Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can streamline distribution. [Solution] An information processing device 2 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit 100 that acquires first order data relating to steel orders placed by a first organization (ordering organization, for example, organization Or1 in Figure 1) included in the steel distribution route; a transmission unit 102 that transmits the first order data to a second organization (receiving organization, for example, organization Or2 in Figure 1) included in the distribution route; an association unit 104 that associates first ordering authority relating to steel orders with first ordering users belonging to the first organization, and associates first receiving authority relating to receiving steel orders with first receiving users belonging to the second organization; a reception unit 106 that receives operations relating to the first order data from first ordering users based on first ordering authority, and receives operations relating to the first order data from first receiving users based on first receiving authority; and an execution unit 108 that executes processing corresponding to the operations received by the reception unit 106.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for flexibly determining a plurality of operators involved in the distribution of a product according to the product desired to be purchased by a purchasing operator in a distribution environment where a plurality of operators are involved in the distribution of the product, smoothly performing each operation of the determined plurality of operators, and enabling the progress of the distribution process to be grasped.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of improving distribution efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires first order data regarding an order for steel made by a first organization included in a steel distribution route; a transmission unit that transmits the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; an association unit that associates a first order side authority regarding an order for steel with a first order side user belonging to the first organization, and associates a first order receiving side authority regarding the receipt of an order for steel with a first order receiving side user belonging to the second organization; a reception unit that receives an operation regarding the first order data from the first order side user based on the first order side authority, and receives an operation regarding the first order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority; and an execution unit that executes a process corresponding to the operation received by the reception unit.

[0006] An information processing method relating to another aspect of this disclosure involves causing a computer to perform the following actions: acquire first order data relating to steel orders placed by a first organization included in the steel distribution route; transmit the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; associate first order-side authority relating to steel orders with first order-side users belonging to the first organization, associate first order-side authority relating to acceptance of steel orders with first order-side users belonging to the second organization; accept operations relating to the first order data from first order-side users based on first order-side authority; accept operations relating to the first order data from first order-side users based on first order-side authority; and execute processing corresponding to the accepted operations.

[0007] A program relating to another aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following actions: acquire first order data relating to steel orders placed by a first organization included in the steel distribution route; transmit the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; associate first order-side authority relating to steel orders with first order-side users belonging to the first organization, associate first order-side authority relating to acceptance of steel orders with first order-side users belonging to the second organization; accept operations relating to the first order data from first order-side users based on first order-side authority; accept operations relating to the first order data from first order-side users based on first order-side authority; and execute processing corresponding to the accepted operations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can streamline distribution. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of System 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example of the functional configuration of System 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of each device in System 1 according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Referring to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] <1. Overview> Since a plurality of organizations may be included in the steel distribution route, communication costs tend to increase. The organizations Or1, Or2, Or3, and Or4 in FIG. 1 are examples of a plurality of organizations included in the steel distribution route. The organization Or1 is, for example, a company that produces final products (such as automobiles, etc.) using steel. The organization Or2 is a company that provides goods to the organization Or1, and is, for example, a parts manufacturer, a retailer, or the like. The organization Or3 is a company that provides goods to the organization Or2, and is, for example, a trading company, a coil center, or the like. The organization Or4 is a company that provides goods to the organization Or3, and is, for example, a steel manufacturer or the like. In such a situation, since communication can be taken independently and in different ways between the organization Or1 and the organization Or2, between the organization Or2 and the organization Or3, and between the organization Or3 and the organization Or4, the distribution of steel is not sufficiently efficient.

[0012] Also, in the steel distribution route, a change in the production plan of any organization may spread its influence to other organizations. In one example, when the organization Or1 tries to increase the production quantity of the final product, all of the organization Or2 that provides goods to the organization Or1, the organization Or3 that provides goods to the organization Or2, and the organization Or4 that provides goods to the organization Or3 must increase the production quantity of the goods. In another example, when the organization Or1 tries to advance the production start time of the final product, all of the organizations Or2, Or3, and Or4 must shorten the delivery date. In another example, when the producible materials of the organization Or4 are less than planned, all of the organizations Or3, Or2, and Or1 must reduce the production quantity. Thus, the longer the steel distribution route is, the more a change in the production plan by any organization can affect many other organizations. However, when the communication costs between organizations are large as described above, it may become difficult to adjust the production plan between organizations.

[0013] An example of the effect of the system 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "system 1") is to solve such problems. FIG. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of the system 1. The system 1 is involved with organizations Or1 to Or4. The system 1 includes an information processing apparatus 2. In one embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 executes the following (1-1) to (1-7). (1-1) Acquire order data d1 regarding the order of steel made by organization Or1. (1-2) Transmit the order data d1 to organization Or2. (1-3) Associate an order-side authority a1 regarding the order of steel with a user belonging to organization Or1. (1-4) Associate an order-receiving-side authority b1 regarding the receipt of the order of steel with a user belonging to organization Or2. (1-5) Accept operations regarding the order data d1 from the users of organization Or1 based on the order-side authority a1. (1-6) Accept operations regarding the order data d1 from the users of organization Or2 based on the order-receiving-side authority b1. (1-7) Execute a process corresponding to the accepted operation.

[0014] Also, in one embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 further executes the following (2-1) to (2-7). (2-1) Acquire order data d2 regarding the order of steel made by organization Or2. (2-2) Transmit the order data d2 to organization Or3. (2-3) Associate an order-side authority a2 regarding the order of steel with a user belonging to organization Or2. (2-4) Associate an order-receiving-side authority b2 regarding the receipt of the order of steel with a user belonging to organization Or3. (2-5) Accept operations regarding the order data d2 from the users of organization Or2 based on the order-side authority a2. (2-6) Accept operations regarding the order data d2 from the users of organization Or3 based on the order-receiving-side authority b2. (2-7) Execute a process corresponding to the accepted operation.

[0015] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 further performs the following (3-1) to (3-7). (3-1) Obtain order data d3 related to steel orders placed by organization Or3. (3-2) Send order data d3 to organization Or4. (3-3) Associate the ordering authority a3 for steel orders with users belonging to organization Or3. (3-4) Associate the receiving authority b3 for receiving steel orders with users belonging to organization Or4. (3-5) Operations related to order data d3 are accepted from users of organization Or3 based on the ordering authority a3. (3-6) Operations related to order data d3 are accepted from users of organization Or4 based on the receiving authority b3. (3-7) Execute the process corresponding to the received operation.

[0016] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 controls the transmission and reception of order data between multiple organizations. This standardizes communication among these multiple organizations. As a result, communication costs are reduced, and coordination between organizations when production plans are changed can be facilitated. Furthermore, as mentioned above, multiple organizations are involved in the distribution of steel, but with this configuration, users belonging to each organization can perform operations on order data based on the permissions associated with them. This allows multiple users with different roles and positions to use a common platform.

[0017] The various embodiments of System 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 16.

[0018] <2. Functional Configuration> Referring to Figure 2, an example of the functional configuration of System 1 will be described. System 1 includes an information processing device 2, an ordering terminal device 3a, a first receiving terminal device 3b1, a second receiving terminal device 3b2, and a communication network 4. The information processing device 2, the ordering terminal device 3a, the first receiving terminal device 3b1, and the second receiving terminal device 3b2 are configured to communicate with each other via the communication network 4.

[0019] Hereinafter, when the first order-side terminal device 3b1 and the second order-side terminal device 3b2 are referred to collectively, or when they are not distinguished, they may be referred to as the order-side terminal device 3b. Also, when the ordering-side terminal device 3a and the order-side terminal device 3b are referred to collectively, or when they are not distinguished, they may be referred to as terminal device 3.

[0020] [Terminal device 3] Terminal device 3 is a communication device used by the target person. Examples of terminal devices 3 include smartphones, personal computers, tablet devices, and wearable devices. Terminal device 3 includes an input interface, an output interface, and a communication interface.

[0021] The input interface is an interface that allows terminal device 3 to receive input from the user. The input interface may be a touch panel, microphone, camera, keyboard, mouse, etc.

[0022] The output interface is an interface for transmitting information to the user through images, sound, etc. The output interface includes a display (which may also function as a touch panel) and speakers.

[0023] The communication interface is an interface for enabling communication with other devices via the communication network 4. The communication interface may be a wireless communication interface or a wired communication interface.

[0024] Terminal device 3 may access services provided by information processing device 2, for example, via a web browser, or it may access such services by installing dedicated software.

[0025] Ordering-side terminal device 3a is a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to the ordering-side organization. First receiving-side terminal device 3b1 is a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to a receiving-side organization that transacts directly with the ordering-side organization. Second receiving-side terminal device 3b2 is a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to a receiving-side organization that transacts indirectly with the ordering-side organization through another receiving-side organization. Referring to Figure 1 as an example, ordering-side terminal device 3a is a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to organization Or1. Also, first receiving-side terminal device 3b1 is, for example, a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to organization Or2. Also, second receiving-side terminal device 3b2 is, for example, a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to organization Or3.

[0026] Note that terminal device 3 may function as either an ordering terminal device 3a or a receiving terminal device 3b (for example, terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to organization Or2 functions as a first receiving terminal device 3b1 in relation to organization Or1 and as an ordering terminal device 3a in relation to organization Or3), but in this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, these will be referred to separately.

[0027] [Information Processing Device 2] The information processing device 2 performs processing to streamline the distribution of steel. In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 is a server device when the terminal device 3 is a client device. In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 is a cloud server device. The information processing device 2 may be a device that includes, for example, one or more virtual or physical web server devices and one or more virtual or physical database server devices.

[0028] The information processing device 2 comprises a control unit 10, a storage unit 12, a network interface unit 14, and a bus 16. The control unit 10, the storage unit 12, and the network interface unit 14 are electrically connected via the bus 16.

[0029] (Control Unit 10) The control unit 10 can function as an acquisition unit 100, a transmission unit 102, an association unit 104, a reception unit 106, and an execution unit 108 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 12, which will be described later.

[0030] The acquisition unit 100 can acquire information from the terminal device 3. The transmission unit 102 can transmit various types of information to the terminal device 3. The association unit 104 can associate user permissions for manipulating order data. The reception unit 106 can receive information entered by the user to the terminal device 3. The execution unit 108 can execute processing according to the operation on the order data.

[0031] The following describes various functions that can be realized based on the acquisition unit 100, transmission unit 102, association unit 104, reception unit 106, and execution unit 108. More specific embodiments will be described later with reference to Figure 3-15.

[0032] In one embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 acquires first order data relating to steel orders placed by a first organization (in one example, organization Or1 in Figure 1) included in the steel distribution route. The transmission unit 102 transmits the first order data to a second organization (in one example, organization Or2 in Figure 1) included in the distribution route. The association unit 104 associates the first order-side authority relating to steel orders with the first order-side user belonging to the first organization. The association unit 104 also associates the first order-side authority relating to receiving steel orders with the first order-side user belonging to the second organization. The reception unit 106 receives operations relating to the first order data from the first order-side user based on the first order-side authority. The reception unit 106 also receives operations relating to the first order data from the first order-side user based on the first order-side authority. The execution unit 108 executes processing corresponding to the operations received by the reception unit 106.

[0033] —Functions related to the ordering organization— In one embodiment, the first organization includes a first ordering group to which a first ordering user belongs (for example, a designated business unit of organization Or1) and a second ordering group to which a second ordering user different from the first ordering user belongs (for example, another business unit of organization Or1). In this case, the association unit 104 further associates the second ordering authority with respect to steel orders with respect to the second ordering user. The receiving unit 106 accepts operations on the first order data from the second ordering user based on the second ordering authority. However, the operations on the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the second ordering authority are more limited than the operations on the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first ordering authority. That is, the second ordering authority is more limited than the first ordering authority in relation to the first order data.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first order data is data relating to steel orders placed by the first ordering group. The acquisition unit 100 further acquires second order data relating to steel orders placed by the second ordering group.

[0035] In one embodiment, the receiving unit 106 accepts operations related to the second order data from the first order user based on the first order user's authority. The receiving unit 106 also accepts operations related to the second order data from the second order user based on the second order user's authority. However, the operations related to the second order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first order user's authority are more limited than the operations related to the second order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the second order user's authority. In other words, the first order user's authority is more limited than the second order user's authority in relation to the second order data.

[0036] In one embodiment, operations relating to first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on first order authority, and operations relating to first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on second order authority, both include operations to view information related to first order data. In contrast, operations relating to first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on first order authority include operations relating to requests to change first order data, while operations relating to first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on second order authority do not include operations relating to requests to change first order data. That is, both users associated with first order authority and users associated with second order authority can view first order data, but only users associated with first order authority can request changes to first order data.

[0037] Specific examples of the functions related to the ordering organization described above will be discussed later with reference to Figures 3-5 and 9-10 below.

[0038] —Functions related to the receiving organization— In one embodiment, the second organization includes a first receiving group to which the first receiving user belongs (for example, a designated business unit of organization Or2) and a second receiving group to which a second receiving user different from the first receiving user belongs (for example, another business unit of organization Or2). In this case, the association unit 104 further associates the second receiving authority regarding the acceptance of steel orders with the second receiving user. The receiving unit 106 accepts operations on the first order data from the second receiving user based on the second receiving authority. However, the operations on the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the second receiving authority are more limited than the operations on the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first receiving authority. That is, the second receiving authority is more limited than the first receiving authority in relation to the first order data.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first order data is data relating to steel orders to a first receiving-side group. The acquisition unit 100 further acquires second order data relating to steel orders to a second receiving-side group.

[0040] In one embodiment, the receiving unit 106 accepts operations related to the second order data from the first receiving-side user based on the first receiving-side authority, and accepts operations related to the second order data from the second receiving-side user based on the second receiving-side authority. However, the operations related to the second order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first receiving-side authority are more limited than the operations related to the second order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the second receiving-side authority. In other words, the first receiving-side authority is more limited than the second receiving-side authority in relation to the second order data.

[0041] In one embodiment, operations relating to first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on first order authority, and operations relating to first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on second order authority, both include operations to view information related to first order data. In contrast, operations relating to first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on first order authority include operations to approve requests to change first order data, while operations relating to first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on second order authority do not include operations to approve requests to change first order data. That is, both users associated with first order authority and users associated with second order authority can view first order data, but only users associated with first order authority can submit requests to change first order data.

[0042] Specific examples of the functions of the receiving organization described above will be discussed later with reference to Figure 6-10.

[0043] —Functions related to change requests— In one embodiment, the distribution channel further includes other organizations that conduct business with the second organization (in one example, organization Or3). Operations concerning the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first ordering authority include operations concerning requests to change the first order data. The transmitting unit 102 further transmits information for displaying information regarding other change requests corresponding to the change request for the first order data on the terminal devices of users of the other organizations. Operations concerning the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first receiving authority include setting the change request to be approved on the condition that the other change request is approved by a user of the other organization. Specific examples will be described later with reference to Figure 15.

[0044] In one embodiment, operations on the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first ordering party's authority include operations on requests for changes to the first order data. Operations on the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first receiving party's authority include operations on approval of the change request. The transmitting unit 102 further transmits information to indicate on the terminal device of the first ordering party user whether or not the change request has been approved. Specific examples will be described later with reference to Figure 11-12.

[0045] In one embodiment, the distribution channel further includes other organizations that conduct business with the second organization. The acquisition unit 100 further acquires approval status information regarding other change requests for other order data made by the second organization to the other organizations. The transmission unit 102 further transmits information to be displayed on the terminal device of the first ordering user whether or not the other change requests have been approved, based on the approval status information. Specific examples will be described later with reference to Figure 13-14.

[0046] In this disclosure, acquiring information includes making that information processable in the control unit 10. Acquiring information may include, for example, receiving the information from another device, obtaining the information through predetermined processing, and reading the information from the storage unit 12.

[0047] In this disclosure, associating a user with a privilege includes associating (linking) the privilege or identifying information for identifying such privilege with the user's identification information (e.g., employee ID) and storing it in a database.

[0048] In this disclosure, generating information may consist of at least one of the following: making the information obtained by a predetermined process processable in the control unit 10, and storing the information obtained by the predetermined process in the storage unit 12.

[0049] In this disclosure, determining information may involve at least one of selecting at least one piece of information from among several pieces of information, or generating new information.

[0050] In this disclosure, outputting information may be at least one of the following: storing the information in the storage unit 12, transmitting the information to another device, or outputting the information as audio or video.

[0051] In this disclosure, the fact that the reception unit 106 of the information processing device 2 can receive a predetermined operation from a user may be expressed as "the user can perform a predetermined operation."

[0052] (Storage unit 12) The storage unit 12 stores various information necessary for the operation of the information processing device 2. In one embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores not only the program executed by the control unit 10, but also order data (including the type, quantity, price, delivery date, progress, scheduled shipment, actual shipment, change history, and special notes of the ordered goods), organizational information about each organization, group information about groups included in each organization, user information about users belonging to each organization, and authorization information about the permissions associated with each user.

[0053] (Network interface section 14) The network interface unit 14 enables communication with other devices via the communication network 4.

[0054] [Communication Network 4] The communication network 4 enables communication between the information processing device 2 and the terminal device 3. In one example, the communication network 4 enables communication based on the TCP / IP protocol.

[0055] <3.Operation> (First Embodiment) Referring to Figure 3-5, an example of the operation of System 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationships between organizations, groups, users, order data, permissions, and acceptable operations in System 1 according to the first embodiment. System 1 interacts with ordering organizations and receiving organizations. An example of an ordering organization is Organization Or1 in Figure 1. An example of a receiving organization is Organization Or2 in Figure 1.

[0056] The ordering organization includes a first ordering group and a second ordering group. The first ordering group includes first ordering users. The second ordering group includes second ordering users. First ordering users are associated with first ordering privileges. Second ordering users are associated with second ordering privileges.

[0057] The receiving organization includes the first receiving user. The first receiving user is associated with the first receiving permissions.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first ordering group transmits first order data to the receiving organization. The information processing device 2 accepts operations related to the first order data from the first ordering user based on the first ordering authority. The information processing device 2 also accepts operations related to the first order data from the second ordering user based on the second ordering authority. Here, operations related to the first order data based on the second ordering authority are more restricted than operations related to the first order data based on the first ordering authority. For example, a first ordering user with associated first ordering authority can request changes to the first order data, but a second ordering user with only associated second ordering authority is restricted from requesting changes to the first order data. Note that the restriction on change requests may mean either that change requests cannot be made at all, or that, for example, the items that can be changed are limited.

[0059] In one embodiment, the second ordering group transmits second order data to the receiving organization. The information processing device 2 accepts operations related to the second order data from the first ordering user based on the first ordering authority. The information processing device 2 also accepts operations related to the second order data from the second ordering user based on the second ordering authority. Here, operations related to the second order data based on the first ordering authority are more restricted than operations related to the second order data based on the second ordering authority. For example, a second ordering user with associated second ordering authority can request changes to the second order data, but a first ordering user with only associated first ordering authority is restricted from requesting changes to the first order data.

[0060] In one embodiment, "operations on order data based on authorization A are more restricted than operations on the same order data based on authorization B" may mean that any operation that can be performed on the order data based on authorization A can be performed based on authorization B, and at least a portion of one or more operations that can be performed on the order data based on authorization B cannot be performed based on authorization A. In another embodiment, "operations on order data based on authorization A are more restricted than operations on the same order data based on authorization B" may mean that the number of types of operations that can be performed on the order data based on authorization A is less than the number of types of operations that can be performed on the order data based on authorization B.

[0061] Thus, while users belonging to the ordering organization can control the order data sent by their own group, their control over order data sent by other groups may be limited, at least partially.

[0062] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 receives operations related to the first order data and the second order data from the first order-receiving user in the same manner.

[0063] Figure 4 shows an example of operations that the information processing device 2 can accept based on the first order authority and the second order authority, respectively. A first order user associated with the first order authority can perform operations such as querying first order data, registering or changing first order data, viewing registration and change request notifications for first order data, viewing rejection notifications for change requests for first order data, and viewing the shipping schedule corresponding to the first order data. In contrast, a second order user associated with the second order authority can only perform operations such as querying first order data and viewing the shipping schedule corresponding to the first order data.

[0064] Furthermore, the first receiving-side user belonging to the receiving-side organization can perform operations such as: inquiring about the first order data, viewing registration and change request notifications for the first order data, rejecting or approving change requests for the first order data, viewing rejection notifications for change requests for the first order data, registering and changing shipping schedules corresponding to the first order data, viewing shipping schedules corresponding to the first order data, and registering and changing billing categories corresponding to the first order data.

[0065] Figure 5 shows another example of operations that the information processing device 2 can accept based on the first order-side authority and the second order-side authority, respectively. A second order-side user associated with the second order-side authority can perform operations such as querying second order data, registering or changing second order data, viewing registration and change request notifications for second order data, viewing rejection notifications for change requests for second order data, and viewing the shipping schedule corresponding to the second order data. In contrast, a first order-side user associated with the first order-side authority can only perform operations such as querying second order data and viewing the shipping schedule corresponding to the second order data.

[0066] This configuration allows each of the multiple users belonging to the ordering organization to appropriately manage the scope of order data they can control. For example, it is possible to maintain the convenience of operation for order data sent by one's own group while preventing accidental manipulation of order data sent by other groups.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) Referring to Figure 6-8, an example of the operation of System 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationships between organizations, groups, users, order data, permissions, and acceptable operations in System 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0068] The ordering organization includes the first ordering user. The first ordering user is associated with the first ordering permissions.

[0069] The receiving organization includes a first receiving group and a second receiving group. The first receiving group includes first receiving users. The second receiving group includes second receiving users. First receiving users are associated with first receiving privileges. Second receiving users are associated with second receiving privileges.

[0070] In one embodiment, the ordering organization transmits first order data to the first receiving group. The information processing device 2 accepts operations related to the first order data from the first receiving user based on the first receiving authority. The information processing device 2 also accepts operations related to the first order data from the second receiving user based on the second receiving authority. Here, operations related to the first order data based on the second receiving authority are more restricted than operations related to the first order data based on the first receiving authority. For example, a first receiving user with the first receiving authority associated with them can approve a request to change the first order data, but a second receiving user with only the second receiving authority associated with them is restricted from approving a request to change the first order data. Note that the restriction on approving a change request may mean either being unable to approve the change request at all, or limiting, for example, the items that can be approved in the change request.

[0071] In one embodiment, the ordering organization transmits second order data to the second receiving group. The information processing device 2 accepts operations on the second order data from the first receiving user based on the first receiving authority. The information processing device 2 also accepts operations on the second order data from the second receiving user based on the second receiving authority. Here, operations on the second order data based on the first receiving authority are more restricted than operations on the second order data based on the second receiving authority. For example, a second receiving user with associated second receiving authority can approve a request to change the second order data, but a first receiving user with only associated first receiving authority is restricted from approving a request to change the first order data.

[0072] Thus, while users belonging to the receiving organization can control the order data sent to their own group, their control over order data sent to other groups may be at least partially limited.

[0073] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 accepts operations related to the first order data and the second order data from the first order user in the same manner.

[0074] Figure 7 shows an example of operations that the information processing device 2 can accept based on the first and second receiving authority, respectively. A first receiving user associated with the first receiving authority can perform operations such as: inquiring about first order data, viewing registration and change request notifications for first order data, rejecting and approving change requests for first order data, viewing rejection notifications for change requests for first order data, registering and changing shipping schedules corresponding to first order data, viewing shipping schedules corresponding to first order data, and registering and changing billing categories corresponding to first order data. In contrast, a second receiving user associated with the second receiving authority can only perform operations such as: inquiring about first order data and viewing shipping schedules corresponding to first order data.

[0075] Furthermore, the first ordering user belonging to the ordering organization can perform operations such as inquiring about the first order data, registering or modifying the first order data, viewing notifications of registration or modification requests for the first order data, viewing notifications of rejection of modification requests for the first order data, and viewing the shipping schedule corresponding to the first order data.

[0076] Figure 8 shows another example of operations that the information processing device 2 can accept based on the first and second receiving authority, respectively. A second receiving user associated with the second receiving authority can perform operations such as: inquiring about second order data, viewing registration and modification application notifications for second order data, rejecting and approving modification applications for second order data, viewing rejection notifications for modification applications for second order data, registering and modifying shipping schedules corresponding to second order data, viewing shipping schedules corresponding to second order data, and registering and modifying billing categories corresponding to second order data. In contrast, a first receiving user associated with the first receiving authority can only perform operations such as: inquiring about second order data and viewing shipping schedules corresponding to second order data.

[0077] This configuration allows each of the multiple users belonging to the receiving organization to appropriately manage the scope of order data they can control. For example, it is possible to maintain the convenience of operation for order data received by one's own group while preventing accidental manipulation of order data received by other groups.

[0078] (Third embodiment) Referring to Figure 9-10, an example of the operation of System 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. System 1 according to the third embodiment is an example of a combination of System 1 according to the first embodiment and System 1 according to the second embodiment, respectively.

[0079] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationships between organizations, groups, users, and permissions in System 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0080] The ordering organization includes a first ordering group and a second ordering group. The first ordering group includes first ordering users. The second ordering group includes second ordering users. First ordering users are associated with first ordering privileges. Second ordering users are associated with second ordering privileges.

[0081] The receiving organization includes a first receiving group and a second receiving group. The first receiving group includes first receiving users. The second receiving group includes second receiving users. First receiving users are associated with first receiving privileges. Second receiving users are associated with second receiving privileges.

[0082] Figure 10 shows the operations that the information processing device 2 can accept based on the authority of the first ordering party, the authority of the second ordering party, the authority of the first receiving party, and the authority of the second receiving party, respectively, when the order data is data relating to an order from the first ordering party group to the first receiving party group.

[0083] A first-order user with assigned first-order authority can perform operations such as viewing order data, registering or modifying order data, viewing notifications of order data registration or modification requests, viewing notifications of rejection of order data modification requests, and viewing shipping schedules corresponding to order data. On the other hand, operations such as rejecting or approving order data modification requests, registering or modifying shipping schedules corresponding to order data, and registering or modifying billing categories corresponding to order data may be restricted.

[0084] A second-party user with associated second-party ordering authority can perform operations such as querying order data and viewing the shipping schedule corresponding to the order data. On the other hand, operations such as registering or modifying order data, viewing notifications of order data registration or modification requests, rejecting or approving order data modification requests, viewing notifications of order data modification request rejections, registering or modifying shipping schedules corresponding to order data, and registering or modifying billing categories corresponding to order data may be restricted.

[0085] A first-party user with assigned first-party authority can perform operations such as: viewing order data, viewing order data registration and modification request notifications, rejecting or approving order data modification requests, viewing order data modification request rejection notifications, registering and modifying shipping schedules corresponding to order data, viewing shipping schedules corresponding to order data, and registering and modifying billing categories corresponding to order data. On the other hand, operations such as registering and modifying order data may be restricted.

[0086] A second-party user with associated second-party authority can perform operations such as querying order data and viewing the shipping schedule corresponding to the order data. On the other hand, operations such as registering or modifying order data, viewing notifications of order data registration or modification requests, rejecting or approving order data modification requests, viewing notifications of order data modification request rejections, registering or modifying shipping schedules corresponding to order data, and registering or modifying billing categories corresponding to order data may be restricted.

[0087] Figure 10 illustrates the operations that the information processing device 2 can accept when the order data is data relating to an order from the first ordering group to the first receiving group. However, the same understanding can be applied to cases where the order data is (1) data relating to an order from the first ordering group to the second receiving group, (2) data relating to an order from the second ordering group to the first receiving group, and (3) data relating to an order from the second ordering group to the second receiving group. That is, in case (1), the operations that can be accepted based on the first receiving authority in Figure 10 and the operations that can be accepted based on the second receiving authority may be swapped (see the relationship in Figure 7-8). In case (2), the operations that can be accepted based on the first ordering authority in Figure 10 and the operations that can be accepted based on the second ordering authority may be swapped (see the relationship in Figure 4-5). In case (3), the operations that can be accepted based on the first ordering authority in Figure 10 and the operations that can be accepted based on the second ordering authority may be swapped, and the operations that can be accepted based on the first receiving authority and the operations that can be accepted based on the second receiving authority may be swapped.

[0088] According to the third embodiment, each user can be said to have relatively strong authority over order data from or to the group to which they belong. Furthermore, each user can be said to have relatively weak authority over order data from or to groups of their organization that they do not belong to.

[0089] Furthermore, if order data is from a designated ordering organization to a designated receiving organization, a user who does not belong to either the ordering organization or the receiving organization is not required to have access to that order data. Such a user may be restricted from performing operations such as, for example, inquiring about order data, registering or modifying order data, viewing notifications of order data registration or modification requests, rejecting or approving order data modification requests, viewing notifications of rejected order data modification requests, registering or modifying shipping schedules corresponding to order data, viewing shipping schedules corresponding to order data, and registering or modifying billing categories corresponding to order data. In other words, a user is not required to access order data from an organization with which they do not belong.

[0090] (Fourth Embodiment) An example of the operation of System 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11-12. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of System 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the operation related to the request for change of order data and the approval of said change request will be described. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of information that may be displayed in the order-side terminal device 3a of the fourth embodiment.

[0091] In the fourth embodiment, the order data is from the first ordering group of the ordering organization to the first receiving group of the receiving organization. The ordering terminal device 3a is used by a first ordering user belonging to the first ordering group and associated with the first ordering authority. The receiving terminal device 3b is used by a first receiving user belonging to the first receiving group and associated with the first receiving authority. In other words, the first ordering user can perform operations based on the first ordering authority in Figure 10 via the ordering terminal device 3a, and the first receiving user can perform operations based on the first receiving authority in Figure 10 via the receiving terminal device 3b.

[0092] In Figure 11, first, the ordering terminal device 3a transmits the order data entered by the user to the information processing device 2 (S100). The information processing device 2 receives the order data and registers it in the database stored in the storage unit 12 (S102). Next, the information processing device 2 sends a notification to the receiving terminal device 3b that the order data has been registered (S104). As a result, the user of the receiving terminal device 3b is aware that an order has been placed.

[0093] Table t1 in Figure 12 is an example of information that may be displayed on the ordering terminal device 3a immediately after S100. Table t1 may display the order ID (an example of identification information for order data), ordering organization, receiving organization, specifications (an example of product type), quantity, delivery date, unit price, status of change request, etc. Although two records are displayed in Table t1, three or more records may be displayed. In addition, information regarding the first ordering group and the first receiving group may be displayed.

[0094] Returning to Figure 11, the order-side terminal device 3a receives input from the user for a change request for order data. In one embodiment, the change request is a request to change at least some of the information contained in already registered order data. In one example, the change request is a request to change at least one of the following for the product related to the order data: type, quantity, price, and delivery date. In this example, the user inputs a change request to change the "delivery date" of the already registered order data with "Order ID" "002" from "Date2" to "Date3".

[0095] The ordering terminal device 3a transmits a request to change the order data entered by the user to the information processing device 2 (S106). The information processing device 2 transmits a notification to the receiving terminal device 3b that a request to change the order data has been received (S108). This notification may include the content of the request to change the order data. As a result, the user of the receiving terminal device 3b can understand that a request to change the order data has been received and its contents.

[0096] The ordering terminal device 3a displays that the change request for the order data is awaiting approval (S110) based on the fact that the change request has been sent. One example of displaying that the change request is awaiting approval is to highlight the display elements of the order data related to the change request (for example, by highlighting them).

[0097] Table t2 in Figure 12 is an example of information that may be displayed on the ordering terminal device 3a immediately after S110. In Table t2, the "Delivery Date" of the order data related to the change request (order data with order ID "002") is highlighted. In addition, the "Delivery Date" column of the order data related to the change request displays the date (i.e., "Date3") if the change request were to be approved. In addition, the "Change Request" column of the order data related to the change request displays "Pending Approval". This allows the user of the ordering terminal device 3a to understand the content of the change request they have sent and its progress.

[0098] Returning to Figure 11, when the receiving terminal device 3b receives an operation from the user regarding the approval of a change request (Alt upper row), the receiving terminal device 3b transmits information to that effect to the information processing device 2 (S112). In response, the information processing device 2 modifies at least a portion of the information contained in the order data (S114). At this time, the information processing device 2 may add a change history to the order data.

[0099] The information processing device 2 then sends a notification to the ordering terminal device 3a that the request for change to the order data has been approved (S116). In response, the ordering terminal device 3a displays that the request for change has been approved (S118).

[0100] Table t3 in Figure 12 is an example of information that may be displayed on the ordering terminal device 3a immediately after S118. In Table t3, the "Change Request" column for the order data related to the change request (order data with order ID "002") displays "Approved". Also, the highlighting for the "Delivery Date" in the order data related to the change request has been removed. This allows the user of the ordering terminal device 3a to understand that the change request they submitted has been approved.

[0101] Returning to Figure 11, when the receiving terminal device 3b receives an operation from the user regarding the rejection of a change request (Alt lower section), the receiving terminal device 3b transmits information to that effect to the information processing device 2 (S120). In this case, the information processing device 2 does not need to change the order data.

[0102] The information processing device 2 then sends a notification to the ordering terminal device 3a stating that the request to change the order data has been rejected (S122). In response, the ordering terminal device 3a displays that the request to change the order has been rejected (S124).

[0103] Table t4 in Figure 12 is an example of information that may be displayed on the ordering terminal device 3a immediately after S124. In Table t4, the "Change Request" column for the order data related to the change request (order data with order ID "002") displays "Rejected". Also, the highlighting of the "Delivery Date" column for the order data related to the change request has been removed. Furthermore, the original date (i.e., "Date2") is displayed in the "Delivery Date" column for the order data related to the change request. This allows the user of the ordering terminal device 3a to understand that the change request they sent has been rejected.

[0104] In the fourth embodiment, the order data is from a first ordering group of the ordering organization to a first receiving group of the receiving organization, the ordering terminal device 3a is used by a first ordering user belonging to the first ordering group and associated with first ordering authority, and the receiving terminal device 3b is used by a first receiving user belonging to the first receiving group and associated with first receiving authority. Operations that each user can perform in other cases may be controlled based on the methods described in the first to third embodiments. For example, if the order data is from a first ordering group to a first receiving group, and the ordering terminal device 3a belongs to a second ordering group and is used by a second ordering user associated with second ordering authority, then acceptance of at least one of the following may be restricted: transmission of order data (see S100) and request for modification of said order data (see S106). In another example, if the order data is from a first ordering group to a first receiving group, and the receiving terminal device 3b belongs to a second receiving group and is used by a second receiving user to whom second receiving authority is associated, then at least one of the following may be restricted: viewing of a notification that a change request for order data has been made (see S108) and approving such a change request for order data (see S112).

[0105] (Fifth embodiment) Referring to Figure 13-14, an example of the operation of System 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ordering organization, the first receiving organization, and the second receiving organization assumed in the fifth embodiment.

[0106] Users in the ordering organization are associated with first-party ordering authority, which allows them to manipulate order data from the ordering organization to the first-party receiving organization. Therefore, users in the ordering organization can perform operations on order data from the ordering organization to the first-party receiving organization based on the first-party ordering authority shown in Figure 10.

[0107] Users of the first receiving organization are associated with first-side authorization to manipulate order data from the ordering organization to the first receiving organization. Therefore, users of the first receiving organization can perform operations on order data from the ordering organization to the first receiving organization based on the first receiving authority shown in Figure 10. In addition, users of the first receiving organization are associated with first-side authorization to manipulate order data from the first receiving organization to the second receiving organization. Therefore, users of the first receiving organization can perform operations on order data from the ordering organization to the first receiving organization based on the first ordering authority shown in Figure 10. In other words, users of the first receiving organization have authorization as a receiving party in relation to the ordering organization, and authorization as a ordering party in relation to the second receiving organization.

[0108] Users in the second receiving organization have first-party permissions associated with them to manipulate order data from the first receiving organization to the second receiving organization. Therefore, users in the second receiving organization can perform operations on order data from the first receiving organization to the second receiving organization based on the first-party permissions shown in Figure 10.

[0109] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the system according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, an example of displaying the approval status of an order data change request in detail will be described.

[0110] In the fifth embodiment, the ordering terminal device 3a is used by a user of the ordering organization, as illustrated in Figure 13. The first receiving terminal device 3b1 is used by a user of the first receiving organization, as illustrated in Figure 13. The second receiving terminal device 3b2 is used by a user of the second receiving organization, as illustrated in Figure 13.

[0111] First, the ordering terminal device 3a transmits order data from the ordering organization to the first receiving organization to the information processing device 2 (S200). The information processing device 2 registers this order data in the database (S202) and sends a notification to the first receiving terminal device 3b1 that an order has been placed (S204).

[0112] Next, the first order-receiving terminal device 3b1 transmits order data from the first order-receiving organization to the second order-receiving organization to the information processing device 2 (S206). The information processing device 2 registers this order data in its database (S207) and sends a notification to the second order-receiving terminal device 3b2 that an order has been placed (S208).

[0113] Next, the ordering terminal device 3a transmits a first change request for order data from the ordering organization to the first receiving organization to the information processing device 2 (S210). Accordingly, the ordering terminal device 3a displays information indicating that the first change request is awaiting approval from the first receiving organization (S212). The information processing device 2 transmits a notification to the first receiving terminal device 3b1 that a first change request has been received (S214).

[0114] The first receiving-side terminal device 3b1 transmits a second change request for order data from the first receiving-side organization to the second receiving-side organization to the information processing device 2 (S216). Upon receiving the second change request, the information processing device 2 transmits a notification to that effect to the ordering-side terminal device 3a and the second receiving-side terminal device 3b2 (S218, S220). Accordingly, the ordering-side terminal device 3a displays information indicating that the second change request is awaiting approval from the second receiving-side organization (S222).

[0115] The second receiving terminal device 3b2 receives an operation regarding the approval of the second change request and transmits information to that effect to the information processing device 2 (S224). The information processing device 2 transmits a notification to the first receiving terminal device 3b1 that the second change request has been approved (S226). In response, the ordering terminal device 3a returns to displaying information indicating that the first change request is awaiting approval from the first receiving organization (S228).

[0116] Subsequently, similar to the process described in steps S112 to S124 of Figure 11, the first change request may be approved or rejected by the user of the first receiving organization, and this may be displayed on the ordering terminal device 3a.

[0117] With this configuration, users in the ordering organization can have a detailed understanding of the status (progress) of their change requests.

[0118] In the fifth embodiment, for the sake of clarity, the groups to which each user belongs within each organization have been omitted from the explanation. However, the operations that each user can perform can be controlled based on the methods described in the first to third embodiments.

[0119] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of System 1 according to the sixth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, an example was described in which a user of the second receiving organization approves the second change request, and then a user of the first receiving organization approves the first change request. In the sixth embodiment, an example is described in which the first change request is automatically approved on the condition that the user of the second receiving organization approves the second change request. In the sixth embodiment, the differences from the fifth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0120] After the information processing device 2 sends a notification to the first receiving terminal device 3b1 (S314) that the ordering organization has submitted a first request for change of order data to the first ordering organization, the first receiving terminal device 3b1 accepts an operation related to conditional approval. In one embodiment, conditional approval includes an operation to set the first change request to be approved on the condition that a second change request from the first receiving organization to the second receiving organization is approved by a user belonging to the second receiving organization.

[0121] The first receiving terminal device 3b1 transmits to the information processing device 2 information that it has received an operation regarding conditional approval, and the second change request (S316). Here, the second change request may be made in association with at least one of the order data from the ordering organization to the first receiving organization (see S300) and the first change request for said order data (see S310). That is, the information processing device 2 can understand that the second change request is related to the order data related to the first change request. For example, the first change request may be an application for a change in the number of automobiles to be produced, and the second change request may be an application for a change in the number of steel strips (coils) to be produced as a result of the change in the number of automobiles to be produced.

[0122] The information processing device 2 sends a notification to the second receiving terminal device 3b2 that a second change request has been received (S318). The information processing device 2 also sends a notification to the ordering terminal device 3a that the second change request has been received and that the operation regarding conditional approval has been received (S320).

[0123] If the second change request is approved by a user belonging to the second receiving organization, the second receiving terminal device 3b2 transmits information to that effect to the information processing device 2 (S324). Since the information processing device 2 has received an operation regarding conditional approval in step S316, it treats the first change request as approved based on the approval of the second change request. The information processing device 2 transmits a notification to the ordering terminal device 3a that the first change request has been approved (S326). In response, the ordering terminal device 3a displays information indicating that the first change request has been approved (S328).

[0124] For example, even if the first receiving organization receives a request for a change in order data from the ordering organization, it may not be able to decide whether to approve or reject the request without coordinating with the second receiving organization, which will supply the goods to it. With this configuration, the first receiving organization can set it up so that the change request from the ordering organization is approved only after approval from the second receiving organization. This shortens the lead time until the change request is approved or rejected. As a result, changes to production plans between multiple organizations can be carried out smoothly.

[0125] (Seventh Embodiment) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the first ordering user, second ordering user, first receiving user, and second receiving user are each associated with the first ordering user, second ordering user, first receiving user, and second receiving user, respectively, but the types of privileges are not limited to these. In System 1, users belonging to an organization (which may be the ordering organization or the receiving organization in the above embodiment, or other organizations different from the ordering organization and the receiving organization) may be associated with business outsourcing privileges. Hereinafter, users associated with business outsourcing privileges will be referred to as "business outsourcing users".

[0126] In one embodiment, the business outsourcing authority may be associated with a business outsourcing user by a user belonging to the ordering organization. For example, a first ordering user may use their ordering terminal device 3a to perform an operation to associate business outsourcing authority with a business outsourcing user, and the information processing device 2 may accept this operation.

[0127] In one embodiment, a first ordering user associated with first ordering authority can associate a business outsourcing user with business outsourcing authority equivalent to or more restricted than the first ordering authority. Similarly, a second ordering user associated with second ordering authority can associate a business outsourcing user with business outsourcing authority equivalent to or more restricted than the second ordering authority. In one embodiment, a first receiving user associated with first receiving authority can associate a business outsourcing user with business outsourcing authority equivalent to or more restricted than the first receiving authority. Similarly, a second receiving user associated with second receiving authority can associate a business outsourcing user with business outsourcing authority equivalent to or more restricted than the second receiving authority.

[0128] An example of a task delegation authority will be explained with reference to Figure 16-17. Figure 16 shows an example of operations that the information processing device 2 can accept based on the first-ordering authority, the second-ordering authority, and the task delegation authority, respectively, when the order data is data relating to an order from the first-ordering group to the first-receiving group. In this example, the task delegation authority is assumed to be associated with the task delegation user by the first-ordering user to whom the first-ordering authority is associated.

[0129] The operations that can be performed based on the first ordering authority and the second ordering authority are as explained with reference to Figure 10, so the explanation will be omitted below. A business agent user with business agent authority associated with them can perform operations such as, for example, inquiry of order data, registration and modification requests for order data, viewing of order data registration and modification request notifications, viewing of order data modification request rejection notifications, and viewing of shipping schedules corresponding to order data. On the other hand, operations such as rejection and approval of order data modification requests, registration and modification requests for shipping schedules corresponding to order data, and registration and modification requests for billing categories corresponding to order data may be restricted. In other words, with respect to order data from the first ordering group to the first receiving group, business agent authority can be said to have the same authority as the first ordering authority.

[0130] Figure 17 shows an example of operations that the information processing device 2 can accept based on the first ordering authority, the second ordering authority, and the business proxy authority, respectively, when the order data is data relating to an order from the second ordering group to the first receiving group. In this example as well, the business proxy authority is assumed to be associated with the business proxy user by the first ordering user to whom the first ordering authority is associated.

[0131] In this example, a first-ordering user with first-ordering authority can perform operations such as querying second-order data and viewing the shipping schedule corresponding to the second-order data. On the other hand, a business agent user with business agent authority may have restrictions on all operations. That is, a business agent user with business agent authority cannot interact with order data from the second-ordering group (including viewing) from a first-ordering user with first-ordering authority. In this respect, with regard to order data from the second-ordering group to the first-ordering group, business agent authority is more restricted than first-ordering authority.

[0132] This configuration enables more flexible and efficient distribution. Furthermore, since the authority to act as an agent is equivalent to or more restrictive than the authority associated with the user granting it, transactions can be conducted securely.

[0133] <4. Hardware Configuration> Referring to Figure 18, an example of a hardware configuration when the devices included in System 1 described above are implemented by computer 70 will be explained. Note that the functions of each device can also be implemented by dividing them among multiple devices.

[0134] As shown in Figure 18, the computer 70 includes a processor 700, a storage device 702, an input interface 704, a data interface 706, a communication interface 708, and a display device 710.

[0135] The processor 700 controls various processes in the computer 70 by executing programs stored in the storage device 702. For example, each functional unit of the control unit 10 of the information processing device 2 can be realized by the processor 700 executing programs stored in the storage device 702.

[0136] The storage device 702 is a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 700, as well as data required during program execution.

[0137] The storage device 702 can also be a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage device 702 stores the operating system and various programs for realizing the above configurations. The storage medium storing these various programs may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In addition, the storage device 702 can also store tables for registering various information and a database for managing those tables. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage device 702 as needed and accessed by the processor 700.

[0138] The input interface 704 is a device for receiving input from the user. Specific examples of the input interface 704 include cameras, buttons, microphones, keyboards, mice, touch panels, various sensors, and wearable devices. The input interface 704 may be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0139] The data interface 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. Specific examples of the data interface 706 include drive devices for reading data stored on various storage media. The data interface 706 may also be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the data interface 706 would be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB.

[0140] The communication interface 708 is a device for communicating data with external devices of the computer 70 via the communication network 4, either wired or wirelessly. The communication interface 708 may also be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the communication interface 708 would be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB.

[0141] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include liquid crystal displays, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays, and displays for wearable devices. The display device 710 may be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, if a touch panel is used as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured as an integrated unit with the input I / F 704.

[0142] Furthermore, the components of the device included in the System 1 described above are such that a program stored in the storage device 702 is executed by the processor 700, thereby realizing a defined process in cooperation with other hardware. In other words, these components are conceived as both software or firmware, and as corresponding hardware, and in both concepts, they are also described and interpreted as "function," "means," "part," "processing circuit," "unit," or "module," etc.

[0143] <5. Variation> The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes, are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined.

[0144] The distribution channels for steel can branch out. For example, in Figure 1, organization Or1 can trade directly with organizations Or2 and Or3, and organization Or2 can trade directly with organization Or3. In this example, organization Or1 corresponds to the ordering organization in relation to organizations Or2 and Or3. Also, organization Or2 corresponds to the receiving organization in relation to organization Or1, and can correspond to the ordering organization in relation to organization Or3.

[0145] The operations that can be performed based on the ordering authority and the receiving authority, respectively, may be determined based on the relationship between the ordering organization and the receiving organization. For example, the ordering authority associated with a user belonging to organization Or1 with respect to order data from organization Or1 to organization Or2 in Figure 1 may be stronger than the ordering authority associated with a user belonging to organization Or1 with respect to order data from organization Or1 to organization Or3 in Figure 1.

[0146] An organization may be a group composed of multiple individuals. An organization may be, for example, a company, a department within a company, a section within a department, or a team within a section.

[0147] In the above embodiments (particularly Figure 15, the sixth embodiment), the operation relating to conditional approval was described as setting the first change request to be approved on the condition that the second change request is approved by a user of the second receiving organization, but it is not limited to this. The conditions for the approval of the first change request may be conditions other than the approval of the second change request. In one embodiment, the conditions for the approval of the first change request may be that the content of the change related to the first change request is below a predetermined threshold for the first change request to be automatically approved. An example of the content of the change related to the first change request being below a predetermined threshold is that the change in the delivery date related to the first change request is within 3 business days. Another example of the content of the change related to the first change request being below a predetermined threshold is that the change in the number of deliveries related to the first change request is within 5% of the originally planned number of deliveries.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the order data between the ordering organization and the first receiving organization, and the order data between the first receiving organization and the second receiving organization, may be in a common format, at least in part. This configuration can facilitate smoother communication between multiple organizations involved in the steel distribution channel.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the permissions associated with a user belonging to an organization (e.g., first-ordering permissions) may be directly associated with the individual user or indirectly associated through the group to which the user belongs. When permissions are associated indirectly through the group to which the user belongs, similar permissions may also be associated with other users belonging to that group.

[0150] In the above embodiment, System 1 may further be equipped with various functions based on well-known technologies (for example, a user registration function).

[0151] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 2 accepting an operation regarding order data from a user may mean transmitting information for displaying a user interface or display elements (for example, buttons or text boxes) on the terminal device 3 used by the user for performing the operation on the order data, receiving information about the operation entered on the terminal device 3 used by the user, or storing the information about the operation entered on the terminal device 3 used by the user in the database of the storage unit 12. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 not accepting an operation regarding order data from a user may mean not transmitting information for displaying a user interface or display elements on the terminal device 3 used by the user for performing the operation on the order data, not receiving information about the operation entered on the terminal device 3 used by the user (or discarding it even if received), or not storing the information about the operation entered on the terminal device 3 used by the user in the database of the storage unit 12.

[0152] System 1 can also be used to streamline the distribution of materials other than steel (e.g., aluminum and resin).

[0153] <6. Example Configuration> This disclosure includes the following technologies. Terms used in the above embodiments are indicated in parentheses.

[0154] (Note 1) Information processing device 2 comprises: an acquisition unit 100 that acquires first order data relating to steel orders placed by a first organization (ordering organization, for example, organization Or1 in Figure 1) included in the steel distribution route; a transmission unit 102 that transmits the first order data to a second organization (receiving organization, for example, organization Or2 in Figure 1) included in the distribution route; an association unit 104 that associates first ordering authority relating to steel orders with first ordering users belonging to the first organization, and associates first receiving authority relating to receiving steel orders with first receiving users belonging to the second organization; a reception unit 106 that receives operations relating to the first order data from first ordering users based on first ordering authority, and receives operations relating to the first order data from first receiving users based on first receiving authority; and an execution unit 108 that executes processing corresponding to the operations received by the reception unit 106.

[0155] (Note 2) The first organization includes a first ordering group to which a first ordering user belongs, and a second ordering group to which a second ordering user different from the first ordering user belongs, the association unit 104 further associates the second ordering authority regarding steel orders with the second ordering user, the receiving unit 106 receives operations on first order data from the second ordering user based on the second ordering authority, and the operations on first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the second ordering authority are more limited than the operations on first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first ordering authority, as described in Appendix 1.

[0156] (Note 3) The first order data is data relating to steel orders placed by the first ordering group, and the acquisition unit 100 further acquires second order data relating to steel orders placed by the second ordering group, as described in Appendix 2 of the information processing device 2.

[0157] (Note 4) The information processing device 2 as described in Appendix 3, wherein the receiving unit 106 accepts operations related to the second order data from the first order user based on the authority of the first order user, and accepts operations related to the second order data from the second order user based on the authority of the second order user, and the operations related to the second order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the authority of the first order user are limited to the operations related to the second order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the authority of the second order user.

[0158] (Note 5) The information processing device 2 as described in Appendix 4, wherein the operations relating to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on the authority of the first orderer, and the operations relating to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on the authority of the second orderer, both include operations to view information relating to the first order data, the operations relating to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on the authority of the first orderer include operations relating to requests for changes to the first order data, and the operations relating to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on the authority of the second orderer do not include operations relating to requests for changes to the first order data.

[0159] (Note 6) The second organization includes a first receiving group to which the first receiving user belongs, and a second receiving group to which a second receiving user different from the first receiving user belongs, the association unit 104 further associates the second receiving authority regarding the acceptance of steel orders with the second receiving user, the receiving unit 106 accepts operations on first order data from the second receiving user based on the second receiving authority, and the operations on first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the second receiving authority are more limited than the operations on first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first receiving authority, the information processing device 2 as described in any one of appendices 1 to 5.

[0160] (Note 7) The information processing device 2 described in Appendix 6, wherein the first order data is data relating to steel orders to the first receiving group, and the acquisition unit 100 further acquires second order data relating to steel orders to the second receiving group.

[0161] (Note 8) The information processing device 2 as described in Appendix 7, wherein the receiving unit 106 accepts operations related to the second order data from the first receiving-side user based on the first receiving-side authority, and accepts operations related to the second order data from the second receiving-side user based on the second receiving-side authority, and the operations related to the second order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first receiving-side authority are limited to the operations related to the second order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the second receiving-side authority.

[0162] (Note 9) The information processing device 2 as described in Appendix 8, wherein the operations relating to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on the first receiving party authority, and the operations relating to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on the second receiving party authority, both include operations to view information relating to the first order data, the operations relating to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on the first receiving party authority include operations to approve requests for changes to the first order data, and the operations relating to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can accept based on the second receiving party authority do not include operations to approve requests for changes to the first order data.

[0163] (Note 10) The distribution channel further includes other organizations (second receiving organizations, for example, Organization Or3) that conduct business with the second organization (first receiving organization, for example, Organization Or2), the operations concerning the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first ordering authority include operations concerning a request to change the first order data (first change request), the transmitting unit 102 further transmits information for displaying information regarding other change requests (second change requests) corresponding to the change request on the terminal device of a user of the other organization (second receiving terminal device 3b2), and the operations concerning the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the first receiving authority include setting the change request (first change request) to be approved on the condition that the other change request (second change request) is approved by a user of the other organization, as described in any one of Appendix 1 to 9.

[0164] (Note 11) The information processing device 2 according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, wherein the operations that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the authority of the first ordering party regarding the first order data include operations regarding requests for changes to the first order data, the operations that the receiving unit 106 can accept based on the authority of the first receiving party regarding the first order data include operations regarding approval of the change requests, and the transmitting unit 102 further transmits information (for example, the notification in step S122 of Figure 11) for displaying on the terminal device of the first ordering party user (ordering party terminal device 3a) whether or not the change request has been approved.

[0165] (Note 12) The distribution channel further includes other organizations (second receiving organizations, in one example, organization Or3) that conduct business with the second organization (first receiving organization, in one example, organization Or2), the acquisition unit 100 further acquires approval status information regarding other change requests for other order data made from the second organization to the other organizations (in one example, the second change request in step S216 of Figure 14), and the transmission unit 102 further transmits information (in one example, the notification in step S220 of Figure 14) to be displayed on the terminal device of the first ordering user (ordering terminal device 3a) whether or not the other change request has been approved, based on the approval status information, the information processing device 2 as described in any one of appendices 1 to 11.

[0166] (Note 13) The association unit 140 further associates other privileges (business delegation privileges) that are restricted from the first order-side privileges with other users (business delegation users) based on the operations of the first order-side user to whom the first order-side privileges are associated, and the receiving unit 106 further receives operations related to the first order data from other users based on other privileges, the information processing device 2 according to any one of appendices 1 to 12.

[0167] (Note 14) An information processing method that causes a computer 70 to perform the following actions: acquire first order data relating to steel orders placed by a first organization included in the steel distribution route; transmit the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; associate first order authority relating to steel orders with first order users belonging to the first organization; associate first order acceptance authority relating to steel orders with first order acceptance users belonging to the second organization; accept operations relating to the first order data from first order users based on first order authority; accept operations relating to the first order data from first order acceptance users based on first order acceptance authority; and execute processing corresponding to the accepted operations.

[0168] (Note 15) A program that causes computer 70 to perform the following actions: acquire first order data relating to steel orders placed by a first organization included in the steel distribution route; transmit the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; associate first order authority relating to steel orders with first order users belonging to the first organization; associate first order acceptance authority relating to steel orders with first order acceptance users belonging to the second organization; accept operations relating to the first order data from first order users based on first order authority; accept operations relating to the first order data from first order acceptance users based on first order acceptance authority; and execute processing corresponding to the accepted operations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1...System, 2...Information processing device, 3...Terminal device, 3a...Ordering terminal device, 3b...Receiving terminal device, 3b1...First receiving terminal device, 3b2...Second receiving terminal device, 10...Control unit, 12...Storage unit, 70...Computer, 100...Acquisition unit, 102...Transmission unit, 104...Association unit, 106...Reception unit, 108...Execution unit, 700...Processor

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires first order data relating to steel orders placed by a first organization included in the steel distribution channel, A transmission unit that transmits the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route, An association unit that associates first ordering authority regarding steel orders with first ordering user belonging to the first organization, and associates first receiving authority regarding acceptance of steel orders with first receiving user belonging to the second organization, A receiving unit that accepts operations related to the first order data from the first ordering user based on the first ordering authority, and accepts operations related to the first order data from the first receiving user based on the first receiving authority, An execution unit that executes processing corresponding to the operation received by the reception unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The first organization includes a first ordering group to which the first ordering user belongs, and a second ordering group to which a second ordering user different from the first ordering user belongs, The aforementioned association component further associates the second order-side authority regarding steel orders with the second order-side user, The reception unit receives operations related to the first order data from the second order user based on the second order user's authority. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operations relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the second order authority are more limited than the operations relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the first order authority.

3. The first order data is data relating to steel orders placed by the first ordering group, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit further acquires second order data relating to steel orders placed by the second ordering group.

4. The reception unit accepts operations related to the second order data from the first order user based on the authority of the first order user, and accepts operations related to the second order data from the second order user based on the authority of the second order user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operations relating to the second order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the first order authority are limited to operations relating to the second order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the second order authority.

5. The operations relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the first order authority, and the operations relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the second order authority, both include operations that view information relating to the first order data. The operations that the receiving unit can accept based on the authority of the first orderer include operations related to requests for changes to the first order data. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the operations relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the second order authority do not include operations relating to requests for changes to the first order data.

6. The second organization includes a first receiving party group to which the first receiving party user belongs, and a second receiving party group to which a second receiving party user different from the first receiving party user belongs. The aforementioned association unit further associates the second order-receiving authority regarding the acceptance of steel orders with the second order-receiving user, The reception unit receives operations related to the first order data from the second receiving user based on the second receiving authority. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operations relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the second order-receiving authority are limited to operations relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the first order-receiving authority.

7. The first order data is data relating to steel orders to the first receiving group, The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the acquisition unit further acquires second order data relating to steel orders to the second order-receiving group.

8. The reception unit accepts operations related to the second order data from the first receiving-side user based on the first receiving-side authority, and accepts operations related to the second order data from the second receiving-side user based on the second receiving-side authority. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the operations relating to the second order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the first order-receiving authority are limited to the operations relating to the second order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the second order-receiving authority.

9. The operations relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the first order-receiving authority, and the operations relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the second order-receiving authority, both include operations that view information relating to the first order data. The operations that the receiving unit can accept based on the first order authority include operations that approve requests to change the first order data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the operations relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the second order-receiving authority do not include operations approving a request to change the first order data.

10. The distribution channel further includes other organizations that conduct business with the second organization, The operations that the receiving unit can accept based on the authority of the first orderer include operations related to requests for changes to the first order data. The transmitting unit further transmits information for displaying on the terminal device of a user of the other organization information relating to other change requests corresponding to the change request. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation relating to the first order data that the receiving unit can accept based on the first order-receiving authority includes setting the change request to be approved on the condition that the other change request is approved by a user of the other organization.

11. The operations that the receiving unit can accept based on the authority of the first orderer include operations related to requests for changes to the first order data. The operations that the receiving unit can accept based on the first order authority include operations relating to the approval of the change request, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit further transmits information for displaying on the terminal device of the first ordering user whether or not the change request has been approved.

12. The distribution channel further includes other organizations that conduct business with the second organization, The acquisition unit further acquires approval status information regarding other change requests for other order data made by the second organization to the other organization. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit further transmits information to indicate on the terminal device of the first ordering user whether or not the other change request has been approved, based on the approval status information.

13. The association component further associates other privileges that are restricted by the first order-side privilege with other users based on the actions of the first order-side user to whom the first order-side privilege is associated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit further receives operations relating to the first order data from the other user based on the other authority.

14. On the computer, To obtain first order data regarding steel orders placed by the first organization included in the steel distribution channel, Transmitting the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution channel, Associating the first ordering authority for steel orders with the first ordering user belonging to the first organization, and associating the first receiving authority for receiving steel orders with the first receiving user belonging to the second organization, The operation relating to the first order data is accepted from the first order user based on the authority of the first order, The operation relating to the first order data is accepted from the first receiving-side user based on the first receiving-side authority, To execute the process corresponding to the received operation, An information processing method that enables the execution of [something].

15. On the computer, To obtain first order data regarding steel orders placed by the first organization included in the steel distribution channel, Transmitting the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution channel, Associating the first ordering authority for steel orders with the first ordering user belonging to the first organization, and associating the first receiving authority for receiving steel orders with the first receiving user belonging to the second organization, The operation relating to the first order data is accepted from the first order user based on the authority of the first order, The operation relating to the first order data is accepted from the first receiving-side user based on the first receiving-side authority, To execute the process corresponding to the received operation, A program that executes something.

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