Container usage fee calculation processing device, container usage fee calculation processing method, and container usage fee calculation processing program

Abstract

This invention was made in view of the above issues, and aims to provide a container usage fee calculation processing device, etc., that can calculate and process the billing of the amount of usage fees for industrial gas containers. [Solution] In this embodiment, (1) based on a contract specifying the period during which containers delivered to a customer in connection with the sale of gas can be retained by the customer, a list of containers that have been retained for longer than the agreed period and the usage fee can be calculated, (2) calculations can be made using information managed under the obligation to manage the movement status of containers under the High Pressure Gas Safety Act, (3) in order to respond when the base container receipt and payment information changes, it is possible to delete and recreate the calculated billing candidate data, and (4) it is possible to calculate the expected delinquency status not only for the specified year and month, but also for the following month, the month after that, and three months later.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container usage fee billing calculation processing device, a container usage fee billing calculation processing method, and a container usage fee billing calculation processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for automating gas sales management based on the gas usage amount of a gas supply destination.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, for products such as industrial gases like oxygen and nitrogen that are transported while contained in containers such as gas cylinders and are installed at the customer's (client side) location as a whole container, not only the gas but also the container containing the gas is strictly managed in terms of where, by whom, and for how long it is used. If it is within a previously agreed period (free period), no container usage fee is incurred (it is free). However, if the state where the container is installed at the customer continues beyond the previously agreed period, in addition to the gas usage fee, a monthly container usage fee (arrears) is incurred according to the excess period. Therefore, a mechanism for calculating and billing the amount of the container usage fee for industrial gas containers is proposed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a container usage fee billing calculation processing device, a container usage fee billing calculation processing method, and a container usage fee billing calculation processing program that can perform processing for calculating and billing the amount of the container usage fee for industrial gas containers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the container usage fee calculation processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a calculation processing unit that calculates a list of containers that have been held for longer than the agreed period, and the usage fee, based on a contract that specifies the period during which the containers delivered to the customer in connection with the sale of gas can be held by the customer; and a billing processing unit that bills the container usage fee to customers for whom a container usage fee has been incurred.

[0007] Furthermore, in the container usage fee calculation processing device according to the present invention, the calculation processing device may use information managed under the obligation to manage the movement status of containers under the High Pressure Gas Safety Act to calculate a list of containers held for longer than the agreed period and the usage fee.

[0008] Furthermore, in the container usage fee billing processing device according to the present invention, the calculation processing device may include: a reception unit that accepts the designation of a determination year and month; a creation unit that acquires container information whose status is "shipped" as of the first day (beginning of the month) of the designated determination year and month as a temporary table and creates candidate data for the occurrence of usage fee billing; a matching unit that refers to the container usage fee contract master and matches the created candidate data with the container usage fee contract master; and a determination unit that, as a result of the matching, determines from the date-related information of the acquired container usage fee contract master whether containers that have been shipped are subject to usage fee billing. The billing processing device may bill for usage fees if containers that have been shipped are subject to usage fee billing.

[0009] Furthermore, in the container usage fee billing processing device according to the present invention, the creation unit may obtain monthly container status data for the month prior to the determination month in order to obtain the status of the container as of the last day of the month prior to the determination month, and obtain the latest status for each container symbol number in the monthly container status data.

[0010] Furthermore, in the container usage fee billing processing device according to the present invention, the creation unit may decompose the monthly container status data into four statuses for each container symbol number: incoming, outgoing, picked up, and brought in. The results of the decomposition into the four statuses are sorted in descending order according to the priority of container symbol number > container movement date and time > status, and a display order is assigned to each container symbol number. Information with a display order of 1 and a status of outgoing may be used as candidate data for generating a usage fee bill.

[0011] Furthermore, in the container usage fee billing processing device according to the present invention, when the matching unit matches the candidate data with the container usage fee contract master, it may select the item with the most matches with a high priority item in the order of customer > delivery destination > supplier > product > container affiliation.

[0012] Furthermore, in the container usage fee billing processing device according to the present invention, the determination unit may determine that a usage fee is applicable if the first day of the month following the date of container movement of the candidate data is used as the starting date, the day before the day obtained by adding the free period to the starting date is earlier than the first day of the determination month, the date of container movement of the candidate data is before the contract start date of the container usage fee contract master, and the date of container movement of the candidate data is after the contract end date of the container usage fee contract master.

[0013] Furthermore, in the container usage fee billing processing device according to the present invention, the determination unit may, for the list of container information whose status is "shipped" as of the day before the day on which the free loan period is added to the starting date, refer to the container usage fee contract master from the transaction conditions, obtain the shipping determination date and the free loan period, and determine whether it is subject to a usage fee billing.

[0014] Furthermore, in the container usage fee billing processing device according to the present invention, the creation unit may delete and recreate the created candidate data for the occurrence of usage fee billing in order to respond when the base container receipt and payment information changes.

[0015] Furthermore, in the container usage fee billing processing device according to the present invention, the determination unit may simultaneously determine whether or not a container usage fee is incurred not only for the specified determination month, but also on the first day of the following month, the month after that, and three months after that determination month.

[0016] Furthermore, the container usage fee billing calculation method according to the present invention is characterized by including a calculation processing step in which a calculation processing unit calculates a list of containers that have been held for longer than the agreed period, and the usage fee, based on a contract that specifies the period during which the customer may hold the containers delivered in connection with the sale of gas, and a billing processing step in which a billing processing unit bills the customer for the usage fee of the containers for which a usage fee has been incurred.

[0017] Furthermore, the container usage fee calculation processing program according to the present invention is designed to enable the information processing device to function as a calculation processing means for calculating a list of containers that have been held for longer than the agreed period, and the usage fees, based on a contract that specifies the period during which the containers delivered to the customer in connection with the sale of gas can be held by the customer, and as a billing processing means for billing customers for the usage fees incurred for the containers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] This invention has the effect of enabling the calculation and billing of the amount charged for the use of industrial gas containers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a container usage fee billing and calculation processing device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of monthly container status data, container usage fee contract master data, and container usage fee billing data. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a container usage fee billing process that takes monthly container status data and container usage fee contract master as inputs and outputs container usage fee billing data. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the container usage fee billing calculation process. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the process of acquiring monthly container status data. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of status data for each container symbol number, status rearrangement data for each container symbol number, and candidate data for the occurrence of usage fee billing, which are created as temporary tables. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the container usage fee contract master, the container arrears contract master, and the container usage fee billing data. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the container usage fee billing data in other determination examples. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the container usage fee billing calculation processing apparatus, the container usage fee billing calculation processing method, and the container usage fee billing calculation processing program according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

[0021] [1. Configuration] An example of the configuration of the container usage fee billing calculation processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the container usage fee billing calculation processing apparatus 100.

[0022] The container usage fee billing calculation processing apparatus 100 is constructed based on a commercially available desktop personal computer. Note that the container usage fee billing calculation processing apparatus 100 is not limited to being constructed based on a stationary information processing apparatus such as a desktop personal computer, and may be constructed based on a portable information processing apparatus such as a commercially available notebook personal computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), smartphone, or tablet personal computer.

[0023] The container usage fee billing and calculation processing device 100 comprises a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a storage unit 106, and an input / output interface unit 108. Each part of the container usage fee billing and calculation processing device 100 is connected to communicate via any communication path.

[0024] The communication interface unit 104 connects the container usage fee billing and calculation processing unit 100 to the network 300 via communication devices such as routers and wired or wireless communication lines such as dedicated lines. The communication interface unit 104 has the function of communicating data with other devices via communication lines. Here, the network 300 has the function of connecting the container usage fee billing and calculation processing unit 100 and the server 200 so that they can communicate with each other, and is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The data stored in the storage unit 106 may be stored in, for example, the server 200.

[0025] The input / output interface unit 108 is connected to an input device 112 and an output device 114 (corresponding to the output unit of the present invention). The output device 114 can be a monitor (including a household television), a speaker, or a printer. The input device 112 can be a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a monitor that works in conjunction with a mouse to provide pointing device functionality. In the following, the output device 114 may be referred to as the monitor 114, and the input device 112 may be referred to as the keyboard 112 or mouse 112.

[0026] The memory unit 106 stores various databases, tables, and files. The memory unit 106 also stores computer programs that work in cooperation with the OS (Operating System) to give instructions to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform various processes. As the memory unit 106, for example, memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), fixed disk devices such as hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks can be used.

[0027] The storage unit 106 includes monthly container status data 106a, container usage fee contract master 106b, and container usage fee billing data 106c. Figure 2 shows an example of monthly container status data 106a, container usage fee contract master 106b, and container usage fee billing data 106c.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an example of the information stored in the monthly container status data 106a. The monthly container status data 106a stores information such as accounting year and month, container symbol number, container type, receiving status information, shipping status information, pickup status information, and delivery status information. Receiving status information includes information (items) such as the date and time of incoming container movement, the department that performed the action, the supplier, and the received goods. Shipping status information includes information such as the date and time of shipping container movement, the department that performed the action, the customer, the shipped goods, and the shipping container's affiliation. Pickup status information includes information such as the date and time of pickup container movement and the department that performed the action. Delivery status information includes information such as the date and time of delivery container movement and the department that performed the action. Note that each status information refers to the state of the container at the end of each accounting year and month (accounting day or end of month). Receiving refers to the situation where containers are received from the supplier and filled with goods (gas) (supplier → company: full). Shipping refers to the situation where containers are shipped from the company to the customer and filled with goods (company → customer: full). "Collection" refers to the situation where the company receives empty containers from the customer (customer → company: empty). "Delivery" refers to the situation where the company delivers empty containers to the supplier (company → supplier: empty). In other words, the containers move in the following order: supplier → (incoming: full) → company → (shipping: full) → customer → (collection: empty) → company → (delivery: empty) → supplier (empty).

[0029] Figure 2 also shows an example of the information stored in the container usage fee contract master 106b. The container usage fee contract master 106b stores information such as No. (number), container type, department code, supplier code, product code, container ownership code, customer code, delivery destination code, contract start date, contract end date, free period, and monthly fee.

[0030] Figure 2 also shows an example of the information stored in container usage fee billing data 106c. Container usage fee billing data 106c stores information such as No. (number), container information in transit obtained by the logic, information from the master obtained based on transaction information, and results. Container information in transit obtained by the logic includes information such as container symbol number, container transfer date, and start date. Information from the master obtained based on transaction information includes information such as the free period, contract start date, and contract end date. Results include information such as delinquency determination and amount.

[0031] Returning to Figure 1, the control unit 102 is a CPU or similar component that comprehensively controls the container usage fee billing and processing device 100. The control unit 102 has internal memory for storing control programs such as the OS, programs that define various processing procedures, and required data, and executes various information processing based on these stored programs.

[0032] Functionally, the control unit 102 includes a calculation processing unit 102a and a billing processing unit 102b, etc.

[0033] The calculation processing unit 102a uses logic to acquire container information in transit and determines whether it is subject to usage fee billing (subject to overdue billing). Furthermore, the calculation processing unit 102a calculates a list of containers held beyond the agreed-upon period and their usage fees, based on contracts specifying the retention period for containers delivered to customers in connection with gas sales. The calculation processing unit 102a can also perform calculations using information managed under the High Pressure Gas Safety Act's obligation to manage the movement status of containers. Additionally, to accommodate changes in the base container receipt and delivery information, the calculation processing unit 102a allows for the deletion and recreation of existing candidate data for usage fee billing. Moreover, the calculation processing unit 102a can calculate the expected overdue status not only for a specified year and month, but also for the following month, the month after that, and three months later (simultaneously determining whether usage fees for containers are incurred).

[0034] The billing processing unit 102b processes the billing for container usage fees if applicable. In other words, the billing processing unit 102b bills the customer for the container usage fees incurred by the customer.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a container usage fee billing calculation process that takes monthly container status data 106a and container usage fee contract master 106b as inputs and outputs container usage fee billing data 106c. In Figure 3, the calculation processing unit 102a takes monthly container status data 106a and container usage fee contract master 106b as inputs and outputs container usage fee billing data 106c. The process is described in detail below.

[0036] [2. Specific examples of processing] Specific examples of the processes performed by the container usage fee billing calculation processing device 100 will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 4 to 7, following an example of the workflow performed using the container usage fee billing calculation processing device 100. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the container usage fee billing calculation process. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the process of acquiring monthly container status data 106a. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of container symbol number-specific status data 106a1, container symbol number-specific status sorting data 106a2, and candidate data for usage fee billing occurrence 106a3, which are created as temporary tables. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the container usage fee contract master 106b, container delinquent contract master 106b1, and container usage fee billing data 106c. Each data will be described later.

[0037] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the calculation processing unit 102a accepts the determination month and department on the container usage fee billing calculation screen SCR (step S101). In Figure 5, the determination month "2024 / 08" and department "Department B" are specified on the container usage fee billing calculation screen SCR.

[0038] Next, the calculation processing unit 102a obtains monthly container status data 106a that satisfies the condition "Monthly container status data.Accounting year and month = Screen.Judgment year and month - 1 month" (step S102). This condition is used to obtain the container status as of the last day of the month preceding the year and month in which the judgment is to be made.

[0039] Next, the calculation processing unit 102a obtains the latest status for each container symbol number from the acquired monthly container status data 106a (result of step S102) and creates a temporary table of status data 106a1 for each container symbol number (step S103).

[0040] Figure 6 shows an example of the information stored in the container symbol number-specific status data 106a1. The container symbol number-specific status data 106a1 stores information such as the container symbol number, status, date and time of container movement, executing department, receiving supplier, shipping customer, shipped product, shipping container affiliation, and container type.

[0041] At this time, the calculation processing unit 102a obtains the container symbol number, container transfer date, transfer time, department code, shipping slip number, product code, customer code, delivery destination code, and container affiliation from the monthly container status data 106a, and breaks it down into four statuses (received, shipped, picked up, brought in) for each container symbol number, and creates container symbol number status data 106a1 as a result of breaking it down into four statuses.

[0042] Next, the calculation processing unit 102a sorts the status data 106a1 for each container symbol number (the result of step S103) in descending order according to the priority of "container symbol number > container transfer date and time > status" (step S104).

[0043] Next, the calculation processing unit 102a assigns a display order (display order within each container symbol number) to the sorted container symbol number status data 106a1 (result of step S104) and creates a temporary table of sorted container symbol number status data 106a2 (step S105).

[0044] Figure 6 shows an example of the information stored in the container symbol number status sorting data 106a2. The container symbol number status sorting data 106a2 stores information such as the container symbol number, display order within the container symbol number, status, date and time of container movement, executing department, receiving supplier, shipping customer, shipped product, shipping container affiliation, and container type.

[0045] Next, the calculation processing unit 102a extracts only the information from the container symbol number status sorting data 106a2 (result of step S105) that is "display order within container symbol number = 1" and "movement status = "shipped"" for use in subsequent processing, and as a result of the extraction, it creates a temporary table of candidate data 106a3 for usage fee billing occurrences (step S106).

[0046] Figure 6 shows an example of the information stored in candidate data 106a3 for the occurrence of a usage fee invoice. Candidate data 106a3 for the occurrence of a usage fee invoice stores information such as container symbol number, display order within the container symbol number, status, date and time of container movement, executing department, receiving supplier, shipping customer, shipped product, shipping container affiliation, and container type.

[0047] In Figure 6, among the information in the container symbol number status sorting data 106a2, the information where "Display order within container symbol number = 1" and "Movement status = "Shipped"" is the information for container symbol number "B-456", display order within container symbol number "1", status "Shipped", container movement date and time "4 / 15" "12:00", executing department "Department B", receiving supplier "Company S", shipping customer "Company T", shipped product "Nitrogen", shipping container affiliation "Our company", and container type "Y001:Large bottle". Therefore, candidate data 106a3 for usage fee billing will store the information for container symbol number "B-456", display order within container symbol number "1", status "Shipped", container movement date and time "4 / 15" "12:00", executing department "Department B", receiving supplier "Company S", shipping customer "Company T", shipped product "Nitrogen", shipping container affiliation "Our company", and container type "Y001:Large bottle".

[0048] In this way, the calculation processing unit 102a acquires container information that is in the "shipped" status state as of the first day (beginning of the month) of "screen.determination year and month" as a temporary table and creates candidate data 106a3 for when a usage fee will be charged.

[0049] Next, the calculation processing unit 102a matches the candidate data 106a3 for the occurrence of usage fee billing (the result of step S106) with the container usage fee contract master 106b, and as a result of the matching, it creates a temporary table, the container delinquency contract master 106b1 (step S107).

[0050] For example, the calculation processing unit 102a matches the candidate data 106a3 for the occurrence of usage fee billing with the container usage fee contract master 106b according to the following matching conditions.

[0051] (Matching conditions) Candidate data.Container type = Container usage fee contract master.Container type Candidate data. Execution department = Container usage fee contract master. Department code Candidate data. Shipping customer* = Container usage fee contract master. Customer code or not set. Candidate data. Delivery destination code * = Container usage fee contract master. Delivery destination code or not set. Candidate data. Inbound supplier* = Container usage fee contract master. Supplier code or not set. Candidate data.Shipped product* = Container usage fee contract master. Product code or not set. Candidate data. Shipping container affiliation * = Container usage fee contract master. Container affiliation code or not set.

[0052] *The calculation processing unit 102a selects one row (one record) that matches most frequently with high-priority items, in the order of priority "Customer > Delivery destination > Supplier > Product > Container affiliation". In other words, the calculation processing unit 102a selects one row (one record) from each row (each record) of the container usage fee contract master 106b that matches most frequently with high-priority items.

[0053] In this way, the calculation processing unit 102a matches the candidate data 106a3 for the occurrence of usage fee billing with the container usage fee contract master 106b according to the above matching conditions, and selects one row that matches with the highest priority items in the order of "customer > delivery destination > supplier > product > container affiliation," thereby creating a temporary table, the container delinquency contract master 106b1.

[0054] Figure 7 shows an example of the information stored in the container delinquency contract master 106b1. The container delinquency contract master 106b1 stores information such as No. (number), container type, department code, supplier code, product code, container affiliation code, customer code, delivery destination code, contract start date, contract end date, free period, and monthly fee. Since the container delinquency contract master 106b1 is one row (one record) of the container usage fee contract master 106b, the information (items) stored are basically the same.

[0055] In Figure 7, the container delinquency contract master 106b1 is the data for No. "3" in the container usage fee contract master 106b. The container delinquency contract master 106b1 stores information such as container type "Y001", department code "Department B", supplier code "Company S", customer code "Company T", contract start date "23 / 5 / 1", free period "3 months", and monthly fee "¥2,000".

[0056] Next, the calculation processing unit 102a determines whether containers that have been shipped are subject to usage fee billing based on the date-related information in the candidate data 106a3 for usage fee billing occurrence (result of step S106) and the container delinquency contract master 106b1 (result of step S107), and outputs container usage fee billing data 106c based on the result of the determination (step S108).

[0057] The conditions and determination logic for incurring usage fees are as follows. The "starting date" will be the first day of the month following the date of transfer (shipment) of each container. In addition, earlier days will be considered smaller, and later days will be considered larger.

[0058] (Conditions under which usage fees will be charged) Candidate data: Container transfer date (shipping date) followed by the first day of the following month (start date) + Free period (month) - 1 day (previous day) <Screen: First day of the month (beginning of the month) Furthermore, candidate data: container transfer date ≥ container delay contract master: contract start date Furthermore, candidate data.container transfer date ≤ container delay contract master.contract end date

[0059] In other words, if the first day of the month of determination falls after the free period has elapsed, and the container transfer date (shipment) falls between the contract start date and the contract end date (within the contract period), then usage fees will be charged. If the first day of the month of determination falls before the free period has elapsed, if the container transfer date falls before the contract start date, or if the container transfer date falls after the contract end date, then usage fees will not be charged.

[0060] (Decision logic) Container transfer date (shipping) = 24 / 4 / 15 Starting date = First day of the month following the container transfer date (shipment) = 24 / 5 / 1 Starting date "24 / 5 / 1" + Free period "3 months" - 1 day = "24 / 8 / 1" - 1 day = 24 / 7 / 31 "24 / 7 / 31" <Screen. First day of the month and year of determination "24 / 8 / 1" Candidate data. Container transfer date: "24 / 4 / 15" > Container delay contract master. Contract start date: "23 / 5 / 1" Candidate data. Container transfer date: "24 / 4 / 15" < Container overdue contract master. Contract end date: "Not set" Therefore, since all the conditions for being subject to a usage fee claim are met, it is subject to a late payment claim.

[0061] In Figure 7, container usage fee billing data 106c stores container code number "B-456", container transfer date "24 / 4 / 15", and start date "24 / 5 / 1" as container information in transit obtained by the logic. It also stores information from the master obtained based on transaction information, such as the free period "3 months", contract start date "23 / 5 / 1", and contract end date "not set". As a result, it stores information indicating delinquency "applicable" and amount "¥2,000".

[0062] Next, the billing processing unit 102b bills the customer for the container usage fee (step S109).

[0063] [2-1. Other examples of judgments] Figure 8 shows an example of container usage fee billing data 106c in other judgment examples. Here, the judgment month on the processing screen is set to August 2024, and an example of delinquency judgment is explained when the container usage fee contract master 106b is referenced from the transaction conditions for the container information list where the movement status is "shipped" as of July 31, and the shipping judgment date and the free loan period are obtained.

[0064] In Figure 8, container usage fee billing data 106c has four records, No. 1 to 4. The contents and determination logic for each of records No. 1 to 4 are as follows.

[0065] (1) Regarding No. 1 Record No. 1 stores container code number "Z-999", container transfer date "24 / 4 / 15", and start date "24 / 5 / 1" as container information in transit obtained through logic from the moving container information. It also stores information from the master obtained based on transaction information, such as the free period "3 months", contract start date "24 / 5 / 1", and contract end date "not set". As a result, it stores information indicating delinquency "not applicable" and amount "¥0".

[0066] (Decision logic) Container transfer date (shipping) = 24 / 4 / 15 Starting date = First day of the month following the container transfer date (shipment) = 24 / 5 / 1 Starting date "24 / 5 / 1" + Free period "3 months" - 1 day = 24 / 7 / 31 "24 / 7 / 31" <Screen. First day of the month and year of determination "24 / 8 / 1" Candidate data. Container transfer date: "24 / 4 / 15" < Container delay contract master. Contract start date: "24 / 5 / 1" Therefore, since the container transfer date "24 / 4 / 15" is earlier than the contract start date "24 / 5 / 1", it is not subject to late payment charges.

[0067] (2) Regarding No. 2 Record No. 2 stores container code number "C-789", container transfer date "24 / 3 / 20", and start date "24 / 4 / 1" as container information in transit obtained through logic from the moving container information. It also stores information from the master obtained based on transaction information, such as the free period "3 months", contract start date "23 / 5 / 1", and contract end date "not set". As a result, it stores information indicating delinquency "applicable" and amount "¥2,000".

[0068] (Decision logic) Container transfer date (shipping) = 24 / 3 / 20 Starting date = First day of the month following the container transfer date (shipment) = 24 / 4 / 1 Starting date "24 / 4 / 1" + Free period "3 months" - 1 day = 24 / 6 / 30 "24 / 6 / 30" <Screen. First day of the month and year of determination "24 / 8 / 1" Candidate data. Container transfer date: "24 / 3 / 20" > Container delay contract master. Contract start date: "23 / 5 / 1" Candidate data. Container transfer date: "24 / 3 / 20" <Container overdue contract master. Contract end date: "Not set" Therefore, since all the conditions for being subject to a usage fee claim are met, it is subject to a late payment claim.

[0069] (3) Regarding No.3 Record No. 3 stores container code number "D-000", container transfer date "24 / 3 / 10", and start date "24 / 4 / 1" as container information in transit obtained through logic from the moving container information. It also stores information from the master obtained based on transaction information, such as the free period "5 months", contract start date "23 / 5 / 1", and contract end date "not set". As a result, it stores information indicating delinquency "not applicable" and amount "¥0".

[0070] (Decision logic) Container transfer date (shipping) = 24 / 3 / 10 Starting date = First day of the month following the container transfer date (shipment) = 24 / 4 / 1 Starting date "24 / 4 / 1" + Free period "5 months" - 1 day = 24 / 8 / 31 "24 / 8 / 31" > Screen. First day of the month and year of determination: "24 / 8 / 1" Therefore, the starting date "24 / 4 / 1" + the free period "5 months" - 1 day = "24 / 8 / 31" is greater than the first day of the month of determination "24 / 8 / 1", ​​so it is not subject to late payment charges.

[0071] (4) Regarding No. 4 Record No. 4 stores container code number "E-456", container transfer date "24 / 4 / 15", and start date "24 / 5 / 1" as container information in transit obtained through logic from the moving container information. It also stores information from the master obtained based on transaction information, such as the free period "3 months", contract start date "23 / 5 / 1", and contract end date "24 / 4 / 10". As a result, it stores information indicating delinquency "Not applicable" and amount "¥0".

[0072] (Decision logic) Container transfer date (shipping) = 24 / 4 / 15 Starting date = First day of the month following the container transfer date (shipment) = 24 / 5 / 1 Starting date "24 / 5 / 1" + Free period "3 months" - 1 day = 24 / 7 / 31 "24 / 7 / 31" <Screen. First day of the month and year of determination "24 / 8 / 1" Candidate data. Container transfer date: "24 / 4 / 15" > Container delay contract master. Contract start date: "23 / 5 / 1" Candidate data. Container transfer date: "24 / 4 / 15" > Container overdue contract master. Contract end date: "24 / 4 / 10" Therefore, since the container transfer date "24 / 4 / 15" is later than the contract end date "24 / 4 / 10", it is not subject to late payment charges.

[0073] The billing processing unit 102b uses the above information to issue invoices for items for which a fee has been incurred.

[0074] [2-2. Examples of simultaneous assessment for multiple months] The calculation processing unit 102a simultaneously determines whether or not a container usage fee will be incurred at the beginning of the month following the month of determination, the month after that, and three months later. For example, as a simulation, the calculation processing unit 102a also performs arrears determination when the determination is made one month, two months, and three months later.

[0075] (Conditions under which usage fees will be charged) The first day of the month following the transfer date (start date) + free period (months) - 1 day < the first day of the month n months after the determination year + n months (where n is arbitrary) Move-in date ≥ Contract start date Moving date ≤ Contract end date

[0076] It is also possible to run simulations by specifying a future date. Furthermore, it can be used as a service to notify users in advance of late payment charges that will be incurred several months from now.

[0077] [3. Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This embodiment can contribute to improving operational efficiency and promoting appropriate management decisions within companies, thereby enabling contributions to SDGs Goals 8 and 9.

[0078] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and digital processes, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 12, 13, and 15.

[0079] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, thereby enabling contributions to SDG Goal 16.

[0080] [4. Other Embodiments] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

[0081] For example, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods.

[0082] Furthermore, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registration data and search conditions for each process, screen examples, and database configuration shown in this specification and in the drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified.

[0083] Furthermore, with respect to the container usage fee billing and calculation processing device 100, each component shown in the illustration is a functional concept and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown.

[0084] For example, the processing functions of the container usage fee billing and calculation processing device 100, particularly those performed in the control unit, may be implemented in whole or in part by a CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or they may be implemented as wired logic hardware. The program is recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium containing programmed instructions for the information processing device to execute the processing described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by the container usage fee billing and calculation processing device 100 as needed. That is, a storage unit such as ROM or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) contains a computer program that works in cooperation with the OS to give instructions to the CPU and perform various processing. This computer program is executed by being loaded into RAM and works in cooperation with the CPU to constitute the control unit.

[0085] Furthermore, this computer program may be stored on an application program server connected to the container usage fee billing and processing device 100 via any network, and it is possible to download all or part of it as needed.

[0086] Furthermore, the program for executing the processing described in this embodiment may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, or it may be configured as a program product. Here, "recording medium" includes any "portable physical medium" such as memory cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, SD (Secure Digital) cards, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROMs (Registered Trademark) (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), MOs (Magneto-Optical disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), and Blu-ray (Registered Trademark) Discs.

[0087] Furthermore, "program" refers to a data processing method described in any language or writing method, regardless of its format, such as source code or binary code. Note that "program" is not necessarily limited to a single, monolithic structure; it also includes distributed structures consisting of multiple modules or libraries, and those that work in cooperation with other programs, such as an operating system, to achieve their functions. Regarding the specific configuration and reading procedures for reading the recording medium in each device shown in the embodiments, as well as the installation procedures after reading, well-known configurations and procedures can be used.

[0088] The various databases stored in the memory unit are memory devices such as RAM and ROM, fixed disk devices such as hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks, and store various programs, tables, databases, and web page files used for various processes and website provision.

[0089] Furthermore, the container usage fee billing and calculation processing device 100 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, or as an information processing device to which any peripheral devices are connected. Alternatively, the container usage fee billing and calculation processing device 100 may be implemented by installing software (including programs or data, etc.) that enables the processing described in this embodiment on the device.

[0090] Furthermore, the specific forms of distribution and integration of the devices are not limited to those shown in the figures, and all or part of them can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit according to various additions or functional loads. In other words, the embodiments described above may be implemented in any combination, or the embodiments may be implemented selectively. [Industrial applicability]

[0091] This invention is useful in industries where gas-filled containers are installed at customer sites, and where usage fees are incurred for the containers in addition to the gas itself. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 100 Container usage fee billing and processing device 102 Control Unit 102a Calculation Processing Unit 102b Billing Processing Unit 104 Communication Interface Section 106 Storage section 106a Monthly container status data 106b Container Usage Fee Contract Master 106c Container usage fee billing data 108 Input / Output Interface Section 112 Input device 114 Output device 200 servers 300 Networks

Claims

1. A calculation processing unit that calculates a list of containers held by customers longer than the agreed-upon period, and the usage fee, based on a contract specifying the retention period for containers delivered in connection with the sale of gas, and A billing process that charges container usage fees to customers for whom container usage fees are incurred, A container usage fee billing and calculation processing device characterized by comprising the following:

2. The calculation processing unit uses information managed under the obligation to manage the movement status of containers in accordance with the High Pressure Gas Safety Act to calculate a list of containers held for longer than the agreed period and the usage fee. The container usage fee billing and calculation processing device according to feature 1.

3. The calculation processing unit, The reception desk accepts requests for the month and year of determination, A creation unit retrieves container information whose status is "shipped" as of the first day of the specified determination month and year, and creates candidate data for when a usage fee will be charged. A matching unit that refers to the container usage fee contract master and matches the created candidate data with the container usage fee contract master, Based on the date-related information of the container usage fee contract master obtained as a result of the matching, a determination unit determines whether containers that have been shipped are subject to usage fee billing, Includes, The aforementioned billing processing unit will bill for usage fees if the containers that have been shipped are subject to usage fee billing. The container usage fee billing and calculation processing device according to feature 1.

4. The creation unit obtains the status of the containers as of the last day of the month preceding the determination month, by obtaining monthly container status data for the month preceding the determination month, and then obtains the latest status for each container symbol number from the monthly container status data. The container usage fee billing and calculation processing device according to feature 3.

5. The creation unit breaks down the monthly container status data into four statuses for each container symbol number: incoming, outgoing, picked up, and brought in. The results of this breakdown into four statuses are sorted in descending order according to the priority of container symbol number > container movement date and time > status. A display order is assigned to each container symbol number, and information with a display order of 1 and a status of outgoing is designated as candidate data for generating usage fee charges. The container usage fee billing and calculation processing device according to feature 4.

6. The matching unit, when matching candidate data with the container usage fee contract master, selects the data with the most matches against high-priority items, in the order of customer > delivery destination > supplier > product > container affiliation. The container usage fee billing and calculation processing device according to feature 3.

7. The determination unit determines that a usage fee will be charged if the first day of the month following the date and time of container transfer of the candidate data is used as the starting date, the day before the date obtained by adding the free period to the starting date is before the first day of the determination month, the date and time of container transfer of the candidate data is before the contract start date of the container usage fee contract master, and the date and time of container transfer of the candidate data is after the contract end date of the container usage fee contract master. The container usage fee billing and calculation processing device according to feature 3.

8. The determination unit, for a list of container information whose status is "shipped" as of the day before the day on which the free loan period is added to the starting date, refers to the container usage fee contract master from the transaction terms, obtains the shipping determination date and the free loan period, and determines whether it is subject to a usage fee billing. The container usage fee billing and calculation processing device according to feature 3.

9. The creation unit deletes and recreates existing candidate data for usage fee billing in order to respond when the base container receipt and payment information changes. The container usage fee billing and calculation processing device according to feature 3.

10. The determination unit simultaneously determines whether or not a container usage fee will be incurred not only for the specified determination month, but also on the first day of the following month, the month after that, and three months after that month. The container usage fee billing and calculation processing device according to feature 3.

11. The calculation processing unit performs a calculation process step in which it calculates a list of containers that have been held for longer than the agreed-upon period, and the usage fee, based on the contract specifying the period during which the customer may retain the containers delivered in connection with the sale of gas. The billing process includes a billing step in which the billing process charges customers for whom container usage fees are incurred, A method for calculating and processing container usage fees, characterized by including the following:

12. Information processing equipment, A system for calculating usage fees for containers delivered to customers in connection with the sale of gas, based on a contract specifying the retention period by the customer, including a list of containers held beyond the agreed-upon period and a calculation method for calculating usage fees. A billing process for charging container usage fees to customers for whom container usage fees are incurred. A program for calculating and processing container usage fees to function as such.

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