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

Abstract

The objective is to provide an inventory management device, inventory management method, and inventory management program that allow for the separate management of current inventory and inventory disclosed to field departments by maintaining a portion of the inventory for each product in a non-disclosed manner. [Solution] When a request for inventory inquiry of a product is received from the field department responsible for order processing from a business partner, the system displays field inventory inquiry data that is set up by linking the warehouse, the product, and the public inventory quantity (current inventory quantity minus hidden inventory quantity) based on inventory data and product master data.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, inventory management is performed by classifying inventory into non-public inventory that is disclosed only to specific customers and public inventory that is displayed on the stock sales screen. Changes due to sales and order reception are reflected in the public inventory in real time, and the position movement of both inventories can be arbitrarily performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the level of inventory disclosure cannot be changed between departments within an organization in consideration of transactions of the entire organization such as a company.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an inventory management device, an inventory management method, and an inventory management program that can separately manage the current inventory and the public inventory to the field department by holding partially non-public inventory for each product.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the inventory management device according to the present invention is an inventory management device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit comprises inventory management storage means for storing inventory data set by linking warehouses, products and current inventory quantities, and product masters set by linking the products, the warehouses that are the source of shipments and the quantities of hidden inventory, and the control unit comprises inventory inquiry means for displaying on-site inventory inquiry data set by linking the warehouses, the products and the public inventory quantities obtained by subtracting the quantities of hidden inventory from the current inventory quantities of the products, based on the inventory data and the product masters, when an inventory inquiry request for the products of the products is received from an on-site department in charge of order processing from a business partner.

[0007] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the inventory inquiry means is further characterized in that, when it receives an inventory inquiry request for the said product from a business department responsible for inventory management or ordering, it displays business inventory inquiry data that is set up by linking the warehouse, the said product, and the said product's current inventory quantity based on the inventory data.

[0008] Furthermore, the inventory management device according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit further comprises an order means for registering order data set by linking the order delivery date, the product, and the order quantity corresponding to the order quantity, when the ordered quantity of the product is ordered and the publicly available inventory quantity of the product is equal to or greater than the ordered quantity, in the inventory management storage means, and a sales means for registering sales data set by linking the product and the sales quantity based on the order data in the inventory management storage means.

[0009] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the sales means is further characterized in that it updates the inventory data by subtracting the sales quantity from the current inventory quantity of the product, and using that quantity as the new current inventory quantity.

[0010] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the sales means is further characterized in that it updates the publicly available inventory quantity set in the on-site inventory inquiry data based on the updated inventory data.

[0011] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the order receiving means is further characterized in that, when the ordered quantity of the product is ordered and the publicly available inventory quantity of the product is less than the ordered quantity, it receives a delivery request from the field department specifying the desired delivery date for the ordered quantity of the product, creates delivery date confirmation data linked to the product, the ordered quantity, and the desired delivery date, and notifies the business department of a delivery date confirmation instruction for the ordered quantity of the product and the desired delivery date.

[0012] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the order receiving means is further characterized in that, when it receives delivery date response data with a response delivery date set from the business department, it updates the delivery date confirmation data by adding the response delivery date.

[0013] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the order receiving means is further characterized in that, when the business department executes an order processing for the product in accordance with the stated delivery date, it registers order data, which is set by linking the product, the expected arrival date, and the order quantity, into the inventory management storage means.

[0014] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the order receiving means is further characterized in that it registers the order data in the inventory management storage means based on the updated delivery date confirmation data.

[0015] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the order receiving means is further characterized in that, when the ordered quantity of the product is ordered and the publicly available inventory quantity of the product is less than the ordered quantity, it displays an error message indicating insufficient stock.

[0016] Furthermore, in the inventory management device according to the present invention, the delivery date response data is further linked to and set with a response note indicating the reason for the delivery date, and the order receiving means is further characterized in that it displays the delivery date response data.

[0017] Furthermore, the inventory management method according to the present invention is an inventory management method to be executed by an inventory management device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit comprises inventory management storage means for storing inventory data set by linking warehouses, products and current inventory quantities, and product master set by linking the products, the warehouse that is the source of shipment, and the quantity of hidden inventory, and the control unit is executed in an inventory inquiry step, in which, when an inventory inquiry request for the product is received from a field department in charge of order processing from a business partner, the control unit displays field inventory inquiry data set by linking the warehouse, the product, and the public inventory quantity obtained by subtracting the quantity of hidden inventory from the current inventory quantity of the product, based on the inventory data and the product master.

[0018] Furthermore, the inventory management program according to the present invention is an inventory management program to be executed by an inventory management device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit comprises inventory management storage means for storing inventory data set by linking warehouses, products, and current inventory quantities, and a product master set by linking the products, the warehouse that is the source of shipment, and the quantity of hidden inventory, and the control unit, when it receives an inventory inquiry request for the products from a field department in charge of order processing from a business partner, executes an inventory inquiry step which displays field inventory inquiry data set by linking the warehouse, the products, and the public inventory quantity obtained by subtracting the quantity of hidden inventory from the current inventory quantity of the product, based on the inventory data and the product master. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, while equalizing the order opportunities, by making it possible to order any number of items at once among the publicly available inventories, the person in charge of the field department can strive to maximize the sales. Also, according to the present invention, by setting a large amount of hidden inventory for popular items, it is possible to prevent the risk of inventory spoilage. Further, according to the present invention, by maintaining an appropriate inventory for each item and placing an order at an appropriate timing, it is possible to optimize the inventory. Additionally, according to the present invention, it is possible to control the inventory while determining the demand for the product, such as preventing the opportunity loss of the sales department and placing additional orders based on the anticipated demand.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inventory management apparatus in the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the inventory management apparatus in the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the inventory management processing in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the inventory management processing in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the inventory management processing in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the inventory management processing in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the inventory management processing in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the inventory management processing in the embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0022] [1. Overview] First, I will explain the outline of the present invention.

[0023] Traditionally, orders were taken based on current inventory levels or available stock levels. However, large-scale inventory shipments at once could lead to inventory shortages in other transactions, and limiting the number of items that could be ordered at once prevented maximizing sales, resulting in lost opportunities. Furthermore, while those in the field departments (departments responsible for receiving orders from clients) wanted to maximize sales for their own clients, those in the operations departments (departments responsible for inventory management and ordering) needed to consider the company's overall transactions when making shipments.

[0024] Therefore, in this embodiment, a mechanism is provided to maintain hidden inventory (the number of items to be deducted when inventory is disclosed to the field department) for each product, and to calculate the number of items disclosed to the field department (= current inventory - hidden inventory). Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the field department needs to record orders exceeding the disclosed inventory, the field department will confirm the delivery date with the operations department, and the system provides a mechanism to control input in order entry according to the disclosed inventory and whether or not a response has been given to the delivery date confirmation. As a result, in this embodiment, when the operations department confirms the delivery date, it is possible to proceed with ordering while considering the risk of inventory shortages, and by setting up hidden inventory, it is possible to contribute to inventory optimization and operational efficiency.

[0025] [2. Structure] An example of the configuration of the inventory management device 100 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 inventory management device 100 in this embodiment.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the inventory management device 100 is a commercially available desktop personal computer. However, the inventory management device 100 is not limited to stationary information processing devices such as desktop personal computers, but may also be portable information processing devices such as commercially available notebook personal computers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), smartphones, or tablet personal computers.

[0027] The inventory management device 100 comprises a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a storage unit 106, and an input / output interface unit 108. Each part of the inventory management device 100 is connected to communicate via any communication path.

[0028] The communication interface unit 104 connects the inventory management device 100 to the network 300 via a communication device such as a router and a wired or wireless communication line such as a dedicated line. The communication interface unit 104 has the function of communicating data with other devices via a communication line. Here, the network 300 has the function of connecting the inventory management device 100 and the server 200 so that they can communicate with each other, and is, for example, the internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0029] The input / output interface unit 108 is connected to an input device 112 and an output device 114. The output device 114 can be a monitor (including a touch panel), a speaker, or a printer. The input device 112 can be a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a monitor that works in conjunction with a mouse to provide pointing device functionality. In the following, the output device 114 may be referred to as the monitor 114 or printer 114, and the input device 112 may be referred to as the keyboard 112 or mouse 112.

[0030] The storage unit 106 stores various databases, tables, and files. The storage unit 106 also stores computer programs that work in cooperation with the OS (Operating System) to give instructions to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform various processes. The storage unit 106 can be, for example, a memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, or an optical disk. The storage unit 106 includes an inventory management database 106a.

[0031] The inventory management database 106a stores inventory management data. Here, the inventory management database 106a may store inventory data set by linking warehouses, products, and current inventory quantities, as well as product master data set by linking products, the warehouse from which they are shipped, and hidden inventory quantities. The inventory management database 106a may also store field inventory inquiry data, business inventory inquiry data, order data, order data, sales data, delivery date confirmation data, delivery date response data, and / or purchase order data.

[0032] The control unit 102 is a CPU or the like that comprehensively controls the inventory 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. Functionally, the control unit 102 comprises a master setting unit 102a, an inventory inquiry unit 102b, an order processing unit 102c, and a sales unit 102d.

[0033] The master setting unit 102a performs the master setting. Here, if a setting value is set on the master setting screen (master maintenance), the master setting unit 102a may set the master based on the screen setting value. Alternatively, the master setting unit 102a may store the master in the inventory management database 106a. The master setting unit 102a may also set the product master.

[0034] The inventory inquiry unit 102b displays inventory inquiry data. Here, the inventory inquiry unit 102b may display field inventory inquiry data or business inventory inquiry data. Furthermore, when the inventory inquiry unit 102b receives an inventory inquiry request for a product from a field department responsible for order processing from a trading partner, it may display field inventory inquiry data that has been set up by linking the warehouse, the product, and the public inventory quantity obtained by subtracting the hidden inventory quantity from the current inventory quantity of the product, based on inventory data and product master data. Furthermore, when the inventory inquiry unit 102b receives an inventory inquiry request for a product from a business department responsible for inventory management or ordering, it may display business inventory inquiry data that has been set up by linking the warehouse, the product, and the current inventory quantity of the product, based on inventory data.

[0035] The order processing unit 102c acquires order data. Here, the order processing unit 102c may acquire order data. Furthermore, if the ordered quantity of goods is ordered and the publicly available inventory quantity of the goods is equal to or greater than the ordered quantity, the order processing unit 102c may register order data in the inventory management database 106a, linking the order delivery date, goods, and the ordered quantity corresponding to the ordered quantity. Furthermore, if the ordered quantity of goods is ordered and the publicly available inventory quantity of the goods is less than the ordered quantity, the order processing unit 102c may receive a delivery request from the field department setting the desired delivery date for the ordered quantity of goods, create delivery date confirmation data linking the goods, the ordered quantity, and the desired delivery date, and notify the business department of a delivery date confirmation instruction for the ordered quantity of goods and the desired delivery date. Furthermore, if the order processing unit 102c receives delivery date response data from the business department setting the response delivery date, it may update the delivery date confirmation data by adding the response delivery date. Here, the delivery date response data may be set with a response note indicating the reason for the delivery date. Furthermore, when the business department executes the order processing for goods according to the quoted delivery date, the order processing unit 102c may register order data linked to the product, expected arrival date, and order quantity in the inventory management database 106a. The order processing unit 102c may also register order data in the inventory management database 106a based on the updated delivery date confirmation data. Furthermore, if the ordered quantity of goods is ordered and the publicly available inventory quantity of the goods is less than the ordered quantity, the order processing unit 102c may display an error message indicating insufficient stock. The order processing unit 102c may also display the delivery date confirmation data.

[0036] The sales unit 102d acquires sales data. Here, the sales unit 102d may register sales data, which is set by linking products and sales quantities based on order data, into the inventory management database 106a. Alternatively, the sales unit 102d may update the inventory data by subtracting the sales quantity from the current inventory quantity of a product as the new current inventory quantity. Furthermore, the sales unit 102d may update the public inventory quantity set in the field inventory inquiry data based on the updated inventory data.

[0037] [3. Specific Examples] A specific example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 8.

[0038] [Inventory management processing] Now, with reference to Figure 2, an example of inventory management processing in this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the inventory management device 100 in this embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, when the inventory inquiry unit 102b receives an inventory inquiry request for a product from a business department responsible for inventory management or ordering, it displays business inventory inquiry data on the output device 114, which is set by linking the warehouse, product, and the current inventory quantity of the product, based on the inventory data stored in the inventory management database 106a (step SA-1).

[0040] Then, when a setting value is set by a person in charge of the business department via the input device 112 during product master maintenance, the master setting unit 102a sets a product master that links the product, the warehouse from which it is shipped, and the quantity of hidden stock based on the screen setting value, and registers the product master in the inventory management database 106a (step SA-2).

[0041] Then, when the inventory inquiry unit 102b receives an inventory inquiry request for a product from a field department responsible for order processing from a business partner, it displays field inventory inquiry data on the output device 114, which is set by linking the warehouse, the product, and the public inventory quantity obtained by subtracting the hidden inventory quantity from the current inventory quantity of the product, based on the inventory data and product master stored in the inventory management database 106a (step SA-3).

[0042] Then, when the order processing unit 102c receives an order for the ordered quantity of goods from a field department representative via the input device 112, it determines whether the publicly available inventory quantity of the goods is equal to or greater than the ordered quantity (step SA-4).

[0043] Then, if the order processing unit 102c determines that the publicly available inventory quantity of the product is equal to or greater than the order quantity (step SA-4: Yes), it proceeds to step SA-5.

[0044] The order processing unit 102c registers order data, which is set by linking the order delivery date, product, and order quantity, into the inventory management database 106a (step SA-5).

[0045] Then, the sales unit 102d registers sales data, which is set by linking the product and sales quantity based on the order data, into the inventory management database 106a, updates the inventory data by subtracting the sales quantity from the current inventory quantity of the product as the new current inventory quantity, updates the public inventory quantity set in the field inventory inquiry data based on the updated inventory data (step SA-6), and ends the process.

[0046] On the other hand, if the order processing unit 102c determines that the publicly available inventory quantity of the product is less than the order quantity (step SA-4: No), it moves the process to step SA-7.

[0047] Then, the order processing unit 102c receives a delivery request from the field department specifying the desired delivery date for the ordered quantity of goods, creates delivery date confirmation data linking the goods, the ordered quantity, and the desired delivery date, and notifies the business department of the delivery date confirmation instruction for the ordered quantity of goods and the desired delivery date (Step SA-7).

[0048] Then, when the order processing unit 102c receives delivery date response data with a specified delivery date from the business department, it updates the delivery date confirmation data by adding the specified delivery date (step SA-8).

[0049] Then, the order processing unit 102c registers the order data in the inventory management database 106a based on the updated delivery date confirmation data (step SA-9), and moves the process to step SA-6.

[0050] Here, an example of inventory management processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8. Figures 3 to 8 are diagrams showing an example of inventory management processing in this embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the business department has set up hidden inventory for each product and warehouse in advance as of October 1, 2024. That is, as shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, hidden inventory is maintained in the product master, and the quantity of hidden inventory is set by the business person in charge based on daily transactions, and hidden inventory is registered for each warehouse as there are transaction trends by region.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the Tokyo sales department conducts sales activities based on the inventory numbers disclosed to the field department via the field inventory inquiry as of October 2, 2024, and registers order data based on the orders. In this embodiment, security settings for the display menu are set for both the field department and the operations department. Specifically, in this embodiment, the field department is granted viewing permission only for the field inventory inquiry, while the operations department is granted viewing permission for both the sales inventory inquiry and the operations inventory inquiry.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, sales data is registered in the Tokyo sales department as of October 5, 2024.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the Tokyo sales department conducts sales activities based on the inventory numbers disclosed to the field departments via field inventory inquiries as of October 7, 2024, and registers order data based on the orders. Here, as shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the number of orders for H001: Product A is less than or equal to the publicly disclosed inventory, so the order can be recorded. However, the number of orders for H002: Product B is greater than the publicly disclosed inventory, so the order cannot be recorded. Therefore, the business department is contacted to confirm the delivery date for an order of 20 units of H002: Product B.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the business department provides delivery date responses based on the current inventory as of October 7, 2024. That is, as shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the current inventory is checked using the business inventory inquiry, a delivery date response is registered based on the current inventory, and inventory is replenished as necessary. For example, as shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, since the current inventory is not below stock, it is possible to release hidden inventory and meet the desired delivery date, so a delivery date response indicating that there is surplus inventory is issued. However, if there were a stock shortage, a delivery date response indicating that an inventory order is necessary would be issued. Also, as shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the current inventory of H002: Product B changes from 20 units to 0 units, so inventory replenishment is performed through order entry.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the sales department registers order data based on the delivery date response as of October 7, 2024. That is, as shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the delivery date response from the business department is confirmed, and order data is registered based on the confirmed delivery date. If a quantity exceeding the publicly available inventory is entered in the order entry, or if the delivery date has not been confirmed, an error message is displayed: "The quantity exceeds the publicly available inventory. Please register after the delivery date response." For example, as shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, a quantity check is performed against the sales inventory, and the delivery date confirmation data is referenced based on the customer, delivery date, product, and quantity. Since "desired delivery date = confirmed delivery date," it is possible to register the order in the order entry.

[0057] [4. Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This embodiment can contribute to improving operational efficiency and promoting appropriate management decisions within companies, thereby enabling contributions to SDGs Goals 8 and 9.

[0058] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and digital processes, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 12, 13, and 15.

[0059] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, thereby enabling contributions to SDG Goal 16.

[0060] [5. Other Embodiments] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

[0061] For example, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods.

[0062] Furthermore, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registration data and search conditions for each process, screen examples, and database configuration shown in this specification and in the drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified.

[0063] Furthermore, with respect to the inventory management device 100, each component shown in the illustration is a functional concept and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown.

[0064] For example, the processing functions of the inventory management device 100, particularly those performed by the control unit 102, may be implemented in whole or in part by a CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or they may be implemented as wired logic hardware. The program is recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium containing programmed instructions for causing the information processing device to execute the processing described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by the inventory management device 100 as needed. That is, a storage unit such as ROM or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) contains a computer program that works in cooperation with the OS to give instructions to the CPU and perform various processing tasks. This computer program is executed by being loaded into RAM and works in cooperation with the CPU to constitute the control unit.

[0065] Furthermore, this computer program may be stored on an application program server connected to the inventory management device 100 via any network, and it is possible to download all or part of it as needed.

[0066] Furthermore, the program for executing the processing described in this embodiment may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, or it may be configured as a program product. Here, "recording medium" includes any "portable physical medium" such as memory cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, SD (Secure Digital) cards, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROMs (Registered Trademark) (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), MOs (Magneto-Optical disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), and Blu-ray (Registered Trademark) Discs.

[0067] Furthermore, "program" refers to a data processing method described in any language or writing method, regardless of its format, such as source code or binary code. Note that "program" is not necessarily limited to a single, monolithic structure; it also includes distributed structures consisting of multiple modules or libraries, and those that work in cooperation with other programs, such as an operating system, to achieve their functions. Regarding the specific configuration and reading procedures for reading the recording medium in each device shown in this embodiment, as well as the installation procedures after reading, well-known configurations and procedures can be used.

[0068] The various databases stored in the memory unit 106 include memory devices such as RAM and ROM, fixed disk devices such as hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks, and store various programs, tables, databases, and web page files used for various processes and website provision.

[0069] Furthermore, the inventory management device 100 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, or as an information processing device to which any peripheral devices are connected. Alternatively, the inventory management device 100 may be implemented by installing software (including programs or data, etc.) on the device that enables the processing described in this embodiment.

[0070] 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]

[0071] This invention is useful in industries such as the distribution, retail, and wholesale sectors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 100 Inventory Management Devices 102 Control Unit 102a Master Setting Section 102b Inventory Inquiry Department 102c Order Department 102d Sales Department 104 Communication Interface Section 106 Storage section 106a Inventory Management Database 108 Input / Output Interface Section 112 Input device 114 Output device 200 servers 300 Networks

Claims

1. An inventory management device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, The aforementioned storage unit is Inventory management storage means that stores inventory data set by linking warehouses, products, and current inventory quantities, and product master data set by linking the said products, the warehouse that is the source of shipment, and the quantity of hidden inventory. Equipped with, The control unit, When an inventory inquiry request for the aforementioned product is received from the field department responsible for order processing from a business partner, the inventory inquiry means displays field inventory inquiry data that links the warehouse, the product, and the publicly available inventory quantity (the current inventory quantity of the product minus the hidden inventory quantity) based on the inventory data and the product master. An inventory management device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned inventory inquiry means is Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, when it receives an inventory inquiry request for the said product from a business department responsible for inventory management or ordering, it displays business inventory inquiry data that is set up by linking the warehouse, the said product, and the said current stock quantity of the said product based on the said inventory data.

3. The control unit, If the ordered quantity of the aforementioned product is ordered and the publicly available stock quantity of the aforementioned product is equal to or greater than the ordered quantity, the order means registers order data, which is set by linking the order delivery date, the product, and the order quantity corresponding to the ordered quantity, in the inventory management storage means. A sales means that registers sales data, which is set by linking the product and sales quantity based on the aforementioned order data, into the inventory management storage means. The inventory management device according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

4. The aforementioned sales method is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 3 is characterized in that it updates the inventory data by subtracting the sales quantity from the current inventory quantity of the product in question as the new current inventory quantity.

5. The aforementioned sales method is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 4 is characterized in that it updates the publicly available inventory quantity set in the field inventory inquiry data based on the updated inventory data.

6. The aforementioned order-taking means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the ordered quantity of the product is ordered and the publicly available inventory quantity of the product is less than the ordered quantity, the device receives a delivery request from the field department specifying the desired delivery date for the ordered quantity of the product, creates delivery date confirmation data linking the product, the ordered quantity, and the desired delivery date, and notifies the business department of a delivery date confirmation instruction for the ordered quantity of the product and the desired delivery date.

7. The aforementioned order-taking means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 6 is characterized in that, when it receives delivery date response data with a set response date from the business department, it updates the delivery date confirmation data by adding the said response date.

8. The aforementioned order-taking means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 7 is characterized in that, when the business department executes the order processing for the product in accordance with the response delivery date, the order data, which is set by linking the product, the expected arrival date, and the order quantity, is registered in the inventory management storage means.

9. The aforementioned order-taking means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 7, characterized in that the order data is registered in the inventory management storage means based on the updated delivery date confirmation data.

10. The aforementioned order-taking means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 3 is characterized in that, if the ordered quantity of the product is ordered and the publicly available stock quantity of the product is less than the ordered quantity, an error message indicating insufficient stock is displayed.

11. The data for the delivery date response mentioned above is Furthermore, a response note indicating the reason for the delivery date is linked and set. The aforementioned order-taking means is, Furthermore, the inventory management device according to claim 7, characterized in that it displays the delivery date response data.

12. An inventory management method to be executed by an inventory management device comprising a memory unit and a control unit, The aforementioned storage unit is Inventory management storage means that stores inventory data set by linking warehouses, products, and current inventory quantities, and product master data set by linking the said products, the warehouse that is the source of shipment, and the quantity of hidden inventory. Equipped with, The control unit is executed as follows: When an inventory inquiry request for the aforementioned product is received from the field department responsible for order processing from a business partner, an inventory inquiry step is performed to display field inventory inquiry data that is set up by linking the warehouse, the product, and the publicly available inventory quantity obtained by subtracting the hidden inventory quantity from the current inventory quantity of the product, based on the inventory data and the product master. An inventory management method characterized by including [this].

13. An inventory management program to be executed by an inventory management device comprising a memory unit and a control unit, The aforementioned storage unit is Inventory management storage means that stores inventory data set by linking warehouses, products, and current inventory quantities, and product master data set by linking the said products, the warehouse that is the source of shipment, and the quantity of hidden inventory. Equipped with, In the control unit, When an inventory inquiry request for the aforementioned product is received from the field department responsible for order processing from a business partner, an inventory inquiry step is performed to display field inventory inquiry data that is set up by linking the warehouse, the product, and the publicly available inventory quantity obtained by subtracting the hidden inventory quantity from the current inventory quantity of the product, based on the inventory data and the product master. An inventory management program to execute this process.

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