Support device, support method, and program

Abstract

To provide a support device that can identify a combination of equipment on the basis of a quantitative index, support sales activity, suppress impact on operations of a client company, suppress resources required for manufacturing and storage of equipment by a manufacturing company and a carbon dioxide emission, and suppress waste of the resources and energy.SOLUTION: A support device includes: an identification unit 11 that selects one or more diameters from among diameters included in information about cables and identifies, as manufacturing contents, a case where a first cable having a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable having a length shorter than the first cable are manufactured in succession, identifies a share for each of the manufacturing contents or identifies the number of allocations for each of the manufacturing contents; and an aggregation unit 12 that aggregates the contents identified by the identification unit 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support device, a support method, and a program for supporting business sales activities.

Background Art

[0002] In transactions of cables for transmitting power or electrical signals, which are one of the facilities, generally, a manufacturing company conducts sales activities for a customer company and manufactures and sells the facilities after receiving a formal order.

[0003] Here, there is a system for supporting sales activities (for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a pattern in which a case occurs and a desirable operation procedure for each pattern are assembled as a hypothesis, and a search engine for detecting the occurrence of the case occurrence event in the hypothesis from the movement of transaction history data, company data, and other customer data is used to inform a salesperson of the content of the case occurrence plan and the proposed procedure at the time of case occurrence. A system is described that provides ideas such as which customer to visit currently, what kind of content should be proposed, and how to proceed with it to support sales for foreign business of proposed commercial materials, which is an important and difficult issue for salespersons in the process of case discovery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, even when visiting customers and proposing equipment purchases, the proposals often lacked quantitative justification, failing to gain customer approval and resulting in no purchase. For example, when there were multiple safety plans, such as replacement work before cables break down after their warranty expired, emergency repair work when cables break, complete replacement work to replace all laid cables, and partial replacement work to replace only a portion of the cables, it was not possible to quantitatively determine their priority. In other words, quantitative indicators were not provided to compare which plan would affect the operations of which customer company. Specifically, the level of safety achieved by manufacturing spare parts (cables) used in complete cable replacement work and spare parts (cables) used in partial replacement work had not been quantified.

[0006] Furthermore, the manufacturing company places orders for each component in order to meet the delivery date (specified delivery date) of the ordered product, based on the parts and quantities required for production, the time required from ordering to delivery of each component (hereinafter referred to as the delivery lead time), the time required for manufacturing, and the schedule on which the contractor can carry out the cable laying work.

[0007] If inventory levels are set low, excess inventory is avoided, which helps reduce the resources and waste generated by the manufacturing company for production and storage. However, if orders exceed the inventory level, it becomes difficult to provide equipment in a timely manner, as new equipment (such as cables) must be manufactured. This makes it impossible to meet short delivery requests and impacts the operations of the customer company. Similarly, if widespread disasters such as typhoons or earthquakes occur, causing damage in multiple locations, it becomes impossible to meet short delivery requests, particularly impacting the operations of the customer company.

[0008] On the other hand, if the inventory level is set high, equipment can be provided in a timely manner in response to orders from customer companies, without affecting the customer companies' operations. However, if orders continue to fall below the inventory level, the manufacturer will be held onto inventory for a long period, making it difficult to reduce the resources and waste generated for manufacturing and storing the inventory. Furthermore, manufacturers have a desire to reduce the burden incurred when manufacturing cables.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a support device, support method, and program that can identify equipment combinations based on a quantitative indicator (an indicator that quantifies the level of safety when manufacturing all replacement spare parts for all replacement work and partial replacement spare parts for partial replacement work) for comparing which safety plan affects the operations of which customer company, thereby supporting sales activities, mitigating the impact on the operations of customer companies (for example, avoiding a situation where business is shut down due to a prolonged state of damage to power transmission lines), and reducing the resources, exhaust gases such as carbon dioxide, waste heat, or waste emitted by the manufacturer for the manufacture and storage of equipment, thereby reducing the waste of resources and energy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) A support device comprising: a storage unit that stores information about cables sold to customers for each customer; a specification unit that stores information about cables for each customer which each customer for each customer for which each customer for which each customer for which each customer for which each customer for which each customer (2) The support device according to (1), comprising a reception unit that receives contact from one or more customers, wherein the identification unit, if the content received by the reception unit is a notification that a cable being used by a customer has been damaged, corrects the number of available cables and the total number, identifies the occupancy rate based on the corrected content, or identifies the number of cables to be allocated based on the corrected content, and the aggregation unit aggregates the corrected content identified by the identification unit. (3) The support device according to (1), comprising a reception unit that receives contact from one or more customers, wherein the identification unit, when the content received by the reception unit is a notification that the customer has replaced the cable being used, corrects the number of available cables and the total number, identifies the occupancy rate based on the corrected content, or identifies the number of allocated cables based on the corrected content, and the aggregation unit aggregates the corrected content identified by the identification unit. (4) The support device according to (1), comprising a reception unit that receives communications from one or more customers, wherein the identification unit, when the content received by the reception unit is a communication from a customer to add new cables, modifies the number of available cables and the total number, specifies the occupancy rate based on the modified content, or specifies the number of cables to be allocated based on the modified content, and the aggregation unit aggregates the modified content specified by the identification unit. (5) The support device according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising a provisioning unit that provides the contents aggregated by the aggregation unit to the corresponding customer. (6) A support device according to any one of (1) to (4), comprising a provisioning unit that generates anonymized information based on the contents aggregated by the aggregation unit and provides the anonymized information to the corresponding customer. (7) A support device according to any one of (1) to (4), comprising a provisioning unit that generates anonymized information for customers in the same industry or for customers with cables in the same region based on the information aggregated by the aggregation unit, and provides the anonymized information to the corresponding customer. (8) A support method comprising: a specification step, in which a memory unit stores information about cables sold to customers for each customer, the information about the cables includes at least several items including the diameter and length of the cable, and by using a junction box, cables with a diameter difference within a certain range can be connected, one or more diameters are selected from the diameters included in the information about the cables, and the manufacturing of a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable in succession is identified as a manufacturing content, the diameter range that can be connected using the junction box is identified as the connectable range, the number of cables in the connectable range is identified as the number of compatible cables based on the information about the cables, the total number of cables aggregated for each customer based on the information about the cables is identified as the total number, the occupancy rate for each manufacturing content is identified based on the number of compatible cables and the total number, or the number of cables allocated for each manufacturing content is identified based on the number of compatible cables and the number of second cables to be manufactured; and an aggregation step, in which the content identified in the specification step is aggregated. (9) A program to cause a computer to perform the following steps: (9) A memory unit stores information about cables sold to customers for each customer, the information about the cables includes at least several items including the diameter and length of the cable, and by using a junction box, cables with a diameter difference within a certain range can be connected; (1) A program to cause a computer to perform the following steps: (1) A selection step in which one or more diameters are selected from the diameters included in the information about the cables, and the production of a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable in succession; (2) A selection step in which the diameters within the range that can be connected using the junction box are selected as the connectable range; (3) A selection step in which the number of cables within the connectable range based on the information about the cables is selected as the number of compatible cables; (4) A selection step in which the total number of cables for each customer is aggregated based on the information about the cables is selected as the total number; (5) A selection step in which the computer performs the [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, equipment combinations can be identified based on quantitative indicators (quantifiable indicators of safety when manufacturing all replacement spare parts for all replacement work and partial replacement spare parts for partial replacement work) to compare which safety plan affects the operations of which customer company, thereby supporting sales activities, mitigating the impact on customer company operations, and reducing the resources, exhaust gases such as carbon dioxide, waste heat, or waste required by manufacturers for the manufacture and storage of equipment, thereby reducing the waste of resources and energy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the support system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 schematically shows the number of factories managed by company α and the number of cables it owns. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing the content aggregated by the aggregation unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram schematically showing the number of factories and cables owned by the α operator and the β operator respectively. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram schematically showing the content aggregated by the aggregation unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing the number of factories and cables owned by the α operator. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram schematically showing the content aggregated by the aggregation unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram schematically showing the number of factories and cables owned by the α operator, the β operator, and the γ operator respectively. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram schematically showing the content aggregated by the aggregation unit in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram schematically showing the number of factories and cables owned by the α operator and the β operator respectively, and the history of the first cable sold to the factory of the manufacturing company in the past. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram schematically showing the content aggregated by the aggregation unit 12 in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the support method. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the computer. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram showing another configuration of the computer.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of an estimation document creation support device, a support method, and a program according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the content described in the following embodiments. Also, the constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and substantially identical ones. Furthermore, the constituent elements described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a support system 100. In the support system 100, a customer side 7 and a support device 1 are mutually connected via a network NW such as the Internet. The customer side 7 is assumed to include not only one company but also a plurality of customers such as a first customer side 7a, a second customer side 7b, and a third customer side 7c. Hereinafter, the expression "customer side 7" may indicate the entire customers such as the first customer side 7a, the second customer side 7b, and the third customer side 7c, or each customer such as the first customer side 7a, the second customer side 7b, and the third customer side 7c. The support device 1 communicates with a plurality of customers.

[0015] For example, the customer side 7 is realized by a terminal device such as a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. Note that the customer side 7 may communicate with a company that operates and manages the support device 1 using a facsimile instead of a terminal device.

[0016] The support device 1 comprises a storage unit 31, a specification unit 11, and a aggregation unit 12. The storage unit 31 stores information about cables sold to customers for each customer. Specifically, the storage unit 31 stores information about cables sold to customers, associated with customer information. In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are multiple customers, and sales history information is stored in the storage unit 31 for each customer. Customer information includes at least the customer name, contact information, and contact person's name. Cable information includes at least several items, including the cable diameter and length. Cable diameter is a concept that includes the conductor diameter or the outer diameter of the cable insulation. Other cable information may include, for example, the cable's rated voltage, cable specifications, and information about the environment in which the cable is used. The cable's rated voltage refers to the maximum operating voltage at which it can be used continuously without causing dielectric breakdown.

[0017] Cable specifications include, for example, the standards they comply with, the manufacturer's name, the manufacturing lot, the year of manufacture, the name of the installer, the year of installation, the conductor (material, number of cores, nominal cross-sectional area, configuration, etc.), the insulator (material, finished outer diameter), the approximate mass, the conductor resistance, the protective tape (material, thickness), the shielding layer (material thickness), the waterproofing layer (material, thickness), the outer casing / protective tube (material, thickness, corrugated shape), the corrosion protection layer (material, finished outer diameter), the shim material (material), the resistance to repeated bending, the minimum bending radius, termite resistance, waterproofing, seawater resistance, the number of damaged points, the cause of damage, the condition of the damage to the conductor, protective layer, and insulator, and the depth of damage. Configurations include OF cables (Oil Filled cables), CV cables (cross-linked polyethylene insulated vinyl sheath cables), CVT cables (Cross-linked Polyethylene insulated Vinyl Sheathed Triplex Type Power Cables), etc. Information about the environment in which the cable is used includes, for example, the location where the cable is laid, the type of laying (above or below ground), the presence or absence of protective conduits, the inner diameter of the protective conduits, the presence or absence of a work area during reinstallation, and the presence or absence of a detour route during reinstallation.

[0018] Furthermore, by using a junction box, cables with a diameter difference within a certain range can be connected. Here, we will explain junction boxes. Various materials necessary for connecting cables, such as conductor connection tubes, fusion tape, and conductive tape, are called connecting materials, and a junction box is a completed (manufactured) product using these connecting materials. There are rubber block type intermediate junction boxes, which are expanded to a diameter larger than the cable sheath using an expansion-holding material (spiral core) at the factory and then attached to the cable by pulling out the spiral core at the site, and tape-wound type intermediate junction boxes, which connect cables by wrapping tape around them. Rubber block type intermediate junction boxes are referred to in various ways, such as rubber block type intermediate connection part or RBJ (Rubber block joint). Similarly, tape-wound type intermediate junction boxes are referred to in various ways, such as tape-wound type intermediate connection part or TJ. Tape-wound type intermediate junction boxes are also used to connect cables with a large difference in diameter. In this embodiment, the junction box is described as an RBJ, but it is not limited to RBJ.

[0019] The identification unit 11 selects one or more diameters from the diameters included in the cable information, identifies the manufacturing content as the case in which a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable are manufactured in succession, identifies the connectable range of diameters that can be connected using a junction box, identifies the number of cables within the connectable range based on the cable information as the number of cables that can be handled, identifies the total number of cables aggregated for each customer based on the cable information as the total number, identifies the occupancy rate for each manufacturing content based on the number of cables that can be handled and the total number, or identifies the allocated number of cables for each manufacturing content based on the number of cables that can be handled and the number of second cables to be manufactured.

[0020] The first cable is the long cable currently in use by the customer. In this embodiment, the first cable may also be referred to as the main cable. The second cable is used in partial replacement work where a portion of the cable is replaced using a junction box. In this embodiment, the second cable may also be referred to as a spare part.

[0021] Occupancy rate is an index indicating what percentage of the total number of cables a customer wants to secure can be secured. Allocation is an indicator showing how many cables can be secured by one spare cable (second cable).

[0022] The aggregation unit 12 aggregates the information identified by the identification unit 11. The aggregation unit 12 may aggregate only the occupancy rate, only the number of allocated units, or both the occupancy rate and the number of allocated units.

[0023] (First example) Here, we will describe the first embodiment of the support device 1. In the first embodiment, we will explain using the example of a case where a customer (Company α) has cables to be secured in multiple factories. For example, let's assume that Company α manages three factories (Factory A, Factory B, and Factory C). Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the factories managed by Company α and the number of cables it owns.

[0024] A manufacturing company that produces and sells cables stores information (sales history information) in the storage unit 31 each time it sells a cable, indicating which cable was sold to which business. Therefore, the storage unit 31 stores information about the cables sold to each business, associated with information about each business. By extracting information about business α from the storage unit 31, the following can be found: Business α's factory A owns (uses) a total of 4 first cables with diameters of 600sq, 500sq, 400sq, and 325sq. Business α's factory B owns (uses) a total of 8 first cables with diameters of 600sq, 500sq, 400sq, 325sq, 250sq, 200sq, 150sq, and 100sq. Business α's factory C owns (uses) a total of 2 first cables with diameters of 200sq and 100sq. In this embodiment, we will assume that each first cable is 1000m long, but the lengths of the first cables may vary.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the contents aggregated by the aggregation unit in the first embodiment.

[0026] The specific unit 11 selects one or more diameters from all the cables owned by the α business operator and identifies the manufacturing process as the production of a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable, in succession. Since the first cable and the second cable are manufactured simultaneously, they are of the same diameter.

[0027] In this embodiment, the specific unit 11 selects a cable with a diameter of 500 sq and a cable with a diameter of 250 sq as the first cable. The specific unit 11 specifies the case where a cable with a diameter of 500 sq (first cable) and a second cable shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession as the manufacturing content (hereinafter referred to as the first manufacturing content), and specifies the case where a cable with a diameter of 250 sq (first cable) and a second cable shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession as the manufacturing content (hereinafter referred to as the second manufacturing content). In this embodiment, the manufacturing content is described as being two, but the manufacturing content is not limited to two.

[0028] The specific unit 11 identifies the connectable diameter range using the junction box. The connectable range varies depending on the type and structure of the cable to be connected. For example, the connectable range can be defined as a predetermined range of the cable insulation outer diameter (hereinafter referred to as diameter), specifically, a range of 80% to 120% of the diameter can be considered for connection. It is also necessary to consider the cable conductor cross-sectional area considering the allowable current value, and it is desirable for the spare cable to be larger than the existing cable. Furthermore, if the cable is housed in a protective tube, the connectable range of the junction box must also be determined considering the inner diameter size of the protective tube. In this embodiment, the specific unit 11 identifies the connectable range for the first manufacturing content (when the diameter is 500 sq) as 400 sq to 600 sq, and identifies the connectable range for the second manufacturing content (when the diameter is 250 sq) as 100 sq to 325 sq.

[0029] The identification unit 11 identifies the number of cables within the connectable range as the number of compatible cables based on information about the cables. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 identifies the number of compatible cables for the first manufacturing content as a total of 6 cables: 2 x 600 sq, 2 x 500 sq, and 2 x 400 sq. The identification unit 11 also identifies the number of compatible cables for the second manufacturing content as a total of 8 cables: 2 x 325 sq, 1 x 250 sq, 2 x 200 sq, 1 x 150, and 2 x 100 sq.

[0030] The identification unit 11 identifies the total number of cables for each customer, based on the information regarding the cables. In this embodiment, company α owns a total of 14 cables at factories A, B, and C, so the total number is 14.

[0031] The identification unit 11 identifies the market share for each manufacturing process based on the number of units that can be handled and the total number of units. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / total number × 100" for the first manufacturing process, where the number of units that can be handled is 6 and the total number of units is 14, and identifies the market share as approximately 43%. Similarly, for the second manufacturing process, where the number of units that can be handled is 8 and the total number of units is 14, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / total number × 100" and identifies the market share as approximately 57%.

[0032] The occupancy rate quantitatively indicates the proportion of the total number of cables owned by the customer that can be partially replaced using the second cable. Therefore, a higher occupancy rate means that the second cable can handle a greater number or variety of diameters of first cables, and thus the level of security is higher.

[0033] Furthermore, the allocation number is an indicator of how many cables one spare cable (second cable) is responsible for securing. Therefore, the lower the allocation number, the less likely it is that when you try to replace a cable with a spare cable (second cable), that spare cable (second cable) is already being used to replace another cable. Thus, a lower allocation number means a higher level of security.

[0034] The identification unit 11 determines the number of units to be allocated for each manufacturing process based on the number of units that can be handled and the number of second cables to be manufactured. In this embodiment, if the number of units that can be handled for the first manufacturing process is 6 and the number of second cables to be manufactured is 1, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" and determines the number of units to be allocated to be 6. Similarly, if the number of units that can be handled for the second manufacturing process is 8 and the number of second cables to be manufactured is 1, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" and determines the number of units to be allocated to be 8.

[0035] Increasing the number of second cables manufactured increases the number of cables that can be handled, thus providing a higher level of security.

[0036] The aggregation unit 12 creates a table that clearly shows the occupancy rate and allocated number of units for each manufacturing item, as shown in Figure 3, for example.

[0037] The sales representative conducts sales by presenting the information compiled in the aggregation unit 12 to the customer 7. The customer 7 can consider which manufacturing content is appropriate by looking at the occupancy rate and allocated number of units for each combination of equipment presented. For example, in the first embodiment, focusing on the occupancy rate, it can be said that it is more appropriate to manufacture the second manufacturing content, which consists of a first cable (main cable) and a second cable (spare part) with a diameter of 250 sq mm. Also, focusing on the allocated number of units, it can be said that it is more appropriate to manufacture the first manufacturing content, which consists of a first cable (main cable) and a second cable (spare part) with a diameter of 500 sq mm. The customer 7 can consider the quantitatively presented information and, based on their own safety plan, select the equipment combination that is most suitable for their company. In this way, the support device 1 can identify equipment combinations based on quantitative indicators (quantifiable indicators of the level of safety when manufacturing all replacement spare parts (first cable) for all replacement work and interim replacement spare parts (second cable) for partial replacement work) to compare which safety plan will affect the operations of which customer company, and can support sales activities.

[0038] Furthermore, since cables are generally manufactured in long lengths using a continuous process, manufacturing short and long cables simultaneously is more effective in reducing waste of resources and energy, such as exhaust gases, waste heat, and waste, than manufacturing short and long cables separately.

[0039] Specifically, in the manufacturing of long cables, exhaust gases, waste heat, and waste are generated during the warm-up period until the temperature conditions of extremely large extrusion manufacturing equipment stabilize, the preparation period until various roll process equipment operates stably, and the cleaning period for extremely large equipment after manufacturing is complete. In addition, excess length of cable is generated during the preparation period.

[0040] Here, manufacturing short cables (second cables, which are spares) and long cables (first cables) simultaneously, rather than separately, reduces the warm-up period in the factory, the number of preparation and cleaning cycles, and significantly reduces the waste of resources and energy, such as exhaust gases, waste heat, and waste generated from the factory.

[0041] Furthermore, from the customer's perspective, if a cable is suddenly damaged, it may take time to obtain a replacement cable, potentially leading to a business shutdown. However, if a short cable is available as a backup, repair work can be carried out immediately, minimizing the impact on the company's operations (for example, avoiding a situation where business operations are shut down due to a prolonged damage to the power transmission line).

[0042] Therefore, in the cases described above, both the customer and the manufacturer would find it advantageous in the long run, from a manufacturing cost and environmental perspective, to manufacture by combining short and long cables. However, until now, these advantages have not been quantitatively demonstrated to the customer.

[0043] Support device 1 offers multiple manufacturing options combining short and long cables, thus minimizing the impact on the customer company's operations (for example, avoiding a situation where a power transmission line remains damaged and business operations are halted).

[0044] (Second example) Next, a second embodiment of the support device 1 will be described. In the second embodiment, a case will be described as one in which multiple companies (for example, company α and company β) own cables that need to be protected. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the number of factories managed by company α and company β and the number of cables they own.

[0045] A manufacturing company that produces and sells cables stores information (sales history information) in the storage unit 31 each time it sells a cable, indicating which cable was sold to which business. Therefore, the storage unit 31 stores information about the cables sold to each business, associated with information about each business. By extracting information about business α and business β from the storage unit 31, the following can be understood.

[0046] Operator α owns (uses) a total of four first cables with diameters of 600 sq, 500 sq, 400 sq, and 325 sq. Operator β owns (uses) six first cables with diameters of 600 sq, 500 sq, 400 sq, 325 sq, 200 sq, and 150 sq, and four first cables with diameters of 250 sq and 100 sq (a total of 10 cables). In this example, we will explain assuming that each first cable is 1000 m long, but the lengths of the first cables may differ.

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the contents aggregated by the aggregation unit in the second embodiment.

[0048] The specific unit 11 selects one or more diameters from the first cables held by the α and β operators, and identifies the manufacturing process as the production of a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable, in succession. Since the first and second cables are manufactured simultaneously, they are of the same diameter.

[0049] In this embodiment, the specific unit 11 selects a cable with a diameter of 500 sq and a cable with a diameter of 250 sq as the first cable. The specific unit 11 identifies the case where a cable with a diameter of 500 sq (first cable) and a second cable shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession as the manufacturing content (hereinafter referred to as the first manufacturing content), and identifies the case where a cable with a diameter of 250 sq (first cable) and a second cable shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession as the manufacturing content (hereinafter referred to as the second manufacturing content). In this embodiment, the manufacturing content is described as being two, but the manufacturing content is not limited to two.

[0050] The identification unit 11 identifies the connectable diameter range using a junction box. The concept of the connectable range of the junction box is the same as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 identifies the connectable range for the first manufacturing content (when the diameter is 500 sq) as 400 sq to 600 sq, and identifies the connectable range for the second manufacturing content (when the diameter is 250 sq) as 100 sq to 325 sq.

[0051] The identification unit 11 identifies the number of cables within the connectable range for each business operator based on information about the cables. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 identifies the number of cables that can be connected for business operator α's first manufacturing content (when the diameter is 500 sq) as a total of 3 cables with diameters of 600 sq, 500 sq, and 400 sq, and identifies the number of cables that can be connected for business operator α's second manufacturing content (when the diameter is 250 sq) as 1 cable of 325 sq. The identification unit 11 also identifies the number of cables that can be connected for business operator β's first manufacturing content as a total of 3 cables with diameters of 600 sq, 500 sq, and 400 sq, and identifies the number of cables that can be connected for business operator β's second manufacturing content as a total of 7 cables: 1 x 325 sq, 2 x 250 sq, 1 x 200 sq, 1 x 150 sq, and 2 x 100 sq. Therefore, the total number of cables that can be connected for the first manufacturing content is 6. The total number of units that can be produced for the second manufacturing process is 8.

[0052] The identification unit 11 identifies the total number of cables for each customer (operator) based on the information regarding the cables. In this embodiment, operator α owns 4 cables, operator β owns 10 cables, and the total number is 14.

[0053] The identification unit 11 identifies the market share for each business operator's manufacturing content based on the number of units that can be handled and the total number of units. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / total number of units of business operator α × 100" and identifies a market share of 75% for business operator α's first manufacturing content, where the number of units that can be handled is 3 and the total number of business operator α is 4. It also calculates "number of units that can be handled / total number of business operator α × 100" and identifies a market share of 25% for business operator α's second manufacturing content, where the number of units that can be handled is 1 and the total number of business operator α is 4. Furthermore, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / total number of business operator β × 100" and identifies a market share of 30% for business operator β's first manufacturing content, where the number of units that can be handled is 3 and the total number of business operator β is 10. Finally, it calculates "number of units that can be handled / total number of business operator β × 100" and identifies a market share of 70% for business operator β's second manufacturing content, where the number of units that can be handled is 7 and the total number of business operator β is 10. Furthermore, the market share for the first manufacturing content, combining both α and β operators, is approximately 43%, since the total number of units that can be handled for the first manufacturing content of both α and β operators is 6, and the total number is 14. Additionally, the market share for the second manufacturing content, combining both α and β operators, is approximately 57%, since the total number of units that can be handled for the second manufacturing content of both α and β operators is 8, and the total number is 14.

[0054] The occupancy rate quantitatively indicates the percentage of the total number of cables owned by the customer that can be partially replaced using the second cable. Therefore, a higher occupancy rate means that the second cable can handle a greater number or variety of diameters of first cables.

[0055] The identification unit 11 determines the number of units to be allocated for each business operator's manufacturing content based on the number of units that can be handled and the number of second cables to be manufactured. In this embodiment, if the number of units that can be handled for business operator α's first manufacturing content is 3 and the number of second cables to be manufactured is 1, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" and determines that the number of units allocated for business operator α's first manufacturing content is 3. If the number of units that can be handled for business operator α's second manufacturing content is 1 and the number of second cables to be manufactured is 1, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" and determines that the number of units allocated for business operator α's second manufacturing content is 1. If the number of units that can be handled for business operator β's first manufacturing content is 3 and the number of second cables to be manufactured is 1, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" and determines that the number of units allocated for business operator β's first manufacturing content is 3. The identification unit 11 calculates "number of compatible units / number of second cables to be manufactured" when it is determined that the number of units that can be handled for β operator's second manufacturing content is 7, and the number of units that will be manufactured for the second cable is 1, and identifies the number of units to be allocated to β operator's first manufacturing content as 7. The total number of units allocated to the first manufacturing content for α operator and β operator combined is 6. The total number of units allocated to the second manufacturing content for α operator and β operator combined is 8.

[0056] Increasing the number of second cables manufactured increases the number of cables that can be handled, thus providing a higher level of security.

[0057] The aggregation unit 12 creates a table, for example, as shown in Figure 5, that clearly shows the market share and allocated number of units for each business operator's production content.

[0058] The sales representative conducts sales by presenting the information aggregated in the aggregation unit 12 to the customer 7. The customer 7 can consider which manufacturing content is appropriate by looking at the occupancy rate and allocation number of the presented equipment combinations relative to the presented manufacturing content. For example, in the second embodiment, if α company focuses on occupancy rate, it can be said that it is more appropriate to manufacture the first manufacturing content, which is a 500 sq diameter first cable (main cable) and a second cable (spare part). Also, if α company focuses on allocation number, it can be said that it is more appropriate to manufacture the second manufacturing content, which is a 250 sq diameter first cable (main cable) and a second cable (spare part). On the other hand, if β company focuses on occupancy rate, it can be said that it is more appropriate to manufacture the second manufacturing content, which is a 250 sq diameter first cable (main cable) and a second cable (spare part). Furthermore, from the perspective of the allocated number of units, it can be said that it is more appropriate for the β business operator to manufacture the first 500sq cable (main cable) and the second cable (spare part), which are the first manufacturing components.

[0059] According to the second embodiment, the occupancy rate and allocated number of units for company α and company β are diametrically opposed. In such cases, the sales representative can encourage company α and company β to consult with each other and select a combination of equipment suitable for both companies. For example, company β can offer company α certain conditions and, based on the occupancy rate, choose to manufacture the second manufacturing item, a 250 sq first cable (main cable) and a second cable (spare part). In this way, the support device 1 can identify combinations of equipment based on quantitative indicators for comparing which security plan affects the operations of which customer company (indicators that quantify the level of security when manufacturing all replacement spare parts (first cable) for all replacement work and allocated replacement spare parts (second cable) for partial replacement work), and can support sales activities while encouraging consultation among multiple companies.

[0060] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment described above, the support device 1 offers multiple manufacturing options for combining short and long cables, thereby minimizing the impact on the customer company's operations (for example, avoiding situations where a power transmission line remains damaged and business operations are halted). In addition, the support device 1 reduces the warm-up period, preparation and cleaning cycles in the factory, and significantly reduces waste of resources and energy such as exhaust gases, waste heat, and waste from the factory when short and long cables are manufactured simultaneously compared to when they are manufactured separately.

[0061] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the support device 1 will be described. In the third embodiment, a case where security is provided using multiple main cables (first cables) and spare cables (second cables) will be described as an example. For example, let's assume that company α manages three factories (factory A, factory B, and factory C). Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the factories managed by company α and the number of cables it possesses.

[0062] A manufacturing company that produces and sells cables stores information (sales history information) in the storage unit 31 each time it sells a cable, indicating which cable was sold to which business. Therefore, the storage unit 31 stores information about the cables sold to each business, associated with information about each business. By extracting information about business α from the storage unit 31, the following can be found.

[0063] At Factory A of Company α, a total of four first cables with diameters of 600 sq, 500 sq, 400 sq, and 325 sq are owned (used). At Factory B of Company α, a total of eight first cables with diameters of 1000 sq, 500 sq, 400 sq, 325 sq, 250 sq, 200 sq, 150 sq, and 100 sq are owned (used). At Factory C of Company α, a total of two first cables with diameters of 800 sq and 100 sq are owned (used). In this example, each first cable is assumed to be 1000 m long, but the lengths of the first cables may differ.

[0064] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the contents aggregated by the aggregation unit in the first embodiment.

[0065] The specific unit 11 selects one or more diameters from all the cables owned by the α business operator and identifies the manufacturing process as the production of a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable, in succession. Since the first cable and the second cable are manufactured simultaneously, they are of the same diameter.

[0066] In this embodiment, the specification unit 11 selects a cable with a diameter of 1000 sq mm, a cable with a diameter of 500 sq mm, and a cable with a diameter of 250 sq mm as the first cable. The specification unit 11 specifies the manufacturing process as the first manufacturing process when one cable with a diameter of 1000 sq mm (first cable) and one second cable shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession. The specification unit 11 specifies the manufacturing process as the second manufacturing process when one cable with a diameter of 500 sq mm (first cable) and one second cable shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession. The specification unit 11 specifies the manufacturing process as the third manufacturing process when one cable with a diameter of 250 sq mm (first cable) and one second cable shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession. In this embodiment, we assume a scenario where we propose to the customer the adoption of all three manufacturing processes: the first, second, and third. However, the manufacturing processes are not limited to these three.

[0067] The identification unit 11 identifies the connectable diameter range using a junction box. The concept of the connectable range of the junction box is the same as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 identifies the connectable range for the first manufacturing content as 800 sq to 1200 sq, the connectable range for the second manufacturing content as 400 sq to 600 sq, and the connectable range for the third manufacturing content as 100 sq to 325 sq.

[0068] The identification unit 11 identifies the number of cables within the connectable range as the number of compatible cables based on information about the cables. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 identifies the number of compatible cables for the first manufacturing configuration (when the diameter is 1000 sq) as a total of 2 cables: 1 x 1000 sq and 1 x 800 sq. The identification unit 11 also identifies the number of compatible cables for the second manufacturing configuration (when the diameter is 500 sq) as a total of 5 cables: 1 x 600 sq, 2 x 500 sq and 2 x 400 sq. The identification unit 11 also identifies the number of compatible cables for the third manufacturing configuration (when the diameter is 250 sq) as a total of 7 cables: 2 x 325 sq, 1 x 250 sq, 1 x 200 sq, 1 x 150 sq and 2 x 100 sq.

[0069] The identification unit 11 identifies the total number of cables for each customer, based on the information regarding the cables. In this embodiment, company α owns a total of 14 cables at factories A, B, and C, so the total number is 14.

[0070] The identification unit 11 identifies the occupancy rate for each manufacturing content based on the number of units that can be handled and the total number. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / total number × 100" because the total number of units that can be handled for the first manufacturing content, second manufacturing content and third manufacturing content is 14, and the total number is 14, and identifies the occupancy rate as 100%.

[0071] The identification unit 11 determines the number of units to be allocated for each manufacturing process based on the number of units that can be handled and the number of second cables to be manufactured. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" for the first manufacturing process, where the number of units that can be handled is 2, and the number of second cables to be manufactured is 1, and determines the number of units to be allocated as 2. Similarly, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" for the second manufacturing process, where the number of units that can be handled is 5, and determines the number of units to be allocated as 5. Furthermore, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" for the third manufacturing process, where the number of units that can be handled is 7, and determines the number of units to be allocated as 7.

[0072] Increasing the number of second cables manufactured increases the number of cables that can be handled, thus providing a higher level of security.

[0073] The aggregation unit 12 creates a table that clearly shows the occupancy rate and allocated number of units for each manufacturing item, as shown in Figure 7, for example.

[0074] The sales representative conducts sales by presenting the information aggregated in the aggregation unit 12 to the customer 7. The customer 7 can examine which manufacturing configuration is appropriate by looking at the occupancy rate and allocation number of units for each combination of equipment presented. For example, in the third embodiment, the occupancy rate becomes 100% when the first, second, and third manufacturing configurations are adopted together, so the customer is likely to accept this proposal. In this way, the support device 1 can identify equipment combinations based on quantitative indicators (quantified indicators of the level of security when manufacturing all replacement spare parts (first cable) for all replacement work and allocated replacement spare parts (second cable) for partial replacement work) to compare which security plan will affect the operations of which customer company, and can support sales activities.

[0075] Furthermore, similar to the embodiments described above, the support device 1 offers multiple manufacturing options for combining short and long cables, thereby minimizing the impact on the customer company's operations (for example, avoiding situations where a power transmission line remains damaged and business operations are halted). In addition, the support device 1 reduces the warm-up period, preparation and cleaning cycles in the factory, and significantly reduces the waste of resources and energy, such as exhaust gases, waste heat, and waste, compared to manufacturing short and long cables separately.

[0076] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the support device 1 will be described. In the fourth embodiment, an example will be given of a case where multiple companies (for example, company α and company β) possess cables that they wish to secure, and the cables are secured using multiple spare cables (second cables).

[0077] Figure 8 schematically shows the number of factories and cables managed by α, β, and γ operators, respectively.

[0078] A manufacturing company that produces and sells cables stores information (sales history information) in the storage unit 31 each time it sells a cable, indicating which cable was sold to which business. Therefore, the storage unit 31 stores information about the cables sold to each business, associated with information about each business. By extracting information about business α, business β, and business γ from the storage unit 31, the following can be understood.

[0079] Company α owns (uses) a total of four first cables with diameters of 600 sq, 500 sq, 400 sq, and 325 sq. Company β owns (uses) a total of three first cables with diameters of 500 sq, 400 sq, and 325 sq. Company γ owns (uses) a total of 50 first cables with a diameter of 500 sq, and also owns a total of five first cables with diameters of 400 sq, 325 sq, 250 sq, 200 sq, and 150 sq. In this example, each first cable is assumed to be 1000 m long, but the lengths of the first cables may differ.

[0080] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the contents aggregated by the aggregation unit in the fourth embodiment.

[0081] The specific unit 11 selects one or more diameters from all the first cables held by α, β, and γ businesses, and specifies as the manufacturing process a case in which a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable are manufactured in succession. Since the first cable and the second cable are manufactured simultaneously, they are of the same diameter.

[0082] In this embodiment, the specification unit 11 selects a cable with a diameter of 500 sq as the first cable. The specification unit 11 specifies the manufacturing process as the first manufacturing process when one cable with a diameter of 500 sq (first cable) and one second cable shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession, and specifies the manufacturing process as the second manufacturing process when one cable with a diameter of 500 sq (first cable) and two second cables shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession. In this embodiment, the manufacturing process is described as having two manufacturing processes, but the manufacturing process is not limited to two.

[0083] The specific unit 11 identifies the connectable diameter range using a junction box. The concept of the connectable range of the junction box is the same as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the specific unit 11 will describe the case where the connectable range for both the first and second manufacturing contents is identified as 325 sq to 500 sq.

[0084] The identification unit 11 identifies the number of cables within the connectable range as the number of compatible cables based on the information regarding the cables. In this embodiment, company α has a total of 3 first cables with diameters of 500 sq x 1, 400 sq x 1, and 325 sq x 1; company β has a total of 3 first cables with diameters of 500 sq x 1, 400 sq x 1, and 325 sq x 1; and company γ has a total of 52 first cables with diameters of 500 sq x 50, 400 sq x 1, and 325 sq x 1. Therefore, the identification unit 11 identifies the number of compatible cables for the first and second manufacturing contents of all companies as 58. Note that the number of compatible cables may be identified for each company.

[0085] The identification unit 11 identifies the total number of cables (first cables) based on the information regarding the cables. In this embodiment, company α owns 4 first cables, company β owns 3 first cables, and company γ owns 55 first cables, for a total of 62 cables. The total number may be identified for each company.

[0086] The identification unit 11 identifies the market share for each manufacturing content based on the number of units that can be handled and the total number. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / total number × 100" because the number of units that can be handled for the first and second manufacturing contents of all businesses is 58, and the total number is 62, and identifies the market share as approximately 94%. Note that the market share may be identified for each business.

[0087] The occupancy rate quantitatively indicates the percentage of the total number of cables owned by the customer that can be partially replaced using the second cable. Therefore, a higher occupancy rate means that the second cable can handle a greater number or variety of diameters of first cables.

[0088] The identification unit 11 determines the number of units to be allocated for each manufacturing process based on the number of units that can be handled and the number of second cables to be manufactured. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" for the first manufacturing process, which is 58 units, and determines the number of units to be allocated for the first manufacturing process to be 58 units. Similarly, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" for the second manufacturing process, which is 58 units, and determines the number of units to be allocated for the second manufacturing process to be 29 units. Note that the number of units to be allocated may be determined for each business operator.

[0089] Increasing the number of second cables manufactured increases the number of cables that can be handled, thus providing a higher level of security.

[0090] The aggregation unit 12 creates a table that clearly shows the occupancy rate and the number of units allocated to the manufacturing content, for example, as shown in Figure 9.

[0091] Sales representatives conduct sales by presenting the information aggregated in the aggregation unit 12 to the customer 7. The customer 7 can examine which manufacturing configuration is appropriate by looking at the percentage of the presented equipment combination relative to the presented manufacturing configuration and the number of units allocated. In the fourth embodiment, if there is only one second cable (spare part), the number of units allocated is 58, which is too many. Therefore, it is possible to select the second manufacturing configuration, increase the number of second cables (spare parts) to two, and reduce the number of units allocated to half, 29. In this way, the support device 1 can identify equipment combinations based on quantitative indicators (indicators that quantify the level of security when manufacturing all replacement spare parts (first cable) for all replacement work and allocated replacement spare parts (second cable) for partial replacement work) to compare which security plan will affect the operations of which customer company, and can support sales activities while encouraging discussions among multiple businesses.

[0092] Furthermore, similar to the embodiments described above, the support device 1 offers multiple manufacturing options for combining short and long cables, thereby minimizing the impact on the customer company's operations (for example, avoiding situations where a power transmission line remains damaged and business operations are halted). In addition, the support device 1 reduces the warm-up period, preparation and cleaning cycles in the factory, and significantly reduces the waste of resources and energy, such as exhaust gases, waste heat, and waste, compared to manufacturing short and long cables separately.

[0093] (Fifth example) Next, a fifth embodiment of the support device 1 will be described. In the fifth embodiment, a case will be described in which multiple companies (for example, company α and company β) possess cables that they wish to secure, and the cables are secured using multiple spare cables (second cables) by utilizing the sales history of the cable manufacturing company.

[0094] Figure 10 schematically shows the number of factories and cables owned by each of the α and β operators, as well as the history information of the manufacturing company's factories and cables sold to operators other than the α and β operators.

[0095] A manufacturing company that produces and sells cables stores information (sales history information) in the storage unit 31 each time it sells a cable, indicating which cable was sold to which business. Therefore, the storage unit 31 stores information about the cables sold to each business, associated with information about each business. By extracting information about business α and business β from the storage unit 31, the following can be understood.

[0096] Operator α owns (uses) a total of four first-generation cables with diameters of 600 sq, 500 sq, 400 sq, and 325 sq. Operator β owns (uses) a total of three first-generation cables with diameters of 500 sq, 400 sq, and 325 sq.

[0097] Furthermore, the following information is extracted from the sales data to businesses other than α and β businesses. In this example, we will explain assuming that the manufacturing company sold a total of 55 cables to businesses other than α and β businesses, consisting of 50 first cables with a diameter of 500 sq mm, 1 first cable with a diameter of 400 sq mm, 1 first cable with a diameter of 325 sq mm, 1 first cable with a diameter of 250 sq mm, 1 first cable with a diameter of 200 sq mm, and 1 first cable with a diameter of 150 sq mm.

[0098] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the contents aggregated by the aggregation unit 12 in the fifth embodiment.

[0099] The specific unit 11 selects one or more diameters from all the first cables owned by α and β businesses, and from the first cables sold by the manufacturing company, and identifies the manufacturing process as the production of a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable, in succession. Since the first cable and the second cable are manufactured simultaneously, they are of the same diameter.

[0100] In this embodiment, the specific unit 11 selects a cable with a diameter of 500 sq as the first cable. The specific unit 11 specifies the manufacturing process as the first manufacturing process (hereinafter referred to as the first manufacturing process) when one long cable (for example, 1000 m) with a diameter of 500 sq and one second cable shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession. It also specifies the manufacturing process as the second manufacturing process (hereinafter referred to as the second manufacturing process) when one long cable (for example, 1000 m) with a diameter of 500 sq and two second cables shorter than the first cable (for example, 100 m) are manufactured in succession. In the first manufacturing process, an 1100 m cable is manufactured. In the second manufacturing process, a 1200 m cable is manufactured. In this embodiment, the manufacturing process is described as having two processes, but the manufacturing process is not limited to two processes.

[0101] The specific unit 11 identifies the connectable diameter range using a junction box. The concept of the connectable range of the junction box is the same as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the specific unit 11 identifies the connectable range for both the first and second manufacturing contents as 325 sq to 500 sq.

[0102] The identification unit 11 identifies the number of cables within the connectable range as the number of compatible cables based on the information regarding the cables. In this embodiment, company α owns a total of 3 first cables with diameters of 500 sq x 1, 400 sq x 1, and 325 sq x 1, and company β owns a total of 3 first cables with diameters of 500 sq x 1, 400 sq x 1, and 325 sq x 1. In addition, the manufacturing company sold 50 first cables with a diameter of 500 sq and 2 first cables with diameters of 400 sq x 1 and 325 sq x 1. In other words, the manufacturing company sold a total of 52 first cables. Therefore, the identification unit 11 identifies the number of compatible cables for the first and second manufacturing contents as 58. Note that the number of compatible cables may be identified separately for each company.

[0103] The identification unit 11 identifies the total number of cables (first cables) based on the information regarding the cables. In this embodiment, operator α owns 4 first cables, and operator β owns 3 first cables. Operators other than operators α and β own 55 first cables. Adding these together gives 62 cables, so the total number is 62. Note that the total number may also be identified separately for each operator.

[0104] The identification unit 11 identifies the market share for each manufacturing content based on the number of units that can be handled and the total number. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / total number × 100" because the number of units that can be handled for the first and second manufacturing contents is 58, and the total number is 62, and identifies the market share as approximately 94%. Note that the market share may be identified separately for each business operator.

[0105] The occupancy rate quantitatively indicates the percentage of the total number of cables owned by the customer that can be partially replaced using the second cable. Therefore, a higher occupancy rate means that the second cable can handle a greater number or variety of diameters of first cables.

[0106] The identification unit 11 determines the number of units to be allocated for each manufacturing process based on the number of units that can be handled and the number of second cables to be manufactured. In this embodiment, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" for the first manufacturing process, which is 58 units, and determines the number of units to be allocated for the first manufacturing process to be 58 units. Similarly, the identification unit 11 calculates "number of units that can be handled / number of second cables to be manufactured" for the second manufacturing process, which is 58 units, and determines the number of units to be allocated for the second manufacturing process to be 29 units. The number of units to be allocated may be determined separately for each business operator.

[0107] Increasing the number of second cables manufactured increases the number of cables that can be handled, thus providing a higher level of security.

[0108] The aggregation unit 12 creates a table that clearly shows the occupancy rate and the number of units allocated to the manufacturing content, for example, as shown in Figure 11.

[0109] The sales representative presents the information compiled in the aggregation unit 12 to the customer 7 while conducting sales. The customer 7 can then examine which manufacturing configuration is appropriate by looking at the occupancy rate and allocation number of units for each combination of equipment presented.

[0110] In the fifth embodiment, information from the sales history of the cable manufacturing company is used to include spare parts (second cables) intended for operators other than α and β operators in the identification (of all) of the cable range that should be emergency repaired.

[0111] For example, in the fifth embodiment, the support device 1 can conduct sales activities to a business operator (for example, business operator δ, which owns 40 second cables with a diameter of 500 sq) from the sales history information stored in the memory unit 31, and propose to business operator δ that they jointly hold the second cable with business operators α and β, by presenting them with a share or allocation number. In such a case, the sales representative can encourage business operators α, β, and δ to consult with each other and allow them to select a combination of equipment suitable for each business operator. In this way, the support device 1 can identify combinations of equipment based on quantitative indicators for comparing which security plan will affect the operations of which customer company (indicators that quantify the level of security when manufacturing all replacement spare parts (first cable) for all replacement work and split replacement spare parts (second cable) for partial replacement work), and support sales activities while encouraging consultation among multiple businesses.

[0112] Furthermore, similar to the embodiments described above, the support device 1 offers multiple manufacturing options for combining short and long cables, thereby minimizing the impact on the customer company's operations (for example, avoiding situations where a power transmission line remains damaged and business operations are halted). In addition, the support device 1 reduces the warm-up period, preparation and cleaning cycles in the factory, and significantly reduces the waste of resources and energy, such as exhaust gases, waste heat, and waste, compared to manufacturing short and long cables separately.

[0113] The support device 1 may also be configured to include a reception unit 13 that receives communications from one or more customers. In this configuration, if the information received by the reception unit 13 is a notification that a cable currently in use by a customer has been damaged, the identification unit 11 corrects the number of available cables and the total number, identifies the occupancy rate based on the corrected information, or identifies the number of cables to be allocated based on the corrected information. The aggregation unit 12 aggregates the correction information identified by the identification unit 11. The information received by the reception unit 13 may be a notification that a cable currently in use has been replaced, or a notification that a customer will add a new cable.

[0114] Support device 1 repairs all cables used by a customer if they are damaged, and then adjusts the occupancy rate and the number of allocated cables based on the repaired total number. With this configuration, support device 1 updates the occupancy rate and the number of allocated cables in accordance with changes in the number of cables used by the customer (first cable), so that it can always present the customer with the latest occupancy rate and number of allocated cables when conducting sales.

[0115] Furthermore, the support device 1 may also be configured to include a provisioning unit 14 that provides the information aggregated by the aggregation unit 12 to the corresponding customer.

[0116] Furthermore, the information provision unit 14 may be configured to anonymize the information based on the aggregated content and provide the anonymized information. For example, the information provision unit 14 may compare the market share and allocated number of cables for customers in the same industry, generate average, highest, or lowest value information, and provide this information to the customer. Alternatively, it may compare the market share and allocated number of cables for customers with cables in the same region, such as the same prefecture or municipality, generate average, highest, or lowest value information, and provide this information to the customer. By comparing this anonymized information of other companies with their own situation, customers can consider whether their manufacturing is appropriate.

[0117] Generally, facility information, including factory cable wiring, is considered confidential. This is because it can sometimes be used to estimate production volume and other factors. As a result, cable information such as occupancy rates and allocated cable numbers was also kept confidential, and the situation of other companies was not made public. Therefore, by making this information publicly available and anonymized, customers can evaluate whether the manufacturing content is appropriate.

[0118] The provisioning unit 14 may, for example, provide the customer 7 with the information compiled by the aggregation unit 12 via a predetermined form or email, or the user may provide the customer 7 with the information compiled by the aggregation unit 12 via telephone or letter.

[0119] Here, if a cable is damaged, it is expected that a partial replacement will be carried out using a spare (second cable). If the spares run out, safety cannot be ensured if another cable is damaged elsewhere. Therefore, when the support device 1 receives notification from the reception unit 13 that a cable currently in use has been damaged, the identification unit 11 corrects the number of available cables and the total number, identifies the occupancy rate or the number of cables to be allocated based on the corrected information, the aggregation unit 12 aggregates the occupancy rate and the number of cables to be allocated again, and the provision unit 14 provides the corrected information to the corresponding customer. The customer 7 receives the information provided by the provision unit 14 as an alert and can consult with their sales representative to consider which manufacturing configuration is appropriate by looking at the occupancy rate and the number of cables to be allocated.

[0120] (Support method) Next, we will describe support methods for identifying equipment combinations based on quantitative indicators, assisting sales activities, minimizing the impact on customer company operations, and reducing the resources, exhaust gases such as carbon dioxide, waste heat, and waste generated by manufacturers during the manufacturing and storage of equipment, thereby reducing the waste of resources and energy. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the steps of the support method.

[0121] The memory unit 31 stores information about the cables sold to each customer. The cable information includes several items, including at least the cable diameter and length. By using a junction box, cables with diameter differences within a certain range can be connected.

[0122] In step ST1, the identification unit 11 selects one or more diameters from the diameters included in the cable information, identifies the manufacturing content as the case in which a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable are manufactured in succession, identifies the connectable range of diameters that can be connected using a junction box, identifies the number of cables within the connectable range based on the cable information as the number of cables that can be handled, identifies the total number of cables aggregated for each customer based on the cable information as the total number, identifies the occupancy rate for each manufacturing content based on the number of cables that can be handled and the total number, or identifies the number of cables to be allocated for each manufacturing content based on the number of cables that can be handled and the number of second cables to be manufactured (identification process).

[0123] In step ST2, the aggregation unit 12 aggregates the information identified in the specific process (aggregation process).

[0124] Occupancy rate is an index indicating what percentage of the total number of cables a customer wants to secure can be secured. Allocation is an indicator showing how many cables can be secured by one spare cable (second cable).

[0125] By implementing this support method, it is possible to identify equipment combinations based on quantitative indicators (quantifiable indicators of the level of security when manufacturing all replacement spare parts (first cable) for all replacement work and interim replacement spare parts (second cable) for partial replacement work) to compare which security plan will affect the operations of which customer company, and to support sales activities.

[0126] Furthermore, this support method offers multiple manufacturing options combining short and long cables, thereby minimizing the impact on the customer company's operations (for example, avoiding situations where business operations are halted due to prolonged damage to power transmission lines). Additionally, this support method reduces the warm-up period, preparation and cleaning frequency in the factory compared to manufacturing short and long cables separately, and significantly reduces waste of resources and energy such as exhaust gases, waste heat, and waste from the factory.

[0127] Furthermore, the support method may also be configured to include a process (reception process) in which the reception unit 13 receives contact from one or more customers.

[0128] In this configuration, if the information received by the reception unit 13 is a notification that a cable currently in use by a customer has been damaged, the specific process corrects the number of available cables and the total number, determines the occupancy rate based on the corrected information, or determines the number of cables to be allocated based on the corrected information. Furthermore, the aggregation process aggregates the correction information identified in the specific process.

[0129] By implementing this support method, if a customer's cables are damaged, all of them can be repaired, and based on the repaired total number, the occupancy rate and the number of allocated cables can be adjusted. Therefore, by implementing this support method, the occupancy rate and the number of allocated cables can be updated in accordance with changes in the number of cables (first cables) used by the customer, so that the latest occupancy rate and number of allocated cables can always be presented to the customer when conducting sales.

[0130] Furthermore, the support method may also include a configuration in which the content aggregated by the aggregation unit 12 is provided to the corresponding customer by the provision unit 14 (provision process).

[0131] In the delivery process, for example, the information compiled by the aggregation unit 12 may be provided to the customer 7 via a predetermined form or email, or the user may provide the information compiled by the aggregation unit 12 to the customer 7 by telephone or letter.

[0132] In this case, if a cable is damaged, it is expected that a partial replacement will be carried out using a spare (second cable). If the spares run out, safety cannot be ensured if another cable is damaged elsewhere. Therefore, by implementing the support method according to this embodiment, when the reception unit 13 receives notification from a customer that a cable they are using has been damaged, the identification unit 11 corrects the number of available cables and the total number, identifies the occupancy rate or the number of cables to be allocated based on the corrected information, the aggregation unit 12 aggregates the occupancy rate and the number of cables to be allocated again, and the provision unit 14 provides the corrected information to the customer. The customer 7 receives the information provided by the provision unit 14 as an alert and, while consulting with the sales representative, can look at the occupancy rate and the number of cables to consider which manufacturing content is appropriate.

[0133] (program) Next, we will describe a program that identifies equipment combinations based on quantitative indicators, supports sales activities, minimizes the impact on customer company operations, reduces resources, exhaust gases such as carbon dioxide, waste heat, and waste generated by manufacturers during the manufacturing and storage of equipment, and reduces the waste of resources and energy. The program mainly consists of the following processes and is executed by the Computer 500 (hardware).

[0134] Furthermore, the memory unit 31 stores information about the cables sold to each customer. The cable information includes at least several items, including the cable diameter and length. By using a junction box, cables with diameter differences within a certain range can be connected.

[0135] Process 1: Select one or more diameters from the diameters included in the cable information, identify the manufacturing process as the production of a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable in succession, identify the connectable diameter range using a junction box, identify the number of cables within the connectable range based on the cable information as the number of cables that can be handled, identify the total number of cables aggregated for each customer based on the cable information as the total number, identify the occupancy rate for each manufacturing process based on the number of cables that can be handled and the total number, or identify the allocated number for each manufacturing process based on the number of cables that can be handled and the number of second cables to be manufactured (identification process).

[0136] Step 2: Consolidate the information identified in the previous step (consolidation step).

[0137] Occupancy rate is an index indicating what percentage of the total number of cables a customer wants to secure can be secured. Allocation is an indicator showing how many cables can be secured by one spare cable (second cable).

[0138] By running this program, it is possible to identify equipment combinations based on quantitative indicators (quantifiable indicators of the level of security when manufacturing all replacement spare parts (first cable) for all replacement work and interim replacement spare parts (second cable) for partial replacement work) to compare which security plan will affect the operations of which customer company, thereby supporting sales activities.

[0139] Furthermore, by running this program, multiple manufacturing options combining short and long cables can be presented, thereby minimizing the impact on the customer company's operations (for example, avoiding a situation where business operations are halted due to prolonged damage to power transmission lines). In addition, by running this program, simultaneous manufacturing of short and long cables reduces the warm-up period, preparation and cleaning cycles in the factory compared to manufacturing them separately, and significantly reduces the waste of resources and energy, such as exhaust gases, waste heat, and waste generated from the factory.

[0140] Furthermore, the program may also be configured to perform a process (reception process) for receiving contact from one or more customers.

[0141] In this configuration, if the received information is a report that a cable currently in use by the customer is damaged, the number of available cables and the total number are corrected, the occupancy rate is determined based on the corrected information, or the number of cables to be allocated is determined based on the corrected information. In the aggregation process, the corrections identified in the specific process are aggregated.

[0142] By running such a program, if a customer's cables are damaged, all of them can be repaired, and based on the repaired total number, the occupancy rate and the number of allocated cables can be adjusted. Therefore, by running this program, the occupancy rate and the number of allocated cables can be updated in accordance with changes in the number of cables used by the customer (first cable), so that the latest occupancy rate and number of allocated cables can always be presented to the customer during sales activities.

[0143] Furthermore, the program may also have a configuration that includes a step (delivery step) in which it provides the aggregated content from the aggregation step to the corresponding customer.

[0144] In the delivery process, for example, the collected information may be provided to the customer via a designated form or email.

[0145] In this case, if a cable is damaged, it is expected that a partial replacement will be carried out using a spare (second cable). If the spares run out, safety cannot be ensured if another cable is damaged elsewhere. Therefore, by executing the program according to this embodiment, when a customer notifies the system that a cable they are using has been damaged, the system can revise the number of available cables and the total number, identify the occupancy rate based on the revised information, or identify the number of cables to be allocated based on the revised information, reconsolidate the occupancy rate and the number of cables allocated, and provide the revised information to the customer. The customer 7 receives the information provided by the provision unit 14 as an alert and, in consultation with their sales representative, can examine the occupancy rate and the number of cables allocated to determine which manufacturing configuration is appropriate.

[0146] Here, the configuration and operation of computer 500 will be explained with reference to a diagram. Figure 13 shows the configuration of computer 500. As shown in Figure 13, computer 500 is configured with a processor 501, memory 502, storage 503, input / output I / F 504, and communication I / F 505 connected on bus A, and the cooperation of these components realizes the functions and / or methods described herein.

[0147] The input / output interface 504 is connected to a display and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or keyboard). The communication interface is an interface compliant with a predetermined communication standard and communicates with the device (e.g., the customer's terminal device 7) via a network NW, either wired or wirelessly. The communication interface corresponds to the reception unit 13 and the service provision unit 14.

[0148] Memory 502 consists of RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is composed of either volatile or non-volatile memory.

[0149] The storage 503 is composed of non-volatile memory and is implemented, for example, by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage 503 corresponds to the memory unit 31. The storage 503 stores various programs, such as the programs implemented in each of the processes described above.

[0150] The processor 501 controls the operation of the entire computer 500. The processor 501 is an arithmetic unit that loads the operating system and various programs that realize diverse functions from the storage 503 into the memory 502 and executes the instructions contained in the loaded programs.

[0151] Specifically, when the processor 501 receives a user input, it reads a program stored in the storage 503 (for example, the program according to the present invention), loads the read program into the memory 502, and executes the program. Furthermore, the execution of the program by the processor 501 enables the realization of various functions such as the specific unit 11 and the aggregation unit 12.

[0152] The configuration of the processor 501 will now be described. The processor 501 can be implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), various other processing units, or a combination thereof.

[0153] Furthermore, in order to implement the functions and / or methods described herein, some or all of the functions such as the processor 501, memory 502, and storage 503 may be configured as a dedicated hardware processing circuit 601. Figure 14 shows the configuration of the processing circuit 601 of computer 600. The processing circuit 601 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0154] Furthermore, although processor 501 has been described as a single component, it is not limited to this and may be composed of a collection of multiple physically separate processors. A program or instructions contained in such a program, as described herein as being executed by processor 501, may be executed by a single processor 501 or may be executed in a distributed manner by multiple processors. Also, a program or instructions contained in such a program, executed by processor 501, may be executed by multiple virtual processors.

[0155] Although some embodiments of this application 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 present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0156] 1 Support equipment 7 Customer side 11 Specific section 12. Aggregation Section 13 Reception Department 14 Providing Department 31 Storage section 100 Support Systems NW Network

Claims

1. A memory unit that stores information about the cables sold to each customer, The information regarding the cable includes at least several items, including the cable's diameter and length. By using a junction box, it is possible to connect cables with diameter differences within a certain range. A specification unit that selects one or more diameters from the diameters included in the cable information, identifies the manufacturing content as the case in which a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable are manufactured in succession, identifies the connectable range of diameters that can be connected using the connection box, identifies the number of cables within the connectable range based on the cable information as the number of cables that can be supported, identifies the total number of cables aggregated for each customer based on the cable information as the total number, identifies the occupancy rate for each manufacturing content based on the number of cables that can be supported and the total number, or identifies the number of cables to be allocated for each manufacturing content based on the number of cables that can be supported and the number of second cables to be manufactured. A support device comprising a summarization unit that aggregates the contents identified by the aforementioned specific unit.

2. It includes a reception desk that receives contact from one or more customers, If the information received by the reception unit is a notification that a cable being used by a customer has been damaged, the specified unit corrects the number of available cables and the total number, and then determines the occupancy rate based on the corrected information, or determines the number of cables to be allocated based on the corrected information. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the aggregation unit aggregates the modification details identified by the identification unit.

3. It includes a reception desk that receives contact from one or more customers, If the information received by the reception unit is a notification that the customer has replaced the cable they are using, the specified unit modifies the number of available cables and the total number, and determines the occupancy rate based on the modified information, or determines the number of allocated cables based on the modified information. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the aggregation unit aggregates the modification details identified by the identification unit.

4. It includes a reception desk that receives contact from one or more customers, If the information received by the reception unit is a notification from the customer that they wish to add a new cable, the specified unit modifies the number of available cables and the total number, and then determines the occupancy rate based on the modified information, or determines the number of cables to be allocated based on the modified information. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the aggregation unit aggregates the modification details identified by the identification unit.

5. The support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a provisioning unit that provides the contents aggregated by the aggregation unit to the corresponding customer.

6. The support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a provisioning unit that generates anonymized information based on the content aggregated by the aggregation unit and provides the anonymized information to the corresponding customer.

7. The support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a provisioning unit that generates anonymized information for customers in the same industry or for customers with cables in the same region based on the information aggregated by the aggregation unit, and provides the anonymized information to the corresponding customer.

8. The memory unit stores information about the cables sold to each customer. The information regarding the cable includes at least several items, including the cable's diameter and length. By using a junction box, it is possible to connect cables with diameter differences within a certain range. A selection process that involves selecting one or more diameters from the diameters included in the cable information using a selection unit, identifying the manufacturing content as the case in which a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable are manufactured in succession, identifying the connectable range of diameters that can be connected using the connection box, identifying the number of cables within the connectable range based on the cable information as the number of cables that can be supported, identifying the total number of cables aggregated for each customer based on the cable information as the total number, identifying the occupancy rate for each manufacturing content based on the number of cables that can be supported and the total number, or identifying the number of cables to be allocated for each manufacturing content based on the number of cables that can be supported and the number of second cables to be manufactured, A support method comprising an aggregation unit and an aggregation step that aggregates the contents identified in the aforementioned specific step.

9. The memory unit stores information about the cables sold to each customer. The information regarding the cable includes at least several items, including the cable's diameter and length. By using a junction box, it is possible to connect cables with diameter differences within a certain range. On the computer, A process for identifying a manufacturing process that involves selecting one or more diameters from the diameters included in the cable information, manufacturing a first cable of a length corresponding to the selected diameter and a second cable shorter than the first cable in succession, identifying the connectable range of diameters that can be connected using the connection box, identifying the number of cables within the connectable range based on the cable information as the number of cables that can be connected, identifying the total number of cables aggregated for each customer based on the cable information as the total number, identifying the occupancy rate for each manufacturing process based on the number of cables that can be connected and the total number, or identifying the number of cables to be allocated for each manufacturing process based on the number of cables that can be connected and the number of second cables to be manufactured. A program for executing an aggregation process that aggregates the information identified in the aforementioned specific process.

Images