Inventory management support device and method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals, etc.

Abstract

To provide a technique for supporting stable supply of pharmaceuticals in the market ranging from employment, securing of stock, to decisions on disposition.SOLUTION: A stock management support device includes a reception unit that receives a user search request as to stock of pharmaceuticals, etc., an acquisition unit that acquires information about the stock of pharmaceuticals, etc. in a prescribed area, an evaluation unit that evaluates, for the stock of pharmaceuticals, etc., the degree of stable supply in the prescribed area by using a prescribed evaluation criterion, and an output unit that provides to a user information about the stock of pharmaceuticals, etc. in a report format that includes an evaluation result of the degree of stable supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inventory management support device for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like in the distribution process, and a method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the sale of medical pharmaceuticals via the Internet has been carried out (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the supply chain handling medical pharmaceuticals, since life-related products are handled, ensuring the stable supply of medical pharmaceuticals and managing the transportation quality are important responsibilities. However, in each player (pharmaceutical companies, wholesalers, pharmacies, etc.) in the supply chain, the core systems, data items, formats, etc. for handling medical pharmaceuticals are different from each other, so data sharing between players has become difficult. For this reason, for example, in the current situation, the inefficiencies such as frequent deliveries, emergency deliveries, out-of-stock situations, and returns between wholesalers and insurance pharmacies of pharmaceuticals in the urban distribution process have not been sufficiently improved.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed technology has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a technology for supporting the stable supply of pharmaceuticals from adoption in the market to inventory securing and disposal decision-making.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed technology is characterized by the following: the inventory management support device comprises a reception unit that receives a user's request to search for information on the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc.; an acquisition unit that acquires information on the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. in a predetermined region; an evaluation unit that evaluates the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the predetermined region using predetermined evaluation criteria; and an output unit that provides the user with information on the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. in a report format that includes the evaluation results of the degree of stable supply.

[0007] The disclosure technology, possessing these characteristics, can evaluate the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies in a designated area using predetermined evaluation criteria. The disclosure technology can provide users who have requested a search for information on the inventory of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies in a designated area in the form of a report that includes the evaluation results of the degree of stable supply. Since users can understand the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies included in the report, the technology can be used to support the stable supply of pharmaceuticals in the market, from adoption to inventory management and disposal decisions.

[0008] The disclosed technology may further have the following features: The evaluation unit calculates an index value using information on the number of pharmaceuticals, etc., stored at a storage facility and the number of shipments made from the storage facility, and evaluates the degree of stable supply in the specified region based on the specified evaluation criteria determined based on the numerical range of the index value corresponding to the pharmaceuticals, etc., and the storage facility that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals, etc., in the specified region. The technology, possessing these characteristics, can calculate an index value using information on the inventory levels at storage facilities for pharmaceuticals and other products, and the number of shipments from those storage facilities. Then, based on a predetermined evaluation standard determined based on a numerical range of the index value corresponding to pharmaceuticals and other products in a given region and the storage facilities for those products, the degree of stable supply in a given region can be evaluated. As a result, compared to simply providing the storage quantity, it is expected that the occurrence of inventory hoarding will be suppressed, and shortages and returns of pharmaceuticals and other products due to inventory hoarding will be suppressed.

[0009] The disclosed technology may further have the following features: The evaluation unit evaluates the degree of stable supply in the specified region based on predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the presence or absence of the above-mentioned inventory at the storage facility where the above-mentioned inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. is stored in the specified region. By having these features, the disclosed technology can evaluate the degree of stable supply in the specified region based on predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the presence or absence of the above-mentioned inventory at the storage facility where the above-mentioned inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. is stored in the specified region. This enables relative evaluation that takes into account the distribution conditions of pharmaceutical stocks in the region.

[0010] The disclosed technology may further have the following features: The evaluation unit evaluates the degree of stable supply in the designated region according to at least one of the manufacturer, product name, and attributes of the pharmaceuticals, etc., based on the predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the purchase price or wholesale price of the pharmaceuticals, etc., of the storage facility that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals, etc., in the designated region. With these features, the degree of stable supply regarding inventory can be evaluated from the perspective of wholesale companies and users in the distribution process, in relation to the purchase price and wholesale price of the stored pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0011] The disclosed technology may further have the following features: The evaluation unit calculates an index value using the number of orders placed by the user with the storage facility that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals, etc., and the total number of the user in the designated region, and evaluates the degree of stable supply in the designated region based on the predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the index value which is divided into multiple stages according to the designated region. By having such features, the degree of stable supply regarding inventory can be evaluated from the trend of ordering frequency, such as the degree of adoption of pharmaceuticals, etc., in the target region.

[0012] The technology described above can also be understood as a method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and other medical products using computers. In this method of supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals and other medical products using computers, various steps such as acquisition, reception, output, and evaluation are performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The disclosed technology can provide support for the stable supply of pharmaceuticals in the market, from adoption to inventory management and disposal decisions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the inventory management support system according to Example 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of inventory status information provided by the support device according to Example 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a display screen for narrowing down the pharmaceuticals and other items displayed on the management terminal according to Example 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an example of a display screen showing a list of all pharmaceuticals, etc., included in the selected report list for Example 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of the support device according to Example 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is the first flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the support device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a second flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the support device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of an overall evaluation in a modified case. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, one embodiment for implementing the invention (hereinafter also referred to as one embodiment or an embodiment) will be described. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the configurations of the devices and systems disclosed in this embodiment can be appropriately changed according to various conditions. Further, the configurations disclosed in this embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention only to those without specific description, and can be combined as much as possible.

[0016] [Example 1] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inventory management support system 1 according to Example 1. The inventory management support system (hereinafter also referred to as the support system) 1 is a system that supports the stable supply of medical pharmaceuticals in the market from procurement to inventory securing and disposal decision-making. The support system 1 includes an inventory management support device (hereinafter also referred to as the support device) 10, a server 25, and a management terminal 30. The support device 10 and the server 25, and the support device 10 and the management terminal 30 are interconnected through a network N1. In the inventory management support system 1 of FIG. 1, one support device 10, server 25, and management terminal 30 are illustrated, but these devices may exist in plural.

[0017] The network N1 is, for example, a public communication network such as the Internet, and may include other communication networks, for example, a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone, a wireless communication network such as WiFi (registered trademark), a dedicated communication network such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network). In the following description, medical pharmaceuticals are also referred to as "pharmaceuticals, etc.". Pharmaceuticals, etc. are, for example, regulated by laws (the "Law on Securing the Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, etc.", commonly referred to as the "Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law") and others, and those who can purchase medical institutions and others are regulated, and in addition to pharmaceuticals, include medical devices and medical materials.

[0018] In the support system 1, the server 25 is a computer operated by, for example, a wholesaler of pharmaceuticals or the like. The wholesalers of pharmaceuticals or the like may include all merchants such as wholesaling companies and transportation companies that intervene between pharmaceutical manufacturers of pharmaceuticals or the like and medical institutions such as hospitals and insurance pharmacies in the distribution process of pharmaceuticals or the like. However, depending on the form in which pharmaceuticals or the like are distributed, pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical institutions, etc. may function as wholesalers of pharmaceuticals or the like. Further, the management terminal 30 is a computer operated by, for example, a dispensing pharmacy that dispenses pharmaceuticals, an insurance pharmacy that dispenses pharmaceuticals based on a public insurance system, or the like. The dispensing pharmacies or the like may include drugstores or the like that dispense medications according to a doctor's prescription. Further, the management terminal 30 may include, for example, information processing terminals such as smartphones and tablet PCs used by medical institution personnel, the prescribed person to whom a doctor's prescription has been issued, or the like.

[0019] In the support system 1, the support device 10 is a computer that cooperates with the server 25 and the management terminal 30 connected through the network N1 to support the stable supply of pharmaceuticals or the like from procurement of inventory to inventory securing and disposal decision-making. The support device 10 may be configured, for example, as part of a cloud system configured on the network N1 by one or more computers or the like. In such a cloud system, for example, it cooperates with the core systems of pharmaceutical manufacturers (also referred to as manufacturing companies), universities, administrative agencies related to research and development of pharmaceuticals or the like, and the like. And the cloud system may provide information published in media, papers, etc., information published in academic societies, etc., and information related to events such as lectures and seminars to users as cloud services. This enables the system to be linked with systems built by pharmaceutical wholesalers, etc., to collect information on pharmaceuticals handled by the wholesalers, etc. (for example, the handling of new original or generic drugs, or the discontinuation of such drugs) and provide it to users on a regular basis. Such a cloud system may be operated by, for example, pharmaceutical wholesalers, etc., or by an operating company commissioned by the wholesalers, etc. However, pharmaceutical companies, universities, administrative agencies involved in the research and development of pharmaceuticals, etc., health insurance associations that carry out health insurance business, dispensing pharmacies, insurance pharmacies, drugstores, etc. may also be involved in the operation, or it may be operated by an operating company commissioned by any of these. The support device 10, which constitutes part of the cloud system, can, for example, provide various types of information collected and stored via the cloud system to the management terminal 30.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the support device 10 is realized by a hardware configuration including a processor 101 interconnected by a connection bus 107, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, an input / output unit 104, a display unit 105, and a communication unit 106. The main memory unit 102 and the auxiliary memory unit 103 constitute memory and are recording media readable by the support device 10. Each of the above components may be provided in multiple locations, or some components may be omitted.

[0021] The processor 101 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the support device 10, and is an example of a control unit in the support device 10. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The main memory 102 is a memory that stores programs executed by the processor 101, data processed by the processor, etc., and includes flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary storage 103 is a storage device such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage 103 includes portable recording media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and SD (Secure Digital) cards. The auxiliary storage 103 is used as a storage area that assists the main memory 102, and various programs, various tables, and various data are stored there in a read-write manner. The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores an operating system (OS) that includes a communication interface program for exchanging data with devices connected via the communication unit 106. The processor 101 deploys the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 to the work area of ​​the main memory unit 102 and executes it. Through the execution of the program, each component is controlled, thereby enabling the realization of various functions that match a predetermined purpose, as described later. The information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 may also be stored in the main memory unit 102, and the information stored in the main memory unit 102 may also be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. Some of the processes performed by the support device 10 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0022] The input / output unit 104 is an interface that performs input and output to data and information processed by the processor 101 and data and information stored in memory. The input / output unit 104 includes buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and other pointing devices for receiving operation instructions from the operator, as well as input devices such as a microphone, and output devices such as a speaker for outputting warning sounds and voice messages. The display unit 105 includes display devices such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electroluminescence) panel, and an LED (Light-Emitting Diode). The communication unit 106 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices via a communication line such as the network N1. The communication unit 106 can be configured in an appropriate manner depending on the connection method with the communication line. Examples of the communication unit 106 include a LAN interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the server 25 and management terminal 30 have hardware equivalent to that of the support device 10. This is achieved by the configuration. The processor 201, main memory unit 202, auxiliary memory unit 203, input / output unit 204, display unit 205, and communication unit 206 of server 25 are equivalent to the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, input / output unit 104, display unit 105, and communication unit 106, so their explanation is omitted. Similarly, the processor 301, main memory unit 302, auxiliary memory unit 303, input / output unit 304, display unit 305, and communication unit 306 of management terminal 30 are also equivalent, so their explanation is omitted.

[0024] The support device 10 communicates with the server 25 via the network N1 to acquire and collect information on logistics warehouses where pharmaceuticals and other products handled by wholesalers are stored in the market. Here, "market" refers to an area defined by, for example, prefectures, cities, towns, and villages. However, such an area is not limited to areas defined by prefectures, cities, towns, and villages, and can be appropriately defined according to, for example, the scale of distribution of pharmaceuticals and other products, the location of logistics warehouses, the number of households, population, age distribution, etc.

[0025] Wholesalers and other entities operating server 25 are assigned identification information in advance (such as company name, identification number, etc., hereinafter also referred to as vendor ID). The support device 10 registers, for example, the identifier of server 25 operated by the wholesaler or other entity (such as IP address (Internet Protocol Address) or MAC address (Media Access Control address)) associated with the vendor ID.

[0026] The support device 10 periodically acquires information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc., for example, via a server 25 for each wholesaler connected to the network N1. The information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc., includes identification information (branch ID, warehouse ID) that identifies the storage location of the inventory (branch, logistics warehouse, etc.). Hereafter, the storage location of the inventory will also be referred to as the storage source. If the storage location of the inventory is a branch ID, for example, the wholesaler to which the branch belongs, location information, information about the pharmaceuticals, etc. stored there, and the delivery schedule of the pharmaceuticals, etc. will be included in the information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. Similarly, if the storage location is a logistics warehouse specified by a warehouse ID, for example, the wholesaler to which the logistics warehouse belongs, location information, information about the pharmaceuticals, etc. handled there, and the delivery schedule of the pharmaceuticals, etc. will be included in the information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0027] Information regarding pharmaceuticals and related products includes, for example, product name, attributes, manufacturer name, storage quantity, shipment quantity per predetermined period (e.g., one month), destination (insurance pharmacy, dispensing pharmacy, etc.), price, etc., all associated with identification information (also called a drug ID) that identifies the drug. The attributes of the drug ID also include, for example, identification of whether it is a brand-name or generic drug, the quantity handled at the time of purchase, and the item ID to which the drug belongs. Based on the above information obtained from the server 25, the support device 10 manages the inventory status of pharmaceuticals and related products distributed in the market.

[0028] The support device 10 periodically provides the management terminal 30, which is connected via the network N1, with information regarding the inventory status of pharmaceuticals and other products managed by the device, in the form of a market inventory report expressed in a predetermined format. The information regarding the inventory status of pharmaceuticals and other products managed by the support device 10 is visualized and provided as a market inventory report that shows the inventory status according to the region where the management terminal 30 is located. The market inventory report of pharmaceuticals and other products provided by the support device 10 is presented in a report format that includes information such as the manufacturer name, product name, and attributes such as whether the product is a brand-name or generic drug for each item ID.

[0029] The support device 10 according to this embodiment evaluates the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products stored in branches, logistics warehouses, etc., to the market based on predetermined criteria. Then, as described later, the support device 10 includes information indicating the evaluated degree of stable supply in the above report format and provides it to the management terminal 30 as a market inventory report. The market inventory report of pharmaceuticals and other products provided by the support device 10 includes, for example, a relative bar graph or pie chart of pharmaceuticals and other products included in the report, and pharmaceuticals and other products. This can be represented using a radar chart that shows the evaluation for each category.

[0030] The support device 10 has pre-registered information about users who will receive support in providing information on inventory status via a management terminal 30 connected to the network N1. For example, the support device 10 registers information such as authentication information (password, etc.), user name, location (address), and regional ID of the area to which the location belongs, associated with the user's identification information (user ID). In addition, the identification information (IP address, MAC address, etc.) of the management terminal 30 connected to the support device 10 is registered in association with the user ID. Once such user information is registered, an application program (hereinafter also referred to as "app") for using the inventory status information managed by the support device 10 is downloaded to the management terminal 30 and stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 303.

[0031] The management terminal 30 receives user input via the input / output unit 304 and launches an application to utilize inventory status information provided by the support device 10. After the application is launched, the management terminal 30 connects to the support device 10 via the network N1. Mutual authentication is performed between the management terminal 30 and the support device 10 via the network N1, based on the user ID, authentication information, etc., entered by the user through a predetermined application screen. After authentication is successful, the management terminal 30 is provided with various information managed by the support device 10 via a display screen that is shown through the execution of the application.

[0032] <Example of providing information on inventory status> Figure 2 shows an example of inventory status information provided by the support device 10. As shown in Figure 2, the LCD of the management terminal 30 connected to the support device 10 via the network N1 displays a display screen Z1 for displaying inventory status information as report information (market inventory report) in a predetermined format. In the following description, information on the inventory status of pharmaceuticals, etc., will be described as information in a report format that includes a list of one or more pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0033] The display screen Z1 includes, for example, an area Z2 that displays the name of an application that provides information on inventory status, an area Z3 that displays various service menus provided to the user via the application, and an area Z4 that displays operation components corresponding to each menu. The area Z3, which displays the service menu enclosed in a dashed frame, includes an operation component Z7 for obtaining information on the inventory status of pharmaceuticals, etc., in the market. Such an operation component is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that accepts user input via an input device including a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, or other pointing device. Between the area Z3 where the service menu is displayed and the area Z4 where the content corresponding to each menu is displayed, an operation component Z5 is provided to scroll the display range of the menu up and down. In addition, in area Z4, on the side opposite to the side where the operation component Z5 is displayed, an operation component Z6 is provided to scroll the display range of area Z4 up and down.

[0034] When the management terminal 30 receives a selection operation from the user via the input / output unit 304 to the operating component Z7, a search screen for searching for inventory status information provided in report format is displayed in area Z4. The search screen displayed in area Z4 displays an operating component Z8 for entering search keys (for example, the name of the pharmaceutical product (product name), the name of the manufacturer, etc.) for searching for inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc., along with a message such as "Search for market inventory report".

[0035] When the management terminal 30 receives a search key input to the operating component Z8, it adds area Z9 to area Z4, where one or more pieces of information regarding the inventory status of items containing the searched product name of pharmaceuticals, etc., are displayed as a report. It also includes a "clear conditions" option for deleting search conditions. An additional control component Z11, labeled "Filter," is displayed in the Z9 area, which contains control component Z10, allowing for further refinement of the list of reports shown.

[0036] The user can select a desired report from the list of reports displayed in area Z9 and press the control component Z11 to narrow down the information about the corresponding pharmaceutical product. For example, the user selects and highlights "AAAAA Tablets 5mg 100 Tablets" shown in bold Z9a from the list of reports displayed in area Z9 and presses the "Filter" button on the control component Z11. The management terminal 30 receives the user's highlighting operation on the desired report in area Z9 and the press operation on the control component Z11 via the input / output unit 304 and transitions to the filtering screen shown in Figure 3.

[0037] Figure 3 shows an example of a display screen for narrowing down the pharmaceuticals and other items displayed on the management terminal 30. Display screen Z12 consists of area Z13, which displays the list of reports displayed in area Z9 on display screen Z1, and area Z14, which displays the title of the report selected by the user. Area Z13 displays the same information as displayed in area Z9, with the report selected by the user highlighted. The user can visually confirm which report the information displayed on the screen being viewed corresponds to based on the display status of the report in area Z13. The title displayed in area Z14 includes content that visually indicates, for example, the area where the management terminal 30 is located.

[0038] Furthermore, the display screen Z12 is composed of area Z15, operation component Z16, and operation component Z18. Area Z15 displays detailed information about pharmaceuticals, etc., corresponding to the report selected by the user. Operation component Z16 is a GUI for displaying a list of pharmaceuticals, etc., recommended by the operator of the support device 10, and operation component Z18 is a GUI for displaying all pharmaceuticals, etc., included in the report. Operation component Z16 includes a description such as "----- Recommended List" which includes the name of the operator, etc., and operation component Z18 includes a description such as "All Product List". Operation components Z16 and Z18 are provided side by side in the screen area between area Z14 and area Z15. Initially, in the display screen Z12, pharmaceuticals, etc., for which an evaluation value of a predetermined value or higher has been calculated from among the pharmaceuticals, etc., corresponding to the selected report are extracted as a list of recommended pharmaceuticals, etc., and displayed in area Z17.

[0039] The list of pharmaceuticals and other products displayed in area Z17 has columns such as "Manufacturer," "Product Name," "Original / Generic," and "Evaluation." The "Manufacturer" column stores information indicating the name of the manufacturing company that produces the pharmaceuticals and other products. The "Product Name" column stores the product name of the manufacturing company that produces the pharmaceuticals and other products. The "Original / Generic" column stores information indicating whether the pharmaceuticals and other products are original or generic. The "Evaluation" column stores information indicating the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market, calculated based on predetermined criteria. In the list of pharmaceuticals and other products displayed in area Z17, for example, a pharmaceutical product with the product name "aaaa Tablets 5mg" manufactured by "■■ Pharmaceutical" is an "original product," and the "Evaluation" of the degree of stable supply of such pharmaceuticals and other products in the market is represented as a "sunny symbol." Note that the "sunny symbol" stored in the "Evaluation" column is one form of information indicating the degree of stable supply, and other display forms may be used. At a minimum, it is sufficient if the evaluation result of the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market can be visually confirmed.

[0040] Figure 4 is an example of a display screen that shows a list of all pharmaceuticals, etc., included in the selected report. The display screen Z12 shown in Figure 4 is displayed, for example, by pressing the operating component Z18. The configuration of the display screen Z12 in Figure 4 is the same as in Figure 3, except for the list displayed in area Z19, so a description is omitted.

[0041] As shown in area Z19, if a list of all pharmaceuticals, etc. is displayed, The "assessment" of the degree of stable supply of inventory is displayed and includes pharmaceuticals and other products classified as "cloudy," "rainy," or "thunderstorm" symbols, other than the "sunny" symbol. For example, pharmaceuticals and other products with the product name "aaaa Tablets 5mg" manufactured by "◇◇◇◇" are "original products," and the "assessment" of the stable supply of such pharmaceuticals and other products in the market is represented as a "cloudy" symbol. Also, pharmaceuticals and other products with the product name "AAAAA Tablets 5mg "FF"" manufactured by "□□do" are "generic products," and the "assessment" of the stable supply of such pharmaceuticals and other products in the market is represented as a "rainy" symbol.

[0042] In the "Evaluation" section, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies to the market is indicated by, for example, a "sunny symbol" representing the highest evaluation, followed by a "cloudy symbol," a "rainy symbol," and a "thunderstorm symbol" in descending order of evaluation. In this way, the market inventory report can provide the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies to the market in multiple stages, according to evaluation values ​​calculated based on predetermined criteria. In this embodiment, the specific number of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies in the market is not provided. Therefore, hoarding of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies that may occur due to rumors, etc., can be suppressed. According to this embodiment, unnecessary frequent deliveries, urgent deliveries, stockouts, returns, etc. that may occur due to hoarding can be suppressed, and the stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies to the market can be supported.

[0043] <Functional Configuration> Figure 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of the support device 10. The support device 10 includes a registration unit 11, a data acquisition unit 12, an inventory month processing unit 13, a share calculation unit 14, a report generation unit 15, and a report output unit 16 in its functional configuration. The support device 10 also includes a user DB 17, an inventory management DB 18, an inventory month management DB 19, a share management DB 20, a report management DB 21, and an evaluation criteria DB 22 in its functional configuration. Each DB of the support device 10 is, for example, a relational database constructed in the auxiliary storage unit 103 by the execution of a program.

[0044] The registration unit 11 accepts registrations from users who wish to receive support for market inventory reports and registers the information of the accepted users in the user database 17. The registration unit 11 also accepts requests from users to search for inventory information on pharmaceuticals, etc., via the management terminal 30. For example, the registration unit 11 registers information such as the user's name, authentication information such as passwords, location such as address, individual / organization identification, and regional ID of the region to which the user belongs, associated with the user ID assigned to the user. If the user is an individual, the name and location such as address of the medical institution, etc. to which the individual belongs are registered. If the user is a person who has been issued a prescription, etc., the name and location such as address of the pharmacy or drugstore, etc. to which the user purchases pharmaceuticals, etc. using the prescription are registered. The user database 17 also registers information such as the IP address and MAC address of the management terminal 30 used by the user, associated with the user ID. Furthermore, the registration unit 11, which receives user requests to search for inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. via the management terminal 30, can also be called a reception unit that accepts user registrations.

[0045] The data acquisition unit 12 acquires information regarding the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc., managed by wholesalers, etc., via the server 25 and stores it in the inventory management DB 18. The data acquisition unit 12 registers information such as the name of the wholesaler, etc., the IP address and MAC address of the server 25, the warehouse ID, branch ID, address and other location information for each logistics warehouse belonging to the wholesaler, etc., and the regional ID of the designated area to which the logistics warehouse belongs, etc., in association with the vendor ID of the wholesaler, etc. The data acquisition unit 12 also acquires and registers information such as the delivery schedule of pharmaceuticals, etc., in association with the branch ID and warehouse ID. The data acquisition unit 12 also collects information regarding the pharmaceuticals, etc., that are handled, in association with the branch ID and warehouse ID. Information regarding pharmaceuticals, etc., includes the drug ID, product name, attributes (original / generic, quantity handled, item ID, patented product, rare drug, etc.), manufacturer name, storage quantity, shipment quantity for each designated period (e.g., 1 month), destination (insurance pharmacy, dispensing pharmacy, etc.), price, etc.

[0046] The inventory months processing unit 13 calculates the inventory months, which is an evaluation index for assessing the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market (a designated area identified by a regional ID), and stores the calculated inventory months in the inventory months management DB 19, associating them with the pharmaceutical product ID. The inventory months are calculated, for example, as [number of pharmaceutical products to be evaluated in stock / average shipments over the past four months], and are calculated for each warehouse ID and each pharmaceutical product ID. The same applies to branch IDs. The information stored in the inventory months management DB 19 is updated periodically. Here, the past four months from which the average shipment (value) is obtained when calculating the inventory months can also be called the "first designated period".

[0047] The calculation of inventory months will be explained using warehouse IDs. The inventory months processing unit 13, for example, refers to the inventory management DB 18 to identify the warehouse IDs and drug IDs that are subject to inventory months processing. The inventory months processing unit 13 then obtains the storage quantity (inventory quantity) associated with the drug ID as information about the drug, etc., as the inventory quantity of the drug, etc. to be evaluated. The inventory months processing unit 13 also obtains the shipment quantity for each predetermined period over the past four months for the drug, etc. to be processed. The inventory months processing unit 13 then calculates the inventory months by using the average shipment quantity over the past four months (monthly average shipment quantity) obtained from the shipment quantities for each predetermined period over the past four months as the denominator and the storage quantity (inventory quantity of the drug, etc. to be evaluated) associated with the drug ID as the numerator. The calculated inventory months are stored in the inventory months management DB 19 along with time information, warehouse ID, drug ID, etc. Note that the inventory months stored in the inventory months management DB 19 may include various information obtained to calculate the inventory months. The information stored in the inventory month management DB19 is updated periodically. The inventory month calculation is performed in the same manner when targeting branch IDs.

[0048] The share calculation unit 14 calculates a share, which is an evaluation index for assessing the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market, and stores the calculated share in the share management DB 20 in association with the pharmaceutical ID. The share is calculated, for example, as [number of orders for pharmaceuticals and other products over the past 6 months / total number of customers], and is calculated for each target area (for each regional ID) where the dispensing pharmacy etc. using the management terminal 30 is located, and for each pharmaceutical ID. The information stored in the share management DB 20 is updated periodically. Here, the 6-month period for which the number of orders for pharmaceuticals and other products over the past is obtained in calculating the share can also be called a "second predetermined period".

[0049] The share calculation unit 14, for example, refers to the inventory management DB 18 to identify the area (region ID) to be processed for share calculation, and identifies the branch ID, warehouse ID, and pharmaceutical ID belonging to that area. The share calculation unit 14 obtains information about pharmaceuticals, etc., associated with the pharmaceutical ID for the past six months, including the destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) for each branch ID and warehouse ID, excluding duplicate destinations. The share calculation unit 14 counts the destinations obtained for each branch ID and warehouse ID located within the area (region ID) to be processed, excluding duplicate destinations between different warehouse IDs and branch IDs. The counting result is identified, for example, as the number of orders for pharmaceuticals, etc., identified by the pharmaceutical ID, in the area to be processed over the past six months.

[0050] Furthermore, the share calculation unit 14 extracts, for example, the number of customers to whom pharmaceuticals are wholesaled across the entire area (regional ID) that is the target of share processing as identified in the inventory management DB 18. The share calculation unit 14 obtains, for example, all shipping destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) to which pharmaceuticals are wholesaled for each branch ID and warehouse ID associated with the regional ID. Then, the share calculation unit 14 calculates the total number of customers to whom pharmaceuticals are wholesaled in the target area (regional ID), excluding shipping destinations that overlap between different warehouse IDs and branch IDs.

[0051] The share calculation unit 14 then calculates the share in the area to be processed, using the number of orders placed for pharmaceuticals, etc., over the past six months for each pharmaceutical ID as the numerator and the total number of customers to whom pharmaceuticals, etc., are wholesaled as the denominator. The calculated share is, for example, the share of the area to be processed. The region ID, drug ID, time information, the number of orders for the drug, etc. over the past six months, and the total number of customers to whom the drug, etc. is wholesaled are stored in the share management DB20. The shares stored in the share management DB20 may also include information obtained to identify the number of orders for the drug, etc. over the past six months identified by the drug ID, and information to calculate the total number of customers to whom the drug, etc. is wholesaled.

[0052] The report generation unit 15 evaluates, for example, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc., stored in branches, logistics warehouses, etc., in the region where the user (management terminal 30) is located, using predetermined evaluation criteria. The evaluation of the degree of stable supply is performed based on evaluation criteria stored in the evaluation criteria DB 22. The report generation unit 15 generates a report list that visualizes the evaluated degree of stable supply, as shown in the area of ​​Figure 3 to Figure 4, and adds it to the "evaluation" of the list of pharmaceuticals, etc., and stores the generated report list in the report management DB 21. In addition to "evaluation," the report list has columns such as "manufacturer," "product name," and "original / generic," and stores, in order, the name of the manufacturing company that produces the pharmaceuticals, the product name of the manufacturing company, and information identifying whether the pharmaceuticals are original or generic products. The report list stored in the report management DB 21 is provided to the user (management terminal 30) searching for pharmaceuticals, etc., as a market inventory report via the report output unit 16.

[0053] In this embodiment, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc., stored in branches, logistics warehouses, etc., in a region is evaluated based on evaluation criteria for each indicator: inventory months, lead time, price, and market share. The evaluation criteria DB22 contains pre-registered evaluation criteria for the above indicators: (1) inventory months, (2) lead time, (3) price, and (4) market share, associated with the region ID, the storage location of pharmaceuticals, etc. (branch ID, warehouse ID), and the product (pharmaceutical ID).

[0054] Furthermore, in the evaluation criteria shown in (1) to (4) above, logistics strategies for the wholesale of pharmaceuticals, etc., may be reflected in the regions where pharmaceuticals, etc., are distributed. For example, this can be reflected as weights for the evaluation criteria shown in (1) to (4) above. For example, if the basic weights for the relative weights of the evaluation criteria shown in (1) to (4) above are set at 1:1:1:1 in order, then the variable weights that reflect the logistics strategies, etc., can be expressed as weights of 1:0:2:1 in order. In this example of variable weights, the evaluation criterion for price can be increased. The evaluation criteria DB22 may register patterns of variable weights that reflect such logistics strategies for the wholesale of pharmaceuticals, etc. The patterns of evaluation criteria shown in (1) to (4) above will be explained below.

[0055] (Months in stock) The evaluation criteria for inventory months are set with a baseline of "0.55 months," and the following patterns (1) and (2) are established. (1) If the indicator value showing the number of months of inventory exceeds the standard value, the evaluation result is visualized using a "sunny symbol" as shown in area Z19 of Figure 4. Similarly, if the numerical range of the indicator value is "0.45 months" or more and "0.55 months" or less, the evaluation result is visualized using a "cloudy symbol," and if it is less than "0.45 months," the evaluation result is visualized using a "rainy symbol." (2) When the indicator value showing the number of months of inventory exceeds the standard value, for example, points are added for every "0.05 months" (for example, 1 point). By adding points in this way at regular intervals, it is possible to assign a permutation to the pharmaceuticals evaluated with the "sunny symbol" based on the amount of points added.

[0056] (Lead time) The evaluation criteria for lead time are, for example, based on the location of inventory (branch office, logistics warehouse, etc.). By using the location of inventory as an evaluation criterion, the relationship between the location of inventory and the user is evaluated. The delivery of pharmaceuticals and related products can be evaluated relatively. The following patterns (1) and (2) are established as evaluation criteria for lead time. (1) If there is inventory at a branch within the area indicated by the regional ID, the evaluation result will be visualized using a "sunny symbol". Similarly, if there are no branches within the area, or if there is no inventory at any of the branches within the area, but there is inventory at the distribution center (warehouse), the evaluation result will be visualized using a "cloudy symbol". If there is no inventory within the area, the evaluation result will be visualized using a "rainy symbol". (2) If there is inventory at the center (logistics warehouse), use a "sunny symbol" to visualize the evaluation result; if there is no inventory, use a "rainy symbol". In pattern (1), a three-stage relative evaluation is possible, taking into account the operational methods of multiple inventory storage locations in the market. For example, in terms of inventory operation, if inventory exists at a branch, distribution conditions such as whether a person in charge delivers the inventoryed medicines to users using a regular vehicle can be evaluated. In pattern (2), a two-stage relative evaluation is possible, taking into account the distribution conditions of inventoryed medicines in the region.

[0057] (price) The evaluation criteria for price are set in multiple stages (for example, 10 stages) according to the following patterns (1) to (4) for the price of stored pharmaceuticals, etc. (purchase price, wholesale price, etc.). (1) For pharmaceuticals and other products in stock, an evaluation level will be set for each product from the pharmaceutical manufacturer (producer). For example, an evaluation level will be set such that aaa (product name) from manufacturer xx is "10", and aaa (product name) from manufacturer yy is "4". (2) An evaluation level will be set for each pharmaceutical manufacturer (producer) regarding the pharmaceuticals and other products in stock. For example, the evaluation level will be set as follows: xx manufacturer "8", yy manufacturer "5", zz company "3". (3) In addition to (2), the evaluation stages are set taking into account the attributes of the original / generic drug, etc. For example, the evaluation stages may be set as "10" for the original drug from manufacturer xx and "3" for the generic drug. (4) In addition to (2), an evaluation level is set for individual products whose attributes include product characteristic classifications such as patented products and rare drugs (if there are no individual products, an evaluation level is used for each pharmaceutical manufacturer).

[0058] (share) The following patterns (1) through (3) are established as evaluation criteria for market share. (1) Scoring is performed by comparing the relative magnitudes of indicator values ​​that show the share of pharmaceuticals, etc. related to inventory. Scoring is performed in order from the top manufacturers. For example, the top-ranked pharmaceutical manufacturer will be given 10 points, the second-ranked manufacturer will be given 9 points, and so on. (2) Groups are created based on a relative comparison of the magnitude of indicator values ​​showing the share of pharmaceuticals, etc., related to inventory, and each group is scored. Scoring is done in order from the top group. For example, the group to which the 1st to 3rd place belong is given 10 points, the group to which the 4th to 6th place belong is given 8 points, the group to which the 7th to 10th place belong is given 5 points, and so on. (3) The share of pharmaceuticals, etc., in the inventory is converted into a percentage, and points are awarded according to the percentage of the share. For example, a share of 10 percent or more is awarded 10 points, a share of 8 percent or more but less than 10 percent is awarded 8 points, a share of 5 percent or more but less than 8 percent is awarded 5 points, and so on.

[0059] The report output unit 16 receives a search request from the management terminal 30 and outputs information regarding the inventory status of the relevant pharmaceuticals, etc. in the market as report information to the management terminal 30. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the report information includes the degree of stable supply of the pharmaceuticals, etc., evaluated according to predetermined evaluation criteria (months of inventory, lead time, price, market share).

[0060] First, upon receiving a search request, the report output unit 16 refers to the user database 17 and identifies the region ID to which the user ID belongs. The report output unit 16 then refers to the inventory management database and uses the identified region ID to identify the storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID) of the inventory located in the user's area. The report output unit 16 uses the product name of the pharmaceutical product for which the search request was received as a key to search for information about the pharmaceutical product at the identified inventory storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID). Finally, the report output unit 16 obtains the item ID to which the product name for which the search request was received belongs.

[0061] Next, the report output unit 16 refers to the report management DB 21 and uses the regional ID, branch ID, warehouse ID, and item ID of the area where the user is located to identify a report list that contains the pharmaceutical product or other item for which the search request was received. Then, the report output unit 16 outputs the identified report list to the management terminal 30 via the network N1.

[0062] <Processing flow> Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the processing flow of the support device 10. The support device 10 evaluates the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products stored in the inventory management DB 18 to the market, according to predetermined evaluation criteria, by executing the flowchart. The evaluation results are provided to the user as a report associated with the information of the pharmaceuticals and other products being processed. The function of the control unit that executes the processing in Figures 6 and 7 can also be described as an evaluation unit that evaluates the degree of stable supply using predetermined evaluation criteria. The processing in Figures 6 and 7 is performed periodically.

[0063] After the processing begins, in step S1, the support device 10 refers to the inventory management DB 18 and obtains information about the pharmaceuticals, etc. to be processed. In step S2, the support device 10 identifies the storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID) and the regional ID of the storage location from the obtained information about the pharmaceuticals, etc., and then proceeds to step S3.

[0064] In step S3, the support device 10 refers to the evaluation criteria DB22 and identifies evaluation criteria applicable to pharmaceuticals, etc., associated with the regional ID and the storage location of the pharmaceuticals, etc. (branch ID, warehouse ID). The evaluation criteria are indicator criteria for evaluating the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc., stored in branches, logistics warehouses, etc., in a region. In this embodiment, the indicators used for evaluation are inventory months, lead time, price, and market share. After processing in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0065] In step S4, it is determined whether the number of months of inventory is set as an indicator for evaluation. If the number of months of inventory is set as an indicator for evaluating the degree of stable supply in the market for the pharmaceuticals, etc. to be processed (step S4, "Yes"), the support device 10 proceeds to step S11; otherwise (step S4, "No"), it proceeds to step S5.

[0066] In step S5, it is determined whether lead time is set as an indicator for evaluation. If lead time is set as an indicator for evaluating the degree of stable supply in the market for the pharmaceuticals, etc. to be processed (step S5, "Yes"), the support device 10 proceeds to step S14; otherwise (step S5, "No"), it proceeds to step S6.

[0067] In step S6, it is determined whether price is set as an indicator for evaluation criteria. If price is set as an indicator for evaluating the degree of stable supply in the market for the pharmaceuticals, etc. to be processed (step S6, "Yes"), the support device 10 will determine whether price is set as an indicator for evaluation criteria. Proceed to step S16, or (step S6, "No") proceed to step S7.

[0068] In step S7, information is obtained to evaluate the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market, using market share as an indicator. The support device 10 obtains the shipping destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) for the past six months associated with the pharmaceutical ID from the information obtained in step S1, excluding duplicate shipping destinations. If there are multiple storage locations (branch IDs, warehouse IDs) for pharmaceuticals and other products, the shipping destinations for the past six months are obtained, excluding duplicate shipping destinations among the storage locations. The support device 10 also refers to the inventory management DB 18 and obtains all shipping destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) to which pharmaceuticals are wholesaled for each warehouse ID associated with the region ID to be processed. Similarly, if a branch ID is associated with the region ID to be processed, all shipping destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) to which pharmaceuticals are wholesaled are obtained for each branch ID. After processing in step S7, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0069] In step S8, the market share in the area to be processed, identified by the regional ID, is calculated. The support device 10, for example, counts the number of destinations (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, etc.) associated with the pharmaceutical ID for the past six months, obtained by excluding duplicate destinations in the processing of step S7, and calculates the number of orders for pharmaceuticals, etc., for the past six months.

[0070] Furthermore, the support device 10 calculates the total number of customers to whom pharmaceuticals are wholesaled in the area being processed, by removing duplicate destinations from the shipping destinations to which pharmaceuticals are wholesaled, obtained for each branch ID and warehouse ID in the processing of step S7.

[0071] The support device 10 calculates the market share in the area being processed as an evaluation index, using the number of orders for the counted pharmaceuticals, etc. over the past six months as the numerator and the total number of customers to whom the pharmaceuticals, etc. are wholesaled as the denominator. After processing in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0072] In step S9, the market share evaluation is determined based on the calculated index value. The market share evaluation is performed according to patterns pre-registered in the evaluation criteria DB22. The support device 10, for example, converts the calculated index value into a percentage and scores points according to the percentageized market share. For example, it scores points as follows: 10 points if the market share is 10 percent or more, 8 points if it is 8 percent or more but less than 10 percent, and 5 points if it is 5 percent or more but less than 8 percent.

[0073] Furthermore, the support device 10 performs the process in step S8 for drug IDs from other manufacturers that belong to the item ID associated with the drug ID, and calculates an index value for each drug ID belonging to the above item. The support device 10 may then score based on the relative magnitudes of the index values ​​among drug IDs belonging to the same item ID. In this pattern, for example, scores are assigned in descending order of index value, such as 10 points, 9 points, 8 points, ... For example, if the index value of the drug specified by the drug ID is the fourth highest, it will be evaluated as "7 points".

[0074] When scoring based on the relative magnitude of index values ​​among drug IDs belonging to the same item ID, it is also possible to group them according to the magnitude of their index values ​​and then score them. For example, the group containing the 1st to 3rd highest index values ​​can be scored 10 points, the group containing the 4th to 6th highest index values ​​can be scored 8 points, and the group containing the 7th to 10th highest index values ​​can be scored 5 points. In this pattern, if the index value of a drug specified by a drug ID is the 4th highest, it will be evaluated as "8 points". Note that the specification of evaluation patterns for such evaluation criteria is registered in the evaluation criteria DB22 in advance, associated with the regional ID and the storage location of the drug (branch ID, warehouse ID). After processing in step S9, the process proceeds to step S10. .

[0075] In step S10, the support device 10 records information indicating the degree of stable supply in the market, evaluated according to evaluation criteria, in a database (DB) and associates it with the pharmaceutical product to be processed. The support device 10 stores this information in report format in the report management DB 21, along with information such as the manufacturer name, product name, and distinction between original and generic products, which are associated with the pharmaceutical product ID to be processed. The report stored in the report management DB 21 has columns such as "manufacturer," "product name," "original / generic," and "evaluation."

[0076] The support device 10 stores the manufacturer's name in the "Manufacturer" column, the product name in the "Product Name" column, the distinction between original and generic products in the "Original / Generic" column, and information indicating the degree of stable supply in the market, as evaluated according to the evaluation criteria, in the "Evaluation" column. The support device 10 then records a report in the above format in the report management DB 21, along with the target area where the evaluation was conducted (region ID), the storage location of the pharmaceuticals (branch ID, warehouse ID), and the pharmaceutical ID. After processing in step S10, this routine is terminated.

[0077] Thus, in steps S7 to S9, an index value is calculated using the number of orders placed by users with the storage facility that holds the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc., and the total number of users in the designated region. The degree of stable supply in the designated region is then evaluated based on predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the index value, which is divided into multiple stages according to the designated region.

[0078] In step S11, information is obtained to evaluate the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market, using the number of months of inventory as an indicator. The support device 10 obtains the storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID) and storage quantity (inventory quantity) of pharmaceuticals and other products associated with the pharmaceutical ID from the information obtained in step S1. The support device 10 also obtains the shipment quantity for each predetermined period over the most recent four months, associated with the pharmaceutical ID. After processing in step S11, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0079] In step S12, the number of months of inventory in the area to be processed, identified by the regional ID, is calculated. The support device 10 calculates the average shipment quantity from the shipment quantities for each predetermined period over the most recent four months, obtained in the processing of step S11. Then, the support device 10 uses the calculated average shipment quantity for the most recent four months as the denominator and substitutes the storage quantity associated with the drug ID as the inventory quantity of the drug to be evaluated as the numerator to calculate the number of months of inventory. After the processing of step S12, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0080] In step S13, the evaluation of the inventory months is determined based on the calculated indicator value. The evaluation of the inventory months is performed according to patterns pre-registered in the evaluation criteria DB22. For example, if the reference value is set to "0.55 months", the support device 10 performs a visualized evaluation using a "sunny symbol" when the indicator value exceeds the reference value. Similarly, if the indicator value is "0.45 months" or more and "0.55 months" or less, the support device 10 performs a visualized evaluation using a "cloudy symbol", and if it is less than "0.45 months", it uses a "rainy symbol".

[0081] Furthermore, the support device 10 may add points (for example, 1 point) every 0.05 months if the indicator value exceeds the standard value. By adding points at regular intervals in this way, it becomes possible to add a margin amount for the inventory of drug IDs evaluated with the "sunny symbol," and a permutation based on the magnitude of the added points can be provided. The specification of the evaluation method for such evaluation criteria is registered in the evaluation criteria DB 22 in advance. After processing in step S13, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0082] Thus, in steps S11 to S13, the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc. is stored. An index value is calculated using information on the inventory levels at storage facilities and the number of shipments made from those facilities. Then, the degree of stable supply in a given region is evaluated based on predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the numerical range of the index value, which is appropriate for pharmaceuticals and the storage facilities that store those pharmaceuticals in that region.

[0083] In step S14, information is acquired to evaluate the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market, using lead time as an indicator. The support device 10 acquires information indicating the storage location of pharmaceuticals and other products associated with the pharmaceutical ID from the information acquired in step S1. By using the existence of storage locations for pharmaceuticals and other products within the area indicated by the regional ID as an evaluation criterion, it becomes possible to relatively evaluate the logistics of pharmaceuticals and other products between storage locations (branch ID, warehouse ID) and users (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, drugstores, etc.). After processing in step S14, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0084] In step S15, the evaluation of lead time is determined based on information indicating the storage location of pharmaceuticals, etc. The evaluation of lead time is performed according to patterns pre-registered in the evaluation criteria DB22.

[0085] The support device 10 performs a visualized evaluation using a "sunny symbol" if, for example, there is inventory at a branch within the area indicated by the regional ID. Similarly, if there are no branches within the area, or if there is no inventory at any of the branches within the area, but there is inventory at the center (logistics warehouse), it performs a visualized evaluation using a "cloudy symbol." If there is no inventory within the area, it performs a visualized evaluation using a "rainy symbol." This makes it possible to perform a three-stage relative evaluation that takes into account the storage locations of multiple inventory items in the market. For example, if inventory exists at a branch, it can evaluate distribution circumstances such as whether the pharmaceuticals in stock are delivered to users by staff using regular vehicles.

[0086] Furthermore, the support device 10 may perform a visually identifiable evaluation using a "sunny symbol" when there is inventory at the center (logistics warehouse) and a "rainy symbol" when there is no inventory. In this pattern, a two-stage relative evaluation becomes possible that takes into account the distribution situation of pharmaceutical stocks in the region, such as having only warehouse inventory and no branch inventory. After processing in step S15, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0087] Thus, in steps S14 to S15, the degree of stable supply in the designated region is evaluated based on predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the presence or absence of inventory at the storage facility where the inventory of pharmaceuticals, etc., is stored in the designated region.

[0088] In step S16, information is obtained to evaluate the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals in the market, using the prices of stored pharmaceuticals (purchase price, wholesale price, etc.) as indicators. The support device 10 obtains information regarding the prices of pharmaceuticals associated with pharmaceutical IDs from the information obtained in step S1. After processing in step S16, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0089] In step S17, the price evaluation is determined based on information regarding the price of pharmaceuticals, etc., associated with the drug ID. The price evaluation is performed according to patterns pre-registered in the evaluation criteria DB22.

[0090] The support device 10 evaluates the price of the pharmaceuticals, etc. to be processed using evaluation levels set for each product of the manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer). For example, product aaa (product name) from manufacturer xx is evaluated as "10", product aaa (product name) from manufacturer yy is evaluated as "4", and so on, with multiple evaluation levels (for example, 10 levels). In addition, the support device 10 evaluates the pharmaceuticals, etc. to be processed, It is also possible to evaluate prices using evaluation levels set for each manufacturing company (pharmaceutical manufacturer). In this pattern, for example, manufacturer xx might be rated "8", manufacturer yy "5", and company zz "3", with prices being evaluated based on the manufacturer of the pharmaceutical product.

[0091] Furthermore, the support device 10 can also evaluate the price of the pharmaceuticals to be processed using evaluation stages for each manufacturer (pharmaceutical manufacturer) that take into account the attributes of the original / generic versions of the pharmaceuticals. In this pattern, for example, the price is evaluated based on the manufacturer of the pharmaceuticals, as well as the attributes of the original / generic version, such as "10" for the original version and "3" for the generic version from manufacturer xx. In addition, the support device 10 can also evaluate the price using evaluation stages set on the condition that the pharmaceuticals to be processed are individual products of a manufacturer (pharmaceutical manufacturer) (products whose attributes include product characteristic classifications such as patented products and orphan drugs). In this pattern, if no individual products exist, the price is evaluated using evaluation stages for each manufacturer (pharmaceutical manufacturer). After processing in step S17, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0092] Thus, in steps S16 to S17, the degree of stable supply in the designated region is evaluated according to predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the purchase price or wholesale price of the pharmaceuticals, etc., of the storage facility that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals, etc., in the designated region, according to at least one of the manufacturer, product name, or attributes of the pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0093] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, for each area specified by a regional ID, branches, centers (logistics warehouses, etc.), and users (insurance pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, drugstores, etc.) of distributors, etc., that store pharmaceuticals, etc., located within that area can be managed. Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to this embodiment, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc., in the market can be evaluated for each area specified by a regional ID according to predetermined evaluation criteria. In response to a request from a user's management terminal 30 connected via the network N1, the support device 10 can provide information regarding the inventory status of pharmaceuticals, etc., in the area where the user is located, as information in report format (market inventory report) including the evaluation results. As a result, in this embodiment, the user can understand the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc., in the market by viewing the report list displayed on the management terminal 30. According to this embodiment, technology can be provided to support the stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc., from adoption to inventory securing and disposal decisions in the market.

[0094] In this embodiment, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market can be evaluated using the number of months of inventory as an indicator. The number of months of inventory is calculated for each pharmaceutical ID as [number of pharmaceuticals or other products in stock to be evaluated / average shipments over the past four months], and is calculated for each storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID) where pharmaceuticals or other products are stored as inventory for each regional ID. Based on the calculated index value of the number of months of inventory, the support device 10 can evaluate the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market using visualized symbols such as "sunny symbol," "cloudy symbol," and "rainy symbol." In this embodiment, since the inventory information of pharmaceuticals and other products specified by the pharmaceutical ID is provided using visualized symbols, it is expected that stockpiling will be suppressed compared to when the storage quantity is provided, and that shortages and returns of pharmaceuticals and other products due to stockpiling will be suppressed.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market can be evaluated using lead time as an indicator. The support device 10 enables relative evaluation that takes into account the distribution circumstances of pharmaceutical stocks in a region, such as the presence or absence of branch inventory and warehouse inventory within the area indicated by the regional ID, or the presence of warehouse inventory only without branch inventory.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market can be evaluated using the price of the stored pharmaceuticals and other products (purchase price, wholesale price, etc.) as an indicator. For example, for pharmaceuticals and other products indicated by a pharmaceutical ID, a setting can be set for each product by the manufacturer (pharmaceutical manufacturer). The evaluation is conducted using evaluation stages established by each manufacturer (pharmaceutical company), as well as evaluation stages for each manufacturer (pharmaceutical company) that take into account the attributes of the pharmaceutical product, such as whether it is an original or generic product. Furthermore, it may also include the fact that the pharmaceutical product is an individual product with product characteristics such as patented products or orphan drugs. Regarding the inventory of pharmaceutical products, the degree of stable supply can be evaluated from the perspective of wholesalers and users in the distribution process.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other medical products in the market can be evaluated using the market share of pharmaceuticals and other medical products, indicated by a pharmaceutical ID, as an indicator. The market share is calculated, for example, as [number of orders for pharmaceuticals and other medical products over the past 6 months / total number of customers], and is calculated for each area (for each regional ID) where the dispensing pharmacy etc. using the management terminal 30 is located, and for each pharmaceutical ID. The support device 10 scores pharmaceuticals and other medical products based on the calculated market share indicator value, according to the relative magnitudes of the indicator values. By using the market share calculated based on the past ordering history over a predetermined period as an indicator value for pharmaceutical inventory, the degree of stable supply of inventory can be evaluated from the trend of ordering frequency, such as the degree of adoption of pharmaceuticals and other medical products in the target area.

[0098] <Variation> In Example 1, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market was described by individually evaluating each of the following indicator values: inventory months, lead time, price, and market share. In the modified example, a comprehensive evaluation may be performed by combining the above indicator values ​​for each region (region ID) and each location where pharmaceuticals are stored (branch ID, warehouse ID). For example, the auxiliary storage unit 103 can store a matrix-type table that combines calculation formulas using inventory months, lead time, price, and market share as parameters, and the evaluation results of each indicator item (sunny symbols, scores, etc.). By combining inventory months, lead time, price, and market share and associating them for each region (region ID) and each location where pharmaceuticals are stored (branch ID, warehouse ID), the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market can be comprehensively evaluated.

[0099] Figure 8 shows an example of a comprehensive evaluation format that combines multiple indicator values. Table Z20 in Figure 8 shows an example of an evaluation combining the indicator values ​​of inventory months, lead time, and price. As explained in Example 1, inventory months and lead time are evaluated using visible symbols such as sunny days, depending on the indicator value. When price is used as the indicator value, the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc., in the market is scored as "8" points, "5" points, etc. In Table Z20, "Center" in the lead time section represents the warehouse where the pharmaceuticals, etc., are stored.

[0100] In this way, when combining visualized symbols with scored values, predetermined scores can be assigned to each visualized symbol in advance, for example, a sunny symbol could be worth "10" points, a cloudy symbol "6" points, and a rainy symbol "2" points. Then, in the modified support device 10, the scored values ​​for inventory months and lead time, along with the price score, can be added together to obtain a comprehensive evaluation combining the indicator values ​​for inventory months, lead time, and price. In the comprehensive evaluation, each indicator value can also be weighted.

[0101] In Table Z20, for example, the weighting of each indicator value, such as inventory months, lead time, and price, is set to a basic weight of 1:1:1 for the overall evaluation. For example, in Table Z20, for "aaaa Tablets 5mg" from "■■ Pharmaceutical," the scored inventory months are "10" points, and both the circled lead time pattern 1 and circled lead time pattern 2 are "10" points. For the price of "aaaa Tablets 5mg" from "■■ Pharmaceutical," the scores for each product, manufacturer, and originator / generic are "8" points, "10" points, and "10" points, respectively.

[0102] And in the overall evaluation of "aaaa Tablets 5mg" from "■■ Pharmaceuticals", for example, "Evaluation For "Pattern 1," a total of "28" points is recorded, which is the sum of "10" points for inventory months, "10" points for lead time (circled in Pattern 1), and "8" points for price per product. Similarly, for "Evaluation Pattern 2," a total of "30" points is recorded, which is the sum of "10" points for inventory months, "10" points for lead time (circled in Pattern 1), and "10" points for price per manufacturer. Furthermore, for "Evaluation Pattern 3," a total of "30" points is recorded, which is the sum of "10" points for inventory months, "10" points for lead time (circled in Pattern 1), and "10" points for first-mover / late-comer pricing.

[0103] In this modified example, by combining inventory months, lead time, price, and market share, it becomes possible to comprehensively evaluate the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals and other products in the market, linked by region (region ID) and pharmaceutical storage location (branch ID, warehouse ID).

[0104] In a further modified form, users of the management terminal 30 may include manufacturing companies that produce pharmaceuticals, etc., and sales companies that sell pharmaceuticals, etc. In this way, pharmaceutical manufacturers, sales companies, etc., can view the report-format information provided by the support device 10 and grasp the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc. in the market. For example, depending on the assessment of the degree of stable supply of pharmaceuticals, etc., it becomes possible to appropriately increase production of the pharmaceuticals, etc., or appropriately increase the volume distributed in the distribution process.

[0105] Furthermore, as another form of modification, the functions of the support device 10 in Example 1 may be distributed and executed by multiple computers. Also, in the processing flow shown in Figures 6 and 7, the order of some processes may be changed or omitted. The above embodiments are merely examples, and the disclosure of these embodiments can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the gist of the disclosure. The processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0106] Furthermore, the processing in the above embodiments may be automated systemically by each of the computers described above based on a predetermined program as much as possible. However, the present invention also includes the invention as a method for manually executing the processing according to the above embodiments using human resources. The function of the support device 10, which is executed based on the program, can also be the execution of the acquisition step, reception step, output step, and evaluation step in a support method for inventory management of pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0107] Furthermore, the subjects to which this invention applies may also be pharmaceuticals, medical materials, medical devices, and quasi-drugs that require special storage conditions as indicated in the guidelines for the proper distribution of pharmaceuticals.

[0108] <Computer-readable recording medium> A program that implements any of the above functions can be recorded on a recording medium readable by an information processing device or other machine or device (hereinafter referred to as a computer, etc.). By having the computer, etc. read and execute the program on this recording medium, the function can be provided.

[0109] Here, a recording medium that can be read by a computer refers to a recording medium that stores information such as data and programs through electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical means and can be read by a computer. Examples of such recording media that can be removed from a computer include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-R / Ws, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, DATs, 8mm tapes, and memory cards such as flash memory. Recording media that are fixed to a computer include hard disks and ROMs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1. Inventory Management Support System 10. Inventory Management Support Device 11. Registration Department 12 Data Acquisition Unit 13. Inventory Month Processing Unit 14. Share Calculation Section 15. Report Generation Department 16. Report Output Section 17. User Database (DB) 18. Inventory Management Database (DB) 19. Inventory Monthly Management Database (DB) 20 Share Management Database (DB) 21. Report Management Database (DB) 22 Evaluation Criteria Database (DB) 25 servers 30 Management terminals N1 Network

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires information on the inventory of pharmaceuticals, including medical drugs, medical devices, and medical materials, in a predetermined area, Regarding the inventory of the aforementioned pharmaceuticals, an evaluation unit derives information indicating the degree of stable supply in the aforementioned designated region based on predetermined evaluation criteria, An output unit that provides the user with information regarding the inventory of the aforementioned pharmaceuticals in a format that includes the evaluation results of the degree of stable supply for each of the aforementioned pharmaceuticals, Equipped with, The aforementioned evaluation criteria include months of inventory or lead time, and include at least one of price and market share. Regarding the aforementioned inventory months, the inventory months are calculated by using the average shipments for the most recent specified months at the inventory storage source as the denominator and the inventory quantity as the numerator. Based on the comparison of the inventory months with the standard value, a symbol is derived as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the specified region. Regarding the aforementioned lead time, a symbol is derived as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the aforementioned designated region, based on the presence or absence of inventory at the inventory storage source. Regarding the aforementioned price, a symbol is derived from the product name or manufacturer of the aforementioned pharmaceutical product, as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the aforementioned designated region. If the evaluation criterion is the market share, an index value indicating the market share in the specified region is calculated using the number of ordering parties in the specified region for a specified period as the numerator and the total number of customers in the specified region as the denominator. A symbol indicating the degree of stable supply in the specified region is then derived by comparing the relative magnitudes of the index values ​​indicating the market share. Alternatively, an inventory management support device characterized by deriving a symbol as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region by combining and assigning relative weights to each of the evaluation criteria.

2. The evaluation unit calculates an index value for the inventory months using the inventory quantity at the storage facility where the pharmaceutical inventory is stored and the quantity shipped from the storage facility during a predetermined period, The inventory management support device according to claim 1, characterized in that it derives a symbol as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region based on a predetermined evaluation standard determined based on a numerical range of the indicator value corresponding to the pharmaceutical product and the storage source for storing the inventory of the pharmaceutical product in the predetermined region.

3. The inventory management support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluation unit derives a symbol as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region, based on predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the presence or absence of the inventory at the storage source where the inventory of the pharmaceuticals in the predetermined region is stored, with respect to the lead time.

4. The inventory management support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluation unit sets a numerical value for the price based on the purchase price or wholesale price of the pharmaceuticals at the storage facility that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals in the predetermined region, according to the manufacturer and product name of the pharmaceuticals, setting a higher value for original products and a lower value for generic products, thereby deriving a symbol as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region.

5. The evaluation unit calculates the number of orders for the pharmaceutical product in a specified region during a specified period, with respect to the market share. The total number of customers to whom the pharmaceuticals are wholesaled in the aforementioned designated area is calculated, Using the calculated number of ordering parties in the predetermined region for a predetermined period as the numerator and the total number of customers in the predetermined region as the denominator, an index value indicating the market share in the predetermined region is calculated, The inventory management support device according to claim 1, characterized in that it derives a symbol as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region based on the predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the indicator values ​​divided into multiple stages.

6. A computer-based method for supporting pharmaceutical inventory management, An acquisition step to obtain information on the inventory of pharmaceuticals, including medical drugs, medical devices, and medical materials, in a predetermined area, Regarding the inventory of the aforementioned pharmaceuticals, an evaluation step is performed to derive information indicating the degree of stable supply in the aforementioned designated area based on predetermined evaluation criteria, An output step that provides the user with information regarding the inventory of the aforementioned pharmaceuticals in a format that includes the evaluation results of the degree of stable supply for each of the aforementioned pharmaceuticals, It has, The aforementioned evaluation criteria include months of inventory or lead time, and include at least one of price and market share. The evaluation step involves calculating the inventory months by using the average shipments for the most recent predetermined months at the inventory storage source as the denominator and the inventory quantity as the numerator, and then deriving a symbol as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region based on the comparison result between the inventory months and the standard value. Regarding the aforementioned lead time, a symbol is derived as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the aforementioned designated region, based on the presence or absence of inventory at the inventory storage source. Regarding the aforementioned price, a symbol is derived from the product name or manufacturer of the aforementioned pharmaceutical product, as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the aforementioned designated region. If the evaluation criterion is the market share, an index value indicating the market share in the specified region is calculated using the number of ordering parties in the specified region for a specified period as the numerator and the total number of customers in the specified region as the denominator. A symbol indicating the degree of stable supply in the specified region is then derived by comparing the relative magnitudes of the index values ​​indicating the market share. Alternatively, a medical system characterized by deriving a symbol as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region by combining each of the evaluation criteria with relative weighting. Methods for supporting drug inventory management.

7. The evaluation step calculates an index value for the number of months of inventory using information on the inventory quantity at the storage facility where the pharmaceutical inventory is stored and the quantity shipped from the storage facility during a predetermined period. The method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals according to claim 6, characterized in that a symbol is derived as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region, based on a predetermined evaluation standard determined based on a numerical range of the indicator value corresponding to the pharmaceuticals and the storage source for storing the inventory of the pharmaceuticals in the predetermined region.

8. The method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals according to claim 6, characterized in that the evaluation step derives a symbol as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region, based on the lead time, using predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the presence or absence of the inventory at the storage facility where the inventory of the pharmaceuticals in the predetermined region is stored.

9. The method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals according to claim 6, characterized in that the evaluation step involves setting a numerical value for the price based on the purchase price or wholesale price of the pharmaceuticals at the storage facility that stores the inventory of the pharmaceuticals in the predetermined region, according to the manufacturer and product name of the pharmaceuticals, setting a higher value for original drugs and a lower value for generic drugs, thereby deriving a symbol as information indicating the degree of stable supply in the predetermined region.

10. The aforementioned evaluation step calculates the number of orders for the pharmaceutical product in a specified region over a specified period, with respect to the market share. The total number of customers to whom the pharmaceuticals are wholesaled in the aforementioned designated area is calculated, Using the calculated number of ordering parties in the predetermined region for a predetermined period as the numerator and the total number of customers in the predetermined region as the denominator, an index value indicating the market share in the predetermined region is calculated, The method for supporting inventory management of pharmaceuticals according to claim 6, characterized in that a symbol indicating the degree of stable supply in a predetermined region is derived based on the predetermined evaluation criteria determined based on the indicator values ​​divided into multiple stages.

Images