Product management device, product management method, and product management program

Abstract

To provide a product management device, product management method, and product management program that can appropriately manage the inventory levels of new products. [Solution] A product management device equipped with a control unit, which has access to sales data that holds sales information for each ordering source of a product, and a product master that associates products with the product varieties, wherein the control unit, when it receives an order for a new product from an ordering source, identifies related products that are related to the new product and its variety based on the product master, and includes calculation means that calculates the number of sales of the related products at the ordering source that ordered the new product based on the sales data, and determination means that determines the appropriate inventory quantity of the new product at the ordering source that ordered the new product based on the number of sales of the related products at the ordering source.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for calculating an appropriate inventory of new products in each store of a chain store. In this technique, a sales pattern for each period, a store rank for each store, and a sales ratio for each rank are set, and the appropriate inventory number of new products in each store is calculated from each of the set information and the total sales volume included in the sales plan data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For new products sold for the first time, the accuracy of demand prediction is lower compared to existing products. In addition, since the inventory numbers that can be stored vary for each store, it is difficult to appropriately manage the inventory numbers of new products in each store. Therefore, new products are likely to have excessive inventory or insufficient inventory, which may lead to the loss of sales opportunities for products in the store.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a product management device, a product management method, and a product management program capable of appropriately managing the inventory numbers of new products.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the product management device according to the present invention is a product management device equipped with a control unit, which has access to sales data that holds sales information for each ordering source of a product, and a product master that associates products with the product varieties thereof, and the control unit is characterized in that, when it receives an order for a new product from an ordering source, it identifies related products that are related to the new product and its variety based on the product master, and calculates the number of sales of the related products at the ordering source that ordered the new product based on the sales data, and determines the appropriate inventory quantity of the new product at the ordering source that ordered the new product based on the number of sales of the related products at the ordering source.

[0007] Furthermore, the product management device according to the present invention is characterized in that the product master further associates product-specific weights with the product and the product variety, and the determination means determines the appropriate inventory quantity of the new product at the ordering party that ordered the new product, based on the sales quantity of the related product and the weights associated with the new product in the product master.

[0008] Furthermore, the product management device according to the present invention is characterized in that the calculation means calculates the average sales volume of the related products for a predetermined period at the ordering party that ordered the new product, and the determination means determines the appropriate inventory volume of the new product at the ordering party based on the average sales volume of the related products at the ordering party.

[0009] Furthermore, the product management device according to the present invention is characterized in that the product master further associates a shipping instruction start date for initiating the shipment of a new product with the product and the product type, and the control unit further comprises a receiving means for receiving order data in response to an order for a product from the ordering party, and a determination means for determining whether the product ordered by the ordering party is a new product based on a comparison between the slip input date included in the order data and the shipping instruction start date.

[0010] Furthermore, the product management device according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit further comprises a display control means that displays an error message when the number of orders for the new product exceeds the appropriate inventory quantity during the input of order data.

[0011] Furthermore, the product management device according to the present invention further comprises: a product master, which has a shipping instruction start date associated with each product and product variety; a control unit, which further includes a receiving means for receiving input of shipping instructions for order data corresponding to product orders from the ordering party; and a shipping control means for controlling the shipment of products included in the order data in accordance with the shipping instructions; and the shipping control means controls products that have not reached the shipping instruction start date at the time the shipping instructions are input to be excluded from shipment.

[0012] Furthermore, the product management method according to the present invention is a product management method performed in a product management device equipped with a control unit, wherein the control unit has access to sales data that holds sales information for each ordering source of a product, and a product master that associates products with product varieties, and is characterized in that it includes a calculation step performed by the control unit when it receives an order for a new product from an ordering source, which identifies related products that are related to the new product and its variety based on the product master, and calculates the number of sales of the related products at the ordering source that ordered the new product based on the sales data, and a determination step that determines the appropriate inventory quantity of the new product at the ordering source that ordered the new product based on the number of sales of the related products at the ordering source.

[0013] Furthermore, the product management program according to the present invention is a product management program to be executed by a product management device equipped with a control unit, wherein the control unit has access to sales data that holds sales information for each ordering source of products, and a product master that associates products with the product varieties, and the control unit executes a product management program to execute the following steps when it receives an order for a new product from an ordering source: a calculation step that identifies related products that are related to the new product and its variety based on the product master, and calculates the number of sales of the related products at the ordering source that ordered the new product based on the sales data, and a determination step that determines the appropriate inventory quantity of the new product at the ordering source that ordered the new product based on the number of sales of the related products at the ordering source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the ability to appropriately manage the inventory levels of new products is achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a product management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the product management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a product master according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of order data according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the determination process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of order data according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the product management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the determination process according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of shipping instruction data according to an embodiment. [Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of a product management apparatus, a product management method, and a product management program according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[0017] [1. Overview] For new products, it is difficult to predict demand, and it is easy to have excess inventory or stock shortages in stores. When a new product becomes excess inventory, it compresses the space for placing other popular products, leading to a loss of sales opportunities for popular products. On the other hand, when a new product becomes out of stock, it leads to a loss of sales opportunities for the new product itself. Therefore, it is important to appropriately manage the inventory quantity of new products for each store.

[0018] In addition, the release of new products often starts simultaneously in all stores. When new products are shipped at a timing with a long period until the release date, during that time, the new products will be stored in the store, squeezing the store space. Therefore, it is required to suppress the shipping of new products until near the release date. However, due to operational errors or the like, there are cases where the products are shipped earlier than planned, and it is also required to appropriately manage the shipping of new products.

[0019] Therefore, in the product management apparatus, product management method, and product management program according to the present embodiment, by determining the appropriate inventory quantity for each store based on the past sales volume of products related to the variety of new products in each store, it is possible to appropriately manage the inventory quantity of new products. Furthermore, the product management apparatus, product management method, and product management program according to the present embodiment hold the shipping instruction start date for starting the shipping instruction for new products, and when the shipping instruction start date has not been reached at the time when the shipping is instructed, the products for which the shipping is instructed are excluded from the shipping targets, thereby realizing appropriate management of the shipping of new products.

[0020] [2. Configuration] An example of the configuration of the product management device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product management device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the product management device 100 comprises a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a storage unit 106, and an input / output interface unit 108, and is connected to a server 200 (e.g., a web server) that stores various data (for example, the data stored in the storage unit 106, which will be described later) via a network 300 (e.g., the Internet, an intranet, a LAN (Local Area Network)).

[0022] Each component of the product management device 100 is connected to communicate via any communication path.

[0023] The product management device 100 may be a stationary device such as a desktop personal computer, or it may be a portable device such as a notebook personal computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), smartphone, or tablet personal computer.

[0024] The control unit 102 is a CPU or similar component that comprehensively controls the product management device 100. The control unit 102 has internal memory for storing control programs such as the OS, programs that define various processing procedures, and required data, and executes various information processing based on these stored programs.

[0025] Functionally, the control unit 102 includes a reception unit 102a, a determination unit 102b, a calculation unit 102c, a decision unit 102d, a display control unit 102e, a shipping control unit 102f, and the like.

[0026] The reception unit 102a receives input information via the input device 400, which will be described later, and stores it in the storage unit 106. Specifically, the reception unit 102a receives various input information related to product master settings, product order input, and product shipping instruction input, and stores the product master and order data in the storage unit 106. The product master associates each product with the product type, the shipping instruction start date on which product shipping instructions begin, and the increase rate (weighting) used to determine the appropriate inventory level. The order data is data that holds order information for products ordered by stores, and has records that associate the store that ordered the product, the ordered product, the quantity of the product, and the slip input date on which the order was entered and the slip was created.

[0027] The determination unit 102b determines whether the ordered product is a new product. Specifically, the determination unit 102b determines whether the product ordered by the ordering party is a new product based on a comparison between the slip entry date included in the order data and the shipping instruction start date included in the product master.

[0028] When the calculation unit 102c receives an order for a new product from a customer, it identifies related products that are related to the new product and its type based on the product master, and calculates the number of sales of the related products at the customer that ordered the new product based on sales data. The sales data is data that holds sales information for each customer that ordered the product, and is stored in the storage unit 106. Based on the past sales information of the related products, the calculation unit 102c calculates the average number of sales of the related products at the customer that ordered the new product over a predetermined period.

[0029] The determination unit 102d determines the appropriate inventory level of the new product at the ordering company that placed the order, based on the sales figures of related products at the ordering company. Specifically, the determination unit 102d determines the appropriate inventory level of the new product at the ordering company based on the average sales figures of related products at the ordering company. Here, the determination unit 102d can also determine the appropriate inventory level of the new product at the ordering company that placed the order, based on the sales figures (average sales figures) of related products and the weighting associated with the new product in the product master.

[0030] The display control unit 102e causes various information to be displayed on the output device 500, which will be described later. For example, when inputting order data, the display control unit 102e displays an error message if the number of orders for new products exceeds the appropriate inventory level.

[0031] The shipping control unit 102f controls the shipment of products included in the order data in response to the shipping instruction input received by the receiving unit 102a. Specifically, the shipping control unit 102f creates shipping instruction data that instructs the shipment of products in response to the shipping instruction input. Here, the shipping control unit 102f controls products that have not reached the shipping instruction start date at the time the shipping instruction is input to exclude them from shipment. The shipping instruction data is data created based on the order data and has records that associate the destination store, the products to be shipped, the shipping instruction date, and the quantity to be shipped.

[0032] The communication interface unit 104 connects the product 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, enabling communication between the device and the network. The communication interface unit 104 also has the function of communicating data with other devices via the communication line.

[0033] The memory unit 106 stores various databases, tables, and files. The memory unit 106 also stores computer programs that work in cooperation with the OS (Operating System) to give instructions to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform various processes. As the memory unit 106, for example, memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), fixed disk devices such as hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks can be used.

[0034] The storage unit 106 stores product master data 106a, sales data 106b, order data 106c, and shipping instruction data 106d.

[0035] The product master 106a contains records that associate products with varieties, shipping instruction start dates, and growth rates, and is referenced by various units in the control unit 102. The product master 106a is set based on input information received by the reception unit 102a and is updated as needed, such as when new products are added.

[0036] Sales data 106b is data that holds the past sales performance of each product for each store to which the product is shipped, and is acquired and updated periodically. For example, sales data 106b has records consisting of combinations of "store code," "product code," "sales date," "quantity," "unit price," and "amount," and is referenced by calculation unit 102c.

[0037] The order data 106c contains a record that associates the store that ordered the goods, the ordered goods, the quantity of goods, and the date the invoice was entered, and is stored in the storage unit 106 each time an order is received. The order data 106c is referenced by each part of the control unit 102.

[0038] The shipping instruction data 106d is data created by the shipping control unit 102f in response to a shipping instruction input that instructs the shipment of goods, and has records that associate the destination store, the goods to be shipped, the shipping instruction date, and the quantity to be shipped.

[0039] The input / output interface unit 108 is connected to an input device 400 and an output device 500. The input device 400 can include a keyboard, mouse, and microphone, as well as a monitor that works in conjunction with the mouse to provide pointing device functionality. The output device 500 can include display devices such as displays and projectors, sound devices such as speakers, printing devices such as printers, and devices that allow data to be downloaded in data file format. The data file format can be any file format known in this field, such as PDF, CSV, document files, spreadsheet software files, or text files.

[0040] [3. Specific Examples] The information processing by the product management device 100 according to this embodiment will be explained below using a specific example. In this embodiment, the product management device 100, in order to appropriately manage the inventory of new products, performs a process at the time of order entry to determine the appropriate inventory quantity for each store based on the type of new product and the past sales figures of related products at each store, and at the time of shipment instruction entry, if the shipment instruction start date has not been reached, it performs a process to exclude the product for shipment. These processes will be explained in order below.

[0041] (Processing during order entry) Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the product management device 100 according to this embodiment. Here, Figure 2 shows the processing of the product management device 100 when an order is entered.

[0042] In the product management device 100, the reception unit 102a sets the product master 106a based on the input information (S101) and accepts the input of order data (S102).

[0043] The determination unit 102b determines whether a product is new based on a comparison between the input date and the shipping instruction start date included in the product master 106a (S103).

[0044] The calculation unit 102c determines whether the number of orders for the new product has been entered in the order data input (S104). If the number of orders for the new product has been entered (S104, Yea), the calculation unit 102c refers to the product master 106a and sales data 106b to calculate the average sales quantity of other products of the same type as the new product (S105). If the number of orders for the new product has not been entered (S104, No), the process proceeds to S109.

[0045] The determination unit 102d determines the appropriate inventory level for new products based on the growth rate of new products included in the product master 106a and the average sales volume of other products of the same type (S106).

[0046] The display control unit 102e determines whether the number of orders entered in the order data input exceeds the determined appropriate inventory quantity (S107). If the number of orders entered exceeds the appropriate inventory quantity (S107, Yes), the display control unit 102e displays an error message (S108). If the number of orders entered does not exceed the appropriate inventory quantity (S107, No), the process proceeds to S109.

[0047] The reception unit 102a determines whether or not the input of order data has been completed (S109). If the input is completed (S109, Yes), the reception unit 102a stores the order data in the storage unit 106 (S110) and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the input is not completed (S109, No), the process returns to S104 and continues.

[0048] As described above, the product management device 100 determines the appropriate inventory quantity for new products when an order is entered and creates the order data. The details of these processes will be explained with an example.

[0049] Figure 3 shows an example of a product master according to the embodiment. For example, when new product information is entered, the reception unit 102a stores the record to which each piece of information shown in Figure 3 is associated in the storage unit 106. The product master stored by the reception unit 102a, for example, as shown in Figure 3, registers records consisting of a combination of "product code", "product type code", "shipping instruction start date", and "increase rate".

[0050] For example, the record shown in the first row of Figure 3 indicates that the product with product CD "SH01" has a variety called "HI01," that the shipment instruction for this product began on "2022 / 1 / 1," and that the increase rate at that time was "1." Here, "shipment instruction start date" refers to the date on which the shipment instruction for a new product to be shipped from the warehouse to the store begins. For example, the shipment instruction start date is set based on the release date of the new product and is entered by the person who sets up the product master.

[0051] Furthermore, the "growth rate" is a weighting used when determining the appropriate inventory level, and it is set for each product. Typically, when a new product is first launched, sales will be higher than the average sales volume, so the "growth rate" is set as a coefficient to adjust the appropriate inventory level. For example, the "growth rate" is set according to the status of marketing related to the new product (market research and analysis, pre-sales promotion, advertising, etc.). To give one example, the "growth rate" is set to be higher the more money spent on marketing. Alternatively, the "growth rate" may be set to be higher for products that are judged to have high demand in market research and analysis, or it may be set to be higher the longer the time spent on pre-sales promotion and advertising.

[0052] The "growth rate" value in the product master may be determined and entered by an administrator based on the marketing situation, or it may be determined automatically based on the marketing situation. In this case, for example, the costs incurred for marketing, customer needs, and the time spent on pre-sales promotion and advertising may each be divided into multiple categories. The reception department may obtain the relevant cost categories, needs categories, and time categories for new products, determine the "growth rate" value based on the combination of the obtained categories, and set it in the product master.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an example of order data according to the embodiment. When input information is entered for products ordered from a store, the reception unit 102a stores the order data shown in Figure 4 in the storage unit 106. The order data stored by the reception unit 102a is, for example, a record consisting of a combination of "order number," "store," "order date," "slip entry date," "product code," and "quantity ordered," as shown in Figure 4. Here, "order date" means the date the order was received, and "slip entry date" means the date the order data was entered and the slip was created.

[0054] For example, the record with order number "JU0000000001" shown in the first row of Figure 4 indicates that the order date is "2024 / 10 / 18", the order was placed by store "TEN01" for product code "SH01", and the slip entry date is "2024 / 10 / 15". The reception unit 102a sequentially stores the order data shown in Figure 4 based on the input information.

[0055] When order data is stored by the reception unit 102a, the determination unit 102b refers to the product master shown in Figure 3 and determines whether or not a new product is included in the order data shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the determination unit 102b obtains the shipping instruction start date for the relevant product from the product code included in the record of the order data, and compares the shipping instruction start date with the invoice entry date. If the invoice entry date is earlier than the shipping instruction start date (i.e., the shipping instruction start date has not been reached at the time the order data was entered), the determination unit 102b determines that the product in question is a new product.

[0056] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the determination process according to the embodiment. Here, Figure 5 shows an example of determining whether an item is a new product based on the order data shown in Figure 4. For example, for the item with order number "JU0000000001" shown in the first row of Figure 5, the determination unit 102b obtains the corresponding shipping instruction start date "2022 / 1 / 1" from the product master shown in Figure 3 based on the product code "SH01". The determination unit 102b compares the obtained shipping instruction start date "2022 / 1 / 1" with the corresponding invoice entry date "2024 / 10 / 15", and determines that the item with product code "SH01" is not a new product because the invoice entry date is later than the shipping instruction start date. Similarly, the determination unit 102b determines that the items with order numbers "JU0000000002" and "JU0000000003" are not new products.

[0057] On the other hand, regarding the product with order number "JU0000000004", the determination unit 102b determines that the product with product code "SH04" is a new product because the slip entry date "2024 / 10 / 15" is earlier than the shipping instruction start date "2024 / 12 / 1".

[0058] As described above, after a new product is identified in the order data and the number of orders for the new product is entered in the order entry, the calculation unit 102c calculates the sales figures for related products (products with varieties related to the new product) to be used in determining the appropriate inventory level for the new product. For example, for each store, the calculation unit 102c calculates the sales figures per unit period based on the total sales figures for products of the same variety as the new product over a specific period in the past. The following explanation will use the case of aggregating sales data from the past year to calculate the average weekly sales figures as an example.

[0059] For example, the calculation unit 102c identifies the product variety "HI02" by referring to the product master for the product code "SH04" which has been determined to be a new product by the determination unit 102b, and identifies the store "TEN03" that ordered product code "SH04" from the order data. Then, the calculation unit 102c refers to the sales data 106b stored in the storage unit 106, aggregates the sales data for the past year for products of variety "HI02" at store "TEN03", and calculates the average weekly sales.

[0060] For example, if the sales summary results show a total sales of "36,500" and the number of items (items with variety "HI02") is "10", the calculation unit 102c calculates the average weekly sales of related products as "Total sales (36,500) ÷ Number of items (10) ÷ 365 days × 7 days = 70". In other words, the calculation unit 102c calculates that the average weekly sales of products with variety "HI02" over the past year at store "TEN03" is "70".

[0061] The period used to calculate the average sales figures mentioned above is merely an example, and the period is not limited to this. In other words, the period for aggregating sales may be shorter or longer than one year. Also, the unit period for calculating the average may be shorter or longer than one week. Furthermore, the above-mentioned period may be set to be the same for all product varieties, or different periods may be set for each product variety. If different periods are set for each product variety, for example, each record in the product master may be associated with a period for management purposes.

[0062] Furthermore, in the example described above, only store "TEN03" ordered the new product (product code "SH04"), so the calculation of the average sales volume of related products at store "TEN03" was explained. However, if other stores also ordered the new product, the calculation unit 102c calculates the average sales volume for each store using the same process as described above. In other words, the calculation unit 102c calculates the average sales volume for all stores that ordered the new product.

[0063] Furthermore, while the above example described a case where the calculation unit 102c calculates the average sales volume, it may also calculate the sales volume of related products over a predetermined period. For example, it may calculate the sales volume of products of the same type as the new product for the most recent week.

[0064] The determination unit 102d determines the appropriate inventory quantity for each store that ordered the new product, based on the sales figures calculated by the calculation unit 102c. For example, the determination unit 102d refers to the product master and determines the appropriate inventory quantity by multiplying the average sales quantity for each store by the growth rate set for the new product. As described above, if it is calculated that the average weekly sales quantity for the product of type "HI02" at store "TEN03" over the past year is "70", the determination unit 102d obtains the growth rate of the new product (product with product code "SH04") of "1.6" from the product master and determines "average sales quantity (70) × growth rate (1.6) = 112" as the appropriate inventory quantity. The determination unit 102d determines the appropriate inventory quantity for each store that ordered the new product by performing the above process.

[0065] In the example described above, the appropriate inventory level was determined by multiplying the average sales volume by the growth rate, but this is not the only way to determine the appropriate inventory level. For example, the appropriate inventory level may be determined by the sales volume (or average sales volume) calculated by the calculation unit 102c, or by adding a predetermined value to the sales volume (or average sales volume).

[0066] The display control unit 102e displays an error message when the order quantity for a new product exceeds the appropriate inventory quantity during order data input. Specifically, the display control unit 102e compares the number entered for the order quantity of a new product with the appropriate inventory quantity determined by the determination unit 102d during order input, and displays an error message on the output device 500 if the number entered for the order quantity is greater than the appropriate inventory quantity.

[0067] For example, for store "TEN03," if the appropriate stock quantity for a new product (product code "SH04") is determined to be "112," the display control unit 102e will display an error message if an order quantity greater than "112" is entered for product code "SH04" at store "TEN03." For example, the display control unit 102e will display the error message "The appropriate stock quantity is 112 units. Please enter a quantity within the appropriate stock quantity." This allows the person entering the order to enter the order with the appropriate stock quantity by checking the error message.

[0068] Furthermore, the display control unit 102e not only displays an error message when the number entered for the order quantity is greater than the appropriate inventory quantity, but can also appropriately display the appropriate inventory quantity for the new product determined by the determination unit 102d. For example, the display control unit 102e can also display the appropriate inventory quantity when an order quantity for a new product is entered during order entry. This allows the person entering the order to enter the order for the new product with an inventory quantity that is less likely to result in excess or shortage of stock.

[0069] Figure 6 shows an example of order data according to the embodiment. Here, the order data shown in Figure 6 shows the state after all inputs, including quantity input, have been completed. In addition, the order data shown in Figure 6 shows records associated with "order number," "store," "order date," "product code," and "quantity ordered," as well as "warehouse." The "warehouse" indicates the warehouse from which the goods will be shipped.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, for example, for products corresponding to product codes "SH01", "SH02", and "SH03", since they are not new products, the quantity entered in the order entry is registered as is in the "Order Quantity" of each record. On the other hand, for the product corresponding to product code "SH04", since it is a new product, the appropriate inventory quantity "112" is determined by the calculation unit 102c and determination unit 102d described above, and the appropriate inventory quantity is displayed by the display control unit 102e, so that a quantity within the appropriate inventory quantity "112" (for example, "110" as shown in the figure) is registered. The order data shown in Figure 6 is stored in the storage unit 106 and is used to create shipping instruction data when a shipping instruction is entered. As a result, the product management device 100 can ship new products in the appropriate order quantity and properly manage the inventory quantity of new products in stores.

[0071] (Processing when entering shipping instructions) Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the product management device 100 according to this embodiment. Here, Figure 7 shows the processing of the product management device 100 when a shipping instruction is entered. In this embodiment, the case in which the processing for order entry and the processing for shipping instruction entry are performed separately is described, but the processing for order entry and the processing for shipping instruction entry may be performed consecutively. That is, the processing described in Figure 7 may be performed consecutively with the processing described in Figure 2.

[0072] In the product management device 100, the reception unit 102a determines whether or not it has received the input of a shipping instruction (S201). The product management device 100 remains in standby mode until it receives the input of a shipping instruction (S201, No).

[0073] If a shipping instruction is received (S201, Yes), the shipping control unit 102f refers to the product master 106a to determine whether or not there are any products among the products for which a shipping instruction has been received that have not yet reached the shipping instruction start date (S202).

[0074] If there are any products that have not yet reached the shipping instruction start date (S202, Yes), the shipping control unit 102f sets those products as excluded from shipping (S203) and creates shipping instruction data (S204). If there are no products that have not yet reached the shipping instruction start date (S202, No), the shipping control unit 102f creates shipping instruction data that includes all products for which shipping instructions have been entered.

[0075] As described above, the product management device 100 excludes products that have not yet reached the shipping instruction start date from being shipped when shipping instructions are entered. The details of these processes will be explained with an example.

[0076] When the receiving unit 102a receives a shipping instruction input, the shipping control unit 102f reads the relevant order data from the storage unit 106 and creates shipping instruction data. For example, when a shipping instruction input is received for the products in the order data shown in Figure 6, the shipping control unit 102f reads the order data shown in Figure 6 from the storage unit 106 and creates shipping instruction data. Here, the shipping control unit 102f refers to the product master and sets products that have not yet reached the shipping instruction start date as excluded from the shipping instruction data.

[0077] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the determination process according to the embodiment. Here, Figure 8 shows an example of determining the start of a shipping instruction for products included in the order data shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 also shows the case where the date the shipping instruction was entered is "2024 / 10 / 21". For example, the shipping control unit 102f obtains the shipping instruction start date for each of the four products ("SH01", "SH02", "SH03", and "SH04") included in the order data shown in Figure 8 by referring to the product master.

[0078] The shipping control unit 102f compares the shipping instruction start date for each product with the date the shipping instruction was entered, "2024 / 10 / 21," to determine if there are any products whose shipping instruction entry date has not yet reached the shipping instruction start date. For example, the shipping control unit 102f determines that products with product codes "SH01," "SH02," and "SH03" have shipping instruction entry dates that have reached all of the shipping instruction start dates, and therefore sets these products as targets for shipping instructions.

[0079] On the other hand, the shipping instruction start date for product code "SH04" is "2024 / 12 / 1", and the date the shipping instruction was entered, "2024 / 10 / 21", has not yet reached the shipping instruction start date. Therefore, the shipping control unit 102f sets product code "SH04" as excluded from the shipping instruction.

[0080] Figure 9 shows an example of shipping instruction data according to the embodiment. Figure 9 shows shipping instruction data created after the determination process described in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9, the shipping control unit 102f creates shipping instruction data by excluding the product with product code "SH04" from the order data (data shown in Figure 6) read in response to the shipping instruction input. By carrying out shipments based on the shipping instruction data shown in Figure 9, the product management device 100 can enable the shipment of new products at the appropriate time and properly manage the shipment of new products.

[0081] According to the embodiments described above, it is possible to appropriately manage the inventory levels of new products at each store, and furthermore, to appropriately manage the timing of new product shipments.

[0082] [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.

[0083] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and digital processes, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 12, 13, and 15.

[0084] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, thereby enabling contributions to SDG Goal 16.

[0085] [5. Other Embodiments] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, in addition to the embodiments described above.

[0086] For example, among the processes described in the embodiments described above, 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.

[0087] In addition, 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 the above-mentioned documents and drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified.

[0088] Furthermore, with respect to the product management device 100, each component shown in the illustration is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown.

[0089] For example, the processing functions of each device constituting the product management device 100, particularly those performed in the control unit, may be implemented in whole or in part by a CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or they may be implemented as wired logic hardware. The program is recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium containing programmed instructions for causing the information processing device to execute the processing described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by each device 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.

[0090] Furthermore, this computer program may be stored on an application program server connected to the product management device 100 via any network, and it is possible to download all or part of it as needed.

[0091] 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-first 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.

[0092] Furthermore, "program" refers to a data processing method described in any language or writing method, regardless of its format, such as source code or binary code. Note that "program" is not necessarily limited to a single, monolithic structure; it also includes distributed structures consisting of multiple modules or libraries, and those that work in cooperation with other programs, such as an operating system, to achieve their functions. Regarding the specific configuration and reading procedures for reading the recording medium in each device shown in the embodiments, as well as the installation procedures after reading, well-known configurations and procedures can be used.

[0093] The various databases stored in the memory unit are storage means such as RAM, ROM, other memory devices, hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks, and store various programs, tables, databases, and web page files used for various processes and website provision.

[0094] Furthermore, the product management device 100 may be configured as a known personal computer or workstation or other information processing device, or as an information processing device to which any peripheral devices are connected. Alternatively, the product management device 100 may be implemented by installing software (including programs or data, etc.) that enables the processing described in this embodiment onto the product management device 100.

[0095] 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]

[0096] This invention is useful in industries where goods are ordered from multiple stores, such as the distribution and retail industry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100 Product management device 102 Control Unit 102a Reception Desk 102b Judgment section 102c Calculation Unit 102d Decision Section 102e Display Control Unit 102f Shipping Control Unit 104 Communication Interface Section 106 Storage section 106a Product Master 106b Sales Data 106c Order Data 106d Shipping instruction data 108 Input / Output Interface Section 200 servers 300 Networks 400 Input Devices 500 Output Device

Claims

1. A product management device equipped with a control unit, It is possible to access sales data that holds sales information for each ordering source of a product, and a product master that associates products with their varieties. The control unit, When an order for a new product is received from a client, a calculation means identifies related products that are related in type to the new product based on the product master, and calculates the number of sales of the related products at the client that ordered the new product based on the sales data, A determination means for determining the appropriate inventory level of the new product at the ordering party that placed the order, based on the sales volume of the related products at the ordering party; Equipped with A product management device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned product master further associates product-specific weights with the product and the variety of the product. The determination means determines the appropriate inventory level of the new product at the ordering party that placed the order, based on the sales figures of the related products and the weighting assigned to the new product in the product master. The product management device according to feature 1.

3. The calculation means calculates the average sales volume of the related products over a predetermined period at the ordering party that ordered the new product. The determination means determines the appropriate inventory level of the new product at the ordering party based on the average sales volume of the related products at the ordering party. The product management device according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned product master further associates the product and the variety of the product with the start date for issuing shipping instructions for new products. The control unit, A receiving means for receiving order data in response to an order for goods from the aforementioned ordering party, A determination means for determining whether the product ordered by the ordering party is a new product, based on a comparison of the slip entry date and the shipping instruction start date included in the order data, To further enhance A product management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit, In the input of the aforementioned order data, a display control means that displays an error message when the number of orders for the new product exceeds the appropriate inventory quantity. To further enhance The product management device according to feature 4.

6. The aforementioned product master further associates the product and the variety of the product with the start date for issuing shipping instructions for new products. The control unit, A receiving means for receiving input of shipping instructions for order data corresponding to the order for goods from the aforementioned ordering party, A shipping control means that controls the shipment of the products included in the order data in accordance with the aforementioned shipping instructions, Furthermore, The shipping control means controls products that have not reached the shipping instruction start date at the time the shipping instruction is input to be excluded from shipment. The product management device according to feature 1.

7. A product management method performed in a product management device equipped with a control unit, The control unit, It is possible to access sales data that holds sales information for each ordering source of a product, and a product master that associates products with their varieties. The control unit executes the following: When an order for a new product is received from a client, the calculation step involves identifying related products that are related in type to the new product based on the product master, and calculating the number of sales of the related products at the client that ordered the new product based on the sales data, Includes a decision step of determining the appropriate inventory level of the new product at the ordering party that placed the order, based on the sales volume of the related products at the ordering party. A product management method characterized by the following features.

8. A product management program to be executed by a product management device equipped with a control unit, The control unit, It is possible to access sales data that holds sales information for each ordering source of a product, and a product master that associates products with their varieties. The control unit executes the following: When an order for a new product is received from a client, the calculation step involves identifying related products that are related in type to the new product based on the product master, and calculating the number of sales of the related products at the client that ordered the new product based on the sales data, A decision step to determine the appropriate inventory level of the new product at the ordering party that placed the order, based on the sales figures of the related products at the ordering party, A product management program to be executed.

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