Information processing device, control method, program

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device, a control method, and a program for creating a supply and demand plan that takes into account the transition between new and old products. [Solution] A supply and demand management system that creates a supply and demand plan for a first item and a second item to be switched from the first item at multiple locations, wherein a client terminal, which is an information processing device, and a server, which is an information processing device, are connected via a network, the server includes a provisional determination means S702 that provisionally determines the switching unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at multiple locations based on the total inventory amount of the first item immediately before the planning target period, the demand amount for each unit period of the planning target period, and the expiration date of the unit period for supplying the first item, and an adjustment means S704 that adjusts the switching unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at each of the multiple locations based on the provisionally determined switching unit period.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] When switching between old and new products, there is a method of switching to the new product at the timing when the inventory of the old product runs out. On the other hand, when the inventory of the old product alone cannot meet the demand, it is necessary to continue manufacturing the old product until a certain period. Here, the timing of switching between old and new products becomes important.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for determining the balance between demand and supply for a predetermined part used in an old product for an old product sold before the start of production of a new product, retroactively from the start of production, and outputting the determined result.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The mechanism described in Patent Document 1 adjusts the balance between demand and supply of parts used in old products with respect to the start of production of new products, and cannot be used in a situation where it is determined at which timing to switch between old and new products at each base.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for creating a supply-demand plan considering the switching between old and new products.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention is an information processing device for creating a supply and demand plan for a first item and a second item to be switched from the first item at multiple locations, comprising: a provisional determination means for provisionally determining the switching unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at the multiple locations based on the total inventory amount of the first item immediately before the planning period, the demand amount for each unit period of the planning period, and the expiration date of the unit period for supplying the first item; and an adjustment means for adjusting the switching unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at each of the multiple locations based on the provisionally determined switching unit period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism for creating supply and demand plans that take into account the transition between old and new products. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a supply and demand management system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a client terminal 101 and a server 103 in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of various data tables in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of various data tables in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing an example of the overall process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the PSI plan creation process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the provisional switching date calculation process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the process for calculating the amount of old product to be replenished in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of a processing process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of a processing process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of a processing process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of a processing process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of a processing process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of a processing process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of a processing process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing an example of a processing process in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing an example of an inheritance setting screen in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing an example of a switching result confirmation screen in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing an example of a PSI plan result screen in an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. <000009I> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a supply-demand management system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The client terminal 101 and the server 103 are configured to be connected via the network 104.

[0013] <000009X> The client terminal 101 displays the screen transmitted from the server 103, accepts data input from the user, and transmits it to the server 103.

[0014] Server 103 receives an execution request from client terminal 101, executes the process, generates a screen to display the result, and sends it to client terminal 101.

[0015] Network 104 includes the internet and LANs (Local Area Networks).

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a client terminal 101 and a server 103 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device is connected via a system bus 204 to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, input controller 205, video controller 206, memory controller 207, and communication I / F controller 208.

[0018] CPU201 provides comprehensive control over all devices and controllers connected to the system bus 204.

[0019] ROM202 or external memory211 holds the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and OS (Operating System), which are control programs executed by the CPU201, as well as computer-readable and executable programs and various necessary data (including data tables) for realizing this information processing method.

[0020] RAM203 functions as the main memory, work area, etc., of the CPU201. The CPU201 loads the necessary programs, etc., from ROM202 or external memory211 into RAM203, and then executes the loaded programs to perform various operations.

[0021] The input controller 205 controls input from input devices such as a keyboard 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). If the input device is a touch panel, the user can give various instructions by pressing (touching with a finger, etc.) icons, cursors, or buttons displayed on the touch panel.

[0022] Furthermore, the touch panel may be a multi-touch screen or other touch panel capable of detecting the positions of multiple fingers touching it.

[0023] The video controller 206 controls the display to an external output device such as the display 210. The display may include the display of a notebook computer integrated with the main unit. The external output device is not limited to a display; for example, it may be a projector. Furthermore, for the aforementioned touch-enabled device, an input device is also provided.

[0024] The video controller 206 can control the video memory (VRAM) used for display control. It can utilize a portion of the RAM 203 as the video memory area, or it can provide a separate, dedicated video memory.

[0025] The memory controller 207 controls access to the external memory 211. The external memory can include an external storage device (hard disk), a flexible disk (FD), or a CompactFlash® memory connected to a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter, which stores boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, and other data.

[0026] The communication interface controller 208 connects to and communicates with external devices via a network and performs communication control processing over the network. For example, it can handle communication using TCP / IP, telephone lines such as ISDN, and 3G mobile phone lines.

[0027] Furthermore, the CPU 201 enables display on the display 210 by, for example, performing the process of expanding (rasterizing) outline fonts into the display information area in RAM 203. The CPU 201 also enables user input via a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 210.

[0028] Various data tables used in embodiments of the present invention will be explained using Figures 3 and 4.

[0029] Figure 3(A) shows an example of an item master table. An item master table is a data table that sets parameters related to an item, such as a product or merchandise. Item master table 300 includes item ID 301, item name 302, lot 303, etc. Item ID 301 is a code that identifies the item, item name 302 is the name of the item, and lot 303 is the smallest unit in which the item is handled.

[0030] Figure 3(B) shows an example of an RP parameter table. The RP parameter table is a data table that sets parameters related to combinations of items and sites, such as products and locations. The RP parameter table 310 includes item ID 311, site ID 312, lot 313, order calendar number 314, replenishment model 315, etc. Item ID 311 is a code that identifies the item, site ID 312 is a code that identifies the site, lot 313 is the smallest unit of goods receipt (related to manufacturing, ordering, and receiving), order calendar number 314 is the number in the order calendar table 400 described later, and replenishment model 315 is the ID of the model that sets the methods for ordering, replenishment, and safety stock calculation.

[0031] Figure 3(C) shows an example of an item-specific inheritance master table. The item-specific inheritance master table is a data table that registers information for the inheritance of old and new items, and sets the inheritance method, etc. for each combination of old and new items. The item-specific inheritance master table 320 includes the source item ID 321, source item name 322, destination item ID 323, destination item name 324, inheritance method 325, demand switch date 326, planned production end date 327, etc. The source item ID 321 and source item name 322 are the identification code and name of the source item (old item), respectively, the destination item ID 323 and destination item name 324 are the identification code and name of the destination item (new item), respectively, the inheritance method 325 is the selection of whether it is a natural switch or a forced switch, the demand switch date 326 is the forced switch date of demand in the case of a forced switch, and the planned production end date 327 is the planned production end date of the source item in the case of a natural switch.

[0032] Figure 3(D) shows an example of a goods receipt schedule table. The goods receipt schedule table is a data table that sets up future goods receipts. In this embodiment, the quantity that has been ordered but not yet delivered, i.e., the outstanding order, is set. This becomes the P data in the PSI plan. The goods receipt schedule table 330 includes item ID 331, site ID 332, expected arrival date 333, goods receipt date 334, outstanding order 335, etc. Item ID 331 and site ID 332 are as described above, expected arrival date 333 is the expected date the item will arrive at the site, goods receipt date 334 is the expected date the goods receipt process will be performed, and outstanding order 335 is the quantity expected to be received on the goods receipt date.

[0033] Figure 3(E) shows an example of a forecast results table. The forecast results table is a data table that stores the results of the demand forecast. It is updated in the process described later to register monthly and daily forecast values. This becomes the S data in the PSI plan. Forecast results table 340 includes item ID 341, site ID 342, year and month 343, monthly forecast value 344, daily forecast value 345, etc. Item ID 341 and site ID 342 are as described above, year and month 343 is the year and month in which the demand forecast was calculated, monthly forecast value 344 is the total demand forecast for the target month, and daily forecast value 345 is the demand forecast for each day of the target month.

[0034] Figure 3(F) shows an example of an inventory table. The inventory table is a data table for setting actual or projected inventory levels. In this example, the inventory level at the end of the day before the target date is set. This becomes the initial data for S in PSI planning. Inventory table 350 includes item ID 351, site ID 352, date 353, inventory quantity 354, etc. Item ID 351 and site ID 352 are as described above, date 353 is the date the inventory was counted, and inventory quantity 354 is the counted inventory quantity.

[0035] Figure 4(G) shows an example of an order calendar table. The order calendar table is a data table that sets specified or scheduled dates from the ordering of items at the ordering site (location) to the dispatch of items at the ordering site, and the arrival and receipt of items at the ordering site. The order calendar table 400 includes order calendar number 401, order date 402, dispatch date 403, arrival date 404, receipt date 405, etc. Order calendar number 401 is a number that identifies the same series of dates. Order date 402 is the date the item is ordered at the ordering site, dispatch date 403 is the date the item is dispatched at the ordering site, and arrival date 404 and receipt date 405 are the date the item arrives at the ordering site and the date the item is received, respectively.

[0036] Figure 4(H) shows an example of a replenishment quantity table. The replenishment quantity table is a data table for setting future replenishment schedules. In the processing described later, the replenishment quantity is determined to meet the demand for the item and the safety stock. This becomes the P data in the PSI plan. The replenishment quantity table 410 includes item ID 411, site ID 412, order date 413, dispatch date 414, arrival date 415, receipt date 416, replenishment quantity 417, etc. Item ID 411 and site ID 412 are as described above, order date 413 is the date the item is ordered at the ordering site, dispatch date 414 is the date the item is dispatched at the ordered site, arrival date 415 and receipt date 416 are the date the item arrives at the ordering site and the date the item is received, respectively, and replenishment quantity 417 is the quantity received for replenishment.

[0037] Figure 4(I) shows an example of the inheritance result table 420. The inheritance result table is a data table that outputs the inheritance results and is registered in the processing described later. The inheritance result table 420 includes the source item ID 421, the target item ID 422, the site ID 423, the production end date 424, the demand switch date 425, etc. The source item ID 421, the target item ID 422, and the site ID 423 are as described above, the production end date 424 is the last date of production of the source item (old item) at sites where production is possible (factories, etc.), and the demand switch date 425 is the date on which each site switches from issuing the source item to issuing the target item.

[0038] Next, using flowcharts from Figures 5 to 8, the processes executed by the client terminal 101 and server 103 in the embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0039] In this embodiment, the items are products, and the sites are factories and warehouses, each referred to as a base. In the example data, the old product is "Product A01," the new product is "Product A02," and the bases are "Factory 01," which is capable of production and shipment (including outbound shipments to other bases), and "Warehouse 01" and "Warehouse 02," which are capable of replenishment and shipment (same as above) from other bases. Here, we refer to cases where the total inventory level at a site is increased (generated) (such as production or procurement from external sources) as "supply," and cases where the total inventory level at a site does not change but the inventory level increases by transferring inventory from other sites as "replenishment."

[0040] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In step S501, the client terminal 101 performs inheritance settings. In this embodiment, an inheritance settings screen 1700, shown as an example in Figure 17, is displayed, and settings input is received from the user. The items to be set are the items of the item-specific inheritance master table 320 shown in Figure 3(C). After setting, the settings may be sent to the server 103 immediately, and the server 103 may update the item-specific inheritance master table 320, or it may be sent in the next step. The item-specific inheritance master table 320 may also be registered and updated in advance.

[0042] In step S502, the client terminal 101 sends a PSI plan creation request to the server 103. In this embodiment, the process is executed by accepting a press of the PSI plan execution button 1701 on the inheritance setting screen 1700, but it may also be accepted from a menu screen or the like (not shown).

[0043] In this context, a PSI plan is a plan that determines, for each target product and location, the quantities of P (production, manufacturing, receiving, etc.) that increase inventory, S (sales, shipments, use, consumption, etc.) that decrease inventory, and the inventory S at a given point in time (initial inventory, target inventory, etc.), for each unit period (day, week, month, etc.).

[0044] In step S503, server 103 receives a PSI plan creation request. If it also receives data set on the inheritance settings screen 1700 of client terminal 101, it updates the item-specific inheritance master table 320.

[0045] In step S504, server 103 executes PSI plan creation. The detailed process of PSI plan creation is explained in Figure 6.

[0046] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed processing for creating a PSI plan in step S504.

[0047] In step S601, server 103 retrieves the data necessary for processing. Sources include the item master table 300, RP parameter table 310, item-specific inheritance master table 320, incoming goods schedule table 330, inventory table 350, and order calendar table 400. If demand forecasting for the target product has already been performed, data is also retrieved from the forecast results table 340.

[0048] In step S602, server 103 performs demand forecasting for the old product. Basically, it uses the demand forecasting model set up for the target product x location to calculate future demand forecasts based on past demand figures, but it may also use artificial intelligence (AI) or the like for calculation. The calculated demand forecasts are stored in the forecast results table 340. If demand forecasting for the target product x location has already been performed, demand forecasting for the target product x location may be skipped.

[0049] Then, based on the demand forecasts for the old product at each location, the overall demand forecast for the old product is calculated. The total inventory for the product is generally called "echelon inventory," and in this example, the term "echelon" is used to represent the entire product. In other words, here, the demand forecast for the echelon of the old product is calculated.

[0050] Figure 9 shows an example of the interim results of the PSI plan based on step S602. The demand forecasts for each location, such as factories and warehouses, are aggregated into the echelon's demand forecast. The demand forecast is displayed in the "Shipments" row (the same applies below).

[0051] In step S603, server 103 repeats the following process for old products where the inheritance method 325 in the item-specific inheritance master table 320 is set to "natural switching". For old products where the inheritance method 325 is set to "forced switching", this process does not need to be executed because they will be "forced" to switch on the date set in demand switching day 326.

[0052] In step S604, server 103 performs a provisional switchover date calculation. The detailed process for calculating the provisional switchover date is explained in Figure 7.

[0053] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed processing for calculating the provisional switchover date in step S604.

[0054] In step S701, server 103 calculates the production volume for the old product from the total PSI plan for all locations. Here, based on the initial inventory level (I) and the echelon demand forecast (S), the server calculates the production volume (P) so that the daily inventory level meets the safety stock level, etc., as the days progress.

[0055] Figure 10 shows an example of the progress of the PSI plan in step S701. The calculated production quantities are displayed in the "Production" row for the production-ready days, i.e., the dates set as the receiving dates 405 in the order calendar table 400 (e.g., 5 / 17, 5 / 24, 5 / 31 in the example).

[0056] In step S702, server 103 calculates a provisional switchover date for the old product from the PSI plan for all locations combined. Here, the provisional switchover date is calculated based on the production receipt date (according to the order calendar table 400) immediately preceding the date set in the planned end date 327 of the item-specific inheritance master table 320, and the number of days of inventory on that production receipt date. In other words, this process is an example of a provisional determination means that provisionally determines the switching unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at multiple locations, based on the total inventory amount of the first item immediately preceding the planning period at multiple locations, the demand amount for each unit period of the planning period, and the expiration date of the unit period for supplying the first item.

[0057] Figure 11 shows an example of the progress of the PSI plan according to step S702. The production receipt date immediately preceding the scheduled end date 327 of 5 / 27 set in the item-specific inheritance master table 320 is 5 / 24. The inventory days for that day (how far the forecast demand from the next day can be covered) is 11 days. The target period for the old product is set to 11 days later, until 6 / 4, and the following day, 6 / 5, is set as the provisional switchover date to the new product.

[0058] In step S703, server 103 determines if there are any locations where the number of days of inventory for the old product exceeds the provisional switchover date. If there are, proceed to step S704; otherwise, proceed to step S705.

[0059] In step S704, server 103 recalculates the provisional switch-off date only for locations where the inventory days do not exceed the provisional switch-off date. This is because locations with large inventory levels (initial inventory levels) have their provisional switch-off dates set further ahead, resulting in unnecessary production and replenishment to cover the demand forecasts for later dates at other locations. Therefore, locations with large inventory levels are excluded from the recalculation of the provisional switch-off date. In other words, this process is an example of an adjustment means that adjusts the unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at each of multiple locations based on the provisionally determined switch-off unit period. This processing step is also an example of a process that selects locations to adjust the switch-off unit period based on the number of unit periods related to the inventory level immediately before the planned target period of the first item. Note that even if the switch-off date is set further ahead, if the target locations have a policy to implement the switch-off on the same or a similar date, this process may be skipped.

[0060] Figure 12 shows an example of the progress of the PSI plan according to step S704. Warehouse 02, which is a location where the number of inventory days exceeds the provisional changeover date (6 / 5), is excluded, and the provisional changeover date is recalculated to 6 / 3 for the remaining locations, factory 01 and warehouse 01, using the same calculation method as in Figure 11.

[0061] In step S705, server 103 defines the demand forecast (S) as the old product for the period before the provisional switchover date and the new product for the period after the provisional switchover date. In other words, the demand forecast for the old product after the provisional switchover date is transferred to the demand forecast for the new product.

[0062] Figure 13 shows an example of the progress of the PSI plan according to step S705. The demand forecast for the old product has been transferred to the "Shipments" row as the demand forecast for the new product after the provisional switchover date of June 3.

[0063] This concludes the explanation of Figure 7, and we will now return to the explanation of Figure 6.

[0064] Step S605 calculates the amount of old product to be replenished. The detailed process for calculating the amount of old product to be replenished is explained in Figure 8.

[0065] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed process for calculating the amount of old product to be replenished.

[0066] In step S801, server 103 calculates the replenishment quantity (production quantity in the factory) based on the forecast demand for the updated new product. Here, for each location, based on the initial inventory quantity (I) and forecast demand quantity (S), the server calculates the replenishment quantity (P) so that the daily inventory quantity meets the safety stock level, etc., as the days progress.

[0067] Figure 14 shows an example of the progress of the PSI plan according to step S801. The production volume of echelon in factory 01 is reflected in the "Production" row, and the replenishment amounts in warehouses 01 and 02 are displayed in the "Replenishment" row, respectively.

[0068] In step S802, server 103 uses the old product until its stock runs out, and then uses the forecast demand for the new product once the old stock is depleted. Here, if there is still stock of the old product after the provisional switchover date, the forecast demand for the new product is reallocated to consume the old product stock. If remaining stock of the old product is to be tolerated, the reallocation may be made when the stock reaches a predetermined level. In other words, this process is an example of adjusting the switchover unit period based on the unit period in which the stock level of the first item at the site reaches a predetermined quantity.

[0069] Figure 15 shows an example of the progress of the PSI plan according to Step 802. At each site, the inventory of old products remaining on the provisional switchover date of June 3rd is being transferred from the demand forecast quantity of new products to the demand forecast quantity of old products (each in the "Shipment" row).

[0070] This concludes the explanation of Figure 8, and we will now return to the explanation of Figure 6.

[0071] In step S606, server 103 calculates the replenishment quantity (production quantity in the factory) for the new product based on the forecast demand for the modified new product. Here, for each location, based on the initial inventory quantity (I; zero since it's a new product) and the forecast demand quantity (S), the server calculates the replenishment quantity (P) so that the daily inventory quantity meets the safety stock level, etc., as the days progress. This process completes the PSI plan for the target old and new products.

[0072] Figure 16 shows the final results of the PSI plan from step S606. The production quantity of new product A02 at factory 01 is shown in the "Production" row, and the replenishment quantities at warehouses 01 and 02 are shown in the "Replenishment" row.

[0073] In step S607, server 103 determines whether it has performed the above processing for all old products for which the inheritance method 325 of the item-specific inheritance master table 320 is set to "natural switching". If it has, it terminates this processing flow; otherwise, it returns to step S603 and performs the next target.

[0074] This concludes the explanation of Figure 6, and we will now return to the explanation of Figure 5.

[0075] In step S505, the server 103 sends the result of the PSI plan creation in step S504 to the client terminal 101 as screen display data.

[0076] In step S506, the client terminal 101 receives the results of the PSI plan creation and displays them on the screen.

[0077] Figures 18 and 19 show an example of how the results of the PSI plan creation are displayed.

[0078] Figure 18 is an image showing an example of the switchover result confirmation screen. On the switchover result confirmation screen 1800, the demand switchover date calculated for each new and old product × location is displayed, and the production end date is displayed for production locations. In addition, pressing the PSI plan result button 1801 will display the PSI result screen.

[0079] Figure 19 is a screen image showing an example of the PSI planning results screen. On the PSI planning results screen 1900, the PSI planning results for the old and new products for each site are displayed side by side, and the timing of production switchover at production sites and the timing of demand switchover at each site are displayed as time-series changes between the old and new products. The displayed data for the switchover date may be highlighted, or comments may be added. In addition to the final calculated switchover date, the provisional switchover date calculated in step S702 may also be displayed for identification. Furthermore, in addition to the final PSI planning results, intermediate results as shown in Figures 9 to 16 may also be displayed.

[0080] This completes the entire process, and the explanation of Figure 5 is finished.

[0081] In summary, the present invention makes it possible to provide a mechanism for creating supply and demand plans that take into account the switching between old and new products at a given location.

[0082] The present invention can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to an apparatus consisting of a single device.

[0083] Furthermore, the program in this invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of each flowchart, and the storage medium of this invention stores the program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of each flowchart. Note that the program in this invention may also be a program for each processing method of each device in each flowchart.

[0084] As described above, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a recording medium containing a program that realizes the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device, and by having the computer (or CPU or MPU) of that system or device read and execute the program stored on the recording medium.

[0085] In this case, the program read from the recording medium itself realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium on which that program is recorded constitutes the present invention.

[0086] For recording media used to supply programs, examples include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, DVD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, EPROMs, silicon disks, and the like.

[0087] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are realized not only by the computer executing the program it has read, but also by the operating system (OS) running on the computer performing some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of that program, thereby realizing the functions of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0088] Furthermore, it goes without saying that this also includes cases where, after a program read from a recording medium is written to the memory of a function expansion board inserted into a computer or a function expansion unit connected to a computer, the CPU or other components of the function expansion board or function expansion unit perform some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are realized through that processing.

[0089] Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices or to a device consisting of a single device. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied when the results are achieved by supplying a program to a system or device. In this case, by reading a recording medium containing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or device, the system or device can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0090] Furthermore, by downloading and reading the program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or device can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It should be noted that configurations combining the above-described embodiments and their variations are all included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 100 Supply and Demand Management System 101 Client terminals 103 Server 104 Network

Claims

1. An information processing device that creates a supply and demand plan for a first item and a second item to be switched from the first item at multiple locations, A provisional determination means for provisionally determining the switching unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at the multiple locations, based on the total inventory of the first item immediately before the planned period, the demand for each unit period of the planned period, and the deadline for the unit period in which the first item is supplied. Based on the provisionally determined switching unit period, an adjustment means adjusts the unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at each of the multiple locations, An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment means selects a base for adjusting the switching unit period based on the number of unit periods relating to the inventory quantity of the first item immediately before the planned target period.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means adjusts the switching unit period based on a unit period in which the inventory quantity of the first item at the base becomes a predetermined quantity.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of locations include locations capable of supplying items and locations capable of replenishing said items.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the multiple locations are capable of supplying or replenishing the item within a predetermined unit period relating to the item.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the aforementioned multiple locations are capable of supplying or replenishing items in predetermined lot quantities.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means for controlling the identification and display of a unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at the aforementioned base.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the display control means controls the display to identify and display the provisionally determined unit period and the adjusted unit period.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned unit period is days.

10. A control method for an information processing device that creates a supply and demand plan for a first item and a second item to be switched from the first item at multiple locations, The provisional determination means provisionally determines a switching unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at the multiple locations, based on the total inventory amount of the first item immediately before the planned period, the demand amount for each unit period of the planned period, and the unit period of the deadline for which the first item can be supplied. The adjustment means includes an adjustment step of adjusting the unit period for switching from the first item to the second item at each of the multiple locations based on the provisionally determined switching unit period, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising the following:

11. A program for causing at least one computer to function as one of the means of an information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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