Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To properly respond to a desire to use a unified commerce fused with data or functions used by a business operator.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to the present application includes a reception unit and an allocation unit. The reception unit accepts selection of a template in which a series of processes relating to each purchase are defined for each pattern of the purchase, and selection of some processes of the series of processes included in the selected template. Bases on the selection accepted by the reception unit, the allocation unit allocates some processes for being processed on a business operator side where the purchase is made, and allocates processes other than some processes for being processed on a platform side relating to purchase work.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a business that links an online shopping mall such as an EC (electronic commerce) site with a physical store, such as receiving a product purchased at the online shopping mall at the physical store, has been developing. For example, each operator is focusing on responding to a free purchasing style that centers around smartphones and is regardless of online or offline.

[0003] Such a worldview that combines online and offline to provide a business is called OMO (Online Merges with Offline). OMO enables, for example, a service that allows a customer (user) to receive a product purchased at an online shopping mall at a physical store, or a service that awards points to a user by scanning a login screen displayed when the user logs into an account on the online shopping mall at a physical store.

[0004] Even when the operators are the same, there are cases where data related to purchases and functions for realizing purchase-related operations (for example, the function of a POS (Point Of Sale)) are managed separately between the online shopping mall and the physical store, between online shopping malls, between physical stores, etc. Therefore, even when the users are the same, there are cases where they cannot be recognized as the same user, for example, between the online shopping mall and the physical store. In recent years, a mechanism called unified commerce, which aims to improve business efficiency and unify the customer experience by aggregating separately managed data and functions into a single platform, has been developing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] However, conventional technologies require the centralized aggregation of data and functions that businesses manage individually. This has made it difficult to adequately address the need for unified commerce that integrates with the data and functions used by businesses, while still allowing for the continued use of the data and functions they currently use.

[0007] This application was made in view of the above, and aims to appropriately respond to the demand for unified commerce that integrates with the data and functions used by businesses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The information processing device according to the present application is characterized by having a selection of a template in which a series of processes related to each purchase are defined for each purchase pattern, a receiving unit that accepts the selection of some of the processes included in the selected template, and a matching unit that, based on the selection accepted by the receiving unit, associates the some of the processes to be processed by the business operator performing the purchase, and associates the other processes other than the some of the processes to be processed by the platform related to the purchase operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the system, it is possible to appropriately meet the demand for unified commerce that integrates with the data and functions used by businesses. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows an example of a system configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a system configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the system configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a store terminal configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of an EC server according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of an inventory information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a template storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a correspondence storage unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of an information processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Note that these embodiments do not limit the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] (Embodiment) [1. Configuration of the Information Processing System] The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a physical store terminal 10, an EC server 50, and an information processing device 100. The physical store terminal 10, the EC server 50, and the information processing device 100 are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly via a predetermined communication network (network N). FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. Although two physical store terminals 10 are included in the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, three or more physical store terminals 10 may be included, or only one physical store terminal 10 may be included. Also, the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plurality of EC servers 50.

[0013] The physical store terminal 10 is an information processing device used by a business operator who conducts business related to purchases at a physical store. For example, the physical store terminal 10 is an information processing device for realizing the processing executed by a POS when conducting business related to purchases such as the sale of goods, and manages data such as orders, inventory, products, members, and settlements at the physical store, as well as the POS. The physical store terminal 10 may be any device as long as it can realize the processing in the embodiment, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc.

[0014] The business operator U11 is a business operator who manages a plurality of physical stores. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the business operator U11 manages a plurality of physical stores such as the physical store AA11 and the physical store AA12. Note that the number of physical stores managed by the business operator U11 is not particularly limited. Each physical store has a physical store terminal 10, and each physical store terminal 10 manages the business related to purchases at each physical store. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the physical store AA11 has the physical store terminal 101, and the physical store AA12 has the physical store terminal 101. For example, when a product is purchased at the physical store AA11, the physical store terminal 101 updates the inventory quantity of the purchased product at the physical store AA11. Also, for example, in response to an operation from a store clerk at the physical store AA11, the physical store terminal 101 determines the selling price of the product at the physical store AA11. Note that this selling price may be different from the selling price at the physical store AA12 that sells the same product.

[0015] In addition to physical stores, business operator U11 manages an online shopping mall. In the example shown in FIG. 1, it manages online shopping mall BB11. It is assumed that business operator U11 may manage a plurality of online shopping malls. Also, it is assumed that online shopping mall BB11 is managed by EC server 50.

[0016] EC server 50 is an information processing device for realizing operations related to purchases such as the sale of goods in online shopping mall BB11, and is realized by, for example, a server device, a cloud system, or the like. EC server 50 manages data such as orders, inventories, products, members, and settlements in online shopping mall BB11, and functions for realizing operations related to purchases in online shopping mall BB11. When business operator U11 manages a plurality of online shopping malls, it manages data such as orders, inventories, products, members, and settlements in each of the plurality of online shopping malls, and functions for realizing operations related to purchases in each of the plurality of online shopping malls.

[0017] In addition, EC server 50 may receive various purchase data related to orders, inventories, products, members, and settlements at each physical store from physical store terminal 10, and centrally manage the received various purchase data of each physical store. Note that an external information processing device different from EC server 50 may receive various purchase data related to orders, inventories, products, members, and settlements at each physical store from physical store terminal 10, and centrally manage the received various purchase data of each physical store.

[0018] Information processing device 100 is an information processing device aimed at appropriately responding to demands such as the desire to utilize unified commerce that is integrated with the data and functions used by a business operator. For example, information processing device 100 is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. Also, for example, information processing device 100 is realized by a server device or a cloud system on the platform side that centrally manages data and functions related to purchases.

[0019] Here, business operator U11 centrally manages purchase data from each physical store using the EC server 50 and external information processing equipment. However, there are times when it would like to use another business operator's management system to improve operational efficiency. However, when each physical store has a large number of users and the amount of data is very large, modifying the company's own system to allow the use of another business operator's management system for managing purchase data from each physical store may require significant costs. Therefore, the information processing equipment 100 aims to appropriately meet the demand for unified commerce that integrates with the purchase data used by the business operator, while enabling the continued use of the purchase data used by the business operator.

[0020] Furthermore, in recent years, the forms of buying and selling have become more diverse. For example, users may choose to pick up products ordered from an online marketplace at a physical store (for example, a store near their home or workplace). Businesses may consider modifying their existing systems to accommodate these diversifying forms of buying and selling. On the other hand, if other businesses, such as platform PF11, provide functions to support various forms of buying and selling, businesses may consider using the functions provided by those other businesses. However, as mentioned above, migrating all functions to another business's management system is a heavy burden for businesses that have already built their own sales systems. For these reasons, the information processing device 100 aims to appropriately meet the demand for unified commerce that integrates with the purchasing data used by businesses, while enabling the continued use of the purchasing data used by businesses.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of a system configuration according to the embodiment. System 1Z shown in Figure 2 includes a core system KS11 that manages purchase data collected individually from physical stores and online shopping malls managed by the same business operator, and a platform PF11 that links this purchase data. The platform PF11 allows for the allocation of which functions of the series of processes related to purchases are handled by the business operator performing the purchase operations and which are handled by the platform. This platform PF11 makes it possible to improve operational efficiency and unify the customer experience. In addition, for example, when a new store is added, the purchase data of the added store can be linked, enabling flexible response to new channels.

[0022] Figure 3 is a diagram that shows the system configuration of Figure 2 in more detail. Platform PF11 includes a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that manages user data such as points. Platform PF11 also includes an information utilization system that performs analysis using data from CRM and the OMS described later. Furthermore, Platform PF11 includes an Order Management System (OMS) that manages purchase-related data. The OMS manages product-related data such as price. In addition, Platform PF11 provides data in response to requests from various channels such as physical stores and online shopping malls via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

[0023] In recent years, sales methods have diversified, such as ordering goods online and picking them up at a physical store. In the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, templates corresponding to each sales method are predetermined in order to accommodate the diversification of sales methods. The templates include a series of processes for carrying out each purchase-related task. For example, a series of processes for carrying out the task of reserving goods ordered by a user includes processes such as "inventory check" and "reservation instruction". By selecting a template, a series of processes is selected. The task is then carried out according to the flow of the series of processes included in the template.

[0024] An example of a template according to the embodiment is BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick up In Store). For example, BOPIS is a template that includes a series of processes for a user to place an order in an online shopping mall and pick it up at a designated physical store. The BOPIS template includes processes such as "inventory check," "order received," "reservation instruction," "receipt display," "authentication," and "transaction completion."

[0025] The information processing device 100 prompts the business operator to select a template. The information processing device 100 then prompts the business operator to select from the processes included in the selected template which will be executed on the business operator's side and which will be executed on the platform side. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may prompt the business operator to select one process to be executed on one side and automatically select the remaining processes to be executed on the other side. The information processing device 100 then associates the selected processes with those to be executed on either the business operator's side or the platform side.

[0026] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of purchasing according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 4, a template called BOPIS is selected, and the "Inventory Check" and "Transaction Completion" processes within that template are selected to be executed on the platform side.

[0027] When the EC server 50 receives information from a user of the EC server 50 regarding a request to display stores with ample stock of the desired product, it requests the platform PF11 to perform an inventory check via API, according to the BOPIS template (step S101). If the inventory check process included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be handled by the business operator U11, the platform PF11 requests the business operator U11 to perform an inventory check via API (step S102). If the inventory check process included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be handled by the platform, the platform PF11 requests the platform (for example, an inventory management system) to perform an inventory check via API.

[0028] When the EC server 50 receives information about a product order from a user using the EC server 50, it requests the platform PF11 to process the order via API according to the BOPIS template (step S103). If the order processing included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be processed by the business operator U11, the platform PF11 requests the business operator U11 to process the order via API (step S104). If the order processing included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be processed on the platform side, the platform PF11 requests the platform side (for example, the order management system) to process the order via API.

[0029] If the reservation instruction process included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be handled by the business operator U11, platform PF11 requests the business operator U11 to process the reservation instruction via API (step S105). Business operator U11 then sends information regarding the reservation instruction to the physical store terminal 10 of the physical store requested by the user. If the reservation instruction process included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be handled by the platform, platform PF11 requests the platform (for example, the order management system) to process the reservation instruction via API. Then, platform PF11 sends information regarding the reservation instruction to the physical store terminal 10 of the physical store requested by the user.

[0030] When EC Server 50 receives information regarding a request to display a receipt from a user of EC Server 50, it requests platform PF11 to process the receipt display via API, according to the BOPIS template (step S106). If the receipt display process included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be processed by business operator U11, platform PF11 requests business operator U11 to process the receipt display via API (step S107). If the receipt display process included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be processed on the platform side, platform PF11 requests the platform side (for example, the order management system) to process the receipt display via API.

[0031] When the physical store terminal 10 receives information regarding a product pickup request from a customer who has visited the physical store, it requests authentication processing from the platform PF11 via API according to the BOPIS template (step S108). If the authentication process included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be handled by the business operator U11, the platform PF11 requests authentication processing from the business operator U11 via API (step S109). For example, it requests the provision of user information. If the authentication process included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be handled by the platform, the platform PF11 requests authentication processing from the platform (for example, a membership management system) via API.

[0032] Once the physical store terminal 10 has completed the handover, it requests the platform PF11 to process the transaction completion via API, according to the BOPIS template (step S110). Then, if the transaction completion process included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be processed by the business operator U11, the platform PF11 requests the business operator U11 to process the transaction completion via API (step S111). For example, it may request the processing of updating inventory information. If the transaction completion process included in the BOPIS template is a process selected to be processed on the platform side, the platform PF11 requests the platform side (for example, the inventory management system) to process the transaction completion via API.

[0033] [2. Configuration of in-store terminals] Next, the configuration of the store terminal 10 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store terminal 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the store terminal 10 has a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0034] (Communications Section 11) The communication unit 11 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 11 is connected to a predetermined network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the information processing device 100, etc., via the predetermined network N.

[0035] (Input section 12) The input unit 12 accepts various operations from the business operator. For example, the input unit 12 may accept various operations from the business operator via a touch panel display. Alternatively, the input unit 12 may accept various operations from buttons on the physical store terminal 10, or from a keyboard or mouse connected to the physical store terminal 10.

[0036] (Output section 13) The output unit 13 is a display screen for a tablet terminal or the like, which is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information.

[0037] (Control Unit 14) The control unit 14 is, for example, a controller, and is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the physical store terminal 10 using RAM (Random Access Memory) as the working area. For example, these various programs include application programs installed on the physical store terminal 10. For example, these various programs include application programs that display information regarding product reservation instructions. The control unit 14 is also implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 14 includes a receiving unit 141, an authentication unit 142, and a transmitting unit 143, and realizes or executes the information processing operations described below.

[0039] (Receiver 141) The receiving unit 141 receives information transmitted from the information processing device 100. For example, in the example shown in Figure 4, since the process is for realizing operations corresponding to a purchasing pattern in which a user places an order in an online shopping mall and picks it up at a designated physical store, the receiving unit 141 receives information regarding the reservation instruction for the product ordered by the user in the online shopping mall. In this case, the receiving unit 141 may display the received information regarding the product reservation instruction on the output unit 13, or it may notify the business operator using the physical store terminal 10. The business operator using the physical store terminal 10, based on the information regarding the product reservation instruction, recognizes that an order for a product has been placed from the online shopping mall managed by the EC server 50 and reserves the product.

[0040] (Authentication section 142) The authentication unit 142 authenticates users who have made a predetermined request, such as reserving a product, in the online shopping mall managed by the EC server 50, based on information provided by the user who has visited the physical store. In this case, the authentication unit 142 may perform authentication by reading identification information (for example, code information included in the receipt) displayed on the terminal device of the user who has visited the physical store. In this case, the authentication unit 142 may identify the product for which the user has made a predetermined request by referring to order information, for example.

[0041] (Transmitter 143) The transmitting unit 143 transmits information regarding the results of a predetermined request made by a user in the online shopping mall managed by the EC server 50 to the information processing device 100. For example, when the delivery of reserved goods is completed, the transmitting unit 143 transmits information indicating that the transaction has been completed.

[0042] [3. EC Server Configuration] Next, the configuration of the EC server 50 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the EC server 50 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the EC server 50 has a communication unit 510, a storage unit 520, and a control unit 530. The EC server 50 may also have an input unit (for example, a keyboard or mouse) that accepts various operations from the administrator of the EC server 50, and a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0043] (Communications Department 510) The communication unit 510 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 510 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the information processing device 100, etc., via the network N.

[0044] (Storage unit 520) The storage unit 520 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. As shown in Figure 6, the storage unit 520 has an inventory information storage unit 521.

[0045] The inventory information storage unit 521 stores inventory information for each product sold at each store (physical store, online shopping mall). Here, Figure 7 shows an example of the inventory information storage unit 521 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the inventory information storage unit 521 has items such as "store", "product", and "inventory information".

[0046] "Stores" refers to stores managed by the operators of EC Server 50. "Products" refers to the products sold at each store. "Inventory Information" shows the number of items in stock for each product.

[0047] In other words, Figure 7 shows an example where the products sold at the "physical store AA11" are "product PP11, product PP12, product PP13, ...", and the stock quantity of each product is "300 units (product PP11), 200 units (product PP12), 400 units (product PP13), ...".

[0048] (Control unit 530) The control unit 530 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU or MPU executing various programs stored in the internal memory of the EC server 50 using RAM as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 530 is a controller, and can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 530 includes a receiving unit 531, a transmitting unit 532, and an order acceptance unit 533, and realizes or executes the information processing operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 530 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 6, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0050] (Receiver 531) The receiving unit 531 receives information transmitted from the terminal devices of users who use the online shopping mall managed by the EC server 50. For example, the receiving unit 531 receives information regarding the user's request to display stores that have ample stock of the desired product.

[0051] (Transmitter 532) The transmitting unit 532 transmits result information regarding the information transmitted from the user's terminal device to the user's terminal device. For example, the transmitting unit 532 receives information to display information about stores that have ample stock of the product the user desires.

[0052] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 532 transmits information to the terminal device of the user who made the request, which includes information that identifies that the user has made a specific request such as reservation (for example, information included in the receipt or purchase history).

[0053] (Order Reception Department 533) The order receiving unit 533 accepts product orders based on information transmitted from the user's terminal device in response to user operations. For example, the order receiving unit 533 accepts orders such as reserving products for pickup at a physical store of the user's choice. The order receiving unit 533 may also accept product orders by accepting payment for the products and confirming the order.

[0054] [4. Configuration of the Information Processing Device] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the information processing device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The information processing device 100 may also have an input unit (for example, a keyboard or mouse) that receives various operations from the administrator of the information processing device 100, and a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0055] (Communications Department 110) The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the physical store terminal 10, etc., via the network N.

[0056] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. As shown in Figure 8, the storage unit 120 has a template storage unit 121 and an association storage unit 122.

[0057] The template storage unit 121 stores information about templates. Here, Figure 9 shows an example of the template storage unit 121 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the template storage unit 121 has items such as "template" and "process".

[0058] "Template" refers to a template. "Process" refers to a set of processes included in the template.

[0059] In other words, Figure 9 shows an example where the series of processes included in the "BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick up In Store)" template are "inventory check, order placement, reservation instruction, receipt display, authentication, and transaction completion."

[0060] The mapping storage unit 122 stores information about the template selected for each business operator, and information about the processes selected from a series of processes included in the selected template to be processed by the business operator. Here, Figure 10 shows an example of the mapping storage unit 122 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the mapping storage unit 122 has items such as "Business Operator ID", "Template", and "Selected Process".

[0061] "Business ID" indicates identification information used to identify the business. "Template" indicates the template selected for each business. "Selected Process" indicates the process from the set of processes included in the template that the business has chosen to handle.

[0062] In other words, Figure 10 shows an example where the template selected for the business identified by business ID "U11" is "BOPIS," and the process selected to be handled by the business from the series of processes included in that template is "Inventory Check, Transaction Completion."

[0063] (Control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU or MPU executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 130 is a controller, and can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 130 has a receiving unit 131 and a matching unit 132, and realizes or executes the information processing operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 8, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0065] (Reception desk 131) The reception unit 131 accepts the selection of a template and the selection of processes from the series of processes included in the selected template that are to be handled by the business operator. The selection of templates and processes may be made by the business operator that performs purchasing operations, or by the platform operator that centrally manages purchasing data.

[0066] (Matching section 132) The mapping unit 132, based on the selection received by the reception unit 131, maps the processes selected to be processed by the business operator from the series of processes included in the template to be processed by the business operator. For example, using the example shown in Figure 4, if the inventory confirmation and transaction completion processes included in the template are processes selected to be processed by business operator U11, the mapping unit 132 maps the inventory confirmation and transaction completion processes to be processed by business operator U11. Then, if, for example, an inventory confirmation process is requested from platform PF11, platform PF11 requests transaction completion processing from business operator U11 via API. If a process other than inventory confirmation and transaction completion, such as order processing, is requested, platform PF11 requests order processing from the platform (for example, the order management system) via API.

[0067] [5. Information Processing Flow] Next, the information processing procedure by the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure by the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the information processing device 100 accepts the selection of a template and the selection of processes from the series of processes included in the selected template that are to be processed by the business operator (step S201).

[0069] Based on the received selection, the information processing device 100 associates the processes selected to be processed by the business operator (corresponding to some processes) from the series of processes included in the template with the business operator, and associates the processes other than those selected (corresponding to other processes) with the platform related to purchasing operations (step S202).

[0070] [6. Variant Example] The information processing system 1 according to the above embodiment may be implemented in various other forms besides the embodiment described above. Therefore, other embodiments of the information processing system 1 will be described below.

[0071] In the above embodiment, some processes may be selected directly or indirectly from a set of processes included in the template. For example, if the processes of inventory confirmation and transaction completion are selected as some processes, they may be selected directly by selecting the inventory confirmation and transaction completion processes from a set of processes included in the template. Alternatively, the inventory confirmation and transaction completion processes corresponding to inventory management may be selected indirectly from a set of processes included in the template by selecting the inventory management system from systems such as order management, inventory management, and member management.

[0072] In the above embodiment, when a process corresponding to one of the processes included in the template is requested from platform PF11, a process corresponding to that process is requested from a management system via an API. In the example shown in Figure 4, when a transaction completion process is requested from platform PF11, a transaction completion process is requested from the inventory management system. Here, for example, a process to update inventory information may be requested from the inventory management system, and a process to update order information may also be requested from the order management system. Furthermore, if the transaction completion process is selected for some processes, the processes to update inventory information and order information may be requested from the business operator U11. On the other hand, if a process corresponding to inventory management is selected for some processes, only the process to update inventory information may be requested from the business operator U11. In this case, the process to update order information may also be requested from the platform.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the OMS on the platform side was shown to include systems for order management, inventory management, and member management, but it is not limited to this example. For example, in addition to order management, inventory management, and member management, the OMS on the platform side may also include systems for product management, payment management, etc.

[0074] In the above embodiment, if all processes included in the template are selected for some processes, platform PF11 may request the service provider U11 to perform processing corresponding to all processes via the API. Alternatively, if all processes included in the template are not selected for some processes, i.e., selected for other processes, platform PF11 may request the platform to perform processing corresponding to all processes via the API.

[0075] [7. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment includes a reception unit 131 and a mapping unit 132. The reception unit 131 accepts the selection of a template in which a series of processes related to each purchase are defined for each purchase pattern, and the selection of some of the processes included in the selected template. Based on the selections accepted by the reception unit 131, the mapping unit 132 maps some of the processes to be processed by the purchasing business operator and the processes other than some of the processes to be processed by the purchasing business platform.

[0076] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can associate some processes with being processed on the business side, thereby appropriately responding to requests such as wanting to use unified commerce integrated with the data and functions used by the business. Furthermore, as a result, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can reduce the impact of adding business processes in a world view in which a series of processes for realizing business are composed of multiple systems. Furthermore, as a result, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can enable the linking of data and functions in a world view in which management systems are diverse and the linking of data and functions necessary for realizing UC is complex and non-realistic.

[0077] Furthermore, the series of processes included in the template encompasses processes that apply to transactions within the e-commerce platform managed by the business operator, as well as processes that apply to transactions within the physical stores managed by the business operator.

[0078] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can appropriately respond to requests such as wanting to use unified commerce, even when businesses manage data and functions individually.

[0079] Furthermore, the set of processes included in the template must include a process related to at least one of the following: order management, inventory management, and member management.

[0080] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can appropriately perform processing to realize business operations using data that is individually managed by the business operator with respect to order management, inventory management, and member management.

[0081] Furthermore, other processes are handled by the platform's OMS.

[0082] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can perform processing on the platform side to realize the business operations of the EC server operator, and can appropriately respond to requests such as wanting to use unified commerce that is integrated with the data and functions used by the operator.

[0083] [8. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device 100. The computer 1000 includes a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0084] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, controlling various components. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0085] The HDD1400 stores programs executed by the CPU1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and sends it to the CPU1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.

[0086] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0087] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0088] For example, when computer 1000 functions as an information processing device 100, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 130 by executing programs loaded onto RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0089] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0090] [9. Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0091] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0093] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. For example, a specific section can be replaced with a specific means or a specific circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. Information Processing System 10 In-store terminals 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Template Storage Unit 122 Mapping storage unit 130 Control Unit 131 Reception Department 132 Correspondence section N Network

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores multiple templates, each containing a set of business processes defined for each purchasing pattern, to implement each purchasing task. The system includes a control unit that determines which of the functions necessary to realize the series of business processes carried out at a physical store or electronic store managed by the purchasing business operator will be handled by the purchasing business operator or the purchasing platform operator. The control unit, The service provider accepts the selection of a specific template from among the multiple templates, and the selection of some of the business processes included in the selected specific template. Based on the received selection, some of the business processes are assigned to be processed by the service provider, and other business processes are assigned to be processed by the platform. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The control unit is The association is performed by storing information of the template selected by the business operator and the business processes selected by the business operator from the series of business processes included in the template for processing by the business operator in the storage unit for each business operator. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The information processing device has the functions of the platform and is linked to a core system that manages purchase data collected individually at physical stores or online shopping malls managed by the same business operator, The control unit, The system requests the terminal of the said business operator to process some of the business processes that are associated with being processed by the said business operator, and executes the processing of other business processes that are associated with being processed by the platform based on the purchase data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The series of business processes included in the template include business processes that apply to processing in the online shopping mall managed by the business operator, and business processes that apply to processing in the physical stores managed by the business operator. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The series of business processes included in the aforementioned template include business processes related to at least one of the following: order management, inventory management, and membership management. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned other business processes are processes that are processed by the OMS on the platform side. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method of information processing performed by a computer, Multiple templates, each defining a series of business processes for carrying out each purchasing task for each purchasing pattern, are stored in the memory unit. The functions necessary to realize the series of business processes carried out at the physical or electronic stores managed by the business operator making the purchases are allocated to either the business operator or the platform for purchasing operations. The service provider accepts the selection of a specific template from among the multiple templates, and the selection of some of the business processes included in the selected specific template. A control step that, based on the received selection, associates some of the business processes to be processed by the service provider and other business processes other than those mentioned above to be processed by the platform. An information processing method characterized by including

8. Multiple templates, each defining a series of business processes for carrying out each purchasing task for each purchasing pattern, are stored in the memory unit. The functions necessary to realize the series of business processes carried out at the physical or electronic stores managed by the business operator making the purchases are allocated to either the business operator or the platform for purchasing operations. The service provider accepts the selection of a specific template from among the multiple templates, and the selection of some of the business processes included in the selected specific template. A control procedure that, based on the received selection, associates some of the business processes to be processed by the service provider and other business processes other than those mentioned above to be processed by the platform. An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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