Business support systems, business support methods, and programs

Abstract

This invention provides a business support system, business support method, and program that can suppress the decline in business efficiency and quality caused by the systematization of business processes. [Solution] A business support system comprising: a function setting unit that accepts from a first user the selection of functions necessary for carrying out the target application process from among the functions related to the application process, which include at least a review process in the business process; an application generation unit that generates an application to execute the application process based on the functions selected by the first user; an assignment setting unit that accepts from the first user the assignment of a second user responsible for carrying out the application process for each application process; a publication setting unit that accepts from the first user the setting of a publication period for the application for each application process; and a display control unit that controls the screen display so that only the applications for application processes that are currently published among the application processes assigned to the second user can be executed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a business support system, a business support method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, digitization of various operations in administrative agencies, companies, etc. has been promoted. As an example of digitization, there is the systematization of business processes. By systematizing business processes, improvement of business efficiency and business quality is expected.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for automating examination operations. In this technique, an automatic examination device calculates a customer's evaluation based on the information input, and determines the customer's final evaluation by comparing the calculated evaluation with a rank determination master prepared in advance, thereby automating the customer's examination.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, application operations often cover a wide range, the number of operations to be systematized is large, and the number of applications (hereinafter also referred to as "business applications") created by systematizing operations also increases. If all created business applications are in a state where they can be selected by the user, there is a concern that business efficiency and business quality may decline due to confusion in application selection or incorrect selection of applications.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a business support system, a business support method, and a program that can suppress the decline in business efficiency and business quality caused by the systematization of business processes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a business support system according to one aspect of the present invention is a business support system comprising: a function setting unit that receives from a first user the selection of functions necessary for carrying out a target application from among functions relating to an application that includes at least a review process in its business process; an application generation unit that generates an application for executing the application based on the functions selected by the first user; an assignment setting unit that receives from the first user the assignment of a second user responsible for carrying out each application; a publication setting unit that receives from the first user the setting of a publication period for the application for each application; and a display control unit that controls the screen display so that only the application for the application that is published among the application applications assigned to the second user can be executed.

[0008] A business support method according to one aspect of the present invention is a business support method performed by a computer, which includes: a function setting process that receives from a first user the selection of functions necessary for carrying out a target application from among functions relating to an application that includes at least an examination process in the business process; an application generation process that generates an application for executing the application based on the functions selected by the first user; an assignment setting process that receives from the first user the assignment of a second user responsible for carrying out each application; a publication setting process that receives from the first user the setting of a publication period for the application for each application; and a display control process that controls the screen display so that only the application for the application that is published among the application that has been assigned to the second user can be executed.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as: a function setting means that accepts from a first user the selection of functions necessary for carrying out a target application from among functions relating to an application that includes at least a review process in its business process; an application generation means that generates an application for carrying out the application based on the functions selected by the first user; an assignment setting means that accepts from the first user the assignment of a second user responsible for carrying out each application; a publication setting means that accepts from the first user the setting of a publication period for each application; and a display control means that controls the screen display so that only the applications for the application that are published among the application that have been assigned to the second user can be executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the decline in business efficiency and quality caused by the systematization of business processes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the business support system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the business support device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the display of the list of tasks in the task management screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a new creation window in the business management screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the display when a function block is selected in the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the function setting window before function settings in the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 8]It is a diagram showing an example of a function selection window on the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of display when setting a function to a function block on the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of display when setting functions to a plurality of function blocks on the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a function setting window after function setting on the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a logic detail screen when the function according to this embodiment is a logic review. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of display when selecting logic on the logic detail screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of display when setting non-disclosure on the disclosure setting screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] [[ID=二十一]]It is a diagram showing an example of display when setting disclosure on the disclosure setting screen according to this embodiment. [[ID=二十二]] [[ID=二十三]] [Figure 16] [[ID=二十四]]It is a diagram showing an example of a worker's my page screen according to this embodiment. [[ID=二十五]] [[ID=二十六]] [Figure 17] [[ID=二十七]]It is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow regarding business registration by an administrator according to this embodiment. [[ID=二十八]] [[ID=二十九]] [Figure 18] [[ID=三十]]It is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow regarding business execution by a worker according to this embodiment. [[ID=三十一]] [[ID=三十二]] [[ID=三十三]]

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] [[ID=三十七]] [[ID=三十八]]Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [[ID=三十九]] [[ID=四十]]

[0013] [[ID=四十一]] [[ID=四十二]]<1. Configuration of Business Support System>[[ID=四十三]] [[ID=四十四]]Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the business support system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the business support system according to this embodiment. [[ID=四十五]] [[ID=四十六]]

[0014] The business support system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system designed to support users in carrying out various business processes. Users include, for example, employees of government agencies and employees of private companies (corporations). Government agencies include, for example, central government ministries and agencies and local governments (also referred to as "local governments" or "local public entities").

[0015] Various tasks include, for example, administrative work related to applications received from within or outside the organization. Applications received from within the organization include, for example, applications necessary for work by government officials or employees of private companies (e.g., travel expense claims). Applications accepted by government agencies from external parties include, for example, applications from users for services (systems) provided by the government agency. Services provided by government agencies include, for example, various registration procedures, benefit programs, grant programs, subsidy programs, and social security services. When the service provider is a government agency, the users (applicants) are, for example, residents or private companies within the jurisdiction of each government agency. Applications accepted by private companies from external parties include, for example, applications from users for services provided by private companies. Examples of services provided by private companies include new account opening and mortgage services offered by financial institutions, member-only campaigns offered by retail companies, various insurance products offered by insurance companies, new credit card issuance offered by credit card companies, and shareholder benefits offered by companies with shareholder benefit programs. When the service provider is a private company, the users (applicants) are typically customers or consumers of each company.

[0016] In the following, this embodiment will be explained using an example in which a local government (an example of a provider) receives an application from an external party, a resident (an example of an applicant) applies for procedures related to receiving services from the local government, and a local government employee (hereinafter also referred to as "worker") performs the work related to the application (hereinafter also referred to as "application work"). The application work process described below will include at least the work of reviewing the application content (hereinafter also referred to as "review work").

[0017] The application process is comprised of a combination of processes that carry out tasks such as receiving applications, data entry, review (inspection), maintenance, delivery, and notification. Reception work involves receiving applications, such as registering application images and importing web application data. Input work involves entering application details, such as using AI (Artificial Intelligence)-OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for input, requesting input from input companies, and form entry. Review work (inspection work) involves reviewing and inspecting application details, such as logical review and visual inspection of application details. Maintenance work involves performing maintenance to resolve deficiencies in application details, such as making outbound calls and sending deficiency notices. Delivery work involves delivering materials related to applications, such as creating delivery data. Notification work involves sending various notifications to applicants, such as notifying them of non-payment and creating deficiency notices for such notifications.

[0018] Business support system 1 systematizes business processes by generating and using applications (hereinafter also referred to as "business apps") for performing various tasks. Business support system 1 may generate business apps on a per-business-process basis, or it may generate business apps on a per-task basis that constitutes a business process. Business support system 1 may systematize business processes by using the generated business apps individually, or it may systematize business processes by using multiple business apps in combination.

[0019] Business support system 1 generates business applications using programs that execute business-related functions that constitute the business processes of various tasks (hereinafter also referred to as "function programs"). In business support system 1, a function program is provided for each function. The user selects the functions necessary to perform the tasks for which the business application is to be created in business support system 1. When business support system 1 receives the user's selection of functions, it generates the business application using the function programs that execute the functions selected by the user from among the provided function programs. If the user selects multiple functions, business support system 1 generates the business application by combining the function programs in the order in which each selected function is executed. This allows users to create business applications simply by selecting the necessary functional programs from a pre-prepared set of functional programs when systematizing business processes. In other words, users can easily create business applications without coding.

[0020] When business applications are created manually through coding, the costs (development time and expenses) vary depending on the number and complexity of the business processes involved, which sometimes prevented systemization. In such cases, the workers responsible for the tasks had to visualize the workflow, for example by writing down the tasks on paper, and then perform the tasks manually using that workflow. This resulted in a high workload for the workers. In contrast, the business support system 1 according to this embodiment allows for the creation of business applications without coding, thereby reducing the cost of systematizing business processes and alleviating the workload on workers.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the business support system 1 comprises a user terminal 10, a logic generation device 20, and a business support device 30. Networks (NW) can include various configurations for exchanging information, such as LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), telephone networks (mobile phone networks, fixed-line telephone networks, etc.), regional IP (Internet Protocol) networks, and the Internet.

[0022] (1) User terminal 10 User terminal 10 is a terminal used by users of business support system 1. User terminal 10 can be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a smartphone. User terminal 10 may be provided for each user, or a shared terminal may be provided for multiple users.

[0023] Users include administrators (first users) and workers (second users). Administrators are users with administrative privileges in Business Support System 1. Administrative privileges include, for example, the ability to create business applications (flow settings), assign workers to tasks, and configure the publication settings of business applications. There may be one or more administrators who possess administrative privileges. Workers are users who perform tasks using Business Support System 1. Note that administrators may also act as workers.

[0024] The user terminal 10 is connected to the logic generation device 20 and the business support device 30 via a network NW, enabling communication between them. The user can access the logic generation device 20 from the user terminal 10 via the network NW. The user can create a functional program using the logic generation device 20. The functional program generated by the logic generation device 20 is transmitted to the business support device 30 via the network NW. Furthermore, users can access the business support device 30 from their user terminal 10 via the network NW. Administrators among the users can perform management tasks using the business support device 30. These management tasks include, for example, user management, flow settings, status management, user assignment, and publication settings. Workers among the users can perform tasks assigned to them by the administrator using the business support device 30.

[0025] The user terminal 10 described above displays various screens through an application for using the business support system 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "business support app"). Users can perform management tasks and business processes by operating the screens displayed on the user terminal 10 through the business support app. The functions of the business support application may be provided by installing the business support application on the user terminal 10 (i.e., a native application), or by a web system (i.e., a web application). In the case of a web system, the functions of the business support application are provided via a web browser.

[0026] (2) Logic generation device 20 The logic generation device 20 is a device that generates functional programs. The logic generation device 20 consists of one or more servers (e.g., cloud servers) or a PC. The logic generation device 20 is connected to the user terminal 10 and the business support device 30 via a network NW so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0027] The logic generation device 20 communicates with the user terminal 10 when the user operates the user terminal 10 to create a functional program. In communication with the user terminal 10, the logic generation device 20 receives information necessary to execute the target function. For example, if the target business is an examination business included in an application business, and the target function is a logic examination, the necessary information would include, for example, examination item information, judgment processing information, and operation information related to the creation of the examination logic. This operation information would include, for example, information showing the flow of the examination for the examination items (examination flow information), such as a flowchart (flow diagram).

[0028] Furthermore, when a user operates the user terminal 10 to create a functional program, the logic generation device 20 communicates with the business support device 30. In communication with the business support device 30, the logic generation device 20, for example, transmits (shares) the generated functional program. The logic generation device 20 may also transmit functional programs to the business support device 30 via the user terminal 10.

[0029] (3) Business support equipment 30 The business support device 30 is a device that assists users in carrying out various business processes. The business support device 30 consists of one or more servers (e.g., cloud servers) or PCs. The business support device 30 is connected to the user terminal 10 and the logic generation device 20 via a network NW, enabling communication between them.

[0030] The business support device 30 communicates with the user terminal 10 when an administrator operates the user terminal 10 to perform management tasks, or when a worker performs a business process. In communication with the user terminal 10, the business support device 30, for example, receives information entered by the user and transmits screen information that reflects the processing results based on the entered information.

[0031] Furthermore, when a user operates the user terminal 10 to create a functional program, the business support device 30 communicates with the logic generation device 20. In communication with the logic generation device 20, the business support device 30 receives, for example, the functional program.

[0032] <2. Functional Configuration of Business Support Devices> The configuration of the business support system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the business support device 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 16. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the business support device 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the business support device 30 comprises a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0033] (1) Communications Section 310 The communication unit 310 has the function of sending and receiving various types of information. The communication unit 310 is connected to the user terminal 10 and the logic generation device 20 so as to be able to communicate with them, and sends and receives various types of information to each of them.

[0034] (2) Storage section 320 The storage unit 320 has the function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 320 is composed of storage media provided as hardware by the business support device 30, such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access read / write Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or any combination of these storage media.

[0035] The memory unit 320 stores, for example, functional programs, business applications, etc. The memory unit 320 may also store input and output information related to functional programs and business applications. Furthermore, the storage unit 320 stores the generated business applications and retains the memory even after the publication of the stored business applications ends. When the publication of a stored business application ends, the storage unit 320 does not delete the business application but keeps it stored. This allows users to reuse a business application stored in the storage unit 320 when creating a new business application, if that application is capable of performing a business process similar to that performed by the new business application. By reusing previously created business applications, users can reduce the cost of creating business applications.

[0036] (3) Control unit 330 The control unit 330 has the function of controlling the overall operation of the business support device 30. The control unit 330 is implemented, for example, by causing the CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the business support device 30 to execute a program. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 330 includes a business setting unit 331, a function setting unit 332, an application generation unit 333, an assignment setting unit 334, a publication setting unit 335, and a display control unit 336.

[0037] (3-1) Business setting department 331 The business setting unit 331 has the function of configuring business settings. For example, the business setting unit 331 receives a request from an administrator to create a new business, and creates and registers the new business based on the business information entered by the administrator.

[0038] (3-2) Function setting unit 332 The function setting unit 332 has the function of setting functions included in the business application. The function setting unit 332 receives from the administrator the selection of functions necessary for carrying out the business for which the business application is to be created, from among the business-related functions in the business process. The administrator selects the necessary functions from among the functions provided as business-related functions in the business process. For example, suppose the business for which the business application is to be created is an application process that includes at least one review process in the business process. In this case, the administrator selects the functions necessary for carrying out the application process from among the functions provided as functions related to various application processes. The function setting unit 332 accepts the functions selected by the administrator as the functions necessary for carrying out the application process.

[0039] Furthermore, the function setting unit 332 receives settings related to the selected function from the administrator. The function setting unit 332 performs settings based on the setting information entered by the administrator for each function. The input setting information includes, for example, the folder path, status, and registration DB (Database).

[0040] Furthermore, the function setting unit 332 accepts the creation of a business flow from the administrator, which shows the flow of the business process for which the business application will be created. For example, if the business for which the business application will be created is an application process that includes at least one review process, the function setting unit 332 accepts the creation of a business flow showing the flow of the application process based on the administrator's selection of functions. For example, the function setting unit 332 accepts operations such as placing function blocks on the screen and connecting each block with lines.

[0041] (3-3) Application generation unit 333 The application generation unit 333 has the function of generating business applications. The application generation unit 333 generates business applications that execute business operations based on the functions selected by the administrator. For example, if the business for which the business application is to be created is an application process that includes at least one review process, the application generation unit 333 generates a business application that executes the application process using a function program that executes the functions necessary for the application process selected by the administrator from among the function programs provided for each function.

[0042] Furthermore, the application generation unit 333 may generate a new business application using a business application whose public release has ended. For example, suppose the business for which the business application is to be generated is an application process that includes at least one review process, and a similar application process to one previously performed is to be carried out, requiring the creation of a business application. In this case, the application generation unit 333 generates a new business application to execute a similar application process based on the business application whose public release has ended. For example, the application generation unit 333 retrieves a business application with a similar business flow or a business application with similar functionality from among the business applications whose public release has ended and stored in the storage unit 320, and reuses it to generate the new business application.

[0043] (3-4) Assignment setting unit 334 The assignment setting unit 334 has a function to set the assignment of users responsible for performing each task. The administrator operates the user assignment screen displayed on the user terminal 10 to assign workers to perform the registered tasks. The assignment setting unit 334 links the identification information of the registered task (e.g., task ID) with the identification information of the worker assigned to that task by the administrator (e.g., user ID) and registers it. For example, if the task to be generated for the business application is an application task that includes at least a review task in its business process, the assignment setting unit 334 receives the assignment of workers responsible for performing each application task from the administrator and registers the task ID of the application task and the user ID of the assigned worker linked together.

[0044] (3-5) Public settings section 335 The Public Settings Unit 335 has the function of configuring the public settings for each business. Administrators configure the public settings for registered business by operating the public settings screen displayed on the user terminal 10. In the public settings, for example, it is possible to set whether the business should be made public or private, the public period if it is made public, and the private period if it is made private, for each business. The Public Settings Unit 335 associates the identification information of the registered business (e.g., business ID) with the public information indicating the public settings and registers it. For example, if the business targeted for the generation of a business application is an application business that includes at least a review process in its business process, the Public Settings Unit 335 receives the setting of the public or private period for the business application from the administrator for each application business, and registers it by associating the business ID of the application business with the set public information.

[0045] (3-6) Display control unit 336 The display control unit 336 has a function to control various displays. The display control unit 336 displays various screens of the business support system 1 on the user terminal 10. The display control unit 336 controls the display of the screen according to the user. For example, if the logged-in user is an administrator, the display control unit 336 displays an administrator screen on the user terminal 10. Also, if the logged-in user is a worker, the display control unit 336 displays a screen showing information appropriate for the worker on the user terminal 10. For example, the display control unit 336 controls the screen display so that only business applications for publicly available tasks among the tasks assigned to the worker can be executed. As an example, if the task for which a business application is to be generated is an application task that includes at least a review task in its business process, the display control unit 336 will display only the business applications for publicly available application tasks among the application tasks assigned to the worker on the user terminal 10.

[0046] Furthermore, the display control unit 336 displays the business flow created by the function setting unit 332 on the user terminal 10. This allows the worker to perform tasks using the business flow created by the system. Creating business flows by the system reduces the number of creation errors compared to manual creation. Therefore, by using business flows created by the system, workers can improve work efficiency and reduce work errors because they make fewer errors in creating the flows themselves compared to using manually created business flows.

[0047] Here, with reference to Figures 3 to 16, examples of screens in the business support system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Each screen shown in Figures 3 to 16 is displayed on the user terminal 10 based on control by the display control unit 336.

[0048] The business management screen according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows an example of the task list display in the task management screen according to this embodiment. The task management screen G1 shown in Figure 3 is a screen that allows the creation of new tasks, display of registered tasks, search, and settings. Area R1 of task management screen G1 displays a list of information about registered tasks (hereinafter also referred to as "task information"). The task information displayed in area R1 includes, for example, task name, identification name, organization name, department name, customer, operational status, planned start date, planned end date, creator, registration date, and update date. Button B1 is used to create a new task; when pressed, it displays the new task creation window. Button B2 is used to configure the business process; pressing it displays the flow settings screen.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an example of a new creation window in the business management screen according to this embodiment. The new creation window W1 shown in Figure 4 is a window for entering and registering the business information necessary to create a new business. The new creation window W1 is displayed superimposed on the business management screen G1, for example, when button B1 is pressed on the business management screen G1 shown in Figure 3. The business information that needs to be entered into the new creation window W1 includes, for example, business name, identification name, organization name, department name, customer, operation status, planned start date, planned end date, creator, registration date, update date, etc. In addition, the icons and colors of business applications can be arbitrarily set. By arbitrarily setting the icons and colors of business applications, workers can easily grasp the relationships between each business on the My Page screen and efficiently select the appropriate business application.

[0050] Referring to Figures 5 to 11, the flow setting screen according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 shows an example of a flow setting screen according to this embodiment. The flow setting screen G2 shown in Figure 5 is a screen for administrators to select and register the functions necessary for executing the business that is the target of the business application. The flow setting screen G2 is displayed when, for example, button B2 is pressed on the business management screen G1 shown in Figure 3, transitioning from the business management screen G1. On the flow settings screen G2, administrators can use button B3 to create a business flow for the business application in area R2. For example, administrators can drag and drop button B3 into area R2 to place the necessary components for creating the business flow. By creating a business workflow, administrators can select the necessary functions for the business processes for which the business application will be created, and determine the execution order of the functional programs corresponding to those functions.

[0051] Figure 6 shows an example of the display when a function block is selected in the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. In the flow setting screen G2 shown in Figure 6, the function block K1 is displayed in area R2. The function block K1 is displayed when the administrator drags and drops button B3-1 into area R2. The administrator can set the details of a part by selecting the part placed in area R2. For example, by selecting the function block K1, the administrator can set the function to be assigned to the function block K1 and its details.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an example of the function setting window before function setting in the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. The function setting window W2 shown in Figure 7 is a window for setting functions in function blocks, and shows the state before function setting. When a function block placed in area R2 is selected, for example, the function setting window W2 is displayed superimposed on the flow setting screen G2. Button B4 is used to select a function; when pressed, it displays the function selection window.

[0053] Figure 8 shows an example of a function selection window in the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. The function selection window W3 shown in Figure 8 is a window for selecting a function to be set in a function block. The function selection window W3 is displayed superimposed on the flow setting screen G2, for example, when button B4 in the function setting window W2 is pressed. The administrator can set a function in a function block by selecting a function displayed in the function selection window W3. In the example shown in Figure 8, button B5 is pressed to set the "CSV data import" function.

[0054] Figure 9 shows an example of the display when a function is set in a function block in the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. In area R2 of the flow setting screen G2 shown in Figure 9, a function block K1 with a function set is displayed. The function name is displayed in the function block K1 because the function has been set. For example, in the function selection window W3 shown in Figure 8, the button B5 for "CSV Data Import" was pressed, so the function name "CSV Data Import" is displayed in the function block K1 shown in Figure 9.

[0055] Figure 10 shows an example of the display when setting functions for multiple function blocks in the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. The administrator can also place multiple function blocks in area R2 and set functions for each function block using the same operation as in the case of function block K1. In the example shown in Figure 10, function blocks K2 to K4 are further added, and the functions of "logic review", "data output", and "maintenance" are set respectively.

[0056] Figure 11 shows an example of the function setting window after function settings in the flow setting screen according to this embodiment. Administrators can check the details of the set function by selecting the function block to which the function has been set. The function setting window W4 shown in Figure 11 shows the state when the function block K2, to which the "Logic Review" function has been set, is selected. Specifically, the set function name is displayed in the function selection field, and new status-related items such as implementation target status, post-implementation status (normal), and post-implementation status (deficient) are displayed. Button B6 is used to configure the logic of the function; when pressed, it displays the logic details screen.

[0057] Referring to Figures 12 to 13, the logic detail screen according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 shows an example of a logic details screen when the function according to this embodiment is logic review. The logic details screen G3 shown in Figure 12 is a screen where the details of the logic can be checked and set. Area R3 of the logic details screen G3 is the area that displays the details of the logic. The details of the logic include, for example, the code, review items, logic classification, processing description, and information related to the judgment. Area R4 is the area that displays the flow rules within the logic. Flow rules are information that shows the flow of the logic and branching conditions in a flowchart. Area R5 is the area that displays a list of the logic used in the function. When an administrator selects a logic they want to view details about from the list displayed in area R5, information about the selected logic will be displayed in areas R3 and R4.

[0058] Figure 13 shows an example of the display when a logic is selected on the logic details screen according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 13, the administrator presses button B7, and the "Father Null Check" logic is selected from the list of logics displayed in area R5. As a result of selecting the "Father Null Check" logic, the details of "Father Null Check" are displayed in area R3, and the flow rule for "Father Null Check" is displayed in area R4.

[0059] Referring to Figures 14 to 15, the public settings screen according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 14 shows an example of the display when the settings are set to private in the public settings screen according to this embodiment. The public settings screen G4 shown in Figure 14 is a screen for setting whether the registered business (business application) is public or private. The area R6 of the public settings screen G4 displays buttons for setting the public settings. By pressing one of the buttons B8, the administrator can select one of the following settings for the public setting: "Private," "Limited Access," or "Public." In addition, by pressing one of the buttons B9, the administrator can set one of the following for the private time setting: "Do not specify" or "Specify." In the example shown in Figure 14, "Private" is pressed from among the buttons B8, and "Do not specify" is pressed from among the buttons B9, so the registered business is set not to be made public.

[0060] Figure 15 shows an example of the display when the publishing settings are configured in the publishing settings screen according to this embodiment. In the publishing settings screen G4 shown in Figure 15, in area R6, the "Limited Publication" button is pressed from among the buttons B8, and the "Specify" button is pressed from among the buttons B9, setting the registered business to be published only for a limited time. In area R6, button B10 is also displayed because the "Limited Publication" button was pressed from among the buttons B8. The administrator can select either "Do not specify" or "Specify" for the publishing time setting by pressing one of the buttons B10. As shown in Figure 15, if "Specify" is pressed, a pull-down menu P1 for setting the publishing time is displayed. Also, in the example shown in Figure 15, since the "Specify" button is pressed from among the buttons B9, a pull-down menu P2 for specifying the non-public time is also displayed.

[0061] Referring to Figure 16, the worker's My Page screen according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 16 shows an example of a worker's My Page screen according to this embodiment. The My Page screen G5 shown in Figure 16 is a screen that displays information corresponding to the logged-in worker. For example, area R7 of the My Page screen G5 displays publicly available tasks among the tasks assigned to the worker. The worker can execute the corresponding business application by selecting a task to perform from the tasks displayed in area R7.

[0062] <3. Processing Flow> The functional configuration of the business support device according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the processing flow according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 18.

[0063] (1) Processing flow for business registration by the administrator Referring to Figure 17, the processing flow for business registration by the administrator according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow for business registration by the administrator according to this embodiment.

[0064] As shown in Figure 17, first, the administrator operates the user terminal 10 to log in to the business support system 1 (step S101). The user terminal 10, having received the login operation from the administrator, transmits login information (e.g., user ID and password) to the business support device 30 via the network NW. The business support device 30 performs the login process using the login information received from the user terminal 10.

[0065] If the login process is successful, the business support device 30 sends screen information corresponding to the logged-in administrator to the user terminal 10 via the network NW and displays the administrator page (step S102).

[0066] The administrator operates the business management screen G1 on the administrator page displayed on the user terminal 10 to register a new business that will be the subject of the business application (step S103). The business setting unit 331 of the business support device 30 creates and registers the business based on the business information received by the communication unit 310 from the user terminal 10.

[0067] Next, the administrator operates the flow setting screen G2 on the administrator page displayed on the user terminal 10 to select the functions necessary for performing the registered tasks (step S104). The function setting unit 332 of the business support device 30 registers the functions selected by the administrator as the functions necessary for performing the tasks for which the business application is to be created.

[0068] Next, the administrator operates the flow settings screen G2 on the administrator page displayed on the user terminal 10 to configure the selected function (step S105). The function setting unit 332 of the business support device 30 configures each registered function based on the setting information entered by the administrator.

[0069] After the function settings are complete, the application generation unit 333 of the business support device 30 generates a business application (step S106). The application generation unit 333 generates the business application using a function program that executes the function selected by the administrator from among the function programs provided for each function.

[0070] After the business application is generated, the administrator operates the user assignment screen on the administrator page displayed on the user terminal 10 to assign workers to perform the registered tasks (step S107). The assignment setting unit 334 of the business support device 30 links the identification information of the registered task (e.g., task ID) with the identification information of the worker assigned to that task (e.g., user ID) and registers it.

[0071] Next, the administrator operates the public settings screen G4 on the administrator page displayed on the user terminal 10 to configure the public settings for the registered business (step S108). The public settings unit 335 of the business support device 30 links the identification information of the registered business (e.g., business ID) with the public information indicating the public settings and registers it.

[0072] (2) Flow of processes related to the execution of tasks by workers Referring to Figure 18, the processing flow related to the execution of tasks by an operator according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow related to the execution of tasks by an operator according to this embodiment.

[0073] As shown in Figure 18, first, the worker operates the user terminal 10 to log in to the business support system 1 (step S201). The user terminal 10, having received the login operation from the worker, transmits login information (e.g., user ID and password) to the business support device 30 via the network NW. The business support device 30 then performs the login process using the login information received from the user terminal 10.

[0074] The display control unit 336 of the business support device 30 checks the tasks assigned to the worker during the login process (step S202). For example, the display control unit 336 identifies the tasks assigned to the worker from the task ID associated with the user ID.

[0075] Furthermore, the display control unit 336 checks the public access settings of the tasks assigned to the worker during the login process (step S203). For example, the display control unit 336 checks the public access information associated with the task ID of the task that has been identified as being assigned to the worker.

[0076] Next, the display control unit 336 displays the logged-in worker's My Page screen on the user terminal 10 (step S204). At this time, the display control unit 336 displays only the tasks that are publicly available among the tasks assigned to the worker on the My Page screen.

[0077] The worker selects the task to be performed from the tasks displayed on the My Page screen (Step S205). The worker performs the task by running the business application for the selected task (Step S206).

[0078] The processing flow according to this embodiment has been described above. As described above, the business support system 1 according to this embodiment includes: a function setting unit 332 that receives from an administrator (first user) the selection of functions necessary for carrying out the target application work from among the functions related to application work in which the business process includes at least a review process; an application generation unit 333 that generates a business application for executing the application work based on the functions selected by the administrator; an assignment setting unit 334 that receives from an administrator the assignment of a worker (second user) responsible for carrying out the application work for each application work; a publication setting unit 335 that receives from an administrator the setting of a publication period for the business application for each application work; and a display control unit 336 that controls the screen display so that only the business applications of application work that are published among the application work assigned to the worker can be executed.

[0079] With this configuration, the user terminal 10 displays only the tasks that are publicly available among the tasks assigned to the worker as tasks that can be performed. Therefore, when a worker is performing a task, they can select the task they should choose without hesitation, and the possibility of selecting the wrong task is suppressed. In application tasks that include review tasks, there are many similar tasks and many complex tasks, so this embodiment can further suppress the decline in work efficiency and work quality. Therefore, the business support system 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to suppress the decline in business efficiency and quality due to the systematization of business processes. In government agencies, there are many application processes with limited acceptance periods and many similar application processes, so the application processes that workers must handle are diverse. For this reason, the effect of suppressing the decline in business efficiency and quality due to the systematization of business processes can be particularly demonstrated.

[0080] <4. Variation> The embodiment has been described above. Next, modifications of this embodiment will be described. The modifications described below may be applied to the embodiment individually or in combination. Furthermore, the modifications may be applied in place of the configuration described in the embodiment, or they may be applied in addition to the configuration described in the embodiment.

[0081] The above-described embodiment explains an example in which a local government employee (worker) uses the business support system 1 to perform local government duties, but the invention is not limited to such an example. For example, an employee of a company may use the business support system 1 to perform the company's duties. Alternatively, an external business operator commissioned by a local government or company through BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) may use the business support system 1 to perform local government duties or company duties.

[0082] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described an example in which the application process includes at least a review process, the business process is not limited to such an example, and the application process does not necessarily include a review process.

[0083] Modified examples of this embodiment have been described above. Furthermore, some or all of the business support system 1, user terminal 10, logic generation device 20, and business support device 30 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented using a computer. In that case, the program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. In this context, "computer system" includes hardware such as the operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Additionally, "computer-readable recording media" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, as well as those that hold programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within computer systems that act as servers or clients in such cases. Furthermore, the above program may be for the purpose of implementing some of the functions described above, or it may be for the purpose of implementing the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or it may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0084] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1...Business support system, 10...User terminal, 20...Logic generation device, 30...Business support device, 310...Communication unit, 320...Storage unit, 330...Control unit, 331...Business setting unit, 332...Function setting unit, 333...Application generation unit, 334...Assignment setting unit, 335...Public setting unit, 336...Display control unit, NW...Network

Claims

1. A function setting unit that accepts from the first user the selection of functions necessary for carrying out the target application process from among the functions related to the application process, which include at least one review process in the business process. An application generation unit that generates an application to perform the application process based on the function selected by the first user, For each of the aforementioned application processes, an assignment setting unit receives a request from the first user to assign a second user responsible for carrying out the aforementioned application process. For each of the aforementioned application processes, a publication setting unit receives the setting of the publication period for the aforementioned application from the first user, A display control unit controls the screen display so that only the application for the application that is currently publicly available among the application tasks assigned to the second user can be executed, A business support system equipped with the following features.

2. The application generation unit generates the application using the program that executes the function selected by the first user from among the programs prepared for each function as a program that executes the function. The business support system according to claim 1.

3. The function setting unit accepts the creation of a business flow indicating the flow of the application process based on the selection of the function by the first user, The display control unit displays the created business flow. The business support system according to claim 1.

4. A storage unit that stores the generated application and retains the memory even after the application's publication ends. Furthermore, The aforementioned application generation unit generates a new application for performing similar application tasks based on the aforementioned application whose publication has ended. The business support system according to claim 1.

5. A function configuration process that accepts the selection of functions necessary for carrying out the target application process from among the functions related to the application process, which include at least one review process in the business process, from the first user. An application generation process that generates an application to perform the application task based on the function selected by the first user, For each of the aforementioned application processes, the assignment process involves receiving a request from the first user to assign a second user responsible for carrying out the aforementioned application process, For each of the aforementioned application processes, the setting of the publication period for the aforementioned application is received from the first user in a publication setting process, A display control process that controls the screen display so that only the application for the application that is currently publicly available among the application tasks assigned to the second user can be executed, A computer-based business support method that includes [specific components / methods].

6. Computers, A function setting means that accepts from a first user the selection of functions necessary for carrying out the target application process from among the functions related to the application process, which include at least one review process in the business process. An application generation means that generates an application to perform the application process based on the function selected by the first user, For each of the aforementioned application tasks, the system includes an assignment setting means that receives a request from the first user to assign a second user responsible for performing the aforementioned application task, For each of the aforementioned application processes, a publication setting means receives the setting of the publication period for the aforementioned application from the first user, A display control means that controls the screen display so that only the application for the application that is currently publicly available among the application tasks assigned to the second user can be executed, A program designed to function as such.

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