Server device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve traceability regarding carbon footprints.SOLUTION: Provided is a server device comprising a storage device for storing, for each company, product information pertaining to products of each company included in a supply chain, and a control unit. The product information includes traceability-related information. The control unit executes: collecting performance data associated with the production performance of a first product at a prescribed timing; updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product by using the performance data; and updating the traceability-related information that corresponds to the first product by using alternative data stored in the storage device when the performance data cannot be collected at the prescribed timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to supply chains. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems for sharing information among a plurality of companies that make up a supply chain are known. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for sharing information among companies included in a supply chain. [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] The present disclosure aims to improve traceability regarding traceability-related information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is A server device having a storage device that stores product information for each company regarding products of each company included in a supply chain, and a control unit, wherein the product information includes traceability-related information, and the control unit executes the following operations: collecting performance data related to production performance of a first product at a predetermined timing; updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product using the performance data; and, if the performance data cannot be collected at the predetermined timing, updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product using alternative data stored in the storage device.

[0006] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is This is an information processing method executed by a server device having a control unit and a storage device that stores product information for each company regarding products of each company included in a supply chain, wherein the product information includes traceability-related information, and includes the steps of collecting performance data related to production performance of a first product at a predetermined timing, updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product using the performance data, and, if the performance data cannot be collected at the predetermined timing, updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product using alternative data stored in the storage device.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described method, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-transitoryly stores the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the traceability of traceability-related information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a supply chain according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram explaining the relationships between products supplied by 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. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of processing executed by the server device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for generating alternative data. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating fluctuations in CFP values. [Figure 12] A diagram explaining the product tree and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in each process. [Figure 13] An example of a screen that displays the product tree as an image. [Figure 14] An example of a product tree when products without access rights are not disclosed. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a server device. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a server device. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a server device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In recent years, there has been a demand for traceability, such as the desire to track the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during the manufacture of products such as automobiles and batteries, that is, the desire to track carbon footprints.

[0011] Now, consider a case where a product is supplied by a supply chain that includes multiple companies. In one example, at least some of the companies (intermediate suppliers) included in the supply chain may receive parts from one or more upstream companies, produce (including manufacturing) their own products using the received parts, and deliver the produced products to companies in the next process (downstream companies). The most upstream company may directly produce its own products and deliver the produced products to companies in the next process. Some companies in the supply chain may deliver products received from other companies directly to other companies (i.e., be involved in distribution). Multiple companies repeat this process, and the final product is obtained in the final process.

[0012] In the case of obtaining automobile products, the supply chain may consist of an OEM manufacturer and multiple suppliers. The OEM manufacturer may be the company that assembles the final product (the most downstream company), and the suppliers may be companies that supply parts, materials, assemblies, etc. to produce the product. The companies included in the supply chain may be determined depending on the product.

[0013] In the following explanation, the parts and other components produced by each of the multiple suppliers will be referred to as "products," and the final product will be referred to as "final product." In one example, the final product may be supplied to a consumer. Furthermore, the suppliers and OEM manufacturers included in the supply chain will be referred to simply as "companies." Furthermore, each of the multiple tiers in the supply chain will be referred to as a "tier."

[0014] In such a system, in order to perform calculations related to traceability (for example, to calculate the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the manufacture of a final product), it is necessary to collect information (product information) related to the multiple products that make up the final product. For example, by collecting product information including information (traceability-related information) such as the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the production of the target product from multiple companies in the supply chain, it becomes possible to perform calculations related to the traceability of the entire final product.

[0015] On the other hand, traceability-related information can fluctuate depending on the production status of a product. For example, traceability-related information includes the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the production of a product, but carbon dioxide emissions are not uniform throughout the year. Therefore, in order to keep traceability information up to date, it is necessary to collect data on product production results (hereinafter referred to as performance data; for example, data showing carbon dioxide emissions) from multiple companies and update the stored traceability-related information using this performance data.

[0016] However, if a company is unable to collect performance data for some reason, the data necessary for calculations related to traceability will be missing, which could lead to problems such as being unable to perform calculations for the entire final product. The server device according to the present disclosure solves this problem.

[0017] A server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a storage device that stores product information about products of each company included in a supply chain, and a control unit. Specifically, the product information includes traceability-related information, and the control unit is configured to collect performance data related to production performance of a first product at a predetermined timing, update the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product using the performance data, and, if the performance data cannot be collected at the predetermined timing, update the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product using alternative data stored in the storage device.

[0018] The product information is information about the products produced by each company in the supply chain. The product information includes information for performing calculations related to traceability (traceability-related information). The traceability-related information may include, for example, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount of energy consumed when producing the first product.

[0019] The control unit collects performance data related to the production performance of the first product at a predetermined timing and updates the traceability-related information included in the first product information corresponding to the first product using the collected performance data. The performance data may be collected directly from the production site (such as a factory) of the first product, for example.

[0020] Furthermore, when performance data cannot be collected at a specified timing, the server device according to the present disclosure uses alternative data stored in the storage device to update the traceability-related information included in the first product information. The alternative data is data that is used in place of the performance data. The alternative data may be generated in advance by the server device and stored in a storage device, or may be generated each time and stored in a storage device.

[0021] The alternative data may be generated based on performance data collected in the past. For example, the latest performance data may be predicted based on performance data collected in the past, and the result may be used as a substitute for the performance data. Alternatively, the alternative data may be generated based on predetermined information corresponding to the first product, which may be the initial value of the traceability-related information included in the product information.

[0022] The control unit may select the type of substitute data to use based on the characteristics of the performance data. In addition, the traceability-related information may include a CFP value, which is a value used to track carbon footprints, and the control unit may select the type of alternative data to use based on the range of fluctuation in the CFP value over a specified period in the past, which is included in the performance data. For example, if the fluctuation range of the CFP value during a first period in the past is equal to or greater than a predetermined value for past performance data, it is not desirable to generate substitute data using the past performance data. Therefore, in such a case, the second type of substitute data may be used.

[0023] With this configuration, even if the collection of performance data for some of the multiple products is delayed, the traceability-related information can be updated using alternative data, thereby improving the traceability of the traceability-related information.

[0024] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to those configurations.

[0025] (First embodiment) The information processing system according to this embodiment is a system that provides information about products supplied by a supply chain that includes multiple companies. The information about the products is typically information about traceability. The companies that belong to the supply chain may be determined appropriately depending on the attributes of the products, etc.

[0026] First, the structure of a supply chain will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a supply chain according to this embodiment. The supply chain shown in FIG. 1 is made up of an OEM company and multiple supplier companies. In the example of FIG. 1, for example, a supply chain is assumed that manufactures automobiles themselves, batteries, and other automobile-related products. The OEM company assembles the final product. Multiple supplier companies (Companies A to C) supply parts, materials, assemblies, etc. for manufacturing the final product. Each of the multiple supplier companies produces one or more products and delivers those products to a company one level below. The multiple companies repeat this process, and the final product is obtained in the final process (i.e., the OEM company).

[0027] In this embodiment, in each tier of the supply chain, the side that delivers products 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. Also, products produced by upstream companies are referred to as upstream products, and products produced by downstream companies are referred to as downstream products. Downstream products include upstream products. Also, in this embodiment, the tiers included in the supply chain are referred to as Tiers. Tier 0 is the company that assembles the final product (corresponding to the OEM company). ) is the lowest level, and as you progress through Tier 1, 2, and 3, you move up the hierarchy. In some cases, a downstream company may become an upstream company. For example, Company B, which is 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 can vary from tier to tier.

[0028] Figure 2 is a diagram that explains the relationships between products supplied by a supply chain. Here, the supply relationships between multiple products that make up final product X are represented by a tree diagram. In this example, final product X is produced by assembling products A1, B1, C1, D1, etc. Product A1 is produced by assembling products A11, A12, A13, etc. In this way, the relationships 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 relating to a particular final product will be referred to as a product tree.

[0029] The server device 1 according to this embodiment receives the data of each company from a terminal (company terminal 2) corresponding to each company. It collects information about the products it produces (hereinafter referred to as product information) and information for linking the relationships between the product information, and generates such a product tree based on this information. The product information also includes information about traceability (for example, information about the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during the production of the product; hereinafter referred to as traceability-related information), which can be used to perform traceability-related processing.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The company terminal 2 is a terminal corresponding to each of the multiple companies that make up the supply chain. The number of terminals corresponding to each company may be arbitrary. Furthermore, the terminal corresponding to the target company may include a terminal of a company (for example, an agent company) that performs operations related to the target company.

[0032] The server device 1 collects information for generating a product tree from each of the multiple company terminals 2, and generates a product tree based on the collected information. Furthermore, the server device 1 can execute processes related to traceability (typically, processes for calculating total carbon dioxide emissions, etc.) based on the generated product tree. The server device 1 can also transmit the results of the processes to the company terminals 2.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 1, the server device 1 is connected to factories where multiple companies produce products, and is able to collect data (performance data) relating to the production results of the products. The performance data can also be used to update the traceability-related information included in the product information. This allows the server device 1 to keep the stored traceability-related information up to date. Furthermore, it can repeatedly perform calculations relating to traceability based on the latest traceability-related information.

[0034] 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.

[0035] A company terminal 2 corresponding to each company transmits information (product information) about the products it 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.

[0036] In order to generate a product tree and perform processing related to traceability (for example, processing to calculate CO2 emissions) based on the generated product tree, the server device 1 needs to link the product information stored in the server device 1. Linking refers to associating the supply relationships between products. In the illustrated example, product A is produced using product B. In other words, there is a supply relationship between product A and product B, so product information A and product information B are the targets of linking. By repeating this process for all companies, the server device 1 can generate a product tree. Also, the server device 1 can perform calculations related to traceability.

[0037] Linking can be performed based on a request from a downstream company, referred to as a linking request. For example, the linking request may include an identifier of the downstream product to be linked. Upon receiving the linking request, the server device 1 may send a request to the upstream company to have the upstream company respond with products linked to the product related to the linking request. Based on this information, the server device 1 can link the product information (that is, product information A and product information B) together.

[0038] [Hardware configuration] Next, the hardware configuration of each device constituting the system will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic 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.

[0039] 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 match predetermined purposes, as described below, can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized as hardware modules using hardware circuits such as ASICs, FPGAs, etc.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The storage unit 12 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 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 11, data used by the programs, etc. A database is also built in the storage unit 12, and product information and account information relating to the company collected from the multiple company terminals 2 are stored in the database, as will be described in detail later.

[0042] 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, each company terminal 2) via the communication module 13.

[0043] The input / output device 14 is a means for receiving 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 integrally configured with, for example, a touch panel display.

[0044] The specific hardware configuration of the server device 1 can be such that components are omitted, replaced, or added 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 one illustrated may be used. An output device (for example, an optical drive) 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The input / output device 24 is a means for receiving 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 integrally configured with, for example, a touch panel display.

[0051] 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.

[0052] [Software configuration] Next, the software configuration of each device constituting the system will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the software configuration of the server device 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 is configured to have four software modules: an information collection unit 111, a linking unit 112, an update unit 113, and an information provision unit 114. Each software module may be realized by the control unit 11 (CPU) executing a program stored in the storage unit 12. Note that the information processing performed by the information collection unit 111, the linking unit 112, the update unit 113, and the information provision unit 114 below is synonymous with the information processing performed by the control unit 11.

[0053] The information collection unit 111 is configured to receive product information transmitted from the company terminal 2 and to execute a process of storing the product information in the storage unit 12.

[0054] The linking unit 112 is configured to interact with the company terminal 2 and thereby acquire information for linking product information together from the company terminal 2. Furthermore, the linking unit 112 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 information acquired from the company terminal 2.

[0055] The update unit 113 is configured to collect performance data related to the production performance of products from factories, etc. that produce products at each company, and to update the traceability-related information included in the stored product information based on the performance data. Furthermore, when the update unit 113 fails to collect performance data for a certain company, it generates data (alternative data) to substitute for the performance data, and updates the traceability-related information based on the alternative data. The detailed method will be described later.

[0056] 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 traceability 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.

[0057] The storage unit 12 stores product information and account information transmitted from the company terminal 2. 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.

[0058] 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 three software modules: a product information generation unit 211, a linking unit 212, and an information acquisition unit 213. 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 executed by the product information generation unit 211, the linking unit 212, and the information acquisition unit 213 below is synonymous with the information processing executed by the control unit 21.

[0059] The product information generation unit 211 is configured to generate information (product information) about the 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 target product (i.e., the company that uses the company terminal 2). The product ID and product name are the identifier and name of the target product.

[0060] 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 product. In this embodiment, the linking-related information includes an "upstream product information" field.

[0061] The upstream product information field identifies product information corresponding to the upstream product linked to the target product (i.e., a product that is necessary to produce the target product and is included in the target product). The upstream product information field is configured to store information for linking products. The upstream product information field is used when the server device 1 links products together. Basically, at the stage when product information is generated, the target product is not linked to an upstream product, so the upstream product information field does not need to store a value indicating the upstream product.

[0062] Furthermore, the product information is configured to include traceability-related information. In one example, the traceability-related information may include information regarding the amount of materials (e.g., upstream products) used per unit production volume of the product, information regarding the recycling rate of a specific raw material, greenhouse gas emissions emitted in producing the product, due diligence-related information, or a combination thereof. The specific raw material 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. In the following description, the traceability-related information includes values ​​for tracing carbon footprints, and these values ​​are referred to as CFP values. These values ​​correspond to the process for producing the target product. For example, in the example of Figure 3, the traceability-related information included in product information A stores the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the production activities of product A. The traceability-related information included in product information A does not include information about the process up to the production of the upstream product (for example, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted up to the production of upstream product B).

[0063] The traceability-related information may be selected appropriately depending on the embodiment. In one example, greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint) 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 raw materials (e.g., cobalt, natural graphite, lithium, nickel, etc.), the amount of raw materials contained in the product and technical documentation indicating whether 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The linking unit 212 is configured to transmit a linking request to the server device 1 to request that the company's product information transmitted to the server device 1 be linked with an upstream product. 3, the server device 1 executes linking between pieces of product information in response to the linking request. The linking unit 212 generates this linking request and transmits it to the server device 1.

[0066] The linking unit 212 may transmit a linking request including the company's company ID and product ID to the server device 1. The product ID is an identifier for the company's product to be linked. The linking request can also be said to be a request to have the server device 1 link product A, which is the company's product, with an upstream product (product B in this example) corresponding to product A.

[0067] The server device 1 that receives the linking request interacts with the company terminal 2 of the upstream company and links the product information together.

[0068] In the above, the operation of the linking unit 212 when the company using the company terminal 2 is a downstream company has been described. However, when the company using the company terminal 2 is an upstream company, In response to the transmitted linking request, the linking unit 212 may perform a process of providing information.

[0069] For example, the linking unit 212 may respond with the company's products that have a supply relationship with the specified product (the product specified by the downstream company and related to the linking request) based on a request from the server device 1 that has received the linking request. This allows the server device 1 to identify downstream and upstream products that are linked to each other. In this way, the linking unit 212 provides the server device 1 with data for linking the specified downstream and upstream products based on a request from the server device 1 that has received the linking request, and causes the server device 1 to link the product information together. This allows the server device 1 to determine the state of the product tree.

[0070] The information acquisition unit 213 is configured to request the server device 1 to provide a product tree (and accompanying information), and to output the information transmitted from the server device 1.

[0071] [Processing details] 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 processes performed by the server device 1 can be broadly divided into the following five types. (1) A process of receiving product information transmitted from each company terminal 2 of a plurality of companies included in the supply chain and storing the received product information. (2) Processing to receive the linking request sent from corporate terminal 2 of the downstream company (3) In response to the linking request, the system interacts with the upstream company's corporate terminal 2 and links the product information based on the results. (4) Processing to generate and provide information about the product tree based on the results of the linking (5) Processing to collect performance data and update stored product information

[0072] 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.

[0073] First, 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 product information is stored in the storage unit 12.

[0074] Next, the linking unit 112 of the server device 1 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 product.

[0075] Next, the linking unit 112 of the server device 1 links the product information together based on the received linking request. The linking unit 112 transmits the product ID of the target product included in the linking request to the company terminal 2 of the upstream company, and causes the company terminal 2 to respond with upstream products that have a supply relationship with the target product. The company terminal 2 (linking unit 212) of the upstream company prompts the operator to select the products to be linked. In this example, product A and product B are the targets of linking with 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 information acquisition unit 213 transmits to the linking unit 112 data (linking data) for linking the upstream product (product B) and the downstream product (product A) to each other.

[0076] As explained with reference to Fig. 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 112 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. Note that the linking-related information may also store a pointer to the product information to be linked, etc. Through the above-described processing, a part of a tree structure is formed in which the product information of downstream products is the parent node and the product information of upstream products is the child node.

[0077] Once the linking of product information is complete, the update unit 113 starts the process of collecting performance data related to the production performance of the products from factories and other facilities that produce the products at each company. The collection of performance data can be performed at a predetermined interval. Furthermore, the update unit 113 updates the traceability-related information included in the stored product information based on the collected performance data.

[0078] 8, the update unit 113 collects performance data, including CFP values ​​such as the amount of CO2 emitted when producing a product and the amount of power consumed, from multiple companies, and reflects the latest performance data in the traceability-related information included in the product information. The performance data is acquired from a server device (e.g., a server device that manages the production process at a factory where the product is produced) belonging to a company corresponding to each stored piece of product information. Note that the performance data collected at a predetermined timing may be overwritten on the product information, or may be stored in a separate area as history.

[0079] There may be cases where collection of performance data fails due to server downtime, communication line failure, etc. In such cases, the update unit 113 generates alternative data for the target product and updates the traceability-related information included in the product information using the generated alternative data. In this embodiment, the update unit 113 can generate alternative data using the following three methods. Figure 10 is a diagram explaining the method for generating alternative data. (Method 1) Generate alternative data using CFP values ​​included in performance data collected in the past. (Method 2) Generate substitute data using pre-set inventory data for the target product (Method 3) Generate alternative data using the initial CFP value included in the product information received from the target company.

[0080] Method 1 is a method for generating substitute data using a CFP value included in performance data collected in the past. For example, if multiple performance data collected in the past for the target product are stored in the storage unit 12, a process is performed to obtain the CFP value included in the past performance data and replace it with the performance data that failed to be collected. If the target CFP value has been collected multiple times in the past, the average value may be calculated, or a weighted average may be calculated by assigning a weight according to the elapsed time.

[0081] Method 2 is a method for generating substitute data using inventory data corresponding to the target product. For example, a default value of the CFP value is stored in advance in the storage unit 12 for each product, and the acquired default value is replaced with actual data. The default value of the CFP value may be defined for each product, or may be defined according to the product category, product features, product production scale, company category, etc.

[0082] Method 3 is a method of generating substitute data using the CFP value (initial value) included in the product information received from the company. As shown in Figure 8, the product information received from the company terminal 2 includes initial values ​​for traceability-related information. Therefore, substitute data can be generated using these values.

[0083] The update unit 113 can generate substitute data using any of the three methods described above. The method used to generate the alternative data may be determined based on the amount of past fluctuation in the CFP value contained in the performance data. For example, if the fluctuation range (fluctuation rate) of the CFP value during a past first period is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, using a CFP value collected in the past may result in a large discrepancy with the actual value. In such a case, it is preferable to use Methods 2 or 3 rather than Method 1. Note that Method 3 may be used preferentially, and Method 2 may be used if Method 3 is unavailable.

[0084] When using Method 1, it is necessary to determine a past period (hereinafter, the target acquisition period) from which to acquire a substitute CFP value. The target acquisition period may be a fixed period, or, if there is a certain pattern to the fluctuations in the CFP value, it may be determined based on that pattern. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, consider a case in which the CFP value (e.g., power consumption) fluctuates by time period within a day. In this case, it is not preferable to substitute data generated in the time period indicated by reference numeral 1101 for the time period indicated by reference numeral 1102. In this case, it is preferable to acquire a substitute CFP value from the same time period as the target time period. Note that, although time periods are exemplified in this example, if the CFP value fluctuates depending on the season, the target acquisition period may be set taking the season into consideration.

[0085] In the above example, the case where the fluctuation of the CFP value follows a certain pattern is illustrated, but if the fluctuation of the CFP value does not follow a certain pattern, a period in which the fluctuation of the CFP value is smaller may be found and that period may be set as the acquisition target period. For example, if performance data cannot be obtained at the timing of reference numeral 1103 in Figure 11, a period (e.g., reference numeral 1102) in which the fluctuation range (fluctuation rate) of the CFP value is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value may be found by going back from that timing, and that period may be set as the acquisition target period. In addition, the update unit 113 may determine which of methods 1 to 3 to use depending on the characteristics of the target product, the materials used in the target product, the production scale of the target product, the characteristics of the company that produces the target product, etc.

[0086] Returning to FIG. 9, the explanation will be continued. The information providing unit 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 a product tree refers to the process of generating various information about products (for example, 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. This process of generating information about a product tree is an example of information processing about a product tree. In order to generate information about a product tree, it is necessary that all linking between product information has been completed. When such conditions are met, the information providing unit 114 can appropriately generate the information.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Furthermore, when generating information about the product tree, the information providing unit 114 adds Integrates the defined CFP values ​​and outputs the results.

[0089] Here, the integration of traceability-related information (CFP value) will be explained using FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram explaining the multiple products that make up the final product X and the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted in each process of producing these multiple products. For example, in the process of producing product A12 in the figure, A12 [g] of carbon dioxide will be emitted. The product is assumed to be composed of three upstream products A121 to A123. In this way, upstream products included in a certain product are also called "included products." Here, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted up to the production of a certain target product can be obtained by repeatedly passing on the CO2 emissions associated with upstream products to downstream products while referencing product information between companies in each of the two adjacent layers, from the most upstream product, which is a leaf node, to the target product.

[0090] 12, if the target product is A12, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted up to the time product A12 is produced can be calculated by adding up the CO2 emissions corresponding to the included products (upstream products A121 to A123) and the CO2 emissions corresponding to product A12. That is, the integrated CO2 emissions for product A11 are as follows: I A12 =E A12 +E A121 ×U A121 +E A122 ×U A122 +E A123 ×U A123 [g] where E A121 ,E A122 ,E A123 are the CO2 emissions per unit amount when producing products A121, A122, and A123, respectively. A121 ,U A122 ,U A123 are the amounts of materials used in the production of product A12, respectively. These amounts are an example of the amount of material used per unit of product production, which is included in the traceability-related information. The CO2 emissions of the final product (the product of the most downstream company) can be obtained by sequentially performing the above calculations from the product of the most upstream company to the final product.

[0091] The integrated CFP value may be stored in the storage unit 12 separately from the product information, or may be included as part of the product information. That is, the product information corresponding to the product A12 includes the amount of E, which is the amount of emissions in the process alone. A12and the integrated emissions, I A12 It is also possible to hold both of these.

[0092] The integrated CFP value is used again when integrating downstream products. This process is performed at each level, starting from the most upstream level, and the CFP value (for example, the cumulative CO2 emissions) is passed on downstream. Finally, the CFP value is passed on to the final product, making it possible to obtain the CFP value (for example, the total CO2 emissions) corresponding to the entire period leading up to the production of the final product.

[0093] In this way, when generating information related to the product tree, the information providing unit 114 repeatedly executes a process of sequentially integrating the CFP values ​​included in each piece of product information from the most upstream to the most downstream. Note that in the above example, carbon dioxide emissions were used as an example of the information to be integrated, but the traceability-related information to be integrated may also be the recycling rate for a specified raw material, a due diligence score, etc. Note that if the traceability-related information is numerical, the integration may be performed by 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.

[0094] The information providing unit 114 may output the generated product tree in an image format. At the same time, traceability-related information corresponding to an arbitrary product may also be output. FIG. 13 is an example of a screen on which the product tree is output as an image. The illustrated screen includes an image showing the supply relationships of multiple products that make up the final product in the form of a tree diagram. In addition, by selecting an arbitrary product, traceability-related information corresponding to that product or the information on the date when that product was produced can be displayed. The integrated results of traceability-related information corresponding to the entire period from the time of purchase to the time of purchase (for example, the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions from the most upstream) can be viewed. 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.

[0095] Furthermore, the information providing unit 114 may provide the generated product tree to a company terminal 2 (information acquiring unit 213) 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 not disclose the range for which the company does not have access authority.

[0096] For example, a company in a supply chain may want to keep its product information secret from other companies. To make this possible, companies may grant access rights to product information to each other. For example, a rule may be set such as "only neighboring companies are granted access rights to their own product information," and the server device 1 may publish the product tree in accordance with this rule. The access authority for a specific product information may be set by the upstream company when the upstream company responds to the linking request sent from the downstream company. In this case, the server device 1 may determine which information to disclose to which company based on the information on the access authority sent from the upstream company.

[0097] For example, in the example of FIG. 12, assume that the information providing unit 114 receives a product tree disclosure request from a company terminal 2 corresponding to a company that produces product A12. Here, it is assumed that the company has been granted access authority only for products A121, A122, and A123. In other words, the company cannot access product information other than those three products and downstream product A1. In this case, the information providing unit 114 provides the company terminal 2 with a product tree in which information about products for which the company does not have access authority is not disclosed.

[0098] 14 shows an example of a product tree in which products for which the user does not have access rights are not disclosed. In this example, the product tree is displayed with detailed information (or even the existence itself) of the not-disclosed products concealed.

[0099] In addition, in cases where the existence of a product is publicly available, but access rights are not granted to only specific items in the corresponding product information, confidentiality processing is performed only for those specific items, as indicated by the dotted line in the figure. In the example shown, it is indicated that the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in producing product A121 is not disclosed.

[0100] On the other hand, even if there is a product (or item) in the tree for which you do not have access rights, the integration of traceability-related information described above is carried out without being affected by this. For example, in the illustrated example, the carbon dioxide emissions for product A121 are not disclosed, but this does not affect the process of calculating the total carbon dioxide emissions for product A12.

[0101] The information providing unit 114 may generate a product tree without anonymization and then perform anonymization for each company based on the access authority granted to each company, or may generate a product tree using the access authority of the relevant company. For example, when a product tree is requested by company A, the information providing unit 114 may extract information about one or more products that company A is permitted to access, and generate a product tree.

[0102] [Processing flow] Next, the flow of the process executed by the server device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. explain. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process for acquiring product information from a plurality of company terminals 2 and linking the product information together.

[0103] In one example, the interaction between the server device 1 and the company terminal 2 is initiated when an operator of each company logs in to the server device 1 using the account of the corresponding company via the company terminal 2. In this example, it is assumed that the operator of each company logs in to the server device 1 using the account of their company. Here, the company terminal 2 used by the downstream company is referred to as company terminal 2A, and the company terminal 2 used by the upstream company is referred to as company terminal 2B.

[0104] It is assumed that before starting the illustrated process, the product information generation unit 211 of each company terminal 2 acquires its own product information via an operator and transmits the acquired product information to the server device 1. The product information transmitted to the server device 1 is received by the information collection unit 111 and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0105] In step S11, the linking unit 212 of the company terminal 2A transmits data (linking request) to the server device 1 requesting that the server device 1 link the product information transmitted to the server device 1 with an upstream product. The linking request is received by the information collecting unit 111 of the server device 1.

[0106] In step S12, the linking unit 112 of the server device 1 links the product information together in response to the received linking request. In this embodiment, the server device 1 that receives the linking request transmits the linking request to the company terminal 2B that belongs to the adjacent tier based on the linking request. The linking request is a request to have the upstream company respond with the upstream product that corresponds to the downstream product. The linking request includes the product ID (i.e., the identifier of the downstream product) included in the linking request.

[0107] Upon receiving the linking request, the company terminal 2B (information acquisition unit 213) selects its own products that have a supply relationship with the specified product (the product specified by the downstream company). In this step, the operator of the upstream company may be asked to specify a combination of the downstream product and the upstream product linked to the downstream product. The information acquisition unit 213 transmits a pair of the identifier of the product (downstream product) that is the linking source and the identifier of the upstream product that is the linking destination to the server device 1. This allows the server device 1 to identify the downstream product and the upstream product that are linked to each other. At this time, the response from the upstream company may be presented to the downstream company, and the operator of the downstream company may confirm the linking details. Also, if there are multiple linking candidate products, the operator of the downstream company may be presented with options to select from. In this step, the upstream company may grant the downstream company access rights to its own product information.

[0108] In step S13, the linking unit 112 of the server device 1 updates the stored product information based on the linking request and the response thereto to reflect the linking details between the product information. Linking between the product information may be performed by storing information (identifier, pointer, etc.) about the upstream product in the linking-related information contained in the product information of the downstream product.

[0109] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process in which the server device 1 provides information about a product tree in response to a request from the company terminal 2.

[0110] First, in step S21, the server device 1 (information providing unit 114) receives a request for providing information about the product tree from the company terminal 2 (information acquiring unit 213). , the identifier of the target product is included. The target product may be a final product or other products (intermediate products).

[0111] Upon receiving the request, the server device 1 (information provider 114) generates information about the product tree by the process described above (step S22). At this time, the information provider 114 executes a process of integrating the traceability-related information defined in each piece of product information from the most upstream to the most downstream. The integration result is reflected in each piece of product information.

[0112] Next, in step S23, a process is performed to conceal information to which the access authority is not granted based on the access authority held by the target company. For example, if the existence of product information of other companies has not been made public for a certain company, a process is performed to conceal the existence of the product information. Furthermore, if only a specific item included in the product information has not been made public, a process is performed to conceal the content of that item. The information on the product tree that has been subjected to the confidentiality processing is provided to the company terminal 2 (information acquisition unit 213) and output (step S24).

[0113] 17 is a flowchart of a process in which the update unit 113 of the server device 1 collects performance data from the production sites of each company and updates the traceability-related information included in the product information. The illustrated process is periodically executed by the update unit 113 after all product information has been collected and the product tree has been completed.

[0114] The process in Figure 17 may be performed for all products included in the product tree, or for some of the products. For example, if you want to calculate the latest traceability-related information for a final product, you need to update the traceability-related information for all products included in that final product. On the other hand, if you want to calculate the latest traceability-related information for a product located in the middle of the product tree, you need to update the traceability-related information for products located upstream of that product. In this way, the products for which traceability-related information is to be updated are appropriately selected as needed.

[0115] First, in step S31, performance data is collected from a plurality of companies that manufacture the target product (for example, from a server device that manages the production site). In step S32, it is determined whether or not there are any products for which collection of performance data has failed. If there are any products for which collection of performance data has failed, the process proceeds to step S33. If there are no products for which collection of performance data has failed, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0116] In step S33, alternative data to replace the performance data for the target product is generated using one of the above-described methods 1 to 3. As described above, the alternative data can be generated using any of the CFP values ​​included in performance data for the target product collected in the past, the default CFP value corresponding to the target product, and the CFP value included in the product information for the target product.

[0117] Next, in step S34, the traceability-related information (CFP value) of the target product is updated using the performance data or alternative data. Note that in this step, a process of accumulating a history of past CFP values ​​may be simultaneously executed. Upon completion of this step, a process may be executed to integrate the traceability-related information defined in multiple pieces of product information from the most upstream to the most downstream of the product tree (the process of step S22 described above).

[0118] As described above, in this embodiment, information on a plurality of products included in a product tree is stored. A server device 1 communicates with devices related to the production of each product, collects and updates the latest traceability-related information (CFP value) related to the production of the target product, thereby making it possible to keep the traceability-related information corresponding to the product tree up to date.

[0119] When traceability-related information for all products included in a product tree is integrated and output, if the collection of performance data is delayed for some products, the integration of information may also be delayed. However, the server device 1 according to this embodiment updates the traceability-related information by generating alternative data when there is a product for which performance data cannot be collected. This makes it possible to update the traceability-related information for all products included in the product tree even if the collection of performance data is delayed for some products.

[0120] (Variation) The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the processes and means described in the present disclosure may be freely combined as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0121] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiment, the server device 1 stores the product information in a database, but the product information may be stored by means other than a database.

[0122] In the embodiment, the method for generating substitute data is determined based on the amount of past fluctuation in the CFP value indicated by the performance data, but the method for generating substitute data may be determined based on other factors. For example, the method to be adopted may be determined based on characteristics of the performance data other than the amount of fluctuation.

[0123] In the embodiment, the server device 1 links the product information together in response to a linking request sent from the downstream company's corporate terminal 2. However, the linking of the product information together does not necessarily have to be triggered by a linking request. For example, the linking of the product information together may be performed in advance based on a product list obtained from an external source.

[0124] In addition, in the embodiment, the linking request includes the identifier of the downstream product to be linked, but the linking request may include the identifiers of both the downstream product and the upstream product to be linked. If the product to be linked can be identified by the downstream company (by product number, etc.), the downstream company can also specify the upstream product. The server device 1 may interact with the upstream company in advance, acquire information specifying the upstream products that the downstream company is permitted to disclose, and provide the downstream company with a list of the upstream products that are permitted to be disclosed. The downstream company may refer to the list to generate combinations of downstream products and corresponding upstream products.

[0125] In the description of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the linking-related information is included in the product information. However, the linking-related information, i.e., information that indicates the linking relationships between products, may be stored separately from the product information. For example, data that does not include specific product information and only defines the linking relationships may be stored separately from the product information. This data may also be accessible to all companies. In other words, only the structure of the product tree may be made public, and the specific data included in the product tree may be obtained according to the access rights granted to each company.

[0126] In addition, in the description of the embodiment, the server device 1 completes the product tree, but the role of the server device 1 may be distributed among multiple company terminals 2. For example, product information may be stored in a distributed database using a blockchain platform. In this case, a product information database may be configured using multiple company terminals 2. In this case, the processing of each of the above-mentioned phases may be executed using a smart contract. For example, the execution of the linking process may be triggered when a company account writes a linking request to the database.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the multiple companies included in the supply chain are described as companies that produce products. However, the companies included in the supply chain do not necessarily have to be companies that produce products. For example, companies that transport, import, store, wholesale, etc. of products may also be included in the companies that make up the supply chain. In one example, some of the multiple companies may be companies that do not perform manufacturing processes, such as trading companies, sales agents, or import agents, and may receive products from companies located one level higher (upstream companies) and deliver them to companies located one level lower (downstream companies).

[0128] In the above embodiment, the supply chain for automobile-related products is assumed, and the OEM manufacturer is described as the most downstream company, and companies that supply parts, materials, assemblies, etc. are described as suppliers. However, the companies that belong to the supply chain are not necessarily limited to this. Companies at each stage may be determined appropriately depending on the product, etc. Furthermore, the manufacturing activities performed by each company until the final product is obtained may be determined appropriately depending on the embodiment, and may include, for example, all activities that may be performed until the final product is obtained, such as excavation, processing, assembly, transportation, and storage.

[0129] 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.

[0130] The present disclosure can also be realized by providing a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Server device 2. Corporate terminals 11,21 Control unit 12,22...Storage section 13,23···Communication module 14,24... Input / output device

Claims

1. A server device having a storage device that stores product information on products of each company included in a supply chain for each company, and a control unit, The product information includes traceability-related information, The control unit collecting performance data relating to production performance of the first product at a predetermined timing; updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product using the performance data; When the performance data cannot be collected at the predetermined timing, updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product using the alternative data stored in the storage device; and Run the storage device stores a plurality of types of the replacement data for the first product; The alternative data includes either (1) a first type of alternative data generated based on the performance data collected in the past, or (2) a second type of alternative data generated based on predetermined information corresponding to the first product, The traceability-related information includes a CFP value, which is a value used to track carbon footprints; The control unit periodically collecting the performance data and updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product; determining whether a fluctuation range of the CFP value in the past first period is equal to or greater than a predetermined value for the performance data; selecting to use the first type of alternative data when it is determined that the fluctuation range of the CFP value in the past first period is less than the predetermined value; selecting to use the second type of alternative data when it is determined that the fluctuation range of the CFP value in the past first period is equal to or greater than the predetermined value; Server device.

2. the control unit receives and stores the product information from a company that produces the first product; The predetermined information is the traceability-related information included in the received product information. The initial value of The server device according to claim 1 .

3. The first type of alternative data is first alternative data generated using a CFP value included in the performance data collected in the past, The second type of substitute data includes either second substitute data generated using inventory data preset for the first product, or third substitute data generated using an initial CFP value included in the product information received from a company that produces the first product, The control unit selecting to use the first alternative data when it is determined that the fluctuation range of the CFP value in the past first period for the performance data is less than the predetermined value; selecting, when it is determined that the fluctuation range of the CFP value in the past first period for the performance data is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, to preferentially use the third alternative data among the second type of alternative data, and selecting to use the second alternative data when the third alternative data cannot be used; 3. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the traceability-related information includes a value related to greenhouse gas emissions when producing the first product; The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The traceability-related information includes a value related to energy consumption in producing the first product. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The traceability-related information includes a value representing a recycling rate for a predetermined raw material. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The traceability-related information includes a value representing a due diligence score. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A method executed by a server device having a storage device that stores product information on products of each company included in a supply chain for each company, and a control unit, the method comprising: The product information includes traceability-related information, The control unit collecting performance data relating to production performance of the first product at a predetermined timing; updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product using the performance data; updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product using alternative data stored in the storage device when the performance data cannot be collected at the predetermined timing; Including, the storage device stores a plurality of types of the replacement data for the first product; The alternative data includes either (1) a first type of alternative data generated based on the performance data collected in the past, or (2) a second type of alternative data generated based on predetermined information corresponding to the first product, The traceability-related information is a value used to track carbon footprints. and a CFP value of The control unit periodically collecting the performance data and updating the traceability-related information corresponding to the first product; determining whether a fluctuation range of the CFP value in the past first period is equal to or greater than a predetermined value for the performance data; selecting to use the first type of alternative data when it is determined that the fluctuation range of the CFP value in the past first period is less than the predetermined value; selecting to use the second type of alternative data when it is determined that the fluctuation range of the CFP value in the past first period is equal to or greater than the predetermined value; Information processing methods.

9. the control unit receives and stores the product information from a company that produces the first product; The predetermined information is an initial value of the traceability-related information included in the received product information. The information processing method according to claim 8.

10. The first type of alternative data is first alternative data generated using a CFP value included in the performance data collected in the past, The second type of substitute data includes either second substitute data generated using inventory data preset for the first product, or third substitute data generated using an initial CFP value included in the product information received from a company that produces the first product, The control unit selecting to use the first alternative data when it is determined that the fluctuation range of the CFP value in the past first period for the performance data is less than the predetermined value; selecting, when it is determined that the fluctuation range of the CFP value in the past first period for the performance data is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, to preferentially use the third alternative data among the second type of alternative data, and selecting to use the second alternative data when the third alternative data cannot be used; 10. The information processing method according to claim 8 or 9.

11. the traceability-related information includes a value related to greenhouse gas emissions when producing the first product; The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

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