that cannot be selected on the screen are displayed in a different color from the other options so that they can be easily distinguished.

[0036] Figures 16 and 17 show how plans are set according to the series and grade of houses sold by the construction company. By controlling the selectable specifications, product combinations, and option prices for each plan, any employee of the construction company can proceed with specification-finding meetings with the client based on accurate information.

[0037] Figures 18 and 19 illustrate, using screen examples, the process by which a builder and a client select specifications using the Housing Specification Confirmation Support System 1, after the master setting data has been completed. First, a housing plan is selected, and a list of products that must be decided for that plan is displayed. Then, for each product, and for each individual part, the specifications are determined.

[0038] Figure 20 shows that plan sheets and finishing schedules can be automatically generated based on the housing specifications finalized during the meeting. Since plan sheets and finishing schedules can be created based on the registered housing specification data stored in the storage unit 6 of server 3, the construction company does not have to go through the trouble of transcribing data. Furthermore, by outputting plan sheets and finishing schedules that reflect the content decided in the meeting and confirming them with the client, it becomes possible to verify that there are no errors in the content decided in the meeting and to confirm what needs to be decided in the next meeting.

[0039] Although the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above with examples, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and modifications may be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0040] For example, in the above embodiment, there may be multiple clients and servers, and it is not a problem if different clients and servers are used depending on the time and place where the system is used. Furthermore, the client may not only be a PC tablet terminal, but also a smartphone, and the input method on the client can be a method implemented for each client. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0041] • 1 Housing Specification Confirmation Support System • 2 Network • 3 Servers 4. Client (information processing device) • 5. Control Unit (Selection Control, Cost Calculation Means) • 6. Memory Unit (Master setting data, user data, housing specifications) 7. Display (display means, input means) 8. Control Unit (Input Content Display Means, Selection Control, Cost Calculation Means) ·9 Memory section • 401 Customer List • 402 Orderer Details Display Button • 1001 Body Parts List • 1002 Product Item List • 1102 Optional Specification Mark A • 1201 Optional Specification Mark B • 1301 OP Selection Items

Claims

1. In a system for supporting the confirmation of specifications for custom-built homes, the system includes an information storage means for setting information on standard and optional plans for housing products sold by construction companies as master setting data in a cloud-based database, Based on the aforementioned master setting data, when a construction company holds a meeting with a client to decide on the specifications of the house, a means for displaying on the display of the information processing device the specifications that can be selected in the standard plan of the aforementioned housing product, the additional cost when the aforementioned optional plan is selected, and The system includes a specification information storage means for storing the housing specification information decided upon in a meeting between the construction company and the client in a cloud-based database. The display means allows the customer to perform operations to select and confirm the specifications of the house, and based on the customer's operations, the information storage means is accessed via internet communication, and the display means is made able to visually distinguish between selectable and non-selectable specifications according to the master setting data for each house product. A housing specification confirmation support system characterized in that, when an operation for selecting housing specifications is performed on the display means, and when an optional specification is selected, the change in the estimated price is accessed by the housing product information, which is the master setting data, via the information storage means on the cloud, and the updated information is displayed in real time on the display of the display means, thereby enabling the builder and the customer to hold a meeting to finalize the housing specifications while referring to the same information.

2. The housing specification confirmation support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the display means includes an electronic device such as a tablet terminal for use by the construction company when discussing housing specifications.

3. The housing specification confirmation support system according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the operating means includes input receiving means such as buttons that allow the customer to select and confirm housing specifications themselves using an electronic device such as a tablet terminal or smartphone, and approval means for the construction company to confirm the specification information of the housing product selected by the customer and to finalize the specifications.

4. The housing specification confirmation support system according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the information storage means includes a data storage means for centrally managing specification information of multiple housing products provided by the construction company and for saving a history of the specifications selected by the customer.

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