Agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method

Abstract

We provide an agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method that support local production and consumption. [Solution] The system includes a shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111 that acquires shipment schedule information including the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products produced by producers in the first region, an order information acquisition unit 112 that acquires order information including the order quantity of agricultural products from customers in the first region, and an output processing unit 115 that, when the order quantity is greater than the shipment schedule quantity, outputs a delivery request information requesting producers in the first region to deliver the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products, and outputs a delivery request information requesting delivery of the difference between the order quantity and the shipment schedule quantity from producers in the first region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural product supply management system, a program, and an agricultural product supply management method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for realizing a stable supply of agricultural products are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for determining a cropping plan of agricultural crops by using a learning model.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In addition, so-called local production for local consumption, in which agricultural products produced within a region are consumed within the region, has attracted attention, and there is a demand for providing a technology to back up local production for local consumption.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a technology for backing up local production for local consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The agricultural product supply management system of the present invention a shipping schedule information acquisition unit that acquires shipping schedule information including the estimated shipping amount of agricultural products produced by producers in the first region; an order information acquisition unit that acquires order information including the ordered amount of the agricultural products from the orderer in the first region; An output processing unit that, when the ordered quantity is greater than the planned shipment quantity, outputs a delivery request information requesting the producers in the first region to deliver the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products, and outputs a delivery request information requesting the producers in the first region to deliver the difference between the ordered quantity and the planned shipment quantity. It is characterized by being equipped with [the following features].

[0007] In the agricultural product supply management system of the present invention, The output processing unit may output employment guidance information to encourage new employment in agricultural products, based on the order quantity and the planned shipment quantity, if the order quantity is greater than the planned shipment quantity.

[0008] In the agricultural product supply management system of the present invention, The aforementioned ordering party may be an organization that provides meals for a predetermined number of people.

[0009] In the agricultural product supply management system of the present invention, The aforementioned delivery request information may also be information requested from producers in a second region different from the first region.

[0010] In the agricultural product supply management system of the present invention, The output processing unit may output delivery request information requesting producers in a region adjacent to the first region to deliver the shortfall.

[0011] In the agricultural product supply management system of the present invention, The aforementioned shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires the shipment schedule information from each of the multiple producers in the first region, If the order quantity is less than the total amount of the planned shipment quantity, the system further includes an allocation unit that allocates the planned shipment quantity of at least one of the multiple producers in the first region to the order quantity, according to the location of the producer in the first region and the location of the delivery destination. The output processing unit may also output the delivery request information requesting the producer to whom the order quantity has been assigned by the allocation unit to deliver the planned shipment quantity.

[0012] In the agricultural product supply management system of the present invention, The aforementioned shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires the shipment schedule information before acquiring the order information from the ordering party. The output processing unit may, when the shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires the shipment schedule information, output shipment schedule quantity notification information to notify the ordering party of the shipment schedule quantity.

[0013] In the agricultural product supply management system of the present invention, The output processing unit may, when the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity, output order guidance information to the ordering party urging them to place an order for the agricultural products.

[0014] In the agricultural product supply management system of the present invention, The output processing unit may output menu change notification information to the ordering party if the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity, prompting them to change their menu plan.

[0015] In the agricultural product supply management system of the present invention, The aforementioned shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires the shipment schedule information from multiple producers in the first region, The order information acquisition unit further acquires the order information from the ordering party in a second region different from the first region, The output processing unit, If the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity, the system will output delivery request information to some of the producers in the first region who are among the multiple producers in the first region, requesting them to deliver the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products. The system may output delivery request information to some of the producers in the first region who are not producers in the first region, requesting them to deliver any surplus agricultural products from the planned shipment quantity to the ordering party in the second region.

[0016] The program of the present invention, A program that causes a computer to function as a shipping schedule information acquisition unit, an order information acquisition unit, and an output processing unit, The shipping schedule information acquisition unit acquires shipping schedule information including the estimated shipping volume of agricultural products produced by producers in the first region, The order information acquisition unit acquires order information including the order quantity of the agricultural products from the order source in the first region, When the order quantity is greater than the estimated shipping volume, the output processing unit outputs delivery request information for requesting the producer in the first region to deliver the agricultural products corresponding to the estimated shipping volume, and outputs delivery request information for requesting delivery of the shortage amount in the estimated shipping volume relative to the order quantity to producers other than the producer in the first region.

[0017] The agricultural product supply management method of the present invention is an agricultural product supply management method performed by a computer having a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires shipping schedule information including the estimated shipping volume of agricultural products produced by producers in the first region; the control unit acquires order information including the order quantity of the agricultural products from the order source in the first region; when the order quantity is greater than the estimated shipping volume, the control unit outputs delivery request information for requesting the producer in the first region to deliver the agricultural products corresponding to the estimated shipping volume, and outputs delivery request information for requesting delivery of the shortage amount in the estimated shipping volume relative to the order quantity to producers other than the producer in the first region. including the above steps,

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method of the present invention, a technology for backing up local production and local consumption can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is an overall configuration diagram of an agricultural product system. [Figure 2]This diagram shows the flow of agricultural product supply management. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the agricultural product supply management process. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram of the ninth modified example. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram showing the agricultural product supply management process according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the agricultural product system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of agricultural product supply management in the agricultural product system 1. The agricultural product system 1 provides a mechanism for local production and consumption, where agricultural products are produced and consumed on a regional basis. Here, the region can be any predetermined area, and its size and location are not particularly limited. For example, a municipality may be defined as one region, or an area encompassing multiple municipalities may be defined as one region. Alternatively, an area smaller than a municipality may be defined as one region.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the agricultural product system 1 comprises an agricultural product supply management device 10, a producer device 20, a greengrocer device 40, and a meal provider device 50. These devices are connected to each other via a communication network 2 such as the Internet. In the agricultural product system 1, in order to realize local production and local consumption, a mechanism is provided in which agricultural products produced within a region are delivered to organizations within that region, in predetermined regional units. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the organizations that receive the agricultural products, that is, the organizations that order the agricultural products, are organizations that provide meals for a predetermined number of people. Examples of organizations that order agricultural products include meal providers at schools, hospitals, nursing homes, etc., and organizations that manage employee cafeterias within companies. Another example is an organization that provides food and beverages such as bento boxes to a predetermined number of people at schools, etc.

[0022] The agricultural product supply management device 10 of the agricultural product system 1 processes information related to the mechanism by which agricultural products are consumed on a regional basis. The producer device 20 is an information processing device used by agricultural product producers or their related parties. The greengrocer device 40 is an information processing device used by greengrocer staff, etc. The school meal provider device 50 is an information processing device used by school meal providers. Note that the producer device 20, the greengrocer device 40, and the school meal provider device 50 may all be portable devices.

[0023] It is assumed that within the same region (for example, the first region shown in Figure 2), there are multiple producers and multiple meal providers. Correspondingly, the agricultural product system 1 is equipped with multiple producer devices 20, multiple greengrocer devices 40, and multiple meal provider devices 50 corresponding to agricultural products within the same region. Thus, the agricultural product system 1 is equipped with multiple producer devices 20, multiple greengrocer devices 40, and multiple meal provider devices 50 corresponding to agricultural products within the first region, and also with multiple producer devices 20, multiple greengrocer devices 40, and multiple meal provider devices 50 corresponding to agricultural products within the second region. Note that within the same region, the agricultural product system 1 only needs to have at least one of each of the producer devices 20, greengrocer devices 40, and meal provider devices 50.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second region is assumed to be a region adjacent to the first region. However, the second region does not have to be a different region from the first region. For example, the second region may be a region that has a cooperative relationship with the first region.

[0025] Next, referring to Figure 2, the flow of agricultural product delivery will be explained. First, in response to the actions of the agricultural product producer, shipment schedule information for the agricultural product scheduled for shipment is transmitted from the producer device 20 to the agricultural product supply management device 10 (1). Here, the shipment schedule information includes the producer's identification information, the type and quantity of agricultural product to be shipped, the desired shipment date, etc. Examples of agricultural products scheduled for shipment include grains, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits. Agricultural products may also include livestock products. The shipment schedule information is transmitted before the desired shipment date, such as one month or several months in advance.

[0026] Next, in response to the operation of the school lunch operator, agricultural product order information is transmitted from the school lunch provider device 50 to the greengrocer device 40 (2). Here, the order information includes the identification information of the ordering party, the type and quantity of agricultural products to be delivered, the desired delivery date, etc. Next, the greengrocer device 40 transmits the order information received from the school lunch provider device 50 to the agricultural product supply management device 10 (3). The type and quantity of agricultural products to be delivered are determined according to the menu of the school lunch provided by the school lunch provider. Furthermore, the school lunch menu is determined one month or several months before the day the school lunch is to be served, which is before the desired delivery date, and accordingly, the order information is also transmitted before the desired delivery date.

[0027] Next, the agricultural product supply management device 10 allocates the agricultural products scheduled for shipment to the school lunch providers based on the shipment schedule information obtained from the producer device 20 and the order information obtained from the greengrocer device 40 (4). In other words, the agricultural product supply management device 10 decides which school lunch provider to deliver the agricultural products that the customer wishes to ship.

[0028] Next, the agricultural product supply management device 10 transmits delivery request information to the producer device 20 based on the results of the allocation of agricultural products in (4) (5). Here, the delivery request information includes the identification information of the producer to whom the request is made, the type and quantity of agricultural products to be delivered, the delivery destination, the desired delivery date, and the identification information of the school lunch provider at the delivery destination.

[0029] On the requested delivery date, the type and quantity of agricultural products specified in the delivery request information are delivered from the producer's production site to the collection center (6). The collection center is a place where agricultural products are gathered before delivery. Examples of collection centers include roadside stations, community centers, and the premises of designated producers. The agricultural products gathered at the collection center are delivered to the designated school lunch provider according to the delivery request information (7).

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, both the ordering meal provider and the producer are assumed to be located within the first region. In this way, the agricultural product system 1 can provide a mechanism in which agricultural products are delivered from producers based on order information from meal providers within a designated region.

[0031] Furthermore, the quantity of agricultural products indicated in the order information from the school lunch provider in the first region may be greater than the quantity of agricultural products scheduled to be shipped indicated in the shipment schedule information from the producer in the first region. In such cases, the agricultural product supply management device 10 sends a delivery request information to the producer in the first region for the quantity scheduled to be shipped by that producer. In addition, the agricultural product supply management device 10 sends a delivery request information regarding the quantity of agricultural products that is insufficient to meet the order (the shortfall) to the producer device 20 of the second region (5'). In this case, the agricultural products are delivered from the producer in the second region to the school lunch provider. In this way, if there is a shortfall in the order, agricultural products are supplied from the second region.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the agricultural product supply management device 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the agricultural product supply management device 10. More specifically, the control unit 11 functions as a shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111, an order information acquisition unit 112, an allocation unit 113, a delivery request information generation unit 114, and an output processing unit 115 by executing programs stored in the storage unit 12.

[0033] The shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111 acquires shipment schedule information from the producer device 20 via the communication unit 13. The order information acquisition unit 112 acquires order information from the greengrocer device 40 via the communication unit 13. The allocation unit 113 allocates the shipment schedule quantity from producers to the order quantity from school lunch providers based on the shipment schedule information and the order information. The delivery request information generation unit 114 generates delivery request information requesting each producer to deliver agricultural products according to the allocation. The output processing unit 115 performs processing related to the output of information. In this embodiment, it performs processing to transmit information to an external device via the communication unit 13. For example, the output processing unit 115 transmits the delivery request information to the producer device 20 via the communication unit 13.

[0034] The storage unit 12 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 12 stores various programs and data, including programs executed by the control unit 11. For example, the storage unit 12 stores shipping schedule information transmitted from the producer device 20 and order information transmitted from the fruit and vegetable store device 40.

[0035] The memory unit 12 also stores producer information, meal provider information, and greengrocer information. Producer information includes producer identification information, name, and address. Meal provider information includes meal provider identification information, name, and meal provision location (address of the delivery destination of the produce). Greengrocer information includes greengrocer identification information, name, and address.

[0036] The programs executed by the control unit 11 to realize the above functions are not limited to those stored in the storage unit 12. Programs stored on a recording medium attached to the agricultural product supply management device 10, or programs transmitted to the agricultural product supply management device 10 from an external device, may also be executed by the control unit 11.

[0037] The communication unit 13 transmits and receives information with external devices via the communication network 2.

[0038] The producer device 20, the greengrocer device 40, and the school lunch provider device 50 are equipped with a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit, similar to the agricultural product supply management device 10.

[0039] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the agricultural product supply management process performed by the agricultural product supply management device 10. For the sake of explanation, this section describes the case where a predetermined delivery date, a first region, and a predetermined type of agricultural product are the targets of processing.

[0040] The shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111 of the agricultural product supply management device 10 first acquires shipment schedule information from each of the multiple producer devices 20 within the first region (step S100). The shipment schedule information includes the identification information of the producer of the shipment, the scheduled shipment date, and the type and quantity of agricultural products to be shipped. In step S100, it is assumed that shipment schedule information is acquired with the desired delivery date of the products to be processed as the scheduled shipment date.

[0041] Next, the order information acquisition unit 112 acquires order information from each of the multiple fruit and vegetable store devices 40 for each of the multiple school lunch provider devices 50 (step S102). The order information includes the identification information of the ordering school lunch provider, the desired delivery date, and the type and quantity of agricultural products to be delivered. In step S102, order information is acquired with the desired delivery date being the delivery date for the items to be processed.

[0042] Next, the allocation unit 113 allocates the planned shipment quantity shown in the shipment schedule information to the ordered quantity shown in the order information. Specifically, first, the allocation unit 113 compares the ordered quantity with the planned shipment quantity (step S104). Here, the ordered quantity to be compared is the sum of the ordered quantities shown in each of the multiple order information obtained in step S102, and the planned shipment quantity to be compared is the sum of the planned shipment quantities shown in each of the multiple shipment schedule information obtained in step S100.

[0043] If the ordered quantity and the planned shipment quantity are equal (in step S104, ordered quantity = planned shipment quantity), the allocation unit 113 assigns the planned shipment quantity of the first region to the ordered quantity of the first region (step S106). For example, suppose order information is obtained from meal provider A and meal provider B in the first region. Also, suppose shipment information is obtained from producer X and producer Y in the first region. In this case, the allocation unit 113 assigns the planned shipment quantity shown in producer X's shipment information in the first region to the ordered quantity shown in meal provider A's order information. Furthermore, the allocation unit 113 assigns the planned shipment quantity shown in producer Y's shipment information in the first region to the ordered quantity shown in meal provider B's order information.

[0044] In step S106, the allocation unit 113 may make random allocations, or it may make allocations according to the location of the ordering food provider and the producer. For example, the allocation unit 113 may prioritize allocating the order quantity from ordering providers whose locations are close to each producer's planned shipment quantity.

[0045] Next, the delivery request information generation unit 114 generates delivery request information according to the assignment (step S108). In the above example, delivery request information is generated for producer X and producer Y. The delivery request information for producer X indicates that the supplier is producer X and the recipient is meal provider A. The delivery request information for producer X also indicates the type, quantity, and desired delivery date of the agricultural products to be delivered, as shown in producer X's shipment schedule information. The delivery request information for producer X also indicates the location of the delivery destination. The location of the delivery destination is shown in the meal provider information of meal provider A, which is stored in the storage unit 12.

[0046] The delivery request information for producer Y indicates that producer Y is the source of the delivery and the recipient is meal provider B. The delivery request information for producer Y also includes the type and quantity of agricultural products to be delivered, the desired delivery date, and the address of the delivery destination.

[0047] In step S104, if the order quantity is greater than the planned shipment quantity (order quantity > planned shipment quantity in step S104), the allocation unit 113 first allocates the planned shipment quantity of the first region to the order quantity of the first region (step S110). This process is the same as the process in step S106. Then, the allocation unit 113 allocates the planned shipment quantity from producers in the second region adjacent to the first region to the portion of the order quantity of the first region that has not been allocated the planned shipment quantity, i.e., the shortfall (step S112).

[0048] Next, the delivery request information generation unit 114 generates delivery request information according to the assignments in steps S110 and S112 (step S114). Specifically, the delivery request information generation unit 114 generates delivery request information with the ordering party and producers in the first region as the delivery destination and delivery source, respectively, according to the assignment in step S110. Furthermore, the delivery request information generation unit 114 generates delivery request information with the ordering party in the first region and producers in the second region as the delivery destination and delivery source, respectively, according to the assignment in step S112.

[0049] In step S104, if the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity (order quantity < planned shipment quantity in step S104), the allocation unit 113 first allocates the planned shipment quantity of the first region to the order quantity of the first region (step S116). This process is the same as the process in step S106. Here, the order quantity is allocated to the planned shipment quantity of some of the producers in the first region who are among the multiple producers in the first region. Then, the allocation unit 113 allocates the order quantity from the school lunch provider in the second region to the portion of the planned shipment quantity of the first region that has not been allocated to the order quantity, i.e., the surplus (step S118). As a result, the order quantity is allocated to the planned shipment quantity of the producers in the first region other than some of the producers to whom the order quantity was allocated in step S116.

[0050] Next, the delivery request information generation unit 114 generates delivery request information according to the assignments in steps S116 and S118 (step S120). Specifically, the delivery request information generation unit 114 generates delivery request information with the ordering party and producers in the first region as the delivery destination and delivery source, respectively, according to the assignment in step S116. Furthermore, the delivery request information generation unit 114 generates delivery request information with the ordering party in the second region and producers in the first region as the delivery destination and delivery source, respectively, according to the assignment in step S118.

[0051] After processing in steps S108, S114, and S120, in step S122, the output processing unit 115 transmits the delivery request information generated in steps S108, S114, and S120, respectively, to the producer equipment 20 of the recipient producer indicated in the delivery request information via the communication unit 13. Note that the process of transmitting the delivery request information via the communication unit 13 is an example of a process that outputs the delivery request information.

[0052] Upon receiving delivery request information in the producer device 20, the producer delivers the agricultural products to the collection center on the desired delivery date. The agricultural products collected at the collection center are then delivered to the respective meal providers. This completes the agricultural product supply management process.

[0053] As described above, according to the agricultural product system 1 of this embodiment, agricultural products produced within the first region can be preferentially delivered to meal providers within the first region. This supports local production and consumption. Furthermore, the recipients of the agricultural products are meal providers. Meals for a predetermined number of people are provided by the meal providers. Therefore, agricultural producers can secure recipients for their agricultural products and know in advance how much of their agricultural products will be used. Consequently, producers who supply agricultural products to meal providers can stably deliver agricultural products and achieve stable agricultural management.

[0054] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention as described in the claims.

[0055] As a first example of such a modification, the agricultural product supply management device 10 may be implemented as an agricultural product supply management system composed of multiple devices. For example, in an agricultural product supply management system, the shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111, the order information acquisition unit 112, and the allocation unit 113 may be configured as a single device, while the delivery request information generation unit 114 and the output processing unit 115 may be configured as other devices.

[0056] As a second variation, order information may be transmitted directly from the meal provider device 50 to the agricultural product supply management device 10.

[0057] A third modification will now be described. In this embodiment, order information was transmitted from the food service provider device 50 to the agricultural product supply management device 10 via the communication network 2. However, order information may also be transmitted to the agricultural product supply management device 10 by means of fax, for example. Alternatively, the administrator of the agricultural product supply management device 10 may obtain a paper document on which the contents of the order information are printed, scan it, or manually input the contents shown on the paper document to input the order information into the agricultural product supply management device 10. In this case, the agricultural product supply management device 10 shall be equipped with a scanner, user interface, etc. as appropriate. Alternatively, the agricultural product supply management device 10 may be connected to these devices. Similarly, shipment schedule information may also be input into the agricultural product supply management device 10 by fax, scanning, manual input, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, the agricultural product supply management device 10 may output delivery request information to the producer device 20, for example, by fax. Alternatively, the agricultural product supply management device 10 may output a paper document on which the contents of the delivery request information are printed. In this case, the agricultural product supply management device 10 shall be connected to a printer and output the delivery request information to the printer.

[0059] As a fourth variation, the allocation unit 113 of the control unit 11 may consider the distance between the producer's location and the delivery destination's location in steps S106, S110, S112, S116, and S118, which were described with reference to Figure 3. Here, the delivery destination is the place where the meal provider provides meals, etc. Specifically, the allocation unit 113 may allocate in order of proximity between the producer's location and the ordering party's location. For example, if meal provider A is the closest to producer X, followed by meal provider B, then producer X's agricultural products will be allocated to meal provider A with priority over meal provider B.

[0060] As a fifth variation, the control unit 11 may store order information and shipment schedule information as historical information in the storage unit 12 for each region. Furthermore, the control unit 11 refers to the stored historical information and determines that there is a shortage of the agricultural product if the total order quantity for a predetermined period is greater than the total shipment quantity. In this case, the control unit 11 may output employment guidance information to encourage new employment in the production of the agricultural product. This can promote not only local production and consumption but also regional revitalization. In addition, the control unit 11 may output employment guidance information in the process shown in Figure 3 if the order quantity is greater than the shipment quantity, regardless of the history.

[0061] Furthermore, as a sixth modification, the output processing unit 115 may output order guidance information to the ordering party when the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity. Here, the order guidance information is information that encourages ordering agricultural products. Also, as described above, history information is stored in the storage unit 12, and the output processing unit 115 may output order guidance information when the total order quantity for a predetermined period is less than the total planned shipment quantity. This makes it possible to encourage the consumption of agricultural products when the production quantity of agricultural products in the same region is greater than the consumption quantity.

[0062] Furthermore, as a seventh variation, the output processing unit 115 may output menu change notification information to the ordering party when the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity, prompting them to change their menu. This may lead to a change in the menu and potentially promote the consumption of agricultural products.

[0063] Furthermore, as an eighth variation, the shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111 may acquire shipment schedule information before acquiring order information from the ordering party. Then, when the shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111 acquires shipment schedule information, the output processing unit 115 may output shipment schedule quantity notification information to notify the ordering party of the shipment schedule quantity indicated in the shipment schedule information. This allows the food service provider, which is the ordering party, to adjust the order quantity, such as by deciding on the menu in accordance with the shipment schedule quantity.

[0064] As a ninth variation, the agricultural product supply management device 10, when the order quantity exceeds the planned shipment quantity, allocates the planned shipment quantity of the first region to the order quantity of the first region, and arranges for the shortage to be covered by a source other than producers in the first region, and the source of procurement is not limited to the second region. For example, the agricultural product supply management device 10 may arrange for the shortage to be supplied from the market. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the agricultural product supply management device 10 transmits, for example, delivery request information to the greengrocer device 40, informing it that the shortage should be procured from the market and delivered (5''). Then, the greengrocer managing the greengrocer device 40 can procure and deliver the shortage from the market.

[0065] Furthermore, as a tenth variation, the agricultural product supply management device 10 may, when allocating producers in the first region to the ordered quantity and a shortage occurs, first allocate producers in the second region, and if a shortage still occurs, arrange for market procurement. In this way, the agricultural product supply management device 10 may procure the shortage in stages. In this case, the order of procurement sources for the shortage is predetermined. If the first priority is set for producers in the second region and the second priority is set for the market, then, as described above, procurement will first be made from the second region, and if a shortage still occurs, procurement will be made from the market. Conversely, the first priority may be set for the market and the second priority may be set for the second region. In this case, for the shortage, procurement will first be made from the market, and if a shortage still occurs, procurement will be made from the second region.

[0066] (Second Embodiment) Next, the agricultural product system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the agricultural product system 1 according to the second embodiment, the meal provider device 50 sends quotation request information for agricultural product orders to the agricultural product management device 10 before sending order information. Below, the agricultural product system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the agricultural product system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0067] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the agricultural product supply management process by the agricultural product system 1 according to the second embodiment. Here, for the sake of explanation, as explained in Figure 3, we will describe the case where a predetermined desired delivery date, a first region, and a predetermined type of agricultural product are the targets of processing.

[0068] The agricultural product supply management device 10 acquires shipment schedule information from each of the multiple producer devices 20 within the first region (step S200). Next, the agricultural product supply management device 10 acquires quotation request information from the school meal provider device 50 (step S202). Here, the quotation request information includes information indicating the amount of agricultural products needed by the school meal provider and information requesting a quotation. When the agricultural product supply device 10 acquires the quotation request information, it allocates the amount of agricultural products included in the quotation request information to the shipment schedule of each producer (step S204).

[0069] Next, the agricultural product supply management device 10 transmits producer-specific quotation request information to each producer device 20 (step S206). The producer-specific quotation request information includes information indicating the quantity of agricultural products allocated to each producer and information requesting a quotation. Next, the agricultural product supply management device 10 transmits quotation request status information to the payment device 70, which is used by the person in charge of paying for the agricultural products (step S208). Here, the payment device 70 is an information processing device used by the person in charge of paying for the agricultural products. The person in charge of paying for the expenses is, for example, a city, town, or village that manages the first region. The quotation request status information is information indicating the status of the transmission of the quotation request.

[0070] When the producer device 20 receives quotation request information, it transmits the quotation information created in response to the information to the agricultural product management device 10 (step S210). When the agricultural product supply management device 10 receives the quotation information, it transmits it to the meal provider device 50 (step S212). Then, when the meal provider confirms the quotation, the meal provider device 50 transmits order information to the agricultural product supply device 10 (step S214). When the agricultural product supply device 10 receives the order information, it transmits the corresponding delivery request information to the producer device 20 (step S216).

[0071] Then, according to the delivery request information, the producer delivers the agricultural products to the collection center on the delivery date (a specified number of days before the desired delivery date) (Step S218). Then, on the desired delivery date, the agricultural products at the collection center are delivered to the school lunch provider by the delivery person (Step S220).

[0072] Once delivery is complete, delivery completion information is transmitted from the delivery device 80 to the agricultural product supply management device 10 (step S222). The delivery device 80 is an information processing device used by the delivery person. The delivery completion information indicates that delivery has been completed.

[0073] When the agricultural product supply device 10 receives delivery completion information from the delivery device 80, it transmits the delivery completion information to the payment handler device 70 (step S224), and further transmits invoice information showing the invoice for the agricultural products to the payment handler device 70 (step S226). The payment handler then makes a payment to the manager who manages the agricultural product supply management device 10 according to the invoice information (step S228). Next, the manager of the agricultural product supply management device 10 distributes the funds received from the payment handler to the producers and delivery personnel and makes the payments (step S230). This completes the process.

[0074] According to the agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method of this embodiment, which have the above configuration, the system includes: a shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111 that acquires shipment schedule information including the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products produced by producers in the first region; an order information acquisition unit 112 that acquires order information including the order quantity of agricultural products from customers in the first region; and an output processing unit 115 that, when the order quantity is greater than the shipment schedule quantity, outputs a delivery request information requesting producers in the first region to deliver the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products, and outputs a delivery request information requesting delivery of the difference between the order quantity and the shipment schedule quantity to producers other than those in the first region. As a result, agricultural products are delivered preferentially within the same region. Therefore, local production and consumption can be supported.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method of this embodiment, the output processing unit 115 may output employment guidance information to encourage new employment in agricultural products based on the order quantity and the planned shipment quantity when the order quantity is greater than the planned shipment quantity. Therefore, it can contribute to attracting agricultural workers within the region.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method of this embodiment, the ordering party may be an organization that provides meals for a predetermined number of people. In this way, consumption of agricultural products is always expected at the ordering party, i.e., the recipient of the agricultural products. Therefore, it can contribute to stable management for producers.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method of this embodiment, the output processing unit 115 may output delivery request information requesting producers in a second region adjacent to the first region to deliver the shortage. This allows surplus agricultural products within a region to be provided to relatively nearby regions, thereby reducing delivery costs.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method of this embodiment, the shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111 acquires shipment schedule information from each of the multiple producers in the first region, and if the order quantity is less than the total value of the shipment schedule quantities, the system further includes an allocation unit 113 that assigns the shipment schedule quantity of at least one of the multiple producers in the first region to the order quantity according to the location of the producers in the first region and the location of the delivery destination, and the output processing unit 115 may output delivery request information requesting the producer to whom the order quantity has been assigned by the allocation unit 113 to deliver the shipment schedule quantity. In this way, by matching the shipment schedule quantity with the order quantity according to the location, the delivery burden and delivery costs can be reduced.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method of this embodiment, the shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111 may acquire shipment schedule information before acquiring order information from the ordering party, and the output processing unit 115 may output shipment schedule quantity notification information to notify the ordering party of the shipment schedule quantity when the shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires shipment schedule information. By notifying the ordering party of the shipment schedule quantity in advance in this way, it is possible to encourage them to adjust their order quantity so that it matches the shipment schedule quantity.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method of this embodiment, the output processing unit 115 may output order guidance information to the ordering party prompting them to place an order for agricultural products when the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity. This makes it possible to encourage adjustments to the order quantity so that it matches the planned shipment quantity.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method of this embodiment, the output processing unit 115 may output menu change notification information to prompt the ordering party to change their menu when the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity. This makes it possible to encourage adjustments to the order quantity so that it matches the planned shipment quantity.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the agricultural product supply management system, program, and agricultural product supply management method of this embodiment, the shipment schedule information acquisition unit 111 acquires shipment schedule information from multiple producers in the first region, the order information acquisition unit 112 further acquires order information from a customer in a second region different from the first region, and the output processing unit 115 may output delivery request information to some of the multiple producers in the first region requesting delivery of the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products, and to some of the multiple producers in the first region other than the first region requesting delivery of the surplus agricultural products from the planned shipment quantity to the customer in the second region if the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Agricultural Products System 2. Communication Network 10. Agricultural product supply management device 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 20 Producer equipment 40. Greengrocer equipment 50 Food service provider equipment 111 Shipping Schedule Information Acquisition Unit 112 Order Information Acquisition Department 113 Allocation Section 114 Delivery Request Information Generation Unit 115 Output Processing Unit

Claims

1. A shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires shipment schedule information, including the planned shipment volume of agricultural products produced by producers in the first region. An order information acquisition unit that acquires order information including the quantity of agricultural products ordered from the ordering party in the first region, An output processing unit that, when the ordered quantity is greater than the planned shipment quantity, outputs a delivery request information requesting the producers in the first region to deliver the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products, and outputs a delivery request information requesting the producers in the first region to deliver the difference between the ordered quantity and the planned shipment quantity. A farm product supply management system equipped with the following features.

2. The agricultural product supply management system according to claim 1, wherein the output processing unit outputs employment guidance information to encourage new employment in agricultural products based on the order quantity and the planned shipment quantity when the order quantity is greater than the planned shipment quantity.

3. The agricultural product supply management system according to claim 1, wherein the ordering party is an organization that provides meals for a predetermined number of people.

4. The agricultural product supply management system according to claim 1, wherein the delivery request information is information to be requested from producers in a second region different from the first region.

5. The agricultural product supply management system according to claim 1, wherein the output processing unit outputs delivery request information requesting producers in a region adjacent to the first region to deliver the shortfall.

6. The aforementioned shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires the shipment schedule information from each of the multiple producers in the first region, If the order quantity is less than the total amount of the planned shipment quantity, the system further includes an allocation unit that allocates the planned shipment quantity of at least one of the multiple producers in the first region to the order quantity, according to the location of the producer in the first region and the location of the delivery destination. The agricultural product supply management system according to claim 1, wherein the output processing unit causes the producer to whom the order quantity has been assigned by the allocation unit to output the delivery request information requesting the delivery of the planned shipment quantity.

7. The aforementioned shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires the shipment schedule information before acquiring the order information from the ordering party. The agricultural product supply management system according to claim 1, wherein the output processing unit causes the output processing unit to output shipment quantity notification information that notifies the ordering party of the shipment quantity when the shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires the shipment schedule information.

8. The agricultural product supply management system according to claim 1, wherein the output processing unit outputs order guidance information to the ordering party urging them to place an order for the agricultural product when the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity.

9. The agricultural product supply management system according to claim 4, wherein the output processing unit outputs menu change notification information to prompt the ordering party to change their menu when the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity.

10. The aforementioned shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires the shipment schedule information from multiple producers in the first region, The order information acquisition unit further acquires the order information from the ordering source in a second region different from the first region, The output processing unit, If the order quantity is less than the planned shipment quantity, the system will output delivery request information to some of the producers in the first region who are among the multiple producers in the first region, requesting them to deliver the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products. The agricultural product supply management system according to claim 2, which outputs delivery request information to request some of the producers other than those in the first region from among the multiple producers in the first region to deliver the surplus agricultural products from the planned shipment quantity to the ordering party in the second region.

11. A program that causes a computer to function as a shipping schedule information acquisition unit, an order information acquisition unit, and an output processing unit, The aforementioned shipment schedule information acquisition unit acquires shipment schedule information, including the planned shipment volume of agricultural products produced by producers in the first region. The order information acquisition unit acquires order information, including the order quantity of the agricultural products from the ordering party in the first region. The output processing unit is a program that, when the ordered quantity is greater than the planned shipment quantity, outputs delivery request information requesting the producers in the first region to deliver the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products, and outputs delivery request information requesting the producers in other regions to deliver the difference between the ordered quantity and the planned shipment quantity.

12. A method for managing the supply of agricultural products, which is performed by a computer having a control unit, The control unit includes the step of acquiring shipment schedule information, including the planned shipment volume of agricultural products produced by producers in the first region, The control unit includes the step of acquiring order information, including the order quantity of the agricultural products from the ordering party in the first region, The control unit, when the ordered quantity is greater than the planned shipment quantity, outputs a delivery request information requesting the producers in the first region to deliver the planned shipment quantity of agricultural products, and outputs a delivery request information requesting the producers in the first region to deliver the difference between the ordered quantity and the planned shipment quantity. A method for managing the supply of agricultural products, including the provision of agricultural products.

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