Device management system and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a screen on which the introduction effect of a service for managing a network device can be confirmed.SOLUTION: A device management system 10 for managing a network device is provided with first providing means for providing, on a dashboard, data generated based on maintenance information including operation information collected from a network device to be subjected to a service, and second providing means for providing, on a dashboard, a result obtained by simulating an introduction effect of a service for managing the network device. When a set value of the service to be used in the simulation is designated, the second providing means reflects the result of the simulation using the set value on a display of the dashboard.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device management system and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] It is common to enter into a maintenance contract and request maintenance such as periodic maintenance and repair support for an image forming device from a maintenance service provider. A cloud server manages and analyzes data such as operation information of an image forming device connected via the Internet to improve the efficiency of maintenance service work. Patent Document 1 discloses a method of analyzing operation history information and presenting improvement measures to increase the productivity of an image forming device whose productivity has decreased. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-121807 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, the indicators (data) that are collected for maintenance service operations differ depending on the role of the maintenance service company's owner, manager, on-site staff, etc. Also, when introducing a new device management service to improve the efficiency of maintenance service operations, it is difficult to grasp the effect of introducing the service.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a screen on which the effect of introducing a service for managing network devices can be confirmed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a device management system for managing network devices according to the present invention comprises:an authentication means for authenticating a user and verifying the user's authority; The system includes a first providing means for providing, on a dashboard, data generated based on maintenance information including operation information collected from a network device that is a target of the service, and a second providing means for providing, on a dashboard, a result of simulating the introduction effect of a service for managing the network device, When the authority of the authenticated user is a predetermined authority, at least a dashboard is provided by the second providing means, and the services for managing the network device that are the subject of the dashboard provided by the second providing means include a remote repair service for solving an error occurring in the network device by an operation from a remote location; When a setting value of the service used in the simulation is specified, the second providing means reflects a result of the simulation using the setting value in the display of the dashboard. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a screen on which the effect of introducing a service for managing network devices can be confirmed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a device management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a device management system and a host computer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of a device management system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a process for displaying a dashboard screen. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing a maintenance information update process. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing a dashboard display process. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing a service introduction simulation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a management dashboard screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a management dashboard screen on which the simulation results are reflected. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management dashboard screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a management dashboard screen on which a simulation result is reflected. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list for explaining the handling of index values. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a simulation setting screen in a case where devices in which the service has been introduced and devices in which the service has not been introduced are mixed. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a service introduction simulation process in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a setting value change simulation process in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting value simulation screen in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Example 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a device management system. A device management system 10 provides a service for managing network devices. The device management system includes a maintenance information management system 160 and a Web service providing system 170. The device management system 10 may also include a network device to be managed, and a host computer 191 that displays screens provided by the maintenance information management system 160 and the Web service providing system 170 and receives input to the screen. Printing devices 100 to 105 are network devices to be managed in this embodiment. They are connected to each other via a network 190 so that they can communicate with each other. A plurality of printing devices and host computers may be connected, or other devices may be connected.

[0010] Network devices that are targets of management by the device management system 10 are devices that are capable of communicating with the device management system 10. In this embodiment, printing devices 100-105, which are image forming devices, will be described as an example. The printing devices 100-105 are examples of network devices that are targets of management by the device management system. In this embodiment, the printing devices 100-105 will be described as multifunction printers (MFPs) that integrate multiple functions such as a printing function, a reading function, and a FAX function. The printing devices 100-105 may be printers, scanners, 3D printers, etc.

[0011] The maintenance information management system 160 provides services related to the maintenance of the printing devices 100-105. For example, it collects operation information including error information such as malfunctions of the printing devices 100-105, information on the dispatch of service personnel for maintenance services, and inventory information on consumables. Then, based on the collected information, it requests the dispatch of a service personnel if repairs are necessary, or instructs the delivery of consumables. The maintenance information management system 160 is realized, for example, by a single server.

[0012] The Web service providing system 170 provides various services such as a device management service and a printing device billing information management service. Here, it is assumed that the device management service provides a Web application that runs on a Web browser on the host computer 191 or the like. For example, the device management service provides data required for the device management service in response to a request from a client application dedicated to the device management service that runs on the host computer 191. Screens provided by the Web service providing system 170 as the device management service, such as a management dashboard screen described below, are displayed on the display of the host computer 191 via the Web browser. The Web service providing system 170 is realized, for example, by a standalone server.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the maintenance information management system 160 and the Web service providing system 170 are configured by various servers, but the present invention is not limited to this. The maintenance information management system 160 and the Web service providing system 170 may be implemented as one system. Therefore, the maintenance information management system 160 and the Web service providing system 170 may be realized by a single server. The maintenance information management system 160 may be realized by one or more information processing devices, a virtual machine (cloud service) using resources provided by a data center including the information processing devices, or a combination of these. The Web service providing system 170 may also be realized by one or more information processing devices, a virtual machine (cloud service) using resources provided by a data center including the information processing devices, or a combination of these.

[0014] The host computer 191 is an information processing device such as a PC or a tablet. The host computer 191 displays a screen provided by the device management system 10 via a web browser. The network 190 may be configured to transmit and receive data, and any communication method may be used. For example, the network 190 may be configured as a LAN, a WAN, a cellular network such as LTE or 5G, a wireless network, a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, or a combination of these.

[0015] FIG. 2A is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the device management system 10. The device management system 10 includes a maintenance information management system 160 and a Web service providing system 170. The maintenance information management system 160 includes a control unit 161, a storage device 165, and a communication unit 166. The control unit 161 is a control board (controller) that controls the maintenance information management system 160. The control unit 161 includes a CPU 162, a ROM 163, and a RAM 164. The CPU 192 controls each block in the control unit 161 via a system bus (not shown). For example, the CPU 162 executes the functions of the maintenance information management system 160 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 163, the RAM 164, the storage device 165, or another storage medium. The ROM 163 stores, for example, various control programs such as an operating system program (OS), and tables, setting data, and the like required to execute the functions of the maintenance information management system 160. The RAM 164 is used, for example, as a work memory for the CPU 162. The storage device 165 stores, for example, device operation information, data, user information, and equipment information collected from the printing devices 100 to 105. The communication unit 166 controls communication with external devices via the network 190.

[0016] The Web service providing system 170 includes a control unit 171, a storage device 175, and a communication unit 176. The control unit 171 is a control board (controller) that performs overall control of the Web service providing system 170. The control unit 171 includes a CPU 172, a ROM 173, and a RAM 174. The CPU 172 controls each block in the control unit 171 via a system bus (not shown). For example, the CPU 172 executes the functions of the maintenance information management system 160 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 173, the RAM 174, the storage device 175, or another storage medium. The ROM 173 stores, for example, various control programs such as an operating system program (OS), and tables, setting data, and the like required to execute the functions of the Web service providing system 170. The RAM 174 is used, for example, as a work memory for the CPU 172. The storage device 175 stores, for example, device maintenance information acquired from the maintenance information management system 160, setting values ​​and various data related to displaying and generating a dashboard, user information including user authentication information and authority information, device information, etc. The communication unit 176 controls communication with external devices via the network 190.

[0017] FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the host computer 191. The host computer 191 is an information processing device such as a PC. The host computer 191 displays a screen provided by the Web service providing system via a Web browser. The host computer 191 has a control unit 198, an operation unit 195, a storage device 196, a display unit 197, and a communication unit 199. The control unit 198 is a control board (controller) that controls the host computer 191 in an integrated manner. The control unit 198 includes a CPU 192, a ROM 193, and a RAM 194. The CPU 192 controls each block in the control unit 198 via a system bus (not shown). For example, the CPU 192 executes the functions of the host computer 191 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 193, the RAM 194, the storage device 196, or another storage medium. The ROM 193 stores, for example, various control programs such as an operating system program (OS), and tables and setting data required for executing the functions of the host computer 191. The RAM 194 is used, for example, as a work memory for the CPU 192. The storage device 196 stores, for example, various application programs, data, user information, device information, and the like. The operation unit 195 includes a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like for accepting user operations, and outputs information on the accepted user operations, and the like, to the control unit 198. The display unit 197 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various user interface screens and information. The communication unit 199 controls communication with external devices via the network 190.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the printing device 100. The printing device 100 has a control unit 110, a reader unit 120, a printer unit 117, an operation unit 118, a storage device 119, and a communication unit 116. The control unit 110 is a control board (controller) that controls the printing device 100 in an integrated manner. The control unit 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an image processing unit 114, and a rendering HW 115. The CPU 111 controls each block in the control unit 110 via a system bus (not shown). The ROM 112 stores a control program, a table, setting data, etc. required to execute the functions of the printing device 100. The RAM 113 is used as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 111. The storage device 119 is a large-capacity memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The HDD and the SSD store various programs, data, parameters, etc. The storage device 119 stores, for example, image data, device information such as modes and licenses, operation information such as the number of prints, user information such as an address book and customization, etc. The CPU 111 executes the functions of the printing device 100 by reading and executing programs stored in a memory (ROM 112, RAM 113, the storage device 119, or other storage medium connected to the printing device 100).

[0019] The image processing unit 114 performs various image processing such as conversion, correction, editing, compression / decompression, etc., on electronic data generated by the reader unit 120 and image data received from the outside. The image processing unit 114 may be configured as hardware or may be realized as software. The rendering HW 115 is hardware (HW) that performs high-speed rendering processing based on intermediate data and generates an image for print output.

[0020] The reader unit 120 optically reads an original fed from a document tray or an automatic document feeder (ADF) (not shown) and generates electronic data. The reader unit 120 has the configuration of a scanner engine, for example. The printer unit 117 outputs image data returned from print data (for example, PDL language, PDF language, etc.) onto a paper medium, etc. Examples of printing methods executed by the printer unit 117 include an electrophotographic method (laser beam method), an inkjet method, and a dye-sublimation method (thermal transfer method). In the case of the electrophotographic method, the printer unit 117 has consumable parts such as a developing machine, a drum, an ITB, a fixing unit, and a paper feed roller of a paper feed stage.

[0021] The operation unit 118 displays a screen and accepts user operation instructions via the screen. The operation unit 118 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel that displays the operation status and a setting screen (user interface screen) of the image forming apparatus, and operation keys for setting the operation mode of the image forming apparatus and performing operations such as copy settings. The display unit and buttons may be realized as a touch panel that can be operated by touch using an electrostatic method or a pressure-sensitive method. By associating input coordinates and display coordinates on the touch panel, a GUI can be configured as if the user could directly operate the screen displayed on the touch panel. The operation unit 118 outputs information such as the accepted user operation to the control unit 110. The communication unit 116 controls communication with external devices via the network 190.

[0022] 1, and may include other configurations depending on the functions executable by the printing device 100. For example, the printing device 100 may include a configuration necessary for executing a FAX function or a configuration enabling short-distance wireless communication. In addition, in this embodiment, a case where the network device to be managed by the device management service is a printing device will be described as an example, but this is not limited to this. For example, the network device may be an information processing device such as a PC, an image processing device such as a camera, or a smart home appliance that can communicate and is a target of the device management service. The printing devices 101 to 105 also have the same configuration as the printing device 100.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the software configuration of the device management system 10. The maintenance information management system 160 has a maintenance information management unit 401. The maintenance information management unit 401 manages the maintenance information, such as acquiring, processing, and storing the maintenance information. The maintenance information is information about the maintenance of the managed device. The maintenance information includes information acquired from the managed device, information acquired via a host computer or a mobile terminal, and information obtained by aggregating collected information. Specifically, the information acquired from the managed device includes device information such as the serial number of the printing device, print and scan counter information, the degree of wear of parts, the usage status of consumables, information regarding replacement of parts and consumables, device operation information, error information, device setting values, and the like. In addition, the information acquired via other terminals includes information such as dispatch information, inventory information, and device management information. The dispatch information includes, for example, the date of dispatch, the worker, the working time, the serial number of the printing device to be dispatched, the reason for dispatch, and the response content. The inventory information includes, for example, the number of toner or parts in stock, the date of inventory confirmation, the number of orders, the order date, the orderer, the number of uses, the date of use, the user, and the serial number of the printing device used. The device management information includes the serial number of the printing device, the model information, the installation location, the information of the customer who owns the device, the maintenance contract information, and the user information. The maintenance information management unit 401 processes the data by aggregating the acquired information, and manages the processed data as maintenance information. In processing the data, for example, aggregation is performed at a fixed period such as daily, weekly, monthly, or annually. The maintenance information management unit 401 may also perform calculations for a simulation displayed on the dashboard screen as part of the data processing, and manage the simulation results as maintenance information. For example, in the case of a detailed simulation, a calculation is performed to simulate the effect of the service on each piece of information such as each error content, each device, and each product. Therefore, the maintenance information management unit 401 performs a simulation on each piece of information such as each error content, each device, and each product, and manages them as maintenance information. The maintenance information management unit 401 saves the maintenance information in the storage device 165. The storage device 165 also functions as a maintenance information management DB in which maintenance information is stored.

[0024] The Web service providing system 170 includes a user information management unit 411, a maintenance information acquisition unit 412, a management dashboard providing unit 413, and a management dashboard providing unit 414. The user information management unit 411 manages user information of the device management system 10. For example, the user information management unit 411 performs user authentication when a user logs in to a screen provided by the device management system 10. The user information management unit 411 also manages authority for each user. Examples of user authority include manager authority that has the authority to decide on the introduction of a service provided by the device management system 10, administrator authority that a maintenance service manager has, and implementer authority that a serviceman who performs maintenance services such as repairing a printing device has. The user information management unit 411 also manages simulation settings registered for each user. The simulation settings include, for example, a detailed simulation and a simple simulation.

[0025] The maintenance information acquisition unit 412 acquires maintenance information from the maintenance information management system 160. The management dashboard providing unit 413 generates a management dashboard screen based on the maintenance information and provides the management dashboard screen to a user with managerial authority. The management dashboard screen is a screen that compiles information related to the management and maintenance services of the printing device 100 and allows the management indicators, aggregated values, tables, graphs, and the like to be displayed at a glance. The management dashboard providing unit 413 displays a dashboard screen (FIG. 9) showing data based on maintenance information generated from operation information collected from the printing device 100 and a dashboard screen (FIG. 10) showing a simulation result when the service is introduced. The management dashboard providing unit 413 also accepts changes to the settings in the simulation and provides a simulation screen according to the specified settings.

[0026] The management dashboard providing unit 414 generates a management dashboard screen based on the maintenance information and provides the management dashboard screen to a user having administrator authority. The management dashboard screen is a screen that compiles information about the management and maintenance services of the printing device 100 and allows the management indicators, aggregated values, tables, graphs, and the like to be displayed at a glance. The management dashboard providing unit 414 displays a dashboard screen (FIG. 11) showing data based on maintenance information generated from operation information collected from the printing device 100 and a dashboard screen (FIG. 12) showing a simulation result when the service is introduced. The management dashboard providing unit 413 and the management dashboard providing unit 414 provide the dashboard screen to the host computer 191 via a Web browser, thereby providing the dashboard screen to the user. The management dashboard providing unit 414 also accepts changes to the setting values ​​in the simulation and provides a simulation screen according to the specified setting values.

[0027] 5 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing for displaying a dashboard screen. When the Web service providing system 170 receives a request to display a dashboard screen from the host computer 191, the Web service providing system 170 generates and provides the dashboard screen based on the maintenance information managed by the maintenance information management system 160. The maintenance information management system 160 manages the maintenance information used to create the dashboard based on information collected from the printing device 100.

[0028] First, a series of processes indicated by P501 will be described. P501 indicates a maintenance information update process in which the maintenance information management system 160 updates the maintenance information based on information received from a management device such as the printing device 100. In S511, the printing device 100 transmits device information to the maintenance information management system 160. The device information includes information that uniquely identifies the device and information that indicates the operating status of the device. For example, the device information includes equipment information such as the serial number of the printing device, counter information for printing and scanning, wear levels of parts, usage status of consumables, information regarding replacement of parts and consumables, operating information of the device, error information, device setting values, and the like. In S512, the maintenance information management system 160 notifies the printing device 100 of a reception result indicating that the device information has been normally received. In S513, the maintenance information management system 160 updates the maintenance information of the device stored in the storage device 165 based on the received device information.

[0029] Here, the details of the processing executed by the maintenance information management system 160 in the maintenance information update processing indicated on P501 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the maintenance information update processing. The processing in FIG. 6 is realized by the CPU 162 of the maintenance information management system 160 reading out a program stored in the ROM 163 into the RAM 164 and executing the program. The processing in FIG. 6 is started when operation information is updated in any of the printing devices 100-105 by transmitting the operation information to the maintenance information management system 160. Note that the transmission of operation information by the printing devices 100-105 may be in the form of periodic transmission at fixed time intervals.

[0030] In S601, the maintenance information management unit 401 receives device information from any of the printing devices 100 to 105. The device information includes the serial number of the printing device, device setting values, and device operation information. The device operation information includes print and scan counter information, wear levels of parts, usage status of consumables, information on replacement of parts and consumables, device power supply information, error information, and information on how to handle errors. The maintenance information management unit 401 also notifies a reception result indicating that the information has been received normally. In addition to acquiring device information from the device, the maintenance information management unit 401 may also collect from a serviceman the track record of maintenance work performed on the device. The track record information on maintenance responses includes, for example, the work content of the maintenance work performed on the device, such as the work time and replacement parts.

[0031] In S602, the maintenance information management unit 401 updates the maintenance information management DB stored in the storage device 165 based on the device information received in S601 and the maintenance performance information collected from a serviceman or the like, and ends this process. The maintenance information management unit 401 updates the maintenance information by updating the maintenance information management DB stored in the storage device 165. In the process of updating the maintenance information management DB, a process of overwriting the maintenance information management DB with the latest information received in S601, a process of adding the latest information received in S601 to the maintenance information management DB and storing it, and the like are performed. Furthermore, a process of processing data is performed based on the data updated to the latest information received in S601. In the process of processing data, for example, aggregation is performed at a fixed period such as daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.

[0032] Next, a series of processes indicated by P502 will be described. P502 indicates a process in which the Web service providing system 170 generates a dashboard screen based on maintenance information and provides it to the host computer 191. In S521, the host computer 191 transmits a dashboard display request to the Web service providing system 170. In S522, the Web service providing system 170 performs user authentication of the user who transmitted the dashboard display request. In the user authentication, the Web service providing system 170 also checks the authority held by the user.

[0033] At S523, the Web service providing system 170 transmits a request to obtain maintenance information to the maintenance information management system 160. At S524, the maintenance information management system 160 returns the maintenance information stored in the storage device 165 to the Web service providing system 170 as a response to the maintenance information obtainment request. At S525, the Web service providing system 170 generates a dashboard screen based on the obtained maintenance information. At S526, the Web service providing system 170 provides the dashboard screen generated in S525 to the host computer 191 via a Web browser.

[0034] At S526, the host computer 191 transmits a simulation request to the Web service providing system 170. At S528, the Web service providing system 170 transmits a request to acquire maintenance information to the maintenance information management system 160. At S529, the maintenance information management system 160 returns the maintenance information stored in the storage device 165 to the Web service providing system 170 as a response to the request to acquire maintenance information. At S530, the Web service providing system 170 performs a simulation of the introduction of a service for device management based on the acquired maintenance information. At S531, the Web service providing system 170 generates a dashboard screen showing the results of the service introduction simulation. At S532, the Web service providing system 170 provides the dashboard screen generated at S531 to the host computer 191 via a Web browser.

[0035] Here, dispatch information, inventory information, and device management information related to the maintenance service of the printing device, transmitted via a host computer or mobile terminal, etc., are also collected in the maintenance information management system 160 in a similar manner (not shown). Dispatch information includes the date of dispatch, worker, work time, serial number of the printing device to be dispatched, reason for dispatch, and content of the response. Inventory information includes the number of toner or parts in stock, date of inventory check, number ordered, order date, orderer, number used, date used, user, and serial number of the printing device used. Device management information includes the serial number of the printing device, model information, installation location, information of the customer who owns it, maintenance contract information, and user information.

[0036] The process executed by Web service providing system 170 in the dashboard display process of P502 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the dashboard display process. The process shown in Fig. 7 is realized by CPU 172 of Web service providing system 170 reading a program stored in ROM 173 or the like into RAM 174 and executing it. The process in Fig. 7 is started when the user specifies the URL of the dashboard display screen on a Web browser running on host computer 191.

[0037] In S701, the user information management unit 411 accepts input of user authentication information from the user via the host computer 191 and performs user authentication processing. If the user authentication is successful, the processing of S402 is performed. On the other hand, if the user authentication is unsuccessful, this processing is terminated. In this embodiment, the explanation will be given on the assumption that the user authentication is successful.

[0038] In S702, the user information management unit 411 checks the user's authority information for displaying the dashboard. In this embodiment, the user information management unit 411 checks whether the user has business owner authority or administrative authority. The user authority is checked because the dashboard provided differs depending on the user authority. If the user has business owner authority, processing of S703 is performed. On the other hand, if the user has administrative authority, processing of S704 is performed. Note that if the user does not have either business owner authority or administrative authority, it is determined that the user does not have the authority to display the dashboard, and this processing is terminated.

[0039] In this embodiment, in S702, the authority of the manager and the administrator is given as an example of user authority to check the dashboard, but other authority to display the dashboard may be present. In addition to the authority associated with the user, the presence or absence of authority may be checked based on the device on which the dashboard is to be displayed. For example, a field worker has the same authority as an administrator to display the dashboard, but the devices that can be checked may be limited, and the field worker may be allowed to check the dashboard only when logging in from a certain device.

[0040] In S703, the management dashboard providing unit 413 generates a management dashboard screen based on the maintenance information acquired from the maintenance information management system 160, and provides it to the host computer 191. Specifically, the maintenance information acquisition unit 412 transmits a request to acquire maintenance information to the maintenance information management system 160, and acquires the maintenance information from the maintenance information management system 160 in response to the request. The management dashboard providing unit 413 generates a management dashboard screen based on the acquired maintenance information. Then, the management dashboard providing unit 413 provides the generated management dashboard screen to the Web browser of the host computer 191 as a Web page. The CPU 192 of the host computer 191 displays the management dashboard screen provided from the Web service providing system 170 on the display unit 197 via the Web browser.

[0041] Here, a management dashboard screen provided by the Web service providing system 170 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the management dashboard screen. The management dashboard screen 900 is a screen showing performance data related to device maintenance, and shows data based on maintenance information generated from operation information collected from the device and performance reports by service personnel. The management dashboard screen 900 includes a service simulator switch 901, a screen update date and time 902, a user name 903, a specified area 904, a display target period 905, and basic maintenance service information 906. The management dashboard screen 900 also includes device status information 907, worker performance information 908, and inventory information 909 as management indicators for the maintenance service manager to make management decisions. In this embodiment, an example is described in which device status, worker performance, and inventory are displayed as management indicators, but the management indicators are not limited to these, and for example, revenue, cost, and work quality may be displayed.

[0042] The service simulator switch 901 is a switch for switching between enabling and disabling a simulation of management indicators for a maintenance service manager to make a management decision when the service is introduced. That is, the service simulator switch 901 can switch between displaying and disabling a simulation of device status information 907, worker performance information 908, and inventory information 909 when the service is introduced. In addition, the simulation can be switched between enabled and disabled for each service. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the service simulator switch 901 can switch between enabled and disabled for each service, namely, a planned dispatch service and a remote repair service. The planned dispatch service and the remote repair service are services provided by the maintenance information management system 160. The planned dispatch service is a service that enables planned dispatch and inventory arrangement by analyzing when a state requiring dispatch will occur based on device information acquired from a managed device such as the printing device 100. The remote repair service is a service that analyzes error information and device operation information included in device information acquired from a managed device such as the printing device 100, and resolves errors occurring in the device by remote operation. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the display of the simulation of the planned dispatch service and the remote repair service is both disabled (OFF).

[0043] The screen update date and time 902 displays the date and time when the management dashboard screen 900 was generated. The screen update date and time 902 indicates that the dashboard displays maintenance information at this date and time. The user name 903 displays the user information authenticated in S701. The designated area 904 displays the area designated as the display target. In the designated area 904, the user can select and designate an area. The display target period 905 displays the period to be displayed on the dashboard. In the display target period 905, the user can designate the start date and end date of the display target period. The designated area 904 and the display target period 905 are, for example, pull-downs, and the user can specify them by operating them to narrow down the information to be displayed on the dashboard. In this embodiment, an example of designating an area and a period as conditions for narrowing down the display target has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0044] The basic information on the maintenance service 906 displays basic information on the maintenance service. For example, the basic information on the maintenance service 906 displays the number of devices subject to the maintenance service, the total number of printed sheets from the devices, and the number of customers who have contracted the maintenance service. The device status information 907 displays aggregated data showing the operating status of the devices subject to the maintenance service. For example, the device status information 907 displays the numerical value of the operating rate of the device, a monthly trend graph of the operating rate, and the numerical value of the average number of sheets between reports, which is the number of printed sheets output at each device between reports from the customer. In this embodiment, when the graph of the monthly trend is displayed, the display is displayed so as to include the period before and after the display target period, but the display target period may be displayed in close-up or expanded to an annual display. The worker performance information 908 displays aggregated data showing the performance status of the worker. For example, the worker performance information 908 displays the numerical value of the average number of cases processed per worker, a monthly trend graph of the number of cases processed, and the numerical value of the total working time. The inventory information 909 displays aggregated data showing the management status of the inventory. For example, the inventory information 909 displays the average number of days in stock turnover from when toner is ordered until it is used, the average number of days in stock turnover from when a part is ordered until it is used, and a monthly trend graph of the number of days in stock turnover for toner and parts.

[0045] Returning to the description of Fig. 7, in S704, the management dashboard providing unit 414 generates a management dashboard screen based on the maintenance information acquired from the maintenance information management system 160, and provides it to the host computer 191. Specifically, the maintenance information acquisition unit 412 transmits a request to acquire maintenance information to the maintenance information management system 160, and acquires the maintenance information from the maintenance information management system 160 as a response to the request. The management dashboard providing unit 414 generates a management dashboard screen based on the acquired maintenance information. Then, the management dashboard providing unit 414 provides the generated management dashboard screen to the Web browser of the host computer 191 as a Web page. The CPU 192 of the host computer 191 displays the management dashboard screen provided from the Web service providing system 170 on the display unit 197 via the Web browser.

[0046] Here, a management dashboard screen provided by the Web service providing system 170 will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the management dashboard screen. The management dashboard screen 1100 includes a service simulator switch 1101, a screen update date and time 1102, a user name 1103, a specified area 1104, a display target period 1105, and basic maintenance service information 1106. The management dashboard screen 1100 also includes device status information 1107, worker performance information 1108, and inventory information 1109 as management indicators for the maintenance service manager to act.

[0047] The service simulator switch 1101 is a switch for switching between displaying and not displaying a simulation of management indicators for a maintenance service manager to act when a service is introduced. In other words, the service simulator switch 1101 can switch between displaying and not displaying simulations of device status information 1107, worker performance information 1108, and inventory information 1109. In addition, the simulation can be switched between enabled and disabled for each service. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the service simulator switch 1101 can switch between displaying a simulation when two services, a planned dispatch service or a remote repair service, are introduced. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the display of the simulations of the planned dispatch service and the remote repair service are both OFF.

[0048] The screen update date and time 1102 displays the date and time when the management dashboard screen 1100 was generated. The screen update date and time 1102 indicates that the dashboard displays maintenance information at this date and time. The user name 1103 displays the user information authenticated in S701. The designated area 1104 displays the area designated as the display target. In the designated area 1104, the user can select and designate an area. The display target period 1105 displays the period to be displayed on the dashboard. In the display target period 1105, the user can designate the start date and end date of the display target period. The designated area 1104 and the display target period 1105 are, for example, pull-downs, and the user can specify them by operating them to narrow down the information to be displayed on the dashboard. In this embodiment, an example of designating an area and a period as conditions for narrowing down the display target has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0049] The basic information on the maintenance service 1106 displays basic information on the maintenance service. For example, the basic information on the maintenance service 1106 displays the number of devices covered by the maintenance service, the total number of printed sheets from the devices, and the number of customers who have contracted the maintenance service. The device status information 1107 displays aggregated data showing the operating status of the devices covered by the maintenance service. For example, the device status information 1107 displays the numerical value of the operating rate of the device, a table of abnormal devices in which the number of times an abnormality has been detected in the device exceeds a certain threshold, and a monthly trend graph of the number of times an abnormality has been detected in the device specified in the abnormal device list. The worker performance information 1108 displays aggregated data showing the performance status of the worker. For example, the worker performance information 1108 displays the numerical value of the average number of cases processed per worker, the numerical value of the average number of times a worker was dispatched, the numerical value of the average working time per case, and the numerical value of the average first-time resolution rate in which the problem was resolved on the first dispatch. The inventory information 1109 displays aggregated data showing the management status of the inventory. For example, the inventory information 1109 displays the numerical values ​​of the number of toner and parts products whose inventory has fallen below a certain threshold and needs to be ordered, a table listing products recommended for ordering, and a graph showing the monthly change in the inventory numbers of products specified in the list of products recommended for ordering.

[0050] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, in S705, the management dashboard providing unit 413 or the management dashboard providing unit 414 accepts an operation from the user on the displayed dashboard via the operation unit 195 of the host computer 191. If the accepted operation is to switch the service simulator switch 901 or the service simulator switch 1101 between ON / OFF, the process of S706 is performed. On the other hand, if the operation is an operation to close the Web browser in which the dashboard is displayed, this process ends.

[0051] In S706 and S707, the management dashboard providing unit 413 or the management dashboard providing unit 414 updates the display of the dashboard in response to the operation of the service simulator switch 901 or the service simulator switch 1101. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the operation of the service simulator switch 901 or the service simulator switch 1101 enables simulation of both the planned dispatch service and the remote repair service.

[0052] In S706, the management dashboard providing unit 413 or the management dashboard providing unit 414 performs a simulation of the introduction of the service enabled by the user operation. Here, the details of the service introduction simulation process executed by the Web service providing system 170 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the service introduction simulation process in the first embodiment. The process in FIG. 8 is realized by the CPU 172 of the Web service providing system 170 reading a program stored in the ROM 173 or the like into the RAM 174 and executing the program. Note that, as an example, the case will be described here where the service simulator switch 901 is turned ON on the management dashboard screen 900 and the management dashboard providing unit 413 executes the service introduction simulation process. The same process is also performed when the management dashboard providing unit 414 executes the service introduction simulation process.

[0053] In S801, the management dashboard providing unit 413 checks the service enabled in S705. Here, it is checked whether the simulation of the planned dispatch service or remote repair service provided by the maintenance information management system 160 has been enabled. The planned dispatch service is a service that enables planned dispatch and inventory arrangement by analyzing when a dispatch is required based on device information acquired from a device in S601 or the like. For example, the planned dispatch service detects the risk of a malfunction occurring due to a part based on information on the wear level of the part, notifies the remaining number of days until the malfunction occurs, and enables planned dispatch of a maintenance serviceman and inventory arrangement. The remote repair service is a service that analyzes error information and device operation information included in device information acquired from a device in S601 or the like, and resolves errors occurring in the device by remote operation. Note that these services are merely examples, and may be related to maintenance services for other devices.

[0054] In S802, the management dashboard providing unit 413 checks the handling of index values ​​related to the simulation of each service, and checks the index values ​​whose values ​​change due to the simulation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a list for explaining the handling of index values. The list includes information on index values ​​1300, merit judgment 1301, threshold value 1302, planned dispatch service related 1303, and remote repair service 1304. The index values ​​1300 include, for example, basic maintenance service information, operation rate, number of sheets between reports, number of cases processed, total work time, toner stock turnover days, parts stock turnover days, number of dispatches, first-time resolution rate, number of toner orders required, and number of parts orders required. The merit judgment 1301 indicates whether an increase or decrease in the numerical value of each index value is an advantage. An advantage indicates that there is an effect of introducing the simulated service. In addition, if the numerical value changes in the opposite direction to the increase or decrease in the merit judgment 1301, it is determined to be a disadvantage. The threshold value 1302 indicates the threshold value of the change in the numerical value that is considered to have an advantage or a disadvantage. If the change is less than the value set in the threshold 1302, it is treated as no change and is not treated as either an advantage or a disadvantage.

[0055] Planned dispatch service related 1303 indicates whether or not the index value has changed due to a simulation of planned dispatch service. The operation rate, number of sheets between calls, total work time, and number of days for parts inventory turnover, for which the information in Planned Dispatch Service Related 1303 is Yes, are index values ​​whose values ​​change due to a simulation of planned dispatch service. Remote repair service 1304 indicates whether or not the index value has changed due to a simulation of remote repair service. The operation rate, number of sheets between calls, number of cases processed, total work time, and number of calls, for which the information in Remote Repair Service 1304 is Yes, are index values ​​whose values ​​change due to a simulation of remote repair service.

[0056] In S803, the management dashboard providing unit 413 checks the simulation settings. Specifically, the management dashboard providing unit 413 checks whether a detailed simulation or a simple simulation is set. A simple simulation is a simulation that performs a simulation only for representative index values, thereby reducing the amount of calculation and the information to be checked compared to a detailed simulation, and quickly displays the simulation results. The management dashboard providing unit 413 checks the simulation settings based on the simulation settings registered in advance in the storage device 196 as settings for each user, or the simulation settings specified by the user via the operation unit 195. If a simple simulation is set, the processing of S804 is performed. On the other hand, if a detailed simulation is set, the processing of S805 is performed.

[0057] A case where a simple simulation is performed will be described. In S804, the management dashboard providing unit 413 performs a simple simulation on the index value whose value changes due to the simulation confirmed in S802. The simple simulation quickly displays the simulation result by reducing the amount of calculation and the information to be confirmed. For example, high-speed processing can be achieved by applying a certain parameter only to the current operation rate and the operation rate already counted by month, or by applying a certain parameter without checking the individual error details of the number of processed cases. Alternatively, the contents of the previous simulation may be stored, and the simulation calculation may be performed only on the added data. In cases where a large amount of calculation is required, such as a simulation for each device or each product, it may be excluded from the target of the simulation in the case of the simple simulation.

[0058] A detailed simulation will be described below. In S805, the management dashboard providing unit 413 performs a detailed simulation on the index values ​​whose values ​​change due to the simulation confirmed in S802. In the detailed simulation, calculations are performed to simulate the impact on the service for each piece of information such as each error content, each device, and each product. Here, the amount of calculations and information handled by the Web service providing system 170 in S805 may be reduced by registering the results of the simulation performed by the maintenance information management system 160 in the maintenance information update process in S602 in the maintenance information management DB.

[0059] In S806, the management dashboard providing unit 413 determines the changes and the advantages and disadvantages for the index values ​​calculated by simulation in S804 or S805, registers them to be displayed on the management dashboard screen, and ends this process. The management dashboard providing unit 413 determines the changes based on whether there is a change that exceeds threshold value 1302. Furthermore, for changes that have occurred that exceed threshold value 1302, the management dashboard providing unit 413 determines whether the change is an advantage or a disadvantage. If the change that exceeds the threshold matches merit judgment 1301, the management dashboard providing unit 413 determines that it is an advantage, and if the change that exceeds the threshold does not match merit judgment 1301, it determines that it is a disadvantage.

[0060] Returning to the description of FIG. 7, in S707, the management dashboard providing unit 413 updates the management dashboard screen or the management dashboard screen based on the result of the simulation in S706 and provides it to the host computer 191. The CPU 192 of the host computer 191 displays the updated dashboard screen on the display unit 197. In addition to the result of the simulation in S804 or S805, the advantages and disadvantages of S806 are also displayed on the dashboard screen. The display format of the advantages / disadvantages may be any format that allows the user to recognize the advantages / disadvantages, and may be displayed as words or icons, or may be displayed in color. After providing the updated screen to the host computer 191, the Web service providing system 170 returns to the processing of S705. In addition, in S707, if the dashboard screen is composed of multiple UI parts, the time required for display may be shortened by updating only the UI parts that need to be updated and not updating the UI parts that do not need to be updated.

[0061] Here, an example of an updated dashboard reflecting the simulation results will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a management dashboard screen reflecting the simulation results. The management dashboard screen 1000 is a screen showing the results of simulating the effect of introducing a service for managing devices. In this embodiment, the management dashboard screen 1000 displays the simulation results so as to be comparable with performance data related to device maintenance. The management dashboard screen 1000 is a management dashboard screen reflecting the detailed simulation results. In the service simulator switch 1001 of the management dashboard screen 1000, both the planned dispatch service and remote repair service simulations are enabled.

[0062] In the management dashboard screen 1000 in which the simulation results are reflected, the simulation results after the introduction of the service are displayed as the values ​​of the management indicators for the maintenance service manager to make management decisions. Specifically, the device status information 1002 displays the management indicators obtained by adding the simulation results to the device status information 907. The worker performance information 1003 displays the management indicators obtained by adding the simulation results to the worker performance information 908. The inventory information 1004 displays the management indicators obtained by adding the simulation results to the inventory information 909. According to the inventory information 1004, it has become possible to estimate the required number of parts and consumables, and thus it is possible to reduce the number of stocks to be held. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the manager can imagine that the introduction of the service is effective overall, while also understanding the demerits of an increase in the number of cases due to advance response by planned dispatch and early response by remote repair.

[0063] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a management dashboard screen on which the simulation results are reflected. A management dashboard screen 1200 is a management dashboard screen on which the detailed simulation results are reflected. In a service simulator switch 1201 on the management dashboard screen 1200, both the planned dispatch service and remote repair service simulations are enabled.

[0064] In the management dashboard screen 1200 in which the simulation result is reflected, the simulation result after the introduction of the service is displayed as the value of the management index for the maintenance service manager to act. Specifically, the device status information 1202 displays the management index in which the simulation result is added to the device status information 1107. The worker performance information 1203 displays the management index in which the simulation result is added to the worker performance information 1108. The inventory information 1204 displays the management index in which the simulation result is added to the inventory information 1109. According to the device status information 1202, the occurrence of abnormalities in the device can be suppressed by taking preemptive action in August, when there were signs of the occurrence of the phenomenon. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the manager can imagine that the introduction of the service is effective overall, while also understanding the demerit aspect that the number of cases increases due to preemptive action by planned dispatch and early action by remote repair.

[0065] In addition, since the possibility of the work plan for the next month can be predicted in the simulation of the planned dispatch service, some of the transition graphs may be configured to display the predicted results for the next month. For example, the results for the next month are also displayed in the transition graph of the number of processed cases in the worker performance information 1003 on the management dashboard screen 1000, the transition graph of the number of inventory turnover days in the inventory information 1004, and the transition graph of the amount of inventory in the inventory information 1204 on the management dashboard screen 1200.

[0066] In this embodiment, the case where the service is not yet introduced to all devices before the simulation is described, but the case where the service is introduced to some devices may also be used. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation setting screen in a case where devices with and without the service are mixed. A simulation setting screen 1400 is displayed on the dashboard in place of the service simulator switch 901 or the service simulator switch 1101. The simulation setting screen 1400 displays service introduction information 1403 corresponding to a device group 1401 owned by customer A and a service simulator switch 1404 corresponding to a device group 1402 owned by customer B. By turning on the service simulator switch 1404, a service introduction simulation process is performed on the device group 1402 owned by customer B. This makes it possible to provide a dashboard that compares the current state with the effect of introducing the service.

[0067] In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the effect of introducing a service can be confirmed by turning on the service simulator switch for a group of devices to which the service has not yet been introduced. Conversely, it is also possible to display a simulation of what would happen if a service that has already been introduced were disabled. For a group of devices to which a service has already been introduced, a simulation of what would happen if the service simulator switch was turned off is performed, and the result is displayed on the dashboard, allowing the user to once again recognize the improvement effect of the introduced service.

[0068] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a dashboard with the results of simulating the introduction effect of a service for managing a newly introduced network device while presenting various indicators related to the maintenance service work. By simulating the introduction effect of a new service for each indicator, it is possible to confirm how effective the service is for each role, which leads to a smooth introduction of the service.

[0069] Example 2 In the first embodiment, an example is described in which a simulation can be performed with two simulation settings, a detailed simulation and a simple simulation. In this embodiment, an example is described in which a setting value change simulation can be performed as a detailed simulation, in which the setting values ​​of a new service to be simulated are changed according to a user's specification and a simulation is performed. In the following, only the differences from the first embodiment are described, and the same processes and configurations as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. Note that in this embodiment, an example is described in which a management dashboard screen is provided, but the same applies to the case in which a management dashboard screen is provided.

[0070] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a service introduction simulation process in the embodiment 2. The process in Fig. 15 is realized by the CPU 172 of the Web service providing system 170 reading a program stored in the ROM 173 or the like into the RAM 174 and executing it. If it is determined in S803 that the simulation setting is a detailed simulation, the process of S1501 is performed.

[0071] In S1501, the management dashboard providing unit 413 performs a setting value change simulation as a detailed simulation for the index values ​​whose values ​​are changed by the simulation confirmed in S802. In the setting value change simulation, the setting values ​​of the new service to be simulated are changed according to the user's specifications and a simulation is performed. Here, the processing of the setting value change simulation will be explained using Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the setting value change simulation processing. The processing of Fig. 16 is realized by the CPU 172 of the Web service providing system 170 reading a program stored in the ROM 173 or the like into the RAM 174 and executing it.

[0072] In S1601, the management dashboard providing unit 413 checks the setting value information of the service enabled in S705. Here, it is assumed that the LIFE value, which indicates the timing of replacing parts in the planned dispatch service, can be changed. The higher the LIFE value, the longer the part is used, and the more reports due to the occurrence of errors, etc. are generated. Therefore, if the part is replaced while the LIFE value is small, the report rate will be low. On the other hand, if the part is replaced while the LIFE value is small, the frequency of part replacement will also increase, and the part cost will be high. In S1602, the management dashboard providing unit 413 checks whether there is an index value that will be affected by the change in the setting value confirmed in S1601. If there is an index value that will be affected, the process of S1603 is performed. On the other hand, if there is no index value that will be affected, this process is terminated. Here, it is assumed that the setting of the LIFE value affects the report rate and the part cost.

[0073] In S1603, the management dashboard providing unit 413 performs a simulation with changed setting values. In this example, it is assumed that a simulation is performed with four different setting values, with the LIFE value being 100, 120, 140, and 160. In S1604, the management dashboard providing unit 413 generates a setting value simulation screen and provides it to the host computer 191. The CPU 192 of the host computer 191 displays the setting value simulation screen on the display unit 197. The management dashboard providing unit 413 also accepts changes to the setting values ​​on the setting value simulation screen via the host computer 191.

[0074] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a set value simulation screen in the second embodiment. The set value simulation screen 1700 is a set value simulation screen in a simulation of the introduction of a planned dispatch service. The set value simulation screen 1700 includes a set value selection check box 1701, a set value simulation result 1702, simulation related data 1703, an OK button 1704, and a Cancel button 1705. The set value simulation result 1702 displays the part replacement rate at each LIFE value, the merit of the effect of reducing the notification rate by introducing the planned dispatch service, and the demerit of the increase in part costs due to the increase in part replacements. The simulation related data 1703 displays a graph of the replacement record for each LIFE value. The user checks the set value simulation result 1702 and the simulation related data 1703 to confirm the merits and demerits of the introduction of the service, and then selects a desired set value (LIFE value) with the set value selection check box 1701. When the OK button 1704 is pressed after the set value is selected with the set value selection check box 1701, the set value is confirmed. If a Cancel button 1705 is selected, this process ends and the simulation is performed with the initial values ​​without changing the set values.

[0075] In S1605, the management dashboard providing unit 413 registers the setting values ​​received in S1604 and the simulation results for those setting values ​​to display them on the management dashboard screen, and ends this process. Note that in this embodiment, a setting value simulation was performed in a case where all parts to be replaced were replaced with a uniform LIFE value, but different setting values ​​may be used for each part. When using different setting values ​​for each part, the amount of calculation increases as the number of target setting values ​​increases, so calculations for the setting value simulation process may be performed in advance in the maintenance information management system 160, etc.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can set the setting values ​​used in the simulation. Also, by changing the setting values, it becomes possible to simulate the effect of introducing a new service in more detail, and it is possible to check the effect of introducing the service under various conditions, which leads to a smooth introduction of the service.

[0077] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration of a device management system. (Configuration 1) A device management system for managing network devices, a first providing means for providing data generated based on maintenance information including operation information collected from a network device that is a target of the service, on a dashboard; a second providing means for providing a result of simulating an introduction effect of a service for managing the network device on a dashboard; The device management system is characterized in that the second providing means, when a setting value of the service used in the simulation is specified, reflects the result of the simulation using the setting value in the display of the dashboard. (Configuration 2) 2. The device management system according to claim 1, wherein as a result of the simulation, in addition to the effect of introducing the service, data showing the disadvantages of introducing the service is also displayed on the dashboard. (Configuration 3) 3. The device management system according to claim 2, wherein in the dashboard, data that benefits from the introduction of the service and data that suffers from the disadvantages of the introduction of the service are displayed in different colors. (Configuration 4) The device management system according to configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that it judges the presence or absence of advantages and disadvantages of the introduction of the service based on the increase or decrease in each index value of the result of simulating the introduction effect of the service for each index value of the data generated based on the operation information. (Configuration 5) 5. The device management system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the dashboard allows switching between enabling and disabling a simulation of the introduction of a service. (Configuration 6) 6. The device management system according to configuration 5, wherein the simulation can be switched between enabled and disabled for each service. (Configuration 7) The device management system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the second providing means provides a setting value simulation screen showing an index for each setting value of the service used in the simulation, and accepts changes to the setting values ​​on the setting value simulation screen. (Configuration 8) the network device is an image forming device, 8. The device management system according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the service is a service relating to maintenance of a network device. (Configuration 9) The operational information includes error information of the network device, a usage status of consumables in the network device, and a number of printed sheets in the network device. 9. The device management system according to claim 8, wherein the subject of the simulation includes at least one of information regarding the availability of the network device, the number or time of maintenance work performed by a service technician on the network device, and information regarding an inventory of consumables for the network device.

[0078] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0079] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device management system for managing network devices, an authentication means for authenticating a user and verifying the user's authority; a first providing means for providing data generated based on maintenance information including operation information collected from a network device that is a target of the service, on a dashboard; a second providing means for providing a result of simulating an introduction effect of a service for managing the network device on a dashboard; a dashboard is provided by at least the second providing means when the authority of the authenticated user is a predetermined authority; the service for managing the network device targeted by the dashboard provided by the second providing means includes a remote repair service for solving an error occurring in the network device by an operation from a remote location; A device management system characterized in that the second providing means, when a setting value of the service used in the simulation is specified, reflects the result of the simulation using the setting value in the display of the dashboard.

2. The device management system according to claim 1 , wherein, as a result of the simulation, data showing disadvantages of introducing the service is also displayed on the dashboard in addition to the effects of introducing the service.

3. 3. The device management system according to claim 2, wherein on the dashboard, data that benefits from the introduction of the service and data that suffers from the introduction of the service are displayed in different colors.

4. The device management system according to claim 2, characterized in that it determines whether there are any benefits or disadvantages to the introduction of the service based on an increase or decrease in each index value of the result of simulating the effect of the introduction of the service for each index value of the data generated based on the maintenance information.

5. The device management system according to claim 1 , wherein the dashboard allows a user to switch between enabling and disabling a simulation of the introduction of a service.

6. 6. The device management system according to claim 5, wherein the simulation can be switched between enabled and disabled for each service.

7. The second providing means provides a screen of a simulation of setting values ​​showing an index for each setting value of the service used in the simulation, and accepts changes to the setting values ​​on the screen of the simulation of setting values. The device management system according to claim 1 .

8. the network device is an image forming device, 2. The device management system according to claim 1, wherein the service is a service relating to maintenance of a network device.

9. The maintenance information includes error information of the network device, a usage status of consumables in the network device, a number of printed sheets in the network device, and maintenance response record information for the network device; The subject of the simulation includes at least one of information regarding the operation rate of the network device, the number or time of maintenance work performed by a serviceman on the network device, and information regarding the inventory of consumables for the network device. The device management system according to claim 8 .

10. A method for controlling a device management system that manages network devices, comprising: performing user authentication and verifying the authority of the authenticated user; providing data generated based on maintenance information including operation information collected from the network devices that are the subject of the service on a dashboard; and providing a result of simulating the effect of introducing a service for managing the network device on a dashboard; A dashboard is provided that provides at least a result of simulating an introduction effect of the service when the authority of the authenticated user is a predetermined authority; The service for managing the network device that is the target of the dashboard that provides the simulation results includes a remote repair service that resolves errors occurring in the network device by remote operation; A device management system control method comprising: when a setting value of the service used in the simulation is specified, reflecting a result of the simulation using the setting value in the display of the dashboard.

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