Collaboration Support System

Abstract

To support cooperation by allowing an external worker to use internal data while ensuring internal data security.SOLUTION: A storage part 38 stores a copy of original data as working data, and also stores a WP management table 46. A processor 36 accepts work performed on work data by an external worker through access to a workplace. The processor 36 also updates the original data by reflecting the work content on the original data when the work content is approved by an internal administrator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a collaboration support system. [Background technology]

[0002] Collaborative work, where multiple companies (or individuals or individual companies) cooperate to carry out a project, and outsourcing, where one company entrusts part of its business to another company, are becoming more common. We will refer to these and other business forms involving multiple entities as collaboration.

[0003] When collaborating, information security becomes an issue. For example, if internal documents are managed by the internal system of the first company, allowing workers from the second company (who can be considered external workers from the first company's perspective) to directly access the internal documents is a major problem from the perspective of information security.

[0004] In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes installing a server outside the company, storing copies of necessary internal company data on that server, and allowing external workers to use those copies. Patent Document 1 does not describe the specific configuration of the server installed outside the company or the specific content of the services provided by that server, in particular the configuration for supporting collaborative work or ensuring information security. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-155392 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When collaborating, allowing external workers to directly access internal data managed by internal systems can raise information security issues. Information security can also be an issue if the work performed by external workers is reflected in internal data without any restrictions.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to support collaboration by enabling external workers to use in-house data while ensuring the safety of the in-house data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The collaboration support system according to the present invention is managed by an in-house system. Multiple A copy of the original data Multiple a first storage unit for storing working data; It has multiple workplace information for managing multiple collaborative projects for each workplace, which is the management unit. a second storage unit that stores a management table; a processor that generates workplace information for each of the workplaces, wherein the workplace information for each of the workplaces includes information that identifies external workers working in a collaborative project, information that identifies work data that will be worked on in the collaborative project, and information that identifies an in-house administrator that manages the collaborative project, and the workplace information for each of the workplaces can include information that identifies multiple external workers and information that identifies multiple work data; The processor: identifying work data to be made public to the external worker from among the plurality of work data based on the management table, generating a workplace image including an icon representing the work data, and providing the workplace image to an external terminal device of the external worker; The outside worker By operating the icon in the image The working data After identifying the working data If you perform work on An inspection support image including an image representing the work content is generated, and the inspection support image is provided to an in-house terminal device of the in-house manager identified based on the management table, and the in-house terminal device The work content has been approved by the company manager A signal indicating this was output. In case 、 The work content is Supports working data Reflect the original data and Supports working data The original data is updated.

[0009] The collaboration support system according to claim 2 is the collaboration support system according to claim 1, wherein the processor updates the previous data in accordance with a request to update the original data. Test Inspection support image and generating the inspection support image. The company manager The in-house terminal device The present invention is characterized by providing:

[0010] The collaboration support system according to claim 3 is the collaboration support system according to claim 2, wherein the processor is a processor that represents the work content. image and generating differential data representing the difference between the original data and the processed data, and Before Recorded differential data Include, characterized by:

[0011] A collaboration support system according to claim 4 is the collaboration support system according to claim 1, wherein the processor conducting at least one of a security test and a formal test on the work content, thereby inspecting the work content, and generating the inspection support image including an image representing the work content and an image representing the result of inspecting the work content; It is characterized by:

[0012] A collaboration support system according to claim 5 is the collaboration support system according to claim 1, The processor includes information identifying the original data in the workplace information for each workplace. It is characterized by:

[0013] The collaboration support system according to claim 6 is 1 In the collaboration support system described above, The processor: The aforementioned By workplace Workplace Information To, Furthermore, information specifying the operation authority of the external worker Including, The processor controls the operation of the outside worker based on the information specifying the operation authority. If the operation is acceptable, the operation is The present invention is characterized in that it accepts

[0014] A collaboration support system according to claim 7 is the collaboration support system according to claim 6, The processor: Information identifying the operation authority To, Information indicating whether the original data update request operation is possible Include , characterized by:

[0015] A collaboration support system according to claim 8 is the collaboration support system according to claim 1, wherein the processor Include specific workplace information having multiple sub-workplace information among the multiple pieces of workplace information, and generate multiple sub-workplace images based on the multiple sub-workplace information as the workplace image based on the specific workplace information; before Notes Sub-workplace images corresponding to Outside workers External terminal devices The present invention is characterized by providing:

[0016] The program according to claim 9 is a program that is executed in an information processing device and causes the information processing device to function as a collaboration support system, and is managed by an in-house system. Multiple A copy of the original data Multiple The function to manage it as working data, It has multiple workplace information for managing multiple collaborative projects for each workplace, which is the management unit. A function for generating a management table; the workplace information for each workplace includes information identifying an external worker working in a collaborative project, information identifying work data to be worked on in the collaborative project, and information identifying an internal administrator managing the collaborative project, and the workplace information for each workplace can include information identifying a plurality of external workers and information identifying a plurality of work data, and the program further includes a function to identify work data to be made public to the external worker from among the plurality of work data based on the management table, a function to generate a workplace image including an icon indicating the work data, and a function to provide the workplace image to an external terminal device of the external worker;The outside worker By operating the icon in the image The working data After identifying the working data A function to accept work content when work is performed on a function for generating an inspection support image including an image representing the work content; a function for providing the inspection support image to an in-house terminal device of the in-house manager specified based on the management table; and a function for providing the inspection support image from the in-house terminal device. The work content has been approved by the company manager A signal indicating this was output. In case 、 The work content is Supports working data Reflect the original data and Supports working data and a function to update the original data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the collaboration support system of claims 1 and 9, collaboration can be supported while ensuring the safety of internal company data.

[0018] According to the collaboration support system of claim 2, approval can be supported.

[0019] According to the collaboration support system of claim 3, it becomes easier to specify the work content.

[0020] According to the collaboration support system of claim 4, the burden on the in-house administrator is reduced.

[0021] According to the collaboration support system of claim 5, information required for managing and operating each workplace is managed.

[0022] According to the collaboration support system of claim 6, it is possible to limit the operations that can be accepted for each external worker.

[0023] According to the collaboration support system of claim 7, whether or not an original data update request operation is permitted is managed for each external worker.

[0024] According to the collaboration support system of claim 8, a plurality of outside workers can be assigned to a plurality of sub-workplaces. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram illustrating a collaboration support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a WP management table. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration related to a workplace. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating functions of an approval process execution unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection support image. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the collaboration support system. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the WP management table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] (1) Overview of the embodiment A collaboration support system according to an embodiment includes a first storage unit, a second storage unit, and a processor. The first storage unit stores a copy of original data managed by an internal system as work data. The second storage unit stores a management table for managing internal managers, work data, and external workers while associating them with workplaces as virtual external work locations. The processor provides external workers with a workplace image representing the workplace based on the management table. Specifically, when an external worker performs work on the work data through access to the workplace, the processor accepts the work content. Furthermore, when the work content is approved by the internal manager, the processor reflects the work content in the original data and updates the original data.

[0028] The working data provided to external workers is a copy of the original data. Even when work is performed on the working data, the contents of the original data are maintained. The work performed on the working data is only reflected in the original data once it has been approved by an internal administrator. This system ensures the safety of internal data while promoting the use of internal data by external workers.

[0029] A workplace is a virtual place of work for external workers, and corresponds to an ethical framework or unit for managing projects and data. For example, one workplace may be assigned to one project, or multiple workplaces (or multiple sub-workplaces) may be assigned to one project.

[0030] A management table is created and used to allow a workplace to function as a virtual work place while ensuring information security. The management table manages, for each workplace, internal administrators, work data, external workers, etc. For example, an area requiring login to a company's internal information processing system or internal company network is internal, while other areas are external. Examples of work data include document data, drawing data, and table data. A company is an entity that constitutes collaboration, and is a broad concept. This concept can include individuals, private companies, organizations, and groups that perform business operations.

[0031] In an embodiment, the processor provides an inspection support image to an in-house administrator to support inspection of the work content in accordance with the original data update request. The in-house administrator inspects the work content with reference to the inspection support image. The original data update request may be issued by the in-house administrator or by another authorized person.

[0032] In an embodiment, the processor generates differential data representing the difference between the original data and the data after the work as information representing the work content. The differential data is included in the inspection assistance image. The differential data may be generated by identifying changed portions in the data after the work. Input or operation by an external worker may be directly received by the processor, or data including the work content may be received by the processor after the fact.

[0033] In an embodiment, the processor inspects the work content before providing it to the in-house administrator. The inspection results are provided to the in-house administrator along with information indicating the work content. The inspections may include virus checks, format checks, etc. Automatic inspections can improve safety and reduce the burden on the in-house administrator.

[0034] In an embodiment, the management table includes multiple pieces of workplace information corresponding to multiple workplaces. Each piece of workplace information includes information identifying an in-house administrator, information identifying work data, and information identifying an external worker. In this way, the workplace information is utilized to enable the workplace to function as a virtual work place for project execution.

[0035] In an embodiment, each piece of workplace information further includes information specifying the operation authority of the external worker. The processor accepts operations by the external worker based on the information specifying the operation authority. For example, adding or changing data may be permitted, but deleting or overwriting data may be prohibited.

[0036] In an embodiment, the information identifying the operation authority includes information indicating whether or not the operation to request an update of the original data is permitted. Whether or not the operation to request an update of the original data is permitted is managed for each external worker. Typically, an internal administrator or an internal staff member issues a request to update the original data, but the request to update the original data may also be issued by the external worker who performed the work. The external worker may notify the internal administrator that the work has been completed, which may then trigger the internal administrator to inspect the work content.

[0037] In an embodiment, the processor manages multiple workplaces corresponding to multiple external workers as multiple sub-workplaces and provides multiple sub-workplace images representing the multiple sub-workplaces to the multiple external workers. For example, one sub-workplace may be assigned to each external worker who performs a project. In this case, the multiple sub-workplaces as a whole correspond to one workplace.

[0038] A program according to an embodiment is executed on an information processing device and causes the information processing device to function as a collaboration support system. The program has a data management function, a table generation function, an image provision function, a reception function, and an update function. The data management function is a function for managing a copy of original data managed by an in-house system as work data. The table generation function is a function for generating a management table for managing in-house managers, work data, and external workers while associating the data with a workplace as a virtual external work location. The image provision function is a function for providing external workers with a workplace image representing the workplace based on the management table. The reception function is a function for accepting work content when an external worker performs work on work data through access to the workplace. The update function is a function for updating the original data by reflecting the work content in the original data when the work content is approved by an in-house manager.

[0039] The program is installed in an information processing device via a network or a portable storage medium. The program is stored in a non-transitory storage medium within the information processing device. The concept of an information processing device includes a computer, a server, a collaboration support device, a collaboration support system, etc.

[0040] (2) Details of the embodiment 1 shows a collaboration support system according to an embodiment. The illustrated collaboration support system is a system that, when a company and an external worker (e.g., a freelancer) cooperate to carry out a project, enables the external worker to use internal data while ensuring the safety of data belonging to the company (internal data). However, the collaboration support system can be used in a variety of collaborations.

[0041] The collaboration support system has a workplace server 10. Hereinafter, workplace will sometimes be abbreviated as "WP." The WP server 10 is connected to a network 12 such as the Internet. A company 14 has an information processing system 16 as an internal system. An internal network 19 in the information processing system 16 is connected to the network 12 via a relay such as a bridge or router. From the perspective of the internal network 19, the network 12 can be said to be an external network. External terminal devices 18 and 20 are connected to the network 12. The external terminal devices 18 and 20 are devices used by external workers.

[0042] The information processing system 16 has a file management system 24, in-house terminal devices 28 and 30, and a transfer unit 32. These are connected to an in-house network 19. The file management system 24 is a system that manages various files (which may also be called in-house documents), and has a storage 26. The storage 26 stores multiple files A1 to Z1. These files may include various types of data, such as document files, drawing files, and table files. Specific examples of document files include specifications and source code.

[0043] The in-house terminal devices 28 and 30 are each configured as a computer serving as an information processing device. The computer has a processor, an input device, a display device, etc. In the illustrated configuration example, the in-house terminal device 28 is used by an in-house manager. The in-house manager is, for example, a project manager. As will be described in detail later, an inspection support image 34 is provided to the in-house manager to support the inspection of work content by external workers.

[0044] The transfer unit 32 operates in cooperation with the WP server 10. The transfer unit 32 creates a copy of a file selected from the storage 26 and transfers the copy to the WP server. The copy is a work file required for an external worker to perform work. In the illustrated configuration example, the transfer unit 32 also functions as an update unit that reflects work content in the original file. From the perspective of the WP server, the transfer unit 32 corresponds to a local manager or auxiliary module. The file management system 24 may function as the transfer unit 32. The functions of the transfer unit 32 may be realized by the WP server 10. The transfer unit 32 is configured, for example, by a computer.

[0045] In the illustrated configuration example, the WP server 10 has a processor 36 and a memory unit 38. The processor 36 is configured by a CPU that executes programs. The processor 36 provides multiple functions. In FIG. 1, these functions are represented by multiple blocks. In the illustrated configuration example, the processor 36 operates as a WP operation unit 40, an approval process execution unit 42, and an application group 44.

[0046] The WP operation unit 40 is a module that provides file services to external workers through the operation of a workplace as a virtual work area. Specifically, the WP operation unit 40 provides a workplace image representing the workplace to multiple external terminal devices 18, 20, i.e., multiple external workers, and accepts operations on files, etc., on the workplace. The external workers identify the files they are working on by accessing the workplace and perform operations on those files.

[0047] 1, to the left of processor 36, a workplace image 50 generated by WP operation unit 40 is shown schematically. Workplace image 50 includes a workplace 52 corresponding to a display area, which includes multiple icons representing multiple files.

[0048] The application group 44 is made up of a plurality of applications (a plurality of application programs) AP1 to Apn. These applications AP1 to Apn include a document creation application, a drawing creation application, a table creation application, etc. Work on files is performed using the plurality of applications AP1 to Apn. Work on files may be performed using applications installed in each of the external terminal devices 18 and 20.

[0049] The approval process execution unit 42 executes the approval process when an update request is issued specifying a specific file. As will be described later, the approval process includes a series of steps such as automatic inspection of work content, generation of an inspection support image, provision of the inspection support image, and updating of the original file.

[0050] The storage unit 38 is configured with a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. In the illustrated configuration example, a WP management table 46 and a file group 48 are stored on the storage unit 38. Information required for operating each workplace is registered in the WP management table 46. The file group 48 is configured with a plurality of files (a plurality of copy files) A1 to Z1 generated by copying a plurality of internal company files (a plurality of original data). The first storage unit 38A storing the WP management table 46 and the second storage unit 38B storing the file group 48 may be separate entities. In other words, the storage unit 38 may be configured with a plurality of storage devices.

[0051] The external terminal device 18 has a processor 54, an input device 56, and a display device 58. The processor 54 is configured by a CPU that executes a program. The input device 56 is configured by a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The display device 58 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The external terminal device 20 has the same configuration as the external terminal device 18.

[0052] When the external terminal device 18 accesses the WP server 10 and is logged in to a specific workplace, a workplace image 50 is displayed on the screen of the display device 58. The workplace image 50 includes multiple icons. Clicking on a specific icon opens a file 60, making it possible to view it, etc. A display area representing the workplace and a display area representing the file may be provided in parallel on the screen of the display device 58, or they may be provided in multiple areas. Either of these displays may be selected.

[0053] For example, an external worker may perform processing or other operations on the file 60. A specific file may be worked on jointly by multiple external workers. A specific file may be worked on jointly by an internal worker and an external worker.

[0054] 2 shows a first example of a WP management table. The WP management table 46 has multiple pieces of workplace information corresponding to multiple workplaces. Each piece of workplace information has a workplace ID 62, a workplace name 64, a path 66, information 68 identifying the internal administrator, a workplace validity period 70, a sub-workplace ID 72, information 74 identifying the user, information 76 identifying the public file, information 78 identifying the original file, etc.

[0055] Path 66 is a path for accessing the workplace. Information 68 for identifying an in-house administrator is information for identifying a person who has the authority to approve the reflection of work content in the original file when work is performed on a file associated with the workplace, and is, for example, the ID of a project manager. Multiple in-house administrators may be associated with one workplace. For example, if multiple sub-workplaces are assigned to multiple external workers participating in one project, multiple sub-workplace IDs are registered.

[0056] The information 74 for identifying a user is composed of one or more user IDs that identify one or more users who can operate one or more files associated with the workplace. The information 76 for identifying a public file is information that identifies one or more copy files that are made public via the workplace. The information 78 for identifying an original file is information that identifies one or more original files that generated one or more copy files.

[0057] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the configuration related to the workspace 52. Original files A1, B1, and C1 related to a specific project (hereinafter referred to as project α) are stored in the storage 26. Under the management of the WP management department 40, three working files are generated as three copy files based on these files. The three working files are managed in the workspace 52 corresponding to project α. In FIG. 3, the three working files are assigned the same labels A1, B1, and C1 as those assigned to the three original files.

[0058] The multiple external terminal devices 18, 20, and 21 are used by multiple external workers who are carrying out project α. Through access to the workplace 52, three work files A1, B1, and C1 can be used on each of the external terminal devices 18, 20, and 21. For example, by clicking on the icon representing work file A1, work file A1 is opened. This makes it possible to use work file A1 using the external terminal devices 18 and 20. Similarly, by clicking on work file C1, work file C1 is opened. This makes it possible to use work file C1 on the external terminal device 21.

[0059] As a result of performing work on the work file A1, a work file A2 is generated that reflects the work content. Reference numeral 82 denotes automatic inspection and inspection support image generation executed in the approval process execution unit 42.

[0060] Before the work content is inspected by the company administrator, the work file A2 is automatically inspected. This inspection includes an automatic security test and an automatic format test. The automatic security test is, for example, a virus check, and the automatic format test is, for example, a format check and a terminology check.

[0061] An inspection support image including the work file A3 that has undergone automatic inspection is generated and provided to the in-house terminal device 28. An inspection support image 84 is displayed on the display of the in-house terminal device 28. In the illustrated example, the inspection support image 84 includes the copy file A1 and the inspected file A3. By comparing these, the work content can be identified. The part corresponding to the work content may be displayed in an identifiable manner. Once the work content is approved by the in-house administrator, the WP operation department 40 reflects the work content in the original file A1 in the storage 26. In other words, the original file A1 is updated. A similar series of processes as described above is also performed for file B1 and file C1.

[0062] 4 shows a schematic representation of multiple functions performed by the approval process execution unit. A working file A2 is generated by adding or changing data in a working file A1. An automated security test 86 is performed on file A2, followed by an automated format test 88. A work log 90, which is generated by recording a series of past operations, may be referenced during these tests 86 and 88.

[0063] An inspection support image is generated as shown by reference numeral 92 based on file A3 that has undergone tests 86 and 88. The inspection support image includes file A3 after the test. As shown by reference numeral 92A, difference information may be extracted between file A1 and file A2, and the difference information may be included in the inspection support image. Difference information to be included in the inspection support image may be extracted between file A1 and file A3. The inspection support image includes results 86A of the automatic security test and results 86B of the automatic format test. The inspection support image may include all or part of the work log.

[0064] FIG. 5 shows an example of an inspection support image 96 displayed on the screen 94 of the display device. The inspection support image 96 includes a file 98 before the work and a file 100 after the work. In the file 100 after the work, the grayed-out portion corresponds to the content 104 before the work, and the blacked-out portion 106 corresponds to the portion that was added or changed by the work. The portion 106 corresponds to the difference information. The guidance 102 displays information identifying the type of work and the results of the automatic test. A button 108 is operated at the time of approval.

[0065] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of the operations of the internal terminal device and forwarding unit, the WP server, and the external terminal device. The internal terminal device shown in the figure is a device used by an internal administrator. The external terminal device shown in the figure is a device used by an external worker.

[0066] In S30, an in-house administrator inputs a WP generation instruction into an in-house terminal device. In S32, the transfer unit replicates the file specified in the WP generation instruction to generate a copy file. This copy file is sent to the WP server. In S34, a workplace is generated on the WP server. Specifically, workplace information is generated and registered in the WP management table. The workplace information includes information identifying the in-house administrator, information identifying the file, and information identifying the external worker who is the user. Once the workplace information is registered, in S36 and S38, the in-house administrator and external worker are notified that the workplace has been generated.

[0067] In S40, login information is sent from the external terminal device to the WP server. If authentication of the external terminal device or the external worker is successful in S42, a WP image is generated in S44 and provided to the external terminal device. In S46, the WP image is displayed on the display of the external terminal device. In S48, a specific file is selected by selecting a specific icon included in the WP image. This causes the specific file to be opened on the WP server, and an image representing the file is provided to the external terminal device. In S52, work is performed on the specific file. In S50, the work is accepted by the WP server. The specific file may be downloaded to the external terminal device, and then work may be performed on the specific file.

[0068] In the illustrated example, after the work is completed, an update request is generated by the external worker in S54. In S56, the WP server automatically inspects the files after the work is completed, and then an inspection support image is generated. The inspection support image is transferred to an internal terminal device. The update request may be issued from an internal terminal device as shown in S58, or from another terminal device as shown in S60.

[0069] In S62, the internal terminal device receives the inspection support image, and in S64, the inspection support image is displayed. The internal administrator determines whether or not to approve the work content based on the inspection support image. If the work content is approved in S66, the WP server executes the update process in S68. Specifically, a signal instructing the transfer unit to perform the update process is sent, and in S70, the transfer unit updates the original file. In other words, the work content is reflected in the original file. In S72, the fact of the update is notified to the external terminal device. Reference numeral 110 indicates the WP preparation process, and reference numeral 112 indicates the WP operation process.

[0070] After issuing the WP generation command in S30, it is also possible to prohibit changes to the original file in the storage. Changes to the original file by in-house personnel may be permitted, and the work content of external workers may be reflected in the changed original file after the fact.

[0071] A modified example is shown in Fig. 7. In this modified example, one workplace is divided into three sub-workplaces 52A, 52B, and 52C corresponding to three external workers. A WP operation unit 40 is provided between the storage 26 and external terminal devices 18, 20, and 21. An internal terminal device 28 is connected to the WP operation unit 40.

[0072] Sub-workplace 52A is a virtual place directed to outside worker A who uses external terminal device 18, and only file A1, which is the target of work by outside worker A, is associated with sub-workplace 52A. Sub-workplace 52B is a virtual place directed to outside worker B who uses external terminal device 20, and only file B1, which is the target of work by outside worker B, is associated with sub-workplace 52B. Sub-workplace 52C is a virtual place directed to outside worker C who uses external terminal device 21, and file B1 and file C1, which are the target of work by outside worker C, are associated with sub-workplace 52C.

[0073] By using sub-workplaces, it is possible to clarify the division of work among external workers, particularly the files they are working on. When an external worker's work is completed, the corresponding workplace is closed, allowing the access validity period to be managed individually for each external worker.

[0074] FIG. 8 shows a second example of a WP management table. In FIG. 8, elements similar to those shown in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The WP management table 46A has multiple pieces of workplace information corresponding to multiple WPs. Each piece of workplace information includes information 114, 116 that specifies the authority of the external worker. In the example shown, information 114 is information that specifies the type of operation that can be performed for each external worker. Permitted operations are, for example, addition and modification, and prohibited operations are, for example, deletion and overwriting. Information 116 is information that indicates whether the external worker can perform the operation requested to update the original file.

[0075] For example, multiple internal administrators may be defined for one workplace. In this case, the original file may be updated on the condition that all of the multiple internal administrators have their approval, or the original file may be updated on the condition that any one of the internal administrators has their approval.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operations of the processor in the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10 WP server, 14 company, 16 information processing system, 18, 20 external terminal device, 24 file management system, 26 storage, 28, 30 internal terminal device, 32 transfer unit, 36 processor, 38 memory unit, 40 WP operation unit, 42 approval process execution unit, 44 application group, 46 WP management table, 48 file group, 50 workplace image.

Claims

1. a first storage unit in which copies of a plurality of original data managed by an in-house system are stored as a plurality of working data; a second storage unit that stores a management table having a plurality of pieces of workplace information for managing a plurality of collaborative projects for each workplace that is a management unit; a processor that generates workplace information for each of the workplaces; Including, the workplace information for each workplace includes information identifying an external worker working in a collaborative project, information identifying work data to be worked on in the collaborative project, and information identifying an internal manager managing the collaborative project; The workplace information for each workplace may include information identifying a plurality of external workers and information identifying a plurality of work data; The processor: identifying work data to be made public to external workers from among the plurality of work data based on the management table; generating a workplace image including an icon representing the work data; providing the workplace image to an external terminal device of the external worker; When the outside worker specifies the work data by operating the icon in the workplace image and then performs work on the work data, the work content is accepted; generating an inspection support image including an image representing the work content; providing the examination assistance image to an in-house terminal device of the in-house manager identified based on the management table; when a signal indicating that the work content has been approved by the company manager is output from the in-house terminal device, the work content is reflected in the original data corresponding to the work data, and the original data corresponding to the work data is updated; A collaboration support system characterized by:

2. The collaboration support system according to claim 1, the processor generates the inspection assistance image in accordance with the original data update request, and provides the inspection assistance image to the in-house terminal device of the in-house administrator. A collaboration support system characterized by:

3. 3. The collaboration support system according to claim 2, The processor: generating differential data representing a difference between the original data and the data after the work as an image representing the work content; Including the difference data in the inspection support image. A collaboration support system characterized by:

4. The collaboration support system according to claim 1, The processor: conducting at least one of a security test and a formal test on the work content, thereby inspecting the work content; generating the inspection support image including an image representing the work content and an image representing a result of inspecting the work content; A collaboration support system characterized by:

5. The collaboration support system according to claim 1, The processor includes information identifying the original data in the workplace information for each workplace. A collaboration support system characterized by:

6. The collaboration support system according to claim 1, The processor further includes information specifying the operation authority of the outside worker in the workplace information for each workplace, the processor manages whether or not the operation of the outside worker is permitted based on the information identifying the operation authority, and accepts the operation if the operation is permitted. A collaboration support system characterized by:

7. 7. The collaboration support system according to claim 6, the processor includes information indicating whether an original data update request operation is permitted or not in the information specifying the operation authority; A collaboration support system characterized by:

8. The collaboration support system according to claim 1, The processor: The plurality of workplace information includes a specific workplace information having a plurality of sub-workplace information; generating, as the workplace image, a plurality of sub-workplace images based on the plurality of sub-workplace information based on the specific workplace information; providing each of the sub-workplace images to an external terminal device of a corresponding external worker; A collaboration support system characterized by:

9. A program that is executed in an information processing device and causes the information processing device to function as a collaboration support system, The function to manage multiple copies of the original data managed by the in-house system as multiple working data, A function of generating a management table having information on multiple workplaces for managing multiple collaborative projects for each workplace, which is a management unit; Including, the workplace information for each workplace includes information identifying an external worker working in a collaborative project, information identifying work data to be worked on in the collaborative project, and information identifying an internal manager managing the collaborative project; The workplace information for each workplace may include information identifying a plurality of external workers and information identifying a plurality of work data; The program further comprises: a function of identifying work data to be made public to external workers from among the plurality of work data based on the management table; a function of generating a workplace image including an icon representing the work data; a function of providing the workplace image to an external terminal device of the external worker; a function of accepting work content when the outside worker specifies the work data by operating the icon in the workplace image and then performs work on the work data; a function of generating an inspection support image including an image representing the work content; a function of providing the examination assistance image to an in-house terminal device of an in-house manager identified based on the management table; a function of updating the original data corresponding to the work data by reflecting the work content in the original data corresponding to the work data when a signal indicating that the work content has been approved by the company manager is output from the company terminal device; A program comprising:

Images