Business record system, business record method, and business record program

Abstract

To contribute to operational efficiency by collecting real-time operational data that closely reflects actual work, while minimizing the increase in employee workload. [Solution] The business record system is characterized by comprising: employee identification means for acquiring identification information of employees operating a business terminal; record request display means for displaying a screen for business recording on the display unit of the business terminal at predetermined time intervals; business content recording means for recording the content of the business entered by the input unit of the business terminal, time information, and the employee identification information in association; and analysis means for aggregating the data recorded in the business content recording means and analyzing elements for improving the business process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to recording data related to business operations.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technique described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 7-325870 (Patent Document 1) to promote the streamlining of business operations. This publication states that the purpose is "to use a computer to record employee business operations and business hour data through simple operations, and to facilitate the management of time and profitability for each individual business operation", and "it is composed of a time management program 12 for managing time and a data area 20. The time management program 12 includes a business change recording unit 15, a time aggregation processing unit 16 that aggregates recorded data, a time print processing unit 17 that prints reports, and the like. The data area 20 includes a table in which employees, business operations, work items, etc. are registered, and a log information area 22 for holding data recording the business operations and work items of each individual employee. When an operator specifies and changes a business operation or work item displayed on the CRT 2 with the mouse 3, the business change recording unit 15 records the change content and the time in the log information area 22. From the recorded data, the time aggregation processing unit 16 calculates the time and labor cost for each employee, each business operation, and each department, and the time print processing unit 17 prints reports to achieve the purpose."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional technologies have difficulty reflecting small tasks that occur between main tasks, and they also have the challenge of relying on employee reports. To improve operational efficiency, it is necessary to collect real-time operational data that does not deviate significantly from actual work, while minimizing the increase in the workload on employees.

[0005] The present invention aims to contribute to improving operational efficiency by collecting real-time operational data that closely reflects actual work, while minimizing the increase in workload for employees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The business record system includes employee identification means for acquiring identification information of employees operating business terminals, recording request display means for displaying a screen for business recording on the display unit of the business terminal at predetermined time intervals, business content recording means for recording the content of the business entered by the input unit of the business terminal, time information, and the employee identification information in association, and analysis means for aggregating the data recorded in the business content recording means and analyzing elements for improving the business process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The business record system of the present invention contributes to business efficiency by collecting real-time business data with minimal discrepancies from actual work, while minimizing the increase in the workload of employees. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of the business record-keeping method using the business record system. [Figure 2] Configuration diagram of the business record system. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating the processing procedures for the business record system. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the details of business record processing. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the details of the correction process. [Figure 6]A flowchart showing the details of the shutdown process. [Figure 7] Specific examples of user registration screens and execution screens. [Figure 8] A concrete example of a work record screen (Part 1). [Figure 9] A concrete example of a work record screen (part 2). [Figure 10] A concrete example of a warning screen. [Figure 11] A concrete example of an edit screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment]

[0010] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the work recording method using the work recording system. The work recording system acquires data from work terminals operated by employees. As shown with employee A1 in Figure 1, if an employee is performing work using a designated application program on their work terminal, the work management system acquires the operation log of the work terminal. The operation log allows the system to identify which application employee A1 was using at what time. For example, data on the active window can be acquired at one-minute intervals. The work recording system stores the acquired operation logs in the work performance database 50.

[0011] The work record system displays a work record screen on the work terminal's display unit at predetermined time intervals. The work record screen appears on the display unit, for example, as a pop-up, and takes precedence over the previous application. In Figure 1, the work record screen W4, which is the work record screen, is displayed on the display unit of the work terminal being operated by employee A2.

[0012] The work record screen W4 pops up, for example, every 10 minutes. When employee A2 sees the work record screen W4 pop up, they input information about the work they did in the past 10 minutes. Alternatively, they could input information about the work they were doing immediately before the work record screen W4 popped up. Inputting information about the work done in the past 10 minutes allows for a relatively accurate representation of the workload ratio while reflecting the employee's subjective perspective. Inputting information about the work done immediately before the pop-up allows for sampling of smaller tasks that tend to be overlooked and buried under larger tasks, such as email reply tasks that can be completed in a few minutes. The work record system stores the entered work information in the work performance database 50.

[0013] The work record system aggregates data stored in the work performance database 50 and analyzes elements for improving business processes. For example, Graph B1 is statistical data analyzing the continuity of work. If another task interrupts the execution of one task, the efficiency of the original task decreases. Therefore, work efficiency can be improved by reducing tasks that interrupt other tasks or by adjusting the timing. Graph B2 is statistical data showing the variation in employees' perceptions of the same task. For example, if some employees consider a certain task necessary while others consider it unnecessary, it can be said that there is room for improvement in the necessity of that task and in the process of that task.

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the work record system. Figure 2 shows a configuration in which a work terminal 10 executes a work record program and stores data in a work performance database 50. The work terminal 10 has a display unit 11 and an input unit 12. The display unit 11 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input unit 12 is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, etc.

[0015] The business terminal 10 includes at least an arithmetic unit 20. The arithmetic unit 20 may be, for example, one or more processor devices. The at least one processor device may typically be a microprocessor device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also be another type of processor device such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The at least one processor device may be single-core or multi-core. The at least one processor device may be a processor core. The at least one processor device may be a processor device in a broad sense, such as a circuit that is an aggregate of gate arrays described by a hardware description language that performs part or all of the processing (for example, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)).

[0016] Although not shown in the drawings, the business terminal 10 appropriately includes a volatile memory as a main storage device, a non-volatile memory as an auxiliary storage device, and the like. The arithmetic unit 20 operates the program by, for example, reading a program stored in the non-volatile memory, loading it into the volatile memory, and sequentially executing it. The non-volatile memory may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an NVME (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drive, or an SCM (Storage Class Memory).

[0017] The arithmetic unit 20 executes a business program 30 and a business record program 40. The business program 30 is any program related to business, such as a word processing application program, a spreadsheet application program, or an email application program.

[0018] The business record program 40, when executed by the calculation unit, realizes the functions of a log recording unit 41, an employee identification unit 42, an initial setting unit 43, a record request display unit 44, a business content recording unit 45, a business content confirmation unit 46, a record content modification unit 47, and an analysis unit 48.

[0019] The logging unit 41 is a logging means that records the operation log of the work terminal 10 while it is being used by an employee. The logging unit 41 obtains the operation status from the work program 30, associates it with time information, and registers it in the work performance database 50. If multiple work programs 30 are running, the operation log also includes which work program 30 is active. In addition, the employee ID obtained by the employee identification unit 42 may be further associated with the log.

[0020] The employee identification unit 42 is an employee identification means that acquires the identification information of an employee operating the business terminal 10. For example, the employee may be prompted to enter an employee ID and password when the business terminal 10 is started, and after authenticating the employee, the employee ID may be acquired as the employee's identification information. Alternatively, the employee ID may be automatically acquired from the login information.

[0021] The initial setup unit 43 is an initial setup means that pre-sets the tasks performed by employees and the detailed work items for carrying out those tasks according to predetermined classification items, and sets predetermined time intervals. For example, the classification items have a hierarchical structure that becomes more detailed in the order of "task classification," "task," and "work," and each item can be selected from a pre-prepared set of options using a pull-down menu. When one of the "task classification" options is selected, the "task" options are narrowed down, and when one of the "task" options is selected, the "work" options are narrowed down. This reduces the workload on employees. In the initial setup, the hierarchical structure of these classification items and the filtering rules are set. It is also possible to set it so that all items are selected when recording for the first time on the day, and thereafter the window appears with the contents entered in the previous recording already entered. It is also possible to set it so that recording can be postponed when immediate recording is not possible, thereby reducing the workload. The length of the predetermined time interval is also determined in the initial setup.

[0022] The record request display unit 44 is a record request display means that displays a screen for recording work on the display unit 11 of the work terminal 10 at predetermined time intervals. The record request display unit 44 displays a screen as a work record screen that prompts the employee to select from the classifications set by the initial setting unit 43 as options. In addition to the classifications of "work classification," "work," and "task," "department of origin of the task," "remarks," and "task evaluation" may be input. "Department of origin of the task" indicates which department requested the task, and input can be accepted by presenting options. "Remarks" is an input field in which the employee subjectively writes their observations from the worker's perspective, and free text entry is accepted. For example, details of the task and reasons for evaluation can be entered. "Evaluation" is where the worker subjectively enters a value regarding the necessity of the task from their perspective. The evaluation value can be accepted by presenting predetermined options. The record request display unit 44 displays the work record screen with priority over the screen the employee is currently using. For example, it may be displayed in the foreground, overlapping with the active window. If data has already been entered into the work record screen on that day, it is preferable to display the previously entered data as a suggestion.

[0023] Here, we will explain the evaluation values. The record request display unit 44 requests that employees subjectively select evaluation values ​​for work items in the management department that are the same as the evaluation values ​​used for work items in the manufacturing department. The evaluation values ​​used are "Value," which indicates that the work item creates value; "Incidental," which indicates that the work item is necessary in conjunction with the work that creates value; and "Waste," which indicates that the work item is unnecessary. In manufacturing, "Value" corresponds to processing, etc. "Incidental" corresponds to inspection, etc. In the manufacturing department, the selection from "Value," "Incidental," and "Waste" is relatively clear due to its relationship with changes in the shape of the object, etc., and there is little variation in evaluations among workers. On the other hand, in the management department, the correspondence between the content of the work and "Value," "Incidental," and "Waste" depends more on the subjective judgment of the worker than in the manufacturing department, and there is a greater variation in evaluations among workers. For this reason, the management department can use the existence of this variation as a target for analysis to formulate targets for work improvement and improvement plans. In addition, by using evaluation indicators common to the manufacturing and management departments, it is possible to improve efficiency by integrating the departments.

[0024] The work content recording unit 45 is a work content recording means that links the content of the work entered by the input unit 12 of the work terminal 10, the time information, and the employee ID, and registers them in the work performance database 50.

[0025] The business content confirmation unit 46 displays a list of data recorded by the log recording unit 41 and the business content recording unit 45, that is, data registered in the business performance database 50, on the display unit 11.

[0026] The record content modification unit 47 is a record content modification means that modifies the data displayed by the work content confirmation unit 46 based on the employee's actions.

[0027] The analysis unit 48 is an analytical means that aggregates data recorded by the log recording unit 41 and the work content recording unit 45, that is, data registered in the work performance database 50, and analyzes elements for improving the business process. Based on the variation in evaluations of work items by the management department, the analysis unit 48 can decide whether or not to consider a work item as a candidate for improvement. The analysis unit 48 can graph the content of work entered by the input unit 12 of the work terminal 10 and the operation log, linking them by time.

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the business record system. When the business record program 40 starts operating, it sequentially executes the following steps S101 to S108.

[0029] Step S101: The business record program 40 starts recording the time and begins acquiring the operation log by the log recording unit 41. Then, the program proceeds to step S102. Step S102 The employee identification unit 42 identifies the employee. If the employee is not registered as a user (Step S102; No), proceed to step S103. If the employee is registered as a user (Step S102; Yes), proceed to step S105.

[0030] Step S103 The employee identification unit 42 displays the user registration screen and proceeds to step S104. Figure 7 shows a specific example of the user registration screen W1. The user registration screen W1 has input fields for name and affiliation and a registration button.

[0031] Step S104 The employee identification unit 42 accepts input on the user registration screen W1. If the required items on the user registration screen W1 are entered and the registration button is pressed, the employee identification unit 42 performs user registration and proceeds to step S105.

[0032] Step S105 The recording request display unit 44 continuously displays the execution screen W2. Figure 7 shows a specific example of the execution screen W2. The execution screen W2 has a modify button, a stop button, and an exit button. If no button is operated for a set time or longer, the process proceeds to step S106. If the modify button is operated, the process proceeds to step S107. If the stop button is operated, the process proceeds to step S108. If the exit button is operated, the process is terminated.

[0033] Step S106 The record request display unit 44 starts the business record processing. Details of this process will be described later. After the business record processing, the process returns to step S105.

[0034] In step S107, the record request display unit 44 starts the correction process. Details of this process will be described later. After the correction process, the process returns to step S105.

[0035] Step S108 The record request display unit 44 starts the stop process. Details of this process will be described later. After the stop process, the process returns to step S105.

[0036] Figure 4 is a flowchart detailing the business record processing. When the business record program 40 starts business record processing, it sequentially executes the following steps S201 to S210.

[0037] Step S201 The record request display unit 44 determines whether or not there is a previous record. If there is a previous record (Step S201; Yes), proceed to step S202. If there is no previous record (Step S201; No), proceed to step S205.

[0038] Step S202 The record request display unit 44 reads the contents of the previous record. Then, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0039] Step S203 The record request display unit 44 determines whether or not two predetermined time intervals have elapsed since the last record. If two predetermined time intervals have elapsed since the last record (Step S203; Yes), proceed to Step S204. If two predetermined time intervals have not elapsed since the last record (Step S203; No), proceed to Step S205.

[0040] In step S204, the recording request display unit 44 reads the time frame that has elapsed without recording. Then, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0041] Step S205 The record request display unit 44 displays the work record screen and proceeds to step S206. Figure 8 shows a specific example of the work record screen W4. The work record screen W4 has input fields for target time, work evaluation, work classification, work, task, and remarks, as well as a record button. Target time is a checkbox that indicates which time period the current work record screen W4 is responding to. Work evaluation is a pull-down menu that presents "value," "incidental," and "waste" as options. Work classification, work, and task are pull-down menus that select classifications in a hierarchical structure. Remarks allows the worker to enter any text. If the user moves from step S204 to step S205, the work record screen W5 shown in Figure 9 is used. The work record screen W5 has multiple target times, and work evaluation, work classification, work, task, and remarks can be entered for each target time.

[0042] Step S206 The record request display unit 44 accepts input from the worker on the work record screen. If the record button operation is accepted, proceed to step S207.

[0043] Step S207 The record request display unit 44 determines whether or not there are any missing entries in the required fields on the business record screen. In the examples in Figures 8 and 9, all fields except the remarks field are required. If there are missing required fields (Step S207; Yes), proceed to Step S208. If there are no missing required fields (Step S207; No), proceed to Step S209.

[0044] Step S208 The recording request display unit 44 displays a warning screen. Figure 10 shows a specific example of the warning screen W6. The warning screen W6 has a message such as "There are blank fields in the required fields," and an OK button. When the OK button is pressed, the recording request display unit 44 dismisses the warning screen and proceeds to step S206.

[0045] In step S209, the work content recording unit 45 generates a record that associates the entered content with the employee ID and time, and registers it in the work performance database 50. Then, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0046] Step S210 The record request display unit 44 determines whether or not there is unrecorded time. If there is unrecorded time (Step S210; Yes), proceed to step S204. If there is no unrecorded time (Step S210; No), terminate the business record processing.

[0047] Figure 5 is a flowchart detailing the correction process. When the business record program 40 starts the correction process, it sequentially executes the following steps S301 to S306.

[0048] Step S301: The business content confirmation unit 46 reads all records from the business performance database 50. Then, it proceeds to step S302.

[0049] Step S302 The record content modification unit 47 generates a modification screen from the loaded record and displays it on the display unit 11. Then, the process proceeds to step S303. Figure 11 shows a specific example of the modification screen W7. The modification screen W7 displays the records in a list. Each row corresponds to one record, and each record consists of the target time, work evaluation, work classification, task, work, and remarks. The modification screen W7 also has a record button.

[0050] In step S303, the record content modification unit 47 receives input from the operator on the modification screen. The operator can modify any item of any record and press the record button after making the modification. If the record content modification unit 47 has received the operation of the record button, it proceeds to step S304.

[0051] Step S304 The record content correction unit 47 determines whether or not there are any missing entries in the required fields of the record. If there are missing required fields (Step S304; Yes), proceed to Step S305. If there are no missing required fields (Step S304; No), proceed to Step S306.

[0052] Step S305 The record content modification unit 47 displays a warning screen. Figure 10 shows a specific example of the warning screen W6. The warning screen W6 has a message such as "There are blank fields in the required fields," and an OK button. When the OK button is pressed, the record content modification unit 47 dismisses the warning screen and proceeds to step S303.

[0053] In step S306, the record content correction unit 47 reflects the corrections in the records of the business performance database 50 and terminates the correction process.

[0054] Figure 6 is a flowchart detailing the stop process. When the business record program 40 starts the stop process, it sequentially executes the following steps S401 to S402.

[0055] In step S401, the recording request display unit 44 changes the execution screen to a stopped screen. Then, the process proceeds to step S402. Figure 7 shows a specific example of the stopped screen W3. The stopped screen W3 has a modify button, a resume button, and an exit button.

[0056] Step S402 The recording request display unit 44 determines whether the resume button has been pressed. If the resume button has not been pressed (Step S402; No), the process returns to Step S401. If the resume button has been pressed (Step S402; Yes), the stop process is terminated.

[0057] The edit and exit buttons on the stop screen may be disabled. Alternatively, if the edit button is pressed, the system may proceed to the edit process, and if the exit button is pressed, the process of the business record system shown in Figure 3 may be terminated.

[0058] As described above, the disclosed business record system includes: employee identification means for acquiring identification information of employees operating a business terminal; record request display means for displaying a screen for business recording on the display unit of the business terminal at predetermined time intervals; business content recording means for recording the content of the business entered by the input unit of the business terminal, time information, and the employee's identification information in association; and analysis means for aggregating the data recorded in the business content recording means and analyzing elements for improving the business process. This configuration and operation allows for the collection of real-time business data that closely reflects actual work, while minimizing the increase in employee workload, thereby contributing to improved operational efficiency.

[0059] Furthermore, the system includes an initial setup means for pre-setting the tasks to be performed by the employee and detailed work items for carrying out those tasks according to predetermined classification items, and for setting predetermined time intervals. The record request display means displays a screen for recording the tasks, prompting the employee to select from each classification set by the initial setup means as an option. The input unit is a pointing device that accepts the selection operation as an input operation. This configuration and operation allows for easy input of classifications, reducing the burden on workers.

[0060] Furthermore, the record request display means requests the employee to subjectively select an evaluation value for a work item in the management department that is common to the evaluation value used for work items in the manufacturing department, and the analysis means decides whether or not to include the work item as a candidate for improvement based on the variation in evaluations of the work item in the management department. The evaluation values ​​used will correspond to work items that generate value, work items that are necessary in conjunction with value-generating work, and work items that are not necessary. This configuration and operation allows for consistent evaluation of both the management and manufacturing departments, contributing to the improvement of the management department's operations.

[0061] Furthermore, the system includes a log recording means for recording the operation logs of the work terminal while it is being used by the employee, and the analysis means graphs the content of the work entered by the input unit of the work terminal and the operation logs linked by time. This configuration and operation allows for the combination of automatically acquired data and data entered by workers, which can then be used to improve business operations.

[0062] Furthermore, the record request display means includes a remarks column on the work record screen for employees to write down their observations. The system further includes a work content confirmation means that displays the data recorded by the work content recording means in a list on the display unit, and a record content modification means that modifies the data displayed by the work content confirmation means based on the employee's operation. Furthermore, the record request display means displays the work record screen in priority over the screen currently being used by the employee, and displays the previous input content as a candidate on the work record screen. These configurations and operations enable the efficient and accurate acquisition of diverse data, which can then be used to improve business operations.

[0063] Although one embodiment has been described above, this is merely an example for explaining the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to this embodiment alone. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. For example, the work performance database 50 may be stored in the storage unit inside the work terminal, or it may be provided on a server that communicates with multiple work terminals. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide all the functions of the work recording system on the work terminal, and they may be distributed across multiple devices. In addition, if no appropriate option is presented, free input may be allowed. The display order of the options may be rearranged according to the worker's specifications or selection history. The work recording program should be started automatically when the work terminal is started and the recording for the day should be terminated at the end of the day's work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 10: Business terminal, 11: Display unit, 12: Input unit, 15: Business change recording unit, 16: Time aggregation processing unit, 17: Time printing processing unit, 20: Calculation unit, 30: Business program, 40: Business record program, 41: Log recording unit, 42: Employee identification unit, 43: Initial setup unit, 44: Record request display unit, 45: Business content recording unit, 46: Business content confirmation unit, 47: Record content correction unit, 48: Analysis unit, 50: Business performance database

Claims

1. An employee identification means for obtaining identification information of employees operating business terminals, A recording request display means that displays a screen for recording business operations on the display unit of the aforementioned business terminal at predetermined time intervals, A work content recording means that records the content of the work entered by the input unit of the aforementioned work terminal, the time information, and the employee identification information in a linked manner, An analysis means for aggregating the data recorded in the aforementioned business content recording means and analyzing elements for improving the business process, A business record system characterized by having the following features.

2. The system further includes an initial setup means for pre-setting the tasks to be performed by the employee and the detailed work items for carrying out those tasks according to predetermined classification items, and for setting predetermined time intervals. The record request display means displays a screen for recording work, prompting the employee to select one of the classifications set by the initial setting means as an option. The input unit is a pointing device that accepts the selection operation as an input operation. The business record system according to claim 1.

3. The record request display means requests the employee to subjectively select an evaluation value for the work items of the management department that is the same as the evaluation value used for the work items of the manufacturing department. The analysis means determines whether or not to include a work item as a candidate for improvement based on the variability in evaluations of the work items of the management department. The business record system according to claim 1.

4. As the aforementioned evaluation values, we use values ​​corresponding to work items that generate value, work items that are necessary in conjunction with work that generates value, and work items that are not necessary. The business record system according to claim 3.

5. The system further includes a log recording means for recording the operation logs of the business terminal while it is being used by the employee, The analysis means graphs the content of the work entered by the input unit of the business terminal and the operation log, linking them by time. The business record system according to claim 1.

6. The record request display means includes a remarks column on the work record screen for the employee to write down their observations. The business record system according to claim 1.

7. A business content confirmation means that displays the data recorded by the business content recording means in a list on the display unit, The system further comprises a record content modification means for modifying the data displayed by the aforementioned work content confirmation means based on the employee's actions. The business record system according to claim 1.

8. The record request display means displays the screen for work records in priority over the screen currently being used by the employee. On the aforementioned screen for recording work entries, the previously entered content is displayed as a suggestion. The business record system according to claim 1.

9. Computers An employee identification step to obtain identification information of an employee operating a business terminal, A record request display step in which a screen for recording business operations is displayed on the display unit of the business terminal at predetermined time intervals, A work content recording step that records the content of the work entered by the input unit of the business terminal, the time information, and the employee identification information in a linked manner, The analysis step involves aggregating the data recorded in the aforementioned business content recording step and analyzing elements for improving the business process, A method for recording business operations, characterized by including the following:

10. On the computer, An employee identification step to obtain identification information of an employee operating a business terminal, A record request display step in which a screen for recording business operations is displayed on the display unit of the business terminal at predetermined time intervals, A work content recording step that records the content of the work entered by the input unit of the business terminal, the time information, and the employee identification information in a linked manner, The analysis step involves aggregating the data recorded in the aforementioned business content recording step and analyzing elements for improving the business process, A business record program that executes tasks.

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