Asset management device, asset management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an asset management device, an asset management method, and a program that can efficiently perform asset inventory processing. [Solution] An asset management device for managing assets, comprising: a snapshot creation unit that creates a snapshot of information including asset identification information for identifying the asset and the inventory results of the asset; a receiving unit that receives communication information from the asset distributed to the user to confirm that communication is established between the asset and the asset management device; and an inventory processing unit that performs inventory processing of the asset distributed to the user based on the snapshot and the communication information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an asset management device, an asset management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for managing personnel information of employees in a company are known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a personnel information management device that manages personnel information such as basic data of employees (employee code, employee name, date of birth, date of joining the company, etc.), educational background data, and qualification data has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although the personnel information management device described in Patent Document 1 can manage the personnel information of employees, it cannot manage the assets distributed to employees (for example, IT assets such as computers and smartphones). Therefore, there were cases where it was not possible to efficiently perform inventory processes such as asset location management and inventory management.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an asset management device, an asset management method, and a program that can efficiently perform asset inventory processes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an asset management device for managing assets, comprising: a snapshot creation unit that creates a snapshot of information including asset identification information for identifying the asset and the results of an inventory of the asset; a receiving unit that receives communication information from the asset distributed to a user to confirm that communication is established between the asset and the asset management device; and an inventory processing unit that performs an inventory of the asset distributed to the user based on the snapshot and the communication information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an asset management device, an asset management method, and a program can be provided that enable efficient asset inventory processing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the asset management system 10. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the asset management device 100. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the contents of personnel information 212. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the contents of asset management information 172. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the terminal status list screen 121 of the asset management system. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the snapshot creation screen 122 of the asset management system. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the contents of snapshot 174. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the inventory screen 123 of the asset management system. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the code information display window 124. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates an example of the process for reading the first code information C1 assigned to an asset. [Figure 11]This figure shows an example of the updated snapshot 174. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the inventory screen 123 of the updated asset management system. [Figure 13] This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an inventory process for assets distributed to employees (users). [Figure 14] This sequence diagram shows an example of an inventory process for assets that have not been distributed to employees (users). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the asset management device, asset management method, and program of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The various devices, servers, and other devices described below that provide information to users and perform processing may be implemented by a distributed group of devices, and the operators of each device may be different. Furthermore, the owner of the hardware of the devices (the provider of the cloud server) and the operator that actually operates them may also be different.

[0010] [Asset Management System] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the asset management system 10. The asset management system 10 includes, for example, an asset management device 100, a personnel information management device 200, and a terminal device 300. These devices communicate with each other, for example, via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless base station, a provider device, etc.

[0011] Some or all of the functional configurations included in the asset management system 10 may be distributed across multiple devices in any form, or integrated into any device. For example, some or all of the functional configurations of the personnel information management device 200 may be included in the configuration of the asset management system 100, and some or all of the functional configurations of the asset management system 100 may be included in the functional configuration of the personnel information management device 200.

[0012] The personnel information management device 200 is a server that manages various information related to employees in a company. The personnel information management device 200 includes a storage unit 210. The storage unit 210 is a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. The storage unit 210 may be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device accessible by the personnel information management device 200 via the network NW. Personnel information 212 and the like are stored in the storage unit 210.

[0013] The personnel information 212 is information about employees (employee's name, date of birth, company, department, position, employment form, etc.). Details of the personnel information 212 will be described later. The person in charge of the personnel department in the company uses an input unit (not shown) such as a keyboard and a mouse provided in the personnel information management device 200 to input the personnel information 212. The input personnel information 212 is stored in the storage unit 210. Incidentally, the person in charge of the personnel department may input the personnel information 212 using a terminal device (not shown) connected to the network NW and transmit the input personnel information 212 from the terminal device (not shown) to the personnel information management device 200.

[0014] The asset management device 100 is, for example, a server that manages assets within a company (for example, IT assets such as computers and smartphones). For example, the asset management device 100 performs an inventory process on assets distributed to employees (users) and assets stored in a warehouse without being distributed to employees (users). The inventory process is, for example, a process for checking the inventory and location of assets. Details of the inventory process performed by the asset management device 100 will be described later.

[0015] The terminal device 300 is a device used for the inventory process of assets stored in a warehouse without being distributed to employees. The terminal device 300 has a camera function and a communication function and is a device that can be carried by a user. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the terminal device 300 is a smartphone. Details of the process performed by the terminal device 300 will be described later.

[0016] [Asset Management System] Figure 2 is a diagram of the asset management device 100. The asset management device 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 110, an input unit 115, a display unit 120, a snapshot creation unit 125, a receiving unit 130, an inventory processing unit 135, a reference date setting unit 140, a code information generation unit 145, an initialization processing unit 150, a determination unit 155, and a storage unit 170. The snapshot creation unit 125, the receiving unit 130, the inventory processing unit 135, the reference date setting unit 140, the code information generation unit 145, the initialization processing unit 150, and the determination unit 155 are implemented, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be implemented by hardware (including circuitry) such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or SOC (System On Chip), or by the collaboration of software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device such as an HDD or flash memory (a storage device with a non-transient storage medium), or it may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM (a non-transient storage medium) and installed in the storage device when the storage medium is inserted into a drive device.

[0017] The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for connecting to a network NW. The communication unit 110 is, for example, a network interface card.

[0018] The input unit 115 is a device used by users to input information to the asset management device 100. The input unit 115 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse.

[0019] The display unit 120 is implemented using a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. For example, the display unit 120 displays the screen of the asset management system described later.

[0020] The storage unit 170 can be an HDD, flash memory, RAM, etc. The storage unit 170 may also be a NAS device accessible by the asset management device 100 via a network NW. The storage unit 170 stores information such as asset management information 172 and one or more snapshots 174. The storage unit 170 also stores the program for the asset management system, which will be described later.

[0021] [Human resources information] Figure 3 shows an example of the contents of personnel information 212. Personnel information 212 is information stored in the storage unit 210 of the personnel information management device 200. As shown in Figure 3, personnel information 212 includes employee ID, name, date of birth, company, department, job title, employment type, and email address. Employee ID is identification information for identifying the employee. Name is information indicating the employee's name. Date of birth is information indicating the employee's date of birth. Company is information indicating the name of the company to which the employee belongs. Department is information indicating the employee's department (e.g., headquarters, division, section, etc.). Job title is information indicating the employee's job title (e.g., general manager, department head, section chief, general employee, etc.). Employment type is information indicating the employee's employment type (e.g., full-time employee, contract employee, temporary employee, outsourced employee, etc.). Email address is the employee's email address.

[0022] [Asset Management Information] Figure 4 shows an example of the contents of asset management information 172. Asset management information 172 is information about assets within a company. Assets within a company include, for example, IT assets such as smartphones, notebook PCs, or desktop PCs. The asset management device 100 can check the status and location of assets by referring to the asset management information 172.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the asset management information 172 includes the asset management number, status, type, name, department, and email address. The asset management number is asset identification information for identifying the asset. The status is information indicating the status of the asset (in use, available for loan, out of order, etc.). The type is information indicating the type of asset (e.g., smartphone, notebook PC, desktop PC, etc.). The name is information indicating the name of the employee (user) to whom the asset was distributed. The department is information indicating the department to which the employee (user) to whom the asset was distributed belongs. The email address is information indicating the email address of the employee (user) to whom the asset was distributed. In addition to this information, the asset management information 172 may also include information about the asset, such as the asset name, manufacturer, CPU, memory, and storage.

[0024] [Device Status List Screen] Figure 5 shows an example of the terminal status list screen 121 of the asset management system. The terminal status list screen 121 is a screen that displays a list of information about the company's assets. When the person in charge of the asset management department (hereinafter simply referred to as "the person in charge") instructs the asset management system to start using the input unit 115 of the asset management device 100, the terminal status list screen 121 shown in Figure 5 is displayed on the display unit 120.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the terminal status list screen 121 displays a menu display area A1, a search condition setting area A2, and an asset list display area A3. The menu display area A1 displays various menus in the asset management system. These menus include, for example, terminal status list, inventory, terminal registration, master data management, and various procedures.

[0026] Search condition setting area A2 is the area for setting the conditions for searching for assets. The conditions for searching for assets include asset conditions and user conditions. Asset conditions are conditions related to the asset, such as asset type, status, asset name, manufacturer, CPU, memory, and storage. User conditions are conditions related to the employee (user), such as the name of the department, division, and section to which the employee (user) belongs. In addition, a search button B1 and a clear condition button B2 are displayed in search condition setting area A2. The search button B1 is a button to instruct the system to execute the search. The clear condition button B2 is a button to instruct the system to reset the conditions entered by the person in charge.

[0027] When the person in charge selects (clicks) the Clear Conditions button B2, the set asset conditions and user conditions are reset. On the other hand, when the person in charge has set the asset conditions and user conditions and then selects (clicks) the Search button B1, the asset management device 100 displays a list of information about assets that match the asset conditions and user conditions in the asset list display area A3, based on the asset management information 172.

[0028] The asset list display area A3 includes the asset management number, status, type, name, email address, and department (headquarters name, department name, section name). This information is obtained from the asset management information 172. In this way, the asset management device 100 displays a list of asset information on the terminal status list screen 121. This allows the person in charge to easily grasp the status, type, and location of the assets.

[0029] [Snapshot creation screen] Figure 6 shows an example of the snapshot creation screen 122 of the asset management system. The snapshot creation screen 122 is a screen for instructing the creation of snapshot 174. Snapshot 174 is information that shows a list of information about assets at the current time. Snapshot 174 is information used when inventory processing is performed. Details of the data structure of snapshot 174 will be described later.

[0030] The snapshot creation screen 122 displays a snapshot name input area A4, a reference date input area A5, and a snapshot creation button B3. The snapshot name input area A4 is where the name of the snapshot is entered by the person in charge. In the example shown in Figure 6, the name "October 2024 Inventory" is entered in the snapshot name input area A4.

[0031] The reference date input area A5 is where the person in charge enters the reference date for communication information. As will be explained in more detail later, communication information is information used to confirm that communication is established between the asset and the asset management device 100. In the example shown in Figure 6, the date "October 1, 2024" is entered in the reference date input area A5.

[0032] When the person in charge enters the snapshot name and reference date and selects (clicks) the snapshot creation button B3, the snapshot creation unit 125 of the asset management device 100 creates a snapshot 174 by referring to the asset management information 172. At this time, the reference date setting unit 140 sets the reference date entered in the reference date input area A5 (Figure 6) as the reference date for the inventory process. Note that snapshots 174 may be created each time inventory is taken (for example, twice a year in April and October), and multiple snapshots 174 may be stored in the storage unit 170.

[0033] [Snapshot] Figure 7 shows an example of the contents of snapshot 174. As shown in Figure 7, snapshot 174 includes the asset management number, inventory result, inventory completion status, communication date, code scan date, type, status, name, department, and email address. Information other than the inventory result, inventory completion status, communication date, and code scan date is obtained from asset management information 172.

[0034] The inventory result is information indicating whether the inventory count has been completed or not (e.g., completed or incomplete). The inventory completion category is information indicating the means by which the inventory count was completed (e.g., communication or code scan). The communication date is information indicating the date on which communication information was received from the asset. The code scan date is information indicating the date on which confirmation information was received from the asset. As will be described in detail later, the confirmation information is information transmitted from the terminal device 300 when the terminal device 300 performs a code scan. Immediately after snapshot 174 is created, the inventory process has not yet been performed, so the inventory result for all assets is "incomplete," and the inventory completion category, communication date, and code scan date are blank.

[0035] [Inventory screen] Figure 8 shows an example of the inventory screen 123 of the asset management system. The inventory screen 123 is displayed on the display unit 120 of the asset management device 100 when a snapshot 174 is created. The inventory screen 123 is a screen that shows the inventory status of each asset.

[0036] The asset management device 100 displays the inventory screen 123 based on the snapshot 174. The inventory screen 123 displays the asset management number, inventory result, inventory completion status, communication date, code scan date, type, status, name, and department. This information is obtained from the snapshot 174. In this way, the asset management device 100 displays the inventory status of each asset on the inventory screen 123. This allows the person in charge to easily understand the inventory status of each asset (inventory result, inventory completion status, communication date, code scan date, etc.).

[0037] The inventory screen 123 also displays a code display button B4 and an update button B5. The code display button B4 is used to instruct the system to display the second code information C2, which will be described later. As will be explained in more detail later, the second code information C2 is information used to launch the asset management application on the terminal device 300. The update button B5 is used to instruct the system to update the inventory status of each asset displayed on the inventory screen 123 with the latest information.

[0038] [Inventory Processing] First, let's explain the inventory process for assets distributed to employees (users). Smartphones, laptops, desktop PCs, etc., which are considered assets, have monitoring tools pre-installed. The monitoring tools are used to monitor how employees are using the assets. When an employee turns on the power to an asset and logs in, the monitoring tools are activated. The monitoring tools send communication information to the asset management device 100 at predetermined intervals. The communication information is used to confirm that communication is established between the asset and the asset management device 100. The communication information includes the asset management number (asset identification information).

[0039] The receiving unit 130 of the asset management device 100 receives communication information from assets distributed to employees by controlling the communication unit 110. The inventory processing unit 135 then performs an inventory of assets based on the communication information received from the assets after the reference date set by the reference date setting unit 140. Specifically, the inventory processing unit 135 determines which assets have been communicated with based on the asset management numbers included in the received communication information. Assets with which communication has been established are assets used by employees. Therefore, the inventory processing unit 135 can determine the location of the assets with which communication has been established.

[0040] When the receiving unit 130 receives communication information, the inventory processing unit 135 updates the inventory result linked to the asset management number included in the communication information in the snapshot 174 to "completed", updates the inventory completion status to "communication", and updates the communication date to the date the communication information was received.

[0041] On the other hand, if an asset is lost and its location is unknown, the employee cannot turn on the asset's power. Therefore, the receiving unit 130 of the asset management device 100 cannot receive communication information from the lost asset. In this case, the inventory result in the snapshot 174 remains "incomplete".

[0042] Traditionally, when conducting an inventory of assets distributed to employees, the asset management department staff managed the status of each asset by having each employee enter the asset management number of their owned assets into a spreadsheet. However, with this embodiment, the inventory process is performed automatically based on communication information, making the asset inventory process more efficient. Furthermore, with this embodiment, the inventory result for assets that cannot be communicated will be marked as "incomplete," making it easy to identify assets that may have been lost.

[0043] Next, we will explain the inventory process for assets that have not been distributed to employees (users). Assets that have not been distributed to employees may, for example, be assets that are stored in a warehouse without being distributed to employees. As mentioned above, the asset management device 100 can communicate with the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 has the function of reading the first code information C1 attached to assets that have not been distributed to employees. The first code information C1 may be a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. In this embodiment, as an example, the first code information C1 is assumed to be a QR code (registered trademark). The inventory processing unit 135 executes the inventory process in response to the terminal device 300 reading the first code information C1. This point will be explained below.

[0044] Figure 9 shows an example of the code information display window 124. When the person in charge selects (clicks) the code display button B4 (Figure 8) using the input unit 115, the code information generation unit 145 of the asset management device 100 generates the second code information C2. The second code information C2 is coded information that includes snapshot identification information for identifying the created snapshot and a deep link for launching the asset management application. The second code information C2 may be a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. In this embodiment, as an example, the second code information C2 is a QR code (registered trademark). The asset management application is an application for reading the first code information C1 attached to assets that have not been distributed to employees (users). The asset management device 100 also displays the code information display window 124, which includes the generated second code information C2, on the display unit 120.

[0045] The code information display window 124 displays a close button B6. When the person in charge selects (clicks) the close button B6 using the input unit 115, the code information display window 124 will close.

[0046] Meanwhile, when the person in charge uses the camera function of the terminal device 300 to read the second code information C2 displayed in the code information display window 124, the terminal device 300 decodes the second code information C2. As a result, the terminal device 300 obtains snapshot identification information and a deep link to launch the asset management application. The terminal device 300 then launches the asset management application based on the deep link.

[0047] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the process for reading the first code information C1 attached to an asset. As shown in Figure 10, the first code information C1 is attached to the back of an asset (smartphone) that has not been distributed to an employee. The person in charge reads the first code information C1 attached to the asset by operating the asset management application using the terminal device 300. The first code information C1 is information in which the asset management number has been coded.

[0048] The terminal device 300 obtains the asset management number by decoding the first code information C1 that it has read. Subsequently, the terminal device 300 transmits confirmation information to the asset management device 100 indicating that it has confirmed the location of the asset by reading the first code information C1. The confirmation information includes the asset management number obtained from the first code information C1 and the snapshot identification information obtained from the second code information C2.

[0049] Meanwhile, the receiving unit 130 of the asset management device 100 controls the communication unit 110 to receive confirmation information from the terminal device 300. The inventory processing unit 135 then performs inventory processing of assets that have not been distributed to employees (users) based on the confirmation information. Specifically, the inventory processing unit 135 determines which of the multiple snapshots 174 stored in the storage unit 170 the confirmation information pertains to, based on the snapshot identification information included in the received confirmation information. The inventory processing unit 135 also determines which asset's location has been confirmed, based on the asset management number included in the received confirmation information.

[0050] When the receiving unit 130 receives confirmation information, the inventory processing unit 135 identifies the snapshot 174 corresponding to the snapshot identification information included in the confirmation information. The inventory processing unit 135 also updates the inventory result linked to the asset management number included in the confirmation information to "Completed" in the identified snapshot 174, updates the inventory completion status to "Code Scan," and updates the code scan date to the date the confirmation information was received.

[0051] Traditionally, when conducting an inventory of assets stored in a warehouse without being distributed to employees, the asset management department staff would manually check each asset in the warehouse and manage the status of each asset by entering its asset management number into a spreadsheet. However, with this embodiment, the inventory process is performed automatically based on the confirmation information, allowing for more efficient asset inventory management. Furthermore, with this embodiment, the inventory result for assets whose location cannot be confirmed will be marked as "incomplete," making it easy to identify assets that may have been lost.

[0052] Figure 11 shows an example of an updated snapshot 174. As shown in Figure 11, the inventory result for assets distributed to employees that have been communicated is "Completed," the inventory completion category is "Communication," and the date on which the communication information was received is entered as the communication date. In addition, the inventory result for assets that have not been distributed to employees but whose location has been confirmed is "Completed," the inventory completion category is "Code Scan," and the date on which the confirmation information was received is entered as the code scan date.

[0053] Figure 12 shows an example of the inventory screen 123 of the updated asset management system. When the user selects (clicks) the update button B5, the inventory screen 123 is updated with the latest information. The asset management device 100 reads the updated snapshot 174 from the storage unit 170 and updates the inventory screen 123 based on the read snapshot 174. As the inventory process progresses, the number of assets whose inventory result is "completed" will increase. This allows the person in charge to easily grasp the progress of the inventory.

[0054] Furthermore, the initialization processing unit 150 of the asset management device 100 may perform an initialization process on assets for which the inventory result is not "completed" even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the creation of the snapshot 174. The initialization process erases various data stored in the asset and returns the asset to its state before it was shipped from the factory. Assets for which the inventory result is not "completed" even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the creation of the snapshot 174 may have been lost. Therefore, by performing an initialization process on such assets, the initialization processing unit 150 can prevent the leakage of confidential information to the outside, even if the asset is lost.

[0055] Even if a lost asset is acquired by a third party and powered on, communication information will not be sent to the asset management device 100 unless a login is possible. Therefore, even if a lost asset is acquired by a third party and powered on, the initialization processing unit 150 can identify a potentially lost asset based on whether or not it has received communication information. The initialization processing unit 150 may also identify a lost asset based on a loss report submitted by an employee (user). For example, an employee may send a loss report to the asset management device 100 using a terminal device separate from the lost asset, including the employee's name, contact information (e.g., email address), department, type of lost asset (e.g., smartphone, notebook PC, desktop PC, etc.), asset management number, date of loss, and circumstances of the loss and measures to prevent recurrence. The initialization processing unit 150 may also initialize an asset for which a loss report has been submitted, treating it as a lost asset. Thus, the initialization processing unit 150 may initialize an asset that is powered on but not logged in to, or an asset for which a loss report has been submitted, treating it as a lost asset. This prevents confidential company information from being leaked to external parties, even if assets are lost.

[0056] Furthermore, when the receiving unit 130 receives new employee information, which is information about a company's new employees, the decision unit 155 of the asset management device 100 may determine which assets to distribute to the new employees based on the snapshot 174. For example, the personnel information management device 200 may generate new employee information and transmit it to the asset management device 100. Alternatively, the decision unit 155 may refer to the snapshot 174 and determine which assets have an inventory result of "completed" and a status of "available for loan" to be distributed to the new employees. This prevents erroneous decisions from being made, such as distributing assets whose whereabouts are unknown to new employees.

[0057] [Sequence Diagram] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an inventory process for assets distributed to employees (users). Below, using Figure 13, we will explain the inventory process for assets A through C based on communication information received from assets A through C distributed to employees (users). Note that assets A through C may be IT assets such as smartphones, laptops, or desktop PCs.

[0058] First, the snapshot creation unit 125 of the asset management device 100 creates a snapshot 174 (S101). As mentioned above, the snapshot 174 contains information such as the asset management number (asset identification information) for identifying the asset and the results of the asset inventory. For example, the snapshot creation unit 125 creates the snapshot 174 by referring to the asset management information 172.

[0059] Next, in response to user input, asset A is powered on (S102). Asset A has a monitoring tool installed, and when the user powers on asset A and logs in, the monitoring tool is activated.

[0060] Next, the monitoring tool installed on asset A transmits communication information to the asset management device 100 (S103). The monitoring tool may transmit communication information to the asset management device 100 at regular intervals. The communication information is information to confirm that communication is established between asset A and the asset management device 100. The communication information includes the asset management number of asset A. Therefore, the asset management device 100 can determine that communication with asset A has been established by referring to the asset management number included in the communication information.

[0061] Next, the inventory processing unit 135 of the asset management device 100 updates the snapshot 174 based on the communication information received from asset A (S104). For example, in the snapshot 174, the inventory processing unit 135 updates the inventory result of asset A linked to the asset management number included in the communication information to "completed", updates the inventory completion status to "communication", and updates the communication date to the date the communication information was received.

[0062] Next, in response to the user's operation, the power to asset B is turned on (S105). Asset B has a monitoring tool installed, and when asset B is powered on, the monitoring tool is activated.

[0063] Next, the monitoring tool installed on asset B transmits communication information to the asset management device 100 (S106). The monitoring tool may transmit communication information to the asset management device 100 at regular intervals. The communication information is information to confirm that communication is established between asset B and the asset management device 100. The communication information includes the asset management number of asset B. Therefore, the asset management device 100 can determine that communication with asset B has been established by referring to the asset management number included in the communication information.

[0064] Next, the inventory processing unit 135 of the asset management device 100 updates the snapshot 174 based on the communication information received from asset B (S107). For example, in the snapshot 174, the inventory processing unit 135 updates the inventory result of asset B linked to the asset management number included in the communication information to "completed", updates the inventory completion status to "communication", and updates the communication date to the date the communication information was received.

[0065] Next, in response to user input, asset C is powered on (S108). Asset C has a monitoring tool installed, and when the user powers on asset C and logs in, the monitoring tool is activated.

[0066] Next, the monitoring tool installed on asset C transmits communication information to the asset management device 100 (S109). The monitoring tool may transmit communication information to the asset management device 100 at regular intervals. The communication information is information to confirm that communication is established between asset C and the asset management device 100. The communication information includes the asset management number of asset C. Therefore, the asset management device 100 can determine that communication with asset C has been established by referring to the asset management number included in the communication information.

[0067] Next, the inventory processing unit 135 of the asset management device 100 updates the snapshot 174 based on the communication information received from asset C (S110). For example, in the snapshot 174, the inventory processing unit 135 updates the inventory result of asset C linked to the asset management number included in the communication information to "completed", updates the inventory completion status to "communication", and updates the communication date to the date the communication information was received.

[0068] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an inventory process for assets not distributed to employees (users). Below, using Figure 14, we will explain the inventory process for assets D and E, which are not distributed to employees (users), based on code scanning. Note that assets D and E may be IT assets such as smartphones, laptops, or desktop PCs.

[0069] First, the snapshot creation unit 125 of the asset management device 100 creates a snapshot 174 (S201). As mentioned above, the snapshot 174 contains information such as the asset management number (asset identification information) for identifying the asset and the results of the asset inventory. For example, the snapshot creation unit 125 creates the snapshot 174 by referring to the asset management information 172.

[0070] Next, the code information generation unit 145 generates second code information C2, and the display unit 120 displays the generated second code information C2 (S202). The second code information C2 is coded information that includes snapshot identification information for identifying the created snapshot and a deep link for launching the asset management application. For example, the display unit 120 displays the second code information C2 in the code information display window 124, as shown in Figure 9 above.

[0071] Next, the terminal device 300 reads the second code information C2 displayed on the display unit 120 (S203). Subsequently, the terminal device 300 decodes the second code information C2 to obtain snapshot identification information and a deep link for launching the asset management application.

[0072] Next, the terminal device 300 launches the asset management application based on the deep link obtained by decoding the second code information C2 (S204). When the asset management application is launched, a code reading screen for reading the first code information C1 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 300.

[0073] Next, the terminal device 300 reads the first code information C1 attached to asset D, which has not been distributed to employees (S205). The first code information C1 is coded information representing the asset management number of asset D. For example, an employee of the asset management department visits the warehouse where asset D is stored to confirm its location and uses the terminal device 300, which has the asset management application running, to read the first code information C1 attached to asset D. The terminal device 300 then decodes the first code information C1 to obtain the asset management number of asset D.

[0074] Next, the terminal device 300 transmits confirmation information to the asset management device 100 (S206). The confirmation information includes the asset management number of asset D obtained from the first code information C1 and the snapshot identification information obtained from the second code information C2.

[0075] Next, the inventory processing unit 135 of the asset management device 100 updates the snapshot 174 based on the confirmation information received from the terminal device 300 (S207). For example, in the snapshot 174, the inventory processing unit 135 updates the inventory result of asset D associated with the asset management number included in the confirmation information to "Completed," updates the inventory completion status to "Code Scan," and updates the code scan date to the date the confirmation information was received.

[0076] Next, the terminal device 300 reads the first code information C1 attached to asset E, which has not been distributed to an employee (S208). The first code information C1 is coded information representing the asset management number of asset E. For example, an employee of the asset management department visits the warehouse where asset E is stored to confirm its location and uses the terminal device 300, which has the asset management application running, to read the first code information C1 attached to asset E. Subsequently, the terminal device 300 decodes the first code information C1 to obtain the asset management number of asset E.

[0077] Next, the terminal device 300 transmits confirmation information to the asset management device 100 (S209). The confirmation information includes the asset management number of asset E obtained from the first code information C1 and the snapshot identification information obtained from the second code information C2.

[0078] Next, the inventory processing unit 135 of the asset management device 100 updates the snapshot 174 based on the confirmation information received from the terminal device 300 (S210). For example, in the snapshot 174, the inventory processing unit 135 updates the inventory result of asset E associated with the asset management number included in the confirmation information to "Completed," updates the inventory completion status to "Code Scan," and updates the code scan date to the date the confirmation information was received.

[0079] As described above, the asset management device 100 of this embodiment includes a snapshot creation unit 125, a receiving unit 130, and an inventory processing unit 135. The snapshot creation unit 125 creates a snapshot 174 containing information including an asset management number (asset identification information) for identifying an asset and the asset inventory results. The receiving unit 130 receives communication information from the assets distributed to the user to confirm that communication is established between the asset and the asset management device 100. The inventory processing unit 135 performs inventory processing of the assets distributed to the user based on the snapshot 174 and the communication information. As a result, the asset management device 100 of this embodiment can perform asset inventory processing efficiently.

[0080] In the above explanation, it is assumed that the asset management device 100 and the personnel information management device 200 are separate servers, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the asset management device 100 and the personnel information management device 200 are operated by the same company or group company, a single server integrating the asset management device 100 and the personnel information management device 200 may be provided as the asset management device.

[0081] Although embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above using examples, the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 10 Asset Management Systems 100 Asset Management Devices 110 Communications Department 115 Input section 120 Display section 125 Snapshot Creation Section 130 Receiver 135 Inventory Processing Unit 140 Base date setting section 145 Code Information Generation Unit 150 Initialization Processing Unit 155 Decision Section 170 Storage section 172 Asset Management Information 174 snapshots 200 Human resources information management device 210 Storage section 212 Personnel information 300 terminal devices

Claims

1. An asset management device for managing assets, A snapshot creation unit creates a snapshot of information including asset identification information for identifying the aforementioned asset and the inventory results of the aforementioned asset. A receiving unit that receives communication information from the asset distributed to the user to confirm that communication is established between the asset and the asset management device, An inventory processing unit performs inventory processing of the assets distributed to the user based on the snapshot and the communication information, An asset management device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes a reference date setting unit for setting the reference date for the inventory counting process, The inventory processing unit performs inventory processing on the assets based on the communication information received from the assets on or after the reference date. The asset management device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned communication information includes the aforementioned asset identification information, When the receiving unit receives the communication information, the inventory processing unit updates the inventory results of the assets linked to the asset identification information included in the communication information in the snapshot to information indicating that the inventory is complete. The asset management device according to claim 1.

4. The asset management device is capable of communicating with a terminal device that reads first code information attached to assets not distributed to the user. The receiving unit receives confirmation information from the terminal device indicating that it has confirmed the location of the asset by reading the first code information. The inventory processing unit performs inventory processing of the assets that have not been distributed to the user based on the confirmation information. The asset management device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned verification information includes the aforementioned asset identification information, When the receiving unit receives the confirmation information, the inventory processing unit updates the inventory results of the assets linked to the asset identification information included in the confirmation information in the snapshot to information indicating that the inventory is complete. The asset management device according to claim 4.

6. The terminal device includes a code information generation unit that generates second code information for launching an application for reading the first code information, A display unit that displays the second code information, The asset management device according to claim 4, further comprising:

7. The system further includes an initialization processing unit that performs an initialization process on assets for which the inventory results are not complete even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the creation of the snapshot. The asset management device according to claim 1.

8. The user mentioned above is an employee of the company. When the receiving unit receives new employee information, which is information relating to new employees of the company, the system further includes a determination unit that determines which assets to distribute to the new employees based on the snapshot. The asset management device according to claim 1.

9. Asset management equipment for managing assets, A snapshot is created containing asset identification information for identifying the aforementioned asset and the inventory results of the aforementioned asset. From the assets distributed to the user, communication information is received to confirm that communication is established between the assets and the asset management device. Based on the snapshot and the communication information, an inventory process is performed on the assets distributed to the user. Asset management methods.

10. In an asset management device that manages assets, The system creates a snapshot of information including asset identification information for identifying the aforementioned asset and the inventory results of the aforementioned asset. From the assets distributed to the user, communication information is received to confirm that communication is established between the assets and the asset management device. Based on the snapshot and the communication information, the system causes the user to perform an inventory of the assets distributed to them. program.

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