Information management system and information management method

Abstract

To provide an information management system that can support business of a building company such as a construction company.SOLUTION: An information management system 10 includes: an acquisition unit 24 that acquires first information regarding a client of a facility and second information including at least one of facility information regarding the facility and construction information regarding construction of at least a part of the facility; and an output unit 25 that outputs information that satisfies a predetermined condition among the first information and the second information acquired.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an information management system and an information management method.

Background Art

[0002] A construction management system for managing the construction of buildings such as single-family houses, apartment buildings, and buildings is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a comprehensive construction management system for buildings including a client, a supervisor, and a construction contractor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the information management method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] An information management system, etc., according to one aspect of the present invention can support the operations of construction companies such as building contractors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a list screen for construction information. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation when information related to renovations, etc., is stored. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of display operation. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a list screen for facility information. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a list screen for client information. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the relationship between account type and viewing permissions. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a thread list screen. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the relationship between account type and the threads displayed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0011] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the information management system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information management system according to the embodiment.

[0013] The information management system 10 shown in Figure 1 is a system designed to support the daily work management of employees or managers (hereinafter also simply referred to as "employees, etc." of construction companies) of relatively small construction companies such as general contractors. Specifically, the information management system 10 manages information related to construction work requested by clients from construction companies and provides it to the employees, etc. (employees or managers) of construction companies and to clients who request the construction of facilities (such as houses) from construction companies. Specifically, the information management system 10 comprises a server device 20 and an information terminal 30.

[0014] The server device 20 manages information related to the construction work of the construction company and provides this information to information terminals 30 used by the construction company's employees and others. The server device 20 also provides this information to information terminals 30 used by clients who commission the construction company to build a facility. The server device 20 comprises a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0015] The communication unit 21 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the server device 20 to communicate with the information terminal 30 via a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit 21 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 21 is not particularly limited.

[0016] The information processing unit 22 manages information related to the construction business of the construction company and provides the information to the information terminal 30 used by the employees of the construction company, etc. in response to the requests of the employees of the construction company, etc. Further, the information processing unit 22 provides the information related to the above construction business to the information terminal 30 used by the client in response to the request of the client. The information processing unit 22 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 22 includes an acquisition unit 24 and an output unit 25 as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 24 and the output unit 25 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor that constitutes the information processing unit 22 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 23. The specific functions of the acquisition unit 24 and the output unit 25 will be described later.

[0017] The storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 22. The storage unit 23 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0018] The information terminal 30 is an information terminal used by employees of a construction company, etc., the client, or employees of related businesses (described later) to receive information related to construction work from the server device 20. The information terminal 30 is, for example, a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer, but may also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The information terminal 30 includes an input reception unit 31, a display unit 32, an information processing unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a communication unit 35. In the following embodiments, the information terminal 30 will be described as being used by employees of a construction company, etc. In the following embodiments, the information terminal 30 may be read as an information terminal used by employees of the client or related businesses (described later) as necessary.

[0019] The input reception unit 31 receives the input of employees of a construction company, etc. The input reception unit 31 is, for example, an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and receives operations (such as click operations) of employees of a construction company, etc. as inputs. Also, the input reception unit 31 may be other input devices such as a touch panel, and in this case, tap operations of employees of a construction company, etc. are received as inputs.

[0020] The display unit 32 displays an image related to information about construction work. That is, the display unit 32 visualizes information about construction work. The display unit 32 is realized by, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0021] The information processing unit 33 performs information processing related to the registration and management of information about construction work, as well as information processing related to the display of the above image, etc. The information processing unit 33 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 33 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor, etc. that constitutes the information processing unit 33 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 34.

[0022] The memory unit 34 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 33. The memory unit 34 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0023] The communication unit 35 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the information terminal 30 to communicate with the server device 20 via a wide-area communication network. The communication unit 35 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication, but it may also be a wired communication circuit for wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used by the communication unit 35.

[0024] [Information managed by an information management system] The information management system 10 can display a screen containing information requested by employees of the construction company on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30. Figure 2 shows an example of the display screen of the information management system 10. The display screen shown in Figure 2 is displayed when employees of the construction company access the server device 20 using the information terminal 30. Access to the server device 20 using the information terminal 30 may be achieved by the information processing unit 33 executing a dedicated application program, or by executing a browser.

[0025] As shown in the menu area 40 on the left side of the display screen in Figure 2, the information management system 10 manages information about newly constructed facilities (corresponding to "New Construction" in Figure 2) and customer information about already constructed facilities (corresponding to "Customer Information Management" in Figure 2) separately. Customer information for already constructed facilities is information that is managed over a long period of time and includes information about after-sales service or renovations. Hereinafter, information about newly constructed facilities will also be referred to as management information related to new construction, and customer information for already constructed facilities (information about after-sales service or renovations) will also be referred to as information about renovations, etc.

[0026] Information regarding renovations, etc., includes client information about the facility owner, facility information about the facility, and construction information about at least a part of the construction work on the facility. This information is entered into the information terminal 30 by, for example, an employee of the construction company, and stored (registered) in the storage unit 23 of the server device 20. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation when information regarding renovations, etc., is stored.

[0027] Employees of the construction company input information related to renovations, etc. (client information, facility information, and construction information), and the input reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts such input (S11). For example, when inputting new construction information, employees of the construction company select the new addition icon 41a in the upper right of Figure 2.

[0028] When information processing unit 33 receives information regarding renovations, etc., it transmits the information regarding renovations, etc. to the server device 20 (S12). More specifically, the information regarding renovations, etc. is transmitted to the server device 20 by the communication unit 35.

[0029] The communication unit 21 of the server device 20 receives information related to renovations, etc. The acquisition unit 24 acquires the information related to renovations, etc. (S13) and stores the acquired information related to renovations, etc. in the storage unit 23 (S14).

[0030] As mentioned above, information regarding renovations and other projects includes client information, facility information, and construction information. Each of these includes the client's name and the facility's name, respectively. In other words, the client's name and the facility's name are common information to all three. This common information allows the client information, facility information, and construction information to be managed in a mutually correlated manner.

[0031] As described below, client information, facility information, and construction information can each be displayed in a list according to the filtering conditions. Because these three types of information are associated with each other, for example, it is possible to filter each of the client information, facility information, and construction information depending on whether the information contained in any one of them satisfies the filtering conditions.

[0032] As explained above, the acquisition unit 24 acquires client information (an example of first information) regarding the client of the facility, facility information regarding the facility, and construction information regarding at least a part of the construction work on the facility. Note that the acquisition unit 24 only needs to acquire information that includes at least one of the facility information and construction information (an example of second information), and it is not necessary to acquire both the facility information and construction information.

[0033] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3, information regarding renovations was newly entered by an employee of the construction company, but management information related to new construction may also be used as information regarding renovations. In other words, the acquisition unit 24 may acquire the first information and the second information based on the management information when the facility was newly constructed.

[0034] For example, when a client who has commissioned a construction company to build a facility subsequently requests renovations or other work from the same company, a function that allows management information related to the new construction to also be used as information related to the renovations (hereinafter referred to as "importing management information, etc.") becomes useful.

[0035] The import of management information is performed, for example, by selecting a dedicated icon on the display screen that appears when the "New Construction" icon in menu area 40 is selected. Note that the import of management information may be performed using any operation or procedure.

[0036] [Example of display screen operation] The information management system 10 can display a screen on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 in response to requests from employees of the construction company, etc. The display screen includes a list screen of client information, a list screen of facility information, and a list screen of construction information, and these three list screens are displayed selectively. The display operation of the information management system 10 will be described below. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the display operation.

[0037] Employees of the construction company using the information terminal 30 select "Customer Information Management" in the menu area 40 on the left side of the display screen (see Figure 2), and then input one of the following: "Customer List," "Project List," or "Construction Project List." The input reception unit 31 receives such input (S21). The information processing unit 33 sends request information to the server device 20 according to the received input (S22). The request information is information to request the server device 20 to provide display screen information (information necessary to display the display screen) according to the input. More specifically, the request information is sent to the server device 20 by the communication unit 35. The request information includes information indicating the content of the received input (what kind of input was made).

[0038] The communication unit 21 of the server device 20 receives request information. The output unit 25 generates display screen information for displaying the display screen based on the information contained in the received display request (S23). The output unit 25 also outputs the generated display screen information to the information terminal 30 (S24). More specifically, the display screen information is transmitted to the information terminal 30 by the communication unit 21.

[0039] The communication unit 35 of the information terminal 30 receives display screen information. The information processing unit 33 displays the display screen on the display unit 32 based on the received display screen information (S25).

[0040] In this way, the information management system 10 can display a screen containing information that responds to requests from employees of the construction company, etc., on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30.

[0041] In the following embodiments, changes to the display screen shown on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 (such as changing the number of items displayed in the list) are basically made by providing display screen information from the server device 20 to the information terminal 30 based on input from the input receiving unit 31 of the construction company's employees, etc. However, a detailed explanation of such specific processing will be omitted.

[0042] [List of construction information screen] If an employee of the construction company selects "List of Construction Projects" in step S21, the list of construction information screen shown in Figure 2 will be displayed in step S25. The list of construction information screen will be explained below with reference to Figure 2.

[0043] In the list screen shown in Figure 2, each row corresponds to one piece of project information. Specifically, project information includes information such as the client name (name of the owner), property name (name of the facility), project name, person in charge, work area, project start date, project end date, status, proposal date, expected order date, contract date, invoice date, expected payment date, payment date, handover date, project start date, and project end date. In addition, project information may also include information from when the facility was newly built (such as the construction date). The information to be included in the project information (what information the construction company's employees want to manage as project information) can be customized by the construction company's employees.

[0044] On the list screen for construction information, the display item setting icon 42a is displayed. As shown in Figure 2, when the display item setting icon 42a is selected by an employee of the construction company, a list of display items with checkboxes is displayed. Employees of the construction company can turn display items on and off by checking or unchecking the checkboxes. In other words, employees of the construction company can set the display items for each of multiple construction information items.

[0045] Additionally, the refine search icon 43a is displayed on the construction information list screen. When the refine search icon 43a is selected by an employee of the construction company, the screen for setting the refinement conditions is displayed. Once the refinement conditions are set and the refinement is executed, only the construction information that meets the set refinement conditions will be displayed on the construction information list screen. In other words, the number of rows on the list screen will change.

[0046] While the list of construction information displays only construction information, filtering criteria may be set on the construction information itself, or on the facility information or client information associated with the construction information. In other words, filtering criteria set on the facility information or client information may filter construction information for which no filtering criteria have been set.

[0047] Here, we will explain specific examples of filtering conditions that can be set from the settings screen. For example, if the construction information, or the facility information associated with the construction information, includes information indicating a period related to at least one of the facility and the construction, then filtering conditions for that period can be set as follows.

[0048] (1) Facilities that have not undergone construction for more than XX years (2) Facilities that are more than XX years old (3) Facilities that have been in operation for more than XX years since the introduction of equipment (4) Facilities whose after-sales service warranty has expired (or is about to expire) (5) Facilities for which periodic inspections are scheduled within a specified period (or for which periodic inspections have not been carried out by the due date)

[0049] In other words, when filtering conditions like (1) to (5) are set, it means that the filtering conditions include conditions on information (secondary information) that includes at least one of the construction information and facility information.

[0050] In this way, the output unit 25 can help construction company employees and others identify facilities that have reached the stage where construction work is needed by outputting construction information (second information) that satisfies the filtering conditions related to the period (conditions for the second information). Furthermore, if we consider the customer names and other information included in the construction information as client information, it can also be said that the output unit 25 outputs construction information and client information (second information and first information related to the second information) that satisfies the filtering conditions.

[0051] Furthermore, if the construction information, the facility information associated with the construction information, or the client information associated with the construction information includes information about the location of the facility, then filtering conditions for that location can be set as follows.

[0052] (6) Facilities located within ○ km of a specific point

[0053] Furthermore, the case in which filtering conditions such as (6) are set can be rephrased as the filtering conditions include conditions on information (second information) that includes at least one of the construction information and facility information, or it can be rephrased as the case in which the filtering conditions include conditions on client information (first information).

[0054] In this way, the output unit 25 outputs construction information (second information) based on narrowing conditions related to the location of the facility (conditions for the first information or the second information), thereby supporting employees of construction companies to efficiently visit facilities for purposes such as proposing facility renovations. Furthermore, if we consider customer names and other information included in the construction information as client information, it can be said that the output unit 25 also outputs construction information and client information (second information and first information related to the second information) that satisfy the narrowing conditions.

[0055] By the way, employees of construction companies can also name and save the filtering conditions on the filtering conditions setting screen mentioned above, and then recall and use them. Saved filtering conditions can be recalled and used from the recall field 44a (the field labeled "Filter from saved conditions") to the right of the filtering search icon 43a. It is also possible to edit the saved filtering conditions.

[0056] Furthermore, when saving filtering conditions, employees of the construction company can specify whether to save the filtering conditions as personal conditions or as conditions shared with other employees of the construction company. In addition, when saving filtering conditions, employees of the construction company can specify whether to display the filtering conditions not only in the call field 44a but also on the dashboard screen. The dashboard screen is the display screen that appears when "Dashboard" is selected in the menu area 40, and it is a screen customized for the individual user.

[0057] [List of facility information screen] If an employee of the construction company selects "List of properties" in step S21, then in step S25, the list of facility information screen will be displayed. Figure 5 shows an example of the list of facility information screen. The list of facility information screen will be explained below with reference to Figure 5.

[0058] In the list screen shown in Figure 5, each row corresponds to one piece of facility information. Specifically, facility information includes information such as the customer name (owner's name), property name (facility name), address (facility location), year of construction, building type, structure, systems used, and warranty details. Facility information may also include information from when the facility was newly built. The information to be included in the facility information (what information the construction company's employees want to manage as facility information) can be customized by the construction company's employees. When entering new facility information, the construction company's employees select the new entry icon 41b.

[0059] On the facility information list screen, the display item setting icon 42b is displayed. When the display item setting icon 42b is selected by an employee of the construction company, a list of display items with checkboxes is displayed. The employee of the construction company can turn display items on and off by checking or unchecking the checkboxes. In other words, the employee of the construction company can set the display items for each of the multiple facility information items.

[0060] Additionally, the facility information list screen displays the refined search icon 43b. When the refined search icon 43b is selected by an employee of the construction company, the screen for setting the refinement conditions is displayed. Once the refinement conditions are set and the refinement is executed, only facility information that meets the set refinement conditions will be displayed on the facility information list screen. In other words, the number of rows on the list screen will change.

[0061] While the facility information list screen displays facility information, filtering criteria may be set in the facility information itself, or in the construction information or client information associated with the facility information. In other words, filtering criteria set in the construction information or client information may filter facility information for which no filtering criteria have been set.

[0062] Here, specific examples of filtering conditions that can be set from the settings screen are as described above. For example, if the facility information, or the construction information associated with the facility information, includes information indicating the period related to at least one of the facility and the construction, then filtering conditions such as (1) to (5) above can be set.

[0063] In this way, the output unit 25 outputs facility information (second information) that satisfies the filtering conditions related to the period (conditions for the second information), thereby supporting the construction company's employees in identifying facilities that have reached the time when construction work is required. Furthermore, if we consider customer names and other information included in the facility information as client information, it can be said that the output unit 25 also outputs facility information and client information (second information and first information related to the second information) that satisfies the filtering conditions.

[0064] Furthermore, if the facility information, the construction information associated with the facility information, or the client information associated with the facility information includes information about the location of the facility, then the filtering conditions described in (6) above can be set.

[0065] In this way, the output unit 25 outputs facility information (second information) that satisfies the narrowing conditions (conditions for the first information or the second information) regarding the location of the facility, thereby supporting the efficient visit of construction company employees, etc., for purposes such as proposing facility renovations. Furthermore, if we consider customer names and other information included in the facility information as client information, it can also be said that the output unit 25 outputs construction information and client information (second information and first information related to the second information) that satisfies the narrowing conditions.

[0066] By the way, employees of construction companies can also name and save the filtering conditions on the filtering conditions setting screen mentioned above, and then recall and use them. Saved filtering conditions can be recalled and used from the recall field 44b (the field labeled "Filter from saved conditions") to the right of the filtering search icon 43b. It is also possible to edit the saved filtering conditions.

[0067] Furthermore, when saving filtering conditions, employees of the construction company can specify whether to save the filtering conditions as personal conditions or as conditions shared with other employees of the construction company. In addition, when saving filtering conditions, employees of the construction company can specify whether to display the filtering conditions not only in the call field 44b but also on the dashboard screen. The dashboard screen is the display screen that appears when "Dashboard" is selected in the menu area 40, and it is a screen customized for the individual user.

[0068] [Client Information List Screen] If an employee of the construction company selects "Customer List" in step S21, the client information list screen will be displayed in step S25. Figure 6 shows an example of the client information list screen. The client information list screen will be explained below with reference to Figure 6.

[0069] In the list screen shown in Figure 6, each row corresponds to one piece of client information. Specifically, client information includes the customer name (client's name), the name of the property owned by the client (facility name), customer classification, contact person, source of contact, email address, telephone number, address, and information such as whether or not the client has participated in events hosted by the construction company. The information to be included in the client information (what information the construction company's employees want to manage as client information) can be customized by the construction company's employees. When entering new client information, the construction company's employees select the "Add New" icon 41c.

[0070] On the client information list screen, the display item setting icon 42c is displayed. When the display item setting icon 42c is selected by an employee of the construction company, a list of display items with checkboxes is displayed. The employee of the construction company can turn display items on and off by checking or unchecking the checkboxes. In other words, the employee of the construction company can set the display items for each of multiple client information entries.

[0071] Additionally, the client information list screen displays the refined search icon 43c. When the refined search icon 43c is selected by an employee of the construction company, the screen for setting the refinement conditions is displayed. Once the refinement conditions are set and the refinement is executed, only client information that meets the set refinement conditions will be displayed on the client information list screen. In other words, the number of rows on the list screen will change.

[0072] While the client information list screen displays only the client information itself, filtering conditions may be set either on the client information or on the construction or facility information associated with the client information. In other words, filtering conditions set on the construction or facility information may result in filtering of client information for which no filtering conditions have been set.

[0073] Here, specific examples of filtering conditions that can be set from the settings screen are as described above. For example, if the facility information associated with the client information, or the construction information associated with the said client information, includes information indicating a period related to at least one of the facility and the construction, then filtering conditions such as (1) to (5) above can be set.

[0074] In this way, the output unit 25 outputs client information (first information) that satisfies the filtering conditions related to the period (conditions for the second information), thereby supporting the construction company's employees in identifying the clients of facilities that have reached the stage where construction work is required.

[0075] Furthermore, if the client information, the construction information associated with the client information, or the facility information associated with the client information includes information about the location of the facility, then the filtering conditions described in (6) above can be set.

[0076] In this way, the output unit 25 outputs client information (first information) that satisfies narrowing conditions (conditions for the first or second information) regarding the location of the facility, thereby supporting employees of construction companies, etc., in efficiently visiting the facility for purposes such as proposing facility renovations.

[0077] Furthermore, when a construction company's employees send direct mail to a client, it is useful to have a configuration that filters and outputs client information (first information) based on filtering conditions (conditions for first information), such as having participated in an event hosted by the construction company. This is because filtering by facility information or construction information may result in duplicate direct mail if one client owns multiple facilities or if multiple construction projects are associated with one client.

[0078] By the way, employees of construction companies can also name and save the filtering conditions on the filtering conditions setting screen mentioned above, and then recall and use them. Saved filtering conditions can be recalled and used from the recall field 44c (the field labeled "Filter from saved conditions") to the right of the filtering search icon 43c. It is also possible to edit the saved filtering conditions.

[0079] Furthermore, when saving filtering conditions, employees of construction companies can specify whether to save them as personal conditions or as conditions shared with employees of other construction companies. Additionally, when saving filtering conditions, employees of construction companies can specify whether to display the filtering conditions not only in the above-mentioned call field but also on the dashboard screen. The dashboard screen is the display screen that appears when "Dashboard" is selected in menu area 40, and it is a screen customized for individual users.

[0080] [Output of account information 1] When the client information list screen, facility information list screen, or construction information list screen is displayed, the output unit 25 outputs information from the client information, facility information, and construction information acquired by the acquisition unit 24 and pre-stored in the storage unit 23 that satisfies the filtering conditions (an example of predetermined conditions).

[0081] As described above, the information management system 10 is used by employees of construction companies and clients, but in addition to employees of construction companies and clients, it is also used by employees of related businesses of construction companies (businesses with which construction companies have a cooperative relationship, such as those to which construction companies commission work). Users of the information management system 10 are issued accounts (login ID and password) in advance, and each account has different access rights (the scope of information that can be viewed) to client information, facility information, and construction information. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the account type and access rights to client information, facility information, and construction information.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, when a user logs in with an account for the construction company, there are no particular restrictions on viewing, and the user (i.e., an employee of the construction company, etc.) can view all of the client information, facility information, and construction information. In other words, the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 used by the construction company's employees, etc., can display all of the client information, facility information, and construction information managed by the server device 20.

[0083] On the other hand, if a user logs in with an account for a related business, only information associated with construction projects in which the related business is involved will be viewable. In other words, when the user of the information is an employee of a related business (second user), the output unit 25 outputs client information, facility information, and construction information that can be output when the user is an employee of a construction company, etc., that meets the condition of being related to an employee of a related business. In other words, the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 used by an employee of a related business, etc., can only display a portion of the client information, facility information, and construction information managed by the server device 20.

[0084] For example, when the user of the information is an employee of a related business (second user), the output unit 25 may output only construction information in which the related business is involved, and may not output client information or facility information. Such filtering of information can be achieved, for example, by pre-associating accounts for related businesses with construction information in which those related businesses are involved in the storage unit 23.

[0085] Furthermore, if a user logs in with an account designated for the client, only information related to the client will be viewable. In other words, when the user of the information is the client, the output unit 25 outputs client information, facility information, and construction information that can be output when the user is an employee of the construction company, etc., that meets the condition of being related to the client themselves. To put it another way, the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 used by the client can only display a portion of the client information, facility information, and construction information managed by the server device 20. This kind of information filtering can be achieved, for example, by pre-associating the client account with the client's information, facility information, and construction information in the storage unit 23.

[0086] In this way, the output unit 25 can output information according to the account (i.e., the conditions regarding the user of the output information).

[0087] [Output of account-dependent information 2] Incidentally, the server device 20 (output unit 25) can also provide threads (message information) for the exchange of messages (chat) between the construction company's employees (or employees of related businesses) and the client. Figure 8 shows an example of a thread list screen. The thread list screen is displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30. A thread corresponds to one line of information in Figure 8.

[0088] The chat screen in Figure 8 has two tabs: "Internal Conversations" and "Conversations with Clients." The "Internal Conversations" tab is only displayed when a user logs in with an account for the construction company; it is not displayed when a user logs in with an account for a related business, or when a user logs in with an account for the client. In other words, the threads displayed in the "Internal Conversations" tab represent message exchanges between users belonging to the construction company.

[0089] On the other hand, the "Conversation with Client" tab is displayed regardless of which of the three types of accounts the user logs in with. In other words, the threads displayed in the "Conversation with Client" tab can be said to represent message exchanges between the client and users belonging to the contractor (construction company or related business) performing the work.

[0090] However, which threads are displayed in the "Conversation with Client" tab depends on the account type. Figure 9 shows the relationship between the account type and the threads that are displayed.

[0091] The threads that may appear in the "Conversation with Client" tab are determined by whether or not the creator associates them with a construction project (corresponding to one line of construction information in Figure 2) at the time of creation. In other words, the threads that may appear in the "Conversation with Client" tab include a first thread that is not associated with a construction project and a second thread that is associated with a construction project.

[0092] As shown in Figure 9, when a user logs in with an account for a construction company or an account for a client, all threads (four in the example in Figure 9, threads A to D) are displayed, regardless of whether the threads are associated with a construction project or not. In other words, the output unit 25 can output both the first and second threads to employees of construction companies and to clients.

[0093] In contrast, if a user logs in with an account for a related business, only the thread associated with the construction project (construction project X in the example of Figure 9) in which that related business is involved (thread B in the example of Figure 9) will be displayed. In other words, the output unit 25 can output only the second thread out of the first and second threads to employees of the related business.

[0094] Such thread filtering can be achieved, for example, by pre-associating accounts for related businesses with construction projects (construction information) in which those related businesses are involved in the memory unit 23.

[0095] As explained above, the output unit 25 can output threads according to the account (i.e., the conditions regarding the user of the information to be output).

[0096] [Output of notification information] In the above embodiment, it was explained that filtering conditions (1) to (5) regarding the period can be set in the list screens for client information, facility information, and construction information. Here, the information management system 10 may provide notifications (in other words, reminders or alerts) based on the period. For example, notifications such as (1)' to (5)' below may be provided as notifications corresponding to the above filtering conditions (1) to (5).

[0097] (1) Notification will be issued if there is a facility where more than XX years have passed since the last construction work was carried out. (2) Notification when a facility is built more than XX years ago (3)' Notification will be given if there is a facility where more than XX years have passed since the introduction of the equipment. (4) Notification if any facility's after-sales service warranty has expired (or is about to expire) (5)' Notification will be given if any facility has scheduled a periodic inspection within the specified period (or if the periodic inspection has not been carried out by the due date).

[0098] For example, the output unit 25 determines whether the time has come to issue a notification based on the notification conditions set by the construction company's employees (information indicating the conditions under which a notification should be issued, as exemplified in (1)' to (5)' above). When the output unit 25 determines that the time has come to issue a notification, it outputs notification information. The notification information includes at least one of the following related to the facility that is the subject of the notification: client information, facility information, and construction information. The notification may be made on the dashboard screen described above, or it may be sent to the email address of the construction company's employees that has been registered in advance.

[0099] As explained above, the output unit 25 can output notification information based on the notification conditions.

[0100] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the information management system 10 outputs information that satisfies predetermined conditions from among the information related to renovations, etc. However, the information management system 10 may be implemented as a system that outputs information that satisfies predetermined conditions from among the management information related to new construction. Furthermore, the information management system 10 may be implemented as a system that can output information that satisfies predetermined conditions for both management information related to new construction and information related to renovations, etc.

[0101] Furthermore, the information management system 10 may be implemented as a system that manages only the information related to renovations, among the management information related to new construction and the information related to renovations, etc.

[0102] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the information management system 10 includes an acquisition unit 24 that acquires first information about the facility owner and second information that includes at least one of facility information and construction information about at least a part of the construction work on the facility, and an output unit 25 that outputs information from the acquired first and second information that satisfies predetermined conditions. "Outputting information that satisfies predetermined conditions" here includes outputting information based on filtering conditions on the list screens for owner information, facility information, and construction information, outputting information according to the account (conditions for the user of the output information), and outputting notification information based on notification conditions.

[0103] Such an information management system 10 can support the operations of construction companies, such as building contractors, by outputting information that meets predetermined conditions.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined conditions include conditions for the second information. The output unit 25 outputs (1) the second information that satisfies the above conditions, or (2) the second information that satisfies the above conditions and the first information related to the second information.

[0105] Such an information management system 10 can support the operations of a construction company by outputting second information that satisfies the conditions for the second information.

[0106] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined conditions include conditions for the first information. The output unit 25 outputs the first information that satisfies the above conditions.

[0107] Such an information management system 10 can support the operations of a construction company by outputting first information that satisfies certain conditions for that first information.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, the specified conditions include conditions relating to a period of time related to at least one of the facilities and the construction work.

[0109] Such an information management system 10 can support the operations of a construction company by outputting information that meets time-related conditions. For example, the information management system 10 can help employees of a construction company identify facilities that have reached the time when construction work or other work is required.

[0110] Furthermore, for example, the specified conditions include conditions regarding the location of the facility.

[0111] Such an information management system 10 can support the operations of a construction company by outputting information that meets the requirements regarding the location of a facility. For example, the information management system 10 can help employees of a construction company to efficiently visit facilities for purposes such as proposing facility renovations.

[0112] Furthermore, for example, the specified conditions include conditions regarding the users of the output information.

[0113] Such an information management system 10 can support the operations of a construction company by outputting information suitable for the user.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, users include a first user and a second user who is different from the first user. When the user of the information is the second user, the output unit 25 outputs the first and second information that has been acquired and can be output when the user of the information is the first user, and which satisfies the predetermined condition that it is related to the second user.

[0115] Such an information management system 10 can support the operations of a construction company by outputting information suitable for the user.

[0116] For example, the first user is a user belonging to the construction company that performs the work. The second user is the client, or a user belonging to a related business related to the construction company.

[0117] Such an information management system 10 can output information suitable for the employees of the construction company, employees of related businesses, and the client.

[0118] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 25 also outputs message information indicating the exchange of messages between the client and a user belonging to the contractor performing the construction work.

[0119] Such an information management system 10 can support the operations of a construction company by providing a tool for exchanging messages between the company's employees and the client.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, users include a first user belonging to the construction company performing the work and a second user belonging to a related business operator associated with the construction company. The message information includes first message information not associated with the work and second message information associated with the work. The output unit 25 can output both the first and second message information to the client and the first user, and can output only the second message information from the first message information to the second user.

[0121] Such an information management system 10 can suppress the unnecessary disclosure of messages to employees of affiliated companies, etc.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 24 acquires the first information and the second information based on the management information when the facility was newly constructed.

[0123] Such an information management system 10 can also use the management information when a new facility is constructed as primary information and secondary information.

[0124] Furthermore, an information management method performed by a computer such as the information management system 10 includes an acquisition step of acquiring first information relating to the owner of the facility and second information including at least one of facility information relating to the facility and construction information relating to at least a part of the construction of the facility, and an output step of outputting information from the acquired first information and second information that satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0125] Such an information management system 10 can support the operations of a construction company by outputting information that meets predetermined conditions.

[0126] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0127] For example, in the above embodiment, the information management system was implemented by multiple devices. When the information management system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the information management system (especially the functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way. Alternatively, the information management system may be implemented as a single device. For example, the information management system may be implemented as a single device corresponding to a server device or an information terminal.

[0128] Furthermore, the method of communication between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, relay devices (such as wireless routers) not shown may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0131] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0132] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0133] For example, the present invention may be implemented as an information terminal or server device according to the above embodiment. The present invention may be implemented as an information management method executed by a computer, such as an information management system. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such an information management method. Such a program includes a dedicated application program installed on an information terminal. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0134] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 10 Information Management Systems 20 Server Devices 21, 35 Communications Department 22, 33 Information Processing Unit 23, 34 Storage section 24 Acquisition Department 25 Output section 30 Information terminals 31 Input Reception Section 32 Display section 40 Menu Area 41a, 41b, 41c Newly added icons 42a, 42b, 42c Display item setting icon 43a, 43b, 43c Search icons 44a, 44b, 44c Calling fields

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires first information relating to the owner of the facility and second information including at least one of facility information relating to the said facility and construction information relating to at least a part of the construction of the said facility, The system includes an output unit that outputs information from the acquired first information and second information that satisfies predetermined conditions, The output unit further outputs message information indicating the exchange of messages between the client and the user belonging to the business operator performing the construction work. The aforementioned users include a first user belonging to the construction company that performs the aforementioned construction work, and a second user belonging to an affiliated business related to the aforementioned construction company. The message information includes a first message information that is not associated with the construction work and a second message information that is associated with the construction work. The output unit is, The first message information and the second message information can be output to the client and the first user. For the second user, only the second message information out of the first message information and the second message information can be output. Information management system.

2. The aforementioned predetermined conditions include conditions for the second information, The output unit outputs (1) the second information that satisfies the above conditions, or (2) the second information that satisfies the above conditions and the first information related to the second information. The information management system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned predetermined conditions include conditions for the first information, The output unit outputs the first information that satisfies the above conditions. The information management system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned predetermined conditions include conditions relating to a period of time related to at least one of the facilities and the construction work. The information management system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned predetermined conditions include conditions regarding the location of the facility. The information management system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned predetermined conditions include conditions relating to the user of the output information. The information management system according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned users include a first user and a second user who is different from the first user. When the user of the information is the second user, the output unit outputs the first information and the second information that have been acquired and can be output when the user of the information is the first user, the information that satisfies the predetermined condition that it is related to the second user. The information management system according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned first user is a user belonging to the construction company that performs the aforementioned construction work, The second user is a user belonging to the client or a related business operator associated with the construction company. The information management system according to claim 7.

9. The acquisition unit acquires the first information and the second information based on the management information when the facility was newly constructed. The information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer-based information management method, An acquisition step of acquiring first information concerning the owner of the facility and second information including at least one of facility information concerning the said facility and construction information concerning at least a part of the construction of the said facility, An output step which outputs information from the acquired first information and second information that satisfies predetermined conditions, The process includes the step of outputting message information indicating the exchange of messages between the client and a user belonging to the business operator performing the construction work, The aforementioned users include a first user belonging to the construction company that performs the aforementioned construction work, and a second user belonging to an affiliated business related to the aforementioned construction company. The message information includes a first message information that is not associated with the construction work and a second message information that is associated with the construction work. In the step of outputting the message information, The first message information and the second message information can be output to the client and the first user. For the second user, only the second message information out of the first message information and the second message information can be output. Information management method.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the information management method described in claim 10.

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