Business support device, business support method, and business support program
The business support device optimizes delivery methods by using weather data to adjust between regular and temperature-controlled deliveries, addressing inefficiencies and costs in maintaining product quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- OBIC CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
Smart Images
Figure 2026115249000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a business support device, a business support method, and a business support program.
Background Art
[0002] When transporting goods, it is necessary to transport them while maintaining the quality of the goods. For example, goods whose quality can be maintained at room temperature are transported by regular mail at room temperature, and goods that require refrigeration to maintain quality are transported by refrigerated mail in a refrigerated state.
[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a conveyance temperature management device that enables the conveyance of goods while maintaining their quality.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] For example, there are goods such as chocolate and wine that are difficult to maintain their quality at temperatures above or below room temperature, even though their quality can be maintained at room temperature. When such goods are transported at a temperature above or below a predetermined level, there is a possibility of product loss, and it becomes necessary to arrange for a constant-temperature or refrigerated delivery. On the other hand, constant-temperature or refrigerated deliveries that require temperature control cost more to deliver than regular deliveries that are transported at room temperature. Therefore, if the quality of the goods can be maintained, it is preferable to transport them by regular delivery as much as possible.
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a business support device, a business support method, and a business support program that can arrange for a delivery service that can maintain quality while suppressing delivery costs. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the business support device according to the present invention includes: an identification unit that identifies the region to which the delivery source belongs and the region to which the delivery destination belongs for a delivery product to which a change in the delivery method category is permitted, for a delivery product to which one of a predetermined plurality of delivery method categories defined on a predetermined physical quantity that can change the quality and is related to weather is linked as the normal delivery method category and is linked to the delivery source and the delivery destination; an acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast data related to the predetermined physical quantity for each region identified by the identification unit during the period from a predetermined scheduled delivery start date, which is the date on which the delivery product is scheduled to be transported from the delivery source, to a predetermined scheduled delivery end date, which is the date on which the delivery product is scheduled to be transported to the delivery destination; and a determination unit that determines a delivery method category suitable for the delivery of the delivery product during the aforementioned period from among the predetermined plurality of delivery method categories based on the weather forecast data acquired by the acquisition unit.
[0008] Furthermore, in the business support device according to the present invention, the delivery product for which a change in the delivery method classification is permitted may be linked to predetermined weather-related conditions for determining whether or not to change the delivery method classification, and the determination unit may compare the weather forecast data with the conditions and, if there is data that satisfies the conditions, decide to change the delivery method classification of the delivery product.
[0009] Furthermore, the business support device according to the present invention may further include a generation unit that generates a shipping instruction sheet containing information on the delivery product, the delivery source, the delivery destination, and the delivery method classification each time the delivery method classification changes.
[0010] Furthermore, the business support method according to the present invention is a business support method to be executed by a business support device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, and includes: an identification step to identify the region to which the delivery source belongs and the region to which the delivery destination belongs for a delivery product to which a change in the delivery method is permitted, for a delivery product to which one of a predetermined plurality of delivery method classifications defined on a predetermined physical quantity that can change the quality and is related to weather is linked as the normal delivery method classification and is linked to the delivery source and the delivery destination; an acquisition step to acquire weather forecast data related to the predetermined physical quantity for each region identified in the identification step during the period from a predetermined scheduled delivery start date, which is the date on which the delivery product is scheduled to be transported from the delivery source, to a predetermined scheduled delivery end date, which is the date on which the delivery product is scheduled to be transported to the delivery destination; and a determination step to determine from the predetermined plurality of delivery method classifications a delivery method classification suitable for the delivery of the delivery product during the period, based on the weather forecast data acquired in the acquisition step.
[0011] Furthermore, the business support program according to the present invention is a business support program to be executed by a business support device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, and includes, for a delivery product to which one of a predetermined plurality of delivery method classifications defined on a predetermined physical quantity that can change the quality and is related to weather is linked as the normal delivery method classification and is linked to the delivery source and delivery destination, and for which a change in the delivery method classification is permitted, a identification step to identify the region to which the delivery source belongs and the region to which the delivery destination belongs; an acquisition step to acquire weather forecast data related to the predetermined physical quantity for each region identified in the identification step during the period from a predetermined scheduled delivery start date, which is the date on which the delivery product is scheduled to be transported from the delivery source, to a predetermined scheduled delivery end date, which is the date on which the delivery product is scheduled to be transported to the delivery destination; and a determination step to determine from the predetermined plurality of delivery method classifications a delivery method classification suitable for the delivery of the delivery product during the aforementioned period, based on the weather forecast data acquired in the acquisition step. [Effects of the Invention]
[0012] The present invention has an effect of being able to arrange a delivery service that can maintain quality while suppressing delivery costs.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a business support device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a regional master. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a destination master. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a warehouse master. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a weather forecast master. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a product master. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery service master. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the reception process of the business support device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the determination process of the business support device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the specific process of the business support device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the acquisition process of the business support device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the decision process of the business support device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the shipping instruction input screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a specific example of the shipping instruction data. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a specific example of the shipping instruction for refrigerated delivery. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a specific example of the shipping instruction for normal delivery. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a specific example of a shipping instruction for refrigeration use. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a business support method.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of a business support apparatus, a business support method, and a business support program according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.
[0015] [1. Configuration] First, an example of the configuration of the business support apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the business support apparatus.
[0016] [1-1. Hardware Configuration] As the business support apparatus 1, in addition to a desktop personal computer apparatus, a notebook personal computer apparatus or a tablet personal computer apparatus can be used. Further, as the business support apparatus 1, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) apparatus or a portable information processing terminal apparatus such as a smartphone can be used. The business support apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 2, a control unit 3, a communication interface unit 4, and an input / output interface unit 5.
[0017] An input device 6 and an output device 7 are connected to the input / output interface unit 5. As the output device 7, a display device such as a monitor device (including a home television), a printing device, or a speaker device can be used. As the input device 6, in addition to a keyboard device, a mouse device, and a microphone device, a monitor device that realizes a pointing device function in cooperation with the mouse device can be used.
[0018] The communication interface unit 4 connects the business support device 1 to the network 9 via communication devices such as routers and wired or wireless communication lines such as dedicated lines. The communication interface unit 4 has the function of communicating data with other devices via communication lines. Here, the network 9 has the function of connecting the business support device 1 and the server 8 so that they can communicate with each other, and is, for example, the internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The data stored in the storage unit 2 may be stored in the server 8, for example.
[0019] For the memory unit 2, a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used. The memory unit 2 stores business support programs for executing various processes of the business support device 1.
[0020] Furthermore, the storage unit 2 stores various master data and various other data. Specifically, the storage unit 2 is equipped with storage areas for specific information, namely: district master 21, delivery destination master 22, warehouse master 23, weather forecast master 24, product master 25, delivery service master 26, order data 27, and shipping instruction data 28. The various master data and various other data will be described below. Note that if there are duplicate items among the items included in the various master data and various other data, the explanation for the duplicate items will be partially omitted.
[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of a district master. As shown in Figure 2, the district master 21 has the following associated information registered: "district code," "district name," "block code," "latitude," and "longitude." The "district code" is represented by letters, symbols, numbers, or a combination thereof to identify the district. The "district name" indicates the name of the district. The "block code" is represented by letters, symbols, numbers, or a combination thereof to identify blocks that are further subdivided from the district. The "latitude" and "longitude" indicate the latitude and longitude of the representative point of the district.
[0022] Figure 3 shows an example of a delivery destination master. As shown in Figure 3, the delivery destination master 22 registers information such as "delivery destination code," "delivery destination name," and "district code," each associated with the respective information. The "delivery destination code" is indicated by letters, symbols, numbers, or a combination thereof to identify the delivery destination to which the goods are delivered. The "delivery destination name" indicates the name of the delivery destination. Note that "delivery destination" can also be referred to as the "delivery address," which is the target to which the goods are delivered. Each product is associated with a "delivery destination (delivery address)."
[0023] Figure 4 shows an example of a warehouse master. As shown in Figure 4, the warehouse master 23 registers information such as "warehouse code," "warehouse name," and "district code," each associated with the others. The "warehouse code" is represented by letters, symbols, numbers, or a combination thereof to identify the warehouse where the goods are stored before delivery. The "warehouse name" indicates the name of the shipping warehouse. The "shipping warehouse" can also be referred to as the "shipping origin," which is the destination of the goods. Each product is associated with a "shipping warehouse (shipping origin)."
[0024] Figure 5 shows an example of a weather forecast master. As shown in Figure 5, the weather forecast master 24 registers and associates "date," "time zone," "region code," "predicted weather code," "predicted weather name," "predicted maximum temperature," and "predicted minimum temperature." The "predicted weather code" is indicated by letters, symbols, numbers, or combinations thereof corresponding to the predicted weather. The "predicted weather name," "predicted maximum temperature," and "predicted minimum temperature" indicate the name of the predicted weather, the maximum temperature, and the minimum temperature. The business support device 1, for example, links with a weather forecast web service to automatically acquire weather forecast data and register it in the weather forecast master 24.
[0025] Figure 6 shows an example of a product master. As shown in Figure 6, the product master 25 has the following associated entries registered: "product code," "product name," "unit price," "packaging," "standard delivery category," "delivery method change category," "change conditions," and "changed delivery category." The "product code" is indicated by letters, symbols, numbers, or a combination thereof to identify the product. The "product name" indicates the name of the product. The "unit price" indicates the unit price of the product. The "packaging" indicates the appearance of the product when it is delivered.
[0026] The "Standard Delivery Category" indicates the standard delivery category corresponding to the product. Multiple delivery categories are defined based on predetermined physical quantities that can affect quality and are related to weather. Each product is associated with one of the multiple "Standard Delivery Categories". For example, "0" is registered for room temperature products, "1" for temperature-controlled products, "2" for refrigerated products, and "3" for frozen products. For example, "0" is registered for delivery method change categories if the delivery method (delivery service) is not changed regardless of weather, and "1" is registered if the delivery method (delivery service) is changed from the category indicated in the "Standard Delivery Category" based on predetermined weather-related conditions. The "Change Condition" is registered when the "Delivery Method Change Category" is "1" and indicates the weather conditions under which the delivery method (delivery service) is changed. The "Changed Delivery Category" indicates the delivery category when the "Change Condition" is met. The "Changed Delivery Category" is the same as the "Standard Delivery Category," with "0" registered for room temperature, "1" for controlled temperature, "2" for refrigerated, and "3" for frozen.
[0027] Figure 7 shows an example of a delivery service master. As shown in Figure 7, the delivery service master 26 has "delivery service code," "delivery category," and "delivery service name" associated with each other and registered. The "delivery service code" is indicated by letters, symbols, numbers, or a combination thereof corresponding to the type of delivery service. The "delivery category" is the same as the "normal delivery category" and "modified delivery category," with "0" registered for ambient temperature, "1" for temperature-controlled, "2" for refrigerated, and "3" for frozen. The "delivery service name" is the name that indicates the delivery service.
[0028] [1-2. Functional Configuration] The control unit 3, by executing the business support program, functions as a reception unit 31, a determination unit 32, a specific unit 33, an acquisition unit 34, a decision unit 35, an output unit 36, and a generation unit 37, as shown in Figure 1.
[0029] The reception unit 31 receives order data 27 (see, for example, Figure 8 described later) that will determine the delivery service to which the goods will be delivered. The reception unit 31 also receives input of a predetermined order number from a business operator via the input device 6. The reception unit 31 may also receive input of the shipping date and arrival date. The shipping date indicates the scheduled start date of delivery, which is the date on which the goods to be delivered are scheduled to be moved out of the shipping source (shipping warehouse). The arrival date indicates the scheduled end date of delivery, which is the date on which the goods to be delivered are scheduled to be moved to the delivery destination (recipient). When the reception unit 31 receives input of the order number, it controls the display of the shipping instruction input screen (see, for example, Figure 8 described later) on the output device 7. The reception unit 31 also automatically inputs order data 27, including the order date, recipient, shipping warehouse, goods, quantity, etc., corresponding to the received order number, into the shipping instruction input screen.
[0030] The determination unit 32 determines whether the delivery method change category is "changed" for a given delivery product. Here, the given delivery product is, for example, the product corresponding to the order number that the reception unit 31 has received. In this embodiment, the determination unit 32 extracts the normal delivery category and the delivery method change category for the given delivery product by referring to the product master 25, and determines whether the delivery method change category is "changed".
[0031] The identification unit 33 identifies the district to which the origin and destination of a given delivery product belong. The identification unit 33 identifies the districts to which the origin and destination of a delivery product is permitted to change the delivery method classification, i.e., the delivery method change classification is "changed". In this embodiment, the identification unit 33 identifies the district to which the destination corresponding to the order number entered by the receiving unit 31 belongs by referring to the delivery destination master 22. In this embodiment, the identification unit 33 identifies the district to which the shipping warehouse corresponding to the order number entered by the receiving unit 31 belongs by referring to the warehouse master 23.
[0032] The acquisition unit 34 acquires weather forecast data related to predetermined physical quantities for each area identified by the identification unit 33 during the period from the shipping date to the arrival date of the predetermined delivery product. The weather forecast data includes, for example, the expected maximum temperature, expected minimum temperature, expected maximum humidity, expected minimum humidity, expected maximum atmospheric pressure, and expected minimum atmospheric pressure. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 34 acquires weather forecast data for the area to which the delivery destination belongs and the area to which the shipping warehouse belongs during the period from the shipping date to the arrival date by referring to the weather forecast master 24.
[0033] The identification unit 33 may further identify all districts included in the delivery route from the delivery source to the delivery destination. The acquisition unit 34 may also acquire weather forecast data for all districts. In this case, for example, the delivery source, delivery destination, and districts included in the delivery route are linked and registered in the storage unit 2 in advance, and the identification unit 33 identifies all districts included in the delivery route based on this registered information.
[0034] The decision unit 35 determines one of several delivery categories for a given delivery product. For delivery products where a change in the delivery method category is not permitted, i.e., where the delivery method change category is not "changed", the decision unit 35 follows the normal delivery category. For delivery products where a change in the delivery method category is permitted, i.e., where the delivery method change category is "changed", the decision unit 35 follows either the normal delivery category or the modified delivery category based on weather forecast data and predetermined conditions. If there is no data among the weather forecast data acquired by the acquisition unit 34 that satisfies the predetermined conditions, the decision unit 35 follows the normal delivery category. If there is data among the weather forecast data acquired by the acquisition unit 34 that satisfies the predetermined conditions, the decision unit 35 follows the modified delivery category. In this embodiment, the decision unit 35 compares the conditions registered in the product master 25 with the weather forecast data acquired by the acquisition unit 34 and determines whether or not there is data that satisfies the predetermined conditions. In addition, in this embodiment, the decision unit 35 refers to the delivery service master 26 to determine the delivery service corresponding to the normal delivery category or the modified delivery category for a given delivery product.
[0035] The output unit 36 outputs shipping instruction data 28 (see, for example, Figure 14 described later). When the decision unit 35 determines the delivery service for a given delivery product, the output unit 36 outputs shipping instruction data 28 containing information about the delivery product and the delivery service. For example, for multiple delivery products corresponding to a given order number, the output unit 36 assigns a shipping instruction number each time the delivery service is divided.
[0036] The generation unit 37 generates a shipping instruction sheet based on the shipping instruction data 28 output by the output unit 36. The generation unit 37 generates a shipping instruction sheet, for example, each time the delivery is divided into separate shipments, i.e., for each shipping instruction number.
[0037] [2. Specific Examples] Next, using a specific example, the processing performed by the business support device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained based on Figures 8 to 17.
[0038] [2-1. Specific Examples of Reception Processing] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the reception processing of a business support device. The business support device 1 stores order data 27, including order number, order date, delivery destination, shipping warehouse, product, and quantity, in the storage unit 2. When the reception unit 31 of the business support device 1 receives an order number input from a business operator via the input device 6, for example, it controls the display of the shipping instruction input screen, as illustrated in Figure 8, on the output device 7.
[0039] The example shown in Figure 8 illustrates the acceptance of order number "A000001". The reception unit 31 automatically enters the order date, delivery destination, shipping warehouse, product, and quantity corresponding to order number "A000001" into the shipping instruction input screen. In this example, "November 13, 2024" is automatically entered as the order date, "○○ Department Store" identified by delivery destination code "001" is automatically entered as the delivery destination, and "Kyushu Warehouse" identified by warehouse code "S0001" is automatically entered as the shipping warehouse.
[0040] Furthermore, the example shown in Figure 8 is an example where, for each product item, "Product A" identified by product code "00001" and its quantity "10" are automatically entered in row number "1", "Product B" identified by product code "00002" and its quantity "10" are automatically entered in row number "2", "Product C" identified by product code "00003" and its quantity "10" are automatically entered in row number "3", and "Product D" identified by product code "00004" and its quantity "10" are automatically entered in row number "4".
[0041] Furthermore, the example shown in Figure 8 is one in which the business operator entered "November 14, 2024" as the shipping date and "November 17, 2024" as the arrival date. However, this may be automatically entered based on the order date, current time, business calendar, etc. The business support device 1 automatically determines the delivery service corresponding to line numbers "1" to "4" by the process described below.
[0042] [2-2. Specific Examples of Judgment Processing] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the judgment process of the business support device. The judgment unit 32 of the business support device 1 refers to the product master 25 for the product corresponding to the order number "A000001" that the reception unit 31 has received input for. The judgment unit 32 extracts the normal delivery category and the delivery method change category for the product corresponding to order number "A000001".
[0043] The example shown in Figure 9 illustrates that "Product A," identified by product code "00001," has a standard delivery category of "room temperature" and a delivery method change category of "changed." The example also shows that "Product B," identified by product code "00002," has a standard delivery category of "room temperature" and a delivery method change category of "no change." Furthermore, the example shows that "Product C," identified by product code "00003," has a standard delivery category of "refrigerated." Finally, the example shows that "Product D," identified by product code "00004," has a standard delivery category of "frozen."
[0044] The determination unit 32 determines whether the delivery method change category is "changed" for each product corresponding to order number "A000001". In the example shown in Figure 9, the determination unit 32 determines that the delivery method change category is "changed" for "product A". Also in the example shown in Figure 9, the determination unit 32 determines that the delivery method change category is not "changed" for "product B", "product C", and "product D". For products determined to be "changed", the identification process and acquisition process described later are executed, followed by the decision process. For products not determined to be "changed", the identification process and acquisition process are not executed, and the decision process is executed.
[0045] [2-3. Specific Examples of Specific Processing] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the identification process of the business support device. The identification unit 33 of the business support device 1 refers to the delivery destination master 22 for the delivery destination corresponding to the order number "A000001" that the reception unit 31 has received. The identification unit 33 identifies the district to which the delivery destination corresponding to order number "A000001" belongs. In the example shown in Figure 10, the identification unit 33 identifies the district "Okinawa Prefecture," which is identified by district code "1," as the delivery destination corresponding to order number "A000001."
[0046] Furthermore, the identification unit 33 refers to the warehouse master 23 for the shipping warehouse corresponding to the order number "A000001" that the reception unit 31 has received. The identification unit 33 identifies the district to which the shipping warehouse corresponding to order number "A000001" belongs. In the example shown in Figure 10, the identification unit 33 identifies the district "Kumamoto Prefecture," which is identified by district code "3," as the shipping warehouse corresponding to order number "A000001."
[0047] The delivery destination and shipping warehouse corresponding to the order number received by the reception unit 31 may differ for each product. In the example shown in Figure 10, the identification unit 33 may, for example, refer to the delivery destination master 22 and warehouse master 23 for the delivery destination and shipping warehouse to which "Product A," whose delivery method change classification is "changed," will be delivered.
[0048] [2-4. Specific examples of data acquisition processes] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the acquisition process of the business support device. The acquisition unit 34 of the business support device 1 refers to the weather forecast master 24 for the dates from the shipping date "November 14, 2024" to the arrival date "November 17, 2024" as shown in Figure 8, and for the region "Okinawa Prefecture" to which the delivery destination identified by the identification unit 33 belongs. In the example shown in Figure 11, the acquisition unit 34 acquires the predicted maximum temperature "24℃" for "Okinawa Prefecture" on "November 14, 2024", the predicted maximum temperature "24℃" for "Okinawa Prefecture" on "November 15, 2024", the predicted maximum temperature "27℃" for "Okinawa Prefecture" on "November 16, 2024", and the predicted maximum temperature "23℃" for "Okinawa Prefecture" on "November 17, 2024".
[0049] The acquisition unit 34 refers to the weather forecast master 24 for the dates from the shipping date "November 14, 2024" to the arrival date "November 17, 2024" as shown in Figure 8, and for the region "Kumamoto Prefecture" to which the shipping warehouse identified by the identification unit 33 belongs. In the example shown in Figure 11, the acquisition unit 34 acquires the predicted maximum temperature "19℃" for "Kumamoto Prefecture" on "November 14, 2024", the predicted maximum temperature "22℃" for "Kumamoto Prefecture" on "November 15, 2024", the predicted maximum temperature "22℃" for "Kumamoto Prefecture" on "November 16, 2024", and the predicted maximum temperature "24℃" for "Kumamoto Prefecture" on "November 17, 2024".
[0050] In the example shown in Figure 11, the acquisition unit 34 acquires the predicted maximum temperature, but it refers to the product master 25 and determines the weather forecast data to acquire based on the conditions of products for which the delivery method change classification has been determined to be "changed". For example, if the condition is above a predetermined temperature, the acquisition unit 34 acquires the predicted maximum temperature. For example, if the condition is below a predetermined temperature, the acquisition unit 34 acquires the predicted minimum temperature. The conditions are not limited to temperature, but may also be thresholds related to humidity or atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the conditions may include multiple conditions, for example, a first condition and a second condition, or the first condition or the second condition.
[0051] [2-5. Specific Examples of Decision Processing] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the decision-making process of the business support device. The decision unit 35 of the business support device 1 determines the delivery category for each product corresponding to the order number "A000001" that the reception unit 31 has received input from. The decision unit 35 refers to the delivery service master 26. For "Product B," "Product C," and "Product D," for which the delivery method change category is not "changed," the decision unit 35 determines the delivery service according to the normal delivery category.
[0052] In the example shown in Figure 12, the determination unit 35 determines that "product B" is a "standard delivery" identified by delivery code "0" based on the fact that the standard delivery category for "product B" is "room temperature". In the example shown in Figure 12, the determination unit 35 determines that "product C" is a "refrigerated delivery" identified by delivery code "2" based on the fact that the standard delivery category for "product C" is "refrigerated". In the example shown in Figure 12, the determination unit 35 determines that "product D" is a "frozen delivery" identified by delivery code "3" based on the fact that the standard delivery category for "product D" is "frozen".
[0053] Furthermore, the decision unit 35 refers to the condition "25℃ or higher" for "Product A," whose delivery method change category is "changed." The decision unit 35 determines whether there is any data among the predicted maximum temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit 34 that satisfies the condition of "25℃ or higher." If there is no data that satisfies the condition, the decision unit 35 determines the delivery method for "Product A" according to the normal delivery category, similar to "Product B," "Product C," and "Product D." In the example shown in Figure 12, the predicted maximum temperature for "Okinawa Prefecture" on "November 26, 2024," acquired by the acquisition unit 34, is "27℃," which is "25℃ or higher." If there is data that satisfies the condition, the decision unit 35 determines the delivery method for "Product A" according to the changed delivery category. In the example shown in Figure 12, based on the fact that the changed delivery category for "Product A" is "refrigerated," the decision unit 35 determines "Product A" to be delivered by "refrigerated delivery," which is identified by delivery code "2."
[0054] [2-6. Specific Examples of Output Processing] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a shipping instruction input screen. When the decision unit 35 determines the shipping method, the output unit 36 of the business support device 1 automatically inputs the shipping method into the shipping instruction input screen shown in Figure 13.
[0055] The example shown in Figure 13 is an example where, for each product item, "refrigerated delivery" is automatically entered as the delivery method for "Product A" identified by product code "00001" in line number "1", "standard delivery" is automatically entered as the delivery method for "Product B" identified by product code "00002" in line number "2", "refrigerated delivery" is automatically entered as the delivery method for "Product C" identified by product code "00003" in line number "3", and "frozen delivery" is automatically entered as the delivery method for "Product D" identified by product code "00004" in line number "4".
[0056] Figure 14 shows a specific example of shipping instruction data. The output unit 36 outputs shipping instruction data 28. The example shown in Figure 14 is shipping instruction data 28 corresponding to the order number "A000001" mentioned above. The output unit 36 outputs shipping instruction data 28 that includes the shipping instruction number, line number, order date, delivery destination, shipping date, arrival date, shipping warehouse, product, quantity, and delivery service, corresponding to the order number "A000001". The line number, order date, delivery destination, shipping date, arrival date, shipping warehouse, product, quantity, and delivery service correspond to those mentioned above, respectively. The shipping instruction number is indicated by letters, symbols, numbers, or a combination thereof to identify the shipping instruction, and is assigned each time the delivery service is divided. The shipping instruction data 28 is stored in the storage unit 2.
[0057] [2-7. Specific Examples of Generation Processes] The generation unit 37 of the business support device 1 generates shipping instructions based on the shipping instruction data 28 output by the output unit 36. The generation unit 37 generates shipping instructions for each shipping instruction number. When the generation unit 37 generates shipping instructions for the shipping instruction data 28 shown in Figure 14, it generates a shipping instruction for refrigerated delivery corresponding to shipping instruction number "SS0001", a shipping instruction for regular delivery corresponding to shipping instruction number "SS0002", and a shipping instruction for frozen delivery corresponding to shipping instruction number "SS0003".
[0058] Figure 15 shows a specific example of a shipping instruction sheet for refrigerated delivery. Figure 16 shows a specific example of a shipping instruction sheet for standard delivery. Figure 17 shows a specific example of a shipping instruction sheet for frozen delivery. In each shipping instruction sheet, the shipping instruction number, delivery destination, shipping warehouse, delivery service, shipping date, product, and quantity are printed using characters, symbols, numbers, or combinations thereof stored in the shipping instruction data. The shipping instruction date is printed as, for example, the date and time when the generation unit 37 generated the shipping instruction sheet. Since the printing position on the shipping instruction sheet is fixed in the source code, for example, master data management of position information is unnecessary.
[0059] In the example of a refrigerated shipping instruction form shown in Figure 15, the shipping instruction number is printed as "SS0001", the delivery destination as "○○ Department Store", the shipping warehouse as "Kyushu Warehouse", the delivery method as "Refrigerated Shipping", the shipping instruction date as "November 13, 2024", and the shipping date as "November 14, 2024". In addition, the product and quantity are printed as follows: the first line has product code "00001", product name "Product A", and quantity "10", and the second line has product code "00003", product name "Product C", and quantity "10".
[0060] In the example of a standard shipping order shown in Figure 16, the shipping order number is printed as "SS0002", the delivery destination as "○○ Department Store", the shipping warehouse as "Kyushu Warehouse", the delivery method as "Standard Shipping", the shipping order date as "November 13, 2024", and the shipping date as "November 14, 2024". In addition, the first line shows the product code as "00002", the product name as "Product B", and the quantity as "10".
[0061] In the example of a frozen delivery order shown in Figure 17, the delivery order number is printed as "SS0003", the delivery destination is printed as "○○ Department Store", the shipping warehouse is printed as "Kyushu Warehouse", the delivery method is printed as "Frozen Delivery", the delivery order date is printed as "November 13, 2024", and the shipping date is printed as "November 14, 2024". In addition, the first line is printed with product code "00004", product name "Product D", and quantity "10".
[0062] [3. Processing] Next, the processing flow of the business support method executed by the business support device 1 will be explained based on Figure 18. Figure 18 is a flowchart of an example of a business support method.
[0063] The reception unit 31 of the business support device 1 accepts the input of an order number (step S101). The reception unit 31 acquires order data 27 corresponding to the order number entered by a business operator or the like. The reception unit 31 may also accept input of the shipping date and arrival date. The reception unit 31 may determine the shipping date and arrival date based on pre-set conditions including the order date, current time, and business calendar.
[0064] The control unit 3 of the business support device 1 starts loop processing (step S102). The control unit 3 executes the loop processing from step S102 to step S110 a number of times corresponding to the total number K of product items corresponding to the order number entered in step S101.
[0065] The determination unit 32 of the business support device 1 extracts the delivery method change category for the k-th product (step S103). Next, the determination unit 32 determines whether the delivery method change category for the k-th product is "changed" or not (step S104).
[0066] If the determination unit 32 determines in step S104 that there is a change (step S104; Yes), the identification unit 33 of the business support device 1 identifies the delivery destination area and the warehouse area (step S105). Next, the acquisition unit 34 of the business support device 1 acquires weather forecast data from the shipping date to the arrival date in the delivery destination area and the warehouse area (step S106). Next, the decision unit 35 of the business support device 1 determines whether there is any data among the weather forecast data acquired in step S106 that satisfies the conditions (step S107).
[0067] If the determination unit 35 determines in step S107 that there is data that satisfies the conditions (step S107; Yes), the determination unit 35 determines the delivery service according to the changed delivery category (step S108). If the determination unit 35 determines in step S107 that there is no data that satisfies the conditions (step S107; No), or if the determination unit 32 determines in step S104 that there is no change (step S104; No), the determination unit 35 determines the delivery service according to the normal delivery category (step S109).
[0068] When the decision unit 35 determines the shipping method for the k-th item, the control unit 3 returns to step S102 and repeats the loop processing from step S102 to step S110, setting k=k+1. When the decision unit 35 determines the shipping method for the K-th item, the control unit 3 terminates the loop processing (step S110).
[0069] Next, the output unit 36 of the business support device 1 outputs shipping instruction data 28 (step S111). The shipping instruction data 28 includes information on the 1st to Kth items, quantities, delivery destinations, warehouses for dispatch, and their respective delivery routes. The generation unit 37 of the business support device 1 generates a shipping instruction sheet based on the shipping instruction data 28 (step S112), and the process ends.
[0070] [4. Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, the appropriate delivery method is determined based on weather forecast data for the origin and destination during the period from the shipping date to the arrival date, making it easy to arrange a delivery service that can maintain quality.
[0071] Furthermore, by configuring the system in advance, even if the operations operator or delivery personnel lack product knowledge, they can deliver the product using the appropriate delivery method, ensuring that the product quality is maintained upon delivery to the destination, thereby reducing product loss. In addition, based on weather forecast data, if ambient temperature management is sufficient, delivery will be made at ambient temperature, thus reducing delivery costs. Moreover, the delivery method classification can be determined on a product-by-product basis based on weather forecast data without changing the product master 25 or without on-site judgment to change the delivery method classification.
[0072] [5. 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.
[0073] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and digital processes, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 12, 13, and 15.
[0074] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, thereby enabling contributions to SDG Goal 16.
[0075] [6. 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] Furthermore, with respect to the business support device 1, each component shown in the diagram is a functional concept and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown.
[0079] For example, the processing functions of the business support device 1, particularly those performed by the control unit 3, may be implemented in whole or in part by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 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 the information processing device to execute the processing described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by the business support device 1 as needed. That is, a storage unit 2 such as ROM or HDD stores a computer program that works in cooperation with the OS (Operating System) 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 3.
[0080] Furthermore, the business support program for this business support device 1 may be stored on an application program server connected to the business support device 1 via any network 9, and it is possible to download all or part of it as needed.
[0081] Furthermore, the business support 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.
[0082] Furthermore, "program" refers to a data processing method described in any language or writing method, regardless of its format, such as source code or binary code. Note that "program" is not necessarily limited to a single, monolithic structure; it also includes distributed structures consisting of multiple modules or libraries, and those that work in cooperation with other programs, such as an operating system, to achieve their functions. Regarding the specific configuration and reading procedures for reading the recording medium in each device shown in the embodiments, as well as the installation procedures after reading, well-known configurations and procedures can be used.
[0083] The storage unit 2 is a storage means such as a memory device like RAM or ROM, a fixed disk device like a hard disk, a flexible disk, and an optical disk, and stores various programs, tables, databases, and web page files used for various processes and website provision.
[0084] Furthermore, the business support device 1 may be configured as a known personal computer or workstation or other information processing device, or as an information processing device to which any peripheral devices are connected. Alternatively, the business support device 1 may be implemented by installing software (including programs or data, etc.) that realizes the processing described in this embodiment on the device.
[0085] 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]
[0086] This invention is useful in the goods transport industry. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0087] 1 Business support equipment 2 Storage section 21 District Master 22 Delivery destination master 23 Warehouse Master 24 Weather Forecast Master 25 Product Master 26 Delivery Master 27. Order Data 28. Shipping instruction data 3. Control Unit 31 Reception Department 32 Judgment section 33 Specific part 34 Acquisition Department 35 Decision Section 36 Output section 37 Generation part 4. Communication Interface Section 5 Input / Output Interface Section 6 Input devices 7 Output device 8 servers 9 Network
Claims
1. For delivery goods where one of a predetermined number of delivery method categories defined based on a predetermined physical quantity that can change quality and is related to weather is linked as the normal delivery method category and is linked to the origin and destination, and where a change in the delivery method category is permitted, a specific section that identifies the region to which the origin belongs and the region to which the destination belongs, An acquisition unit acquires weather forecast data related to the predetermined physical quantity for each region identified by the identification unit during the period from a predetermined scheduled delivery start date, which is the date on which the delivered goods are scheduled to be shipped out from the shipping source, to a predetermined scheduled delivery end date, which is the date on which the delivered goods are scheduled to be delivered to the shipping destination. A determination unit determines, based on the weather forecast data acquired by the acquisition unit, a suitable delivery method category for the delivery of the goods during the specified period from among a predetermined number of delivery method categories, To be equipped, A business support device characterized by the following features.
2. The delivery products for which a change in the delivery method category is permitted are linked to predetermined weather-related conditions for determining whether or not to change the delivery method category. The decision unit compares the weather forecast data with the conditions and, if there is data that satisfies the conditions, decides to change the delivery method category of the delivery product. The business support device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:
3. The system further includes a generation unit that generates a shipping instruction sheet containing information on the delivery product, the origin of delivery, the destination of delivery, and the delivery method classification, for each different delivery method classification. The business support device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:
4. A business support method to be executed by a business support device comprising a memory unit and a control unit, For delivery goods where one of a predetermined number of delivery method categories defined based on a predetermined physical quantity that can change quality and is related to weather is linked as the normal delivery method category and is linked to the origin and destination, and where a change in the delivery method category is permitted, the process involves identifying the region to which the origin belongs and the region to which the destination belongs, and An acquisition step to acquire weather forecast data related to the predetermined physical quantity for each region identified in the identification step during the period from a predetermined scheduled delivery start date, which is the date on which the delivered goods are scheduled to be shipped out from the shipping source, to a predetermined scheduled delivery end date, which is the date on which the delivered goods are scheduled to be delivered to the destination; A determination step in which, based on the weather forecast data acquired in the acquisition step, a suitable delivery method category for the delivery of the goods during the period is determined from among the predetermined plurality of delivery method categories, Including, A business support method characterized by the following.
5. A business support program to be executed by a business support device comprising a memory unit and a control unit, For delivery goods where one of a predetermined number of delivery method categories defined based on a predetermined physical quantity that can change quality and is related to weather is linked as the normal delivery method category and is linked to the origin and destination, and where a change in the delivery method category is permitted, the process involves identifying the region to which the origin belongs and the region to which the destination belongs, and An acquisition step to acquire weather forecast data related to the predetermined physical quantity for each region identified in the identification step during the period from a predetermined scheduled delivery start date, which is the date on which the delivered goods are scheduled to be shipped out from the shipping source, to a predetermined scheduled delivery end date, which is the date on which the delivered goods are scheduled to be delivered to the destination; A determination step in which, based on the weather forecast data acquired in the acquisition step, a suitable delivery method category for the delivery of the goods during the period is determined from among the predetermined plurality of delivery method categories, Including, A business support program characterized by the following: