Server device, delivery method, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device that can quickly deliver report files. [Solution] In the server device 200, the intermittent appending unit 250 intermittently appends log information about newly created or updated records in the database 210 to the report file for the store at predetermined time intervals. When a store terminal requests to download the report file, the supplemental appending unit 260 appends the log information since the last append by the intermittent appending unit 250 to the report file. When the supplemental appending unit 260 starts appending, the providing unit 270 makes the intermittent appending unit 250 wait for appending, and when the supplemental appending unit 260 completes appending, it provides the report file to the customer terminal. Then, when the providing unit 270 has finished providing the report file, the restarting unit 280 initializes the report file, releases the waiting state of the intermittent appending unit 250, and resumes appending.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a providing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, sales systems for conducting e-commerce transactions through the Internet have become popular. For example, in a large-scale sales system composed of many shops (virtual stores), not only does it handle a wide range of categories of products as a whole, but there may also be price competition among the shops, and it is used by many users. In such a sales system, it often provides a service (logistics outsourcing service) that substitutes for the logistics operations of the shops. The logistics outsourcing service, for example, uses a logistics management system that cooperates with the sales system to substitute for the logistics operations of the shops that have entrusted their logistics operations. For example, in the logistics management system, each product handled by a shop that has entrusted its logistics operations is managed in a dedicated warehouse. When a product of that shop is purchased by a user, a series of logistics operations such as picking the target product from the warehouse, inspecting it, and shipping the packaged product to the user are substituted.

[0003] The person in charge of the shop that has entrusted its logistics operations accesses the logistics management system to download a report file in which information (log information) about each product is recorded in order to know the management status of the products, etc. This report file is created by processing information read from the database of the logistics management system into a format such as CSV (Comma-Separated Values). Also, depending on the number of products and sales status, etc., the information may be of a large volume, and it may take a long time to create the report file. Therefore, when creating a report file after a request to download the report file is received from the shop, a communication timeout may occur, and the download may not be possible.

[0004] Furthermore, as prior art for shortening download times, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention of a server device (file distribution server) that shortens download times by having users download differential files. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-260212 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 above assumes that the client has already obtained previous versions of the files, and therefore could not be applied when a shop that has outsourced logistics operations downloads a report file to find out the status of product management, etc.

[0007] Given these circumstances, there was a need for technology that could allow users to quickly download report files, which typically take some time to create.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a server device, a method for providing reports, and a program that can provide reports quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A server device according to the first aspect of the present invention is An intermittent appending unit that intermittently appends log information about newly created or updated records in the database to a customer report file at predetermined time intervals, When the customer requests to download the report file from the customer terminal used by the customer, the supplementary appending unit appends the log information since the last append by the intermittent appending unit to the report file. When the supplementary appending unit starts appending, the intermittent appending unit waits for the appending to complete, and when the supplementary appending unit completes the appending, the providing unit provides the report file to the customer terminal. When the provisioning unit completes the provision of the report file, the restarting unit initializes the report file, then releases the waiting state of the intermittent appending unit and resumes appending, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0010] Furthermore, in the server device relating to the above viewpoint, The intermittent appending unit may append the log information since the last append, or the log information since the supplementary appending unit supplemented, to the report file.

[0011] Furthermore, in the server device relating to the above viewpoint, The intermittent appending unit and the supplementary appending unit may append the log information, processed into a predetermined format, to the report file.

[0012] Furthermore, in the server device relating to the above viewpoint, The restart unit may, after copying the report file to a history file and initializing the report file, or after switching to a newly created file with a different name as the report file, release the waiting state of the intermittent appending unit and resume appending.

[0013] A method of providing information according to a second aspect of the present invention is: A method of provision performed by a server device, An intermittent appending step is performed to intermittently append log information about newly created or updated records in the database to a customer report file at predetermined time intervals. When the customer requests to download the report file from the customer terminal used by the customer, a supplementary appending step is performed to append the log information added to the report file since the last append in the intermittent appending step, When the addition is started in the supplementary addition step, the addition by the intermittent addition step is put on hold, and when the addition is completed in the supplementary addition step, the report file is provided to the customer terminal in a provision step. Once the provision of the report file is completed in the provision step, the report file is initialized, and then the waiting period of the intermittent append step is released and appending resumes. It is characterized by having the following features.

[0014] A program relating to the third aspect of the present invention is: On the computer, An intermittent appending step that adds log information about newly created or updated records in the database to the customer report file at predetermined time intervals. When the customer requests to download the report file from the customer terminal used by the customer, a supplementary appending step is performed to append the log information added to the report file since the last append in the intermittent appending step. When the addition is started in the supplementary addition step, the addition by the intermittent addition step is put on hold, and when the addition is completed in the supplementary addition step, the report file is provided to the customer terminal in a provision step. Once the provision of the report file is completed in the provision step, the report file is initialized, and then the wait in the intermittent append step is released and appending is resumed. It is characterized by causing the execution of the following:

[0015] The above program may be distributed and sold via a computer network, independently of the computer on which it is executed. Furthermore, the information recording medium for recording the above program is a non-transitory recording medium and can be distributed and sold independently of the computer. Here, the non-transitory recording medium refers to a tangible recording medium. Non-transitory recording media include, for example, compact discs, flexible discs, hard disks, magneto-optical discs, digital video discs, magnetic tapes, semiconductor memories, etc. Also, a transitory recording medium refers to the transmission medium (propagating signal) itself. Transitory recording media include, for example, electrical signals, optical signals, electromagnetic waves, etc. Note that a temporary memory area is an area for temporarily storing data and programs, and is, for example, a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a report file can be provided quickly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the logistics management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a typical information processing device in which a server device and the like according to this embodiment are realized. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the product management information stored in the database. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the log information. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing timing of the intermittent writing part. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing timing of the replenishment writing part. [Figure 8]This is a schematic diagram to explain the case where the download period and the processing timing of the intermittent append section overlap. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the processing timing of the resuming intermittent appending section. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the provisioning process according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the processing timing of the intermittent appending unit according to other embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. In the embodiments of the present invention, a case is described in which a report file containing log information is downloaded to a store terminal from a logistics management system that handles the logistics operations of a store (shop). However, this is just one example, and the invention can be appropriately applied to downloading various files that require a certain amount of time to create from other systems. In other words, the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art may adopt embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalents, and these embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0019] (Overall structure) As shown in Figure 1, the logistics management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a server device 200, a sales server 300, and a store terminal 400. The server device 200, the sales server 300, and the store terminal 400 are connected to each other via the Internet 900, which is an example of a network. Although Figure 1 shows only a few store terminals 400, this is for the purpose of making the invention easier to understand. In reality, the number of store terminals 400 will be larger, depending on the number of stores that have outsourced their logistics operations to the logistics management system 100.

[0020] The server device 200 is, for example, a computer for use as a server, and it handles the logistics operations of stores that have outsourced their logistics operations. As an example, the server device 200 manages goods (goods from stores that have outsourced logistics operations) in the warehouse of a business that provides logistics outsourcing services. The server device 200 can also communicate with warehouse terminals (not shown) used by warehouse workers, and delivery terminals (not shown) used by delivery personnel. The server device 200 manages each product handled by the store (the store that has outsourced its logistics operations) in a warehouse, and when a product from that store is purchased by a user through the sales server 300, it issues instructions to workers via a warehouse terminal to pick the product from the warehouse, inspect it, pack it, and ship it to the user, thus handling a series of logistics operations on behalf of the store. Furthermore, the server device 200 intermittently appends log information, such as the work involved in handling the managed products, to the report file. When a store terminal 400 requests to download the report file, the server device 200 provides (allows download) the report file to the store terminal 400, supplemented with log information updated since the most recent append timing.

[0021] The sales server 300 is, for example, a computer for servers that manages the sales site where products are sold. For example, the sales server 300 also handles products from stores that have outsourced their logistics operations. When a user purchases a product from one of these stores, the sales server 300 sends the product's dispatch and shipping information to the server device 200.

[0022] The store terminal 400 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or PC (personal computer), and is used by stores that have outsourced their logistics operations. For example, the store terminal 400 accesses the server device 200, requests the download of a report file, and downloads the report file provided in response.

[0023] (Overview of the information processing device configuration) A typical information processing device 500, which implements the server device 200 and the like according to this embodiment, will be described.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 504, an image processing unit 505, an audio processing unit 506, an auxiliary storage unit 507, an interface 508, an operation unit 509, and a display unit 510.

[0025] The CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire information processing unit 500, and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

[0026] The ROM 502 stores the IPL (Initial Program Loader), which is executed immediately after power-on. When this is executed, the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 507 is read into the RAM 503, and the CPU 501 begins executing that program.

[0027] RAM 503 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and it holds programs and data read from the auxiliary storage unit 507, as well as other data necessary for communication.

[0028] The NIC504 is used to connect the information processing unit 500 to computer communication networks such as the Internet. It consists of components such as those conforming to the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standards used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network), analog modems for connecting to the Internet using telephone lines, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modems, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modems, and cable modems for connecting to the Internet using cable television lines.

[0029] The image processing unit 505 processes the image data read from the auxiliary storage unit 507, etc., using the CPU 501 and an image processing processor (not shown) provided in the image processing unit 505, and then records it in a frame memory (not shown) provided in the image processing unit 505. The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to the display unit 510 via the interface 508, etc. In other words, under the control of the CPU 501, the image processing unit 505 generates the images necessary as the processing performed by the information processing device 500 progresses, and displays those images on the display unit 510.

[0030] The audio processing unit 506 converts audio data read from the auxiliary storage unit 507, etc., into an audio signal and outputs it, for example, to an external speaker. In other words, under the control of the CPU 501, the audio processing unit 506 generates the audio that should be produced during the processing performed by the information processing device 500 and outputs that audio from the speaker.

[0031] The auxiliary storage unit 507 is a hard disk or the like, and stores various programs and data necessary for the overall operation control of the information processing device 500. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 507 stores a program for realizing the server device 200, etc., according to this embodiment. Then, under the control of the CPU 501, the auxiliary storage unit 507 reads the stored programs and data as appropriate and temporarily stores them in the RAM 503, etc.

[0032] The interface 508 is connected to the operation unit 509 and the display unit 510. The interface 508 may also send and receive necessary information with other connected external devices.

[0033] The operation unit 509 receives operation input from workers and others using the information processing device 500.

[0034] The display unit 510 draws an image corresponding to the image data output by the image processing unit 505 and presents it to the worker or other person using the information processing device 500.

[0035] In addition, the information processing device 500 may be equipped with a drive unit such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM instead of the auxiliary storage unit 507. In this case, the information processing device 500 reads programs and data from the DVD-ROM or the like installed in the drive unit and operates in the same manner as described above.

[0036] (Embodiment) The server device 200 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 9. This server device 200 is realized by the information processing device 500 described above. For example, when power is turned on to the information processing device 500, a program that enables it to function as a server device 200 is executed, and the server device 200 according to this embodiment is realized.

[0037] (Server device functional configuration) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server device 200 according to an embodiment. As shown in the figure, the server device 200 includes a database 210, a communication unit 220, an instruction unit 230, an update unit 240, an intermittent appending unit 250, a supplementary appending unit 260, a provisioning unit 270, and a restart unit 280.

[0038] The database 210 stores various information necessary for the operation of the logistics management system 100 in an updatable format. For example, database 210 stores product management information 211 for managing products consigned by each store.

[0039] Specifically, the database 210 stores product management information 211 as shown in Figure 4. This product management information 211 includes, as an example, store ID 211a, product ID 211b, arrival date and time 211c, receiving date and time 211d, picking date and time 211e, inspection date and time 211f, packing date and time 211g, shipping date and time 211h, and delivery completion date and time 211i. In other words, for each store ID of a store that has outsourced its logistics operations, it is possible to manage the entire process from arrival (receiving) to delivery completion for each product. Furthermore, each record in the product management information 211 (product ID 211b to delivery completion date and time 211i) has update management information attached to it, for example, not shown in the diagram, making it possible to determine the record's creation date and time, and the record's last update date and time.

[0040] In addition, database 210 also stores store information for each store to which logistics operations are outsourced (store name, address, contact information, etc.), product information for the outsourced goods (product name, size, weight, etc.), and web page information for providing report files to each store (login ID, password, data address, etc.).

[0041] Furthermore, the auxiliary storage unit 507 and other components mentioned above can function as such a database 210.

[0042] Returning to Figure 3, the communication unit 220 sends and receives various information with the sales server 300, the store terminal 400, and the warehouse terminal (including delivery terminals, etc.). For example, when goods arrive at a store for which logistics operations have been outsourced and are stored in the warehouse, the communications unit 220 sends the arrival information of the target products to the sales server 300. Upon receiving this arrival information, the sales server 300 creates a new product page for the target store or adds to the inventory quantity of an existing product page, making the target products available for sale. Furthermore, when a product from a store whose logistics operations have been outsourced is purchased by a customer via the sales server 300, the server receives the outbound and shipping information for the product sent from the sales server 300. Furthermore, the communications unit 220 receives a request from the store terminal 400 to download the report file. The communications unit 220 then works in cooperation with the provisioning unit 270 (described later) to provide the report file to the store terminal 400 (allow it to download). In addition, the communication unit 220 transmits instructions to warehouse terminals (such as picking instructions, inspection instructions, packing instructions, and shipping instructions for goods) and receives work information sent from warehouse terminals (such as completion of receiving goods, receiving goods, picking, inspection, packing, and shipping).

[0043] Furthermore, the aforementioned NIC504, etc., can function as such a communication unit 220.

[0044] The instruction unit 230, via the warehouse terminal, instructs warehouse workers on various tasks related to handling goods. For example, when the communication unit 220 receives outbound / shipping information for the target product sent from the sales server 300, the instruction unit 230 sends a picking instruction for the target product to the warehouse terminal. Then, when the communication unit 220 receives confirmation of picking completion from the warehouse terminal, the instruction unit 230 sends an inspection instruction for the target product to the warehouse terminal. Similarly, the instruction unit 230 transmits packing instructions, shipping instructions, etc., to the warehouse terminal.

[0045] Furthermore, the CPU 501 mentioned above can function as such an instruction unit 230.

[0046] The update unit 240 updates the database 210 according to the performance of various tasks related to handling the products. In other words, the update unit 240 updates each record of the product management information 211 shown in Figure 4 above (product ID 211b to delivery completion date and time 211i) according to the work information sent from the warehouse terminal. For example, when the communication unit 220 receives a notification of completion of receiving goods from the warehouse terminal, the update unit 240 creates a new record for the target store ID 211a and updates the product ID 211b and the receiving date and time 211c. Furthermore, when the communication unit 220 receives a notification from the warehouse terminal indicating that the item has been received, the update unit 240 updates the item's receipt date and time 211d. Similarly, the update unit 240 updates the picking date and time 211e, inspection date and time 211f, packing date and time 211g, and shipping date and time 211h of the target record, respectively, according to the work information (picking completed, inspection completed, packing completed, shipping completed). Furthermore, when the communication unit 220 receives a delivery completion notification sent from the delivery person's terminal, the update unit 240 updates the delivery completion date and time 211i of the target record.

[0047] Furthermore, the CPU 501 mentioned above can function as such an update unit 240.

[0048] The intermittent appending unit 250 intermittently appends log information about newly created or updated records in the database 210 to the report file RF sent to the store that outsourced the logistics operations at predetermined time intervals. For example, each time an append timing occurs, the intermittent appending unit 250 searches for records in the product management information 211 (target store ID 211a) that have been newly created or updated since the last append, and appends the log information of the found records to the report file RF. The intermittent appending unit 250 searches for records where the date and time information, such as arrival date and time, receiving date and time, shipping date and time, inspection date and time, packing date and time, shipping date and time, and delivery completion date and time, is after the timing of the last append. The intermittent appending unit 250 also searches for records where the timing of record creation is after the timing of the last append. Specifically, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information LD, as shown in Figure 5, to the report file RF. Note that the log information LD in Figure 5 is shown in CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format, but this is just one example; log information LD processed in JSON (JavaScript® Object Notation) format, XML (Extensible Markup Language), or other formats may also be appended to the report file RF. In other words, the log information (LD) is not limited to CSV; it can be any other data format as long as it indicates the retrieved record.

[0049] The timing of the append function of this intermittent appending unit 250 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an example where the appending timing occurs every 15 minutes. As shown in Figure 6, first, at 11:00, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information of newly created or updated records during the period P1 (10:45 to 11:00, more precisely, 10:45.00 to 10:59.99, etc.) to the report file RF. Next, at 11:15, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information of newly created or updated records during period P2 (11:00-11:15) to the report file RF. Next, at 11:30, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information of newly created or updated records during period P3 (11:15-11:30) to the report file RF. In this way, each time the timing for appending data arrives, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information of newly created or updated records since the last append to the report file RF.

[0050] Furthermore, the CPU 501 mentioned above can function as such an intermittent appending unit 250.

[0051] Returning to Figure 3, when the store terminal 400 requests the download of the report file RF, the supplemental appending unit 260 appends the log information since the last append by the intermittent appending unit 250 to the report file RF. For example, the supplement / append unit 260 responds to a download request and searches for records in the product management information 211 (target store ID 211a) that have been newly created or updated since the last append by the intermittent append unit 250, and appends the log information of the found records to the report file RF. In this case, the supplementary appending unit 260 also appends the log information LD, which has been processed into CSV format as shown in Figure 5 above, to the report file RF. If the intermittent appending unit 250 appends the log information LD, which has been processed into JSON format or the like, to the report file RF, the supplementary appending unit 260 shall also append the log information LD, which has been processed into the same JSON format or the like, to the report file RF.

[0052] The timing of the additions made by this supplementary addition section 260 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, at 11:30, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends the log information for period P3 (11:15-11:30) to the report file RF. Then, at 11:37, when a download request is made from the store terminal 400, the supplementary appending unit 260 appends the log information of newly created or updated records during period P4 (11:30-11:37) to the report file RF.

[0053] Furthermore, the CPU 501 mentioned above can function as such a supplement / addition unit 260.

[0054] Returning to Figure 3, when the supplement / addition unit 260 starts adding data, the supply unit 270 waits for the intermittent addition unit 250 to complete the addition. Once the supplement / addition unit 260 has finished adding data, the supply unit 270 provides (allows download) the report file RF to the store terminal 400. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the addition C1 by the supplementary addition unit 260 and the download C2 by the store terminal 400 take a certain amount of time. In some cases, the addition timing for the intermittent addition unit 250 may arrive at 11:45 (11:45) during the download C2. Therefore, the supply unit 270 puts the intermittent appending unit 250 into a standby state, preventing it from performing appending even when the appending timing arrives.

[0055] Furthermore, the CPU 501 mentioned above can function as such a supply unit 270.

[0056] Returning to Figure 3, when the above-mentioned provisioning unit 270 has finished providing the report file RF to the store terminal 400, the restart unit 280 initializes the report file RF (erases the contents of the file), then releases the standby state of the intermittent appending unit 250 and resumes appending. For example, the restart unit 280 releases the standby state of the intermittent appending unit 250 and resumes appending from the next appending timing. When releasing the standby state, the restart unit 280 transmits to the intermittent appending unit 250 the time when the supplementary appending unit 260 appended the log information. For example, as shown in Figure 9(a), once download C2 is complete, the restart unit 280 releases the intermittent appending unit 250 from waiting. Then, at 12:00 (12:00), which is the first appending timing after the release, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information of records newly created or updated during period P5 (11:37~12:00) to the report file RF. Thereafter, at each subsequent appending timing every 15 minutes, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information to the report file RF. In the case of Figure 9(a), at the first append timing after the standby is released, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information for a period P5 of 15 minutes or more to the report file RF, which may increase the load compared to normal. Therefore, when the standby is released, the appending timing of the intermittent appending unit 250 may be appropriately adjusted. For example, as shown in Figure 9(b), once download C2 is complete, the restart unit 280 releases the intermittent appending unit 250 from waiting. At that time, the restart unit 280 transmits not only the time (11:37) when the supplementary appending unit 260 appended log information, but also the timing of the next append (11:52) to the intermittent appending unit 250. Then, at the instructed appending time of 11:52 (11:52), the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information of records newly created or updated during period P6 (11:37-11:52) to the report file RF. Thereafter, at the next 15-minute interval appending timing, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information to the report file RF.

[0057] Furthermore, the CPU 501 mentioned above can function as such a restart unit 280.

[0058] (Operation of the server device according to the embodiment) The operation of the server device 200 will be explained below with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the provisioning process executed by the server device 200. This provisioning process is executed in a separate process for each store that has outsourced its logistics operations. In other words, a separate report file is prepared for each store. It is assumed that each report file is initialized when the provisioning process starts.

[0059] First, the server device 200 determines whether or not the timing for appending data has arrived (step S11). When the server device 200 determines that it is time to append information (step S11; Yes), it appends the log information (step S12). In other words, the intermittent appending unit 250 searches for records in the product management information 211 (target store ID 211a) that have been newly created or updated since the last append, and appends the log information of the found records to the report file RF. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information for period P1 (10:45~11:00) to the report file RF if it is currently 11:00, appends log information for period P2 (11:00~11:15) to the report file RF if it is currently 11:15, and appends log information for period P3 (11:15~11:30) to the report file RF if it is currently 11:30.

[0060] Then, after appending the log information to the report file RF in this manner, the server device 200 returns to step S11 described above.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that the time for adding data has not yet arrived (Step S11; No), the server device 200 determines whether or not a download request has been made (Step S13). In other words, the server device 200 determines whether a request to download the report file RF has been made from the target store terminal 400.

[0062] If the server device 200 determines that there is no download request (step S13; No), it returns to step S11 described above.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined that a download request has been made (step S13; Yes), the server device 200 will wait for intermittent appending (step S14). In other words, the data provisioning unit 270 waits for the data to be added by the intermittent data addition unit 250.

[0064] The server device 200 replenishes the log information (step S15). In other words, the supplementary appending unit 260 searches for records in the product management information 211 (target store ID 211a) that have been newly created or updated since the last appending by the intermittent appending unit 250, and appends the log information of the found records to the report file RF. For example, as shown in Figure 7, if at 11:30 (11:30) the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information for period P3 (11:15~11:30) to the report file RF, and then at 11:37 (11:37) a download request is made from the store terminal 400, the supplementary appending unit 260 appends log information of newly created or updated records during period P4 (11:30~11:37) to the report file RF.

[0065] The server device 200 provides the report file (step S16). In other words, the supply unit 270 provides (allows download) the report file RF, which has been supplemented with log information in step S15 above, to the requesting store terminal 400.

[0066] The server device 200 determines whether the download is complete or not (step S17), and waits for subsequent processing if the download is not complete (step S17; No). Then, when it is determined that the download is complete (step S17; Yes), the server device 200 initializes the report file (step S18). In other words, the restart unit 280 erases all log information that was recorded in the report file RF.

[0067] The server device 200 resumes intermittent appending (step S19). Then, the server device 200 returns to step S11 described above. In other words, the server device 200 returns to step S11 described above and resumes intermittent appending. For example, as shown in Figure 9(a), once download C2 is complete, the restart unit 280 releases the intermittent appending unit 250 from standby. At that time, the restart unit 280 transmits to the intermittent appending unit 250 the time (11:37) when the supplementary appending unit 260 appended the log information. Then, at 12:00 (Step S11; Yes), which is the first append timing after the release, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information of newly created or updated records during period P5 (11:37~12:00) to the report file RF (Step S12). In addition, as shown in Figure 9(b), for example, once download C2 is complete, the restart unit 280 releases the intermittent appending unit 250 from waiting. At that time, the restart unit 280 may transmit not only the time (11:37) when the supplementary appending unit 260 appended log information, but also the timing of the next append (11:52) to the intermittent appending unit 250. In this case, when the instructed appending timing of 11:52 (11:52) occurs (Step S11; Yes), the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information of newly created or updated records during the period P6 (11:37-11:52) to the report file RF (Step S12).

[0068] This processing method allows most of the report files to be prepared in advance, enabling them to be provided immediately upon download request. As a result, report files can be provided quickly.

[0069] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the case in which the intermittent appending unit 250 intermittently appends log information to the report file RF at 15-minute intervals was described. However, this is just one example, and the intermittent appending unit 250 may append log information to the report file RF at other time intervals. Furthermore, the intermittent appending unit 250 may be configured to append log information at different time intervals for each store, depending on the volume of goods handled by the store to which logistics operations are outsourced, the frequency of product sales, etc. For example, if the quantity of goods handled by a store to which logistics operations have been outsourced falls below a certain number, or if the frequency of product sales falls below a certain value, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information to the report file RF at 30-minute intervals, as shown in Figure 11(a).

[0070] Furthermore, the time interval may be changed depending on the time of day. For example, in the case of a store where sales are low during the late night to early morning hours (for example, 3:30 AM to 4:30 AM), the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information to the report file RF at 30-minute intervals only during that time period (03:30 to 04:30), as shown in Figure 11(b). Then, before and after that time period, the intermittent appending unit 250 appends log information to the report file RF at 15-minute intervals.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the restart unit 280 was described as simply initializing the report file RF, but it is also possible to duplicate (copy) the report file RF to a history file before initializing the report file RF. Furthermore, the restart unit 280 may switch to a newly created file with a different name as the report file RF (i.e., switch the report file RF to which the appended information is added). For example, the restart unit 280 may switch to a file with a different name that includes the date and time the supplement appending unit 260 made the appended information in its filename as the report file RF. In other words, it may be possible to determine from the filename that log information has been appended from that date and time onward.

[0072] As described above, the present invention provides a server device, a method for providing reports, and a program that can quickly provide report files. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 100 Logistics Management Systems 200 Server Devices 210 Databases 211 Product management information 220 Communications Department 230 Instruction section 240 Update Department 250 Intermittent Addition Section 260 Supplementary and Additional Section 270 Provision Department 280 Resumption Department 300 sales servers 400 store terminals 500 Information Processing Devices 501 CPU 502 ROM 503 RAM 504 NIC 505 Image Processing Unit 506 Audio Processing Unit 507 Auxiliary storage 508 Interface 509 Control Unit 510 Display Unit 900 Internet

Claims

1. An intermittent appending unit that intermittently appends log information about newly created or updated records in the database to a customer report file at predetermined time intervals, When the customer requests to download the report file from the customer terminal used by the customer, the supplementary appending unit appends the log information since the last append by the intermittent appending unit to the report file. When the supplementary appending unit starts appending, the intermittent appending unit waits for the appending to complete, and when the supplementary appending unit completes the appending, the providing unit provides the report file to the customer terminal. When the provisioning unit completes the provision of the report file, the restarting unit initializes the report file, then releases the waiting state of the intermittent appending unit and resumes appending, A server device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The intermittent appending unit appends the log information since the last append, or the log information since the supplementary appending unit supplemented, to the report file. The server device according to feature 1.

3. The intermittent appending unit and the supplementary appending unit append the log information, processed into a predetermined format, to the report file. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The restart unit, after copying the report file to the history file and then initializing the report file, or after switching to a newly created file with a different name as the report file, releases the waiting state of the intermittent appending unit and resumes appending. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A method of provision performed by a server device, An intermittent appending step is performed to intermittently append log information about newly created or updated records in the database to a customer report file at predetermined time intervals. When the customer requests to download the report file from the customer terminal used by the customer, a supplementary appending step is performed to append the log information added to the report file since the last append in the intermittent appending step, When the addition is started in the supplementary addition step, the addition by the intermittent addition step is put on hold, and when the addition is completed in the supplementary addition step, the report file is provided to the customer terminal in a provision step. Once the provision of the report file is completed in the provision step, the report file is initialized, and then the waiting period of the intermittent append step is released and appending resumes. A method of providing a product characterized by comprising the following features.

6. On the computer, An intermittent appending step that adds log information about newly created or updated records in the database to the customer report file at predetermined time intervals. When the customer requests to download the report file from the customer terminal used by the customer, a supplementary appending step is performed to append the log information added to the report file since the last append in the intermittent appending step. When the addition is started in the supplementary addition step, the addition by the intermittent addition step is put on hold, and when the addition is completed in the supplementary addition step, the report file is provided to the customer terminal in a provision step. Once the provision of the report file is completed in the provision step, the report file is initialized, and then the wait in the intermittent append step is released and appending is resumed. A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

Images