Spare parts lending system, spare parts lending method, and spare parts lending program

Abstract

To provide a spare parts lending system, spare parts lending method, and spare parts lending program that allow multiple users to easily lend and borrow spare parts. [Solution] The spare parts lending system 1 includes a receiving unit 31 that receives lending request information regarding the borrowing of plant parts from a client terminal, a lending candidate selection unit 32 that, upon receiving the lending request information, selects candidates for plant parts that can be lent based on part information, in which the plant parts and user identification information for identifying the user who possesses the plant parts are associated, compatibility information, in which the compatibility status of the plant parts is registered for each user, and plant part lending information, and a transmitting unit 33 that transmits the lending candidate information, including the information of the selected plant parts, to the client terminal that is the source of the lending request information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a spare parts lending system, a spare parts lending method, and a spare parts lending program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a plant maintenance support system for improving the operation of arranging supplies such as equipment, parts, and materials required for the maintenance and inspection work of instrumentation equipment in a plant is known (see Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] In addition, a vertical roller mill (hereinafter referred to as "mill") installed in a plant such as a thermal power generation facility is a facility that pulverizes, dries, and classifies solid fuels such as coal. The fuel is supplied into the mill from a bunker through a coal feeder and a coal supply pipe, and is pulverized between a rotating pulverizing table and rollers supported so as to be freely rotatable. The pulverized fuel is dried by high-temperature drying and conveying gas blown from the lower part of the mill, and is transported by the airflow of the drying and conveying gas to a classifier provided at the upper part of the mill. After the particle size is selected by the classifier, only those with a particle size below a predetermined value are discharged from the mill and burned in a downstream facility such as a boiler. Coarse particles that did not pass through the classifier flow back to the pulverizing section and are pulverized again.

[0004] Since the mill is a machine that handles solid fuel, wear due to operation cannot be avoided. In particular, when operating for a long period of time, it is necessary to perform regular maintenance such as replacing worn parts. In addition, since there is a rotating part, bearings (especially rolling bearings) are adopted, and these have a fatigue life. Therefore, regular maintenance is essential. If sufficient maintenance is not carried out, the mill will malfunction and it will be difficult to continue operation.

[0005] In addition, foreign matter may be mixed in the solid fuel pulverized by the mill. If the mill bites into large foreign matter, an excessive impact load will occur, and there is a risk that it will be difficult to continue operation due to a decrease in bearing life and damage to each part. Thus, if the mill malfunctions during operation, it will not be able to supply a sufficient amount of fuel to the downstream equipment, resulting in a decrease in the load (power generation) of the plant (thermal power generation equipment). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-214918 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] As mentioned above, if the mill becomes unable to continue operating due to an unexpected malfunction, emergency repairs will be carried out. However, it is rare for users to have all the necessary parts (spare parts) on hand, and in many cases, urgent manufacturing requests are made to the manufacturer. However, many of the parts used in mills have special specifications, such as requiring wear resistance, and are produced in large quantities. Therefore, manufacturing generally takes time, and a lead time is required for the mill to be restored. Consequently, users are restricted from operating their plants for extended periods. This leads to increased loss of profits, and manufacturers are required to produce parts urgently, potentially causing disruption to the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the aforementioned challenges are not unique to mills, but occur similarly in various fields and products.

[0008] This disclosure is made in view of these circumstances and aims to provide a spare parts lending system, a spare parts lending method, and a spare parts lending program that enable easy lending and borrowing of spare parts among multiple users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is a spare parts lending system that is communicably connected to a plurality of client terminals, comprising: a receiving unit that receives borrowing request information regarding the borrowing of plant parts from the client terminals; a lending candidate selection unit that, upon receiving the borrowing request information, selects candidates for plant parts that can be lent based on part information associated with plant parts and user identification information for identifying the user who possesses the plant parts, compatibility information for each user in which the compatibility status of the plant parts is registered; and lending information for the plant parts; and a transmitting unit that transmits lending candidate information, including information on the selected plant parts, to the client terminal which is the source of the borrowing request information.

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure is a spare parts lending method in which a computer performs the following steps: receiving a borrowing request information regarding the borrowing of plant parts from a client terminal; selecting candidates for plant parts that can be lent based on part information associated with the plant parts and user identification information for identifying the user who possesses the plant parts, compatibility information in which the compatibility status of the plant parts is registered for each user, and lending information for the plant parts, when the borrowing request information is received; and transmitting lending candidate information including the information of the selected plant parts to the client terminal which is the source of the borrowing request information.

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure is a spare parts lending program for causing a computer to function as the spare parts lending system described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, it will have the effect of enabling multiple users to easily lend and borrow spare parts from each other. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows the network configuration of a spare parts lending system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]This is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a spare parts lending system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functions provided by a spare parts lending system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of the information stored in a spare parts database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an example of component configuration information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of a lent item registration screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of lending candidates according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of a borrowing application screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of a lending intention display screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of spare parts in use according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of a return application screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of a return acceptance display screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a spare parts lending system 1, a spare parts lending method, and a spare parts lending program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The spare part lending system 1 according to this embodiment manages spare parts of plant components included in each power generation facility, and when a part is urgently needed by any user (for example, an operating company of a power generation facility), it presents compatible spare parts as lending candidates to support prompt procurement of parts. Hereinafter, as an example of plant components, parts of a mill will be exemplified and described.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the network configuration of the spare part lending system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the spare part lending system 1 is configured to be connectable to a plurality of client terminals 70 (70a to 70d) via a network 3 and to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other. Further, a client terminal 80 may be connected to the network 3. Also, an administrator terminal 60 is connected to the spare part lending system 1. In FIG. 1, a case where the administrator terminal 60 is connected to the spare part lending system 1 by a dedicated line is exemplified, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the administrator terminal 60 and the spare part lending system 1 may be configured to enable two-way communication. As an example, they may be connected to each other via the network 3, similar to the above client terminal 80.

[0016] Examples of the network 3 include Wi-Fi, mobile communication systems (3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, LTE, etc.), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and wired LAN. In FIG. 1, four client terminals 70 and one client terminal 80 are exemplified, but the number of client terminals 70 and 80 connected to the spare part lending system 1 is not limited to this example. Also, the number of administrator terminals 60 is not limited to one.

[0017] The administrator terminal 60 is an information processing device used by the operating company of the spare part lending system 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "system operating company"). The system operating company holds an administrator account and password, and uses this login information to access the spare part lending system 1 from the administrator terminal 60.

[0018] Client terminal 70 is an information processing device used by users A to D who wish to lease plant parts. Users A to D are, for example, power generation facility operating companies. In this embodiment, client terminal 70a is a terminal used by user A, client terminal 70b is a terminal used by user B, client terminal 70c is a terminal used by user C, and client terminal 70d is a terminal used by user D.

[0019] Client terminal 80 is an information processing device used by maintenance companies that repair plant parts. Each user A to D and the maintenance company is assigned an account and password, and these login details are used to access the spare parts lending system 1 from each client terminal 70 and 80.

[0020] In the following, when it is necessary to distinguish between client terminals 70a, 70b, etc., they will be referred to as client terminals 70a and 70b, respectively; when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, they will simply be referred to as client terminal 70.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the spare parts lending system 1. The spare parts lending system 1 is a so-called server (computer), and as shown in an example in Figure 2, its main components include a CPU (processor) 11, an auxiliary storage device 12 for storing programs executed by the CPU 11 (for example, spare parts lending programs), a main memory 13 that functions as a work area when each program is executed, and a communication device 14 for connecting to a network. These components are connected via a bus 18. The spare parts lending system 1 also includes an input unit 15 such as a keyboard and a display unit 16. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores, for example, an OS for controlling the entire spare parts lending system 1, various drivers for hardware operation of peripheral devices, applications for realizing the spare parts lending system 1, and various data and files. Examples of the auxiliary storage device 12 include semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, and magneto-optical disks.

[0022] Client terminals 70 and 80 are, for example, desktop PCs, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, tablet terminals, mobile phone terminals, smartphones, etc. Since the configuration of client terminals 70 and 80 is publicly known, a detailed explanation will be omitted, but like the spare parts lending system 1 described above, they are equipped with a CPU, auxiliary storage device, main memory, communication device, and input unit. Furthermore, client terminal 70 is equipped with a display unit (LCD display, OLED display, etc.). Additionally, client terminal 70 may be equipped with a microphone and speaker. The auxiliary storage device stores, for example, an OS for controlling client terminal 70 such as Windows®, iOS®, or Android®, various drivers for hardware operation of peripheral devices, applications for realizing the functions of client terminals 70 and 80 described later, and various data and files.

[0023] Next, the functions of the spare parts lending system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functions provided by the spare parts lending system 1 according to this embodiment. A series of processes for realizing each of the functions described below are stored as a program (for example, a spare parts lending program) in the auxiliary storage device 12 of the spare parts lending system 1, and the CPU 11 reads this program into the main memory 13 and executes it to realize the various functions. The program may be provided in a form that is pre-installed in the auxiliary storage device 12 of the spare parts lending system 1, in a form that is stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or in a form that is distributed via wired or wireless communication means. Computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, semiconductor memory, etc.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the spare parts lending system 1 may include a spare parts database 21. The location of the spare parts database 21 is not particularly limited. For example, the spare parts database 21 may be located within the spare parts lending system 1 or on another server. In this case, the spare parts lending system 1 and the spare parts database 21 are configured to communicate with each other, enabling the acquisition, registration, and updating of information.

[0025] Furthermore, the spare parts lending system 1 includes a receiving unit 31, a lending candidate selection unit 32, and a transmitting unit 33. The spare parts lending system 1 may also further include a parts information creation unit 41, a compatibility information creation unit 42, and a lending information creation unit 43. In addition, the spare parts lending system 1 includes a screen data creation unit (not shown) that creates various screen data to be displayed on the client terminal 70 according to various information received from the client terminal 70, and a storage unit (not shown) that stores various information exchanged with the client terminal 70.

[0026] The spare parts database 21 contains information on spare parts based on rental item registration information obtained from client terminals 70. The spare parts database 21 stores at least part information, compatibility information, and rental information.

[0027] Figure 4 shows an example of the various types of information stored in the spare parts database 21 according to this embodiment. Part information is information that associates a plant part with user identification information to identify the user who owns that plant part. For example, part information includes the name of the plant part and the account information (user identification information) of the user who owns that part. Part information may also include lending permission information indicating the owner's willingness to lend the part. In addition, each plant part may be assigned a unique serial number or similar to allow for individual identification of each plant part. Figure 4 illustrates an example of using a part number as an example of a serial number.

[0028] Examples of part names include blade shaft, roller assembly, bearing, and shaft. Users A through D are registered as owners. Loan availability information is registered as follows: for example, "Available" for parts that can be loaned by the owner, and "Unavailable" for parts that the owner has temporarily suspended lending out. Part information is created and updated by the part information creation unit 41, which will be described later.

[0029] Compatibility information is registered for each plant component in the component information, with compatibility status registered for each user. This compatibility information is created and updated by the compatibility information creation unit 42, which will be described later.

[0030] Loan information is information that manages the loan status of plant parts. For example, for each plant part registered in the parts information, the lender, loan date, and return deadline are registered. Loan information is created and updated by the loan information creation unit 43, which will be described later.

[0031] The receiving unit 31 receives various information transmitted from the client terminal 70. For example, the receiving unit 31 receives information from the client terminal 70 such as borrowing request information regarding the borrowing of plant parts and loan item registration information regarding the lending of plant parts.

[0032] When the loan candidate selection unit 32 receives loan request information from the client terminal 70, it selects candidate plant parts that can be loaned based on the parts information, compatibility information, and loan information stored in the spare parts database 21.

[0033] The transmission unit 33 transmits various information to the client terminal 70. For example, the transmission unit 33 transmits a list of loan candidates (loan candidate information) containing information on plant parts selected by the loan candidate selection unit 32 to the client terminal 70, which is the source of the loan request information.

[0034] The parts information creation unit 41 updates the parts information when it receives loan item registration information from the client terminal 70. The loan item registration information includes input fields for, for example, user information, the name of the plant part the user wishes to borrow, part number, weight, available quantity, location (storage location for spare parts), condition, loan conditions, and whether or not the part is available for loan. The condition includes information such as whether it is new or used. The loan conditions include, for example, the price and loan period. Furthermore, the rental item registration information received from the client terminal 70 may be stored for each user in a predetermined storage device provided by the spare parts rental system 1.

[0035] The compatibility information creation unit 42 updates the compatibility information using the updated component information when the component information is updated. The compatibility information creation unit 42 creates and updates compatibility information, for example, using the part numbers of each plant part registered in the parts information and the parts configuration information which contains the part numbers of plant parts that can be used in each user's plant. A part number is information assigned to a part from the time of its design or manufacture. If the part numbers are the same, the parts can be considered identical, having been manufactured through the same design or manufacturing process, and are therefore considered interchangeable.

[0036] For example, Figure 5 shows an example of component configuration information. Figure 5 illustrates the component configuration information of user A. As shown in Figure 5, the component configuration information includes, for example, the part numbers of various plant components used in the plant owned by user A. The compatibility information creation unit 42 compares the part numbers of the plant parts registered in the parts information with the parts configuration information shown in Figure 5. If the part numbers match, it determines that they are compatible; if the part numbers do not match, it determines that they are not compatible. Based on this determination, it creates or updates the compatibility information. As a result, for example, as shown in Figure 4, compatibility status is registered for each plant component for each user. By configuring it in this way, compatibility information can be automatically updated without human intervention whenever component information is updated.

[0037] Furthermore, the compatibility information creation unit 42 may also include a confirmation request unit 421 that requests the administrator to confirm the updated compatibility information when the compatibility information has been updated. For example, the compatibility information creation unit 42 displays the updated compatibility information on the display unit 16 or administrator terminal 60 of the spare parts lending system 1 and notifies the administrator of the spare parts lending system 1 of the confirmation request. The confirmation request may also be notified by voice from a speaker.

[0038] In this way, the accuracy of compatibility information can be improved by having the administrator verify it. For example, even if the part numbers are different, if the fitting dimensions are the same and only the material is different, the parts may be compatible. In this case, the administrator can verify the compatibility information and correct it by changing the registered content from the input unit 15, etc.

[0039] Furthermore, the compatibility information may include registering a status for each plant component. For example, when the administrator has completed verification and the confirmation operation is performed from the input unit 15, the status of the plant component may be set to "Confirmed," and the status of plant components awaiting administrator verification may be set to "Waiting for Decision." Plant components with a status of "Waiting for Decision" may be excluded from the selection candidates by the loan candidate selection unit 32. This configuration can improve the accuracy of the compatibility information.

[0040] Furthermore, instead of the administrator verification described above, the component configuration information exemplified in Figure 5 may include not only the part number of each plant component but also the part numbers of compatible plant components. For example, components with the same interface dimensions but different materials will have different part numbers. However, such components can be considered compatible. Therefore, by pre-registering and associating the part numbers of compatible plant components, the administrator verification process described above can be omitted, and the accuracy of the compatibility information can be improved.

[0041] The loan information creation unit 43 creates or updates loan information based on a loan agreement when a loan agreement is concluded between users. For example, the loan information creation unit 43 registers the account information of the borrower of the plant parts. It also registers the loan date and return deadline based on the loan agreement. In addition, information such as the amount may be registered in the loan information.

[0042] Next, the spare parts lending method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The series of processes shown below are stored as a program (for example, a spare parts lending program) in the auxiliary storage device 12 of the spare parts lending system 1, and are realized when the CPU 11 reads this program into the main memory 13 and executes it. In the following explanation, we will use the example of user A operating client terminal 70a to register for the loan of spare parts and requesting to borrow spare parts.

[0043] First, user A accesses the spare parts lending system 1 from client terminal 70a and logs in by entering the account information and password assigned to the user. After logging in, for example, a menu screen like the one shown in Figure 6 is displayed on client terminal 70. The menu screen displays buttons such as the "Register Loan Item" button (BT1), the "Request Loan" button (BT2), and the "Return Parts" button (BT3). The following explains what happens when each button is pressed on this menu screen.

[0044] [Registered for rental] The loan item registration button BT1 is pressed when a user wishes to borrow a spare item. When user A presses the loan item registration button BT1 on the menu screen, the loan item registration process is initiated.

[0045] First, in the loan item registration process, a loan item registration screen, as shown in Figure 7, is displayed on the client terminal 70a. As illustrated in Figure 7, the loan item registration screen includes input fields for the user to enter the part name, part number, weight, available quantity, location (storage location for spare parts), condition, loan conditions, and whether or not the plant part is to be loaned. Furthermore, the loan item registration screen may include at least one other button in addition to the new registration button BT4, such as a spare item information editing button, a loanable / unavailable toggle button, or a delete button.

[0046] The New Registration button BT4 is used to register a newly loaned plant part in the Spare Parts Loan System 1. The Spare Parts Information Edit button is used to edit the contents of a plant part already registered in the Spare Parts Loan System 1. The Loanable / Not Loanable toggle button is used to toggle whether a registered plant part is available for loan or not. The Delete button is used to delete a plant part already registered in the Spare Parts Loan System 1.

[0047] For example, if user A wishes to register a new plant part, user A enters the required information and presses the new registration button BT4. This sends the entered information to the client terminal 70 as rental item registration information. When the spare parts lending system 1 receives the lending item registration information, it updates the parts information based on the lending item registration information. This updates the parts information in the spare parts database 21. The spare parts lending system 1 may also store the lending item registration information in a predetermined storage unit (not shown).

[0048] Furthermore, when the component information is updated in this way, compatibility information for the newly added plant components is created.

[0049] The operation to register items for loan may also be performed by an administrator at the request of user A, via administrator terminal 60 or client terminal 70.

[0050] [Request for loan] In the menu screen shown in Figure 6, the borrowing request button BT2 is pressed when a user wishes to borrow a spare part. For example, if user A presses the borrowing request button BT2 on the menu screen, the borrowing request process is initiated.

[0051] First, in the borrowing request process, borrowing request information is sent to the spare parts lending system 1. Upon receiving the borrowing request information, the spare parts lending system 1 selects candidate plant parts that can be lent to the user based on the parts information and compatibility information stored in the spare parts database 21.

[0052] For example, in the parts information illustrated in Figure 4, we identify parts that are registered as owned by someone other than User A and are marked as "available" for loan. Then, based on the compatibility information, we identify parts that are compatible with User A, and further, we identify parts that are available for loan based on the loan information. In this way, candidate plant parts that can be loaned to User A are selected.

[0053] Next, a list of loan candidates is created based on the information of the selected plant parts and sent to the client terminal 70a. As a result, the loan candidate list screen shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the client terminal 70a. The loan candidate list screen includes, for example, the part name, part number, weight, available quantity, owner, condition (unused, serviced, etc.), and loan conditions for plant parts that user A can borrow. Information on plant parts currently borrowed by user A may also be provided. Furthermore, if the owner is the user, the loan candidate list screen will display it as unavailable. For example, in Figure 8, the blade shaft owned by user A is shown in shaded areas and unavailable for selection. The display format is not limited to this example; other display formats are also acceptable, and plant parts owned by the user may be hidden.

[0054] On this loan candidate list screen, if User A finds a plant part they wish to borrow, they select that plant part (for example, a roller assembly) and press the loan request button BT5. This sends the information of the plant part selected by User A and the loan request to the spare parts lending system 1.

[0055] When the spare parts lending system 1 receives a lending request, it creates a lending request screen with information on the plant parts selected by user A embedded in it, and sends this lending request screen to the client terminal 70a. At this time, the spare parts lending system 1 may also send a repair estimate request form, a lease agreement, etc., as attachments to the lending request screen, for requesting an estimate of maintenance costs when the plant parts are returned from the maintenance company. In this case, the spare parts lending system 1 may have pre-existing data such as templates for the repair estimate request form and lease agreement, and may automatically create the repair estimate request form and lease agreement, etc., by automatically inputting the necessary information from the information received from the client terminal 70a.

[0056] Alternatively, the spare parts lending system 1 may have templates for loan-for-use agreements, lease agreements, or consumer loan agreements, which users can download as needed. In this case, the various agreements may include a clause stating that the lent plant parts will be serviced and returned in their original condition. The various agreements may also include a statement that additional costs may be incurred if additional costs are required during the service at the time of return. This will reduce the rate of disputes among users regarding the service at the time of return of the lent items. It will also enable prompt guidance to service companies regarding the service at the time of return of the lent items.

[0057] When client terminal 70a receives data from the loan application screen, it displays this loan application screen. Figure 9 shows an example of the loan application screen. This loan application screen allows for the input and editing of detailed information regarding the loan, such as the loan period. For example, the loan application screen allows user A to fill in or edit information such as the plant parts they wish to borrow, the quantity, the loan period, the delivery method, and the return method. The loan application screen may also be configured to allow user A to write down any questions they have for the lender (for example, "User B"). Furthermore, the loan application screen may include requests for maintenance and estimates from maintenance companies, etc., upon return.

[0058] On the loan application screen, User A reviews the contents, makes any necessary inputs or corrections, and presses the loan application submission button BT6. This notifies the spare parts lending system 1 that the loan application submission button BT6 has been pressed. The spare parts lending system 1 sends a notification to the email address associated with User B's client terminal 70b, informing them of the loan request. When User B operates the client terminal 70b to access (log in to) the spare parts lending system 1, the contents of User A's loan application screen are displayed on the client terminal 70b, along with a loan intention indication screen as shown in Figure 10.

[0059] The loan intention screen includes buttons such as a rejection button BT7, a readjustment button BT8, and an approval button BT9. The rejection button BT7 is used when the loan application is not to be approved, and the readjustment button BT8 is used when adjustments are needed to the loan application. The approval button BT9 is used when the loan application is approved and the loan is permitted. If the rejection button BT7 is pressed, a rejection notification is sent to the client terminal 70a. If the readjustment button BT8 is pressed, a condition adjustment notification reflecting User B's wishes regarding which conditions to change and how is sent.

[0060] Furthermore, when the permission button BT9 is operated, a contract such as a loan agreement is concluded, and the information in the spare parts database 21 is updated based on the loan application information. For example, the spare parts loan system 1 updates the loan information based on the loan application information. This updates the loan recipient, loan date, and return period of the loan information corresponding to the plant part being loaned. At this time, the agreed-upon contract may also be stored in the spare parts database 21.

[0061] Furthermore, the spare parts lending system 1 sends an acceptance notification to the client terminal 70a. This acceptance notification is sent to the email address associated with the client terminal 70a, and this email may include attachments such as the lending schedule, lending fees, and lending agreement. Alternatively, only the acceptance notification may be sent via email, and other information may be obtained by user A accessing the spare parts lending system 1 via the client terminal 70a.

[0062] Furthermore, the spare parts lending system 1 sends a request for quotation to the client terminal 80 of the maintenance company that maintains the plant parts. Upon receiving the request for quotation, the maintenance company prepares a quotation and sends it to the client terminal 70a.

[0063] Furthermore, the spare parts lending system 1 may also have a payment function. For example, as described above, when a lending agreement is concluded, the borrowing fee may be paid from the borrowing user A to the spare parts lending system 1. Once payment from user A is confirmed, a shipping request is sent to user B, the lender. When the plant parts arrive at the borrowing user A's location, and this is notified to the spare parts lending system 1 from the client terminal 70a, the spare parts lending system 1 may make the payment to user B, the lender. In this way, by conducting monetary transactions through the spare parts lending system 1, it is possible to reduce the occurrence rate of financial disputes between users. Furthermore, the timing of monetary payments is not limited to the above; the contracting parties may choose the payment timing they deem most appropriate.

[0064] Furthermore, the spare parts lending system 1 may be configured to charge a system fee to the lender, the borrower, or both, when a plant parts loan is completed. Furthermore, the spare parts lending system 1 may have a bulletin board for communication between users and may be equipped with functions to facilitate the rapid exchange of information.

[0065] Furthermore, the spare parts lending system 1 may be configured to notify the lending user B of the date on which the plant parts were sent to the borrowing user A. This allows the spare parts lending system 1 to confirm that the plant parts have been properly sent from lending user B to borrowing user A. This enables the system to establish a follow-up system that ensures the lending of plant parts proceeds quickly, for example, by sending reminder or confirmation emails to lending user B's client terminal 70b if the shipment is delayed from the scheduled date.

[0066] [Upon return] In the menu screen shown in Figure 6, the parts return button BT3 is pressed when the user wishes to return a plant part that they have borrowed. When user A presses the parts return button BT3 on the menu screen, the return process is initiated.

[0067] First, in the return process, a parts return request information is sent from the client terminal 70a to the spare parts lending system 1. Upon receiving the parts return request information, the spare parts lending system 1 creates a borrowed spare parts screen based on the parts information of user A stored in the spare parts database 21 and sends it to the client terminal 70a. As a result, the borrowed spare parts screen shown in Figure 11 is displayed on the client terminal 70a.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the borrowed spare parts screen displays a list of plant parts currently borrowed by user A. The screen may also be configured to display not only currently borrowed plant parts, but also plant parts that user A has previously borrowed and returned. Additionally, the screen for borrowed spare parts includes a return request button BT10. On this borrowed spare parts screen, User A selects the plant part they wish to return and presses the return request button BT10. This sends the information of the plant part selected by User A and the return request to the spare parts lending system 1.

[0069] When the spare parts lending system 1 receives a return request, it creates a return request screen with information about the plant parts selected by the user embedded in it, and displays this return notification screen on the client terminal 70a. Figure 12 shows an example of the return request screen.

[0070] This return request screen allows for the input or editing of detailed information regarding the return of plant parts. For example, it allows for the input or editing of the plant parts to be returned, the quantity, and the method of delivery. The return contact screen may also be configured to allow user A to enter details for contacting and coordinating with the lender (for example, "User B"). Furthermore, the return contact screen may include details for requesting maintenance from a maintenance company or similar entity.

[0071] On the return notification screen, User A fills in the required information and then presses the return notification button BT11. Upon notification to the spare parts lending system 1 that the return notification button BT11 has been pressed, the spare parts lending system 1 notifies User B's client terminal 70b, the borrower, that a return notification has been received. This notification is sent, for example, via email to the email address associated with the client terminal 70b.

[0072] When user B operates client terminal 70b to access (log in to) the spare parts lending system 1, client terminal 70b displays the contents of the return notification screen from user A, along with a return acceptance display screen as shown in Figure 13.

[0073] The return acceptance display screen includes buttons such as a readjustment button BT12 and an approval button BT13. The readjustment button BT12 is used when adjustments are needed to the return request. The approval button BT13 is used when the return request is accepted.

[0074] If User B presses the readjustment button BT12, a screen may be displayed where User B can enter the details of the changes they wish to make, allowing them to present their desired conditions to User A, the borrower. On this screen, User B enters the details they wish to change and presses the send button, at which point a notification of the condition adjustment is sent to the client terminal 70a. This allows the lending user and the borrowing user to communicate easily and reach an agreement quickly.

[0075] Furthermore, if the permission button BT13 is pressed on the return acceptance display screen, the spare parts lending system 1 updates the information in the spare parts database 21 based on the return request information. Specifically, it updates the lending information based on the return request information. As a result, the scheduled return date of the plant part is registered in the lending information.

[0076] Furthermore, the spare parts lending system 1 sends an acceptance notification to the client terminal 70a. This acceptance notification is sent to the email address associated with the client terminal 70a, and this email may contain information such as the scheduled return date of the plant parts. Alternatively, only the acceptance notification may be sent via email, and other information may be obtained by the client terminal 70a accessing the spare parts lending system 1.

[0077] Furthermore, the spare parts lending system 1 may also send a request for a revised estimate to the maintenance company that maintains the plant parts. Upon receiving the request for a revised estimate, the maintenance company may create a new estimate for the return of the plant parts and send it to the client terminal 70a. The system may also be configured to notify the client terminal 70b of user B, the lender, of the scheduled maintenance completion date, the scheduled return date, etc. In addition, the system may be configured to allow the sending of estimates related to maintenance and the billing of additional costs to be done through the spare parts lending system 1.

[0078] Subsequently, when the plant part is sent from the borrowing user A to the maintenance company, the maintenance company performs maintenance, and the restored plant part is returned from the maintenance company to the lending user B. Upon receiving the plant part, the lending user B notifies the spare parts lending system 1 that the return has been completed. Upon receiving the return completion notification, the spare parts lending system 1 updates the spare parts database 21. This resets, for example, the lending information for the returned plant part. In addition, the lending history for that plant part is accumulated.

[0079] Furthermore, the spare parts lending system 1 may be configured to notify the user of the date the borrowing user sends the plant parts to the maintenance company, the date the maintenance company receives the plant parts, the date the maintenance company returns the maintained plant parts to the lending user, and the date the lending user receives the plant parts. This allows the spare parts lending system 1 to monitor the flow of plant parts. For example, if the return is delayed compared to the schedule, it becomes possible to create a follow-up system that ensures the return process proceeds quickly by sending reminder and confirmation emails to the user's terminal.

[0080] As described above, the spare parts lending system 1 according to this embodiment includes a receiving unit 31 that receives lending request information regarding the borrowing of plant parts from a client terminal 70, a lending candidate selection unit 32 that, upon receiving the lending request information, selects candidates for lendable plant parts based on part information, which associates the lendable plant parts with user identification information for identifying the user who possesses the plant parts, and compatibility information, which registers whether or not each lendable plant part is compatible with each user, and a transmitting unit 33 that transmits the lending candidate information, including the information of the selected plant parts, to the client terminal 70, which is the source of the lending request information.

[0081] This makes it possible to select compatible spare parts from available plant parts based on the loan request information and present them as loan candidates when plant parts are urgently needed. This allows for the rapid loan of necessary parts to users who urgently need them, shortening the lead time for plant recovery. Furthermore, it reduces the opportunities for sudden and urgent manufacturing of plant parts, preventing disruptions to the manufacturing process for plant part manufacturers.

[0082] Furthermore, by sharing spare parts among multiple users, it becomes unnecessary for a single user to possess a large number of spare parts. In addition, by implementing a system where a fee is charged when spare parts are lent out, the lending user can profit from idle spare parts by lending out surplus spare parts.

[0083] Although the present disclosure has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments above without departing from the gist of the disclosure, and such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0084] The spare parts lending system 1, spare parts lending method, and spare parts lending program described in the above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0085] A spare parts lending system (1) according to a first aspect of this disclosure is a spare parts lending system that is communicably connected to a plurality of client terminals (70), and comprises: a receiving unit (31) that receives lending request information regarding the borrowing of plant parts from the client terminals; a lending candidate selection unit (32) that, upon receiving the lending request information, selects candidates for plant parts that can be lent based on part information associated with plant parts and user identification information for identifying the user who possesses the plant parts, compatibility information in which the compatibility status of the plant parts is registered for each user, and lending information for the plant parts; and a transmitting unit (33) that transmits lending candidate information including the information of the selected plant parts to the client terminal which is the source of the lending request information.

[0086] According to the spare parts lending system (1) described above, when a plant part is urgently needed, a compatible spare part can be selected from the available plant parts based on the loan request information and presented as a loan candidate. This makes it possible to quickly lend the necessary parts to users who urgently need them, shortening the lead time until plant restoration. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the number of sudden and urgent repairs of plant parts and prevent confusion at plant parts maintenance companies. In addition, by sharing spare parts among multiple users, it becomes unnecessary for a single user to hold a large number of spare parts. Furthermore, by setting up a system in which a fee is charged when a spare part is lent out, the lending user can profit from idle spare parts by lending out surplus spare parts.

[0087] The spare parts lending system (1) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a compatibility information creation unit (42) that creates the compatibility information using the part numbers of each plant part registered in the parts information and parts configuration information in which the part numbers of plant parts usable in each user's plant are registered.

[0088] According to the spare parts lending system (1) described above, it becomes possible to automatically determine the compatibility of plant parts. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on administrators.

[0089] The spare parts lending system (1) according to the third aspect of this disclosure includes, in the first aspect described above, a parts information creation unit (41) that updates the parts information based on the parts information when it receives rental item registration information, which includes information on the parts to be lent, which are plant parts that the client terminal wishes to borrow.

[0090] According to the spare parts lending system (1) described above, when information on the parts to be lent is received from a client terminal that wishes to borrow spare parts, the information on those spare parts will be promptly reflected in the parts information.

[0091] The spare parts lending system (1) according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure includes, in the third aspect described above, a compatibility information creation unit (42) that updates the compatibility information when the parts information is updated, using the updated parts information and parts configuration information in which the part numbers of plant parts usable in each user's plant are registered.

[0092] According to the spare parts lending system (1) described above, when a new spare part is registered in the parts information by the parts information creation unit, compatibility information for that new spare part is automatically created.

[0093] The spare parts lending system (1) according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure includes, in the fourth aspect described above, a confirmation request unit (421) that requests the administrator to confirm the updated compatibility information when the compatibility information is updated, and the compatibility information creation unit confirms the compatibility information when the administrator performs a confirmation operation.

[0094] According to the spare parts lending system (1) described above, when compatibility information is updated, a verification process is performed by the administrator, thereby improving the accuracy of the compatibility information. This makes it possible to present compatible plant parts as lending candidates even if the part numbers of the plant parts are different, thereby expanding the lending options. Furthermore, if a part that was initially judged to be compatible is later judged to be incompatible (for example, if it was thought that only the material was different, but it is found that the rate of wear is also significantly different), the administrator can update the compatibility information to the correct content by changing it from compatible to incompatible.

[0095] In the spare parts lending system (1) according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, in the fifth aspect described above, the compatibility information has a status registered for each plant part, the status of the plant part that is awaiting confirmation from the administrator is set to "awaiting determination", and the lending candidate selection unit excludes the plant part awaiting determination from the selection candidates.

[0096] According to the spare parts lending system (1) described above, it becomes possible to present to the user only plant parts whose compatibility has been confirmed by the administrator as candidates for lending.

[0097] A spare parts lending method according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure includes the steps of: receiving a lending request information regarding the borrowing of plant parts from a client terminal; when the lending request information is received, selecting candidate plant parts that can be lent based on part information which associates the plant parts that can be lent with user identification information for identifying the user who possesses the plant parts, and compatibility information which registers whether or not each of the lentable plant parts is compatible with each user; and transmitting lending candidate information including the information of the selected plant parts to the client terminal which is the source of the lending request information.

[0098] The spare parts lending program relating to the eighth aspect of this disclosure is a purchase support program for enabling a computer to function as a spare parts lending system as described in any of the first to sixth aspects described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1: Spare parts lending system 3: Network 11: CPU 12: Auxiliary storage device 13: Main memory 14: Communication devices 15: Input section 16:Display section 18: Bus 21: Spare Parts Database 31: Receiving unit 32: Loan Candidate Selection Department 33: Transmitter 41: Parts Information Creation Department 42: Compatibility Information Creation Department 43: Loan Information Creation Department 60: Administrator terminal 70 (70a~70d): Client terminal 80: Client terminal 421: Confirmation Request Department

Claims

1. A spare parts lending system that is capable of communicating with multiple client terminals, A receiving unit that receives borrowing request information regarding the borrowing of plant parts from the aforementioned client terminal, When the aforementioned borrowing request information is received, a loan candidate selection unit selects candidates for plant parts that can be loaned based on part information, which associates the plant part with user identification information for identifying the user who possesses the plant part; compatibility information, which registers whether or not the plant part is compatible with each user; and loan information for the plant part. A transmission unit transmits loan candidate information, including information on the selected plant parts, to the client terminal which is the source of the loan request information. A spare parts lending system equipped with the following features.

2. The spare parts lending system according to claim 1, further comprising a compatibility information creation unit that creates the compatibility information using the part numbers of each plant part registered in the parts information and parts configuration information in which the part numbers of plant parts usable in each user's plant are registered.

3. The spare parts lending system according to claim 1, further comprising a parts information creation unit that updates the parts information based on the parts information when it receives rental item registration information, which includes information on the parts to be lent, which are plant parts that the client terminal wishes to borrow.

4. The spare parts lending system according to claim 3, further comprising a compatibility information creation unit that updates the compatibility information using the updated part information and part configuration information in which the part numbers of plant parts usable in each user's plant are registered when the part information is updated.

5. When the aforementioned compatibility information is updated, the system includes a confirmation request unit that requests the administrator to confirm the updated compatibility information. The spare parts lending system according to claim 4, wherein the compatibility information creation unit confirms the compatibility information when the administrator performs a confirmation operation.

6. The aforementioned compatibility information includes a status registered for each plant component. The status of the aforementioned plant component, which is currently being requested to be confirmed by the aforementioned administrator, is "awaiting determination." The spare parts lending system according to claim 5, wherein the loan candidate selection unit excludes the plant parts awaiting determination from the selection candidates.

7. The process of receiving borrowing request information regarding the borrowing of plant parts from a client terminal, Upon receiving the aforementioned borrowing request information, the process involves selecting candidate plant parts that can be loaned based on part information, which associates the plant part with user identification information for identifying the user who possesses the plant part; compatibility information, which registers whether the plant part is compatible with each user; and the loan information for the plant part. The process involves transmitting loan candidate information, including information on the selected plant parts, to the client terminal which is the source of the loan request information. A method of lending and borrowing spare parts that is performed by a computer.

8. A spare parts lending program for causing a computer to function as a spare parts lending system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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