Inventory management device, inventory management method, and inventory management program

Abstract

The objective is to provide an inventory management device, inventory management method, and inventory management program that, in order entry when receiving orders, can refer to the daily expected arrival quantity, compare it with the shipping date, and allocate it to the inventory for the arrival date closest to the shipping date. [Solution] Order data is obtained, linked to the scheduled shipping date and the scheduled shipping quantity of the product. Based on the order data, the scheduled number of products to be received is set as the number of available stock to be allocated. Allocation work is obtained, which includes inventory records of the scheduled stock linked to the scheduled arrival date, the available stock to be allocated, and the number of allocated stocks of the scheduled stock. Among the inventory records where the scheduled arrival date is set before the scheduled shipping date and there is still an available stock to be allocated, the allocation work is updated by changing the number of available stocks corresponding to the scheduled shipping quantity set in the inventory record in order of the scheduled arrival date being closest to the scheduled shipping date.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for setting the priority order of reservations and performing inventory reservations according to the set priority order based on at least one of the ascending order of the delivery date, the ascending order of the registration date, and the ascending order of the order receipt date.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is impossible to perform allocation of the number of items to be shipped in descending order of the scheduled arrival date in the update of the allocation data for the outstanding orders (under the condition that the scheduled arrival date ≤ the scheduled delivery date).

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an inventory management device, an inventory management method, and an inventory management program that can refer to the daily scheduled arrival quantity in the order reception input for receiving an order, compare it with the delivery date, and allocate it to the inventory with the scheduled arrival date closest to the delivery date.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention provides an inventory management device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit includes an inventory management storage means for storing order data linked to the scheduled arrival date and the scheduled quantity of goods to be received, and the control unit includes an order acquisition means for acquiring order data linked to the scheduled shipping date and the scheduled quantity of goods to be shipped, a work acquisition means for acquiring an allocation work that, based on the order data, sets the scheduled quantity of goods to be received as the number of available allocations for the planned inventory, and sets the scheduled arrival date, the available allocations, and the allocated quantity of the planned inventory to be received, and acquires an allocation work that includes an inventory record linked to the scheduled arrival date, the available allocations, and the allocated quantity of the planned inventory to be received, and updates the allocation work by, based on the order data and the allocation work, transferring the available allocations corresponding to the scheduled quantity of goods to the allocated quantity in the inventory records where the scheduled arrival date is set before the scheduled shipping date and the available allocations remain, in order of proximity to the scheduled shipping date.

[0007] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the inventory allocation means is further characterized in that it registers allocation details data, which are set by linking the planned arrival date and the allocated quantity of the planned inventory, to the inventory management storage means based on the allocation work.

[0008] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the inventory allocation means is further characterized by initializing the set value set for the allocated workpiece.

[0009] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the inventory management storage means further stores current inventory data that sets the current number of items in stock, and the work acquisition means further sets the current number of items in stock as the number of items that can be allocated in the current inventory based on the current inventory data, and acquires the allocated work including the inventory record of the current inventory which is set by linking the expected arrival date of the current inventory which has been received, the number of items that can be allocated, and the number of items that have been allocated in the current inventory which has been set.

[0010] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the inventory allocation means updates the allocation work by, based on the order data and the allocation work, identifying the inventory records in order of proximity of the arrival date to the shipment date among the inventory records for which an arrival date prior to the shipment date has been set and for which an allocationable quantity remains, and if the allocationable quantity set for the inventory record is equal to or greater than the shipment quantity, setting the number obtained by adding the shipment quantity to the allocated quantity as the new allocated quantity for the inventory record, and setting the number obtained by subtracting the shipment quantity from the allocationable quantity as the new allocationable quantity for the inventory record.

[0011] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the inventory allocation means identifies the inventory records in order of proximity to the scheduled shipping date among the inventory records where the scheduled arrival date is set prior to the scheduled shipping date and the number of available allocations remains, based on the order data and the allocation work, and if the number of available allocations set in the inventory record is less than the scheduled shipping number, it obtains the number obtained by subtracting the number of available allocations from the scheduled shipping number as the number of items that are underallocated for the product, sets the number obtained by adding the number of available allocations to the number of allocated items as the new number of allocated items for the inventory record, and updates the allocation work by setting the new number of available allocations for the inventory record to 0.

[0012] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the inventory allocation means further identifies the inventory records in order of proximity to the scheduled shipping date among the inventory records for which the scheduled arrival date is set prior to the scheduled shipping date, based on the allocation work, and if the number of items that can be allocated set for the inventory record is equal to or greater than the number of items that are not allocated, the number obtained by adding the number of items that are allocated to the number of items that are not allocated is set as the new number of items that are allocated for the inventory record, and the number obtained by subtracting the number of items that are not allocated is set as the new number of items that can be allocated for the inventory record, thereby updating the allocation work.

[0013] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the inventory allocation means further identifies the inventory records in order of proximity to the scheduled shipping date among the inventory records in which the scheduled arrival date is set prior to the scheduled shipping date, based on the allocation work, and if the number of available items set in the inventory record is less than the number of items to be allocated, it obtains the number obtained by subtracting the number of available items from the number of items to be allocated as the new number of items to be allocated for the product, sets the number obtained by adding the number of available items to the number of items already allocated as the new number of items allocated for the inventory record, and updates the allocation work by setting the new number of available items for the inventory record to 0.

[0014] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the work acquisition means further updates the allocated work by sorting the inventory records set for the allocated work in descending order of the scheduled arrival date, and the inventory allocation means updates the allocated work by, based on the order data and the allocated work, transferring the number of available allocations corresponding to the scheduled shipment quantity set for the inventory records in descending order of the inventory records for which the scheduled arrival date prior to the scheduled shipment date is set and the number of available allocations remains, to the allocated quantity.

[0015] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the inventory allocation means is further characterized in that it performs error processing when the total number of available allocations set in the inventory records included in the allocation work is less than the number of planned shipments set in the order data.

[0016] Furthermore, the inventory management device according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit further comprises an inventory inquiry means that acquires aggregated data including aggregated records set by linking the number of items in stock, the number of items already allocated, and the number of items available for allocation, based on the order data and the allocation details data, with the product, allocation type, and the expected arrival date as key items, and outputs the aggregated data.

[0017] Furthermore, the inventory management method according to the present invention is an inventory management method to be executed by an inventory management device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit comprises an inventory management storage means for storing order data set by linking the scheduled arrival date and the scheduled quantity of goods to be received, and the method is characterized by comprising: an order acquisition step executed by the control unit for acquiring order data set by linking the scheduled shipment date and the scheduled quantity of goods to be shipped; a work acquisition step for acquiring an inventory record of the scheduled inventory, which is set by linking the scheduled arrival date, the scheduled quantity of goods to be received, and the scheduled quantity of goods to be allocated, based on the order data; and an inventory allocation step for updating the allocation work by, based on the order data and the allocation work, transferring the scheduled quantity of goods to the scheduled quantity, in order of the scheduled arrival date being closer to the scheduled shipment date among the inventory records where the scheduled arrival date is set earlier than the scheduled shipment date and the scheduled quantity of goods to be allocated.

[0018] Furthermore, the inventory management program according to the present invention is an inventory management program to be executed by an inventory management device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit comprises an inventory management storage means for storing order data set by linking the scheduled arrival date and the scheduled quantity to be received of goods, and the control unit is characterized by causing the control unit to execute an order acquisition step for acquiring order data set by linking the scheduled shipment date and the scheduled shipment quantity of the goods, a work acquisition step for acquiring an allocation work that includes an inventory record of the scheduled inventory set by linking the scheduled arrival date, the said available quantity, and the allocated quantity of the scheduled inventory, based on the order data, and based on the order data and the allocation work, by updating the allocation work by transferring the available quantity corresponding to the scheduled shipment quantity set in the inventory record, in order of proximity to the scheduled shipment date, among the inventory records where the scheduled arrival date is set before the scheduled shipment date and the available quantity remains, to the allocated quantity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, by comparing the scheduled shipping date with the scheduled arrival date and allocating to the arrival quantity closer to the shipping date, it becomes possible to deliver products in a way that maximizes their shelf life, thereby improving customer satisfaction. Furthermore, according to the present invention, by checking the allocation status to actual inventory and scheduled inventory, it becomes possible to formulate strategies to further reduce inventory loss, such as allocating excess actual inventory to store sales. In addition, according to the present invention, in industries where shelf life management is necessary, it has the effect of improving customer satisfaction, reducing inventory loss, and achieving regular quantitative effects. Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the case of food products, which have a "consumption / best before date," it contributes to improving customer satisfaction and preventing complaints, and indirectly contributes to acquiring long-term customers and increasing sales. Furthermore, according to the present invention, in companies that handle products such as food products that require shelf life management, it has the effect of contributing to customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the present invention has the effect of enabling the allocation of shipment quantities in descending order of arrival dates when updating the allocation data for the current inventory quantity and outstanding orders (condition: arrival date ≤ shipment date) at the time of order entry. In addition, the present invention has the effect of preventing lost sales opportunities through the allocation of planned inventory by arrival date and increasing the inventory turnover rate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of inventory management in the distribution and retail industry according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inventory management device in this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the inventory management device in this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of inventory management processing in this embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management processing in the present embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0022] [1. Overview] First, the outline of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management in the distribution and retail industry according to this embodiment.

[0023] Traditionally, the food distribution and retail industry has used a total allocation basis, such as "planned inventory + actual inventory," which made it impossible to determine whether an item was allocated to current inventory or planned inventory. This resulted in lost sales opportunities because it was impossible to decide whether to sell items that were actually in stock. Furthermore, food companies faced the challenge of needing a service system that would deliver products with the longest possible shelf life by shipping them immediately after arrival in order to improve customer satisfaction.

[0024] To solve this problem, it is assumed that it would be effective to compare the scheduled shipping date with the scheduled arrival date and allocate the stock to the arrival date that is closer to the shipping date, as well as to check the allocation status to actual inventory and scheduled inventory, and then allocate any excess actual inventory to store sales.

[0025] Therefore, in this embodiment, when an order is received, the order entry system references the actual inventory and the daily expected arrival quantity when the order quantity is entered, compares it with the shipping date, and allocates it to the inventory for the arrival date closest to the shipping date. This provides a mechanism that allows for the management and reference of the actual inventory and the daily available shipment quantity for the arrival date.

[0026] As a result, in this embodiment, by checking the current inventory and the allocation status for each scheduled arrival date, it is possible to understand at what point inventory will be in excess, thereby further reducing inventory losses. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the allocation status can be checked at the call center when receiving orders from mail order or when placing orders with wholesalers or manufacturers.

[0027] [2. Structure] An example of the configuration of the inventory management device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inventory management device 100 in this embodiment.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the inventory management device 100 is a commercially available desktop personal computer. However, the inventory management device 100 is not limited to stationary information processing devices such as desktop personal computers, but may also be portable information processing devices such as commercially available notebook personal computers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), smartphones, or tablet personal computers.

[0029] The inventory management device 100 comprises a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a storage unit 106, and an input / output interface unit 108. Each part of the inventory management device 100 is connected to communicate via any communication path.

[0030] The communication interface unit 104 connects the inventory management device 100 to the network 300 via a communication device such as a router and a wired or wireless communication line such as a dedicated line. The communication interface unit 104 has the function of communicating data with other devices via a communication line. Here, the network 300 has the function of connecting the inventory management device 100 and the server 200 so that they can communicate with each other, and is, for example, the internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0031] The input / output interface unit 108 is connected to an input device 112 and an output device 114. The output device 114 can be a monitor (including a touch panel), a speaker, or a printer. The input device 112 can be a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a monitor that works in conjunction with a mouse to provide pointing device functionality. In the following, the output device 114 may be referred to as the monitor 114 or printer 114, and the input device 112 may be referred to as the keyboard 112 or mouse 112.

[0032] The storage unit 106 stores various databases, tables, and files. The storage unit 106 also stores computer programs that work in cooperation with the OS (Operating System) to give instructions to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform various processes. The storage unit 106 can be, for example, a memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, or an optical disk. The storage unit 106 includes an inventory management database 106a.

[0033] The inventory management database 106a stores inventory management data. Here, the inventory management database 106a may also store order data that is set by linking the expected arrival date and expected quantity of goods. The inventory management database 106a may also store current inventory data that sets the current quantity of goods. Furthermore, the inventory management database 106a may also store order data, allocation detail data, pre-aggregation data, and / or aggregated data.

[0034] The control unit 102 is a CPU or the like that comprehensively controls the inventory management device 100. The control unit 102 has an internal memory for storing control programs such as the OS, programs that define various processing procedures, and required data, and executes various information processing based on these stored programs. Functionally, the control unit 102 comprises an order acquisition unit 102a, a work acquisition unit 102b, an inventory allocation unit 102c, and an inventory inquiry unit 102d.

[0035] The order acquisition unit 102a acquires order data. Here, the order acquisition unit 102a may acquire order data that is set to associate with the scheduled shipping date and the scheduled shipping quantity of the product. Alternatively, the order acquisition unit 102a may acquire order data that is set to associate with the scheduled arrival date and the scheduled receiving quantity of the product. Furthermore, the order acquisition unit 102a may register the order data in the inventory management database 106a.

[0036] The work acquisition unit 102b acquires the allocated work, which includes the inventory records of the inventory. Here, the work acquisition unit 102b may set the planned number of incoming goods as the number of available allocated goods in the planned inventory based on the order data, and acquire the allocated work, which includes the inventory records of the planned inventory, which are set by linking the planned arrival date, the number of available allocated goods, and the number of allocated goods in the planned inventory. Alternatively, the work acquisition unit 102b may set the current number of goods in the current inventory as the number of available allocated goods in the current inventory based on the current inventory data, and acquire the allocated work, which includes the inventory records of the current inventory, which are set by linking the planned arrival date of the current inventory, the number of available allocated goods, and the number of allocated goods in the current inventory. Furthermore, the work acquisition unit 102b may update the allocated work by sorting the inventory records set in the allocated work in descending order of the planned arrival date.

[0037] The inventory allocation unit 102c updates the allocation work by transferring the number of available allocations corresponding to the planned shipment quantity, as set in the inventory record, to the allocated quantity. Alternatively, the inventory allocation unit 102c may update the allocation work by transferring the number of available allocations corresponding to the planned shipment quantity, as set in the inventory record, in order of proximity of the planned shipment date, to the allocated quantity, based on the order data and the allocation work, among inventory records where a planned arrival date prior to the planned shipment date is set and an allocation quantity remains. The inventory allocation unit 102c may also register allocation detail data, linked to the planned arrival date and allocated quantity of planned inventory, in the inventory management database 106a based on the allocation work. Furthermore, the inventory allocation unit 102c may initialize the settings set in the allocation work. Furthermore, the inventory allocation unit 102c may update the allocation work by identifying inventory records in order of proximity to the scheduled shipping date among inventory records where an arrival date prior to the scheduled shipping date is set and an allocation quantity remains, based on the order data and the allocation work, and if the allocation quantity set for the inventory record is greater than or equal to the scheduled shipping quantity, setting the number obtained by adding the scheduled shipping quantity to the allocated quantity as the new allocated quantity for the inventory record, and setting the number obtained by subtracting the scheduled shipping quantity from the allocation quantity as the new allocation quantity for the inventory record.

[0038] Furthermore, the inventory allocation unit 102c may update the allocation work by identifying inventory records in order of proximity to the scheduled shipping date among inventory records where an arrival date prior to the scheduled shipping date is set and an allocation quantity remains, based on the order data and the allocation work, and if the allocation quantity set for the inventory record is less than the scheduled shipping quantity, it may obtain the number obtained by subtracting the allocation quantity from the scheduled shipping quantity as the number of items that are under-allocated, set the number obtained by adding the allocation quantity to the allocated quantity as the new allocated quantity for the inventory record, and set the new allocation quantity for the inventory record to 0. Furthermore, the inventory allocation unit 102c may update the allocation work by identifying inventory records in order of proximity to the scheduled shipping date among inventory records where an arrival date prior to the scheduled shipping date is set and an allocation quantity remains, and if the allocation quantity set for the inventory record is equal to or greater than the allocation shortage quantity, setting the allocation quantity plus the allocation shortage quantity as the new allocation quantity for the inventory record, and setting the allocation quantity minus the allocation shortage quantity as the new allocation quantity for the inventory record.

[0039] Furthermore, the inventory allocation unit 102c may update the allocation work by identifying inventory records in descending order of the scheduled shipping date from among inventory records where an arrival date prior to the scheduled shipping date is set and an allocation quantity remains available, and if the allocation quantity set for the inventory record is less than the allocation shortage, it may obtain the new allocation shortage as the amount obtained by subtracting the allocation quantity from the allocation shortage, set the amount obtained by adding the allocation quantity to the allocated quantity as the new allocated quantity for the inventory record, and set the new allocation quantity for the inventory record to 0. Alternatively, the inventory allocation unit 102c may update the allocation work by, based on the order data and the allocation work, transferring the allocation quantity corresponding to the scheduled shipping quantity set for the inventory record in descending order of inventory records where an arrival date prior to the scheduled shipping date is set and an allocation quantity remains available, to the allocated quantity. Furthermore, the inventory allocation unit 102c may perform error processing if the total number of available allocations set in the inventory records included in the allocation work is less than the planned shipment quantity set in the order data.

[0040] The inventory inquiry unit 102d outputs aggregated data for products. Here, the inventory inquiry unit 102d may obtain aggregated data that includes aggregated records linked to the number of items in stock, the number of items allocated, and the number of items available for allocation, based on the order data and the allocation details data, using the product, allocation type, and expected arrival date as key items, and output the aggregated data.

[0041] [3. Specific examples] A specific example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 21.

[0042] [Inventory management processing] Now, with reference to Figure 3, an example of inventory management processing in this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the inventory management device 100 in this embodiment.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the order acquisition unit 102a acquires order data linked to the scheduled shipping date and the scheduled shipping quantity of the product, and registers the order data in the inventory management database 106a (step SA-1).

[0044] Then, the work acquisition unit 102b sets the current inventory quantity of the product as the available quantity for allocation in the current inventory based on the current inventory data, and acquires the inventory record for the current inventory, which is set by linking the scheduled arrival date of the current inventory, the available quantity for allocation, and the allocated quantity for the current inventory, which indicates that the product has been received. Based on the order data, it sets the scheduled incoming quantity of the product as the available quantity for allocation in the planned inventory, and acquires the inventory record for the planned inventory, which is set by linking the scheduled arrival date, the available quantity for allocation, and the allocated quantity for the planned inventory, and acquires the allocation work including the inventory record for the current inventory and the inventory record for the planned inventory (Step SA-2).

[0045] Then, the inventory allocation unit 102c determines whether the total number of available allocations set in the inventory records included in the allocation work is less than the planned shipment quantity set in the order data (step SA-3).

[0046] Then, if the inventory allocation unit 102c determines that the total number of available allocations set in the inventory records included in the allocation work is less than the planned shipment quantity set in the order data (step SA-3: Yes), it moves the process to step SA-4.

[0047] Then, the inventory allocation unit 102c performs error handling (step SA-4) and terminates the process.

[0048] On the other hand, if the inventory allocation unit 102c determines that the total number of available allocations set in the inventory records included in the allocation work is equal to or greater than the planned shipment quantity set in the order data (step SA-3: No), it moves the process to step SA-5.

[0049] Then, based on the order data and the allocation work, the inventory allocation unit 102c updates the allocation work by transferring the number of available allocations corresponding to the planned shipment quantity set in the inventory records, in order of the arrival date being closer to the scheduled shipment date, among the inventory records where an arrival date prior to the scheduled shipment date is set and there is still an allocation quantity remaining (step SA-5).

[0050] Then, the inventory allocation unit 102c registers the allocation details data, which are set by linking the planned arrival date and allocated quantity of the planned inventory, into the inventory management database 106a based on the allocation work (step SA-6).

[0051] Then, the inventory allocation unit 102c initializes (clears) the setting value set for the allocated workpiece (step SA-7).

[0052] The inventory inquiry unit 102d then acquires aggregated data, including aggregated records that link the number of items in stock, the number of items allocated, and the number of items available for allocation, based on the order data and the allocation details data, using the product, allocation type, and expected arrival date as key items. The aggregated data is then displayed on the output device 114 (step SA-8), and the process ends.

[0053] Here, with reference to Figures 4 to 15, an example of inventory management processing in this embodiment where all allocations can be processed with planned inventory will be described. Figures 4 to 15 are diagrams showing an example of inventory management processing in this embodiment.

[0054] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, if current inventory data and initialized allocation details data are registered on 2023 / 1 / 31, order data and order data are registered by entering new order orders and sales orders. As shown in Figure 5, the allocation work is cleared, and the inventory quantity is obtained from the current inventory data to calculate the number of items that can be allocated and the number of items that have been allocated, and set them in the allocation work. The remaining orders where "scheduled arrival date ≤ scheduled shipping date (2023 / 02 / 17)" are obtained from the order data, added to the allocation work, and the number of items that can be allocated and the number of items that have been allocated are calculated and set in the allocation work.

[0055] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the allocated workpieces are sorted in descending order of arrival date (NULL is treated as the smallest), and 75 units of the planned shipment quantity from the order data are allocated starting from the first record, which is closest to the planned shipment date (2023 / 02 / 17). The remaining 25 units are allocated starting from the second record (this process is repeated until all units can be allocated). As shown in Figure 7, the data for "allocated workpiece.allocated quantity < 0" and "allocated workpiece.allocated quantity > 0" are updated in the allocation details data, and the allocated workpieces are cleared.

[0056] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, current inventory data, order data, and allocation details data are aggregated and then, as shown in Figure 9, inventory inquiries are made.

[0057] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, order data is registered by receiving an order for an additional order, the allocation work is cleared, the allocation details data result is updated in the allocation work, and as shown in Figure 11, the number of items that can be allocated and the number that have been allocated are calculated by obtaining the inventory quantity from the current inventory data and set in the allocation work. The remaining orders where "scheduled arrival date ≤ scheduled shipping date (2023 / 03 / 01)" are obtained from the order data and added to the allocation work, and the number of items that can be allocated and the number that have been allocated are calculated and set in the said allocation work.

[0058] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the allocated workpieces are sorted in descending order of arrival date (NULL is treated as the smallest), and 72 units of the order data are allocated starting from the first record, which is closest to the scheduled shipping date (2023 / 03 / 01). The remaining 2 units are then allocated starting from the second record, but since it is not possible to allocate from the second record, the remaining 2 units are allocated to the third record, and this process is repeated until allocating is possible.

[0059] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the data for "allocated work.allocated quantity < 0" and "allocated work.allocated quantity > 0" are updated to the allocation details data, and the allocated work is cleared.

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, current inventory data, order data, and allocation details data are aggregated and then, as shown in Figure 15, inventory inquiries are made.

[0061] Furthermore, with reference to Figures 16 to 21, an example of inventory management processing in this embodiment where all allocations can be processed using "actual inventory + planned inventory" will be described. Figures 16 to 21 are diagrams showing an example of inventory management processing in this embodiment.

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, if current inventory data and initialized allocation details data are registered on 2023 / 1 / 31, order data and order data are registered by entering new order orders and sales orders. As shown in Figure 17, the allocation work is cleared, and the inventory quantity is obtained from the current inventory data to calculate the number of items that can be allocated and the number of items that have been allocated, and set them in the allocation work. The remaining orders where "scheduled arrival date ≤ scheduled shipping date (2023 / 02 / 15)" are obtained from the order data, added to the allocation work, and the number of items that can be allocated and the number of items that have been allocated are calculated and set in the allocation work.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the allocated workpieces are sorted in descending order of arrival date (NULL is treated as the smallest), and the allocation of 75 units of the order data for shipment is performed starting from the first record, which is closest to the scheduled shipment date (2023 / 02 / 15). However, since allocation is not possible from the first record, the remaining 45 units are allocated to the second record, and this process is repeated until allocation is successful.

[0064] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 19, the data for "allocated work.allocated quantity < 0" and "allocated work.allocated quantity > 0" are updated to the allocation details data, and the allocated work is cleared.

[0065] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, current inventory data, order data, and allocation details data are aggregated and, as shown in Figure 21, inventory inquiries are made.

[0066] [4. Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This embodiment can contribute to improving operational efficiency and promoting appropriate management decisions by companies, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 8 and 9.

[0067] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and digital processes, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 12, 13, and 15.

[0068] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, thereby enabling contributions to SDG Goal 16.

[0069] [5. Other Embodiments] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

[0070] For example, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods.

[0071] Furthermore, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registration data and search conditions for each process, screen examples, and database configuration shown in this specification and in the drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified.

[0072] Furthermore, with respect to the inventory management device 100, each component shown in the illustration is a functional concept and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown.

[0073] For example, the processing functions of the inventory management device 100, particularly those performed by the control unit 102, may be implemented in whole or in part by a CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or they may be implemented as wired logic hardware. The program is recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium containing programmed instructions for causing the information processing device to execute the processing described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by the inventory management device 100 as needed. That is, a storage unit such as ROM or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) contains a computer program that works in cooperation with the OS to give instructions to the CPU and perform various processing tasks. This computer program is executed by being loaded into RAM and works in cooperation with the CPU to constitute the control unit.

[0074] Furthermore, this computer program may be stored on an application program server connected to the inventory management device 100 via any network, and it is possible to download all or part of it as needed.

[0075] Furthermore, the program for executing the processing described in this embodiment may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, or it may be configured as a program product. Here, "recording medium" includes any "portable physical medium" such as memory cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, SD (Secure Digital) cards, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROMs (Registered Trademark) (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), MOs (Magneto-Optical disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), and Blu-ray (Registered Trademark) Discs.

[0076] Furthermore, "program" refers to a data processing method described in any language or writing method, regardless of its format, such as source code or binary code. Note that "program" is not necessarily limited to a single, monolithic structure; it also includes distributed structures consisting of multiple modules or libraries, and those that work in cooperation with other programs, such as an operating system, to achieve their functions. Regarding the specific configuration and reading procedures for reading the recording medium in each device shown in this embodiment, as well as the installation procedures after reading, well-known configurations and procedures can be used.

[0077] The various databases stored in the memory unit 106 include memory devices such as RAM and ROM, fixed disk devices such as hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks, and store various programs, tables, databases, and web page files used for various processes and website provision.

[0078] Furthermore, the inventory management device 100 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, or as an information processing device to which any peripheral devices are connected. Alternatively, the inventory management device 100 may be implemented by installing software (including programs or data, etc.) on the device that enables the processing described in this embodiment.

[0079] Furthermore, the specific forms of distribution and integration of the devices are not limited to those shown in the figures, and all or part of them can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit according to various additions or functional loads. In other words, the embodiments described above may be implemented in any combination, or the embodiments may be implemented selectively. [Industrial applicability]

[0080] This invention is useful in the food industry, including the food wholesale and food manufacturing industries, as well as in industries that handle products with expiration dates, such as the chemical industry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 100 Inventory Management Devices 102 Control Unit 102a Order Acquisition Department 102b Work Acquisition Section 102c Inventory Allocation Department 102d Inventory Inquiry Department 104 Communication Interface Section 106 Storage section 106a Inventory Management Database 108 Input / Output Interface Section 112 Input device 114 Output device 200 servers 300 Networks

Claims

1. An inventory management device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, The aforementioned storage unit is An inventory management storage device that stores order data linked to the expected arrival date and expected quantity of goods. Equipped with, The control unit, An order acquisition means for acquiring order data that is set by linking the scheduled shipping date and the scheduled shipping quantity of the aforementioned product, A work acquisition means that acquires an allocation work including an inventory record of the planned inventory, which is set by linking the planned arrival date, the allocation quantity, and the allocated quantity of the planned inventory, based on the order data, An inventory allocation means updates the allocation work by, based on the order data and the allocation work, transferring the number of available allocations corresponding to the number of shipments set in the inventory records, which have an arrival date set prior to the scheduled shipment date and still have an available allocation quantity, in order of proximity of the arrival date to the scheduled shipment date, to the allocated quantity. An inventory management device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned inventory allocation means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, based on the allocation work, allocation details data is set by linking the planned arrival date and the allocated quantity of the planned inventory to the inventory management storage means.

3. The aforementioned inventory allocation means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it initializes the set value set for the allocated workpiece.

4. The aforementioned inventory management storage means is Furthermore, the system stores current inventory data, which includes the current number of items in stock. The aforementioned workpiece acquisition means is Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that, based on the current inventory data, the current inventory quantity of the product is set as the number of items that can be allocated from the current inventory, and the allocation work is obtained which includes an inventory record of the current inventory that is set by linking the expected arrival date of the current inventory indicating that it has been received, the number of items that can be allocated, and the number of items that have been allocated from the current inventory.

5. The aforementioned inventory allocation means is, The inventory management device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, based on the order data and the allocation work, the inventory record is identified in order of proximity to the scheduled shipping date among the inventory records for which the scheduled arrival date is set prior to the scheduled shipping date and for which the allocation number remains, and if the allocation number set for the inventory record is equal to or greater than the scheduled shipping number, the allocation work is updated by adding the scheduled shipping number to the allocated number and setting that number as the new allocated number for the inventory record, and setting the allocation work by subtracting the scheduled shipping number from the allocation number.

6. The aforementioned inventory allocation means is, The inventory management device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, based on the order data and the allocation work, the device identifies the inventory records in order of proximity of the arrival date to the shipment date among the inventory records where the arrival date is set prior to the shipment date and the number of available allocations remains, and if the number of available allocations set in the inventory record is less than the shipment quantity, it obtains the number obtained by subtracting the number of available allocations from the shipment quantity as the number of allocation shortages for the product, sets the number obtained by adding the number of available allocations to the allocated quantity as the new allocated quantity for the inventory record, and updates the allocation work by setting the new number of available allocations for the inventory record to 0.

7. The aforementioned inventory allocation means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 6 is characterized in that, based on the allocation work, the inventory records are identified in order of proximity to the scheduled shipping date among the inventory records for which the scheduled arrival date is set prior to the scheduled shipping date and for which the allocationable quantity remains, and if the allocationable quantity set for the inventory record is equal to or greater than the allocation shortage, the allocation work is updated by adding the allocation shortage to the allocated quantity and setting that number as the new allocated quantity for the inventory record, and setting the allocation shortage to the allocationable quantity and setting that number as the new allocationable quantity for the inventory record.

8. The aforementioned inventory allocation means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 6 is characterized in that, based on the allocation work, the inventory records are identified in order of proximity of the scheduled shipping date to the scheduled shipping date among the inventory records for which the scheduled arrival date is set prior to the scheduled shipping date, and if the number of available items set in the inventory record is less than the number of items to be allocated, the number obtained by subtracting the number of available items from the number of items to be allocated is obtained as the new number of items to be allocated for the product, the number obtained by adding the number of available items to the number of items already allocated is set as the new number of items allocated for the inventory record, and the allocation work is updated by setting the new number of available items for the inventory record to 0.

9. The aforementioned workpiece acquisition means is Furthermore, the inventory records set in the allocation work are sorted in descending order of the expected arrival date, thereby updating the allocation work. The aforementioned inventory allocation means is, The inventory management device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, based on the order data and the allocated work, the allocated work is updated by transferring the allocated number of items, which corresponds to the number of items to be shipped, to the allocated number, in descending order of the inventory records for which the scheduled arrival date prior to the scheduled shipping date is set and for which the number of items to be allocated remains.

10. The aforementioned inventory allocation means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that if the total number of available allocations set in the inventory records included in the allocation work is less than the number of planned shipments set in the order data, error processing is performed.

11. The control unit, An inventory inquiry means that retrieves aggregated data, including aggregated records linked to the inventory quantity, the allocated quantity, and the available quantity, based on the order data and the allocation details data, using the product, allocation type, and the expected arrival date as key items, and outputs the aggregated data. The inventory management device according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

12. An inventory management method to be executed by an inventory management device comprising a memory unit and a control unit, The aforementioned storage unit is An inventory management storage device that stores order data linked to the expected arrival date and expected quantity of goods. Equipped with, The control unit is executed as follows: The order acquisition step involves acquiring order data that is linked to the scheduled shipping date and the scheduled shipping quantity of the aforementioned product, and A work acquisition step to acquire an allocation work that includes an inventory record for the planned inventory, which is set by linking the planned arrival date, the allocation quantity, and the allocated quantity of the planned inventory, based on the order data, Based on the aforementioned order data and the aforementioned allocation work, an inventory allocation step updates the allocation work by, among the inventory records where the aforementioned arrival date is set prior to the aforementioned scheduled shipping date and the aforementioned allocation quantity remains, in order of proximity of the arrival date to the aforementioned scheduled shipping date, the allocation quantity corresponding to the aforementioned scheduled shipping quantity set in the inventory record, thereby updating the allocation work; An inventory management method characterized by including [this].

13. An inventory management program to be executed by an inventory management device comprising a memory unit and a control unit, The aforementioned storage unit is An inventory management storage device that stores order data linked to the expected arrival date and expected quantity of goods. Equipped with, In the control unit, The order acquisition step involves acquiring order data that is linked to the scheduled shipping date and the scheduled shipping quantity of the aforementioned product, and A work acquisition step to acquire an allocation work that includes an inventory record for the planned inventory, which is set by linking the planned arrival date, the allocation quantity, and the allocated quantity of the planned inventory, based on the order data, Based on the aforementioned order data and the aforementioned allocation work, an inventory allocation step updates the allocation work by, among the inventory records where the aforementioned arrival date is set prior to the aforementioned scheduled shipping date and the aforementioned allocation quantity remains, in order of proximity of the arrival date to the aforementioned scheduled shipping date, the allocation quantity corresponding to the aforementioned scheduled shipping quantity set in the inventory record, thereby updating the allocation work; An inventory management program to execute this process.

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