A metal scrap inventory management system and its processing method.

Abstract

We provide a metal scrap inventory management system that supports cost calculation of metal scrap inventory, taking into account the price differences of each metal and the yield from processing, for metal scrap containing dissimilar materials. [Solution] The metal scrap inventory management system 1 according to the present invention comprises a registration unit 11 in which one or more metal scrap inventory items having metal scrap attributes are registered, a function 12 for performing inventory item selection setting support processing, a function 13 for performing processing and shipping information setting support processing, a function 14 for performing cost allocation setting support processing for the user to appropriately set the cost of processed products from inventory items, and a function 15 for performing processing product disposal setting support processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal scrap inventory management system for metal scraps containing different materials.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when allocating the purchase price of metal scraps containing different materials to each metal after processing, since the prices of each metal are different and the amount may decrease due to processing and the yield needs to be considered, it has been difficult to calculate the cost of the inventory. Also, as a system for allocating the original price, there was a system for allocating the cost of a condominium building to each room according to the selling price or selling area of the room (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, although the selling price of a room may vary depending on the layout or floor, it does not vary depending on the type of room, and in the case of real estate, there is no need to consider the yield. Therefore, such a system could not be used for allocating metal scraps.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of these problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a metal scrap inventory management system that supports the cost calculation of metal scrap inventory considering the price difference of each metal and the yield due to processing for metal scraps containing different materials.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The metal scrap inventory management system according to the present invention is a metal scrap inventory management system for metal scrap including dissimilar materials, comprising: a registration unit in which one or more metal scrap inventory items having metal scrap attributes including at least a metal category, product name, shape, product remarks, weight, and unit price are registered; a function for performing inventory item selection setting support processing to allow the user to input specific metal scrap attributes from the registration unit as search conditions, search for inventory items based on the search conditions, and select specific inventory items from the search results; and a function for performing processing and shipping information setting support processing to allow the user to input processing and shipping information for processing the selected inventory items, including at least a processing and shipping schedule, a processing request destination, and processing instruction details. The system includes a function to perform cost allocation setting support processing for which, based on a report, the system allows the user to select an allocation method from several allocation methods for allocating the cost of the inventory to multiple processed products, the user to input an allocation value which is a numerical value necessary to allocate the cost of the inventory to the selected allocation method, and the system calculates the cost allocation of the multiple processed products to determine the cost of the processed products; and a function to perform processed product disposal setting support processing for which the system allows the user to dispose of the processed products based on the cost of the processed products. The product remarks include at least a statement that the inventory products contain foreign materials, the metal category of the foreign materials, and the proportion of foreign materials, and the processing instructions include dismantling or cutting processing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention provides a metal scrap inventory management system that supports cost calculation of metal scrap inventory, taking into account price differences for each metal and yield from processing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the metal scrap inventory management system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a monitor display input screen for assisting with inventory item selection settings by the metal scrap inventory management system in the first embodiment. [Figure 3]This figure shows an example of the display input screen for the monitor used to support the setting of processing and shipping information by the metal scrap inventory management system in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a display input screen for a monitor used to support cost allocation settings by a metal scrap inventory management system in the first embodiment, when a fixed unit price allocation method is selected. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a display input screen for a monitor used to support cost allocation settings by a metal scrap inventory management system in the first embodiment, when the fixed cost allocation method is selected. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a display input screen for a monitor used to support cost allocation settings by a metal scrap inventory management system in the first embodiment, when a fixed cost allocation method is selected. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the process of allocating costs using the metal scrap inventory management system in the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The metal scrap inventory management system according to this embodiment and the processing method using it will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [Definition of Terms] In this invention, "support processing" is defined as processing that assists a user in performing specific actions such as inputting or selecting specific items by transmitting necessary information to the user through an information transmission means (e.g., a monitor) (e.g., displaying it on a monitor). Furthermore, the support processing of this invention also includes system processing (e.g., searching or calculating) performed based on the user's input or selection. In other words, support processing consists of transmitting necessary information to the user through an information transmission means, enabling the user to input or select items, and system processing performed based on the user's input or selection. In addition to monitors, other means of information transmission include, for example, voice, Braille, and vibration. In this invention, "disposal" is defined as determining how to handle something and establishing rules for it. [Examples]

[0010] [Configuration of the Metal Scrap Inventory Management System] The configuration of the metal scrap inventory management system 1 in this embodiment is shown below. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the metal scrap inventory management system 1 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, displaying a screen showing necessary information, an input screen using an input form, and a selection screen using selection buttons to the user via a monitor constitutes a support process that transmits necessary information to the user through an information transmission means, enabling the user to input or make selections. In this embodiment, the registration unit 11 and the functions for performing each support processing, which will be described later, are assumed to be provided by a computer. Furthermore, the user's means of input and selection will be a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or voice input.

[0011] This system is a metal scrap inventory management system for metal scrap containing dissimilar materials. The metal scrap inventory management system 1 includes a registration unit 11 in which one or more metal scrap inventory items having metal scrap attributes are registered. Metal scrap attributes include at least the metal category, product name, shape, product remarks, weight, and unit price. Metal scrap attributes are shown as an example on the "Inventory Item Selection" screen in Figure 2. The product description must include at least the shape, a statement that the stock contains different materials, the metal category of the different material, and the percentage of the different material.

[0012] The metal scrap inventory management system 1 includes a function 12 that performs inventory item selection setting support processing, which allows the user to input specific metal scrap attributes from the registration unit 11 as search conditions, searches for inventory items based on the search conditions, and allows the user to select specific inventory items from the search results.

[0013] Figure 2 shows an example of the display input screen of the monitor used to assist in selecting inventory items by the metal scrap inventory management system 1 in this embodiment. The white - out part in FIG. 2 is a screen for the user to input or select (input screen by input form or selection screen by selection button) (the same applies to FIGS. 3 to 6). In FIG. 2, as an example, the metal category is set to "nickel" for inventory search ("Inventory Search" screen), and the result is shown on the "Inventory Selection" screen. In the remarks of the product on the "Inventory Selection" screen, it is shown that 40% of the total inventory contains SUS304 (stainless steel) as a different material. That is, on the "Inventory Search" screen, a display screen of information necessary for input settings of the search is shown. Based on that display screen, the user inputs and sets "nickel" in the metal category on the input screen, and the search button is pressed. As a result, the system inspects the inventory, and the result is shown on the "Inventory Selection" screen (in this example, there is only one search result). Since the "Inventory Selection" screen shows a display screen of information necessary for selecting inventory, based on that display screen, when the user inputs "Check" to the selection button (checks), it indicates the situation where the inventory is specified (selected). The inventory selection setting support process is such a support process.

[0014] The metal scrap inventory management system 1 has a function 13 that performs a processing and shipping information setting support process for allowing the user to input processing and shipping information, which is information for processing the selected inventory and includes at least a processing and shipping schedule, a processing request destination, and processing instruction details. The processing instruction details include disassembly processing or cutting processing.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display input screen of a monitor for processing and shipping information setting support by the metal scrap inventory management system 1 in this embodiment. Figure 3 shows an example of the processing and shipping information, where the planned shipping date and time, as well as the delivery date and time, the processing destination selected from the options, and "cutting" entered as the processing instruction. As mentioned above, the product notes on the "Inventory Selection" screen in Figure 2 indicate that 40% of the total inventory items contain SUS304, which is a different material. Therefore, "cutting" is required as a processing step to separate SUS310 and SUS304. In other words, the "Processing and Shipping Processing" screen displays the information necessary for setting up processing and shipping input. The user then uses this display screen to input and set the processing and shipping schedule, processing destination, and processing instructions on the input screen. Processing and shipping information setting support processing is this type of support processing. It should be noted that the system may perform processes such as creating processing request forms and other necessary documents based on these input settings, but such processes are omitted here as they are simple examples.

[0016] The metal scrap inventory management system 1 includes a function 14 for performing cost allocation setting support processing. Specifically, it includes a function that performs the following processing: First, this function allows the user to select from several allocation methods for allocating the cost of the inventory items to multiple processed items, which have been processed from inventory items based on processing and shipping information. It also allows the user to input the allocation values ​​necessary to allocate the inventory item cost to the selected allocation method. Furthermore, it calculates the cost allocation for the multiple processed items and uses that as the cost of the processed items.

[0017] Multiple allocation methods include the following allocation methods: Specifically, this is a fixed-cost allocation method in which the cost is allocated by first fixing the unit price of the processed goods. It is also a fixed-cost allocation method in which the cost allocated to the processed goods is fixed from the beginning. Furthermore, it is a fixed-cost ratio allocation method in which the cost ratio, which is the ratio of the cost allocated to the processed goods to the cost of the inventory goods, is fixed. The allocation value is the unit price of the processed goods to be fixed if the allocation method is a fixed unit price allocation method. If the allocation method is a fixed cost allocation method, it is the cost allocated to the processed goods to be fixed. Furthermore, if the allocation method is a fixed cost ratio allocation method, it is the fixed cost ratio.

[0018] In this embodiment, the apportionment method and the apportionment values ​​therefor are included as described above. However, such apportionment methods and apportionment values ​​are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to such apportionment methods and apportionment values ​​therefor. The cost of inventory items as described above includes the cost of goods purchased and the processing costs for those items (shown as "Freight and other processing costs total" in Figure 4, etc., described later). Furthermore, the cost of inventory items may be allocated by allocating the former and the latter together (for example, by using the same allocation method or the same allocation values). Alternatively, the former and the latter may be allocated separately (for example, by using different allocation methods or different allocation values).

[0019] Figure 4 shows an example of a display input screen for the cost allocation setting support monitor by the metal scrap inventory management system 1 in this embodiment, when the fixed unit price allocation method is selected. Figure 4 shows an example where, for each processed product, the "Fixed Unit Price" option is selected from the three allocation methods shown, and the unit price of the processed product to be fixed is entered in the input form to the right as the allocation value for the fixed unit price allocation method. Furthermore, the cost allocation allocated to each processed product based on the entered unit price is shown in the "Cost Allocation" column. Specifically, the "Information on Inventory Items Before Processing" screen first displays information on each inventory item. The "(Allocated) Total Cost of Goods" column is displayed after the allocation is performed (and so on). The "Selection of Cost Allocation Method and Numerical Input for Processed Goods" screen displays the information on each processed item (No. 1 and No. 2) before cost allocation, along with a selection screen for the allocation method, indicated by selection buttons. Here, the user selects the "Fixed Unit Price" button, and the system displays a unit price input form for entering the fixed unit price of the processed item to be allocated. The image then shows the user entering the unit prices ("591.33" and "238," respectively) into the unit price input form based on this information. The system calculates the cost allocation for each processed item based on the entered unit prices, and this value is displayed in the "Cost Allocation" column for each processed item. The cost allocation setting support process is this type of support process.

[0020] In the "Selection of Cost Allocation Method and Numerical Input for Processed Products" screen shown in Figures 4 to 6, the net weight is displayed in the pre-cost allocation information for each processed product, thus taking weight yield into consideration. In other words, if the weight decreases due to yield, such as through re-weighing after processing, the net weight will be shown as reduced. Furthermore, in Figures 4 to 6, the allocated portion of processing costs (shown as "Freight and other processing costs" in the figures) is calculated by apportioning the processing costs of inventory items (shown as "Total freight and other processing costs" in the figures) based on the weight of each processed item. Specifically, in Figures 4 to 6, the method for allocating the total cost of inventory items (shown as "Total Cost of Goods" in the "Information on Inventory Items Before Processing" section of Figures 4 to 6) to each processed item is as follows: The allocation of processing costs for inventory items is fixed to be based on the weight of each processed item. The allocation of the cost of goods at the time of purchase of inventory items (shown as "Total Cost of Goods" in the same figures) can be arbitrarily set. (The same applies to Figures 5 and 6.) The "cost" shown in Figures 4 to 6 does not include processing costs or amounts allocated from processing costs, except for the "total cost."

[0021] Here, since unit price * net weight = cost allocation + processing cost allocation (prorated based on weight), the cost allocation is calculated as: cost allocation = unit price * net weight - processing cost allocation. Since the cost of inventory items, processing costs, and the net weight of each processed item are fixed, if there are two processed items as shown in Figure 4, once the cost of one is determined, the cost allocation and processing cost allocation for the other item are determined, and the cost of the other item is also determined by the above formula. Therefore, the system could be designed so that when the cost of one item is entered, the cost of the remaining processed item is automatically calculated and displayed.

[0022] Figure 5 shows an example of a display input screen for the monitor used by the metal scrap inventory management system 1 in this embodiment to assist in setting cost allocation, when the fixed cost allocation method is selected. Figure 5 shows an example where, for each processed product, the "Fixed Cost" option is selected from the three allocation methods shown, and the cost allocated to the fixed processed product (cost allocation) is entered in the input form to the right as the allocation value for the fixed cost method. Furthermore, the cost percentage calculated based on the entered cost allocation is shown to the right of the cost allocation input form. Specifically, the "Information on Inventory Items Before Processing" screen first displays information on each inventory item. Then, on the "Selection of Cost Allocation Method and Numerical Input for Processed Items" screen, along with the pre-cost allocation information for each processed item (No. 1 and No. 2), a selection screen for the allocation method is displayed via selection buttons. Here, the user selects the "Fixed Cost" button, and the system displays a cost allocation input form for entering the cost (cost allocation) to be allocated to the fixed processed item. The image then shows the user entering the cost allocations ("330,800" and "79,200," respectively) into the cost allocation input form based on this information. The system calculates the cost percentage for each processed item based on the entered cost allocations, and this value is displayed to the right of the cost allocation input form for each processed item. The cost allocation setting support process is this type of support process.

[0023] Here, the cost ratio is calculated as: Cost allocation / Cost of inventory. Since the cost of inventory items is fixed, if there are two processed items as shown in Figure 5, once the cost allocation for one is determined, the cost allocation for the other is determined, and the cost ratio for the other is also determined by the above formula. Therefore, when the cost allocation for one item is entered, the system can be designed to automatically calculate and display the cost allocation and cost ratio for the remaining processed item.

[0024] Figure 6 shows an example of a display input screen for the monitor used by the metal scrap inventory management system 1 in this embodiment to assist in setting cost allocation, when the fixed cost allocation method is selected. Figure 6 shows an example where, for each processed product, the "Fixed Cost Ratio" selection button is chosen from the three allocation methods shown, and the fixed cost ratio is entered into the cost ratio input form as the allocation value for the fixed cost ratio method. Furthermore, the cost allocation calculated based on the entered cost allocation is shown to the left of the cost ratio input form. Specifically, the "Information on Inventory Items Before Processing" screen first displays information on each inventory item. Then, on the "Selection of Cost Allocation Method and Numerical Input for Processed Items" screen, along with the pre-cost allocation information for each processed item (No. 1 and No. 2), a selection screen for the allocation method is displayed via selection buttons. Here, the user selects the "Fixed Cost Ratio" button, and the system displays a cost ratio input form for entering the fixed cost ratio as the allocation value. The image then shows the user entering the cost ratios (80.68 and 19.32, respectively) as percentages into the cost ratio input form based on this information. The system calculates the cost allocation for each processed item based on the entered cost ratios, and this value is displayed to the left of each processed item's cost ratio input form. The cost allocation setting support process is this type of support process.

[0025] Here, the cost allocation is calculated as: Cost of inventory * Cost ratio / 100. Furthermore, if the cost ratio is allocated based on weight (60% and 40%), it will be allocated based on weight, similar to the processing costs. In the case of Figure 6, there is a price difference (unit price difference) between nickel and stainless steel as different types of metals, so the costs are allocated as 80.68% and 19.32% respectively, taking the price difference into account. Since the sum of cost percentages is 100%, if there are two processed items as shown in Figure 6, once the cost percentage of one is determined, the cost percentage of the other is determined, and the cost allocation of the other is also determined by the above formula. Therefore, when the cost percentage of one item is entered, the system may automatically calculate and display the cost percentage and cost allocation of the remaining processed item.

[0026] The metal scrap inventory management system 1 includes a function 15 that performs processing to support the setting of disposal of processed products, which allows users to dispose of processed products based on the cost of the processed products.

[0027] Disposal of processed goods here includes disposal methods such as receiving processed goods as inventory or disposing of them as items for sale. The disposal of processed goods will be handled using general methods, and therefore, detailed explanations and illustrations will not be provided.

[0028] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which costs are allocated using the metal scrap inventory management system 1 in this embodiment.

[0029] In other words, this is not a description of the system itself, but rather a flowchart illustrating the process of allocating costs using the metal scrap inventory management system 1, using the allocation results as an example. First, in the "procurement" section, it is indicated that the product name SUS304 contains a different material, which is SUS316, making up 30% of the total. In the "first processing" section, the material is disassembled into SUS304 and SUS316 through dismantling. 70% of the product (SUS304) does not contain any other materials, so it is sold as is as "sales revenue". The 30% portion (SUS316) contains 20% iron as a dissimilar material. In the "second processing" step, the SUS316 and iron are separated by cutting. During the cutting process, the mass of each component decreases by 1 kg due to yield. Then, SUS316 is sold as "sales" without any impurities, and iron is sold as iron. In Figure 7, between "Purchase" and "Second Processing," there is no difference in the apportionment ratio between cost and processing costs; they are apportioned using the same ratio and treated as the cost and processing costs of the processed goods, respectively.

[0030] By default, the cost and processing fees are automatically allocated based on weight. However, in cases where the material is separated by cutting, as shown in "Processing Step 2," to accommodate the difference in price (unit price) due to the type of metal, you can input arbitrary values ​​in addition to the default values. This allows you to allocate the costs using arbitrary values. For example, for materials that do not contain different materials, the allocation rate can be set higher than the weight-based allocation, and for materials containing different materials, the allocation rate can be set lower than the weight-based allocation. In Figure 7, for materials that do not contain different materials, the allocation rate based on a weight of 47 kg is 81%, but it is set to 90%. For materials containing different materials, the allocation rate based on a weight of 11 kg is 19%, but it is set to 10%. Furthermore, the allocation of costs and processing fees based on the weight of the processed product and the default weight, as mentioned above, takes yield into consideration.

[0031] As mentioned above, the setting to allocate costs while considering the price (unit price) differences depending on the type of metal can be achieved in the metal scrap inventory management system 1 by setting the cost ratio (allocation rate) in Figure 6 to take price differences into account. As mentioned above, yield is taken into consideration by displaying the net weight in the pre-cost allocation information for each processed product on the "Selection of Cost Allocation Method and Numerical Input for Processed Products" screen, as shown in Figures 4 to 6. In other words, if the weight decreases due to yield, such as through re-weighing after processing, the net weight will be shown as reduced. However, while Figure 7 includes processing costs in the adjustment of the allocation ratio, Figure 6 allows for a different setting for the allocation ratio (cost ratio) based on weight, but only for the cost. However, in the metal scrap inventory management system 1 shown in Figure 6, the allocation rate may be set to allow arbitrary changes not only to the cost but also to the processing cost. Furthermore, the allocation rates for cost and processing cost may be set to be weight-based by default (taking yield into consideration), and the system may be set to allow arbitrary input of each allocation rate.

[0032] [Processing method for metal scrap inventory management system] The processing method of the metal scrap inventory management system 1 in this embodiment is shown below. The processing method for the metal scrap inventory management system 1 in this embodiment is performed by a computer equipped with a registration unit 11. In other words, it includes the following processes: A step to execute the inventory item selection and setting support process. A step to execute the processing and shipping information setting support process. A step to execute the cost allocation setting support process. A step to execute the processing to support the setting of disposal of processed products.

[0033] [Regarding the effects of this embodiment] The metal scrap inventory management system according to this embodiment has the following support processing functions: Specifically, based on processing and shipping information, it allows the user to select from several allocation methods for allocating the cost of the inventory to multiple processed items processed from inventory. The user then inputs the allocation values ​​necessary to allocate the cost of the inventory to the selected allocation method. Furthermore, the system calculates the cost allocation for the multiple processed items and uses this as the cost of the processed items. It has the function to perform such cost allocation setting support processing. The above allocation values ​​can be arbitrarily set, taking into account the price differences of each metal. Furthermore, the setting of the net weight of the processed product, and the allocation based on the weight of the processed product, can be set to a value that takes into account the yield due to processing. This configuration of the metal scrap inventory management system provides the benefit of supporting the cost calculation of metal scrap inventory, taking into account price differences for each metal and yield from processing.

[0034] The metal scrap inventory management system according to this embodiment includes a registration unit, a function for performing inventory item selection setting support processing, a function for performing processing and shipping information setting support processing, a function for performing cost allocation setting support processing, and a function for performing processed product disposal setting support processing. This embodiment of the metal scrap inventory management system provides the advantage of easily performing a series of inventory management tasks that take into account the processing of metal scrap into a marketable product and the allocation of its costs, even when the metal scrap contains different materials. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 1. Metal Scrap Inventory Management System 11. Registration Department 12. Function to perform inventory selection and setting support processing. 13. Function to perform processing support for setting processing and shipping information. 14. Function to perform cost allocation setting support processing. 15. Function to perform processing to assist in setting up disposal of processed products.

Claims

1. A metal scrap inventory management system for metal scrap containing dissimilar materials, wherein the metal scrap inventory management system is A registration section in which one or more metal scrap inventory items having metal scrap attributes, including at least the metal category, product name, shape, product remarks, weight, and unit price, are registered. The function includes a mechanism for performing inventory item selection setting support processing, which involves having the user input specific metal scrap attributes as search conditions in the registration unit, searching for inventory items based on the search conditions, and having the user select specific inventory items from the search results. A function that performs processing and shipping information setting support processing to allow the user to input processing and shipping information, which includes at least the processing and shipping schedule, the processing request destination, and the processing instruction details, for processing the selected inventory items. A function to perform cost allocation setting support processing for a plurality of processed products processed from the inventory based on the processing and shipping information, which allows the user to select an allocation method from a plurality of allocation methods for allocating the cost of the inventory to the plurality of processed products, which allows the user to input an allocation value that is necessary to allocate the cost of the inventory to the selected allocation method, and calculates the cost allocation of the plurality of processed products to determine the cost of the processed products. A function that performs processing to support the setting of disposal of processed products, which causes the user to dispose of the processed products based on the cost of the processed products, Equipped with, The product notes above include at least a statement that the stock items contain foreign materials, the metal category of the foreign material, and the proportion of the foreign material. The processing instructions include dismantling or cutting. A metal scrap inventory management system characterized by the following features.

2. A metal scrap inventory management system according to claim 1, The multiple allocation methods include a fixed-unit-cost allocation method that allocates costs by fixing the unit price of the processed goods, a fixed-cost allocation method that fixes the cost allocated to the processed goods from the beginning, and a fixed-cost-ratio allocation method that fixes the cost ratio, which is the ratio of the cost allocated to the processed goods to the cost of the inventory goods. The aforementioned numerical values ​​for apportionment are, In the case of the aforementioned allocation method being the fixed-unit-price allocation method, the fixed unit price is the unit price of the processed product. In the case of the aforementioned allocation method being the fixed cost allocation method, the cost is allocated to the fixed processed goods. If the aforementioned allocation method is the fixed cost ratio allocation method, the fixed cost ratio is: A metal scrap inventory management system characterized by the following features.

3. A processing method for a metal scrap inventory management system according to either claim 1 or claim 2, The processing method is performed by a computer equipped with the registration unit. The aforementioned processing method is: The steps include: executing the aforementioned inventory item selection setting support process, The steps include: executing the processing and shipping information setting support process; The steps include: executing the cost allocation setting support process; The steps include: executing the processing to set up the disposal of the processed product, A method characterized by including the following.

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