Information processing device, control method for information processing device, and program

Abstract

It helps to easily and accurately understand the relationships between tasks that make up a business workflow, as well as the order in which those tasks are performed. [Solution] The information processing device 1 includes a business flow information acquisition unit 31 that acquires information about the business flow, including at least input data and output data for business tasks, on a task-by-task basis, and a business flow creation unit 35 that creates a business flow diagram in which boxes corresponding to input data and boxes corresponding to output data are arranged in order. The business flow creation unit 35 creates a business flow diagram in which, when the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task match, the boxes are arranged in the order of a first box corresponding to the input data of the first task, a second box corresponding to the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task, and a third box corresponding to the output data of the second task.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for an information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a technology in which interviews are conducted to improve the business operations of an organization, and business operations are analyzed using an information processing apparatus. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology of this type.

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to a business improvement support system for supporting business improvement including RPA implementation. Patent Document 1 discloses that, in order to analyze the business to be improved, the business improvement support system comprises: an information collection function that automatically collects hard information related to the business from computer terminal operation logs of workers engaged in the business targeted for business improvement; an information organization function that processes the automatically collected hard information with soft information selected or input by the worker from a template and / or an interview, and organizes the information into information necessary for analyzing the business; and an information output function that outputs the organized information.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, a business workflow consists of multiple interconnected tasks. Since consecutive tasks are related to each other, it is necessary to understand the order and content of the tasks in order to consider improving the business workflow. In the business improvement support system described in Patent Document 1, tasks can be grouped by the application (main axis) and then organized along a timeline based on that. However, the tasks that make up the business do not perfectly match the applications, and there was room for improvement in understanding the relationships between tasks actually performed by the person in charge.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an information processing device, a control method for the information processing device, and a program that can easily and accurately grasp the relationships between tasks that constitute a business workflow and the order of those tasks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a business flow information acquisition unit that acquires information about a business flow on a task-by-task basis, including at least input data and output data for business tasks; and a business flow creation unit that creates a business flow diagram in which boxes corresponding to the input data and boxes corresponding to the output data are arranged in order, wherein the business flow creation unit acquires information about the business flows of a plurality of tasks, including a first task and a second task, by the business flow information acquisition unit, and when the output data of the first task matches the input data of the second task, it creates the business flow diagram in which a first box corresponding to the input data of the first task, a second box corresponding to the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task, and a third box corresponding to the output data of the second task are arranged in order.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a control method for an information processing device that includes: a business flow information acquisition step of acquiring information about a business flow on a task-by-task basis, which includes at least input data and output data for business tasks; and a business flow creation step of creating a business flow diagram in which boxes corresponding to the input data and boxes corresponding to the output data are arranged in order, wherein the business flow creation step acquires information about the business flows of a plurality of tasks, including a first task and a second task, by the business flow information acquisition step, and when the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task match, the business flow diagram is created in which a first box corresponding to the input data of the first task, a second box corresponding to the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task, and a third box corresponding to the output data of the second task are arranged in order.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a business flow information acquisition step for acquiring information about a business flow on a task-by-task basis, which includes at least input data and output data for business tasks, and a business flow creation step for creating a business flow diagram in which boxes corresponding to the input data and boxes corresponding to the output data are arranged in order, wherein the business flow creation step is a program for causing a computer to execute a business flow diagram in which, when information about the business flows of a plurality of tasks, including a first task and a second task, is acquired by the business flow information acquisition step, and the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task match, a first box corresponding to the input data of the first task, a second box corresponding to the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task, and a third box corresponding to the output data of the second task are arranged in order. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, a control method for the information processing device, and a program that can easily and accurately grasp the relationships between tasks that constitute a business workflow and the order of those tasks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows a business flow analysis system to which an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically illustrates how task-level workflow information is obtained from the person in charge through interviews. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a task input screen displayed on an operator's terminal. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a cost input screen displayed on an operator terminal. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a dashboard screen displayed on a user's terminal. [Figure 8] This table explains the relationship between the information entered by the operator and the business process flow diagram. [Figure 9] This diagram explains the business process diagram corresponding to the table in Figure 8, which is created by the Business Process Creation Department. [Figure 10] This table shows an example of operator input information used in creating business process flow diagrams. [Figure 11] This is a business process diagram corresponding to the table in Figure 10, created by the Business Process Creation Department. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the workflow display process used by an information processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <System Configuration> First, the overall system configuration will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a business flow analysis system 100 to which an information processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing how business flow information in task units is acquired from a person in charge through an interview.

[0014] The business flow analysis system 100 is implemented by the information processing apparatus 1 that transmits and receives various types of information to and from the operator terminal 2 and the user terminal 3 via a communication network such as the Internet. The information processing apparatus 1 functions as a server that provides a user terminal 3 with various types of information related to business flows performed in an organization such as a company.

[0015] The operator terminal 2 is used by an operator who inputs, browses, or otherwise processes information necessary for analyzing a business flow. The operator terminal 2 is configured by, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or the like. The operator terminal 2 may exchange various types of information with the information processing apparatus 1 via a pre-installed program, or may exchange various types of information via a web browser.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the business flow is constituted by a plurality of consecutive tasks set based on procedures preset in an organization. The plurality of tasks are executed by a person in charge who is responsible for the task. A person in charge may be set for each task, or a common person in charge may be responsible for a plurality of tasks. In the example of FIG. 2, order receiving, procurement, delivery and billing are shown as a plurality of consecutive tasks. A field person in charge who performs operations inputs information related to tasks from each of an order receiving person in charge, a procurement person in charge, and a delivery and billing person in charge into the information processing apparatus 1 as information for analyzing the business flow. Note that the information for analyzing the business flow may be input by an operator using an operator terminal 2, may be input by a user using a user terminal 3, or may be input by a field person in charge who performs operations using a terminal not shown in the figures. The following description is based on the assumption that the information is input by an operator.

[0017] The user terminal 3 is used by a user who receives provision of information related to the business flow. The information related to the business flow is displayed on a screen of the user terminal 3 in a dashboard format by the information processing apparatus 1, for example. The user terminal 3 is constituted by, for example, a tablet, a personal computer, a smartphone, or the like. The user terminal 3 may exchange various types of information with the information processing apparatus 1 via a program installed in advance, or may exchange various types of information via a web browser.

[0018] <Hardware Configuration> Next, an example of hardware constituting the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 serving as a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0019] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 12 or the program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14.

[0020] The input / output interface 15 is connected to an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20. The output unit 16 consists of a display, speakers, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The input unit 17 consists of a keyboard, mouse, etc., and inputs various information. The storage unit 18 consists of a hard disk, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices via a network, including the Internet.

[0021] The drive 20 is appropriately equipped with removable media 21, which may consist of a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory. Programs read from the removable media 21 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 21 can also store various types of data stored in the storage unit 18, just like the storage unit 18.

[0022] The hardware configuration described here is merely an example. The computer described in this embodiment, including the information processing device 1, may have the same configuration as that shown in Figure 3, or it may have a different configuration. The operator terminal 2 and user terminal 3 in Figure 1 are, for example, personal computers, tablets, or smartphones having a configuration similar to the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the computer may be composed of two or more computers.

[0023] <Functional configuration> Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 1 includes a business flow information acquisition unit 31, a cost information acquisition unit 32, a solution proposal unit 33, a business information display unit 34, and a business flow creation unit 35, all of which are functional units implemented on the processor (CPU 11). Furthermore, the information processing device 1 has a database 90 for registering various types of information related to business flows. The database 90 may be built outside the information processing device 1.

[0025] The business flow information acquisition unit 31 processes the input of task-based business flow information from the operator terminal 2. Task-based business flow information includes input data, output data, and processing details. Input data is input information indicating the work performed in the preceding stage of the input business (task). Output data is output information indicating the work performed in the next stage of the input business. Processing details is information indicating the work performed in the input business.

[0026] Figure 5 shows an example of a task input screen displayed on the operator terminal 2. The input screen in Figure 5 includes a task information display 111, an input data input field 112, an output data input field 113, a processing content input field 114, and a switching operation unit 115.

[0027] Task information display 111 displays input information for tasks that make up the business flow. Task information display 111 includes items such as status, which displays the input status of the task; business name, which displays the task name; department, which displays the responsible department; input information, which displays the input data name; output information, which displays the output data name; and cost, which displays the processing cost. In the example in Figure 5, the status is not entered because the input data, output data, and processing details for the task have not been entered. The status will become completed once the input data, output data, processing details, and cost are entered.

[0028] The input data input field 112 is an input interface for entering the necessary data information to perform a task. The input data input field 112 includes fields such as input information name for entering the input data name, data format for entering the input data format, person in charge for entering the person in charge, storage location for entering the storage location of the input data, data items for entering the data items of the input data, and memo for entering notes about the input data.

[0029] The content of the input data field 112 is determined, for example, by interviewing the person in charge of the task. The operator or interviewer asks questions such as, "From whom, where, and what kind of information do you obtain to carry out the task?" If the person in charge answers, "I obtain order information by email from Ms. Tanaka in sales administration," the operator enters "order information" in the input information name field of the input data field 112 and enters "Tanaka" in the person in charge field. Furthermore, the operator or interviewer asks additional questions to fill in other items in the input data field 112, such as, "What kind of data is the order information you receive by email in?" If the answer is that the data is sent as the body of an email obtained via Outlook, the operator enters "email" in the data format field and sets the save location to Outlook. The operator or interviewer also asks additional questions to fill in other data items in the input data field 112, such as, "Which item in the order information email do you refer to when working?" For example, if the answer to this question is the number of orders, the operator enters the number of orders in the data item. The memo field is used to enter information about input data that does not fall under any of the items in input data field 112.

[0030] The output data input field 113 is an input interface for entering information about the data that will be the result of the task. The output data input field 113 includes fields such as output information name for entering the output data name, data format for entering the output data format, person in charge for entering the person in charge, storage location for entering the location where the output data will be saved, data items for entering the data items of the output data, and memo for entering notes about the output data.

[0031] The input content for the output data input field 113 is determined, for example, by interviewing the person in charge of the task. The operator or interviewer asks questions such as, "Once this task is completed, to whom, how, and what kind of information can you provide for the next task?" If the person in charge answers, "I will input the order information into the system and contact the supplier," the operator enters "Purchase Order" in the output information name field of the output data input field 113 and enters the supplier in the person in charge's field. Furthermore, the operator or interviewer asks additional questions to fill in the other items in the output data input field 113, such as, "Is it necessary to attach any data? Or is it just text information to be entered into the system?" If the answer is that the supplier will be contacted by attaching a PDF (Portable Document Format) to an email, the operator enters "PDF" in the data format field and sets the save location to Outlook. The operator or interviewer also asks additional questions to fill in the other data items in the output data input field 113, such as, "What items will be entered into the system?" If the answer to this question is the number of orders, the operator enters the number of orders in the data item. The memo field is used to enter information about output data that does not fall under any of the items in the output data input field 113.

[0032] The processing details input field 114 is an input interface for entering information about the process used to create output data based on the input data. The processing details input field 114 includes items such as the processing name for entering the processing details, the processing type for entering the type of processing, the person in charge for entering the person in charge, the system name for entering the name of the system used for the processing, and notes for entering notes about the processing.

[0033] The input content in the processing details input field 114 is determined, for example, by interviewing the person in charge of the task. The operator or interviewer asks questions such as, "What kind of processing is done when you perform the task?" If the person in charge answers that the process is "to input purchase order information into the supplier's system and create a purchase order," the operator enters the system input in the processing name field of the processing details input field 114 and enters the name of the person who interviewed the person in charge. Furthermore, the operator or interviewer asks additional questions to fill in the other items in the processing details input field 114, such as, "Is that process a transcription task? Is calculation or other work required?" If the answer obtained indicates that calculation or entry is required in the system input process, the operator enters calculation / entry in the processing type field. In this embodiment, the processing type can be selected from a number of pre-set items in a pull-down menu format. In the example in Figure 5, items that can be selected as the processing type include transcription, calculation / entry, search / investigation, design / verification, negotiation / adjustment, etc. Additionally, operators and interviewers may ask follow-up questions such as "What system are you using to perform this processing?" to fill in other data fields in the processing details input field 114. The operator will then enter the system name based on the answers to the questions from the person in charge. The memo field is used to enter information about the processing that does not fall under any of the fields in the processing details input field 114.

[0034] The switching operation unit 115 is an operation tab that switches between an input overview screen for inputting input data, output data, and processing details, and a cost-effectiveness screen for inputting cost-related information. In the example in Figure 5, the input overview screen is displayed, showing the input data input field 112, the output data input field 113, and the processing details input field 114.

[0035] Next, the cost information acquisition unit 32 will be described. The cost information acquisition unit 32 processes input of cost information related to the cost of a task from the operator terminal 2. In this embodiment, the cost information acquisition unit 32 acquires information for confirming cost-effectiveness as cost information.

[0036] Figure 6 shows an example of a cost input screen displayed on the operator terminal 2. The input screen in Figure 6 includes a task information display 111, a cost-benefit input field 116, and a switching operation unit 115. The input screen in Figure 6 is displayed when the cost-benefit screen is selected by the switching operation unit 115.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 6, task information display 111 shows four tasks for which input data, output data, and processing details have been completed. The task names are Purchase Order Creation, Material Receipt, Acceptance Confirmation, and Order Acceptance. Of these, the costs for Purchase Order Creation, Material Receipt, and Acceptance Confirmation have been entered and their status is "Completed".

[0038] The cost-benefit input field 116 is an input interface for entering cost-related information. The cost-benefit input field 116 includes items such as the number of people required to perform the processing, the hourly wage per person, frequency 1 for entering the frequency over a specified period, frequency 2 for entering the number of times, the number of hours required for processing, and the cost for entering the cost incurred for processing.

[0039] The input content for the cost-effectiveness input field 116 is determined, for example, by interviewing the person in charge of the task. The operator or interviewer asks questions such as, "How many people are involved in the task, and how often and for how long?" If the person in charge answers, "One member in charge of ordering handles each order in about 30 minutes," the operator enters "1 person" in the number of people involved in the cost-effectiveness input field 116 and "0.5" in the time, indicating 30 minutes. The input format for the time is arbitrary. For example, the input format "H hours M minutes" can be used, and "(0 hours) 30 minutes" can be entered. Furthermore, the operator or interviewer asks additional questions to fill in the other items in the cost-effectiveness input field 116, such as, "For example, do you know the approximate frequency, such as how many times a week?" If a frequency answer is obtained, the operator enters information indicating the frequency in Frequency 1 and Frequency 2 based on the answer. In this embodiment, Frequency 1 can be selected from a set of items in a pull-down menu format. In addition, operators and interviewers ask questions about hourly wages and additional cost-related questions to fill in other data items in the cost-effectiveness input field 116. Operators enter hourly wages and costs based on the answers to the questions from the person in charge. Cost information, including hourly wages, may also be entered at a different time from when data is entered in the cost-effectiveness input field 116, based on information obtained from interviews with the task manager or other leader, or from a pre-survey for leaders.

[0040] The Solution Proposal Department 33 creates proposal information to resolve issues related to tasks and business flows consisting of multiple tasks for which input data, output data, processing details, and cost information have been completed. The proposal information includes suggestions for DX (Digital Transformation) tools as alternative means to resolve the issues.

[0041] Database 90 contains pre-registered candidate DX tools. These DX tools include software and cloud services for processing business processes. The software, for example, may be a subscription service or a purchase, and is registered in Database 90 along with information regarding the necessary costs.

[0042] The solution proposal unit 33 can select DX tools using various methods. For example, identification information may be assigned to the DX tools as proposal conditions, and the solution proposal unit 33 may select a DX tool corresponding to a business flow or task based on the input data, output data, processing content, and cost information, as well as the identification information registered in the database 90.

[0043] The identification information referred to here is a tag or similar item corresponding to the type of task and processing content, and corresponds to the input data, output data, and input content of the processing. As explained with reference to Figure 5, the input content includes the input data name, output data name, data format, data items, processing name, and processing type. One or more pieces of identification information are stored in the database 90 in association with the DX tool. The solution proposal unit 33 proposes a DX tool that matches the identification information based on the input information such as the input data name, output data name, data format, and processing type entered by the operator.

[0044] Furthermore, the solution proposal unit 33 may prioritize selecting a DX tool if one exists that corresponds to multiple consecutive tasks. For example, if an operator inputs a business flow consisting of consecutive tasks such as order management, purchase order creation, and delivery note creation, and a DX tool with identification information corresponding to these four consecutive tasks is registered in the database 90, the solution proposal unit 33 will prioritize displaying that DX tool. Prioritizing display here includes displaying it in a more prominent position than other DX tools or displaying only the DX tool with identification information corresponding to the four consecutive tasks.

[0045] Furthermore, the Solution Proposal Department 33 can set specific functions that meet the essential requirements of such organizations as conditions for the DX tools it proposes to users. For example, in a certain organization, a task may be set to check intermediate data such as order lists before generating the final product. If checking order lists is essential in the business flow, even if there is a DX tool that can perform tasks up to receiving orders, placing orders, and issuing invoices, it would not be suitable for that organization. Therefore, by pre-assigning identification information to the DX tool indicating that it has the function to output specific data such as intermediate data, the Solution Proposal Department 33 can prioritize proposing DX tools that have the function to output specific data when the business flow requires the output of such specific data.

[0046] Furthermore, the Solution Proposal Department 33 may propose DX tools as alternatives in a different manner. For example, it may construct a learning model using machine learning such as supervised learning with a dataset consisting of input data, output data, and processing content inputs, and DX tools set for those inputs, and then the Solution Proposal Department 33 may propose DX tools using this learning model.

[0047] The business information display unit 34 controls the display of information related to the business flow to the user terminal 3. The business flow information displayed on the user terminal 3 includes information acquired by the business flow information acquisition unit 31, as well as alternative means created by the solution proposal unit 33. The business information display unit 34 provides the user terminal 3 with a dashboard screen.

[0048] Figure 7 shows an example of a dashboard screen displayed on user terminal 3. The dashboard screen in Figure 7 includes a cost information display 120, a solution search unit 121, a solution presentation unit 122, a hearing reservation information display 123, a memo creation, editing, and display instruction unit 124, and a business flow diagram display instruction unit 125.

[0049] The cost information display 120 displays the cost information for each task, acquired by the cost information acquisition unit 32, in graph format. In the example shown in Figure 7, the business information display unit 34 displays a bar graph on the cost information display 120, sorted by cost based on the cost information of multiple tasks that make up the business flow.

[0050] The Solution Search Unit 121 is an operation unit for setting display conditions for alternative solutions information (DX tools) proposed by the Solution Proposal Unit 33. The Solution Search Unit 121 has pull-down menus for industry, business type, product, etc. The industry pull-down menu displays options such as "Not Selected," "All Industries," "Retail," "Logistics, Retail," "Construction, Real Estate," and "Other." The business type pull-down menu displays options such as "Not Selected," "Accounting, Administration," "Warehouse Management, Accounting," "Warehouse Management," "Sales, Call Center," "Accounting, Planning, Administration," "Site Management," and "Other." The product pull-down menu includes options such as "OCR," "Cost Management," "Packaging," "Complaint Handling," "KPI Management," "Construction Management," "Warehouse Management System (WMS)," "SaaS Research," "SaaS Management," "Scratch Development," and "Infrastructure Development."

[0051] By setting search criteria in the solution search unit 121, users can narrow down the displayed alternatives by industry, business type, product, etc. In this example, the solution search unit 121 has narrowed the displayed alternative products to OCR (Optical Character Recognition).

[0052] The solution presentation unit 122 displays alternative solutions (DX tools) proposed by the solution proposal unit 33. The business information display unit 34 lists and displays DX tools that can be used to improve business workflows proposed by the solution proposal unit 33. In this example, since the solution search unit 121 has narrowed the product search to OCR, DX tools that can perform OCR are displayed. The information on alternative solutions displayed in the solution presentation unit 122 includes detailed information about the DX tool, such as the product name, company name, price, whether it can handle invoices, whether it can handle handwritten invoices, and whether it can handle itemized items.

[0053] The hearing reservation information display 123 displays information related to the hearing reservation, such as the reservation date, hearing name, department conducting the hearing, interviewee, and interviewer. The hearing reservation information display 123 also allows the user to instruct the creation of a new reservation.

[0054] The memo creation, editing, and display instruction unit 124 is an operation unit that displays an editing screen for the user to edit business flow information such as input data, output data, and processing details acquired by the business flow information acquisition unit 31, and cost information acquired by the cost information acquisition unit 32. When the user selects the memo creation, editing, and display instruction unit 124, a screen similar to the task input screen in Figure 5 and the cost input screen in Figure 6 is displayed. This allows the user to edit input data, output data, processing details, cost information, etc.

[0055] The business process flow diagram display instruction unit 125 is an operation unit for displaying a business process flow diagram based on input data, output data, processing details, and cost information. The business process flow diagram is created by the business process flow creation unit 35.

[0056] The business process flow creation unit 35 creates a business process flow diagram that visualizes a business process consisting of a series of tasks based on input data, output data, and processing details. The method of creating the business process flow diagram by the business process flow creation unit 35 will be explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a table that explains the relationship between the information entered by the operator and the business process flow diagram. The table in Figure 8 shows the input results of the input data, output data, and processing details for each of the tasks name 1, task name 2, and task name 3. Figure 9 is a diagram that explains the business process flow diagram corresponding to the table in Figure 8, which is created by the business process flow creation unit 35. In the following explanation with reference to Figures 8 and 9, abstract names will be used for the sake of explanation, but in reality, specific task names, etc., will be entered.

[0057] First, let's explain how to draw the part corresponding to Task Name 1. The business flow creation unit 35 sets up a box 150 based on the input information name of the input data for Task Name 1. Inside the box 150, "Information Name 1," which is the input information name for Task Name 1, is displayed. The business flow creation unit 35 also displays the data format 151 of the input data in the upper left of the box 150, and the person in charge 152 of the input data in the lower right of the box 150. In this example, "Data Format 1" is displayed in the data format 151 as the input content for the data format of the input data for Task Name 1, and "Person in Charge 1" is displayed in the person in charge 152 as the input content for the person in charge of the input data for Task Name 1.

[0058] Furthermore, the business flow creation unit 35 places box 160 to the lower right of box 150 based on the output information name of the output data for business name 1. Inside box 160, information name 2, which is the output information name for business name 1, is displayed. In addition, the business flow creation unit 35 displays the data format 161 of the output data to the upper left of box 160, and the person in charge 162 of the output data to the lower right of box 160. In this example, "data format 2" is displayed in data format 161 as the input content for the data format of the output data for business name 1, and "person in charge 2" is displayed in person in charge 162 as the input content for the person in charge of the output data for business name 1.

[0059] Furthermore, the business flow creation unit 35 connects the input data box 150 and the output data box 160 with a connection element 153, which is drawn as an arrow, based on the input content of the process. The process name and the person in charge of the process are displayed as text on the connection element 153. In the example table in Figure 8, "Process Name 1 / Person in Charge 1" is displayed on the connection element 153. In addition, the business flow creation unit 35 displays a box 155 indicating the system name of the process on the left side (one side) of the box 150, which is a predetermined left-right direction. In this example, "System Name 1", which is the system name of the process, is displayed inside the box 155.

[0060] Next, we will explain how to draw the part corresponding to Task Name 2. As shown in the table in Figure 8, the input data for Task Name 2 is the same as the output data for Task Name 1. Therefore, box 160 will contain the input data for Task Name 2.

[0061] The business flow creation unit 35 places the output data box 170 for business name 2 in the lower right corner of box 160. Inside this box 170, "Information Name 3" is displayed based on the output information name. The business flow creation unit 35 also displays the output data format 171 in the upper left corner of box 170, and the person in charge of the output data 172 in the lower right corner of box 170. In this example, "Data Format 3" is displayed in data format 171 as the input content for the data format of the output data for business name 2, and "Person in Charge 3" is displayed in person in charge 172 as the input content for the person in charge of the output data for business name 2.

[0062] Furthermore, the business flow creation unit 35 connects the input data box 160 and the output data box 170 with a connection element 163, which is drawn as an arrow, based on the input content of the process. In this example, "Process Name 2 / Processing 담당2" is displayed on the connection element 163. In addition, the business flow creation unit 35 displays a box 165 indicating the system name of the process to the left of box 170 in the left-right direction, which is a predetermined direction. "System Name 2" is displayed inside this box 165. Also, box 165 is positioned in the up-down direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, corresponding to box 155.

[0063] Next, we will explain how to draw the part corresponding to task name 3. As shown in the table in Figure 8, the input data for task name 3 is the same as the output data for task name 1. Therefore, box 160 will be the input data for task name 3. The output data for task name 2 and the output data for task name 3 are tasks derived from the same input data.

[0064] The business flow creation unit 35 places box 180 for the output data of business name 3 to the lower right of box 160 and below box 170. This box 180 displays "Information Name 4" based on the output information name. The business flow creation unit 35 also displays the output data format 181 to the upper left of box 180 and the person in charge of the output data 182 to the lower right of box 180. In this example, "Data Format 4" is displayed in data format 181 as the input content for the data format of the output data of business name 2, and "Person in Charge 4" is displayed in person in charge 182 as the input content for the person in charge of the output data of business name 3.

[0065] Furthermore, the business flow creation unit 35 connects the input data box 160 and the output data box 180 with a connection element 183, which is drawn as an arrow, based on the input content of the process. In this example, "Process Name 3 / Processing 담당3" is displayed on the connection element 183. In addition, the business flow creation unit 35 displays a box 185 to the left of box 180 that indicates the system name of the process. "System Name 3" is displayed inside this box 185. Also, box 185 is positioned in a vertical direction, which is perpendicular to a predetermined direction, corresponding to boxes 155 and 165.

[0066] Furthermore, the business flow creation unit 35 highlights tasks if the cost information meets predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, the predetermined condition is the cost with the relatively highest cost. In this example, boxes 150 and 160 corresponding to business name 1 meet the predetermined condition and are therefore highlighted. The highlighting is performed in a way that distinguishes other tasks by color, shape, pattern, or a combination thereof. In this example, the borders of boxes 150 and 160 of business name 1, which have the highest cost, are changed to red or a different color from the black borders of the other borders to highlight them.

[0067] Next, we will refer to Figures 10 and 11 to explain specific examples of business process flow diagrams that are actually created. Figure 10 is a table showing an example of operator input information used to create a business process flow diagram. Figure 11 is a business process flow diagram corresponding to the table in Figure 10, created by the business process flow creation unit 35.

[0068] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the business flow creation unit 35 creates a business flow diagram based on the information entered by the operator. In this example, the system name for business name 1 and business name 4 is Excel (registered trademark), the system name for business name 5 is email, while the system name for the process of business name 3 is set to visual inspection. Thus, the system name can include not only tools and software, but also the means of performing the processing. In addition, the boxes for the purchase order and delivery note corresponding to business name 3, which has the highest cost, are highlighted. Furthermore, the boxes for the price information and price table of business name 5, which is a task that is not consecutive from business name 1 to business name 4, are displayed below the boxes for the order information and purchase order information of business name 1, which corresponds to business name 1.

[0069] <Processing flow> Next, referring to Figure 12, we will explain the series of processes from acquiring business flow information to displaying the business flow diagram. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of business flow display processing by the information processing device 1.

[0070] In step S1, the business flow information acquisition unit 31 acquires task-based business flow information, including input data, output data, and processing, from the operator terminal 2 and registers it in the database 90.

[0071] In step S2, the cost information acquisition unit 32 acquires input data including cost information for each task from the operator terminal 2, associates it with business flow information, and registers it in the database 90.

[0072] In step S3, the solution proposal unit 33 creates alternative information, such as DX tools, to propose to the user based on the input data, output data, and processing acquired by the business flow information acquisition unit 31. The solution proposal unit 33 may also create alternative information that reflects cost information.

[0073] In step S4, the business flow creation unit 35 creates a business flow diagram based on the business flow information acquisition unit 31, which includes input data, output data, and task-level business flow information including processing, and the cost information acquisition unit 32.

[0074] In step S5, the business information display unit 34 displays a dashboard screen to the user terminal 3. The display of the dashboard screen is triggered, for example, by a request from the user terminal 3 to display the dashboard screen. In response to the user's display request, the business information display unit 34 sends information to the user terminal 3 to display an image showing alternative means such as DX tools (for example, the screen example in Figure 7) or an image showing a business flow diagram (for example, the screen example in Figure 11).

[0075] As described above, the information processing device 1 of this embodiment includes a business flow information acquisition unit 31 that acquires information about business flows, including at least input data and output data for business tasks, on a task-by-task basis, and a business flow creation unit 35 that creates a business flow diagram in which boxes 150 and 160 corresponding to input data and boxes 160, 170 and 180 corresponding to output data are arranged in order. The business flow creation unit 35 acquires information about the business flows of multiple tasks, including a first task and a second task, from the business flow information acquisition unit 31, and when the output data of the first task matches the input data of the second task, it creates a business flow diagram in which the boxes are arranged in the order of a first box 150 corresponding to the input data of the first task, a second box 160 corresponding to the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task, and a third box 170 corresponding to the output data of the second task.

[0076] This allows for a precise understanding of the workflow through boxes 150, 160, 170, and 180, which are arranged in the order of task processing, enabling appropriate and easy consideration of measures to improve the workflow.

[0077] Furthermore, the business flow creation unit 35 of this embodiment connects the task-unit boxes 150, 160, 170, and 180 with connecting elements 153, 163, and 183. When the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task match, it connects the first box 150 and the second box 160, and the second box 160 and the third box 170 with connecting elements 153 and 163 to create a business flow diagram. This makes it easier to understand the relationships between boxes 150, 160, 170, and 180 corresponding to consecutive tasks using connecting elements 153, 163, and 183 such as arrows and lines.

[0078] Furthermore, the business flow information acquisition unit 31 in this embodiment acquires information indicating the processing content performed in a task, along with input data and output data, on a task-by-task basis, and the business flow creation unit 35 displays the information (process name / processing 담당) based on the processing content acquired by the business flow information acquisition unit 31, along with the connecting elements 153, 163, and 183. This makes it possible to understand the processing content along with the order between boxes 150, 160, 170, and 180, and to analyze the business flow more efficiently.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the business flow creation unit 35 acquires information regarding the business flow of the third task along with the first and second tasks from the business flow information acquisition unit 31. When the output data of the first task matches the input data of the second task and the input data of the third task, the unit connects the first box 150 and the second box 160, and the second box 160 and the third box 170 with connecting elements 153 and 163, and also branches and connects the fourth box 180, which corresponds to the output data of the third task, to the second box 160 with another connecting element 183 to create a business flow diagram. As a result, even in the case of a business flow where a task is divided into two tasks and proceeds simultaneously, the relationship between boxes 160, 170, and 180 can be accurately understood by the branching connecting element 183.

[0080] Furthermore, the business flow information acquisition unit 31 of this embodiment acquires input data and output data along with the means of processing performed in each task, and the business flow creation unit 35 displays information indicating the means of processing in corresponding positions in a predetermined direction (left-right direction in Figure 9) in boxes 150, 160 corresponding to the input data or boxes 160, 170, 180 corresponding to the output data, arranged in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction (up-down direction in Figure 9) for each task. This makes it easy to grasp the means of processing performed in each task. In addition, when a task branches, boxes 155, 165, 185 indicating information indicating the means of processing are displayed in corresponding positions in a predetermined direction in boxes 160, 170, 180 corresponding to the output data, so that the means of processing for each task are displayed without overlapping. Note that the business flow diagram of this embodiment may be adopted with the left-right direction (horizontal direction) and up-down direction (vertical direction) reversed.

[0081] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 of this embodiment further includes a cost information acquisition unit 32 that acquires cost information indicating the cost required for each task, and the business flow creation unit 35 displays boxes 150 and 160 corresponding to tasks for which the cost information satisfies predetermined conditions in a different manner from the other boxes 170 and 180. This makes it easy to grasp the cost for each task. In this embodiment, the predetermined condition is set to the relatively largest cost, but the predetermined condition is not limited to relative size. For example, the box may be displayed in a different manner when the cost is above a threshold.

[0082] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 of this embodiment further includes a solution proposal unit 33 that proposes alternative means (DX tools) to the user performing the business process if the business process information acquired by the business process information acquisition unit 31 matches the proposal conditions (identification information) for proposing alternative means (DX tools) that have been registered in advance. This allows the user to efficiently improve the business process by referring to the proposed alternative means.

[0083] Furthermore, the solution proposal unit 33 of this embodiment proposes an alternative means capable of handling multiple consecutive tasks. By executing multiple consecutive tasks using a single alternative means, it is possible to reduce the necessary costs and improve the operational efficiency of consecutive tasks.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the business flow information acquired by the business flow information acquisition unit 31 includes information indicating the need to output specific data, the solution proposal unit 33 will prioritize proposing alternative means that enable the output of specific data. Sometimes, tasks requiring the output of intermediate data, such as order lists, are included in the business flow. In this regard, according to the configuration of this embodiment, by setting a function that outputs such intermediate data as a specific data output, alternative means that are tailored to the actual business flow and can output intermediate data can be proposed to the user.

[0085] Furthermore, the control method for the information processing device 1 of this embodiment includes a business flow information acquisition step of acquiring information about the business flow, including at least input data and output data for business tasks, on a task-by-task basis, and a business flow creation step of creating a business flow diagram in which boxes 150 and 160 corresponding to input data and boxes 160, 170, and 180 corresponding to output data are arranged in order. In the business flow creation step, when information about the business flows of multiple tasks, including the first task and the second task, is acquired by the business flow information acquisition step, and the output data of the first task matches the input data of the second task, the business flow diagram is created so that the first box 150 corresponds to the input data of the first task, the second box 160 corresponds to the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task, and the third box 170 corresponds to the output data of the second task. Furthermore, the program of this embodiment causes the computer to execute steps similar to those of the control method for the information processing device 1.

[0086] In this way, the control method and program for the information processing device 1 are configured so that the flow of the business process can be accurately understood through boxes 150, 160, 170, and 180 arranged in the order of task processing, and the consideration of measures to improve the business process can be carried out appropriately and easily.

[0087] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0088] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configuration described above is merely illustrative and not particularly limiting. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing device 1 is equipped with the functionality to execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this functionality is not particularly limited to the example above. Also, the location of the functional block is not particularly limited and can be arbitrary. For example, the functional block of the information processing device 1 may be transferred to another device, etc. Conversely, the functional block of another device may be transferred to a server, etc. Also, a single functional block may be composed of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0089] When a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium. The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware. Alternatively, the computer may be a computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0090] Such recording media containing programs may consist not only of removable media (not shown) distributed separately from the main device to provide the programs, but also of recording media provided pre-installed in the main device. Since programs can be distributed via a network, the recording media may be installed on or accessible from a computer connected to or capable of connecting to a network.

[0091] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall system composed of multiple devices, means, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1. Information Processing Device 2 Operator terminal 3. User terminals 31 Business Flow Information Acquisition Department 32 Cost Information Acquisition Unit 33 Solution Proposal Department 34 Business information display section 35 Business Flow Creation Department 100 Business Flow Analysis System

Claims

1. A business flow information acquisition unit acquires information about the business flow on a task-by-task basis, including at least the input data and output data for business tasks. A business flow creation unit creates a business flow diagram in which boxes corresponding to the input data and boxes corresponding to the output data are arranged in order. Equipped with, The aforementioned business process flow creation unit, When the business flow information of a plurality of tasks, including the first task and the second task, is acquired by the business flow information acquisition unit, and the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task match, The business process diagram is created such that the boxes are arranged in the following order: a first box corresponding to the input data of the first task, a second box corresponding to the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task, and a third box corresponding to the output data of the second task. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned business process flow creation unit, The boxes in the aforementioned task units are connected by connecting elements, When the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task match, The business process flow diagram is created by connecting the first box and the second box, and the second box and the third box, with the connecting elements. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned business flow information acquisition unit, For each task, information indicating the processing content performed in the task is acquired along with the input data and output data. The aforementioned business process flow creation unit, The information based on the processing content acquired by the business flow information acquisition unit is displayed together with the connection element. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned business process flow creation unit, When the business flow information of the third task, along with the first and second tasks, is acquired by the business flow information acquisition unit, and the output data of the first task matches the input data of the second task and the input data of the third task, The first box and the second box, and the second box and the third box are connected by the connecting element, and the fourth box corresponding to the output data of the third task and the second box are branched and connected by another connecting element to create the business flow diagram. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned business flow information acquisition unit, For each task, the means of processing performed in the task are acquired along with the input data and the output data. The aforementioned business process flow creation unit, Information indicating the means of the processing is displayed in a manner perpendicular to the predetermined direction for each task, at corresponding positions in a predetermined direction within the box corresponding to the input data or the box corresponding to the output data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The system further includes a cost information acquisition unit that acquires cost information indicating the cost required for each task, The aforementioned business process flow creation unit, The cost information is displayed in a different manner from the other boxes, corresponding to the task for which the predetermined conditions are met. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The system further includes a solution proposal unit that proposes alternative means to the user performing the business process if the information regarding the business process obtained by the business process information acquisition unit matches the proposed conditions for suggesting alternative means that have been registered in advance. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned solution proposal department, We propose the alternative means capable of handling a series of the aforementioned tasks. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned solution proposal department, If the business flow information acquired by the business flow information acquisition unit includes information indicating the need to output specific data, the unit will preferentially propose the alternative means capable of outputting the specific data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

10. A business flow information acquisition step that acquires information about the business flow on a task-by-task basis, including at least the input data and output data of the business tasks, A business flow creation step that creates a business flow diagram in which boxes corresponding to the input data and boxes corresponding to the output data are arranged in order, Includes, The aforementioned business process flow creation step is: When information regarding the business flow of a plurality of tasks, including the first task and the second task, is obtained by the business flow information acquisition step, and the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task match, The business process diagram is created such that the boxes are arranged in the following order: a first box corresponding to the input data of the first task, a second box corresponding to the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task, and a third box corresponding to the output data of the second task. A method for controlling an information processing device.

11. A business flow information acquisition step that acquires information about the business flow on a task-by-task basis, including at least the input data and output data of the business tasks, A business flow creation step that creates a business flow diagram in which boxes corresponding to the input data and boxes corresponding to the output data are arranged in order, A program to be executed by a computer, The aforementioned business process flow creation step is: When information regarding the business flow of a plurality of tasks, including the first task and the second task, is obtained by the business flow information acquisition step, and the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task match, The business process diagram is created such that the boxes are arranged in the following order: a first box corresponding to the input data of the first task, a second box corresponding to the output data of the first task and the input data of the second task, and a third box corresponding to the output data of the second task. A program that allows a computer to perform control processing.

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