Planning systems, planning methods, and programs

Abstract

This planning system: acquires a changeable negotiation result regarding a transaction object and a finalized negotiation result regarding the transaction object; and generates an internal plan of a party involved in the negotiation regarding the transaction object on the basis of the changeable negotiation result regarding the transaction object and the finalized negotiation result regarding the transaction object.

Description

Planning system, planning method and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a planning system, a planning method, and a recording medium.

[0002] There are cases where internal plans of the parties to a transaction, such as a production plan, and transactions, such as the purchase and sale of products, are coordinated in conjunction with each other. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a supplier sells a production plan to a customer at the production planning stage.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-331693

[0004] It is desirable to be able to coordinate the internal plans of the parties to a transaction with a high degree of accuracy.

[0005] An example of an object of the present disclosure is to provide a planning system, a planning method, and a recording medium that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a planning system includes a data acquisition means for acquiring a changeable negotiation result regarding a trading object and a confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object, and a plan generation means for generating an internal plan for the parties negotiating regarding the trading object based on the changeable negotiation result regarding the trading object and the confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a planning method includes a computer acquiring a changeable negotiation result for a trading object and a confirmed negotiation result for the trading object, and generating an internal plan for parties negotiating the trading object based on the changeable negotiation result for the trading object and the confirmed negotiation result for the trading object.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a recording medium stores a program for causing a computer to obtain a changeable negotiation result regarding a trading object and a confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object, and generate an internal plan of the parties to negotiation regarding the trading object based on the changeable negotiation result regarding the trading object and the confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is expected that the internal plans of the parties to a transaction can be linked with the transaction with high accuracy.

[0010] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a plan negotiation network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operating environment of a plan negotiation network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a plan adjustment by a negotiation system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a plan adjustment by a negotiation system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data input and output in a plan negotiation network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inventory status according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a planning system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a plan generation unit at a supplier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a plan generation unit at a customer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a value standard used for plan adjustment by a negotiation system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plan adjustment in which a changeable range is set according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a changeable range that changes over time according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of a planning system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating example steps of a process in a planning method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, but the following embodiments do not limit the disclosure according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the disclosed solution. In the following, a character with a tilde (~) may be written with a superscript tilde next to it. For example, an s with a tilde can be written as s ～ It can also be written as:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a planning negotiation network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the planning negotiation network 1 includes a planning negotiation system 2. The planning negotiation system 2 includes a planning system 100 and a negotiation system 200. The planning system 100 and the negotiation system 200 may each be configured using a computer. Alternatively, the planning system 100 and the negotiation system 200 may be integrated, such as being executed on the same computer. Alternatively, either or both of the planning system 100 and the negotiation system 200 may be configured using a combination of multiple devices. Alternatively, the functions of the negotiation system 200, or part of them, may be performed by a person.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a plan negotiation system 2 owned by a supplier and a plan negotiation system 2 owned by a customer. The plan negotiation system 2 owned by the supplier is also referred to as plan negotiation system 2a. The plan system 100 included in the plan negotiation system 2a is also referred to as plan system 100a. The negotiation system 200 included in the plan negotiation system 2a is also referred to as negotiation system 200a. The plan negotiation system 2 owned by the customer is also referred to as plan negotiation system 2b. The plan system 100 included in the plan negotiation system 2b is also referred to as plan system 100b. The negotiation system 200 included in the plan negotiation system 2b is also referred to as negotiation system 200b.

[0014] The plan negotiation network 1 is a system (or a network of systems) in which the parties to a transaction negotiate transactions and make internal plans for each party. The internal plans of the parties to a transaction are also called internal plans. Here, we assume that there is no overall supervisor for the plan negotiation network 1, and that the plan negotiation network 1 operates as a decentralized system.

[0015] An object of a transaction in the plan negotiation network 1 is also called a trading object. For example, when a part is traded between a parts supplier and a customer, the part is an example of a trading object.

[0016] A plan negotiation system 2 is owned by each party to a transaction and negotiates with the trading partner and creates internal plans for the parties. The planning system 100 generates internal plans. For example, a planning system 100a owned by a parts supplier may generate a production plan for parts to be supplied to a customer and a shipping plan for the produced parts. Alternatively, a planning system 100b owned by a customer may generate a parts arrival plan for parts from the parts supplier and a production plan for products using the parts. The planning system 100 generates internal plans that reflect the results of negotiations by the negotiation system 200. Furthermore, the planning system 100 transmits information related to the internal plans to the negotiation system 200 as information for the negotiation system 200 to use in negotiations.

[0017] The following describes an example in which the function of the planning system 100 to generate an internal plan is realized by reinforcement learning such as deep reinforcement learning. Reinforcement learning here is machine learning that learns a policy, which is a behavioral rule of an agent that takes an action in an environment, based on a state in the environment and a reward that represents an evaluation of the state or the action. However, the method for realizing the function of the planning system 100 to generate an internal plan is not limited to a specific method. For example, the function of the planning system 100 to generate an internal plan may be realized by machine learning other than reinforcement learning. Alternatively, the function of the planning system 100 to generate an internal plan may be designed and realized by a person.

[0018] Negotiation system 200 negotiates transactions with the negotiation system 200 of the trading partner. In particular, negotiation system 200 performs plan adjustment and contract negotiation. Contract negotiation is negotiation for concluding a contract. Contract negotiation is an example of negotiation in which the negotiation result is determined. For example, between a parts supplier and a customer, a contract is concluded when the customer places an order for parts with the parts supplier and the parts supplier receives the order (accepts the placed order). Ordering and receiving are examples of contract negotiation.

[0019] Plan adjustment is a negotiation that takes place before contract negotiations, and is an example of a negotiation in which the results of the negotiations may change. For example, between a parts supplier and a customer, the customer notifies the parts supplier of their expected demand for parts (order prospects). The parts supplier responds whether or not it can meet the expected demand. If the parts supplier does not expect to be able to fully meet the expected demand, it may respond to the customer with the amount of parts supply that it can meet or the delivery date that it can meet. Plan adjustment is also called an unofficial announcement or a forecast.

[0020] When the functions of negotiation system 200 are executed by a device, the method for realizing the functions is not limited to a specific method. For example, the functions of negotiation system 200 may be realized by reinforcement learning such as deep reinforcement learning. Alternatively, the functions of negotiation system 200 may be realized by machine learning other than reinforcement learning, such as ad hoc machine learning. Alternatively, the functions of negotiation system 200 may be designed and realized by a person.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operating environment of the plan negotiation network 1. The example of Fig. 2 shows a supply chain consisting of a terminal supplier (TS), a supplier, a customer, and a terminal customer (TC).

[0022] For example, a terminal supplier supplies primary parts to a supplier. The supplier receives the primary parts from the terminal supplier, produces secondary parts, and supplies the secondary parts to a customer. The customer receives the secondary parts from the supplier, produces a product, and supplies the product to a terminal customer.

[0023] In this example, planning negotiation network 1 is set up across the supplier and customer in the example of Figure 2, and is used to negotiate between the supplier and customer, as well as to carry out internal planning for each supplier and customer. However, the operating environment of planning negotiation network 1 is not limited to a specific environment, and planning negotiation network 1 can be applied to various situations in which transactions and internal planning between parties occur.

[0024] For example, the plan negotiation network 1 may be applied to an environment other than a supply chain, such as a smart grid system or a traffic management system. When the plan negotiation network 1 is applied to a smart grid system, a plan negotiation system 2 may be provided for each of the electric utility and the electric power consumer. The plan negotiation system 2 of the electric utility may negotiate a power supply and demand schedule with the plan negotiation system 2 of the electric power consumer, and generate an operation plan for the power supply facility, such as a power generation plan or a power transmission system operation plan, according to the determined power supply and demand schedule. The plan negotiation system 2 of the electric power consumer may negotiate a power supply and demand schedule with the plan negotiation system 2 of the electric utility, and generate an operation plan for the facility within the electric power consumer, such as an energy management plan.

[0025] When the plan negotiation network 1 is applied to a traffic management system, a plan negotiation system 2 may be assigned to each managed mobile object. In this case, in order to avoid traffic congestion and collisions between the mobile objects, the plan negotiation system 2 may negotiate to secure different travel routes or travel times. Then, the plan negotiation system 2 may generate a travel plan for the mobile object based on the negotiated plan.

[0026] Negotiations conducted in this manner to avoid overlapping negotiation targets are also referred to as mobility-type negotiations. Meanwhile, in the case of negotiations over parts supply, the timing and quantity of parts supplied by the parts supplier coincide with the timing and quantity of parts received by the customer. Negotiations in this manner in which the negotiation targets coincide are also referred to as supply chain-type negotiations. Negotiation systems 200 may conduct mobility-type negotiations or supply chain-type negotiations.

[0027] When the planning negotiation network 1 is applied to a supply chain, the number of layers in the supply chain is not limited to four layers in the example of Figure 2. For example, the number of layers in the supply chain may be five or more layers, such as when a supplier that supplies primary parts receives raw materials from a supplier that supplies raw materials. Alternatively, the number of layers in the supply chain may be three or two layers, such as when a customer is also a terminal customer.

[0028] Furthermore, there may be two or more parties in one hierarchy. For example, a customer may receive parts from multiple suppliers. The parties having the planning negotiation system 2 are not limited to one supplier and one customer. For example, in addition to the supplier and the customer, a terminal supplier may also have the planning negotiation system 2. Negotiations may be conducted between the negotiation system 200 of the terminal supplier and the negotiation system 200 of the supplier, and between the supplier and the customer, respectively.

[0029] Furthermore, when there are two or more parties in one hierarchical level, the two or more parties may each have a negotiation system 200. For example, two suppliers may each have a plan negotiation system 2. The plan negotiation systems 2 of the two suppliers may then each negotiate with customers and generate internal plans.

[0030] The plan negotiation system 2 or the planning system 100 may control devices related to the plan based on the generated internal plan. For example, when the plan negotiation network 1 is applied to a supply chain, the planning system 100 installed at a parts supplier may control production equipment to produce parts in accordance with the generated parts production plan. Also, the planning system 100 installed at a customer may control production equipment to produce products in accordance with the generated product production plan.

[0031] When the plan negotiation network 1 is applied to a smart grid system, the planning system 100 provided at an electric utility company may control power supply facilities in accordance with the generated operation plan, such as controlling a power generation plant in accordance with the generated power generation plan, to supply power.When the plan negotiation network 1 is applied to a traffic management system, the planning system 100 may control mobile objects in accordance with the generated movement plan to move the mobile objects.

[0032] As described above, the negotiation system 200 performs plan adjustment and contract negotiation with the negotiation system 200 of the negotiating partner. The results of the plan adjustment may be subject to change. Either or both of the supply amount and delivery date negotiated in the plan adjustment may be changed.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of plan adjustment by negotiation system 200. Fig. 3 shows an example of plan adjustment when the supply amount is changed. In the example of Fig. 3, the customer's negotiation system 200b contacts the customer about plan adjustment on December 15th, requesting the supply of 50 units of parts on February 10th. In response, the supplier's negotiation system 200a accepts the supply of 50 units of parts on February 10th.

[0034] Subsequently, the customer's negotiation system 200b notifies the supplier of a plan adjustment on January 15th, requesting that 40 units of parts be supplied on February 10th. The customer's negotiation system 200b reduces the number of parts it wishes to receive by 10 units from the plan adjustment on December 15th. In response, the supplier's negotiation system 200a accepts the supply of 40 units of parts on February 10th.

[0035] Subsequently, the customer's negotiation system 200b places an order for the parts on February 7th. The customer's negotiation system 200b places an order to supply 40 parts on February 10th. In response, the supplier's negotiation system 200a accepts the order from the customer's negotiation system 200b. As a result, a parts sales contract is concluded between the supplier and the customer. With the conclusion of the contract, it is confirmed that the supplier will supply 40 parts to the customer on February 10th. Then, in accordance with the contract, the supplier delivers the 40 parts to the customer on February 10th.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of plan adjustment by negotiation system 200. Fig. 4 shows an example of plan adjustment when a delivery date is changed. In the example of Fig. 4, the customer's negotiation system 200b contacts the customer about plan adjustment on December 15th, requesting the supply of 50 parts on February 10th. In response, the supplier's negotiation system 200a accepts the supply of 50 parts on February 10th.

[0037] Subsequently, the customer's negotiation system 200b notifies the supplier of a plan adjustment on January 15th, requesting that 50 units of the parts be supplied on February 7th. The customer's negotiation system 200b advances the desired delivery date by three days from the plan adjustment on December 15th. In response, the supplier's negotiation system 200a accepts the supply of 50 units of the parts on February 7th.

[0038] Subsequently, the customer's negotiation system 200b places an order for the parts on February 4th. The customer's negotiation system 200b places an order to supply 50 parts on February 7th. In response, the supplier's negotiation system 200a accepts the order from the customer's negotiation system 200b. As a result, a parts sales contract is concluded between the supplier and the customer. With the conclusion of the contract, it is confirmed that the supplier will supply 50 parts to the customer on February 7th. Then, in accordance with the contract, the supplier delivers 50 parts to the customer on February 7th.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data input and output in the plan negotiation network 1. In the example of FIG. 5, the planning systems 100 of the supplier and the customer each transmit plan information indicating the status of their internal plans to the negotiation system 200. The negotiation system 200 negotiates with the negotiation system 200 of the other party based on the plan information from the planning system 100. The negotiation system 200 transmits negotiation information indicating the results of the negotiation to the planning system 100, and the planning system 100 generates an internal plan based on the results of the negotiation. The generation of internal information here may be an update of the internal information.

[0040] As described above, the plan information is information that indicates the status of an internal plan. The plan information that the planning system 100 transmits to the negotiation system 200 is not limited to a specific one. Various information that can be used in negotiations can be used as the plan information that the planning system 100 transmits to the negotiation system 200. For example, the negotiation system 200 may transmit to the negotiation system 200 a production plan for parts or products, a shipping plan for parts or products, information on the inventory of parts or products, or a combination of these.

[0041] Information instructing the start of negotiations may be included in the plan information transmitted from the planning system 100 to the negotiation system 200. For example, the planning system 100 may evaluate the internal plan it has generated itself, and when the evaluation becomes worse than a predetermined threshold, instruct the negotiation system 200 to start negotiations.

[0042] As described above, the negotiation information is information indicating the results of negotiation. For example, when the negotiation system 200 performs a plan adjustment, the delivery date and supply volume resulting from the plan adjustment may be transmitted as negotiation information to the planning system 100. Furthermore, when the negotiation system 200 performs contract negotiation, the delivery date and supply volume as the contract details may be transmitted as negotiation information to the planning system 100.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an inventory status. Fig. 6 shows an example of the inventory status of parts at a parts supplier. The horizontal axis of the graph in Fig. 6 represents time. The vertical axis represents the quantity of parts (e.g., number of pieces). Line L111 represents the production volume of parts. Line L112 represents the shipment volume of parts.

[0044] The area between lines L111 and L112 represents inventory. As indicated by arrow V111, the (vertical) difference between lines L111 and L112 at a certain time can be considered the inventory amount at that time. As indicated by arrow V112, the (horizontal) difference between lines L111 and L112 at a certain amount can be considered the inventory period.

[0045] Parts suppliers may want to increase (increase) order volume as much as possible in order to maximize sales. Parts suppliers may also want to reduce inventory volume as much as possible in order to reduce inventory management costs and to sell inventory for cash and improve capital management efficiency. On the other hand, if inventory is insufficient, they may not be able to meet demand for parts and may not be able to increase order volume.

[0046] In this way, there is a trade-off between increasing order volume and reducing inventory. When the planning system 100 uses reinforcement learning to generate an internal plan, it is possible to optimize inventory levels by using a reward that reflects this trade-off, such as the reward function shown in Equation (1).

[0047]

[0048] r ｔrepresents the reward value at time t. In the reinforcement learning of the planning system 100, time is represented by discrete time steps. ｔ Ｓ represents the shipping volume at time t. ｔ ＩＱ represents the inventory amount at time t. ｔ ＩＰ represents the inventory period at time t. For example, the longest period among the inventory periods that includes time t may be used as the inventory period at time t.

[0049] w Ｓ , w ＩＱ , w ＩＰ is the shipping volume r ｔ Ｓ and inventory amount r ｔ ＩＱ and inventory period r ｔ ＩＰ and the reward value r ｔ is a coefficient for adjusting the degree of influence on ｓ ≧0, w ＩＱ ≧0, w ＩＰ ≧0. The term w Ｓ r ｔ Ｓ The value of increases as the shipping volume increases. ＩＱ r ｔ ＩＱ The value of the term w increases as the inventory level decreases. ＩＰ r ｔ ＩＰ The shorter the inventory period, the larger the value of . In this respect, the reward function shown in equation (1) can be said to be a reward function that reflects the trade-off relationship between increasing order volume and reducing inventory volume. By using the reward function shown in equation (1) in reinforcement learning to realize the functions of the planning system 100, it is expected that an appropriate internal plan can be generated. For example, when the planning system 100 uses the value function V(s) in equation (2), ｔ ) may be maximized by performing reinforcement learning.

[0050] The reward function may include a term that imposes a penalty when a specific event occurs. For example, the reward function may include a penalty term -KＳ may be provided. Ｓ Is, K Ｓ ≧0. In addition, the reward function includes a penalty term -K Ｆ may be provided. Ｆ Is, K Ｆ is a constant ≧0.

[0051]

[0052] s ｔ represents the state at time t, including the internal state of the party for which the plan is to be generated and the proposal from the negotiating partner. E represents an expected value. For example, the planning system 100 simulates the state of the parties to the negotiation (e.g., supplier or customer) based on the internal plan and calculates the expected value. T represents a predetermined time that is set as the final time for which the expected value is to be calculated. For example, T is the final day for which the internal plan is to be created. The period that the planning system 100 targets for internal planning can be set arbitrarily. Therefore, T can be any date and time. For example, the period that the planning system 100 targets for internal planning may be one year, or one year divided into four quarters (Q), but is not limited to these. T is also referred to as the deadline time. γ is a coefficient in the range of 0≦γ≦1. V(s ｔ ) is the state at time t. ｔ represents the expected value of the cumulative reward from time t to T when

[0053]

[0054] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the planning system 100. In the configuration shown in Fig. 7, the planning system 100 includes a communication unit 110, a display unit 120, an operation input unit 130, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The control unit 190 includes a data acquisition unit 191, a plan generation unit 192, a negotiation start determination unit 193, and a learning unit 194.

[0055] The communication unit 110 communicates with other devices. For example, the communication unit 110 transmits plan information to the negotiation system 200 and receives negotiation information from the negotiation system 200. The display unit 120 has a display screen, such as a liquid crystal panel or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) panel, and displays various images. For example, the display unit 120 may display an internal plan generated by the planning system 100.

[0056] The operation input unit 130 includes input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse and accepts user operations. For example, the operation input unit 130 may accept user operations for performing various settings, such as setting the value of a meta parameter for reinforcement learning. The storage unit 180 stores various data. For example, the storage unit 180 may store the internal plan generated by the planning system 100 and the results of negotiations by the negotiation system 200. The storage unit 180 is configured using a storage device included in the planning system 100.

[0057] The control unit 190 performs various processes by controlling each unit of the planning system 100. The functions of the control unit 190 are performed, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) included in the planning system 100 reading and executing a program from the storage unit 180.

[0058] The data acquisition unit 191 acquires data for generating an internal plan. In particular, the data acquisition unit 191 acquires the results of plan adjustment and contract details. The results of plan adjustment correspond to an example of a changeable negotiation result regarding the transaction object. The contract details correspond to an example of a finalized negotiation result regarding the transaction object. The data acquisition unit 191 corresponds to an example of a data acquisition means.

[0059] For example, data acquisition unit 191 extracts the result of negotiation from the received data received by communication unit 110 from negotiation system 200. In particular, when negotiation start determination unit 193 determines that negotiation should be conducted based on the internal state, data acquisition unit 191 acquires the result of negotiation conducted by negotiation system 200 based on the determination result of negotiation start determination unit 193.

[0060] The data acquisition unit 191 also acquires the internal plan before the update. For example, the data acquisition unit 191 may acquire a shipping plan (plan before the update) and a production plan (plan before the update) of the transaction target. For example, the data acquisition unit 191 reads out the internal state stored in the storage unit 180.

[0061] The plan generation unit 192 generates an internal plan (an internal plan related to the transaction object) based on the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 191. The plan generation unit 192 corresponds to an example of a plan generation means. Specifically, the plan generation unit 192 generates an internal plan related to the transaction object based on the results of the plan adjustment and the contract details.

[0062] In this way, the plan generation unit 192 is expected to be able to link internal plans with transactions with high accuracy in that it generates internal plans based not only on the contract contents, which are the finalized negotiation results, but also on the results of plan adjustment, which are the negotiation results before finalization (negotiation results that may be changed). As a result, the plan generation unit 192 is expected to be able to obtain more accurate internal plans.

[0063] Furthermore, the plan generating unit 192 generates and outputs an updated internal plan based on the pre-update internal plan acquired by the data acquiring unit 191. This allows the plan generating unit 192 to generate an updated internal plan taking into account the pre-update internal plan, thereby making it possible to avoid sudden changes to the internal plan.

[0064] For example, in the planning system 100b owned by a parts supplier, the plan generation unit 192 generates and outputs an updated parts shipping plan based on the results of the plan adjustment, the contract details, and the parts shipping plan before the update. In the planning system 100b owned by a supplier, the plan generation unit 192 generates and outputs an updated parts production plan based on the results of the plan adjustment, the contract details, and the parts production plan before the update.

[0065] In addition, in the planning system 100 owned by the customer, the plan generation unit 192 generates and outputs an updated parts arrival plan based on the results of the plan adjustment, the contract details, and the parts arrival plan before the update.In the planning system 100b owned by the supplier, the plan generation unit 192 generates and outputs an updated product production plan based on the results of the plan adjustment, the contract details, and the product production plan before the update.

[0066] Furthermore, the plan generating unit 192 generates an internal plan using a model obtained by learning (machine learning) performed by the learning unit 194. The plan generating unit 192 stores the generated internal plan in the storage unit 180.

[0067] The negotiation start determination unit 193 determines whether to conduct negotiations regarding the trading object based on the internal plan generated by the plan generation unit 192. The negotiation start determination unit 193 corresponds to an example of a negotiation start determination means. For example, the negotiation start determination unit 193 may determine whether to conduct negotiations based on a comparison result between an evaluation index value indicating an evaluation of the internal plan generated by the plan generation unit 192 and an evaluation index value obtained by a simulation of when the negotiation system 200 conducts negotiations regarding the trading object. In this case, the value (value function value) shown in equation (2) may be used as the evaluation index value, but is not limited to this.

[0068] The learning unit 194 learns the generation of the internal plan performed by the negotiation start determination unit 193. Here, an example will be described in which the learning unit 194 realizes the function of the negotiation start determination unit 193 by deep reinforcement learning. However, the method for realizing the function of the negotiation start determination unit 193 is not limited to this. In this case, the negotiation start determination unit 193 is configured using a model (machine learning model) that receives inputs of the plan adjustment result and the contract content and outputs an internal plan. The plan adjustment result corresponds to an example of a negotiation result that may be changed regarding the trading object. The contract content corresponds to an example of a confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object.

[0069] The learning unit 194 may learn the model when negotiations regarding a trading object are concluded by the negotiation system 200. The learning unit 194 may learn the model by using the latest model at the start of model learning as the initial value of the model in learning. In other words, when the learning unit 194 learns the model, it may update the obtained model rather than re-learning the model from scratch.

[0070] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the plan generation unit 192 in the supplier. In the example of Fig. 8, the plan generation unit 192 is configured using a deep neural network (DNN).

[0071] The plan generation unit 192 receives inputs of the results of plan coordination with the customer, orders from the customer (parts contract details), part shipping plans (before renewal), part production plans (before renewal), part inventory amounts, and part lead times. The lead time here is a period determined in advance as the time required from order receipt to delivery date.

[0072] Here, the result of the plan adjustment at time t is expressed as s ｔ ω The combination of the contract details, shipping plan, production plan, inventory amount, and lead time is defined as the internal state, and the internal state at time t is defined as s. ～ ｔ The result of the plan adjustment at time t is expressed as s ｔ ω and the internal state s at time t ～ ｔ Combination with (s ｔ ω , s ～ ｔ ) is the state s at time t in reinforcement learning. ｔ Used as.

[0073] 8, the deep neural network constituting the plan generation unit 192 includes an input layer, an intermediate layer, and an output layer. The intermediate layer includes a feature extraction subnetwork that calculates features of input data, a policy subnetwork that functions as a policy function in reinforcement learning, and a utility subnetwork that functions as a value function in reinforcement learning.

[0074] As the value function in reinforcement learning, the value function shown in Equation (2) or a value function obtained by adding the above-mentioned penalty term to the value function shown in Equation (2) may be used. The value function value calculated by the utility subnetwork is also referred to as the utility function value.

[0075] The policy sub-network outputs an (updated) part shipping plan and an (updated) part production plan via the output layer. The combination of the (updated) part shipping plan and the (updated) part production plan is called action a in reinforcement learning. ｔ For example, the shipping schedule and the production schedule are each expressed as the quantity for each day from the 1st day to the Tth day.

[0076] The input and output of the plan generating unit 192 can be various depending on the target to be handled by the plan generating unit 192. For example, the plan generating unit 192 may generate a receiving plan for primary parts supplied from terminal suppliers in addition to the shipping plan and production plan shown in FIG. 8. In this case, the internal state s ～ ｔ Action a, including the pre-update inventory plan ｔ Include updated inventory plans.

[0077] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the plan generation unit 192 at the customer. The configuration shown in FIG. 9 differs from the configuration shown in FIG. 8 in the following points. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the result of the plan adjustment s ｔ ω is the result of planning and coordination with suppliers. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the internal state s ～ ｔincludes the order from the terminal customer (the contract details of the product), the parts arrival plan, the product production plan, the inventory amount of the parts, and the lead time of the parts (the lead time from the order of the parts to the delivery). ｔ includes a parts receiving plan and a product production plan.

[0078] In other respects, the configuration shown in Fig. 9 is similar to the configuration shown in Fig. 8. In this way, the plan negotiation system 2 can be applied to various negotiation parties by adjusting the input and output of the plan generation unit 192.

[0079] Negotiation system 200 may perform plan adjustment using a strategy based on value criteria. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of value criteria used by negotiation system 200 for plan adjustment. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 10 represents normalized time. In the example of FIG. 10, the normalized time is expressed as a numerical value in the range from 0 to 1. The vertical axis of FIG. 10 represents a value function value. In the example of FIG. 10, the value function value is expressed as a numerical value in the range from 0 to 1. The value function value here can be considered as a utility value.

[0080] Lines L211 to L215 each represent an example of the change in the value reference value over time. Negotiation system 200 accepts negotiation content that results in a value function value equal to or greater than the value indicated by the line in FIG. 10. For example, if negotiation system 200 employs the negotiation strategy indicated by line L211, negotiation system 200 will agree to proposals from the negotiating partner that result in a value function value equal to or greater than the value indicated by line L211 over time. Lines L211 to L215 are obtained using equation (4).

[0081]

[0082] In equation (4), the current time (the time when negotiation system 200 plans to make the next proposal) is represented by t, and the time when negotiation system 200 will make the next proposal is represented by t+1. T represents the negotiation time limit. The normalized time shown on the horizontal axis of FIG. 10 is represented by t / T. ω ｔ＋１ represents the proposal content (e.g., number of parts or schedule) at time t+1.ｔ＋１ is also referred to as the bid at time t+1.

[0083] U ｍａｘ represents the maximum value of the value function. ｍａｘ represents the value function value when the proposal content is such that the value function value is maximized. ｍｉｎ represents the minimum value of the value function. ｍｉｎ represents the value function value when the proposal content is such that the value function value is minimum.

[0084] e is a parameter that determines the speed of concessions. A strategy when e<1 is also called Boulware. Boulware is a strategy in which the player makes few concessions while there is still time left in the negotiation, and makes large concessions as the negotiation time approaches. Lines L211 and L212 in Figure 10 are examples of Boulware.

[0085] The strategy when e=1 is also called Linear. Linear is a strategy in which concessions are made linearly over time. Line L213 in Figure 10 is an example of Linear. The strategy when e>1 is also called Conceder. Conceder is a strategy in which large concessions are made early after the start of negotiations, and the rate of change in concessions (the slope of the line in Figure 10) is slowed down thereafter. Lines L214 and L215 in Figure 10 are examples of Conceder.

[0086] Negotiation system 200 may calculate the value function value based on equation (5).

[0087]

[0088] ω represents information about the negotiation situation. For example, ω may include, but is not limited to, either the content of a proposal to the negotiating partner (such as the number of parts or the schedule) or the result of the negotiation (such as agreement or rejection), or a combination of these. U(ω) represents the value function value before normalization. U ～ (ω) represents the value function value after normalization.

[0089] If a change from the terminal customer can be detected, the planning system 100 or the negotiation system 200 may recalculate the value function by updating the learning model through re-learning or by internal simulation. The planning system 100 or the negotiation system 200 may use the calculated value function as the utility function.

[0090] When adjusting a plan, a changeable range may be set to avoid sudden changes in the plan. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of plan adjustment in which a changeable range is set. In the example of Fig. 11, a plan adjustment to plan P121 is proposed for plan P111. In the plan adjustment from plan P111 to plan P121, it is proposed to advance the delivery date of the second day (t=2) by one day, set the supply volume for the first day to 30, set the supply volume for the second day to 10, and change the supply volume for the sixth day from 10 to 20.

[0091] Furthermore, a changeable range P131 is set based on the pre-change plan P111. Comparing the plan P121 and the changeable range P131, for the first day, the changeable range is set to "10-15" for the quantity "30" in the plan P121, and for the second day, the changeable range is set to "30-35" for the quantity "10" in the plan P121. In particular, for the second day, the quantity "30" in the pre-change plan P111 is the lower limit of the changeable range, and the quantity cannot be reduced from the pre-change plan. Therefore, in response to the plan adjustment (plan P112), the negotiation system 200 replies that the quantities for the first day and the second day cannot be changed from the pre-change plan P111.

[0092] On the other hand, for the sixth day, the quantity "20" in plan P121 is included in the range "0 to 50" in the changeable range P131 and can be changed. Therefore, the negotiation system 200 responds to the plan adjustment (plan P112) by stating that the quantity for the sixth day will be changed to the quantity "20" in plan P121.

[0093] The changeable range when adjusting the plan may be determined according to time (remaining period). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a changeable range that changes according to time. In the example of FIG. 12, the changeable range is "10" for day 0 (t=0) and day 1 (t=1). The changeable range is "5 to 15" for day 2 (t=2) and day 3 (t=3). The changeable range is "0 to 20" for day 4 (t=4) and day 5 (t=5). The changeable range is "0 to 50" for day 6 (t=6).

[0094] 12, the longer the grace period until the deadline, the wider the changeable range is set, which reflects the expectation that the longer the grace period until the deadline, the larger the changeable range will be able to accommodate relatively large changes.

[0095] As described above, the data acquisition unit 191 acquires the results of the plan adjustment and the contract details. The results of the plan adjustment correspond to examples of negotiation results that may be changed regarding the transaction object. The contract details correspond to examples of finalized negotiation results regarding the transaction object. The plan generation unit 192 generates an internal plan for the parties negotiating regarding the transaction object based on the results of the plan adjustment and the contract details.

[0096] The planning system 100 is expected to enable highly accurate linkage between the internal plans of the parties to a transaction and the transaction, since the internal plans of the parties to a transaction are generated based not only on the contract contents but also on the results of plan adjustment. In this respect, the planning system 100 is expected to enable highly accurate generation of the internal plans of the parties to a transaction.

[0097] The data acquisition unit 191 also acquires the internal plan before the change. The internal plan before the change corresponds to the plan before the change between the parties negotiating the transaction object. The plan generation unit 192 outputs an updated plan based on the results of the plan adjustment, the contract contents, and the internal plan before the change. The planning system 100 is expected to avoid sudden changes in the internal plan in that the internal plan after the change is generated based on the internal plan before the change.

[0098] The data acquisition unit 191 also acquires the shipment plan of the transaction subject. The plan generation unit 192 outputs an updated shipment plan based on the results of the plan adjustment, the contract details, and the shipment plan of the transaction subject. The planning system 100 is expected to be able to avoid sudden changes in the shipment plan because it generates an updated shipment plan based on the shipment plan before the change.

[0099] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 191 acquires the production plan of the trading partner. The plan generation unit 192 outputs an updated production plan based on the results of the plan adjustment, the contract details, and the production plan of the trading partner. The planning system 100 is expected to be able to avoid sudden changes in the production plan because it generates an updated production plan based on the production plan before the change.

[0100] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 191 acquires the receiving plan of the transaction subject. The plan generation unit 192 outputs an updated receiving plan based on the results of the plan adjustment, the contract details, and the receiving plan of the transaction subject. The planning system 100 is expected to be able to avoid sudden changes in receiving plans, as it generates an updated receiving plan based on the receiving plan before the change.

[0101] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 191 acquires a production plan for a product using the transaction object. The plan generation unit 192 outputs an updated production plan based on the results of the plan adjustment, the contract details, and the transaction object's arrival plan. The planning system 100 is expected to be able to avoid sudden changes in the production plan by generating an updated production plan based on the production plan before the change.

[0102] Furthermore, the negotiation start decision unit 193 decides whether to conduct negotiations regarding the trading object based on the internal plan. The data acquisition unit 191 acquires the results of the negotiations that have been decided upon. The planning system 100 can reduce the number of negotiations, thereby reducing the burden of negotiations.

[0103] Furthermore, the negotiation start decision unit 193 determines whether to negotiate based on the result of comparing the evaluation index value indicating the evaluation of the internal plan with the evaluation index value obtained by simulating the case where negotiations are conducted for the trading object. The planning system 100 is expected to enable negotiations when the evaluation of the internal plan deteriorates and the plan needs to be revised.

[0104] Furthermore, the learning unit 194 learns a model that receives input of the plan adjustment results and contract details and outputs an internal plan when negotiations regarding the transaction subject are concluded. The plan generation unit 192 generates an internal plan using the model obtained through learning. The planning system 100 can generate a model that reflects the plan adjustment results and contract details, and in this respect, it is expected to be able to generate a model that corresponds to the plan adjustment results and contract details with high accuracy.

[0105] Furthermore, the learning unit 194 learns the model using the latest model at the start of model learning as the initial value of the model in learning. According to the planning system 100, it is expected that model learning can be completed in a short time because there is no need to start model learning from the beginning again.

[0106] 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of a planning system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 13, the planning system 610 includes a data acquisition unit 611 and a plan generation unit 612. In this configuration, the data acquisition unit 611 acquires a changeable negotiation result for the transaction object and a confirmed negotiation result for the transaction object. The plan generation unit 612 generates an internal plan for the parties negotiating the transaction object based on the changeable negotiation result for the transaction object and the confirmed negotiation result for the transaction object. The data acquisition unit 611 corresponds to an example of a data acquisition means. The plan generation unit 612 corresponds to an example of a plan generation means.

[0107] The planning system 610 generates internal plans of the parties to a transaction based not only on the finalized negotiation results regarding the transaction object but also on the changeable negotiation results regarding the transaction object, and is therefore expected to enable highly accurate linking of the internal plans of the parties to a transaction with the transaction. In this respect, the planning system 610 is expected to enable highly accurate generation of internal plans of the parties to a transaction. The data acquisition unit 611 can be realized, for example, using the functions of the data acquisition unit 191 in FIG. 7 or the like. The plan generation unit 612 can be realized, for example, using the functions of the plan generation unit 192 in FIG. 7 or the like.

[0108] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing steps in a planning method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The planning method illustrated in FIG. 14 includes acquiring data (step S611) and generating a plan (step S612). In acquiring data (step S611), a computer acquires a negotiation result that may be changed regarding the trading object and a confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object. In generating a plan (step S612), the computer generates an internal plan for the parties negotiating regarding the trading object based on the negotiation result that may be changed regarding the trading object and the confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object.

[0109] 14, the internal plans of the parties to a transaction are generated based not only on the finalized negotiation results for the transaction object but also on the negotiation results that may be changed for the transaction object, and therefore it is expected that the internal plans of the parties to a transaction can be linked with the transaction with high accuracy. In this respect, it is expected that the internal plans of the parties to a transaction can be generated with high accuracy.

[0110] 15 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15, a computer 700 includes a CPU 710, a main memory device 720, an auxiliary memory device 730, an interface 740, and a non-volatile recording medium 750.

[0111] One or more of the planning system 100, negotiation system 200, and planning system 610, or a part thereof, may be implemented in a computer 700. In this case, the operation of each of the above-described processing units is stored in the auxiliary storage device 730 in the form of a program. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program. The CPU 710 also allocates storage areas in the main storage device 720 corresponding to each of the above-described storage units in accordance with the program. Communication between each device and other devices is performed by an interface 740 having a communication function and performing communication under the control of the CPU 710. The interface 740 also has a port for a non-volatile recording medium 750, and reads information from the non-volatile recording medium 750 and writes information to the non-volatile recording medium 750.

[0112] When the planning system 100 is implemented in a computer 700, the operation of the control unit 190 and each of its units is stored in the form of a program in an auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0113] Furthermore, the CPU 710 allocates a storage area for the storage unit 180 in the main storage device 720 in accordance with the program. Communication with other devices by the communication unit 110 is performed by the interface 740 having a communication function and operating under the control of the CPU 710. Display of images by the display unit 120 is performed by the interface 740 having a display device and displaying various images under the control of the CPU 710. Reception of user operations by the operation input unit 130 is performed by the interface 740 having an input device and receiving user operations under the control of the CPU 710.

[0114] When negotiation system 200 is implemented in computer 700, its operation is stored in the form of a program in auxiliary storage device 730. CPU 710 reads the program from auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0115] Furthermore, CPU 710, in accordance with the program, allocates a storage area in main memory 720 for processing by negotiation system 200. Communication between negotiation system 200 and other devices is performed by interface 740, which has a communication function and operates under the control of CPU 710. Interaction between negotiation system 200 and a user is performed by interface 740, which has an input device and an output device, presenting information to the user via the output device under the control of CPU 710 and accepting user operations via the input device.

[0116] When the planning system 610 is implemented in the computer 700, the operations of the data acquisition unit 611 and the plan generation unit 612 are stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0117] Furthermore, the CPU 710, in accordance with the program, allocates a storage area in the main storage device 720 for the planning system 610 to perform processing. Communication between the planning system 610 and other devices is performed by the interface 740, which has a communication function and operates under the control of the CPU 710. Interaction between the planning system 610 and a user is performed by the interface 740, which has an input device and an output device, presenting information to the user via the output device under the control of the CPU 710 and accepting user operations via the input device.

[0118] One or more of the above-described programs may be recorded on nonvolatile recording medium 750. In this case, interface 740 may read the programs from nonvolatile recording medium 750. Then, CPU 710 may directly execute the programs read by interface 740, or may temporarily store the programs in main storage device 720 or auxiliary storage device 730 and then execute them.

[0119] Alternatively, a program for executing all or part of the processing performed by planning system 100, negotiation system 200, and planning system 610 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of each component. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, read-only memories (ROMs), and compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The program may be designed to implement part of the aforementioned functions, or may be capable of implementing the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0120] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope that do not deviate from the gist of this disclosure.

[0121] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0122] (Supplementary Note 1) A planning system comprising: a data acquisition means for acquiring a changeable negotiation result regarding a trading object and a confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object; and a plan generation means for generating an internal plan for the parties negotiating regarding the trading object based on the changeable negotiation result regarding the trading object and the confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object.

[0123] (Supplementary Note 2) The planning system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the data acquisition means further acquires pre-change internal plans of the parties to negotiations regarding the trading object, and the plan generation means outputs an updated plan based on the possible negotiation results regarding the trading object, the confirmed negotiation results regarding the trading object, and the pre-change internal plans of the parties to negotiations regarding the trading object.

[0124] (Supplementary Note 3) The planning system according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the data acquisition means acquires a shipping plan for the trading object, and the plan generation means outputs an updated shipping plan based on a changeable negotiation result for the trading object, a finalized negotiation result for the trading object, and the shipping plan for the trading object.

[0125] (Supplementary Note 4) The planning system according to Supplementary Note 2 or Supplementary Note 3, wherein the data acquisition means acquires a production plan for the trading object, and the plan generation means outputs an updated production plan based on a changeable negotiation result for the trading object, a confirmed negotiation result for the trading object, and the production plan for the trading object.

[0126] (Supplementary Note 5) The planning system according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the data acquisition means acquires a receipt plan for the trading object, and the plan generation means outputs an updated receipt plan based on a changeable negotiation result for the trading object, a confirmed negotiation result for the trading object, and the receipt plan for the trading object.

[0127] (Supplementary Note 6) The planning system according to Supplementary Note 2 or Supplementary Note 5, wherein the data acquisition means acquires a production plan for a product using the trading object, and the plan generation means outputs an updated production plan based on a changeable negotiation result for the trading object, a confirmed negotiation result for the trading object, and a production plan for a product using the trading object.

[0128] (Supplementary Note 7) The planning system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, further comprising a negotiation initiation decision means for deciding whether to conduct negotiations regarding the trading object based on an internal plan of the parties to the negotiations regarding the trading object, wherein the data acquisition means acquires the results of the negotiations that have been decided to be conducted.

[0129] (Supplementary Note 8) The planning system according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the negotiation start decision means decides whether to conduct the negotiation based on a comparison result between an evaluation index value indicating an evaluation of the internal plans of the parties to negotiation regarding the trading object and an evaluation index value obtained by simulating what would happen if negotiation regarding the trading object were conducted, and the evaluation index value indicating an evaluation of the internal plans of the parties to negotiation regarding the trading object if the negotiation were conducted.

[0130] (Supplementary Note 9) The planning system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, further comprising: a learning means for receiving input of a changeable negotiation result for the trading object and a confirmed negotiation result for the trading object, and learning a model that outputs an internal plan of the parties to negotiation regarding the trading object when negotiation regarding the trading object is concluded, wherein the plan generation means generates an internal plan of the parties to negotiation regarding the trading object using the model obtained by the learning.

[0131] (Supplementary Note 10) The planning system according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the learning means learns the model using the latest model at the start of learning the model as an initial value of the model in learning.

[0132] (Supplementary Note 11) A planning method including: a computer acquiring a changeable negotiation result for a trading object and a confirmed negotiation result for the trading object; and generating an internal plan for the parties negotiating for the trading object based on the changeable negotiation result for the trading object and the confirmed negotiation result for the trading object.

[0133] (Supplementary Note 12) A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the following steps: acquiring a changeable negotiation result regarding a trading object and a confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object; and generating an internal plan of the parties negotiating regarding the trading object based on the changeable negotiation result regarding the trading object and the confirmed negotiation result regarding the trading object.

[0134] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-108742, filed on June 30, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0135] The present disclosure may be applied to a planning system, a planning method, and a recording medium.

[0136] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Plan negotiation network 2 Plan negotiation system 100, 610 Plan system 110 Communication unit 120 Display unit 130 Operation input unit 180 Storage unit 190 Control unit 191, 611 Data acquisition unit 192, 612 Plan generation unit 193 Negotiation start decision unit 194 Learning unit 200 Negotiation system

Claims

1. A data acquisition means for acquiring the changeable negotiation results regarding the transaction subject and the finalized negotiation results regarding the said transaction subject, A plan generation means that generates an internal plan of the parties negotiating the transaction subject based on the changeable negotiation results and the finalized negotiation results regarding the transaction subject, A planning system equipped with the necessary features.

2. The data acquisition means further acquires the pre-change plan from within the parties negotiating the transaction subject, The plan generation means outputs an updated plan based on the changeable negotiation results regarding the transaction subject, the finalized negotiation results regarding the transaction subject, and the pre-change plan within the negotiations between the parties regarding the transaction subject. The planning system according to claim 1.

3. The data acquisition means acquires the shipping plan of the transaction target, The plan generation means outputs an updated shipping plan based on the changeable negotiation results regarding the transaction subject, the finalized negotiation results regarding the transaction subject, and the shipping plan for the transaction subject. The planning system according to claim 2.

4. The data acquisition means acquires the production plan of the transaction target, The plan generation means outputs an updated production plan based on the changeable negotiation results regarding the transaction object, the finalized negotiation results regarding the transaction object, and the production plan of the transaction object. The planning system according to claim 2.

5. The data acquisition means acquires the arrival plan of the transaction target, The plan generation means outputs an updated arrival plan based on the changeable negotiation results regarding the transaction object, the finalized negotiation results regarding the transaction object, and the arrival plan for the transaction object. The planning system according to claim 2.

6. The data acquisition means acquires the production plan for the product using the transaction object. The plan generation means outputs an updated production plan based on the changeable negotiation results regarding the transaction object, the finalized negotiation results regarding the transaction object, and the production plan for the product using the transaction object. The planning system according to claim 2.

7. Negotiation Initiation Decision Means for determining whether or not to conduct negotiations regarding the said subject of transaction, based on the internal plan of the parties to the negotiations regarding the said subject of transaction. Furthermore, The aforementioned data acquisition means acquires the results of negotiations that have been decided to be conducted. A planning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The negotiation initiation decision means determines whether or not to conduct the negotiations based on a comparison between an evaluation index value indicating an evaluation of the internal plans of the parties to the negotiations regarding the transaction subject and an evaluation index value indicating an evaluation of the internal plans of the parties to the negotiations regarding the transaction subject obtained from a simulation of conducting the negotiations regarding the transaction subject. The planning system according to claim 7.

9. Computers Obtain the potentially changeable negotiation results regarding the transaction subject and the finalized negotiation results regarding the said transaction subject. Based on the potentially changeable negotiation results regarding the subject of the transaction and the finalized negotiation results regarding the subject of the transaction, an internal plan is generated by the parties negotiating regarding the subject of the transaction. A planning method that includes this.

10. On the computer, To obtain the changeable negotiation results regarding the transaction subject and the finalized negotiation results regarding the said transaction subject, To generate an internal plan of the parties negotiating the transaction subject based on the potentially changeable negotiation results and the finalized negotiation results regarding the transaction subject, A program to execute.