Information processing systems, management methods, and programs

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing system, management method, and program that can reduce the effort required when a corporation's registration number as a qualified invoice issuer expires. [Solution] The information processing system manages the registration numbers of designated corporations as qualified invoice issuers. This information processing system comprises a first verification means, a second verification means, and a presentation means. The first verification means verifies the validity of the designated corporation's registration number through a first website that manages the registration numbers of each corporation. If the designated corporation's registration number has expired, the second verification means verifies the corporate number of the successor corporation that has succeeded the designated corporation through a second website that manages the corporate numbers of each corporation. The presentation means presents the registration number generated based on the successor corporation's corporate number, or the successor corporation's corporate number.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-71991 (Patent Document 1) discloses an accounting processing device. In this accounting processing device, the eligibility of a bill is determined. The determination of eligibility is made by accessing a database under the jurisdiction of the National Tax Agency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a corporation receives registration as an eligible bill issuer, a registration number for the eligible bill issuer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the "registration number") is notified to the corporation. For example, in an information processing system for accounting processing, the registration number is registered for each trading partner corporation of the user, and based on whether the registration number of the trading partner corporation is valid, it is conceivable that it is automatically determined whether the consumption tax generated in the transaction with the trading partner corporation is subject to input tax credit.

[0005] The registration number issued to a corporation may become invalid, for example, if that corporation is absorbed by another corporation. In such a case, if the registration number associated with the user's business partner is not updated in the information processing system, the consumption tax that should be eligible for input tax credit may be treated as ineligible for input tax credit. To avoid this situation, it is necessary to search for the registration number of the successor corporation that has taken over the original corporation and update the registration number and other information registered in the information processing system. Such work is extremely time-consuming. However, no solution to this problem is disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and its objective is to provide an information processing system, management method, and program that can reduce the effort required when a corporation's registration number as a qualified invoice issuer expires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing system according to a certain aspect of the present invention manages the registration number of a specified corporation as a qualified invoice issuer. This information processing system comprises a first verification means, a second verification means, and a presentation means. The first verification means verifies the validity of the specified corporation's registration number through a first website that manages the registration numbers of each corporation. If the specified corporation's registration number has expired, the second verification means verifies the corporate number of the successor corporation that has succeeded the specified corporation through a second website that manages the corporate numbers of each corporation. The presentation means presents the registration number generated based on the successor corporation's corporate number, or the successor corporation's corporate number.

[0008] In this information processing system, if the registration number of a designated corporation has expired, the user is presented with a registration number generated based on the corporate number of the successor corporation that has succeeded the designated corporation, or the corporate number of the successor corporation. Therefore, this information processing system reduces the effort required for the user to manually search for the corporate number of the successor corporation, etc., when the registration number of the designated corporation has expired.

[0009] In the above information processing system, the first website may manage validity information indicating whether the registration number of the designated corporation is valid or expired, and the corporate number of the successor corporation may not be managed in association with the designated corporation, while the second website may manage the corporate number of the successor corporation in association with the designated corporation.

[0010] The above information processing system may further include a third verification means for verifying the validity of the successor corporation's registration number through the first website, and the presentation means may present the successor corporation's registration number if it is valid.

[0011] In this information processing system, the validity of the successor corporation's registration number is verified, and if the successor corporation's registration number is valid, it is presented to the user. Therefore, this information processing system allows the user to recognize the valid registration number of the successor corporation when the registration number of the designated corporation has expired.

[0012] In the above-described information processing system, the first verification means may periodically verify the validity of the registration number of the designated corporation, and if it is found that the registration number of the designated corporation has expired, the second verification means may verify the corporate number of the successor corporation.

[0013] In this information processing system, the validity of the registration number of a designated corporation is periodically checked, and if it is found that the registration number of the designated corporation has expired, the corporate number of the successor corporation is confirmed. Therefore, because the validity of the registration number of a designated corporation is periodically checked according to this information processing system, it is possible to prevent situations in which a designated corporation's registration number expires and is left unattended for a long period of time.

[0014] In the above-mentioned information processing system, if the registration number of a designated corporation has expired, the display means may display a notification on the screen indicating that the registration number of the designated corporation has expired, and may also display the registration number generated based on the corporate number of the successor corporation, or the corporate number of the successor corporation, on the screen.

[0015] In this information processing system, if the registration number of a designated corporation has expired, a notification indicating that the registration number of the designated corporation has expired will be displayed on the screen, and the registration number or corporate number of the successor corporation will be displayed on the same screen. Therefore, with this information processing system, users can easily recognize the registration number or corporate number of the successor corporation when the registration number of the designated corporation has expired.

[0016] The above-mentioned information processing system may further include a receiving means for receiving operations on the registration number or corporate number displayed on the above-mentioned screen, and in response to the receiving means receiving an operation, the presentation means may display a registration screen for the successor corporation's registration number.

[0017] In this information processing system, when an operation is performed on the registration number or corporate number displayed on the screen, a registration screen for the successor corporation's registration number is displayed. Therefore, with this information processing system, users can easily register the registration number of a successor corporation when the registration number of a given corporation has expired.

[0018] In the above-mentioned information processing system, if the registration number of a designated corporation has expired and the second verification means is unable to confirm the corporate number of the successor corporation, the presentation means may indicate that it was unable to confirm the corporate number of the successor corporation.

[0019] In this information processing system, if the registration number of a designated corporation has expired and the corporate number of the successor corporation could not be confirmed, this fact will be displayed to the user. Therefore, according to this information processing system, the user can recognize that the corporate number of the successor corporation could not be confirmed on the second website when the registration number of the designated corporation has expired.

[0020] The above information processing system may further include a management means for managing the registration numbers of successor corporations in association with a designated corporation, and the presentation means may present one or more registration numbers associated with the designated corporation.

[0021] In this information processing system, the registration numbers of successor corporations are managed in association with designated corporations, and one or more registration numbers associated with the designated corporations are presented to the user. Therefore, with this information processing system, users can easily recognize the changes in the registration numbers of the designated corporations.

[0022] A management method according to another aspect of the present invention manages the registration numbers of a specified corporation as a qualified invoice issuer. This management method includes a computer verifying the validity of the registration number of a specified corporation through a first website that manages the registration numbers of each corporation, and, if the registration number of a specified corporation has expired, verifying the corporate number of a successor corporation that has succeeded the specified corporation through a second website that manages the corporate numbers of each corporation, and presenting a registration number generated based on the corporate number of the successor corporation, or the corporate number of the successor corporation.

[0023] In this management method, if the registration number of a designated corporation expires, the user is presented with a registration number generated based on the corporate number of the successor corporation that inherited the designated corporation, or the corporate number of the successor corporation. Therefore, this management method reduces the effort required for the user to manually search for the corporate number of the successor corporation, etc., when the registration number of the designated corporation expires.

[0024] A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute a process of managing a registration number as an eligible invoice issuer of a predetermined corporation. This program confirms the validity of the registration number of a predetermined corporation through a first website that manages the registration numbers of each corporation, and when the registration number of the predetermined corporation has expired, through a second website that manages the corporation numbers of each corporation, it causes the computer to confirm the corporation number of the successor corporation that has succeeded the predetermined corporation, and to present the registration number generated based on the corporation number of the successor corporation, or the corporation number of the successor corporation.

[0025] When this program is executed by a computer, when the registration number of a predetermined corporation has expired, the registration number generated based on the corporation number of the successor corporation that has succeeded the predetermined corporation, or the corporation number of the successor corporation is presented to the user. Therefore, according to this program, when the registration number of a predetermined corporation has expired, it is possible to reduce the labor for the user to manually search for the corporation number of the successor corporation and the like.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing system, a management method, and a program capable of reducing the labor that occurs when the registration number as an eligible invoice issuer of a corporation has expired.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing an accounting processing system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram schematically showing a part of an example of a registration screen for transaction information. [Figure 3] It is a diagram schematically showing a part of a data group that can be obtained through an API provided on the first website. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically showing a part of a data group that can be obtained through an API provided on the second website. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the first server. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows a portion of an example of a customer database. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the second server. [Figure 8] This diagram schematically shows a portion of an example of a registration number database. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the procedure for updating the registration number database. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the procedure for providing users with their latest registration number and other information. [Figure 12] This figure schematically shows a portion of an example of the screen displayed on the user terminal's display in step S240 of Figure 11. [Figure 13] This figure schematically shows a part of an example of the screen displayed on the user terminal's display in step S250 of Figure 11. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows the procedure for adding information about the successor company to the customer database. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows the procedure for presenting information indicating the changes in the registration number of a designated corporation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, each drawing is schematically depicted with parts omitted or exaggerated as appropriate for ease of understanding.

[0029] [1. Overview] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an accounting system 10 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 1, in the accounting system 10, information indicating the content of transactions (hereinafter also referred to as "transaction information") is registered, and accounting processing is performed based on the registered transaction information. The accounting system 10 includes a first server 100, a second server 200, and a plurality of user terminals 300. Each of the first server 100 and the second server 200 is implemented by, for example, a general-purpose computer. Each of the plurality of user terminals 300 is implemented by, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a smartphone. In the accounting system 10, the first server 100 and the second server 200 communicate with each other via the Internet N1, and the first server 100 and the plurality of user terminals 300 communicate with each other via the Internet N1.

[0030] The first server 100 includes an accounting information database 123 and a trading partner database 124. The accounting information database 123 manages transaction information for each user. The trading partner database 124 manages information about each user's trading partners (hereinafter also referred to as "trading partner information"). As will be described in detail later, trading partner information includes, for example, the name of the trading partner, the trading partner's registration number (registration number as a qualified invoice issuer), and information indicating the validity of the registration number. The registration of transaction information in the accounting processing system 10 is performed by the user through the user terminal 300.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an example of a transaction information registration screen. Referring to Figure 2, the input of transaction information is accepted on screen IM1. For example, on screen IM1, input for items IT1, IT2, and IT3 is accepted. Item IT1 indicates the name of the trading partner. Item IT2 indicates whether or not the invoice for this transaction was issued by a qualified invoice issuer. For example, if a check is entered in item IT2, it indicates that the invoice was issued by a qualified invoice issuer, and if a check is not entered in item IT2, it indicates that the invoice was not issued by a qualified invoice issuer. Item IT3 indicates the type of transaction and the tax rate.

[0032] In the example in Figure 2, whether or not item IT2 is checked indicates whether or not the business is a qualified invoice issuer, and the corresponding tax rate and other information are shown in item IT3. However, this is not the only way to do so. For example, it is possible to display options such as "Qualified," "80% Deduction," and "50% Deduction" as dropdown menus, depending on the business partner.

[0033] In the accounting system 10, when a company name is entered in item IT1, the trading partner DB 124 is referenced, and input for items IT2 and IT3 is automatically performed. Specifically, if the company whose name is entered in item IT1 is a qualified invoice issuer, a check is automatically entered in item IT2, and in item IT3, taxable purchase is selected as the transaction type and 10% is selected as the tax rate. On the other hand, if the company whose name is entered in item IT1 is not a qualified invoice issuer, no check is entered in item IT2, and the appropriate transaction type and tax rate are selected in item IT3.

[0034] Referring again to Figure 1, the second server 200 contains the registration number DB223. The registration number DB223 manages, for example, information regarding the registration numbers of all corporations among all qualified invoice issuers in Japan (hereinafter also referred to as "registration number information"). As will be described in detail later, the registration number information includes, for example, the registration number of each corporation and information regarding the validity of each corporation's registration number.

[0035] Website 1, WS1, manages the registration numbers of each legal entity that is a qualified invoice issuer. Website 1, WS1, is, for example, a website for disclosing qualified invoice issuers under the jurisdiction of the National Tax Agency. Website 1, WS1, provides, for example, an API (Application Programming Interface) for retrieving information on each legal entity managed on Website 1, WS1.

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the data set D1 that can be obtained through the API provided on the first website WS1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first API"). As shown in Figure 3, data set D1 includes the corporate registration number, the registration date of the registration number, the renewal date of the registration number, the cancellation date of the registration number, the expiration date of the registration number, and the corporate name.

[0037] Referring again to Figure 1, the second server 200 periodically updates the registration number DB223 by periodically acquiring the data group D1 for each corporation through the first API. Synchronization between the registration number DB223 and the trading partner DB124 ensures that the trading partner information contained in the trading partner DB124 is updated to the latest state. A registration number may become invalid, for example, if a corporation is absorbed by another corporation. The successor corporation that takes over the absorbed corporation is highly likely to be a qualified invoice issuer. In such a case, if the registration number associated with the absorbed corporation continues to be used for registering transactions, the accounting system 10 will exclude the consumption tax that should be eligible for input tax credit because the registration number has become invalid. One way to avoid this situation is to manually search for the registration number of the successor corporation that took over the corporation and update the registration number etc. registered in the trading partner DB124. However, such work is very time-consuming. The accounting system 10 has been designed to reduce such effort.

[0038] Referring again to Figure 3, data group D1 contains the expiration date of the registration number, but does not contain the registration number of the successor corporation. Therefore, if a corporation's registration number expires due to an absorption merger by another corporation, it is not possible to obtain the successor corporation's registration number by referring to data group D1 obtained through the first API.

[0039] Referring again to Figure 1, the second website, WS2, manages the corporate identification numbers of each corporation. The second website, WS2, is, for example, a corporate identification number publication site under the jurisdiction of the National Tax Agency. The second website, WS2, provides, for example, an API for retrieving information on each corporation managed on the second website, WS2.

[0040] Figure 4 schematically shows a portion of the data set D2 that can be obtained through the API provided on the second website WS2 (hereinafter also referred to as the "Second API"). As shown in Figure 4, data set D2 includes the corporate number, the date of closure of the registration record, the reason for closure of the registration record, and the corporate number of the successor corporation. Thus, data set D2, which can be obtained through the Second API, includes the corporate number of the successor corporation. Generally, the registration number consists of "T" followed by a 13-digit number sequence, and this 13-digit number sequence matches the corporate number. In other words, by obtaining the corporate number of the successor corporation through the Second API, the registration number of the successor corporation can be obtained.

[0041] Referring again to Figure 1, the second server 200, when a corporation's registration number expires due to an absorption merger, obtains the corporate number of the successor corporation via the second API and generates a registration number for the successor corporation based on the obtained corporate number. The second server 200 then updates the registration number DB 223. Synchronization between the registration number DB 223 and the trading partner DB 124 ensures that each trading partner's information in the trading partner DB 124 is updated to the latest state. In the accounting processing system 10, when a corporation's registration number expires, the registration number of the successor corporation is presented to the user. Therefore, according to the accounting processing system 10, when a corporation's registration number expires due to an absorption merger, the effort required for the user to manually search for the corporate number of the successor corporation can be reduced. The configuration and operation of the accounting processing system 10 will be described in detail below.

[0042] [2. Structure] <2-1. Configuration of the first server> Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first server 100. As shown in Figure 5, the first server 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication interface 130, and a storage unit 120. Each component is electrically connected via a bus.

[0043] The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 112, RAM (Random Access Memory) 114, and ROM (Read Only Memory) 116, and is configured to control each component according to information processing. The communication interface 130 is configured to communicate with, for example, a second server 200 and a user terminal 300 (see Figure 1) via the Internet N1. The communication interface 130 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) module or a wireless LAN module.

[0044] The storage unit 120 is composed of, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The storage unit 120 stores, for example, a control program 122, an accounting information DB 123, and a trading partner DB 124. The control program 122 is executed by the CPU 112, thereby realizing various functions in the first server 100. The accounting information DB 123 manages transaction information for each user, as described above. By using the transaction information managed in the accounting information DB 123, for example, processing for filing tax returns is performed.

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of an example of the Customer Database (DB124). As shown in Figure 6, Customer Database (DB124) manages information about each user's customers. In Customer Database (DB124), for example, the customer name, the registration number of each customer, and information indicating the validity of the registration number are associated.

[0046] <2-2. Configuration of the second server> Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the second server 200. As shown in Figure 7, the second server 200 includes a control unit 210, a communication interface 230, and a storage unit 220. Each component is electrically connected via a bus.

[0047] The control unit 210 includes a CPU 212, RAM 214, and ROM 216, and is configured to control each component according to information processing. The communication interface 230 is configured to communicate with, for example, the first server 100 (see Figure 1) via the internet N1. The communication interface 230 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN module or a wireless LAN module.

[0048] The storage unit 220 is composed of, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The storage unit 220 stores, for example, a control program 222 and a registration number DB223. Various functions in the second server 200 are realized when the control program 222 is executed by the CPU 212.

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of an example of the registration number DB223. As shown in Figure 8, the registration number DB223 manages registration number information for all corporations among all qualified invoice issuers in Japan. In the registration number DB223, for example, the registration number, corporate name, registration date of the registration number, renewal date of the registration number, cancellation date of the registration number, expiration date of the registration number, corporate number of the successor corporation, and registration number of the successor corporation are associated.

[0050] <2-3. User Terminal Configuration> Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 300. As shown in Figure 9, the user terminal 300 includes a control unit 310, a communication interface 330, an operation unit 340, a display 350, and a storage unit 320. In the user terminal 300, each component is electrically connected via a bus.

[0051] The control unit 310 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and is configured to control each component according to information processing. The communication interface 330 is configured to communicate with the first server 100 (see Figure 1) via the internet N1. The communication interface 330 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN module or a wireless LAN module.

[0052] The control unit 340 is configured to receive input from the user. The control unit 340 consists of, for example, some or all of a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, and microphone. The display 350 is configured to display images. The display 350 consists of, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) monitor.

[0053] The storage unit 320 is, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The storage unit 320 stores, for example, a control program 322. Various functions in the user terminal 300 are realized when the control program 322 is executed by the CPU of the control unit 310.

[0054] [3. Operation] <3-1. Update operation of the registration number database> Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the update procedure for registration number DB223. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals by the control unit 210 of the second server 200. Examples of predetermined intervals include 12 hours, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks.

[0055] Referring to Figure 10, the control unit 210 of the second server 200 controls the communication interface 230 to send an API request to the first website WS1 to call the first API (step S100). The control unit 210 determines whether or not it has received the data group D1 (see Figure 3) for each corporation from the first website WS1 (step S105). In step S105, only the data group D1 for corporations whose information related to the registration number has changed since the processing shown in this flowchart was last executed may be received. If it is determined that the data group D1 for each corporation has not been received (NO in step S105), the control unit 210 waits until the data group D1 for each corporation is received.

[0056] On the other hand, when it is determined that the data group D1 for each corporation has been received (YES in step S105), the control unit 210 refers to the received data group D1 (for example, information indicating the expiration date) to determine whether or not there are any newly expired registration numbers (step S110). If it is determined that there are any newly expired registration numbers (YES in step S110), the control unit 210 controls the communication interface 230 to send an API request to the second website WS2 to call the second API in order to obtain information about the corporation whose registration number has expired (step S115).

[0057] The control unit 210 determines whether or not it has received data group D2 (see Figure 4) concerning corporations whose registration numbers have expired from the second website WS2 (step S120). If it is determined that data group D2 concerning corporations whose registration numbers have expired has not been received (NO in step S120), the control unit 210 waits until data group D2 concerning corporations whose registration numbers have expired is received.

[0058] On the other hand, if it is determined that data group D2 relating to a corporation whose registration number has expired has been received (YES in step S120), the control unit 210 determines whether the corporate number of the successor corporation is included in data group D2 relating to the corporation (step S125). If it is determined that the corporate number of the successor corporation is included in data group D2 (YES in step S125), the control unit 210 generates a candidate registration number for the successor corporation based on the corporate number of the successor corporation included in data group D2 (step S130). Specifically, the control unit 210 generates a candidate registration number for the successor corporation by adding "T" to the beginning of the corporate number (a 13-digit number sequence) of the successor corporation.

[0059] The control unit 210 controls the communication interface 230 to send an API request to the first website WS1 to call the first API in order to determine the validity of the generated registration number candidate (step S135). The control unit 210 determines whether or not it has received the corporate data group D1 corresponding to the registration number candidate from the first website WS1 (step S140). If it is determined that the corporate data group D1 corresponding to the registration number candidate has not been received from the first website WS1 (NO in step S140), the control unit 210 waits until it receives the corporate data group D1 corresponding to the registration number candidate from the first website WS1.

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined that the data group D1 of corporations corresponding to the registration number candidate has been received from the first website WS1 (YES in step S140), or if it is determined that the corporate number of the successor corporation is not included in the data group D2 (NO in step S125), the control unit 210 controls the storage unit 220 to update the registration number DB223 regarding the expiration of the corporation's registration number (step S145). As a result, for example, if the corporation's registration number has expired, and the corporate number of the successor corporation is included in the data group D2, and the registration number of the successor corporation has been confirmed, the "Expiration Date," "Successor Corporate Number," and "Successor Registration Number" fields in the registration number DB223 (see Figure 8) will be updated. Also, for example, if the corporation's registration number has expired, but the corporate number of the successor corporation is not included in the data group D2, the "Expiration Date" field in the registration number DB223 will be updated.

[0061] The control unit 210 determines whether the processing in steps S115-S145 has been completed for all corporations whose registration numbers have expired (step S150). If it is determined that the processing in steps S115-S145 has been completed for only some of the corporations whose registration numbers have expired (NO in step S150), the control unit 210 executes the processing in step S115 again for the corporations whose processing has not yet been completed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing in steps S115-S145 has been completed for all corporations whose registration numbers have expired (YES in step S150), or if it is determined that there are no newly expired registration numbers (NO in step S110), the control unit 210 controls the storage unit 220 to update the registration number DB223 as necessary for reasons other than the expiration of registration numbers (step S115). This completes the update of the registration number DB223.

[0062] <3-2. Display of the latest registration number> Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure for presenting the latest registration number and other information to the user. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals by the control unit 110 of the first server 100 while the user's list of business partners (including the registration number of each business partner) is displayed on the display 350 of the user terminal 300.

[0063] Referring to Figure 11, the control unit 110 of the first server 100 determines whether or not it has received an update instruction from the user regarding the validity of the registration number in the trading partner DB 124 (see Figure 6) (step S200). This update instruction is made, for example, through the operation unit 340 while the user's list of trading partners is displayed on the display 350 of the user terminal 300. The control unit 110 determines whether or not it has received the update instruction from the user based, for example, on whether or not information indicating the result of the operation via the operation unit 340 has been received via the Internet N1. If it is determined that the update instruction has not been received (NO in step S200), the process shown in this flowchart ends.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined that the update instruction has been received (YES in step S200), the control unit 110 executes a process to synchronize the information of the user's business partners in the information contained in the business partner DB 124 with the information of the business partners in the registration number DB 223 (step S210). As a result of the synchronization process, the control unit 110 determines whether or not there are any corporations among the user's business partners whose registration numbers have newly expired (step S220). If it is determined that there are no corporations whose registration numbers have newly expired (NO in step S220), the process shown in this flowchart ends.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a corporation whose registration number has newly expired (YES in step S220), the control unit 110 determines whether the registration number of the successor corporation is managed in the registration number DB223 for each corporation whose registration number has newly expired (step S230). If the registration number of the successor corporation is managed in the registration number DB223, that information is obtained during the above synchronization process.

[0066] If the control unit 110 determines that the registration number of a successor corporation is managed in the registration number DB223 for a corporation whose registration number has recently expired (YES in step S230), the control unit 110 controls the communication I / F 130 to send screen data to the user terminal 300 to display on the display 350 that the corporation's registration number has expired and the registration number of the successor corporation (step S240). The screen data is data to display on the display 350 of the user terminal 300 and consists of, for example, an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) file.

[0067] Figure 12 schematically shows a part of an example of the screen displayed on the display 350 of the user terminal 300 in step S240 of Figure 11. Referring to Figure 12, screen IM2 is displayed on the display 350. Screen IM2 displays the user's list of business partners. In this list of business partners, the business partner name and registration number are associated. For business partners with valid registration numbers, information IF1 is displayed in the registration number field. Information IF1 indicates that the registration number is valid. On the other hand, for business partners with expired registration numbers, information IF2 is displayed in the registration number field. Information IF2 indicates that the registration number has expired. For example, when the cursor CS1 is placed over an expired registration number, window WD1 is displayed. Window WD1 displays the registration number of the successor company.

[0068] Referring again to Figure 11, in step S230, if it is determined that the registration number of a successor corporation is not managed in the registration number DB223 for a corporation whose registration number has recently expired (NO in step S230), the control unit 110 controls the communication I / F 130 to send screen data to the user terminal 300 to display on the display 350 that the registration number of the corporation in question has expired and that the registration number of a successor corporation cannot be confirmed (step S250).

[0069] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an example of a screen displayed on the display 350 of the user terminal 300 in step S250 of Figure 11. Referring to Figure 13, screen IM3 is displayed on the display 350. Screen IM3 displays the user's list of business partners. In this list of business partners, the business partner name and registration number are associated. For business partners with valid registration numbers, information IF1 is displayed in the registration number field. On the other hand, for business partners with expired registration numbers, information IF2 is displayed in the registration number field. For example, when the cursor CS1 is placed over an expired registration number, window WD2 is displayed. Window WD2 displays, for example, a message indicating that the registration number and corporate number of the successor corporation cannot be confirmed. If only the registration number of the successor corporation cannot be confirmed, for example, a message indicating that the registration number of the successor corporation cannot be confirmed, and the corporate number of the successor corporation, may be displayed in window WD2.

[0070] <3-3. Adding information about successor companies in the customer database> Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure for adding information about a successor company to the trading partner DB 124. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals by the control unit 110 of the first server 100 when the user's trading partner list is displayed on the display 350 of the user terminal 300 and the cursor CS1 is placed over an expired registration number (see Figure 12).

[0071] Referring to Figure 14, the control unit 110 of the first server 100 determines whether or not an operation on the successor corporation's registration number has been accepted (step S300). This operation is performed, for example, by clicking the mouse when the operation unit 340 is configured as a mouse, with the cursor CS1 positioned over the successor corporation's registration number. The control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation has been accepted by the user, for example, based on whether or not information indicating the result of the operation via the operation unit 340 has been received via the Internet N1. If it is determined that the operation has not been accepted (NO in step S300), the control unit 110 waits until the operation is accepted.

[0072] On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation has been accepted (YES in step S300), the control unit 110 controls the communication interface 130 to send screen data to the user terminal 300 to display a screen for registering the successor company's registration number in the customer database 124 (hereinafter also referred to as the "registration screen") on the display 350 (step S310). As a result, the registration screen is displayed on the display 350 of the user terminal 300.

[0073] The control unit 110 determines whether or not the input of information on the registration screen has been completed (step S320). If it is determined that the input of information on the registration screen has not been completed (NO in step S320), the control unit 110 waits until the input of information on the registration screen has been completed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the input of information on the registration screen has been completed (YES in step S320), the control unit 110 controls the storage unit 120 so that the successor company is registered as the user's new business partner in the business partner DB 124 (step S330).

[0074] <3-4. Display of information regarding changes in registration numbers> Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure for displaying information indicating the changes in the registration number of a specified corporation. The process shown in this flowchart is executed by the control unit 110 of the first server 100 when a display instruction for information indicating the changes in the registration number of a specified corporation is received. This display instruction is made, for example, through the operation unit 340 of the user terminal 300. The control unit 110 determines whether or not it has received a display instruction from the user based, for example, whether or not information indicating the result of the operation via the operation unit 340 has been received via the Internet N1.

[0075] Referring to Figure 15, the control unit 110 of the first server 100 generates screen data for a screen showing the changes in the registration number of a given corporation by accessing the registration number DB223 stored in the storage unit 220 of the second server 200 (step S400). The control unit 110 generates screen data for a screen that lists, for example, the registration number of the given corporation and the registration number of the successor corporation of the given corporation. Since the screen shown by this screen data lists the registration number of the given corporation and the registration number of the successor corporation of the given corporation, it can be said that the changes in the registration number of the given corporation are shown. The control unit 110 controls the communication I / F 130 to send the generated screen data to the user terminal 300 (step S410). As a result, the screen showing the changes in the registration number of the given corporation is displayed on the display 350 of the user terminal 300.

[0076] [4. Features] As described above, in the accounting system 10 according to this embodiment, if the registration number of a designated corporation has expired, a registration number generated based on the corporate number of the successor corporation that has succeeded the designated corporation is presented to the user (see Figure 12). Therefore, the accounting system 10 reduces the effort required for the user to manually search for the corporate number of the successor corporation, etc., when the registration number of a designated corporation has expired.

[0077] Furthermore, the accounting system 10 verifies the validity of the successor corporation's registration number, and if the successor corporation's registration number is valid, it is presented to the user. Therefore, the accounting system 10 can make the user aware of the successor corporation's valid registration number when the registration number of the designated corporation has expired.

[0078] Furthermore, in the accounting system 10, the validity of the designated corporation's registration number is periodically checked, and if it is found that the designated corporation's registration number has expired, the corporate number of the successor corporation is confirmed. Therefore, because the validity of the designated corporation's registration number is periodically checked according to the accounting system 10, it is possible to prevent situations where the designated corporation's registration number expires and is left unattended for a long period of time.

[0079] Furthermore, in the accounting system 10, if the registration number of a designated corporation has expired, a notification indicating that the registration number of the designated corporation has expired is displayed on the screen, and the registration number of the successor corporation is displayed on the same screen. Therefore, with the accounting system 10, users can easily recognize the registration number of the successor corporation when the registration number of the designated corporation has expired.

[0080] Furthermore, in the accounting system 10, when an operation is received regarding the registration number of the successor corporation displayed on the screen, a screen for registering the successor corporation's registration number is displayed. Therefore, according to the accounting system 10, the user can easily register the registration number of the successor corporation when the registration number of the designated corporation has expired.

[0081] Furthermore, in the accounting system 10, if the registration number of the designated corporation has expired and the corporate number of the successor corporation could not be confirmed, this fact will be displayed to the user. Therefore, according to the accounting system 10, the user can recognize that the corporate number of the successor corporation could not be confirmed on the second website WS2 when the registration number of the designated corporation has expired.

[0082] Furthermore, in the accounting system 10, the registration number of the successor corporation is managed in association with the designated corporation, and one or more registration numbers associated with the designated corporation are presented to the user. Therefore, with the accounting system 10, the user can easily recognize the changes in the registration number of the designated corporation.

[0083] [5. Other Embodiments] The concept of the above embodiments is not limited to those described above. Examples of other embodiments to which the concept of the above embodiments can be applied will be described below.

[0084] <5-1> In the accounting system 10 according to the above embodiment, data group D1 and data group D2 were obtained through the first API and the second API, respectively. However, the necessary information contained in data group D1 and data group D2 does not necessarily have to be obtained via API. The necessary information contained in data group D1 and data group D2 may be obtained, for example, through scraping on the first website WS1 and the second website WS2, respectively.

[0085] <5-2> In the accounting system 10 according to the above embodiment, when the registration number of the designated corporation expires, the registration number of the successor corporation is displayed on the display 350 of the user terminal 300. However, the information displayed on the display 350 when the registration number of the designated corporation expires is not limited to the registration number of the successor corporation. The corporate number of the successor corporation may be displayed instead of the registration number of the successor corporation. Furthermore, in the accounting system 10, when the registration number of the designated corporation is displayed on the display 350, the registration number of the successor corporation is displayed in response to the cursor CS1 being placed over the registration number of the designated corporation. However, the registration number of the successor corporation may also be displayed on the display 350 when the cursor CS1 is not placed over the registration number of the designated corporation.

[0086] <5-3> In the accounting system 10 according to the above embodiment, the customer database 124 and the registration number database 223 are provided separately on different servers. However, the customer database 124 and the registration number database 223 do not necessarily have to be provided separately. For example, only the registration number database 223 may be provided as a database, and information about each user's customers may be managed by directly referencing the registration number database 223. It is also conceivable to implement the functions of the first server 100 and the second server 200 as a single server.

[0087] <5-4> In the accounting system 10 according to the above embodiment, if the registration number of a designated corporation has expired, the corporate number of the successor corporation of the designated corporation is confirmed, and the validity of the registration number candidate generated based on the successor corporation's corporate number is further confirmed (see steps S135-S140 in Figure 10). However, after the corporate number of the successor corporation of the designated corporation is confirmed, it is not necessarily required to confirm the validity of the successor corporation's registration number candidate. For example, the successor corporation's registration number candidate may be presented to the user.

[0088] <5-5> In the accounting system 10 according to the above embodiment, information was first obtained from the first website WS1, and if there was an expired registration number there, the information on the second website WS2 was checked. However, it is also conceivable that the information on the second website WS2 be checked first, and if the reason for closure (e.g., dissolution due to merger) is confirmed on the second website WS2, the expiration on the first website WS1 is checked, and candidate registration numbers generated based on the corporate number of the successor company are presented to the user.

[0089] <5-6> In the accounting system 10 according to the above embodiment, the corporate number and registration number of the successor corporation may also be managed in the trading partner DB 124. In this case, the screen data for the screen showing the changes in the registration number of a given corporation may be generated based on the data managed in the trading partner DB 124.

[0090] Embodiments of the present invention have been described illustratively above. That is, a detailed description and accompanying drawings have been disclosed for illustrative purposes. Therefore, some of the components described in the detailed description and accompanying drawings may not be essential for solving the problem. Consequently, the mere fact that these non-essential components are described in the detailed description and accompanying drawings does not mean that they should be immediately assumed to be essential.

[0091] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely illustrative in every respect of the present invention. The above embodiments can be improved or modified in various ways within the scope of the present invention. For example, at least a part of the configuration of one embodiment may be combined with at least a part of the configuration of any other embodiment. In other words, in carrying out the present invention, specific configurations can be appropriately adopted depending on the embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 10 Accounting processing system, 100 First server, 110,210,310 Control unit, 112,212 CPU, 114,214 RAM, 116,216 ROM, 120,220,320 Storage unit, 122,222,322 Control program, 123 Accounting information DB, 124 Business partner DB, 130,230,330 Communication I / F, 200 Second server, 223 Registration number DB, 300 User terminal, 340 Operation unit, 350 Display, CS1 Cursor, D1,D2 Data group, IF1,IF2 Information, IM1,IM2,IM3 Screen, IT1,IT2,IT3 Item, N1 Internet, WD1,WD2 Window, WS1 First website, WS2 Second website.

Claims

1. An information processing system for managing the registration numbers of designated corporations as qualified invoice issuers, A first verification means for verifying the validity of the registration number of a designated corporation through a first website that manages the registration numbers of each corporation, If the aforementioned registration number of the aforementioned designated corporation has expired, a second verification means is provided to verify the corporate number of the successor corporation that has succeeded the aforementioned designated corporation through a second website that manages the corporate numbers of each corporation, An information processing system comprising the registration number generated based on the corporate number of the successor corporation, or a means for presenting the corporate number of the successor corporation.

2. In the aforementioned first website, validity information indicating whether the registration number of the aforementioned designated corporation is valid or expired is managed, but the corporate number of the successor corporation is not managed in association with the aforementioned designated corporation. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second website manages the corporate number of the successor corporation in association with the specified corporation.

3. The system further includes a third verification means for verifying the validity of the registration number of the successor corporation through the first website, The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the presentation means presents the registration number of the successor corporation when the registration number of the successor corporation is valid.

4. The first verification means periodically verifies the validity of the registration number of the designated corporation, The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, upon finding that the registration number of the designated corporation has expired, the second verification means verifies the corporate number of the successor corporation.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, if the registration number of the designated corporation has expired, the display means displays a notification on the screen indicating that the registration number of the designated corporation has expired, and also displays the registration number generated based on the corporate number of the successor corporation, or the corporate number of the successor corporation, on the screen.

6. The system further includes a receiving means for receiving operations on the registration number or corporate number displayed on the aforementioned screen, The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein, in response to the receiving means receiving the operation, the presentation means causes the registration screen for the successor corporation's registration number to be displayed.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the registration number of the designated corporation has expired, and the second verification means is unable to verify the corporate number of the successor corporation, the presentation means indicates that it was unable to verify the corporate number of the successor corporation.

8. The system further includes a management means for managing the registration number of the successor corporation in association with the designated corporation, The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the presentation means presents one or more registration numbers associated with the specified corporation.

9. A management method for managing the registration numbers of designated corporations as qualified invoice issuers, Computers The validity of the registration number of the designated corporation is confirmed through the first website which manages the registration numbers of each corporation, If the aforementioned registration number of the aforementioned designated corporation has expired, the corporate number of the successor corporation that has succeeded the aforementioned designated corporation shall be confirmed through the second website which manages the corporate numbers of each corporation, A management method that includes presenting the registration number generated based on the corporate number of the successor corporation, or the corporate number of the successor corporation.

10. A program that causes a computer to perform a process to manage the registration numbers of designated corporations as qualified invoice issuers, The validity of the registration number of the designated corporation is confirmed through the first website which manages the registration numbers of each corporation, If the aforementioned registration number of the aforementioned designated corporation has expired, the corporate number of the successor corporation that has succeeded the aforementioned designated corporation shall be confirmed through the second website which manages the corporate numbers of each corporation, A program that causes the computer to perform the following actions: present the registration number generated based on the corporate number of the successor corporation, or present the corporate number of the successor corporation.

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