Procurement management system, computer program for procurement management system, and control method for procurement management system

Abstract

To prevent increase of a burden on a user, when ordering products to an alternative supplier.SOLUTION: A procurement management system 10 comprises: determination means 23G determining whether or not an allocation condition that a required quantity of a good is to be allocated to two or more suppliers is satisfied; selection means 23B selecting the two or more suppliers as a supply supplier group when the allocation condition is satisfied; order means 23D ordering the products from the selected supply supplier group; and a presentation means presentation unit 23H presenting, to a user, sales order information corresponding to the order of the products. If an inhibiting condition that inhibits supply of the products by a due date has occurred, the selection means selects an alternative supplier, The order means orders, from the alternative supplier, the products in a quantity which has been ordered from the inhibited supplier. The presentation means maintains the presentation of the sales order information as-is if a change condition of the sales order information is not satisfied, and presents a change in the sales order information to the user if the change condition of the sales order information is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a procurement management system that selects two or more suppliers from a plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group, a computer program for the procurement management system, and a control method for the procurement management system. [Background technology]

[0002] As a procurement-related technology, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a procurement network in which a seller pools its inventory with other sellers that use the same procurement network. Specifically, a seller requests that at least a portion of its inventory of an item be pooled into a common inventory pool. Then, if the item is determined to be of the same type or quality as the same item pooled by the other seller, the seller's inventory is pooled into the common inventory pool. After that, inventory credits are provided to sellers of the pooled inventory.

[0003] Patent Document 2 also discloses a supply chain design plan generation unit that generates a supply chain design plan for a specified item. Specifically, the supply chain design plan generation unit extracts records that match the item to be produced or procured. Then, the supply chain design plan generation unit extracts multiple factories and multiple suppliers corresponding to the records. The supply chain design plan generation unit then generates multiple supply chain design plans that include the selected factory and multiple supply chain design plans that include the selected supplier. Furthermore, the supply chain design plan generation unit evaluates whether the generated supply chain design plans can meet delivery deadlines and excludes design plans that cannot meet delivery deadlines from the supply chain design plans. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-503924 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-5186 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A user may wish to purchase a quantity of an item that exceeds the supply quantity that a supplier can provide. In this case, if the user orders a quantity of an item that exceeds the supply quantity, the period from order to delivery of the item will be extended. In other words, the supplier will need to take longer than the normal delivery time to supply a quantity of an item that exceeds the supply quantity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A procurement management system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition means for acquiring request conditions including a requested quantity and a delivery date of an item requested by a user and supply conditions including the supply amount of the item from each of a plurality of suppliers that can supply the item; a determination means for determining whether or not an allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers is satisfied based on the request conditions and the supply conditions; a selection means for selecting one supplier from the plurality of suppliers if the allocation condition is not satisfied, and for selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group if the allocation condition is satisfied; an ordering means for ordering the item from the selected one supplier or the selected supply supplier group; and a system for ordering the item to the user. and a presentation means for presenting sales order information corresponding to the quantity of the goods ordered from the selected supplier when an obstructing condition occurs that prevents the supply of the goods by the delivery date at the selected supplier or at least one supplier in the selected group of suppliers, the selection means selects from the plurality of suppliers at least one alternative supplier that can supply the goods in the quantity that was ordered from the obstructed supplier, the ordering means cancels the order to the obstructed supplier and places an order for the goods in the quantity that was ordered from the obstructed supplier with the alternative supplier, and the presentation means maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is when a change condition for the sales order information is not met, and presents changes to the sales order information to the user when the change condition for the sales order information is met.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer program for a procurement management system that includes a computer, the computer program causing the computer to acquire request conditions including a requested quantity and a delivery date of an item requested by a user and supply conditions including a supply amount of the item from each of a plurality of suppliers that can supply the item, determine whether or not an allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers is satisfied based on the request conditions and the supply conditions, select one supplier from the plurality of suppliers if the allocation condition is not satisfied, and select two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group if the allocation condition is satisfied, and The system causes the group of supply suppliers to place an order for the goods, and presents sales order information corresponding to the order for the goods to the user, and when an obstructing condition occurs in the selected supplier or a faulty supplier that is at least one supplier in the selected group of supply suppliers that prevents the supply of the goods by the delivery date, the system causes at least one alternative supplier that can supply the goods in the quantity that was ordered from the faulty supplier to be selected from the multiple suppliers, cancels the order to the faulty supplier, and causes the alternative supplier to order the goods in the quantity that was ordered from the faulty supplier, and maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is when a change condition for the sales order information is not met, and presents changes to the sales order information to the user when the change condition for the sales order information is met.

[0008] Furthermore, a control method for a procurement management system according to another aspect of the present invention is a control method for a procurement management system including a computer, the control method including: causing the computer to acquire request conditions including a requested quantity and a delivery date of an item requested by a user, and supply conditions including a supply amount of the item from each of a plurality of suppliers that can supply the item; determining whether or not an allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers is satisfied based on the request conditions and the supply conditions; selecting one supplier from the plurality of suppliers if the allocation condition is not satisfied; and selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group if the allocation condition is satisfied; The system causes the user to order the goods from a group of suppliers, presents sales order information corresponding to the order for the goods to the user, and when an obstructing condition occurs at the selected supplier or at least one supplier in the selected group of suppliers that prevents the supply of the goods by the delivery date, selects from the multiple suppliers at least one alternative supplier that can supply the goods in the quantity that was ordered from the obstructed supplier, cancels the order to the obstructed supplier, and orders the goods in the quantity that was ordered from the obstructed supplier from the alternative supplier, maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is when the change condition for the sales order information is not met, and presents changes to the sales order information to the user when the change condition for the sales order information is met. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This can prevent the burden on the user from increasing when placing an order with an alternative supplier. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the entire sales management system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of procurement management according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a sales management system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an item screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a details screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an order confirmation screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a bulk shipping screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a distribution process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of procurement management according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an item screen. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a presentation process according to a modified embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a presentation process according to a modified embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be arbitrarily set and can be changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0012] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a sales management system 100 equipped with a procurement management system that selects two or more suppliers from multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group. As an example, a supplier is a supplier that produces, processes, sells, transports, or stores goods in order to supply them. Also, a single supplier may own multiple warehouses or production sites for goods as multiple suppliers. The sales management system 100 includes a user terminal 40 managed by a user, an inventory management server 10 and a procurement management server 20 managed by a management company such as a distributor, and a supplier terminal 60 managed by a supplier. For example, a user purchases goods as merchandise from a distributor. Then, the distributor procures the goods from the supplier and sells them to the user. Furthermore, the supplier supplies the goods to the distributor.

[0013] The sales management system 100 is configured as a network system or a client-server system equipped with a procurement management system including a procurement management server 20 and an inventory management server 10. For example, a distributor manages the inventory management server 10 and the procurement management server 20 and sells products in response to user requests. The procurement management server 20 functions as a server device and is configured as a single logical server device by combining, for example, multiple server units 21 as computer devices. The inventory management server 10 also functions as a server device and is configured as a single logical server device by combining, for example, multiple server units 11 as computer devices. However, the procurement management server 20 may be configured as a single server unit 21, or the inventory management server 10 may be configured as a single server unit 11. Alternatively, the procurement management server 20 and the inventory management server 10 may be configured logically using cloud computing.

[0014] Procurement management server 20 provides various services, including an ordering service for goods, to user terminal 40 or to users of user terminal 40. This ordering service includes a distribution service that distributes programs or data to user terminal 40 via network 50, and a storage service that stores data received from user terminal 40. The distribution service is, for example, a service that distributes data for updates.

[0015] The inventory management server 10, an example of a supply quantity management server, stores and manages supply conditions including the supply quantity of an item. For example, the inventory management server 10 receives from the supplier terminal 60 the inventory quantity of each item of multiple suppliers as a supply quantity, which is an example of a supply condition. Furthermore, the inventory management server 10 receives from the supplier terminal 60 the supply time for each of the multiple suppliers to supply the item, as another example of a supply condition. The inventory management server 10 then stores the inventory quantity of each item in association with supplier identification information that identifies each supplier. The inventory management server 10 may also store and manage supply conditions including the supply quantity of items stored by a retailer. Note that an item may be a finished product with a single, integrated function, or may be a single item to be incorporated into a finished product or an assembly consisting of multiple parts. Furthermore, an item may include a unit, a jig, a device, and a facility that combines multiple parts.

[0016] For example, the supply time may be the shipping date of the item, the arrival date of the item to the user, the production completion date of the item, the processing completion date of the item, or the arrival date of the item at the logistics center. While these supply times are specific dates or times, the supply time may be any information that can identify the timing of the supply of the item, and may be the length of time required for shipping, arrival, or completion, or the length of time required for transportation. Furthermore, the supply quantity is the amount of the item that can be supplied to the user, and may be the supplier's production volume, processing volume, or shipping volume during a specified supply time. Furthermore, both the supply time and supply quantity may be calculated or predicted by the inventory management server 10.

[0017] The user of the supplier terminal 60 transmits the supply conditions to the inventory management server 10 by means of e-mail or the like at any time (for example, at a predetermined time, once a day, once a week, or four times a day). Alternatively, the supplier terminal 60 may transmit the supply conditions automatically at a predetermined time. Furthermore, the supplier terminal 60 may transmit the supply conditions in response to a request from the inventory management server 10. For example, when a user inputs the requested quantity of an item, the inventory management server 10 requests the supplier terminal 60 to transmit the supply conditions in response to the input. Furthermore, the administrator of the inventory management server 10 may obtain the supply conditions from each supplier by means of telephone, facsimile, or the like. In this case, the administrator may manually input the obtained supply conditions into the inventory management server 10. Furthermore, the inventory management server 10 may obtain the supply conditions from an external database, for example, an inventory quantity database. Furthermore, the inventory management server 10 may calculate or predict the supply conditions.

[0018] The supply conditions may include the quantity of goods that can be supplied within a predetermined period, such as inventory quantity, and this quantity may be zero or the quantity of goods that can be produced within the predetermined period. The supply conditions may also include information related to the goods, such as the name, model number, shipping source location, supply availability period, unit price, shipping costs, specifications, manufacturing conditions, or processing conditions. Furthermore, the supply conditions may also include information such as the supplier's name, supplier identification information, or location. The following mainly describes the case where the supply conditions are inventory quantity.

[0019] The user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 are computer devices that can be connected to a network. For example, the user terminal 40 includes a desktop or notebook personal computer 41 and a portable tablet terminal device 42. The supplier terminal 60 also includes a desktop or notebook personal computer 61 and a portable tablet terminal device 62. In addition, the user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 include mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones (including smartphones). The user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 can be equipped with various computer programs to allow users to enjoy various services provided by the procurement management server 20. The supplier terminal 60 can also be equipped with various computer programs to allow suppliers to enjoy various services provided by the inventory management server 10.

[0020] Furthermore, the user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 can be connected to the procurement management server 20 via a predetermined network 50. Furthermore, the supplier terminal 60 can be connected to the procurement management server 20 and the inventory management server 10 via a predetermined network 50. In the following, a case will be described in which the user terminal 40 is a personal computer 41 and the supplier terminal 60 is a personal computer 61.

[0021] The network 50 is configured to connect the user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 to the procurement management server 20, and to connect the supplier terminal 60 to the inventory management server 10. The network 50 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Specifically, a local area network (LAN) 52 connects the procurement management server 20 and the inventory management server 10 to the Internet 51. The Internet 51, which serves as a wide area network (WAN), is connected to the LAN 52 via a router 53. The network 50 may be a dedicated line, a telephone line, an in-house network, a mobile communication network, or any other communication line, or a combination thereof, and may be wired or wireless. The user terminal 40 and the supplier terminal 60 are also configured to be connected to the Internet 51. Alternatively, the server unit 21 of the procurement management server 20 and the server unit 11 of the inventory management server 10 may be connected to each other via the Internet 51 instead of or in addition to the LAN 52.

[0022] Procurement management server 20 functions as a web server that displays various web pages on the display unit of user terminal 40 in response to access from user terminal 40. In addition, procurement management server 20 performs processes such as arranging for the ordered items, issuing transportation instructions, and invoicing for the purchase price in response to an order from a user.

[0023] Specifically, procurement management in the sales management system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The supplier terminal 60 includes terminals for each of a plurality of suppliers, and in the example of Fig. 2, includes a terminal for supplier A and a terminal for supplier B. Each of the supplier terminals 60 transmits supply conditions including inventory amounts to the inventory management server 10 at any timing. The inventory management control unit 13 then associates the received inventory amounts with the respective supplier identification information for each item and stores them in the inventory management memory 12.

[0024] A user wishing to purchase an item accesses a website provided by the procurement management server 20 from a user terminal 40. The user then inputs a desired quantity of the item via the website as an example of a required condition. The user also inputs a delivery date for the item requested by the user as another example of a required condition. The required conditions may include information related to the item, such as the name, model number, shipping destination, desired price, specifications, manufacturing conditions, processing conditions, or drawings. Alternatively, the required conditions may be included in a purchase order requesting the purchase of the item. In this case, when the user performs an operation to place a purchase order, the required conditions are transmitted from the user terminal 40 to the procurement management server 20. The required conditions may also be included in a request for quotation requesting an estimate of at least one of the price and delivery date of the item. In this case, when the user performs an operation to request a quotation, the required conditions are transmitted from the user terminal 40 to the procurement management server 20. As an example, the delivery date is information indicating a time that serves as a reference for receiving the item, such as the shipping date, arrival date, or production completion date of the item.

[0025] The server control unit 23 of the procurement management server 20 acquires the input requirements and stores them in the server memory 22 of the procurement management server 20. Furthermore, the server control unit 23 acquires inventory information from the inventory management server 10 and selects a supplier that can supply the requested items. If the inventory of one specific supplier is sufficient to meet the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 selects that specific supplier. The server control unit 23 then notifies the user that a purchase order is possible by notifying the user of the quantity to be purchased. The user confirms the quantity and performs an operation to place the purchase order. Alternatively, the server control unit 23 may notify the user that a purchase order is possible by enabling an operation to place a purchase order, such as by displaying a predetermined button. For example, a purchase order includes information indicating a model number identifying the item, a desired delivery date for the item, the item quantity, and the item's shipping destination. Alternatively, if the purchasing company has stored the item procured from the specific supplier and the inventory is sufficient to meet the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 may notify the user that a purchase order is possible. For example, a distributor may sell to a user goods that it procures from a supplier and stores in its own inventory.

[0026] Next, the server control unit 23 accepts the purchase order and creates a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order. Furthermore, the server control unit 23 creates a purchase order linked to sales identification information (e.g., a sales order number) that identifies the sales order. The server control unit 23 then transmits the purchase order to the supplier terminal 60 of the specified supplier. For example, the purchase order includes information indicating a model number that identifies the product, the shipping date of the product, the quantity of the product, and the destination of the product. The specified supplier then supplies the product in the quantity specified in the purchase order.

[0027] On the other hand, if the inventory of one supplier is insufficient to meet the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 selects two or more suppliers from multiple suppliers that can supply the item as a supply supplier group. At this time, the server control unit 23 selects a supply supplier group so that the total inventory of the supply supplier group is sufficient to meet the requested quantity. The server control unit 23 then allocates the requested quantity of the item to the supply supplier group. For example, if the requested quantity is 50 units, the server control unit 23 allocates 24 units to supplier A and 26 units to supplier B.

[0028] In the example of FIG. 2, the supply supplier group is made up of Supplier A and Supplier B. However, the supply supplier group may be made up of three or more suppliers. Furthermore, the server control unit 23 notifies the user that a purchase order is possible by notifying the user of the quantity to be purchased. The user confirms the quantity and performs an operation to place the purchase order. Next, the server control unit 23 accepts the purchase order and creates a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order. Furthermore, the server control unit 23 creates split sales orders as multiple sales orders linked with basic sales identification information (e.g., sales order number, etc.) that identifies the sales order. These multiple split sales orders are linked with split sales order identification information (e.g., sales order number and branch number, etc.) that identifies each of them.

[0029] In the example of FIG. 2, the server control unit 23 creates split sales order A and split sales order B as multiple sales orders. Split sales order A is a sales order to supplier A, and split sales order B is a sales order to supplier B. For example, if the requested quantity is 50 units, split sales order A includes 24 units as the number of items to be ordered from supplier A, and split sales order B includes 26 units as the number of items to be ordered from supplier B. The server control unit 23 then creates multiple purchase orders corresponding to the multiple split sales orders and sends them to the supplier terminal 60 of each supplier. In the example of FIG. 2, the server control unit 23 creates purchase order A and purchase order B as multiple purchase orders.

[0030] The supplier then supplies the goods according to the purchase order. For example, the supplier ships the goods specified by the model number in the quantity and at the shipping time specified in the purchase order to the destination specified in the purchase order. If the total inventory of multiple suppliers is insufficient to meet the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 may notify the user of this. The notification may also include a suggestion to change the desired delivery date or the requested quantity.

[0031] [Control system] Next, the schematic configuration of the control system of sales management system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Procurement management server 20, which is an example of procurement management means, includes server control unit 23 as control means for procurement management server 20, and server memory 22 as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. Furthermore, inventory management server 10, which is an example of inventory management means, includes inventory management control unit 13 as control means for inventory management server 10, and inventory management memory 12 as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0032] The server control unit 23 and the inventory management control unit 13 are configured as a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operational control according to a predetermined program, an internal memory required for the processor's operation, and other peripheral devices. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and controls the entire server device and also comprehensively controls various processes based on the program stored in the server memory 22 or the inventory management memory 12. The server control unit 23 and the inventory management control unit 13 can also perform control according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, CF card, or USB memory, or in an external storage medium such as a cloud server on the Internet.

[0033] The server memory 22 and the inventory management memory 12 include RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a system work memory for the processor to operate, and storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive) for storing programs and system software. However, the server memory 22 is not limited to being provided as part of the procurement management server 20, but may also be provided as a database server that cooperates with the procurement management server 20. Similarly, the inventory management memory 12 is not limited to being provided as part of the inventory management server 10, but may also be provided as a database server that cooperates with the inventory management server 10. In the following description, the CPU executes various processing operations such as calculations, controls, and determinations in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM or HDD.

[0034] [Inventory management methods] Inventory management memory 12, which is an example of a storage means for storing supply conditions, stores supply information 12A indicating the supply conditions of each supplier. As an example, supply information 12A includes information specifying the items that the supplier can provide (e.g., the item model number) and the quantity of the items (e.g., the inventory amount). Inventory management memory 12 stores the quantity for each item in association with supplier identification information. The supply conditions may be sent directly by each supplier or may be input by an administrator of inventory management server 10. In addition, inventory management memory 12 stores an inventory management program (not shown).

[0035] Based on the inventory management program, the inventory management control unit 13 acquires supply conditions, associates them with supplier identification information, and stores them in the inventory management memory 12. To this end, the inventory management control unit 13 is provided with an update unit 13A as an example of an update means that acquires information from multiple suppliers and updates the supply conditions stored in the inventory management memory 12.

[0036] The update unit 13A is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and software. The inventory management program stored in the inventory management memory 12 causes the inventory management control unit 13, which is a computer, to function as the update unit 13A. The update unit 13A may store a quantity smaller than the received inventory amount in the inventory management memory 12 as the supplier's inventory amount. This prevents a shortage of inventory after a purchase order is received from a user, resulting in a delay in delivery of the item. The update unit 13A may also store a quantity larger than the received inventory amount in the inventory management memory 12 as the supplier's inventory amount. For example, the update unit 13A may store in the inventory management memory 12 the quantity of the item obtained by adding the predicted increase in the inventory amount predicted by the prediction unit 23E as the supplier's inventory amount.

[0037] As an example, the update unit 13A receives and acquires the supply conditions transmitted by the supplier periodically or in real time. Then, the update unit 13A updates the supply conditions stored in the inventory management memory 12 to the latest supply conditions based on the acquired supply conditions. Alternatively, the update unit 13A may acquire information irregularly (for example, at any timing when the supplier transmits the supply conditions) and update the supply conditions. Furthermore, the update unit 13A may acquire the latest supply conditions stored in any storage means and update the supply conditions stored in the inventory management memory 12. In this case, the update unit 13A may acquire information and update the supply conditions periodically (for example, at a predetermined time during the day). Furthermore, the update unit 13A may automatically acquire the supply conditions; for example, the update unit 13A may request the supplier terminal 60 to transmit the supply conditions.

[0038] Furthermore, the update unit 13A may update the supply amount in a manner that combines the unit with the requested quantity input by the user. For example, suppose the requested quantity input by the user is number of items, and the supply amount transmitted from the supplier is expressed in units of dozens, each consisting of 12 items. In this case, the update unit 13A converts the unit of the supply amount to number of items and replaces it with the stored supply amount. In addition, if the supply amount is expressed in units such as packs, each consisting of 6 items, pairs, size, or weight, the update unit 13A also converts the unit of the supply amount to the same unit as the requested quantity. Furthermore, if the user inputs the requested quantity in units such as dozens, each consisting of 12 items, the update unit 13A may convert the number of items in the supply amount to units such as dozens.

[0039] [Procurement management methods] The server control unit 23 includes, as logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware and software, an acquisition unit 23A, a selection unit 23B, an allocation unit 23C, an order unit 23D, a prediction unit 23E, an estimation unit 23F, a determination unit 23G, and a presentation unit 23H. The procurement management program PG stored in the server memory 22 causes the server control unit 23, which is a computer, to function as an acquisition unit 23A (an example of acquisition means), a selection unit 23B (an example of selection means), an allocation unit 23C (an example of allocation means), an order unit 23D (an example of order means), a prediction unit 23E (an example of prediction means), an estimation unit 23F (an example of estimation means), a determination unit 23G (an example of determination means), and a presentation unit 23H (an example of presentation means). In addition to the above logical devices, the server control unit 23 also includes logical devices (not shown) that control the switching of web page display in response to operations on the user terminal 40.

[0040] The server memory 22 stores a procurement management program PG that causes the server control unit 23 to execute various processes associated with selecting a group of supply suppliers and allocating the requested quantity of items. The procurement management program PG may function as a single program in cooperation with an inventory management program. The server memory 22 also stores request information 22A that indicates the request conditions for items requested by users. As an example, the request information 22A includes information that identifies the items requested by the users (e.g., the item model number) and the request conditions for the items (e.g., the requested quantity and delivery date). In the request information 22A, the request conditions are linked to user identification information that identifies each user.

[0041] The user transmits the request conditions via the user terminal 40, and the acquisition unit 23A acquires the request conditions and stores them in the server memory 22. Alternatively, an administrator of the procurement management server 20 may store the request conditions acquired from the user in the server memory 22. In this case, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the request conditions from the server memory 22. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 23A may acquire the request conditions stored in any storage means and update the request conditions stored in the server memory 22.

[0042] Furthermore, the server memory 22 stores order information 22B indicating the contents of purchase orders from users. As an example, the order information 22B includes information identifying the product ordered by the user (e.g., the product model number), information identifying the sales order corresponding to the purchase order (e.g., the sales order number), and the requested quantity of the product. The server memory 22 stores the requested quantity in association with each user's user identification information. The order information 22B also includes information indicating the contents of the sales order and purchase order, and information indicating the allocation results by the allocation unit 23C. The server memory 22 also stores various data (not shown), such as user information, past estimate results, image data used to display web pages, and data including information such as the product model number, name, or characteristics.

[0043] [Acquisition method] The acquisition unit 23A acquires request conditions including the requested quantity of the item requested by the user. As an example, the user inputs the requested quantity of the item they wish to purchase via a webpage provided by the server control unit 23. Specifically, the server control unit 23 authenticates the user through user authentication, etc. Then, the server control unit 23 displays the webpage on a display device (not shown) of the user terminal 40. On the webpage, the user performs an operation to specify the desired item, such as selecting a displayed image link or inputting an item model number or item name. As a result, the server control unit 23 displays an item screen 91 shown in FIG. 4 on the display device of the user terminal 40 of the authenticated user. Note that the screen configuration of the item screen 91 can be changed as appropriate; for example, the delivery date input field 91B and the quantity input field 91C may be combined into one.

[0044] The acquisition unit 23A also acquires supply conditions including the supply amount of the item from each of a plurality of suppliers that can supply the item. Specifically, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the supply conditions from the inventory management memory 12. Furthermore, when the supply conditions are updated, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the updated supply conditions from the inventory management memory 12. For example, the acquisition unit 23A requests the inventory management control unit 13 to search for the inventory amount of the requested item. Then, the inventory management control unit 13 searches for the inventory amount of each supplier and transmits the inventory amount as the search result to the acquisition unit 23A. Note that the supply conditions may be stored in the server memory 22 instead of the inventory management memory 12. In this case, the acquisition unit 23A reads and acquires the supply conditions from the server memory 22.

[0045] The item screen 91 shown in Fig. 4 has an item field 91A, which displays an item name, an item model number, and an item image. In the example of Fig. 4, "shaft holder" is displayed as the item name, and "ATHC3" is displayed as the item model number. In addition, an image obtained by photographing the shaft holder from an oblique angle is displayed as the item image. Note that the item image may be a 3D model of the item.

[0046] The item screen 91 also has a delivery date input field 91B, which has a user order number field for inputting any symbol to identify the purchase order. Furthermore, the delivery date input field 91B has a delivery date field for inputting the delivery date of the item desired by the user. When the user inputs the delivery date in the delivery date field, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the delivery date input by the user, includes it in the request information 22A, and stores it in the server memory 22. Note that FIG. 4 shows an example in which a delivery date based on the shipping date, "2021 / 11 / 11," is input, and "123456789" is input as the user order number.

[0047] Furthermore, the item screen 91 is provided with a quantity input field 91C, which is provided with a quantity field 91D for inputting a requested quantity of the item. When the user inputs the requested quantity in the quantity field 91D, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the requested quantity input by the user, includes it in the request information 22A, and stores it in the server memory 22. Furthermore, if the user wishes to purchase a quantity of items exceeding the purchasable quantity (51 or more in the example of FIG. 4), the user selects the delivery date confirmation button 91E to request confirmation of the delivery date from the server control unit 23. Upon receiving this request, the server control unit 23 notifies the user terminal 40 of the available shipping date for the quantity of items exceeding the purchasable quantity and the quantity of items that can be shipped by this available shipping date. Alternatively, upon receiving the request for confirmation of the delivery date, the server control unit 23 may inquire of the supplier about the available shipping date for the quantity of items exceeding the purchasable quantity and notify the user terminal 40 of the response.

[0048] Alternatively, the user may install application software on the user terminal 40 in advance and use this application software to input requirements such as the desired delivery date and requested quantity. Furthermore, the user may notify the administrator who manages the procurement management server 20 of the requirements using other means such as telephone or email. In this case, the administrator of the procurement management server 20 inputs the requirements and stores them in the server memory 22. The user may also input the requirements on a web page provided by another server. In this case, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the requirements from the other server. The requirements may also be included in a request for quotation, a purchase order, an inquiry, or the like.

[0049] Furthermore, the quantity input field 91C displays the unit price per item, the total price which is the price of the requested quantity of items, and the available purchase quantity. In the example of FIG. 4, "1,090 yen" is displayed as the unit price, "54,500 yen" as the total price, and "50 units" as the available purchase quantity. Also, below the available purchase quantity, "24 units" is displayed as the quantity that can be shipped on the day of the order. This quantity is the quantity that can be shipped on the day of the order out of the requested quantity of items that can be delivered by the desired delivery date entered by the user.

[0050] When the requested quantity is allocated to a group of supply suppliers as explained using the example of Figure 2, the supply timing of each supplier may differ. For example, Figure 4 shows that the number of items that the supply suppliers can supply by the desired delivery date is 50, and of these, the number of items that can be supplied by a supplier immediately after the order is 24. As an example, the number of items that can be shipped on the day of the order is the number of items that have already been transported by the supplier to the distributor and are stored at the distributor's logistics center.

[0051] Furthermore, the quantity input field 91C is provided with a details screen button 91F and an order button 91G. When the user performs an operation to select the details screen button 91F, the server control unit 23 displays a details screen 92 shown in Fig. 5 on the display device of the user terminal 40. When the user performs an operation to select the order button 91G, the server control unit 23 displays an order confirmation screen 93 shown in Fig. 6 on the display device of the user terminal 40.

[0052] [Presentation means] The presentation unit 23H presents split shipping information to the user, indicating that the quantity of items allocated by the sorting unit 23C will be shipped separately. For example, the presentation unit 23H presents the quantity of items allocated by the sorting unit 23C and the shipping date, which is the supply time of the items, to the user as split shipping information, based on the allocation result by the sorting unit 23C. Specifically, the presentation unit 23H obtains information such as the allocated quantity and shipping date as the allocation result from the sorting unit 23C and presents it to the user as split shipping information. Specifically, on the details screen 92 shown in FIG. 5, the split shipping field 92C displays the quantity of items to be shipped separately and their shipping dates as split shipping information. Alternatively, the presentation unit 23H may present the split shipping information to the user by notifying them via other means, such as email. Note that the split shipping information may be a character string (e.g., "will be shipped separately") or a symbol indicating that the items will be shipped separately.

[0053] The installment shipment field 92C also displays the order deadline. The order deadline is the deadline by which the shipping date based on the allocation result by the allocation unit 23C and the unit price and total amount as the estimate result by the estimation unit 23F are valid. If the user confirms the purchase order by the order deadline, the user can purchase the goods according to the displayed shipping date, unit price, and total amount. After the user confirms the purchase order, the ordering unit 23D then places an order for the quantity of goods allocated by the allocation unit 23C with each supplier in the supply supplier group. To do this, the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order from the user and, based on the purchase order, creates installment sales orders in the same number as the number of suppliers included in the supply supplier group.

[0054] In the example of FIG. 5, "2021 / 11 / 01" is displayed as the order deadline. Also, "24 units" representing the number of items to be shipped in the first shipment and "the day of the order" representing the shipping date are displayed. Furthermore, "26 units" representing the number of items to be shipped in the second shipment and "2021 / 11 / 11" representing the shipping date are displayed. Note that a condition for shipping on the day of the order may be set such that the purchase order must be confirmed by a specified time (e.g., 12:00). Furthermore, the split shipment field 92C is provided with an order button 92G. When the user selects the order button 92G, the server control unit 23 causes the display device of the user terminal 40 to display the order confirmation screen 93 shown in FIG. 6.

[0055] The details screen 92 also has an item field 91A and a required conditions field 92B. The item field 91A displays the item name, item model number, and item image. The required conditions field 92B displays the desired delivery date, required quantity, etc. as the required conditions for the item entered by the user. The required conditions field 92B also displays the user order number, unit price, and total amount. The screen configuration of the details screen 92 can be changed as appropriate.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 6, the order confirmation screen 93 has an item field 91A, a required conditions field 92B, and an order field 93C. The item field 91A displays the item name, item model number, and item image. The required conditions field 92B displays the desired delivery date and requested quantity. The order field 93C displays the order deadline, the number of items to be shipped in installments, and their shipping date.

[0057] Furthermore, the order field 93C includes a specification field 93D for specifying a shipping date. The user can input desired shipping dates in the specification field 93D for each of the first and second shipments. However, the shipping dates that the user can input are dates that are later than the available shipping date. For example, for the first shipment in FIG. 6, the item can be shipped on the same day as the order, so the user can input a date that is later than the day after the order. For the second shipment in FIG. 6, the item can be shipped on November 11, 2021, so the user can input a date that is later than November 11, 2021. The order field 93C also includes an order confirmation button 93E. When the user selects the order confirmation button 93E, the ordering unit 23D of the server control unit 23 accepts the purchase order and sends it to the supplier.

[0058] The presentation unit 23H also presents to the user bulk shipping information indicating that the requested quantity of items will be shipped together. For example, the presentation unit 23H presents to the user the quantity of items to be shipped together and the shipping date, which is the supply time of the items, as bulk shipping information. Here, the quantity of items to be shipped together matches the requested quantity. Specifically, a bulk shipping button 93F is provided in the order field 93C of the order confirmation screen 93. When the user selects the bulk shipping button 93F, the server control unit 23 displays a bulk shipping screen 94 shown in FIG. 7 on the display device of the user terminal 40. This bulk shipping screen 94 has a bulk shipping field 94C. The bulk shipping field 94C displays the number of items to be shipped together and the shipping date as bulk shipping information. Alternatively, the presentation unit 23H may present the bulk shipping information to the user by notifying them by other means, such as email.

[0059] The bulk shipping field 94C also displays the order deadline, and if the user confirms the purchase order by the order deadline, the user can purchase the goods according to the displayed shipping date, unit price, and total amount. After the user confirms the purchase order, the ordering unit 23D places orders with each supplier in the supply supplier group for the quantity of goods allocated by the allocation unit 23C. To do this, the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order from the user and, based on the purchase order, creates installment sales orders in the same number as the number of suppliers included in the supply supplier group.

[0060] Furthermore, the bulk shipping field 94C has a specification field 94D for specifying a shipping date. The user can input a desired shipping date in the specification field 94D for items to be shipped in bulk. However, the shipping date that the user can input is a date that is later than the available shipping date. For example, if 24 of the 50 items to be shipped in bulk can be shipped at the time of the order and the remaining 26 items can be shipped on November 11, 2021, the user can input a date that is the day after November 11, 2021 or later. The bulk shipping field 94C also has an order confirmation button 94E. When the user selects the order confirmation button 94E, the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order and sends the purchase order to the supplier.

[0061] As an example of a consolidated shipment of goods, multiple suppliers transport goods in the quantity based on the purchase orders they each received to a common collection point (e.g., a distributor's logistics center) specified by the purchase orders. For example, suppose the requested quantity is 50 units, and the quantity in purchase order A received by supplier A is 24 units, and the quantity in purchase order B received by supplier B is 26 units. In this case, supplier A transports 24 units of goods to the collection point, and supplier B transports 26 units of goods to the same collection point. Then, the company that manages the collection point (e.g., a distributor) transports the 50 units of goods together to the destination specified by the user. Note that the collection point may be a logistics center of a transport company.

[0062] The bulk shipping screen 94 also has an item field 91A and a required conditions field 92B. The item field 91A displays the item name, item model number, and item image. The required conditions field 92B displays the desired delivery date, required quantity, etc. as the required conditions for the item entered by the user.

[0063] [Determination means and selection means] The determination unit 23G determines whether the allocation conditions for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers among the multiple suppliers are satisfied based on the request conditions and supply conditions acquired by the acquisition unit 23A. As an example, the determination unit 23G determines whether the allocation conditions are satisfied when the user inputs the requested quantity of the request conditions. Alternatively, the determination unit 23G may determine whether the allocation conditions are satisfied when the user inputs a requested quantity that exceeds a reference quantity preset for each item. Then, when the allocation conditions are satisfied, the selection unit 23B selects two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group. Specifically, when the allocation conditions are satisfied, the selection unit 23B selects a specific supplier and at least one other supplier different from the specific supplier from the multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group.

[0064] As an example, the selection unit 23B selects one specific supplier from among multiple suppliers. The determination unit 23G then determines that the allocation conditions are met if the requested quantity is greater than the supply volume of the specific supplier. For example, specific suppliers are pre-set for each item, and the selection unit 23B selects a specific supplier set for the item included in the requested conditions. If the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation conditions are met, the selection unit 23B further selects at least one other supplier different from the specific supplier. For example, the selection unit 23B selects, from among the multiple suppliers, two or more suppliers who can supply the item by the delivery date of the requested conditions as a supply supplier group based on the supply time of the supply conditions. In this way, the selection unit 23B selects a supply supplier group consisting of the specific supplier and other suppliers. As a result, the requested quantity of the item that exceeds the supply volume of the specific supplier can be allocated to other suppliers.

[0065] The selection unit 23B also references the delivery date in the request conditions and the supply time in the supply conditions to search for suppliers who can supply (e.g., ship) the item by the delivery date. For example, if the delivery date is November 3rd and the requested quantity is 50 units, then Supplier A's shipping date is November 2nd and the supply quantity is 24 units, Supplier B's shipping date is November 3rd and the supply quantity is 26 units, and Supplier C's shipping date is November 4th and the supply quantity is 50 units. In this case, since Supplier C's shipping date is later than the delivery date, the selection unit 23B selects Supplier A and Supplier B as the supply supplier group. If the selection unit 23B cannot find a supplier who can supply the item by the delivery date, the server control unit 23 notifies the user terminal 40 of the available shipping date of the item and the quantity of the item that can be shipped by that available shipping date, just as when the user orders a quantity that exceeds the available purchase quantity. The user confirms and modifies the delivery date and performs the purchase order operation described above.

[0066] For example, the selection unit 23B searches for a supplier who can supply the largest amount of goods by the delivery date of the required conditions, and selects the supplier as the other supplier. Alternatively, the selection unit 23B may search for a supplier who can supply goods by the delivery date of the required conditions in the shortest time, based on the supply time of the supply conditions, and select the supplier as the other supplier. Alternatively, the selection unit 23B may select a supplier who can supply the largest amount of goods, as indicated by the prediction result of the prediction unit 23E (described later), as the other supplier. Alternatively, the selection unit 23B may select a supplier who can supply goods in the shortest time, as indicated by the prediction result of the prediction unit 23E, as the other supplier.

[0067] Furthermore, the selection unit 23B may select, as the specified supplier, a supplier that can supply the goods by the delivery date and has the largest supply volume among multiple suppliers based on the supply time. In this case, the selection unit 23B refers to the supply conditions to search for a supplier that can supply the largest amount of goods, and selects the supplier as the specified supplier. For example, the selection unit 23B selects a supplier with a large inventory volume as the specified supplier so that a supplier with a large inventory volume as the supply volume is given priority in supplying goods. Furthermore, the selection unit 23B selects, as another supplier, a supplier with the second largest supply volume after the specified supplier.

[0068] Furthermore, the selection unit 23B may select, as the specified supplier, a supplier from among multiple suppliers that can supply the item by the delivery date and has the fastest or shortest supply time based on the supply time. In this case, the selection unit 23B refers to the supply conditions to search for the supplier with the fastest or shortest supply time and selects it as the specified supplier. Furthermore, the selection unit 23B selects, as another supplier, a supplier with the next fastest or shortest supply time after the specified supplier. As a result, suppliers that can supply the item to the user more quickly are included in the supply supplier group. The selection unit 23B may select the supply supplier group based on costs such as unit prices or transportation costs in the supply conditions. The costs may include other costs such as raw material costs, processing costs, production costs, taxes such as customs duties, storage costs, export costs, and import costs.

[0069] As another example, the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation condition is satisfied when the requested quantity is greater than the predicted supply quantity obtained by subtracting the predicted purchase quantity predicted by the prediction unit 23E from the supply quantity of the specific supplier. For example, a purchase order from a specific supplier by another user may be predicted close to the desired delivery date. In this case, the predicted purchase quantity by the other user is subtracted to prevent the inventory of the specific supplier from becoming zero. If the inventory of the specific supplier becomes zero, a delay will occur in the delivery of the purchase order from the other user. However, subtracting the predicted purchase quantity can prevent this delay. Alternatively, the determination unit 23G may determine that the allocation condition is satisfied when the requested quantity is greater than a reference quantity preset for each item.

[0070] As yet another example, the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation condition is satisfied when the requested quantity is greater than the predicted supply quantity obtained by adding the supply quantity of the specific supplier to the predicted increase amount predicted by the prediction unit 23E (described later). For example, an increase in supply quantity may be predicted before the supply conditions are updated. In this case, even if the supply quantity of the specific supplier at the time of selection is less than the requested quantity, the determination unit 23G adds the predicted increase amount in anticipation of an increase in the inventory quantity of the specific supplier. In this way, by taking the predicted increase amount into account, the requested quantity that exceeds the predicted supply quantity of the specific supplier can be allocated to other suppliers.

[0071] [Distribution method] The allocating unit 23C allocates the requested quantity of the request conditions to the group of supply suppliers selected by the selecting unit 23B. As an example, the allocating unit 23C allocates an amount of the requested quantity corresponding to the supply amount of the specific supplier to the specific supplier. Then, the allocating unit 23C allocates the remaining amount of the requested quantity to other suppliers in the group of supply suppliers. For example, if the requested quantity is 50 units and the supply amount of specific supplier A is 24 units, the allocating unit 23C allocates the remaining 26 units to another supplier B. This allows the selected group of supply suppliers to supply the product to the user even if the requested quantity of the product is greater than the supply amount of the specific supplier. Furthermore, when a user places an order to purchase a large quantity of products through e-commerce, the requested quantity can be dynamically allocated to each of the multiple suppliers constituting the group of supply suppliers. This reduces supplier inventory and enables the product to be shipped in a short period of time.

[0072] As another example, the allocating unit 23C may allocate the same number of requested quantities to the suppliers selected in the supply supplier group. For example, if the requested quantity is 50 units, the allocating unit 23C allocates 25 units to the specified supplier A and 25 units to the other supplier B. Alternatively, the allocating unit 23C may allocate the largest requested quantity to the specified supplier. For example, if the requested quantity is 50 units, the allocating unit 23C allocates 26 units to the specified supplier A and 24 units to the other supplier B.

[0073] Furthermore, in order to average out the inventory amounts, the allocating unit 23C may allocate the requested quantities so that the variance of the inventory amounts becomes smaller. For example, suppose that the inventory amount of a specific supplier A is 30 units, the inventory amount of another supplier B is 20 units, the inventory amount of another supplier C is 15 units, and the requested quantity is 50 units. In this case, the allocating unit 23C allocates 25 units to the specific supplier A, 15 units to the other supplier B, and 10 units to the other supplier C. As a result, the inventory amounts of the specific supplier A, the other supplier B, and the other supplier C will each be 5 units, and no variation in the inventory amounts will occur.

[0074] Furthermore, the allocating unit 23C may allocate the requested quantity based on multiple conditions. As an example, the allocating unit 23C allocates an amount that exceeds the supply amount that a specific supplier can supply to other suppliers in equal numbers. For example, if the requested quantity is 50 units and the supply amount of specific supplier A is 24 units, the allocating unit 23C allocates 13 of the remaining 26 units to other supplier B and the remaining 13 units to other supplier C.

[0075] [Ordering method] The ordering unit 23D places an order for the quantity of goods allocated by the allocation unit 23C with the supplying supplier group. For example, the user confirms the details of the quotation and confirms the purchase order (selects the order confirmation button 93E in FIG. 6). Then, upon receiving the confirmation of the purchase order, the ordering unit 23D places an order for the goods with the suppliers included in the supplying supplier group. To this end, the presentation unit 23H presents to the user the quantity of goods allocated by the allocation unit 23C and the shipping date as the supply time of the goods. As an example, the presentation unit 23H presents the partial shipment information to the user by displaying the shipping date and quantity of goods on the details screen 92 in FIG. 5.

[0076] In the example of Figure 2, the ordering unit 23D, which has received a confirmed purchase order, creates installment sales orders in the same number as the number of suppliers included in the supply supplier group, based on the purchase order from the user. Specifically, the ordering unit 23D creates installment sales orders A and B corresponding to suppliers A and B. The ordering unit 23D also includes in the installment sales orders information identifying the items and information indicating the quantity of the allocated items. This information is linked to the installment sales order identification information, and is stored by the server memory 22 as part of the order information 22B.

[0077] Furthermore, the ordering unit 23D transmits purchase orders corresponding to the installment sales orders to each supplier to place orders for the goods. In the example of FIG. 2, the ordering unit 23D transmits purchase order A corresponding to installment sales order A to supplier A, and transmits purchase order B corresponding to installment sales order B to supplier B. The ordering unit 23D also includes in the purchase orders information identifying the goods, information indicating the quantity of goods to be supplied, the delivery date of the goods, and information indicating the destination of the goods. This information is linked to purchase order identification information that identifies the purchase order, and is stored by the server memory 22 as part of order information 22B.

[0078] Then, the supplier that receives the purchase order ships the goods on or before the delivery date and transports the goods to the user. As an example of shipping goods, multiple suppliers transport the quantity of goods based on the purchase orders they each received to the destination specified by the user. For example, assume that the requested quantity is 50 units, the quantity in purchase order A received by supplier A is 24 units, and the quantity in purchase order B received by supplier B is 26 units. In this case, supplier A transports 24 units of goods to the destination, and supplier B transports 26 units of goods to the destination. In this way, because the ordering unit 23D creates a split sales order, the user can omit the operation of placing purchase orders with multiple suppliers. Note that the ordering unit 23D may create the split sales order simultaneously with the creation of the estimate result by the estimating unit 23F.

[0079] Furthermore, when an inhibiting condition that inhibits the supply of goods occurs for at least one supplier in the supply supplier group, the ordering unit 23D may order goods in the quantity allocated to the supplier for which the inhibiting condition occurred from a supplier among the multiple suppliers who can supply the goods. For example, a supplier may experience an unexpected delivery delay between the transmission of a purchase order and the shipping date. In this case, the selection unit 23B refers to the supply conditions stored in the inventory management memory 12 and searches for a supplier among the multiple suppliers who can supply the goods by the delivery date. Alternatively, the selection unit 23B searches for a supplier among the multiple suppliers who can supply the goods earliest. Then, the ordering unit 23D sends a purchase order to the supplier and orders the quantity of goods allocated to the supplier for which the inhibiting condition occurred.

[0080] As an example, the selection unit 23B determines that an obstruction condition has occurred when it receives a notice from a supplier that delivery is delayed or impossible. Alternatively, the selection unit 23B determines that an obstruction condition has occurred when the goods are not supplied by the due date, for example, when the supplier does not notify it of the goods' shipment by the due date. The selection unit 23B may also determine that an obstruction condition has occurred when it detects the occurrence of a natural disaster, a disaster, a transportation disruption, or the like.

[0081] [Prediction methods] The prediction unit 23E predicts demand for goods for a predetermined period. In this case, the selection unit 23B selects a group of supply suppliers based on the prediction result by the prediction unit 23E so as to reduce the variation in inventory levels among multiple suppliers over the predetermined period. As an example, the prediction unit 23E predicts the purchase volume of goods for a predetermined period (e.g., one week) and outputs the predicted purchase volume as the prediction result to the selection unit 23B. The selection unit 23B selects a group of supply suppliers based on the predicted purchase volume and the inventory volume acquired by the acquisition unit 23A so as to reduce the variation in inventory levels. This makes it possible to select suppliers so as to minimize the variation in inventory levels over the predetermined period for which demand is predicted, and average out the inventory levels of the suppliers.

[0082] For example, suppose that specific supplier A has 30 units in stock, other supplier B has 20 units in stock, the requested quantity is 25 units, and the predicted purchase quantity for one week is 30 units. In this case, although the inventory quantity of specific supplier A is greater than the requested quantity, if only specific supplier A is selected, the difference in inventory quantity between specific supplier A and other supplier B over one week will be 15 units, resulting in variation. Therefore, the selection unit 23B selects specific supplier A and other supplier B as a supply supplier group so that the inventory can also be allocated to other supplier B. In this case, the allocation unit 23C may allocate 17 units to specific supplier A and 8 units to other supplier B so as to reduce variation in inventory quantities among multiple suppliers over a specified period.

[0083] As an example, the prediction unit 23E predicts the demand for a product, such as a predicted increase in supply, a predicted supply volume, a predicted supply time, and a predicted purchase volume. For example, the prediction unit 23E predicts the current demand for a product for a given period based on past supply volumes or purchase quantities. Specifically, the prediction unit 23E outputs a prediction result in which the past supply volume or purchase volume is the current supply volume or purchase volume for the given period. Alternatively, the prediction unit 23E may predict the demand for a product using a learning model constructed based on learning data including performance data such as past supply volumes or purchase volumes. The learning model may be constructed by the inventory management server 10 or the procurement management server 20, or may be a pre-constructed learning model.

[0084] [Estimation Method] The estimating unit 23F notifies the user of the unit price of the item and the total price of the requested quantity of items as the estimate result. Specifically, the estimating unit 23F notifies the user by displaying the unit price and the total price on the details screen 92 shown in FIG. 5. For example, the estimating unit 23F creates the estimate result by referring to the supply conditions (e.g., the unit price of the item) acquired by the acquiring unit 23A. The estimate result may also include the shipping date, the number of working days required for shipping, etc.

[0085] [Device] The user terminal 40 includes a user terminal control unit 45 that controls the user terminal 40 and a user terminal memory 44 that stores a control program. The user terminal control unit 45 is a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operational control according to a predetermined program with other peripheral devices. The user terminal 40 also includes a display device and an input device (not shown). The input device (not shown) may be a keyboard, numeric keypad, touch panel, or the like, and the user inputs the requested quantity, etc. using the input device. The display device (not shown) displays web pages such as various screens, and the user places a purchase order for the product according to the displayed web pages.

[0086] The supplier terminal 60 also includes a supplier terminal control unit 65 that controls the supplier terminal 60, and a supplier terminal memory 64 that stores a control program. The supplier terminal control unit 65 is a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined program with other peripheral devices. The supplier terminal 60 also includes a display device and an input device (not shown). The supplier uses the input device to input the supply amount, etc.

[0087] As an example, the processors of the user terminal control unit 45 and the supplier terminal control unit 65 are, for example, a CPU or MPU, which control the entire terminal and also comprehensively control various processes based on control programs stored in the user terminal memory 44 and the supplier terminal memory 64. The user terminal memory 44 and the supplier terminal memory 64 also include RAM, which serves as system work memory for the processor's operation, as well as storage devices such as ROM, HDD, and SSD, which store programs and system software. The user terminal control unit 45 and the supplier terminal control unit 65 can also perform control according to programs stored on portable storage media such as CDs, DVDs, CF cards, and USB memory, or on external storage media such as cloud servers on the Internet. The user terminal memory 44 and the supplier terminal memory 64 are external storage devices including non-volatile storage media (computer-readable non-transitory storage media) such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices.

[0088] [Sort Processing] The allocation process in the procurement management system will be described with reference to Fig. 8. When a supplier transmits supply conditions including a supply amount to the inventory management server 10, the update unit 13A acquires the supply conditions (S101). Then, the update unit 13A updates the supply conditions stored in the inventory management memory 12 to the latest supply conditions based on the acquired supply conditions (S102). Alternatively, if the supply conditions are the first to be transmitted, the update unit 13A stores the acquired supply conditions in the inventory management memory 12. Furthermore, the user inputs requested conditions including a requested quantity of the item the user wishes to purchase via a web page provided by the server control unit 23. Then, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the requested conditions entered by the user (S103). Furthermore, the acquisition unit 23A acquires the supply amount from the inventory management server 10.

[0089] The determination unit 23G compares the requested quantity and the supply quantity acquired by the acquisition unit 23A (S104) and determines whether the allocation conditions are satisfied (S105). At this time, if the requested quantity is smaller than the supply quantity of the specified supplier, the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation conditions are not satisfied (NO in S105). In other words, the determination unit 23G determines that the specified supplier can supply the goods alone. In this case, the requested quantity is not allocated, and the estimation unit 23F notifies the user of the same amount as the requested quantity as the available purchase quantity (S106). For example, the estimation unit 23F displays the quantity and shipping date of the goods on the display device of the user terminal 40. Then, the user confirms the quantity and performs an operation to confirm the purchase order, and the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order (S107). Subsequently, the ordering unit 23D transmits a purchase order to the specified supplier to order the goods (S108).

[0090] On the other hand, if the requested quantity is greater than the supply quantity of the specified supplier, the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation condition is satisfied (YES in S105). Then, the selection unit 23B selects the specified supplier and other suppliers who can supply the item by the delivery date of the requested condition as a supply supplier group (S109). Furthermore, the allocation unit 23C allocates the requested quantity of the requested condition to the supply supplier group selected by the selection unit 23B (S110). Next, the estimation unit 23F notifies the user of the allocated quantity (S106). For example, the estimation unit 23F displays the allocated quantity and the shipping date of the item on the display device of the user terminal 40. Then, the user confirms the quantity and performs an operation to confirm the purchase order, and the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order (S107). Next, the ordering unit 23D transmits a purchase order to each supplier in the supply supplier group to order the item (S108). This completes the allocation process.

[0091] According to the procurement management system of the first embodiment described above, the period from purchase order to delivery of goods can be shortened by allocating the quantity of goods requested by a user to multiple sub-suppliers. In other words, the goods can be delivered more quickly by ordering from other suppliers an amount of the requested quantity that exceeds the supply quantity. Furthermore, when ordering a large quantity of goods, the user does not need to calculate the quantity to be purchased from each of multiple suppliers. Furthermore, the user does not need to place purchase orders with each of multiple suppliers. Therefore, calculations and operations when placing a purchase order can be omitted, thereby shortening the time required for purchase orders. Furthermore, because the supply quantity of each supplier is dynamically updated, the need to allocate the requested quantity can be determined based on the most recent supply quantity.

[0092] The control method of the procurement management system described above is executed by the inventory management control unit 13 and the server control unit 23, which function as computers, in cooperation with each other. Specifically, the control method includes an acquisition step, a determination step, a selection step, and an allocation step. The acquisition step acquires request conditions, including the requested quantity of an item requested by a user, and supply conditions, including the supply amounts of the item from each of multiple suppliers that can supply the item. The determination step determines whether or not allocation conditions for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more of the multiple suppliers are met, based on the request conditions and supply conditions. If the allocation conditions are met, the selection step selects two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group. Then, the allocation step allocates the requested quantity to the supply supplier group. Alternatively, one of the inventory management control unit 13 and the server control unit 23 may execute the acquisition step, determination step, selection step, and allocation step.

[0093] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The procurement management system provided in the sales management system 200 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it creates multiple purchase orders instead of multiple sales orders. In the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and components that have already been described will be given the same reference numbers and their description will be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, components with the same reference numbers perform substantially the same operations and functions, and their effects are also substantially the same.

[0094] Procurement management by the procurement management system of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Supplier terminals 60 include a terminal for supplier A and a terminal for supplier B. Each of supplier terminals 60 transmits supply conditions, including inventory amounts, to inventory management server 10 at any timing. Then, inventory management control unit 13 of inventory management server 10 associates the received supply conditions with the respective supplier identification information for each item and stores them in inventory management memory 12.

[0095] A user wishing to purchase an item accesses a website provided by the procurement management server 20 from the user terminal 40. Specifically, the server control unit 23 of the procurement management server 20 causes an item screen 95 as shown in FIG. 10 to be displayed on the display device of the user terminal 40. The item screen 95 has an item field 91A and a delivery date input field 91B. The item screen 95 also has a quantity input field 95C, which has a quantity field 95D for inputting the requested quantity of the item. When the user inputs the requested quantity in the quantity field 95D, the server control unit 23 acquires the requested quantity input by the user and stores it in the server memory 22 as part of request information 22A. Furthermore, if the user wishes to purchase an item in a quantity that exceeds the available purchase quantity, the user selects the delivery date confirmation button 95E to request confirmation of the delivery date.

[0096] The user inputs the requested quantity and delivery date of the item via the item screen 95. The server control unit 23 of the procurement management server 20 acquires the input request conditions and stores them in the server memory 22 of the procurement management server 20. The server control unit 23 then acquires the inventory amount from the inventory management server 10 and selects a specific supplier that can supply the requested item. If the specific supplier's inventory amount is sufficient for the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 selects that specific supplier. The server control unit 23 then notifies the user that a purchase order is possible, and the user performs an operation to submit the purchase order. For this purpose, the item screen 95 shown in FIG. 10 has an order button 95G. When the user selects the order button 95G, the server control unit 23 displays an order confirmation screen (not shown) on the display device of the user terminal 40. The user then confirms the contents of the purchase order on the order confirmation screen and selects the order confirmation button to place the purchase order. Note that the item screen 95 supports bulk delivery, so the details screen button 91F is not provided.

[0097] On the other hand, if the inventory of the specified supplier is insufficient for the requested quantity, the server control unit 23 selects the specified supplier and other suppliers that can supply the item from multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group. At this time, the server control unit 23 selects the supply supplier group so that the total inventory of the supply supplier group is sufficient for the requested quantity. Then, the server control unit 23 allocates the requested quantity of the item to the supply supplier group.

[0098] Furthermore, the server control unit 23 notifies the user that a purchase order is possible by presenting the user with the quantity of items that can be purchased as bulk shipping information. When the user selects the order button 95G (FIG. 10), the server control unit 23 causes an order confirmation screen (not shown) to be displayed on the display device of the user terminal 40. The user then confirms the contents of the purchase order on the order confirmation screen and selects the order confirmation button to place the purchase order. The server control unit 23 then accepts the purchase order and creates multiple purchase orders linked with basic sales identification information that identifies the sales orders corresponding to the accepted purchase orders. Each of these multiple purchase orders is linked with basic sales identification information that identifies it.

[0099] In the example of FIG. 9, the server control unit 23 creates purchase order A and purchase order B corresponding to one sales order as multiple purchase orders. Purchase order A is an order to supplier A, and purchase order B is an order to supplier B. The server control unit 23 then transmits the multiple purchase orders to the supplier terminals 60 of the respective suppliers. Thereafter, each supplier supplies goods according to the purchase orders. For example, a supplier ships goods specified by a model number in the quantity and for the shipping period specified by the purchase order to a common collection point specified by the purchase order. In this case, supplier A and supplier B transport the goods in the quantity allocated to them to the collection point. Then, a trader (e.g., a distributor) managing the collection point collectively transports the collected goods to a destination specified by the user.

[0100] [Present sales order information] Next, a mode of presenting sales order information indicating the contents of one sales order corresponding to a purchase order to a user when the allocation conditions are satisfied will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the server control unit 23 has an acquisition unit 23A, a selection unit 23B, an allocation unit 23C, an ordering unit 23D, a determination unit 23G, and a presentation unit 23H. The acquisition unit 23A acquires request conditions including the requested quantity and delivery date of an item requested by the user, and supply conditions including the supply amounts of the item from each of multiple suppliers who can supply the item. The determination unit 23G determines whether the allocation conditions for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers among the multiple suppliers are satisfied based on the request conditions and supply conditions.

[0101] For example, the selection unit 23B selects one specific supplier from among the multiple suppliers. Then, the determination unit 23G determines that the allocation conditions are met when the requested quantity is greater than the supply quantity of the specific supplier. Furthermore, when the allocation conditions are met, the selection unit 23B selects two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group. For example, the selection unit 23B selects the specific supplier and at least one other supplier different from the specific supplier from among the multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group. Then, the allocation unit 23C allocates the requested quantity of the item to the supply supplier group.

[0102] The ordering unit 23D also functions as a creating unit, which is an example of a creating means that receives a purchase order for an item from a user and creates one sales order corresponding to the received purchase order. When a supply supplier group is selected (i.e., when the allocation conditions are met), the creating unit creates multiple purchase orders corresponding to one sales order so as to link them to basic sales identification information that identifies the sales order.

[0103] Furthermore, the presentation unit 23H presents to the user sales order information corresponding to the order for the goods. Specifically, the presentation unit 23H presents to the user sales order information indicating the contents of one sales order corresponding to the purchase order. Here, the sales order information is information that identifies the contents of the sales order. Then, the ordering unit 23D places an order for the goods with the selected supply supplier group. Specifically, the ordering unit 23D accepts the user's selection of bulk shipment and places an order for the quantity of goods allocated by the allocation unit 23C with each supplier in the supply supplier group.

[0104] As described above, the ordering unit 23D, which functions as a creation unit, creates one sales order corresponding to a purchase order and one or more purchase orders corresponding to the sales order. Therefore, even if the allocation conditions are met and a supply supplier group is selected, multiple split sales orders are not created. Then, the presentation unit 23H presents sales order information indicating the contents of one sales order to the user, even when a supply supplier group is selected.

[0105] Therefore, the user can inspect the delivered goods only by knowing the information for one sales order. On the other hand, when multiple split sales orders are created, a split sales order number is generated for each split sales order. For example, if each split sales order has a split sales order number, the same number of invoices as the number of split sales orders are issued. As a result, the user must perform inspection work the same number of times as the number of split sales orders. In contrast, when only one sales order is created, only one invoice is issued. The sales order information presented to the user also corresponds to one sales order. As a result, inspection work only needs to be done once, reducing the management burden on the user.

[0106] According to the procurement management system of the second embodiment, the period from purchase order to delivery of goods can be shortened by allocating the quantity of goods requested by a user to multiple sub-suppliers. Furthermore, when a user orders a large quantity of goods, the user does not need to calculate the quantity to be purchased from each of multiple suppliers. Furthermore, the user does not need to place purchase orders with each of multiple suppliers. Therefore, calculations and operations when placing a purchase order can be omitted, thereby shortening the time required for purchase orders. Furthermore, because the supply volume of each supplier is dynamically updated, the need to allocate the requested quantity can be determined based on the most recent supply volume.

[0107] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present invention also includes inventions that have been modified without departing from the scope of the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modified form can be combined as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0108] For example, inventory management server 10 and procurement management server 20 may be a single server. Furthermore, each logical device provided in inventory management server 10 may be provided in procurement management server 20. Furthermore, each logical device provided in procurement management server 20 may be provided in inventory management server 10. Furthermore, each logical device provided in inventory management server 10 and procurement management server 20 may be provided in separate servers. In this case, the separate servers, inventory management server 10, and procurement management server 20 cooperate to form a procurement management system.

[0109] [First transformation form] In the description of the first modified embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for components that have already been described, and their description will be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, components that have the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and their effects are also substantially the same.

[0110] The acquisition unit 23A (FIG. 3) acquires request conditions including the requested quantity and delivery date of the item requested by the user, and supply conditions including the supply amount of the item from each of multiple suppliers who can supply the item. Furthermore, the determination unit 23G determines whether or not an allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers is satisfied based on the request conditions and supply conditions. Then, the selection unit 23B selects one supplier from the multiple suppliers if the allocation condition is not satisfied. Furthermore, the selection unit 23B selects two or more suppliers from the multiple suppliers as a supply supplier group if the allocation condition is satisfied.

[0111] The ordering unit 23D functions as a creation unit, which is an example of a creation means, that receives a purchase order for an item from a user and creates a sales order corresponding to the received purchase order. When a supply supplier group is selected, the creation unit creates multiple installment sales orders (FIG. 2) for each supplier in the supply supplier group so that the installment sales orders are linked to the basic sales identification information that identifies the sales order. Furthermore, the creation unit creates purchase orders for the suppliers corresponding to each installment sales order.

[0112] Then, ordering unit 23D places an order for the goods with one supplier selected by selection unit 23B or with a group of supply suppliers selected by selection unit 23B. Specifically, ordering unit 23D sends purchase orders to each supplier to place orders for the goods. Furthermore, presentation unit 23H presents sales order information corresponding to the order of the goods to the user. This sales order information identifies the content of each of the multiple split sales orders. For example, the sales order information includes the delivery date of the goods (e.g., shipping date), the quantity of the goods, and identification information for identifying the purchase order (e.g., split sales order identification information consisting of a sales order number and a branch number).

[0113] The selection unit 23B determines whether an obstruction condition that prevents the supply of the item by the due date has occurred for a selected supplier or at least one supplier in the selected group of suppliers. The obstruction supplier is a supplier that is no longer able to supply the item by the due date. As an example, the selection unit 23B determines that an obstruction condition has occurred when a delay notice is received from the obstruction supplier or when the shipping date of the item has passed.

[0114] When an obstructing condition occurs, the selection unit 23B selects at least one alternative supplier from among the multiple suppliers that can supply the quantity of goods ordered from the failed supplier. This alternative supplier is a supplier that can supply the quantity of goods included in the requested conditions by the due date of the goods included in the requested conditions. The alternative supplier may be one supplier or multiple suppliers. Alternatively, the selection unit 23B may determine that an obstructing condition has occurred when an administrator of the procurement management server 20 inputs that an obstructing condition has occurred.

[0115] The ordering unit 23D then cancels the order placed with the failed supplier and places an order for the quantity of goods that had been ordered from the failed supplier with an alternative supplier. The presentation unit 23H also functions as a change condition determination unit that determines whether the change conditions for the sales order information are met. If the change conditions for the sales order information are not met, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is. For example, when the user opens the details screen 92 (FIG. 5), the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is by notifying the user of the sales order information that does not include the changes. Alternatively, the presentation unit 23H may maintain the presentation as is by notifying the user of the sales order information that does not include the changes, in response to a request from the user.

[0116] On the other hand, when the change conditions for the sales order information are satisfied, the presentation unit 23H presents the change to the sales order information to the user. For example, when there is no alternative supplier that can supply the goods by the delivery date, the presentation unit 23H determines that the change conditions for the sales order information are satisfied and presents the change to the sales order information to the user. Alternatively, the presentation unit 23H may determine that the change conditions are satisfied when the administrator of the procurement management server 20 inputs that the change conditions are satisfied.

[0117] Specifically, when presenting a change to sales order information, the presentation unit 23H presents the content of the changed installment sales order or sales order (e.g., delivery date and quantity of items, etc.) to the user. Also, if the delivery date (e.g., shipping date) changes, the presentation unit 23H presents the new delivery date to the user. Furthermore, the presentation unit 23H may present the change to the sales order information to the user by highlighting the changed parts. Furthermore, the presentation unit 23H may present to the user whether the order needs to be canceled and the content of the installment sales order or sales order before the change.

[0118] As an example, the creation unit creates a new installment sales order when the conditions for changing the sales order information are met. Then, the presentation unit 23H presents the content of the new installment sales order to the user, thereby presenting the changes to the sales order information to the user. Specifically, the presentation unit 23H notifies the user of the content of the new installment sales order (e.g., delivery date of the items, quantity of the items, installment sales order identification information, etc.) by email or the like. Alternatively, the presentation unit 23H may present the content of the new installment sales order to be displayed on the details screen 92 (FIG. 5) when the user opens the details screen 92.

[0119] Furthermore, when the number of suppliers supplying goods to the user increases or decreases, the presentation unit 23H determines that the conditions for changing the sales order information are met and presents the changes to the sales order information to the user. For example, if there are two alternative suppliers for one failed supplier, the number of suppliers supplying goods increases, and the changes to the sales order information are presented to the user. Then, the creation unit creates two new split sales orders instead of one split sales order, and the number of split sales orders also increases. Also, when there is one alternative supplier for two failed suppliers, the number of suppliers supplying goods decreases, and the changes to the sales order information are presented to the user. Then, the creation unit creates one new split sales order instead of two split sales orders, and the number of split sales orders also decreases.

[0120] Furthermore, when the quantity of goods supplied by each alternative supplier increases or decreases relative to the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier (i.e., the allocated quantity), the presentation unit 23H determines that the conditions for changing the sales order information have been met, and presents the changes to the sales order information to the user. For example, when the quantity ordered from one faulty supplier is allocated to two alternative suppliers, the quantity of goods supplied by each alternative supplier decreases relative to the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier, and therefore the changes to the sales order information are presented to the user. When the quantity ordered from two faulty suppliers is allocated to one alternative supplier, the quantity of goods supplied by the alternative supplier increases relative to the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier, and therefore the changes to the sales order information are presented to the user. In these cases, the creation unit creates a new split sales order based on the increased or decreased quantities.

[0121] If the change condition is met, the creation unit creates a new installment sales order. The user then discards the details specified by the previously submitted installment sales order (e.g., installment sales order identification information) and inspects the delivered items based on the details specified by the new installment sales order. Therefore, the presentation unit 23H must present the details of the new installment sales order to the user. On the other hand, if the delivery date of the items is not changed because the items can be supplied by the delivery date, and the number of suppliers and the quantity of items do not increase or decrease, the change condition is not met. Therefore, the creation unit does not need to create a new installment sales order. In this case, even if an obstruction condition occurs, the presentation unit 23H does not present the user with changes to the sales order information. Therefore, the user does not need to discard the installment sales order identification information, and an increase in the burden can be suppressed even when placing an order with an alternative supplier.

[0122] [Proposal Processing] Referring to FIG. 11, a presentation process for presenting changes to sales order information to a user when an inhibiting condition occurs that inhibits the supply of goods by the delivery date will be described. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the presentation process that can create multiple installment sales orders. First, the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order when the user performs an operation to confirm the purchase order. Then, the presentation unit 23H presents the sales order information to the user (S201). For example, if one supplier is selected (i.e., the allocation condition is not satisfied), the presentation unit 23H presents to the user sales order information (e.g., sales order number, etc.) indicating the contents of one sales order corresponding to the purchase order. Furthermore, if a supply supplier group is selected (i.e., the allocation condition is satisfied), the presentation unit 23H presents to the user sales order information (e.g., sales order number and branch number, etc.) indicating the contents of multiple installment sales orders corresponding to the purchase order.

[0123] Next, the selection unit 23B determines whether an inhibiting condition has occurred (S202). If an inhibiting condition has not occurred (NO in S202), the process ends. On the other hand, if an inhibiting condition has occurred (YES in S202), the selection unit 23B searches among multiple suppliers for at least one alternative supplier that can supply the quantity of goods that was ordered from the failed supplier (S203). That is, the selection unit 23B searches for an alternative supplier that can supply the quantity of goods included in the request conditions by the due date of the goods included in the request conditions.

[0124] If there is no alternative supplier (NO in S204), the presentation unit 23H determines that the change conditions are met and presents the change to the sales order information (e.g., a new shipping date) to the user (S205). For example, when goods are shipped in bulk, if there is no supplier who can supply the goods in time for the shipping date from the collection point, the selection unit 23B determines that there is no alternative supplier. Also, when goods are shipped in installments, if there is no supplier who can supply the goods in time for the original shipping date from the faulty supplier, the selection unit 23B determines that there is no alternative supplier. If there is no alternative supplier, the presentation unit 23H determines that the change conditions are met.

[0125] At this time, the user who is presented with the changes to the sales order information can cancel the order. On the other hand, if the user accepts the change in shipping date and continues with the order, the creation unit creates a new installment sales order or sales order and creates a purchase order corresponding to the installment sales order or sales order (S206). In addition, the ordering unit 23D cancels the order (i.e., purchase order) with the affected supplier and places an order for the quantity of goods that had been ordered from the affected supplier with an alternative supplier (S207). Then, the presentation unit 23H presents the new installment sales order or sales order to the user to present the changes to the sales order information. This completes the presentation process. Note that the user order number is not canceled, but the user may change the user order number.

[0126] On the other hand, if there is an alternative supplier (YES in S204), the selection unit 23B selects an alternative supplier from among the multiple suppliers (S208). The presentation unit 23H also determines whether the change conditions for the sales order information are met. If the number of suppliers supplying goods to the user increases or decreases, the presentation unit 23H determines that the change conditions for the sales order information are met (YES in S209) and presents the change in the sales order information to the user (S205). If the quantity of goods supplied by each alternative supplier increases or decreases compared to the quantity ordered from the failed supplier, the presentation unit 23H also determines that the change conditions for the sales order information are met (YES in S210) and presents the change in the sales order information to the user (S205).

[0127] If the conditions for changing the sales order information are not met (NO in S209 and NO in S210), the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is (S211). In other words, the presentation unit 23H does not present the changes to the sales order information to the user. The creation unit then creates a purchase order corresponding to the already created installment sales order or sales order (S206). In addition, the ordering unit 23D cancels the order with the failed supplier and places an order for the quantity of goods that was ordered from the failed supplier with an alternative supplier (S207). This ends the presentation process.

[0128] According to this presentation process, even if an obstruction condition occurs at a faulty supplier and an order is placed with an alternative supplier, if the same number of alternative suppliers as the faulty supplier (NO in S209) and the same quantity of goods as the quantity that the faulty supplier was scheduled to supply are supplied by the alternative suppliers, a new installment sales order or sales order will not be created. Therefore, changes to the sales order information are not presented to the user, and an increase in the burden on the user when placing an order with an alternative supplier can be suppressed.

[0129] [Specific example] In the first example, when an inhibiting condition occurs with one of the failed suppliers, supplier A, if the entire ordered quantity is to be ordered from alternative supplier B, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is. The original single sales order is maintained. Then, a single purchase order for alternative supplier B is created. Furthermore, although not specifically explained below, if an inhibiting condition occurs, the purchase order for the failed supplier A is canceled.

[0130] In the first example, if part of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier B and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternative supplier C, the presentation unit 23H presents the user with changes to the sales order information. This is because the number of suppliers supplying the goods increases in this case. The original sales order is canceled. Then, two split sales orders and two corresponding purchase orders are created.

[0131] In the second example where the supplying supplier group includes the faulty supplier A, supplier B, and supplier C, if the entire ordered quantity is to be ordered from the alternative supplier D, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is. The original three split sales orders are maintained. Then, one purchase order is created for the alternative supplier D. The two split sales orders for supplier B and supplier C and the two corresponding purchase orders are also maintained.

[0132] In the second example, if part of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier D and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternative supplier E, the presentation unit 23H presents the changes to the sales order information to the user. This is because in this case, the number of suppliers supplying goods increases. Note that one split sales order for the failed supplier A is canceled. Two split sales orders and two corresponding purchase orders are then created. Furthermore, the two split sales orders for supplier B and supplier C and the two corresponding purchase orders are maintained.

[0133] In the second example, if part of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier B, which is included in the supply supplier group, and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternative supplier C, which is also included in the supply supplier group, the presentation unit 23H presents changes to the sales order information to the user. This is because in this case, the number of suppliers supplying goods will decrease. Note that one installment sales order for the failed supplier A is canceled. Then, two new installment sales orders for alternative supplier B and alternative supplier C, and two corresponding purchase orders are created. Furthermore, the quantities of goods ordered in the two new installment sales orders have increased.

[0134] In the second example, if part of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier B and alternative supplier C, which are included in the supply supplier group, and the remaining quantity is ordered from a new alternative supplier D, the presentation unit 23H presents the change in sales order information to the user. This is because in this case, the quantity of goods to be ordered from alternative supplier B and alternative supplier C increases. Note that one installment sales order for the failed supplier A is canceled. Then, three new installment sales orders for alternative supplier B, alternative supplier C, and alternative supplier D, and three corresponding purchase orders are created.

[0135] [Second transformation form] In the second modified embodiment, the creation unit creates multiple purchase orders (FIG. 9) without creating installment sales orders. In explaining the second modified embodiment, differences from the first modified embodiment and the first and second embodiments will be explained, and components already explained will be given the same reference numbers and their explanations will be omitted. Unless otherwise explained, components with the same reference numbers perform substantially the same operations and functions, and their effects are also substantially the same.

[0136] The ordering unit 23D functions as a creation unit, which is an example of a creation means, that receives a purchase order for an item from a user and creates a sales order corresponding to the received purchase order. When a supply supplier group is selected, the creation unit creates multiple purchase orders corresponding to one sales order, linking them to basic sales identification information that identifies the sales order. Furthermore, when an inhibiting condition occurs, the creation unit creates a new purchase order corresponding to an alternative supplier. The presentation unit 23H then presents the contents of the new purchase order to the user, thereby presenting the changes to the sales order information to the user.

[0137] Then, the ordering unit 23D cancels the order with the failed supplier and places an order with an alternative supplier for the quantity of goods that had been ordered from the failed supplier. Furthermore, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is if the change conditions for the sales order information are not met. On the other hand, the presentation unit 23H presents the changes to the sales order information to the user if the change conditions for the sales order information are met. For example, if there is no alternative supplier that can supply the goods by the delivery date, the presentation unit 23H determines that the change conditions for the sales order information are met, and presents the changes to the sales order information to the user.

[0138] [Proposal Processing] Referring to FIG. 12, a presentation process for presenting changes to sales order information to a user when an inhibiting condition occurs will be described. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of the presentation process for creating one sales order. First, the ordering unit 23D accepts the purchase order when the user performs an operation to confirm the purchase order. Then, the presentation unit 23H presents sales order information to the user (S301). For example, when one supplier is selected, the presentation unit 23H presents sales order information indicating the contents of one sales order corresponding to the purchase order to the user. Also, when a supply supplier group is selected, the presentation unit 23H presents sales order information indicating the contents of one sales order corresponding to the purchase order to the user.

[0139] Next, the selection unit 23B determines whether an inhibiting condition has occurred (S302). If an inhibiting condition has not occurred (NO in S302), the process ends. On the other hand, if an inhibiting condition has occurred (YES in S302), the selection unit 23B searches among multiple suppliers for at least one alternative supplier that can supply the quantity of goods that was ordered from the failed supplier (S303). That is, the selection unit 23B searches for an alternative supplier that can supply the quantity of goods included in the request conditions by the due date of the goods included in the request conditions.

[0140] If there is no alternative supplier (NO in S304), the presentation unit 23H determines that the change conditions are met and presents the changes to the sales order information (e.g., a new shipping date) to the user (S305). At this time, the user who is presented with the changes to the sales order information can cancel the order. On the other hand, if the user accepts the change to the shipping date and continues with the order, the creation unit creates a new sales order and a purchase order corresponding to the sales order (S306). Furthermore, the ordering unit 23D cancels the order with the failed supplier and places an order with the alternative supplier for the quantity of goods that had been ordered from the failed supplier (S307). The presentation unit 23H then presents the new sales order to the user to present the changes to the sales order information. This ends the presentation process.

[0141] On the other hand, if there is an alternative supplier (YES in S304), the selection unit 23B selects an alternative supplier from among the multiple suppliers (S308). Unlike the first modified embodiment, a new sales order is not created even if the number of suppliers or the quantity of goods supplied increases or decreases. Therefore, the sales order information is not changed, and the conditions for changing the sales order information are not met. Therefore, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is (S309). In other words, the presentation unit 23H does not present the changes to the sales order information to the user. The creation unit then creates a purchase order corresponding to the already created sales order (S306). Furthermore, the ordering unit 23D cancels the order with the failed supplier and places an order for the quantity of goods originally ordered from the failed supplier with the alternative supplier (S307). This completes the presentation process.

[0142] According to this presentation process, even if an obstruction condition occurs in the failed supplier, a new sales order will not be created as long as there is an alternative supplier. Therefore, changes to the sales order information will not be presented to the user, and even if an order is placed with an alternative supplier, an increase in the burden on the user can be suppressed.

[0143] The creation unit also creates one sales order corresponding to the purchase order and one or more purchase orders corresponding to the sales order. Therefore, even when the allocation conditions are met and a supply supplier group is selected, multiple split sales orders are not created. The presentation unit 23H then presents sales order information indicating the contents of one sales order to the user, even when a supply supplier group is selected. Furthermore, even when an inhibiting condition occurs and an alternative supplier is selected, no new sales order is created. Therefore, the presentation unit 23H does not need to present changes to the sales order information to the user, and can maintain the presentation of the sales order information.

[0144] As a result, unless an obstructing condition occurs and there is no alternative supplier (i.e., the change condition for the sales order information is satisfied), the user can inspect the delivered goods with only one sales order information. On the other hand, when multiple split sales orders are created, a split sales order number is generated for each split sales order. For example, if each split sales order has a split sales order number, the same number of invoices as the number of split sales orders are issued. As a result, the user must perform inspection work the same number of times as the number of split sales orders. In contrast, when only one sales order is created, only one invoice is issued. The sales order information presented to the user also corresponds to one sales order. Therefore, the inspection work is completed only once, reducing the user's management burden. Note that when the creation unit creates one sales order corresponding to a purchase order, the selection of an alternative supplier when an obstructing condition occurs may be omitted. Furthermore, when the user selects the order confirmation button 94E in the bulk shipping field 94C, the ordering unit 23D may accept the user's selection of bulk shipping along with the purchase order. As a result, the items are transported in bulk, and the user only needs to receive the items once, further reducing the management burden on the user.

[0145] [Specific example] In the first example, when an inhibiting condition occurs with one of the failed suppliers, supplier A, if the entire ordered quantity is to be ordered from alternative supplier B, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is. The original single sales order is maintained. Then, a single purchase order for alternative supplier B is created. Furthermore, although not specifically explained below, if an inhibiting condition occurs, the purchase order for the failed supplier A is canceled.

[0146] In the first example, if part of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier B and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternative supplier C, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is. The original single sales order is maintained. Two purchase orders are then created. However, if partial shipments are made by alternative supplier B and alternative supplier C, delivery and inspection work will occur for each supplier even if the shipping date is the same. Therefore, the presentation unit 23H presents a change to the sales order information (for example, a change to partial shipment) to the user.

[0147] In the second example where the supplying supplier group includes the failed supplier A, supplier B, and supplier C, if the entire ordered quantity is to be ordered from the alternative supplier D, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is. The original one sales order is maintained. Then, one purchase order for the alternative supplier D is created. The two purchase orders for supplier B and supplier C are also maintained.

[0148] In the second example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier D and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternative supplier E, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is. The original single sales order is maintained. Then, two purchase orders are created. The two purchase orders for supplier B and supplier C are also maintained.

[0149] In the second example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier B, which is included in the supply supplier group, and the remaining quantity is ordered from alternative supplier C, which is also included in the supply supplier group, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is. Note that the original single sales order is maintained. Then, two new purchase orders are created for alternative supplier B and alternative supplier C. Furthermore, the quantities of goods to be ordered have increased in the two new purchase orders.

[0150] In the second example, if a portion of the ordered quantity is ordered from alternative supplier B and alternative supplier C, which are included in the supply supplier group, and the remaining quantity is ordered from a new alternative supplier D, the presentation unit 23H maintains the presentation of the sales order information as is. Note that the original single sales order is maintained. Then, three new purchase orders are created for alternative supplier B, alternative supplier C, and alternative supplier D.

[0151] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0152] (Appendix 1) an acquisition means for acquiring request conditions including a requested quantity of an item requested by a user and supply conditions including a supply amount of the item from each of a plurality of suppliers capable of supplying the item; a determining means for determining whether or not an allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers is satisfied based on the requested condition and the supply condition; a selection means for selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group when the allocation condition is satisfied; a creation means for receiving a purchase order for the item from the user and creating a sales order corresponding to the received purchase order; ordering means for ordering the goods from the selected group of supply suppliers; a presentation means for presenting sales order information corresponding to an order for the item to the user; A procurement management system in which, when the group of supply suppliers is selected, the creation means creates multiple purchase orders corresponding to the sales orders so as to link them to basic sales identification information that identifies the sales orders, and the presentation means presents the sales order information indicating the contents of one of the sales orders to the user.

[0153] (Appendix 2) further comprising a distribution unit for distributing the requested quantity to the supply supplier group; 2. A procurement management system as described in Appendix 1, wherein the ordering means accepts the user's selection of bulk shipping and places an order for the items in the quantity allocated by the allocation means to each supplier in the supply supplier group.

[0154] (Appendix 3) 3. The procurement management system of claim 1, wherein the sales order information identifies the contents of the sales order.

[0155] (Appendix 4) the selection means selects one specific supplier from the plurality of suppliers; 4. The procurement management system according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines that the allocation condition is satisfied when the requested quantity is greater than the supply quantity of the specific supplier.

[0156] (Appendix 5) A procurement management system as described in Appendix 4, wherein the selection means selects the specified supplier and at least one other supplier different from the specified supplier from among the plurality of suppliers as the supply supplier group when the allocation conditions are satisfied.

[0157] (Appendix 6) A computer program for a procurement management system including a computer, The computer, acquiring request conditions including a requested quantity of an item requested by a user and supply conditions including a supply amount of the item from each of a plurality of suppliers capable of supplying the item; determining whether or not an allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers is satisfied based on the requested condition and the supply condition; If the allocation condition is satisfied, two or more suppliers are selected from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group; Accepting a purchase order for the item from the user and creating a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order; ordering the items from the selected group of supply suppliers; having the user present sales order information corresponding to the order for the item; A computer program for a procurement management system that, when the group of supply suppliers is selected, creates multiple purchase orders corresponding to the sales order so as to link them to basic sales identification information that identifies the sales order, and presents the sales order information indicating the contents of one of the sales orders to the user.

[0158] (Appendix 7) A control method for a procurement management system including a computer, The computer, acquiring request conditions including a requested quantity of an item requested by a user and supply conditions including a supply amount of the item from each of a plurality of suppliers capable of supplying the item; determining whether or not an allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers is satisfied based on the requested condition and the supply condition; If the allocation condition is satisfied, two or more suppliers are selected from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group; Accepting a purchase order for the item from the user and creating a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order; ordering the items from the selected group of supply suppliers; having the user present sales order information corresponding to the order for the item; A control method for a procurement management system that, when the supply supplier group is selected, creates multiple purchase orders corresponding to the sales order so as to link them to basic sales identification information that identifies the sales order, and presents the sales order information indicating the contents of one of the sales orders to the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 10: Procurement management system (inventory management server) 12: Inventory management memory (storage means) 13A:Update section (update means) 20: Procurement management system (procurement management server) 23: Server control unit (computer) 23A: Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 23B: Selection unit (selection means) 23C:Distribution part (distribution means) 23D: Ordering department (ordering means) 23E: Prediction unit (prediction means) 23G: Judgment unit (judgment means) 23H: Presentation unit (presentation means) PG: Procurement Management Program (computer program)

Claims

1. A procurement management system including a computer, The computer Acquire request conditions including a requested quantity and delivery date of an item requested by a user, and supply conditions including a supply amount of the item and a shipping date of the item from each of a plurality of suppliers capable of supplying the item; determining whether or not an allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers is satisfied based on the requested condition and the supply condition; selecting one supplier from the plurality of suppliers when the allocation condition is not satisfied, and selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group when the allocation condition is satisfied; ordering the requested quantity of the item from the selected supplier or the selected group of suppliers; presenting sales order information to the user corresponding to the order of the item and including a shipping date for the item; When canceling an order with the faulty supplier, which is the one selected supplier or at least one supplier of the selected group of supply suppliers, searching for at least one alternative supplier from among the multiple suppliers who can supply the quantity of the goods ordered from the faulty supplier by the shipping date of the goods included in the sales order information, based on the supply conditions and the quantity of the goods ordered from the faulty supplier; A procurement management system that, if there is an alternative supplier, orders the goods in the quantity that was ordered from the faulty supplier from the alternative supplier, and does not change the sales order information presented to the user.

2. The procurement management system according to claim 1 , wherein, if there is no alternative supplier, the computer changes the shipping date of the item included in the sales order information and presents the changed date to the user.

3. The computer receiving a purchase order for the requested quantity of the item from the user, and creating a sales order corresponding to the received purchase order; If the supplying supplier group is selected, create a plurality of installment sales orders for each supplier of the supplying supplier group so as to be linked to basic sales identification information that identifies the sales orders, and create purchase orders for the suppliers corresponding to each installment sales order to order the goods; the installment sales order includes a shipping date for the items; The procurement management system according to claim 1 , wherein the sales order information identifies the contents of each of the plurality of split sales orders.

4. The computer If there is no alternative supplier for at least one of the failed suppliers in the selected group of supply suppliers, create a new installment sales order including a new shipping date for the item corresponding to the failed supplier; The procurement management system of claim 3 , wherein the sales order information specifying the content of the new installment sales order is presented to the user.

5. The sales order information includes identification information that identifies the purchase order, 4. The procurement management system of claim 3, wherein the computer changes the identification information contained in the sales order information and presents it to the user when the number of suppliers supplying the item to the user increases or decreases, even if there is an alternative supplier.

6. The sales order information includes a quantity of the item, 4. The procurement management system of claim 3, wherein even if there are alternative suppliers, if the quantity of the goods supplied by each alternative supplier increases or decreases compared to the quantity ordered from the faulty supplier, the computer changes the quantity of the goods included in the sales order information and presents it to the user.

7. The computer Accepting a purchase order for the item from the user and creating a sales order corresponding to the accepted purchase order; When the supply supplier group is selected, a plurality of purchase orders corresponding to the sales orders are created so as to be linked to basic sales identification information that identifies the sales orders; The procurement management system according to claim 1 , wherein the sales order information identifies the content of the sales order.

8. The computer creating a new purchase order corresponding to said alternative supplier; The procurement management system according to claim 7 , wherein the content of the new purchase order is presented to the user.

9. 3. The procurement management system according to claim 1, wherein the computer cancels the order with the faulty supplier when a notice of delay is received from the faulty supplier or when the shipping date of the item has passed.

10. The computer selecting a specific supplier from the plurality of suppliers; The procurement management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the allocation condition is determined to be satisfied when the requested quantity is greater than the supply amount of the specific supplier.

11. 11. The procurement management system according to claim 10, wherein when the allocation condition is satisfied, the computer selects the specified supplier and at least one other supplier different from the specified supplier from among the plurality of suppliers as the supply supplier group.

12. A computer program for a procurement management system including a computer, The computer, acquires request conditions including a requested quantity and a delivery date of an item requested by a user, and supply conditions including a supply amount of the item and a shipping date of the item from each of a plurality of suppliers capable of supplying the item; determining whether or not an allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers is satisfied based on the requested condition and the supply condition; selecting one supplier from the plurality of suppliers when the allocation condition is not satisfied, and selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group when the allocation condition is satisfied; ordering the requested quantity of the item from the selected supplier or the selected group of supply suppliers; presenting to the user sales order information corresponding to the order of the item and including a shipping date for the item; when canceling an order to the one selected supplier or a faulty supplier that is at least one supplier of the selected group of supply suppliers, searching for at least one alternative supplier from among the multiple suppliers who can supply the quantity of the goods ordered from the faulty supplier by the shipping date of the goods included in the sales order information, based on the supply conditions and the quantity of the goods ordered from the faulty supplier; A computer program for a procurement management system that, if there is an alternative supplier, causes the alternative supplier to order the same quantity of the item that was ordered from the failed supplier, and does not allow the sales order information presented to the user to be changed.

13. A control method for a procurement management system including a computer, The computer Acquire request conditions including a requested quantity and delivery date of an item requested by a user, and supply conditions including a supply amount of the item and a shipping date of the item from each of a plurality of suppliers capable of supplying the item; determining whether or not an allocation condition for allocating the requested quantity of the item to two or more suppliers among the plurality of suppliers is satisfied based on the requested condition and the supply condition; selecting one supplier from the plurality of suppliers when the allocation condition is not satisfied, and selecting two or more suppliers from the plurality of suppliers as a supply supplier group when the allocation condition is satisfied; ordering the requested quantity of the item from the selected supplier or the selected group of suppliers; presenting sales order information to the user corresponding to the order of the item and including a shipping date for the item; When canceling an order with the faulty supplier, which is the one selected supplier or at least one supplier of the selected group of supply suppliers, searching for at least one alternative supplier from among the multiple suppliers who can supply the quantity of the goods ordered from the faulty supplier by the shipping date of the goods included in the sales order information, based on the supply conditions and the quantity of the goods ordered from the faulty supplier; A method for controlling a procurement management system, which, if there is an alternative supplier, orders the quantity of the goods that was ordered from the failed supplier from the alternative supplier, and does not change the sales order information presented to the user.

Images