Grease management device and method

Abstract

Provided is an oil and grease management device and an oil and grease management method that are capable of optimizing and managing costs related to oil and grease. The cloud server 4, 4A, 4B, 4C manages the costs related to frying oil P as fat, and includes a difference calculation unit 44, 44A, 44B, 44C that calculates the difference Nd between the actual regeneration and replacement number Nr of the frying oil P and the appropriate regeneration and replacement number of the frying oil P according to the business operator that uses the frying oil P, and an information notification unit 45 that outputs a notification signal to notify cost-related information of the frying oil P based on the difference Nd. When the actual regeneration and replacement number Nr is calculated to be greater than the appropriate regeneration and replacement number, the information notification unit 45 outputs a first notification signal to notify information indicating that cost optimization is necessary as cost-related information, and when the actual regeneration and replacement number Nr is calculated to be equal to or less than the appropriate regeneration and replacement number, it outputs a second notification signal to notify information indicating that costs have been optimized as cost-related information.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oil and grease management device and an oil and grease management method for managing costs relating to oil and grease. [Background technology]

[0002] Fats and oils deteriorate over time, and are discarded when their degree of deterioration (hereinafter simply referred to as "degree of deterioration") reaches a specified standard value for waste oil. If fats and oils with a degree of deterioration exceeding the specified standard value for waste oil are continued to be used, for example, in the case of mining oil, it may cause machinery to break down, and in the case of edible oil, the quality of food cooked may decline significantly. Therefore, businesses that use fats and oils need to accurately grasp the degree of deterioration of the fats and oils, and discard them at the appropriate time and replace them with new oil.

[0003] Examples of index values ​​indicating the degree of deterioration of oils and fats (hereinafter referred to as "deterioration index values") include acid value (AV), total polar compound amount (TPM), color, viscosity increase rate, anisidine value, carbonyl value, smoke point, tocopherol content, iodine value, refractive index, amount of volatile components, and composition of volatile components. These deterioration index values ​​can be measured using various sensors, imaging devices, etc.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which a colored test piece immersed in a target oil and fat and a color bar composed of multiple colors corresponding to the acid value are simultaneously photographed with a camera, RGB color information of the colored test piece and RGB color information of the color bar are calculated from the photographed content, and the acid value of the target oil and fat is measured from the calculated RGB color information of the colored test piece by referring to the acid value corresponding to the calculated RGB color information of the color bar.

[0005] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of measuring the electrostatic capacitance in oil by immersing a sensor having an electrode part in the oil, and detecting the TPM value, which indicates the amount of polar compounds (polar molecular weight) contained in the oil, from the measured value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-38207 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6395243 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, even if the deterioration index value of fats and oils is measured with high accuracy using the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, if, for example, employees of a business operator do not actually dispose of fats and oils at the appropriate time, fats and oils that should be disposed of may continue to be used, or conversely, fats and oils that do not yet need to be disposed of may be disposed of.

[0008] In particular, when oils and fats that do not yet need to be discarded are discarded, the number of times the oil is changed to new oil is more than necessary, and businesses end up wasting new oil. However, under current circumstances, there is no way to determine whether the costs associated with oils and fats are appropriate.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an oil and grease management device and an oil and grease management method that are capable of optimizing and managing costs related to oil and grease. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] [1] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a grease management device for managing costs related to grease, comprising: a difference calculation unit for calculating the difference between an actual regeneration and replacement count, which is the actual number of times the grease is regenerated or replaced at a business that uses the grease, and an appropriate regeneration and replacement count, which is the appropriate number of times the grease is regenerated or replaced according to the business; and an information notification unit for outputting a notification signal for notifying cost-related information, which is information regarding the cost, based on the difference between the actual regeneration and replacement count and the appropriate regeneration and replacement count calculated by the difference calculation unit, wherein the information notification unit outputs a first notification signal for notifying information indicating that optimization of the cost is necessary as the cost-related information when the difference calculation unit calculates that the actual regeneration and replacement count is less than or equal to the appropriate regeneration and replacement count, and outputs a second notification signal for notifying information indicating that the cost is optimized as the cost-related information when the difference calculation unit calculates that the actual regeneration and replacement count is less than or equal to the appropriate regeneration and replacement count.

[0011] [2] Preferably, in the grease management device described in [1], when the actual regeneration and replacement count is equal to or less than the appropriate regeneration and replacement count, the difference calculation unit further calculates the difference between the actual regeneration and replacement count and an improper regeneration and replacement count which is less than the appropriate regeneration and replacement count and is set as the number of regenerations or replacements at which the grease is assumed to be continued to be used at the point of being discarded, and the information notification unit is characterized in that, when the difference calculation unit calculates that the actual regeneration and replacement count is equal to or less than the improper regeneration and replacement count, it outputs a third notification signal to notify information that the grease has been used too much.

[0012] [3] Preferably, in the oil and grease management device described in [1], the appropriate number of regeneration and replacement times is a value calculated based on data related to the business operator's sales.

[0013] [4] Preferably, the grease management device described in [3] further includes a data acquisition unit that acquires data on the sales amount of each of a plurality of stores operated by the business operator, an average sales calculation unit that calculates an average sales amount of the plurality of stores based on the sales amount of each of the plurality of stores acquired by the data acquisition unit, and an average regenerative replacement count calculation unit that calculates an average number of regenerative replacements for each of the plurality of stores based on the sales amount of each of the plurality of stores acquired by the data acquisition unit and the average sales amount calculated by the average sales calculation unit, and the difference calculation unit calculates the difference between the average regenerative replacement count calculated by the average regenerative replacement count calculation unit as the appropriate regenerative replacement count for each of the plurality of stores and the actual regenerative replacement count.

[0014] [5] Preferably, in the oil and grease management device described in [4], the average sales calculation unit further calculates a sales coefficient corresponding to the sales amount of each of the multiple stores based on the calculated average sales amount, and the average regeneration and replacement count calculation unit calculates the average regeneration and replacement count for each of the multiple stores based on the actual regeneration and replacement count for each of the multiple stores and the sales coefficient for each of the multiple stores calculated by the average sales calculation unit.

[0015] [6] Preferably, the grease management device described in [4] further includes a grouping unit that groups the plurality of stores by industry, the data acquisition unit acquires data related to industry information of the plurality of stores, the grouping unit groups the plurality of stores based on the industry information acquired by the data acquisition unit, and the average sales calculation unit, the average regeneration and replacement count calculation unit, and the difference calculation unit each perform processing on a group basis grouped by the grouping unit.

[0016] [7] Preferably, the oil and grease management device described in [4] further includes an inappropriate range, which is a range of regeneration replacement counts that is expected to deviate significantly from the appropriate regeneration replacement count, and an inappropriateness judgment unit that judges whether the actual regeneration replacement count is included in the inappropriate range, and the average sales calculation unit, the average regeneration replacement count calculation unit, and the difference calculation unit each perform calculations by excluding from the multiple stores any store for which the actual regeneration replacement count is judged by the inappropriateness judgment unit to be included in the inappropriate range.

[0017] [8] Preferably, in the oil and grease management device described in [1], the appropriate number of regeneration and replacement times is a value set based on the actual number of regeneration and replacement times in the past of the operator.

[0018] [9] The present invention also provides a method for managing costs relating to grease and oil using an grease management device, the method including: a difference calculation step in which the grease management device calculates a difference between an actual regeneration and replacement count, which is the actual number of times the grease and oil are regenerated or replaced at a business that uses the grease, and an appropriate regeneration and replacement count, which is an appropriate number of times the grease and oil are regenerated or replaced according to the business; and an information notification step in which the grease management device outputs a notification signal for notifying cost-related information, which is information about the cost, based on the difference between the actual regeneration and replacement count and the appropriate regeneration and replacement count calculated in the difference calculation step. In the information notification step, when the actual regeneration and replacement count is calculated to be greater than the appropriate regeneration and replacement count in the difference calculation step, the grease management device outputs a first notification signal for notifying information indicating that optimization of the cost is necessary as the cost-related information, and when the actual regeneration and replacement count is calculated to be equal to or less than the appropriate regeneration and replacement count in the difference calculation step, outputs a second notification signal for notifying information indicating that the cost is optimized as the cost-related information.

[0019]

[10] Preferably, in the grease management method described in [9], in the difference calculation step, when the actual regeneration and replacement count is equal to or less than the appropriate regeneration and replacement count, the grease management device further calculates the difference between the actual regeneration and replacement count and an improper regeneration and replacement count which is less than the appropriate regeneration and replacement count and is set as the number of regenerations or replacements at which the grease is assumed to be continued to be used at the point of being discarded, and in the information notification step, when the actual regeneration and replacement count is calculated to be equal to or less than the improper regeneration and replacement count in the difference calculation step, the grease management device outputs a third notification signal to notify information that the grease has been used too much.

[0020]

[11] Preferably, in the oil and grease management method described in [9], the appropriate number of regeneration and replacement times is a value calculated based on data related to the business operator's sales.

[0021]

[12] Preferably, the grease management method described in

[11] further includes a data acquisition step in which the grease management device acquires data on the sales amount of each of a plurality of stores operated by the business operator, an average sales calculation step in which the grease management device calculates an average sales amount of the plurality of stores based on the sales amount of each of the plurality of stores acquired in the data acquisition step, and an average regenerative replacement number calculation step in which the grease management device calculates an average regenerative replacement number for each of the plurality of stores based on the actual regenerative replacement number of each of the plurality of stores and the average sales amount calculated in the average sales calculation step, and in the difference calculation step, the grease management device calculates the difference between the average regenerative replacement number calculated in the average regenerative replacement number calculation step as the appropriate regenerative replacement number for each of the plurality of stores and the actual regenerative replacement number.

[0022]

[13] Preferably, in the grease management method described in

[12] , in the average sales calculation step, the grease management device further calculates a sales coefficient corresponding to the sales amount of each of the multiple stores based on the calculated average sales amount, and in the average regeneration replacement count calculation step, the grease management device calculates the average regeneration replacement count for each of the multiple stores based on the actual regeneration replacement count for each of the multiple stores and the sales coefficient for each of the multiple stores calculated in the average sales calculation step.

[0023]

[14] Preferably, the grease management method described in

[12] further includes a grouping step in which the grease management device groups the multiple stores by industry, and in the data acquisition step, the grease management device acquires data related to industry information of the multiple stores, and in the grouping step, the grease management device groups the multiple stores based on the industry information acquired in the data acquisition step, and in each of the average sales calculation step, the average regeneration replacement number calculation step, and the difference calculation step, the grease management device performs processing on a group basis obtained in the grouping step.

[0024]

[15] Preferably, in the grease management method described in

[12] , a range of regeneration replacement counts that is expected to deviate significantly from the appropriate regeneration replacement count is defined as an inappropriate range, and the grease management device further includes an inappropriateness determination step of determining whether the actual regeneration replacement count is within the inappropriate range, and in each of the average sales calculation step, the average regeneration replacement count calculation step, and the difference calculation step, the grease management device performs calculations by excluding from the multiple stores those stores for which the actual regeneration replacement count is determined to be within the inappropriate range in the inappropriateness determination step.

[0025]

[16] Preferably, in the oil and grease management method described in [9], the appropriate number of regeneration and replacement cycles is a value set based on the actual number of regeneration and replacement cycles performed by the business operator in the past. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, costs relating to oils and fats can be optimized and managed. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of each embodiment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a frying oil management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a cloud server according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a cloud server according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] This is a table showing various actual values, average values, and the differences between the actual values ​​and average values ​​for 20 stores. [Diagram 5] 5 is a graph showing the correlation between the sales coefficient and the number of cans for each store shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a graph showing the correlation between the sales coefficient and the number of refurbished exchanges for each store shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by a cloud server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a cloud server according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by a cloud server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a cloud server according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by a cloud server according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a cloud server according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed in a cloud server according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Below, as one aspect of the oil and grease management device and oil and grease management method according to each embodiment of the present invention, a device and method for managing the costs associated with edible oil used when cooking fried foods such as fried chicken, croquettes, and deep-fried chicken in chain stores such as convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants will be described.

[0029] In the following description, cooking fried foods is referred to as "deep-frying", the fat or oil (edible oil) used in deep-frying is referred to as "deep-frying oil", and the ingredients to be deep-fryed are referred to as "fried ingredients".

[0030] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] (Configuration of frying oil management system 1) First, the configuration of a frying oil management system 1 that manages frying oil P will be described with reference to FIG.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a frying oil management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] In retail stores such as convenience stores and supermarkets, and restaurants such as family restaurants, deep frying is performed in fryers 2 installed in the stores to provide freshly fried foods to customers.

[0034] The fryer 2 is, for example, an electric type, and includes an oil tank 21 for storing frying oil P, and a housing 22 for accommodating the oil tank 21. A side surface of the housing 22 is provided with a plurality of setting switches 23 for setting the temperature of the frying oil P and the contents of the frying cooking according to the type of frying ingredient Q.

[0035] Although only one fryer 2 is shown in FIG. 1, multiple fryers 2 may be installed in a store depending on the size of the store and the types of fried food Q.

[0036] In order to ensure the quality of fried foods provided to customers, it is necessary to manage the quality of the frying oil P used in deep-frying. Therefore, employees and cooks at each store periodically measure the deterioration index value, which is an index value showing the degree of deterioration of the frying oil P (hereinafter simply referred to as the "degree of deterioration"), and, for example, if the measured deterioration index value of the frying oil P is equal to or greater than the waste oil standard value, which is a standard index value of the degree of deterioration of the frying oil P at a specified time point when the frying oil P is wasted, the frying oil P is wasted and replaced with new oil.

[0037] Examples of deterioration index values ​​for frying oil P include the acid value (AV) of frying oil P, the polar compound content (PC) of frying oil P, the color of frying oil P, the viscosity of frying oil P, the viscosity increase rate of frying oil P, the anisidine value of frying oil P, the carbonyl value of frying oil P, the smoke point of frying oil P, the tocopherol content of frying oil P, the iodine value of frying oil P, the refractive index of frying oil P, the amount of volatile components of frying oil P, the composition of volatile components of frying oil P, the flavor of frying oil P, the amount of volatile components of fried foods fried with frying oil P, the composition of volatile components of fried foods fried with frying oil P, and the flavor of fried foods fried with frying oil P. All of these values ​​are parameters that change with the heating time of frying oil P and the frequency of use.

[0038] Each deterioration index value of the frying oil P can be measured using a measuring device such as a camera or a sensor. For example, to measure the acid value of the frying oil P, a test paper that measures the acid value from the color change of the part where the frying oil P is dropped, or a measuring device that can directly measure the acid value of the frying oil P by immersing it in the frying oil P, etc. are used. In addition, to measure the amount of polar compounds in the frying oil P, a measuring device that can directly measure the amount of polar compounds contained in the frying oil P by immersing it in the frying oil P, etc. are used. In addition, to measure the amount and composition of volatile components in the frying oil P and the amount and composition of volatile components in fried foods fried with the frying oil P, a general-purpose gas sensor (for example, a semiconductor gas sensor or a quartz crystal resonator gas sensor) etc. are used.

[0039] Other methods of measuring each deterioration index value include, for example, a method of using image recognition technology to determine the type and number of foods fried in the frying oil P from an image taken by a camera, and inferring each deterioration index based on the correlation between the type and number of foods and each deterioration index, a method of measuring the spectrum of the frying oil P using a spectrometer, and inferring each deterioration index based on the correlation between the spectrum of the frying oil P and each deterioration index, and a method of inferring each deterioration index value based on the correlation between the number of times the setting switch 23 of the fryer 2 has been operated (i.e., the number of times frying has been performed) and each deterioration index value.

[0040] In addition, the measurement of the deterioration index value of frying oil P is not necessarily limited to using the above-mentioned measuring device or utilizing the above-mentioned measuring method, and any known measuring device or method may be used.

[0041] The frying oil management system 1 collects deterioration index values ​​of frying oil P in each store and collectively manages the usage status of frying oil P in each store and the costs related to frying oil P.

[0042] For example, the frying oil management system 1 is composed of a store terminal 3 installed in each store, a cloud server 4 that executes a program that manages the usage of frying oil P in each store and the costs associated with the frying oil P, and a management terminal 5 that enables an administrator managing the frying oil P (e.g., a headquarters manager of a company that operates a chain of stores) to check the usage of frying oil P in each store and the costs associated with the frying oil P.

[0043] The store terminal 3 of each store manages the measured deterioration index value of the frying oil P. For example, the store terminal 3 is communicatively connected to an AV measurement sensor 6 for measuring the acid value of the frying oil P, and acquires the measurement value AVm measured by the AV measurement sensor 6. Specifically, in each store, an employee periodically measures the acid value of the frying oil P stored in the oil tank 21 of the fryer 2 using the AV measurement sensor 6. When the employee measures the acid value of the frying oil P in the oil tank 21 using the AV measurement sensor 6, the store terminal 3 acquires the measurement value AVm output from the AV measurement sensor 6, associates it with the corresponding fryer 2, and stores it.

[0044] It should be noted that the store terminal 3 and the AV measuring sensor 6 do not necessarily need to be connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. If the store terminal 3 and the AV measuring sensor 6 are not connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, the measurement value (deterioration index value) AVm measured by the AV measuring sensor 6 may be read into the store terminal 3, for example, via an external device, or may be directly input into the store terminal 3 by a store employee.

[0045] The cloud server 4 is one aspect of an oil and fat management device that manages the cost related to the frying oil P, and in this embodiment, in addition to managing the cost related to the frying oil P, it determines and manages the usage status of the frying oil P based on the measurement value AVm of the acid value of the frying oil P measured by the AV measurement sensor 6. That is, in this embodiment, the cloud server 4 includes a cost management processing unit (oil and fat management device) that performs processing to manage the cost related to the frying oil P, and a usage status management processing unit that performs processing to determine and manage the usage status of the frying oil P.

[0046] For example, the usage status management processing unit of the cloud server 4 counts the actual number of times the frying oil P used in the fryer 2 has been regenerated or replaced (hereinafter referred to as the "actual regeneration and replacement times Nr") based on the magnitude of the measured value AVm output from the AV measurement sensor 6.

[0047] Here, the "regeneration" of the frying oil P means passing the deteriorating frying oil P through a filter to remove frying residues, etc., passing the frying oil P through a filtering agent to make it close to the state of new oil (filtration), adding new oil to compensate for the amount of frying oil P absorbed by the frying seeds Q and reduced, or discarding a part of the deteriorated frying oil P and adding new oil (topping up). Also, the "replacement" of the frying oil P means replacing the deteriorating frying oil P with new oil or oil in a state equivalent to new oil.

[0048] When the frying oil P in the fryer 2 is regenerated or replaced, the measured value AVm measured by the AV measurement sensor 6 becomes smaller than the previous measured value AVmp (AVm < AVmp) and approaches the acid value of the new oil (AVm ≒ 0.0). When the usage status determination processing unit of the cloud server 4 determines that the measured value AVm obtained from the AV measurement sensor 6 is smaller than the previously obtained measured value AVmp (AVm < AVmp), it counts the actual regeneration and replacement times Nr as 1 time.

[0049] Note that the method of counting the actual regeneration and replacement times Nr of the frying oil P is not limited to the counting method in the cloud server 4 described above. For example, it may also be a method in which a store employee carefully records and counts the measurements with the AV measurement sensor 6.

[0050] The oil and fat management device does not necessarily have to be the cloud server 4 constructed on the communication network as in this embodiment. For example, it may be a server device installed in a head office center that manages a plurality of stores. Also, in this embodiment, the determination and management of the usage status of the frying oil P are performed by the cloud server 4, but it is not limited to this, and it may be performed by an independent server separate from the cloud server 4.

[0051] The management terminal 5 acquires information on the usage status of the frying oil P and information on the cost related to the frying oil P output from the cloud server 4, and displays (reports) the information.

[0052] The "information regarding the usage status of the frying oil P" includes the measured acid value AVm, which is an index value of deterioration of the frying oil P measured by the AV measurement sensor 6, and the actual number of times Nr the frying oil P has been regenerated and replaced.

[0053] The "information on the usage of the frying oil P" may not only be output from the cloud server 4, but may also be directly input to the management terminal 5. Specifically, when the actual regeneration and replacement count Nr of the frying oil P is counted by a server other than the cloud server 4, the count is output from that server to the management terminal 5, and when the count is performed by a store employee, the count is directly input to the management terminal 5.

[0054] The "information relating to the cost of frying oil P" includes data on the sales amount of each store and information on whether the cost of frying oil P has been optimized.

[0055] In addition, the "sales amount" may be the sales amount only for fried foods cooked in frying oil P, or it may be the total sales amount at each store (i.e., including the sales amount of various products other than fried foods cooked in frying oil P).

[0056] In addition, the "information regarding whether the cost of frying oil P has been optimized" may be a comment such as "The cost of frying oil P has been optimized" or "Optimization of the cost of frying oil P is necessary," or it may be the specific amount or volume of frying oil P related to the optimization of frying oil P.

[0057] In this embodiment, the management terminal 5 manages the number of actual regeneration and replacement times Nr of frying oil P at each store, as well as the number of cans Ncr of new oil actually held at each store (hereinafter referred to as the "actual number of cans Ncr").

[0058] (Hardware configuration to realize the functions of cloud server 4) Next, the hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the cloud server 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the cloud server 4 according to the first embodiment.

[0060] A computer that realizes the functions of cloud server 4 (for example, a computer owned by a company that provides a cloud system) has, as its hardware configuration, a central processing unit (CPU) 40A, a random access memory (RAM) 40B, a read only memory (ROM) 40C, a hard disk drive (HDD) 40D, and an interface (I / F) 40E. These components are connected to each other via a common bus 40F.

[0061] The CPU 40A is a computing means, and controls the overall operation of the cloud server 4.

[0062] The RAM 40B is a volatile storage medium that allows high speed reading and writing of information, and is used, for example, as a working area when the CPU 40A processes management information.

[0063] The ROM 40C is a read-only non-volatile storage medium, and stores programs such as firmware.

[0064] The HDD 40D is a non-volatile storage medium that is capable of reading and writing information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), control programs for executing various information processes (described later), and application programs.

[0065] The HDD 40D can be substituted with any type of device, such as a solid state drive (SSD), as long as it is a non-volatile storage medium that can store and manage information.

[0066] The I / F 40E is a connection interface with a communication network, and is connected to the store terminals 3 and the management terminal 5 of each store.

[0067] The cloud server 4 having such a hardware configuration is an information processing device that realizes processing functions by the calculation functions of the CPU 40A based on control programs stored in the ROM 40C and control programs and application programs loaded from a storage medium such as the HDD 40D to the RAM 40B.

[0068] Execution of these information processes configures a software control unit including various functional modules in the cloud server 4. A functional block that realizes the functions of the cloud server 4 is configured by combining the software control unit configured in this manner with hardware resources including the above configuration.

[0069] The store terminal 3 and the management terminal 5 of each store that are communicably connected to the cloud server 4 also have the same hardware configuration as the above hardware configuration. In addition, when the oil and grease management device is configured by a server device instead of a cloud, the server device has the above hardware configuration.

[0070] (Functional configuration of cloud server 4) Next, the functional configuration of cloud server 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0071] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the cloud server 4 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a table showing various actual values, average values, and differences between the actual values ​​and average values ​​for 20 stores. Fig. 5 is a graph showing the correlation between the sales coefficient and the number of cans for each store shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a graph showing the correlation between the sales coefficient and the number of regenerated exchanges for each store shown in Fig. 4.

[0072] Cloud server 4 includes a data acquisition unit 41 , an average sales calculation unit 42 , an average number of cans calculation unit 431 , an average number of regeneration and replacement calculation unit 432 , a difference calculation unit 44 , and an information notification unit 45 .

[0073] The data acquisition unit 41 acquires data relating to the sales amount, the number of actual cans Ncr, and the number of actual regenerative replacements Nr for each store from the management terminal 5. Taking the 20 stores shown in Fig. 4 as an example, the data acquisition unit 41 acquires from the management terminal 5 the sales amount, the number of actual cans Ncr, and the number of actual regenerative replacements Nr, which are among the "actual values," for each of stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 shown in Fig. 4.

[0074] The average sales calculation unit 42 calculates the average sales amount of the 20 stores based on the sales amounts of each of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 acquired by the data acquisition unit 41. Specifically, the average sales calculation unit 42 calculates the total sales amount of the 20 stores by adding up all of the "sales amounts" shown in Fig. 4, and divides the total sales amount by 20 to calculate the average sales amount of the 20 stores (3,759,740 yen).

[0075] In this embodiment, the average sales calculation unit 42 further calculates sales coefficients corresponding to the sales amounts of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 based on the calculated average sales amount.

[0076] For example, in the case of store α1, the average sales calculation unit 42 divides the sales amount of 6,166,790 yen by the average sales amount of 3,759,740 yen to calculate a sales coefficient of 1.64. Also, in the case of store δ3, the average sales calculation unit 42 divides the sales amount of 1,559,831 yen by the average sales amount of 3,759,740 yen to calculate a sales coefficient of 0.41.

[0077] The average can number calculation unit 431 calculates an approximation quadratic curve shown by the dashed dotted line in Figure 5 based on the actual can number Ncr for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 acquired by the data acquisition unit 41 and the sales coefficient calculated by the average sales calculation unit 42, and calculates the average can number Ncb for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5.

[0078] For example, in the case of store β4, average number of cans calculation unit 431 fits the sales coefficient of 2.43 to the approximate quadratic curve in Fig. 5 and calculates the average number of cans Ncb to be 20 cans (Ncb = 20). Also, in the case of store δ3, average number of cans calculation unit 431 fits the sales coefficient of 0.41 to the approximate quadratic curve in Fig. 5 and calculates the average number of cans Ncb to be 8 cans (Ncb = 8).

[0079] Similar to the average can number calculation unit 431, the average regenerative replacement count calculation unit 432 calculates an approximate quadratic curve shown by the dotted line in Figure 6 based on the actual regenerative replacement count Nr for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 acquired by the data acquisition unit 41 and the sales coefficient calculated by the average sales calculation unit 42, and calculates the average regenerative replacement count Nb for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5.

[0080] For example, in the case of store β4, the average regenerative exchange count calculation unit 432 fits the sales coefficient of 2.43 to the approximate quadratic curve in Fig. 6 to calculate the average regenerative exchange count Nb as 19 times (Nb = 19). Also, for example, in the case of store δ3, the average regenerative exchange count calculation unit 432 fits the sales coefficient of 0.41 to the approximate quadratic curve in Fig. 6 to calculate the average regenerative exchange count Nb as 6 times (Nb = 6).

[0081] The average regeneration and replacement count Nb calculated by the average regeneration and replacement count calculation unit 432 corresponds to the appropriate regeneration and replacement count, which is the appropriate number of times that frying oil P is regenerated or replaced for each of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5. This "appropriate regeneration and replacement count" is the expected number of times that frying oil P is regenerated and replaced at the appropriate regeneration and replacement timing set based on the degree of deterioration at the time when it is discarded in each of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5.

[0082] The difference calculation unit 44 calculates the difference Nd between the actual regenerative replacement frequency Nr and the average regenerative replacement frequency Nb in each of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5. In this embodiment, the difference calculation unit 44 also calculates the difference Ncd between the actual can number Ncr and the average can number Ncb in each of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5.

[0083] Then, in each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5, if the difference Nd between the actual regenerative replacement count Nr and the average regenerative replacement count Nb is a positive number (Nd>0), that is, if the actual regenerative replacement count Nr is greater than the average regenerative replacement count Nb (Nr>Nb), the difference calculation unit 44 calculates the amount of frying oil P that can reduce costs.

[0084] For example, in the case of store β4, the difference Nd between the actual regenerative replacement count Nr (=23) and the average regenerative replacement count Nb (=19) is 4 times (=23-19), and the actual regenerative replacement count Nr is greater than the average regenerative replacement count Nb (Nr>Nb). Here, if the capacity of the oil tank 21 of the fryer 2 installed in store β4 is 18 liters, the difference calculation unit 44 calculates that the amount of oil P for which costs can be reduced is 72 liters (=18 liters x 4 times).

[0085] On the other hand, if the difference Nd between the actual regeneration replacement count Nr and the average regeneration replacement count Nb is 0 or a negative number (Nd≦0), that is, if the actual regeneration replacement count Nr is less than or equal to the average regeneration replacement count Nb (Nr≦Nb), then there is no need to reduce the cost of frying oil P, and therefore the difference calculation unit 44 does not calculate the amount of frying oil P that can be reduced in cost.

[0086] For example, in the case of store δ3, the difference Nd between the actual reproduction / exchange number Nr (=6) and the average reproduction / exchange number Nb (=6) is 0 times (=6 - 6) (Nd ≦ 0), and since the actual reproduction / exchange number Nr is less than or equal to the average reproduction / exchange number Nb (Nr ≦ Nb), the difference calculation unit 44 does not calculate the amount of frying oil P for which cost reduction is possible.

[0087] In this embodiment, when the actual reproduction / exchange number Nr is less than or equal to the average reproduction / exchange number Nb (Nr ≦ Nb, Nd ≦ 0), the difference calculation unit 44 further calculates the difference Ndi between the actual reproduction / exchange number Nr and the improper reproduction / exchange number Ni. This "improper reproduction / exchange number Ni" is the number of times less than the average reproduction / exchange number Nb (proper reproduction / exchange number) (Ndi < Nb), and is the reproduction number or exchange number assumed to be continuously used when the frying oil P has reached the waste oil state. For example, the improper reproduction / exchange number Ni is set to be about 20% less than the proper reproduction / exchange number (8 times when the proper reproduction / exchange number is 10 times).

[0088] For stores where the difference calculation unit 44 calculates that the actual reproduction / exchange number Nr is greater than the average reproduction / exchange number Nb (Nr > Nb, Nd > 0), the information notification unit 45 outputs a first notification signal to the management terminal 5 to notify information indicating that optimization of the cost related to the frying oil P is necessary.

[0089] For example, when the management terminal 5 acquires the first notification signal for store β4 from the information notification unit 45, it displays information such as "Actual reproduction / exchange number: 23 times", "Average reproduction / exchange number: 19 times", and "Comment: There is a possibility of reducing the cost for 72 liters!" as information indicating that optimization of the cost related to the frying oil P is necessary.

[0090] In addition, for stores where the actual regeneration and replacement count Nr is calculated by the difference calculation unit 44 to be less than or equal to the average regeneration and replacement count Nb (Nr≦Nb, Nd≦0), the information notification unit 45 outputs to the management terminal 5 a second notification signal notifying information that the costs related to frying oil P have been optimized or a third notification signal notifying information that too much frying oil P has been used.

[0091] Specifically, the information notification unit 45 outputs a second notification signal to the management terminal 5 for a store where the difference Ndi between the actual regenerative replacement count Nr and the improper regenerative replacement count Ni calculated by the difference calculation unit 44 is a positive number (Ndi>0), that is, for a store where the actual regenerative replacement count Nr is greater than the improper regenerative replacement count Ni (Nr>Ni).

[0092] For example, when the management terminal 5 receives a second notification signal for store δ3 from the information notification unit 45, it displays the following information indicating that the costs related to frying oil P have been optimized: "Actual number of regeneration and replacement times: 6 times," "Average number of regeneration and replacement times: 6 times," and "Comment: It is being used efficiently!".

[0093] On the other hand, for stores where the difference Ndi between the actual regeneration and replacement count Nr and the improper regeneration and replacement count Ni calculated by the difference calculation unit 44 is 0 or a negative number (Ndi≦0), that is, where the actual regeneration and replacement count Nr is equal to or less than the improper regeneration and replacement count Ni (Nr≦Ni), the information notification unit 45 determines that although cost reduction of the frying oil P is not necessary, the frying oil P is still being used even though it has reached the point of being discarded, and a warning is required. Therefore, in this case, the information notification unit 45 outputs a third notification signal to the management terminal 5.

[0094] For example, in store α1, the average regenerative replacement count Nb is 10 times, while the actual regenerative replacement count Nr is 5 times, and therefore there is no need to reduce the cost of frying oil P. However, if the improper regenerative replacement count Ni is set to 8 times, which is 20% less than the average regenerative replacement count Nb, the actual regenerative replacement count Nr is equal to or less than the improper regenerative replacement count Ni (Nr≦Ni), and the information notification unit 45 outputs a third notification signal for store α1 to the management terminal 5. Then, when the management terminal 5 receives the third notification signal for store α1 from the information notification unit 45, it displays the following information indicating that the frying oil P has been used up too much: "Actual regenerative replacement count: 5 times," "Average regenerative replacement count: 10 times," "Improper regenerative replacement count: 8 times," and "Comment: Too much use! Please regenerate and replace at the appropriate time."

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, the information notification unit 45 outputs a can number notification signal to the management terminal 5, together with any of the first to third notification signals, to notify information regarding the number of cans of new oil purchased at each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5.

[0096] For example, when the management terminal 5 receives a can number notification signal for store β5 from the information notification unit 45, it displays information regarding the number of cans of new oil, such as "actual number of cans: 24 cans," indicating the number of cans of new oil actually purchased at store β5, and "average number of cans: 16 cans," indicating the average number of cans of new oil purchased at store β5.

[0097] Furthermore, if the actual can number Ncr is greater than the average can number Ncb and the difference Ncd is large, there is a possibility that there is a large inventory of new oil cans, so the management terminal 5 may display information indicating that it is necessary to optimize the cost related to the frying oil P. Note that the determination as to whether or not there is a large inventory of new oil cans may be performed by the cloud server 4, and the can number notification signal may include information indicating that it is necessary to optimize the cost related to the frying oil P, or the management terminal 5 may make the determination based on the can number notification signal.

[0098] For example, in the case of store β5, Ncr>Ncb and Ncd=8 cans, so there is a possibility that the number of new oil cans in stock at store β5 is large, and in addition to the information "Actual number of cans: 24 cans" and "Average number of cans: 16 cans", management terminal 5 displays the information "Comment: There is an excess of new oil cans in stock. Adjust the number of new oil cans to be ordered!"

[0099] (Processing executed in cloud server 4) Next, the flow of processing executed within cloud server 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0100] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the cloud server 4 according to the first embodiment.

[0101] In the cloud server 4, first, the data acquisition unit 41 acquires the sales amount, the actual regeneration and replacement frequency Nr, and the actual can number Ncr of each of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 output from the management terminal 5 (step S401; data acquisition step).

[0102] Next, the average sales calculation unit 42 calculates the average sales amount (3,759,740 yen in the case of the 20 stores shown in FIG. 4) based on the sales amounts of each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 acquired in step S401 (step S402; average sales calculation step).

[0103] In this embodiment, the average sales calculation unit 42 then calculates sales coefficients corresponding to the sales amounts of each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 based on the average sales amount calculated in step S402 (3,759,740 yen for the 20 stores shown in Figure 4) (step S403).

[0104] Next, average can number calculation unit 431 calculates the average can number Ncb for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5 based on the actual can number Ncr for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5 obtained in step S401 and the sales coefficient calculated in step S403 (step S404).

[0105] In addition, the average regenerative replacement count calculation unit 432 calculates the average regenerative replacement count Nb for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5 based on the actual regenerative replacement count Nr for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5 obtained in step S401 and the sales coefficient calculated in step S403 (step S404; average regenerative replacement count calculation step).

[0106] Next, the difference calculation unit 44 calculates the difference Ncd (=Ncr-Ncb) between the actual number of cans Ncr and the average number of cans Ncb and the difference Nd (=Nr-Nb) between the actual number of regenerative replacements Nr and the average number of regenerative replacements Nb for each of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 (step S405; difference calculation step).

[0107] The processes from step S401 to step S405 are referred to as the basic calculation process (step S400). In this embodiment, the basic calculation process (step S400) includes a step of acquiring the actual number of cans Ncr for each of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5, a step of calculating the average number of cans Ncb, and a step of calculating the difference Ncd between the actual number of cans Ncr and the average number of cans Ncb, but is not limited to this and may include at least various steps for calculating the difference Nd between the actual number of regenerative replacements Nr and the average number of regenerative replacements Nb for each of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5.

[0108] Next, for stores where the difference Nd (=Nr-Nb) between the actual regeneration and replacement count Nr and the average regeneration and replacement count Nb calculated in step S405 is greater than 0 (i.e., a positive number; Nd>0, Nr>Nb) (step S406 / YES), the difference calculation unit 44 calculates the amount of frying oil P that can be used to reduce costs (step S407).

[0109] Then, for a store where the actual regeneration / replacement count Nr is greater than the average regeneration / replacement count Nb (Nr>Nb) (step S406 / YES), the information notification unit 45 outputs a first notification signal including information on the amount of frying oil P that can reduce costs, calculated in step S407, to the management terminal 5 (step S408; information notification step). In this embodiment, in step S408, the information notification unit 45 outputs a can number notification signal together with the first notification signal to the management terminal 5.

[0110] On the other hand, for stores where the actual regenerative replacement count Nr is less than or equal to the average regenerative replacement count Nb (Nr≦Nb) (step S406 / NO), the difference calculation unit 44 further calculates the difference Ndi (=Nr-Ni) between the actual regenerative replacement count Nr and the inappropriate regenerative replacement count Ni.

[0111] Then, for a store where the difference Ndi between the actual regenerative replacement count Nr and the improper regenerative replacement count Ni is greater than 0 (i.e., a positive number; Ndi>0, Nr>Ni) (step S409 / YES), the information notification unit 45 outputs a second notification signal to the management terminal 5 (step S410; information notification step). In this embodiment, in the same manner as in step S408, in step S410, the information notification unit 45 outputs a can number notification signal together with the second notification signal to the management terminal 5.

[0112] On the other hand, for a store where the difference Ndi between the actual regenerative replacement count Nr and the improper regenerative replacement count Ni is equal to or less than 0 (i.e., 0 or a negative number; Ndi≦0, Nr≦Ni) (step S409 / NO), the information notification unit 45 outputs a third notification signal to the management terminal 5 (step S411; information notification step). In this embodiment, in the same manner as in steps S408 and S410, in step S411, the information notification unit 45 outputs a can number notification signal together with the third notification signal to the management terminal 5.

[0113] The processing in cloud server 4 ends after executing the processes of steps S408, S410, and S411, respectively.

[0114] In this way, the cloud server 4 calculates the difference Nd between the actual regeneration and replacement count Nr of each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5 that uses frying oil P and the appropriate regeneration and replacement count (in this embodiment, the average regeneration and replacement count Nb), which is the appropriate regeneration and replacement count of frying oil P for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5, and outputs a notification signal to the management terminal 5 to notify cost-related information about the frying oil P based on the magnitude of this difference Nd, thereby enabling each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5 (or the business operator operating each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5) to optimize and manage the costs related to the frying oil P.

[0115] In this embodiment, while the cost of the frying oil P is optimized, for a store where the actual regeneration / replacement count Nr is equal to or less than the improper regeneration / replacement count Ni (Nr≦Ni) and the store has used too much frying oil P, the cloud server 4 can output a third notification signal to the management terminal 5 to alert the store. This allows management to achieve both optimization of the cost of the frying oil P and maintenance of the quality of the frying oil P.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cloud server 4 uses the average number of regeneration and replacement times Nb calculated based on data relating to sales of each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5 as the appropriate number of regeneration and replacement times for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5, thereby obtaining an appropriate number of regeneration and replacement times that is in line with the actual sales of each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5, making it possible to optimize the costs related to frying oil P more accurately than if an arbitrary appropriate number of regeneration and replacement times was used.

[0117] In this embodiment, the sales coefficients are used as data relating to the sales of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sales amounts themselves may be used.

[0118] In addition, in this embodiment, the average number of regenerative exchanges Nb is used as the appropriate number of regenerative exchanges for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5, but this is not limited to this, and other values, for example, a value that is arbitrarily set in advance for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5 may be used, or a value set based on the actual number of regenerative exchanges Nrp in the past at each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5 may be used (see the fourth embodiment described later).

[0119] Similarly, in this embodiment, the average number of cans Ncb is used as the appropriate number of cans for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5, but this is not limited to this, and for example, a value that is arbitrarily set in advance for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 may be used, or a value that is set based on the past actual number of cans Ncrp at each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 may be used (see the fourth embodiment described below).

[0120] <Second embodiment> Next, a cloud server 4A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In Figures 8 and 9, components common to those described for the cloud server 4 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The same applies to the third and fourth embodiments below.

[0121] Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a cloud server 4A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the cloud server 4A according to the second embodiment.

[0122] In this embodiment, unlike the cloud server 4 according to the first embodiment, the cloud server 4A classifies the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 by business type, and then executes the basic calculation process (step S400).

[0123] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the cloud server 4A includes a data acquisition unit 41A, an average sales calculation unit 42A, an average can number calculation unit 431A, an average regeneration replacement count calculation unit 432A, a difference calculation unit 44A, an information notification unit 45, and in addition, a grouping unit 46.

[0124] The data acquisition unit 41A acquires from the management terminal 5 the sales amount, actual number of regeneration and replacements Nr, and actual number of cans Ncr of each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5, as well as business type information of each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, δ1-5 (for example, Chinese restaurant, prepared food store, pork cutlet store, fried chicken store, etc.).

[0125] The grouping unit 46 classifies the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 into groups by business type based on the business type information acquired by the data acquisition unit 41 A. For example, if the stores α1-5 and β1-5 are in business type X and the stores γ1-5 and δ1-5 are in business type Y among the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5, the grouping unit 46 classifies the stores α1-5 and β1-5 into a group of business type X and the stores γ1-5 and δ1-5 into a group of business type Y.

[0126] Average sales calculation section 42A, average can number calculation section 431A, average regeneration and replacement count calculation section 432A, and difference calculation section 44A each execute a process for each group grouped by grouping section 46.

[0127] In the above example, average sales calculation unit 42A, average number of cans calculation unit 431A, average recycle replacement count calculation unit 432A, and difference calculation unit 44A each perform processing within the business type X group for stores α1-5, β1-5, and within the business type Y group for stores γ1-5, δ1-5.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 9, in the cloud server 4A, first, the data acquisition unit 41A acquires the business type information of each of the stores α1 to 5, β1 to 5, γ1 to 5, and δ1 to 5 from the management terminal 5 (step S411).

[0129] Next, the grouping unit 46 determines whether each of the stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 belongs to the industry group X or industry Y based on the industry information acquired in step S411 (step S412; grouping step).

[0130] The stores α1-5 and β1-5 grouped into the business type X group in step S412 proceed to a first basic calculation process (step S413). In this first basic calculation process (step S413), the processes in steps S401-S405 shown in FIG.

[0131] That is, in the first basic calculation process (step S413), the average sales calculation unit 42A adds up the sales amounts of stores α1-5, β1-5 (10 stores) and divides the total sales amount by 10 to calculate the average sales amount of stores α1-5, β1-5.

[0132] Next, the average number of cans calculation unit 431A calculates the average number of cans Ncb for each of the stores α1-5, β1-5 based on the actual number of cans Ncr for the stores α1-5, β1-5 and the average sales amounts for the stores α1-5, β1-5.

[0133] Similarly, the average regenerative exchange count calculation unit 432A calculates the average regenerative exchange count Nb for each of the stores α1-5, β1-5 based on the actual regenerative exchange count Nr for the stores α1-5, β1-5 and the average sales amounts for the stores α1-5, β1-5.

[0134] Then, the difference calculation unit 44A calculates the difference Ncd between the actual number of cans Ncr and the average number of cans Ncb for each of the stores α1-5 and β1-5, and the difference Nd between the actual number of regenerative replacements Nr and the average number of regenerative replacements Nb for each of the stores α1-5 and β1-5.

[0135] On the other hand, the stores γ1-5 and δ1-5 that were grouped into the business type Y group in step S412 proceed to the second basic calculation process (step S414). In this second basic calculation process (step S414), the processes of steps S401-S405 shown in FIG. 7 are executed within the business type Y group.

[0136] That is, in the second basic calculation process (step S414), the average sales calculation unit 42A adds up the sales amounts of stores γ1-5, δ1-5 (10 stores) and divides the total sales amount by 10 to calculate the average sales amount of stores γ1-5, δ1-5.

[0137] Next, average can number calculation section 431A calculates average can numbers Ncb for each of stores γ1-5 and δ1-5 based on the actual can numbers Ncr for stores γ1-5 and δ1-5 and the average sales amounts for stores γ1-5 and δ1-5.

[0138] Similarly, the average regenerative exchange count calculation unit 432A calculates the average regenerative exchange count Nb for each of the stores γ1-5, δ1-5 based on the actual regenerative exchange count Nr for the stores γ1-5, δ1-5 and the average sales amounts for the stores γ1-5, δ1-5.

[0139] Then, the difference calculation unit 44A calculates the difference Ncd between the actual number of cans Ncr and the average number of cans Ncb in each of the stores γ1-5, δ1-5, and the difference Nd between the actual number of regenerative replacements Nr and the average number of regenerative replacements Nb in each of the stores γ1-5, δ1-5.

[0140] After the process of step S413 or step S414 is executed, the process proceeds to steps S406 to S411, similarly to the cloud server 4 according to the first embodiment.

[0141] Since the number of times frying oil P needs to be recycled and replaced varies depending on the cooking contents, by executing processing on an industry basis in the average sales calculation unit 42A, average can number calculation unit 431A, average number of recycling and replacement calculation unit 432A, and difference calculation unit 44A, as in the cloud server 4A of this embodiment, it is possible to accurately optimize the costs related to frying oil P.

[0142] <Third embodiment> Next, a cloud server 4B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0143] Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a cloud server 4B according to the third embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the cloud server 4B according to the third embodiment.

[0144] The cloud server 4B of this embodiment includes a data acquisition unit 41, an average sales calculation unit 42B, an average can number calculation unit 431B, an average regeneration and replacement count calculation unit 432B, a difference calculation unit 44B, and an information notification unit 45, as well as an inappropriateness determination unit 47 and a memory unit 48.

[0145] The inappropriateness determination unit 47 determines whether or not the actual regenerative replacement count Nr acquired by the data acquisition unit 41 is included in the inappropriate range Z. This "inappropriate range Z" is a range of regenerative replacement counts that are expected to deviate significantly from the appropriate regenerative replacement count (average regenerative replacement count Nb), and is stored in advance in the storage unit 48. The inappropriate range Z includes two types of ranges: a range Z1 of regenerative replacement counts that exceeds the appropriate regenerative replacement count, and a range Z2 of regenerative replacement counts that is below the appropriate regenerative replacement count.

[0146] The inappropriate range Z1, which is higher than the appropriate regeneration / replacement count, is the range of regeneration / replacement counts in which frying oil P that is still in a state where it can be used (a state where there is no problem with its quality) is expected to be frequently regenerated or replaced, and is set to a range of regeneration / replacement counts that is expected to be, for example, 20% or more higher than the appropriate regeneration / replacement count.

[0147] On the other hand, the inappropriate range Z2 below the appropriate regeneration and replacement count is the range of regeneration and replacement counts for which the frying oil P is expected to continue to be used (overused) when it has reached the point of being discarded, and is set, for example, to a range of regeneration and replacement counts that is expected to be 20% or less below the appropriate regeneration and replacement count.

[0148] The average sales calculation unit 42B, the average number of cans calculation unit 431B, the average number of regenerative replacement calculation unit 432B, and the difference calculation unit 44B each perform their calculations by excluding stores from the 20 stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 that are determined by the inappropriateness determination unit 47 to have an actual regenerative replacement count Nr that falls within the inappropriate range Z (the inappropriate range Z1 that exceeds the appropriate regenerative replacement count or the inappropriate range Z2 that is below the appropriate regenerative replacement count).

[0149] In this manner, in this embodiment, stores whose actual regeneration and replacement count Nr is clearly more or less than the appropriate regeneration and replacement count can be excluded from the calculation processes in the average sales calculation unit 42B, the average can number calculation unit 431B, the average regeneration and replacement count calculation unit 432B, and the difference calculation unit 44B, thereby enabling the cost related to frying oil P to be accurately optimized.

[0150] For example, taking store α2 as an example, the average number of playback replacements Nb (appropriate number of playback replacements) is 12 times, while the actual number of playback replacements Nr is 4 times (see Fig. 4). The actual number of playback replacements Nr is included in the inappropriate range Z2 (≤ 9.6 times) on the side below the appropriate number of playback replacements. Therefore, in the calculation processes of the average sales calculation unit 42B, the average can number calculation unit 431B, the average playback replacement number calculation unit 432B, and the difference calculation unit 44B in the cloud server 4B, the data of store α2 is excluded in advance.

[0151] Also, for example, taking store β5 as an example, the average number of playback replacements Nb (appropriate number of playback replacements) is 8 times, while the actual number of playback replacements Nr is 15 times (see Fig. 4). The actual number of playback replacements Nr is included in the inappropriate range Z1 (≥ 9.6 times) on the side above the appropriate number of playback replacements. Therefore, in the calculation processes of the average sales calculation unit 42B, the average can number calculation unit 431B, the average playback replacement number calculation unit 432B, and the difference calculation unit 44B in the cloud server 4B, the data of store β5 is excluded in advance.

[0152] As shown in Fig. 11, in the cloud server 4B, first, the data acquisition unit 41B acquires the actual number of playback replacements Nr of each store α1~5, β1~5, γ1~5, δ1~5 (step S421).

[0153] Next, the inappropriate determination unit 47 determines whether there is a store among stores α1~5, β1~5, γ1~5, δ1~5 in which the actual number of playback replacements Nr acquired in step S421 is included in the inappropriate range Z (step S422; inappropriate determination step).

[0154] In step S422, if there are stores (for example, store α2 and store β5) among stores α1~5, β1~5, γ1~5, δ1~5 in which it is determined that the actual number of playback replacements Nr is included in the inappropriate range Z (step S422 / YES), the process proceeds to the third basic calculation process (step S423).

[0155] In this third basic calculation process (step S423), the data of stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 whose actual regenerative exchange count Nr falls within the inappropriate range Z is excluded from the data of stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5, and then the processes of steps S401-S405 shown in FIG. 7 are executed.

[0156] If, among stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5, store α2 and store β5 are the only stores whose actual regeneration replacement count Nr falls within the inappropriate range Z, the average sales calculation unit 42B, the average number of cans calculation unit 431B, the average regeneration replacement count calculation unit 432B, and the difference calculation unit 44B each perform processing on the remaining stores α1, α3-5, β1-4, γ1-5, and δ1-5 other than store α2 and store β5.

[0157] On the other hand, in step S422, if there is no store among stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 whose actual regenerative exchange count Nr is determined to be within the inappropriate range Z (step S422 / NO), the process proceeds to the basic calculation process (step S400), and the processes of steps S401-S405 shown in FIG. 7 are directly executed on the data of stores α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5.

[0158] In this embodiment, since the data acquisition unit 41B acquires the actual regenerative exchange number Nr for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 in step S421, there is no need for the data acquisition unit 41B to acquire the actual regenerative exchange number Nr for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 again during the third basic calculation process (step S423) and the basic calculation process (step S401).

[0159] After the process of step S423 or step S400 is executed, the process proceeds to steps S406 to S411, similarly to the cloud server 4 according to the first embodiment.

[0160] In this way, the cloud server 4B excludes data from stores that are expected to use frying oil P that has reached the point of being discarded, and stores that are expected to frequently recycle or replace frying oil P that is still usable, and then executes processing in the average sales calculation unit 42B, average can number calculation unit 431B, average recycle / replacement count calculation unit 432B, and difference calculation unit 44B, respectively, thereby making it possible to more accurately optimize the costs related to frying oil P.

[0161] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a cloud server 4C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0162] Fig. 12 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a cloud server 4C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the cloud server 4C according to the fourth embodiment.

[0163] The cloud server 4C according to this embodiment includes a data acquisition unit 41, a difference calculation unit 44C, an information notification unit 45, and a storage unit 49, as shown in FIG.

[0164] In the cloud server 4C, the difference calculation unit 44C uses the past actual regenerative replacement count Nrp as the appropriate regenerative replacement count and the past actual can count Ncrp as the appropriate can count. The past actual regenerative replacement count Nrp and the past actual can count Ncrp are each, for example, values ​​from the previous month, and are stored in the storage unit 49.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 13, first, the data acquisition unit 41 of the cloud server 4C acquires the actual regeneration and replacement frequency Nr and the actual can number Ncr of each of the stores α1 to 5, β1 to 5, γ1 to 5, and δ1 to 5 (step S431).

[0166] Next, the difference calculation unit 44C calculates the difference Nd between the actual regenerative replacement count Nr obtained in step S431 and the past (previous month) actual regenerative replacement count Nrp stored in the memory unit 49, and also calculates the difference Ncd between the actual can count Ncr obtained in step S431 and the past (previous month) actual can count Ncrp stored in the memory unit 49 (step S432).

[0167] Then, after the process of step S432 is executed, the process proceeds to steps S406 to S411, similarly to the cloud server 4 according to the first embodiment.

[0168] In this way, both the appropriate number of regeneration replacements and the appropriate number of cans may use past data, and even if the cloud server 4C cannot obtain sales data for each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5 from the management terminal 5, for example, it is possible to optimize the costs related to frying oil P at each store α1-5, β1-5, γ1-5, and δ1-5.

[0169] Each embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Note that the present invention is not limited to each of the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modified examples are included. For example, each of the above-mentioned embodiments has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of each embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration.

[0170] For example, each of the above embodiments has been described assuming the management of costs related to frying oil P in a business that operates multiple stores, but this is not limited to this, and for example, in the case of the fourth embodiment, it is also possible to apply the same to a privately owned shop that does not have multiple stores.

[0171] Further, in each of the above embodiments, the frying oil P, which is an edible oil, is used as an example of the fat or oil, but the fat or oil is not limited to this and may be mineral oil or other fat or oil.

[0172] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the acid value (AV) has been used as an example of a deterioration index value for frying oil P, but it does not necessarily have to be the acid value, and any deterioration index value that can be measured with a specific numerical value will suffice.

[0173] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the cloud servers 4, 4A, 4B, and 4C used the number of cans of new oil related to the frying oil P in addition to the number of times the frying oil P was regenerated and replaced in order to manage the cost of the frying oil P, but it is not necessarily necessary to use the number of cans of new oil related to the frying oil P. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 4, 4A, 4B, 4C: Cloud server (oil management device) 41, 41A: Data acquisition section 42, 42A, 42B: Average sales calculation section 44,44A,44B,44C: Difference calculation part 45: Information and Notification Department 46: Grouping section 47: Inappropriateness Judgment Section 432, 432A, 432B: Average regeneration and replacement count calculation section Nb: Average number of regeneration replacements (optimal number of regeneration replacements) Ni: Number of inappropriate regeneration replacements Nr: Actual number of regeneration exchanges Z: Inappropriate range

Claims

1. An oil and fat management device for managing costs related to oil and fat, A difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between an actual regeneration / replacement number, which is an actual number of times that the oil is recycled or replaced in a business that uses the oil, and an appropriate regeneration / replacement number, which is an appropriate number of times that the oil is recycled or replaced according to the business; an information notification unit that outputs a notification signal for notifying cost-related information, which is information related to the cost, based on the difference between the actual regenerative replacement count and the appropriate regenerative replacement count calculated by the difference calculation unit, The information notification unit is When the difference calculation unit calculates that the actual regenerative replacement count is greater than the appropriate regenerative replacement count, a first notification signal is output for notifying information indicating that the cost needs to be optimized as the cost-related information; When the difference calculation unit calculates that the actual regenerative replacement count is equal to or less than the appropriate regenerative replacement count, a second notification signal is output for notifying information indicating that the cost is optimized as the cost-related information. An oil and grease management device.

2. The oil and grease management device according to claim 1, The difference calculation unit If the actual regeneration / replacement count is equal to or less than the appropriate regeneration / replacement count, the difference between the actual regeneration / replacement count and the inappropriate regeneration / replacement count, which is set as the number of regenerations or replacements that are less than the appropriate regeneration / replacement count and are assumed to be continued when the oil or fat is disposed of, is calculated; The information notification unit is When the difference calculation unit calculates that the actual regeneration / replacement count is equal to or less than the improper regeneration / replacement count, a third notification signal is output to notify information indicating that the grease is used up too much. An oil and grease management device.

3. The oil and grease management device according to claim 1, The appropriate number of regeneration replacements is: This is a value calculated based on the sales data of the business operator. An oil and grease management device.

4. The oil and grease management device according to claim 3, A data acquisition unit that acquires data on the sales amount of each of a plurality of stores operated by the business operator; an average sales calculation unit that calculates an average sales amount of the plurality of stores based on the sales amount of each of the plurality of stores acquired by the data acquisition unit; and an average number of refurbishment and exchange calculation unit that calculates an average number of refurbishment and exchange for each of the plurality of stores based on the sales amount for each of the plurality of stores acquired by the data acquisition unit and the average sales amount calculated by the average sales calculation unit, The difference calculation unit For each of the plurality of stores, the average number of regenerative replacements calculated by the average number of regenerative replacements calculation unit is set as the appropriate number of regenerative replacements, and a difference between the appropriate number of regenerative replacements and the actual number of regenerative replacements is calculated. An oil and grease management device.

5. The oil and grease management device according to claim 4, The average sales calculation unit further calculating a sales coefficient corresponding to the sales amount of each of the plurality of stores based on the calculated average sales amount; The average regeneration and replacement count calculation unit Calculating the average number of times of regeneration and replacement for each of the plurality of stores based on the actual number of times of regeneration and replacement for each of the plurality of stores and the sales coefficient for each of the plurality of stores calculated by the average sales calculation unit An oil and grease management device.

6. The oil and grease management device according to claim 4, A grouping unit that groups the plurality of stores by business type, The data acquisition unit is Acquire data relating to business type information of the plurality of stores; The grouping unit includes: Grouping the plurality of stores based on the business type information acquired by the data acquisition unit; The average sales calculation unit, the average regeneration and replacement count calculation unit, and the difference calculation unit each Processing is executed for each group grouped by the grouping unit. An oil and grease management device.

7. The oil and grease management device according to claim 4, The range of regeneration and replacement times that is expected to deviate significantly from the appropriate regeneration and replacement times is defined as an inappropriate range. Further, an inappropriateness determination unit that determines whether the actual regeneration and replacement count is within the inappropriate range, The average sales calculation unit, the average regeneration and replacement count calculation unit, and the difference calculation unit each The calculation is performed by excluding from the plurality of stores any store whose actual regeneration and replacement count is determined by the inappropriateness determination unit to be within the inappropriate range. An oil and grease management device.

8. The oil and grease management device according to claim 1, The appropriate number of regeneration replacements is: This is a value set based on the actual number of times the business operator has actually replaced the recycled material in the past. An oil and grease management device.

9. An oil and fat management method using an oil and fat management device that manages costs related to oil and fat, A difference calculation step in which the oil and fat management device calculates a difference between an actual regeneration and replacement count, which is an actual number of times that the oil and fat is recycled or replaced in a business that uses the oil and fat, and an appropriate regeneration and replacement count, which is an appropriate number of times that the oil and fat is recycled or replaced according to the business; an information notification step in which the oil and grease management device outputs a notification signal for notifying cost-related information, which is information related to the cost, based on the difference between the actual regeneration and replacement count calculated in the difference calculation step and the appropriate regeneration and replacement count; In the information notification step, The oil and grease management device includes: When the actual regenerative / replacement count is calculated to be greater than the appropriate regenerative / replacement count in the difference calculation step, a first notification signal is output for notifying information indicating that the cost needs to be optimized as the cost-related information; When the actual regenerative / replacement count is calculated to be equal to or less than the appropriate regenerative / replacement count in the difference calculation step, a second notification signal is output for notifying information indicating that the cost is optimized as the cost-related information. A method for managing oils and fats.

10. The oil and fat management method according to claim 9, In the difference calculation step, The oil and grease management device includes: If the actual regeneration / replacement count is equal to or less than the appropriate regeneration / replacement count, the difference between the actual regeneration / replacement count and the inappropriate regeneration / replacement count, which is set as the number of regenerations or replacements that are less than the appropriate regeneration / replacement count and are assumed to be continued when the oil or fat is disposed of, is calculated; In the information notification step, The oil and grease management device includes: When the actual regeneration / replacement count is calculated to be equal to or less than the improper regeneration / replacement count in the difference calculation step, a third notification signal is output to notify information indicating that the grease is used up too much. A method for managing oils and fats.

11. The oil and fat management method according to claim 9, The appropriate number of regeneration replacements is: This is a value calculated based on the sales data of the business operator. A method for managing oils and fats.

12. The oil and fat management method according to claim 11, A data acquisition step in which the oil and fat management device acquires data on the sales amount of each of a plurality of stores operated by the business operator; An average sales calculation step in which the oil and grease management device calculates an average sales amount of the plurality of stores based on the sales amount of each of the plurality of stores acquired in the data acquisition step; The oil and grease management device further includes an average regeneration and replacement frequency calculation step of calculating an average regeneration and replacement frequency for each of the plurality of stores based on the actual regeneration and replacement frequency for each of the plurality of stores and the average sales amount calculated in the average sales calculation step, In the difference calculation step, The oil and grease management device calculates a difference between the average number of regeneration and replacement times calculated in the average number of regeneration and replacement times calculation step as the appropriate number of regeneration and replacement times and the actual number of regeneration and replacement times for each of the plurality of stores. A method for managing oils and fats.

13. The oil and fat management method according to claim 12, In the average sales calculation step, The oil and grease management device further calculates a sales coefficient corresponding to the sales amount of each of the plurality of stores based on the calculated average sales amount, In the step of calculating the average number of regeneration and replacement times, The oil and grease management device calculates the average number of regeneration and replacement times for each of the plurality of stores based on the actual number of regeneration and replacement times for each of the plurality of stores and the sales coefficient for each of the plurality of stores calculated in the average sales calculation step. A method for managing oils and fats.

14. The oil and fat management method according to claim 12, The oil and grease management device further includes a grouping step of grouping the plurality of stores by business type, In the data acquisition step, The oil and grease management device acquires data related to business type information of the plurality of stores, In the grouping step, The oil and grease management device groups the plurality of stores based on the business type information acquired in the data acquisition step, In each of the average sales calculation step, the average number of regeneration and replacement calculation step, and the difference calculation step, The oil and fat management device executes a process for each group grouped in the grouping step. A method for managing oils and fats.

15. The oil and fat management method according to claim 12, The range of regeneration and replacement times that is expected to deviate significantly from the appropriate regeneration and replacement times is defined as an inappropriate range. The oil and grease management device further includes an improperity determination step of determining whether the actual regeneration and replacement count is within the improper range, In the average sales calculation step, the average number of regeneration and replacement calculation step, and the difference calculation step, The oil and grease management device performs the calculation by excluding from the plurality of stores any store whose actual regeneration and replacement frequency is determined to be within the inappropriate range in the inappropriateness determination step. A method for managing oils and fats.

16. The oil and fat management method according to claim 9, The appropriate number of regeneration replacements is: This is a value set based on the actual number of times the business operator has actually replaced the recycled material in the past. A method for managing oils and fats.

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