Program, information processing method and system related to generation of supply chain tree

Abstract

Provided is a program capable of generating a supply chain tree in which visibility of nodes is improved with reference to a specific node.　The program causes a computer to execute: a first accepting step for accepting designation of one first node from among nodes in a collection of nodes having item information relating to a product provided by a supply chain, each node being directly associated with one or two or more nodes and an upstream side and a downstream side being differentiated on the basis of the flow of the supply chain; and a first generation step for specifying nodes that are directly or indirectly associated with the first node, from among the nodes in the collection of nodes, and generating a supply chain tree for displaying the specified nodes in a tree shape that spreads in an upstream side direction and / or a downstream side direction on the basis of the association relationships, with reference to the first node.

Description

Program, Information Processing Method, and System for Generating a Supply Chain Tree Cross - reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024 - 200961 filed on November 18, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a program, an information processing method, and a system for generating a supply chain tree.

[0003] Conventionally, for managing a series of processes from product procurement to delivery, a technology for managing a supply chain composed of one or more nodes corresponding to suppliers of parts and materials of this product is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for generating a supply chain tree for producing a product using a plurality of resources arranged at each of a plurality of bases such as trading partners to execute processing of parts or materials, in - site transportation, or transportation to other bases.

[0004] International Publication No. 2019 / 139086

[0005] Conventionally, in a supply chain tree in which a large number of nodes having item information of various attributes are grouped together, it has tended to be difficult to grasp the item information of each node and the positional relationship of each node in the tree structure, and further improvement in the visibility of the nodes has been demanded.

[0006] Therefore, an object of this disclosure is to provide a program, an information processing method, and a system that can generate a supply chain tree with improved visibility of nodes based on a specific node.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, a program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a first reception step which receives the designation of one first node from among the nodes in a collection of nodes having item information relating to products provided by the supply chain, wherein one or more nodes are directly linked to each node, distinguishing between upstream and downstream based on the flow of the supply chain; and a second reception unit 111b which identifies nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the first node from among the nodes in the collection of nodes, and generates a supply chain tree which displays the identified nodes in a tree-like structure that extends in the upstream and / or downstream directions based on the linkage relationships, with the first node as the reference.

[0008] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes the computer to perform a second receiving step, which involves receiving a second node selected from among the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree, information for determining whether the grouping direction for the second node is upstream, downstream, or both, and a specification of a grouping method for item information, and further causes the computer to perform a second generating step, which involves classifying the nodes in the supply chain tree that are directly linked to the second node in the grouping direction based on the received information, according to the specified grouping method, and generating a new supply chain tree in which newly created attribute classification nodes are directly linked to the classified nodes according to their attributes, and are also directly linked to the second node.

[0009] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes the computer to perform a second receiving step, which involves receiving a second node selected from among the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree, information for determining whether the grouping direction for the second node is upstream, downstream, or both, and a specification for the grouping method of item information; and a second generating step, which involves classifying all or a predetermined range of nodes in the supply chain tree that are in the grouping direction based on the received information, based on the second node, according to the attribute of the item information according to the specified grouping method, and generating a new supply chain tree in which, among the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree, newly created attribute classification nodes are directly linked for each attribute to the classified node on the grouping direction side, and are also directly linked to nodes on the opposite side of the grouping direction.

[0010] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes the computer to further execute a candidate extraction step, which extracts, based on the received information, grouping methods that correspond to or encompass the attributes of the item information in the node to be classified in the second generation step, from master data in which the correspondence or inclusion relationship between grouping methods and attributes of item information is registered, as candidates for selectable grouping methods.

[0011] The second generation step of a program according to another aspect of the present disclosure extracts the attributes of the item information corresponding to a specified grouping method from master data in which the correspondence or inclusion relationship between the grouping method and the attributes of the item information is registered, and classifies the nodes according to the attributes of the extracted item information.

[0012] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes the computer to perform a third receiving step of receiving a designation of a third node different from the first node from among the nodes on a display screen of the supply chain tree; and a third generating step of identifying nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the third node from among the nodes in the collection of nodes, and generating a supply chain tree that displays the identified nodes in a tree-like manner, extending upstream and / or downstream based on the linkage relationships, with the third node as the reference.

[0013] The identification of a program relating to other aspects of this disclosure has two methods: a first identification method that identifies nodes that are directly or indirectly linked based on location item information, and a second identification method that identifies nodes that are directly or indirectly linked based on item information.

[0014] The information processing method relating to this disclosure involves a computer performing a first reception step of receiving the designation of one first node from among the nodes in a collection of nodes having item information relating to products provided through a supply chain, where, for each node, one or more nodes are directly linked, distinguishing between upstream and downstream based on the flow of the supply chain; and a second reception step of identifying nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the first node from among the nodes in the collection of nodes, and generating a supply chain tree that displays the identified nodes in a tree-like structure extending in the upstream and / or downstream directions based on the linkage relationships, with the first node as the reference point.

[0015] The system relating to this disclosure is a collection of nodes having item information relating to products provided through a supply chain, and for each node, a first receiving means that receives the designation of one first node from among the nodes in the collection, in which one or more nodes are directly linked, distinguishing between upstream and downstream based on the flow of the supply chain; and a first generating means that identifies nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the first node from among the nodes in the collection of nodes, and generates a supply chain tree that displays the identified nodes in a tree-like structure extending in the upstream and / or downstream directions based on the linkage relationships, with the first node as the reference.

[0016] According to this disclosure, it is possible to generate a supply chain tree with improved node visibility based on a specific node.

[0017] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the SCM system according to this embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the flow of generating a supply chain tree in the SCM system according to this embodiment, where the item information is not classified by attribute based on the first node. This is a diagram showing an example of the flow of generating a supply chain tree in the SCM system according to this embodiment, where the item information is classified by attribute based on the second node. This is a diagram showing an example of the supply chain tree generation screen in this embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the supply chain tree generation screen in this embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the supply chain tree generation screen in this embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the supply chain tree generation screen in this embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the supply chain tree generation screen in this embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the supply chain tree generation screen in this embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device in this embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the supply chain tree generation screen in this embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the supply chain tree generation screen in this embodiment.

[0018] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated below. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various modified ways without departing from its spirit. In addition, in the drawings below, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions or proportions. There may also be parts in the drawings where the dimensional relationships or proportions differ from those of other drawings.

[0019] <1. System Configuration and Functional Configuration> Referring to Figure 1, an example of the system configuration of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the SCM system according to this embodiment. The SCM system 1 is a system for visualizing the supply chain of a product provider and supporting management by the provider. The SCM system 1 is a system that, for example, allows the provider to register information related to the provider's supply chain (hereinafter also referred to as "supply chain information") and outputs the registered supply chain information graphically so that the provider can intuitively grasp it. As shown in Figure 1, the SCM system 1 includes a server device 100 and a user terminal 200. The server device 100 and the user terminal 200 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network NW. There may be multiple user terminals 200 connected to the server device 100. Multiple user terminals 200 may be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network NW.

[0020] A network (NW) consists of either a wireless network or a wired network. Examples of networks (NW) include mobile phone networks or PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) networks, wireless LANs (Local Area Networks, including communications compliant with IEEE 802.11 (so-called Wi-Fi®)), 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), WiMax®, infrared communication, visible light communication, Bluetooth®, wired LANs, telephone lines, power line communication networks, and networks compliant with IEEE 1394, etc.

[0021] The server device 100 is an information processing device for providing services through the SCM system 1. By executing a predetermined program (hereinafter also referred to as the "server program"), the server device 100 realizes server functions that manage and visualize supply chain information.

[0022] The server device 100, acting as a front-end server, may provide a user interface for using SCM services via the SCM system 1's website (hereinafter also referred to as the "SCM site") or an application program dedicated to the SCM system 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "SCM app"). The server device 100 may, for example, have the functionality of a web server that generates web pages for the SCM site and distributes them to the user terminal 200. In this case, the user terminal 200 outputs various information related to the SCM system 1, including a supply chain tree generation screen, via a web browser.

[0023] The user terminal 200 is an information processing device used by the user, and is, for example, a terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

[0024] Users of the user terminal 200 may include, for example, product providers, suppliers in the product provider's supply chain, and system administrators / operators of the SCM system 1.

[0025] The user terminal 200 receives requests from the user via input means such as a touch panel or keyboard by executing a predetermined program (hereinafter also referred to as the "user program"), and also receives information that causes the server device 100 to output information related to the SCM system 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "output information"), and outputs it to the provider via output means such as a touch panel or display. The input means and output means may have different configurations, or they may have the same configuration that combines both input and output means, such as a touch panel.

[0026] The user program may be, for example, an application specifically for the SCM system 1, or a general-purpose web browser application. In this embodiment, an example in which the user program is a web browser application will be described. In this case, the output information includes, for example, a web page.

[0027] The server device 100 may be connected to an external system 300, such as a third-party system, via a network NW, enabling communication between them.

[0028] The server device 100 comprises, functionally, a control unit 110, a communication unit 120, and a storage unit 130.

[0029] The control unit 110 includes a receiving unit 111 that receives information for generating a supply chain tree, a generation unit 112 that generates a supply chain tree, and a candidate extraction unit 113 that extracts candidate information for generating a supply chain tree.

[0030] A supply chain tree is a tree structure representing a series of transaction relationships for procuring raw materials or parts for a product, using multiple nodes. Nodes containing item information are distinguished as upstream and downstream based on the flow of transactions in the supply chain, and nodes with direct transaction relationships are directly linked and displayed. For example, the supply chain tree generated in this embodiment has a tree structure that extends in both upstream and downstream directions, or one of them, based on the linking relationships, with a specific node arbitrarily designated as the center.

[0031] The item information that a node possesses includes information about production sites such as company name, company classification, location name, address, latitude and longitude, postal code, contact person's name, department, email address, telephone number, past operational history, current operational status, and future operational forecast; and information about production items such as item name, item classification, unit price, total amount, quantity, production volume, past or current operating rate of the production line, projected future operating rate, and contracted quantity.

[0032] The reception unit 111 includes a first reception unit 111a that receives a first node arbitrarily specified by a user or the like. The reception unit 111 may also include a second reception unit 111b that receives a second node arbitrarily specified by a user or the like, and information used to classify the attributes of the node's item information, and a third reception unit 111c that receives the specification of a third node different from the first node.

[0033] The first node is a node selected and specified by the user from among the nodes in the collection of nodes, and serves as the criterion necessary for generating the supply chain tree. The second node is a node selected and specified by the user from among the nodes displayed in the already generated supply chain tree, and serves as the criterion for classifying the attributes of item information. For example, in the classification of item information attributes based on the second node, if the second node is upstream of the first node, each node upstream of the second node will be subject to attribute classification, and if it is downstream of the first node, each node downstream of the second node will be subject to attribute classification. The third node is a node different from the first node, selected and specified by the user from among the nodes displayed in the already generated supply chain tree, and serves as the criterion necessary for generating a new supply chain tree.

[0034] The generation unit 112 includes a first generation unit 112a that generates a supply chain tree on the upstream and / or downstream sides using nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to an arbitrarily designated first node. The generation unit 112 may also include a second generation unit 112b that generates a supply chain tree in which nodes are classified by attribute of item information based on an arbitrarily designated second node, and a third generation unit 112c that generates a supply chain tree on the upstream and / or downstream sides using nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to an arbitrarily designated third node other than the first node.

[0035] The first reception unit 111a accepts the designation of one first node from among the nodes in the node collection. The designation of the first node can be made, for example, by node identification information, information that can indirectly identify the node, etc. The node collection is a collection of nodes that have item information related to products provided by the supply chain. In the node collection, one or more nodes are directly linked to each node, distinguishing between the upstream and downstream sides based on the flow of the supply chain.

[0036] The first generation unit 112a identifies nodes in the collection of nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the first node, and generates a supply chain tree that displays the identified nodes in a tree-like structure extending upstream and / or downstream, based on the linkage relationships, with the first node as the reference point. In this embodiment, by generating a supply chain tree consisting of nodes directly or indirectly linked to a specific node that is arbitrarily selected as the reference point, the visibility of the nodes in the supply chain tree can be further improved. An "indirectly linked node" means a node that has a relationship that spans multiple nodes that have a direct linkage relationship.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the first generation unit 112a identifies nodes in the node collection that are directly or indirectly linked to the first node, and generates a supply chain tree. In this embodiment, the first generation unit 112a does not identify nodes that are not indirectly linked and they are not displayed in the generated supply chain tree. "Nodes indirectly linked in one direction" means nodes that have a direct linking relationship with other nodes, and that are connected in only one direction, either downstream or upstream, with respect to the first node. Nodes that have a direct linking relationship with other nodes in the upstream direction and nodes that have a direct linking relationship with other nodes in the downstream direction are not included. For example, if there is a node B directly linked downstream of a particular node A, then node C, which is directly linked further downstream of node B, can be said to be a node indirectly linked to node A in one direction. However, if there is a node B' directly linked downstream of a particular node A', then node C', which is directly linked upstream of node B', cannot be said to be a node indirectly linked to node A' in one direction.

[0038] The second receiving unit 111b receives a second node selected from among the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree generated by the first generation unit 112a, information to determine the grouping direction for the second node (upstream, downstream, or both), and a specification of the grouping method for item information. The second receiving unit 111b also accepts a setting to determine whether to group items individually or collectively.

[0039] Information for determining the second node and grouping direction may be a combination of information about the second node and information about the grouping direction. In a preferred embodiment, in a supply chain tree generated by identifying nodes that are directly or indirectly linked in one direction, if the first node and the second node do not coincide, the grouping direction is necessarily determined to be the direction opposite to the direction in which the first node is located relative to the second node, and therefore only information about the second node is available. Information about the second node may be, for example, node identification information or information that can indirectly identify the node. Information about the grouping direction may be, for example, direction identification information or information that can indirectly identify the direction.

[0040] If individual grouping settings have been made, the second generation unit 112b, in the supply chain tree generated by the first generation unit 112a, classifies the nodes directly linked to the second node in the grouping direction based on the received "information for determining the second node and grouping direction" according to the specified grouping method, and generates a new supply chain tree in which newly created attribute classification nodes are directly linked to the classified nodes according to their attributes, and are also directly linked to the second node. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to classify and display the nodes directly linked to a specific node that is arbitrarily selected as the basis, thereby generating a supply chain tree with improved node visibility.

[0041] If grouping is set up in a batch, the second generation unit 112b, using the second node as a reference, classifies all or a predetermined range of nodes in the grouping direction based on the received "information for determining the second node and grouping direction" in the supply chain tree generated by the first generation unit 112a, according to the attribute of the item information based on the specified grouping method. Among the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree generated by the first generation unit 112a, for each node that is directly linked, including the classified node, newly created attribute classification nodes are directly linked to the classified node on the grouping direction side, according to the attribute, and a new supply chain tree may be generated in which nodes on the opposite side of the grouping direction are also directly linked. In this embodiment, based on a specific node that is arbitrarily selected, not only nodes directly linked to that node but also nodes indirectly linked to that node can be classified and displayed in a batch, so that a supply chain tree with improved node visibility can be generated. In addition, since classification can be done in a batch, the number of operations related to classification can be reduced, and the processing load on the system can be reduced. When grouping is set up in bulk, the range of nodes to be classified may be based on a pre-set configuration, or it may be based on a configuration individually received by the second receiving unit 111b along with information for determining the second node and grouping direction, and the specification of the grouping method. When setting a predetermined range, for example, it may be set by an upper limit on the number of nodes that may cross from the second node.

[0042] Individual grouping settings or batch grouping settings may be pre-configured, or the second receiving unit 111b may receive them along with information for determining the second node and grouping direction, and a specification of the grouping method.

[0043] The candidate extraction unit 113 extracts item information of nodes included in the collection of nodes stored in the storage unit 130 as candidates for the first node that can be specified. The candidate extraction unit 113 outputs the extracted item information as candidates for the first node that can be specified.

[0044] The candidate extraction unit 113 extracts the item information of the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree as candidates for the specifiable second node. The candidate extraction unit 113 outputs the extracted item information as candidates for the specifiable second node.

[0045] The candidate extraction unit 113 extracts, from the master data in which the correspondence relationship or inclusion relationship between the grouping method and the attribute of the item information is registered, the "information for determining the second node and the grouping direction" and the "setting of individual grouping or batch grouping" received, a grouping method corresponding to or including the attribute of the item information in the node to be classified by the second generation unit 112b as a candidate for the specifiable grouping method. The candidate extraction unit 113 outputs the extracted grouping method as a candidate for the specifiable grouping method. Thereby, it is possible to narrow down the candidates for the specifiable grouping method to be output and reduce the processing load of the system.

[0046] The node to be classified by the second generation unit 112b is, in the case of individual grouping setting, the node directly linked to the second node in the grouping direction, and in the case of batch grouping setting, all or a predetermined range of nodes directly and indirectly linked to the second node in the grouping direction.

[0047] The grouping method corresponding to or including the attribute of the item information means a grouping method at the same classification level (level of equivalent concepts) as the definition range of the attribute included in the item information, a grouping method at a level (level of superior concepts) that encompasses the definition range of the attribute included in the item information, or a grouping method combining these. The candidate extraction unit 113 does not extract a grouping method at a level (level of inferior concepts) that only constitutes a part of the definition range of the attribute included in the item information.

[0048] The candidate extraction unit 113 determines whether an attribute included in the item information is at the same classification level (level of equivalent concept) as the definition range or at a level that encompasses the definition range (level of a higher concept). In this determination, it is not necessary for all nodes to be at that level; at least some nodes must be at that level. If the definition ranges of attributes included in the item information differ among the nodes to be classified by the second generation unit 112b, the grouping method is extracted based on the smallest definition range. In this case, if some nodes are at a level that only constitutes a part of the definition range and cannot be classified, those nodes are classified as unclassifiable, and attribute classification nodes indicating unclassifiable are linked to them. Also, if some nodes do not have a corresponding definition range, those nodes are classified as not applicable, and attribute classification nodes indicating not applicable are linked to them.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the third receiving unit 111c receives a designation of a third node different from the first node from among the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree generated by the first generating unit 112a. In this embodiment, the third receiving unit 111c receives the selection of a third node from the user via input means such as a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse, from among the nodes displayed on the display screen of the already generated supply chain tree, and changes the tree reference to the said third node. The third generating unit 112c identifies the nodes directly or indirectly linked to the third node, and, using the third node as the reference, generates a new supply chain tree that displays the identified nodes in a tree-like structure that extends upstream and / or downstream based on the linking relationships. As a result, in this embodiment, the user can easily change the node that serves as the reference for the supply chain tree, making it possible to generate a supply chain tree with improved node visibility.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the first generation unit 112a has two identification methods: a first identification method that identifies nodes that are directly or indirectly linked based on item information of bases, and a second identification method that identifies nodes that are directly or indirectly linked based on item information of products. In this embodiment, the first identification method is a method that identifies nodes that have some kind of trading relationship with each other based on item information of bases. The second identification method is a method that identifies nodes that have a trading relationship with a product based on item information of the product. Nodes that have a trading relationship with a product may, for example, be nodes that have a relationship to procure raw materials or parts for that product and / or nodes that use that product as a raw material or part, based on tree-based information about the product. In this embodiment, in addition to the above processing, the first reception unit 111a accepts the selection of an identification method from the user, and the first generation unit 112a generates a supply chain tree that directly links the identified nodes. For example, when the first reception unit 111a receives a selection of the second identification method from the user, the first generation unit 112a will not display in the supply chain tree any node that is directly or indirectly involved in a transaction relationship with that item, even if it is a node that is directly or indirectly involved in a transaction relationship with that item, based on the item information of the first node. As a result, in this embodiment, the display format of the supply chain tree can be selected, making it easier to understand the transaction relationships and enabling the generation of a supply chain tree with improved node visibility.

[0051] The communication unit 120 transmits and receives various information and requests to and from an external system 300 or a user terminal 200 via a network NW. The communication unit 120 comprises a transmitting unit 121 that transmits information and requests, and a receiving unit 122 that receives information and requests. For example, when the communication unit 120 receives a request from the user terminal 200 to specify a first node and display a supply chain tree, it transmits supply chain tree display information based on the first node to the user terminal 200.

[0052] The storage unit 130 stores various types of information, such as a collection of nodes, master data, and the generated supply chain tree. The storage unit 130 may store various types of information using a database management system (DBMS) or using a file system. When using a DBMS, for example, a table may be created for each type of information, and the information may be managed by associating these tables.

[0053] <2. Overview> The information processing flow of SCM System 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of generating a supply chain tree in SCM System 1 that is not classified by attribute of item information based on the first node. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of generating a supply chain tree in SCM System 1 that is classified by attribute of item information based on the second node.

[0054] First, we will explain the flow for generating a supply chain tree in which nodes are not classified by base attributes. Firstly, the first receiving unit 111a receives the designation of one first node from among the nodes in the collection of nodes (S11). Next, the first generating unit 112a identifies the nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the first node from among the nodes in the collection of nodes (S12). Next, the first generating unit 112a generates a supply chain tree that displays the identified nodes in a tree-like structure that extends in the upstream and / or downstream directions based on the linking relationships, with the first node as the reference (S13).

[0055] Next, we will explain the flow for generating a supply chain tree in which nodes are classified by attribute from a supply chain tree in which nodes are not classified by attribute generated by the first generation unit 112a. First, the second reception unit 111b receives information for determining the second node to be selected from among the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree generated by the first generation unit 112a, the grouping direction, and the grouping method for the item information (S21).

[0056] Next, if individual grouping settings have been made (S22-No), the second generation unit 112b classifies the nodes directly linked to the second node in the grouping direction according to their attributes based on the grouping method (S23b), and generates a supply chain tree in which the classified nodes and attribute classification nodes are directly linked to the second node (S24b).

[0057] On the other hand, if grouping is set up in bulk (S22-Yes), the second generation unit 112b classifies all or a predetermined range of nodes in the grouping direction relative to the second node according to the grouping method by attribute (S23a), and generates a supply chain tree in which attribute classification nodes are linked between each node that is directly linked, including the classified nodes, between the classified nodes on the grouping direction side and the nodes on the opposite side of the grouping direction (S24a).

[0058] If further attribute classification is required (S25-Yes), the second reception unit 111b receives information to determine the second node and grouping direction, as well as a specification of the grouping method for item information, in addition to the information and specifications received above (S21), and generates a supply chain tree in the same manner as above, by adding further attribute classification to the supply chain tree to which the attribute classification nodes generated above are linked.

[0059] <3. Specific Examples> The information processing of SCM System 1 will be explained with specific examples, referring to Figures 4 to 10. Figures 4 to 10 are examples of supply chain tree generation screens.

[0060] (Specific Example A) In this specific example, a supply chain tree is generated in which nodes are not classified by attribute. First, the user opens the supply chain tree generation screen 10 as shown in Figure 4. Next, the user presses the rightmost selection button in the tree criterion (i.e., first node) selection field and selects the item information "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)" as any one first node from the list of item information of nodes in the displayed collection of nodes. The list of item information of candidate tree criterion nodes is displayed by the candidate extraction unit 113, which extracts the item information from all collections of nodes stored in the storage unit 130 as identification information for selectable tree criterion candidates. After selecting the item information for the first node, the user presses the update button.

[0061] When the update button is pressed, the first reception unit 111a accepts the designation of a node with item information "C Raw Materials (C Co., Ltd. Osaka Factory)" as the first node selected by the user (S11). Next, the first generation unit 112a identifies nodes from the collection of nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the first node (S12), and using the first node 11ca as the reference, generates a supply chain tree 11 that is displayed in a tree-like structure that extends in both upstream and downstream directions based on the linking relationships of the identified nodes (S13).

[0062] In the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4, the first node 11ca is used as the reference point, with nodes 11ba to 11bd directly linked to the first node 11ca downstream, and nodes 11aa to 11af indirectly linked to it. On the upstream side, nodes 11da to 11de directly linked to the first node 11ca, and nodes 11ea to 11ef indirectly linked to it are displayed. In the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4, each node is not specifically classified by attribute.

[0063] Thus, the program of this embodiment can improve the visibility of the nodes in a supply chain tree by generating a supply chain tree consisting of nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to a specific node that is arbitrarily selected as the reference node.

[0064] (Specific Example B) In this specific example, in the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4, nodes 11ba to 11bd that are directly linked downstream to the first node 11ca are classified into item and location attributes.

[0065] First, the user presses the rightmost selection button in the grouping criterion (i.e., second node) selection field on the supply chain tree generation screen 10 shown in Figure 4. From the list of item information for the nodes in the displayed collection of nodes, the user selects the same item information as the tree criterion (first node), "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)," as the item information for the grouping criterion (second node), as shown in Figure 5. The list of item information for candidate grouping criterion nodes is displayed by the candidate extraction unit 113, which extracts item information from all the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4.

[0066] Next, the user presses the rightmost selection button in the grouping direction selection field on the supply chain tree generation screen 10 shown in Figure 4, and selects "downstream" as the specified grouping direction from the displayed list of grouping direction candidates consisting of "downstream," "upstream," and "both upstream and downstream," as shown in Figure 5. The list of grouping direction candidates is displayed when it is determined that the selected tree criterion (first node) and the grouping criterion (second node) are the same; if they are determined not to be the same, the list is not displayed. If the tree criterion and the grouping criterion are not the same, the grouping direction will inevitably be the direction opposite to the grouping criterion relative to the tree criterion, so there is no need to select a grouping direction. Among the grouping direction candidates, "downstream" is the option when grouping is performed on the left side of the grouping criterion (same as the tree criterion) shown in Figure 4, "upstream" is the option when grouping is performed on the right side of the grouping criterion (same as the tree criterion) shown in Figure 4, and "both upstream and downstream" is the option when grouping is performed on both sides simultaneously.

[0067] Next, the user presses the rightmost selection button in the grouping method selection field on the supply chain tree generation screen 10 shown in Figure 4, and from the list of grouping method candidates displayed, such as "Item / Location", "By Municipality (Japan)", "By Prefecture (Japan)", "By Region (Japan)", "By Country", "Item / Location - By Municipality (Japan)", "Item / Location - By Prefecture (Japan)", "Item / Location - By Region (Japan)", "Item / Location - By Country", "By Municipality (Japan) - Item / Location", "By Prefecture (Japan) - Item / Location", "By Region (Japan) - Item / Location", and "By Country - Item / Location", the user selects "Item / Location" as the grouping method to specify, as shown in Figure 5. This method classifies items into nodes with item attribute information and nodes with location attribute information.

[0068] The list of grouping method candidates is generated by the candidate extraction unit 113, which extracts nodes to be classified by the second generation unit 112b from master data in which the correspondence or inclusion relationship between grouping methods and item information attributes is registered, based on the tree criteria (second node) selected by the user, the grouping direction, and the individual grouping settings. The grouping methods that correspond to or encompass the item information attributes of the extracted nodes to be classified are then extracted and displayed as candidate grouping methods that can be specified. Regarding the setting of individual or batch grouping, as shown in the supply chain tree generation screen 10 in Figure 4, individual grouping is set by default. If the user wishes to set batch grouping, they need to switch to the batch grouping setting selection on the supply chain tree generation screen 10 shown in Figure 4.

[0069] In this specific example, the extraction of grouping methods is performed by the second generation unit 112b using nodes 11ba to 11bd, which are directly linked to the first node (second node) 11ca, as the nodes to be classified, since the second node is the same node as the first node 11ca, the grouping direction is "downstream", and individual grouping settings have been made by the user. For example, since the nodes 11ba to 11bd to be classified include nodes with item information for items and nodes with item information for locations, "item / location" is extracted from the master data. Also, since the nodes 11ba to 11bd to be classified include attributes such as prefecture name and city / town name as item information, the grouping methods "by city / town (Japan)" and "by prefecture (Japan)" at the same classification level (level of equivalent concepts) as the definition range of the attributes included in the item information, and the grouping methods "by region (Japan)" and "by country" at a level that encompasses the definition range of the attributes included in the item information (level of higher concepts) are extracted from the master data. Grouping methods that combine grouping methods at different levels to be extracted, such as "Item / Location - By Municipality (Japan)," will also be included in the extraction. On the other hand, grouping methods at levels that only constitute a part of the definition range of attributes included in the item information (levels of lower concepts), such as "By District," "By Postal Code," and "By Street Address," will not be extracted.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5, the user presses the update button with the following settings selected: Grouping Criteria (Second Node) "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)" (same as the first node 11ca), Grouping Direction "Downstream", Grouping Method "Item / Location", and Individual Grouping Settings (Initial Settings).

[0071] Upon pressing the update button, the second reception unit 111b accepts the selection of the second node "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)" (same as the first node 11ca), the grouping direction "downstream," and the grouping method "item / location," along with the selection of individual grouping settings (S21).

[0072] According to the information received by the second reception unit 111b, individual grouping settings have been selected (S22-No). Therefore, the second generation unit 112b classifies the nodes 11ba to 11bd, which are directly linked to the second node (same as the first node 11ca) in the grouping direction "downstream," into nodes with item attributes and nodes with location attributes based on the grouping method "item / location" (S23b).

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the second generation unit 112b generates a new supply chain tree 11 in which the newly created "item" attribute classification node 11fa and "location" attribute classification node 11fb are directly linked to the classified nodes 11ba to 11bd according to their attributes, and are also directly linked to the second node (first node 11ca) (S24b).

[0074] (Specific Example C) In this specific example, in the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4, nodes 11ba to 11bd, which are directly linked downstream to the first node 11ca, are classified not only by item and location attributes, but also by municipality.

[0075] First, as in Specific Example B, the user selects the same item information as the first node, "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)," as the item information for the grouping criterion (second node), as shown in Figure 6, and selects "downstream" as the grouping direction to specify.

[0076] Next, unlike in Specific Example B where "Item / Location" was selected as the grouping method, the user selects "Item / Location - By Municipality (Japan)," as shown in Figure 6, a method that classifies the item information of the nodes by attribute (item or location) and then further classifies it by municipality.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6, the user presses the update button with the following settings selected: Grouping Criteria (Second Node) "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)" (same as the first node 11ca), Grouping Direction "Downstream", Grouping Method "Item / Location - By Municipality (Japan)", and Individual Grouping Settings (Initial Settings).

[0078] Upon pressing the update button, the second reception unit 111b accepts the selection of the second node "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)" (same as the first node 11ca), the grouping direction "downstream," and the grouping method "item / location - by municipality (Japan)," along with the selection of individual grouping settings (S21).

[0079] According to the information received by the second reception unit 111b, individual grouping settings have been selected (S22-No). Therefore, the second generation unit 112b classifies the nodes 11ba to 11bd, which are directly linked to the second node (same as the first node 11ca) in the grouping direction "downstream," into nodes with item attributes and nodes with location attributes, based on the grouping method "item / location - by municipality (Japan)," and then further classifies them by municipality (S23b).

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, the second generation unit 112b generates a new supply chain tree 11 in which the newly created attribute classification nodes 11fa and 11fb for "item" or "location" and the two-tiered attribute classification nodes 11ga to 11gd for each municipality are directly linked to the classified nodes 11ba to 11bd, and are also directly linked to the second node (first node 11ca) (S24b).

[0081] (Specific Example D) In ​​this specific example, nodes 11da to 11de, which are directly linked upstream to the first node 11ca of the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4, are classified by region.

[0082] First, as shown in Figure 7, the user selects the same item information as the first node, "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)," as the item information for the grouping criterion (second node), selects "Upstream" as the grouping direction, and selects the regional classification method, "Regional Classification (Japan)," as the grouping method.

[0083] As shown in Figure 7, the user presses the update button with the following settings selected: Grouping Criteria (Second Node) "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)" (same as the first node 11ca), Grouping Direction "Upstream", Grouping Method "Regional (Japan)", and Individual Grouping Settings (Initial Settings).

[0084] Upon pressing the update button, the second reception unit 111b accepts the selection of the second node "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)" (same as the first node 11ca), the grouping direction "Upstream," and the grouping method "Regional (Japan)," along with the selection of individual grouping settings (S21).

[0085] According to the information received by the second reception unit 111b, individual grouping has been selected (S22-No), so the second generation unit 112b classifies the nodes 11da to 11de, which are directly linked to the second node (same as the first node 11ca) in the grouping direction "upstream," by region based on the grouping method "by region (Japan)" (S23b).

[0086] As shown in Figure 7, the second generation unit 112b generates a new supply chain tree 11 in which the newly created regional attribute classification nodes 11ha to 11hc are directly linked to the classified nodes 11da to 11de according to their attributes, and are also directly linked to the second node (first node 11ca) (S24b).

[0087] Furthermore, since the node 11dc, which is the target of classification, does not contain a defined range for regional classification within its item information, node 11dc is classified as "not applicable," and the attribute classification node 11hb, which indicates "not applicable," is associated with it.

[0088] (Specific Example E) In this specific example, in the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4, nodes 11ea to 11ed, which are directly linked to node 11da (different from the first node 11ca), are classified by prefecture, and then nodes 11ac to 11af, which are directly linked to node 11bc, are further classified by item and location attributes.

[0089] First, as shown in Figure 8, the user selects "E Packaging (E Nagoya Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)" as the item information for the grouping criterion (second node), which is different from the item information for the tree criterion (first node). As a result, the list of grouping direction candidates is not displayed, and the grouping direction cannot be specified. Since the tree criterion (first node) and the grouping criterion (second node) are not the same, the grouping direction is inevitably the opposite direction from the tree criterion (first node) relative to the grouping criterion (second node), i.e., the upstream side, and there is no need to select a grouping direction. The user does not select a grouping direction and instead selects "By Prefecture (Japan)," a method of classifying by prefecture, as the grouping method to specify.

[0090] As shown in Figure 8, the user presses the update button with the grouping criteria (second node) "E Packaging (Nagoya Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)", grouping direction not selected, grouping method "By Prefecture (Japan)", and individual grouping settings (initial setting) selected.

[0091] Upon pressing the update button, the second reception unit 111b accepts the selection of node 11da "E Packaging (E Nagoya Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)" as the second node, along with the grouping method "By Prefecture (Japan)" and the selection of individual grouping settings (S21).

[0092] According to the information received by the second reception unit 111b, individual grouping has been selected (S22-No), so the second generation unit 112b classifies the nodes 11ea to 11ed, which are directly linked to the second node 11da on the opposite side of the first node 11ca ("upstream"), by prefecture based on the grouping method "by prefecture (Japan)" (S23b).

[0093] As shown in Figure 8, the second generation unit 112b generates a new supply chain tree 11 in which the newly created regional attribute classification nodes 11ia and 11ib are directly linked to the classified nodes 11ea to 11ed according to their attributes, and are also directly linked to the second node 11da (S24b).

[0094] Next, in order to further classify attributes (S25-Yes), the user selects "Product B (B Corporation Kawasaki Plant)" as the item information for the grouping criterion (second node), which is different from the item information for the tree criterion (first node), as shown in Figure 9. Since the tree criterion (first node) and the grouping criterion (second node) are not the same, the user does not select a grouping direction. The user selects "Item / Location" as the grouping method to specify, which classifies attributes into item and location.

[0095] As shown in Figure 9, the user presses the update button with the grouping criteria (second node) "Product B (B Corporation Kawasaki Plant)", grouping direction not selected, grouping method "Item / Location", and individual grouping settings (initial setting) selected.

[0096] Upon pressing the update button, the second reception unit 111b accepts the selection of node 11bc "Product B (B Corporation Kawasaki Plant)" as the second node, along with the grouping method "Item / Location" and the option to set individual groupings (S21).

[0097] According to the information received by the second reception unit 111b, individual grouping has been selected (S22-No), so the second generation unit 112b classifies the nodes 11ac to 11af, which are directly linked to the second node 11bc on the opposite side of the first node 11ca ("downstream"), into item and location attributes based on the grouping method "item / location" (S23b).

[0098] As shown in Figure 9, the second generation unit 112b generates a new supply chain tree 11 in which the newly created regional attribute classification nodes 11ja and 11jb are directly linked to the classified nodes 11ac to 11af according to their attributes, and are also directly linked to the second node 11bc (S24b).

[0099] (Specific Example F) In this specific example, nodes 11ba to 11bd that are directly linked downstream to the first node 11ca of the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4, and nodes 11aa to 11af that are indirectly linked, are classified by municipality.

[0100] First, as shown in Figure 10, the user selects the same item information as the first node, "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)," as the item information for the grouping criterion (second node), selects "Downstream" as the grouping direction, and selects the regional classification method, "By Municipality (Japan)," as the grouping method. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the user switches from individual grouping settings (initial setting) to batch grouping settings via the settings button in the upper right corner.

[0101] As shown in Figure 10, the user selects the following grouping criteria (second node) "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)" (same as the first node 11ca), grouping direction "downstream", grouping method "by municipality (Japan)", and batch grouping settings, and then presses the update button.

[0102] Upon pressing the update button, the second reception unit 111b accepts the selection of the second node "C Raw Materials (C Corporation Osaka Factory)" (same as the first node 11ca), the grouping direction "downstream," and the grouping method "by municipality (Japan)," along with the selection of a batch grouping setting (S21).

[0103] According to the information received by the second reception unit 111b, the setting for grouping all at once has been selected (S22-Yes), so the second generation unit 112b classifies all nodes 11aa to 11af and 11ba to 11bd located "downstream" in the grouping direction, based on the second node (same as the first node 11ca), by municipality based on the grouping method "by municipality (Japan)" (S23a).

[0104] As shown in Figure 10, the second generation unit 112b generates a new supply chain tree 11 in which, among the directly linked nodes including the classified nodes 11aa to 11af and 11ba to 11bd, the attribute classification nodes 11ka to 11ke, newly created for each attribute, are directly linked to the classified nodes on the grouping direction side (nodes 11ba to 11bd for node 11ca, and nodes 11aa to 11af for node 11ba to 11bd), and are also directly linked to the nodes on the opposite side of the grouping direction (nodes 11ba to 11bd for node 11ca, and nodes 11aa to 11af for node 11ba to 11bd) (S24a). As a result, in this embodiment, based on a specific node that is arbitrarily selected, not only the nodes directly linked to that node but also the indirectly linked nodes can be classified and displayed collectively by attribute, thereby reducing the number of operations related to classification and reducing the processing load on the system.

[0105] (Specific Example G) In this specific example, the tree criteria are changed in the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4.

[0106] The user selects the node "Product B (Yokohama Plant of Company B)" from among the nodes displayed in a tree structure on the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4, as a third node different from the first node and any third node other than 11ca. The user selects the third node from among the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree that has already been generated using an input means such as a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse. After selecting the third node, the user may press the refresh button.

[0107] Upon pressing a node or the update button, the third reception unit 111c accepts the designation of a node with item information "Product B (Yokohama Factory of B Co., Ltd.)" as the third node selected by the user (S11). When the third reception unit 111c receives the designation of a third node from the user, it may update the item information displayed in the tree-based selection field to the item information of the third node. Next, the third generation unit 112c, similar to how the first generation unit 112a generates a supply chain tree in Figure 4, identifies nodes from the collection of nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the third node 11ba (S12), and, using the third node 11ba as the reference, generates a new supply chain tree 12 that is displayed in a tree-like structure extending in both upstream and downstream directions based on the linking relationships of the identified nodes (S13).

[0108] In the supply chain tree 12 shown in Figure 12, the third node 11ba is used as the reference point, with nodes 11aa to 11ab directly linked to the third node 11ba on the downstream side, nodes 11ca to 11cd directly linked to the third node 11ba on the upstream side, and nodes 11da to 11dg and 11ea to 11ef indirectly linked to the third node 11ba displayed. Although the nodes in the supply chain tree 12 shown in Figure 12 are not specifically classified by attribute, attribute classification as described using the specific examples B to F above may be applied to the supply chain tree 12.

[0109] Thus, according to the program of this embodiment, users can easily change the tree criteria on the supply chain tree, and generate a supply chain tree with improved node visibility. Furthermore, changes to the tree criteria can be accepted without displaying a list of node item information separately from the supply chain tree, thereby reducing the processing load on the system.

[0110] (Specific Example H) In this specific example, in the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4, the selection of a tree structure is accepted, and the nodes that are identified and linked to the first node 11ca using the first identification method are updated to the second identification method.

[0111] The user clicks the rightmost selection button in the tree structure selection field and, from the displayed list of tree structure candidates such as "Location-based" and "Item-based," selects "Item-based" as the specified tree structure, as shown in Figure 13. Here, the "Location-based" tree structure is a method that directly links and displays nodes that have some kind of direct transaction relationship, and corresponds to the first specification method. The "Item-based" tree structure is a method that directly links and displays nodes that have a direct transaction relationship with respect to the item of the base node, and corresponds to the second specification method. Note that the supply chain tree 11 shown in Figure 4 is generated using the location-based tree structure (initial setting), which directly links and displays nodes that have some kind of direct transaction relationship.

[0112] Pressing the update button generates a new supply chain tree that displays, in a tree-like structure, the nodes that have trading relationships with the item "C Raw Materials" in the reference tree. In the supply chain tree 13 shown in Figure 13, the first node ca is used as the base, and downstream are nodes 11ba to 11bd that are directly linked to the first node 11ca, and nodes 11aa to 11af that are further indirectly linked. Upstream are nodes 11da to 11db, 11dd to 11de that are directly linked to the first node 11ca, and nodes 11ea to 11ef that are further indirectly linked. Note that node 11dc for "E Raw Materials (No Location)" which was displayed in Figure 4, is not displayed in Figure 13 because E Raw Materials are raw materials for other raw materials that are not C Raw Materials, and the tree structure is item-based. Note that each node in the supply chain tree 13 shown in Figure 13 is not specifically classified by attribute, but attribute classification as described using the above specific examples B to F may be applied to the supply chain tree 13.

[0113] Thus, the program of this embodiment allows the user to select the display format of the supply chain tree, enabling the generation of a supply chain tree with improved node visibility. Furthermore, it can generate a supply chain tree that makes it easier to understand trading relationships based on items and locations.

[0114] As explained using the above specific examples B to F, the program of this embodiment can classify and display nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to a specific node that is arbitrarily selected, thereby generating a supply chain tree with improved node visibility.

[0115] <4. Hardware Configuration> Referring to Figure 11, an example of a hardware configuration when the server device 100 and user terminal 200 described above are implemented by a computer 400 will be explained. Note that the functions of each device can also be implemented by dividing them among multiple devices.

[0116] As shown in Figure 11, the computer 400 includes a processor 401, a memory 403, a storage device 405, an input I / F unit 407, a data I / F unit 409, a communication I / F unit 811, and a display device 813.

[0117] The processor 401 controls various processes in the computer 400 by executing programs (for example, server programs or user programs) stored in the memory 403. For example, the various functional units of the control unit 110 of the server device 100 and the control unit of the user terminal 200 can be realized by the processor 401 executing programs temporarily stored in the memory 403.

[0118] Memory 403 is a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory 403 temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 401, as well as data required during program execution.

[0119] The storage device 405 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage device 405 stores the operating system and various programs for realizing the above configurations. In addition, the storage device 405 can also store tables for registering various information such as supply chain information and / or consent information, and a database for managing said tables. Such programs and data are loaded into memory 403 as needed and accessed by the processor 401.

[0120] The input interface unit 407 is a device for receiving input from the user. Specific examples of the input interface unit 407 include keyboards, mice, touch panels, various sensors, and wearable devices. The input interface unit 407 may be connected to the computer 400 via an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0121] The data I / F unit 409 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 400. Specific examples of the data I / F unit 409 include a drive device for reading data stored on various storage media. The data I / F unit 409 may also be located outside the computer 400. In that case, the data I / F unit 409 is connected to the computer 400 via an interface such as USB.

[0122] The communication interface unit 411 is a device for performing data communication via the Internet N with external devices of the computer 400, either via wired or wireless connection. The communication interface unit 411 may also be located outside the computer 400. In that case, the communication interface unit 411 is connected to the computer 400 via an interface such as USB.

[0123] The display device 413 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 413 include, for example, liquid crystal displays, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays, and displays for wearable devices. The display device 413 may be located outside the computer 400. In that case, the display device 413 is connected to the computer 400 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, if a touch panel is used as the input I / F unit 407, the display device 413 can be configured as an integrated unit with the input I / F unit 407.

[0124] Furthermore, the components of the server device described in the above embodiment are such that a program stored in the storage device 405 is executed by the processor 401, thereby realizing a defined process in cooperation with other hardware. In other words, these components can be envisioned as software or firmware, or as corresponding hardware, and in both concepts, they can be described and interpreted as "function," "means," "part," "processing circuit," "unit," or "module."

[0125] A "program" is a data processing method described in any language or writing method, regardless of its format, such as source code or binary code. A "program" is not necessarily limited to a single, monolithic structure, but also includes distributed structures consisting of multiple modules or libraries, and those that work in cooperation with other programs, such as an operating system, to achieve their functions. For the specific configuration and reading procedure for reading the recording medium in the server device 100 shown in this embodiment, as well as the installation procedure after reading, well-known configurations and procedures can be used.

[0126] The embodiments described above are illustrative examples for illustrating the Disclosure and are not intended to limit the Disclosure to those embodiments alone. Furthermore, the Disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. Moreover, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each of the elements described above is replaced with equivalent ones, and such embodiments are also included within the scope of the Disclosure.

[0127] The processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as data and conditions for each process, screen examples, and database configurations shown in this specification and in the drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, regarding the configuration of the server device 100, each component shown in the figures is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown.

Claims

On the computer, A first reception step that accepts the designation of one first node from among the nodes in a collection of nodes that have item information relating to products provided by the supply chain, and for each node, distinguishing between upstream and downstream based on the flow of the supply chain, one or more nodes are directly linked to the collection, and First generation step: Identify nodes in the collection of nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the first node, and generate a supply chain tree that displays the identified nodes in a tree-like structure extending upstream and / or downstream based on their linkage relationships, with the first node as the reference point. A program that executes the command. 　 To the aforementioned computer, A second receiving step that accepts a second node selected from among the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree, information for determining whether the grouping direction for the second node is upstream, downstream, or both, and a specification of the grouping method for item information, In the supply chain tree, the nodes directly linked to the second node in the grouping direction based on the received information are classified according to the attribute of the item information based on the specified grouping method, and a new supply chain tree is generated in which newly created attribute classification nodes are directly linked to the classified nodes according to their attributes, and are also directly linked to the second node. The program according to claim 1, which further executes the following: 　 To the aforementioned computer, A second receiving step that accepts a second node selected from among the nodes displayed in the supply chain tree, information for determining whether the grouping direction for the second node is upstream, downstream, or both, and a specification of the grouping method for item information, Based on the second node, all or a predetermined range of nodes in the supply chain tree that are in the grouping direction based on the received information are classified according to the attribute of the item information based on the specified grouping method. Among the nodes displayed in the aforementioned supply chain tree, between each node that is directly linked, including the classified node, The second generation step generates a new supply chain tree in which newly created attribute classification nodes are directly linked to the classified nodes on the grouping direction side, for each attribute, and are also directly linked to the nodes on the opposite side of the grouping direction. The program according to claim 1, which further executes the following: 　 To the aforementioned computer, Candidate extraction step: From master data in which the correspondence or inclusion relationship between grouping methods and attribute information of item information is registered, extracts grouping methods that correspond to or inclusive of the attribute information of the node to be classified in the second generation step, based on the received information, as candidates for the grouping methods that can be specified. The program according to claim 2 or 3, which further causes the following to be executed. 　 The second generation step is, The program according to claim 2 or 3, which extracts the attributes of item information corresponding to a specified grouping method from master data in which the correspondence or inclusion relationship between grouping methods and attributes of item information is registered, and classifies nodes according to the attributes of the extracted item information. 　 A third reception step that accepts the designation of a third node, different from the first node, from among the nodes displayed on the screen of the supply chain tree. Third generation step: Identify nodes in the collection of nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the third node, and generate a supply chain tree that displays the identified nodes in a tree-like structure extending upstream and / or downstream based on their linkage relationships, with the third node as the reference point. The program according to claim 1, which further executes the following: 　 The aforementioned determination means that The program according to claim 1, having two methods: a first identification method for identifying nodes that are directly or indirectly linked based on item information of a base, and a second identification method for identifying nodes that are directly or indirectly linked based on item information of an item. 　 Computers A first reception step that accepts the designation of one first node from among the nodes in a collection of nodes that have item information relating to products provided by the supply chain, and for each node, distinguishing between upstream and downstream based on the flow of the supply chain, one or more nodes are directly linked to the collection, and First generation step: Identify nodes in the collection of nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the first node, and generate a supply chain tree that displays the identified nodes in a tree-like structure extending upstream and / or downstream based on their linkage relationships, with the first node as the reference point. An information processing method that performs the following. 　 A collection of nodes having item information relating to products provided by a supply chain, wherein each node is directly linked to one or more nodes in a collection, distinguishing between upstream and downstream based on the flow of the supply chain, and a first receiving means for receiving the designation of one first node from among the nodes in the collection, and First generation means: Identifies nodes in the collection of nodes that are directly or indirectly linked to the first node, and generates a supply chain tree that displays the identified nodes in a tree-like structure extending upstream and / or downstream based on their linkage relationships, with the first node as the reference point. A system equipped with these features.

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