PROGRAM, COMPUTER AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD

Abstract

A program, a computer, and an information processing method are provided that reduce management costs while making the most of existing facilities. The system includes a receiving means 16, a storage means 18, and a display means 22. The receiving means 16 receives data on equipment parts and data on equipment including movable property and fixtures from a user terminal 42. The storage means 18 stores the received data on parts and equipment in a storage unit in association with each other. The display means 22 displays the stored data on parts.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a computer, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes a plant maintenance planning method that can reduce financial losses to plant facility operators due to stock shortages of spare parts and plant maintenance costs required for procuring spare parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-151901 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, many small and medium-sized enterprises lack the space to store inventory and cannot afford the management costs. In addition, they find it difficult to make investment decisions in new equipment, which leads to the equipment becoming obsolete.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a program, a computer, and an information processing method that reduce management costs while making use of existing facilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The program of the present disclosure is A program that causes a computer to function as a reception unit, a storage unit, and a display unit, The receiving means receives data on equipment parts and data on the equipment including movable property and fixtures from a user terminal; The storage means stores the received data on the parts and equipment in a storage unit in association with each other, The display means displays the stored data relating to the parts.

[0007] In the program of the present disclosure, The storage means may store the part as an existing item when the part received as data relating to the part is used in the equipment for which the part was received.

[0008] The program of the present disclosure is The computer is further caused to function as a management label issuing unit, When the receiving means receives data relating to a part from a user terminal, the management label issuing means can issue data relating to a label printing format including information about the part, and transmit the data to the user terminal.

[0009] In the program of the present disclosure, The receiving means receives floor plans and part location information for each base of a user, The display means may display the positions of the parts on a map.

[0010] The program of the present disclosure is causing said computer to further function as an end of production tagging means; The end-of-production tagging means may, upon acquiring end-of-production information of the part, store the part and the end-of-production information in a storage unit in association with each other.

[0011] In the program of the present disclosure, The display means may display end-of-life information together with the stored data relating to the part.

[0012] In the program of the present disclosure, The display means may display, together with the stored data relating to the component, information relating to the corresponding life span.

[0013] The program of the present disclosure is The computer further functions as a publishing means, The publishing means can make the data relating to a specific part or facility stored in the storage unit viewable by a specific person.

[0014] The program of the present disclosure is The computer is further made to function as a registration means and a transmission means, The registration means registers a user who operates a user terminal through which the reception means receives data related to parts and data related to equipment, When an offer to purchase or rent a part or equipment that has become viewable is made, the transmission means can transmit information relating to the offer to purchase or rent to the corresponding user terminal.

[0015] The computer of the present disclosure includes: A computer that functions as a reception unit, a storage unit, and a display unit by executing a program, The receiving means receives data on equipment parts and data on the equipment including movable property and fixtures from a user terminal; The storage means stores the received data on the parts and equipment in a storage unit in association with each other, The display means displays the stored data relating to the parts.

[0016] The information processing method of the present disclosure includes: An information processing method executed by a computer having a control unit, The control unit receives data on equipment parts and data on the equipment including movable property and fixed objects from a user terminal; a step of storing the received data on the parts and equipment in a storage unit in association with each other by the control unit; the control unit displaying the stored data relating to the part; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0017] The program, computer, and information processing method disclosed herein can reduce management costs while making use of existing facilities. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a map display of a list of equipment and existing items at a user's base, displayed by a computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of a management label issuing flow and an actual item confirmation flow according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a disclosure mode by a disclosure means according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary information processing flow of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another exemplary information processing flow of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another exemplary information processing flow of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another exemplary information processing flow of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Fig. 1 to Fig. 8 are diagrams illustrating an information processing system 1 and an information processing method according to the present disclosure.

[0020] [Information Processing System 1] The information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a server 10, a user terminal 42, and a manufacturer terminal 54. As shown in FIG. 1, there may be a plurality of user terminals 42 (42a, 42b, ...) and a plurality of manufacturer terminals 54 (54a, 54b, ...), and the number of these is not limited. The server 10 is a management server (computer) capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the user terminal 42, the manufacturer terminal 54, etc. through a communication network (not shown) such as an Internet line. The server 10 according to the present disclosure can provide a parts management platform that can reduce management costs while utilizing existing equipment of each user who operates the user terminal 42. The parts management platform (website) managed by the server 10 may be used via a browser, a so-called app (application software), or both a browser and an app.

[0021] In this specification, "(equipment) parts" refers to the components that make up the equipment, but is not limited to items that can be traded independently and may be custom-made products. Examples of parts in the manufacturing industry include bearings, reducers (gears, shafts), control boards (PLC), motors, inverters, etc.

[0022] In the parts management platform, parts are stored (tagged) as spare parts or existing parts depending on the user's usage. Whether a part is a spare part or an existing part may be identified at the same time as data on each part is received, or may be identified after receiving usage information on the usage of the part. A "spare part" is something that can become a part of equipment, and is a so-called idle part or inventory (stock). In this specification, if a part is attached to equipment, the part is also called an "existing part," and if not attached to equipment, the part is also called a "spare part." However, parts, spare parts, and existing parts that correspond as objects are the same. Basically, the matters described about parts apply to both existing parts and spare parts, and the matters described about existing parts apply to spare parts (and vice versa), so the explanation will be omitted as appropriate.

[0023] "Equipment" is a concept that includes movable property and fixed objects that are composed of parts. Specific examples of equipment include, but are not limited to, vehicles, electrical equipment, industrial machinery, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, and machine tools. A "user" is a person (whether a natural person or a legal entity) that manages at least its own parts and / or equipment via the parts management platform according to the present disclosure. A "manufacturer" is a person (whether a natural person or a legal entity) that has manufactured, sold, transferred, imported, exported, etc., equipment or parts, and in this specification, manufacturers also include wholesalers, trading companies, etc. that do not manufacture products, and broadly include suppliers.

[0024] <Server (Computer) 10> The server 10 may be an industrial computer, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or the like, or may be a virtual server in a physical server accessible via the Internet. In addition, there may be a plurality of these hardware devices and virtual servers, and any combination of these devices may be used. The server 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a control unit 12, a storage unit 30, and a communication unit 40.

[0025] (Control unit 12) The control unit 12 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc., and controls the operation of the server 10. Specifically, the control unit 12 functions as a registration means 14, a reception means 16, a storage means 18, a production end tagging means 20, a display means 22, a management label issuing means 24, a publishing means 26, a transmission means 28, etc., by executing a program stored in a storage unit 30 described later. Note that these functions may be exercised by executing one or more independent programs or applications. Furthermore, these programs and applications may be provided in a single terminal (server 10) or may be distributed and provided in multiple terminals (including the server 10), and in the latter case, may be connected to each other via a wired cable or a communication network. Each means will be described later, but as will be described in the information processing method, the control unit 12 (server 10) can exercise various functions for realizing the technical idea of ​​the present application.

[0026] (Storage unit 30) The storage unit 30 is configured with, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage unit 30 is not limited to being built into the server 10, and may be a storage medium (for example, a USB memory) that is detachably attached to the server 10. Instead of providing the storage unit 30, various information may be stored in other storage means (such as a cloud server).

[0027] Examples of information and data stored in the storage unit 30 include user information including registration information and profiles such as accounts for each user, business attributes, bases, and floor plans, data on parts for each user, data on spare parts for each user, data on existing parts for each user, data on equipment for each user, and end-of-life information on spare parts. These pieces of information can be stored as a parts database (DB) 31, a spare parts DB 32, an existing parts DB 34, end-of-life DB 36, life information DB 37, and equipment DB 38 as shown in FIG. 1. It is also possible to store each piece of information and data in association with each other in one storage unit without providing a database as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, a plurality of storage units may be provided for each piece of information to be stored (first storage unit, second storage unit, third storage unit, etc.), and each piece of information can be stored in association with each other. Each DB may include permission information for disclosure and viewing by the user or the administrator of the server 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "administrator"). Here, the "profile" refers to information including, but not limited to, the user's business content, history, etc. The "industry attribute" refers to information for grouping for viewing, which will be described later, but the specific content is not particularly limited. Examples of the "group" include different bases of the same user (company, etc.) and users of related companies. Each user may specify the members of the group (user account and / or base account). As described later, the account setting may be performed for each company, or for each base within the same company (1 account = 1 user or 1 base). That is, as an example of using the "group", multiple accounts may be aggregated and information on parts (spare parts and existing parts), equipment, etc. may be shared between these accounts (between users or between bases). The "base" is not particularly limited, and may refer to a land plot, for example, and the "plot" may be arbitrarily set for each storage location or equipment that the user wants to manage. For example, one factory may be regarded as one plot, or one factory may be divided into multiple plots. It is possible that one piece of equipment is installed in one plot, or that multiple pieces of equipment are installed in one plot.

[0028] Specifically, the "parts DB31" is a database that stores data on parts managed by each user. The "parts data (data on spare parts and data on existing parts)" is not particularly limited, and can store the name, model, manufacturer, part condition (used or new, acquisition date, etc.), quantity and unit, location (storage location or installation location at the base), price, image, etc. of the part. These pieces of information may be used as information indicated by a barcode, which will be described later. Furthermore, the data on the parts may include information that can be used as a filter or characteristics to be recorded for each part as a memo, memorandum, or search tag. In this embodiment, the spare parts DB32 and existing parts DB34 are separately provided in the parts DB31, but each data in the parts DB31 may be tagged to indicate whether it corresponds to a spare part or an existing part, so that it can be searched without separately providing the spare parts DB32 and existing parts DB34. In another embodiment, it is also possible to not provide a parts DB31, but to provide a spare parts DB32 and an existing parts DB34 depending on the usage status of the parts, and further to make it possible to move data regarding parts (spare parts, existing parts) between the spare parts DB32 and the existing parts DB34.

[0029] The "spare parts DB 32" is a database that stores data on spare parts managed by each user. The data on spare parts may be stored in the storage unit 30 in association with data on the equipment that the spare parts constitute (and that can be used) (the same applies to the parts DB 31). The data on the equipment here may be only the name, and each user may access the data on each piece of equipment from the equipment DB 38.

[0030] The "existing item DB34" is a database that registers equipment parts operating at each user's base. Also, the existing items in use for each user may be stored in the storage unit 30 in association with data on the equipment that the existing items constitute. Through the existing item DB34, for example, the user can search for or learn about parts (existing items) in use.

[0031] Parts and their end-of-production information can be stored in the storage unit 30 in association with each other as the "end-of-production DB 36." The "end-of-production information" can include the end-of-production date, product information URL, and the like. It may also include information on substitutes and successor models, and may also include information on the period until the end-of-production date and information for calculating the period (a formula for calculating the number of days from the present time until the end-of-production date). This information may be provided by each manufacturer or user, or may be collected by an administrator. End-of-production information can be automatically collected from the web pages of each manufacturer by, for example, a crawler.

[0032] The parts and information on the corresponding life span can be stored in the storage unit 30 in association with each other as the "life span information DB 37". The "information on the (parts) life span" is information on the period or conditions under which the parts can be used, but is not particularly limited, and may be the service life, expiration date, upper limit of the number of times of use, warranty period, etc. obtained from the parts manufacturer, and in the case of second-hand or existing parts, may include the period of use, the number of times of use, the period until the expiration date, the number of times remaining until the upper limit of the number of times of use, and information for calculating these (formula for calculating the number of days, formula for calculating the number of remaining times until the upper limit of the number of times of use), special notes such as damage, etc. The manufacturer, user, or administrator can set and collect the life span information. The life span information may be set based on the properties of the parts, such as batteries, or based on the properties and operating conditions of the equipment, or on empirical rules.

[0033] Data on equipment managed by each user can be stored in the storage unit 30 as "equipment DB 38". Equipment data includes the name, model, manufacturer, etc. of the equipment. Each user can register the equipment that he / she manages, regardless of the number of bases.

[0034] (Communication unit 40) The communication unit 40 connects the control unit 12 to an external device (such as a user terminal 42) wirelessly or via wires so as to be able to communicate with the external device. The control unit 12 can transmit and receive information to and from the external device via the communication unit 40.

[0035] (others) In addition, the server 10 may be provided with an operation unit (input unit) such as a keyboard that allows the administrator to give various commands to the control unit 12, and a display unit (output unit) such as a monitor that displays various screens upon receiving a display command signal from the control unit 12. In one embodiment, a display operation unit such as a touch panel in which the operation unit and display unit are integrated may be used.

[0036] (Details of control unit 12) (Method of registration 14) The registration means 14 registers users who operate the user terminals 42 through which the reception means 16 receives data related to parts and data related to equipment. Each user can also be issued an identification ID for each base.

[0037] In this specification, "registration" refers to, but is not limited to, assigning an identification number or the like to a user in the server 10 and setting up an account, which enables the user to manage parts and the like in the parts management platform. The account may be set for each user or for each base (i.e., 1 account = 1 user, or 1 account = 1 base). Also, an account may be set for each user, and parts and the like may be managed for each base within that account (i.e., 1 account = 1 user = 1 or multiple bases). The registration means 14 can also perform a similar registration process for manufacturers. As a registration method in this platform, for example, a registrant (user, etc.) may make a predetermined expression of intent to be registered (including, for example, consent to management regulations, presentation of identity verification, etc.). After registration, data input and viewing of parts and the like may be possible.

[0038] (Method of reception 16) The accepting means 16 accepts data relating to parts and data relating to equipment from a user terminal 42 .

[0039] The user may conduct an existing equipment survey of the facility and transmit data regarding the existing equipment installed in the facility to the server 10.

[0040] The receiving means 16 can also receive floor plan and part location information for each user's base. Part location information is information on the location of parts at the base (floor plan), and specifically, it is sufficient to know the location (placement) of the parts at the base, and in the case of a spare part, it is the storage location, and in the case of an existing part, it is the installation location of the equipment at the base where the part is used. The exact location of the part within the equipment does not need to be specified (see FIG. 2).

[0041] (Storage means 18) The storage means 18 associates the received data on parts and equipment and stores it in the storage unit 30. The storage means 18 can store, for each user, which parts correspond to which equipment as a part DB 31.

[0042] When a part received as data related to parts is used in the received equipment, the storage means 18 stores the part as an existing part. As described above, the part may be tagged as an existing part in the parts DB 31, or the part (existing part) may be associated with data related to the equipment and stored in the existing part DB 34. On the other hand, when a part received as data related to parts is not used in the received equipment, the storage means 18 may store the part as a spare part. As a tagging method, for example, the storage means 18 may tag the part as a spare part in the parts DB 31, or may store the part in the spare part DB 32. Note that in this specification, "associating a part with equipment" is based on the premise that the part can be a part as a component of the equipment. Therefore, a spare part is a part that is not used in equipment, but a part that cannot be used in a certain equipment is not a spare part for that equipment.

[0043] (End of Production Tagging Method 20) When the end-of-production tagging means 20 acquires end-of-production information of a part, it associates the part with the end-of-production information and stores the part in the storage unit 30. The end-of-production tagging means 20 can automatically perform such association (tagging) when acquiring the end-of-production information. Note that this tagging method is not limited, and an end-of-production DB 36 may be constructed, or end-of-production information may be attached as a tag to each data in the part DB 31. When tagging each data for each user with end-of-production information, the end-of-production tagging means 20 may also calculate and update the number of days from the current time until the end-of-production date of the part as end-of-production information, and store it in the storage unit 30.

[0044] (Lifespan information tagging means 21) When the lifespan information tagging means 21 acquires information about the lifespan of a part, it associates the part with the information about its lifespan and stores it in the storage unit 30. The lifespan information tagging means 21 can automatically perform such association (tagging) when acquiring the lifespan information. The tagging method is not limited, either, and a lifespan information DB 37 may be constructed, or lifespan information may be attached as a tag to each data in the part DB 31. When tagging each data in the part DB 31 for each user with lifespan information, the lifespan information tagging means 21 may calculate the number of days from the current time until the expiration date of the part, or the remaining number from the current number of uses to the upper limit of the number of uses, and may calculate and update this as lifespan information in the storage unit 30.

[0045] (Display means 22) The display means 22 displays the stored data on the parts. The display means 22 can display such information in a list on the user terminal 42, the display unit of the server 10, or the like. In this specification, "display (including "display")" is not limited to a state in which the information is actually displayed on the user terminal 42, or the like, but also includes a state in which the information is displayed on the user terminal 42 when a predetermined display button is pressed on the browser or application on the user terminal 42. The display means 22 can also display parts and equipment searched and extracted by the user's specification. The method of "display" is not particularly limited, and for example, the data on the spare parts may be displayed in a predetermined order (for example, in alphabetical order such as ABC, order of equipment used, order of base, order of registration, order of end of production), or only the names of the spare parts may be displayed in a list, and the user may specify a spare part about which the user wants to know more details. The display means 22 may also display information (name) of equipment, and display spare parts associated with the equipment in response to a specification of the equipment from the user.

[0046] The display means 22 can also display a map of a list of parts, a list of spare parts, a list of existing parts, and a list of equipment (see FIG. 2) based on a floor plan of the user's base. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a map display of a list of equipment and existing parts at the user's base. The display means 22 can also display a map of the storage location of spare parts at the user's base. The number of spare parts and existing parts may also be displayed on the map (floor plan, equipment layout), and the display method can be set arbitrarily.

[0047] When displaying a part, the display means 22 can display end-of-production information together with the stored data on the part. The display means 22 can display, for example, that the manufacturer has ended production or that it is within a predetermined period before the end of production by referring to the storage unit 30 (alert function). In addition, when displaying, calculations such as calculation of the number of days may be performed by referring to the storage unit 30. The "predetermined period" is typically a range of six months or one year from the end of production, but is not particularly limited, and can be arbitrarily set and changed according to the time when the end-of-production information is obtained. For business planning, it is preferable to display "scheduled end of production" or the like immediately after the end-of-production information is obtained. When displaying spare parts, etc., the display means 22 may also display end-of-production information on the map. In the example shown in FIG. 2, existing parts are surrounded by a frame to indicate that production has ended. The method of displaying the end-of-production information is not limited to this, and may be displayed in a flashing manner or expressed in color like a so-called heat map. Furthermore, the tempo and color tone of the flashing display may be changed according to the end-of-production time to visualize the end-of-production information (procurement risk).

[0048] Furthermore, when displaying a part, the display means 22 can refer to the memory unit 30 and display information about the part's lifespan (for example, how many years or how many times it can be used) together with stored data about the part (alert function, countdown function). It is preferable that the display means 22 displays an alert or issues a notification when the number of spare parts falls below a predetermined number due to use. Also, when the lifespan is expressed in terms of the number of times it has been used, a sensor may be installed in an existing item or facility to measure the number of times it has been used. When displaying, calculations such as number of days or number of remaining times may be performed by referring to the memory unit 30.

[0049] The display means 22 may also display a search site (web page) for parts or equipment (managed by manufacturers or other users). In this way, the parts management platform plays a role as a community site. Furthermore, the display means 22 may display the lowest and highest prices for selling and renting parts or equipment in the parts management platform.

[0050] (Management label issuing means 24) When the reception means 16 receives data related to a part from the user terminal 42, the management label issuing means 24 issues data related to a label printing format including information about the part, and transmits it to the user terminal 42. The output (issuance) of this label data by the management label issuing means 24 may be performed when the part (spare part) is registered (left side of FIG. 3), or may be performed after the administrator has confirmed the part.

[0051] The "data on the label printing format" is not particularly limited, and data stored in the storage unit 30 may be printed on the label, and the end of production date may also be displayed on the label to visualize discontinued products. The printed information may include a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Reading the label using a tablet, a smartphone camera, a barcode reader, or the like makes it possible to reduce the burden of inventory. On the right side of FIG. 3, when a user reads the label and notifies the server 10 (parts management platform), the presence and quantity of spare parts are reflected in the parts management platform (physical confirmation). The date and time of the actual confirmation may also be reflected in the parts management platform and printed on the label. Note that unless the label reading information is not notified, the display means 22 may not display (i.e., reflect on the parts management platform).

[0052] When a part with a label is installed in a facility as an existing item, the management of the existing item becomes easy through the label. In addition, the management label issuing means 24 can also issue label data to existing items in the facility that the user has surveyed.

[0053] (Publication Method 26) The disclosure means 26 allows a predetermined person to view data (which may include user information such as a profile) related to a predetermined part or equipment stored in the storage unit 30 (hereinafter, this is also referred to as "public setting" from the user's point of view). For example, a "public setting button" may be prepared on the website of the parts management platform, and a screen displaying data related to the predetermined part or equipment may be made viewable by simply clicking this button on the user terminal 42. Note that in this specification, "making viewable" does not only mean a state in which information is actually displayed on the user terminal 42, as in "displaying (including "making it displayed")," but also includes a state in which information is displayed on the user terminal 42 when a predetermined display button is pressed on a browser, app, or the like on the user terminal 42. In addition, the "predetermined part or equipment" refers to a part (including a spare part or an existing part) or equipment that may be made public to a third party, and the user can specify these. In other words, the disclosure means 26 can limit the range of data to be made viewable in response to an instruction from a user who manages the part or equipment.

[0054] In addition, a user who allows his / her parts or equipment data to be viewed may set the "predetermined person" to be viewable by anyone, or may set the data to be viewable only by users who have set their own profile to be public, or may set the data to be viewable only by users who belong to the same group as the user. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the spare parts data a1 to a3 of user A-1 who belongs to group A can be viewed only by user A-2 who belongs to group A, and cannot be viewed by user B-1 who belongs to group B different from group A or unregistered person X even if they are registered in the parts management platform (dotted line). In addition, the spare parts data b1 to b2 of user B-1 who belongs to group B cannot be viewed by users A-1 and A-2 who belong to group A different from group B or unregistered person X. However, user B-1 has not set the "predetermined person" for spare parts data b3, and has set it to be "public" so that anyone can view it, so users A-1, A-2, and unregistered person X can view it. It is also possible to set the "partial public setting" to request individual permission for viewing from specific users such as competitors.

[0055] Furthermore, the publishing means 26 may provide registered users with a method for making an offer to purchase or rent parts or equipment from a user who has made the "public setting" (matching function). That is, a user who has made the "public setting" can have the opportunity to sell or rent parts or equipment that he or she manages. Meanwhile, a registered user who has become viewable through the "public setting" can have the opportunity to make an offer to purchase or rent parts or equipment via the parts management platform (server 10) of the present disclosure. One method of making such an offer is to provide a website that allows users to negotiate directly with each other on the parts management platform.

[0056] The disclosure means 26 may further disclose the history of transfer or rental of parts or equipment between users (matching history). That is, a user can not only know the stock of spare parts of other users through the parts management platform (server 10), but also know the transaction history of parts or equipment provided. By visualizing the connection between users (companies) in this way, it is possible to provide information on the reliability of the user when conducting a transaction with the user or proposing a business partnership.

[0057] (Transmission means 28) When an offer to purchase or rent a part or equipment that has become viewable is made, the transmission means 28 transmits information related to the offer to purchase or rent to the corresponding user terminal 42. That is, the transmission means 28 provides a method other than the above-mentioned method of offering to purchase or rent a part or equipment via the parts management platform.

[0058] It should be noted that the end-of-production tagging means 20 automatically tags parts with end-of-production information, but the transmission means 28 may also notify the user terminal 42 that new end-of-production information has been tagged or that the end of production is approaching, in order to raise awareness (the same applies to lifespan information).

[0059] <User terminal 42, manufacturer terminal 54> The user terminal 42 and the manufacturer terminal 54 can be configured from an industrial computer, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a mobile terminal, etc., and are not particularly limited. Each user terminal 42 and the manufacturer terminal 54 do not need to be the same terminal, and the same operator may send and receive information using different terminals at different times. In addition, the operator may be a different person within an organization as long as they are identified by the same registration information (user ID, manufacturer ID, etc.).

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 42 has a control unit 44, a display unit 46, an operation unit 48, a storage unit 50, and a communication unit 52. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the manufacturer terminal 54 also has similar components, so the description thereof will be omitted. The control unit 44 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Image Processing Unit), and controls each operation of the user terminal 42. The user can input information by operating an operation unit 48 such as a keyboard while looking at the display unit 46 such as a display (a display operation unit such as a touch panel in which the display unit 46 and the operation unit 48 are integrated may be used). The user terminal 42 can store data in the storage unit 50. The configuration and mode of the storage unit 50 are the same as those of the storage unit 30. The communication unit 52 connects the user terminal 42 to an external device (such as the server 10) wirelessly or via a wire so as to be able to communicate with the user terminal 42, and the user terminal 42 can transmit and receive information to and from other user terminals 42 and the manufacturer terminal 54 via the communication unit 52.

[0061] [Information processing method 1] Next, the information processing method 1 in the above-mentioned information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The information processing method 1 is a method for linking equipment and parts inventory (i.e., spare parts). In the following description, components with the same reference symbols are the same as the components described above, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Note that the processing described below is performed by executing a program stored in the storage unit 30, but the information processing method according to the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0062] First, the control unit 12 (registration means 14) registers a user who operates the user terminal 42 that is the transmission source of the data related to parts and the data related to equipment (step S10).

[0063] Next, the control unit 12 (accepting means 16) accepts data on parts and data on equipment from the user terminal 42 (step S20). Note that data for each base may be accepted as described above.

[0064] Next, the control unit 12 (storage means 18) associates the received data on the parts and equipment and stores it in the storage unit 30 (step S30). Here, the associated data on the parts and equipment can be stored in the parts DB 31.

[0065] Next, if the part received as data related to parts is not used in the equipment received as data related to equipment, the control unit 12 (storage means 18) stores the part as a spare part (step S40). In this example, the part can be stored (tagged) as a spare part in the parts DB 31 and associated with the equipment.

[0066] Next, the control unit 12 (display means 22) displays a list of the stored data on spare parts (components) on the user terminal 42 (step S50). Note that the spare parts displayed in the list here may be associated with different equipment.

[0067] Next, the control unit 12 (management label issuing means 24) issues data on a label printing format including the name of the spare part, and transmits it to the user terminal 42 (step S60).

[0068] The information processing method described above is an example, and the process flow is not limited to the above. For example, after a step (step S20) of receiving data on parts and data on equipment from user terminal 42, a management label issuing step (step S60) and a storage and display step (steps S30 to S50) may be performed. Information processing method 1 implements a system (parts management platform) for managing spare parts of a user, and allows the user to enjoy a Web service for registering and managing "spare parts" to be managed.

[0069] [Information processing method 2] Next, information processing method 2 in the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Information processing method 2 is a method related to facility management. Steps S110 to S130 are similar to steps S10 to S30 in information processing method 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] After step S130, if the part accepted as data relating to the part is used in the equipment accepted as data relating to the equipment, the control unit 12 (storage means 18) stores the part as an existing item (step S140).

[0071] Next, the control unit 12 (accepting means 16) accepts the floor plan and the installation location of the equipment for each base of the user (step S150).

[0072] Next, the control unit 12 (display means 22) causes the user terminal 42 to display a list of existing products for each base on a map (step S160).

[0073] The processing flow is not limited to that described above, and the process of accepting floor plans and equipment installation locations for each user's base (step S150) may be executed after the registration process (step S110) (as long as it is executed before step S160).

[0074] In another embodiment, in step S150, the control unit 12 (reception means 16) may receive a floor plan and storage locations of spare parts for each user's base, and the control unit 12 (display means 22) may display a list of spare parts for each base on a map on the user terminal 42.

[0075] [Information processing method 3] Next, information processing method 3 in information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Information processing method 3 is a method related to end-of-production tagging. Steps S210 to S230 are similar to steps S10 to S30 in information processing method 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Although a description thereof will be omitted, a similar process can also be performed on information relating to the lifespan of parts.

[0076] After step S230, when the control unit 12 (production end tagging means 20) acquires the production end information of the part, it associates the part with the production end information and stores it in the storage unit 30 (step S240).

[0077] Next, the control unit 12 (display means 22) displays a list of the stored data regarding the parts on the user terminal 42, and, by referring to the memory unit 30, causes the user terminal 42 to display that the relevant parts are within a specified period before production is discontinued (step S250).

[0078] Next, the control unit 12 (display means 22) displays a list of the stored data regarding the parts on the user terminal 42, and also refers to the memory unit 30 and causes the user terminal 42 to display that production of the relevant parts has been discontinued (step S260).

[0079] The above-described information processing method is merely an example, and the processing is not limited to the above. For example, step S250 may not be performed if production of a certain part has already ended.

[0080] In another embodiment, when the control unit 12 (reception means 16) receives floor plans and storage locations of spare parts for each user's base, the control unit 12 (display means 22) can display a list of spare parts on a map on the user terminal 42 and can also refer to the memory unit 30 to highlight data on discontinued spare parts on the map (a process combining steps S160 and S260).

[0081] In yet another embodiment, when a part received as data related to parts is used in equipment received as data related to equipment, the control unit 12 (storage means 18) can store the part as an existing item. In this case, when the control unit 12 (reception means 16) receives a floor plan for each user's base and the installation location of the equipment, the control unit 12 (display means 22) may display a list of existing items on a map on the user terminal 42, and at the same time, refer to the storage unit 30 and highlight the fact that the corresponding existing item is within a predetermined period before the end of production (a process combining steps S160 and S250).

[0082] [Information processing method 4] Next, information processing method 4 in information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Information processing method 4 is a method related to one-click disclosure and matching. Steps S310 to S340 are similar to steps S10 to S40 in information processing method 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] After step S340, the control unit 12 (accepting means 16) accepts data on parts that are allowed to be viewed by third parties from the user terminal 42 (step S350).

[0084] Next, the control unit 12 (publication means 26) makes the data related to the predetermined part stored in the storage unit 30 available for viewing by a predetermined person (step S360).

[0085] Next, when an offer to purchase the part that has become viewable is made, the control unit 12 (transmission means 28) transmits information related to the offer to purchase to the corresponding user terminal 42 (step S370).

[0086] Next, the control unit 12 (accepting means 16) accepts response information related to the purchase offer from the user terminal 42 (step S380).

[0087] Next, the control unit 12 (transmission means 28) transmits the received response information to the user terminal 42 that has made the purchase offer (step S390).

[0088] The above-mentioned information processing method is an example, and the processing is not limited to the above. For example, in another embodiment, after step S360, when an offer to borrow a part that has become viewable is made, the control unit 12 (transmission means 28) may transmit information related to the offer to borrow to the corresponding user terminal 42.

[0089] As yet another embodiment, in step S350, the control unit 12 (reception means 16) may receive data on equipment that may be viewed by third parties from the user terminal 42, and then the control unit 12 (publication means 26) may make the data on a specific equipment stored in the memory unit 30 viewable by a specific person (step S460).If a purchase offer is made for the equipment that has become viewable, the control unit 12 (transmission means 28) may transmit information related to the purchase offer to the corresponding user terminal 42 (step S470).

[0090] As yet another embodiment, when an offer to borrow a facility that has become viewable after step S460 is made, the control unit 12 (transmission means 28) may transmit information related to the offer to borrow to the corresponding user terminal 42.

[0091] As yet another embodiment, after the data on the predetermined parts or equipment stored in the storage unit 30 becomes viewable by a predetermined person (after step S460, etc.), when a matching offer for business succession or business collaboration is made, the control unit 12 (transmission means 28) can also transmit information related to the offer to the corresponding user terminal 42. The information related to this offer is not particularly limited, and may include question information related to the business and confirmation of the presence or absence of an intention to match.

[0092] The program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure configured as described above are provided with a receiving means 16, a storage means 18, and a display means 22. The receiving means 16 receives data on equipment parts and data on equipment including movable property and fixtures from a user terminal 42. The storage means 18 associates the received data on parts and equipment and stores it in the storage unit 30. The display means 22 displays the stored data on parts.

[0093] Japan's manufacturing industry has maintained its competitiveness thanks to high-quality materials and processing technology. High technological capabilities have been continuously passed down among Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises, and valuable experience and know-how have been accumulated. This will continue to be an important asset for Japan in responding to the diversifying needs of the world. On the other hand, small and medium-sized enterprises face problems that are difficult to solve individually, and are in a situation where it is difficult to continue business, so they have no choice but to use equipment for a long time. However, in addition to the aging of equipment, when they inquire with equipment manufacturers, they may be told that there are no parts, and that the delivery of new parts will be more than a year and a half away. Securing and managing spare parts for equipment is a common issue regardless of the size of the business. In response to this issue, the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method disclosed herein can reduce management costs while making use of existing equipment. As with the parts management platform described above, it is possible to standardize the internal management mesh, eliminating variations in information input and management items for each person in charge or department. The specified format also makes it easy to check the parts usage history (utilized for considering the next order quantity and calculating the next budget for parts purchases). By standardizing inventory management, users can enjoy the benefits of preventing missed or omitted orders, streamlining inventory management, consolidating and storing information on managed equipment and parts, building databases, storing failure data, etc. Furthermore, by visualizing information using photos and images, even unskilled people such as newcomers can easily manage parts and equipment.

[0094] Furthermore, in the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure, the storage means 18 may store a part as an existing part when the part received as data related to the part is used in the received equipment. In this way, the user can use the data related to the part as data related to the existing part and manage the existing part. In addition, when the part received as data related to the part is not used in the received equipment, the part may be stored as a spare part, and in this way, the user can use the data related to the part as data related to the spare part and manage the spare part.

[0095] In addition, in the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure, when the reception means 16 receives data on parts from a user terminal 42, data on a label printing format including information on the parts is issued and transmitted to the user terminal 42, and a management label issuing means 24 may be further provided. In this way, by automatically generating labels, it is possible to realize efficient inventory (inventory entry and exit management is possible with a mobile phone or tablet). In addition, by reading the labels attached to parts such as spare parts and recording the actual date and time of on-site confirmation, it is possible to grasp spare parts that have not been confirmed for a long time, and it is possible to visualize procurement risks in advance. It is also possible to optimize inventory levels.

[0096] In the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure, the reception means 16 can receive floor plans and part location information for each user's base, and the display means 22 can display the parts' locations on a map. More specifically, the reception means 16 can receive floor plans and spare part storage locations for each user's base, and the display means 22 can display a list of spare parts on a map. The reception means 16 can also receive floor plans and equipment installation locations for each user's base, and the display means 22 can display a list of parts stored as existing parts (list of existing parts) on a map (FIG. 2). Such map displays can visualize equipment management (spare parts, existing parts, and equipment). Even if parts and equipment are managed for each base, the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure can speed up information sharing between multiple bases on a website called a parts management platform, and can eliminate the need to request or confirm a list by email or telephone.

[0097] Furthermore, in the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure, a production end tagging means 20 may be further provided that, when it acquires end-of-life information of a part, associates the part with the end-of-life information and stores it in the storage unit 30. By associating (tagging) end-of-life information with each part, it becomes easy to visualize the procurement risk of spare parts and existing parts. The end-of-life information makes it easy to decide to discard unnecessary parts.

[0098] Also, in the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure, the display means 22 can display end-of-production information together with the stored data on parts. For example, the storage unit 30 can be referenced to display that production has ended. In this way, if the end-of-production information is also displayed together with the parts data (list display, map display), the procurement risk is visualized. In this way, this is useful for equipment management decisions such as whether to procure more parts or change equipment. Furthermore, the display means 22 may refer to the storage unit 30 and display, together with the stored data on spare parts, that it is within a predetermined period before the end of production. In this way, the function of warning of procurement risks can also be achieved.

[0099] In addition, in the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure, the display means 22 can display information on the corresponding lifespan together with the stored data on the parts. If the lifespan information of the parts is presented in this manner, it is easy to make a decision on part replacement, etc., and is useful for making a decision on facility management.

[0100] Furthermore, in the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure, a lifespan information tagging means 21 may be further provided that, when information regarding the lifespan of a part is acquired, associates the part with information regarding its lifespan and stores it in a storage unit, and the display means 22 can display the information regarding the lifespan together with the stored data regarding the part. In this way, by associating (tagging) each part with lifespan information, it becomes easier to visualize the procurement risks of spare parts and existing parts. If lifespan information can be visualized together with end-of-production information, it can be further useful in making decisions regarding facility management.

[0101] Furthermore, in the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure, a publishing means 26 may be further provided that allows a specified person to view data related to a specified part or equipment stored in the storage unit 30. In this way, according to the parts management platform according to the present disclosure that includes the publishing means 26, the user does not need to carry out public relations activities such as setting up a website for sales advertising, and can manage and organize the inventory with a single click of a "public setting button." Asset efficiency can be improved.

[0102] For example, in the manufacturing industry, a large amount of spare parts are discarded or remain in-house. Large companies aim to secure spare parts so that there is no shortage, but spare parts are discarded in accordance with the company's asset management regulations. Wholesalers and trading companies have spare parts that remain in-house due to ordering errors or sudden order changes. On the other hand, many small and medium-sized enterprises dispose of them early if they are no longer needed by the company due to the bottleneck in inventory storage space and management costs. In companies that have gone out of business, equipment is sold, but most spare parts are discarded. In contrast to these facts, some discontinued parts and parts (spare parts) that take a long time to procure are very rare. However, in the past, there was no platform that made it easy to share information between business locations, despite the difficulty of procuring parts. In addition, Japanese manufacturing has strong vertical connections in the supply chain with product manufacturers at the top, but the inventors thought that in order to solve future issues, a system is needed to support each other while sharing resources, strengths, and functions through "horizontal connections across regions and industries." As a result of intensive study, the present disclosure of a parts management platform equipped with a publishing means 26 has been conceived as a mechanism for companies to support each other. That is, according to the parts management platform, first, network expansion and community creation are realized. More specifically, it is possible to connect companies (users) across industries and regions, and develop contact points with people other than existing customers. This improves the resolution of customer issues, and speeds up problem extraction, verification, and resolution. In addition, it is possible to develop business based on the utilization of data between companies (users). More specifically, it is possible to match users, propose equipment updates, and provide equipment data. Furthermore, the parts management platform can become the basic infrastructure of the manufacturing industry. More specifically, the parts management platform provides a mechanism for sharing, outsourcing of parts manufacturing, and joint purchasing, and is expected to be utilized for joint development, optimization of inter-company collaboration, and disaster recovery support.

[0103] Moreover, in the program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure, a registration means 14 and a transmission means 28 may be further provided. The registration means 14 registers a user who operates a user terminal 42 through which the reception means 16 receives data related to parts and data related to equipment. When an offer to purchase or borrow a part or equipment that has become viewable is made, the transmission means 28 transmits information related to the offer to purchase or borrow to the corresponding user terminal 42. In this way, by registering and authenticating the user, it is possible to guarantee that the part that has become viewable is not simply displayed (published) on the parts management platform, but will definitely be shipped, which gives a sense of security to the user who makes the offer to purchase or borrow. In addition, buying and selling, lending and borrowing, etc. through the parts management platform also have the following advantages. There is also a possibility of procuring discontinued products and products with long delivery times, and the downtime can be minimized by shortening the procurement construction period. Unnecessary backlogged spare parts can be sold in-house to turn them into cash (which also leads to improved asset efficiency, securing indoor space, and reducing management labor). The prices of registered companies (users) are mostly lower than the list price, so procurement costs can be reduced. It is also possible to optimize inventory by procuring only what is needed (securing the necessary amount in-house and selling the surplus on the platform).

[0104] The program, information processing system 1, server (computer) 10, and information processing method according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects and combinations, and various modifications can be made.

[0105] For example, the display means 22 or the disclosure means 26 may display or disclose information on similar or alternative parts or equipment on the user terminal 42 or the parts management platform based on interactions between users (transmission and reception of buying and selling, lending and borrowing, etc.) and information on parts and equipment managed by users (so-called recommendation or recommendation function). Such information can reduce procurement risks as a second opinion, and can also provide opportunities for sales or lending offers from other user terminals 42 and manufacturer terminals 54.

[0106] Furthermore, the publishing means 26 may publish comments received regarding transactions such as buying and selling, lending and borrowing between users (a so-called review evaluation function). In this way, it is possible to increase the reliability and sense of security regarding transactions.

[0107] Furthermore, the server (computer) 10 (control unit 12) may limit offers to purchase parts or equipment from a specific user terminal 42 (a function to prevent hoarding). For example, if the number of offers to purchase parts or the number of purchase requests from a specific user terminal 42 is excessively large in consideration of the user's business or the manufacturing date of the managed equipment, an upper limit may be set on the number of purchases or offers to purchase may be prohibited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Server (computer) 12 Control section 14 Registration Method 16 Reception methods 18 Memory means 20 End of Life Tagging Method 22 Display means 24 Management label issuing method 26 Disclosure measures 28 Transmission means 30 Storage section 31 Parts Database (DB) 32 Spare Parts Database 34 Existing product database 36 End of Production Database 37 Life Information Database 38 Facility Database 40 Communications Department 42 (42a, 42b...) User terminal 44 Control section 42 Display section 48 Control section 50 Storage section 52 Communications Department 54 (54a, 54b...) Manufacturer terminal

Claims

1. A program that causes a computer to function as a reception unit, a storage unit, a display unit, and a production end tagging unit, The receiving means receives data on equipment parts and data on the equipment including movable property and fixtures from a user terminal; The storage means stores the received data on the parts and equipment in a storage unit in association with each other, The end-of-production tagging means, when acquiring end-of-production information of a part from a web page by a crawler, associates the part with the end-of-production information and stores it in a storage unit; The display means displays end-of-production information together with the stored data regarding the part.

2. A program that causes a computer to function as a reception unit, a storage unit, a display unit, and a production end tagging unit, The receiving means receives data on equipment parts and data on the equipment including movable property and fixtures from a user terminal; The storage means stores the received data on the parts and equipment in a storage unit in association with each other, When the end-of-production tagging means acquires the end-of-production date of the part, the means associates the part with the end-of-production date and stores the part in a storage unit; The display means displays the end of production date together with the stored data regarding the part.

3. The receiving means receives usage information regarding a usage status of the part, 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores the part as an existing part when the part received as data relating to the part is used in the equipment for which the part was received based on the usage information.

4. The computer is further caused to function as a management label issuing unit, 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein when the receiving means receives data on a part from a user terminal, the management label issuing means issues data on a label printing format including information on the part and transmits the data to the user terminal.

5. The receiving means receives floor plans and part location information for each base of a user, 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein said display means displays the positions of the parts as a map.

6. 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein said display means displays, together with the stored data on the part, that the part is within a predetermined period before end of production.

7. 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein said display means displays information regarding the corresponding life together with the stored data regarding the parts.

8. The computer further functions as a publishing means, 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the publishing means makes the data relating to a specific part or facility stored in the storage unit viewable by a specific person.

9. The computer is further made to function as a registration means and a transmission means, The registration means registers a user who operates a user terminal through which the reception means receives data related to parts and data related to equipment, 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein said transmission means transmits information relating to an offer to purchase or rent a part or equipment that has become viewable to a corresponding user terminal when the part or equipment is offered for purchase or rent.

10. A computer that functions as a receiving means, a storage means, a display means, and a production end tagging means by executing a program, The receiving means receives data on equipment parts and data on the equipment including movable property and fixtures from a user terminal; The storage means stores the received data on the parts and equipment in a storage unit in association with each other, The end-of-production tagging means, when acquiring end-of-production information of a part from a web page by a crawler, associates the part with the end-of-production information and stores it in a storage unit; The display means displays end-of-life information together with the stored data regarding the part.

11. A computer that functions as a receiving means, a storage means, a display means, and a production end tagging means by executing a program, The receiving means receives data on equipment parts and data on the equipment including movable property and fixtures from a user terminal; The storage means stores the received data on the parts and equipment in a storage unit in association with each other, When the end-of-production tagging means acquires the end-of-production date of the part, the means associates the part with the end-of-production date and stores the part in a storage unit; The display means displays the end of production date together with the stored data regarding the part.

12. An information processing method executed by a computer having a control unit, The control unit receives data on equipment parts and data on the equipment including movable property and fixed objects from a user terminal; a step of storing the received data on the parts and equipment in a storage unit in association with each other by the control unit; When the control unit acquires end-of-production information of the part from the web page by the crawler, the control unit associates the part with the end-of-production information and stores the information in a storage unit; the control unit displays end-of-production information together with the stored data regarding the part; An information processing method comprising:

13. An information processing method executed by a computer having a control unit, The control unit receives data on equipment parts and data on the equipment including movable property and fixed objects from a user terminal; a step of storing the received data on the parts and equipment in a storage unit in association with each other by the control unit; When the control unit acquires the end-of-production time of the part, the control unit associates the part with the end-of-production time and stores the associated time in a storage unit; a step of the control unit displaying a production end time together with the stored data regarding the part; An information processing method comprising:

Images