Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide technology that enables multiple suppliers and multiple hotels to promote efficiency together. The product information acquisition unit 51 acquires information on the specified products in stock as product information from each of the multiple suppliers' terminals 2-1 to 2-m for each of the multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m. The centralized inventory management unit 52 centrally manages product information as inventory information for the multiple specified products whose ownership has been transferred to the service provider S and made into shared inventory. In response to access from the supplier terminal 2 or the hotel terminal 3, the inventory display control unit 53 visualizes information on at least a portion of the multiple specified products that are centrally managed as inventory, and controls the display on the terminal that has accessed the above.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] One known technology that attempts to reduce the ordering work for hotels is the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, which uses the Internet to compile order requests entered at the hotel on-site into order forms for suppliers and post them on the hotel's homepage. The supplier mentioned above also uses the Internet to input the designated supplier code and creates an order / delivery slip by referring to the order list on the hotel's homepage, and then delivers the goods to the hotel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-249991 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional techniques, including the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, have deployed an N-to-N business model in which multiple suppliers each deliver to multiple hotels, so it was not possible for both the multiple suppliers and the multiple hotels to promote efficiency.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technology that enables multiple suppliers and multiple hotels to promote efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: An information processing system including a plurality of first type devices operated by each of a plurality of deliverers who deliver a predetermined product, a second type device operated by a delivery destination of the predetermined product, and a third type device that communicates with each of the plurality of first type devices and the second type device, The third type device is a product information acquisition means for acquiring information on the predetermined product in stock from each of the plurality of first type devices as product information for each of the plurality of deliverers; a centralized inventory management means for centrally managing, as inventory information, information on the products whose ownership has been transferred to a predetermined manager and which have been put into inventory among the plurality of predetermined products; an inventory display control means for executing control to visualize and display information on at least a part of the plurality of predetermined products that are centrally managed as inventory in response to access from the second type device; Equipped with.

[0007] An information processing method and a program corresponding to the above-described information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention are also provided as an information processing method and a program according to one aspect of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, both multiple suppliers and multiple hotels can improve efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram comparing the basic flow of a service that can be realized by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention with that of conventional logistics. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the present service for multiple hotel establishments, which can be realized by an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the present service for multiple hotels, which can be realized by an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of visualization of shared inventory by this service. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a shared inventory. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of joint purchasing with other hotels using this service. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the joint purchase in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server of FIG. 9 in the information processing system of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when registering a transaction master to be stored in a memory unit of a server in the information processing system of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when registering department master data to be stored in a storage unit of a server in the information processing system of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 13] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to a user master stored in a storage unit of a server in the information processing system of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 14] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when registering a product master to be stored in a storage unit of a server in the information processing system of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to updating and deleting the product master in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for searching stock status and listing stock. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of reducing the workload of a supplier. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of berth reservation in FIG. 1. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of efficiency promotion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram comparing the basic flow of a service that can be realized by an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "this service") with that of conventional logistics.

[0012] This service is provided by a service provider S, and is a service that enables both a plurality of suppliers and a plurality of hotels to promote efficiency. In this service, the service provider S functions as a procurement logistics platform for hotels. In addition, by providing this service, the service provider S controls the flow of information and goods.

[0013] First, the conventional situation will be described with reference to the example shown on the left side of FIG. Conventionally, as shown on the left side of Fig. 1, there existed a plurality of suppliers NG-1 to NG-m that delivered a specified product (m is an integer value of 1 or more). In addition, there were a plurality of hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n that were the delivery destinations of the specified products. Here, the above-mentioned multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m include various suppliers such as suppliers of food ingredients to hotel kitchens and suppliers of amenity goods. In addition, the goods covered include fresh foods (fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, etc.), stored and processed foods (room temperature, frozen, and refrigerated products), and supplies and consumables (water, slippers, toothbrushes, packaging materials, etc.). Also, the hotel side, i.e., hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n, here refer to hotels in the same chain, such as a hotel in Yokohama, a hotel in Tokyo, a golf course in Izu, the head office, etc. (It may also be various departments within the hotel in Yokohama mentioned above, or it may be various hotels that are not part of the same chain). In addition, this may be a city hotel, business hotel, or resort hotel, and may also include lodging facilities such as inns.

[0014] Conventionally, when a supplier NG-1 receives an order from a hotel establishment HJ-1, the supplier delivers the ordered product (the ordered product) to the hotel establishment HJ-1. For the delivery, truck NT-1 of a trucking company requested by the supplier NG-1 delivers the product to the hotel establishment HJ-1. When supplier NG-1 receives an order from hotel establishment HJ-2 or hotel establishment HJ-n, truck NT-1 delivers the specified goods to hotel establishment HJ-2 or hotel establishment HJ-n, respectively, in the same manner as described above. Similarly, supplier NG-2 delivers the specified goods to the hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n that have placed orders (truck NT-2 of a trucking company requested by supplier NG-2 makes the deliveries each time). Similarly, supplier NG-m delivers the specified goods to the hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n that have placed orders (delivery is made by truck NT-k (k is an integer value greater than or equal to 1) of a truck operator requested by supplier NG-m).

[0015] Previously, multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m made deliveries to multiple hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n, taking into consideration the circumstances of each of them. In other words, they dealt with each of the multiple hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n individually. This made the series of tasks, such as preparing the delivery of the specified products, arranging for delivery, and contacting the delivery destination, cumbersome. On the other hand, while the multiple hotel businesses HJ-1 through HJ-n had the advantage of having their individual circumstances taken into consideration, they also had to handle the receipt and paperwork for each business, which made the work complicated. In addition, multiple hotel business locations HJ-1 through HJ-n were concerned about traffic congestion around the hotels due to deliveries from multiple suppliers NG-1 through NG-m (multiple trucks NT-1 through NT-k). There were also concerns about security risks due to the influx of an unspecified number of deliveries. For truck operators, transportation efficiency was poor due to parking congestion and long waiting times for delivery. In addition, for truck operators, parking congestion and long waiting times for delivery made it difficult to work on reducing CO2 emissions.

[0016] As described above, in the past, an N-to-N business model was deployed, in other words, a business model in which multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m each delivered to multiple hotel businesses HJ-1 to HJ-n, resulting in a situation in which the efficiency of both the multiple suppliers and the multiple hotels was reduced. In addition, the development of the traditional business model had led to a decline in efficiency for truck operators.

[0017] In this embodiment, a service (this service) is provided that converts the above-mentioned N-to-N business model into an N-to-1-to-N business model. This allows both multiple suppliers and multiple hotels to improve efficiency. In addition, by providing this service, it will be possible to promote efficiency for truck operators as well. Specifically, the following will explain this with reference to the example shown on the right side of Figure 1 (promotion of efficiency for truck operators will be explained separately).

[0018] In the above-mentioned "N to 1 to N," for example, the "N" on the left side corresponds to multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m. Also, the "N" on the right side corresponds to multiple hotels, namely Hotel A HA to Hotel P HP, and the multiple hotel offices HJ-1 to HJ-n that belong to these hotels. Also, the "1" in the middle corresponds to the service provider S that provides this service. Service provider S functions as a procurement logistics platform for hotels.

[0019] Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, the service is provided by the service provider S, thereby controlling the flow of information and the flow of goods, and as a result, both multiple suppliers and multiple hotels are able to promote efficiency.

[0020] Among multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m, supplier NG-1 delivers the specified product ordered by the hotel (the specified product ordered by supplier NG-1) to service provider S. For delivery, truck NT-1 of truck operator TJ, requested by supplier NG-1, delivers the product to service provider S. In addition, the service provider S may request the truck NT-1 for delivering the specified product to the service provider S from the truck company TJ (the same applies below). Supplier NG-2 also delivers the specified products ordered by the hotel to service provider S. For delivery, truck NT-2 of truck operator TJ, requested by supplier NG-2, delivers the products to service provider S. The supplier NG-m also delivers the specified products ordered by the hotel to the service provider S. For delivery, truck NT-k of truck operator TJ, requested by the supplier NG-m, delivers the products to the service provider S.

[0021] In this embodiment, a plurality of suppliers NG-1 to NG-m deliver to the service provider S predetermined products ordered by the hotel. The service provider S stores as inventory those of the specified products delivered by the multiple deliverers NG-1 to NG-m, whose ownership has been transferred. In other words, the service provider S purchases the specified products and stores them as its own inventory. In this embodiment, the ownership of a predetermined product that has passed the incoming inspection is transferred to the service provider S (incoming inspection is an example and is not intended to be limiting). The service provider S stores the items whose ownership has been transferred as inventory, and is therefore able to have a shared inventory, as described below.

[0022] A server 1 (described later) managed by a service provider S acquires product information on predetermined products delivered by a plurality of deliverers NG-1 to NG-m from a supplier terminal 2 (described later). Product information includes information about the product itself (e.g., manufacturer information, temperature control information, best-before date / expiration date information, etc.), information related to traceability, and information about the delivery destination (including information about orders from the delivery destination, such as delivery location and quantity (information received by the supplier)). The acquired product information is managed as inventory information in a unified manner by the server 1. In other words, information related to the shared inventory is managed in a unified manner by the server 1.

[0023] The service provider S sorts the specified products stored in inventory based on the product information (specifically, based on information regarding orders from the delivery destination (information received by the supplier)) and delivers the specified products to the delivery destination (for example, the appropriate business establishment among hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n). The delivery of a specified product to a delivery destination is carried out, for example, by a truck ST of a truck company TJ requested by a service provider S, which delivers the product to the delivery destination. Since the service provider S sorts the specified products, the delivery company does not have to carry out the troublesome work that was previously required. Also, since the sorted specified products are delivered by the service provider S, the hotel only needs to handle the receipt of goods and handle paperwork, etc. with the service provider S.

[0024] The server 1 acquires information about orders from delivery destinations (information about orders received by the delivery company) from the delivery company, and is therefore able to plan efficient delivery routes based on the information. Therefore, the service provider S can deliver a predetermined product to a delivery destination via a delivery route planned by the server 1 (for example, delivery by a milk run method is possible).

[0025] The server 1 is communicably connected to supplier terminals 2 (to be described later) managed by a plurality of suppliers NG-1 to NG-m, respectively, and controls data linkage. The server 1 also connects to and communicates with hotel terminals 3 (described later) managed by a hotel or a plurality of hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n, respectively, to control data linkage.

[0026] In this service, the server 1 controls the execution of data linkage and centrally manages inventory information related to the shared inventory, thereby controlling the flow of information and the flow of goods. As a result, it is possible to visualize the shared inventory and to carry out appropriate inventory and ordering. Furthermore, it is also possible to realize joint purchasing by multiple hotels (Hotel A HA to Hotel P HP). As will be described later, it is also possible to realize efficient berth reservations. Such effects will be explained below.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of this service for multiple hotel establishments, which can be realized by an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] As described above, the server 1 managed by the service provider S is communicatively connected to the supplier terminals 2 (described later) managed by each of the multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m, and controls data linkage. The server 1 is also communicably connected to hotel terminals 3 (to be described later) managed by a plurality of hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n, respectively, and controls data linkage. The server 1 acquires product information for each of the specified products delivered by multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m from the supplier terminal 2 described below, and centrally manages this acquired product information as inventory information related to the shared inventory.

[0029] When the server 1 is accessed by each of the supplier terminals 2 of multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m, the server 1 controls the visualization of information relating to at least a portion of multiple specified products that are centrally managed as shared inventory in response to the access, and controls the visualized information to be displayed on the supplier terminal 2. In addition, when the server 1 is accessed from each of the hotel terminals 3 of multiple hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n, in response to the access, the server 1 controls the visualization of information relating to at least a portion of multiple specified products that are centrally managed as shared inventory, as described above, and controls the hotel terminal 3 to display the visualized information.

[0030] Each of the multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m can check the stock status of a specific product by viewing the information related to the shared stock displayed on the supplier terminal 2. Therefore, this service can contribute to the realization of an appropriate inventory. In addition, each of the multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m can check the status of whether or not the goods have been shipped to the relevant hotel establishment after delivery by looking at the information related to the shared inventory mentioned above. Each of the multiple hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n can check the stock status of a specific product by viewing the information related to the shared inventory displayed on the hotel terminal 3. Therefore, this service can contribute to the realization of appropriate ordering. In addition, each of the multiple hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n can check the ordering status of a specific product (can also check the ordering history) by looking at the information related to the shared inventory described above.

[0031] On the other hand, at the service provider S, the server 1 acquires product information from each of the supplier terminals 2 of multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m and treats this as information related to the shared inventory. Therefore, by using the information related to the shared inventory, for example, a person in charge can inspect incoming goods using a handheld terminal or perform sorting work. Information relating to incoming inspection and sorting work is transmitted from a handheld terminal or the like to the server 1 and is managed in a centralized manner. In addition, for sorting work, it is preferable to have a system configuration that allows digital picking. In the sorting process, products are sorted based on information related to the shared inventory into those that can be stored at room temperature, those that need to be kept refrigerated, and those that need to be kept frozen. The sorted products are then stored in a temperature-controlled warehouse until they are shipped. At the time of shipment, for example, a person in charge performs shipping inspection using a handheld terminal. After loading onto a truck, the product is shipped according to a delivery route that was planned in advance by the server 1.

[0032] The server 1 controls the temperature and expiration date (including the expiration date and shipping time) of the predetermined products stored in the above-mentioned warehouse based on the information related to the shared inventory. Information relating to shipping inspection and information relating to shipping are transmitted from a handheld terminal or the like to the server 1 and are managed in a centralized manner.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of this service for multiple hotels, which can be realized by an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] As described above, the server 1 managed by the service provider S is communicatively connected to the supplier terminals 2 (described later) managed by each of the multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m, and controls data linkage. The server 1 also connects to a plurality of hotels, namely, hotel terminals 3 (to be described later) managed by each of the hotels A through P, so as to be able to communicate with each other, and controls data linkage. The server 1 acquires product information for each of the specified products delivered by multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m from the supplier terminal 2 described below, and centrally manages this acquired product information as inventory information related to the shared inventory.

[0035] When the server 1 is accessed by each of the supplier terminals 2 of multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m, the server 1 controls the visualization of information relating to at least a portion of multiple specified products that are centrally managed as shared inventory in response to the access, and controls the visualized information to be displayed on the supplier terminal 2. In addition, when the server 1 is accessed from each of the hotel terminals 3 of multiple hotels (Hotel A HA to Hotel P HP), it controls the visualization of information regarding at least a portion of multiple specified products that are centrally managed as shared inventory in response to the access, as described above, and controls the hotel terminal 3 to display the visualized information. Furthermore, when the server 1 receives access from each of the hotel terminals 3 of a plurality of hotels (A Hotel HA to P Hotel HP) regarding a request for a joint purchase of a predetermined product, the server 1 controls the execution of a predetermined process related to the joint purchase in response to the access.

[0036] Each of the multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m can check the stock status of a specific product by viewing the information related to the shared stock displayed on the supplier terminal 2. Therefore, this service can contribute to the realization of an appropriate inventory. Also, each of the multiple hotels (Hotel A HA to Hotel P HP) can check the stock status of a given product by viewing the information related to the shared stock displayed on the hotel terminal 3. Therefore, this service can contribute to the realization of appropriate ordering. In addition, each of the multiple hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n can check the ordering status of a specific product (can also check the ordering history) by looking at the information related to the shared inventory described above.

[0037] Each of the multiple hotels (Hotel A HA to Hotel P HP) can make a request for joint purchasing of the above-mentioned specific product, and can purchase the specific product at a low price, for example. Therefore, this service can provide a purchasing base that can benefit multiple hotels.

[0038] It should be noted that the service provider S has been described with reference to FIG. 2 and will not be described here.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of visualization of shared inventory by this service.

[0040] The server 1 performs centralized management of the shared inventory, and when accessed by a supplier terminal 2 and a hotel terminal 3 (described later), controls the visualization of information about at least a portion of a plurality of predetermined products in response to the access. Specifically, it controls the visualization of inventory information tailored to the hotel's business location and inventory information tailored to the supplier. For example, a person in the XX department at business office A, a person in the XX department at business office B, and a person in the purchasing department at headquarters can check quantities and adjust orders by viewing the visualized inventory information. In addition, by viewing the visualized inventory information, the head office purchasing department staff can negotiate, adjust, and place orders with the supplier staff (it may also be possible to conduct negotiations, adjustments, and orders via chat, for example, through this service). Meanwhile, each supplier can check quantities and adjust deliveries by viewing the visualized inventory information. Since the service provider S performs sorting on its side, each supplier delivers predetermined products in a lump sum (the limit number in the figure will be described later).

[0041] Here, we briefly explain the use cases of this service with reference to Figure 4. It is assumed that the hotel purchases "eggs" as a regular commodity. For example, when a supplier informs the customer that orders will be restricted for a certain period of time due to an outbreak of the avian influenza virus or the like, the head office purchasing department staff checks with the supplier the quantity that can be ordered within the period and arranges for the quantity that can be ordered to be delivered in a lump sum to the service provider S. At the same time, the head office purchasing department staff confirms the number of "eggs" used by each department during the period from the staff at each business location, and allocates the stock at service provider S to each business location. The staff at each business location checks the stock information at service provider S and places an order for the limited quantity. The head office purchasing department staff will check inventory information and coordinate subsequent orders with suppliers.

[0042] In such an example, the hotel can secure a large amount of the product that is subject to ordering restrictions by using this service. In addition, by using this service, the hotel can have all of its business staff check inventory information and adjust orders accordingly, allowing it to place appropriate orders for products with supply restrictions. On the other hand, by using this service, the supplier can exercise control on the shipper's side in the above-mentioned example, making it easier to adjust supply. In addition, by using this service, the supplier can make a lump-sum delivery of a large quantity instead of small deliveries in the above example, thus reducing the number of delivery steps.

[0043] Another use case different from the above will now be briefly described. The supplier deals in "18 liter cans of fruit" made in China. Since "18 liter cans of fruit" are room temperature products with a long expiration date, the hotel orders a large quantity and arranges for them to be delivered to service provider S in one lump sum. On the hotel side, each business office / department places an order from the stock as needed. When an alert about the expiration date is received from Server 1, the hotel checks the stock and works with the purchasing staff of each business office to change the menu to use the relevant product so that the product can be consumed within the deadline.

[0044] In such an example, by using this service, the hotel can prevent inventory loss even when ordering a large quantity. In addition, by using this service, the hotel can order from the stock at each business office / department as needed. In other words, they can order the required amount while checking the stock quantity. On the other hand, by using this service, suppliers can reduce delivery man-hours and inventory risks.

[0045] An example of the above-mentioned shared inventory will now be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an overview of the shared inventory.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 5, a supplier NG-1 stores wines W1 to W3 in a warehouse for delivery to a hotel A HA. In this warehouse, a supplier NG-2 stores wines W4 and W5 for a hotel B HB. Here, it is assumed that wines W1 to W3 and wines W4 and W5 are the same product. If A Hotel HA places an order for an urgent delivery of 4 bottles, the number of bottles in stock in the warehouse is 5, but the owner of wines W4 and W5 is supplier NG-2, and since the products are intended for B Hotel HB, they cannot be delivered to A Hotel HA. In other words, the order for an urgent delivery of 4 bottles from A Hotel HA cannot be fulfilled.

[0047] In contrast, with this service, the ownership of wines W1 to W3 and wines W4 and W5 is transferred to service provider S and then stocked. Therefore, even if A Hotel HA places an urgent order for four bottles to be delivered, service provider S can deliver four of the five bottles in stock (wines W1 to W4) to A Hotel HA. With this service, ownership is transferred to the service provider S and the inventory is made shared, making it possible to respond to sudden orders such as the example above. The supplier NG-1 may check the shared inventory information and deliver the wines W1 to W3 to the service provider S. The supplier NG-2 may also check the shared inventory information and deliver the wine W4 to the service provider S.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of joint purchasing with other hotels using this service.

[0049] The server 1 performs centralized management of the shared inventory, and when accessed by a supplier terminal 2 and a hotel terminal 3 (described later), controls the visualization of information about at least a portion of a plurality of predetermined products in response to the access. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the visualization of inventory information tailored to each hotel, such as Hotel A, Hotel B, and Hotel C, and inventory information tailored to each supplier is controlled. For example, the purchasing department personnel of Hotel A, Hotel B, and Hotel C can check quantities and adjust orders by viewing the visualized inventory information.

[0050] The products used in hotels vary slightly depending on the type of hotel (city hotel, business hotel, etc.), but there are many products that are commonly used and considered "standard items." For example, materials include packaging materials, toothbrushes, slippers, toothpaste, etc. Amenity goods include shampoo, conditioner, etc. Food items include rice, sugar, oil, seasonings, eggs, etc. Typically, each hotel's purchasing staff selects a supplier (supplier), obtains quotes from them, and then places an order for standard items with the supplier that offers the lowest terms. In addition, traditionally, there has been a problem that the purchasing power of each hotel varies, resulting in differences in procurement costs. To address these problems, this service allows the server 1 to calculate the amount of "standard items" used by each hotel and place orders with suppliers in total lots, thereby enabling the hotel to reduce product procurement costs. Specifically, this service allows hotels such as Hotel A, Hotel B, and Hotel C to make joint purchases (joint purchasing) (an example of joint purchasing will be described later).

[0051] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the joint purchase of FIG.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 7, for example, it is assumed that the shared inventory of toothbrushes at service provider S is 100 units. Note that toothbrushes are one of the products that are considered to be "standard items" as described above. 7, when an order is placed by the person in charge of Hotel A H1 for 120 toothbrushes in step S1, the server 1 (described later) notifies the person in charge of Hotel A H1 in step S2 that an additional order of 20 toothbrushes is required because the current shared stock is 100. At this time, the server 1 notifies the person in charge of Hotel A H1 with a comment that an additional order of 50 will result in a 20% discount, together with a "joint purchase button" encouraging joint purchase when placing the additional order. Hotel A representative H1 thinks that a 20% discount would be a good deal, so he or she decides to press the above-mentioned "joint purchase button" in step S3 so that other hotel representatives will agree to join in the joint purchase.

[0053] When the "joint purchase button" is pressed by the hotel A staff member H1, in step S4, the server 1 notifies other hotel staff members that if 30 or more toothbrushes are ordered, a 20% discount will be offered, encouraging them to make a joint purchase. Here, it is assumed that the person in charge at Hotel B, H2, and the person in charge at Hotel C, H3, have agreed to a joint purchase. In step S5A, the person in charge at Hotel B, H2, orders 20 toothbrushes. In step S5B, the person in charge at Hotel C, H3, orders 10 toothbrushes. The server 1 receives the orders for 30 units from the person in charge at Hotel B H2 and the person in charge at Hotel C H3, and also receives the order for 20 units from the person in charge at Hotel A H1, and executes a process for placing an additional order for a total of 50 units.

[0054] In step S6, the service provider S places an additional order for 50 toothbrushes with the supplier NG (the server 1 may perform control so as to automatically place an additional order for 50 toothbrushes with the supplier NG). In step S7, when supplier NG delivers 50 toothbrushes, the shared inventory of toothbrushes at service provider S becomes 150. Of these, 120 are delivered to Hotel A, 20 to Hotel B, and 10 to Hotel C. Through joint purchasing, 20 of the 120 units ordered by H1, a person in charge at Hotel A, will receive a 20% discount (step S8A). In addition, 20 units ordered by H2, a person in charge at Hotel B, will also receive a 20% discount (step S8B). Furthermore, 10 units ordered by H3, a person in charge at Hotel C, will also receive a 20% discount (step S8C). Therefore, with this service, the hotel can reduce product procurement costs through the group purchasing function.

[0055] Here, we will briefly explain the use cases of this service regarding joint purchasing. For example, if the price of "commercial cooking oil" were to increase significantly, hotels could work together and use group purchasing functions to purchase in bulk, allowing them to purchase the product at the pre-increase price for a certain period of time after the price increase. The bulk purchase of "commercial-use cooking oil" is appropriately stored by the service provider S as shared inventory, and inventory information on the shared inventory is centrally managed by the server 1, so that orders can be placed whenever necessary after checking the inventory.

[0056] Next, an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The information processing system shown in FIG. 8 is configured to include a server 1 managed by a service provider S, supplier terminals 2-1 to 2-m operated by each of suppliers NG-1 to NG-m (m is any integer value equal to or greater than 1), a number of hotel terminals operated by, for example, business office staff at A Hotel HA to P Hotel HP (for example, hotel terminals 3-A1, 3-A2, ... at A Hotel HA, hotel terminals 3-B1, 3-B2, ... at B Hotel HB, hotel terminals 3-P1, 3-P2, ... at P Hotel HP), and truck operator terminals 4-1 to 4-k (k is any integer value equal to or greater than 1) operated by, for example, drivers of truck operator TJ.

[0058] The server 1, each of the supplier terminals 2-1 to 2-m, each of the multiple hotel terminals (hotel terminals 3-A1, 3-A2, ..., etc.), and each of the truck operator terminals 4-1 to 4-k are interconnected via a network N such as the Internet.

[0059] Each of the supplier terminals 2-1 to 2-m is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, etc. When there is no need to distinguish between the supplier terminals 2-1 to 2-m, they will simply be referred to as supplier terminals 2.

[0060] Each of the multiple hotel terminals (hotel terminals 3-A1, 3-A2, ..., etc.) is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, etc. When there is no need to distinguish between the multiple hotel terminals, they will be simply called hotel terminals 3.

[0061] Each of the truck operator terminals 4-1 to 4-k is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, etc. When there is no need to distinguish between the truck operator terminals 4-1 to 4-k, they will be simply referred to as the truck operator terminals 4.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system of FIG.

[0063] The server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0064] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13 . The RAM 13 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

[0065] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to one another via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0066] The input unit 16 is configured with, for example, a keyboard and is used to input various information. The output unit 17 is configured with a display such as a liquid crystal display, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various information as images and sounds. The storage unit 18 is configured with a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or the like, and stores various data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices (for example, the supplier terminal 2, the hotel terminal 3, and the truck operator terminal 4 in FIG. 8) via a network N including the Internet.

[0067] Removable media 30, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, is appropriately loaded into the drive 20. A program read from the removable media 30 by the drive 20 is installed in the storage unit 18 as necessary. Furthermore, the removable medium 30 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18 .

[0068] Although not shown, the supplier terminal 2, hotel terminal 3, and truck operator terminal 4 in Fig. 8 may have a configuration basically similar to the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 9. Therefore, a description of the hardware configuration of the supplier terminal 2, hotel terminal 3, and truck operator terminal 4 will be omitted.

[0069] 9. The various hardware and software constituting the information processing system of FIG. 8 including the server 1 of FIG. 9 work together to execute various processes for providing the present service of FIG.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server of FIG. 9 in the information processing system of FIG.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 10, in the CPU 11 of the server 1, a product information acquisition unit 51, a centralized inventory management unit 52, an inventory display control unit 53, a joint purchasing control unit 54, and a joint logistics control unit 55 function. In addition, in one area of ​​the storage unit 18 of the server 1, a supplier DB 81, a hotel DB 82, a trucking company DB 83, and an inventory information DB 84 are provided.

[0072] The supplier DB 81 stores information on each of a plurality of suppliers NG-1 to NG-m. The hotel DB 82 stores information about each of a plurality of hotels (Hotel A HA through Hotel P HP) and information about each of hotel establishments HJ-1 through HJ-n. The truck company DB 83 stores information about the truck company TJ. The inventory information DB 84 stores information about shared inventory, information about orders, and the like.

[0073] The product information acquisition unit 51 acquires information on predetermined products in stock from each of the multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m as product information from the multiple supplier terminals 2-1 to 2-m, and stores this in the supplier DB 81. The centralized inventory management unit 52 centrally manages product information as inventory information for those of a plurality of specified products whose ownership has been transferred to the service provider S and which have become shared inventory, and stores the inventory information in the inventory information DB 84.

[0074] In response to access from a supplier terminal 2 and / or a hotel terminal 3, the inventory display control unit 53 performs control to visualize information relating to at least a portion of a plurality of specified products that are centrally managed as inventory, and to display the information on the terminal that has accessed the above-mentioned. In this way, the product information acquisition unit 51, centralized inventory management unit 52, and inventory display control unit 53 function together to enable shared inventory and to make the shared inventory visible, thereby achieving optimal inventory and optimal ordering. Therefore, both multiple suppliers and multiple hotels can promote efficiency.

[0075] The group purchasing control unit 54 receives requests for group purchasing of specified products (for example, the group purchasing of Figures 6 and 7) from each of multiple suppliers NG-1 to NG-m from each of multiple hotel terminals 3, controls the execution of specified processing related to the group purchasing, and stores information regarding the group purchasing in the hotel DB 82 or inventory information DB 84. In this way, the functioning of the group purchasing control unit 54 makes it possible to realize group purchasing, thereby promoting further efficiency.

[0076] The joint logistics control unit 55 controls the execution of a predetermined process related to logistics for delivering a plurality of predetermined products that are the subject of the above-mentioned joint purchase to each of a plurality of hotels or the like. In this way, the functioning of the common logistics control unit 55 makes it possible to realize common logistics, thereby promoting further efficiency.

[0077] Next, various examples of screens will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when registering a transaction master to be stored in the storage unit of the server in the information processing system of FIG.

[0078] On the screen of the example of the transaction master shown in FIG. 11, information on business partners (suppliers in this embodiment) can be registered. Information that can be registered includes supplier code, supplier name, supplier name in kana, postal code, address 1, address 1 in kana, address 2, address 2 in kana, telephone number, etc. By selecting "Master Management" at the top left of the screen, you can register the above-mentioned customer master data. In addition to the customer master data, there is also user master data, warehouse master data, berth master data, berth reservation slot master data, office master data, department master data, product master data, and inventory unit master data, and various registrations can be made. Through the above registration, information regarding the supplier is stored in, for example, the supplier DB 81.

[0079] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when registering department master data to be stored in the storage unit of the server in the information processing system of FIG. On the screen of the department master example shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to newly register and search for information relating to business establishments and departments. The information that can be registered is the department code, department name, department name in kana, and business establishment. It is possible to search by department name, department name (kana), or business establishment. Figure 12 shows the results of a search in which Hotel A was entered as the business establishment. Through the above registration, information regarding the establishments and departments is stored in, for example, the hotel DB 82.

[0080] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to a user master stored in a storage unit of a server in the information processing system of FIG. On the example screen of the user master shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to update or delete information related to the user master.

[0081] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when registering a product master to be stored in the storage unit of the server in the information processing system of FIG. On the screen of the example of the product master shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to newly register and search for information on products for each supplier. The information that can be registered includes the product code, product name, kana product name, manufacturer, inventory unit, quantity, and the like. Regarding searches, it is possible to search by business partner. Through the above registration, information regarding the product is stored in, for example, the supplier DB 81.

[0082] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to updating and deleting the product master of FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, various information registered in the product master can be updated or deleted. The example screen in Figure 15 shows that it is possible to update or delete the product name, inventory unit, quantity, temperature range, etc.

[0083] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for searching stock status and displaying a stock list. In the example screen shown in Figure 16, it is possible to search for stock status and view a stock list. Note that the stock here refers to shared stock. For example, a person in charge at a supplier or a person in charge at a hotel can search for the current stock status based on the storage location, product name, etc. In addition, the above-mentioned person in charge can view the inventory list (list of shared inventory). Information that can be viewed from the inventory list (list of shared inventory) includes product name, actual inventory quantity, theoretical inventory quantity, manufacturer, unit, quantity, temperature range, etc. In addition, in this embodiment, it is also possible to view a list of stock by lot. From the list of stock by lot, for example, the best-before date / expiration date, stock quantity, and available quantity can be viewed. In other words, it is possible to view the stock quantity of the relevant product by lot (for example, best-before date).

[0084] The above list can be generated because the server 1 centrally manages the shared inventory. The server 1 visualizes the inventory list and the inventory list by lot, thereby realizing optimal inventory and optimal ordering.

[0085] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of reducing the workload of a supplier. In this embodiment, for example, if a supplier NG receives an order for two bottles of product A from the "〇 department," one bottle of product A from the "× department," and three bottles of product A from the "△ department" of A Hotel HA, the supplier NG, upon receiving the order, packs six bottles of product A together in one box and delivers them to the service provider S. Note that the delivery requires only one dispatch of truck NT. The reason why six bottles of product A can be delivered at once is because service provider S sorts the delivered product A based on the product information obtained from supplier NG, and then ships it to hotel A HA through a logistics system.

[0086] In the comparative example of Figure 17, similar to the above, when an order is placed with Supplier NG for two bottles of Product A from the "〇 Department," one bottle of Product A from the "X Department," and three bottles of Product A from the "△ Department" of Hotel A HA, Supplier NG, who receives the order, packs two bottles of Product A for "〇 Department" and delivers them to "〇 Department" by truck NT. Supplier NG also packs one bottle of Product A for "X Department" and delivers it separately to "X Department" by truck NT. Supplier NG also packs three bottles of Product A for "△ Department" and delivers it separately to "△ Department" by truck NT.

[0087] As described above, in this embodiment, the service provider S functions as a procurement logistics platform for hotels, which reduces the workload of the supplier NG. In addition, the transportation efficiency of the truck NT can be improved.

[0088] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of berth reservation in FIG. This service enables truck operator TJ to make efficient berth reservations when delivering goods to service provider S. That is, when truck operator TJ operates the truck operator terminal 4 (see FIG. 8) to make a berth reservation to the server 1, the server 1 controls the process of recommending reservation slots by automatic prioritization. In the example of Fig. 18, the berth reservation status shows that there are three reserved berths and empty slots (1) to (6). In such a berth reservation status, the server 1 prioritizes and recommends to the truck operator TJ, for example, the empty slot (4) as the first priority, the empty slot (6) as the second priority, and the empty slot (2) as the third priority. Truck operator TJ, who receives the recommendation, can make an efficient berth reservation, for example by selecting an available slot (4).

[0089] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example regarding efficiency promotion. In this embodiment, since the service provider S functions as a procurement logistics platform for hotels, it becomes possible to realize various systems such as those shown in FIG. 19 as a transportation efficiency promotion project, for example.

[0090] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 19, in this embodiment, the product information acquisition unit 51, the centralized inventory management unit 52, and the inventory display control unit 53 function in the CPU 11 of the server 1, making it possible to share inventory and visualize the shared inventory, thereby achieving optimal inventory and optimal ordering. Therefore, in this embodiment, both the multiple suppliers and the multiple hotels can promote efficiency.

[0091] Furthermore, in the CPU 11 of the server 1, the joint purchasing control unit 54 functions to realize joint purchasing, thereby promoting further efficiency. Furthermore, in the CPU 11 of the server 1, the shared logistics control unit 55 functions, thereby enabling shared logistics to be realized, thereby promoting further efficiency.

[0092] In this embodiment, if the supplier delivers the goods in a lump sum to the service provider S, the server 1 can perform centralized management and deliver the goods to the multiple business establishments of the hotel for each order. In addition, the server 1 can issue the hotel-specific delivery slip instead of the delivery company. In addition, by utilizing the inventory function of the service provider S, it is possible to store frequently ordered products together (purchase storage, consignment storage, etc.), to make advance delivery of orders placed during a long holiday period, for example, and to take BCP measures, and the server 1 can manage these functions. It is also possible to enable the server 1 to visualize and view the shared inventory. In addition, if the system is equipped with a business flow (account management) function, suppliers will be able to start new transactions with hotels, and hotels will be able to procure local products and products for events without having to open a purchasing account, for example.

[0093] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are considered to be included in the present invention. For example, while Figure 1 mentions data integration, the present invention also includes integration with EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) managed by each of multiple suppliers, and integration with EDI managed by each of multiple hotels.

[0094] For example, the system configuration shown in FIG. 2 and the hardware configuration of the server 1 shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited.

[0095] Moreover, the functional block diagram shown in Fig. 10 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. In other words, it is sufficient that the information processing system in Fig. 8 is provided with a function capable of executing the above-mentioned various processes as a whole, and the functional blocks and databases used to realize this function are not particularly limited to the example in Fig. 10.

[0096] Furthermore, the locations of the functional blocks and databases are not limited to those shown in FIG. 10 and may be arbitrary. For example, at least some of the functional blocks and databases arranged on the server 1 side may be provided on the supplier terminal 2 side, the hotel terminal 3 side, the truck operator terminal 4 side, or on another information processing device (not shown).

[0097] Furthermore, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination of both.

[0098] When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed into a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs thereon, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0099] A recording medium containing such a program may be composed not only of a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device body in order to provide the program to the user, but also of a recording medium that is provided to the user in a pre-installed state in the device body.

[0100] In this specification, the steps of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium include not only processes that are performed chronologically according to the order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically but are executed in parallel or individually.

[0101] In summary, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied is sufficient if it has the following configuration, and can take a variety of different forms. That is, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system shown in FIG. 8) In an information processing system (e.g., the information processing system of FIG. 8) including a plurality of first type devices (e.g., a plurality of supplier terminals 2-1 to 2-m in FIG. 9) operated by each of a plurality of suppliers (e.g., a plurality of suppliers NG-1 to NG-m in FIGS. 1 to 3) who deliver a predetermined product (e.g., toothbrushes in FIG. 7), a second type device (e.g., hotel terminals 3-B1, 3-B2, ..., etc. in FIG. 8) operated by a delivery destination of the predetermined product (e.g., Hotel A HA to Hotel P HP in FIGS. 1, 3 and 8, or hotel establishments HJ-1 to HJ-n in FIGS. 1 and 2), and a third type device (e.g., server 1 in FIGS. 8 to 10) that communicates with each of the plurality of first type devices and the second type device, The third type device is A product information acquisition unit (e.g., a product information acquisition unit 51 in FIG. 10) that acquires information on the predetermined product in stock from each of the first type devices as product information for each of the multiple deliverers; A centralized inventory management means (e.g., the centralized inventory management unit 52 in FIG. 10) for centrally managing the product information as inventory information (e.g., information registered in the product master in FIG. 14) for those of the plurality of predetermined products whose ownership has been transferred to a predetermined manager (e.g., the service provider S in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7) and made into inventory (e.g., the shared inventory of wines W1 to W5 in FIG. 5); an inventory display control means (e.g., an inventory display control unit 53 in FIG. 10) that executes control to visualize information on at least a part of the plurality of predetermined products that are centrally managed as inventory in response to access from the second type device (e.g., the inventory list in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6) and display it on the second type device; It will be enough to have this.

[0102] This enables shared inventory and makes it possible to visualize the shared inventory, thereby achieving optimal inventory and optimal ordering. Therefore, both multiple suppliers and multiple hotels can promote efficiency.

[0103] There are multiple delivery destinations, a joint purchase control means (e.g., the joint purchase control unit 54 in FIG. 10) for receiving requests (e.g., an additional order for the toothbrush in FIG. 7) for joint purchase of the specified product from the multiple delivery destinations (e.g., the joint purchase in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7) from each of the multiple second type devices and controlling the execution of a specified process for the joint purchase (e.g., the additional order for the toothbrush in FIG. 7); Further comprising: It is possible. This will enable joint purchasing, thereby promoting further efficiency.

[0104] A joint logistics control means (e.g., the joint logistics control unit 55 in FIG. 10) for controlling the execution of a predetermined process (e.g., automatic planning of a delivery route, etc.) related to logistics for delivering the plurality of specified products that are the subject of the joint purchase to each of the plurality of delivery destinations (e.g., delivery by the milk run method in FIG. 1); Further comprising: It is possible. This will enable joint logistics to be realized, thereby promoting further efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1 server, 2 supplier terminal, 3 hotel terminal, 11 CPU, 12 ROM, 13 RAM, 14 bus, 15 input / output interface, 16 input section, 17 output section, 18 storage section, 19 communication section, 20 drive, 30 removable media, 51 product information acquisition section, 52 centralized inventory management section, 53 inventory display control section, 54 joint purchasing control section, 55 joint logistics control section, 81 supplier DB, 82 hotel DB, 83 truck operator DB, 84 inventory information DB

Claims

1. An information processing system including a plurality of first type devices operated by each of a plurality of deliverers who deliver a predetermined commodity, a second type device operated by a delivery destination of the predetermined commodity, and a third type device that communicates with each of the plurality of first type devices and the second type device, The third type device is a product information acquiring means for acquiring, for each of the plurality of deliverers, information on one or more items related to the predetermined product in stock as product information from each of the plurality of first type devices; a centralized inventory management means for centrally managing, for those of the plurality of specified products whose ownership has been transferred to a third party that manages inventory and which have been determined in advance to be handled as inventory, information on a plurality of items including the one or more items of the product information and an item indicating an inventory location as inventory information, by registering the information on the plurality of items in a product master so that a search can be performed using one or more items of the plurality of items as search criteria; an inventory display control means for generating image data including at least a part of the inventory information for a plurality of predetermined products that are the subject of the centralized management by the product master and that match the search conditions in response to an access accompanied by the search conditions from the second type device, and transmitting the image data to the second type device, thereby executing control for displaying the image related to the data on the second type device; An information processing system comprising:

2. There are multiple delivery destinations, a joint purchasing control means for controlling execution of a predetermined process related to the joint purchasing, the joint purchasing control means including a series of processes, when a request for a joint purchase and the purchase quantity of the predetermined product from a predetermined delivery destination among the plurality of delivery destinations is received from the second type device of the predetermined delivery destination, notifying each of the second type devices of other delivery destinations among the plurality of delivery destinations other than the predetermined delivery destination of an invitation to the joint purchase of the predetermined product, receiving the purchase quantity of the predetermined product from the second type devices of one or more other delivery destinations in response to the joint purchasing, and performing a process for ordering the predetermined product in a quantity obtained by subtracting the number of shared stock from the total number of purchase quantities received from the predetermined delivery destination and each of the one or more other delivery destinations, for at least some of the first type devices of the plurality of deliverers; The information processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. a joint logistics control means for controlling the execution of a process for making a request to a device of a specified logistics company to deliver the plurality of specified products that are the subject of the joint purchase to the specified delivery destination and the one or more other delivery destinations; The information processing system according to claim 2 , further comprising:

4. An information processing method is executed by an information processing device functioning as a third type device in an information processing system including a plurality of first type devices operated by each of a plurality of deliverers who deliver a predetermined commodity, a second type device operated by a delivery destination of the predetermined commodity, and a third type device that communicates with each of the plurality of first type devices and the second type device, the information processing method comprising: a product information acquisition step of acquiring, for each of the plurality of deliverers, information on one or more items related to the predetermined product in stock as product information from each of the plurality of first type devices; a centralized inventory management step of centrally managing, for those of the plurality of predetermined products whose ownership has been transferred to a third party that manages inventory and that have been determined in advance to be handled as inventory, information on a plurality of items including the one or more items of the product information and an item indicating an inventory location as inventory information, by registering the information in a product master so as to enable a search using one or more items of the plurality of items as search conditions; an inventory display control step of generating image data including at least a part of the inventory information for a plurality of predetermined products that are the targets of the centralized management by the product master and that match the search conditions in response to an access accompanied by the search conditions from the second type device, and transmitting the image data to the second type device, thereby executing control to display the image related to the data on the second type device; An information processing method comprising:

5. In an information processing system including a plurality of first type devices operated by each of a plurality of deliverers who deliver a predetermined commodity, a second type device operated by a delivery destination of the predetermined commodity, and a third type device that communicates with each of the plurality of first type devices and the second type device, a computer that controls the third type device is a product information acquisition step of acquiring, for each of the plurality of deliverers, information on one or more items related to the predetermined product in stock as product information from each of the plurality of first type devices; a centralized inventory management step of centrally managing, for those of the plurality of predetermined products whose ownership has been transferred to a third party that manages inventory and that have been determined in advance to be handled as inventory, information on a plurality of items including the one or more items of the product information and an item indicating an inventory location as inventory information, by registering the information in a product master so as to enable a search using one or more items of the plurality of items as search conditions; an inventory display control step of generating image data including at least a part of the inventory information for a plurality of predetermined products that are the targets of the centralized management by the product master and that match the search conditions in response to an access accompanied by the search conditions from the second type device, and transmitting the image data to the second type device, thereby executing control to display the image related to the data on the second type device; A program that executes control processing including: