Inventory management device

Abstract

This invention provides an inventory management device, method, and program that aim to appropriately manage inventory levels and ensure appropriate sales. [Solution] The inventory management device 100 includes a past data storage means 110 that stores store identification information, product identification information, the inventory quantity of the product identified by the product identification information, and the sales of the product identified by the product identification information as time-series data in association with the store identification information, product identification information, and the latest inventory quantity related to the product identified by the product identification information, an inventory storage means 120 that stores the latest inventory quantity related to the product identified by the product identification information in association with the store identification information, an analysis means 130 that identifies a first inventory quantity which is the inventory quantity at which the magnitude of the downward change in sales over a predetermined period exceeds a predetermined threshold with respect to the time-series data identified by one store identification information and one product identification information, and a detection means 140 that notifies when it is detected that the latest inventory quantity related to the product identified by one store identification information and one product identification information has fallen below the first inventory quantity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for improving sales.

Background Art

[0002] Since the survival of a business operator depends on how sales can be increased, business operators actively widely publicize information on products and services to the public and carry out sales promotion activities for the products and services.

[0003] Against such a background, technical development for verifying advertising effects has been actively carried out. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique of notifying an advertisement considered to have a high effect in consideration of the user's current situation and the user's preference tendency, and verifying the effect of the advertisement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, even if the recognition of products and services is improved and sales increase, if there are no more sellable products, the business operator will suffer opportunity loss, and on the other hand, does not want to hold excess inventory. Conventionally, there has been a problem that attention has not been paid to the relationship between securing sales and an appropriate inventory quantity. Accordingly, in view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide an inventory management apparatus that appropriately manages an inventory quantity and aims to secure appropriate sales.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One form of the disclosed inventory management device is characterized by comprising: historical data storage means for storing store identification information, product identification information, the inventory quantity of the product identified by the product identification information, and the sales of the product identified by the product identification information as time-series data in association; inventory storage means for storing the store identification information, the product identification information, and the latest inventory quantity related to the product identified by the product identification information in association; analysis means for identifying a first inventory quantity, which is the inventory quantity at which the magnitude of the downward change in sales over a predetermined period exceeds a predetermined threshold, with respect to the time-series data identified by one of the store identification information and one of the product identification information; and detection means for notifying when it is detected that the latest inventory quantity related to the product identified by one of the store identification information and one of the product identification information has fallen below the first inventory quantity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The inventory management system being disclosed aims to properly manage inventory levels and ensure appropriate sales. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an overview of the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a historical data storage means according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow using the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (Operating principle of the inventory management device according to this embodiment)

[0010] The operating principle of the inventory management device (hereinafter simply referred to as "this device") 100 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between this device 100 and other devices, and Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of this device 100. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the past data storage means 110, which will be described later.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the device 100 is connected to a POS system, etc. 320 via a communication network 330. The communication network 330 can be either wired or wireless. As shown in Figure 2, the device 100 includes a past data storage means 110, an inventory storage means 120, an analysis means 130, and a detection means 140.

[0012] The historical data storage means 110 stores the store identification information 220, the product identification information 240, the inventory quantity 250 of the product 230 identified by the product identification information 240, and the sales 310 of the product 230 identified by the product identification information 240 as time-series data, linking them together.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates the data stored in the historical data storage means 110, which is identified by one store identification information 220 and one product identification information 240. As shown in Figure 3, the inventory quantity 250 of product 230 decreases over time, and when the inventory quantity 250 decreases to a certain level, the sales 310 of product 230 decrease significantly. In other words, when the inventory quantity 250 decreases to a certain level, the business operator incurs an opportunity loss of sales 310. The inventory quantity 250 at which the sales 310 of product 230 decrease significantly is defined as the first inventory quantity 260.

[0014] It should be noted that the inventory quantity 250 may be the inventory of the product 230 displayed at the storefront of the store identified by the store identification information 220, that is, the so-called in-store inventory quantity. Alternatively, the inventory quantity 250 may be the sum of the in-store inventory quantity and the inventory quantity of the product 230 in a warehouse attached to the store (so-called back yard). Further, the inventory quantity 250 may be the sum of the in-store inventory quantity, the inventory quantity in the warehouse attached to the store, and the inventory quantity of the product 230 in a warehouse not attached to the store (such as a distribution center).

[0015] The inventory storage unit 120 stores store identification information 220, product identification information 240, and the latest inventory quantity 300 related to the product 230 identified by the product identification information 240 in association with each other. The latest inventory quantity 300 may be acquired from a POS system 320 or the like.

[0016] It should be noted that, similar to the inventory quantity 250, the latest inventory quantity 300 may be the so-called in-store inventory quantity, may be the sum thereof plus the inventory quantity in the warehouse attached to the store, or may further be the sum of those plus the inventory quantity of the product in the warehouse not attached to the store.

[0017] The analysis unit 120 specifies a first inventory quantity 260, which is an inventory quantity 250 at which the magnitude of a downward change in sales 310 in a predetermined sampling period is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, with respect to time-series data stored in the past data storage unit 110 that is specified by one piece of store identification information 220 and one piece of product identification information 240. As shown in FIG. 3, the analysis unit 120 calculates the first inventory quantity 260, which is the inventory quantity at which the trend of sales 310 changes significantly (decreases).

[0018] When detecting that the latest inventory quantity 300 related to the product 230 identified by one piece of store identification information 220 and one piece of product identification information 240, which is the inventory quantity 300 stored in the inventory storage unit 120, has fallen below the first inventory quantity 260, the detection unit 140 notifies the user of that fact.

[0019] Note, in consideration of the lead time for restocking the product 230 at the storefront or in the store, when the detection unit 140 detects that the latest inventory amount 300 has fallen below a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the first inventory amount 260, a configuration may be adopted in which a notification to that effect is issued.

[0020] Further, in consideration of the lead time for restocking the product 230 at the storefront or in the store, when the detection unit 140 detects that a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the latest inventory amount 300 has fallen below the first inventory amount 260, a configuration may be adopted in which a notification to that effect is issued.

[0021] When receiving the notification from the detection unit 140, the business operator that manages the present apparatus 100 and operates the store can avoid a decrease in sales related to the product 230 and the occurrence of opportunity loss by restocking the product 230 without delay. The present apparatus 100 is intended to appropriately manage the inventory amount 300 and aim to secure appropriate sales based on the above operation principle. (Hardware Configuration of the Inventory Management Apparatus According to the Present Embodiment)

[0022] An example of the hardware configuration of the present apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the present apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the present apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 510, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 520, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 530, an auxiliary storage device 540, a communication I / F 550, an input device 560, a display device 570, and a storage medium I / F 580.

[0023] The CPU 510 is a device that executes programs stored in the ROM 520, performs arithmetic processing on data expanded (loaded) in the RAM 530 in accordance with the instructions of the programs, and controls the entire present apparatus 100. The ROM 520 stores programs and data to be executed by the CPU 510. When the CPU 510 executes the programs stored in the ROM 520, the RAM 530 is expanded (loaded) with the programs and data to be executed, and temporarily holds operation data during operations.

[0024] The auxiliary storage device 540 is a device that stores the operating system (OS), which is the basic software, and application programs related to this embodiment, along with related data. The auxiliary storage device 540 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and includes past data storage means 110 and inventory storage means 120.

[0025] The communication interface 550 is an interface for exchanging data with other devices 320 that provide communication functions, by connecting to a communication network 330 such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0026] The input device 560 is a device for inputting data into the main device 100, such as a keyboard. The display device (output device) 570 is a device consisting of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and functions as a user interface for the user to use the functions of the main device 100 and to make various settings. The storage medium I / F 580 is an interface for sending and receiving data with storage media 590 such as CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and USB memory.

[0027] Each of the means of this device 100 may be realized by the CPU 510 executing a program corresponding to each means stored in the ROM 520 or auxiliary storage device 540. Alternatively, each of the means of this device 100 may be realized by the processing related to each means being implemented as hardware. Furthermore, the program according to the present invention may be read from an external server device via a communication I / F 550, or read from a storage medium 590 via a storage medium I / F 580, and the device 100 may execute the program. (Example of processing by the inventory management device according to this embodiment) An example of processing performed by the device 100 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the device 100.

[0028] In S10, the analysis means 120 performs the following processing with respect to time-series data stored in the past data storage means 110, which is identified by one store identification information 220 and one product identification information 240. The analysis means 120 identifies a first inventory quantity 260, which is the inventory quantity 250 at which the magnitude of the downward change in sales 310 during a predetermined sampling period is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. As shown in Figure 3, the analysis tool 120 calculates a first inventory quantity 260, which is the inventory quantity at which the sales trend 310 changes significantly (decreases).

[0029] Furthermore, the inventory quantity of 250 may be the amount of inventory of goods displayed at the storefront of the store identified by the store identification information 220, in other words, the amount of in-store inventory. Alternatively, the inventory quantity of 250 may be the amount of in-store inventory plus the amount of inventory in a warehouse (backroom) attached to the store. In addition, the inventory quantity of 250 may be the amount of in-store inventory, the amount of inventory in the warehouse attached to the store, and the amount of inventory in a warehouse not attached to the store (such as a logistics center).

[0030] In S20, the detection means 140 compares the latest inventory quantity 300 stored in the inventory storage means 120, which pertains to a product 230 identified by one store identification information 220 and one product identification information 240, with the first inventory quantity 260 calculated in S10.

[0031] If the detection means 140 detects in S30 that the latest inventory quantity 300 has fallen below the first inventory quantity 260 (YES in S30), the process proceeds to S40. If the detection means 140 does not detect that the latest inventory quantity 300 has fallen below the first inventory quantity 260 (NO in S30), the process proceeds to S20. In S40, the detection means 140 notifies the user that it has detected that the latest inventory quantity 300 has fallen below the first inventory quantity 260.

[0032] Furthermore, taking into account the lead time for replenishing product 230, the detection means 140 may also be configured to notify the system when it detects that the latest inventory quantity 300 has fallen below the first inventory quantity 260 plus a predetermined value in S20 to S40.

[0033] Furthermore, taking into account the lead time for replenishing product 230, the detection means 140 may also be configured to notify the system when it detects that the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the latest inventory quantity 300 has fallen below the first inventory quantity 260.

[0034] Furthermore, the latest inventory quantity of 300, like the inventory quantity of 250, may be the amount of so-called store inventory, or it may be the amount of inventory in the warehouse attached to the store, or it may be the amount of inventory of products in warehouses not attached to the store.

[0035] When a business operator managing this device 100 and running a store receives notification from the detection means 140, they can replenish the product 230 without delay, thereby avoiding a decrease in sales and loss of opportunity related to the product 230. By performing the above-described process, the device 100 aims to properly manage the inventory quantity 300 and ensure appropriate sales.

[0036] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0037] 100 Inventory Management Devices 110 Past data storage means 120 Inventory storage means 130 Analytical tools 140 Detection means 210 stores 220 Store Identification Information 230 products 240 Product Identification Information Inventory of 250 items 260 First inventory quantity Inventory of products displayed in 270 stores Inventory of products in warehouses (backyards) attached to 280 stores 290 items in warehouses (such as logistics centers) not attached to stores. Latest stock levels for 300 products Sales of 310 products 320 POS (Point of Sales) systems, etc. 330 Communication Networks 510 CPU 520 ROM 530 RAM 540 Auxiliary storage 550 Communication Interfaces 560 Input Device 570 Output device 580 Storage Media Interface 590 Storage medium

Claims

1. A historical data storage means that stores store identification information, product identification information, the inventory quantity of the product identified by the product identification information, and the sales of the product identified by the product identification information as time-series data, in association with each other. An inventory storage means that stores the store identification information, the product identification information, and the latest inventory quantity for the product identified by the product identification information in association with each other. Regarding the time-series data identified by one store identification information and one product identification information, an analysis means for identifying a first inventory quantity which is the inventory quantity at which the magnitude of the downward change in sales during a predetermined period exceeds a predetermined threshold, An inventory management device characterized by having a detection means that notifies when it is detected that the latest inventory quantity of the product identified by the aforementioned store identification information and product identification information has fallen below the first inventory quantity.

2. The inventory management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inventory quantity is the quantity of the product displayed in the storefront of the store identified by the store identification information.

3. The inventory management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inventory quantity is the sum of the quantity of inventory of the product displayed at the storefront of the store identified by the store identification information and the quantity of inventory of the product in a warehouse attached to the store.

4. The inventory management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inventory quantity is the sum of the quantity of the product displayed in the storefront of the store identified by the store identification information and the quantity of the product in a warehouse set up for the store.

5. The inventory management device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the detection means detects that the latest inventory quantity has fallen below a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the first inventory quantity, it notifies that fact.

6. The inventory management device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the detection means detects that the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the latest inventory quantity has fallen below the first inventory quantity, it notifies that fact.

7. A computer-based inventory management method comprising: historical data storage means for storing store identification information, product identification information, the inventory quantity of the product identified by the product identification information, and the sales of the product identified by the product identification information as time-series data in association with each other; and inventory storage means for storing the store identification information, the product identification information, and the latest inventory quantity of the product identified by the product identification information in association with each other; The analysis means includes the step of identifying a first inventory quantity, which is the inventory quantity at which the magnitude of the downward change in sales over a predetermined period exceeds a predetermined threshold, with respect to the time-series data identified by one store identification information and one product identification information. An inventory management method characterized by including the step of notifying the detection means when it detects that the latest inventory quantity for the product identified by the one store identification information and the one product identification information has fallen below the first inventory quantity.

8. The inventory management method according to claim 7, characterized in that the inventory quantity is the quantity of the product displayed in the storefront of the store identified by the store identification information.

9. The inventory management method according to claim 7, characterized in that the inventory quantity is the sum of the quantity of inventory of the product displayed at the storefront of the store identified by the store identification information and the quantity of inventory of the product in a warehouse attached to the store.

10. The inventory management method according to claim 7, characterized in that the inventory quantity is the sum of the quantity of the product displayed in the storefront of the store identified by the store identification information and the quantity of the product in a warehouse set up for the store.

11. The inventory management method according to claim 7, characterized in that when the detection means detects that the latest inventory quantity has fallen below a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the first inventory quantity, it notifies that fact.

12. The inventory management method according to claim 7, characterized in that when the detection means detects that the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the latest inventory quantity has fallen below the first inventory quantity, it notifies that fact.

13. An inventory management program for causing a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

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