Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Program

Abstract

Provided are an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of improving circulation efficiency. 【Solution means】An information processing apparatus 2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit 100 that acquires first order data regarding an order for steel performed by a first organization (order side organization, for example, organization Or1 in FIG. 1) included in a steel circulation route; a transmission unit 102 that transmits the first order data to a second organization (order receiving side organization, for example, organization Or2 in FIG. 1) included in the circulation route; an association unit 104 that associates a first order side authority regarding an order for steel with a first order side user belonging to the first organization, and associates a first order receiving side authority regarding the receipt of an order for steel with a first order receiving side user belonging to the second organization; a reception unit 106 that receives an operation regarding the first order data from the first order side user based on the first order side authority, and receives an operation regarding the first order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority; and an execution unit 108 that executes a process corresponding to the operation received by the reception unit 106.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for flexibly determining a plurality of operators involved in the distribution of a product according to the product desired to be purchased by a purchasing operator in a distribution environment where a plurality of operators are involved in the distribution of the product, smoothly performing each operation of the determined plurality of operators, and enabling the progress of the distribution process to be grasped.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of streamlining distribution.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires first order data regarding an order for steel made by a first organization included in a steel distribution route, a transmission unit that transmits the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route, an association unit that associates a first order side authority regarding an order for steel with a first order side user belonging to the first organization and associates a first order receiving side authority regarding the receipt of an order for steel with a first order receiving side user belonging to the second organization, a reception unit that receives an operation regarding the first order data from the first order side user based on the first order side authority and receives an operation regarding the first order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority, and an execution unit that executes a process corresponding to the operation received by the reception unit.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an information processing method that causes a computer to: obtain first order data related to an order of steel made by a first organization included in a steel distribution route; transmit the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; associate a first order side authority related to the order of steel with a first order side user belonging to the first organization, and associate a first order receiving side authority related to the acceptance of the order of steel with a first order receiving side user belonging to the second organization; accept an operation related to the first order data from the first order side user based on the first order side authority; accept an operation related to the first order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority; and execute a process corresponding to the accepted operation.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a program that causes a computer to: obtain first order data related to an order of steel made by a first organization included in a steel distribution route; transmit the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; associate a first order side authority related to the order of steel with a first order side user belonging to the first organization, and associate a first order receiving side authority related to the acceptance of the order of steel with a first order receiving side user belonging to the second organization; accept an operation related to the first order data from the first order side user based on the first order side authority; accept an operation related to the first order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority; and execute a process corresponding to the accepted operation.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can improve the efficiency of distribution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] With reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] <1. Overview> Since the steel distribution route may include a plurality of organizations, communication costs tend to increase. The organizations Or1, Or2, Or3, and Or4 in FIG. 1 are examples of a plurality of organizations included in the steel distribution route. The organization Or1 is, for example, a company that produces end products (such as automobiles) using steel. The organization Or2 is a company that provides goods to the organization Or1, such as a parts manufacturer or a retailer. The organization Or3 is a company that provides goods to the organization Or2, such as a trading company or a coil center. The organization Or4 is a company that provides goods to the organization Or3, such as an iron and steel manufacturer. In such a situation, since communication can be taken independently and in different ways between the organization Or1 and the organization Or2, between the organization Or2 and the organization Or3, and between the organization Or3 and the organization Or4, the distribution of steel is not sufficiently efficient.

[0012] Also, in the steel distribution route, a change in the production plan of any organization may spread its influence to other organizations. In one example, when the organization Or1 attempts to increase the production quantity of the end product, all of the organization Or2 that provides goods to the organization Or1, the organization Or3 that provides goods to the organization Or2, and the organization Or4 that provides goods to the organization Or3 must increase the production quantity of the goods. In another example, when the organization Or1 attempts to advance the production start time of the end product, all of the organizations Or2, Or3, and Or4 must advance the delivery date. In another example, when the producible materials of the organization Or4 are less than planned, all of the organizations Or3, Or2, and Or1 must decrease the production quantity. Thus, the longer the steel distribution route, the more a change in the production plan by any organization can affect many other organizations. However, when the communication costs between organizations are high as described above, it may become difficult to adjust the production plans between organizations.

[0013] An example of the effect of the system 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "system 1") is to solve such problems. FIG. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of the system 1. The system 1 is involved with organizations Or1 to Or4. The system 1 includes an information processing apparatus 2. In one embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 executes the following (1-1) to (1-7). (1-1) Obtain order data d1 regarding the order of steel made by organization Or1. (1-2) Transmit the order data d1 to organization Or2. (1-3) Associate an order-side authority a1 regarding the order of steel with a user belonging to organization Or1. (1-4) Associate an order-receiving-side authority b1 regarding the receipt of the order of steel with a user belonging to organization Or2. (1-5) Accept operations regarding the order data d1 from the users of organization Or1 based on the order-side authority a1. (1-6) Accept operations regarding the order data d1 from the users of organization Or2 based on the order-receiving-side authority b1. (1-7) Execute a process corresponding to the accepted operation.

[0014] Also, in one embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 further executes the following (2-1) to (2-7). (2-1) Obtain order data d2 regarding the order of steel made by organization Or2. (2-2) Transmit the order data d2 to organization Or3. (2-3) Associate an order-side authority a2 regarding the order of steel with a user belonging to organization Or2. (2-4) Associate an order-receiving-side authority b2 regarding the receipt of the order of steel with a user belonging to organization Or3. (2-5) Accept operations regarding the order data d2 from the users of organization Or2 based on the order-side authority a2. (2-6) Accept operations regarding the order data d2 from the users of organization Or3 based on the order-receiving-side authority b2. (2-7) Execute a process corresponding to the accepted operation.

[0015] Also, in one embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 further executes the following (3-1) to (3-7). (3-1) Obtain order data d3 regarding the order of steel made by the organization Or3. (3-2) Transmit the order data d3 to the organization Or4. (3-3) Associate the order-side authority a3 regarding the order of steel with the users belonging to the organization Or3. (3-4) Associate the order-receiving side authority b3 regarding the receipt of the order of steel with the users belonging to the organization Or4. (3-5) Accept operations regarding the order data d3 from the users of the organization Or3 based on the order-side authority a3. (3-6) Accept operations regarding the order data d3 from the users of the organization Or4 based on the order-receiving side authority b3. (3-7) Execute the process corresponding to the accepted operation.

[0016] In one embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 controls the transmission and reception of order data between multiple organizations. As a result, the communication among the multiple organizations is standardized. Consequently, communication costs can be reduced, and the adjustment between organizations when the production plan is changed can be facilitated. Also, as described above, multiple organizations are involved in the distribution of steel. According to this configuration, users belonging to each organization can perform operations regarding order data based on the authority associated with themselves. Thus, multiple users having different roles and positions can utilize a common platform.

[0017] Hereinafter, various aspects of the system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 16.

[0018] <2. Functional Configuration> Referring to FIG. 2, an example of the functional configuration of system 1 will be described. System 1 includes an information processing device 2, an order-side terminal device 3a, a first order-receiving side terminal device 3b1, a second order-receiving side terminal device 3b2, and a communication network 4. The information processing device 2, the order-side terminal device 3a, the first order-receiving side terminal device 3b1, and the second order-receiving side terminal device 3b2 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network 4.

[0019] Hereinafter, when the first order-receiving side terminal device 3b1 and the second order-receiving side terminal device 3b2 are collectively referred to, or when they are not distinguished, they may be referred to as the order-receiving side terminal device 3b. Also, when the order-side terminal device 3a and the order-receiving side terminal device 3b are collectively referred to, or when they are not distinguished, they may be referred to as the terminal device 3.

[0020] [Terminal device 3] The terminal device 3 is a communication device used by the subject. The terminal device 3 is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or the like. The terminal device 3 includes an input interface, an output interface, and a communication interface.

[0021] The input interface is an interface for the terminal device 3 to receive input from the user. The input interface may be a touch panel, a microphone, a camera, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

[0022] The output interface is an interface for transmitting information to the user by means of images, sounds, etc. The output interface is a display (which may also serve as a touch panel) and a speaker, etc.

[0023] The communication interface is an interface for realizing communication with other devices via the communication network 4. The communication interface may be a wireless communication interface or a wired communication interface.

[0024] The terminal device 3 may be able to access the services provided by the information processing device 2 via, for example, a web browser, or may be able to access the services by installing dedicated software.

[0025] The order-side terminal device 3a is a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to the order-side organization. The first order-receiving side terminal device 3b1 is a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to the order-receiving side organization that directly conducts transactions with the order-side organization. The second order-receiving side terminal device 3b2 is a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to the order-receiving side organization that indirectly conducts transactions with the order-side organization via another order-receiving side organization. Illustrated with reference to FIG. 1, the order-side terminal device 3a is a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to the organization Or1. Also, the first order-receiving side terminal device 3b1 is, for example, a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to the organization Or2. Also, the second order-receiving side terminal device 3b2 is, for example, a terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to the organization Or3.

[0026] Note that the terminal device 3 may function as either the order-side terminal device 3a or the order-receiving side terminal device 3b (for example, the terminal device 3 used by a user belonging to the organization Or2 functions as the first order-receiving side terminal device 3b1 in relation to the organization Or1 and functions as the order-side terminal device 3a in relation to the organization Or3), but in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, these are referred to separately.

[0027] [Information Processing Device 2] The information processing device 2 performs processing for streamlining the distribution of steel. In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 is a server device when the terminal device 3 is a client device. In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 is a cloud server device. Note that the information processing device 2 may be a device including, for example, one or more virtual or physical web server devices and one or more virtual or physical database server devices.

[0028] The information processing apparatus 2 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 12, a network interface unit 14, and a bus 16. The control unit 10, the storage unit 12, and the network interface unit 14 are electrically connected via the bus 16.

[0029] (Control Unit 10) By executing various programs stored in the storage unit 12 described later, the control unit 10 can function as an acquisition unit 100, a transmission unit 102, an association unit 104, a reception unit 106, and an execution unit 108.

[0030] The acquisition unit 100 can acquire information from the terminal device 3. The transmission unit 102 can transmit various information to the terminal device 3. The association unit 104 can associate the authority regarding the operation of the order data with the user. The reception unit 106 can receive the information input by the user to the terminal device 3. The execution unit 108 can execute the processing corresponding to the operation regarding the order data.

[0031] Hereinafter, various functions that can be realized based on the acquisition unit 100, the transmission unit 102, the association unit 104, the reception unit 106, and the execution unit 108 will be described. For more specific embodiments, reference will be made to FIGS. 3 - 15 and described later.

[0032] In one embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 acquires first order data regarding the order of steel performed by the first organization (in one example, the organization Or1 in FIG. 1) included in the steel distribution path. The transmission unit 102 transmits the first order data to the second organization (in one example, the organization Or2 in FIG. 1) included in the distribution path. The association unit 104 associates the first order - side authority regarding the order of steel with the first order - side users belonging to the first organization. Further, the association unit 104 associates the first order - receiving - side authority regarding the acceptance of the order of steel with the first order - receiving - side users belonging to the second organization. The reception unit 106 accepts the operation regarding the first order data from the first order - side users based on the first order - side authority. Further, the reception unit 106 accepts the operation regarding the first order data from the first order - receiving - side users based on the first order - receiving - side authority. The execution unit 108 executes the processing corresponding to the operation accepted by the reception unit 106.

[0033] - Functions related to the ordering side organization - In one embodiment, the first organization includes a first ordering side group (in one example, a predetermined business unit of organization Or1) to which the first ordering side user belongs, and a second ordering side group (in one example, another business unit of organization Or1) to which a second ordering side user different from the first ordering side user belongs. In this case, the association unit 104 further associates the second ordering side authority regarding the order of steel with the second ordering side user. The reception unit 106 receives operations regarding the first order data from the second ordering side user based on the second ordering side authority. However, the operations regarding the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the second ordering side authority are more restricted than the operations regarding the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first ordering side authority. That is, the second ordering side authority is more restricted than the first ordering side authority in relation to the first order data.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first order data is data regarding the order of steel performed by the first ordering side group. The acquisition unit 100 further acquires second order data regarding the order of steel performed by the second ordering side group.

[0035] In one embodiment, the reception unit 106 receives operations regarding the second order data from the first ordering side user based on the first ordering side authority. Also, the reception unit 106 receives operations regarding the second order data from the second ordering side user based on the second ordering side authority. However, the operations regarding the second order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first ordering side authority are more restricted than the operations regarding the second order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the second ordering side authority. That is, the first ordering side authority is more restricted than the second ordering side authority in relation to the second order data.

[0036] In one embodiment, operations on first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the first order side authority, and operations on first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the second order side authority, both include operations of viewing information regarding the first order data. In contrast, operations on first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the first order side authority include operations regarding applications for changes to the first order data, while operations on first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the second order side authority do not include operations regarding applications for changes to the first order data. That is, both the user associated with the first order side authority and the user associated with the second order side authority can view the first order data, but only the user associated with the first order side authority can apply for changes to the first order data.

[0037] Specific examples of the functions regarding the above order side organizations will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3-5 and 9-10 below.

[0038] - Functions Regarding the Order Receiving Side Organization - In one embodiment, the second organization includes a first order receiving side group to which the first order receiving side user belongs (in one example, a predetermined business unit of organization Or2), and a second order receiving side group to which a second order receiving side user different from the first order receiving side user belongs (in one example, another business unit of organization Or2). In this case, the associating unit 104 further associates the second order receiving side authority regarding the receipt of orders for steel with the second order receiving side user. The receiving unit 106 receives operations regarding the first order data from the second order receiving side user based on the second order receiving side authority. However, operations on first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the second order receiving side authority are more restricted than operations on first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority. That is, the second order receiving side authority is more restricted than the first order receiving side authority in relation to the first order data.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first order data is data related to an order for steel for the first order receiving side group. The acquisition unit 100 further acquires second order data related to an order for steel for the second order receiving side group.

[0040] In one embodiment, the reception unit 106 receives operations related to the second order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority, and receives operations related to the second order data from the second order receiving side user based on the second order receiving side authority. However, the operations related to the second order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority are more restricted than the operations related to the second order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the second order receiving side authority. That is, the first order receiving side authority is more restricted than the second order receiving side authority in relation to the second order data.

[0041] In one embodiment, the operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority, and the operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the second order receiving side authority both include operations for viewing information related to the first order data. In contrast, the operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority include operations for approving change applications for the first order data, while the operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the second order receiving side authority do not include operations for approving change applications for the first order data. That is, both the user associated with the first order receiving side authority and the user associated with the second order receiving side authority can view the first order data, but only the user associated with the first order receiving side authority can submit a change application for the first order data.

[0042] Specific examples of the functions related to the above order receiving side organization will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 - 10.

[0043] - Function related to change application - In one embodiment, the distribution channel further includes another organization (in one example, organization Or3) that conducts transactions with the second organization. Operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order side authority include operations related to an application for changing the first order data. The transmission unit 102 further transmits information for displaying, on the terminal device of a user of another organization, information related to another application for change corresponding to the application for changing the first order data. Operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority include setting such that the application for change is approved on the condition that the other application for change is approved by a user of another organization. For specific examples, reference will be made to FIG. 15 and described later.

[0044] In one embodiment, operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order side authority include operations related to an application for changing the first order data. Operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority include operations related to approval of the application for change. The transmission unit 102 further transmits information for displaying, on the terminal device of the first order side user, whether or not the application for change has been approved. For specific examples, reference will be made to FIGS. 11-12 and described later.

[0045] In one embodiment, the distribution channel further includes another organization that conducts transactions with the second organization. The acquisition unit 100 further acquires approval status information related to another application for change made by the second organization to another organization for other order data. The transmission unit 102 further transmits information for displaying, on the terminal device of the first order side user, whether or not the other application for change has been approved based on the approval status information. For specific examples, reference will be made to FIGS. 13-14 and described later.

[0046] In the present disclosure, acquiring information includes making the information processable in the control unit 10. Acquiring information may be, for example, receiving the information from another device, obtaining the information by a predetermined process, and reading the information from the storage unit 12 and the like.

[0047] In the present disclosure, associating a user with an authority includes associating (linking) and storing, on a database, an authority or identification information for specifying the authority with respect to the user's identification information (e.g., employee ID, etc.).

[0048] In the present disclosure, generating information may be at least one of making the information obtained by a predetermined process processable in the control unit 10 and storing the information obtained by the predetermined process in the storage unit 12.

[0049] In the present disclosure, determining information may be at least one of selecting at least one from among one or more pieces of information and newly generating that information.

[0050] In the present disclosure, outputting information may be at least one of storing the information in the storage unit 12, transmitting the information to another device, and outputting the information by voice or video.

[0051] In the present disclosure, the case where the reception unit 106 of the information processing apparatus 2 can receive a predetermined operation by the user may be expressed as "the user can perform a predetermined operation".

[0052] (Storage unit 12) The storage unit 12 stores various types of information for the operation of the information processing apparatus 2. In one embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores, in addition to the program executed by the control unit 10, order data (including the type, quantity, price, delivery date, progress status, scheduled shipment, actual shipment, change history, and special notes, etc. of the products related to the order), organization information regarding each organization, group information regarding the groups included in each organization, user information regarding the users belonging to each organization, authority information regarding the authorities associated with each user, etc.

[0053] (Network interface unit 14) The network interface unit 14 realizes communication with other devices via the communication network 4.

[0054] [Communication Network 4] The communication network 4 realizes communication between the information processing device 2 and the terminal device 3. In one example, the communication network 4 realizes communication based on the TCP / IP protocol.

[0055] <3. Operations> (First Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 3-5, an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between an organization, a group, a user, order data, permissions, and acceptable operations in the system 1 according to the first embodiment. The system 1 is involved with the ordering organization and the order-receiving organization. An example of the ordering organization is the organization Or1 in FIG. 1. An example of the order-receiving organization is the organization Or2 in FIG. 1.

[0056] The ordering organization includes a first ordering group and a second ordering group. The first ordering group belongs to the first ordering user. The second ordering group belongs to the second ordering user. The first ordering user is associated with the first ordering permission. The second ordering user is associated with the second ordering permission.

[0057] The order-receiving organization belongs to the first order-receiving user. The first order-receiving user is associated with the first order-receiving permission.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first order side group transmits first order data to the order receiving side organization. The information processing apparatus 2 accepts operations related to the first order data from a first order side user based on the first order side authority. Further, the information processing apparatus 2 accepts operations related to the first order data from a second order side user based on the second order side authority. Here, the operations related to the first order data based on the second order side authority are more restricted than the operations related to the first order data based on the first order side authority. In one example, a first order side user associated with the first order side authority can apply for a change to the first order data, while a second order side user associated only with the second order side authority has restricted application for a change to the first order data. Note that the restriction on the application for a change may be either that the application for a change cannot be made or, for example, that the items for which the application for a change can be made are limited.

[0059] In one embodiment, the second order side group transmits second order data to the order receiving side organization. The information processing apparatus 2 accepts operations related to the second order data from a first order side user based on the first order side authority. Further, the information processing apparatus 2 accepts operations related to the second order data from a second order side user based on the second order side authority. Here, the operations related to the second order data based on the first order side authority are more restricted than the operations related to the second order data based on the second order side authority. In one example, a second order side user associated with the second order side authority can apply for a change to the second order data, while a first order side user associated only with the first order side authority has restricted application for a change to the second order data.

[0060] In one embodiment, "an operation on order data based on authority A is restricted more than an operation on the order data based on authority B" may mean that any operation that can be performed on the order data based on authority A can be performed based on authority B, and at least a part of one or more operations that can be performed on the order data based on authority B cannot be performed based on authority A. In one embodiment, "an operation on order data based on authority A is restricted more than an operation on the order data based on authority B" may mean that the types of operations that can be performed on the order data based on authority A are fewer than the types of operations that can be performed on the order data based on authority B.

[0061] In this way, a user belonging to the ordering organization can control the order data sent by its own group, but the control of the order data sent by other groups can be at least partially restricted.

[0062] In one embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 similarly receives operations on each of the first order data and the second order data from the first order receiving user.

[0063] FIG. 4 shows an example of operations that the information processing apparatus 2 can receive based on each of the first order side authority and the second order side authority. For example, a first order side user associated with the first order side authority can perform operations such as querying the first order data, registering / modifying an application for the first order data, viewing a registration notice / modification application notice for the first order data, viewing a rejection notice for a modification application of the first order data, and viewing a shipping schedule corresponding to the first order data. In contrast, a second order side user associated with the second order side authority can only perform operations such as querying the first order data and viewing a shipping schedule corresponding to the first order data.

[0064] In addition, the first order-receiving user belonging to the order-receiving side organization can perform operations such as, for example, querying the first order data, viewing the registration notice / change application notice of the first order data, rejecting / approving the change application of the first order data, viewing the rejection notice of the change application of the first order data, registering / modifying the shipment schedule corresponding to the first order data, viewing the shipment schedule corresponding to the first order data, and registering / modifying the billing classification corresponding to the first order data.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows another example of operations that the information processing apparatus 2 can accept based on the first order side authority and the second order side authority respectively. The second order side user associated with the second order side authority can perform operations such as, for example, querying the second order data, registering / modifying the second order data, viewing the registration notice / change application notice of the second order data, viewing the rejection notice of the change application of the second order data, and viewing the shipment schedule corresponding to the second order data. On the other hand, the first order side user associated with the first order side authority can only perform operations such as, for example, querying the second order data and viewing the shipment schedule corresponding to the second order data.

[0066] According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately manage the range of order data that each of a plurality of users belonging to the order side organization can control. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent accidentally operating the order data sent by other groups while maintaining the convenience of operations regarding the order data sent by one's own group.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 6-8, an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the organization, group, user, order data, authority, and acceptable operations in the system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0068] The order side organization includes the first order side user. The first order side authority is associated with the first order side user.

[0069] The order-receiving organization includes a first order-receiving group and a second order-receiving group. The first order-receiving group includes first order-receiving users. The second order-receiving group includes second order-receiving users. The first order-receiving users are associated with first order-receiving authorities. The second order-receiving users are associated with second order-receiving authorities.

[0070] In one embodiment, the ordering organization transmits first order data to the first order-receiving group. The information processing apparatus 2 accepts operations related to the first order data from the first order-receiving users based on the first order-receiving authorities. Further, the information processing apparatus 2 accepts operations related to the first order data from the second order-receiving users based on the second order-receiving authorities. Here, the operations related to the first order data based on the second order-receiving authorities are more restricted than the operations related to the first order data based on the first order-receiving authorities. In one example, the first order-receiving users associated with the first order-receiving authorities can approve change requests for the first order data, but the second order-receiving users, who are only associated with the second order-receiving authorities, are restricted from approving change requests for the first order data. Note that being restricted from approving a change request may mean either not being able to approve the change request or, for example, having limited items for which the change request can be approved.

[0071] In one embodiment, the ordering organization transmits second order data to the second order-receiving group. The information processing apparatus 2 accepts operations related to the second order data from the first order-receiving users based on the first order-receiving authorities. Further, the information processing apparatus 2 accepts operations related to the second order data from the second order-receiving users based on the second order-receiving authorities. Here, the operations related to the second order data based on the first order-receiving authorities are more restricted than the operations related to the second order data based on the second order-receiving authorities. In one example, the second order-receiving users associated with the second order-receiving authorities can approve change requests for the second order data, but the first order-receiving users, who are only associated with the first order-receiving authorities, are restricted from approving change requests for the second order data.

[0072] In this way, a user belonging to the order-receiving side organization can control the order data sent to their own group, but the control of the order data sent to other groups can be restricted at least partially.

[0073] In one embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 similarly receives operations regarding each of the first order data and the second order data from the first order side user.

[0074] FIG. 7 shows an example of operations that the information processing apparatus 2 can receive based on each of the first order-receiving side authority and the second order-receiving side authority. The first order-receiving side user associated with the first order-receiving side authority can, for example, perform operations such as inquiry of the first order data, viewing of registration notifications / change application notifications of the first order data, rejection / approval of change applications of the first order data, viewing of rejection notifications of change applications of the first order data, registration / change application of the shipping schedule corresponding to the first order data, viewing of the shipping schedule corresponding to the first order data, and registration / change application of the billing classification corresponding to the first order data. In contrast, the second order-receiving side user associated with the second order-receiving side authority can only perform operations such as inquiry of the first order data and viewing of the shipping schedule corresponding to the first order data.

[0075] Note that the first order side user belonging to the order side organization can, for example, perform operations such as inquiry of the first order data, registration / change application of the first order data, viewing of registration notifications / change application notifications of the first order data, viewing of rejection notifications of change applications of the first order data, and viewing of the shipping schedule corresponding to the first order data.

[0076] FIG. 8 shows another example of operations that the information processing apparatus 2 can accept based on each of the first order receiving side authority and the second order receiving side authority. A second order receiving side user associated with the second order receiving side authority can, for example, query second order data, view registration notifications / change application notifications of second order data, reject / approve change applications of second order data, view rejection notifications of change applications of second order data, register / change applications for shipment schedules corresponding to second order data, view shipment schedules corresponding to second order data, and perform operations such as registering / change applications for billing classifications corresponding to second order data. In contrast, a first order receiving side user associated with the first order receiving side authority can only perform operations such as querying second order data and viewing shipment schedules corresponding to second order data.

[0077] According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately manage the range of order data that can be controlled by each of a plurality of users belonging to the order receiving side organization. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent accidentally operating the order data received by other groups while maintaining the convenience of operations regarding the order data received by one's own group.

[0078] (Third Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 9 - 10, an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. The system 1 according to the third embodiment is an example when combining the systems 1 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment respectively.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between organizations, groups, users, and authorities in the system 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0080] The order placing side organization includes a first order placing side group and a second order placing side group. The first order placing side group includes first order placing side users. The second order placing side group includes second order placing side users. The first order placing side users are associated with first order placing side authorities. The second order placing side users are associated with second order placing side authorities.

[0081] The order-receiving organization includes a first order-receiving group and a second order-receiving group. The first order-receiving group includes first order-receiving users. The second order-receiving group includes second order-receiving users. A first order-receiving right is associated with the first order-receiving users. A second order-receiving right is associated with the second order-receiving users.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing operations that the information processing apparatus 2 can accept based on each of the first order side right, the second order side right, the first order-receiving right, and the second order-receiving right when the order data is data related to an order from the first order side group to the first order-receiving group.

[0083] The first order side users associated with the first order side right can perform operations such as, for example, querying order data, registering / requesting changes to order data, viewing registration notifications / change request notifications of order data, viewing rejection notifications of change requests for order data, and viewing the scheduled shipment corresponding to the order data. On the other hand, operations such as, for example, rejecting / approving change requests for order data, registering / requesting changes to the scheduled shipment corresponding to the order data, and registering / requesting changes to the billing classification corresponding to the order data can be restricted.

[0084] The second order side users associated with the second order side right can perform operations such as, for example, querying order data and viewing the scheduled shipment corresponding to the order data. On the other hand, operations such as, for example, registering / requesting changes to order data, viewing registration notifications / change request notifications of order data, rejecting / approving change requests for order data, viewing rejection notifications of change requests for order data, registering / requesting changes to the scheduled shipment corresponding to the order data, and registering / requesting changes to the billing classification corresponding to the order data can be restricted.

[0085] The first order-receiving side user associated with the first order-receiving side authority can perform operations such as, for example, querying order data, viewing registration notifications and change application notifications of order data, rejecting and approving change applications of order data, viewing rejection notifications of change applications of order data, registering and applying for changes to the planned shipment corresponding to the order data, viewing the planned shipment corresponding to the order data, and registering and applying for changes to the billing classification corresponding to the order data. On the other hand, operations such as registering and applying for changes to order data can be restricted.

[0086] The second order-receiving side user associated with the second order-receiving side authority can perform operations such as, for example, querying order data and viewing the planned shipment corresponding to the order data. On the other hand, operations such as registering and applying for changes to order data, viewing registration notifications and change application notifications of order data, rejecting and approving change applications of order data, viewing rejection notifications of change applications of order data, registering and applying for changes to the planned shipment corresponding to the order data, and registering and applying for changes to the billing classification corresponding to the order data can be restricted.

[0087] Figure 10 described the operations that the information processing apparatus 2 could accept when the order data was data regarding an order from the first order side group to the first order receiving side group. However, the same understanding can be obtained for the cases where the order data is (1) data regarding an order from the first order side group to the second order receiving side group, (2) data regarding an order from the second order side group to the first order receiving side group, and (3) data regarding an order from the second order side group to the second order receiving side group. That is, in case (1), the operations acceptable based on the first order receiving side authority in Figure 10 and the operations acceptable based on the second order receiving side authority can be interchanged (refer to the relationship in Figures 7 - 8). In case (2), the operations acceptable based on the first order side authority in Figure 10 and the operations acceptable based on the second order side authority can be interchanged (refer to the relationship in Figures 4 - 5). In case (3), the operations acceptable based on the first order side authority in Figure 10 and the operations acceptable based on the second order side authority are interchanged, and the operations acceptable based on the first order receiving side authority and the operations acceptable based on the second order receiving side authority can be interchanged.

[0088] According to the third embodiment, it can be said that each user has relatively strong authority over order data from the group to which the user belongs or order data to the group to which the user belongs. Also, it can be said that each user has relatively weak authority over order data from a group to which the user does not belong in the organization to which the user belongs or order data to a group to which the user does not belong in the organization to which the user belongs.

[0089] In addition, when the order data is from a predetermined order-side organization to a predetermined order-receiving organization, if the user does not belong to either the predetermined order-side organization or the predetermined order-receiving organization, the user does not need to have the authority over the order data. Such a user may be restricted from performing operations such as querying order data, registering / modifying an application for order data, viewing a registration notice / modification application notice of order data, rejecting / approving a modification application of order data, viewing a rejection notice of a modification application of order data, registering / modifying an application for a shipping schedule corresponding to order data, viewing a shipping schedule corresponding to order data, and registering / modifying an application for a billing classification corresponding to order data. That is, the user does not necessarily have to be able to access order data of an organization that has no relation with the user itself.

[0090] (Fourth Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 11-12, an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, operations related to an application for modifying order data and approval of the modification application will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of information that can be displayed on the order-side terminal device 3a of the fourth embodiment.

[0091] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the order data is from the first order-side group of the order-side organization to the first order-receiving group of the order-receiving organization. Also, it is assumed that the order-side terminal device 3a belongs to the first order-side group and is used by a first order-side user associated with the first order-side authority. Further, it is assumed that the order-receiving terminal device 3b belongs to the first order-receiving group and is used by a first order-receiving user associated with the first order-receiving authority. That is, the first order-side user can perform operations based on the first order-side authority in FIG. 10 via the order-side terminal device 3a, and the first order-receiving user can perform operations based on the first order-receiving authority in FIG. 10 via the order-receiving terminal device 3b.

[0092] In FIG. 11, first, the ordering-side terminal device 3a transmits order data input by the user to the information processing device 2 (S100). The information processing device 2 receives the order data and registers it in the database stored in the storage unit 12 (S102). Next, the information processing device 2 transmits a notification indicating that the order data has been registered to the order-receiving-side terminal device 3b (S104). As a result, the user of the order-receiving-side terminal device 3b can grasp that there is an order.

[0093] Table t1 in FIG. 12 is an example of information that can be displayed on the ordering-side terminal device 3a immediately after S100. Table t1 can display an order ID (an example of identification information of order data), an ordering-side organization, an order-receiving-side organization, a specification (an example of the type of product), a quantity, a delivery date, a unit price, a status of a change application, etc. Note that although two records are displayed in Table t1, three or more records may be displayed. Further, information regarding the first ordering-side group and the first order-receiving-side group may be further displayed.

[0094] Returning to FIG. 11, the ordering-side terminal device 3a accepts an input of a change application for the order data from the user. In one embodiment, the change application is an application regarding changing at least a part of the information included in the already registered order data. In an example, the change application is an application regarding changing at least one of the type, quantity, price, and delivery date of the product related to the order data. In this example, assume that the user inputs a change application for changing the "delivery date" of the order data with the "order ID" of "002" from "Date2" to "Date3" which has already been registered.

[0095] The ordering-side terminal device 3a transmits the change application for the order data input by the user to the information processing device 2 (S106). The information processing device 2 transmits a notification indicating that there is a change application for the order data to the order-receiving-side terminal device 3b (S108). The notification may include the content of the change application. As a result, the user of the order-receiving-side terminal device 3b can grasp that there is a change application for the order data and its content.

[0096] Based on sending a change application for order data, the order-side terminal device 3a displays that the change application is pending approval (S110). An example of displaying that the change application is pending approval is to highlight (e.g., highlight) the display elements of the order data related to the change application.

[0097] Table t2 in FIG. 12 is an example of information that can be displayed on the order-side terminal device 3a immediately after S110. In table t2, the "delivery date" of the order data related to the change application (order data with order ID "002") is highlighted. Also, in the column of the "delivery date" of the order data related to the change application, the date (i.e., "Date3") is displayed assuming the change application is temporarily approved. Further, in the column of "change application" of the order data related to the change application, "pending approval" is displayed. Thereby, the user of the order-side terminal device 3a can grasp the content of the change application sent by himself / herself and its progress.

[0098] Returning to FIG. 11, when the order-receiving side terminal device 3b receives an operation regarding approval of the change application from the user (Alt upper stage), the order-receiving side terminal device 3b transmits information to that effect to the information processing device 2 (S112). In response to this, the information processing device 2 changes at least a part of the information included in the order data (S114). At this time, the information processing device 2 may add a change history to the order data.

[0099] Next, the information processing device 2 transmits a notification to the order-side terminal device 3a that the change application of the order data has been approved (S116). In response to this, the order-side terminal device 3a displays that the change application has been approved (S118).

[0100] Table t3 in FIG. 12 is an example of information that can be displayed on the order-side terminal device 3a immediately after S118. In table t3, in the "Change Application" column of the order data related to the change application (order data with order ID "002"), "Approved" is displayed. Also, the highlight of the "Delivery Date" of the order data related to the change application is cancelled. Thereby, the user of the order-side terminal device 3a can grasp that the change application sent by himself / herself has been approved.

[0101] Returning to FIG. 11, when the order-receiving side terminal device 3b receives an operation regarding rejection of a change application from the user (Alt lower stage), the order-receiving side terminal device 3b transmits information to that effect to the information processing device 2 (S120). In this case, the information processing device 2 does not need to change the order data.

[0102] Next, the information processing device 2 transmits a notification to the order-side terminal device 3a to the effect that the change application of the order data has been rejected (S122). In response to this, the order-side terminal device 3a displays that the change application has been rejected (S124).

[0103] Table t4 in FIG. 12 is an example of information that can be displayed on the order-side terminal device 3a immediately after S124. In table t4, in the "Change Application" column of the order data related to the change application (order data with order ID "002"), "Rejected" is displayed. Also, the highlight of the "Delivery Date" of the order data related to the change application is cancelled. Also, in the "Delivery Date" column of the order data related to the change application, the original date (that is, "Date2") is displayed. Thereby, the user of the order-side terminal device 3a can grasp that the change application sent by himself / herself has been rejected.

[0104] In the fourth embodiment, the order data is from the first order side group of the order side organization to the first order receiving side group of the order receiving side organization. The order side terminal device 3a belongs to the first order side group and is used by a first order side user associated with the first order side authority. The order receiving side terminal device 3b belongs to the first order receiving side group and is described as being used by a first order receiving side user associated with the first order receiving side authority. In other cases, the operations that each user can perform can be controlled based on the methods described in the first to third embodiments. In one example, when the order data is from the first order side group to the first order receiving side group, and the order side terminal device 3a belongs to the second order side group and is used by a second order side user associated with the second order side authority, at least one of the transmission of the order data (see S100) and the application for change of the order data (see S106) may be restricted from being accepted. In another example, when the order data is from the first order side group to the first order receiving side group, and the order receiving side terminal device 3b belongs to the second order receiving side group and is used by a second order receiving side user associated with the second order receiving side authority, at least one of the viewing of the notification of the application for change of the order data (see S108) and the approval of the application for change of the order data (see S112) may be restricted from being accepted.

[0105] (Fifth Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 13-14, an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the order side organization, the first order receiving side organization, and the second order receiving side organization assumed in the fifth embodiment.

[0106] The users of the order side organization are associated with a first order side authority for operating the order data from the order side organization to the first order receiving side organization. Therefore, the users of the order side organization can perform operations based on the first order side authority shown in FIG. 10 with respect to the order data from the order side organization to the first order receiving side organization.

[0107] Users of the first order-receiving organization are associated with first order-side permissions for operating order data from the order-side organization to the first order-receiving organization. Therefore, users of the first order-receiving organization can perform operations based on the first order-receiving permissions shown in FIG. 10 with respect to the order data from the order-side organization to the first order-receiving organization. Also, users of the first order-receiving organization are associated with first order-side permissions for operating order data from the first order-receiving organization to the second order-receiving organization. Therefore, users of the first order-receiving organization can perform operations based on the first order-side permissions shown in FIG. 10 with respect to the order data from the order-side organization to the first order-receiving organization. That is, users of the first order-receiving organization have permissions as an order-receiving side in relation to the order-side organization and have permissions as an order side in relation to the second order-receiving organization.

[0108] Users of the second order-receiving organization are associated with first order-receiving permissions for operating order data from the first order-receiving organization to the second order-receiving organization. Therefore, users of the second order-receiving organization can perform operations based on the first order-receiving permissions shown in FIG. 10 with respect to the order data from the first order-receiving organization to the second order-receiving organization.

[0109] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the system according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, an example of displaying in detail the approval status of a change application for order data will be described.

[0110] Note that in the fifth embodiment, the order-side terminal device 3a is assumed to be used by a user of the order-side organization as illustrated in FIG. 13. Also, the first order-receiving terminal device 3b1 is assumed to be used by a user of the first order-receiving organization as illustrated in FIG. 13. Also, the second order-receiving terminal device 3b2 is assumed to be used by a user of the second order-receiving organization as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0111] First, the ordering-side terminal device 3a transmits order data from the ordering-side organization to the first order-receiving organization to the information processing device 2 (S200). The information processing device 2 registers this order data in the database (S202) and transmits a notification indicating that an order has been placed to the first order-receiving-side terminal device 3b1 (S204).

[0112] Next, the first order-receiving-side terminal device 3b1 transmits order data from the first order-receiving organization to the second order-receiving organization to the information processing device 2 (S206). The information processing device 2 registers this order data in the database (S207) and transmits a notification indicating that an order has been placed to the second order-receiving-side terminal device 3b2 (S208).

[0113] Next, the ordering-side terminal device 3a transmits a first change application for the order data from the ordering-side organization to the first order-receiving organization to the information processing device 2 (S210). Along with this, the ordering-side terminal device 3a displays information indicating that the first change application is pending approval by the first order-receiving organization (S212). The information processing device 2 transmits a notification indicating that a first change application has been received to the first order-receiving-side terminal device 3b1 (S214).

[0114] The first order-receiving-side terminal device 3b1 transmits a second change application for the order data from the first order-receiving organization to the second order-receiving organization to the information processing device 2 (S216). The information processing device 2 that has received the second change application transmits a notification to that effect to the ordering-side terminal device 3a and the second order-receiving-side terminal device 3b2 (S218, S220). Along with this, the ordering-side terminal device 3a displays information indicating that the second change application is pending approval by the second order-receiving organization (S222).

[0115] The second order-receiving-side terminal device 3b2 accepts an operation regarding approval of the second change application and transmits information to that effect to the information processing device 2 (S224). The information processing device 2 transmits a notification indicating that the second change application has been approved to the first order-receiving-side terminal device 3b1 (S226). In response to this, the ordering-side terminal device 3a returns the display to the information indicating that the first change application is pending approval by the first order-receiving organization (S228).

[0116] After that, similar to the processes described in steps S112 to S124 of FIG. 11, the first change application can be approved or rejected by the user of the first order receiving organization, and the fact can be displayed on the order placing terminal device 3a.

[0117] According to such a configuration, the user of the order placing organization can grasp in detail the situation (progress) of the change application.

[0118] In addition, in the fifth embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the description of the group to which each user belongs in each organization is omitted, but the operations that each user can perform can be controlled based on the methods described in the first to third embodiments.

[0119] (Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the sixth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, an example in which, after the user of the second order receiving organization approves the second change application, the user of the first order receiving organization approves the first change application was described. In the sixth embodiment, an example in which the first change application is automatically approved on the condition that the user of the second order receiving organization approves the second change application will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the differences from the fifth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0120] After the information processing device 2 transmits (S314) a notification to the first order receiving terminal device 3b1 that there is a first change application for the order data from the order placing organization to the first order receiving organization, the first order receiving terminal device 3b1 receives an operation related to conditional approval. In one embodiment, conditional approval includes an operation of setting that the first change application is approved on the condition that a second change application from the first order receiving organization to the second order receiving organization is approved by a user belonging to the second order receiving organization.

[0121] The first order-receiving terminal device 3b1 transmits information indicating that it has received an operation related to conditional approval and a second change request to the information processing device 2 (S316). Here, the second change request can be associated with at least one of order data from the order-side organization to the first order-receiving organization (see S300) and the first change request for the order data (see S310). That is, the information processing device 2 can recognize that the second change request is relevant to the order data related to the first change request. In one example, the first change request may be a request regarding a change in the production quantity of automobiles, and the second change request may be a request regarding a change in the production quantity of steel strips (coils) accompanying the change in the production quantity.

[0122] The information processing device 2 transmits a notification indicating that there has been a second change request to the second order-receiving terminal device 3b2 (S318). Also, the information processing device 2 transmits a notification indicating that it has received the second change request and that it has received an operation related to conditional approval to the order-side terminal device 3a (S320).

[0123] When the second change request is approved by a user belonging to the second order-receiving organization, the second order-receiving terminal device 3b2 transmits information to that effect to the information processing device 2 (S324). Since the information processing device 2 has received an operation related to conditional approval in step S316, based on the approval of the second change request, it treats the first change request as having been approved. The information processing device 2 transmits a notification indicating that the first change request has been approved to the order-side terminal device 3a (S326). In response, the order-side terminal device 3a displays information indicating that the first change request has been approved (S328).

[0124] For example, as the first order receiving organization, even if it receives a request to change order data from the ordering organization, it may not be able to determine whether to approve or reject the change request without coordinating with the second order receiving organization that supplies goods to itself. According to this configuration, the first order receiving organization can be set such that the change request from the ordering organization is approved on the condition that there is approval from the second order receiving organization. As a result, the lead time until the change request is approved or rejected can be shortened. Consequently, the change of the production plan among multiple organizations can proceed smoothly.

[0125] (Seventh Embodiment) In the above embodiment, an example in which the first order side authority, the second order side authority, the first order receiving side authority, and the second order receiving side authority are associated with the first order side user, the second order side user, the first order receiving side user, and the second order receiving side user respectively has been described. However, the types of authorities are not limited to these. In the system 1, a proxy authority may be associated with a user belonging to an organization (which may be an ordering organization or an order receiving organization in the above embodiment, or may be another organization different from the ordering organization and the order receiving organization). Hereinafter, a user associated with the proxy authority is referred to as a "proxy user".

[0126] In one embodiment, the proxy authority may be associated with a proxy user by a user belonging to the ordering organization. In one example, the first order side user may execute an operation to associate the proxy authority with the proxy user using its own order side terminal device 3a, and the information processing device 2 may receive the operation.

[0127] In one embodiment, a first order side user associated with first order side authority can associate a proxy authority equal to or more restricted than the first order side authority with a proxy user. Similarly, a second order side user associated with second order side authority can associate a proxy authority equal to or more restricted than the second order side authority with a proxy user. In one embodiment, a first order receiving side user associated with first order receiving side authority can associate a proxy authority equal to or more restricted than the first order receiving side authority with a proxy user. Similarly, a second order receiving side user associated with second order receiving side authority can associate a proxy authority equal to or more restricted than the second order receiving side authority with a proxy user.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 16-17, an example of proxy authority will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of operations that the information processing apparatus 2 can accept based on the first order side authority, the second order side authority, and the proxy authority when the order data is data related to an order from the first order side group to the first order receiving side group. In this example, it is assumed that the proxy authority is associated with a proxy user by a first order side user associated with the first order side authority.

[0129] The operations that can be accepted based on the first order side authority and the second order side authority may be as described with reference to FIG. 10, and thus the description will be omitted below. A proxy user associated with the proxy authority can perform operations such as inquiry of order data, registration / change application of order data, viewing of registration notification / change application notification of order data, viewing of rejection notification of change application of order data, and viewing of shipment schedule corresponding to the order data. On the other hand, operations such as rejection / approval of change application of order data, registration / change application of shipment schedule corresponding to the order data, and registration / change application of billing classification corresponding to the order data may be restricted. That is, regarding the order data from the first order side group to the first order receiving side group, it can be said that the proxy authority is equal to the first order side authority.

[0130] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of operations that the information processing apparatus 2 can accept based on the first order side authority, the second order side authority, and the agency authority, respectively, when the order data is data related to an order from the second order side group to the first order received side group. Also in this example, the agency authority is associated with the agency user by the first order side user associated with the first order side authority.

[0131] In this example, the first order side user associated with the first order side authority can perform operations such as, for example, querying the second order data and viewing the scheduled shipment corresponding to the second order data. On the other hand, the operations of the agency user associated with the agency authority can be restricted. That is, the agency user associated with the agency authority cannot (including viewing) be involved in the order data from the second order side group, starting from the first order side user associated with the first order side authority. In this regard, it can be said that the agency authority is more restricted than the first order side authority with respect to the order data from the second order side group to the first order received side group.

[0132] According to such a configuration, a more flexible and efficient distribution can be realized. Also, since the agency authority is equal to or more restricted than the authority associated with the user who grants it, transactions can be carried out safely.

[0133] <4. Hardware Configuration> With reference to FIG. 18, an example of the hardware configuration when the devices included in the above-described system 1 are realized by a computer 70 will be described. Note that the functions of each device can also be realized by dividing them among a plurality of devices.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 18, the computer 70 includes a processor 700, a storage device 702, an input I / F 704, a data I / F 706, a communication I / F 708, and a display device 710.

[0135] Processor 700 controls various processes in computer 70 by executing a program stored in storage device 702. For example, each functional unit included in control unit 10 of information processing apparatus 2 can be realized by processor 700 executing a program stored in storage device 702.

[0136] Storage device 702 is a storage medium such as, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM temporarily stores the program code of a program executed by processor 700 and the data required during program execution.

[0137] In addition, storage device 702 is a non-volatile storage medium such as, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. Storage device 702 stores an operating system and various programs for realizing the above-described respective configurations. The storage medium storing the various programs may be a non-transitory computer readable medium. In addition, storage device 702 can also store a table for registering various information and a DB for managing the table. Such programs and data are referred to by processor 700 by being loaded into storage device 702 as necessary.

[0138] Input I / F 704 is a device for receiving input from a user. Specific examples of input I / F 704 include a camera, buttons, a microphone, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, wearable devices, and the like. Input I / F 704 may be connected to computer 70 via an interface such as, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0139] The data I / F 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. Specific examples of the data I / F 706 include a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. It is also conceivable that the data I / F 706 is provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the data I / F 706 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB, for example.

[0140] The communication I / F 708 is a device for performing data communication via the communication network 4, either wired or wirelessly, with a device outside the computer 70. It is also conceivable that the communication I / F 708 is provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the communication I / F 708 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB, for example.

[0141] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a display of a wearable device, etc. The display device 710 may be provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via a display cable or the like, for example. Also, when a touch panel is adopted as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured integrally with the input I / F 704.

[0142] Also, the components included in the device included in the system 1 described in the above embodiment are assumed to be such that the processing defined is realized in cooperation with other hardware when the program stored in the storage device 702 is executed by the processor 700. In other words, these components are assumed as software or firmware as well as the corresponding hardware, and in both concepts, they are also described as "function", "means", "section", "processing circuit", "unit", or "module", etc., and can be read as such respectively.

[0143] <5. Modification Example> The embodiments described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present disclosure and are not for limiting and interpreting the present disclosure. Each element included in the embodiments, as well as its arrangement, material, conditions, shape, size, etc., are not limited to those exemplified and can be changed as appropriate. Also, it is possible to partially substitute or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments.

[0144] The distribution route of steel can branch. For example, the organization Or1 in FIG. 1 can directly transact with the organizations Or2 and Or3, and the organization Or2 can directly transact with the organization Or3. In this example, the organization Or1 corresponds to the ordering-side organization in relation to the organizations Or2 and Or3. Also, the organization Or2 corresponds to the order-receiving-side organization in relation to the organization Or1, and can correspond to the ordering-side organization in relation to the organization Or3.

[0145] Operations executable based on each of the ordering-side authority and the order-receiving-side authority can be determined based on the relationship between the ordering-side organization and the order-receiving-side organization. For example, the ordering-side authority associated with a user belonging to the organization Or1 regarding the order data from the organization Or1 to the organization Or2 in FIG. 1 can be stronger than the ordering-side authority associated with the user belonging to the organization Or1 regarding the order data from the organization Or1 to the organization Or3 in FIG. 1.

[0146] An organization may be a group composed of a plurality of humans. An organization may be, for example, any of a company, a department included in a company, a section included in a department, and a team included in a section, etc.

[0147] In the above embodiment (particularly FIG. 15, the sixth embodiment), it was explained that the operation related to conditional approval is to be set such that the first change request is approved on the condition that the second change request is approved by a user of the second order receiving organization, but it is not limited to this. The condition for the first change request to be approved may be a condition other than the second change request being approved. In one embodiment, the condition for the first change request to be approved may be that the content of the change related to the first change request is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold for the first change request to be automatically approved. An example of the content of the change related to the first change request being equal to or less than a predetermined threshold is that the change in the delivery date related to the first change request is within 3 business days. Another example of the content of the change related to the first change request being equal to or less than a predetermined threshold is that the change in the quantity of delivered goods related to the first change request is within 5% of the originally planned quantity of delivered goods.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the order data between the ordering organization and the first order receiving organization, and the order data between the first order receiving organization and the second order receiving organization may be at least partially in a common format. According to this configuration, communication between a plurality of organizations included in the steel distribution route can be made smoother.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the authority (for example, the first order side authority, etc.) associated with a user belonging to an organization may be directly associated with the individual user, or may be indirectly associated via the group to which the user belongs. When the authority is indirectly associated via the group to which the user belongs, the same authority may be associated with other users belonging to the group.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the system 1 may further include various functions (for example, user registration function, etc.) based on well-known techniques.

[0151] In the above-described embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 receiving an operation related to order data from a certain user may be to transmit information for displaying a user interface, display elements (in one example, buttons and text boxes, etc.) for performing the operation of the order data on a terminal device 3 used by the user, may be to receive information related to an operation input on the terminal device 3 used by the user, or may be to store information related to the operation input on the terminal device 3 used by the user in the database of the storage unit 12. Further, the information processing apparatus 2 not receiving an operation related to order data from a certain user may be not to transmit information for displaying a user interface, display elements, etc. for performing the operation of the order data on the terminal device 3 used by the user, may be not to receive (or discard even if received) information related to an operation input on the terminal device 3 used by the user, or may be not to store information related to the operation input on the terminal device 3 used by the user in the database of the storage unit 12.

[0152] System 1 can also be used to streamline the distribution of materials other than steel (for example, aluminum and resin, etc.).

[0153] <6. Configuration example> This disclosure includes the following technologies. Note that the terms in the above-described embodiment are indicated in parentheses.

[0154] (Appendix 1) An acquisition unit 100 that acquires first order data regarding an order for steel performed by a first organization (an ordering-side organization, for example, the organization Or1 in FIG. 1) included in a steel distribution route; a transmission unit 102 that transmits the first order data to a second organization (an order-receiving side organization, for example, the organization Or2 in FIG. 1) included in the distribution route; an association unit 104 that associates a first order-side authority regarding an order for steel with a first order-side user belonging to the first organization, and associates a first order-receiving side authority regarding the receipt of an order for steel with a first order-receiving side user belonging to the second organization; a reception unit 106 that receives operations regarding the first order data from the first order-side user based on the first order-side authority, and receives operations regarding the first order data from the first order-receiving side user based on the first order-receiving side authority; and an execution unit 108 that executes processing corresponding to the operations received by the reception unit 106. Information processing apparatus 2 is provided with these components.

[0155] (Appendix 2) The first organization includes a first order-side group to which the first order-side user belongs and a second order-side group to which a second order-side user different from the first order-side user belongs. The association unit 104 further associates a second order-side authority regarding an order for steel with the second order-side user. The reception unit 106 receives operations regarding the first order data from the second order-side user based on the second order-side authority. The operations regarding the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the second order-side authority are restricted compared to the operations regarding the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order-side authority. The information processing apparatus 2 described in Appendix 1.

[0156] (Appendix 3) The first order data is data regarding an order for steel performed by the first order-side group. The acquisition unit 100 further acquires second order data regarding an order for steel performed by the second order-side group. The information processing apparatus 2 described in Appendix 2.

[0157] (Appendix 4) The receiving unit 106 receives operations related to the second order data from the first order side user based on the first order side authority, and receives operations related to the second order data from the second order side user based on the second order side authority. Operations related to the second order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the first order side authority are restricted compared to operations related to the second order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the second order side authority. The information processing apparatus 2 described in Supplementary Note 3.

[0158] (Supplementary Note 5) Operations related to the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the first order side authority, and operations related to the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the second order side authority both include operations for viewing information related to the first order data. Operations related to the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the first order side authority include operations related to the application for changing the first order data. Operations related to the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the second order side authority do not include operations related to the application for changing the first order data. The information processing apparatus 2 described in Supplementary Note 4.

[0159] (Supplementary Note 6) The second organization includes a first order receiving side group to which the first order receiving side user belongs and a second order receiving side group to which a second order receiving side user different from the first order receiving side user belongs. The associating unit 104 further associates the second order receiving side authority regarding the receipt of the steel order with the second order receiving side user. The receiving unit 106 receives operations related to the first order data from the second order receiving side user based on the second order receiving side authority. Operations related to the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the second order receiving side authority are restricted compared to operations related to the first order data that the receiving unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority. The information processing apparatus 2 described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.

[0160] (Supplementary Note 7) The first order data is data related to the steel order for the first order receiving side group, and the acquisition unit 100 further acquires the second order data related to the steel order for the second order receiving side group. The information processing apparatus 2 described in Supplementary Note 6.

[0161] (Appendix 8) The reception unit 106 receives operations related to the second order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority, and receives operations related to the second order data from the second order receiving side user based on the second order receiving side authority. Operations related to the second order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority are restricted compared to operations related to the second order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the second order receiving side authority. The information processing apparatus 2 described in Appendix 7.

[0162] (Appendix 9) Operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority, and operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the second order receiving side authority both include operations for viewing information related to the first order data. Operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority include operations for approving change applications for the first order data. Operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the second order receiving side authority do not include operations for approving change applications for the first order data. The information processing apparatus 2 described in Appendix 8.

[0163] (Appendix 10) The distribution route further includes another organization (the second order receiving side organization, for example, organization Or3) that conducts transactions with the second organization (the first order receiving side organization, for example, organization Or2). Operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order side authority include operations related to change applications (first change applications) for the first order data. The transmission unit 102 further transmits information related to other change applications (second change applications) corresponding to the change applications for display on the terminal device (the second order receiving side terminal device 3b2) of the user of the other organization. Operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority include setting such that the change application (first change application) is approved on the condition that the other change application (second change application) is approved by the user of the other organization. The information processing apparatus 2 described in any one of Appendices 1 to 9.

[0164] (Appendix 11) Operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order side authority include operations related to the change application of the first order data. Operations related to the first order data that the reception unit 106 can receive based on the first order receiving side authority include operations related to the approval of the change application. The transmission unit 102 further transmits information (in one example, the notification in step S122 of FIG. 11) for displaying whether the change application has been approved or not on the terminal device (order side terminal device 3a) of the first order side user. The information processing apparatus 2 described in any one of Appendices 1 to 10.

[0165] (Appendix 12) The distribution channel further includes another organization (second order receiving side organization, for example, organization Or3) that conducts transactions with the second organization (first order receiving side organization, for example, organization Or2). The acquisition unit 100 further acquires approval status information (in one example, the second change application in step S216 of FIG. 14) related to another change application made by the second organization to another organization. The transmission unit 102 further transmits information (in one example, the notification in step S220 of FIG. 14) for displaying whether the other change application has been approved or not on the terminal device (order side terminal device 3a) of the first order side user based on the approval status information. The information processing apparatus 2 described in any one of Appendices 1 to 11.

[0166] (Appendix 13) The association unit 140 further associates another authority (agency authority) that is more restricted than the first order side authority with another user (agency user) based on the operation of the first order side user associated with the first order side authority. The reception unit 106 further receives operations related to the first order data from another user based on the other authority. The information processing apparatus 2 described in any one of Appendices 1 to 12.

[0167] (Appendix 14) The computer 70 is caused to perform: acquiring first order data regarding an order for steel placed by a first organization included in the steel distribution route; transmitting the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; associating a first order side authority regarding the order for steel with a first order side user belonging to the first organization, and associating a first order receiving side authority regarding the reception of the order for steel with a first order receiving side user belonging to the second organization; accepting an operation regarding the first order data from the first order side user based on the first order side authority; accepting an operation regarding the first order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority; and executing a process corresponding to the accepted operation. An information processing method.

[0168] (Appendix 15) The computer 70 is caused to perform: acquiring first order data regarding an order for steel placed by a first organization included in the steel distribution route; transmitting the first order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; associating a first order side authority regarding the order for steel with a first order side user belonging to the first organization, and associating a first order receiving side authority regarding the reception of the order for steel with a first order receiving side user belonging to the second organization; accepting an operation regarding the first order data from the first order side user based on the first order side authority; accepting an operation regarding the first order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority; and executing a process corresponding to the accepted operation. A program.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0169] 1…System, 2…Information processing apparatus, 3…Terminal device, 3a…Order side terminal device, 3b…Order receiving side terminal device, 3b1…First order receiving side terminal device, 3b2…Second order receiving side terminal device, 10…Control unit, 12…Storage unit, 70…Computer, 100…Acquisition unit, 102…Transmission unit, 104…Association unit, 106…Reception unit, 108…Execution unit, 700…Processor

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires first order data and second order data related to an order for steel placed by a first organization included in a steel distribution channel, The first organization includes a first ordering group to which a first ordering user belongs, and a second ordering group to which a second ordering user different from the first ordering user belongs, the first order data includes data regarding steel orders placed by the first group of ordering parties; the second order data includes data regarding steel orders placed by the second ordering group; An acquisition unit; a transmission unit that transmits the first order data and the second order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; an association unit capable of associating a first ordering authority for ordering steel with the first ordering user, associating a second ordering authority for ordering steel with the second ordering user, and associating a first receiving-side authority for receiving steel orders with a first receiving-side user belonging to the second organization; a receiving unit capable of receiving an operation regarding the first order data from the first ordering side user based on the first ordering side authority, receiving an operation regarding the first order data from the second ordering side user based on the second ordering side authority, receiving an operation regarding the second order data from the first ordering side user based on the first ordering side authority, receiving an operation regarding the second order data from the second ordering side user based on the second ordering side authority, and receiving an operation regarding the first order data and / or the second order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority; an execution unit that executes a process corresponding to the operation accepted by the acceptance unit; Equipped with the types of operations related to the first order data that the reception unit can accept based on the second order side authority are smaller than the types of operations related to the first order data that the reception unit can accept based on the first order side authority, An information processing device, wherein the types of operations regarding the second order data that the reception unit can accept based on the first order side authority are fewer than the types of operations regarding the second order data that the reception unit can accept based on the second order side authority.

2. the operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can accept based on the first order side authority and the operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can accept based on the second order side authority each include an operation of viewing information about the first order data, The operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can receive based on the first order side authority includes an operation related to a change request for the first order data, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein operations related to the first order data that the reception unit can receive based on the second order side authority do not include operations related to a request to change the first order data.

3. The second organization includes a first order-receiving side group to which the first order-receiving side user belongs, and a second order-receiving side group to which a second order-receiving side user different from the first order-receiving side user belongs, The associating unit further associates a second order receiving side authority regarding receiving an order for steel with the second order receiving side user, The reception unit receives an operation related to the first order data from the second order receiving side user based on the second order receiving side authority, 2 . The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein a type of operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can accept based on the second order receiving authority is fewer than a type of operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can accept based on the first order receiving authority.

4. the first order data includes data regarding an order for steel for the first order receiving group; The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the second order data includes data regarding an order for steel for the second order receiving group.

5. the reception unit receives an operation regarding the second order data from the first order receiving-side user based on the first order receiving-side authority, and receives an operation regarding the second order data from the second order receiving-side user based on the second order receiving-side authority; 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein a type of operation regarding the second order data that the reception unit can accept based on the first order receiving side authority is fewer than a type of operation regarding the second order data that the reception unit can accept based on the second order receiving side authority.

6. the operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can accept based on the first order reception-side authority and the operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can accept based on the second order reception-side authority each include an operation of browsing information about the first order data, The operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can receive based on the first order reception side authority includes an operation of approving a change request for the first order data, The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein operations related to the first order data that the reception unit can receive based on the second order receiving authority do not include an operation of approving a change request for the first order data.

7. The distribution channel further includes other organizations that do business with the second organization; The operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can receive based on the first order side authority includes an operation related to a change request for the first order data, The transmission unit further transmits information for displaying information about another change request corresponding to the change request on a terminal device of a user of the other organization; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can receive based on the first order receiving authority includes setting such that the change request is approved on the condition that the other change request is approved by a user of the other organization.

8. The operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can receive based on the first order side authority includes an operation related to a change request for the first order data, The operation related to the first order data that the reception unit can receive based on the first order receiving authority includes an operation related to approval of the change request, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit further transmits information for displaying, on a terminal device of the first ordering user, whether or not the change request has been approved.

9. The distribution channel further includes other organizations that do business with the second organization; The acquiring unit further acquires approval status information regarding another change request for another order data made from the second organization to the other organization; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit further transmits information for displaying on a terminal device of the first ordering user whether or not the other change request has been approved based on the approval status information.

10. The associating unit further associates another authority, which has a smaller number of executable operations compared to the first ordering side authority, with another user based on an operation of the first ordering side user associated with the first ordering side authority; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the accepting unit further accepts an operation related to the first order data from the other user based on the other authority.

11. A computer comprising: obtaining first order data and second order data relating to an order for steel placed by a first organization in a steel distribution channel, The first organization includes a first ordering group to which a first ordering user belongs, and a second ordering group to which a second ordering user different from the first ordering user belongs, the first order data includes data regarding steel orders placed by the first group of ordering parties; the second order data includes data regarding steel orders placed by the second ordering group; obtaining first order data and second order data; transmitting the first order data and the second order data to a second organization included in the distribution channel; Associating a first ordering authority for ordering steel to the first ordering user, associating a second ordering authority for ordering steel to the second ordering user, and associating a first receiving authority for receiving steel orders to a first receiving side user belonging to the second organization; accepting an operation regarding the first order data from the first ordering side user based on the first ordering side authority, accepting an operation regarding the first order data from the second ordering side user based on the second ordering side authority, accepting an operation regarding the second order data from the first ordering side user based on the first ordering side authority, accepting an operation regarding the second order data from the second ordering side user based on the second ordering side authority, and accepting an operation regarding the first order data and / or the second order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority; executing a process corresponding to an operation received regarding the first order data and the second order data; An information processing method for executing the types of operations related to the first order data that can be accepted based on the second order side authority are fewer than the types of operations related to the first order data that can be accepted based on the first order side authority; An information processing method, wherein the types of operations regarding the second order data that can be accepted based on the first order side authority are fewer than the types of operations regarding the second order data that can be accepted based on the second order side authority.

12. A computer comprising: An acquisition unit that acquires first order data and second order data related to an order for steel placed by a first organization included in a steel distribution channel, The first organization includes a first ordering group to which a first ordering user belongs, and a second ordering group to which a second ordering user different from the first ordering user belongs, the first order data includes data regarding steel orders placed by the first group of ordering parties; the second order data includes data regarding steel orders placed by the second ordering group; An acquisition unit; a transmission unit that transmits the first order data and the second order data to a second organization included in the distribution route; an association unit capable of associating a first ordering authority for ordering steel with the first ordering user, associating a second ordering authority for ordering steel with the second ordering user, and associating a first receiving-side authority for receiving steel orders with a first receiving-side user belonging to the second organization; a receiving unit capable of receiving an operation regarding the first order data from the first ordering side user based on the first ordering side authority, receiving an operation regarding the first order data from the second ordering side user based on the second ordering side authority, receiving an operation regarding the second order data from the first ordering side user based on the first ordering side authority, receiving an operation regarding the second order data from the second ordering side user based on the second ordering side authority, and receiving an operation regarding the first order data and / or the second order data from the first order receiving side user based on the first order receiving side authority; an execution unit that executes a process corresponding to the operation accepted by the acceptance unit; A program that functions as the types of operations related to the first order data that the reception unit can accept based on the second order side authority are smaller than the types of operations related to the first order data that the reception unit can accept based on the first order side authority, The type of operations regarding the second order data that the reception unit can accept based on the first order side authority is fewer than the type of operations regarding the second order data that the reception unit can accept based on the second order side authority.

Images