server

Abstract

To provide a server facilitating billing of a commission relating to mediation between an orderer of steel frames and a fabricator by a platformer.SOLUTION: An order information receiving part receives order information representing an order for steel frames from an orderer. An order information transmission part transmits the order information to a plurality of fabricators. An order entry information receiving part receives order entry information representing entry to the order represented by the order information from a plurality of candidate fabricators, which is a part of the plurality of fabricators. A candidate presentation part presents at least a part of a plurality of pieces of candidate fabricator information respectively representing the plurality of candidate fabricators to the orderer. A selection part causes the orderer to select selected fabricator information, which is one of the part presented by the candidate presentation part. A billing part transmits billing information to bill a commission to the fabricator represented by the selected fabricator information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to server Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] When general contractors and other construction companies procure steel frames for use in buildings, they request fabricators to manufacture the steel frames. Requests for steel frame manufacturing are usually made before official drawings for quotations are prepared, so fabricators secure future manufacturing schedules in advance based on the details of the request. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-174064 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A trading company may act as an intermediary in transactions between a construction company and a fabricator. In this case, the trading company purchases steel beams from the fabricator and sells the steel beams to the construction company. At this time, the trading company can collect the intermediation fee by charging the construction company a price including the intermediation fee. Therefore, the trading company needs to transfer the ownership of the steel beams between the construction company and the fabricator, which makes the procedure complicated. If a platformer acts as an intermediary in transactions between a construction company and a fabricator but does not own the ownership of the steel beams, it becomes difficult for the platformer to recognize the timing of charging the intermediation fee. An object of the present invention is to provide a server and a terminal that can easily charge fees associated with the intermediation between a steel frame orderer and a fabricator by a platform provider. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, the server communicates with a customer who orders steel beams and a plurality of fabricators who manufacture the steel beams via a network, and is equipped with an order information receiving unit that receives order information indicating an order for the steel beams from the customer, an order information transmitting unit that transmits the order information to the plurality of fabricators, an order information receiving unit that receives order information indicating an acceptance of the order indicated by the order information from a plurality of candidate fabricators that are some of the plurality of fabricators, a candidate presentation unit that presents at least a portion of a plurality of candidate fabricator information indicating each of the plurality of candidate fabricators to the customer, a selection unit that allows the customer to select selected fabricator information that is one of the portion presented by the candidate presentation unit, and a billing unit that transmits billing information for billing a fee to the fabricator indicated by the selected fabricator information. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the above aspect, it is possible to easily charge the fees associated with the intermediation between the customer of the steel structure and the fabricator by the platform provider. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a steel frame ordering system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic sequence diagram showing a flow of intermediation by the steel frame ordering system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an order information input screen according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a competitive quotation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a first flowchart showing the operation of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]6 is a second flowchart showing the operation of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a steel frame ordering system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of display of billing information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] First embodiment 《Configuration of Steel Ordering System 1》 Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a steel frame ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment. The steel frame ordering system 1 mediates transactions of small lots of steel frame between steel frame orderers such as construction companies and trading companies and fabricators that manufacture the steel frame. A small lot of steel frame refers to steel frame weighing less than 300 tons. The steel frame ordering system 1 includes a server 100, multiple orderer terminals 200A, and multiple fabricator terminals 200B. The server 100 is operated by a platformer. The orderer terminal 200A is a terminal device 200 owned by an orderer and operated by the orderer. The fabricator terminal 200B is a terminal device 200 owned by a fabricator and operated by the fabricator. The server 100 communicates with the orderer terminal 200A and the fabricator terminal 200B via a network. The steel frame ordering system 1 accepts registrations of orderers and fabricators regardless of their location. In other words, the steel frame ordering system 1 acts as an intermediary between fabricators in a wide area (for example, nationwide) and orderers in a wide area (for example, nationwide).

[0009] <<Outline of Mediation Procedure>> FIG. 2 is a schematic sequence diagram showing the flow of intermediation by the steel frame ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment. The orderer operates the orderer terminal 200A to transmit order information for steel frames to the server 100 (step S1). The order information includes at least drawings and quotation conditions used to calculate the quantity of steel frames. The initial transmission of order information is usually performed before the building request is accepted in order to prepare a quotation to be used in price negotiations with the building client. Therefore, the drawings included in the initial order information are usually rough estimate drawings.

[0010] When the server 100 receives the order information, it calculates the quantity and unit price of the steel frame based on the drawings and the estimate conditions included in the order information, and generates estimate information showing the fee for the steel frame related to the order information (step S2). The server 100 transmits the generated estimate information to the orderer terminal 200A (step S3). In other words, since the server 100 creates the estimate information based on the rough estimate drawings, the fabricator does not need to create the estimate information based on the rough estimate drawings. The orderer can obtain the estimate information without deciding which fabricator to contract with, so that the freedom of choice of fabricator is ensured. Also, if the drawings included in the order information are rough estimate drawings, the server 100 does not present the order information to the fabricator. This eliminates the need for the fabricator to secure an uncertain schedule in advance.

[0011] Every time the orderer updates the drawings, he / she operates the orderer terminal 200A to update the order information and transmits it to the server 100 (step S4). The server 100 generates quotation information based on the received order information (step S5) and transmits it to the orderer terminal 200A (step S6). Each time the server 100 transmits quotation information to the orderer terminal 200A, it charges the orderer a fee for generating the quotation information. After that, when the orderer receives an order for a building from the client and the official drawings are completed, the orderer operates the orderer terminal 200A to transmit the order information including the official drawings to the server 100 (step S7).

[0012] When the server 100 receives the order information, it calculates the quantity and unit price of the steel frame based on the drawings and quotation conditions included in the order information, and generates quotation information indicating the fee for the steel frame related to the order information (step S8). Next, the server 100 presents the received order information and the generated quotation information to a fabricator that has been registered in advance (step S9). A fabricator must pay an annual fee to register with the steel frame ordering system 1. A fabricator can view the order information and quotation information by operating the fabricator terminal 200B and accessing the server 100.

[0013] The fabricator decides whether or not to accept the order based on the presented order information and quotation information. If the fabricator does not accept the order, the fabricator leaves the quotation information without taking any action. On the other hand, if the fabricator wishes to accept the order, the fabricator operates the fabricator terminal 200B to modify the unit price included in the presented quotation information to the unit price desired by the fabricator (step S10), and transmits the order information including the modified quotation information to the server 100 (step S11). In other words, the fabricator does not need to calculate the quantity of steel from the drawing, and can generate quotation information by simply modifying the unit price of the steel. Therefore, even if the fabricator misses the order for the order information, there is little work to be done, and there is little disadvantage to using the steel ordering system 1. Note that in small-lot steel transactions, the ratio of labor costs to material costs is high, so the unit price of steel is likely to vary depending on the fabricator.

[0014] When the server 100 receives order information from multiple fabricators (candidate fabricators), it extracts fabricators with good evaluations, fabricators located close to the construction site, and fabricators with low estimated prices from the fabricators that received the order information as fabricators to be recommended to the customer (step S12). The server 100 presents the order information of the extracted fabricators together with the evaluations of the fabricators to the customer terminal 200A (step S13).

[0015] The orderer decides on a fabricator (contract fabricator) to order the steel frame based on the presented information. The orderer operates the orderer terminal 200A to notify the server 100 of the fabricator selected as the order recipient (step S14). The server 100 notifies the fabricator terminal 200B of the fabricator selected as the order recipient that the order has been confirmed (step S15). At this time, the server 100 presents the guarantee contract provided by the platform to the orderer and the fabricator, and accepts input as to whether or not to conclude the guarantee contract. Upon deciding on the order recipient, the server 100 charges the orderer a brokerage fee.

[0016] Fabricators can receive orders only after the official drawings are completed, so the time from order to start of steel frame manufacturing can be shorter than if orders were received at the time of rough drawings. This allows fabricators to reduce schedule fluctuations. Also, fabricators can accept orders for steel frame manufacturing that can be started immediately during off-seasons. After that, when the fabricator completes the delivery of the steel frame, the server 100 receives the settlement information of the fee from the fabricator terminal 200B as necessary (step S16), and transmits the settlement information to the orderer terminal 200A (step S17). This completes the commercial transaction of the steel frame between the orderer and the fabricator. The ownership of the steel frame is directly transferred between the fabricator and the orderer, and the platform operator operating the server 100 does not receive the ownership of the steel frame from the fabricator. After the transaction is completed, the server 100 receives individual evaluation information indicating the fabricator's evaluation from the orderer terminal 200A, and also receives individual evaluation information indicating the orderer's evaluation from the fabricator terminal 200B (step S18). This causes the server 100 to update the evaluation information of the orderer and the fabricator.

[0017] In this way, according to the steel structure ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the period from receipt of an order to the start of production is short, so fabricators can reduce the occurrence of off-seasons. Also, according to the steel structure ordering system 1, a customer can easily select a fabricator to order from among fabricators in a wide area (for example, nationwide).

[0018] Configuration of Server 100 The detailed configuration of the steel frame ordering system 1 will be described below. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 100 according to the first embodiment. The server 100 includes a registration reception unit 101, a user database 102, a payment confirmation unit 103, a setting unit 104, a billing unit 105, an order information reception unit 106, a calculation unit 107, an estimate transmission unit 108, an order information transmission unit 109, an order information reception unit 110, a candidate presentation unit 111, a candidate selection unit 112, a contract presentation unit 113, a notification unit 114, a settlement processing unit 115, and an evaluation reception unit 116.

[0019] The registration reception unit 101 accepts registration for use of the steel frame ordering system 1 from the orderer terminal 200A and the fabricator terminal 200B. For example, the registration reception unit 101 accepts input of registration information including the company name, location, name of person in charge, classification of orderer or fabricator, account information, email address, and password. The registration reception unit 101 records the input registration information in the user database 102. The account information may indicate an account for a credit card, a bank, or a payment service. The registration reception unit 101 displays the rules for use of the steel frame ordering system 1 on the input screen for the registration information. Examples of the rules for use include rules for steel frame settlement and rules for problem solving. Examples of the rules for steel frame settlement include accepting settlement when the error between the steel frame quantity related to the rough estimate and the actual quantity exceeds a predetermined value, and not accepting settlement when the error does not exceed the predetermined value.

[0020] The user database 102 stores the registration information, the registration status of the user related to the registration information, the evaluation information, and the payment status in association with each other. The registration status takes one of the values ​​of "unregistered" and "registered." For example, the platformer operating the server 100 investigates the user when the user registers, evaluates the user, and records the evaluation information indicating the evaluation result in the user database 102. The evaluation information may be expressed by a numerical value indicating a five-point evaluation, for example. The evaluation information may also include a character string explaining the characteristics of the user. The payment status indicates whether or not the user has paid the annual membership fee. Note that an orderer is registered by inputting the registration information and having the information confirmed by the platformer. On the other hand, a fabricator is registered by inputting the registration information and having the information confirmed by the platformer, and having the annual membership fee paid. Since the orderer does not pay the annual membership fee, the payment status related to the orderer may be NULL.

[0021] The billing unit 105 bills the user of the steel frame ordering system 1 for the usage fee. Specifically, the billing unit 105 bills the fabricator whose user registration information is registered in the user database 102 for an annual membership fee. In addition, when the rough estimate sending unit 108 sends rough estimate information to an orderer, the billing unit 105 bills the orderer for a rough estimate preparation fee. In addition, when the orderer decides on a fabricator to order steel beams from, the billing unit 105 bills the orderer for an introduction fee. In addition, when the user concludes a warranty contract presented by the contract presentation unit 113, the billing unit 105 bills the user for a guarantee fee. The billing section 105 generates billing information based on, for example, the account information recorded in the user database 102, and executes billing processing.

[0022] The payment confirmation unit 103 judges whether or not the fabricator has paid the annual membership fee. In other words, the payment confirmation unit 103 judges whether or not a payment has been made from the account indicated by the account information indicated by the user registration information. The payment confirmation unit 103 updates the payment status stored in the user database 102 based on the result of the judgment of the payment. If the fabricator has not paid the annual membership fee, the payment confirmation unit 103 rewrites the registration status in the user database 102 to "not registered."

[0023] The setting unit 104 displays an input screen for steel frame order information on the orderer terminal 200A in response to an access from the orderer terminal 200A. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an order information input screen according to the first embodiment. The input screen includes an input form for inputting the project name, the location of the construction site, the construction period, the start date of construction, order acceptance conditions, quotation conditions, drawings, and whether the drawings are rough estimate drawings or official drawings. The quotation conditions include, for example, drawing conditions, material conditions, processing conditions, rust prevention conditions, evaluation management conditions, on-site response conditions, document conditions, and the like. Examples of drawing conditions include whether or not a working drawing needs to be created, whether or not a match drawing needs to be created, and whether or not a temporary drawing needs to be created. Examples of material conditions include the type of steel frame member, whether or not material procurement is required, and whether or not a manufacturer is specified. Examples of processing conditions include whether or not machining is performed, whether or not embedded metal fittings are used, and whether or not bending is performed. Examples of rust prevention conditions include the type of base treatment, whether or not undercoating is performed, and whether or not special painting is performed. An example of the evaluation management conditions is whether or not various on-site inspections are required. Examples of on-site response conditions are whether or not matching numbers are required, whether or not scaffolding work is required, and whether or not blacksmithing work is required. Examples of document conditions are whether or not various guidelines, plans, and reports are required. The quotation conditions may be displayed in a selectable manner, for example, by check boxes or pull-down menus. The order conditions indicate the conditions of fabricators who can accept orders for the creation of steel structures. The order conditions indicate, for example, the grade or evaluation of the fabricator. The quotation conditions may also be input by an interactive input system such as a chatbot. The drawings may be two-dimensional drawings represented by bitmap data or vector data, or may be three-dimensional drawings represented by CAD (Computer Aided Design) data or BIM (Building Information Modeling) data.

[0024] The order information receiving unit 106 receives the order information input by the orderer terminal 200A. When the classification of whether the order information contains a rough drawing or a formal drawing indicates that the drawing is a formal drawing, the order information receiving unit 106 treats the order as confirmed. In other words, the order information receiving unit 106 is an example of a confirmation unit that accepts confirmation of the order information from the orderer.

[0025] The calculation unit 107 calculates the quantity and unit price of each type of steel frame based on or in response to the drawings and estimate conditions included in the order information. For example, the calculation unit 107 calculates the quantity and unit price of each type of steel frame in the following procedure. The calculation unit 107 estimates detailed parts from the drawings, and calculates the quantity of each type of steel frame based on the estimated detailed parts. The calculation unit 107 calculates the quantity of each type of steel frame using a model that takes, for example, material conditions included in the drawings and the estimation conditions as input, and outputs the quantity of each type. The calculation unit 107 estimates the welding amount of the steel frame based on the determined quantity of each type of steel frame. The calculation unit 107 estimates the processing difficulty of the steel frame from the estimated welding amount, the weight of the steel frame per piece, and the processing conditions. The calculation unit 107 calculates the unit price of each type of steel frame based on the market price of the steel frame, the processing difficulty, and the estimation conditions. The rough estimate sending unit 108 generates rough estimate information based on the quantity and unit price of each type of steel frame calculated by the calculation unit 107, and sends it to the orderer terminal 200A that sent the order information.

[0026] When the classification of the drawings included in the order information is a formal drawing, the order information transmitting unit 109 transmits the order information and rough estimate information indicating the quantity and unit price of each type of steel frame calculated by the calculation unit 107 to the fabricator stored in the user database 102. The rough estimate information is represented, for example, by CSV data. For example, the order information transmitting unit 109 may transmit an email with the order information attached to the fabricator's email address, or may transmit an email containing a URL for accessing a viewing screen for the order information to the fabricator's email address. In addition, the order information transmitting unit 109 may transmit a viewing screen for the order information to the fabricator terminal 200B when the fabricator terminal 200B accesses the server 100.

[0027] The order information receiving unit 110 receives order information indicating a desire to receive an order for a steel frame indicated by the order information from the fabricator terminal 200B. The order information includes formal quotation information. The formal quotation information is data in which the fabricator has rewritten the unit price portion of the rough quotation information transmitted by the order information transmitting unit 109. In other words, the formal quotation information is an example of unit price correction information for correcting the unit price calculated by the calculation unit 107. The formal quotation information is also an example of order price information indicating the order price of the steel frame. Note that order information is not necessarily received from all fabricators. For example, a fabricator that is unable to accept orders due to a busy season does not transmit order information. Hereinafter, the fabricator that transmits the order information is also referred to as a candidate fabricator.

[0028] When a certain number of pieces of order information have been received by the order information receiving unit 110, or when a certain period of time has passed since the order information was received, the candidate presentation unit 111 extracts three recommended fabricators from among the multiple candidate fabricators based on the multiple pieces of received order information and information stored in the user database 102. For example, the candidate presentation unit 111 extracts recommended fabricators in the following procedure. The candidate presentation unit 111 converts the order price indicated in the formal quotation information included in the order information, the distance from the fabricator's location to the construction site, and the fabricator's evaluation into scores. The lower the order price, the higher the score, the shorter the distance from the location to the construction site, and the higher the fabricator's evaluation. The score may be calculated, for example, by using the standard deviation of the candidate fabricators as a population. The candidate presentation unit 111 extracts, as recommended fabricators, the candidate fabricators with the highest order price score, the highest distance score, and the highest evaluation score from among the candidate fabricators whose total score is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, or the candidate fabricators whose scores are within a predetermined number of the top scores. In other words, the candidate presentation unit 111 extracts, from among multiple candidate fabricator information, candidate fabricator information relating to candidate fabricators located closer to the construction site than the other candidate fabricators, candidate fabricator information relating to candidate fabricators with lower order prices than the other candidate fabricators, and candidate fabricator information relating to candidate fabricators with higher ratings than the other candidate fabricators.

[0029] The candidate presentation unit 111 transmits to the orderer terminal 200A a comparative quotation screen that presents the order information and evaluation information of the extracted recommended fabricators in a comparative manner. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the comparative quotation screen according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the comparative quotation screen displays the locations, evaluations, and order prices of the three recommended fabricators side by side. In addition, the unit prices and amounts presented by the three recommended fabricators for each item are displayed side by side for the order prices.

[0030] The candidate selection unit 112 accepts the selection of a contract fabricator for ordering steel frames from among the three recommended fabricators from the orderer terminal 200A. The orderer terminal 200A selects a contract fabricator by pressing an order button associated with the desired fabricator on the competitive quote screen shown in FIG.

[0031] The notification unit 114 notifies each candidate fabricator of whether or not they will accept the order for the steel frame. Specifically, when the candidate presentation unit 111 extracts three recommended fabricators, the notification unit 114 notifies the candidate fabricators that were not extracted that they will not be able to accept the order. In addition, when the candidate selection unit 112 accepts the selection of a contract fabricator, the notification unit 114 notifies the recommended fabricators that were not selected that they will not be able to accept the order. In addition, when the candidate selection unit 112 accepts the selection of a contract fabricator, the notification unit 114 notifies the recommended fabricators that they will accept the order.

[0032] The contract presentation unit 113 presents guarantee contract information related to the order to the orderer and the contract fabricator when a contract fabricator is selected by the candidate selection unit 112. A guarantee contract is a contract concluded between a user who is an orderer or a contract fabricator and a platformer, and is a contract under which the platformer assumes the payment obligation when a debt is not paid between the users. The contract presentation unit 113 accepts whether or not to conclude a guarantee contract indicated by the compensation contract information presented by the user.

[0033] The settlement processing unit 115 receives performance information indicating the performance quantity of steel beams fabricated from the fabricator terminal 200B. When the difference between the performance quantity indicated in the performance information and the quantity calculated by the calculation unit 107 exceeds a predetermined value, the settlement processing unit 115 accepts input of settlement information indicating the fee after settlement from the fabricator terminal 200B. On the other hand, when the difference between the performance quantity indicated in the performance information and the quantity calculated by the calculation unit 107 does not exceed the predetermined value, the settlement processing unit 115 does not accept the settlement information.

[0034] The evaluation receiving unit 116 receives input of individual evaluation information indicating an evaluation of the contract fabricator from the customer. The evaluation receiving unit 116 also receives input of individual evaluation information indicating the customer's evaluation from the contract fabricator. The individual evaluation information may be expressed by a numerical value indicating, for example, a five-point scale. The evaluation information may also include a character string that describes the characteristics of the user. The evaluation receiving unit 116 updates the evaluation information stored in the user database 102 based on the received individual evaluation information. For example, the evaluation receiving unit 116 updates the evaluation information by calculating the average value of the numerical values ​​indicated by the individual evaluation information. In addition, for example, the evaluation receiving unit 116 adds a character string included in the individual evaluation information to a character string related to the evaluation information.

[0035] Configuration of Terminal Device 200 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. An orderer terminal 200A and a fabricator terminal 200B are terminal devices 200 that communicate with the server 100. The terminal device 200 includes a receiving unit 201, a display control unit 202, an input unit 203, and a transmitting unit 204. The receiving unit 201 receives data from the server 100. The display control unit 202 displays information received by the receiving unit 201 from the server 100 on a display device such as an LCD panel or a touch panel. The input unit 203 accepts input operations by a user via an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. The transmitting unit 204 transmits the data input to the input unit 203 to the server 100.

[0036] <<Operation of Steel Order System 1>> FIG. 7 is a first flowchart showing the operation of the server 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a second flowchart showing the operation of the server 100 according to the first embodiment. When an orderer operates the orderer terminal 200A to access the server 100, the setting unit 104 generates input screen data for order information and transmits it to the orderer terminal 200A (step S101). When the receiving unit 201 of the orderer terminal 200A receives the input screen data for order information from the server 100, the display control unit 202 causes the display device to display an input screen for order information as shown in FIG. 4. The input unit 203 of the orderer terminal 200A accepts input of order information from the orderer. When the orderer operates to press the quote request button on the input screen, the transmitting unit 204 of the orderer terminal 200A transmits the order information to the server 100.

[0037] When the order information receiving unit 106 of the server 100 receives the order information (step S102), it determines whether the classification of the order information, whether it is an approximate drawing or a formal drawing, indicates that it is a formal drawing (step S103).

[0038] If the category indicates rough estimate drawings (step S103: NO), the calculation unit 107 calculates the quantity and unit price for each type of steel frame based on the drawings and estimate conditions included in the order information received in step S102 (step S104). The rough estimate sending unit 108 generates rough estimate information based on the quantity and unit price for each type of steel frame calculated in step S104 (step S105). The rough estimate sending unit 108 sends the generated rough estimate information to the orderer terminal 200A (step S106). At this time, the billing unit 105 reads the orderer's account information from the user database 102, and performs billing processing for the fee related to the generation of the estimate information based on the account information (step S107).

[0039] When the receiving unit 201 of the orderer terminal 200A receives the rough estimate information from the server 100, the display control unit 202 displays the received rough estimate information on the display device. This allows the orderer to obtain a rough estimate for the steel frame without selecting a fabricator. Note that when the category of the order information indicates rough drawings, the server 100 does not present the order information to the fabricator terminal 200B.

[0040] On the other hand, if the classification of the order information indicates a formal drawing (step S103: YES), the calculation unit 107 calculates the quantity and unit price for each type of steel frame based on the drawing and the estimate conditions included in the order information received in step S102 (step S108). The order information transmission unit 109 generates rough estimate information based on the quantity and unit price for each type of steel frame calculated in step S108 (step S109). The order information transmission unit 109 transmits the generated rough estimate information, the order information received in step S102, and the evaluation information of the orderer to a fabricator whose registration status in the user database 102 indicates registration and that satisfies the order acceptance conditions included in the order information (step S110). At this time, the order information transmission unit 109 may further transmit a shop drawing generated based on the formal drawing to the fabricator together with the order information. For example, the server 100 accepts an upload of a shop drawing created by the platformer and transmits the uploaded shop drawing to the fabricator. This eliminates the need for fabricators to create shop drawings for jobs that do not have a guaranteed order.

[0041] When the receiving unit 201 of the fabricator terminal 200B receives the rough estimate information, order information, and evaluation information, the display control unit 202 causes the received rough estimate information, order information, and evaluation information to be displayed on the display device. The fabricator determines whether or not he wishes to accept the order for the steel frame indicated by the order information, based on the displayed information. If the fabricator wishes to accept the order, he generates formal estimate information by modifying the unit price indicated by the rough estimate information. The transmitting unit 204 of the fabricator terminal 200B transmits the order information including the formal estimate information to the server 100.

[0042] When the server 100 transmits the order information to a plurality of fabricator terminals 200B in step S110, the order information receiving unit 110 waits to receive the order information from the fabricator terminals 200B (step S111). The order information receiving unit 110 judges whether the received order information has reached a certain number (step S112). If the received order information has not reached the certain number (step S112: NO), the order information receiving unit 110 judges whether a certain period of time has passed since the date of transmitting the order information in step S110 (step S113). If the certain period of time has not passed since transmitting the order information (step S113: NO), the process returns to step S111 and waits to receive the order information.

[0043] On the other hand, when the number of received order information reaches a certain number (step S112: YES), or when a certain period of time has passed since the date of sending the order information (step S113: YES), the candidate presentation unit 111 calculates the order price, the distance from the location to the construction site, and the evaluation score for each candidate fabricator related to the order information based on the received multiple order information and the information stored in the user database 102 (step S114). Based on the calculated scores, the candidate presentation unit 111 extracts candidate fabricators whose total score is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S115). From the extracted candidate fabricators, the candidate presentation unit 111 extracts the fabricator with the highest order price score, the highest distance score, and the highest evaluation score as recommended fabricators (step S116). The candidate presentation unit 111 generates competitive quotation screen data based on the order information and evaluation information related to the recommended fabricators extracted in step S116, and transmits the generated data to the orderer terminal 200A (step S117).

[0044] The notification unit 114 notifies the fabricator terminal 200B of the candidate fabricator not extracted in step S116 that the order cannot be accepted (step S118). If the order information receiving unit 110 receives new order information after step S118, the notification unit 114 notifies the fabricator terminal 200B that is the sender of the order information that the order cannot be accepted, regardless of the content of the new order information.

[0045] When the receiving unit 201 of the orderer terminal 200A receives the comparative quotation screen data, the display control unit 202 causes the display device to display a comparative quotation screen as shown in Fig. 5. This allows the orderer to select a fabricator from the standpoints of order price, distance from the location to the construction site, and evaluation. When the orderer presses one of the order buttons shown in Fig. 5 that is associated with the selected fabricator, the transmitting unit 204 transmits selection information including information on the selected fabricator to the server 100.

[0046] The candidate selection unit 112 receives the selection information from the orderer terminal 200A (step S119). The notification unit 114 notifies the fabricator terminal 200B of the contract fabricator of the selection result indicated by the selection information (step S120). That is, the notification unit 114 notifies the contract fabricator indicated by the selection information that the order has been received. In other words, the contract fabricator is an example of a contractor that receives an order for steel frames. On the other hand, the notification unit 114 notifies the recommended fabricators extracted in step S116 that were not selected as contract fabricators that they cannot receive the order.

[0047] The contract presentation unit 113 transmits warranty contract information to the orderer terminal 200A and the fabricator terminal 200B of the contract fabricator (step S121). When the receiving unit 201 of the orderer terminal 200A and the fabricator terminal 200B receives the warranty contract information, the display control unit 202 displays the received warranty contract information on the display device. The orderer and the fabricator judge whether or not to conclude a warranty contract with the platformer, and transmit the judgment result to the server 100. The contract presentation unit 113 receives warranty acceptance / rejection information indicating whether or not to conclude a warranty contract from the orderer terminal 200A and the fabricator terminal 200B (step S122). The billing unit 105 judges whether or not each warranty acceptance / rejection information indicates that a warranty contract is to be concluded (step S123). If it is indicated that a guarantee contract will be concluded (step S123: YES), the billing unit 105 executes a process of billing the user for the guarantee fee based on the account information of the user who will conclude the compensation contract (step S124). The contract presentation unit 113 may present the contract fabricator with information on the delivery company that will deliver the steel frame related to the order, and accept input on whether or not to request the platformer to arrange for the delivery company. Since the fabricator usually arranges for the delivery company, this can save the fabricator time. The billing unit 105 also executes a process of billing the orderer for the referral fee based on the orderer's account information (step S125). The billing unit 105 may also execute a process of billing the contract fabricator for the fee in addition to or instead of the orderer. The billing unit 105 may also execute a process of billing the contract fabricator for the delivery fee when it receives a request from the contract fabricator to arrange for a delivery company.

[0048] The contract fabricator then fabricates the steel frame based on the contract with the customer and delivers it to the customer. When the steel frame is delivered by the contract fabricator, the customer may transmit information to the server 100 indicating whether the steel frame fabricated by the contract fabricator is a non-conforming product. If the server 100 receives information that the steel frame is a non-conforming product, the platformer will investigate the delivered steel frame. If the steel frame is a non-conforming product and a warranty contract has been concluded, the platformer will fulfill the warranty obligation in accordance with the warranty contract. When the delivery of all the steel frames is completed, the contract fabricator will add up the actual quantity of the steel frame. The input unit 203 of the fabricator terminal 200B accepts the input of the actual quantity, and the transmission unit 204 transmits the actual information indicating the input actual quantity to the server 100.

[0049] The settlement processing unit 115 of the server 100 receives the actual result information from the fabricator terminal 200B (step S126). The settlement processing unit 115 judges whether the difference between the actual quantity indicated by the actual result information and the calculated quantity calculated by the calculation unit 107 exceeds a predetermined value (step S127). If the difference between the actual quantity and the calculated quantity exceeds the predetermined value (step S127: YES), the settlement processing unit 115 generates settlement information based on the official estimate information received in step S111 and the difference, and transmits it to the orderer terminal 200A (step S128). On the other hand, if the difference between the actual quantity and the calculated quantity does not exceed the predetermined value (step S127: NO), the settlement processing unit 115 notifies the fabricator terminal 200B that the settlement of the steel frame will not be performed (step S129).

[0050] The evaluation receiving unit 116 receives input of individual evaluation information indicating an evaluation of the contract fabricator from the orderer. The evaluation receiving unit 116 also receives input of individual evaluation information indicating the evaluation of the orderer from the contract fabricator (step S130). The evaluation receiving unit 116 updates the evaluation information of the orderer and the contract fabricator stored in the user database 102 based on the received individual evaluation information (step S131).

[0051] Actions and Effects Thus, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the server 100 receives order information from an orderer and transmits it to multiple fabricators. The server 100 also receives information from multiple candidate fabricators, which are at least a part of the multiple fabricators, and presents the information of the candidate fabricators to the orderer. This allows the orderer to know which fabricators can order steel frames from among the wide-area (e.g., nationwide) fabricators registered in the steel frame ordering system 1. Also, for example, fabricators can receive steel frame orders from orderers registered in the steel frame ordering system 1 throughout the country. In other words, according to the steel frame ordering system 1, fabricators can receive steel frame orders during the off-season, and orderers can easily find fabricators to request.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the server 100 presents to the orderer, among the multiple candidate fabricator information received from the multiple candidate fabricators, those that are closer to the construction site than the other candidate fabricators, those that offer lower order prices than the other candidate fabricators, and those that are more highly rated than the other candidate fabricators. This allows the orderer to select a fabricator based on different perspectives, namely, price, location, and rating.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the steel structure ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the server 100 accepts settings of order conditions that must be met by fabricators who receive orders from an orderer, and transmits order information to fabricators that meet the order conditions among multiple fabricators. This allows the steel structure ordering system 1 to present fabricators that meet the requirements of the orderer, and also prevents fabricators that do not meet the order conditions from having to perform unnecessary work.

[0054] According to the steel frame ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment, the server 100 calculates the quantity and unit price of the steel frame based on the drawings included in the order information. This allows the server 100 to automatically generate rough estimate information.

[0055] Moreover, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the order information includes estimate condition information indicating the estimate conditions for the steel frame, and the server 100 calculates the quantity and unit price using the estimate condition information. This allows the steel frame ordering system 1 to prevent the estimated quantity and unit price of the steel frame from becoming far from the actual value due to information leakage.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the server 100 accepts settlement based on the quantity of steel frames automatically calculated from the fabricator terminal 200B. This makes it possible to prevent the fabricator from incurring losses even if the estimated quantity differs from the actual quantity. Furthermore, the server 100 accepts settlement when the difference between the automatically calculated quantity of steel frames and the actual quantity exceeds a predetermined value, and does not accept settlement when the difference does not exceed the predetermined value. This makes it possible for the steel frame ordering system 1 to prevent the orderer from having to go through the trouble of settlement based on small differences.

[0057] The steel frame ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment receives order information including formal quotation information in which the unit price automatically calculated from the fabricator terminal 200B has been corrected. This allows the fabricator to easily generate quotation information by correcting the unit price without the need to calculate the quantity of steel frames based on the drawing.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the server 100 transmits the order information to multiple fabricators when the drawings included in the order information are formal drawing information, and does not transmit the order information to a fabricator when the drawings are approximate drawing information. This eliminates the need for fabricators to secure an uncertain schedule before receiving an order for steel frame fabrication.

[0059] Moreover, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment, the server 100 calculates the welding amount of the steel frame based on the drawing information, estimates the processing difficulty of the steel frame, and calculates the unit price of the steel frame based on the processing difficulty. This allows the server 100 to calculate the unit price appropriately according to the type of steel frame.

[0060] Moreover, according to the steel structure ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the server 100 charges a fee to the orderer when the quantity and unit price are automatically calculated. The server 100 also accepts payment of annual membership fees from fabricators, and transmits order information to multiple fabricators who have paid the annual membership fees. In this way, the steel structure ordering system 1 can appropriately generate revenue for the platform operator.

[0061] Moreover, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the server 100 accepts confirmation of order information from the orderer, and transmits the order information confirmed by the orderer to the fabricator terminal 200B. This allows the fabricator to obtain order information at the stage when the design is completed, rather than at the conceptual or planning stage. By receiving an order for steel frames at the stage when the design is completed, the period from receiving an order to starting production of the steel frames can be shortened. In other words, the fabricator can receive an order for steel frames that can be produced immediately during the off-season.

[0062] Moreover, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment, the server 100 accepts fabricator evaluations from the orderer, and accepts the orderer's evaluations from the fabricator. The server 100 also presents evaluation information to the orderer along with information on candidate fabricators. This allows the orderer to select a fabricator while referring to past evaluations.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the server 100 presents, together with the candidate fabricator information, quotation information sent from the fabricator indicated by the candidate fabricator information. This allows the orderer to select a fabricator by referring to the presented quotation information. In particular, according to the first embodiment, the server 100 presents quotation information for a plurality of candidate fabricators in a comparable manner. This allows the orderer to obtain competitive quotations from the candidate fabricators.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, when the server 100 receives from the orderer the selection of a contract fabricator from among a plurality of candidate fabricators to order steel frames, the server 100 presents the warranty contract information and receives a decision as to whether or not to conclude the warranty contract. This allows the orderer and the fabricator to avoid credit risk.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the steel frame ordering system 1 of the first embodiment, the server 100 notifies those of the multiple candidate fabricators whose candidate fabricator information was not presented to the orderer that they were not selected by the orderer. This allows the fabricators whose candidate fabricator information was not presented to the orderer to immediately know that they were not able to accept the order, shortening the waiting time for the order to be accepted.

[0066] Moreover, the steel frame ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment handles transactions of small lots of steel frames of less than 300 tons. Since the ratio of labor costs to material costs is high for small lots of steel frames, the unit price of the steel frames is likely to vary depending on the fabricator. Therefore, by handling transactions of small lots of steel frames, the steel frame ordering system 1 can present the customer with a variety of fabricator options.

[0067] In addition, the entity that operates the server 100 of the steel frame ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment does not acquire ownership of the steel frame. This prevents the platform operator from bearing inventory risk.

[0068] Second embodiment The stages of a transaction between a fabricator and a customer include a production stage where the fabricator produces the steel frame, a delivery stage where the fabricated steel frame is delivered to the customer, and a receipt stage where the fabricator settles the account with the customer and receives payment for the steel frame from the customer. The fabricator temporarily covers the cost of materials for the steel frame during the production stage, and collects payment including the material cost during the receipt stage.

[0069] The steel structure ordering system 1 according to the first embodiment charges an agency fee to the orderer or fabricator when an order is confirmed between the orderer who transmitted the order information and the fabricator (selected fabricator) who receives the order related to the order information. Here, when charging an agency fee to the fabricator, at the time of order confirmation, the transaction stage is before the production stage, and it may not be easy for the fabricator to pay the fee. In contrast, the steel structure ordering system 1 according to the second embodiment charges the fee at the receipt stage when the fabricator receives the price of the steel structure. Note that the fee charged at the receipt stage is not limited to an agency fee, and may be, for example, a fee by the fabricator for using the steel structure ordering system 1, or a fee charged to the orderer, which the fabricator pays in advance. For example, the fees may include all or any one of a registration fee for registering a fabricator in the steel structure ordering system 1, an introduction fee for introducing a fabricator to a customer, and an intermediary fee for the completion of an order for a steel structure. By charging the various fees together, the steel structure ordering system 1 can reduce the work of the fabricator and the customer.

[0070] In addition, when the fabricator advances the fee to be charged to the customer, the quotation information included in the order information sent in step S11 of FIG. 2 does not include the fee, so the fabricator may re-issue quotation information including the fee after the order is confirmed.

[0071] The server 100 according to the second embodiment functions as a workflow system. The server 100 according to the second embodiment handles the process from ordering a steel frame by a customer to settlement as a series of workflows, and updates one workflow data generated for each workflow according to the process. In other words, reception of order information from a customer, transmission of rough estimate information to the customer, transmission of order information to a fabricator, reception of order information from a fabricator, transmission of candidate information (competitive quote screen data) to a customer, transmission of an order confirmation notice (selection result information), and the like are performed via workflows. Hereinafter, the term "workflow" refers to workflow data handled by the workflow system. Even after the server 100 transmits an order confirmation notice, the fabricator and the customer can communicate with each other regarding the transaction using the workflow.

[0072] 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a steel frame ordering system 1 according to the second embodiment. The steel frame ordering system 1 according to the second embodiment further includes a determination unit 117 and an update unit 118 in addition to the configuration according to the first embodiment.

[0073] The determination unit 117 determines whether or not the fabricator whose order has been confirmed, that is, the fabricator indicated by the selection information in step S119 shown in FIG. 8, is in the receipt stage. For example, the determination unit 117 can receive a report from the fabricator that the payment has been received, or receive a report from the orderer that the payment has been paid, and determine whether or not the fabricator is in the receipt stage based on the report. When information used for the determination is provided, the determination unit 117 may update the evaluation information of the fabricator or orderer that is the provider of the information stored in the user database 102 to a higher evaluation. Furthermore, when information used for the determination is not provided, the determination unit 117 may update the evaluation information of the fabricator or orderer that is the provider of the information stored in the user database 102 to a lower evaluation.

[0074] The update unit 118 receives updates to the workflow from the fabricator and the orderer. The workflow is updated according to the stage of the transaction between the fabricator and the orderer.

[0075] When the determination unit 117 determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage, the billing unit 105 transmits billing information for the fee to the fabricator. The fabricator pays the fee to the platformer according to the billing information. When information used by the determination unit 117 to determine the receipt stage is provided, the billing unit 105 may transmit billing information for a reduced fee. Alternatively, when information used by the determination unit 117 to determine the receipt stage is not provided, the billing unit 105 may transmit billing information for an increased fee. The billing unit 105 may transmit, together with the billing information, basis information indicating the basis for determining the timing of billing the fee. Examples of the basis include a fact that a report of receipt of the fee has been received from the fabricator, a fact that a report of payment of the fee has been received from the customer, the date of the start of construction has arrived, the delivery date of the steel frame has been input, and a certain period of time has passed since the confirmation of the order. Note that since the determination unit 117 does not always accurately determine whether or not the item is at the receipt stage, it is possible that the fabricator has not actually received payment for the steel frame. Therefore, the billing unit 105 may receive scheduled payment date information from the fabricator after transmitting the billing information, and set the payment period based on the scheduled payment date. For example, when the orderer pays the price by bill, the fabricator transmits scheduled payment date information to the server 100, with the due date of the bill as the scheduled payment date. Also, for example, the billing unit 105 may resend the billing information on the scheduled payment date.

[0076] When the display control unit 202 of the fabricator terminal 200B receives the billing information from the server 100, it causes the display device to display the billing information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display of billing information according to the second embodiment. The billing information includes the project name, the billing amount, and the basis for the timing of sending the billing information. This allows the fabricator to recognize that a fee should be paid to the platformer, and the amount of the fee to be paid to the platformer. This also allows the fabricator to recognize why the billing information has been sent.

[0077] The configuration for determining whether or not the fabricator is in the receipt stage by the determining unit 117 will be described below.

[0078] First Configuration Example In the first configuration example, when the delivery date of the steel frame is decided, the fabricator records the delivery date in the workflow related to the order information and updates the workflow. Alternatively, when the delivery of the steel frame is completed, the fabricator records the delivery date in the workflow related to the order information and updates the workflow. In other words, the update unit 118 receives an instruction to update the delivery date from the fabricator and updates the workflow. The update unit 118 is an example of a delivery information receiving unit that receives delivery information indicating that the steel frame will be delivered from the fabricator.

[0079] The determination unit 117 determines whether or not a delivery date is recorded in the workflow, and determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage if a delivery date is recorded. In other words, the determination unit 117 determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage if the delivery of the steel frame from the fabricator to the customer is scheduled or if the delivery of the steel frame is completed.

[0080] The fact that the steel frame is scheduled to be delivered or has been delivered means that the above-mentioned delivery stage is completed. Therefore, the determination unit 117 can determine that the fabricator is in the receipt stage, which is the next stage after the delivery stage.

[0081] The billing unit 105 transmits billing information for the fee to the fabricator when the determining unit 117 determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage. The billing unit 105 may transmit the billing information at the time when the determining unit 117 determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage, or may wait until the delivery date recorded in the workflow before transmitting the billing information.

[0082] <<Second configuration example>> In the second configuration example, when the steel beams are delivered from the fabricator, the orderer records the delivery date in the workflow related to the order information and updates the workflow. That is, the update unit 118 receives an instruction to update the delivery date from the orderer and updates the workflow. The update unit 118 is an example of a delivery information receiving unit that receives delivery information indicating that the steel beams will be delivered from the orderer.

[0083] The determination unit 117 determines whether or not a delivery date is recorded in the workflow, and determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage if a delivery date is recorded. In other words, the determination unit 117 determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage if the delivery of the steel frame from the fabricator to the customer is scheduled or if the delivery of the steel frame is completed.

[0084] The billing unit 105 transmits billing information for the fee to the fabricator when the determining unit 117 determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage. The billing unit 105 may transmit the billing information at the time when the determining unit 117 determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage, or may wait until the delivery date recorded in the workflow before transmitting the billing information.

[0085] Third Configuration Example In the third configuration example, the orderer updates the construction start time in the workflow related to the order information every time the construction start time of the steel frame is changed. That is, the update unit 118 receives an instruction to update the delivery date from the orderer and updates the workflow. In general, since the construction start time changes frequently, it is difficult for the platformer to manage the delivery schedule of the steel frame. On the other hand, as in the second configuration example, by appropriately updating the construction start time in the workflow, it is easy for the server 100 to predict the latest delivery schedule of the steel frame. The construction start time is updated to be earlier than the construction start time that has already been set. The update unit 118 is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires construction start time information indicating the construction start time of the steel frame from the orderer.

[0086] The determination unit 117 determines whether the current date is the construction start date related to the workflow or a date later than the construction start date, and determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage when the current date is the construction start date or a date later than the construction start date. That is, the determination unit 117 determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage based on the construction start date information acquired from the orderer. Note that the construction start date does not necessarily need to be updated, and the determination unit 117 may determine whether the fabricator is in the receipt stage based on the construction start date included in the order information accepted by the setting unit 104 in step S102. In this case, the setting unit 104 is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires construction start date information indicating the construction start date of the steel frame from the orderer. When the determining unit 117 determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage, the billing unit 105 transmits billing information for the fee to the fabricator. If the fabricator has not been able to deliver the steel frame by the time construction begins, the fabricator can transmit to the server 100 scheduled payment date information that sets the scheduled delivery date of the steel frame as the scheduled payment date. This enables the billing unit 105 to set the period up to the scheduled delivery date as the payment period.

[0087] <<Fourth Configuration Example>> The determination unit 117 according to the fourth configuration example determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage when a predetermined period has passed since the date on which the candidate presentation unit 111 transmitted the extracted candidate fabricator information to the orderer terminal 200A. For example, the determination unit 117 may obtain the predetermined period by the sum of the standard procurement period and the construction period according to the type of steel material. Since the procurement period of steel materials is usually a bottleneck for the delivery date for fabricators, the scheduled delivery date of the steel frame can be accurately estimated by using the sum of the standard procurement period and the construction period according to the type of steel material as described above. The determination unit 117 may estimate the scheduled delivery date based on the procurement period without using the construction period. If the fabricator has not been able to deliver the steel frame when a predetermined period has passed since the date on which the order was confirmed, the fabricator can transmit scheduled payment date information to the server 100, which sets the scheduled delivery date of the steel frame as the scheduled payment date. This allows the billing unit 105 to set the period until the scheduled delivery date as the payment period.

[0088] <<Fifth Configuration Example>> The determination unit 117 according to the fifth configuration example determines that the fabricator is in the receipt stage when a predetermined period has passed since the date on which the candidate selection unit 112 accepted the selection of the contract fabricator to order the steel frame from the orderer terminal 200A among the three recommended fabricators (the date on which the order was confirmed). For example, the determination unit 117 may obtain the predetermined period by adding up the standard procurement period and construction period according to the type of steel material. The determination unit 117 may estimate the scheduled delivery date based on the procurement period without using the construction period. If the fabricator has not been able to deliver the steel frame when a predetermined period has passed from the date on which the order was confirmed, the fabricator can transmit scheduled payment date information to the server 100, which sets the scheduled delivery date of the steel frame as the scheduled payment date. This allows the billing unit 105 to set the period until the scheduled delivery date as the payment period. The billing unit 105 may transmit the billing information when the candidate selection unit 112 accepts, from the orderer terminal 200A, a selection of a contract fabricator to order steel frames from among the three recommended fabricators.

[0089] 《Sixth Configuration Example》 The determination unit 117 according to the sixth configuration example determines that a fabricator is in the receipt stage when the settlement processing unit 115 receives information related to settlement. For example, the determination unit 117 may determine that a fabricator is in the receipt stage when the settlement processing unit 115 receives performance information in step S126 of Fig. 8. Also, for example, the determination unit 117 may determine that a fabricator is in the receipt stage when the settlement processing unit 115 receives settlement information directly from the fabricator.

[0090] If the billing amount changes depending on the settlement information, the billing unit 105 may determine the fee based on the price that has changed due to the settlement.

[0091] Although several configuration examples according to the second embodiment have been described above, the server 100 may determine whether or not the fabricator is in the receipt stage by combining the above configuration examples. For example, the determination unit 117 may determine that the product is in the receipt stage based on the delivery date when the delivery date is input as in the first configuration example. On the other hand, when the construction start time arrives without the delivery date being input, the determination unit 117 may determine that the product is in the receipt stage based on the construction start time as in the third configuration example. Also, for example, when the update unit 118 receives updates of the delivery date from both the fabricator and the orderer, it may determine that the product is in the receipt stage based on the delivery date updated by the fabricator, or it may determine that the product is in the receipt stage based on the delivery date updated by the orderer. Also, for example, the determining unit 117 may have the functions of each of the first to sixth configuration examples, and may determine whether or not the fabricator is in the receipt stage based on a plurality of pieces of obtained information.

[0092] Other Embodiments Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes are possible. That is, in other embodiments, the order of the above-mentioned processes may be changed as appropriate. Also, some of the processes may be executed in parallel. The server 100 according to the above-described embodiment may be configured as a single computer, or the configuration of the server 100 may be distributed across multiple computers, and the multiple computers may work together to function as the server 100.

[0093] The server 100 according to the above-described embodiment automatically calculates the quantity and unit price of steel frames based on the drawings included in the order information, but is not limited to this. For example, the server 100 according to another embodiment may accept an input of the quantity and unit price of steel frames that have been manually calculated based on the drawings from the platformer. Also, the server 100 according to the above-described embodiment automatically extracts a recommended fabricator based on the order information, but is not limited to this. For example, the server 100 according to another embodiment may present the received order information to the platformer and accept the selection of a recommended fabricator from the platformer.

[0094] The server 100 according to the embodiment described above extracts three candidate fabricators from among a plurality of candidate fabricators based on the perspectives of location, order price, and evaluation, but is not limited to this. For example, the server 100 according to another embodiment may extract two candidate fabricators based on two perspectives of location, order price, and evaluation. Furthermore, the server according to another embodiment may extract a recommended fabricator based on other criteria. In addition, the server 100 according to another embodiment may present candidate fabricator information relating to all candidate fabricators to the orderer terminal 200A. At this time, the orderer terminal 200A may display all of the received candidate fabricator information, or the orderer terminal 200A may extract or sort the candidate fabricator information from the viewpoints of order price, distance from the location to the construction site, and evaluation, and display the extracted candidate fabricator information.

[0095] The server 100 according to the embodiment described above accepts the setting of the order conditions from the orderer, but is not limited to this. For example, the server 100 according to another embodiment may predetermine the order conditions. For example, the server 100 may transmit the order information only to fabricators whose evaluation information is rated at 3 points or more on a 5-point scale.

[0096] The server 100 according to the embodiment described above extracts candidate fabricators when a certain number of pieces of order information has been received or when a certain period of time has passed since the date on which the order information was sent, but is not limited to this. For example, the server 100 according to another embodiment may extract candidate fabricators when a request for presentation of recommended fabricators is received from an orderer. The server 100 according to another embodiment may also accept a designation of an order deadline from an orderer in advance and extract candidate fabricators when the order deadline has passed.

[0097] The fabricator terminal 200B according to the embodiment described above transmits order information including formal quotation information to the server 100, but is not limited to this. For example, the fabricator terminal 200B according to another embodiment may transmit correction information indicating a difference between the rough estimate information and the formal quotation information to the server 100. In this case, the server 100 generates formal quotation information based on the correction information and the rough estimate information, and transmits the generated formal quotation information to the orderer terminal 200A.

[0098] The server 100 according to the embodiment described above transmits the order information regardless of the location of the fabricator, but is not limited to this. For example, the server 100 according to another embodiment may narrow down the fabricators to which the order information is transmitted depending on the contents of the contract with the orderer. For example, the server 100 may limit the transmission destinations of the order information to fabricators nationwide, fabricators in the same region as the construction site, fabricators in the same municipality as the construction site, etc., depending on the contents of the contract with the orderer. In this case, the amount of the fee charged by the billing unit 105 may differ depending on the transmission range of the order information.

[0099] Computer Configuration FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a computer configuration according to at least one embodiment. The computer 50 comprises a processor 51 , a main memory 53 , a storage 55 , and an interface 57 . The above-mentioned server 100 and terminal device 200 are each implemented in a computer 50. The operations of the above-mentioned processing units are stored in the storage 55 in the form of a program. The processor 51 reads the program from the storage 55, loads it in the main memory 53, and executes the above-mentioned processes according to the program. The processor 51 also secures storage areas in the main memory 53 corresponding to the above-mentioned storage units according to the program. Examples of the processor 51 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), and a microprocessor.

[0100] The program may be for realizing a part of the functions to be performed by the computer 50. For example, the program may be for realizing the functions by combining with other programs already stored in the storage or by combining with other programs implemented in other devices. In another embodiment, the computer 50 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to the above configuration or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, some or all of the functions to be realized by the processor 51 may be realized by the integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit is also included in an example of a processor.

[0101] Examples of storage 55 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. Storage 55 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of computer 50, or an external medium connected to computer 50 via interface 57 or a communication line. In addition, when this program is distributed to computer 50 via a communication line, computer 50 that receives the program may load the program into main memory 53 and execute the above-mentioned process. In at least one embodiment, storage 55 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0102] The program may be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that realizes the above-mentioned functions in combination with another program already stored in the storage 55. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1...Steel frame ordering system 100...Server 101...Registration reception unit 102...User database 103...Payment confirmation unit 104...Setting unit 105...Billing unit 106...Order information receiving unit 107...Calculation unit 108...Approximate estimate transmission unit 109...Order information transmission unit 110...Order information receiving unit 111...Candidate presentation unit 112...Candidate selection unit 113...Contract presentation unit 114...Notification unit 115...Settlement processing unit 116...Evaluation reception unit 117...Determination unit 118...Update unit 120...Confirmation result receiving unit 200...Terminal device 200A...Orderer terminal 200B...Fabricator terminal 201...Receiving unit 202...Display control unit 203...Input unit 204...Transmitting unit 50...Computer 51...Processor 53...Main memory 55...Storage 57...Interface

Claims

1. A server that communicates with an orderer terminal of an orderer who orders a steel frame and fabricator terminals of a plurality of fabricators that manufacture the steel frame via a network, an order information receiving unit that receives order information indicating an order for a steel frame from the orderer terminal; an order information transmitting unit that transmits the order information to fabricator terminals of the plurality of fabricators; an order information receiving unit that receives order information indicating that the order indicated by the order information is to be accepted from a fabricator terminal of a plurality of candidate fabricators that are part of the plurality of fabricators; a candidate presentation unit that presents at least a portion of a plurality of candidate fabricator information items indicating each of the plurality of candidate fabricators to the orderer; a selection unit that allows the orderer to select selected fabricator information that is one of the portion presented by the candidate presentation unit; a determination unit that determines whether or not the fabricator indicated by the selected fabricator information is in a receipt stage of receiving payment for the steel frame from the orderer; a billing unit that transmits billing information for billing a fee to a fabricator terminal of a fabricator indicated by the selected fabricator information when the selected fabricator information is selected by the orderer and the determination unit determines that the process is in the receipt stage; Equipped with The billing information includes information identifying the order information. server.

2. The determination unit determines that the process is in the receipt stage when the delivery of the steel frame from the fabricator indicated by the selected fabricator information to the orderer is scheduled or when the delivery of the steel frame has been completed. The server of claim 1 .

3. An acquisition unit that acquires construction start time information indicating a construction start time of the steel frame from the orderer; Further comprising: The determination unit determines that the construction is in the receipt stage based on the construction start time acquired by the acquisition unit. The server of claim 1 .

4. the determining unit determines that the process is in the receipt stage when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the selecting unit caused the selected fabricator information to be selected; The server of claim 1 .

5. a decision unit that decides whether or not to confirm an order for the steel frame to the fabricator indicated by the selected fabricator information; Further comprising: The determination unit determines that the receipt stage is in a case where a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the determination unit determined that the receipt stage is in a case where ... The server of claim 1 .

6. a delivery information receiving unit that receives delivery information indicating that the steel frame will be delivered from the orderer terminal or a fabricator terminal of the fabricator indicated by the selected fabricator information; Further comprising: The determination unit determines that the process is in the receipt stage when the delivery information is received by the delivery information receiving unit. The server of claim 1 .

7. a settlement processing unit that receives information regarding settlement of the fee for the steel frame; Further comprising: The determination unit determines that the device is in the receipt stage when information regarding the settlement is accepted by the settlement processing unit. The server of claim 1 .

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