Warranty information notification system and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

Provided is a warranty information notification system comprising a warranty information management unit which accepts registration of warranty information from a device purchaser, and a notification destination management unit which, upon acceptance of the registration of the warranty information, acquires configuration information relating to a component forming a device, accepts registration of a supplier of the component forming the device as a notification destination of the warranty information, and notifies the notification destination of information which is included in the warranty information and is required for starting the warranty.

Description

Warranty information notification system and computer-readable storage medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a warranty information notification system and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0002] In the manufacture of industrial products, it is rare to manufacture all parts, and it is common to manufacture products by incorporating parts procured from multiple manufacturers. Information about the multiple parts that make up a product is managed in electronic correlation. For example, see Patent Document 1.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 054767

[0004] When manufacturing a product, first the parts are procured, then assembled and delivered to the customer. The contract with the customer includes a warranty contract. The warranty contract specifies the product, warranty period, starting date of the warranty period, warranty scope, applicable use, etc.

[0005] In the field of equipment service and maintenance, it is desirable to manage warranty information.

[0006] A warranty information notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a warranty information management unit that accepts registration of warranty information from device purchasers, and a notification destination management unit that, upon accepting registration of warranty information, acquires configuration information of components that constitute the device, accepts registration of suppliers of the components that constitute the device as notification destinations of the warranty information, and notifies the notification destinations of information necessary for starting warranty, which is included in the warranty information.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a warranty information notification system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a device information management system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a warranty information notification system. FIG. 4 is a block diagram explaining the registration process of configuration information, part information, and notification destination. FIG. 5 is a block diagram explaining the notification process of warranty information. FIG. 6 is a block diagram explaining the update process of warranty information. FIG. 7 is an exemplary screen configuration diagram of a user authentication screen. FIG. 8 is an exemplary screen configuration diagram of a menu screen. FIG. 9 is an exemplary screen configuration diagram of a new warranty information registration screen. FIG. 10 is an exemplary screen configuration diagram of a warranty information batch input screen. FIG. 11 is an exemplary screen configuration diagram of a notification destination input screen. FIG. 12 is an exemplary screen configuration diagram of a notification destination selection screen. FIG. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device included in the warranty information notification system.

[0008] The warranty information notification system 100 will be described below. The warranty information notification system 100 notifies equipment manufacturers and parts suppliers of warranty information attached to equipment. In terms of definition of terms, the term "equipment" in this embodiment includes not only a single device but also multiple devices. The term "equipment" also includes a combination of different devices, such as a factory system consisting of a combination of multiple robots and a conveyor that transports workpieces. In other words, the term "equipment" also includes a system that combines components, such as parts and devices.

[0009] As shown in Fig. 1, warranty information notification system 100 can be connected to device information management system 200, device purchaser terminal 300, device manufacturer terminal 400, and part supplier terminal 500. Note that the part supplier here refers to a parts manufacturer that manufactures parts, a supplier that manufactures / sells parts, a seller that sells parts, etc. Parts suppliers also include system integrators. Parts suppliers are responsible for managing warranty information for devices and parts.

[0010] The warranty information notification system 100 is implemented in an information processing device such as a PC (personal computer), a server, etc. The components of the warranty information notification system 100 are categorized by their functions, and do not necessarily have to be clearly distinguished in terms of physical configuration and program configuration.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the device information management system 200. Device manufacturers register configuration information about the parts that make up devices in the configuration information storage unit 201. The configuration information includes device IDs, part IDs, and part hierarchical information. The serial number of a part is one type of part ID. The part hierarchical information indicates the hierarchy of parts incorporated into a device. The hierarchical structure has the device, which is the product, at the top, followed by primary parts that make up the device and secondary parts that make up the primary parts. For example, a machine tool is made up of primary parts such as a numerical control device, a tool changer, and a ball screw. Some parts can be added as options. For example, an additional axis rotary table is a part that can be added as an option.

[0012] Component suppliers register component information in the component information storage unit 202 of the device information management system 200. Here, devices are also considered to be a type of component, and device information is registered as component information. The component information storage unit 202 stores component information such as component IDs (device IDs), supplier information, technical information, and the permitted scope of viewing of the technical information. The permitted scope of viewing of the technical information is determined based on hierarchical information and inter-company contracts. The component information includes the name of the component supplier, the name of the component manufacturer, the address of the component supplier, the department in charge of warranty-related matters, the position of the person in charge of warranty-related matters, and the name of the person in charge of warranty-related matters.

[0013] The access storage unit 203 stores the access information and determines whether or not the technical information of the parts supplier can be viewed by referring to the permitted range of viewing of the technical information.

[0014] Next, the warranty information notification system 100 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the warranty information notification system 100. The warranty information notification system 100 includes a user registration unit 101. The user registration unit 101 accepts registration of user information. The user information includes a user management ID, company ID, name, department, position, telephone number, email address, etc.

[0015] The user information management unit 102 manages user information. The company information management unit 103 manages information about the company to which the user belongs. The company information includes a company ID, company name, address, telephone number, etc. The company ID and the user management ID have a one-to-many relationship. Multiple users can be registered for one company.

[0016] The warranty information notification system 100 includes a user authentication unit 110. The user authentication unit 110 authenticates the device purchaser by referencing the user information management unit 102 and the company information management unit 103. Information about the device purchaser is registered in the device purchaser management unit 104. The information about the device purchaser includes a device purchaser management ID, a company ID, a device management department, a person in charge, a telephone number, an email address, and the like.

[0017] Warranty information notification system 100 includes warranty information management unit 105. Warranty information management unit 105 manages warranty information registered by the device purchaser. Warranty information includes a warranty information management ID, a device purchaser management ID, a device ID, a device serial number, an installation location, and a warranty start date. The warranty start date is calculated from the warranty information. Information related to the calculation of the warranty start date includes the device installation date and inspection date. Devices are managed using information that can uniquely identify the device, such as a serial number (referred to here as a device ID). The device ID is written on the device's nameplate, etc. The nameplate lists the device's name, model number, etc. The user registers warranty information as necessary. Note that information may be read from a two-dimensional barcode affixed to the device instead of the nameplate.

[0018] The warranty information management unit 105 calculates the warranty start date and warranty period from the device ID, device installation date, inspection date, and installation location. The warranty period, warranty start date, extended warranty, repair part availability period, initial defect warranty period, warranty scope, etc. vary depending on the type of device and the device installation location. The warranty period start date includes the device operation start date, the device factory installation date, and the device inspection date. The warranty period and warranty contents differ particularly depending on whether the device is used in Japan or overseas. Furthermore, there are paid warranties and free warranties. The warranty conditions are assumed to be specified in advance in a contract.

[0019] Warranty information notification system 100 includes notification destination management unit 106. When a device purchaser registers warranty information, notification destination management unit 106 obtains device configuration information and component information required for notification destination setting from device information management system 200. Warranty information is primarily sent to component suppliers. Notification destination information includes company ID, warranty department, responsible person's name, email address, telephone number, responsible device / component name, responsible device / component model, etc.

[0020] The authority management unit 107 manages user access authority. Authority information includes an authority management ID, a user management ID, and an authority classification. The authority management unit 107 manages authority for each company (equipment manufacturer, component supplier) and user (company personnel). The authority granted to a user is different from the authority granted to a company. The authority granted to a company is related to the hierarchical information of the component configuration. When warranty information is registered, the authority management unit 107 reads the hierarchical information from the equipment information management system 200. The equipment purchaser, equipment manufacturer, and component supplier can access the data of the specified hierarchy. The association between the company and the hierarchy is predetermined between the equipment purchaser and the component supplier. The authority granted to a user is related to the user's scope of work. Authorities granted to users belonging to an equipment purchaser include the authority to register warranty information and the authority to view warranty information. Authorities granted to users belonging to a component supplier include the authority to register notification destinations and the authority to edit, add, and update warranty information for the company's products. Note that the equipment purchaser is not necessarily the company that purchased the equipment. The seller of the device or the installer of the device may be authorized to register the warranty information.

[0021] The notification destination management unit 106 notifies the parts supplier of the warranty information to the notification destination. There are no particular limitations on the notification method. Notification methods include email, telephone, written document, and app. The parts supplier's representative can check the warranty start date and warranty details of the device in which the company's parts are incorporated.

[0022] The parts supplier can edit the notification destinations managed by the notification destination management unit 106. The authority to edit the notification destinations is managed by the authority management unit 107.

[0023] [Correction Based on Rule 91, 14.02.2024] The operation of the warranty information notification system 100 of this embodiment will be described. The warranty information notification system 100 accepts registration of component configuration information and warranty information notification destinations during device manufacturing / shipment, etc. FIG. 4 shows the registration process of the configuration information storage unit 201, component information storage unit 202, and user registration unit 101. [Step A1] The device information management system 200 accepts component information from component suppliers and registers the component information in the component information storage unit 202. [Step A1'] The device information management system 200 accepts device information from device manufacturers and registers the device information in the configuration information storage unit 201. [Step A1'] The device is considered a component, and the device information is registered as component information in the component information storage unit 202. [Step A2] The warranty information notification system 100 accepts input of warranty information notification destinations from component suppliers and registers the warranty information notification destinations in the notification destination management unit 106. The timing for prompting the registration of the notification destination may be, but is not limited to, when the design of the part is completed or when the device is shipped. Note that multiple notification destinations for warranty information may be registered. [Step A2'] Warranty information notification system 100 also accepts input of notification destinations from the device manufacturer, and registers the notification destinations of the device manufacturer in notification destination management unit 106 as notification destinations for warranty information.

[0024] In [Step A3] and [Step A2'], the warranty information notification system 100 acquires component configuration information registered in the equipment information management system 200. The component configuration information includes hierarchical information. The hierarchical information is used to determine component suppliers as recipients of warranty information notifications. The relationship between notification destination settings and hierarchical information can be defined by the equipment manufacturer based on an inter-company contract.

[0025] [Step A4] The parts supplier delivers parts and part information to the equipment manufacturer. [Step A4'] The parts supplier registers the parts information in the parts information storage unit 202 of the equipment information management system 200. The equipment manufacturer assembles the parts and manufactures the equipment. [Step A5] The equipment manufacturer sells the equipment. The equipment manufacturer may sell the equipment directly or through a dealer or system integrator. Hereinafter, the party that sells, delivers, and installs the equipment will be referred to as the equipment supplier. [Step A6] The equipment manufacturer registers equipment information (a type of parts information) in the parts information storage unit 202 of the equipment information management system 200 when shipping the equipment. [Step A7] The equipment is delivered to an equipment supplier such as a dealer or system integrator. [Step A8] The equipment manufacturer, dealer, system integrator, or other equipment supplier sells / delivers the equipment and installs it. [Step A9] The equipment purchaser (or equipment supplier) registers as a user of the warranty information notification system 100. User registration information is managed by user registration unit 101. By the processing from [Step A1] to [Step A9], registration of parts data, registration of notification destination of warranty information, and registration of device purchaser are completed.

[0026] [Correction Based on Rule 91, 20.11.2024] Next, the warranty information notification process will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The warranty information notification process is executed assuming the above registration process has been completed. [Step B1] After the device is delivered and installed, the device purchaser (or device supplier) accesses the warranty information notification system 100. The warranty information notification system 100 authenticates the device purchaser (or device supplier). [Step B2] If the authentication result indicates that the device purchaser (or device supplier) has the authority to register warranty information, the warranty information notification system 100 accepts the registration of warranty information. The warranty information includes information related to the start of the warranty, such as the installation location and installation date of the device. [Step B3] The warranty information notification system 100 manages the warranty information and device information in association with each other. [Step B4] Upon accepting the registration of warranty information from the device purchaser, the warranty information notification system 100 obtains the configuration information of the registered device from the device information management system 200. The notification destination management unit 106 receives a selection of notification destinations for warranty information from among the parts suppliers that supply the parts that constitute the device, based on the configuration information. The warranty information notification system 100 notifies the notification destinations set by the notification destination management unit 106 of the warranty information.

[0027] [Correction based on Rule 91 20.11.2024] The warranty information notification system 100 functions as an intermediary between the equipment purchaser and the parts supplier, in order to manage the user information of the equipment purchaser, the configuration information of the equipment, and the information of the parts supplier that supplies the parts that make up the equipment.

[0028] The warranty information notification system 100 acts as an intermediary between parts suppliers (including equipment manufacturers) and equipment purchasers, accepting updates to information about the warranty of their products from the parts suppliers, and providing the updated information to the equipment purchasers. Figure 6 shows the process by which parts suppliers (including equipment manufacturers) update information about their products' warranties. [Step C1] The equipment information management system 200 accepts registration of equipment component configuration, part information, hierarchical information about parts and equipment, access rights to part information, etc. from equipment manufacturers and part suppliers. (Step C1 corresponds to the registration work from steps A1 to A9, so explanation is omitted here.)

[0029] [Step C2] The equipment purchaser purchases equipment. [Step C3] The equipment purchaser (or equipment supplier) accesses the warranty information notification system 100. The warranty information notification system 100 authenticates the equipment purchaser (or equipment supplier). [Step C4] The warranty information notification system 100 manages information about the warranty of the parts supplier's and equipment manufacturer's products by linking it with information that identifies the equipment, such as the equipment ID.

[0030] [Step C5] The parts suppliers and equipment manufacturers associated with the equipment share information about their product warranties with the equipment purchaser. The parts suppliers and equipment manufacturers have the authority to edit, add, and update information about their product warranties.

[0031] [Step C6] The equipment manufacturer reads the notification destination of the parts supplier and notifies the parts supplier of the edited / added / updated information in step C5. The equipment purchaser has the authority to view information about the warranty of their own products provided by the parts supplier.

[0032] [Step C7] The parts supplier notifies the equipment manufacturer of information about the parts, which the equipment manufacturer then notifies the equipment purchaser of, as necessary.

[0033] Next, an example of user authentication and notification destination registration in the warranty information notification system 100 will be described. When the warranty information notification system 100 is accessed, a user authentication screen such as that shown in Fig. 7 is displayed. The user authentication screen displays company identification information (company ID), user identification information (user ID), password input fields, etc. Also, a button for selecting whether to execute login is displayed below the input fields.

[0034] When the company ID and user ID are entered, a menu screen like that shown in Figure 8 is displayed. The menu screen displays the tasks that the user can perform. The purchaser of the equipment can perform menus such as "Register new warranty information," "List of registered warranties," and "View user information." The menu screen differs between equipment manufacturers and parts suppliers. The scope of a user's work varies depending on the authority granted to the user.

[0035] When the equipment purchaser (or equipment supplier) selects the "New warranty information registration" menu, a "New warranty information registration screen" like that shown in Figure 9 is displayed. On the "New warranty information registration screen," the equipment manufacturer name, equipment name, equipment model, equipment serial number, installation location, person in charge name, department, etc. are registered. Note that information such as the equipment manufacturer name, equipment name, and equipment model may also be read from the equipment information management system 200.

[0036] Warranty information for multiple devices can also be entered in bulk. Figure 10 shows the "Bulk Input Screen for Device Warranty Information." Bulk input is convenient when installing multiple devices. The "Bulk Input Screen for Warranty Information" allows you to register the device manufacturer name, device name, device model, device serial number, installation location, person in charge name, department, etc. all at once. Warranty information can also be read from a CSV (Comma Separated Value) file, etc.

[0037] Figure 11 shows the "Notification Destination Input Screen." Some users of component suppliers or equipment manufacturers have permission to access this screen. Component suppliers or equipment manufacturers register their company's contact information. Access permissions are set as needed. The "Notification Destination Input Screen" allows users to register information such as company ID, company name, equipment / component classification, equipment model, notification email address, notification manager, and notification manager department. Even within the same company, the notification destination for warranty registration may differ depending on the type of equipment / component. Notification destinations can be set for each type of equipment / component. Note that a component refers to the part that makes up the equipment. There is also a desire to set multiple notification email addresses for a single device / component. In such cases, multiple notification destinations can be registered using the bulk registration screen.

[0038] FIG. 12 shows the "Notification Destination Selection Screen." This screen has input fields for the device manufacturer name, device name, and device model. The device can be identified from this information. Below the device identification information, a list of parts incorporated into the device is displayed. The list displays the part name, part manufacturer (or part supplier), notification email address, notification manager, manager's department, etc. Each line in the list has a check box. The check boxes allow you to select the part supplier to which warranty information will be notified.

[0039] [Correction based on Rule 91 20.11.2024] The warranty information notification system 100 of this embodiment acquires component configuration information created during the design of the device. Upon acquiring warranty information from the device purchaser (or device supplier), the warranty information notification system 100 notifies the component supplier that supplies the components that make up the device of the information.

[0040] The warranty information notification system 100 also accepts the selection of a notification destination for the warranty information. In the selection of the notification destination, candidate notification destinations are presented based on the configuration information of the part.

[0041] [Correction based on Rule 91, 14.02.2024] Component suppliers cannot track the distribution of their components after delivery. In this embodiment, the warranty information notification system 100 links information about components created during the design phase with the component supplier's contact information and notifies the component supplier of warranty start information. The component supplier can use the warranty start information for component inventory management, etc. The warranty information notification system 100 may also notify the component supplier of warranty information, such as the identification information of the device into which the component is incorporated, the installation location of the device, and the component warranty period. The notified information can be used for component inventory management. Furthermore, the warranty information notification system 100 can provide information to the device purchaser even after the component is sold.

[0042] In addition, parts suppliers can estimate the number of parts to be stored in warehouses in each country and region based on information such as parts information, equipment warranty periods, and equipment installation locations. Optimizing inventory reduces the number of days required to repair equipment and cuts inventory storage costs.

[0043] Parts have schedules for replacement of consumables, stockpiling of spare parts, regular inspections, expiration of warranty periods, etc. Parts suppliers can provide this information to purchasers as needed.

[0044] The warranty information notification system 100 can also be applied to a robot line. In the case of a robot, parts include a combination of hands, air, flow, and control devices. The robot is placed on the line. A system integrator understands the configuration of the line and the robot. A factory manager (who may be the seller or installer of the robot device) registers warranty information in the warranty information notification system 100. The warranty information also includes information necessary for calculating the warranty period. Information necessary for calculating the warranty period includes the robot's operation start date, the robot's delivery date, and the robot's inspection date. The warranty information is assumed to be predetermined in the contract.

[0045] The hardware configuration of the information processing device included in the warranty information notification system 100 to which this embodiment is applied will be described below. Fig. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing device. As shown in Fig. 13, the information processing device includes a CPU 11 that controls the entire information processing device, a ROM 12 that records programs and data, and a RAM 13 for temporarily expanding data. The CPU 11 reads out a system program recorded in the ROM 12 via a bus and controls the entire information processing device in accordance with the system program.

[0046] The nonvolatile memory 14 is backed up by, for example, a battery (not shown), and retains its stored state even when the information processing device is turned off. The nonvolatile memory 14 stores various data, such as programs read from the external device 16 via the interfaces 15, 17, and 18, and user operations input via the input unit 30. The display unit 70 also displays various data.

[0047] The interface 15 is an interface for connecting the information processing device to an external device 16 such as an adapter, etc. Programs and various parameters are read from the external device 16 side.

[0048] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the gist of the present disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these.

[0049] [Correction based on Rule 91, 20.11.2024] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment and modified examples. (Supplementary Note 1) The warranty information notification system (100) includes a warranty information management unit (105) that accepts registration of warranty information from a device purchaser, and a notification destination management unit (106) that, upon accepting the registration of the warranty information, acquires configuration information of components constituting the device, accepts registration of notification destinations for the warranty information, and notifies the notification destinations of information necessary for warranty start included in the warranty information. (Supplementary Note 2) Upon accepting registration of the warranty information for the device, the warranty information management unit (105) calculates the warranty start date based on the warranty information. (Supplementary Note 3) The notification destination management unit (106) accepts selection of a supplier of the components constituting the device as the notification destination from among suppliers of the components constituting the device. (Supplementary Note 4) In the warranty information notification system (100), the configuration information includes hierarchical information of parts, and the notification destination management unit (106) presents the hierarchical information of parts as a reference for selecting the notification destination. (Supplementary Note 5) The warranty information notification system (100) accepts updates to information about the warranty of its own products by suppliers set as notification destinations of the warranty information. (Supplementary Note 6) The warranty information notification system (100) comprises an authority management unit (107) that manages the authority of the part suppliers and the device purchasers, and a user authentication unit (110) that authenticates the part suppliers and the device purchasers, and the notification destination management unit (106) accepts registration of notification destinations by the part suppliers and registration of warranty information by the device purchasers according to the results of user authentication. (Supplementary Note 7) A storage medium (12, 13, 14) storing instructions readable by a processor (11), which is executed by one or more processors to accept registration of warranty information from a device purchaser, and upon accepting the registration of the warranty information, obtain configuration information of parts that make up the device, manage suppliers of the parts that make up the device as recipients of notification of the warranty information, and notify the recipients of information necessary for starting the warranty, which is included in the warranty information.

[0050] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Warranty information notification system 104 Device purchaser management unit 105 Warranty information management unit 106 Notification destination management unit 107 Authority management unit 110 User authentication unit 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 Non-volatile memory

Claims

1. A warranty information notification system comprising: a warranty information management unit which accepts registration of warranty information from equipment purchasers; and a notification destination management unit which, upon acceptance of the registration of the warranty information, acquires configuration information of parts which constitute the equipment, accepts registration of suppliers of the parts which constitute the equipment as notification destinations of the warranty information, and notifies the notification destinations of information necessary for starting warranty, which is included in the warranty information.

2. The warranty information notification system according to claim 1, wherein, upon receiving registration of the warranty information of the device, the warranty information management section calculates a warranty start date based on the warranty information.

3. The warranty information notification system according to claim 1, wherein said notification destination management unit receives a selection of a supplier of the parts to be the notification destination from among suppliers of the parts constituting said device.

4. The warranty information notification system according to claim 3, wherein the configuration information includes hierarchical information of parts, and the notification destination management unit presents the hierarchical information of parts as a reference for selecting the notification destination.

5. The warranty information notification system according to claim 1, further comprising: a warranty notification system that accepts updates of information on the warranty of the product of said supplier set as a notification destination of said warranty information.

6. [Correction pursuant to Rule 91 20.11.2024] The warranty information notification system of claim 1, further comprising: an authority management unit which manages the authority of the part supplier and the equipment purchaser; and a user authentication unit which authenticates the part supplier and the equipment purchaser, wherein the notification destination management unit accepts registration of notification destinations by the part supplier and registration of warranty information by the equipment purchaser according to a result of the authentication.

7. A storage medium storing instructions readable by one or more processors, which, when executed by said processors, accepts registration of warranty information from a purchaser of equipment, and upon acceptance of the registration of the warranty information, obtains configuration information of parts that constitute the equipment, manages suppliers of the parts that constitute the equipment as notification recipients of the warranty information, and notifies the notification recipients of information necessary for starting the warranty, which is included in the warranty information.

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