Contract management program, contract management system and contract management method

Abstract

To provide a contract management program, a contract management system, and a contract management method which are more convenient.SOLUTION: A contract management program is provided, which makes a computer function as an alert generation part for issuing a first alert for seeking an answer about contract update on the basis of term information in a contract management database for storing contract identification information for identifying a contract, term information on a term about the contract update, and status information showing a status about the contract update in association with one another about each of one or more contracts, an answer reception part for receiving an answer in accordance with the first alert, and a status setting part for setting the status information in the contract management database in accordance with the answer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a contract management program, a contract management system, and a contract management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various contract management systems are known (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 6). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-38391 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-168115 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-71860 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-70766 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-117567 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-18460 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a more convenient contract management program, contract management system, and contract management method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, [1] Computer, an alert issuing unit that issues a first alert requesting a response regarding contract renewal based on deadline information in a contract management database that stores, in association with each other, contract identification information that identifies the contract, deadline information regarding the deadline for renewal of the contract, and status information that indicates the status of renewal of the contract for each of one or more contracts; a response receiving unit that receives a response in response to the first alert; A contract management program is provided that functions as a status setting unit that sets the status information in the contract management database in response to the response.

[0006] [2] In the contract management program described in [1] above, the one or more contracts include a first contract with automatic renewal; In the contract management database, first status information is associated with the first contract; The deadline information relates to a first offer deadline for not automatically renewing the first contract, The first alert requests an answer as to whether or not to automatically renew the first contract, (1) When the response receiving unit receives a response to the first alert indicating that the first contract will not be automatically renewed, the status setting unit sets the first status information indicating that the first contract is not to be automatically renewed, the alert issuing unit issues a second alert requesting a response that a request has been made to not automatically renew the first contract; (i) if the response receiving unit receives, by the first request deadline, a request that the first contract not be automatically renewed in response to the second alert, the status setting unit sets the first status information indicating that the first contract will not be renewed; (ii) if the response receiving unit does not receive a request not to automatically renew the first contract in response to the second alert by the first request deadline, the status setting unit sets the first status information to indicate that the first contract has been renewed; (2) When the response receiving unit receives a response indicating that the first contract will be automatically renewed in response to the first alert, it is desirable that the status setting unit sets the first status information indicating that the first contract will be automatically renewed.

[0007] [3] In the contract management program described in [2] above, When the response receiving unit receives a response in response to the first alert indicating that the first contract will be automatically renewed, it is desirable that the status setting unit sets the first status information indicating that the first contract will be automatically renewed as the first application deadline passes.

[0008] [4] In the contract management program according to any one of [1] to [3] above, said one or more contracts include a second contract that does not automatically renew; In the contract management database, second status information is associated with the second contract; The deadline information relates to a second deadline for concluding a new contract to renew the second contract, The first alert requests an answer as to whether or not to renew the second contract, (1) When the response receiving unit receives a response to renew the second contract in response to the first alert, the status setting unit sets the second status information indicating that the second contract is scheduled to be renewed; the alert issuing unit issues a third alert requesting a response that a new contract has been concluded to renew the second contract; (i) if the response receiving unit receives, by the second deadline, that a new contract has been concluded to renew the second contract in response to the third alert, the status setting unit sets the second status information indicating that the second contract has been renewed; (ii) if the response receiving unit does not accept that a new contract has been concluded to renew the second contract in response to the third alert by the second deadline, the status setting unit sets the second status information indicating that the second contract will be terminated without being renewed, (2) When the response receiving unit receives a response in response to the first alert indicating that the second contract will not be renewed, it is desirable that the status setting unit sets the second status information indicating that the second contract will be terminated without being renewed.

[0009] [5] In the contract management program according to any one of [1] to [4] above, causing the computer to function as an alert setting unit that sets alert information indicating what kind of alert will be issued before the deadline; It is preferable that the alert issuing unit issues the first alert based on set alert information.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, [6] an alert issuing unit that issues a first alert requesting a response regarding contract renewal based on deadline information in a contract management database that stores, in association with each other, contract identification information that identifies the contract, deadline information regarding the deadline for renewal of the contract, and status information that indicates the status of renewal of the contract for each of one or more contracts; a response receiving unit that receives a response in response to the first alert; A contract management system is provided that includes a status setting unit that sets the status information in the contract management database in response to the response. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a contract management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a contract management database. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a settings screen for configuring alert settings for a contract with automatic renewal. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a response form for an update confirmation alert. [Figure 3C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a response form to an application confirmation alert when automatic updating is not performed. [Figure 3D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a response form to an approval confirmation alert when an automatic update is performed. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of a contract management system for a contract with automatic renewal. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen issued in step S2. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen issued in step S2. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen displayed in step S6. [Figure 5D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen displayed in step S6. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the setting of status information. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the setting of status information. [Figure 6C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the setting of status information. [Figure 6D] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the setting of status information. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for making alert settings for a contract with no automatic renewal. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a response form for an update confirmation alert. [Figure 7C]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a response form to a new contract confirmation alert in the case of renewal. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of a contract management system for a contract with no automatic renewal. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen displayed in step S12. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen displayed in step S12. [Figure 9C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen displayed in step S16. [Figure 9D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen displayed in step S16. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the setting of status information. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the setting of status information. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the setting of status information. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the setting of status information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a contract management system according to one embodiment. The contract management system is made up of any computer, such as a server, personal computer, or smartphone, and is equipped with a known input interface 1 (keyboard, mouse, touchpad, etc.) and display 2, as well as a storage device 3 and a control unit 4. The control unit 4 also has an alert setting unit 5, an alert generation unit 6, a response reception unit 7, and a status setting unit 8.

[0014] The contract management system may be configured from a single user terminal. In this case, each unit of the control unit 4 may be realized by a processor of the user terminal executing a predetermined program.

[0015] The contract management system may also be composed of multiple devices, such as a server and a user terminal. Each unit of the control unit 4 may be provided by dedicated software (app) installed on the user terminal. In this case, some or all of the units of the control unit 4 are realized by the processor of the user terminal executing a predetermined program. Alternatively, at least some of the functions of the control unit 4 may be provided from a server via software installed on the user terminal (for example, a general-purpose web browser, email, chat, or other social networking service). In this case, the server and the user terminal may work together to realize the functions of each unit.

[0016] The contract management system may perform processing on the premise of user login (authentication). In this case, the operation of each unit may differ depending on the login ID. For example, the operation of each unit may differ depending on whether the login ID indicates that the user is a legal officer in charge of contract management or a person in charge of an individual contract. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the user may be either a legal officer or a person in charge of an individual contract.

[0017] A contract management database is stored in the storage device 3. The control unit 4 can access the contract management database. As shown in FIG. 2, the contract management database stores, for each of one or more contracts, contract identification information for identifying the contract, the type of contract, term information, and status information, which are associated with each other. The contract content itself may be stored in the storage device 3, or the contract content may be stored in a separate storage device linked to the contract identification information.

[0018] The contract type indicates, for example, whether the contract is an automatic renewal contract or a non-automatic renewal contract. An automatic renewal contract is a contract that is automatically renewed unless a request for non-renewal is made by the specified application deadline. A non-automatic renewal contract is a contract that is not automatically renewed unless a procedure for contract renewal (i.e., the conclusion of a new contract) is made by the contract expiration date.

[0019] The expiration information relates to the expiration date of the contract, and for example, the predetermined expiration date for an automatically renewed contract is set as the expiration information. Also, for a non-automatically renewed contract, the expiration date of the contract is set as the expiration information.

[0020] The status information indicates the status of the associated contract with respect to renewal and / or cancellation.

[0021] The contents of the contract management database may be displayed and viewable on the display 2 of the user terminal only when the user logs in with the ID of the legal representative. In other words, the contract management database may not be viewable when the user logs in with any other ID.

[0022] 1, the alert setting unit 5 sets alert information indicating, for each contract, what kind of alert will be issued before the deadline in the deadline information (for example, how many days before the deadline the alert will be issued). The kind of alert to be issued may be a fixed one set in advance, but it is preferable that the user can set it based on a user operation via the input interface 1.

[0023] The alert generating unit 6 refers to the contract management database based on the alert information and issues an alert requesting an answer regarding contract renewal. As an example, an alert screen showing the alert content and an answer screen for the user to answer are displayed on the display 2. One of the features of this embodiment is that it is not just an alert, but also requests an answer. The timing of issuing the alert is based on the deadline information in the contract management database and the alert information. For example, if the deadline indicated by the deadline information is December 31st and the alert information is set to issue an alert 14 days in advance, the alert generating unit 6 will issue the alert on December 17th.

[0024] The response receiving unit 7 receives a response in response to the alert from the user via the input interface 1.

[0025] The status setting unit 8 sets the status information in the contract management database in accordance with the received response.

[0026] [Automatic renewal contract] First, we will explain contracts with automatic renewal. For contracts with automatic renewal, when a predetermined time approaches the deadline for requesting not to automatically renew (request deadline), the alert generation unit 6 issues an alert to confirm whether or not to automatically renew (hereinafter referred to as a "renewal confirmation alert"). If a response is received indicating that automatic renewal will not occur, an additional alert is issued to confirm that the request to not automatically renew has been made (hereinafter referred to as a "request confirmation alert"). Furthermore, if a response is received indicating that automatic renewal will occur, an additional alert may be issued to confirm that approval for contract renewal has been granted (hereinafter referred to as an "approval confirmation alert"). This will be explained in detail below.

[0027] 3A is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting alerts for a contract with automatic renewal. The alert setting unit 5 displays a setting screen like that shown in FIG. 3A on the display 2. This setting screen is displayed, for example, in a web browser (the same applies to the following screen examples). Then, in response to a user's operation via the input interface 1, the alert setting unit 5 sets alert information indicating what kind of alert will be issued for each of the renewal confirmation alert and the application confirmation alert.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3A, the alert information may include an alert target contract. The type of contract selected as the alert target contract will be the target for issuing an alert, as described below. By setting an alert target contract, for example, a recruitment contract or the like does not incur any fees simply because it has been concluded, so some users may decide not to check it every time an automatic renewal occurs.

[0029] The alert information may include information about the timing of the alert. For example, it may be possible to set the time and number of days before the deadline for issuing the alert. Furthermore, it may be possible to set the frequency with which the alert will be issued if the user does not respond, and whether or not to issue a similar alert requesting a response if the user does not respond.

[0030] The alert information may include information about the alert target (who the alert will be issued to). As an example, the alert destination may be selected from one or more of the following: the responder, the person involved in the application, a specified department, a specified name (individual), and all people.

[0031] 3B is a diagram showing an example of a settings screen for setting a response form for a renewal confirmation alert. This response form asks for a response as to whether or not to automatically renew the contract, but the user may also set necessary supplementary explanations and other special notes, and such settings can be set from the screen in FIG. 3B.

[0032] 3C is a diagram showing an example of a settings screen for setting a response form to an application confirmation alert when automatic renewal is not performed. This response form requests the upload of evidence such as emails that support the application not to renew the contract, but the user may also be able to set additional special notes, etc., and such settings can be set from the screen in FIG. 3C.

[0033] 3D is a diagram showing an example of a settings screen for setting a response form for an approval confirmation alert when performing automatic renewal. This response form requests the upload of evidence that the contract renewal has been approved, but the user may also be able to enter additional settings such as special notes, and such settings can be set from the screen shown in FIG.

[0034] Note that some or all of the above-mentioned items may be preset fixed values. Also, the screens of Figures 3B to 3D may be displayed together on one screen.

[0035] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the contract management system for an automatic renewal contract. The following describes an example of an automatic renewal contract in which the contract identification information in the contract management database in FIG.

[0036] The alert generating unit 6 refers to the contract management database and checks whether it is time to issue a renewal confirmation alert based on the alert timing information in the alert information (step S1). Then, when the time indicated in the alert information approaches the application deadline, the alert generating unit 6 determines that it is time to issue a renewal confirmation alert (YES in step S1). Then, the alert generating unit 6 issues a renewal confirmation alert requesting an answer as to whether or not to automatically renew the contract (step S2).

[0037] Fig. 5A is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen issued in step S2. This alert screen is generated based on the settings in Fig. 3A, and as shown, an alert message (preferably including the application deadline) and a link (identification information such as a URL) for transitioning to an answer screen (answer form) are displayed on the display 2. When the user selects this link via the input interface 1, the answer screen shown in Fig. 5B is displayed on the display 2. On the answer screen, the user can alternatively select whether or not to automatically update via the input interface 1.

[0038] The screen shown in Fig. 5A is generated based on the settings in Fig. 3A and is notified by email or chat, for example. The screen shown in Fig. 5B is generated based on the settings in Fig. 3B and is displayed, for example, in a web browser. However, an alert message and a response screen may be included on a single screen (this also applies to other alert screens and response screens).

[0039] If the user selects not to automatically renew on the answer screen of Figure 5B, that is, if the answer receiving unit 7 receives an answer that the contract will not be automatically renewed (step S3 of Figure 4, not automatically renewed), the status setting unit 8 sets status information indicating that the contract will not be automatically renewed (step S4a, see Figure 6A).

[0040] Thereafter, the alert generating unit 6 refers to the contract management database and checks whether it is time to issue an application confirmation alert based on the alert timing information in the alert information (step S5). Then, when the time indicated in the alert information approaches the application deadline, the alert generating unit 6 determines that it is time to issue an application confirmation alert (YES in step S5). Then, the alert generating unit 6 issues an application confirmation alert requesting a response as to whether or not an application not to automatically renew has been made (step S6).

[0041] FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen issued in step S6. This alert screen is generated based on the settings in FIG. 3A, and as shown, an alert message (preferably including the request deadline) and a link for transitioning to an answer screen are displayed on the display 2. When the user selects this link via the input interface 1, the answer screen shown in FIG. 5D is displayed on the display 2. On the answer screen, the user can select that they have requested not to update automatically via the input interface 1. More specifically, the user attaches and uploads evidence showing that they have requested not to update automatically.

[0042] On the response screen of FIG. 5D, if the user selects to make a request not to automatically renew the contract by the request deadline, that is, if the response receiving unit 7 receives a response that a request has been made to not automatically renew the contract (step S7 of FIG. 4, Yes), the status setting unit 8 sets status information indicating that the contract will not be renewed (step S8a, see FIG. 6B).

[0043] On the response screen of Fig. 5D, if the user does not select that they have requested not to automatically renew the contract by the request deadline, that is, if the response receiving unit 7 does not receive a response that they have requested not to automatically renew the contract (step S7 of Fig. 4, None), the status setting unit 8 sets status information indicating that the contract has been renewed (step S8b of Fig. 4, see Fig. 6C). This is because the contract is automatically renewed without a request to not automatically renew the contract.

[0044] On the other hand, if the user selects automatic renewal on the response screen of Figure 5B (step S3 of Figure 4, automatic renewal), that is, if the response receiving unit 7 receives a response to automatically renew the contract, the status setting unit 8 sets status information indicating that the contract is scheduled to be automatically renewed (step S12, see Figure 6D).

[0045] Before setting the status information, an approval confirmation alert may be issued (step S10) when an approval confirmation alert occurs (YES in step S9), and the status information may be set (step S12) as the application deadline passes (YES in step S11).

[0046] As described above, in this embodiment, for a contract with automatic renewal, a renewal confirmation alert is issued to inquire whether to automatically renew, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to decide whether to automatically renew. Furthermore, if automatic renewal is not to be performed, a request confirmation alert is issued to inquire whether a request not to automatically renew has been made, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to request not to automatically renew. In addition, status information is set according to the response to the renewal confirmation alert and the request confirmation alert, allowing the user to properly understand the status of a contract with automatic renewal.

[0047] [No automatic renewal contract] Next, we will explain the case of no automatic renewal. For a contract without automatic renewal, when a predetermined time approaches the contract expiration date, the alert generation unit 6 issues an alert (hereinafter referred to as a "renewal confirmation alert") to confirm whether or not the contract will be renewed. If a reply is received indicating that the contract will be renewed, an additional alert (hereinafter referred to as a "new contract confirmation alert") is issued to confirm that a new contract for renewal has been concluded. This will be explained in detail below.

[0048] Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting an alert for a contract without automatic renewal. The alert setting unit 5 displays a setting screen like that shown in Fig. 7A on the display 2. Explanation of points common to Fig. 3A will be omitted, but similar settings are possible.

[0049] 7B is a diagram showing an example of a settings screen for setting a response form for a renewal confirmation alert. This response form asks for a response as to whether or not to renew the contract, but the user may also enter any necessary supplementary explanations or other special notes, and such settings can be set from the screen in FIG. 7B.

[0050] Fig. 7C is a diagram showing an example of a settings screen for setting a response form for a new contract confirmation alert in the case of renewal. This response form requests the procedure for renewing the contract (such as requesting a seal on the new contract), but the user may also be able to enter additional settings such as special notes, and such settings can be set from the screen in Fig. 7C. Note that the screens in Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C may be displayed together on a single screen.

[0051] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the contract management system for a contract without automatic renewal. The following describes an example of a contract without automatic renewal, whose contract identification information in the contract management database of FIG.

[0052] The alert generating unit 6 refers to the contract management database and checks whether it is time to issue a renewal confirmation alert based on the alert timing information in the alert information (step S11). Then, when the time indicated in the alert information approaches the contract expiration date, the alert generating unit 6 determines that it is time to issue a renewal confirmation alert (YES in step S11). Then, the alert generating unit 6 issues a renewal confirmation alert requesting an answer as to whether or not to renew the contract (step S12).

[0053] 9A is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen issued in step S12. As shown in the figure, an alert message (preferably including the contract expiration date) and a link for transitioning to an answer screen are displayed on the display 2. When the user selects this link via the input interface 1, the answer screen shown in FIG. 9B is displayed on the display 2. On the answer screen, the user can alternatively select whether or not to update via the input interface 1.

[0054] If the user selects to renew on the answer screen of Figure 9B, that is, if the answer receiving unit 7 receives an answer to the effect that the contract will be renewed (step S13 of Figure 8, "renew"), the status setting unit 8 sets status information indicating that the contract is scheduled to be renewed (step S14a, see Figure 10A).

[0055] Thereafter, the alert generating unit 6 refers to the contract management database and checks whether it is time to issue a new contract confirmation alert based on the alert timing information in the alert information (step S15). Then, when the time indicated in the alert information approaches the new contract expiration date, the alert generating unit 6 determines that it is time to issue a new contract confirmation alert (YES in step S15). Then, the alert generating unit 6 issues an alert to confirm whether a new contract has been concluded by, for example, requesting an answer as to whether a request for stamping of a new contract for renewal has been made (step S16).

[0056] 9C is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen issued in step S16. As shown in the figure, an alert message (preferably including the contract expiration date) and a link for transitioning to an answer screen are displayed on the display 2. When the user selects this link via the input interface 1, the answer screen shown in FIG. 9D is displayed on the display 2. On the answer screen, the user can answer whether or not to conclude a new contract by, for example, selecting via the input interface 1 that he or she has requested the signing of a new contract for renewal.

[0057] On the response screen of Figure 9D, if the user selects that they have completed the procedure for renewal (stamping a new contract) by the contract expiration date, that is, if the response receiving unit 7 receives a response that they have completed the procedure for signing a new contract to renew the contract (step S17 of Figure 8, yes), the status setting unit 8 sets status information indicating that the contract has been renewed (step S18a, see Figure 10B).

[0058] On the answer screen of Fig. 9D, if the user does not select that they have taken steps to renew the contract (concluding a new contract) by the contract expiration date, that is, if the answer receiving unit 7 does not receive an answer that they have taken steps to renew the contract, such as concluding a new contract (step S17 of Fig. 8, None), the status setting unit 8 sets status information indicating that the contract will end without being renewed (step S18b of Fig. 8, see Fig. 10C). This is because the steps to renew the contract are not taken, and the contract will not be renewed.

[0059] On the other hand, if the user selects not to renew the contract on the response screen of Figure 9B, that is, if the response receiving unit 7 receives a response that the contract will not be renewed (step S13 of Figure 8, do not renew), the status setting unit 8 sets status information indicating that the contract will be terminated without being concluded (step S14b, see Figure 10D).

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, for a contract without automatic renewal, a renewal confirmation alert is issued to inquire whether to renew, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to decide whether to renew. Furthermore, if renewal is required, a confirmation alert is issued to inquire whether the renewal procedure (conclusion of a new contract) has been carried out, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to carry out the renewal procedure (conclusion of a new contract). In addition, status information is set according to the response to the renewal confirmation alert and the new contract confirmation alert, allowing the user to properly understand the status of the contract without automatic renewal.

[0061] Any part or all of the functional units described in this specification may be realized by a program. The program mentioned in this specification may be distributed by being non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, or may be distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet, or may be distributed in a state where it is installed on any terminal.

[0062] Based on the above description, a person skilled in the art may be able to conceive additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the aspects of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention, which is derived from the content defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0063] For example, what is described herein as a single device (or component, the same applies hereinafter) (including what is depicted as a single device in the drawings) may be realized by multiple devices. Conversely, what is described herein as multiple devices (including what is depicted as multiple devices in the drawings) may be realized by a single device. Alternatively, some or all of the means and functions included in a certain device (e.g., a server) may be included in another device (e.g., a user terminal).

[0064] Furthermore, not all of the features described in this specification are essential requirements. In particular, features described in this specification but not included in the claims can be considered optional additional features.

[0065] It should be noted that the applicant is merely aware of the inventions disclosed in the documents listed in the "Prior Art Documents" section of this specification, and the present invention does not necessarily aim to solve the problems of the disclosed inventions. The problem that the present invention aims to solve should be determined by taking into consideration the entire specification. For example, if this specification states that a specific configuration achieves a certain effect, it can also be said that the present invention solves a problem that is the reverse of that effect. However, it is not necessarily intended that such a specific configuration be an essential requirement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 Input Interface 2. Display 3 Storage device 4. Control section 5. Alert Settings 6 Alert generation section 7. Response Reception Department 8 Status setting section

Claims

1. Computer, an alert generating unit that generates a first alert requesting an answer as to whether or not to automatically renew the contract based on deadline information in a contract management database that stores, in association with each other, contract identification information that identifies the contract, deadline information relating to a deadline for requesting not to automatically renew the contract, and status information that indicates the status of renewal of the contract, for each of one or more contracts with automatic renewal; a response receiving unit that receives a response in response to the first alert; a status setting unit that sets the status information in the contract management database in response to the response; (1) When the response receiving unit receives a response indicating that the contract will not be automatically renewed in response to the first alert, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will not be automatically renewed, the alert issuing unit issues a second alert to confirm that a request has been made not to automatically renew the contract; (2) A contract management program in which, when the response receiving unit receives a response indicating that the contract will be automatically renewed in response to the first alert, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will be automatically renewed.

2. The second alert requests a response from the customer stating that the contract will not be automatically renewed. (i) if the response receiving unit receives, by the request deadline, a request that the contract will not be automatically renewed in response to the second alert, the status setting unit sets the status information to indicate that the contract will not be renewed; (ii) A contract management program as described in claim 1, wherein if the response receiving unit does not accept a request not to automatically renew the contract in response to the second alert by the request deadline, the status setting unit sets the status information to indicate that the contract has been renewed.

3. A contract management program as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the response receiving unit receives a response in response to the first alert indicating that the contract will be automatically renewed, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will be automatically renewed as the application deadline passes.

4. Computer, an alert generating unit that generates a first alert requesting a response as to whether or not to renew the contract based on deadline information in a contract management database that stores, in association with each other, contract identification information that identifies the contract, deadline information relating to the deadline for concluding a new contract to renew the contract, and status information that indicates the status of the renewal of the contract, for each of one or more contracts that do not automatically renew; a response receiving unit that receives a response in response to the first alert; a status setting unit that sets the status information in the contract management database in response to the response; (1) When the response receiving unit receives a response indicating that the contract will be renewed in response to the first alert, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract is scheduled to be renewed, the alert issuing unit issues a third alert at a timing according to the expiration information to confirm that a new contract has been concluded in order to renew the contract; (2) A contract management program in which, when the response receiving unit receives a response in response to the first alert indicating that the contract will not be renewed, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will end without being renewed.

5. The third alert requests a response that a new contract has been concluded to renew the contract, (i) if the response receiving unit receives, by the conclusion deadline, that a new contract has been concluded to renew the contract in response to the third alert, the status setting unit sets the status information to indicate that the contract has been renewed; (ii) A contract management program as described in claim 4, wherein if the response receiving unit does not accept the conclusion of a new contract to renew the contract in response to the third alert by the conclusion deadline, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will end without being renewed.

6. causing the computer to function as an alert setting unit that sets alert information indicating what kind of alert will be issued before the deadline; The contract management program according to claim 1 , wherein the alert issuing unit issues the first alert based on set alert information.

7. an alert generating unit that generates a first alert requesting an answer as to whether or not to automatically renew the contract based on deadline information in a contract management database that stores, in association with each other, contract identification information that identifies the contract, deadline information relating to a deadline for requesting not to automatically renew the contract, and status information that indicates the status of renewal of the contract, for each of one or more contracts with automatic renewal; a response receiving unit that receives a response in response to the first alert; a status setting unit that sets the status information in the contract management database in response to the response, (1) When the response receiving unit receives a response indicating that the contract will not be automatically renewed in response to the first alert, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will not be automatically renewed, the alert issuing unit issues a second alert to confirm that a request has been made not to automatically renew the contract; (2) A contract management system in which, when the response receiving unit receives a response indicating that the contract will be automatically renewed in response to the first alert, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will be automatically renewed.

8. an alert generation unit issuing a first alert for requesting whether or not to automatically renew a contract based on deadline information in a contract management database that stores, in association with each other, contract identification information that identifies the contract, deadline information relating to the deadline for requesting not to automatically renew the contract, and status information that indicates the status of renewal of the contract, for each of one or more contracts with automatic renewal; a response receiving unit receiving a response in response to the first alert; a status setting unit setting the status information in the contract management database in response to the response, (1) When the response receiving unit receives a response indicating that the contract will not be automatically renewed in response to the first alert, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will not be automatically renewed, the alert issuing unit issues a second alert to confirm that a request has been made not to automatically renew the contract; (2) A contract management method, in which, when the response receiving unit receives a response indicating that the contract will be automatically renewed in response to the first alert, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will be automatically renewed.

9. an alert generating unit that generates a first alert requesting a response as to whether or not to renew the contract based on deadline information in a contract management database that stores, in association with each other, contract identification information that identifies the contract, deadline information relating to the deadline for concluding a new contract to renew the contract, and status information that indicates the status of the renewal of the contract, for each of one or more contracts that do not automatically renew; a response receiving unit that receives a response in response to the first alert; a status setting unit that sets the status information in the contract management database in response to the response, (1) When the response receiving unit receives a response indicating that the contract will be renewed in response to the first alert, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract is scheduled to be renewed, the alert issuing unit issues a third alert to confirm that a new contract has been concluded in order to renew the contract; (2) A contract management system in which, when the response receiving unit receives a response in response to the first alert indicating that the contract will not be renewed, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will end without being renewed.

10. an alert generation unit issuing a first alert for requesting an answer as to whether or not to renew the contract based on deadline information in a contract management database that stores, in association with each other, contract identification information that identifies the contract, deadline information relating to the deadline for concluding a new contract to renew the contract, and status information that indicates the status of the renewal of the contract, for each of one or more contracts that do not automatically renew; a response receiving unit receiving a response in response to the first alert; a status setting unit setting the status information in the contract management database in response to the response, (1) When the response receiving unit receives a response indicating that the contract will be renewed in response to the first alert, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract is scheduled to be renewed, the alert issuing unit issues a third alert to confirm that a new contract has been concluded in order to renew the contract; (2) A contract management program in which, when the response receiving unit receives a response in response to the first alert indicating that the contract will not be renewed, the status setting unit sets the status information indicating that the contract will end without being renewed.

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