Information processing program, information processing method, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To improve availability in managing collected information while maintaining confidentiality in collecting the information on an application from a user.SOLUTION: An information processing program causes a computer to execute the steps of: setting an access right which is indicated in a dataset to access application information regarding a predetermined application, based on an attribute of a user who inputs predetermined information to the dataset for use in the predetermined application; and updating the application information stored in a first database, in response to the user inputting the predetermined information to the dataset, and writing at least a part of the application information stored in the first database to a second database which is different from the first database.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing program, an information processing method, and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for efficiently creating a custom application.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional technology as disclosed in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement regarding the confidentiality and possibility of information when collecting information related to an application from a user and managing the collected information.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing program, an information processing method, and an information processing apparatus that can enhance the availability when managing the collected information while maintaining the confidentiality when collecting information related to an application from a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing program in the first embodiment sets access rights to application information related to the predetermined application shown in the dataset, based on the attributes of a user who inputs predetermined information into a dataset used in a predetermined application, updates the application information stored in a first database based on the user inputting the predetermined information into the dataset, and writes at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database to a second database separate from the first database. Furthermore, the system accepts the setting of application information that allows a specific user to write to the second database, requesting the user to input the predetermined information into the dataset, and prohibits the writing of information from the application information that is only referenced when the predetermined application is executed to the second database. Have the computer perform the process.

[0007] In the first embodiment of the information processing program, access rights to application information shown in the dataset are set based on the attributes of the user who inputs predetermined information into the dataset. Furthermore, the application information stored in the first database is updated based on the user's input of predetermined information into the dataset. Then, at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database is written to the second database. As a result, according to this information processing program, confidentiality can be maintained when collecting predetermined information from the user by setting access rights based on the attributes of the user who inputs the predetermined information. Furthermore, according to this information processing program, the availability when managing the collected predetermined information can be increased by separately storing at least a portion of the application information related to a predetermined application stored in the first database in the first database and the second database. In the first embodiment of the information processing program, application information that is permitted to be written to the second database is set by a specific user. As a result, according to this information processing program, the pressure on the storage capacity of the second database can be reduced compared to when all application information is written to the second database. In the first embodiment of the information processing program, the writing of application information that is only referenced when a specific application is executed to the second database is prohibited. As a result, this information processing program can prevent unnecessary application information from being written to the second database, thereby preventing the storage capacity of the second database from being strained.

[0008] The information processing program in the second embodiment causes a computer to perform a process that, in the first embodiment, acquires at least a portion of user information relating to a user belonging to a predetermined organization stored in the second database, and generates the dataset using the acquired portion of user information.

[0009] In the second embodiment of the information processing program, a dataset is generated using some user information obtained from a second database. This reduces the effort required to construct the dataset compared to manually entering all the information to be included in the dataset.

[0014] The 3 The information processing program of the first aspect is or The 2 manner to In this configuration, when an approval operation is received from a specific user who has requested the user to input the predetermined information into the dataset, approving the predetermined information input by the user, the computer is instructed to execute a process that writes at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database to the second database.

[0015] The 3 In the first embodiment of the information processing program, when an approval operation is received from a specific user, at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database is written to the second database. This prevents the application information that has not been approved by the specific user from being written to the second database. In the fifth embodiment of the information processing program, when an approval operation is received from a specific user, at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database is written to the second database. This prevents the application information that has not been approved by the specific user from being written to the second database.

[0016] The 4The information processing method of the embodiment sets access rights to application information related to the predetermined application shown in the dataset based on the attributes of a user who inputs predetermined information into a dataset used in a predetermined application, updates the application information stored in a first database based on the user inputting the predetermined information into the dataset, and writes at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database to a second database separate from the first database. Furthermore, the system accepts the setting of application information that allows a specific user to write to the second database, requesting the user to input the predetermined information into the dataset, and prohibits the writing of information from the application information that is only referenced when the predetermined application is executed to the second database. The computer performs the process.

[0017] The 4 In this information processing method, access permissions to application information are set based on the attributes of the user who inputs predetermined information into the dataset. Furthermore, the application information stored in the first database is updated based on the user's input of predetermined information into the dataset. Then, at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database is written to the second database. As a result, this information processing method maintains confidentiality when collecting predetermined information from users by setting access permissions based on the attributes of the user who inputs the predetermined information. Furthermore, according to this information processing method, by sharing and maintaining at least a portion of the application information relating to a predetermined application stored in the first database between the first and second databases, the availability of the collected predetermined information can be increased.

[0018] The 5The information processing device of the embodiment includes a processor, which sets access rights to application information relating to the predetermined application shown in the dataset based on the attributes of a user who inputs predetermined information into a dataset used in a predetermined application, updates the application information stored in a first database based on the user inputting the predetermined information into the dataset, and writes at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database to a second database separate from the first database. Furthermore, the system accepts the setting of application information that allows a specific user to write to the second database, requesting the user to input the predetermined information into the dataset, and prohibits the writing of information from the application information that is only referenced when the predetermined application is executed to the second database.

[0019] The 5 In this information processing device, access rights to application information are set based on the attributes of the user who inputs predetermined information into the dataset. Furthermore, the application information stored in the first database is updated based on the user's input of predetermined information into the dataset. Then, at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database is written to the second database. This allows the information processing device to maintain confidentiality when collecting predetermined information from users by setting access rights based on the attributes of the user who inputs the predetermined information. Additionally, by sharing and maintaining at least a portion of the application information related to a predetermined application stored in the first database between the first and second databases, the availability of the collected predetermined information can be enhanced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As explained above, the information processing program, information processing method, and information processing device related to this disclosure can maintain confidentiality when collecting information about an application from a user, while also increasing the availability when managing the collected information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1]It is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configurations of an administrator terminal, a server, and a user terminal. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage of the administrator terminal. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage of the server. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the construction process. [Figure 6] It is a first display example of the construction screen. [Figure 7] It is a second display example of the construction screen. [Figure 8] It is a third display example of the construction screen. [Figure 9] It is a fourth display example of the construction screen. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the access rights set for each general user. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the execution process. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow from the request for input of skill information to the skill table until the input content is approved. [Figure 13] It is a display example of the integrated application displayed on the display unit of the administrator terminal. [Figure 14] It is a display example of the integrated application displayed on the display unit of the user terminal.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the information processing system 10.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 10 includes an administrator terminal 20, a server 40, and user terminals 60. The administrator terminal 20, server 40, and user terminals 60 are connected via a network N. Network N may be, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0024] Administrator terminal 20 is a terminal owned by an employee of company A who is responsible for personnel management. Administrator terminal 20 is an example of a "computer" and "information processing device," company A is an example of a "designated organization," an employee is an example of a "member user," and an administrator is an example of a "specific user."

[0025] Server 40 is a server computer that stores various data related to the information processing system 10. Server 40 may also be configured on the cloud as a server computer.

[0026] User terminal 60 is a terminal owned by a regular user, excluding administrators, who is an employee of company A. In Figure 1, user terminal 60A and user terminal 60B are shown as user terminal 60, but the information processing system 10 includes multiple user terminals, each owned by a regular user.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the administrator terminal 20, server 40, and user terminal 60. In this embodiment, the administrator terminal 20 and user terminal 60 are referred to as "PCs (Personal Computers)," and the server 40 is referred to as a "server computer." Since the administrator terminal 20, server 40, and user terminal 60 basically represent a typical computer configuration, the administrator terminal 20 will be described as a representative example. Furthermore, the administrator terminal 20 and user terminal 60 can switch functions by authenticating the user using an ID and password, etc. In other words, even on the same PC, it is possible to switch between the administrator terminal 20 and the user terminal 60 depending on the authenticated user.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the administrator terminal 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, storage 24, input unit 25, display unit 26, and communication unit 27. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 28 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0029] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 21 reads programs from the ROM 22 or storage 24 and executes them using the RAM 23 as a working area. The CPU 21 controls the above components and performs various calculations according to the programs stored in the ROM 22 or storage 24. The CPU 21 is an example of a "processor".

[0030] ROM22 stores various programs and data. RAM23 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area.

[0031] Storage 24 consists of storage devices such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), or flash memory, and stores various programs and data.

[0032] The input unit 25 includes, for example, a mouse, keyboard, microphone, and camera, and is used for various types of input.

[0033] The display unit 26 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information. The display unit 26 may also function as an input unit 25 by employing a touch panel system. The display unit 26 is just one example of a "display unit".

[0034] The communication unit 27 is an interface for communicating with other devices. For such communication, a wired communication standard such as Ethernet® or FDDI, or a wireless communication standard such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi® may be used.

[0035] Furthermore, the functions of the CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, storage 44, input unit 45, display unit 46, communication unit 47, and bus 48 of the server 40, and the CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, storage 64, input unit 65, display unit 66, communication unit 67, and bus 68 of the user terminal 60 are the same as the functions of the CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, storage 24, input unit 25, display unit 26, communication unit 27, and bus 28 of the administrator terminal 20 described above.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage 24 of the administrator terminal 20. As shown in Figure 3, the storage 24 stores an information processing program 24A that causes the CPU 21 to execute various processes described later. When executing the information processing program 24A, the administrator terminal 20 uses the hardware resources shown in Figure 2 to execute the processing based on the information processing program 24A. The information processing program 24A is an example of an "information processing program". Note that the information processing program 24A does not necessarily have to be entirely contained within the storage 24 of the administrator terminal 20. For example, it may be configured as a SaaS (Software as a Service) that executes software on the storage 44 of the server 40 via a web browser or the like running on the administrator terminal 20.

[0037] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage 44 of server 40. As shown in Figure 4, storage 44 stores the master database 44A and the application database 44B. The master database 44A is an example of a "second database," and the application database 44B is an example of a "first database."

[0038] Master database 44A stores master data for company A. This master data includes employee information for each employee of company A, such as name, address, date of employment, department, position, job description, career history, and skills. It may also include personal information such as facial photographs, salary information, and My Number (social security number), as well as contractual documents such as employment contracts. Employee information is an example of "user information." To view employee information, the administrator operates the administrator terminal 20 to run an application for viewing employee information. On the administrator terminal 20, the CPU 21 retrieves the information instructed by the administrator from the employee information stored in master database 44A and displays the retrieved information on the display unit 26. In this way, when executing the functions of the application for viewing employee information, the employee information stored in master database 44A is referenced. The application for viewing employee information is an example of "other applications." As another example of user information, in addition to the user's own information, it may also include information about the organization to which the user belongs or organizations included within that organization (e.g., organization name, address, website URL, contact information, person in charge, etc.).

[0039] The application database 44B stores application information related to the components used to constitute each application that can be executed on the information processing system 10. The application information includes various information necessary to execute the functions of each application. For example, in the case of a spreadsheet application, the application information includes information about tables for executing spreadsheet functions, values ​​entered into the tables, and graphs and functions generated based on the values ​​entered into the tables. The application information may also include information about access permissions to restrict access to information within each application. The application information stored in the application database 44B is updated as needed in conjunction with the execution of applications.

[0040] Here, the information processing system 10 can build an integrated application capable of performing multiple functions based on the selection of multiple parts by the administrator. Examples of integrated applications include a personnel transfer application for considering how to allocate internal personnel, a skills management application for managing the skills and qualifications possessed by each employee, and a workforce planning application for planning the organization and personnel needed for the future. Furthermore, an integrated application is a different application from one that only uses employee information stored in the master database 44A, and is an example of a "specific application."

[0041] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the construction process in which an integrated application is built on the administrator terminal 20. The construction process is performed when the CPU 21 reads the information processing program 24A from the storage 24, loads it into the RAM 23, and executes it. As an example, the construction process is performed when the administrator operates the administrator terminal 20 and the construction screen for building the integrated application is displayed on the display unit 26.

[0042] In step S10 shown in Figure 5, the CPU 21 determines whether or not it has accepted the selection of an integrated application template. If the CPU 21 determines that it has accepted the selection of a template (step S10: YES), it proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines that it has not accepted the selection of a template (step S10: NO), it proceeds to step S12. The information processing system 10 provides multiple types of templates, each consisting of multiple predetermined parts combined together, for building an integrated application. Templates are provided for each integrated application, such as a transfer and assignment application, a skill management application, and a workforce planning application. When an administrator uses a template, they perform an operation on the administrator terminal 20 to select any template from the UI (User Interface) showing one or more integrated application templates displayed on the display unit 26. On the other hand, when an administrator does not use a template, they perform an operation on the administrator terminal 20 to select not to use a template. Based on the operation performed by the administrator on the administrator terminal 20, the CPU 21 determines whether or not it has accepted the selection of a template.

[0043] In step S11, the CPU 21 displays the contents of the template selected in step S10 on the display unit 26. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S13. In step S11, the selected template may be made available for additional modifications.

[0044] In step S12, the CPU 21 accepts selections regarding several parts to be incorporated into the integrated application. Specific examples of part selections will be described later. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S13.

[0045] In step S13, CPU21 accepts the administrator's selection of key data. Here, key data refers to data entered into rows or columns in a spreadsheet display; in a skills management application, this would be the skills possessed. Another example of key data is the data to be plotted in a graph display; in a workforce planning application, this would be the number of personnel required each year. Then, CPU21 proceeds to step S14.

[0046] In step S14, the CPU 21 sets access permissions for the integrated application. These access permissions include at least one of the following: display permission, viewing permission, and editing permission for application information in each application. Specific examples of how to set these access permissions will be described later. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S15. In this embodiment, the setting of access permissions for the integrated application by an administrator is illustrated, but this is not the only example. As another example, an administrator for the master database 44A (hereinafter referred to as the master administrator) and an administrator for the application database 44B (hereinafter referred to as the application administrator) may be established, and access permissions may be set separately by the master administrator or the application administrator. In this case, the master administrator can access data and applications in both the master database 44A and the application database 44B, and can manage settings including access permission settings for not only the integrated application but also other applications. On the other hand, the application administrator can only manage settings including access permission settings for the integrated application built on the application database 44B. In other words, since the application administrator does not have administrative authority over the master database 44A, when using employee information in the master database 44A in the integrated application, it will be subject to the access permissions set by the master administrator. By dividing administrative privileges in this way, it is possible to increase the design flexibility of integrated applications while maintaining security through access permissions.

[0047] In step S15, the CPU 21 performs synchronization settings to configure application information that is permitted to be written to the master database 44A. Specific examples of these synchronization settings will be described later. Then, the CPU 21 terminates the build process.

[0048] Next, we will explain an example of the display of the construction screen shown in the display unit 26 when an integrated application template is not used.

[0049] Figure 6 shows the first example of the construction screen. The construction screen shown in Figure 6 has three areas: a parts area 30, a construction area 50, and a settings area 70. In addition to these, various other areas such as a text input area and a page switching area may be provided as appropriate on the construction screen. Each part displayed in the parts area 30, which has its own unique properties, can be placed in the layout area of ​​the construction area 50 by drag and drop. Furthermore, by selecting each part placed in the construction area 50, the configurable items can be displayed in the settings area 70 and configured.

[0050] Parts area 30 is an area that displays a list of parts that can be incorporated into the integrated application, using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that shows each part individually. A GUI is an example of a "user interface".

[0051] As an example, the parts area 30 shown in Figure 6 displays GUI 31 representing part A, GUI 32 representing part B, and GUI 33 representing part C, etc. In addition to the parts shown in Figure 6, the parts area 30 may also display buttons for executing predetermined actions common to each part, such as approval / application actions and synchronization actions, as well as icons and shapes for placement on the GUI.

[0052] The construction area 50 is an area that displays parts incorporated into the integrated application. Here, the CPU 21 incorporates the parts and functions shown in the dragged-and-dropped GUI into the integrated application by dragging and dropping the GUI displayed in the parts area 30 into the construction area 50. The construction area 50 is an example of a "predetermined area". The display in the construction area 50 will be the GUI displayed on the administrator terminal 20 or user terminal 60 of each employee.

[0053] The settings area 70 is an area for configuring various settings related to parts incorporated into the integrated application.

[0054] Figure 7 shows a second example of the configuration screen. As an example, the configuration screen shown in Figure 7 shows the state after the GUI31 has been dragged and dropped into the configuration area 50 by the administrator.

[0055] In the parts area 30 shown in Figure 7, the color of GUI 31 has changed from the state shown in Figure 6. Here, the CPU 21 displays the color of the GUI representing the parts incorporated into the integrated application in a different manner from the colors of other GUIs in the parts area 30. As a result, the color of GUI 31 shown in Figure 7 has changed from white as shown in Figure 6 to black. Note that the change in GUI color shown in Figure 7 is just one example, and the color of the GUI selected in the construction area 50 may also be changed. Furthermore, the change in GUI may also be represented by a frame or line, or by blinking, in addition to color.

[0056] In the construction area 50 shown in Figure 7, screen 51 of part A, which is indicated by the drag-and-drop GUI 31, is displayed. Part A has the function of collecting and displaying the number of employees who have left the company for each employee at company A. In this function, the key data is a list of employees who have left. As an example, screen 51 displays a graph showing the trend of the number of employees who have left each month from January to April 2023. Furthermore, if the construction area 50 is configured to include multiple pages, it is preferable to provide a tab part or the like for page switching so that the user can select which page to drag and drop the part onto, and to display it as appropriate.

[0057] Figure 8 shows a third example of the configuration screen. As an example, the configuration screen shown in Figure 8 shows the state after the GUI32 has been dragged and dropped into the configuration area 50 by the administrator.

[0058] In the parts area 30 shown in Figure 8, the color of GUI 32 changes from white as shown in Figure 6 to black. In this parts area 30, the colors of GUI 31 and GUI 32 are the same, but this is not limited to this; they may also be colored with a dedicated color corresponding to the type of part indicated by each GUI dragged and dropped into the construction area 50.

[0059] In the construction area 50 shown in Figure 8, screen 52 of part B, which is indicated by the drag-and-drop GUI 32, is displayed below screen 51. Part B has the function of collecting and displaying skill information regarding the skills possessed by each employee at company A. As an example, screen 52 displays a skill table 52A showing the skills possessed by each employee.

[0060] Skill table 52A consists of four items: name, affiliation, skills, and remarks. At this time, CPU 21 retrieves the name and affiliation of each employee from the employee information stored in master database 44A, and uses the retrieved name and affiliation of each employee in part B to generate skill table 52A. However, the key data included in skill table 52A does not necessarily have to be the data contained in master database 44A. By setting up master database 44A and application database 44B independently, the degree of freedom in generating each application can be improved. When skill table 52A is generated by retrieving data from master database 44A, the name and affiliation items are entered with the name and affiliation of each employee as shown in the employee information retrieved from master database 44A. Note that the skills and remarks items of skill table 52A shown in Figure 8 are in a "not entered" state. As will be described in detail later, the administrator requests input from a designated general user with a managerial position, and the manager enters the skill information into the skills and remarks items of skill table 52A based on the request.

[0061] Here, when multiple GUIs are dragged and dropped into the construction area 50, the CPU 21 adjusts the placement of each screen so that the screens of the parts shown by each GUI do not overlap. As a result, in the construction area 50, screen 51 is moved upward or downward from the position shown in Figure 7, and screen 52 is placed in the resulting empty area.

[0062] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 allows various settings related to the selected part in the setting area 70 by performing selection operations on the screens of each GUI located in the construction area 50.

[0063] Figure 9 shows a fourth example of the construction screen display. As an example, the construction screen shown in Figure 9 shows the state after the administrator has made a selection operation on screen 52 for part B placed in the construction area 50.

[0064] In the settings area 70 shown in Figure 9, a setting button 71 for setting access permissions for part B and a setting button 72 for setting synchronization settings for part B are displayed based on the selection operation performed on screen 52. In addition, the settings area 70 may also display various other settings areas, such as a selection area for key data in the selected part, and settings areas for fonts and shapes.

[0065] When the settings button 71 is selected, a new settings screen will appear, allowing the user to choose between an automatic setting mode, which automatically sets access permissions including predetermined viewing and editing permissions, or a manual setting mode, which allows the administrator to manually set access permissions individually.

[0066] The following describes the process when automatic configuration mode is selected. In this case, CPU21 sets access permissions for Part B based on the employee's affiliation. For example, CPU21 sets access permissions for each general user so that they can only view and edit some of the application information for Part B related to employees within the same affiliation. The application information for Part B is, for example, the information shown in the name, affiliation, skills, and remarks fields entered in the skills table 52A. The employee's affiliation is an example of "affiliated user attributes". Alternatively, access permissions may be set using employee information (e.g., job title) contained in the master database 44A.

[0067] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the access permissions set for each general user. As shown in Figure 10, in company A, multiple access permissions such as the first permission 91, the second permission 92, and the third permission 93 are set for each department. The first permission 91 is the access permission set for Department 1, which consists of Department Manager A and four employees A, C, and E. The second permission 92 is the access permission set for Department 2, which consists of Department Manager B and four employees B, D, and F. The third permission 93 is the access permission set for Department 3, which consists of Department Manager C and four employees G, H, and I. In this case, employees belonging to Department 1 are only able to view and edit some of the application information related to employees within Department 1 from the application information of Part B, due to the first permission 91. Specifically, Department Manager A can view the application information related to employee A from the application information of Part B, but cannot view the application information related to employee B, who belongs to Department 2. And employees A, C, and E can only view the application information related to themselves. Similarly, employees belonging to Section 2 are permitted, under Second Authority 92, to view and edit only some of the application information in Part B relating to employees within Section 2, and employees belonging to Section 3 are permitted, under Third Authority 93, to view and edit only some of the application information in Part B relating to employees within Section 3.

[0068] Returning to Figure 9, when a selection operation is performed on the setting button 72, a menu screen is displayed, allowing the user to choose between an automatic setting mode, which automatically sets predetermined application information items as items to be written to the master database 44A, or a manual setting mode, which allows the administrator to manually set the application information items to be written to the master database 44A.

[0069] The following describes the process when manual setting mode is selected. In this case, CPU21 accepts the administrator's setting of application information for part B that is permitted to be written to the master database 44A for synchronization. At this time, CPU21 prohibits the writing of information from the application information that is only referenced when part B is executed to the master database 44A. Information that is only referenced when part B is executed is, for example, the information shown in the remarks field of skill table 52A. In addition to the remarks field, which does not need to be managed in the master database 44A, the name and affiliation fields, which should be managed, may also be included in the settings as items to be prohibited from writing to the master database 44A. This reduces the operational load on the application by reducing unnecessary synchronization items. It is also possible to change the color or mark items that have been set as targets for synchronization or excluded items. This makes it easy to understand which items will be written to the master database 44A.

[0070] Suppose the administrator, in the manual setting mode described above, selects the name, affiliation, and skills from skill table 52A as items to write to master database 44A. In this case, CPU 21 sets the information shown in each of the name, affiliation, and skills items of skill table 52A as application information for part B that is permitted to write to master database 44A.

[0071] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the execution process flow when an integrated application is executed on the administrator terminal 20. The execution process is performed when the CPU 21 reads the information processing program 24A from the storage 24, loads it into the RAM 23, and executes it. For example, the execution process is performed when the administrator operates the administrator terminal 20 and the execution screen for running the integrated application is displayed on the display unit 26. In the following description, the execution process performed by the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 is explained, but this execution process may also be performed by the CPU 61 of the user terminal 60.

[0072] In step S20 shown in Figure 11, the CPU 21 determines whether it has accepted the selection of any application from among the one or more integrated applications displayed on the display unit 26. If the CPU 21 determines that it has accepted the selection of an application (step S20: YES), it proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines that it has not accepted the selection of an application (step S20: NO), it waits until it accepts a selection. The administrator performs a selection operation on the execution screen to select the integrated application to be executed. Based on the administrator's operation on the administrator terminal 20, the CPU 21 determines whether it has accepted the selection of any application.

[0073] In step S21, the CPU 21 executes the application selected in step S20. In the following explanation, the application selected in step S20 is assumed to be a skill management application related to skill management. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S22.

[0074] In step S22, the CPU 21 determines whether it is time to synchronize and write the application information of the skill management application to the master database 44A. If the CPU 21 determines that it is time to synchronize (step S22: YES), it proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines that it is not time to synchronize (step S22: NO), it returns to step S21. As an example, the CPU 21 determines that it is time to synchronize each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed while the skill management application is running. Alternatively, the CPU 21 may determine the synchronization timing based on a predetermined operation on the skill management application, such as when a synchronization button (not shown) provided on the skill management application is pressed.

[0075] In step S23, the CPU 21 writes the application information of the skill management application to the master database 44A based on the synchronization settings performed in step S15 as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the CPU 21 writes the information shown in the name, affiliation, and skill fields of the skill table 52A, which is the application information stored in the application database 44B, to the master database 44A. On the other hand, the CPU 21 does not write the remarks data, which is data for which synchronization settings have not been performed, to the master database 44A. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S24.

[0076] In step S24, the CPU 21 determines whether the termination condition for the execution process has been met. If the CPU 21 determines that the termination condition has been met (step S24: YES), it terminates the execution process. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines that the termination condition has not been met (step S24: NO), it returns to step S21. As an example, the CPU 21 determines that the termination condition has been met when an termination operation is performed to close the skill management application.

[0077] Next, we will explain the process by which skill information is entered into the "Not Entered" skill and remarks fields in Skill Table 52A.

[0078] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the process from requesting the input of skill information into skill table 52A to approving the input content.

[0079] In step S30 shown in Figure 12, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 generates a skill table 52A. As described above, the CPU 21 inputs the name and affiliation of each employee, as shown in the employee information obtained from the master database 44A, into the name and affiliation fields of the skill table 52A. As shown in Figure 8, the skill table 52A generated in step S30 has information entered into the name and affiliation fields, but the skill and remarks fields are "empty". Then the process proceeds to step S31. Skill table 52A is an example of a "dataset".

[0080] In step S31, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 sets access permissions for the application information of the skill management application shown in the skill table 52A generated in step S30. As an example, in step S31, access permissions are set for the departmental units shown in Figure 10 based on the department of the officer who inputs skill information into the skill table 52A. Specifically, the first authority 91 is set for Section Chief A, who is an officer in Section 1, the second authority 92 is set for Section Chief B, who is an officer in Section 2, and the third authority 93 is set for Section Chief C, who is an officer in Section 3. Then the process proceeds to step S32. Here, in this embodiment, the skill management application related to skill management is an example of a "predetermined application", the skill information is an example of "predetermined information", the officer is an example of a "user", and the officer's department is an example of a "user attribute".

[0081] In step S32, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 sends a request to input skill information into the skill table 52A to the user terminals 60 owned by each officer. Then, the process proceeds to step S33. The administrator has predetermined which departments will collect skill information, and the CPU 21 sends the skill information input request to the user terminals 60 owned by officers in the departments designated by the administrator (e.g., Departments 1-3). An input request execution button may be provided on the application for each officer to submit a skill information input request. When each officer operates the input request execution button, a skill information input request is sent to the user terminals 60 of each employee in the department to which the officer belongs. Alternatively, employees may voluntarily input skill information within a predetermined period without explicitly submitting an input request.

[0082] In step S33, the CPU 61 of each user terminal 60 accepts the input of skill information into the skill table 52A by each manager. At this time, each manager is able to input skill information about employees within their own department based on the access permissions set in step S31. Also, each manager cannot view the application information of the skill management application shown in the skill table 52A for employees in other departments, etc., due to the access permissions set in step S31. Then the process proceeds to step S34.

[0083] In step S34, the CPU 61 of each user terminal 60 requests approval from the administrator terminal 20 for the input content to the skill table 52A that was received in step S33. Then, the process proceeds to step S35. Note that each employee may perform the input to the skill table 52A themselves. Specifically, each manager who was asked by the administrator to collect skill information in step S33 requests the employees within their own department to collect skill information again. Then, each employee who was asked to input the information enters their own skill information into the skill table 52A and submits it to the manager of their department. In this case, it is preferable that each employee set access permissions so that they cannot view the skill information of other employees, even within their own department. Note that the request for skill information input from each employee may be made directly by the administrator without going through the manager.

[0084] In step S35, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 approves the skill information submitted by each officer if it receives an approval request. The process then proceeds to step S36.

[0085] In step S36, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 reflects the inputs to the skill table 52A approved in step S35 into the application database 44B. Specifically, the CPU 21 updates the application information of the skill management application stored in the application database 44B by integrating the skill information entered by each officer. The CPU 21 also writes the application information of the skill management application to the master database 44A based on the synchronization settings performed in step S15 as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the CPU 21 writes the information shown in the name, affiliation, and skill fields of the skill table 52A, which is the application information stored in the application database 44B, to the master database 44A. Then the process ends.

[0086] Next, we will describe examples of how the integrated application is displayed on the display unit 26 of the administrator terminal 20 and the display unit 66 of the user terminal 60, respectively. In the information processing system 10, the content displayed in the integrated application changes based on the access rights set for the terminals owned by each employee of company A or for the employee's ID.

[0087] Figure 13 shows an example of the display of an integrated application on the display unit 26 of the administrator terminal 20. The display unit 26 in Figure 13 shows screen 51 of part A and screen 52 of part B, which are incorporated into the integrated application (e.g., a skill management application). The display unit 26 in Figure 13 shows screens 51 and 52 in the same arrangement as when the integrated application was built on the construction screen shown in Figure 9. The content of screen 51 in Figure 13 is the same as the content of screen 51 shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0088] The content displayed on screen 52 in Figure 13 has changed from the content displayed on screen 52 in Figures 8 and 9, based on the fact that each manager has entered skill information into skill table 52A. Specifically, skill information has been added to the skills and remarks items in skill table 52A on screen 52 in Figure 13. As a result, the manager can understand that employee A in department 1 has qualification A, employee B in department 2 has qualification B and is in the process of obtaining qualification A, etc.

[0089] Here, the administrator has access permissions that allow them to view and edit application information for all employees within company A. Therefore, the skill table 52A in screen 52 shown in Figure 13 can display information for all employees within company A, including name, department, skills, and remarks. In this embodiment, the display format of screen 52 is a list display using employee names, departments, and skills, but it is not limited to this. Even with the same list display, the department may be displayed as the first column, showing the information by organizational unit. Alternatively, it may be a format that displays multiple cards with a face photo along with the name. Furthermore, a selection tab or selection button may be provided in relation to screen 52 to allow switching between these different display modes as appropriate.

[0090] Figure 14 shows an example of the integrated application displayed on the display unit 66 of user terminal 60A owned by Section Chief A. The display unit 66 in Figure 14 shows screens 51 and 52, similar to Figure 13. The content displayed on screen 51 in Figure 14 is the same as the content displayed on screen 51 in Figures 7 to 9.

[0091] The content displayed on screen 52 in Figure 14 changes from the content displayed on screen 52 in Figures 8 and 9, based on the fact that each officer has entered skill information into skill table 52A, similar to Figure 13. Specifically, skill information has been added to the skill and remarks fields of skill table 52A in screen 52 shown in Figure 14.

[0092] As described above, Section Chief A is assigned the first authority 91 (see Figure 10). Therefore, the skill table 52A in screen 52 shown in Figure 14 can display information such as name, department, skills, and remarks for each employee in Section 1. This allows Section Chief A to understand that employee A possesses the A qualification, employee C possesses no skills, and employee E possesses the A qualification and is in the process of obtaining the B qualification. Access permissions can be set for each part. Therefore, it is also possible to hide screen 51, i.e., make it unavailable for viewing, as part of Section Chief A's access permissions.

[0093] As explained above, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 constructs an integrated application that executes the functions of the application by referring to the application information stored in the application database 44B, based on the selection of multiple parts by the administrator. Then, the CPU 21 writes at least a portion of the application information stored in the application database 44B to the master database 44A based on the settings of the constructed integrated application, specifically the synchronization settings. As a result, according to the information processing system 10, an integrated application is constructed based on the selection of multiple parts by the administrator, making it possible to construct an application that meets the requirements of each administrator. Furthermore, according to the information processing system 10, by separately maintaining at least a portion of the application information used in the integrated application in the master database 44A and the application database 44B, and synchronizing them as needed, the availability of information used in the constructed integrated application can be increased.

[0094] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 retrieves at least a portion of the employee information relating to employees belonging to company A, which is stored in the master database 44A. The CPU 21 then uses the retrieved portion of employee information in parts incorporated into the integrated application. For example, the CPU 21 generates a skill table 52A using the retrieved portion of employee information. As a result, the information processing system 10 can reduce the effort required to build the integrated application.

[0095] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 sets access rights to the integrated application based on the affiliation of employees belonging to company A. This allows the information processing system 10 to maintain the confidentiality of information used in the integrated application. Additionally, the information processing system 10 reduces the complexity of information gathering by directly using application information on the integrated application, which utilizes an application database 44B different from the master database 44A.

[0096] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 displays GUIs representing multiple parts in the parts area 30 of the display unit 26. The CPU 21 then incorporates the parts shown in the dragged-and-dropped GUIs into the integrated application by dragging and dropping the GUIs displayed in the parts area 30 into the construction area 50 of the display unit 26. As a result, the information processing system 10 makes it possible to build integrated applications that meet the requirements of each administrator without coding.

[0097] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 accepts the administrator's settings for application information that is permitted to be written to the master database 44A. As a result, according to the information processing system 10, the pressure on the storage capacity of the master database 44A can be suppressed compared to the case where all application information is written to the master database 44A.

[0098] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 prohibits the writing of application information that is only referenced when a particular integrated application, such as a skill management application, is executed, to the master database 44A. As a result, according to the information processing system 10, it is possible to prevent unnecessary application information from being written to the master database 44A, thereby preventing the storage capacity of the master database 44A from being strained.

[0099] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 writes at least a portion of the application information stored in the application database 44B to the master database 44A at predetermined synchronization timings during the execution of the integrated application. As a result, the information processing system 10 makes it possible to periodically back up at least a portion of the application information used by the integrated application while the integrated application is running. In addition, the information processing system 10 makes it possible to prevent situations where data differs between applications, even when multiple applications use data on the master database 44A, by performing appropriate synchronization.

[0100] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 sets access permissions to the application information related to the skill management application, which is shown in the skill table 52A, based on the affiliation of the officer in charge who inputs skill information into the skill table 52A used in the skill management application. Then, the CPU 21 updates the application information stored in the application database 44B based on the fact that the officer has entered skill information into the skill table 52A, and writes at least a portion of the application information stored in the application database 44B to the master database 44A. As a result, according to the information processing system 10, by setting access permissions based on the affiliation of the officer in charge who inputs skill information, confidentiality can be maintained when collecting skill information from officers. In addition, according to the information processing system 10, by separately storing at least a portion of the application information related to the skill management application stored in the application database 44B in the master database 44A and the application database 44B, the availability when managing the collected skill information can be increased.

[0101] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, when the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 receives an approval operation from the administrator to approve skill information entered by an officer, it writes at least a portion of the application information related to the skill management application stored in the application database 44B to the master database 44A. As a result, the information processing system 10 can prevent the application information that has not been approved by the administrator from being written to the master database 44A.

[0102] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 displays one or more templates for integrated applications containing multiple predetermined parts on the display unit 26. This allows the information processing system 10 to meet administrator requirements such as needing a combination of general-purpose functions or wanting to quickly build an integrated application.

[0103] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 accepts settings for which data to include in the application information as part of the integrated application settings. The CPU 21 then writes at least a portion of the accepted application information to the master database 44A. This prevents the situation in which application information for which settings have not been accepted is written to the master database 44A.

[0104] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 obtains information about external applications using an API. The CPU 21 then includes the obtained information about external applications in the application information. As a result, according to the information processing system 10, it is possible to streamline the construction of integrated applications in cooperation with other systems.

[0105] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the CPU 21 of the administrator terminal 20 executes an application different from the integrated application, which processes information stored in the master database 44A, such as employee information. As a result, the information processing system 10 can execute various applications in environments using various databases.

[0106] (others) In the above embodiment, Company A was used as an example of a "designated organization," but the example of a "designated organization" is not limited to this. For example, an example of a "designated organization" may be a company other than Company A, a public corporation or organization, or a government agency, etc.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the user terminal 60 was referred to as a "PC," but the user terminal 60 is not limited to this. For example, the user terminal 60 may be a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the master database 44A and the application database 44B were stored in the storage 44 of the server 40, but this is not limited to this. For example, the master database 44A and the application database 44B may be stored in a distributed manner across the server 40 and several other servers.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the integrated application is capable of executing multiple functions, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the administrator is allowed to select one or more parts, the integrated application may be capable of executing only the functions of one part.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the color of the GUI representing a part incorporated into the integrated application in the parts area 30 is displayed in a manner different from the color of other GUIs, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the GUI representing a part incorporated into the integrated application in the parts area 30 may change to a different shape from other GUIs, or may be placed in a position separate from other GUIs. Also, the GUI representing a part incorporated into the integrated application in the parts area 30 may blink in a predetermined light emission pattern. Furthermore, when a part (GUI) placed in the construction area 50 is selected, the color and shape of each part may be changed, or it may blink in a light emission pattern.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the type of GUI displayed in the parts area 30 may be changed before and after the parts are incorporated into the integrated application. For example, a GUI indicating a part with a predetermined high degree of relevance to the part incorporated into the integrated application may be displayed preferentially in the parts area 30. Alternatively, a recommendation display may be provided that recommends a specific GUI to be displayed in the parts area 30 based on the type of part incorporated into the integrated application. For example, if part B is incorporated into the integrated application, a recommendation display may be provided that highlights a specific GUI indicating parts D and F, etc., which have a predetermined high degree of relevance to part B.

[0112] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which two GUIs were dragged and dropped into the construction area 50, but it is also possible to drag and drop three or more GUIs. When three or more GUIs are dragged and dropped into the construction area 50, the corresponding number of screens will be displayed. In this case, among the three or more screens displayed in the construction area 50, screens with a predetermined degree of relevance may be placed adjacent to each other.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the employee's affiliation was used as an example of "affiliated user attributes," but the examples of "affiliated user attributes" are not limited to this. For example, an example of "affiliated user attributes" may be at least one of the following: the employee's date of employment, job title, job duties, work history, and skills.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the integrated application may be able to obtain various data such as development information or location information from a predetermined external application through API (Application Programming Interface) linkage with the predetermined external application. Furthermore, by utilizing the API of the external application, data from the master database 44A or the application database 44B may be output to the external application.

[0115] In the above embodiment, access permission settings and synchronization settings were given as examples of various settings that can be set in the setting area 70, but these settings are not limited to these. For example, in addition to access permission settings and synchronization settings, other settings such as view settings and display item settings can be made in the setting area 70.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the flow from the request to input skill information into the skill table 52A to the approval of the input content was explained using the sequence diagram shown in Figure 12. However, the information exchanged between the administrator terminal 20 and the user terminal 60 in the sequence diagram is not limited to skill information, but may be any other information.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the skill table 52A was shown as a table display based on each employee, but the content of the skill table 52A is not particularly limited. For example, the skill table 52A may be shown as a table display or tree display based on each department of company A.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the information in the master database 44A available when building the integrated application is not particularly limited. In addition to the information described in the above embodiment, such information may also include information about the organization of the affiliated organization (e.g., company A), or other information related to the affiliated organization.

[0119] In addition, the various processes that the CPU 21 reads and executes in the above embodiment may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. Examples of such processors include PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, and dedicated electrical circuits that are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute specific processes, such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Furthermore, the various processes may be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, and a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0120] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an embodiment in which the information processing program 24A is pre-stored (installed) in the storage 24, the invention is not limited to this. The information processing program 24A may be provided in the form of being recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The information processing program 24A may also be provided in the form of being downloaded from an external device via the network N. Moreover, the information processing program 24A may also be stored in the storage 64 of the user terminal 60. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 20. Administrator terminals (computers and information processing devices) 21 CPU (Processor) 24A Information Processing Program 26 Display section 44A Master Database (Second Database) 44B Application Database (First Database) 50 Construction area (designated area) 52A Skill Table (Dataset)

Claims

1. Based on the user attributes that cause a user to input predetermined information into a dataset used in a predetermined application, access permissions are set for application information related to the predetermined application shown in the dataset. Based on the fact that the user has entered the predetermined information into the dataset, the application information stored in the first database is updated, and at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database is written to a second database separate from the first database. The system accepts the setting of application information that allows writing to the second database by a specific user who requests the user to input the predetermined information into the dataset, The writing of information from the aforementioned application information that is only referenced when the predetermined application is executed to the second database is prohibited. An information processing program that instructs a computer to perform a task.

2. At least a portion of the user information relating to a user belonging to a predetermined organization stored in the second database is obtained, Using some of the acquired user information, the dataset is generated. An information processing program according to claim 1, which causes a computer to perform a process.

3. When an approval operation is received from a specific user who requests the user to input the predetermined information into the dataset, approving the predetermined information entered by the user, at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database is written to the second database. An information processing program according to claim 1, which causes a computer to perform a process.

4. Based on the user attributes that cause a user to input predetermined information into a dataset used in a predetermined application, access permissions are set for application information related to the predetermined application shown in the dataset. Based on the fact that the user has entered the predetermined information into the dataset, the application information stored in the first database is updated, and at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database is written to a second database separate from the first database. The system accepts the setting of application information that allows writing to the second database by a specific user who requests the user to input the predetermined information into the dataset, The writing of information from the aforementioned application information that is only referenced when the predetermined application is executed to the second database is prohibited. An information processing method in which a computer performs the processing.

5. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, Based on the user attributes that cause a user to input predetermined information into a dataset used in a predetermined application, access permissions are set for application information related to the predetermined application shown in the dataset. Based on the fact that the user has entered the predetermined information into the dataset, the application information stored in the first database is updated, and at least a portion of the application information stored in the first database is written to a second database separate from the first database. The system accepts the setting of application information that allows writing to the second database by a specific user who requests the user to input the predetermined information into the dataset, The writing of information from the aforementioned application information that is only referenced when the predetermined application is executed to the second database is prohibited. Information processing device.

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