Construction support system

Abstract

We provide a construction support system that can output contractors who can accommodate the installation schedule for plumbing fixtures. [Solution] The construction support system comprises a first acquisition means, a second acquisition means, a identification means, and an output means. The first acquisition means acquires event information relating to the construction of at least one plumbing fixture, such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub. The second acquisition means acquires information on contractors who will install the plumbing fixture. The identification means identifies contractors who can handle the construction schedule of the plumbing fixture based on the event information and the contractor information. The output means outputs the information of the contractors identified by the identification means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction support system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the development of information processing technology, schedule management software for managing personnel allocation for various schedules has been developed. For example, for specific project types such as construction work or IT operations, a work history management device for each person is provided that can extract experienced personnel for the same project type across departments, visualize the recent workload status of the personnel, and then formulate an assignment plan (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the construction of plumbing equipment, from the perspectives of labor shortage and work style reform, complex operations are required to allocate man-hours across multiple projects. For example, for contractors who carry out operations across multiple projects such as multiple sites, it is essential to win more orders for sites and formulate man-hour arrangement plans. However, most contractors are small and medium-sized or micro enterprises with a small number of workers, and it is difficult for them to formulate complex operation plans. As a result, there are problems such as restrictions on the order volume, prolonged working hours, and the inability to present accurate schedules to customers.

[0005] On the other hand, it has also become difficult for customers receiving services to understand the related situations, and there is a demand for assistance for customers to select appropriate services.

[0006] However, conventional individual work history management systems are limited to the perspective of in-house projects only, failing to reflect the wishes of the personnel being assigned, and leaving no room for customer choice. In construction arrangements that cannot be handled with internally controllable resources, the work remains dependent on individual expertise, and customer options remain limited.

[0007] One aspect of this project is to provide a construction support system that can output contractors who are able to meet the construction schedule for plumbing fixtures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A construction support system according to one embodiment comprises a first acquisition means, a second acquisition means, a identification means, and an output means. The first acquisition means acquires event information relating to the construction of at least one plumbing fixture, such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub. The second acquisition means acquires information on contractors who will install the plumbing fixture. The identification means identifies contractors who can handle the construction schedule of the plumbing fixture based on the event information and the contractor information. The output means outputs the contractor information identified by the identification means.

[0009] As a result, the construction support system according to one embodiment of the system can output contractors who can accommodate the construction schedule for plumbing fixtures. Furthermore, since contractors who can accommodate the construction schedule for plumbing fixtures are output, customers can easily select a contractor who can accommodate the schedule by specifying the contractor they wish to request from the outputted list. The construction support system can also output contractors who can meet customer requirements. Customers can easily select a contractor who can meet customer requirements by specifying the contractor they wish to request from the outputted list. The construction support system can also select contractors who have the necessary construction capabilities and can meet the customer's desired construction period and delivery date, and present a list of contractors. Furthermore, if the proposed schedule is unrealistic, the customer can flexibly adjust their plans. As a result, the construction support system reduces the effort required to find suitable contractors. Since contractors can also accommodate the construction schedule, they can reduce the effort required to adjust their schedules when receiving construction requests.

[0010] In a construction support system relating to one embodiment, the event information includes the customer's schedule information. The contractor information includes construction history information of past constructions performed by the contractor. The identification means identifies a contractor to present to the customer based on the customer's schedule information and the construction history information.

[0011] As a result, the construction support system according to one embodiment of the system can output contractors who can accommodate the customer's schedule. For example, in the case of renovations, daily life is restricted for a certain period, so by reflecting the customer's acceptable dates in the customer's schedule, the system can output information on contractors that can accommodate the customer's acceptable dates. In addition, the workload of contractors can be estimated from construction history information such as the number of past (most recent) construction projects, and contractors with availability can be selected.

[0012] In a construction support system according to one embodiment, the construction history information includes evaluation results that assess the past construction performance of the construction company. The identification means uses the evaluation results to identify the construction company to be presented to the customer.

[0013] As a result, a construction support system according to one embodiment can identify contractors to present to the customer using evaluation results. For example, the construction support system can identify contractors to present to the customer who have high evaluation results. There are differences in skill levels and construction periods among contractors. The construction support system can also take these differences in construction periods into account and select and / or present contractors who can meet the customer's requirements. In addition, the construction support system can also present the level of completion of the construction.

[0014] In a construction support system relating to one embodiment, the event information includes the handover conditions for completion of construction desired by the customer. The identification means identifies a construction contractor to present to the customer using the handover conditions.

[0015] This allows a construction support system, according to one embodiment of the system, to identify contractors to present to the customer using the handover conditions. The customer's strongest schedule requirement is the handover date. Especially in the case of new construction or full renovations, if the work is not completed, it becomes impossible to even move in, which has many consequences, such as arranging hotels and moving boxes. The construction support system can, for example, include the handover date in the handover conditions, determine the feasibility of each contractor based on the handover date, and output information on contractors who can handle the request.

[0016] In a construction support system according to one embodiment, the event information includes either or both environmental information surrounding the construction site and information related to events taking place nearby. The contractor information includes information on either or both of the contractor's transportation equipment and personnel. The identification means identifies the contractor to be presented to the customer using the event-related information.

[0017] Thereby, the construction support system according to one aspect of the embodiment can present a contractor capable of coping with the influence related to events held in the neighborhood. For example, in the construction work of plumbing equipment, transportation using trucks is required for the construction, but road conditions often deteriorate due to events such as marathons, festivals, and ceremonies, and there are cases where the construction cannot actually be started and the construction period cannot be met. For example, by pre-selecting a contractor capable of divided transportation using small trucks, the construction period can be met. Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to one aspect, a contractor that can accommodate the construction schedule of plumbing equipment can be output. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the construction support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a standard construction schedule. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of customer schedule information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of transportation facilities and personnel of a contractor. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a workable period for each contractor and an example of a correction value for the standard construction period. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a temporary schedule for each contractor. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of product information acquisition processing. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of customer information acquisition processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of neighborhood information acquisition processing. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of contractor information acquisition processing. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of trader load information acquisition processing. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of constructor selection processing. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of constructor selection processing. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a server related to a construction support system according to a second embodiment. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the construction support system and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are merely illustrative examples, and are not intended to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not explicitly specified in the embodiments. That is, the embodiments can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist thereof. In addition, each drawing does not mean that it includes only the components shown in the drawing, and may include other functions and the like.

[0021] <1. First Embodiment> <1-1. Configuration of Construction Support System 10> FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the construction support system 10 according to the first embodiment. The construction support system 10 is a system that supports selection of a constructor who performs construction of plumbing-related equipment such as toilet apparatuses, kitchens, washbasins, and bathtubs in new construction and renovation. The construction support system 10 includes a server 11 and a schedule management device 20. The server 11 and the schedule management device 20 are communicably connected via a network NE.

[0022] Server 11 is an information processing device such as a server computer. Server 11 has a database (DB) 12. DB 12 stores information about plumbing fixtures such as toilets, kitchens, washbasins, and bathtubs. For example, DB 12 stores product information for plumbing fixtures. The product information includes the standard construction period for installing plumbing fixtures and the standard delivery time from ordering to delivery. The product information is associated with the product number of the plumbing fixture.

[0023] The term "water-related equipment" as used here refers to a concept that includes equipment related to water and the functions they possess (are installed). For example, water-related equipment includes various devices and functions installed in water-related spaces. For example, water-related equipment includes toilets, urinals, bathrooms, bathtubs, washbasins, and other equipment related to sanitary spaces, as well as various water-related devices such as kitchens. For example, water-related equipment includes toilet equipment, bathroom equipment, vanity equipment, kitchen equipment, etc.

[0024] Furthermore, DB12 stores information on contractors who can undertake the installation of plumbing fixtures. This contractor information includes details such as the contractor's name, address, and contact information.

[0025] Furthermore, the contractor information includes available schedules for each contractor, indicating when they can accept new construction projects. These available schedules are registered, for example, via the contractor's terminal equipment through the network NE. The contractor information also includes order history for each contractor. Order history includes the product number of the ordered plumbing fixtures and the construction period. Additionally, the contractor information includes past construction history information. Construction history information includes the contractor's past plumbing fixture construction track record and evaluation results. For example, the construction history information includes, as an evaluation result, the level of completion for each contractor. The level of completion refers to the degree of completion of the installed plumbing fixtures. The level of completion can be calculated for each contractor from the evaluation of the installed plumbing fixtures. The level of completion may be set as an input value by the plumbing fixture manufacturer or the client requesting the plumbing fixture construction, or it may be calculated from the evaluation of each contractor's construction track record. Finally, the contractor information includes information on the contractor's transportation equipment and personnel. Transportation equipment refers to information about the vehicles and other transportation equipment owned by the contractor. For example, transportation equipment includes the number of large vehicles such as large trucks and medium-sized trucks, and small vehicles such as small trucks, light trucks, and cargo vans. Personnel refers to the number of workers at the contractor who are capable of handling the installation of plumbing fixtures.

[0026] Server 11 provides various types of information. Upon request, Server 11 provides product information and contractor information stored in DB 12.

[0027] The schedule management device 20 is a terminal device operated by users and customers who provide construction support and sales support for new construction and renovations, and is an information processing device such as a personal computer or smartphone.

[0028] <1-2. Configuration of the Schedule Management Device 20> Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the schedule management device 20. The schedule management device 20 includes a communication interface 21, an interface 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24.

[0029] Communication interface 21 is a communication interface that manages communication with the network NE.

[0030] Interface 22 includes, for example, input / output ports such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports, and video input / output ports such as DisplayPort and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). An input unit 22a and an output unit 22b are connected to interface 22. Output unit 22b is an example of an output means stage.

[0031] The input unit 22a is an input device that receives various types of information. For example, the input unit 22a can be an input device such as a mouse or keyboard. The input unit 22a receives operation input from the user and inputs operation information indicating the received operation to the control unit 24 via the interface 22.

[0032] The output unit 22b is an output device that outputs various types of information. The output unit 22b is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The output unit 22b displays various types of information.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 1, the schedule management device 20 is shown in a functional configuration, and therefore the input unit 22a and output unit 22b are shown separately. However, the input unit 22a and output unit 22b may be configured as a device that integrates input and output, such as a touch panel.

[0034] The memory unit 23 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. The memory unit 23 stores the OS (Operating System) and various programs executed by the control unit 24. For example, the memory unit 23 stores a program that performs the information processing described later. Furthermore, the memory unit 23 stores various data used by the program executed by the control unit 24. For example, the memory unit 23 stores nearby event information 23a, customer information 23b, customer schedule information 23c, product standard installation information 23d, contractor information 23e, contractor availability information 23f, contractor order history information 23g, contractor past performance information 23h, contractor arrangement information 23i, and contractor load information 23j.

[0035] Nearby Event Information 23a is data that stores various information related to the environment around the construction site and events held in the vicinity. Nearby events include various events held in the vicinity. Customer Information 23b is data that stores various information about the customer, such as the customer's name, address, contact information, and residential area. Customer Schedule Information 23c is data that stores the customer's schedule, such as the period during which the customer is available for construction and the desired handover date.

[0036] Product standard installation information 23d is data that stores various information about each product. For example, product standard installation information 23d stores the standard process and schedule for installing each product.

[0037] Contractor information 23e is data that stores various information about contractors capable of installing plumbing fixtures, such as the company name, address, and contact information. Contractor availability information 23f is data that stores the schedule of each contractor. For example, contractor availability information 23f stores the period during which a contractor is available to accept orders for plumbing fixture installation.

[0038] Contractor Order History Information 23g is data that stores the order history to construction contractors. For example, Contractor Order History Information 23g stores the order history of construction contractors. Contractor Past Performance Information 23h is data that stores the construction history information of construction contractors. Contractor Arrangement Information 23i is data that stores the personnel and transportation equipment of construction contractors. Contractor Load Information 23j is data that stores the load status of construction contractors. For example, Contractor Load Information 23j stores the load status estimated from the order history of construction contractors. For example, Contractor Load Information 23j stores a correction value for the standard construction period for each construction contractor.

[0039] The control unit 24 may be, for example, an information processing device (control device) that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 24 may have, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and may be implemented by executing a program stored inside the control unit 24 (for example, an information processing program related to this disclosure) using RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 24 may also have, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0040] The control unit 24 includes a receiving unit 24a, a first acquisition unit 24b, a second acquisition unit 24c, a specification unit 24d, and an output control unit 24e, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. The first acquisition unit 24b is an example of a first acquisition means. The second acquisition unit 24c is an example of a second acquisition means. The specification unit 24d is an example of a specification means. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 24 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1, and other configurations are acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0041] The reception unit 24a accepts various inputs. For example, the reception unit 24a displays various screens on the output unit 22b and accepts various information inputs from the input unit 22a. For example, the reception unit 24a accepts customer information such as the customer's name, address, and contact information. The reception unit 24a also accepts the customer's specification of plumbing equipment that they are considering or intend to purchase. For example, the reception unit 24a accepts the input of the product number of the plumbing equipment. The reception unit 24a also accepts the customer's schedule input. For example, the reception unit 24a accepts the customer's schedule input, such as the period during which plumbing equipment can be installed and the desired delivery date. For example, the reception unit 24a displays a screen including a calendar on the output unit 22b and accepts input of the days on which plumbing equipment can be installed, the days on which installation is not possible, and the desired delivery date.

[0042] Furthermore, the reception unit 24a receives various instructions. For example, the reception unit 24a receives instructions for selecting a construction contractor.

[0043] The first acquisition unit 24b acquires various types of information. For example, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires event information related to the installation of at least one plumbing fixture, such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub.

[0044] For example, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires product information from the server 11 that corresponds to the plumbing equipment received by the reception unit 24a as event information. For example, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires product information from the server 11 that corresponds to the product number of the specified plumbing equipment.

[0045] The first acquisition unit 24b identifies the standard dates for various events when installing plumbing fixtures from the standard construction period and standard delivery days included in the product information, and identifies the standard installation date for plumbing fixtures. For example, the first acquisition unit 24b calculates the standard construction period for plumbing fixtures from the standard construction period included in the product information. For example, if plumbing fixtures consist of multiple products, the first acquisition unit 24b calculates the standard construction period by adding the standard construction periods for each product. Also, if multiple plumbing fixtures are to be installed, the first acquisition unit 24b calculates the standard construction period by adding the standard construction periods for each plumbing fixture. The first acquisition unit 24b identifies the standard installation date by setting the delivery date so that delivery is earlier than the standard construction period, and setting the arrangement date so that arrangement is earlier than the delivery by the standard delivery days.

[0046] The server 11 may store the standard installation schedule for plumbing fixtures in the DB 12. The standard installation schedule may be defined for each type or category of plumbing fixture, or for each product number of plumbing fixture. The first acquisition unit 24b may acquire the standard installation schedule corresponding to the specified plumbing fixture from the server 11. For example, the first acquisition unit 24b may acquire the standard installation schedule corresponding to the product number of the specified plumbing fixture from the server 11.

[0047] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a standard construction schedule. Figure 2 shows a standard construction schedule 50 for plumbing fixtures. The standard construction schedule 50 for plumbing fixtures shows the events that occur in accordance with the number of days elapsed.

[0048] The standard installation schedule 50 for plumbing fixtures shows a standard schedule for the installation of plumbing fixtures over a standard construction period of N days. The standard installation schedule 50 for plumbing fixtures shows the events of procurement, delivery, construction period N, and handover. Construction period N is the installation period for plumbing fixtures over a standard construction period of N days. The standard schedule 50 for plumbing fixtures is determined by the number of days elapsed from procurement. The standard installation schedule 50 for plumbing fixtures specifies the order of each event, procurement, delivery, construction period N, and handover, and also specifies the number of days between events as a standard number of days. The number of days in construction period N for a standard construction period of N days is N days. Figure 2 shows the case where the standard construction period N days is 6 days. In the standard installation schedule 50 for plumbing fixtures, the ordered plumbing fixtures are delivered 2 days after procurement. Furthermore, according to the standard installation schedule 50 for plumbing fixtures, the installation work for the plumbing fixtures begins the day after the delivery date, and the plumbing fixtures can be handed over after N days.

[0049] The first acquisition unit 24b stores the standard installation schedule for plumbing fixtures in the product standard installation information 23d.

[0050] Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires customer information received by the reception unit 24a. The first acquisition unit 24b identifies the customer's residential area from the customer's address included in the customer information.

[0051] Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires event information related to the customer from the reception unit 24a. For example, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires the customer's schedule information as event information. For example, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires the period during which plumbing fixtures can be installed and the desired handover date, which have been received by the reception unit 24a, as the customer's schedule information. For example, the first acquisition unit 24b extracts the days on which plumbing fixtures can be installed to obtain the customer's period of availability. Also, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires the date entered as the desired handover date as the customer's desired handover date. Therefore, the event information includes the customer's schedule information. The event information also includes the handover conditions for completion of the work desired by the customer. For example, the event information includes the desired handover date as a handover condition.

[0052] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of customer schedule information. Figure 3 shows an example of customer schedule information 51. In the customer schedule information 51, for each day of the period during which the customer wishes to have plumbing fixtures installed, days when installation is not possible are indicated as "Not Available," and days when installation is possible are indicated as "Available." The customer schedule information 51 also shows the desired handover date. In Figure 3, 2 / 14 to 2 / 19 is "Available," and 2 / 19 is the desired handover date. The first acquisition unit 24b extracts the "Available" days to obtain the customer's available installation period. For example, in Figure 3, the first acquisition unit 24b obtains 2 / 14 to 2 / 19 as the customer's available installation period.

[0053] Furthermore, the first data acquisition unit 24b acquires environmental information around the construction site and information related to nearby events as event information. For example, the first data acquisition unit 24b acquires environmental information around the installation site for plumbing equipment and information related to nearby events as event information from an external server that provides information on roads and events, via the network NE. For example, the first data acquisition unit 24b acquires environmental information as event information, such as whether vehicles can access the installation site for plumbing equipment and information on accessible vehicles. The first data acquisition unit 24b also acquires event-related information as event information, such as the event schedule, event content, event location, and information on the extent of road impact due to the event, such as the extent of road restrictions and congestion. Therefore, the event information includes environmental information around the construction site and information related to nearby events. The first data acquisition unit 24b may also acquire environmental information and event-related information from the server 11. The reception unit 24a may receive input of environmental information around the construction site and information related to nearby events, and the first acquisition unit 24b may acquire the environmental information and event-related information from the reception unit 24a.

[0054] The first acquisition unit 24b stores acquired customer information such as the customer's name, address, contact information, and residential area in the customer information 23b. The first acquisition unit 24b also stores acquired customer schedule information such as the customer's available construction period and desired handover date in the customer schedule information 23c. The first acquisition unit 24b also stores acquired environmental information around the construction site and information related to nearby events in the nearby event information 23a.

[0055] The second acquisition unit 24c acquires various types of information. For example, the second acquisition unit 24c acquires information on contractors who install plumbing fixtures from the server 11. The second acquisition unit 24c stores the acquired contractor information in the storage unit 23. For example, the second acquisition unit 24c stores contractor information such as the contractor's name, address, and contact information in the contractor information in contractor information 23e. The second acquisition unit 24c also stores the available schedules for each contractor included in the contractor information in contractor availability information 23f. The second acquisition unit 24c also stores the order history for each contractor included in the contractor information in contractor order history information 23g. The second acquisition unit 24c also stores the construction history information included in the contractor information in contractor past performance information 23h. The second acquisition unit 24c also stores information on transportation equipment and personnel for each contractor included in the contractor information in contractor arrangement information 23i.

[0056] The second acquisition unit 24c acquires the load information of the contractor. For example, the second acquisition unit 24c acquires the load information of the contractor from the contractor arrangement information 23i and the contractor order history information 23g. For example, the second acquisition unit 24c estimates the load of each contractor from the contractor's personnel information and order history, and estimates a correction value for the standard construction period. The correction value is the difference from the standard construction period for plumbing equipment. The second acquisition unit 24c sets the correction value to 0 if the contractor's load is within a predetermined range considered to be the standard load, sets a positive value for the correction value if the contractor's load is higher than the predetermined range, and sets a negative value for the correction value if the contractor's load is lower than the predetermined range. For example, the second acquisition unit 24c determines the number of orders per person for each contractor from the contractor's personnel information and order history. The second acquisition unit 24c sets the correction value to 0 if the number of orders per person is within a predetermined range, sets the correction value to a progressively larger value as the number of orders per person increases if the number of orders per person is greater than the predetermined range, and sets a negative value (for example, -1) to the correction value if the number of orders per person is less than the predetermined range. The second acquisition unit 24c may also determine the difference from the standard construction period for plumbing equipment for each contractor based on the construction performance of each contractor, and determine a correction value for the standard construction period according to the construction capabilities of each contractor. The correction value may also be entered via a screen by the reception unit 24a.

[0057] The second acquisition unit 24c stores the contractor's load information in the contractor load information 23j. For example, the second acquisition unit 24c stores a correction value for the standard construction period in the contractor load information 23j for each contractor.

[0058] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a contractor's transportation equipment and personnel. Figure 4 shows an example of the evaluation results, transportation equipment, and personnel for four contractors included in the contractor information: "Construction Company A," "Plumbing Company B," "Equipment Company C," and "Construction Company D." Figure 4 shows the personnel and transportation equipment. Personnel indicates the number of workers capable of handling the installation of plumbing fixtures within the contractor. Transportation equipment shows the contractor's transport equipment. Figure 4 shows the number of large vehicles and small vehicles as transportation equipment. Figure 4 also shows the actual construction period and completion rate. The actual construction period shows the standard construction period and a correction value for the standard construction period (for a standard construction period of N days). The completion rate shows the level of completion of the construction. In Figure 4, the completion rate is shown in three stages: "S," "A," and "B." "S" is the highest level of completion, and "B" is the lowest.

[0059] The second acquisition unit 24c acquires the available construction period for each contractor, during which plumbing fixtures can be installed. For example, the second acquisition unit 24c extracts the period designated as available for each contractor as the contractor's available construction period. The second acquisition unit 24c may also extract the period other than the construction period in the order history from the available period as the contractor's available construction period. Furthermore, for contractors for whom there is no available schedule information, the second acquisition unit 24c may extract the period other than the construction period in the order history as the contractor's available construction period. In addition, the available schedule for each contractor may be entered via the screen by the reception unit 24a. Alternatively, the order history, such as the construction period already ordered for each contractor, may be entered via the screen by the reception unit 24a, and the second acquisition unit 24c may extract the available construction period from the entered order history for each contractor.

[0060] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the possible construction period and correction value for the standard construction period for each contractor. Figure 5 shows the available schedules 52a to 52d for four contractors: "Construction Company A," "Plumbing Company B," "Equipment Company C," and "Construction Company D." In the available schedules 52a to 52d, days when plumbing fixture installation is not possible are indicated as "Not Available," and days when plumbing fixture installation is possible are indicated as "Available." Figure 5 also shows the standard construction period and the correction value for the standard construction period when the standard construction period is N days, as examples of actual construction results.

[0061] In Figure 5, "Construction Company A" is listed as "OK to respond" from 2 / 13 to 2 / 19. "Plumbing Company B" is listed as "OK to respond" from 2 / 14 to 2 / 20. "Equipment Company C" is listed as "OK to respond" on 2 / 13, 2 / 14, and 2 / 19 to 2 / 22. "Construction Company D" is listed as "OK to respond" from 2 / 15 to 2 / 20 and 2 / 22. For example, in the second acquisition section 24c, 2 / 13 to 2 / 19 is extracted as the period during which construction is possible for "Construction Company A", 2 / 14 to 2 / 20 is extracted as the period during which construction is possible for "Plumbing Company B", 2 / 13, 2 / 14, and 2 / 19 to 2 / 22 is extracted as the period during which construction is possible for "Equipment Company C", and 2 / 15 to 2 / 20 and 2 / 22 is extracted as the period during which construction is possible for "Construction Company D".

[0062] The identification unit 24d performs various types of identification. For example, the identification unit 24d identifies contractors who can accommodate the customer's schedule based on event information and contractor information. For example, the identification unit 24d identifies contractors who can accommodate the customer's schedule using the customer's available construction period and desired handover date, and the contractor's available construction period. For each contractor, the identification unit 24d compares the customer's available construction period with the contractor's available construction period to identify a common available construction date for both the customer and the contractor. For each contractor, the identification unit 24d works backward from the desired handover date by the number of days of the standard construction period, and if it is possible to secure the number of days of the standard construction period, it identifies the period during which the number of days of the standard construction period can be secured as the available construction period for the plumbing fixtures. The identification unit 24d may also adjust each contractor's standard construction period according to each contractor's workload and construction capabilities. For example, the identification unit 24d adjusts each contractor's standard construction period by the adjustment value of each contractor's standard construction period. For example, the specific unit 24d corrects the standard construction period by a correction value, works backward from the desired handover date by the corrected standard construction period, and if it is possible to secure the period of the standard construction period, it identifies the period backward from the desired handover date by the standard construction period as the period during which plumbing fixtures can be installed. The specific unit 24d identifies contractors who have been able to identify the period during which plumbing fixtures can be installed as contractors who can accommodate the customer's schedule.

[0063] The specific unit 24d creates a provisional construction schedule for the plumbing fixtures based on the standard installation schedule for plumbing fixtures, using the available installation period for each contractor that can accommodate the customer's schedule. The specific unit 24d uses the standard installation schedule for plumbing fixtures to determine the arrangement, delivery, construction period, and handover date within the available installation period for plumbing fixtures, and creates a provisional schedule for the plumbing fixtures' installation. For example, the specific unit 24d determines the construction period for the plumbing fixtures to be the number of days of the standard construction period from the available installation period for plumbing fixtures. For example, the specific unit 24d determines the construction period for the plumbing fixtures to be a period that can secure the number of days of the standard construction period from the available installation period for plumbing fixtures and is closer to the desired handover date. Furthermore, the specific unit 24d determines the handover date to be between the last day of the plumbing fixtures' construction period and the desired handover date. For example, the specific unit 24d determines the last day of the plumbing fixtures' construction period to be the available handover date. Furthermore, the specific unit 24d determines the ordering date and delivery date so that the delivery of the plumbing fixtures is completed by the start date of the construction period for the plumbing fixtures. For example, the specific unit 24d determines the delivery date to be the start date of the construction period for the plumbing fixtures or the day before the start date of the construction period. The specific unit 24d also determines the ordering date to be the standard number of days before the delivery date, from the ordering date to the delivery of the plumbing fixtures. The specific unit 24d creates a provisional schedule for the construction of the plumbing fixtures, using the determined ordering date, delivery date, handover date, and the standard construction schedule for the plumbing fixtures as events.

[0064] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a provisional schedule for each contractor. Figure 6 shows the customer's schedule information 51. In Figure 6, the customer's available construction period is from 2 / 8 to 2 / 20, the desired handover date is 2 / 20, and with 2 / 20 as the handover date, the standard construction period N is shown, as well as the contract date. In Figure 6, the standard construction period N is 6 days.

[0065] Figure 6 also shows the available schedules 52a, 52b, and 52d for contractors "Construction Company A," "Plumbing Company B," and "Construction Company D." Figure 6 also shows the estimated cost as "Estimate." This estimated cost could be, for example, the amount entered via the screen by the reception unit 24a, or it could be the amount the contractor has paid for similar plumbing work in the past. Furthermore, Figure 6 shows the standard construction period and the correction value for the standard construction period when the standard construction period is N days. "Construction Company A," "Plumbing Company B," and "Construction Company D" can each secure the standard construction period by working backward from the desired handover date, correcting for the number of days the standard construction period has been adjusted for the number of days the contractor has been able to work on. For example, "Construction Company A" has a standard construction period of (N-1) of 5 days, and can secure 5 days between 2 / 13 and 2 / 19. "Plumbing Company B" has a standard construction period of 7 days (N+1), and 7 days can be secured between February 14th and February 20th. "Construction Company D" has a standard construction period of 6 days (N), and 6 days can be secured between February 15th and February 20th. Therefore, "Construction Company A," "Plumbing Company B," and "Construction Company D" are identified as contractors who can accommodate the customer's schedule, and a provisional schedule for the installation of plumbing fixtures is created. Figure 6 shows the construction periods 53a, 53c, and 53d for the plumbing fixtures in the provisional schedule.

[0066] The specific unit 24d creates a delivery arrangement plan for each contractor capable of meeting the specified customer's schedule, based on environmental information around the construction site, information related to nearby events, and contractor information, and determines whether delivery is possible on the provisional construction schedule. For example, the specific unit 24d reads environmental information around the construction site and information related to nearby events from nearby event information 23a to identify the environment around the construction site and events taking place near the construction site, and determines whether delivery to the construction site is possible on the provisional schedule. If delivery is not possible, the specific unit 24d changes the provisional construction schedule. For example, the specific unit 24d changes the delivery date on the provisional schedule to multiple days or changes the date of the delivery. For example, if a vehicle cannot access the construction site, or if a large vehicle cannot access it, the specific unit 24d changes the delivery date to multiple days because a lot of manpower will be needed to bring in the materials necessary for the installation of plumbing equipment. Also, if a large vehicle can access the construction site, but the contractor does not own a large vehicle, the specific unit 24d changes the delivery date to multiple days because a lot of manpower will be needed to bring in the materials. Furthermore, Section 24d states that if the number of workers provided by the contractor is less than the standard number for loading goods, loading will take longer, and therefore the delivery date will be changed to multiple days. Also, for example, if an event is held near the construction site on the delivery date, and the construction site is within the area affected by the event's roads, road restrictions and congestion may worsen road conditions and cause delivery delays, so the delivery date will be changed to a day other than the event day. Section 24d also changes the provisional schedule to match the changed delivery date. For example, Section 24d changes the construction period for plumbing fixtures in the provisional schedule to match the changed delivery date.

[0067] Figure 6 shows the delivery arrangement plans for "Construction Company A," "Plumbing Company B," and "Construction Company D." In the delivery arrangement plans, the delivery date is shown as delivery and arrangement. On February 13th, there is an event nearby and delivery is not possible. For "Construction Company A," the delivery date has been changed to February 15th, and the construction period for the plumbing equipment in the provisional schedule has been changed from 53a to 54a.

[0068] The identification unit 24d compares the provisional construction schedule of each contractor with the customer's schedule and identifies contractors who can accommodate the customer's schedule. For example, the identification unit 24d compares the provisional schedule of each contractor with the customer's schedule and identifies contractors whose provisional schedules for plumbing fixtures and delivery dates fall within the customer's available construction period as contractors who can accommodate the customer's schedule.

[0069] The identification unit 24d identifies the contractors to present to the customer. The identification unit 24d identifies the contractors to present to the customer based on the customer's schedule information and construction history information. For example, the identification unit 24d uses the evaluation results included in the construction history information to identify the contractors to present to the customer. If one contractor capable of meeting the customer's schedule is identified, the identification unit 24d identifies the identified contractor as the contractor to present to the customer. If multiple contractors capable of meeting the customer's schedule are identified, the identification unit 24d identifies a predetermined number of contractors to present to the customer from the identified contractors, in descending order of the evaluation results included in the construction history information. For example, the identification unit 24d identifies up to three contractors to present to the customer, in descending order of the completeness of their work.

[0070] Furthermore, in addition to or instead of evaluation results, the specific section 24d may identify the contractor to be presented to the customer using environmental information surrounding the construction site, information related to nearby events, and transportation equipment. For example, if road conditions deteriorate due to events such as marathons or festivals, the specific section 24d can identify a contractor with multiple small vehicles, such as small trucks, as the contractor to be presented to the customer, enabling staggered transportation and ensuring the construction period is met.

[0071] The output control unit 24e controls various outputs. For example, the output control unit 24e controls the output of contractor information identified by the identification unit 24d to the output unit 22b. For example, the output control unit 24e controls the output of the contractor identified by the identification unit 24d as the contractor to be presented to the customer, and the contractor's provisional schedule to the output unit 22b. As a result, the output unit 22b outputs the contractor and the contractor's provisional schedule. The output control unit 24e may also control the output of the customer's schedule along with the provisional schedule. The output control unit 24e may also control the output of the customer's schedule, the contractor's evaluation results, transportation equipment, and personnel along with the provisional schedule.

[0072] As a result, the schedule management device 20 can output to the output unit 22b a list of contractors who can handle the installation schedule for plumbing fixtures. In addition, the schedule management device 20 can present to the output unit 22b a list of contractors who can meet the customer's requirements.

[0073] The reception unit 24a receives the designation of a contractor to perform the installation of plumbing fixtures from the contractors output to the output unit 22b. The customer can specify the contractor to whom they wish to have the plumbing fixtures installed.

[0074] This allows customers to easily select a contractor that matches the installation schedule for plumbing fixtures by specifying a contractor from the list of contractors output on the output unit 22b.

[0075] <1-3. Processing Flow> Next, the processing flow of the embodiment will be described. First, the flow of the product information acquisition process performed by the schedule management device 20 will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of the product information acquisition process procedure.

[0076] The first acquisition unit 24b acquires product information corresponding to the specified plumbing equipment from the server 11 (step S10). For example, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires product information corresponding to the product number of the specified plumbing equipment from the server 11.

[0077] The first acquisition unit 24b calculates the standard construction period for installing plumbing fixtures from the standard construction period included in the product information (step S11). The first acquisition unit 24b sets the delivery date so that delivery is earlier than the standard construction period, and sets the arrangement date so that arrangement is earlier than the standard delivery days, thereby identifying the standard installation date for plumbing fixtures (step S12). The first acquisition unit 24b stores the standard installation date for plumbing fixtures in the product standard installation information 23d (step S13) and terminates the process.

[0078] Next, we will explain the flow of the customer information acquisition process performed by the schedule management device 20. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the customer information acquisition process procedure.

[0079] The first acquisition unit 24b extracts the period during which plumbing fixtures can be installed from the customer's schedule and obtains the customer's available installation period (step S20). The first acquisition unit 24b identifies the customer's desired handover date from the customer's schedule and obtains the customer's desired handover date (step S21). The first acquisition unit 24b identifies the customer's residential area from the customer's address included in the customer information (step S22).

[0080] The first acquisition unit 24b stores customer information such as the customer's name, address, contact information, and residential area in customer information 23b, and customer schedule information such as the customer's available construction period and desired handover date in customer schedule information 23c (step S23), and then terminates the process.

[0081] Next, we will explain the flow of the neighbor information acquisition process performed by the schedule management device 20. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for acquiring neighbor information.

[0082] The first acquisition unit 24b acquires event information, including environmental information around the construction site and information related to nearby events. For example, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires information related to nearby events from an external server that provides event information via the network NE (step S30). For example, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires event-related information, such as the event date, event details, event location, and information on the extent of road impact due to the event, such as road restrictions and congestion. The first acquisition unit 24b also acquires event information, including environmental information around the installation site for plumbing equipment, from an external server that provides road information via the network NE (step S31). For example, the first acquisition unit 24b acquires environmental information, such as whether vehicles can access the installation site for plumbing equipment and information on accessible vehicles, as event information.

[0083] The first acquisition unit 24b stores the acquired environmental information around the construction site and information related to nearby events in the nearby event information 23a (step S32), and then terminates the process.

[0084] Next, we will explain the flow of the contractor information acquisition process performed by the schedule management device 20. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for acquiring contractor information.

[0085] The second acquisition unit 24c acquires contractor information from the server 11 (step S40). The contractor information includes the available schedule for each contractor, the order history for each contractor, and the construction history information.

[0086] The second acquisition unit 24c extracts the periods designated as available schedules for each contractor as the contractor's available construction period (step S41). The second acquisition unit 24c may also extract the periods other than the construction period in the order history from the available schedules as the contractor's available construction period. Furthermore, for contractors for whom there is no information on available schedules, the second acquisition unit 24c may extract the periods other than the construction period in the order history as the contractor's available construction period.

[0087] The second acquisition unit 24c stores the contractor information in the storage unit 23 (step S42) and terminates the process. For example, the second acquisition unit 24c stores contractor information such as the contractor name, address, and contact information included in the contractor information in contractor information 23e. The second acquisition unit 24c also stores the available schedules for each contractor included in the contractor information in contractor availability information 23f. The second acquisition unit 24c also stores the order history for each contractor included in the contractor information in contractor order history information 23g. The second acquisition unit 24c also stores the construction history information included in the contractor information in contractor past performance information 23h. The second acquisition unit 24c also stores the transportation equipment and personnel information for each contractor included in the contractor information in contractor arrangement information 23i.

[0088] Next, we will explain the flow of the vendor load information acquisition process performed by the schedule management device 20. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the vendor load information acquisition process procedure.

[0089] The second acquisition unit 24c acquires the contractor's load information (step S50). For example, the second acquisition unit 24c acquires the contractor's load information from the contractor arrangement information 23i and the contractor order history information 23g. For example, the second acquisition unit 24c estimates the contractor's load from the contractor's order history based on the contractor's personnel information and order history, and estimates a correction value for the standard construction period.

[0090] The second acquisition unit 24c stores the contractor's load information in the contractor load information 23j (step S51) and terminates the process. For example, the second acquisition unit 24c stores a correction value for the standard construction period in the contractor load information 23j for each contractor.

[0091] Next, we will explain the overall process flow of the contractor selection process in which the schedule management device 20 selects a contractor capable of performing the work. Figures 12A and 12B are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure for the contractor selection process. The contractor selection process shown in Figures 12A and 12B is executed at a predetermined timing, for example, when the reception unit 24a receives an instruction to select a contractor.

[0092] The first acquisition unit 24b determines whether or not the reception unit 24a has received input of the product number of the plumbing equipment (step S60). If the product number of the plumbing equipment has not been received (step S60: No), the unit proceeds back to step S60 to wait for input of the product number of the plumbing equipment.

[0093] If the product number of the plumbing fixture is entered (Step S60: Yes), the first acquisition unit 24b executes the product information acquisition process described above (Figure 7) (Step S61) and calculates the standard construction period for installing the plumbing fixture.

[0094] The first acquisition unit 24b determines whether or not the reception unit 24a has received the customer's schedule input (step S62). If the customer's schedule input has not been received (step S62: No), the process returns to step S62 and waits for the customer to input their schedule again.

[0095] When the system receives the customer's schedule input (Step S62: Yes), the first acquisition unit 24b executes the customer information acquisition process described above (Figure 8) (Step S63), extracting the customer's available construction period and identifying their desired handover date.

[0096] The first acquisition unit 24b performs the above-described contractor information acquisition process (Figure 10) (step S64) and extracts the contractor's available construction period, etc. Then, the second acquisition unit 24c performs the above-described contractor load information acquisition process (Figure 11) (step S65) and acquires the contractor's load information, etc.

[0097] The identification unit 24d identifies contractors who can accommodate the customer's schedule using the customer's available construction period and desired handover date, and the contractor's available construction period (step S66). For each contractor who can accommodate the customer's schedule, the identification unit 24d creates a provisional construction schedule for the plumbing fixtures based on the identified available construction period for the plumbing fixtures and using the standard construction schedule for plumbing fixtures (step S67). For example, the identification unit 24d uses the standard construction schedule for plumbing fixtures to determine the arrangement, delivery, construction period, and handover date within the available construction period for the plumbing fixtures and creates a provisional schedule for the plumbing fixtures.

[0098] The identification unit 24d determines whether the request is met (step S68). For example, the identification unit 24d determines whether the construction period of the provisional schedule of a contractor that can accommodate the customer's schedule falls within the customer's available construction period. If the construction period of the provisional schedules of all contractors that can accommodate the customer's schedule does not fall within the customer's available construction period, the identification unit 24d determines that the request is not met. If the construction period of any of the contractors' provisional schedules falls within the customer's available construction period, the identification unit 24d determines that the request is met. If the request is not met (step S68: No), the system proceeds to step S62 above to prompt the customer to re-enter their schedule.

[0099] If the requirements are met (Step S68: Yes), the first acquisition unit 24b executes the aforementioned neighborhood information acquisition process (Figure 9) (Step S69), acquiring environmental information around the construction site, information related to events taking place nearby, etc.

[0100] The specific unit 24d creates a delivery arrangement plan for each contractor who can accommodate the customer's schedule, based on environmental information around the construction site, information related to nearby events, and contractor information (step S70). The specific unit 24d determines whether delivery is possible on the provisional schedule for each contractor who can accommodate the customer's schedule, and if delivery is not possible, it changes the provisional schedule, such as the delivery date and the construction period for plumbing equipment (step S71).

[0101] The identification unit 24d identifies the contractors to present to the customer (step S72). The identification unit 24d identifies the contractors to present to the customer based on the customer's schedule information and construction history information. For example, the identification unit 24d identifies the contractors to present to the customer using the evaluation results included in the construction history information. If one contractor capable of meeting the customer's schedule is identified, the identification unit 24d identifies the identified contractor as the contractor to present to the customer. If multiple contractors capable of meeting the customer's schedule are identified, the identification unit 24d identifies a predetermined number of contractors to present to the customer from the identified contractors, in descending order of the evaluation results included in the construction history information. For example, the identification unit 24d identifies up to three contractors to present to the customer, in descending order of the completeness of their work.

[0102] The identification unit 24d determines whether or not a contractor to be presented to the customer has been identified (step S73). If a contractor to be presented to the customer cannot be identified (step S73: No), the system proceeds to step S62 above to prompt the customer to re-enter their schedule.

[0103] On the other hand, if a contractor to be presented to the customer is identified (step S73: Yes), the output control unit 24e controls the output unit 22b to output the identified contractor to be presented to the customer, along with the contractor's provisional schedule (step S74).

[0104] As a result, the output unit 22b displays contractors who are available to handle the installation schedule for the plumbing fixtures. The reception unit 24a accepts the designation of a contractor to perform the plumbing fixture installation from the contractors output to the output unit 22b.

[0105] When the receiving unit 24a receives a designation of a contractor from the contractor output to the output unit 22b, the identifying unit 24d selects the designated contractor as the contractor to be requested to install the plumbing equipment (step S75), and terminates the process.

[0106] In the contractor selection process described above, steps S69 to S71 show that a delivery arrangement plan is created for each contractor, and if delivery cannot be made according to the provisional schedule, the provisional schedule, including the delivery date and the construction period for plumbing equipment, may be changed. However, if the provisional schedule is not changed based on the delivery arrangement plan, the contractor selection process may proceed to step S72 if step S68:Yes is selected.

[0107] Thus, the construction support system 10 of the first embodiment can output contractors who can accommodate the construction schedule for plumbing fixtures. By selecting a contractor from the outputted list, the customer can easily select a contractor who can accommodate the construction schedule for plumbing fixtures. Furthermore, the construction support system 10 can output contractors who can meet the customer's requirements. The customer can easily select a contractor who can meet their requirements.

[0108] In the first embodiment of the construction support system 10, an example was given in which the schedule management device 20 performs functions such as the reception unit 24a, the first acquisition unit 24b, the second acquisition unit 24c, the identification unit 24d, and the output control unit 24e. However, these functions may be performed by the server 11 instead of the schedule management device 20, and such an embodiment will be described below as the second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the first embodiment of the construction support system 10, and the explanation of redundant components and operations will be omitted.

[0109] <2. Second Embodiment> Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a server 11A related to the construction support system 10 according to the second embodiment. The server 11A shown in Figure 13 has a communication interface 31 and It has a storage unit 33 and a control unit 34.

[0110] Communication interface 31 is a communication interface that manages communication with the network NE.

[0111] The memory unit 33 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. The memory unit 33 stores the OS (Operating System) and various programs executed by the control unit 34. For example, the memory unit 33 stores the program that performs the information processing described above. Furthermore, the memory unit 33 stores various data used by the program executed by the control unit 34. For example, in addition to the DB 12 described above, the memory unit 33 stores nearby event information 23a, customer information 23b, customer schedule information 23c, product standard construction information 23d, contractor information 23e, contractor availability information 23f, contractor order history information 23g, contractor past performance information 23h, contractor arrangement information 23i, and contractor load information 23j.

[0112] The control unit 34 may be, for example, an information processing device (control device) that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 34 may have, for example, a CPU or GPU, and be implemented by executing a program stored inside the control unit 34 (for example, an information processing program related to this disclosure) using RAM or the like as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 34 may have, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0113] The control unit 34 includes a receiving unit 24a, a first acquisition unit 24b, a second acquisition unit 24c, a specific unit 24d, and an output control unit 24e, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 34 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 13, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described above.

[0114] In the construction support system 10 of the second embodiment, the processing load on the schedule management device 20 can be significantly reduced.

[0115] <3. Others> Furthermore, all or at least one of the functions of the control unit 24 of the schedule management device 20 in the first embodiment may be assigned to the control unit 34 of the server 11, and this can be changed as appropriate. Alternatively, all or at least one of the functions of the control unit 34 of the server 11 may be assigned to the control unit 24 of the schedule management device 20, and this can be changed as appropriate. For example, the control unit 24 of the schedule management device 20 may perform the functions of the reception unit 24a, the first acquisition unit 24b, the second acquisition unit 24c, the identification unit 24d, and the output control unit 24e, and this can be changed as appropriate. In this case, the processing load on the schedule management device 20 related to schedule creation can be reduced. Also, the burden required for transmitting information from the server 11 to the schedule management device 20 can be reduced.

[0116] The programs for realizing the functions of the receiving unit 24a, the first acquisition unit 24b, the second acquisition unit 24c, the identification unit 24d, and the output control unit 24e are provided, for example, in the form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium is, for example, a flexible disk, CD (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, etc.), DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, HD DVD, etc.), Blu-ray disc, magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, etc. The control unit 24 reads the program from the recording medium and transfers and stores the read program in an internal storage device such as memory or an external storage device such as storage. Alternatively, the program may be recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk and provided to the computer via a communication path from that recording medium, and this can be changed as appropriate.

[0117] When implementing functions such as the reception unit 24a, the first acquisition unit 24b, the second acquisition unit 24c, the identification unit 24d, and the output control unit 24e, the program stored in the ROM 44 is executed by the control unit 24. In this case, the program recorded on the recording medium may be read and executed by a computer.

[0118] At least some of the hardware elements constituting the server 11 and the schedule management device 20 may be provided by the cloud provider.

[0119] The disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the embodiments. Each configuration and process of the embodiments can be selected or combined as needed.

[0120] Furthermore, the components of each part shown in the diagram do not necessarily have to be physically configured as depicted. In other words, the specific forms of distribution or integration of each part are not limited to those shown in the diagram, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0121] Furthermore, the various processing functions performed by each device may be executed in whole or in part on a CPU, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA, etc. Alternatively, the various processing functions may be executed in whole or in part on a program run by the CPU, etc., or on wired logic hardware.

[0122] The area for storing various types of information may be composed of recording media such as SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), or NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory).

[0123] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0124] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0125] The embodiments and modifications described above may also have the following configurations, but are not limited to them. (1) A first acquisition means for acquiring event information related to the installation of at least one plumbing fixture such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub, A second acquisition means for acquiring information on contractors who install the aforementioned plumbing fixtures, A means for identifying contractors who can accommodate the installation schedule of the plumbing fixtures based on the aforementioned event information and contractor information, An output means that outputs information of the contractor identified by the identification means, A construction support system characterized by having the following features. (2) The aforementioned event information includes customer schedule information, The aforementioned contractor information includes the contractor's past construction history, The aforementioned identification means identifies a contractor to present to the customer based on the customer's schedule information and the construction history information. The construction support system according to (1), characterized in that (3) The aforementioned construction history information includes evaluation results that assess the past construction performance of the aforementioned construction company. The aforementioned identification means identifies the contractor to be presented to the customer using the evaluation results. The construction support system according to (2), characterized in that (4) The aforementioned event information includes the handover conditions upon completion of construction as desired by the customer. The aforementioned identification means identifies the contractor to be presented to the customer using the aforementioned delivery conditions. A construction support system as described in any one of (1) to (3), characterized by the above. (5) The aforementioned event information includes either or both environmental information surrounding the construction site and / or information related to events taking place nearby. The aforementioned contractor information includes information on either or both of the contractor's transportation equipment and / or personnel. The aforementioned identification means identifies the contractor to be presented to the customer using the event-related information. A construction support system as described in any one of (1) to (4), characterized by the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 10. Construction support system 11, 11A Server 12 DB 20 Schedule Management Device 21, 31 Communication Interfaces 22 Interfaces 22a Input section 22b Output section 23, 33 Storage section 23a Local Event Information 23b Customer information 23c Customer Schedule Information 23d Product standard installation information 23e Vendor Information 23F Vacancy Information for Businesses 23g vendor order history information 23h Past performance information of the vendor 23i Contractor Arrangement Information 23j Vendor Load Information 24, 34 Control Unit 24a Reception Department 24b 1st acquisition part 24c 2nd acquisition part 24d Specific section 24e Output Control Unit

Claims

1. A first acquisition means for acquiring event information related to the installation of at least one plumbing fixture such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub, A second acquisition means for acquiring information on contractors who install the aforementioned plumbing fixtures, A means for identifying contractors who can accommodate the installation schedule of the plumbing fixtures based on the aforementioned event information and contractor information, An output means that outputs information of the contractor identified by the identification means, A construction support system characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned event information includes customer schedule information, The aforementioned contractor information includes the contractor's past construction history, The aforementioned identification means identifies a contractor to present to the customer based on the customer's schedule information and the construction history information. The construction support system according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned construction history information includes evaluation results that assess the past construction performance of the aforementioned construction company. The aforementioned identification means identifies the contractor to be presented to the customer using the evaluation results. The construction support system according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned event information includes the handover conditions upon completion of construction as desired by the customer. The aforementioned identification means identifies the contractor to be presented to the customer using the aforementioned delivery conditions. The construction support system according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned event information includes either or both environmental information surrounding the construction site and / or information related to events taking place nearby. The aforementioned contractor information includes information on either or both of the contractor's transportation equipment and / or personnel. The aforementioned identification means identifies the contractor to be presented to the customer using the event-related information. The construction support system according to feature 1.

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