Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To efficiently utilize supplier-side data and buyer-side data.SOLUTION: A server 1 includes a buyer-side data acquisition unit 102, a supplier-side data acquisition unit 104, a unified management unit 105, and a presentation unit 106. The buyer-side data acquisition unit 102 acquires, from a buyer terminal 2, buyer-side data on the side of a buyer regarding copying paper. The supplier-side data acquisition unit 104 acquires supplier-side data including specification data and invoice data of copying paper provided from the supplier. The unified management unit 105 causes an integrated DB 181 to store standardized data obtained by converting each of the buyer-side data and the supplier-side data, to manage the data. The presentation unit 106 presents, to the buyer terminal 2, processed data of the standardized data stored in the integrated DB 181.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Traditionally, companies that supply products such as consumables (hereinafter referred to as "suppliers") and companies that purchase consumables (hereinafter referred to as "buyers") have held product data differently (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-49795 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As a result, suppliers and buyers have different ways of holding product data, and as a result, each party's data is not being used effectively.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to enable effective use of supplier-side data and buyer-side data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: An information processing device that centrally manages information when a product or service is provided from a supplier to a buyer, a buyer-side data acquisition means for acquiring data including buyer-side accounting data relating to the target from a buyer-side device as buyer-side data; a supplier-side data acquisition means for acquiring, as supplier-side data, data including invoice data of the supplier and specification data of the object when the object is provided to the buyer by the supplier; a unified management means for converting the buyer-side data and the supplier-side data into standardized data, storing the standardized data in a predetermined database, and managing the data; a presentation means for presenting at least a part of the standardized data or processed data of the standardized data stored and managed in the predetermined database to at least one of the buyer-side device and the supplier-side device; Equipped with. An information processing method and a program corresponding to the information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention are also provided as an information processing method and a program according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, supplier data and buyer data can be effectively utilized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the present service that can be realized by an information processing system including a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data managed in a data mart. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of row data after data integration. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific display example in a BI tool. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system including a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7]6 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration for executing data processing for analysis related to purchase of indirect materials, among the functional configurations of an information processing system including the server of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for implementing the system. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an API network configured by implementing APIs in each of the buyer terminal and the supplier terminal of the information processing system of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of the functions of the server of the service provider when a large number of buyers participate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to Figures 1 to 4 as appropriate, we will explain an overview of the service (hereinafter referred to as "this service") that is applied to an information processing system (see Figure 5 described later) to which an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of this service that can be realized by an information processing system including a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a service provided by a service provider G to a buyer B and a supplier C.

[0011] This service is provided by service provider G to buyer B and supplier C, as shown in FIG. By using this service, Buyer B can analyze the purchase of the product or service (such as copy paper in this case) provided by Supplier C.

[0012] In this service, the service provider G centrally manages information in the data mart DM when an indirect material such as copy paper is provided as a commodity (object) from a supplier C to a buyer B. Data Mart DM is a database that extracts small amounts of data specific to indirect materials from the data held by Buyer B, making it useful for immediate aggregation and detailed analysis. Specifically, the service provider G acquires data including the buyer's accounting data relating to the product from the buyer B as the buyer's data. Buyer-side data includes accounting data generated by different existing accounting systems (for example, integrated business software such as ERP, accounting systems such as Accounting XX, Yayoi XX, and XX Accounting), equipment inventory data, product purchase plans, product purchase history, product ordering data, etc. In addition, accounting data from different accounting systems is exported and uploaded to the same data mart DM as export data EX.

[0013] Furthermore, the service provider G acquires, as supplier-side data, data including invoice data of the supplier C for the product (copy paper) provided to the buyer B by the supplier C and specification data of the product. Customers are asked to enter and upload invoice details (product, quantity, unit price) and product specifications (structured data format) using a dedicated form.

[0014] The service provider G converts each of the buyer-side data and the supplier-side data into standardized data such as the integrated raw data shown in FIG. 3, and stores and manages the data in the data mart DM.

[0015] The service provider G presents at least a portion of the standardized data stored and managed in this data mart DM or processed data of the standardized data to at least one of the buyer B and the supplier C.

[0016] In this service, data other than accounting data held by the buyer, such as detailed invoice data and product specification data, is input and registered by supplier C using dedicated input forms using APIs 202, 301, 302, etc. shown in Figure 9, automating data processing and enabling the data accumulated in data mart DM to be analyzed using BI tool T. Specifically, the standardized data (see Figure 3) is processed by BI tool T, which processes the linked data (see Figure 4) so ​​that it can be viewed, and the processed linked data is displayed on the management's terminal. In other words, the information necessary for management's business decisions is visualized. Management can make business decisions by viewing the linked data displayed on the BI tool screen on their device (clicking on individual items of data to display the linked detailed data as needed).

[0017] To summarize the above, with this service as shown in Figure 1, data that was managed separately by Buyer B and Supplier C is collected, standardized and stored in Data Mart DM, and the data in Data Mart DM is made viewable using BI Tool T. This allows Buyer B's management to see the information necessary for making business decisions, which can be used to make business decisions, enabling effective use of both supplier-side and buyer-side data. Specifically, by using this service, Buyer B can view the information necessary for making business decisions, enabling him to make accurate business decisions. Furthermore, by using this service, Supplier C can gain opportunities to provide products and services to a larger number of Buyer B.

[0018] Here, examples of data marts and raw data will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data managed in a data mart. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the row data after data integration. As shown in Figure 2, the data mart DM stores accounting data, detailed invoice data, product specification data, etc. in a linked (data-linked) state. Invoice detail data was previously sent by Supplier C to each department and was only available to each department. Product specification data was previously only available to Supplier C.

[0019] In the linked data shown in Figure 2, for example, detailed invoice data S is linked to the amount K of the accounting data, for example 40,100 yen, and product specification data Q is linked to the product (model number) R included in the detailed data S, for example A3 paper (XXXX9999, etc.). In addition, the data mart DM stores integrated raw data (see FIG. 3) generated by integrating the above-mentioned accounting data, detailed invoice data, product specification data, and the like.

[0020] The raw data shown in Figure 3 manages information about copy paper collectively by items such as date (purchase date), subject, counterparty, summary, unit price, quantity, amount, product name, product form (box), size, number of sheets, number of books, paper thickness, ISO, CO2, etc. This raw data makes it possible to see at a glance what quality the copy paper is, when it was purchased, how much, and from which party (Supplier C) it was purchased.

[0021] A specific display example in the BI tool will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific display example in a BI tool. When the BI tool is launched on the management terminal and the home screen is displayed, the display button (not shown) for the breakdown of sales and administrative expenses in the income statement by department (hereinafter referred to as the "PL SG&A breakdown by department" ) is clicked. The BI tool screen will then display the PL SG&A breakdown by department, as shown in Figure 4.

[0022] If you click on an item in the breakdown of sales and administrative expenses by department, such as "consumable expenses," you will be able to drill down by item and a breakdown of consumable expenses will be displayed.

[0023] This consumables expense breakdown table shows how much each department spent on purchasing consumables over a certain period of time. For example, if you click on "copy paper" in the consumable expenses breakdown table, you will be able to drill down to the copy paper analysis and the copy paper analysis table will be displayed.

[0024] The copy paper analysis table shows what size and quality copy paper each department is purchasing, how much, and how much it is purchasing, as well as a comparison with the same month last year, the number of A4 equivalent sheets per staff member, and the annual purchase amount, allowing for detailed comparison and analysis of copy paper data between departments.

[0025] In addition, by clicking on area 41 of the copy paper analysis table, a radar chart will be displayed. The radar chart shows the basis weight (g / m 2 ), number of sheets / staff, amount / staff, ISO whiteness, and paper thickness (μm) are plotted in the chart, so you can see at a glance the copy paper usage trends (distribution) for each department.

[0026] Also, if you click on the amount "20,880" for Department A in the consumables expense breakdown table, you will drill down to the details and a copy paper purchase breakdown for Department A will be displayed. Department A's copy paper purchase details sheet displays detailed data with the following items: date, supplier, product name, unit price, quantity, and amount, so you can see when, from which store, what product name, how much quantity, and how much for which copy paper was purchased by Department A.

[0027] Similarly, if you click on the amount "25,200" for Department B in the consumable expenses breakdown table, you can drill down to the details and a copy paper purchase statement for Department B will be displayed. As with Department A, you can see when, from which store, what product name, quantity, and cost of copy paper was purchased by Department B.

[0028] In this way, with this service, data that was previously managed separately by Supplier C and Buyer B can now be managed centrally in Data Mart DM, and by using BL Tool T, the details of how each department of Buyer B purchases indirect materials such as copy paper can be made visible, allowing this information to be used in management decisions, making it possible to effectively utilize supplier-side data and buyer-side data.

[0029] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a description will be given of the configuration of an information processing system that realizes the provision of the above-described service, that is, an information processing system that includes a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system including a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention.

[0030] The information processing system shown in FIG. 5 is configured to include a server 1, buyer terminals 2-1 to 2-m, and supplier terminals 3-1 to 3-n. The server 1, the buyer terminals 2-1 to 2-m, and the supplier terminals 3-1 to 3-n are connected to one another via a predetermined network N such as the Internet.

[0031] The server 1 is an information processing device managed by the service provider G. The server 1 executes various processes for realizing the present service while appropriately communicating with the buyer terminals 2-1 to 2-m and the supplier terminals 3-1 to 3-n.

[0032] The buyer terminals 2-1 to 2-m are information processing devices operated by the buyers B1 to Bm, respectively. The buyer terminals 2-1 to 2-m are configured, for example, as personal computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the buyer terminals 2-1 to 2-m, they will be collectively referred to as "buyer terminals 2."

[0033] Each of the supplier terminals 3-1 to 3-n is an information processing device operated by each of the suppliers C1 to Cn, and is configured, for example, as a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the supplier terminals 3-1 to 3-n, they will be collectively referred to as "supplier terminals 3."

[0034] Dedicated application software for users of this service (hereinafter referred to as the "dedicated app") can be installed on each of the buyer terminal 2 and the supplier terminal 3. This allows buyer B and supplier C to use this service using the buyer terminal 2 and supplier terminal 3, respectively, on which the dedicated app is installed. In addition, buyer B and supplier C can also use this service by accessing a dedicated site displayed by the browser function of buyer terminal 2 and supplier terminal 3, respectively. Unless otherwise specified, hereinafter, when we say "Buyer B operates the buyer terminal 2," it means either that Buyer B launches the dedicated app installed on the buyer terminal 2 and performs various operations, or that Buyer B uses the Service by accessing the dedicated site displayed by the browser function of the buyer terminal 2. Furthermore, when we say that "Supplier C operates the supplier terminal 3," it means either that Supplier C launches a dedicated app installed on the supplier terminal 3 and performs various operations, or that Supplier C accesses a dedicated website displayed by the browser function of the supplier terminal 3 and uses the Service.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system shown in FIG.

[0036] The server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0037] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13 . The RAM 13 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

[0038] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to one another via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0039] The input unit 16 is configured with, for example, a keyboard and is used to input various information. The output unit 17 is configured with a display such as a liquid crystal display, a speaker, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The storage unit 18 is configured with a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores various data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices (for example, the buyer terminal 2 and the supplier terminal 3 in FIG. 4) via a network N including the Internet.

[0040] Removable media 30, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 20. A program read from the removable media 30 by the drive 20 is installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. Furthermore, the removable medium 30 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18.

[0041] Although not shown, the buyer terminal 2 and supplier terminal 3 in Fig. 5 can also have basically the same hardware configuration as that shown in Fig. 6. Therefore, a description of the hardware configuration of the buyer terminal 2 and supplier terminal 3 will be omitted.

[0042] 6, various hardware and software components of the server 1 can execute various processes, including data processing for analysis of indirect material purchases, on the server 1. As a result, the service provider G can provide the above-mentioned service to the buyer B and the supplier C. Here, data processing for analysis of indirect material purchases refers to processing carried out in order to provide the above-mentioned service, and refers to a series of processing steps leading up to analysis of the purchase of indirect materials such as copy paper.

[0043] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a functional configuration for executing the analysis process of the purchase of indirect materials, which is executed in the server 1 according to this embodiment, will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration for executing data processing for analysis related to purchase of indirect materials, among the functional configurations of the information processing system including the server of FIG.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, when data processing for analysis regarding the purchase of indirect materials is executed in the CPU 11 of the server 1, an API (Application Programming Interface) connection unit 101, a buyer-side data acquisition unit 102, an API connection unit 103, a supplier-side data acquisition unit 104, a centralized management unit 105, a presentation unit 106, an analysis unit 107, a competitive quote acquisition unit 108, a negotiation unit 109, and a specification acquisition unit 110 function. In addition, an association DB 181 is provided in one area of ​​the storage unit 18 of the server 1. The association DB 181 manages various types of information about buyer B (hereinafter referred to as "buyer-side data") in association with an ID or the like that can uniquely identify buyer B. The association DB 181 also manages various types of information about supplier C (hereinafter referred to as "supplier-side data") in association with an ID or the like that can uniquely identify supplier C. Furthermore, data (see FIGS. 2 to 4) that has been standardized by converting buyer-side data and supplier-side data is stored in the linked DB 181. This data is used for analyzing the purchase of indirect materials.

[0045] The API connection unit 101 connects to the APIs 201 to 203 and the like installed in the buyer terminal 2 .

[0046] The buyer-side data acquisition unit 102 acquires, from the buyer terminal 2, data relating to copy paper, including accounting data stored on the buyer B side, as buyer-side data.

[0047] The API connection unit 103 connects to the APIs 301 and 302 installed in the supplier terminal 3 .

[0048] The supplier-side data acquisition unit 104 acquires, as supplier-side data, data including invoice data of the supplier C when the copy paper is provided to the buyer B from the supplier C and specification data of the subject. Specifically, the supplier-side data acquisition unit 104 acquires (collects) the invoice data and product catalog data (specification data) imported using the API 301 implemented in the supplier terminal 3 and the API 202 implemented in the buyer terminal 2, as these are made public by the API 203, as supplier-side data.

[0049] The unified management unit 105 converts the buyer side data and the supplier side data into standardized data, and stores and manages the standardized data in the linked DB 181. Specifically, the centralized management unit 105 integrates the buyer-side data acquired by the buyer-side data acquisition unit 102 and the supplier-side data acquired by the supplier-side data acquisition unit 104 to create the raw data shown in Figure 3 (copy paper purchase data for buyer B), which is then stored and managed in the linked DB 181.

[0050] The presenting unit 106 presents at least a part of the standardized data stored and managed in the association DB 181 or processed data of the standardized data to at least one of the buyer terminal 2 and the supplier terminal 3. Specifically, when the button for reading out buyer B's department data is operated on the screen of the BL tool T (see Figure 1), the presentation unit 106 reads out the department-by-department PL sales expense breakdown data (see the table in Figure 4) from the buyer-side data managed in the linked DB 181, and presents it on the screen of, for example, the buyer terminal 2, etc.

[0051] The analysis unit 107 analyzes whether the quantity, specifications, and price of indirect materials purchased from supplier C are appropriate based on the standardized data stored and managed in the linked DB 181 for each of multiple suppliers C and multiple buyers B. Specifically, the appropriateness of the quantity, specifications, and price of indirect materials is determined based on preset indicators. The indicators may be, for example, the average value of competitors in the same industry, or the company's purchase history for the same period of the previous year. Regarding appropriateness, for example, in the case of price, the company's figure may be considered appropriate if it is within a certain percentage range of the average value of competitors in the same industry, and anything outside of that range may be considered inappropriate.

[0052] The competitive quote acquisition unit 108 acquires quotes from two or more of the multiple suppliers C based on the results of the analysis by the analysis unit 107.

[0053] The negotiation unit 109 executes predetermined processing (such as generating document data for negotiations and creating a contact email to adjust the negotiation schedule) to negotiate at least some of the quality, delivery date, and price (QCD) of the copy paper with two or more suppliers C who have issued the acquired quotations.

[0054] Based on the results of the analysis by the analysis unit 107, the specification acquisition unit 110 acquires information relating to the specifications of the products provided by each of the multiple suppliers C (for example, catalog data (specification data) of copy paper, etc.).

[0055] In the CPU 51 of the buyer terminal 2, when data processing for analysis of the purchase of indirect materials is executed, the APIs 201 to 203, the API connection unit 211, the output control unit 212, and the data processing unit 213 function.

[0056] A buyer DB 221 is provided in one area of ​​the memory unit 68 of the buyer terminal 2. The buyer DB 221 stores buyer-side data, data accumulated in the data mart DM (see FIGS. 2 and 3), and the like. The buyer data includes, for example, the buyer's accounting data for the product, data on products to be purchased, etc. The purchase plan can be determined by calculating the quantity of products that will be newly required in the future based on the purchase history and equipment inventory.

[0057] The API 201 publishes a purchase request (RFP). The API 201 also receives quotation data entered by a supplier C. The API 201 publishes the order data from the buyer C to the supplier C (for example, company A, etc.) that is the order recipient.

[0058] The API 202 provides an input format (input screen) to the supplier C and accepts delivery data and billing data entered from the supplier C according to the input format. In the example of Fig. 9, the API 202 accepts billing data from, for example, each of the suppliers A, B, and C.

[0059] The API 203 anonymizes the invoice data acquired from the supplier C side at the buyer terminal 2 and the accounting data of the company's accounting system, and makes the data publicly available to the server 1 and other predetermined devices (other buyer terminals, etc.). Specifically, API203 anonymizes the accounting data and purchase plan data held as buyer-side data, as well as detailed invoice data and product specification data obtained from Supplier C, and then makes the data publicly available to other devices (such as Server 1). By publishing anonymized invoice data and accounting data via API 203, Buyer B, who provided information to Server 1, can access information on other companies in the same industry (other buyers) as one of his other devices.

[0060] The API connection unit 211 connects to the API 203 installed in the buyer terminal 2 .

[0061] The output control unit 212 uses the API 203 to control the output of at least one of the buyer side data and the supplier side data to an external device such as the server 1. Specifically, the output control unit 212 uses the API 203 to execute control to output the buyer side data to the server 1.

[0062] The data processing unit 213 stores supplier-side data (delivery data, invoice data) and buyer-side data (accounting data) in the buyer DB 221, and performs data processing such as writing and reading raw data (see Figure 4) generated by integrating the supplier-side data (delivery data, invoice data) and the buyer-side data (accounting data) to and from the data mart DM of the buyer DB 221.

[0063] In the CPU 71 of the supplier terminal 3, when the indirect material purchase analysis process is executed, the APIs 301 and 302, the API connection unit 311, the output control unit 312, and the data processing unit 313 function. In addition, a supplier DB 321 is provided in one area of ​​the storage unit 88 of the supplier terminal 3 . The supplier DB 321 stores detailed data of invoices that supplier C issues to destinations to which the products are delivered, product catalog data (spec data), and the like.

[0064] The API 301 publishes catalog data (spec data) of products for each supplier C. The API 301 also publishes information on the supply chain in cooperation with the supplier. Specifically, API301 makes public the catalog data (specification data) of products of Company B, supplier C in Figure 9, as well as the catalog data (specification data) of products in Company B's supply chain (Company B's supplier). Specific product catalog data, for example, for copy paper, includes product specifications such as country of origin, raw materials, and CO2 emissions.

[0065] The API 302 makes the delivery and billing data held in the supplier terminal 3 public to the trading partner (for example, buyer B, etc.).

[0066] The API connection unit 311 connects to the APIs 201 to 203 and the like implemented in the buyer terminal 2 . Specifically, the API connection unit 311 of the supplier C receives the purchase plan of the buyer B published by the API 201 . The output control unit 312 transmits to the API 201 quotation information for the purchase candidate information acquired by the API connection unit 311 through the disclosure by the API 201 of the buyer B.

[0067] Furthermore, the output control unit 312 transmits product catalog data (specification data) to the API 202 as product specifications in a preset format at the time of quotation and delivery (billing).

[0068] Next, a specific example of data processing for analysis of indirect material purchases in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] First, system implementation options will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure for implementing the system. As shown in FIG. 8, options for implementing the system include work by buyer B and work by supplier C, and work by service provider G includes three phases F1 to F3.

[0070] In the preliminary preparation stage, a data mart DM will be prepared to store standardized data. In phase F1, buyer-side data and supplier-side data are collected. In this case, the buyer's work involves uploading the file exported from the accounting system on the buyer C side to the data mart DM in step S101. As for the work on the supplier side, in step S102, invoice data and product catalog data of supplier C are input via the Web into dedicated forms of APIs 301 and 302.

[0071] In phase F2, APIs 201 to 203, 301, and 302 that make data public to service provider G are prepared. The APIs are set up by buyer B and supplier C. The service provider G automatically collects data by visiting the APIs 201 to 203, 301, and 302 set in the buyer B and the supplier C, respectively. Specifically, the buyer side performs the work of connecting the accounting system of buyer B to API 203 in step S103. As for the work on the supplier side, in step S104, product catalog data (spec data) and invoice data are connected to the APIs 301 and 203. The data is then compiled and displayed in an easy-to-read format.

[0072] In phase F3, the system is incorporated into the company's own system (server 1 of service provider G). In this case, an API (common format) is set up to link information between buyer B and supplier C. A data mart DM and a BI tool T are installed. An API 203 that makes data available to service provider G is installed. Specifically, in step S105, the buyer connects the system for purchasing (purchase plans and results) and accounts payable to the API 201. Also, the APIs 201 and 202 are made public to the supplier C. As for the work on the supplier side, in step S106, product catalog data, price lists, and systems for order receipt and accounts receivable are connected to API 203. APIs 301 and 302 are made public to Buyer B.

[0073] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the automation of data collection by constructing an API network in the information processing system of FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an API network configured by implementing APIs in each of the buyer terminal and the supplier terminal of the information processing system of FIG.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 9, APIs 201 to 203 are implemented in the buyer terminal 2. The API 201 publishes the purchase plan (RFP) of Buyer B. The API 201 also acquires the information of the purchase plan (RFP) published by Supplier C (Supplier A in this example) on the buyer terminal 2, and receives the quotation information sent to the buyer terminal 2 in response. In addition, Supplier A sends product catalog data (specifications) in a predetermined format at the time of quotation and delivery (billing). The API 201 discloses the order data of the buyer B to the supplier C who is the order recipient. The API 202 receives delivery (billing) data. The API 203 publishes anonymized invoice data and accounting data to the server 1. The server 1 collects product specifications, quantities, prices, etc., including the anonymized invoice data and accounting data published by the API 203, and aggregates and integrates the collected data for use in analysis. Buyer B, who has provided information to the server 1 (service provider G) through the API 203, can refer to information (anonymized data) of other companies in the same industry (other buyers).

[0075] The supplier terminal 3 is equipped with APIs 301 and 302 . API301 publishes product catalog data (product specifications, etc.). API301 also connects supply chain information. Product specifications include, for example, country of origin, raw materials, CO2 emissions, etc. The API 302 makes the delivery and billing data entered by the supplier C public to the counterparty (the buyer terminal 2 of the buyer B).

[0076] In this way, by implementing APIs 201 to 203 and APIs 301 and 302 in each of the buyer terminal 2 and supplier terminal 3, and automatically publishing information and receiving the published information at each terminal, automation of data collection can be realized.

[0077] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a specific example of the function of the service provider's server when multiple buyers participate will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of the function of the server of the service provider when a large number of buyers participate.

[0078] As shown in Figure 10, an information processing system is configured to connect multiple buyers B (e.g., Buyer A, Buyer B, Buyer C, Buyer D, Buyer E, etc.) and multiple suppliers C (e.g., Supplier A, Supplier B, Supplier C, Supplier D, Supplier E, etc.) to server 1.

[0079] In this case, the server 1 collects information (QCD and evaluation) of the supplier C and the person in charge from each buyer B in step S201. In step S202, the server 1 collects the minimum specification data required to understand the purchasing specifications and obtain competitive quotations from the supplier C. Note that the specification data is collected based on the data format of the service provider.

[0080] In step S203, the server 1 analyzes the optimal QCD by utilizing AI. By analyzing the optimal QCD in the server 1, in step S204, the server 1 on the service provider side can obtain competitive quotations and negotiate the optimization of QCD in purchasing.

[0081] As described above, when multiple buyers participate, the service provider's server 1 collects information on suppliers and personnel (QCD and evaluation) from each of the multiple buyers, analyzes the optimal QCD using AI, and obtains competitive bids from multiple suppliers based on the analysis results, thereby enabling negotiations to optimize QCD in purchasing. As a result, it becomes possible to realize optimal joint purchasing on an information processing system by combining the purchasing information of other buyers that the service provider has on hand. In other words, it is possible to provide an algorithm that maximizes the utility of all parties involved in a joint purchasing. Furthermore, by introducing information technologies such as blockchain, smart contracts and smart payments will also become possible.

[0082] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are considered to be included in the present invention.

[0083] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example of the target was a commodity (item) such as indirect materials like copy paper, but the target is not limited to this, and may also be a service such as a service for jointly purchasing goods.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the buyer-side data acquisition unit 102 acquired data including buyer-side accounting data related to copy paper from the buyer terminal 2 as buyer-side data, but this may be other data as well; it is sufficient to acquire data including buyer-side accounting data related to the target from the buyer-side device as buyer-side data.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the supplier-side data acquisition unit 104 acquired data including invoice data of supplier C and catalog data of the copy paper when the copy paper was provided from supplier C to buyer B as supplier-side data, but other data may be used; it is sufficient to acquire data including invoice data of the supplier and specification data of the object when the object is provided from the supplier to the buyer as supplier-side data.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the buyer-side data and the supplier-side data are integrated into raw data and stored in the data mart DM of the buyer DB 221, and data linking these buyer-side data and supplier-side data is stored and managed in the linked DB 181 of the server 1, but this may be done in a different location, and there is no limitation on where the data is managed (such as the buyer terminal 2 or the server 1), and it is sufficient to convert each of the buyer-side data and supplier-side data into standardized data and store and manage it in a specified database.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the presentation unit 106 presents processed data of standardized data to the buyer terminal 2, but other examples are also possible, and it is sufficient to present at least a portion of the standardized data or the processed data of the standardized data to at least one of the buyer-side device and the supplier-side device.

[0088] Furthermore, the system configuration shown in FIG. 5 and the hardware configuration of the server 1 shown in FIG. 6 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited.

[0089] 7 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient for the information processing system to have the function of executing the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional blocks and databases used to realize this function are not particularly limited to the example in FIG.

[0090] Furthermore, the locations of the functional blocks and databases are not limited to those shown in FIG. 7 and may be arbitrary. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the successful bid price prediction process is configured to be performed on the server 1 side, but this is not limitative, and at least a part of the process may be performed on the buyer terminal 2 side. That is, the functional blocks and databases required for executing the processing are configured to be provided on the server 1 side, but this is merely an example. At least some of the functional blocks and databases arranged on the server 1 side may be configured to be provided on the buyer terminal 2 side.

[0091] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination thereof.

[0092] When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed into a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer built on dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0093] The recording medium containing such a program may be constituted not only by a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to the advertiser, but also by a recording medium that is provided to the advertiser in a state that it is pre-installed in the device main body.

[0094] In this specification, the steps describing the program to be recorded on the recording medium include not only processes that are performed in chronological order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are performed in parallel or individually. In addition, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall device that is made up of a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, etc.

[0095] In summary, the information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied is sufficient if it has the following configuration, and can take on a variety of different embodiments. That is, an information processing device to which the present invention is applied (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 7) An information processing device (such as the server 1 in FIG. 7) that centrally manages information when a product or service (such as an indirect material such as copy paper) is provided from a supplier to a buyer (through purchase, etc.), a buyer-side data acquisition means (such as the buyer-side data acquisition unit 102 in FIG. 7) for acquiring data including buyer-side accounting data relating to the object (such as copy paper) from a buyer-side device (such as the buyer terminal 2 in FIG. 7) as buyer-side data; a supplier-side data acquisition means (e.g., the supplier-side data acquisition unit 104 in FIG. 7) for acquiring, as supplier-side data, data including invoice data of the supplier and specification data of the object (e.g., copy paper, etc.) when the object is provided from the supplier to the buyer; a unified management means (e.g., the unified management unit 105 in FIG. 7) that converts each of the buyer-side data and the supplier-side data into standardized data (e.g., the integrated raw data in FIG. 3) and stores and manages the data in a predetermined database (e.g., the linked DB 181 in FIG. 7); a presentation means (e.g., the presentation unit 106 in FIG. 7) for presenting at least a part of the standardized data or processed data of the standardized data stored and managed in the predetermined database (e.g., the linked DB 181 in FIG. 7) to at least one of the buyer-side device (e.g., the buyer terminal 2 in FIG. 7) and the supplier-side device (e.g., the supplier terminal 3 in FIG. 7); Equipped with.

[0096] Until now, the data that was managed separately by Buyer B and Supplier C has been stored and managed in a designated database (such as a data mart DM for BI tools), and management can view the data using BI tools, allowing them to analyze the content of the data (distribution, etc.) in detail and use it as information for management decisions. Furthermore, by managing the data of Buyer B and Supplier C in a designated database, new value can be generated from the data in terms of being able to compare each other's data to check for omissions or discrepancies (accuracy), updating data in real time (freshness), and collecting data in the same format (granularity). For example, when purchasing indirect materials, it is possible to determine whether the quantity is too large, the specifications are too high, the unit price is too high, etc. That is, supplier data and buyer data can be effectively used.

[0097] The information processing device (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 7) The buyer side device (e.g., the buyer terminal 2 in FIG. 7) further includes a buyer API connection means (e.g., the API connection unit 211 in FIG. 7) for connecting to an API (e.g., the API 203 in FIG. 7) installed therein, The buyer-side data acquisition means (e.g., buyer-side data acquisition unit 102 in Figure 7) acquires the buyer-side data (e.g., anonymized accounting data, etc.) made public by the API (e.g., API 203 in Figure 7) from the buyer-side device (e.g., buyer terminal 2 in Figure 7). This allows the service provider's information processing device (e.g., server 1 in Figure 7) to obtain buyer-side data from the buyer-side device (e.g., buyer terminal 2 in Figure 7) and use it as the original data for a specified analysis (e.g., QCD analysis).

[0098] The information processing device is the buyer-side device (e.g., the buyer terminal 2 in FIG. 7), A buyer API connection means (e.g., the buyer-side API connection unit 211 in FIG. 7) that connects to an API (e.g., the API 203 in FIG. 7) installed in the buyer-side device (e.g., the buyer terminal 2 in FIG. 7), an output control means (e.g., the output control unit 212 in FIG. 7) that uses the API (e.g., the API 203 in FIG. 7) to control output of at least one of the buyer side data and the supplier side data to another external device (e.g., the server 1 in FIG. 7); Further provided are: This allows other external devices (such as server 1 in Figure 7) to obtain at least one of the buyer-side data and supplier-side data, which can be used as the source data for building a data mart for BI tools.

[0099] The information processing device (for example, the buyer terminal 2 or the server 1 in FIG. 7) The supplier side device (e.g., the supplier terminal 3 in FIG. 7) further includes a supplier API connection means (e.g., the API connection unit 211 in FIG. 7) that connects to APIs 301 and 302 installed therein, The supplier-side data acquisition means (e.g., supplier-side data acquisition unit 104 in Figure 7) uses the API to acquire the supplier-side data (e.g., product catalog, etc.) from the supplier-side device (e.g., supplier terminal 3 in Figure 7). This allows supplier data (product specifications) to be made available to buyers via API, and also makes it possible to link supply chain information (country of origin, raw materials, CO2 emissions, etc.).

[0100] The information processing device (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 7) The system further includes an analysis means (e.g., the analysis unit 107 in FIG. 7) that performs a predetermined analysis (e.g., an analysis of whether the items purchased from suppliers (e.g., the quantity, specifications, and price of indirect materials) are appropriate) on the standardized data stored and managed in the predetermined database (e.g., the linked DB 181 in FIG. 7), The presentation means (for example, the presentation unit 106 in FIG. 7) presents the result of the predetermined analysis as at least a part of the processed data. This allows designated users (such as management) to view data that can be used to determine whether the subject (quantity, specifications, amount, etc. of indirect materials) is appropriate.

[0101] In the information processing device (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 7 ), The analysis means (e.g., analysis unit 107 in Figure 7, etc.) performs the specified analysis (e.g., analysis of whether the quantity, specifications, and price of indirect materials purchased from suppliers are appropriate) on the standardized data stored and managed in the specified database (e.g., linked DB 181 in Figure 7, etc.) for each of the multiple suppliers and multiple buyers. This makes it possible to perform predetermined analyses when multiple buyers participate (for example, to analyze whether the quantity, specifications, and price of indirect materials purchased from multiple suppliers are appropriate among multiple buyers).In addition, smart contracts and smart payments will become possible by utilizing information technologies such as blockchain. As a result, the service provider can combine the purchasing information of other buyers that it has on its side to realize optimal joint purchasing within the system, thereby maximizing the utility of all parties involved in the joint purchasing.

[0102] The information processing device (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 7) a competitive quote acquisition unit (e.g., the competitive quote acquisition unit 108 in FIG. 7) that acquires quotes from two or more of the plurality of suppliers based on the results of the predetermined analysis (e.g., QCD analysis) by the analysis unit (e.g., the analysis unit 107 in FIG. 7); a negotiation means (e.g., the negotiation unit 109 in FIG. 7 ) that executes predetermined processing (e.g., a process for generating document data for negotiations and a process for creating a contact email for adjusting a negotiation schedule) for negotiating at least a part of the quality, delivery date, and price (QCD) of the target with the two or more suppliers that have issued the acquired quotations; Further provided are: For example, it will be possible to use AI or other technologies to analyze the optimal QCD, obtain competitive bids from two or more suppliers C, and negotiate the optimization of QCD in purchasing from the service provider's information processing device (e.g., server 1, etc.).

[0103] The information processing device (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 7) a specification acquisition means (e.g., the specification acquisition unit 110 in FIG. 7 ) for acquiring information on the specifications of the target (e.g., catalog data (specification data) of copy paper, etc.) provided by each of the plurality of suppliers based on the results of the predetermined analysis by the analysis means (e.g., the analysis unit 107 in FIG. 7 ); Further provided are: This allows us to collect the minimum amount of specification data (such as catalog information for copy paper) from suppliers that is necessary to understand purchasing specifications and obtain competitive bids. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Server, 2. Buyer terminal, 3, 3-1 to 3-n. Supplier terminal, 11. CPU, 12. ROM, 13. RAM, 14. Bus, 15. Input / output interface, 16. Input section, 17. Output section, 18. Storage section, 19. Communication section, 20. Drive, 30. Removable media, 101. API connection section, 102. Buyer-side data acquisition section, 1 03...API connection unit, 104...Supplier side data acquisition unit, 105...Centralized management unit, 106...Presentation unit, 107...Analysis unit, 108...Competitive quotation acquisition unit, 109...Negotiation unit, 110...Specification acquisition unit, 181...Linked DB, 221...Buyer DB, 321...Supplier DB, G...Service provider, B...Buyer, C, C1 to Cn...Supplier, N...Network

Claims

1. An information processing device that centrally manages information on indirect materials provided from suppliers to buyers, a buyer-side data acquisition means for acquiring data including buyer-side accounting data relating to the target from a buyer-side device as buyer-side data; a supplier-side data acquisition means for acquiring, from the supplier-side device, data including details of an invoice issued by the supplier as part of the work of providing the object to the buyer and specifications of the object, the data being input or registered by the supplier into a dedicated input form displayed on the supplier-side device separately and independently from the work; a unified management means for converting the buyer-side data and the supplier-side data into standardized data, linking the data, and storing and managing the data in a predetermined database; a presentation means for presenting at least a part of the standardized data or processed data of the standardized data stored and managed in the predetermined database to at least one of the buyer-side device and the supplier-side device; An information processing device comprising:

2. further comprising a buyer API connection means for connecting to an API installed in the buyer-side device; The buyer-side data acquisition means acquires the buyer-side data published by the API from the buyer-side device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. further comprising a supplier API connection means for connecting to an API installed in the supplier-side device; the supplier-side data acquisition means acquires the supplier-side data from the supplier-side device using the API; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. further comprising an analysis means for performing a predetermined analysis on the normalized data stored and managed in the predetermined database, The presentation means presents the result of the predetermined analysis as at least a part of the processed data. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the analysis means performs the predetermined analysis on the standardized data stored and managed in the predetermined database for each of the plurality of suppliers and the plurality of buyers; The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. competitive quotation obtaining means for obtaining quotations from two or more of the plurality of suppliers based on the results of the predetermined analysis by the analysis means; a negotiation means for executing a predetermined process for negotiating at least a part of the quality, delivery date, and price of the target with the two or more suppliers who have issued the acquired quotations; The information processing device according to claim 5 , further comprising:

7. a specification acquisition means for acquiring information on the specifications of the target provided by each of the plurality of suppliers based on the result of the predetermined analysis by the analysis means; The information processing device according to claim 5 , further comprising:

8. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that centrally manages information when indirect materials are provided from suppliers to buyers, comprising: a buyer-side data acquisition step of acquiring data including buyer-side accounting data related to the target from a buyer-side device as buyer-side data; a supplier-side data acquisition step of acquiring, from the supplier-side device, data including details of an invoice issued by the supplier as part of the work of providing the object to the buyer and specification data of the object, which data has been input or registered by the supplier into a dedicated input form displayed on the supplier-side device separately and independently from the work; a centralized management step of converting the buyer-side data and the supplier-side data into standardized data, linking the data, and storing and managing the data in a predetermined database; a presentation step of presenting at least a part of the standardized data or processed data of the standardized data stored and managed in the predetermined database to at least one of the buyer-side device and the supplier-side device; An information processing method including:

9. The computer that centrally manages information on indirect materials provided by suppliers to buyers a buyer-side data acquisition step of acquiring data including buyer-side accounting data related to the target from a buyer-side device as buyer-side data; a supplier-side data acquisition step of acquiring, from the supplier-side device, data including details of an invoice issued by the supplier as part of the work of providing the object to the buyer and specification data of the object, which data has been input or registered by the supplier into a dedicated input form displayed on the supplier-side device separately and independently from the work; a centralized management step of converting the buyer-side data and the supplier-side data into standardized data, linking the data, and storing and managing the data in a predetermined database; a presentation step of presenting at least a part of the standardized data or processed data of the standardized data stored and managed in the predetermined database to at least one of the buyer-side device and the supplier-side device; A program that executes control processing including:

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