Information processing device, information processing method, and system

Abstract

To provide a technique with which it is possible to prompt improvements on a prescribed traceability item regarding a product of interest for which a prescribed target value pertaining to the prescribed traceability item has not been achieved.SOLUTION: An information processing device determines, on the basis of information regarding a prescribed traceability item included in product information related to each of a plurality of incorporated products which are incorporated in a product of interest, whether or not the product of interest has achieved a prescribed target value regarding the prescribed traceability item. When it is determined that the product of interest has not achieved the target value regarding the prescribed traceability item, the information processing device identifies at least one first product from among the plurality of incorporated products, for which improvement on the prescribed traceability item is requested. Meanwhile, the information processing device outputs a request for improvement on the prescribed traceability item in the first product.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for managing data between multiple companies that make up a supply chain. In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a management server connected via communication lines of each company is equipped with a traded commodity database. The traded commodity database stores product information corresponding to products for which a contract has been concluded between a vendor company and a customer company. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-171146 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can promote improvement of a specified traceability item for a target product that does not achieve a specified target value for the specified traceability item. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: Acquiring product information regarding each of a plurality of included products contained in the target product, the product information including information regarding predetermined traceability items for each included product; determining whether the target product has achieved a predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item based on information about the predetermined traceability item included in the acquired product information; If it is determined that the target product has not achieved the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item, identifying at least one first product that requires improvement of the predetermined traceability item from among the plurality of included products; outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product; and a controller configured to perform the steps of:

[0006] An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes: Acquiring product information regarding each of a plurality of included products contained in the target product, the product information including information regarding predetermined traceability items for each included product; determining whether the target product has achieved a predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item based on information about the predetermined traceability item included in the acquired product information; If it is determined that the target product has not achieved the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item, identifying at least one first product that requires improvement of the predetermined traceability item from among the plurality of included products; outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product; Includes:

[0007] A system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of terminals associated with suppliers of a plurality of included products included in the target product; A system including a server device, Each terminal is transmitting product information regarding the included product, the product information including information regarding a predetermined traceability item in the included product, to a server device; The server device Determining whether the target product has achieved a predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item based on information about the predetermined traceability item in each of the included products; If it is determined that the target product has not achieved the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item, identifying at least one first product that requires improvement of the predetermined traceability item from among the plurality of included products; outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product; Execute. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to promote improvements in a predetermined traceability item for a target product that has not achieved a predetermined target value in relation to the predetermined traceability item. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a supply chain according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between products supplied through a supply chain. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of processing performed between a company terminal and a server device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a company terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of a server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of a company terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of product information generated by a product information generation unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed by a server device. [Figure 10]A diagram that explains the product tree of multiple products that make up the final product and the company's CFP for each of the multiple products. [Figure 11] An example of a screen that displays the product tree as an image. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an evaluation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an improvement request process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a re-evaluation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a software configuration diagram of a server device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an improvement request process according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In recent years, there have been cases where certain products such as batteries are required to ensure traceability, such as CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products), recycling rates for certain materials, due diligence, etc. For example, in Europe, legislation is being enacted that requires the traceability of CFP for batteries to be ensured.

[0011] Furthermore, it is expected that predetermined target values ​​will be set for the items for which the above-mentioned traceability must be ensured (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "traceability items"), taking into account regulatory values, etc. In order for the target product to achieve the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item, each of the multiple products, such as parts and materials, included in the target product (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "included products") must be obtained in a way that contributes to achieving the predetermined target value. In other words, it is required that the supplier of each included product executes each process of production, manufacturing, transportation, etc. of the included product so that the target product can achieve the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technique for requesting improvement of the predetermined traceability item of the included product when it is determined that the target product has not achieved the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item.

[0012] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit. The control unit acquires product information for each of a plurality of included products included in a target product. Here, the target product is a product for which a predetermined target value is set for a predetermined traceability item. The product information includes information about the predetermined traceability item for each included product. Such product information can be provided by a supplier of each included product.

[0013] The control unit may also determine whether the target product has achieved a predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item based on information about the predetermined traceability item included in the product information of each included product. At this time, the control unit may calculate the value for the traceability item of the target product by integrating the information about the predetermined traceability item of each included product.

[0014] When the control unit determines that the target product does not achieve a predetermined target value for a predetermined traceability item, it identifies at least one first product from among the multiple included products. Here, the first product is an included product that is the target of an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item. For example, the control unit may preferentially identify as the first product an included product whose value for the predetermined traceability item included in the product information does not meet a reference value determined for each included product. The control unit may also preferentially identify as the first product an included product whose information on the predetermined traceability item included in the product information is inventory data. The control unit may also identify the first product based on a predetermined priority order of improvement requests for the multiple included products. The control unit then outputs an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, when a predetermined target value for a predetermined traceability item is not achieved in a target product, the supplier of a first product included in the target product can be prompted to make improvements to the predetermined traceability item. As a result, if the supplier of the first product takes measures to improve the value of the predetermined traceability item, the value of the predetermined traceability item for the target product will also improve accordingly. Therefore, improvements to the predetermined traceability item for the target product can be promoted. Furthermore, even if the supply chain structure for the target product is complex, the first product that is the target of the improvement request can be appropriately selected.

[0016] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the present embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise specified.

[0017] First Embodiment The system according to this embodiment is a system that provides information about products supplied through a supply chain that includes multiple companies. The information about products is typically information about traceability.

[0018] First, the structure of the supply chain will be explained. In one example, at least some of the companies (intermediate suppliers) included in the supply chain receive parts from one or more upstream companies, produce their own products using the received parts, and then send the produced products to the next process. The upstream company may directly produce its own products and deliver them to the company in the next process. Some companies in the supply chain may receive products from other companies and deliver them directly to other companies (i.e., be involved in distribution). Multiple companies repeat this process, and the final product is obtained at the final process.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a supply chain according to this embodiment. The example in FIG. 1 assumes a situation in which automobile-related products are obtained. Specifically, the supply chain shown in FIG. 1 includes an OEM company and multiple supplier companies. The OEM company is a company that assembles final products, and the multiple supplier companies (Companies A to C) are companies that supply parts, materials, assemblies, etc. for manufacturing the final products. The multiple supplier companies each produce multiple products and deliver the products to a company one level below them. The multiple companies repeat this process, and the final product is assembled in the final process.

[0020] In this embodiment, the side that delivers products in a certain hierarchy is referred to as the upstream side, and the side that purchases the products and produces new products is referred to as the downstream side. In this specification, a company located on the upstream side is referred to as the upstream company, and a company located on the downstream side is referred to as the downstream company. Furthermore, a product produced by an upstream company is referred to as an upstream product, and a product produced by a downstream company is referred to as a downstream product. Downstream products include upstream products as parts or materials.

[0021] In this embodiment, the layers included in the supply chain are called Tiers. Tier 0 is the lowest layer where the final product is assembled (i.e., Tier 0 corresponds to the OEM company), and the layers move upward as you progress to Tiers 1, 2, and 3. Therefore, the same company can be considered both a downstream company and an upstream company. For example, Company B, which is located in Tier 2, is a downstream company in relation to Tier 3, but an upstream company in relation to Tier 1. In this way, the definition of upstream and downstream companies is different for each tier. It can change to.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between products supplied by a supply chain. Here, the supply relationship between multiple products that make up final product X is represented by a tree diagram. In this example, final product X is produced by assembling products A1, B1, C1, and D1... Product A1 is produced by assembling products A11, A12, and A13... In this way, the relationship between multiple products that make up a final product can be represented by a tree diagram in which each product is a node. Hereinafter, a tree diagram related to a specific final product will be referred to as a product tree. In one example, final product X is a battery electric vehicle (BEV), In another example, the final product X is a battery installed in a vehicle. The product may be an automobile-related product such as an assembly.

[0023] The server device 1 according to this embodiment collects information about the products produced by each company (hereinafter referred to as "product information") and information for linking the product information together from terminals (company terminals 2) corresponding to each company, and generates such a product tree based on this information. The product information also includes information about predetermined traceability items such as CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products) (hereinafter referred to as "traceability-related information"). Then, by tracing the product tree in which the product information is linked together, it is possible to track the predetermined traceability items. Note that the traceability-related information may include any information that can be the subject of ensuring traceability.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system according to this embodiment includes a server device 1 and a plurality of company terminals 2. The company terminals 2 are terminals corresponding to the plurality of companies that make up the supply chain. The server device 1 receives data from each of the plurality of company terminals 2. The server device 1 collects information for generating a product tree, and generates the product tree based on this information. Furthermore, the server device 1 can execute processes related to traceability (typically, processes for calculating CFP, etc.) based on the generated product tree. The execution results of the processes can also be transmitted to the company terminal 2.

[0025] Next, an overview of the process by which the server device 1 generates a product tree will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the process performed between the company terminal 2 and the server device 1. In the example of Fig. 3, it is assumed that there are a downstream company A and an upstream company B at an arbitrary level. It is assumed that company B produces product B and delivers it to company A, and company A produces product A using product B. That is, in the example of Fig. 3, product B is a child node of product A on the product tree.

[0026] To generate a product tree, a company terminal 2 corresponding to each company transmits information about the products that the company produces to the server device 1. In this example, the company terminal 2 corresponding to company A transmits product information about product A (referred to as product information A) to the server device 1. Similarly, the company terminal 2 corresponding to company B transmits product information about product B (referred to as product information B) to the server device 1. The product information of each company is stored in the server device 1.

[0027] The operation for linking the product information stored in the server device 1 is performed by the company terminal 2. In one example, a person in charge of a downstream company logs in to the server device 1 from the company terminal 2 using the account of the downstream company and selects an upstream product to be linked to the downstream product, which is the company's product. In this way, the linking of the product information is performed from the downstream product to the upstream product. The server device 1 links the product information based on the selection.

[0028] However, if all products in the supply chain and information about those products are presented as options when selecting a product to link to, the confidentiality of information about the companies that make up the supply chain and the products they produce will be compromised.Furthermore, it may not be appropriate to disclose the entire product tree to a single supplier.

[0029] Therefore, the server device 1 according to this embodiment grants the downstream company access rights to the product information of the upstream product in advance in response to a request from the upstream company. The server device 1 allows the downstream company to access the product information within the scope of the granted rights.

[0030] In the example of FIG. 3, company terminal 2 corresponding to company B, an upstream company, transmits a request (information) to server device 1 instructing to "grant company A access authority to product information B." When server device 1 receives a linking request from company terminal 2 corresponding to company A, it provides company A with only a list of product information for which access authority has been granted, and allows company A to select it as the linking destination. Furthermore, when company terminal 2 corresponding to company A requests to view the product tree, server device 1 provides company terminal 2 with a product tree in which all information other than that for which company A has been granted access authority is concealed. This makes it possible to conceal information about unrelated companies and products.

[0031] Here, for final products manufactured by OEM companies, predetermined target values ​​are set for predetermined traceability items. For example, there are cases where it is legally required that the values ​​for predetermined traceability items of final products meet predetermined specified values. In such cases, the predetermined target values ​​are set based on the specified specified values. When evaluating the final product, the server device 1 identifies multiple products (including products) such as parts and materials included in the final product based on the product tree. Furthermore, the server device 1 integrates traceability-related information included in the product information of each included product to determine the predetermined traceability of the final product. Calculate the values ​​for the quality items.

[0032] The server device 1 also evaluates whether the final product achieves the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item. If the final product does not achieve the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item, the server device 1 outputs an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the included product. At this time, the server device 1 selects a product that is the target of the improvement request from among the multiple included products included in the final product. Note that, hereinafter, the included product that is the target of the improvement request may also be referred to as the "first product." The value of the predetermined traceability item for the final product is calculated by integrating the values ​​of the predetermined traceability item for each of the multiple included products. Therefore, if the value of the predetermined traceability item for the first product is improved, the value of the predetermined traceability item for the final product will also be improved.

[0033] [Hardware configuration] Next, the hardware configuration of each device constituting the system will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 1 according to this embodiment. The server device 1 is configured as a computer having a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication module 13, and an input / output device 14.

[0034] The server device 1 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), a main memory device (RAM, ROM, etc.), and an auxiliary memory device (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary memory device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions (software modules) that meet predetermined purposes, as described below, can be realized. However, some or all of the modules may be realized as hardware modules using hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0035] The control unit 11 is a computing unit that executes predetermined programs to realize various functions of the server device 1. The control unit 11 can be realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU. The control unit 11 may also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0036] The storage unit 12 is a means for storing information, and is configured with a storage medium such as a RAM, a magnetic disk, or a flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 11, data used by the programs, etc. The storage unit 12 also has a database built therein, which stores product information collected from multiple company terminals 2 and account information related to the companies. Details will be described later.

[0037] The communication module 13 is a communication interface for connecting the server device 1 to a network. The communication module 13 may be configured to include, for example, a network interface board, a wireless communication interface for wireless communication, etc. The server device 1 can perform data communication with other computers (for example, other server devices 1 or each company terminal 2) via the communication module 13.

[0038] The input / output device 14 is a means for accepting input operations performed by an operator and presenting information to the operator. Specifically, the input / output device 14 includes devices for input such as a mouse and a keyboard, and devices for output such as a display and a speaker. The input / output device may be configured as an integrated device for input and a device for output, such as a touch panel display.

[0039] The specific hardware configuration of the server device 1 may include omissions, substitutions, and additions of components as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the control unit 11 may include multiple hardware processors. The hardware processor may be configured with a microprocessor, FPGA, GPU, etc. The input / output device 14 may be omitted, or an input / output device other than the exemplified ones (for example, an optical drive, etc.) may be added. The server device 1 may also be configured with multiple computers. In this case, the hardware configurations of the computers may or may not be the same.

[0040] 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the company terminal 2 according to this embodiment. The company terminal 2 is configured as a computer having a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication module 23, and an input / output device 24.

[0041] The company terminal 2 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), a main memory device (RAM, ROM, etc.), and an auxiliary memory device (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.), similar to the server device 1. However, some or all of the functions (software modules) may be realized as hardware modules using hardware circuits such as ASIC, FPGA, etc.

[0042] The control unit 21 is a computing unit that executes a predetermined program to realize various functions (software modules) of the company terminal 2. The control unit 21 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU. The control unit 21 may also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0043] The storage unit 22 is a means for storing information, and is configured with storage media such as RAM, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 22 stores programs executed by the control unit 21, data used by the programs, etc.

[0044] The communication module 23 is a communication interface for connecting the company terminal 2 to a network. The communication module 23 may be configured to include, for example, a network interface board, a wireless communication interface for wireless communication, etc. The company terminal 2 can perform data communication with other computers (for example, the server device 1) via the communication module 23.

[0045] The input / output device 24 is a means for accepting input operations performed by an operator and presenting information to the operator. Specifically, the input / output device 24 includes devices for input such as a mouse and a keyboard, and devices for output such as a display and a speaker. The input / output device may be configured as an integrated device for input and a device for output, such as a touch panel display.

[0046] As with the server device 1, the specific hardware configuration of the company terminal 2 may be such that components are omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0047] [Software configuration] Next, the software configuration of each device constituting the system will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the server device 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 is configured to have six software modules: an information collection unit 111, an authority setting unit 112, a linking unit 113, an information provision unit 114, an evaluation unit 115, and an improvement notification unit 116. Each software module may be realized by the control unit 11 (CPU) executing a program stored in the storage unit 12. The information processing performed by the information collection unit 111, authority setting unit 112, linking unit 113, information provision unit 114, evaluation unit 115, and improvement notification unit 116 below is synonymous with the information processing performed by the control unit 11.

[0048] The information collecting unit 111 is configured to receive product information transmitted from the company terminal 2 and execute a process of storing the product information in the storage unit 12. The authority setting unit 112 is configured to receive information for setting access authority to the product information (hereinafter referred to as "permission information") from the company terminal 2. Furthermore, the authority setting unit 112 is configured to execute a process of setting access authority to the product information stored in the storage unit 12 based on the received information.

[0049] The linking unit 113 is configured to interact with the company terminal 2 and acquire information for linking product information from the company terminal 2. Furthermore, the linking unit 113 is configured to execute a process of writing information representing a linking relationship for the product information stored in the storage unit 12 based on the acquired information. The linking unit 113 is also configured to receive a request to assign terminal information and, in response to the request, execute a process of assigning terminal information to the product information stored in the storage unit 12. A product tree is formed by reflecting the linking and terminal assignment. In other words, the formation of the product tree is performed by storing the linking information and terminal information in the storage unit 12. The linking unit 113 is configured to generate a product tree according to the results of the linking and terminal assignment.

[0050] The information providing unit 114 is configured to perform information processing related to the product tree and output the results of the information processing. The information processing related to the product tree may include processing for performing calculations related to predetermined traceability items for the product tree. Outputting the results of the information processing may include processing for providing information related to the generated product tree to the company terminal 2. In one example, the information providing unit 114 is configured to generate information related to the product tree and output the generated information related to the product tree.

[0051] In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 is configured to include multiple logical storage areas. Different access permissions can be set for each of the multiple storage areas, such as an area to which access permission is granted to company A, an area to which access permission is granted to company B, or an area to which access permission is granted to both companies A and B. The permission setting unit 112 sets the access permission by storing the product information received from the company terminal 2 in an appropriate storage area. A specific processing method will be described later.

[0052] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores account information. In this embodiment, an operator of each company logs in to the server device 1 using the account of the corresponding company via the company terminal 2, thereby allowing interaction between the server device 1 and the company terminal 2. The account information is information relating to the account corresponding to each company that makes up the supply chain. Note that logging in using an account is an example of accessing the server device 1 as the corresponding company. However, the method of accessing the server device 1 is not limited to this example, and may be selected as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0053] Furthermore, information about the product tree of the final product generated by the information providing unit 114 is stored in the memory unit 12. Furthermore, in the control unit 11, the evaluation unit 115 calculates values ​​for predetermined traceability items of the final product based on the traceability-related information for each of the multiple included products contained in the final product, which is stored in each memory area of ​​the memory unit 12. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 115 determines whether the final product has achieved predetermined target values ​​for the predetermined traceability items based on the calculated numerical values.

[0054] In addition, in the control unit 11, when the final product does not achieve a predetermined target value for a predetermined traceability item, the improvement notification unit 116 identifies a first product that is the target of an improvement request from among the multiple included products, and outputs the improvement request. Note that the method of evaluating the final product by the evaluation unit 115 and the method of making an improvement request by the improvement notification unit 116 will be described in detail later.

[0055] 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the software configuration of the company terminal 2 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the control unit 21 is configured to have four software modules: a product information generation unit 211, an authority setting unit 212, an association request unit 213, an information acquisition unit 214, and a notification reception unit 215. Each software module may be realized by the control unit 21 (CPU) executing a program stored in the storage unit 22. Note that the information processing performed by the product information generation unit 211, the authority setting unit 212, the association request unit 213, the information acquisition unit 214, and the notification reception unit 215 below is synonymous with the information processing performed by the control unit 21.

[0056] The product information generation unit 211 is configured to generate information (product information) about the products (included products) of the company corresponding to the company terminal 2. FIG. 8 is an example of product information generated by the product information generation unit 211. The product information may be input via an operator of the device. In this embodiment, the product information is configured to have fields for company ID, company name, product ID, and product name. The company ID and company name are the identifier and name of the company that produces the included product of interest (i.e., the company that uses the company terminal 2). The product ID and product name are the identifier and name of the included product of interest.

[0057] Furthermore, the product information is configured to include linking-related information. The linking-related information is information for identifying upstream products that are linked to the target included product. In this embodiment, the linking-related information includes fields for "upstream product information" and "termination flag."

[0058] The upstream product information field is configured to store information for identifying product information corresponding to the upstream product linked to the target included product (i.e., the product required to produce the target included product). The upstream product information field is used when the server device 1 links products together. Basically, at the stage when the product information is generated, the target included product is not linked to the upstream product, so the upstream product information field does not need to store a value indicating the upstream product.

[0059] The terminal flag field is configured to store a flag indicating whether the target included product is a leaf node in the product tree, i.e., the node located at the most upstream (end). In this embodiment, since multiple company terminals 2 transmit product information, this flag is used to determine whether a product in the product tree is linked to another product upstream or whether no further linking will occur (whether the target included product is located at the most upstream). In other words, the terminal flag field is used when the server device 1 determines the linking between products. Basically, at the stage when product information is generated, the linking relationship of the target included product is not yet determined, so the terminal flag field may store "0" indicating that the target included product is not currently at the most upstream. Finally, when the product tree is generated, To do this, the product information of each company stored in the server device 1 is set to one of two states: "linked to an upstream product" and "the terminal flag is set to '1', indicating that the target included product is the most upstream."

[0060] Furthermore, the product information is configured to include traceability-related information. In one example, the traceability-related information includes information on the amount of materials (e.g., upstream products) used per production volume of the product, information on the recycling rate of predetermined raw materials, and the value of greenhouse gas emissions emitted when the company produces the product converted into carbon dioxide emissions (CO2 emissions during production: The traceability information may include a company's own CFP (hereinafter referred to as "company CFP"). The specified raw materials may be, for example, lithium, nickel, cobalt, lead, graphite, etc. The recycling rate may be expressed directly or indirectly, such as by combining the total amount used and the amount of recycled material used. These values ​​correspond to the process for producing the target product. For example, in the example of Figure 3, the traceability information included in product information A includes a value obtained by converting the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the company's production activities for product A into carbon dioxide emissions (i.e., company CFP for product A). The traceability information included in product information A does not include information about the process leading up to the production of upstream products (e.g., the amount of greenhouse gases emitted up to the production of upstream product B).

[0061] The traceability-related information may be selected appropriately depending on the embodiment. In one example, the CFP may include Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. Scope 1 may be a company's own direct greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 2 may be indirect emissions associated with the use of electricity, heat, and steam supplied by other companies. Scope 3 may be indirect emissions other than Scope 1 and Scope 3. In another example, the due diligence-related information may be, for products containing target materials (e.g., cobalt, natural graphite, lithium, nickel, etc.), the amount of the material contained in the product and technical documentation demonstrating that smelters and other entities are fulfilling their responsible mineral sourcing obligations. In another example, the due diligence-related information may include a score indicating the degree to which the above obligations are being fulfilled.

[0062] The product information generating unit 211 is configured to obtain such information via the operator of the company terminal 2 and transmit it to the server device 1 at any timing.

[0063] The authority setting unit 212 is configured to designate downstream companies that are permitted to access the product information transmitted from the company terminal 2 to the server device 1. The authority setting unit 212 is configured to accept designation of downstream companies that are permitted to access any of the company's products.

[0064] The linking request unit 213 is configured to request the server device 1 to link the company's product information transmitted to the server device 1 with an upstream product. In one example, the linking request unit 213 first transmits the company's company ID and product ID to the server device 1, and requests linking of the product information corresponding to the product ID. In response, the server device 1 generates a user interface including a list of product information that the target company is permitted to access (i.e., candidates for linking destinations), and provides the generated user interface to the company terminal 2.

[0065] Next, the linking request unit 213 is configured to have the operator select an upstream product to be linked from the list. Furthermore, the linking request unit 213 is configured to transmit a pair of an identifier of the product (downstream product) that is the linking source and an identifier of the upstream product that is the linking destination to the server device 1. In response to this, the server device 1 can link the product information together. Note that if there is no upstream product that is linked to the target included product, the product information will not be linked together.

[0066] The information acquisition unit 214 is configured to request the server device 1 to provide a product tree, and to output the information transmitted from the server device 1.

[0067] The notification receiving unit 215 is configured to receive the improvement request transmitted from the server device 1 and output the received improvement request when the company terminal 2 is a terminal of the supplier of the first product that is the target of the improvement request. When the improvement request is output at the company terminal 2 of the supplier of the first product, a notification is sent to the supplier urging the supplier to improve a predetermined traceability item. The supplier of the first product can improve the value of a specified traceability item for the first product by taking measures such as introducing new equipment or changing processes in each process of production, manufacturing, and transportation of the first product.

[0068] [Process details for forming product tree] Next, a description will be given of specific contents of the processing performed by the server device 1 and the company terminal 2. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the server device 1 based on a request from the company terminal 2. The processing performed by the server device 1 can be roughly divided into the following four phases. (1) A first phase in which product information transmitted from the company terminal 2 is received and the received product information is stored. (2) A second phase in which permission information transmitted from the company terminal 2 is received and access rights to product information are set according to the received permission information. (3) The third phase involves linking product information by interacting with company terminal 2. (4) The fourth phase provides information about the product tree based on the results of the linking.

[0069] In the example of Figure 9, Company A is the downstream company and Company B is the upstream company. The product produced by Company A is Product A, and the product produced by Company B is Product B. Product information corresponding to Product A is Product Information A, and product information corresponding to Product B is Product Information B.

[0070] In the first phase, the information collection unit 111 of the server device 1 acquires product information from the product information generation unit 211 of the company terminal 2. In the example of FIG. 9, the server device 1 acquires product information A from the company terminal 2 corresponding to company A, and acquires product information B from the company terminal 2 corresponding to company B. The information collection unit 111 saves the product information A in a storage area to which only company A has access authority (hereinafter, storage area A). The information collection unit 111 also saves the product information B in a storage area to which only company B has access authority (hereinafter, storage area B). In this way, the information collection unit 111 saves product information transmitted from any company in a dedicated storage area to which only that company has access authority.

[0071] In the second phase, the authority setting unit 112 of the server device 1 receives permission information from the authority setting unit 212 of the company terminal 2 and sets access permissions for product information according to the received permission information. The permission information associates a product with a company that is permitted to access the product information of the product.

[0072] In the example of FIG. 9, it is assumed that the authority setting unit 212 has received permission information permitting access from downstream company A to product information B of an upstream company. In this case, the authority setting unit 112 copies product information B stored in storage area B to a storage area (hereinafter, storage area AB) to which access permissions have been granted to both companies A and B. As a result, product information B becomes accessible to both companies A and B. Note that if access permissions are not set for a specific item included in the product information, that item is excluded from being copied to storage area AB.

[0073] In the following description, a storage area to which only a specific company has been granted access rights will be referred to as a "dedicated storage area," and a storage area to which multiple companies have been granted access rights will be referred to as a "shared storage area."

[0074] The copying of the product information is executed by the server device 1 in response to receiving the permission information from the company terminal 2. That is, by transmitting the permission information to the server device 1, the company terminal 2 copies the product information identified by the permission information from the dedicated storage area of ​​the target company to the server device 1. The server device 1 is caused to execute an operation of copying the data to a shared storage area that can be accessed by downstream companies.

[0075] In the third phase, the linking unit 113 of the server device 1 receives the linking request from the linking request unit 213 of the company terminal 2, and links the product information together based on the received linking request.

[0076] First, the linking unit 113 receives a linking request from the company terminal 2. The linking request is sent from the company terminal 2 of a downstream company. In the example of FIG. 9, it is assumed that the company terminal 2 of company A has sent the linking request. The linking request includes the company ID and the product ID of the target included product. The linking unit 113 acquires product information stored in a storage area accessible from the company, and generates a list of the acquired product information. In the example of FIG. 9, company A can access product information B stored in storage area AB. Therefore, product information B can be selected as the linking destination on the company terminal 2 of company A.

[0077] The linking request unit 213 of the company terminal 2 presents the list to the operator and allows the operator to select the products to be linked. In this example, products A and B are to be linked to each other. For example, the operator inputs information indicating that the upstream product of product A is product B via the input / output device 24. The linking request unit 213 transmits data (linking data) for linking the upstream product (product B) and the downstream product (product A) to the linking unit 113.

[0078] 8, the product information has a field (linking-related information) related to the product to be linked. Based on the above-mentioned linking data, the linking unit 113 stores information corresponding to product information B (i.e., the upstream product) in the linking-related information held by product information A. For example, the linking-related information stores an identifier of the upstream product, an identifier of the company that produces the upstream product, etc.

[0079] The linking-related information may store a pointer to the linked product information. The pointer indicates the address of the product information corresponding to the upstream product. The above-described process forms part of a tree structure in which the product information of the downstream product is the parent node and the product information of the upstream product is the child node.

[0080] At the end of the product tree, no further linking is performed. In this case, instead of sending linking data, the linking request unit 213 sends data indicating that the product is at the end of the tree. When the linking unit 113 receives this data, it sets "1" in the end flag field of the corresponding product information. That is, in the third phase, either the "process of setting the upstream product to be linked" or the "process of setting the end flag" is executed.

[0081] In the fourth phase, the information provider 114 of the server device 1 generates information about a product tree based on the stored product information and outputs the information about the product tree. Generating information about the product tree can include processes such as generating various information about the products (e.g., information about traceability, an image showing the link relationships between products in a tree diagram, etc.) after links between nodes are formed by linking the product information together. In order to generate information about the product tree, it is necessary that all linking between product information has been completed and that the terminal flags of all leaf nodes have been set to "1." When these conditions are met, the information provider 114 can appropriately generate the information.

[0082] The product tree in this embodiment is a tree diagram that represents the supply relationships between product information in a supply chain, as described with reference to Fig. 2. The information providing unit 114 can generate an image representing the tree diagram based on the product information.

[0083] [Traceability processing] Furthermore, the information providing unit 114 refers to the traceability-related information included in the product information relating to the multiple included products linked in the product tree, and executes a process of integrating this information.

[0084] Here, the integration of traceability-related information will be explained using FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the multiple products that make up final product X and the company's CFP for each of these multiple products (inclusive products). For example, assume that carbon dioxide EA12 [g] is emitted in the process of producing product A12 in the diagram. In addition, the product in question is produced by three upstream products A It is assumed that the CFP is composed of nodes A121 to A123. Here, the value obtained by converting the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted up to the time a certain product is produced into the amount of carbon dioxide (hereinafter referred to as the "integrated CFP") can be obtained by repeating the process of passing on the CO2 emissions associated with the upstream product to the downstream product between companies in each of the two adjacent layers, from the most upstream product, which is the leaf node, to the product in question.

[0085] In the example of Figure 10, if the product A12 is the target of integrating traceability-related information, the integrated CFP for product A12 can be calculated by adding up the CO2 emissions corresponding to upstream products A121 to A123 of product A12 and the CO2 emissions corresponding to product A12. That is, the integrated CFP for product A12 is as follows: IA12=EA12+EA121×UA121+EA122×UA122+EA123×UA123[g] Here, IA12 is the integrated CFP for product A12. EA12 is the company's own CFP for product A12. EA121, EA122, and EA123 are the CO2 emissions per unit amount (i.e., company's own CFP per unit amount) when producing products A121, A122, and A123, respectively. UA121, UA122, and UA123 are the amounts of products A121, A122, and A123 used in the production of product A12, respectively. These amounts are an example of the amount of material used per production amount of a product included in the traceability-related information.

[0086] The integrated value may be stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the product, or may be included as part of the product information. That is, the product information corresponding to the product A12 may hold both EA12, which is the emission amount in a single process (in-house CFP), and IA12, which is the emission amount after integration (integrated CFP).

[0087] Furthermore, if the product to be integrated in traceability-related information is product A1, the integrated CFP for product A1 can be calculated by integrating the CO2 emissions corresponding to product A1 with the CO2 emissions corresponding to upstream products A11 to A14 of product A1. However, upstream product A11 includes product A111, which is an even further upstream product, and upstream product A12 includes products A121 to A123, which are even further upstream products. Therefore, when calculating the integrated CFP for product A1, the CO2 emissions during the production of products A111 and A121 to A123 are also taken into account. In other words, the integrated CFP for product A11 is used as the CO2 emissions corresponding to upstream product A11. Furthermore, the integrated CFP for product A12 is used as the CO2 emissions corresponding to upstream product A12. The total amount of CO2 emissions for the final product (the product of the most downstream company) (i.e., the integrated CFP for the final product) can be obtained by sequentially performing the above calculations from the product of the most upstream company to the final product.

[0088] As described above, the integrated traceability-related information (for example, the integrated CFP of an upstream product) is reused when integrating downstream products. By performing this process at each level, starting from the most upstream level, the traceability-related information is passed on sequentially downstream. Ultimately, the traceability-related information is passed on to the final product, making it possible to obtain traceability-related information for the entire period leading up to the production of the final product.

[0089] In this way, when generating information related to the product tree, the information providing unit 114 may repeatedly execute a process of sequentially integrating the traceability-related information defined in each piece of product information from the most upstream to the most downstream. Note that, in the above example, carbon dioxide emissions are used as an example of the information to be integrated, but the traceability-related information to be integrated may also be the recycling rate of a specified raw material, a due diligence score, etc. Note that if the traceability-related information is numerical, the integration may be performed by a numerical calculation, and if the traceability-related information is non-numerical information (for example, due diligence-related information), the integration may simply be information collection.

[0090] In another example, the product information may include information indicating the location of traceability-related information for the corresponding product (hereinafter referred to as "location information"; typically, an address, a pointer, etc.). In this case, the traceability-related information may not be included in the product information. Alternatively, the integration may involve collecting the location information included in the product information.

[0091] The information providing unit 114 may output the generated product tree in an image format, and may also simultaneously output traceability-related information corresponding to any product.

[0092] FIG. 11 is an example of a screen that displays a product tree as an image. The screen shown includes an image that displays the supply relationships of multiple products that make up the final product in a tree diagram. By selecting any product, the user can view the traceability-related information corresponding to that product or the integrated results of the traceability-related information corresponding to the entire period leading up to the production of that product (e.g., integrated CFP: carbon dioxide emissions). FIG. 11 shows an example of an image display of the integrated results of the traceability-related information when product A12 is selected. Such information can be output via the input / output device 14 of the server device 1 based on the operation of the operator of the server device 1.

[0093] Furthermore, the information providing unit 114 may provide the generated product tree to a company terminal 2 (information acquiring unit 214) in response to a request from the company terminal 2. Note that there are cases where it is not appropriate to disclose the entire product tree to a specific company. Therefore, when providing a product tree to a company terminal 2 corresponding to a certain company, the information providing unit 114 may perform processing to conceal the range to which the company does not have access authority. Furthermore, the information providing unit 114 stores information related to the generated product tree in the storage unit 12.

[0094] [Evaluation process] As described above, in this embodiment, predetermined target values ​​to be achieved are set for predetermined traceability items for the final product X. The predetermined target values ​​are, for example, target values ​​for CFP (integrated CFP), a recycling rate of predetermined raw materials, or a score of due diligence-related information. Then, in the server device 1, the evaluation unit 115 executes a process (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "evaluation process") for evaluating whether the final product has achieved the predetermined target values ​​for the predetermined traceability items.

[0095] In the evaluation process, the evaluation unit 115 evaluates the product tree corresponding to the final product X stored in the storage unit 12. By tracing the chain, multiple included products contained in final product X are identified. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 115 calculates the value of the specified traceability item of final product X by integrating the values ​​of the specified traceability item in the traceability-related information for each included product stored in the storage unit 12. The method for integrating the values ​​of the specified traceability item of each included product at this time is the same as the method described in the process of integrating the traceability-related information above. Then, the evaluation unit 115 determines whether the value of the specified traceability item of final product X reaches a specified target value.

[0096] Furthermore, if the evaluation unit 115 determines that the value of a predetermined traceability item of the final product X has not reached a predetermined target value, the improvement notification unit 116 executes an improvement request process. The improvement request process is a process for identifying a first product that is the target of an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item, and for requesting an improvement from the supplier of the first product.

[0097] In the improvement request process, the improvement notification unit 116 sets a reference value for a predetermined traceability item for each included product according to a predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item set for the final product X. At this time, the reference value for each included product is set as a value that allows the final product X to achieve the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item if the value of the predetermined traceability item for each included product satisfies the reference value. Note that the reference value may be set as a different value for each type of included product or for each tier to which the supplier of the included product belongs. Alternatively, the reference value may be set as a uniform value for all included products.

[0098] Furthermore, the improvement notification unit 116 calculates the degree of achievement of the value of a predetermined traceability item relative to a reference value for each included product. Furthermore, the improvement notification unit 116 identifies at least one first product from among the multiple included products based on the degree of achievement of the value of the predetermined traceability item relative to the reference value. At this time, the improvement notification unit 116 preferentially identifies as the first product an included product whose value of the predetermined traceability item in the traceability-related information does not meet the reference value established for each included product. Then, the improvement notification unit 116 notifies the supplier account of the identified at least one first product of a request for improvement of the predetermined traceability item in the first product.

[0099] [Processing flow] Hereinafter, the flow of the evaluation process and the improvement request process executed by the server device 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. Figs. 12 and 13 show the process when a target value for the integrated CFP is set for the final product X. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the evaluation process. The process shown in Fig. 12 may be automatically executed by the server device 1. The process shown in Fig. 12 may also be executed by an operator of the OEM company logging in to the server device 1 using their company's account and instructing the execution of the process. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the improvement request process.

[0100] 12, first, in S101, the evaluation unit 115 receives information indicating the final product X to be evaluated and traceability items. Next, in S102, the evaluation unit 115 traces information related to the product tree corresponding to the final product X stored in the storage unit 12, thereby identifying multiple included products included in the final product X.

[0101] Next, in S103, the evaluation unit 115 accesses the traceability-related information on the multiple included products identified in S102 and extracts information on CFP. Then, the evaluation unit 115 calculates the integrated CFP of the final product X based on the extracted information on the CFP of each included product. Next, the evaluation unit 115 determines whether the integrated CFP of the final product X calculated in S103 exceeds a predetermined target value. If a negative determination is made in S104, this flow On the other hand, if the determination in S105 is affirmative, the improvement request process shown in FIG.

[0102] 13, first, in S201, the improvement notification unit 116 sets a standard value of the company's CFP for each included product according to the target value of the integrated CFP for the final product X. Note that the amount of CO2 emissions during the production of the included products may differ depending on the type of included product. Therefore, the standard value of the company's CFP may be set to a larger value for the included product that is likely to emit more CO2 during production.

[0103] Next, in S202, the improvement notification unit 116 calculates the degree of achievement of the company's CFP of each included product stored in each storage area of ​​the storage unit 12 relative to the standard value of the company's CFP set in S201. Next, in S203, the improvement notification unit 116 identifies at least one first product based on the degree of achievement of the company's CFP of each included product relative to the standard value calculated in S202. At this time, the improvement notification unit 116 preferentially identifies as the first product an included product whose company's CFP does not satisfy the standard value. Next, in S204, the improvement notification unit 116 sends an improvement request to the company terminal 2 of the supplier of each first product identified in S203. At this time, the improvement request is information requesting an improvement of the company's CFP for the first product. Note that the improvement notification unit 116 does not necessarily have to send the improvement request to the company terminal 2 of the supplier of the first product. For example, the improvement notification unit 116 may output the improvement request to the account of the supplier of the first product so that the improvement request is displayed on the company terminal 2 of the supplier.

[0104] 12 and 13, when a predetermined target value for the CFP (integrated CFP) of the final product X is not achieved, the supplier of the first product included in the target product can be encouraged to improve its own CFP. As a result, if the supplier of the first product takes steps to improve its own CFP, the integrated CFP of the final product X is also improved accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to promote improvement of the integrated CFP of the final product X. Furthermore, even if the supply chain structure for the final product X becomes complex, it is possible to appropriately select the first product that is the target of the improvement request.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the predetermined traceability item to be evaluated is the recycling rate of predetermined raw materials, the server device 1 can execute the same process as above to encourage the supplier of the first product to improve the recycling rate of the predetermined raw materials. Also, in this embodiment, even if the predetermined traceability item to be evaluated is the score of due diligence-related information, the server device 1 can execute the same process as above to encourage the supplier of the first product to improve the score of due diligence-related information.

[0106] [Reevaluation process] As described above, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the final product X has not achieved a predetermined target value for a predetermined traceability item, the server device 1 requests the supplier of the first product to improve the predetermined traceability item for the first product. As a result, if the value of the predetermined traceability item for the first product is improved, the value of the predetermined traceability item for the final product X will also be improved. However, even if the value of the predetermined traceability item for the first product identified in the improvement request process is improved, it is possible that the value of the predetermined traceability item for the final product X will still not reach the predetermined target value.

[0107] Therefore, in this embodiment, a process for reevaluating the final product X (hereinafter, also referred to as "reevaluation process") is executed. In the reevaluation process, the control unit 11 performs the following process for the first product: If the value of the predetermined traceability item for final product X still does not reach the predetermined target value even after the values ​​of all the predetermined traceability items have been improved, at least one second product is identified. Here, the second product is a product for which an improvement request is made for the predetermined traceability item. The control unit 11 identifies at least one second product from among the multiple included products included in final product X, other than the first product. Then, the control unit 11 requests the supplier of the second product to improve the predetermined traceability item for the second product.

[0108] [Processing flow] The flow of the re-evaluation process executed by the server device 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the re-evaluation process. Here, when the supplier of the first product completes improvements related to predetermined traceability items for the first product, the supplier transmits a completion notification to the server device 1 from its own company terminal 2.

[0109] Therefore, in the evaluation process shown in FIG. 14, first, in S301, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a completion notice has been received from the company terminal of the supplier of the first product after the improvement request process shown in FIG. 13 has been completed. If a negative determination is made in S301, the execution of this flow is terminated. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in S301, then in S302, the control unit 11 executes the evaluation process again. Here, new traceability-related information regarding the first product together with the completion notice may be transmitted from the company terminal of the supplier of the first product to the server device 1 and stored in a memory area in the memory unit 12. Then, the evaluation process to be executed again may be executed by referring to the traceability-related information updated in the memory unit 12.

[0110] Here, when an improvement request process is executed in the re-executed evaluation process, the improvement notification unit 116 identifies at least one second product from among the multiple included products other than the first product included in the final product X as the target of the improvement request for a predetermined traceability item. In this case, for example, in S203 of the process shown in Fig. 13, the improvement notification unit 116 identifies at least one second product based on the achievement level of the company's CFP standard value of each included product other than the first product. Also, in S204 of the process shown in Fig. 13, the improvement notification unit 116 transmits an improvement request to the company terminal 2 of the supplier of each second product.

[0111] 14, it is possible to encourage the supplier of the second product included in the target product to improve the predetermined traceability items. As a result, if the supplier of the second product takes measures to improve the predetermined traceability items, the value of the predetermined traceability items for the final product X will also be further improved accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to further encourage the improvement of the predetermined traceability items for the final product X.

[0112] Second Embodiment The configuration of the system according to this embodiment is the same as that of the system according to the first embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the server device 1 and each company terminal 2 execute the same processing as that according to the first embodiment, thereby generating information about the product tree for the final product X. The generated information about the product tree is stored in the storage unit 12 of the server device 1. Also in this embodiment, the server device 1 executes an evaluation process to evaluate whether the final product achieves predetermined target values ​​for predetermined traceability items. However, the method of identifying the first product that is the target of the improvement request for the predetermined traceability items in the improvement request process differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0113] In this embodiment, inventory data may be input to the traceability-related information included in the product information for each included product. It is preferable to use actual measurement data as traceability-related information. The actual measurement data is data calculated based on data actually measured when the included product is produced by the supplier of the included product. However, depending on the company, it may be difficult to actually measure data related to traceability items due to a lack of equipment at the production site of the included product. In such cases, inventory data is entered in the traceability-related information field in the product information. The inventory data is data that is predetermined as a typical value for each traceability item.

[0114] In this embodiment, inventory data for each traceability item is stored in the server device 1. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the software configuration of the server device 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the server device 1 also has a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12. In this embodiment, a database for storing inventory data is constructed in the storage unit 12. In this inventory data database, inventory data for each traceability item is stored by type or tier of included product. An operator of each company can access the server device 1 via the company terminal 2 to obtain inventory data for a desired traceability item from the database.

[0115] When inventory data acquired from the server device 1 is entered into the traceability-related information field of the product information, information indicating that the information about the traceability item being entered is inventory data is also entered into the product information. For example, if it is difficult for a company that is a supplier of a certain included product to actually measure its own CFP, an operator of the company acquires from the server device 1 inventory data of its own CFP corresponding to the included product produced by the company. The acquired inventory data of the company's CFP is then entered into the traceability-related information field of the product information about the included product produced by the company. At this time, information indicating that the information about the company's CFP in the traceability-related information is inventory data is also entered into the product information. This makes it possible to distinguish whether the information about each traceability item in the product information is inventory data or actual measurement data.

[0116] Note that the inventory data for each traceability item does not necessarily have to be stored in the server device 1. For example, the inventory data may be stored in a device accessible by the corporate terminal 2 of each company other than the server device 1. Alternatively, the inventory data may be stored in the corporate terminal 2 of each company.

[0117] Here, even if a company that is a supplier of an included product has difficulty actually measuring data related to a predetermined traceability item due to a lack of equipment or the like, it will be able to actually measure the data if the cause is improved by introducing new equipment, etc. Then, a company that is now able to actually measure the data related to the predetermined traceability item can change the information about the predetermined traceability item that is entered into the product information about the included product from inventory data to actual measurement data.

[0118] [Improvement request processing] When inventory data is changed to actual measurement data, the values ​​of the predetermined traceability items tend to improve. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the improvement request process, the improvement notification unit 116 preferentially identifies, as the first product, an inclusive product whose product information contains information on the predetermined traceability items that is inventory data.

[0119] [Processing flow] The flow of the improvement request process executed by the server device 1 in this embodiment will be described below. This will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 shows the process when a target value for the integrated CFP is set for the final product X.

[0120] 16, first, in S401, the improvement notification unit 116 extracts included products whose inventory data is registered as information about the company's CFP for each included product stored in each storage area of ​​the storage unit 12. Next, in S402, the improvement notification unit 116 identifies at least one first product from the included products extracted in S401. Next, in S403, the improvement notification unit 116 transmits an improvement request to the company terminal 2 of the supplier of each first product identified in S402. Note that the processing of S402 is similar to the processing of S204 in the flow shown in FIG.

[0121] 15, when a predetermined target value for the CFP (integrated CFP) is not achieved in the final product X, an improvement request can be notified to the supplier of the first product whose inventory data is registered as information about its own CFP. This can prompt the supplier of the first product to change from inventory data to actual measurement data. As a result, if the supplier of the first product takes steps to change the information about its own CFP from inventory data to actual measurement data, the integrated CFP of the final product X will also be improved accordingly. This can promote improvement of the integrated CFP of the final product X.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when the predetermined traceability item to be evaluated is the recycle rate of a predetermined raw material or the score of due diligence-related information, the server device 1 can execute the same improvement request process as described above. Therefore, the supplier of the first product can be prompted to change the information regarding the recycle rate of the predetermined raw material from inventory data to actual measurement data. Also, the supplier of the first product can be prompted to change the information regarding the score of due diligence-related information from inventory data to actual measurement data.

[0123] <Variation 1> In the improvement request processing, the method for identifying the first product that is the target of the improvement request for a predetermined traceability item is not limited to the methods described in the first and second embodiments. For example, in the improvement request processing, the improvement notification unit 116 may identify the first product based on a predetermined priority order of improvement requests for multiple included products.

[0124] Here, the priority of the improvement request may be determined so that an upstream included product is higher than a downstream included product in a product tree of multiple included products included in final product X. In this case, the improvement notification unit 116 can identify the first product based on the predetermined priority of the improvement request by referring to information related to the product tree.

[0125] Furthermore, the priority of improvement requests may be set so that downstream included products are higher than upstream included products in a product tree of multiple included products included in final product X. In this case as well, the improvement notification unit 116 can identify the first product based on the predetermined priority of improvement requests by referring to information related to the product tree.

[0126] Furthermore, the priority of improvement requests may be set such that an included product that has a greater impact on the value of a predetermined traceability item in the final product X is higher than an included product that has a smaller impact. In this case, the impact level of each included product may be determined in advance according to the traceability item to be evaluated. Then, for each traceability item, the priority of improvement requests for multiple included products may be set in advance according to the impact level of each included product.

[0127] <Variation 2> In the improvement request process in each of the above embodiments, the improvement notification unit 116 does not necessarily need to notify the account of the identified supplier of at least one first product of an improvement request for a predetermined traceability item in the first product. For example, the improvement notification unit 116 may notify the account of the final product X of an improvement request for a predetermined traceability item in the first product. In this case, the OEM company can notify the supplier of the first product of an improvement request.

[0128] <Variation 3> In each of the above embodiments, the method of storing information about the product tree (each company's linking information, including the terminal flag) may be changed as desired. In another example, the server device 1 (storage unit 12) may be provided with a shared storage area for all companies, and each company's linking information may be stored in the shared storage area. In yet another example, each company's dedicated storage area may include an unencrypted area, and each company's linking information may be stored in an unencrypted area of ​​the dedicated storage area. Alternatively, each company's linking information may be stored in an encrypted area of ​​the dedicated storage area. As long as the system can trace the linking relationships of the product tree, the structure and storage format of the linking information are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. Information about the product tree may be stored collectively, or may be stored separately, for example, by being included in each company's product information. If each company's product information is stored in each company's company terminal 2, the linking information for each company may also be stored in each company's company terminal 2.

[0129] <Variation 4> In each of the above embodiments, access restrictions for each company are realized by providing a dedicated storage area and a shared storage area. However, the method for realizing access restrictions is not limited to these examples and may be realized by any method.

[0130] <Variation 5> In each of the above embodiments, the storage area of ​​each company may be configured using any database technology. In one example, the storage area of ​​each company may be configured using a blockchain platform. In this case, at least a portion of the information processing related to the incentive granting may be performed by a smart contract.

[0131] <Other embodiments> The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the processes and means described in the present disclosure may be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0132] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0133] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk (floppy disk (registered trademark) "Trademark" includes any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, such as any type of disk, including hard disk drives (HDDs), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, or optical cards. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Server device 2. Corporate terminals 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Communication Module 14 Input / Output Devices 111 Information Gathering Department 112 Permission setting section 113 Attachment 114 Information Provision Department 115 Evaluation Department 116 Improvement Notification Department

Claims

1. Acquiring product information regarding each of a plurality of included products contained in the target product, the product information including information regarding predetermined traceability items for each included product; determining whether the target product has achieved a predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item based on information about the predetermined traceability item included in the acquired product information; When it is determined that the target product has not achieved the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item, identifying at least one first product that requires improvement of the predetermined traceability item from among the plurality of included products; outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product; a control unit configured to perform The product information of each included product includes information indicating whether the information on the predetermined traceability item is inventory data or actual measurement data, Identifying at least one of the first products from the plurality of included products includes preferentially identifying, as the first product, an included product whose information on the predetermined traceability item included in the product information is inventory data. Information processing device.

2. outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product includes notifying an account of a supplier of the identified at least one first product of the improvement request; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. Identifying at least one of the first products from among the plurality of included products includes preferentially identifying as the first product an included product whose value of the predetermined traceability item included in the product information does not satisfy a standard value set for each included product. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. identifying at least one first product from among the plurality of included products includes identifying the first product based on a predetermined priority of improvement requests for the plurality of included products; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the predetermined priority of the improvement request is set such that an upstream included product is higher than a downstream included product in a product tree that indicates a relationship between each of the plurality of included products included in the target product; The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. the predetermined priority of the improvement request is set such that a downstream included product is higher than an upstream included product in a product tree that indicates a relationship between each of the plurality of included products included in the target product; The information processing device according to claim 4 .

7. The predetermined priority of the improvement request is set to be higher for an included product having a large influence on the value of a predetermined traceability item in the target product than for an included product having a small influence. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

8. The control unit after outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product, receiving a completion notification indicating that the improvement of the predetermined traceability item for the first product has been completed from a terminal associated with a supplier of the at least one first product; If it is determined again after receiving the completion notification that the target product has not achieved the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item, identifying at least one second product that requires improvement of the predetermined traceability item from among the plurality of included products other than the at least one first product; outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the second product; further configured to perform The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: Acquiring product information regarding each of a plurality of included products contained in the target product, the product information including information regarding predetermined traceability items for each included product; determining whether the target product has achieved a predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item based on information about the predetermined traceability item included in the acquired product information; When it is determined that the target product has not achieved the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item, identifying at least one first product that requires improvement of the predetermined traceability item from among the plurality of included products; outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product; Including, The product information of each included product includes information indicating whether the information on the predetermined traceability item is inventory data or actual measurement data, Identifying at least one of the first products from the plurality of included products includes preferentially identifying, as the first product, an included product whose information on the predetermined traceability item included in the product information is inventory data. Information processing methods.

10. outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product includes notifying an account of a supplier of the identified at least one first product of the improvement request; The information processing method according to claim 9.

11. The product information of each included product includes information indicating whether the information on the predetermined traceability item is inventory data or actual measurement data, Identifying at least one of the first products from the plurality of included products includes preferentially identifying, as the first product, an included product whose information on the predetermined traceability item included in the product information is inventory data. The information processing method according to claim 9.

12. identifying at least one first product from among the plurality of included products includes identifying the first product based on a predetermined priority of improvement requests for the plurality of included products; The information processing method according to claim 9.

13. the predetermined priority of the improvement request is set such that an upstream included product is higher than a downstream included product in a product tree that indicates a relationship between each of the plurality of included products included in the target product; The information processing method according to claim 12.

14. the predetermined priority of the improvement request is set such that a downstream included product is higher than an upstream included product in a product tree that indicates a relationship between each of the plurality of included products included in the target product; The information processing method according to claim 12.

15. The predetermined priority of the improvement request is set to be higher for an included product having a large influence on the value of a predetermined traceability item in the target product than for an included product having a small influence. The information processing method according to claim 12.

16. after outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product, receiving a completion notification indicating that the improvement of the predetermined traceability item for the first product has been completed from a terminal associated with a supplier of the at least one first product; If it is determined again after receiving the completion notification that the target product has not achieved the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item, identifying at least one second product that requires improvement of the predetermined traceability item from among the plurality of included products other than the at least one first product; outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the second product; further comprising:

16. The information processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

17. A system including a plurality of terminals associated with suppliers of a plurality of included products included in a target product, and a server device, Each terminal is transmitting product information regarding the included product, the product information including information regarding a predetermined traceability item in the included product, to a server device; The server device Determining whether the target product has achieved a predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item based on information about the predetermined traceability item in each of the included products; The target product has achieved the predetermined target value for the predetermined traceability item. If it is determined that the specified traceability item is not satisfied, identifying at least one first product that requires improvement of the specified traceability item from among the plurality of inclusive products; outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product; Run The product information of each included product includes information indicating whether the information on the predetermined traceability item is inventory data or actual measurement data, Identifying at least one of the first products from the plurality of included products includes preferentially identifying, as the first product, an included product whose information on the predetermined traceability item included in the product information is inventory data. system.

18. outputting an improvement request for the predetermined traceability item in the first product includes transmitting the improvement request to the terminal associated with the identified supplier of the at least one first product; 20. The system of claim 17.

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