Order support system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To place orders flexibly.SOLUTION: An order support system includes an order reception section, an extraction section, and an output control section. The order reception section receives additional orders for articles from customers. The articles included in the order to be added may be articles to be sold at a store. The extraction section extracts regular service delivery information to be added to the order from each regular service delivery information representing the regular service delivery ordered by the customer. The output control section outputs order data for adding the received order to the regular service delivery represented by the extracted regular service delivery information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an order assistance system and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] There are cases where a customer has ordered products via the Internet, telephone, etc. and has them delivered. For example, there are cases where a customer regularly orders products and has them delivered by regular delivery.

[0003] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which, when an order for a non-stock item is placed, a customer is prompted to place an additional order for a stock item, and the additional order and the non-stock item are packed at the same time. Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which, when a non-stock item is to be redelivered, the stock item is packed at the same time.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 describes a method of combining orders for multiple products into one and delivering it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-220127 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-86665 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There may be times when you want to order additional items for a subscription service for which orders have already been accepted.

[0007] An example of an objective of the present disclosure is to provide an order support system that allows flexible ordering. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An order support system in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an order receiving means for receiving an order for additional products from a customer, an extraction means for extracting subscription information for adding the order from each subscription information representing a subscription that the customer has already ordered, and an output control means for outputting order data for adding the received order to the subscription represented by the extracted subscription information.

[0009] An information processing method in one aspect of the present disclosure accepts an order for additional products from a customer, extracts subscription information for adding the order from each subscription information representing a subscription that the customer has already ordered, and outputs order data for adding the accepted order to the subscription represented by the extracted subscription information.

[0010] A program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of accepting an order for additional products from a customer, extracting subscription information to which the order should be added from each subscription information representing a subscription that the customer has already ordered, and outputting order data to add the accepted order to the subscription represented by the extracted subscription information.

[0011] The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present disclosure allows for flexible ordering. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an order support system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the order support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of regular delivery when there are no additional orders. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of regular delivery when there is an additional order. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of connection between the order support system according to the second embodiment and other devices. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an order support system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a customer terminal device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an additional order. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of selecting a regular delivery to which a customer adds an order. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output of order data. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of accepting additional orders so as not to exceed the orderable product capacity. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the order support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of an order assistance system, an information processing method, a program, and a non-transitory recording medium for recording a program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. The present embodiments do not limit the disclosed technology.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) First, a basic function of the order support system will be described in the first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the order support system according to the first embodiment.

[0016] The order support system 10 supports additional orders for regular deliveries. A regular delivery, for example, is one in which an order is received from a customer and products are delivered to the customer on a regular basis. For example, "regular" refers to a predetermined cycle, such as every few weeks, every few days, or every day of the week. For example, the products ordered for each regular delivery may be different or the same. For example, product orders may be received for each regular delivery. Alternatively, for example, product orders may be received for multiple regular deliveries all at once. Furthermore, for example, product orders may be received so that the same products are delivered for each subsequent regular delivery.

[0017] The order support system 10 includes an order receiving unit 101, an extraction unit 102, and an output control unit 103.

[0018] The order receiving unit 101 receives an order for additional products from a customer. The method of receiving the order is not particularly limited. For example, the order receiving unit 101 may receive an order via a terminal device operated by the customer. Alternatively, the order receiving unit 101 may receive an order received by telephone from a customer or the like via a terminal device operated by an operator.

[0019] The extraction unit 102 extracts regular service information for adding an order from each regular service information representing regular services that have already been ordered by the customer. For example, the ordering method for a regular service order and the ordering method for a newly accepted order may be different or the same.

[0020] Here, the regular delivery information includes, for example, information about ordered products, the delivery date of the regular delivery, and information representing the delivery device that will deliver the regular delivery. The delivery device is not limited to a delivery vehicle such as a truck, or a mobile object such as a drone or robot. The information representing the delivery device is, for example, at least one of information that can identify the delivery device and information representing the location where each product will be loaded onto the delivery device.

[0021] The order of the process in which the extraction unit 102 extracts the regular delivery information and the process in which the order receiving unit 101 receives the order is not particularly limited. For example, the order receiving unit 101 may receive the order after the extraction unit 102 extracts the regular delivery information. Alternatively, for example, the extraction unit 102 may extract the regular delivery information after the order receiving unit 101 receives the order.

[0022] The output control unit 103 outputs order data that causes the order receiving unit 101 to add a newly accepted order to the regular delivery represented by the extracted regular delivery information. For example, the order data includes information about the accepted order and at least a portion of the regular delivery information. The information about the accepted order includes, for example, product identification information that identifies the product to be added. The product identification information is not particularly limited as long as it can identify the product. Furthermore, the information about the order may further include the purchase quantity of the product to be added.

[0023] Specifically, for example, the output control unit 103 may output the order data to a device in the store that handles the additionally ordered item. The device in the store may be, for example, a printing device or a display device. For example, a store clerk can use the output order data to pick up the item. Also, specifically, for example, the output control unit 103 may output the order data to a customer's terminal device. For example, this allows the customer to confirm that the additional item has been ordered in addition to their regular delivery.

[0024] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the order support system 10 according to the first embodiment. The order receiving unit 101 receives an additional order (step S101). The extraction unit 102 extracts regular delivery information for adding the order (step S102). The output control unit 103 outputs order data representing the additional order (step S103). The order support system 10 then terminates its operation.

[0025] As explained for each functional unit, the order of steps is not particularly limited. For example, step S101 may be executed after step S102.

[0026] As described above, in the first embodiment, the order support system 10, for example, accepts an additional order, extracts regular delivery information for adding the additional order, and outputs order data for adding the accepted order to the regular delivery. This allows the order to be added to the regular delivery. Therefore, customers can place orders flexibly.

[0027] The first embodiment is not limited to the above-described examples and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, each functional unit may be realized by a single device. For example, each functional unit may be realized by a single server or a single terminal device that can be operated by a customer. Alternatively, each functional unit may be realized by multiple devices.

[0028] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, an example of accepting regular delivery orders and additional orders, which basically includes the functions of the order support system described in the first embodiment, will be described in detail. Below, explanations of content that overlaps with the above explanation will be omitted to the extent that the explanation of the second embodiment is not unclear. First, a simple example of regular delivery when there is no additional order will be described using FIG. 3. Next, a simple example of regular delivery when there is an additional order will be described using FIG. 4.

[0029] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of regular delivery when there is no additional order. The order support system 20 is, for example, a system for supporting orders in which regular deliveries are made to customers.

[0030] For example, multiple customers may become members or association members, and jointly purchase general merchandise such as food, daily necessities, and clothing from a supplier and have the merchandise delivered. In such cases, the order deadline for a regular delivery may be one to two weeks before the delivery date and time. Also, deliveries may be made once a week on a predetermined day of the week at a predetermined time. The supplier may be, for example, a manufacturer's wholesaler or a bento supplier, but is not limited to such. Figure 3 shows an example of a manufacturer's wholesaler.

[0031] For example, a customer places an order for a subscription service. Note that multiple customers may place an order as a group. A customer may place an order by telephone, paper, the Internet, or the like. Specifically, for example, a customer may submit a paper with an order written on it. The order support system 20 may accept an order for a subscription service by extracting the order from the paper using OCR (Optical Character Recognition). A customer may instruct an operator to place an order by telephone. Then, the order support system 20 may accept an order for a subscription service by having an operator input the order into a terminal device. A customer may input an order via a terminal device.

[0032] In this way, the order support system 20 accepts orders for regular deliveries. For example, when the order support system 20 accepts an order, it generates regular delivery information representing the regular delivery. For example, as described above, the regular delivery information includes information on the ordered products, delivery binary data for the regular delivery, and information representing the delivery device that will deliver the regular delivery, for each customer or customer group. Hereinafter, a delivery van will be used as an example of a delivery device.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, for example, when ordering a product on a regular delivery service, the ordered product is placed with a wholesaler, etc. Also, for example, in a regular delivery service, delivery is made by a pre-arranged delivery vehicle along a predetermined route. This makes it difficult to accept new orders.

[0034] The wholesaler then delivers the ordered products from the logistics center to the distribution center so that they can be delivered on the delivery date.

[0035] The ordered products are loaded onto the delivery truck, which then delivers them to each customer, thus completing regular deliveries.

[0036] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of regular delivery when there is an additional order. The shipping of the regular order and the delivery of the product to the delivery center are the same as the example shown in Fig. 3.

[0037] Here, for example, there may be a store located near a distribution center. Products that can be ordered additionally are, for example, products available at the store. For example, the store may sell products that cannot be ordered from a supplier, such as prepared foods or perishable foods with a short expiration date. The deadline for accepting additional orders may be set so as to be in time for the delivery date and time of each regular delivery, for example, since the delivery date and time of each regular delivery is fixed.

[0038] The order support system 20 accepts additional orders. For example, a customer places an order by telephone, the Internet, or the like. The order support system 20 then outputs order data to the store to add the accepted order to the regular delivery.

[0039] The store clerk picks up the additionally ordered items based on the order data. The store clerk can pick up the items so that they arrive in time for delivery, for example, on the morning of the delivery day. The store clerk then delivers the picked-up items to the distribution center. At this time, the store clerk may prepare packaging materials for the items and deliver the items and packaging materials to the distribution center.

[0040] In the following description, an example will be given in which an order for a product is received via a customer's terminal device, and order data is output to a terminal device in a store.

[0041] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection between the order support system 20 according to the second embodiment and other devices. The order support system 20 is connected to a customer terminal device 21 and a store terminal device 22, for example, via a communication network 23. The type of the customer terminal device 21 is not particularly limited. The customer terminal device 21 may be any of a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, and a tablet device. Similarly to the customer terminal device 21, the type of the store terminal device 22 is not particularly limited.

[0042] 5, in order to explain an example in which order data is displayed on the display device of the store terminal device 22, the order support system 20 is connected to the store terminal device 22. When the order data is to be printed, the order support system 20 may be connected to a printing device in the store via the communication network 23.

[0043] Although the order support system 20 will be described as being configured with one server, the order support system 20 is not limited to this example, and may be configured with multiple servers.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an order support system 20 according to the second embodiment. The order support system 20 includes, for example, an order receiving unit 201, an extraction unit 202, an output control unit 203, a determination unit 204, and an identification unit 205. The order support system 20 is configured by adding the determination unit 204 and the identification unit 205 to the order support system 10 described in the first embodiment. For example, the order receiving unit 201, the extraction unit 202, and the output control unit 203 each include, as basic functions, the order receiving unit 101, the extraction unit 102, and the output control unit 103 described in the first embodiment. Data used in the processing of each unit and the results of the processing of each unit may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) or the like.

[0045] The order support system 20 may also include a product DB 2001 and a subscription DB 2002 .

[0046] The product DB 2001 stores product identification information, price, product features, inventory quantity, product location, etc. for each customer. Product identification information may be any information that can identify a product, and is not limited to product name, identifier, product image data, etc. Price is the base price of the product. Product features are characteristics other than the price of the product. For example, product features may be information such as size and temperature condition. Size may be, for example, the length, width, and height of the product. Size may also be, for example, capacity such as volume. Temperature condition may be, for example, refrigerated, frozen, room temperature, etc. Product features may also be the size of packaging material required to package the product. Product features may also be product category. Product category is a classification of the product. For example, product categories may be major categories such as clothing, food, miscellaneous goods, etc. Product categories may also be subcategories into major categories such as confectionery, meat, vegetables, etc. Stock quantity is the number of products in stock at the store. Product location is the location of the product in the store. The position of the product may be, for example, the position of the shelf on which the product is displayed, and is not particularly limited.

[0047] The regular flight DB 2002 stores regular flight information for each customer. Specifically, for example, the regular flight DB 2002 stores identification information for identifying a customer in association with each piece of regular flight information. The regular flight information is as described above.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a customer terminal device 21 according to the second embodiment. The customer terminal device 21 is a device that can be operated by a customer. The customer terminal device 21 has a reception unit 211 and an output unit 212. Data used in the processing of each unit and the results of the processing of each unit may be stored in a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit (not shown) may be provided in the customer terminal device 21 or in a device different from the customer terminal device 21. Next, each of the functional units shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described.

[0049] The order receiving unit 201 receives an order for additional products from a customer. For example, the order receiving unit 201 may receive an order for additional products via the receiving unit 211 of the terminal device 21 of the customer.

[0050] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an additional order, in which customer A places an additional order for a regular delivery.

[0051] The output control unit 203 may output a list of products that can be additionally ordered to the customer's terminal device 21. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 203 transmits information about the list of products that can be additionally ordered to the customer's terminal device 21. Then, for example, the output unit 212 may display the received list of products that can be additionally ordered on a display device. For example, the screen d001 includes buttons for selecting products that the customer wants to order, for each product.

[0052] When a product button is tapped, the reception unit 211 receives the selection of a product to be additionally ordered. Then, when the "Confirm" button on screen d001 is tapped, the reception unit 211 receives an order for the selected product. Although not shown, the quantity and other details may also be selectable. The reception unit 211 transmits the received order to the order support system 20. The order reception unit 201 receives the order from the customer's terminal device 21 to receive the order.

[0053] In FIG. 8, the extraction unit 202 extracts subscription information for adding an order from each subscription information representing subscriptions already ordered by customer A. For example, customer A has a subscription that delivers ordered products every week. In the example of FIG. 8, there is a subscription that will be delivered on June 29, 2021, and another subscription that will be delivered on July 6, 2021.

[0054] There are no particular limitations on the extraction method used by the extraction unit 202. For example, if the date on which additional orders will be accepted (the current date) is June 27, 2021, the extraction unit 202 may extract regular delivery information that represents a regular delivery that will be delivered on the nearest June 29, 2021.

[0055] The extraction unit 202 may also extract regular delivery information specified by customer A. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of selecting a regular delivery to add to an order by a customer. The output unit 212 displays a screen d002 including buttons for selecting a regular delivery.

[0056] In Figure 9, there is a regular delivery that will be delivered on June 29, 2021, and a regular delivery that will be delivered on July 6, 2021. When the delivery date and time button is tapped, the reception unit 211 accepts the selection of the regular delivery to which the order is to be added. Then, when the "Confirm" button on screen d002 is tapped, the reception unit 211 accepts the addition of the order to the selected regular delivery. The reception unit 211 transmits the reception result to the order support system 20. The extraction unit 202 receives the reception result from the customer's terminal device 21. As a result, the extraction unit 202 extracts regular delivery information representing the selected regular delivery.

[0057] Returning to the description of the extraction unit 202 in Fig. 8, for example, for regular deliveries, the delivery vehicle is determined in advance, and there are cases where deliveries are not made to the same delivery destination multiple times on the same day. In such cases, the capacity that can be loaded onto the delivery vehicle is determined in advance, and there are cases where orders cannot be added depending on the regular delivery. Therefore, the extraction unit 202 may extract, for example, from each regular delivery information, regular delivery information to which products included in the order accepted by the order acceptance unit 201 can be added.

[0058] The determination unit 204 determines the volume of the product that can be additionally ordered for each subscription information. The determination method by the determination unit 204 will be described later. Then, the extraction unit 202 extracts subscription information for which the determined volume is equal to or greater than the volume of the product included in the order accepted by the order acceptance unit 201.

[0059] Next, the output control unit 203 outputs order data that adds the accepted order to the extracted regular delivery information, for example. The output method is not particularly limited. In the example of FIG. 4, the output control unit 203 outputs the order data to the store terminal device 22. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 203 may cause the display device of the store terminal device 22 to display the order data. As described in the first embodiment, the order data includes information about the accepted order and at least a portion of the extracted regular delivery information.

[0060] The order data may include information about the regular delivery truck included in the regular delivery information and the delivery date and time. For example, the information about the delivery truck may be information about the location at the delivery center where the delivery truck will load the products for customer A. The information about the delivery truck may also be identification information that identifies the delivery truck. The order data may also include a deadline for delivering additionally ordered products to the delivery center instead of a delivery date and time. The order data may also include information indicating the location of the ordered products at the store. The order data may also include information about the packaging of the received products. The information about packaging may be the temperature state included in the product DB2001, or information indicating the packaging material according to the temperature state and the size of the product. The packaging material used to package the products may be predetermined for each temperature state.

[0061] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of order data output. A screen d003 including the order data is displayed on the display device of the store terminal device 22. In Fig. 10, screen d003 includes information such as the name of the ordered product, the location of the product in the store, the location of the distribution center to which the product will be delivered, the deadline, and packaging.

[0062] In Figure 10, the additional order item is a sashimi set. The location of the sashimi set in the store is back room B. The location of the distribution center to which the item will be delivered is section C of the distribution center. The deadline for delivering the item to the distribution center is 10:00 AM on June 29, 2021. The information regarding packaging is packaging material D.

[0063] The store clerk simply picks up the product by following the instructions on screen d003. For example, the store clerk picks up the sashimi set in back room B and packs it in packaging material D. The store clerk then delivers the packed sashimi set to section C of the distribution center by 10:00 AM on June 29, 2021.

[0064] Returning to the explanation of the output control unit 203, the example is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4, and the output control unit 203 may output the order data to the customer's terminal device 21. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 203 transmits the order data to the customer's terminal device 21. Then, the output unit 212 may display the received order data on a display device. This allows the customer to confirm that the order has been added to the regular delivery.

[0065] (Example of determining the volume of an orderable product) Next, an example of determining the volume of a product that can be reordered for a regular delivery will be described. Here, the volume of a product may be defined in any way. The volume of a product may be a volume such as n cubic centimeters or a volume based on the load capacity of a truck. The volume of a product may also be expressed by the number of products, such as n units of a product of a certain size.

[0066] The determination unit 204 determines the volume of the product that can be additionally ordered based on the volume of the product ordered in the regular delivery.

[0067] The method for determining the volume of a product that can be additionally ordered is not particularly limited. The determination unit 204 determines the volume of the product that can be additionally ordered based on the volume of the product ordered in the subscription delivery and a predetermined volume. The predetermined volume may be the maximum volume that can be delivered to each customer. The predetermined volume may be different for each customer, or may be the same. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 204 determines the volume of the product that can be additionally ordered as the difference between the volume of the product ordered in the subscription delivery and the predetermined volume.

[0068] Alternatively, the determination unit 204 determines the volume of products that can be additionally ordered for a delivery vehicle based on the total volume of products ordered by each customer on a regular delivery and the capacity that can be loaded onto the delivery vehicle. The capacity that can be loaded onto a delivery vehicle is predetermined, such as a 2-ton truck. For example, the determination unit 204 identifies products ordered on regular deliveries by each customer that will be delivered by the same delivery vehicle from the regular delivery DB 2002 based on the delivery date of the regular delivery and information indicating the delivery vehicle that will deliver the regular delivery. The determination unit 204 then calculates the total volume of the identified products. The determination unit 204 then determines the difference between the total volume and the capacity that can be loaded onto the delivery vehicle as the volume of products that can be additionally ordered. Note that the total volume increases, for example, if another customer places an additional order.

[0069] Here, the order of the process by the determination unit 204 to determine the volume of the product that can be additionally ordered, the process by the extraction unit 202 to extract regular delivery information, and the process by the order receiving unit 201 to receive the additional order is not particularly limited.

[0070] For example, the determination unit 204 determines the volume of a product that can be additionally ordered. The order receiving unit 201 receives the additional order. Then, as in the above example, the extraction unit 202 may extract subscription information that indicates a subscription in which the volume of the product that can be additionally ordered is equal to or greater than the volume of the product included in the received order.

[0071] Alternatively, for example, the extraction unit 202 may extract regular delivery information. Next, the determination unit 204 may determine the volume of the product that can be additionally ordered for the regular delivery represented by the extracted regular delivery information. Then, the order receiving unit 201 may receive an order for additional products so that the volume does not exceed the determined volume for the regular delivery represented by the extracted regular delivery information.

[0072] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of accepting additional orders so as not to exceed the capacity of an orderable item. For example, in Fig. 11, the output unit 212 displays a screen d004 including the number of items that can be added and information about the items that can be added. According to screen d004, the number of items that can be added is two.

[0073] Screen d004 has buttons for selecting each product. Screen d004 may also include the score of the selected product. According to screen d004, a sashimi set has been selected, and the current selection score is 1. For example, when the "Confirm" button is tapped, the reception unit 211 transmits the received order to the order support system 20. The order reception unit 201 receives the order from the customer's terminal device 21, thereby receiving the order. According to screen d004, a sashimi set is additionally ordered.

[0074] (Example of specific products that can be reordered) As mentioned above, some products cannot be added depending on the volume of the product ordered as a subscription. Therefore, products that can be added may be specified.

[0075] The identifying unit 205 identifies, from among a plurality of products, products whose volume does not exceed the volume determined for the regular delivery. The identifying unit 205 may identify products whose volume is equal to or less than the determined volume based on the size of each product included in the product DB 2001.

[0076] Then, for example, the order receiving unit 201 may receive an order for an additional product from the products identified by the identifying unit 205.

[0077] Furthermore, the specifying unit 205 may specify an addable product based on the capacity of the specified additional product and the determined capacity each time an additional product is specified by the customer. Specifically, for example, the specifying unit 205 may specify a product whose capacity does not exceed the capacity obtained by subtracting the capacity of the specified additional product from the determined capacity.

[0078] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the order support system 20 according to the second embodiment. The determination unit 204 determines the volume of an item that can be additionally ordered for each piece of regular delivery information (step S201). The identification unit 205 identifies an item that can be additionally ordered for each piece of regular delivery information (step S202). In step S202, the identification unit 205 identifies an item that can be additionally ordered based on the volume of the item that can be additionally ordered and the volume of each item included in the product DB 2001.

[0079] Next, the extraction unit 202 extracts regular flight information from each piece of regular flight information (step S203). In step S203, for example, the extraction unit 202 may extract regular flight information selected by an operation of the customer.

[0080] The order receiving unit 201 then receives an order to add a product to the extracted regular delivery information (step S204). The output control unit 203 then outputs order data to add the received order to the regular delivery represented by the extracted regular delivery information (step S205). The order support system 20 then terminates its operation.

[0081] As explained for each functional unit, the order of each step is not particularly limited. For example, step S201 and step S202 may be executed after step S203. In such a case, in step S201, the determination unit 204 determines the volume of the product that can be ordered for the extracted subscription information.

[0082] Also, for example, steps S201 to S203 may be executed after step S204. In such a case, in step S203, the extraction unit 202 may extract regular delivery information in which the volume of the product included in the accepted order is equal to or less than the determined volume.

[0083] As described above, in the second embodiment, the order support system 20 extracts the regular delivery information with the nearest delivery date from each regular delivery information, thereby enabling additional products ordered by a customer to be delivered in the shortest time possible.

[0084] In addition, the order support system 20 extracts the regular delivery information designated by the customer from each regular delivery information, thereby enabling the customer to have the additionally ordered product delivered on the desired delivery date among the regular delivery dates.

[0085] Furthermore, in the case of regular deliveries, products are generally not delivered multiple times to the same delivery destination on the same day. For this reason, the order support system 20 extracts regular delivery information to which the received product can be added from each regular delivery information. Specifically, for example, the order support system 20 determines the volume of the product that can be ordered additionally based on the volume of the product ordered in the regular delivery, and extracts regular delivery information in which the volume of the product included in the additional order does not exceed the determined volume. This allows products to be ordered additionally for regular delivery.

[0086] The order support system 20 may also determine the volume of additional products that can be ordered based on the volume of products ordered for the regular delivery, and accept additional orders so that the volume does not exceed the determined volume. This allows additional products to be ordered for regular delivery.

[0087] The order support system 20 may identify products from multiple products that do not exceed the determined volume and accept additional orders from the identified products. This ensures that products that can be added to regular deliveries are ordered, thereby improving sales.

[0088] The output order data also includes information about packaging of the products included in the accepted order, which can reduce the time and effort required for store staff to pick up the products and deliver them to the distribution center.

[0089] This concludes the detailed description of the second embodiment.

[0090] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, and various modifications are possible. Modifications will now be described.

[0091] [Variation 1] In the second embodiment, the identifying unit 205 identifies products that do not exceed the determined capacity, and the order receiving unit 201 receives an additional order for the identified products. For example, the identifying unit 205 may identify recommended products that the customer should order additionally.

[0092] The method for identifying recommended products is not particularly limited. For example, the identification unit 205 may use the customer's past purchase history. Specifically, for example, the identification unit 205 may identify products recommended for additional orders from products previously purchased by the customer and included in a purchase history DB (not shown). For example, the identification unit 205 may identify products that have been purchased regularly in past subscriptions but are not included in the subscription order as recommended products for additional orders. Periodic purchases may mean, for example, purchases made for several consecutive weeks or purchases made every few weeks. Then, the order receiving unit 201 may receive additional orders from the recommended products.

[0093] [Variation 2] When an additional order is placed for a product sold in a store, a low inventory at the store may be undesirable for store operations. Therefore, the identifying unit 205 may identify products that can be additionally ordered based on the inventory status of the products at the store. The inventory status may be, for example, the number of products in stock or a status such as high, medium, or low based on the number of products in stock. Specifically, for example, if the inventory number of a product included in the product DB 2001 is equal to or greater than a threshold, the identifying unit 205 identifies the product as a product that can be additionally ordered. The threshold may be determined in advance. The threshold may be different for each product. Then, the order receiving unit 201 may receive additional orders for the identified products.

[0094] [Variation 3] Furthermore, products that can be reordered may be narrowed down in advance to products that are small in size, etc. Therefore, the identifying unit 205 may identify products that can be reordered based on the size of the product. The size of the product may be at least one of length, width, and height, or may be the volume of the product. Specifically, for example, if the size of a product included in the product DB 2001 is equal to or smaller than a threshold, the identifying unit 205 identifies the product as a product that can be reordered. The threshold may be determined in advance.

[0095] [Variation 4] In the second embodiment, the output control unit 203 may generate screen information to be displayed on the display device of the customer terminal device 21, and transmit the generated screen information to the customer terminal device 21. The output unit 212 of the customer terminal device 21 may display the screen on the display device based on the received screen information. The output control unit 203 may also perform the same process of outputting order data to the store terminal device 22.

[0096] This concludes the description of the modified example.

[0097] Furthermore, the configuration of the order support system in each embodiment is not particularly limited. The order support system in each embodiment may be configured by a single device (server), or may be configured by different devices for different functions or databases. The order support system may be configured by a combination of multiple servers. A server that manages various databases may function as a database server, for example. Each server passes information used for the processing assigned to it, for example, via a communication network, etc. However, the names of the servers that make up the order support system are not limited to these. The order support system may also be configured by several of these servers.

[0098] The combination of the respective embodiments is not particularly limited. For example, in each embodiment, the order support system may be configured to include each functional unit and part of the information. For example, the order support system according to the second embodiment may be configured to include an order receiving unit, an extraction unit, an output unit, and a determination unit.

[0099] In each embodiment, each DB may include part of the information described above. Also, each DB may include information other than the information described above. Also, part of the multiple DBs may be realized by one DB. Also, each DB may be divided into multiple DBs in more detail. In this way, the method of realizing each DB is not particularly limited. This concludes the description of the embodiments and their modifications. Note that the embodiments and their modifications may be used in combination.

[0100] (Computer equipment) Next, an example of a hardware configuration in which each device, such as the terminal device and the order support system (server) described in each embodiment, is realized by a computer device will be described. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer device. For example, some or all of each device can be realized using any combination of a computer device 30 and a program as shown in Fig. 13.

[0101] The computer device 30 includes, for example, a processor 301, a read-only memory (ROM) 302, a random access memory (RAM) 303, a storage device 304, a communication interface 305, and an input / output interface 306. Each component is connected to the other via a bus 307.

[0102] The processor 301 controls the entire computer device 30. Examples of the processor 301 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). There may be multiple processors 301. The computer device 30 includes a ROM 302, a RAM 303, and a storage device 304. Examples of the storage device 304 include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the storage device 304 stores an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs according to the embodiments. Alternatively, the ROM 302 stores application programs and programs according to the embodiments. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the processor 301.

[0103] The processor 301 also loads programs stored in the storage device 304, ROM 302, etc. The processor 301 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 301 may also download various programs via the communication network 33. The processor 301 also functions as a part or all of the computer device 30. The processor 301 may then execute the processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0104] The communication interface 305 is connected to a communication network 33 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless or wired communication line. This allows the computer device 30 to be connected to external devices and external computers via the communication network 33. The communication interface 305 serves as an interface between the communication network 33 and the inside of the computer device 30. The communication interface 305 also controls the input and output of data from the external devices and external computers.

[0105] Furthermore, the input / output interface 306 is connected to at least one of an input device, an output device, and an input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. Examples of the output device include a display device, a lighting device, and a speaker that outputs sound. Examples of the input / output device include a touch panel display. The input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer device 30 or may be external.

[0106] The hardware configuration of the computer device 30 is an example. The computer device 30 may have some of the components shown in FIG. 13. The computer device 30 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 13. For example, the computer device 30 may have a drive device or the like. The processor 301 may then read programs and data stored on a recording medium attached to the drive device or the like into the RAM 303. Examples of non-transitory tangible recording media include optical disks, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories. As described above, the computer device 30 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The computer device 30 may have an output device such as a display. The computer device 30 may also have an input device, an output device, and an input / output device.

[0107] This concludes the description of the hardware configuration of each device. There are various variations in the implementation of each device. For example, the order assistance system may be implemented by any combination of different computers and programs for each component. Furthermore, multiple components included in each device may be implemented by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0108] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by circuits for specific applications. Furthermore, some or all of the devices may be realized by general-purpose circuits including a processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, some or all of the order assistance system may be realized by a combination of circuits for specific applications and general-purpose circuits. Furthermore, these circuits may be a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, these circuits may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. Furthermore, the multiple integrated circuits may be configured by being connected via a bus or the like.

[0109] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of each device are realized by a plurality of computers, circuits, etc., the plurality of computers, circuits, etc. may be centrally located or distributed.

[0110] The information processing method described in each embodiment is realized by execution by each device, such as a terminal device or an order support system (server). Also, the information processing method is realized by execution of a prepared program by a computer, such as each device. The program described in each embodiment is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as an HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory. Then, the program is executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. Also, the program may be distributed via a communication network 33.

[0111] The functions of each component of the order assistance system in each embodiment described above may be realized by hardware, such as a computer device, or may be realized by a computer device or firmware under program control.

[0112] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to various embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration and details of each of the present disclosures may include embodiments to which various modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art are applied within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may also include embodiments in which the details described herein are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, details described using a particular embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs. For example, although multiple operations are described in sequence in the form of a flowchart, the order of the descriptions does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations may be changed as long as it does not interfere with the content.

[0113] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: However, some or all of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0114] (Appendix 1) an order receiving means for receiving an additional order for the product from the customer; an extracting means for extracting regular flight information for adding the order from each regular flight information representing a regular flight already ordered by the customer; an output control means for outputting order data for adding the received order to the regular flight indicated by the extracted regular flight information; An order support system equipped with: (Appendix 2) The additionally orderable products are products sold in stores. The order assistance system described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The extraction means extracts the regular flight information having the most recent delivery date and time from each of the regular flight information. An order assistance system as described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The extraction means extracts the regular flight information designated by the customer from each of the regular flight information. An order assistance system as described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 5) The extraction means extracts, from each of the regular flight information, regular flight information to which the accepted order can be added. An order assistance system as described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 6) a determining means for determining the volume of additional products that can be ordered based on the volume of products ordered in the regular delivery; Equipped with the extraction means extracts regular delivery information in which the determined volume is equal to or greater than the volume of the product included in the accepted order. An order assistance system as described in Appendix 5. (Appendix 7) a determining means for determining the volume of additional products that can be ordered based on the volume of products ordered in the regular delivery; Equipped with the order receiving means receives the additional orders so as not to exceed the determined capacity; 5. An order assistance system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4. (Appendix 8) The determining means determines the volume of the additional product that can be ordered based on the volume that can be delivered by the delivery device used for the regular delivery and the volume of the product ordered for the regular delivery. An order assistance system as described in Appendix 6 or 7. (Appendix 9) The determining means determines the volume of the additional product that can be ordered based on a predetermined volume and the volume of the product ordered in the regular delivery. An order assistance system as described in Appendix 6 or 7. (Appendix 10) Identification means for identifying products that do not exceed the determined capacity; Equipped with the order receiving means receives the additional order from the identified product; An order assistance system as described in Appendix 7. (Appendix 11) a means for identifying additional products available for order based on product availability at the store; Equipped with the order receiving means receives the additional order from the identified product; 10. An order assistance system according to any one of appendices 1 to 9. (Appendix 12) The order data includes information regarding packaging of the received product. 12. An order assistance system according to any one of appendices 1 to 11. (Appendix 13) The order data includes information about the accepted order and at least a portion of the extracted regular flight information. 13. An order assistance system according to any one of appendices 1 to 12. (Appendix 14) Accepting customer orders for additional products; extracting subscription information for adding the order from each subscription information representing a subscription already ordered by the customer; outputting order data for adding the received order to the regular flight indicated by the extracted regular flight information; Information processing methods. (Appendix 15) On the computer, Accepting customer orders for additional products; extracting subscription information for adding the order from each subscription information representing a subscription already ordered by the customer; outputting order data for adding the received order to the regular flight indicated by the extracted regular flight information; A program that executes a process. (Appendix 16) On the computer, Accept customer orders for additional products; extracting subscription information for adding the order from each subscription information representing a subscription already ordered by the customer; outputting order data for adding the received order to the regular flight indicated by the extracted regular flight information; A non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer that records a program for executing processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10,20 Order Support System 21 Customer terminal equipment 22 Store terminal equipment 23,33 Communication Networks 30 Computer Equipment 101,201 Order Reception Department 102,202 Extraction part 103,203 Output control section 204 Decision Section 205 Specific section 211 Reception 212 Output section 301 processor 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 Storage device 305 Communication Interface 306 Input / Output Interface 307 Bus d001 screen d002 screen d003 screen d004 screen 2001 Product DB 2002 Regular flight DB

Claims

1. an order receiving means for receiving an additional order for the product from the customer; a determining means for determining, for each subscription information item representing a subscription already ordered by the customer, the difference between the volume that can be delivered by the delivery device used for the subscription and the total volume of the products ordered in the subscription that will be delivered by the delivery device as the volume of additional products that can be ordered; an extraction means for extracting, from each of the regular flight information, regular flight information for which the order is to be added; an output control means for outputting order data for adding the received order to the regular flight indicated by the extracted regular flight information; Equipped with The extraction means extracts, from each of the regular delivery information, regular delivery information in which the determined volume is equal to or greater than the volume of the product included in the accepted order and to which the accepted order can be added. Order support system.

2. A determination means for determining, for each subscription information representing a subscription already ordered by a customer, the difference between the volume that can be delivered by the delivery device used by said subscription and the total volume of the products ordered in said subscription that will be delivered by said delivery device as the volume of additional products that can be ordered; an order receiving means for receiving an additional order for the product from the customer; an extraction means for extracting, from each of the regular flight information, regular flight information for which the order is to be added; an output control means for outputting order data for adding the received order to the regular flight indicated by the extracted regular flight information; Equipped with the order receiving means receives the additional orders so as not to exceed the determined capacity; Order support system.

3. The additionally orderable products are products sold in stores. The order support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The extraction means extracts the regular flight information having the most recent delivery date and time from each of the regular flight information. The order support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The extraction means extracts the regular flight information designated by the customer from each of the regular flight information. The order support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. Identification means for identifying products that do not exceed the determined capacity; Equipped with the order receiving means receives the additional order from the identified product; The order support system according to claim 2 .

7. a means for identifying additional products available for order based on product availability at the store; Equipped with the order receiving means receives the additional order from the identified product; The order support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The order data includes information regarding packaging of the received product. The order support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The order data includes information about the accepted order and at least a portion of the extracted regular flight information. The order support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer comprising: Accepting customer orders for additional products; For each subscription information item representing a subscription order already placed by the customer, determine the difference between the volume that can be delivered by the delivery device used for the subscription and the total volume of the products ordered in the subscription that will be delivered by the delivery device as the volume of additional products that can be ordered; extracting, from the respective pieces of regular flight information, regular flight information to which the order is to be added; outputting order data for adding the received order to the regular flight indicated by the extracted regular flight information; Execute the process, In the extraction process, from each of the subscription information, subscription information in which the determined volume is equal to or greater than the volume of the product included in the accepted order and to which the accepted order can be added is extracted. Information processing methods.

11. A computer comprising: For each subscription information item representing a subscription order already placed by a customer, determine the difference between the volume that can be delivered by the delivery device used for the subscription and the total volume of the products ordered in the subscription that will be delivered by the delivery device as the volume of additional products that can be ordered; Accepting additional orders for the product by the customer so as not to exceed the determined capacity; extracting, from the respective pieces of regular flight information, regular flight information to which the order is to be added; outputting order data for adding the received order to the regular flight indicated by the extracted regular flight information; An information processing method that performs processing.

12. On the computer, Accepting customer orders for additional products; For each subscription information item representing a subscription order already placed by the customer, determine the difference between the volume that can be delivered by the delivery device used for the subscription and the total volume of the products ordered in the subscription that will be delivered by the delivery device as the volume of additional products that can be ordered; extracting, from the respective pieces of regular flight information, regular flight information to which the order is to be added; outputting order data for adding the received order to the regular flight indicated by the extracted regular flight information; A program that executes a process.

13. On the computer, For each subscription information item representing a subscription order already placed by a customer, determine the difference between the volume that can be delivered by the delivery device used for the subscription and the total volume of the products ordered in the subscription that will be delivered by the delivery device as the volume of additional products that can be ordered; Accepting additional orders for the product by the customer so as not to exceed the determined capacity; extracting subscription information for adding the order from each subscription information representing a subscription already ordered by the customer; outputting order data for adding the received order to the regular flight indicated by the extracted regular flight information; A program that executes a process.

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