Inventory management system

Abstract

To provide an inventory management system which can quickly and efficiently take an inventory and can take an accurate inventory.SOLUTION: In an inventory management system 10, a cloud 11 (server) stores identification numbers (identifiers) stored in RF tags and product identification numbers (product identifiers) of stocked timepieces (products) in association with each other, and an RF tag reader 16 collectively reads identification numbers stored in the RF tags attached to individual timepieces being an inventory object and transmits the read identification numbers stored in the RF tags to the cloud 11, and the cloud 11 compares the stored identification numbers with the identification numbers of the timepieces being the inventory object which are transmitted from the RF tag reader 16, and calculates a difference in number between the number of stocked timepieces and the number of timepieces being the inventory object and transmits the calculated difference in number to smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and the smartphones 13a to 13c output the difference in number transmitted from the cloud 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inventory management system for managing the inventory of various products.

Background Art

[0002] An inventory item inventory system is disclosed that uses a storage seal having a storage unit for storing data of inventory items, a computer that cooperates with the storage unit, an inventory location, an item name, an entry field for item data such as unit price, and a barcode display. During the inventory operation, an inventory seal having a serial number, item data, and barcode display is issued based on the inventory data of the item, the issued inventory seal is attached to each of the inventory items, it is determined whether there is a shortage in the issued inventory seal, surplus inventory seals that are not attached are detected, the barcode of the detected inventory seal is read, and based on the result of the barcode reading of the surplus inventory seal, inventory documents including an inventory slip, an inventory detail list, and an inventory amount total are output by arithmetic processing by a computer (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] When this inventory item inventory system determines that there is a shortage in the issued inventory seal, it creates corrected inventory data and a corrected inventory seal, attaches the corrected inventory seal to each of the inventory items, inputs the additional corrected data, performs inventory data processing by a computer, and outputs inventory data based on this.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The inventory physical inventory system disclosed in Patent Document 1 must attach the issued physical inventory seal to each inventory item, and must individually read the barcodes of the surplus physical inventory seals that are not attached. The barcode reading work requires time and effort, and as a result, the physical inventory work cannot be carried out quickly and efficiently. In addition, the surplus physical inventory seals that are not attached must be stored, which not only requires time and effort for storage, but also if the surplus physical inventory seals are lost, the barcodes of the lost surplus physical inventory seals cannot be read. Therefore, the physical inventory slips, physical inventory details, physical inventory data including the total physical inventory amount, and physical inventory discrepancy list output by arithmetic processing using a computer become incorrect and inaccurate, and the physical inventory cannot be carried out accurately.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an inventory management system that can perform physical inventory quickly and efficiently and can perform accurate physical inventory.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A premise of the present invention for solving the above problems is an inventory management system for managing the physical inventory of a plurality of various products.

[0008] The features of the inventory management system of the present invention under the above premise are that the inventory management system is formed by a server, an RF tag attached to each incoming product, an RF tag reader connectable to the server via a predetermined network, and a plurality of various communication terminals. The server has an identifier storage means for storing the identifier stored in the RF tag and the product identifier of the incoming product in an associated state. The RF tag reader has an identifier reading means for collectively reading the identifiers stored in those RF tags attached to each product to be inventoried, and an identifier transmitting means for transmitting the identifiers of those RF tags read by the identifier reading means to the server. The server compares the identifier stored by the identifier storage means with the identifier of the product to be inventoried transmitted from the RF tag reader by the identifier transmitting means, and has a quantity difference calculating means for calculating the quantity difference between the number of incoming products and the number of products to be inventoried, and a quantity difference transmitting means for transmitting the quantity difference calculated by the quantity difference calculating means to the communication terminal When the quantity difference calculated by the quantity difference calculation means is negative and there is a shortage in the products to be inventoried compared to the quantity of the products received, a shortage product identifier specifying means for specifying the shortage product identifier of the product with a shortage corresponding to the identifier of the product with a shortage, and a shortage product identifier transmitting means for transmitting the shortage product identifier of the product with a shortage specified by the shortage product identifier specifying means to a communication terminal and the communication terminal has a quantity difference output means for outputting the quantity difference transmitted from the server by the quantity difference transmitting means a shortage product identifier output means for outputting the shortage product identifier of each product with a shortage transmitted from the server by the shortage product identifier transmitting means is as follows.

[0009] As an example of the inventory management system of the present invention, the server includes a product identifier specifying means for specifying the product identifier of each product to be inventoried corresponding to the identifier of the product to be inventoried transmitted from the RF tag reader by the identifier transmitting means, and a product identifier transmitting means for transmitting the product identifier of each product to be inventoried specified by the product identifier specifying means to the communication terminal. The communication terminal includes a product identifier output means for outputting the product identifier of each product to be inventoried transmitted from the server by the product identifier transmitting means.

[0010] As another example of the inventory management system of the present invention, the server includes product data storage means for storing various product data of the received products in a state associated with the identifiers stored in the RF tags, product data specifying means for specifying the product data of each product to be inventoried corresponding to the identifier of the product to be inventoried transmitted from the RF tag reader by the identifier transmission means, and product data transmission means for transmitting the product data of the product to be inventoried specified by the product data specifying means to the communication terminal. The communication terminal includes product data output means for outputting the product data of each product to be inventoried transmitted from the server by the product data transmission means.

[0011] As another example of the inventory management system of the present invention, the server includes shortage product data specifying means for specifying the shortage product data of the shortage product corresponding to the identifier of the shortage product, and shortage product data transmission means for transmitting the shortage product data of the shortage product specified by the shortage product data specifying means to the communication terminal. The communication terminal includes shortage product data output means for outputting the shortage product data of the shortage product transmitted from the server by the shortage product data transmission means.

[0012] As another example of the inventory management system of the present invention, when a shortage occurs in the product to be inventoried with respect to the number of received products, the server includes existence time specifying means for specifying until when the shortage product existed based on whether a shortage occurred up to the number difference calculating means at any stage among the number difference calculating means implemented from the past to the present, and existence time transmission means for transmitting the existence time specified by the existence time specifying means to the communication terminal. The communication terminal includes existence time output means for outputting the existence time of the shortage product transmitted from the server by the existence time transmission means.

[0013] As another example of the inventory management system of the present invention, when a shortage occurs in the products to be inventoried with respect to the number of products stocked, the server determines whether the sales processing of the out-of-stock products has been processed or not after the existence time determined by the existence time determination means, and has a sales processing determination means for making this determination. When the sales processing determination means determines that the sales processing of the out-of-stock products has not been processed, it includes a sales unprocessed message transmission means for transmitting a sales unprocessed message of the out-of-stock products to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal includes a sales unprocessed message output means for outputting the sales unprocessed message of the out-of-stock products transmitted from the server by the sales unprocessed message transmission means.

[0014] As another example of the inventory management system of the present invention, when the sales processing determination means determines that the sales processing of the out-of-stock products has been processed, it includes a loss message transmission means for transmitting a loss message of the out-of-stock products to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal includes a loss message output means for outputting the loss message of the out-of-stock products transmitted from the server by the loss message transmission means.

[0015] As another example of the inventory management system of the present invention, when the quantity difference calculated by the quantity difference calculation means is positive and an increase in products occurs in the products to be inventoried with respect to the number of products stocked, it includes an additional product identifier specifying means for specifying the additional product identifier of the additional products corresponding to the identifiers of the additional products, and an additional product identifier transmission means for transmitting the additional product identifier of the additional products specified by the additional product identifier specifying means to the communication terminal. The communication terminal includes an additional product identifier output means for outputting the additional product identifiers of each of the additional products transmitted from the server by the additional product identifier transmission means.

[0016] As another example of the inventory management system of the present invention, the server includes an additional product data specifying means for specifying additional product data of an additional product corresponding to an identifier of the additional product, and an additional product data transmitting means for transmitting the additional product data of the additional product specified by the additional product data specifying means to a communication terminal. The communication terminal includes an additional product data output means for outputting the additional product data of the additional product transmitted from the server by the additional product data transmitting means.

[0017] As another example of the inventory management system of the present invention, when an additional product occurs in the product to be inventoried with respect to the number of products received, the server includes a non-existence period specifying means for specifying until which period the additional product did not exist based on whether the additional product occurred up to the number difference calculating means at any stage among the number difference calculating means implemented from the past to the present, and a non-existence period transmitting means for transmitting the non-existence period specified by the non-existence period specifying means to a communication terminal. The communication terminal includes a non-existence period output means for outputting the non-existence period of the additional product transmitted from the server by the non-existence period transmitting means.

[0018] As another example of the inventory management system of the present invention, when an additional product occurs in the product to be inventoried with respect to the number of products received, the server includes a sending process judgment means for judging whether the additional product has been sent or not after the non-existence period judged by the non-existence period judgment means, and a non-sent message transmitting means for transmitting a non-sent message of the additional product to the communication terminal when the sending process judgment means judges that the additional product has not been sent. The communication terminal includes a non-sent message output means for outputting the non-sent message of the additional product transmitted from the server by the non-sent message transmitting means.

[0019] As another example of the inventory management system of the present invention, when the server determines that the additional products have been shipped and mis-shipping processing has been performed by the shipping process determination means, the server includes mis-shipping processing message transmission means for transmitting a mis-shipping processing message of the additional products to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal includes mis-shipping processing message output means for outputting the mis-shipping processing message of the additional products transmitted from the server by the mis-shipping processing message transmission means.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the inventory management system of the present invention, the server stores the identifier stored in the RF tag in association with the product identifier of the received product, the RF tag reader collectively reads the identifiers stored in those RF tags attached to each product to be inventoried, transmits the read identifiers of those RF tags to the server, the server compares the identifier stored with the identifier of the product to be inventoried transmitted from the RF tag reader, and calculates the difference in the number of received products and the number of products to be inventoried. Therefore, the identifiers stored in the RF tags of the products to be inventoried can be instantaneously read collectively using the RF tag reader, without taking time and effort for the RF tag reading work, and the inventory can be performed quickly and efficiently. Since the RF tags are attached to each product to be inventoried and are not removed from each product to be inventoried, there is no omission in reading the identifiers associated with each product to be inventoried, and the number of received products and the number of products to be inventoried can be accurately calculated, and accurate inventory can be performed. The inventory management system can calculate the difference in the number of received products and the number of products to be inventoried, and since the communication terminal outputs the difference transmitted from the server, it is possible to know whether the number of received products and the number of products to be inventoried match or do not match via the communication terminal, and it is possible to find the cause of the mismatch in the number of received products and the number of products to be inventoried, and correct the mismatch in the number in the inventory by clarifying the cause. When there is a shortage in the products to be inventoried compared to the quantity of the products received, the inventory management system causes the server to transmit the shortage product identifier of the specified product with a shortage to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the shortage product identifier of the product with a shortage. Therefore, it is possible to know the shortage product identifier of each product with a shortage when the quantities do not match, to find the cause of the shortage while grasping the shortage product identifier of the product with a shortage, to correct the shortage by clarifying the cause, and to perform an accurate inventory quickly and efficiently.

[0021] The inventory management system identifies the product identifiers of each product to be inventoried corresponding to the identifiers of the products to be inventoried sent from the RF tag reader, sends the identified product identifiers of each product to be inventoried to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the product identifiers of each product to be inventoried sent from the server. By the server identifying the product identifiers of each product to be inventoried corresponding to the identifiers of the products to be inventoried and the communication terminal outputting the product identifiers of each product to be inventoried, the product identifiers of each product to be inventoried can be identified from each identifier, and the product identifiers of each product to be inventoried with the same quantity can be known via the communication terminal, and the product identifiers of each product to be inventoried with inconsistent quantities can be known. The inventory management system can not only perform inventory quickly and efficiently, but also, while grasping the product identifiers of each product to be inventoried with inconsistent quantities, explore the cause of the inconsistent quantity between the received products and the products to be inventoried, correct the inconsistent quantity by clarifying the cause, and perform accurate inventory while identifying the product identifiers of each product to be inventoried.

[0022] The inventory management system stores various multiple product data of the received products in a state associated with the identifiers stored in the RF tags, identifies the product data of each product to be inventoried corresponding to the identifiers of the products to be inventoried sent from the RF tag reader, sends the identified product data of the products to be inventoried to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the product data of each product to be inventoried sent from the server. By the server identifying various multiple product data of each product to be inventoried corresponding to the identifiers of the products to be inventoried and the communication terminal outputting the product data of each product to be inventoried, the product data of each product to be inventoried can be identified from each identifier, and the product data of each product to be inventoried with the same quantity can be known via the communication terminal, and the product data of each product to be inventoried with inconsistent quantities can be known. The inventory management system can not only perform inventory quickly and efficiently, but also, while grasping the product data of each product to be inventoried with inconsistent quantities, explore the cause of the inconsistent quantity between the received products and the products to be inventoried, correct the inconsistent quantity by clarifying the cause, and perform accurate inventory while grasping the product data of each product to be inventoried.

[0023] When the server identifies the shortage product data of the shortage product corresponding to the identifier of the shortage product, transmits the identified shortage product data of the shortage product to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the shortage product data of the shortage product transmitted from the server, in the case where a shortage occurs in the product to be inventoried compared to the number of products stocked, since the server transmits the identified shortage product data of the shortage product to the communication terminal and the communication terminal outputs the shortage product data of the shortage product, it is possible to know the shortage product data of each shortage product in the case of a mismatch in quantity, and it is possible to search for the cause of the shortage while grasping the shortage product data of the shortage product. By clarifying the cause, it is possible to correct the shortage and perform an accurate inventory quickly and efficiently.

[0024] When a shortage occurs in the product to be inventoried compared to the number of products stocked, the server specifies until which stage of the number difference calculation means implemented from the past to the present no shortage has occurred, thereby specifying until when the shortage product existed, transmits the specified existence time to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the existence time of the shortage product transmitted from the server. In the case where a shortage occurs in the product to be inventoried compared to the number of products stocked, since the server transmits the specified existence time of the specified shortage product to the communication terminal and the communication terminal outputs the existence time of the shortage product, it is possible to know the existence time of each shortage product in the case of a mismatch in quantity, and it is possible to search for the cause of the shortage while grasping the existence time of the shortage product. By clarifying the cause, it is possible to correct the shortage and perform an accurate inventory quickly and efficiently.

[0025] When there is a shortage of products to be inventoried with respect to the number of products in stock, the server determines whether the sales processing of the out-of-stock products has been completed or is yet to be processed after the existence time determined by the existence time determination means. If it is determined that the sales processing of the out-of-stock products is yet to be processed, the server transmits a sales unprocessed message for the out-of-stock products to the communication terminal, and the inventory management system that outputs the sales unprocessed message for the out-of-stock products transmitted from the server can know that the cause of the shortage is the unprocessed sales processing by the server determining that the sales processing of the out-of-stock products is yet to be processed and the communication terminal outputting the sales unprocessed message for the out-of-stock products. By performing the sales processing, the cause of the shortage can be eliminated and the shortage can be corrected, and accurate inventory can be carried out quickly and efficiently.

[0026] If the server determines that the sales processing of the out-of-stock products has been completed, the server transmits a loss message for the out-of-stock products to the communication terminal, and the inventory management system that outputs the loss message for the out-of-stock products transmitted from the server can know that the cause of the shortage is loss by the server determining that the sales processing of the out-of-stock products has been completed and the communication terminal outputting the loss message for the out-of-stock products. By performing the shortage processing due to loss, the cause of the shortage can be eliminated and the shortage can be corrected, and accurate inventory can be carried out quickly and efficiently.

[0027] When the difference in the counted number becomes positive and there is an increase in the products to be inventoried compared to the number of products in stock, the server identifies the additional product identifier of the product with the increase corresponding to the identifier of the product with the increase, transmits the identified additional product identifier of the product with the increase to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the additional product identifier of each product with the increase transmitted from the server. In the inventory management system, when there is an increase in the products to be inventoried compared to the number of products in stock, the server transmits the identified additional product identifier of the product with the increase to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the additional product identifier of the product with the increase. Therefore, when the numbers do not match, it is possible to know the additional product identifier of each product with the increase, and it is possible to search for the cause of the increase while grasping the additional product identifier of the product with the increase. By clarifying the cause, it is possible to correct the increase and perform an accurate inventory quickly and efficiently.

[0028] When the server identifies the additional product data of the product with the increase corresponding to the identifier of the product with the increase, transmits the identified additional product data of the product with the increase to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the additional product data of the product with the increase transmitted from the server. In the inventory management system, when there is an increase in the products to be inventoried compared to the number of products in stock, the server transmits the identified additional product data of the product with the increase to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the additional product data of the product with the increase. Therefore, when the numbers do not match, it is possible to know the additional product data of each product with the increase, and it is possible to search for the cause of the increase while grasping the additional product data of the product with the increase. By clarifying the cause, it is possible to correct the increase and perform an accurate inventory quickly and efficiently.

[0029] When there is an increase in the products to be inventoried compared to the number of products received, the server identifies the period until which the increased products did not exist based on the number difference calculation means at each stage implemented from the past to the present, and transmits the identified non-existence period to the communication terminal. The inventory management system that outputs the non-existence period of the increased products transmitted from the server by the communication terminal, when there is an increase in the products to be inventoried compared to the number of products received, the server transmits the identified non-existence period of the identified increased products to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the non-existence period of the increased products. Therefore, the non-existence period of each product with an increase in the case of a quantity mismatch can be known, the cause of the increase can be explored while grasping the non-existence period of the increased products, the increase can be corrected by clarifying the cause, and accurate inventory can be carried out quickly and efficiently.

[0030] When there is an increase in the products to be inventoried compared to the number of products received, the server determines whether the increased products have been sent or not after the non-existence period determined by the non-existence period determination means. If it is determined that the increased products have not been sent, the server transmits a non-sent message of the increased products to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal outputs the non-sent message of the increased products transmitted from the server. The inventory management system that outputs the non-sent message of the increased products transmitted from the server by the communication terminal, when the server determines that the increased products have not been sent, the communication terminal outputs the non-sent message of the increased products. Therefore, it can be known that the cause of the increase is the non-sending of the products, and the cause of the increase can be eliminated and the increase can be corrected by sending the products. At the same time, accurate inventory can be carried out quickly and efficiently.

[0031] When the server determines that the additional products have been sent and mis-delivery processing has been performed, the inventory management system that sends the mis-delivery processing message of the additional products to the communication terminal and the communication terminal outputs the mis-delivery processing message of the additional products sent from the server can, by the server determining that it is mis-delivery processing of the additional products and the communication terminal outputting the mis-delivery processing message of the additional products, know that the cause of the additional products is mis-delivery processing, eliminate the cause of the additional products by canceling the mis-delivery processing and correct the additional products, and can perform accurate inventory taking quickly and efficiently.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0032]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] Referring to the attached drawings such as FIG. 1, which is a configuration diagram of the inventory management system 10 shown as an example, the details of the inventory management system according to the present invention will be described as follows. Note that FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the FR tag 15 attached to the clock 14 (product). The inventory management system 10 manages the inventory of a plurality of various products. The inventory management system 10 will be described by taking the clock 14 (used clock, new and used clock) purchased by the purchasing store (purchasing merchant) from the user (seller) as an example of the product to be inventoried, but there is no particular limitation on the product to be inventoried, and a plurality of various products can be the objects of inventory carried out using the inventory management system 10.

[0034] The inventory management system 10 is formed by a cloud 11 (cloud computing) (server), smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) connectable to the cloud 11 (server) via the Internet 12 (predetermined network), a plurality of RF tags 15 (IC tags) attached to each clock 14 (each product) stored in the warehouse, and an RF tag reader 16 (handheld type) that reads data stored in those RF tags 15.

[0035] In FIG. 1, three smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) and one inventory management terminal 17 (personal computer) are illustrated. However, in reality, there are a plurality of various smartphones (communication terminals), a plurality of various tablets, and a plurality of various mobile phones connected to the cloud 11 (server) via the Internet 12 (predetermined network), and there are a plurality of inventory management terminals 17 connected to the cloud 11 via the Internet 12. Note that the communication terminals include personal computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs), and further include all communication terminals connectable to the Internet 12 to be developed in the future. In addition to the Internet 12, cases where those smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) and the cloud 11 (server) are connected by other networks such as LANs and WANs are also included.

[0036] The inventory management system 10 includes an inventory management terminal 17 (personal computer) for managing the storage of the clock 14 (product), a process record management database 18 that stores (stores) records of each process (sales process, shipping process), and a product information management database 19 that stores (stores) a plurality of various information of the clock 14 (product), and also includes an RF tag reader / writer 20 and a label printer 21. The process record management database 18 and the product information management database 19 receive various data from the cloud 11 and transmit various data to the cloud 11.

[0037] As the cloud 11, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) can be utilized. By using the cloud 11 in the inventory management system 10, IT resources can be utilized on demand via the Internet from the cloud service platform. The cloud 11 is a virtual server that has a virtual CPU or a virtual MPU (central processing unit), a virtual main memory, and a virtual cache memory (memory), and operates by an independent operating system (virtual OS), and a large-capacity virtual storage area is generated. In the virtual main memory of the cloud 11, an application for implementing each means described later of the inventory management system 10 is stored (stored).

[0038] The cloud 11 (server) is constructed (formed) in a data center (not shown) with which a system provider (corporation) that provides (manages and operates) the inventory management system 10 contracts. Note that instead of the cloud 11, a physical server (computer) that has a CPU or an MPU (central processing unit), a main memory, and a cache memory (memory), and operates by an independent operating system (OS) can also be used. When using a physical server (computer), the server is installed in the building or data center of the system provider (corporation).

[0039] The cloud 11 (server) or the physical server has various server functions such as a DNS server function, a database server function, a web server function, a mail server function, and a document server function, and can access and log in to an unspecified number of servers and mobile communication terminals (such as smartphones and tablets) without access restrictions while passing through various multiple DNS servers and the like connected to the Internet 12, and can transmit various data to the unspecified number of servers and mobile communication terminals, and can receive various data from the unspecified number of servers and mobile communication terminals.

[0040] In the large-capacity storage area of the cloud 11 (server), the URLs of smartphones 13a to 13c, the email addresses of smartphones 13a to 13c, and the personal information of each holder of smartphones 13a to 13c are stored (stored) in a state associated with the mobile terminal specific information (mobile terminal specific identifier) of smartphones 13a to 13c, and the URL of the inventory management terminal 17 is stored (stored) in a state associated with the terminal specific information (terminal specific identifier) of the inventory management terminal 17.

[0041] The cloud 11 (server) or a physical server implements an identifier storage means, a product data storage means, and implements a quantity difference calculation means, a product identifier specification means, a product data specification means, a shortage product identifier specification means, a shortage product data specification means, a presence time specification means, a sales processing determination means, an additional product identifier specification means, an additional product data specification means, a non-presence time specification means, a sending processing determination means, and also implements a quantity difference transmission means, a product identifier transmission means, a product data transmission means, a shortage product identifier transmission means, a shortage product data transmission means, a presence time transmission means, a sales unprocessed message transmission means, a loss message transmission means, an additional product identifier transmission means, an additional product data transmission means, a non-presence time transmission means, an unsent message transmission means, an error sending processing message transmission means.

[0042] Smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) are held by holders such as officers and employees who have the right to use the results of the physical inventory performed by the physical inventory management system 10. Smartphones 13a to 13c have different models and different carriers (manufacturers) that provide them. Smartphones 13a to 13c incorporate a physical computer that has a CPU or MPU (central processing unit), a main memory, and a cache memory (memory) and operates by an independent operating system (OS), and implement a large-capacity storage area.

[0043] In the main memories of smartphones 13a to 13c, there is stored (stored) an application that causes each means of the inventory management system 10 to be implemented in smartphones 13a to 13c. The application directly accesses the cloud 11 (server), or after accessing the cloud 11 from another server via a link, downloads (installs) from the cloud 11. In the main memories of smartphones 13a to 13c, a web browser and an email client for sending and receiving emails and managing emails are stored.

[0044] Smartphones 13a to 13c can be connected to the Internet 12 using a web browser, and can access and log in to an unspecified number of other servers (physical servers or virtual servers) using the Internet 12, and can use various search engines on the Internet 12. Smartphones 13a to 13c can access and log in to the cloud 11 using the URL of the cloud 11 (server), and can provide various data (character data and image data) to a plurality of other external servers including the cloud 11 using the Internet 12, and can receive various data from a plurality of other external servers including the cloud 11 using the Internet 12.

[0045] In the large-capacity storage areas of smartphones 13a to 13c, mobile terminal specific information (mobile terminal specific identifier) for identifying those smartphones 13a to 13c is stored. As the mobile terminal specific information, the IP address, MAC address, URL, email address, Cookie information, solid identification number, etc. of smartphones 13a to 13c can be used. In addition, smartphones 13a to 13c can independently generate a unique identifier for identifying those smartphones 13a to 13c, and use the generated identifier as the mobile terminal specific information. In the large-capacity storage areas of smartphones 13a to 13c, the personal information of employees who have the right to use them and the URL of the cloud 11 are stored. Examples of personal information include passwords, ID numbers, corporate names, personal names, addresses, telephone numbers, FAX numbers, ages, genders, email addresses, etc.

[0046] Smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) implement number difference output means, product identifier output means, product data output means, out-of-stock product identifier output means, out-of-stock product data output means, presence period output means, unsold message output means, lost message output means, additional product identifier output means, additional product data output means, non-presence period output means, un-sent message output means, and mis-delivery processing message output means.

[0047] The terminal 17 for inventory management is a computer (including virtual machines) that has a central processing unit (CPU or MPU) and a memory (main memory and cache memory) and operates by an independent operating system (OS), and is equipped with a large-capacity storage area (such as a large-capacity hard disk). The terminal 17 for inventory management (personal computer) is installed in the building of the system provider (corporate entity). Input devices such as keyboards and mice, and output devices such as displays and printers are connected to the terminal 17 for inventory management via an interface, and a digital camera (not shown) is connected. An RF tag reader / writer 20 is connected to the terminal 17 for inventory management via an interface, and a label printer 21 is connected via an interface.

[0048] The terminal 17 for inventory management can access and log in to the cloud 11 (server) using the URL of the cloud 11, and can provide (transmit) various data (character data and image data) to a plurality of other external servers including the cloud 11 via the Internet 12, and can receive (receive) various data from a plurality of other external servers including the cloud 11 via the Internet 12.

[0049] Those RF tags 15 (waybills) are individually attached to each of the various clocks 14 (products) stored in the warehouse. As shown in FIG. 2, an IC chip 22 is installed and fixed on those RF tags 15. The RF tag reader 16 is arranged in the building of the system provider (corporation). The RF tag reader 16 is connected to the smartphones 13a to 13c when the application of the inventory management system 10 stored in the smartphones 13a to 13c is launched. The RF tag reader 16 reads the identification number (identifier) of the IC chip 22 installed on those RF tags 15, and transmits the read identifier number of the IC chip 22 to the cloud 11 (server) via the smartphones 13a to 13c.

[0050] Note that the RF tag reader 16 may have a communication function that can be connected to the cloud 11 (server) via the Internet 12 (predetermined network), and while accessing and logging in to the cloud 11 via the communication function, transmit the read data to the cloud 11. In this case, the RF tag reader 16 reads the identification number (identifier) of the IC chip 22 installed on those RF tags 15, and transmits the read identifier number of the IC chip 22 to the cloud 11 by the communication function. The RF tag reader 16 implements an identifier reading means and an identifier transmitting means.

[0051] The RF tag reader / writer 20 connected to the warehousing management terminal 17 writes an identification number (identifier) to the IC chip 22 installed on the RF tag 15. The label printer 21 connected to the warehousing management terminal 17 creates and outputs a label seal 24 (label) to be affixed to the storage bag 23 (plastic bag) containing the clock 14 (product). Product data such as the product identification number (product identifier) of the clock 14 (product), the brand name of the clock 14, the manufacturing date of the clock 14, the status of the clock 14 (excellent, good, acceptable), and the purchase cost of the clock 14 are displayed on the label seal 24.

[0052] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the clock 14 (product) with the FR tag 15 attached, and Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the storage bag 23 containing the clock 14 (product) after the warehousing procedure. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the storage box 25 containing a plurality of storage bags 23. An example of the sale and purchase of the clock 14 (new or used clock) is that the user (seller) brings the clock 14 to the purchasing store (purchasing merchant), and the purchasing store appraises the clock 14 and presents the price of the clock 14 to the user. The user hands over the clock 14 to the purchasing store in exchange for the price of the clock 14 (the presented appraisal amount).

[0053] The employee of the purchasing store performs the warehousing procedure for the purchased clock 14 (product). In the warehousing procedure, the identifier recorded (stored) in the IC chip 22 installed on the RF tag 15 is stored (stored) in the large-capacity virtual storage area of the cloud 11 in a state associated with the product identification number (product identifier) of each clock 14 (each product) being warehoused. The RF tags 15 attached to each purchased clock 14 are managed and stored in a state where the RF tags 15 numbered from the first to the nth are arranged in a row. The numbers from the first to the nth are displayed (printed) on the RF tags 15. The first to the nth numbers become the product identification numbers (product identifiers) of each clock 14 (each product) being warehoused.

[0054] Note that the first to the nth are examples of product identification numbers (product identifiers). In addition to the first to the nth, for example, product identification numbers such as the 1-1st to the 1-nth, the A-1st to the A-nth, and the B-1st to the B-nth can be freely set. Also, the inventory management terminal 17 can independently generate a unique product identification number (product identifier) and use the generated product identification number as the product identification number (product identifier) of each clock 14 (each product) in stock.

[0055] A unique identification number (identifier) is pre-written in the IC chip 22 of those RF tags 15. Note that the inventory management terminal 17 may generate a unique identification number (identifier) to be written in the IC chip 22 of the RF tag 15, send the generated identification number to the RF tag reader / writer 20, and the RF tag reader / writer 20 writes the identification number in the IC chip 22 of the RF tag 15.

[0056] An identification number input screen (not shown) is displayed on the display of the inventory management terminal 17. The employee takes out the first RF tag 15, sets the RF tag 15 on the RF tag reader / writer 20, then uses the input device of the inventory management terminal 17 to input the number 1 (product identifier) into the product identifier input area displayed on the identification number input screen, and clicks the identification number input button displayed on the identification number input screen. When the identification number input button is clicked, the RF tag reader / writer 20 reads the identification number (identifier) stored in the IC chip 22 of the RF tag 15, and the RF tag reader / writer 20 sends the identification number of the RF tag 15 to the inventory management terminal 17.

[0057] The inventory management terminal 17 temporarily stores the input number 1 (product identifier) and the identification number (identifier) of the RF tag 15 sent from the RF tag reader / writer 20 in the cache memory, and outputs (displays) an identification number confirmation button on the identification number input screen. When the identification number confirmation button is clicked, the inventory management terminal 17 outputs (displays) a product data input screen (not shown) of various product data of the clock 14 on the display.

[0058] Enter each product data into each input area of the product data input screen. At the same time, photograph the clock 14 using a digital camera (not shown), and input the digital image data (product data) of the clock 14 from the digital camera into the inventory management terminal 17. Note that the camera function of a smartphone may be used to photograph (acquire) the clock 14 (product) as digital image data, and the photographed digital image data of the clock 14 may be transmitted from the smartphone to the inventory management terminal 17. After entering each product data into each input area of the input screen and inputting the digital image data of the clock 14 into the inventory management terminal 17, click the input confirmation button displayed on the product data input screen.

[0059] When the input confirmation button is clicked, the inventory management terminal 17 transmits the number 1 (product identifier) temporarily stored in the cache memory, the identification number (identifier) of the RF tag 15, and various product data of the clock 14 to the cloud 11 (server) via the Internet 12. At the same time, using the label printer 21 connected to the inventory management terminal 17, a label seal 24 is created and output.

[0060] The product data of the clock 14 includes the product name of the clock 14 (including the model name and the store name where it is sold), the brand name of the clock 14 (manufacturer), the manufacturing date of the clock 14, the state of the clock 14 (excellent, good, fair), the purchase cost of the clock 14, the digital image of the clock 14, and the personal information of the user (seller) of the clock 14. The personal information includes name, address, phone number, age, gender, email address, etc. Note that there is no particular limitation on the product data of the clock 14, and it includes all data related to the clock 14 and the user.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, on the label seal 24 output from the label printer 21, the product name of the clock 14, the brand name of the clock 14, the manufacturing date of the clock 14, and an identification number (identifier) are displayed on the clock 14. In addition, when the warehousing management terminal 17 independently generates a unique product identification number (product identifier) and generates a unique identification number (identifier) to be written into the IC chip 223 of the RF tag 15, the warehousing management terminal 17 uses the RF tag reader / writer 20 to write the unique identification number into the IC chip 22 of the RF tag 15. After that, the unique product identification number, the unique identification number, and various product data of the clock 14 are transmitted to the cloud 11 (server) via the Internet 12.

[0062] The cloud 11 (server) stores (identifier storage means) in a large-capacity virtual storage area in a state where the identification number (identifier) (the identification number stored in the RF tag 15) transmitted from the warehousing management terminal 17 and the product identification number (product identifier) (the product identification number of the clock 14 (product) stored in the warehouse) transmitted from the warehousing management terminal 17 are associated. The cloud 11 stores (stores) various product data of the clock 14 (product) stored in the warehouse in the product information management database 19 in a state associated with the identification number (identifier) (the identification number stored in the RF tag) or the product identification number (product identifier) transmitted from the warehousing management terminal 17 (product data storage means). A transmission completion message and an identification number input screen are displayed on the display of the warehousing management terminal 17.

[0063] The employee of the purchasing store attaches the label seal 24 output from the label printer 21 to the surface of the storage bag 23 (plastic bag), stores the clock 14 for which the warehousing procedure has been completed in the storage bag 23, and stores the storage bag 23 in the storage box 25. The above-mentioned warehousing procedure is repeated using the warehousing management terminal 17, the RF tag reader / writer 20, and the label printer 21. While attaching the label seal 24 to the storage bag 23 (plastic bag), the clocks 14 for which the warehousing procedure has been completed are sequentially stored in the storage bag 23. The employee performs the warehousing procedure for all the clocks 14 purchased.

[0064] The purchasing store sells (resells) the purchased watch 14 to the sales store (retailer). When the purchasing store sells the watch 14 to the sales store, an employee (clerical staff) of the purchasing store creates a sales invoice (sales slip) for the sold watch 14 and performs the sales processing procedures according to the sales invoice. In the sales processing procedures, click the sales processing button output (displayed) on the display of the inventory management terminal 17, and in the sales processing screen output (displayed) on the display, enter the product identification number printed on the label seal 24 attached to the storage bag 23 in the product identification number input area, and then click the sales (sale) completion button. Or, use the RF tag reader 16 or the RF tag reader / writer 20 to read the IC chip 22 of the RF tag 15 of the watch 14 stored in the storage bag 23, enter the identification number (identifier) stored in the IC chip 22 into the inventory management terminal 17, and then click the sales (sale) completion button.

[0065] When the sales completion button is clicked, the sales (sale) completion signal and the product identification number (product identifier) or the identification number (identifier) are sent from the inventory management terminal 17 to the cloud 11 (server). The cloud 11 (server) that has received the sales completion signal and the product identification number (product identifier) or the identification number (identifier) attaches a sales (sale) processing completion tag to the identification number corresponding to the product identification number (product identifier) received from the inventory management terminal 17 among the identification numbers stored in the processing record management database 18, or attaches a sales (sale) processing completion tag to the identification number received from the inventory management terminal 17 among the identification numbers stored in the processing record management database 18.

[0066] Alternatively, delete the identification number (identifier) corresponding to the product identification number (product identifier) received from the warehousing management terminal 17 from the processing record management database 18, or delete the identification number (identifier) received from the warehousing management terminal 17 from the processing record management database 18. Further, attach a sales (sale) processing completion tag to the product data corresponding to the identification number (identifier) among the product data stored in the product information management database 19. After performing the sales processing procedure, the employee puts the storage bag 23 containing the sold clock 14 into the mailbox 26. The employee repeats the above-described sales (sale) processing procedure to perform the sales processing procedure for all the clocks 14 sold to the retailer.

[0067] After performing the sales processing procedure for all the clocks 14 sold to the retailer, the employee of the purchasing store performs the procedure for sending (mailing) the clocks 14 to the retailer. In the procedure for sending, take out the storage bag 23 from the mailbox 26, click the send processing button output (displayed) on the display of the warehousing management terminal 17, and in the send processing screen output (displayed) on the display, after inputting the product identification number (product identifier) printed on the label seal 24 attached to the storage bag 23 in the product identification number input area, click the send processing completion button. Alternatively, use the RF tag reader 16 or the RF tag reader / writer 20 to read the IC chip 22 of the RF tag 15 of the clock 14 stored in the storage bag 23, input the identification number (identifier) stored in the IC chip 22 into the warehousing management terminal 17, and then click the send processing completion button.

[0068] When the "Delivery Process Completion" button is clicked, a delivery process completion signal and a product identification number (product identifier) or an identification number (identifier) are transmitted from the inventory management terminal 17 to the cloud 11 (server). The cloud 11 that has received the delivery process completion signal and the product identification number (product identifier) or the identification number (identifier) attaches a delivery process completion tag to the identification number corresponding to the product identification number (product identifier) received from the inventory management terminal 17 among the identification numbers (identifiers) stored in the processing record management database 18, or attaches a delivery process completion tag to the identification number received from the inventory management terminal 17 among the identification numbers (identifiers) stored in the processing record management database 18. Further, a delivery process completion tag is attached to the product data corresponding to the identification number (identifier) among the product data stored in the product information management database 19. After performing the delivery process procedures, the employee puts the storage bag 23 containing the delivered clock 14 back into the mailbox 26 again. The employee repeats the above-described delivery process procedures for all of the clocks 14 sold to the retailer to perform the delivery process procedures.

[0069] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of an inventory count operation, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of an inventory count operation screen output (displayed) on the touch panels 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals). Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of an inventory count quantity difference output screen output (displayed) on the touch panels 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of an inventory count product number output screen output (displayed) on the touch panels 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals). Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an inventory count product data output screen output (displayed) on the touch panels 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals). In Figures 7 to 10, illustration of the data output (displayed) in each output area and the data input in each input area is simplified (the same applies to Figures 11 to 20).

[0070] The employee of the purchasing store takes an inventory of the stock of the clock 14 (product) at the start or end of business hours, etc. The employee taps (clicks) on an icon (not shown) of the inventory management system 10 output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) they possess. When tapping on the icon of the inventory management system 10, the application of the inventory management system 10 starts, the smartphones 13a to 13c access and log in to the cloud 11, and the inventory work screen shown in FIG. 7 is output (displayed) on the touch panels 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c. On the inventory work screen of FIG. 7, an inventory work button 7a and a log-out button 7b are output (displayed). When tapping on the log-out button 7b, the smartphones 13a to 13c log out from the cloud 11 (the same applies to the following log-out buttons).

[0071] When tapping on the inventory work button 7a, an inventory instruction screen (not shown) is output (displayed) on the touch panels 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c. On the inventory instruction screen, a reading message of the RF tag 15 by the RF tag reader 16, a back button, and a log-out button are output (displayed). When clicking on the back button, it returns to the previous screen (the same applies to the following back buttons). The employee turns on the switch of the RF tag reader 16 and, as shown in FIG. 6, uses the RF tag reader 16 to collectively read at once the identification numbers (identifiers) stored in the IC chips 22 of each of the RF tags 16 inside those storage bags 23 housed in the mailing box 26 (identifier reading means). The identification numbers (identifiers) stored in the IC chips 22 of the RF tags 16 of each clock 14 housed in those storage bags 23 within the mailing box 26 are instantaneously read by the RF tag reader 16.

[0072] The RF tag reader 16 transmits the read identification numbers (identifiers) to the smartphones 13a to 13c. The smartphones 13a to 13c transmit the identification numbers (identifiers) transmitted from the RF tag reader 16 to the cloud 11 (identifier transmission means). In addition, when the RF tag reader 16 has a communication function, the identification numbers (identifiers) can be directly transmitted to the cloud 11 using the communication function (identifier transmission means).

[0073] The cloud 11 (server) receives the identification numbers (identifiers) transmitted from the smartphones 13a to 13c or the RF tag reader 16 by the identifier transmission means, and while receiving them, compares the identification numbers (identifiers) stored in the large-capacity virtual storage area by the identifier storage means with the identification numbers (identifiers) of the inventory target clocks 14 (products) transmitted from the smartphones 13a to 13c or the RF tag reader 16 by the identifier transmission means, and calculates the difference in the number between the number of clocks 14 in stock and the number of clocks 14 for inventory (number difference calculation means).

[0074] When the identification numbers (identifiers) stored in the large-capacity virtual storage area by the identifier storage means match the identification numbers (identifiers) of the inventory target clocks 14 (products) transmitted by the identifier transmission means, the cloud 11 (server) determines that the number difference is 0. When the identification numbers stored do not match and the number of transmitted identification numbers is less than the number of stored identification numbers, the cloud 11 determines that the number difference is negative. When the identification numbers stored do not match and the number of transmitted identification numbers is greater than the number of stored identification numbers, the cloud 11 determines that the number difference is positive.

[0075] Each time the cloud 11 (server) executes the quantity difference calculation means, it stores (archives) in a large-capacity virtual memory area in a state associated with a unique identification number (identifier) that is uniquely generated for the quantity difference calculated by each quantity difference calculation means and the execution date and time (year, month, day, hour) of the quantity difference calculation means. The cloud 11 transmits the quantity difference calculated by the quantity difference calculation means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (quantity difference transmission means). The smartphones 13a to 13c receive the quantity difference transmitted from the cloud 11 by the quantity difference transmission means and output (display) the received quantity difference on the touch panel 27 (quantity difference output means). On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c, an inventory quantity difference output screen shown in FIG. 8 is output (displayed).

[0076] On the inventory quantity difference output screen of FIG. 8, an incoming clock (incoming product) quantity output area 8a, an inventory target clock (inventory target product) quantity output area 8b, a quantity difference output area 8c, an inventory product number output button 8d, an inventory work screen button 8e, a return button 8f, and a logout button 8g are output (displayed). When the inventory work screen button is tapped, the inventory work screen of FIG. 6 is output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 (the same applies to the following inventory work screen buttons).

[0077] In the incoming clock quantity output area 8a, the quantity of the clocks 14 for which the incoming procedure has been completed (clocks 14 for which the sales processing procedure has not been completed) is output (displayed), and in the inventory target clock quantity output area 8b, the quantity of each clock 14 targeted for inventory in the storage bags 23 in the mailing box 26 is output (displayed). When the quantity difference is 0, 0 is output (displayed) in the quantity difference output area 8c. When the quantity difference is negative, the negative quantity is output (displayed) in the quantity difference output area 8c, and when the quantity difference is positive, the positive quantity is output (displayed) in the quantity difference output area 8c.

[0078] By checking the number output (displayed) in the clock inventory count output area 8a, the number of clocks 14 for which the inventory procedure has been completed can be known. By checking the number output (displayed) in the physical inventory target clock count output area 8b, the number of each clock 14 subject to physical inventory can be known. By checking the quantity difference output area 8c, the difference between the number of each clock 14 (clocks 14 for which the sales process has not been completed) for which the inventory procedure has been completed and the number of each clock 14 subject to physical inventory can be known.

[0079] The physical inventory management system 10 stores the unique identification number (identifier) stored in the IC chip 22 of the RF tag 15 in association with the product identification number (product identifier) of the clock 14 (product) that has been inventoried. The RF tag reader 16 collectively reads the identification numbers stored in the IC chips 22 of those RF tags 15 attached to each clock 14 subject to physical inventory, transmits the read identification numbers of those RF tags 15 to the cloud 11, and the cloud 11 compares the identification numbers stored with the identification numbers of the clocks 14 subject to physical inventory transmitted from the RF tag reader 16 to determine the quantity difference between the number of clocks 14 that have been inventoried and the number of clocks 14 subject to physical inventory. Therefore, the identification numbers stored in the IC chips 22 of the RF tags 15 of the clocks 14 subject to physical inventory can be instantaneously read collectively using the RF tag reader 16, without the need for time and effort in the RF tag 15 reading operation, and physical inventory can be performed quickly and efficiently.

[0080] In the inventory management system 10, since the RF tag 15 is attached to each clock 14 (each product) to be inventoried and is never removed from each clock 14 to be inventoried, there is no omission in reading the identification number (identifier) associated with each clock 14 to be inventoried. Thus, the number of clocks 14 received in stock and the number of clocks 14 to be inventoried can be accurately determined, and accurate inventory can be carried out. The inventory management system 10 can determine the difference in the number between the clocks 14 (products) received in stock and the clocks 14 to be inventoried. Moreover, since smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) output (display) the difference in number transmitted from the cloud 11 (server), it is possible to know whether the number of clocks 14 received in stock and the number of clocks 14 to be inventoried match or not via the smartphones 13a to 13c. It is possible to find the cause of the discrepancy in the number between the clocks 14 received in stock and the clocks 14 to be inventoried, and by clarifying the cause, the discrepancy in number in the inventory can be corrected.

[0081] To output (display) the product identification number (product identifier) (product specific number) of the clock 14 (product) to be inventoried, tap the inventory product number output button 8d on the inventory quantity difference output screen of FIG. 8. When the inventory product number output button 8d is tapped, the cloud 11 (server) specifies the product identification number (product specific number) of each clock 14 to be inventoried corresponding to the identification number (identifier) of the clock 14 (product) to be inventoried transmitted from the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) or the RF tag reader 15 by the identifier transmission means (product identifier specifying means). The cloud 11 transmits the product identification number (product specific number) of each clock 14 (each product) to be inventoried specified by the product identifier specifying means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (product identifier transmission means).

[0082] The smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) receive the product identification numbers (product specific numbers) of each clock 14 (each product) to be inventoried transmitted from the cloud 11 (server) by the product identifier transmission means, and output (display) the received product identification numbers of each clock 14 to be inventoried to the touch panel 27 (product identifier output means). On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c, an inventory product number output screen shown in FIG. 9 is output (displayed).

[0083] On the inventory product number output screen of FIG. 9, an inventory target clock (inventory target product) quantity output area 9a, a quantity difference output area 9b, an inventory target clock output area 9c, a product data output button 9d, an inventory work screen button 9e, a return button 9f, and a logout button 9g are output (displayed). In the inventory target clock output area 9c, the product identification numbers (product identifiers) (product specific numbers) of each clock 14 (product) to be inventoried are output (displayed), and when the identification numbers (identifiers) stored in the large-capacity virtual storage area match the identification numbers (identifiers) of the clock 14 to be inventoried transmitted from the smartphones 13a to 13c or the RF tag reader 15, an "OK" message is output (displayed) to the clock 14. By scrolling the touch panel 27, the product identification numbers (product specific numbers) of all the clocks 14 to be inventoried can be viewed. By viewing the inventory product output screen, it is possible to know the match between the product identification number and the identification number of each clock 14 to be inventoried.

[0084] The inventory management system 10 specifies the product identification numbers (product identifiers) (product specific numbers) of each clock to be inventoried corresponding to the identification numbers (identifiers) of the clock 14 (product) to be inventoried by the cloud 11 (server). By the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) outputting the product identification numbers of each clock 14 to be inventoried, the product identification numbers of each clock 14 to be inventoried are specified from each identification number, and it is possible to know the product identification numbers of each clock 14 to be inventoried with matching quantities via the smartphones 13a to 13c, and it is possible to know the product identification numbers of each clock 14 to be inventoried with non-matching quantities.

[0085] The inventory management system 10 can not only perform inventory quickly and efficiently, but also grasp the product identification numbers (product identifiers) (product specific numbers) of each clock 14 (each product) to be inventoried with a quantity discrepancy, while exploring the cause of the quantity discrepancy between the clocks 14 in storage and the clocks 14 to be inventoried, and by clarifying the cause, the quantity discrepancy can be corrected, and accurate inventory can be performed while specifying the product identification numbers of each clock 14 to be inventoried.

[0086] To output (display) the detailed product data of each clock 14 in the inventory target clock output area 9c, tap on each clock 14 output (displayed) in the inventory target clock output area 9c to specify (invert) a predetermined clock 14, and then tap the product data output button 9d. Or, after reading the identification number of the RF tag 15 attached to the clock 14 in the storage bag 23 by the RF tag reader 16 or the RF tag reader / writer 20, tap the product data output button 9d.

[0087] When the product data output button 9d is tapped, the cloud 11 (server) identifies the product data of each clock 13 to be inventoried corresponding to the identification number (identifier) of the tapped clock 14 (product) (product data identification means), or identifies the product data of each clock 14 to be inventoried corresponding to the read identification number (corresponding to the identification number (identifier) of the clock 14 to be inventoried transmitted from the RF tag reader 16 or the RF tag reader / writer 20) (product data identification means). The cloud 11 transmits the product data of the clock 14 (product) to be inventoried identified by the product data identification means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (product data transmission means).

[0088] The smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) receive the product data of the clock 14 (product) to be inventoried transmitted from the cloud 11 (server) by the product data transmission means, and output (display) the received product data of the clock 14 to be inventoried on the touch panel 27 (product data output means). The touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c outputs (displays) the inventory product data output screen shown in FIG. 10.

[0089] On the inventory count product data output screen of FIG. 10, an incoming clock (incoming product) quantity output area 10a, an inventory count target clock quantity output area 10b, a quantity difference output area 10c, a clock data output area 10d, a return button 10e, an inventory count operation screen button 10f, and a logout button 10g are output (displayed). In the clock data output area 10d, a product name output area of clock 14, a brand name output area of clock 14, a manufacturing date output area of clock 14, a status (excellent, good, acceptable) output area of clock 14, a purchase cost output area of clock 14, a digital image output area of clock 14, and a user information output area of the user (seller) of clock 14 are output (displayed). By viewing the inventory count product data output screen, detailed product data of each clock 14 subject to inventory count can be known.

[0090] The inventory count management system 10 allows the cloud 11 (server) to identify various multiple product data of each clock 14 subject to inventory count corresponding to the identification number (identifier) of the clock 14 (product) subject to inventory count, and the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) to output the product data of each clock 14 subject to inventory count. Thus, the product data of each clock 14 subject to inventory count can be identified from each identification number, and the product data of each clock 14 subject to inventory count with matching quantities can be known via the smartphones 13a to 13c, and the product data 14 of each clock subject to inventory count with non-matching quantities can be known.

[0091] The inventory count management system 10 can not only perform inventory count quickly and efficiently, but also grasp the product data of each clock 14 (each product) subject to inventory count with non-matching quantities, explore the cause of the quantity mismatch between the incoming clocks 14 and the clocks 14 subject to inventory count, correct the quantity mismatch by clarifying the cause, and perform accurate inventory count while grasping the product data of each clock 14 subject to inventory count.

[0092] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a shortage quantity difference output screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a physical inventory product number output screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a shortage product data output screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals).

[0093] When the cloud 11 (server) determines in the quantity difference calculation means that the stored identification numbers and the identification numbers of the inventory target clocks 14 (products) transmitted are inconsistent, and the number of transmitted identification numbers is less than the stored identification numbers, and the quantity difference calculated by the quantity difference calculation means becomes negative, and it is determined that there is a shortage (the quantity difference is negative) in the inventory target clocks 14 with respect to the number of clocks 14 in stock, the negative quantity difference is transmitted to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (quantity difference transmission means).

[0094] The smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) receive the negative quantity difference transmitted from the cloud 11 (server) by the quantity difference transmission means, and output (display) the received negative quantity difference on the touch panel 27 (quantity difference output means). On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c, the shortage quantity difference output screen shown in FIG. 11 is output (displayed).

[0095] On the shortage quantity difference output screen of FIG. 11, an in-stock clock (in-stock product) quantity output area 11a, an inventory target clock (inventory target product) quantity output area 11b, a shortage quantity difference output area 11c, an inventory product number output button 11d, an inventory work screen button 11e, a return button 11f, and a logout button 11g are output (displayed). A negative number is output (displayed) in the shortage quantity difference output area 11c. By looking at the shortage quantity difference output area 11c, it is possible to know the negative difference (shortage) between the number of each clock 14 (clocks 14 for which the sales processing procedure has not been completed) for which the warehousing procedure has been completed and the number of each clock 14 for the inventory target.

[0096] When the inventory product number output button 11d on the shortage quantity difference output screen of FIG. 11 is tapped, the cloud 11 (server) identifies the product identification numbers (product identifiers) (product specific numbers) of each clock 14 (product) to be inventoried corresponding to the identification numbers (identifiers) of the clocks 14 (products) to be inventoried transmitted from the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) or the RF tag reader 15 (product identifier identification means), and also identifies the shortage product identification numbers (shortage product identifiers) (shortage product specific numbers) of the shortage clocks 14 corresponding to the identifiers of the shortage clocks 14 (shortage product identifier identification means). The cloud 11 transmits the product identification numbers of each clock 14 to be inventoried identified by the product identifier identification means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (product identifier transmission means), and also transmits the shortage product identification numbers of the shortage clocks 14 identified by the shortage product identifier identification means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (shortage product identifier transmission means).

[0097] The smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) receive the product identification numbers (product identifiers) of each clock 14 (each product) to be inventoried and the shortage product identification numbers (shortage product identifiers) of the shortage clocks 14 transmitted from the cloud 11 (server) by the product identifier transmission means and the shortage product identifier transmission means, and while receiving, output (display) the product identification numbers of each clock 14 to be inventoried to the touch panel 27 (product identifier output means), and output (display) the shortage product identification numbers of the received shortage clocks 14 to the touch panel 27 (shortage product identifier output means). On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c, an inventory product (including shortages) number output screen shown in FIG. 12 is output (displayed).

[0098] On the inventory product (including shortages) number output screen of FIG. 12, an inventory target clock (inventory target product) quantity output area 12a, a shortage quantity difference output area 12b, an inventory target clock (including shortages) output area 12c, a product data display button 12d, an existence period specifying button 12e, an inventory work screen button 12f, a return button 12g, and a logout button 12h are output (displayed).

[0099] In the inventory target clock output area 12c, the product identification numbers (product identifiers) of each clock 14 (product) subject to inventory are output (displayed). When the identification numbers (identifiers) stored in the large-capacity virtual memory area do not match the identification numbers (identifiers) of the clocks (products) subject to inventory transmitted from the smartphones 13a to 13c or the RF tag reader 15, an "NG" message is output (displayed) for the clock 14 with a mismatch (out-of-stock). When the identification numbers stored in the large-capacity virtual memory area match the identification numbers of the clocks 14 subject to inventory transmitted from the smartphones 13a to 13c or the RF tag reader 15, an "OK" message is output (displayed) for the clock 14. By scrolling the touch panel 27, the product identification numbers (product identifiers) of all the clocks 14 subject to inventory can be viewed. By viewing the inventory product output screen, it is possible to know whether the product identification numbers and the identification numbers of each clock 14 subject to inventory match or do not match (are out of stock).

[0100] When there is an out-of-stock in the clocks 14 subject to inventory compared to the number of clocks 14 (products) that have been received, the cloud 11 (server) transmits the out-of-stock product identification number (out-of-stock product identifier) of the identified out-of-stock clock 14 to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals). Since the smartphones 13a to 13c output the out-of-stock product identification number of the out-of-stock clock 14, it is possible to know the out-of-stock product identification number of each out-of-stock clock 14 in the case of a quantity mismatch. It is possible to search for the cause of the out-of-stock while grasping the out-of-stock product identification number of the out-of-stock clock 14. By clarifying the cause, the out-of-stock can be corrected, and accurate inventory can be carried out quickly and efficiently.

[0101] To output (display) the detailed product data of the out-of-stock clock 14 output (displayed) in the inventory target clock output area 12c, tap the out-of-stock clock 14 (NG clock 14) output (displayed) in the inventory target clock output area 12c to specify (invert) the out-of-stock clock 14, and then tap the product data display button 12d. When the product data display button 12d is tapped, the cloud 11 (server) identifies the product data of the out-of-stock clock 14 corresponding to the identification number (identifier) of the tapped out-of-stock clock 14 (product) (out-of-stock product data identification means). The cloud 11 transmits the out-of-stock product data of the out-of-stock clock 14 identified by the out-of-stock product data identification means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (out-of-stock product data transmission means).

[0102] The smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) receive the product data of the out-of-stock clock 14 (product) transmitted from the cloud 11 (server) by the out-of-stock product data transmission means, and output (display) the received product data of the out-of-stock clock 14 on the touch panel 27 (out-of-stock product data output means). On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c, the out-of-stock product data output screen shown in FIG. 13 is output (displayed).

[0103] On the out-of-stock product data output screen of FIG. 13, an in-stock clock (in-stock product) quantity output area 13a, an inventory target clock quantity output area 13b, an out-of-stock quantity difference output area 13c, an out-of-stock product data output area 13d, a return button 13e, an inventory work screen button 13f, and a logout button 13g are output (displayed). In the out-of-stock product data output area 13d, a product name output area of the clock 14, a brand name output area of the clock 14, a manufacturing date output area of the clock 14, a status (excellent, good, acceptable) output area of the clock 14, a purchase cost output area of the clock 14, a digital image output area of the clock 14, and a user information output area of the user (seller) of the clock 14 are output (displayed). By viewing the out-of-stock product data output screen, the detailed product data of the out-of-stock clock 14 can be known.

[0104] When the inventory count of the clocks 14 (products) in stock reveals a shortage in the clocks 14 subject to inventory, the cloud 11 (server) transmits the shortage product data of the identified shortage clocks 14 to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and the smartphones 13a to 13c output the shortage product data of the shortage clocks 14. Thus, when the quantities do not match, it is possible to know the shortage product data of each shortage clock 14, explore the causes of the shortage while grasping the shortage product data of the shortage clocks 14, correct the shortage by elucidating the causes, and perform accurate inventory quickly and efficiently.

[0105] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an existence period output screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a cause output screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals). To check the existence period of the shortage clocks 14 (products), tap the existence period specifying button 12e on the inventory product (including shortages) number output screen of FIG. 12.

[0106] When the existence period specifying button 12e is tapped, the cloud 11 (server) refers to the quantity difference calculated by each quantity difference calculating means stored (stored) in the large-capacity virtual storage area, and while referring to the identification number (identifier) of the shortage clocks 14 (products) stored (stored) in the large-capacity virtual storage area, determines at which stage of the quantity difference calculating means implemented from the past to the present the shortage clocks 14 existed, and specifies until which time period (the implementation date and time when the quantity difference calculating means was implemented) the shortage clocks 14 existed based on at which stage of the quantity difference calculating means implemented from the past to the present the shortage did not occur (existence period specifying means). The cloud 11 transmits the existence period specified by the existence period specifying means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (existence period transmitting means).

[0107] The smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) receive the existence time of the out-of-stock clock 14 (product) transmitted from the cloud 11 (server) by the existence time transmission means, and output (display) the received existence time to the touch panel 27 (existence time output means). On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c, an existence period output screen shown in FIG. 14 is output (displayed).

[0108] On the existence period output screen of FIG. 14, an existence time output area 14a that outputs (displays) the existence time, an out-of-stock clock data output area 14b, a cause output button 14c, an inventory check work screen button 14d, a return button 14e, and a logout button 14f are output (displayed). By looking at the existence period output screen, the existence time when the out-of-stock clock 14 existed can be known.

[0109] When there is a shortage in the inventory target clock 14 with respect to the number of clocks 14 (products) stored in the inventory management system 10, the cloud 11 (server) transmits the identified existence time of the identified out-of-stock clock 14 to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and the smartphones 13a to 13c output the existence time of the out-of-stock clock 14. Therefore, the existence time of the out-of-stock clock 14 in the case of a mismatch in the number can be known, the cause of the shortage can be explored while grasping the existence time of the out-of-stock clock 14, the shortage can be corrected by clarifying the cause, and accurate inventory checks can be performed quickly and efficiently.

[0110] To investigate the cause of the shortage of the clock 14 (product), tap the cause output button 14c on the existence period output screen of FIG. 14. When the cause output button 14c is tapped, the cloud 11 (server) determines whether the identification number (identifier) of the out-of-stock clock 14 (product) corresponds to the identification number stored in the processing record management database 18 and tagged with a sales (sale) processing completion tag, or whether the identification number (identifier) of the out-of-stock clock 14 has been deleted from the processing record management database 18, and determines whether the sales (sale) processing of the out-of-stock clock 14 has been processed or not processed after the existence time determined by the existence time determination means (sales processing determination means).

[0111] When the cloud 11 (server) determines by the sales processing determination means that the sales (sale) processing of the out-of-stock watch 14 (product) is unprocessed, it transmits an unprocessed sales message of the out-of-stock watch 14 to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (unprocessed sales message transmission means). The smartphones 13a to 13c receive the unprocessed sales message of the out-of-stock watch 14 transmitted from the cloud 11 by the unprocessed sales message transmission means, and output (display) the received unprocessed sales message to the touch panel 27 (unprocessed sales message output means).

[0112] When the cloud 11 (server) determines by the sales processing determination means that the sales (sale) processing of the out-of-stock watch 14 (product) has been processed, it transmits a loss message of the out-of-stock watch 14 to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (loss message transmission means). The smartphones 13a to 13c receive the loss message of the out-of-stock watch 14 transmitted from the cloud 11 by the loss message transmission means, and output (display) the received loss message to the touch panel 27 (loss message output means).

[0113] On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), a cause output screen shown in FIG. 15 is output (displayed). On the cause output screen of FIG. 15, a cause message output area 15a for outputting (displaying) a cause message, a presence time output area 15b for outputting (displaying) the presence time, an out-of-stock watch data output area 15c, a return button 15d, an inventory check work screen button 15e, and a logout button 15f are output (displayed). In the cause message output area 15a, an unprocessed sales message (unprocessed sales) or a loss message (loss) is output (displayed). By looking at the cause output screen, the cause of the out-of-stock of the watch 14 can be known.

[0114] The inventory management system 10 can determine that the sales process of the out-of-stock clock 14 (product) by the cloud 11 (server) is unprocessed, and by the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) outputting (displaying) a message indicating unprocessed sales of the out-of-stock clock 14, it can be known that the cause of the out-of-stock is unprocessed sales. By performing the sales process, the cause of the out-of-stock can be eliminated and the out-of-stock can be corrected, and accurate inventory counting can be performed quickly and efficiently.

[0115] The inventory management system 10 can determine that the sales process of the out-of-stock clock 14 (product) by the cloud 11 (server) has been processed, and by the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) outputting a message indicating loss of the out-of-stock clock 14, it can be known that the cause of the out-of-stock is loss. By performing the out-of-stock processing due to loss, the cause of the out-of-stock can be eliminated and the out-of-stock can be corrected, and accurate inventory counting can be performed quickly and efficiently.

[0116] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an additional quantity difference output screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of an inventory product number output screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals). FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an additional product data output screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals).

[0117] When the cloud 11 (server) determines in the quantity difference calculation means that the stored identification numbers and the identification numbers of the inventory target clocks 14 (products) sent are inconsistent and the number of the sent identification numbers is larger than the stored identification numbers, and the quantity difference calculated by the quantity difference calculation means is positive, indicating that there has been an increase in the number of the inventory target clocks 14 compared to the number of the clocks 14 in stock (the quantity difference is positive), the positive quantity difference is transmitted to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (quantity difference transmission means). The smartphones 13a to 13c receive the positive quantity difference transmitted from the cloud 11 by the quantity difference transmission means and output (display) the received positive quantity difference on the touch panel 27 (quantity difference output means). On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c, an increased quantity difference output screen shown in FIG. 16 is output (displayed).

[0118] On the increased quantity difference output screen of FIG. 16, an in-stock clock (in-stock product) quantity output area 16a, an inventory target clock (inventory target product) quantity output area 16b, an increased quantity difference output area 16c, an inventory product number output button 16d, an inventory work screen button 16e, a return button 16f, and a logout button 16g are output (displayed). In the increased quantity difference output area 16c, the positive number is output (displayed). By looking at the increased quantity difference output area 16c, the positive difference (shortage) between the number of each clock 14 (clock 14 for which the sales processing procedure has been completed) for which the inventory procedure has been completed and the number of each clock 14 for the inventory target can be known.

[0119] When the inventory product number output button on the additional product quantity difference output screen of FIG. 16 is tapped, the cloud 11 (server) identifies the product identification numbers (product identifiers) of each clock 14 subject to inventory corresponding to the identification number (identifier) of the clock 14 (product) subject to inventory transmitted from the RF tag reader 15 by the identifier transmission means (product identifier identification means), and identifies the additional product identification numbers of the additional clocks 14 corresponding to the identifiers of the additional clocks 14 (additional product identifier identification means). The cloud 11 transmits the product identification numbers (product identifiers) of each clock 14 subject to inventory identified by the product identifier identification means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (product identifier transmission means), and transmits the additional product identification numbers (additional product identifiers) of the additional clocks 14 identified by the additional product identifier identification means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (additional product identifier transmission means).

[0120] The smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) receive the product identification numbers (product identifiers) of each clock 14 (each product) subject to inventory and the additional product identification numbers (additional product identifiers) of the additional clocks 14 transmitted from the cloud 11 (server) by the product identifier transmission means and the additional product identifier transmission means, and output (display) the received product identification numbers of each clock 14 subject to inventory on the touch panel 27 (product identifier output means), and output (display) the received additional product identification numbers of the additional clocks 14 on the touch panel 27 (additional product identifier output means). On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c, an inventory product (including additional products) number output screen shown in FIG. 17 is output (displayed).

[0121] On the inventory product (including additional products) number output screen of FIG. 17, an inventory target clock (inventory target product) quantity output area 17a, an additional product quantity difference output area 17b, an inventory target clock (including additional products) output area 17c, a product data display button 17d, an existence period identification button 17e, an inventory work screen button 17f, a return button 17g, and a logout button 17h are output (displayed).

[0122] In the inventory target clock output area 17c, the product identification numbers (product identifiers) of each clock 14 (product) subject to inventory are output (displayed). When the identification numbers (identifiers) stored in the large-capacity virtual memory area do not match the identification numbers (identifiers) of the clocks 14 subject to inventory transmitted from the smartphones 13a to 13c or the RF tag reader 16 (an increase in products), an "NG" message is output (displayed) for the clock 14, and when the identification numbers stored in the large-capacity virtual memory area match the identification numbers of the clocks 14 subject to inventory transmitted from the smartphones 13a to 13c or the RF tag reader 16, an "OK" message is output (displayed) for the clock 14. By scrolling the touch panel 27, the product identification numbers (product identifiers) of all the clocks 14 subject to inventory can be viewed. By viewing the inventory product output screen, it is possible to know whether the product identification numbers and the identification numbers of each clock 14 subject to inventory match or do not match (an increase in products).

[0123] When an increase in products occurs in the clocks 14 subject to inventory compared to the number of clocks 14 (products) stored, the inventory management system 10 causes the cloud 11 (server) to transmit the increased product identification numbers (increased product identifiers) of the identified clocks 14 with an increase in products to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and the smartphones 13a to 13c output the increased product identification numbers of the clocks 14 with an increase in products. Therefore, it is possible to know the increased product identification numbers of each clock 14 with an increase in products when the numbers do not match, explore the cause of the increase in products while grasping the increased product identification numbers of the clocks 14 with an increase in products, correct the increase in products by elucidating the cause, and perform accurate inventory quickly and efficiently.

[0124] To output (display) the detailed product data of the additional clock 14 output to the inventory target clock output area 17c on the inventory product number output screen of FIG. 17, tap the additional clock 14 (NG clock 14) output (displayed) in the inventory target clock output area 17c to specify (invert) the additional clock 14, and then tap the product data display button 17d. When the product data display button 17d is tapped, the cloud 11 (server) identifies the product data of the additional clock 14 corresponding to the identification number (identifier) of the tapped additional clock 14 (additional product data identification means). The cloud 11 transmits the additional product data of the additional clock 14 identified by the additional product data identification means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (additional product data transmission means).

[0125] The smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) receive the product data of the additional clock 14 (product) transmitted from the cloud 11 (server) by the additional product data transmission means, and output (display) the received product data of the additional clock 14 to the touch panel 27 (additional product data output means). On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c, an additional product data output screen shown in FIG. 18 is output (displayed).

[0126] On the additional product data output screen of FIG. 18, an incoming clock (incoming product) quantity output area 18a, an inventory target clock quantity output area 18b, an additional quantity difference output area 18c, an additional product data output area 18d, a return button 18e, an inventory work screen button 18f, and a logout button 18g are output (displayed). In the additional product data output area 18d, a product name output area of the clock 14, a brand name output area of the clock 14, a manufacturing date output area of the clock 14, a status (excellent, good, acceptable) output area of the clock 14, a purchase cost output area of the clock 14, a digital image output area of the clock 14, and a user information output area of the user (seller) of the clock 14 are output (displayed). By viewing the additional product data output screen, the detailed product data of the additional clock 14 can be known.

[0127] When additional products are added to the inventory clocks 14 (products) to be inventoried in the inventory management system 10, the cloud 11 (server) transmits the additional product data of the identified additional product clocks 14 to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and the smartphones 13a to 13c output the additional product data of the additional product clocks 14. Therefore, it is possible to know the additional product data of each additional product clock 14 in the case of a quantity mismatch, to explore the cause of the additional product while grasping the additional product data of the additional product clock 14, to correct the additional product by elucidating the cause, and to perform accurate inventory quickly and efficiently.

[0128] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a non-existence period output screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of a cause output screen output (displayed) on the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals). To check the non-existence period of the additional product clock 14 (product), tap the non-existence period specifying button 17e on the inventory product (including additional products) number output screen of FIG. 17.

[0129] When the non-existence period specifying button 17e is tapped, the cloud 11 (server) refers to the quantity difference calculated by each quantity difference calculating means stored (stored) in the large-capacity virtual storage area, and while referring to the identification number (identifier) of the additional product clock 14 (product) stored (stored) in the large-capacity virtual storage area, determines at which stage of the quantity difference calculating means implemented from the past to the present the additional product clock 14 did not exist, and specifies until which stage of the quantity difference calculating means among the quantity difference calculating means implemented from the past to the present the additional product did not occur, until when the additional product clock 14 did not exist (non-existence period specifying means). The cloud 11 transmits the non-existence period specified by the non-existence period specifying means to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (non-existence period transmitting means).

[0130] Smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) receive the non-existence period of the additional clock 14 (product) transmitted from the cloud 11 (server) by the non-existence period transmission means, and output (display) the received non-existence period to the touch panel 27 (non-existence period output means). On the touch panel 27 of smartphones 13a to 13c, a non-existence period output screen shown in FIG. 19 is output (displayed). On the non-existence period output screen of FIG. 19, a non-existence period output area 19a that outputs (displays) the non-existence period, an additional clock data output area 19b, a cause output button 19c, an inventory screen button 19d, a return button 19e, and a logout button 19f are output (displayed). By looking at the non-existence period output screen, it is possible to know the non-existence period when the additional clock 14 did not exist.

[0131] When additional items occur in the clocks 14 (products) to be inventoried with respect to the number of clocks 14 (products) stored in the inventory management system 10, the cloud 11 (server) transmits the specified non-existence period of the specified additional clock 14 to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), and the smartphones 13a to 13c output the non-existence period of the additional clock 14. Therefore, it is possible to know the non-existence period of each additional clock 14 when the numbers do not match, explore the cause of the additional items while grasping the non-existence period of the additional clock 14, correct the additional items by clarifying the cause, and perform accurate inventory quickly and efficiently.

[0132] To investigate the cause of the additional items of the clock 14 (product), tap the cause output button 19c on the non-existence period output screen of FIG. 19. When the cause output button 19c is tapped, the cloud 11 (server) determines whether the identifier (identifier) of the additional clock 14 (product) corresponds to the identifier (identifier) stored in the process record management database 18 and attached with a transmission process completion tag, and determines whether the additional clock 14 has been transmitted or not after the non-existence period determined by the non-existence period determination means (transmission process determination means).

[0133] When the cloud 11 (server) determines, by the sending process determination means, that the additional clock 14 (product) has not been sent, it transmits an unsent message of the additional clock 14 to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (unsent message transmission means). The smartphones 13a to 13c receive the unsent message of the additional clock 14 transmitted from the cloud 11 by the unsent message transmission means, and output (display) the received unsent message to the touch panel 27 (unsent message output means).

[0134] When the cloud 11 (server) determines, by the sending process determination means, that the additional clock 14 (product) has been sent and an incorrect sending process has been performed, it transmits an incorrect sending process message of the additional clock 14 (a message indicating that the sending process was performed by mistake although it was not sent) to the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals) (incorrect sending process message transmission means). The smartphones 13a to 13c receive the incorrect sending process message of the additional clock 13 transmitted from the cloud 11 by the incorrect sending process message transmission means, and output (display) the received incorrect sending process message to the touch panel 27 (incorrect sending process message output means).

[0135] On the touch panel 27 of the smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), a cause output screen shown in FIG. 20 is output (displayed). On the cause output screen of FIG. 20, a cause message output area 20a for outputting (displaying) a cause message, a non - existence time output area 20b for outputting (displaying) a non - existence time, an additional clock data output area 20c, a return button 20d, an inventory work screen button 20e, and a logout button 20f are output (displayed). In the cause message output area 20a, an unsent message (not sent) or an incorrect sending process message (error in sending process) is output (displayed). By viewing the cause output screen, the cause of the addition of the clock 14 can be known.

[0136] The inventory management system 10 can determine that the clock 14 (product) for additional stock has not been sent when the cloud 11 (server) makes such a judgment. By outputting (displaying) a message indicating that the clock 14 for additional stock has not been sent on smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), it can be known that the cause of the additional stock is the non - sending of the clock 14. By sending the clock 14, the cause of the additional stock can be eliminated and the additional stock can be corrected. At the same time, accurate inventory can be carried out quickly and efficiently.

[0137] The inventory management system 10 can determine that it is an incorrect sending process for the clock 14 (product) for additional stock when the cloud 11 (server) makes such a judgment. By outputting a message for the incorrect sending process of the clock 14 for additional stock on smartphones 13a to 13c (communication terminals), it can be known that the cause of the additional stock is the incorrect sending process. By canceling the incorrect sending process, the cause of the additional stock can be eliminated and the additional stock can be corrected. At the same time, accurate inventory can be carried out quickly and efficiently.

Explanation of symbols

[0138] 10 Inventory management system 11 Cloud (server) 12 Internet 13a~13c Smartphones (communication terminals) 14 Clock (product) 15 RF tag 16 RF tag reader 17 Terminal for warehousing management (personal computer) 18 Processing record management database 19 Product information management database 20 RF tag reader / writer 21 Label printer 22 IC chip 23 Storage bag 24 Label seal 25 Storage box 26 Mailing box 27 Touch panel

Claims

1. In an inventory management system for managing the inventory of a plurality of various products, the inventory management system is formed by a server, an RF tag attached to each product that has been received, an RF tag reader that can be connected to the server via a predetermined network, and a plurality of various communication terminals, the server has an identifier storage means for storing in an associated state the identifier stored in the RF tag and the product identifier of the received product, the RF tag reader has an identifier reading means for collectively reading the identifiers stored in those RF tags attached to each product to be inventoried, and an identifier transmitting means for transmitting the identifiers of those RF tags read by the identifier reading means to the server, the server compares the identifier stored by the identifier storage means with the identifier of the product to be inventoried transmitted from the RF tag reader by the identifier transmitting means, and calculates a quantity difference between the quantity of the received products and the quantity of the products to be inventoried, a quantity difference transmitting means for transmitting the quantity difference calculated by the quantity difference calculating means to the communication terminal, and when the quantity difference calculated by the quantity difference calculating means becomes negative and there is a shortage in the products to be inventoried with respect to the quantity of the received products, a shortage product identifier specifying means for specifying the shortage product identifier of the shortage product corresponding to the identifier of the shortage product, and a shortage product identifier transmitting means for transmitting the shortage product identifier of the shortage product specified by the shortage product identifier specifying means to the communication terminal, the communication terminal has a quantity difference output means for outputting the quantity difference transmitted from the server by the quantity difference transmitting means, and a shortage product identifier output means for outputting the shortage product identifier of each shortage product transmitted from the server by the shortage product identifier transmitting means, and is characterized by an inventory management system.

2. Product data storage means for the server to store various product data of the stocked products in a state associated with the identifiers stored in the RF tag; product data specifying means for specifying the product data of each product to be inventoried corresponding to the identifier of the product to be inventoried transmitted from the RF tag reader by the identifier transmitting means; and product data transmitting means for transmitting the product data of the product to be inventoried specified by the product data specifying means to the communication terminal, wherein the communication terminal includes product data output means for outputting the product data of each product to be inventoried transmitted from the server by the product data transmitting means. The inventory management system according to Claim 1.

3. The server includes shortage product data specifying means for specifying shortage product data of the shortage product corresponding to the identifier of the shortage product; and shortage product data transmitting means for transmitting the shortage product data of the shortage product specified by the shortage product data specifying means to the communication terminal, wherein the communication terminal includes shortage product data output means for outputting the shortage product data of the shortage product transmitted from the server by the shortage product data transmitting means. The inventory management system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. When a shortage occurs in the product to be inventoried with respect to the number of stocked products, the server includes existence time specifying means for specifying until when the shortage product existed based on whether a shortage occurred up to the number difference calculating means at any stage among the number difference calculating means implemented from the past to the present; and existence time transmitting means for transmitting the existence time specified by the existence time specifying means to the communication terminal, wherein the communication terminal includes existence time output means for outputting the existence time of the shortage product transmitted from the server by the existence time transmitting means. The inventory management system according to Claim 3. **Claim 5**: The inventory management system according to claim 4, further comprising: a sales processing determination means for the server to determine whether the sales processing of the out-of-stock product has been processed or not after the existence time specified by the existence time specifying means when there is an out-of-stock in the product to be inventoried with respect to the number of the stocked products; and a sales unprocessed message transmission means for transmitting a sales unprocessed message of the out-of-stock product to the communication terminal when the sales processing determination means determines that the sales processing of the out-of-stock product has not been processed, wherein the communication terminal includes a sales unprocessed message output means for outputting the sales unprocessed message of the out-of-stock product transmitted from the server by the sales unprocessed message transmission means. **Claim 6**: The inventory management system according to claim 5, further comprising: a loss message transmission means for the server to transmit a loss message of the out-of-stock product to the communication terminal when the sales processing determination means determines that the sales processing of the out-of-stock product has been processed, wherein the communication terminal includes a loss message output means for outputting the loss message of the out-of-stock product transmitted from the server by the loss message transmission means. **Claim 7**: The inventory management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: an additional product identifier specifying means for the server to specify an additional product identifier of the additional product corresponding to the identifier of the additional product when the number difference calculated by the number difference calculating means is positive and there is an additional product in the product to be inventoried with respect to the number of the stocked products; and an additional product identifier transmission means for transmitting the additional product identifier of the additional product specified by the additional product identifier specifying means to the communication terminal, wherein the communication terminal includes an additional product identifier output means for outputting the additional product identifier of each additional product transmitted from the server by the additional product identifier transmission means.

8. The shelf inventory management system according to claim 7, wherein the server includes additional product data specifying means for specifying additional product data of the additional product corresponding to the identifier of the additional product, and additional product data transmitting means for transmitting the additional product data of the additional product specified by the additional product data specifying means to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal includes additional product data output means for outputting the additional product data of the additional product transmitted from the server by the additional product data transmitting means.

9. The shelf inventory management system according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the server includes non-existence period specifying means for specifying, when an additional product occurs in the product to be inventoried with respect to the number of products stored, until which stage of the number difference calculating means implemented from the past to the present no additional product has occurred, and thereby specifying until when the additional product did not exist, and non-existence period transmitting means for transmitting the non-existence period specified by the non-existence period specifying means to the communication terminal, and the communication terminal includes non-existence period output means for outputting the non-existence period of the additional product transmitted from the server by the non-existence period transmitting means.

10. The shelf inventory management system according to claim 9, wherein the server includes delivery process determination means for determining whether the additional product has been delivered or not after the non-existence period specified by the non-existence period specifying means when an additional product occurs in the product to be inventoried with respect to the number of products stored, and undelivered message transmitting means for transmitting an undelivered message of the additional product to the communication terminal when it is determined by the delivery process determination means that the additional product has not been delivered, and the communication terminal includes undelivered message output means for outputting the undelivered message of the additional product transmitted from the server by the undelivered message transmitting means. According to claim 10, the inventory management system further comprises: an error shipping process message transmitting means for the server to transmit an error shipping process message of the additional product to the communication terminal when the server determines that the additional product has been shipped due to an error shipping process by the shipping process determination means; and an error shipping process message outputting means for the communication terminal to output the error shipping process message of the additional product transmitted from the server by the error shipping process message transmitting means.

Images