Information processing device

Abstract

To provide a POS terminal capable of preventing shortage of cleaning tags.SOLUTION: A POS terminal 1 includes: a storage unit 3 that stores tag information related to cleaning tags; and a control unit 2 that performs predetermined control regarding ordering of the cleaning tags based on the tag information stored by the storage unit 3. The control unit 2 determines whether or not a number tag serial number has reached a set number, and performs the predetermined control when determining that the number tag serial number has reached the set number. Further, the control unit 2 determines whether or not an auxiliary tag remaining number has reached a set remaining number, and performs the predetermined control when determining that the auxiliary tag remaining number has reached the set remaining number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device capable of preventing a shortage of cleaning tags. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a cleaning tag (a tag for cleaning) is known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] As is already well known, this cleaning tag is attached to items (consigned items) entrusted to it by customers and is made of, for example, cleaning-resistant paper (wash-resistant paper), and is cleaned together with the items at the cleaning factory.

[0004] As this type of cleaning tag, for example, number tags and auxiliary tags as shown in FIG. 14 are widely used.

[0005] The number tag (identification tag) is used to identify the cleaning product, and has at least a number tag serial number printed (printed) on its surface. The number tag serial number is a consecutive number for identification that is issued (assigned) to each cleaning product, such as numbers "000" to "999" (serial numbers for 1,000 items) or numbers "0000" to "9999" (serial numbers for 10,000 items). Note that the store name is often printed next to the number tag serial number on the number tag, and in such cases, production (printing, etc.) usually begins after an order for the number tag is received, so the delivery time is, for example, about 1 to 3 weeks.

[0006] Auxiliary tags (instruction tags) are used to indicate instructions for work other than the normal cleaning process, and instructions for the work (including cautions, etc.) are printed on their surface. The instructions are, for example, "express," "stain removal," "water repellent," "no glue," "special finish," etc., and in some cases, there may be as many as 100 types of auxiliary tags. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-40695 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Incidentally, inventory management of the above-mentioned cleaning tags (number tags and auxiliary tags) is performed, for example, by the staff (operators) of the dry cleaning store, but if a shortage occurs due to a management error by the staff, it may cause disruption to the cleaning work.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and has an object to provide an information processing device that can prevent a shortage of cleaning tags. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The information processing device according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores information about cleaning tags, and a control unit that performs predetermined control related to ordering the cleaning tags based on the information. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the cleaning tag from being out of stock. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic configuration diagrams showing a POS terminal (information processing device) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of tag information. [Diagram 2] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of accepting cleaning products at the POS terminal of the same embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a customer slip (receipt slip). [Figure 4]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase order (printed material including order information) for a number tag. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an order memo (printed material including order information) on a number tag. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an ordering display (a display screen including ordering information) for a number tag. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an order form (printed material including order information) for auxiliary tags. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an order memo (printed material including order information) for an auxiliary tag. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an ordering display (a display screen including ordering information) for auxiliary tags. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of tag information related to a number tag. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a POS system (information processing device) according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen including order status information for tags that have been ordered. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of order status information (automatic order history) of an ordered tag. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing examples of conventional cleaning tags (number tags and auxiliary tags). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] In Fig. 1, 1 is a POS terminal which is an information processing device, and this POS terminal 1 is installed in each dry cleaning store (chain store, etc.) and used by the store clerk. The POS terminal 1 is, for example, a cash register device (POS register) for carrying out the accounting and the like when a dry cleaning order is received from a customer who visits the dry cleaning store.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the POS terminal 1 is equipped with at least a control unit 2 consisting of a CPU etc., a memory unit 3 that stores various information including tag information on cleaning tags (number tags and auxiliary tags shown in FIG. 14), a touch panel unit 4 that serves as an input unit and display unit that can be operated by touch by dry cleaning store staff (the input unit and the display unit may be configured separately, the same applies below), and a printing unit (output unit) 5 that prints and outputs various printed materials (e.g., customer slips, store slips, tag order forms and memos, daily reports, etc.).

[0016] In addition, the tag information stored (registered) in the memory unit 3 includes, for example, the current number of the number tag (number tag serial number), a set number preset for the number tag, the current remaining number of each of the multiple types of auxiliary tags (remaining auxiliary tag number), a preset set remaining number for each auxiliary tag, etc.

[0017] Here, the numbered tags come in two types, as shown in Fig. 14, one with only the numbered tag serial number printed on it, which is a serial number that starts from 0 and increases by 1 (consecutive numbers for 1,000 points or 10,000 points), and one with the numbered tag serial number and the store name printed on it. One numbered tag is attached to each cleaning item in order starting from 0, making it possible to identify the cleaning item. The auxiliary tag is attached to the numbered tag, and there are various types as shown in Fig. 14.

[0018] As will be described later, a "determined number" determined based on a predetermined calculation may be used instead of the "set number." Also, a configuration may be adopted in which the set number and the determined number can be selectively switched.

[0019] Based on the tag information stored in the storage unit 3, the control unit 2 of the POS terminal 1 performs a predetermined control (processing such as ordering) regarding the ordering of cleaning tags so as to prevent a shortage of cleaning tags.

[0020] Next, the flow of operations performed when receiving a cleaning item at the POS terminal 1 in a store will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0021] When a customer arrives at the store (step 1), a dry cleaning store employee (worker) receives the items to be cleaned from the customer and uses the POS terminal 1 to accept and settle the order for the items based on the customer's order (step 2).

[0022] The control unit 2 of the POS terminal 1 then issues a serial tag number (tag number) to identify each cleaning item received from the customer, calculates the remaining number of auxiliary tags (inventory number) according to the customer's order instructions, and controls the printing unit 5 to print a slip including the serial tag numbers and the instructions (step 3).

[0023] That is, the control unit 2 always manages (knows) the current serial number of the number tag and the current remaining number of auxiliary tags for each auxiliary tag.

[0024] Then, under the control of the control unit 2, the printing unit 5 prints a customer slip (receipt slip) 11, which is a slip such as that shown in FIG.

[0025] On this customer slip (printed matter) 11, in addition to the customer's name, telephone number, reception date, slip number, name of the item to be cleaned, accounting information, finishing date, store name, code information for slip identification, etc., are printed (stamped) the serial number tag number (e.g., "6-998," "6-999," "7-000") which is the number content of the number tag corresponding to the item to be cleaned, and instructions on the auxiliary tag (e.g., "stain removal"), etc. This customer slip 11 is given to the customer as a receipt for the item to be cleaned.

[0026] Although not shown, the printing unit 5 prints a store slip (in-factory work slip) containing the same content as the customer slip 11 at the same time as the customer slip 11. This store slip is sent to the dry cleaning factory and used during assembly work at the factory.

[0027] Next, the control unit 2 judges whether the latest current number tag serial number (current number) issued based on this order has reached a preset number (e.g., "7000") (step 4), and if it judges that the number tag serial number has reached the set number, it performs a predetermined control regarding the ordering of number tags that are cleaning tags. That is, for example, the control unit 2 performs a predetermined control such that order information regarding the ordering of number tags is output.

[0028] Specifically, the control unit 2 controls the printing unit 5 to print (output) an order form 12, which is a printed matter including order information (e.g., information indicating the contents of the order) regarding the ordering of number tags, as shown in FIG. 4 (step 5).

[0029] For example, the product name, quantity, store name, order date, orderer, fax number, etc. are printed on this order form 12 (some parts may be handwritten by the store clerk). The store clerk then faxes (or emails) the order form 12 to the supplier company, thereby placing an order for the numbered tags with the supplier company (such as a tag manufacturer). Note that the order form 12 may also be sent to a dry cleaning factory, which then places the order.

[0030] Here, instead of printing the order sheet 12, an order memo 13, which is a printed matter including order information regarding the ordering of number tags (for example, information indicating that an order is required) as shown in FIG. 5, may be printed.

[0031] In addition, the control unit 2 may control the touch panel unit 4, which is a display unit, to display (output) an ordering display including ordering information regarding ordering number tags (e.g., information indicating that an order is necessary), as shown in Figure 6, for example.

[0032] Furthermore, the control unit 2 having a communication function (communication means) may transmit (output) the order information (e.g., order content information, order necessary information, etc.) to the destination by e-mail or the like via the network. The destination may be, for example, the server of the ordering company, the terminal of the order receiving person of the ordering company, or the terminal of the order receiving person at the head office or the like. In short, the POS terminal of the dry cleaning store itself may automatically order the cleaning tags to the tag ordering company without the intervention of a store clerk. When the control unit 2 of the POS terminal 1 executes the automatic order, the automatic order history (e.g., the history shown in FIG. 13), which is the order status information regarding the automatically ordered cleaning tags, may be printed (output) as one of the items of the daily report. This allows the dry cleaning store clerk to easily grasp the automatic order history for today by viewing the daily report. On the other hand, the order information may be output as a voice from the speaker unit of the POS terminal 1, for example.

[0033] Next, the control unit 2 judges whether the latest auxiliary tag remaining number (current remaining number) subtracted based on the current order (in the case of an order including an instruction that auxiliary tags are required) has reached a preset remaining number (e.g., "100 pieces") (step 6), and if it is judged that the auxiliary tag remaining number has reached the set remaining number, performs a predetermined control regarding the ordering of auxiliary tags, which are cleaning tags. That is, for example, the control unit 2 performs a predetermined control such that order information regarding the ordering of auxiliary tags is output.

[0034] Specifically, the control unit 2 controls the printing unit 5 to print (output) an order form 14, which is a printed matter including order information (e.g., information indicating the contents of the order) for ordering "stain removal" auxiliary tags, as shown in Fig. 7, similar to the numbered tags described above (step 7). Then, the store clerk faxes the order form 14 for the auxiliary tags to the supplier, as with the order form 12 for the numbered tags, to place an order for the auxiliary tags.

[0035] Here, instead of printing the order form 14, an order memo 15 may be printed, which is a printed matter including order information regarding the ordering of auxiliary tags (e.g., information indicating that an order is required), as shown in FIG.

[0036] In addition, the control unit 2 may control the touch panel unit 4 to display an order display including order information regarding the ordering of auxiliary tags (e.g., information indicating that an order is necessary), as shown in Figure 9, and may further output the order information as voice or automatically transmit it to a server, terminal, etc. via a network.

[0037] Next, the dry cleaning shop staff attaches the newly issued sequential number tag and auxiliary tag to the dry cleaning item (step 8). The dry cleaning item with the attached tag is then transported to the dry cleaning factory, where it is cleaned and processed, and then returned to the dry cleaning shop and then to the customer.

[0038] The timing for executing the "predetermined controls" (printing, displaying, transmitting, audio output of order information, etc.) related to ordering the above-mentioned cleaning (number tags and auxiliary tags) may be when the tag number is issued, for example, by printing a purchase order form or ordering memo at the same time as the slip, but taking into account that customers are in the process of serving, it may also be when, for example, the daily report is printed or when the reception desk is closed.

[0039] In addition, for example, the store slip may include the order information by printing an order memo (order information) on a part of the store slip. In this case, the dry cleaning store clerk or the worker at the dry cleaning factory will place the order by looking at the store slip.

[0040] Furthermore, the above-mentioned POS terminal (information processing device) 1 is equipped with a memory unit 3 that stores tag information regarding cleaning tags, and a control unit 2 that performs predetermined control regarding ordering cleaning tags based on the tag information stored in the memory unit 3, so that it is possible to prevent cleaning tags from running out of stock, thereby avoiding the occurrence of situations that would disrupt cleaning operations.

[0041] Furthermore, if the control unit 2 of the POS terminal 1 is configured to determine whether the current number tag serial number (latest serial number information) issued this time has reached a preset number, and controls the printing unit 5 to print a purchase order for the number tag if it determines that the number tag serial number has reached the set number, then the worker, who is a clerk at the dry cleaning store, does not need to create a purchase order, which reduces the burden on the worker.

[0042] The control unit 2 of the POS terminal 1 is not limited to determining whether the serial number of the number tag issued by the POS terminal 1 has become a set number (a designated number such as "7000"), but may also automatically calculate the order time based on tag information such as that shown in Figure 10 stored in the memory unit 3 and perform predetermined control related to ordering cleaning tags (printing, displaying, transmitting, audio output of order information, etc.).

[0043] In other words, in this case, the control unit 2 first automatically calculates the predicted number of number tags that are expected to be used within the number tag delivery period based on the pre-set (registered) number tag delivery period (information regarding the delivery period of the number tag, for example, the period from the order date or the day after the order to the delivery date) and past number tag issuance history (information regarding number tag issuance history).

[0044] Next, the control unit 2 automatically determines a final number based on the calculated predicted number of uses. That is, for example, the control unit 2 calculates a numerical value (e.g., "4000") by adding a margin (e.g., "1000") to the predicted number of uses (e.g., "3000"), and subtracts this calculated numerical value from the number of numbered tags ordered (e.g., "10000" for one set of 10,000). The numerical value thus obtained is automatically set as a final number (e.g., "6000"), and the final number is stored (registered) in the storage unit 3.

[0045] Then, as in the case of the above-mentioned "set number", the control unit 2 judges whether the current number tag serial number issued based on the current order has reached the determined number, as shown in Fig. 2, and if it judges that the number tag serial number has reached the determined number, it performs a predetermined control regarding the ordering of number tags. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning tags from running out of stock.

[0046] In addition, the number tag issuance history (issuance history) used to calculate the predicted usage number is not limited to the cumulative total (most recent information) for the most recent seven days, which is a period shorter than the delivery date, but may be, for example, more recent information shorter than seven days, or more recent information for the same number of days as the delivery date, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, since the amount of orders for cleaning varies with the seasons, the tag numbering record may be, for example, a cumulative total (last year's information) for the same period last year corresponding to the delivery date (not including the order date, which is the first day of the delivery date, but may include it). Furthermore, the tag numbering record may be calculated using the numbering record that takes into account both the most recent information and last year's information. Furthermore, since the amount of orders varies with the weather, the control unit 2 may obtain, for example, weather information predicted within the delivery date (predicted weather within the delivery date) and use this in the calculation. The surplus number is not limited to a numerical value that is set in advance by input by a store clerk, etc., but may be, for example, a numerical value corresponding to the predicted number of uses, that is, a numerical value determined by automatic calculation based on the delivery date and tag numbering record, etc.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the information processing device is a POS terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be, for example, a POS system 21 as shown in FIG.

[0049] This POS system (information processing device) 21 includes a POS terminal 1 installed in each of a number of dry cleaning shops (stores), a management server 22 that centrally manages information relating to the cleaning services at the dry cleaning shops (including sales information, tag information, etc.), and a supplier server 23 of a supplier company that receives orders for cleaning tags to be used at the dry cleaning shops.

[0050] The POS terminal 1, management server 22, and supplier server 23 are connectable to one another via a network 25 such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate with one another.

[0051] Here, management server 22 is composed of a general computer or the like, and includes a memory unit that stores information including tag information periodically transmitted from each POS terminal 1, and a control unit that performs predetermined control related to ordering cleaning tags based on the tag information (printing, displaying, transmitting, audio output of order information, etc.). Note that management server 22 may include an input unit, display unit, printing unit, etc. in addition to the control unit and memory unit.

[0052] That is, in the POS system 21 shown in FIG. 11, the control unit of the management server 22 performs predetermined control in place of the control unit 2 of the POS terminal 1, such as determining whether the serial number of the number tag has reached a set number.

[0053] Specifically, when the control unit of the management server 22 determines that the tag serial number has reached a set number (or a determined number), it controls to send ordering information regarding the order of cleaning tags to the ordering server (which may be a terminal of an ordering person at the head office or a terminal of a salesperson at the store) 23. This makes it possible to prevent a shortage of cleaning tags at each store. Note that the management server 22 may, for example, send the ordering information of multiple stores together in a single purchase order by email.

[0054] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the display unit of the POS terminal (or the display unit of the server) may display order status information regarding cleaning tags that have already been ordered in response to a viewing request from, for example, a clerk at a dry cleaning store. In other words, the order status information regarding cleaning tags that are waiting for delivery may be configured to be viewable.

[0055] Specifically, for example, order status information such as that shown in FIG. 12 stored in the memory unit of the supplier server 23 is transmitted from the server 23 to the POS terminal 1 in response to a viewing request from the POS terminal 1, and as a result, the order status information is displayed on the touch panel unit 4 of the POS terminal 1.

[0056] This allows the dry cleaning store staff to view and easily understand the current order status information. In addition, for example, an ordering person at the head office can view the order status information for each store.

[0057] For example, in the case of an auxiliary tag for "stain removal," one tag is usually consumed for each item received for cleaning with stain removal. Since auxiliary tags are usually inexpensive, costing only a few yen per tag, they are treated as consumables and do not require strict inventory management, as opposed to numbered tags, and in most cases are not managed at all. Also, a certain yield rate occurs due to incorrect tagging, etc. Therefore, when receiving auxiliary tags, it is preferable to adjust the number of remaining auxiliary tags by inputting an approximate number (for example, a certain margin) of the number of remaining auxiliary tags.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit of the information processing device preferably controls the printing unit to print printed matter (such as purchase orders or memos) including the order information, but may also control the printing unit to execute at least one of printing, displaying, transmitting, and audio output of the order information. Therefore, for example, the control unit may execute both printing and displaying, or both transmitting and displaying.

[0059] Although several embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described, it is possible to combine the embodiments and modifications as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. POS terminals, which are information processing devices 2. Control section 3 Storage section 21 POS system, which is an information processing device

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores information about a cleaning tag; a control unit that performs a predetermined control related to ordering the cleaning tag based on the information, The control unit is Determine whether the number tag serial number has reached a set number; When it is determined that the serial number of the number tag has reached the set number, the predetermined control is performed.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. A memory unit that stores information regarding a cleaning tag; a control unit that performs a predetermined control related to ordering the cleaning tag based on the information, The control unit is Calculate the expected number of tags to be used based on the delivery date and the number of tags issued. A determination number is determined based on the calculated predicted usage number plus a margin number; Determine whether the number tag serial number has reached the determined number; When it is determined that the number tag serial number has reached the determined number, the predetermined control is performed.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

3. The control unit is Determine whether the remaining number of auxiliary tags has reached a set remaining number; When it is determined that the number of remaining auxiliary tags has reached the set number, the predetermined control is performed.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

4. The control unit performs control such that order information regarding an order for the cleaning tag is output as the predetermined control.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

5. The control unit performs control to execute at least one of printing the order information, displaying the order information, transmitting the order information, and outputting the order information by voice.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. Order status information regarding the cleaning tags that have been ordered is available for viewing.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

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