JP2002074078A - Purchasing processing method, purchasing system, communication equipment and record medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a purchasing processing method for preventing delays in transmission for information related to purchasing an article, a purchasing system, communication equipment and a record medium. SOLUTION: The person in charge of an ordering department operates an internal client device 3 to store purchase request information on the article, needed to be purchased in a database of a database server device 1. The person in charge of a purchasing department creates an estimate, indicating information on the article with reference to the purchase request information, and stores the same in a database. The person in charge on the supplier side operates an external client device 6 to access to a computer 4 and inquire about estimate indication. The computer 4 acquires estimate indicating information by communication with the database server device 1, and converts the estimate indicating information to a HTML file to be transmitted to the external client device 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a purchase processing method for purchasing goods using a plurality of computers, a purchasing system used to execute the processing, a communication device used in the purchasing system, and a computer as a communication device. It relates to a recording medium for functioning.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A purchasing system has been developed in which business transactions such as ordering and quotation between companies are performed using a computer network. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a conventional purchasing system. As shown in the figure, a conventional purchasing system includes a database server device (database device) 11, a firewall server device 12, an internal client device 13, a WWW server device (communication device).
14, a router device 15, and an external client device (terminal device) 16.

[0003] A database server device 11 and an internal client device 13 are connected to an internal network of an organization such as a company or a government office. This internal network is connected to a barrier segment via a firewall server device 12. WW for barrier segment
A W server device 14 is provided, and a router device 15 is provided between a barrier segment and an external network such as the Internet, so that an external client device 16 on the external network can access the WWW server device 14. It is possible.

[0004] The external client device 16 is an HTTP client.
(Hypertext Transfer Protocol) using HTML
(Hypertext Markup Language) format and a program for reading data such as images and sounds (hereinafter referred to as WWW client programs). The WWW server device 14 is configured to store HTML format data and image and sound data. To the external client device 1
6 (hereinafter, referred to as a WWW server program).

Further, access from the external client device 16 to the internal network is restricted by the firewall server device 12, so that the external client device 16 cannot directly access the database server device 11.

Next, a description will be given of a purchase processing procedure of such a conventional purchase system. A department that requires an article such as a new material, part, product, or facility (hereinafter, referred to as an ordering department) obtains approval in the department and operates the internal client device 13 to obtain the article to be purchased. Purchase request information including information such as name, purchase quantity, and desired delivery date is added to the database of the database server device 11.
The person in charge of the purchasing business (hereinafter referred to as the purchasing department) confirms the purchase request information added to the database of the database server device 11 by operating the internal client device 13 and supplies the goods to be purchased. A trader is selected, and estimation instruction information for instructing each selected supplier to estimate the article is added to the database of the database server device 11.

[0007] The database server device 11 transmits the newly added estimation instruction information to the WWW server device 14 every hour, for example. The WWW server device 14 converts the received estimation instruction information into HTML format information and stores it.

[0008] A person in charge of the supplier accesses the WWW server device 14 by operating the external client device 16. At this time, the WWW server device 14 performs a supplier confirmation process to specify the supplier. Next, a person in charge on the supplier side operates the external client device 16 to operate the WWW server device 1.
When the WWW server device 14 requests the transmission of the information relating to the estimate instruction to the external client device 16, the WWW server device 14 receives the request and transmits HTML format information representing the estimate instruction to the supplier to the external client device 16. The person in charge on the supplier side confirms the information of the quote instruction, creates a reply to the quote, and transmits the quote reply information from the external client device 16 to the WWW server device 14.

The WWW server device 14 stores estimate response information, transmits new estimate response information to the database server device 11 every hour, for example, and adds the estimate response information to the database.

The person in charge of the purchasing department operates the internal client device 13 to check the estimate response information added to the database of the database server device 11 and to place an order for the goods with the supplier who actually orders the goods. The order information to be represented is added to the database of the database server device 11.

The database server device 11 transmits the newly added order information to the WWW server device 14 every hour, for example. The WWW server device 14 converts the received order information into information in HTML format and stores it.

When a person in charge on the supplier side operates the external client device 16, the WWW server device 1
4 and the WWW server device 14 performs a supplier confirmation process to specify the supplier. Next, the person in charge on the supplier side checks the external client device 16.
Is operated to request the WWW server apparatus 14 to transmit information on the order of the article, the WWW server apparatus 14 accepts the request, and outputs the information in the HTML format representing the order of the article to this supplier to the external client. Send to device 16. The person in charge on the supplier side confirms the order information and operates the external client device 16 to transmit order information indicating the order of the article from the external client device 16 to the WWW server device 14.

The WWW server device 14 stores order information, transmits new order information to the database server device 11 every hour, for example, and adds the order information to the database. Then, the ordered supplier delivers the goods, and the purchase processing is completed.

[0014]

However, in the conventional purchasing system as described above, data transmission and reception between the database server device 11 and the WWW server device 14 are performed in the same manner.
Since it is performed every predetermined time, for example, before the estimation instruction information added to the database server apparatus 11 is transmitted to the WWW server apparatus 14, information about the estimation instruction from the external client apparatus 16 on the supplier side is obtained. Since the information based on the estimate instruction information is not stored in the WWW server device 14 when the transmission of the information is requested, the information is not transmitted to the external client device 16 and transmission of the information is delayed.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when a communication device receives a transmission request for information based on estimation instruction information from a terminal device, the communication device transmits the estimate stored in a database device. By acquiring the instruction information, the information based on the estimate instruction information stored in the database at the time when the communication device receives the transmission request can be immediately transmitted to the terminal device, thereby preventing a delay in information transmission. It is an object of the present invention to provide a purchase processing method to be performed, a purchase system and a communication device used for implementing the method, and a recording medium for making a computer function as a communication device.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication apparatus which converts quote instruction information obtained from a database device into information in HTML format and transmits the information to a terminal device. The terminal device has a WWW client program, and the WWW client By performing display in accordance with the information in the HTML format by the program, the terminal device does not require a dedicated computer program for reading the information related to the estimation instruction, and the WWW client program which is widely spread and distributed free of charge is used. It is an object of the present invention to provide a purchasing system and a communication device that can reduce costs for use.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a communication system in which, when a communication device receives estimate response information transmitted by a terminal device, the communication device transmits the estimate response information to a database device and adds the information to a database. An object of the present invention is to provide a purchasing system and a communication device that can immediately add estimate response information transmitted from a device to a database and prevent transmission of information from being delayed.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a communication apparatus which, when receiving a transmission request for information based on order information from a terminal device, acquires the order information stored in a database device. Provided is a purchasing system and a communication device that can immediately transmit information based on order information stored in a database to a terminal device when the communication device receives the transmission request and prevent a delay in information transmission. It is in.

Still another object of the present invention is that a communication device converts order information obtained from a database device into information in HTML format and transmits the information to a terminal device. The terminal device has a WWW client program, and the WWW client By performing display according to the information in the HTML format by the program, the terminal device does not require a dedicated computer program for reading information related to the order, and uses a WWW client program which is widely spread and distributed free of charge. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a purchasing system and a communication device that can reduce costs.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a communication system in which, when a communication device receives order information transmitted by a terminal device, the communication device transmits the order information to a database device and adds the information to a database. It is an object of the present invention to provide a purchasing system and a communication device that can immediately add transmitted order information to a database and prevent transmission of information from being delayed.

[0021]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a purchase processing method in which estimate instruction information indicating an estimate instruction regarding an article to be purchased is stored in a database device, and is stored in the database device. In a purchase processing method of transmitting information based on quote instruction information to a terminal device,
A step of receiving a transmission request for information based on the estimation instruction information from the terminal device; and a step of acquiring the estimation instruction information from the database device when the transmission request is accepted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a purchasing system, comprising: a database device for storing estimation instruction information indicating an estimation instruction for an article to be purchased; and a terminal device connected to the database device, the estimation instruction information stored in the database device. A communication device for transmitting information based on the estimate instruction information, the communication device receiving information from the terminal device based on the estimate instruction information, and receiving the information request based on the estimate instruction information. And acquiring means for acquiring the estimation instruction information from the database device when the transmission request is received.

[0023] In a purchasing system according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the purchasing system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the communication device is configured to convert the estimation instruction information acquired by the acquiring means into information in HTML format; Transmitting means for transmitting the information converted by the means to the terminal device, wherein the terminal device reads information in HTML format,
A display unit that performs display according to the information.

[0024] In a purchasing system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the purchasing system according to the second or third aspect, the communication device is a first system for receiving estimation response information indicating a response to an estimation instruction transmitted from the terminal device. Receiving means for transmitting the estimate response information to the database device when the first response means receives the estimate response information, wherein the database device transmits the estimate response information to the database device; It has a second receiving means for receiving the answer information and a storage means for storing the estimate answer information received by the second receiving means.

A purchasing system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the purchasing system according to any of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the database device stores order information indicating an order for an article to be purchased, and A receiving unit that receives a transmission request for information based on the order information from the terminal device, and an obtaining unit that obtains the order information from the database device when the transmission request for the order information is received by the receiving unit. Transmitting means for transmitting information based on the order information to the terminal device.

[0026] The purchasing system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the purchasing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the communication device further comprises a converting means for converting the order information obtained by the obtaining means into information in HTML format. The transmitting means is adapted to transmit the information converted by the converting means to the terminal device, and the terminal device has display means for reading information in HTML format and performing display according to the information. Features.

[0027] In a purchasing system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the purchasing system according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, the communication device receives the order information indicating the order of the article to be purchased transmitted from the terminal device. First receiving means for receiving, and transmitting means for transmitting the order information to the database device when the order information is received by the first receiving means, wherein the database device is transmitted by the transmitting means. And a storage means for storing the order information received by the second receiving means.

A communication device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a receiving device for receiving a transmission request for information based on estimation instruction information indicating an estimation instruction for an article to be purchased, and transmitting the information based on the estimation instruction information by the receiving device. Acquiring means for acquiring the estimate instruction information when receiving the request,
Transmission means for transmitting information based on the estimation instruction information acquired by the acquisition means.

The communication device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, further comprising conversion means for converting the estimation instruction information acquired by the acquisition means into information in HTML format, wherein the transmission means , Wherein the information converted by the conversion means is transmitted.

The communication device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the receiving means receives the estimation reply information indicating the reply to the estimation instruction, and the estimation reply information is received by the receiving means. At this time, the apparatus further comprises a transmission unit for transmitting the estimate response information.

The communication device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, wherein: a receiving unit that receives a transmission request for information based on order information indicating an order for an article to be purchased; When the receiving unit receives a request for transmitting information based on the order information, the receiving unit further includes an obtaining unit that obtains the order information, and a transmitting unit that transmits information based on the order information obtained by the obtaining unit. And

[0032] The communication device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to the eleventh aspect, further comprising a conversion unit that converts the order information acquired by the acquisition unit into information in an HTML format. The information converted by the conversion means is transmitted.

A communication device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects, wherein the receiving means receives order information indicating an order for an article to be purchased, and the order information is received by the receiving means. And transmitting means for transmitting the order information when the information is received.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium comprising: a database device storing estimate instruction information indicating an estimate instruction relating to an article to be purchased; and a computer communicably connected to a terminal device. Information based on the estimated instruction information that has been, in a computer-readable recording medium that has recorded a program to be transmitted to the terminal device, the computer,
A program having program code means for receiving a transmission request for information based on the estimation instruction information from the terminal device, and program code means for acquiring the estimation instruction information from the database device when the transmission request is accepted, It is characterized by being recorded.

The purchase processing method according to the first invention, the purchase system according to the second invention, the communication device according to the eighth invention, and the first
In the case of the recording medium according to the fourth aspect, when a request for transmission of information based on the estimation instruction information is received, by obtaining the estimation instruction information stored in the database device, at the time of receiving the transmission request, Information based on the latest estimation instruction information stored in the database device can be immediately transmitted to the terminal device that has issued the transmission request, and it is possible to prevent a delay in information transmission.

In the case of the purchasing system according to the third invention and the communication device according to the ninth invention, the communication device converts the obtained estimation instruction information into HTML format information by the conversion means, and converts this information to the terminal by the transmission means. By transmitting to the device, the terminal device of the transmission destination is provided with display means for performing display in accordance with information in HTML format such as a WWW client program, so that it is possible to perform display in accordance with information related to estimation instructions, Since the terminal device does not require a dedicated computer program for reading information related to the estimation instruction and uses the display means that is widely spread and distributed free of charge, the cost can be reduced.

In the case of the purchasing system according to the fourth invention and the communication device according to the tenth invention, when the communication device receives the estimate response information, the communication device transmits the estimate response information and adds it to the database. In addition, the estimation response information transmitted from the terminal device can be immediately added to the database, and it is possible to prevent a delay in information transmission.

In the case of the purchasing system according to the fifth invention and the communication device according to the eleventh invention, when the communication device receives a request for transmitting information based on the order information by the receiving means, the order information is obtained by the obtaining means. By transmitting the information based on the order information by the transmitting means, the terminal device which immediately issues the transmission request, the information based on the latest order information stored in the database device when the transmission request is received. And transmission of information can be prevented from being delayed.

In the case of the purchasing system according to the sixth invention and the communication device according to the twelfth invention, the communication device converts the acquired order information into HTML format information by the conversion means, and converts this information to the terminal device by the transmission means. By transmitting to the terminal device, the terminal device of the transmission destination is provided with display means for performing display according to information in HTML format such as a WWW client program, so that display according to information related to the order can be performed. Does not require a dedicated computer program for reading information about an order, and uses the display means that is widely spread and distributed free of charge, so that costs can be reduced.

In the case of the purchasing system according to the seventh invention and the communication device according to the thirteenth invention, when the communication device receives the order information, the communication device transmits the order information and adds the information to the database, so that the terminal can receive the order information. The order information transmitted from the device can be immediately added to the database, and it is possible to prevent a delay in information transmission.

[0041]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a purchasing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 4 denotes a computer used as a WWW server device (communication device). The computer 4 has a CPU 4a.
RAM 4 for storing data generated in CPU 4a
b, CD-ROM on which the program of the present invention is recorded
CD-R for reading a program of the communication device according to the present invention from a portable recording medium 20 such as a flexible disk
An external storage device 4c such as an OM drive or a flexible disk drive, and a hard disk 4 storing the program of the present invention read by the external storage device 4c
d, and a communication interface 4 for communicating with the outside
e is connected.

The database server device 1 and the internal client device 3 are connected to an internal network 31 of an organization such as a company or government office. The internal network 31 is connected to the barrier segment 32 via the firewall server device 2, and the computer 4 is connected to the barrier segment 32 by the communication interface 4e.

Further, a router device 5 is provided between the barrier segment 32 and an external network 33 such as the Internet, so that the external client device 6 connected to the external network 33 can access the computer 4. Has become.

The external client device 6 communicates with the HTTP (Hy
HTML (Hy) using the Pertext Transfer Protocol
A program for reading data in pertext Markup Language () format and data such as images and sounds
WWW client program)
The computer 4 has a program (hereinafter, referred to as a WWW server program) for providing HTML format data and data such as images and sounds to the external client device 6.

The program of the communication apparatus according to the present invention is connected to an external server computer 34 via an external network 33 in addition to being read from the portable recording medium 20.
The program is downloaded to a computer 4 from a recording medium 35 storing the program incorporated in an external server computer 34 and stored in the hard disk 4d, and the stored program is stored in the CPU 4a.
Is loaded into the RAM 4b, whereby the computer 4 functions as the communication device of the present invention.

As described above, the computer 4 functioning as the communication device can execute the processing procedure in the communication device of the present invention as described later.

The access from the external client device 6 to the internal network 31 is restricted by the firewall server device 2, so that the external client device 6 cannot directly access the database server device 1.

The communication in the internal network 31 and the barrier segment 32 described above may be a radio communication using a means such as a radio wave or an infrared ray, in addition to the communication by the wire.

Further, a firewall server device is arranged between the barrier segment 32 and the external network 33 together with the router device 5 to restrict access from the external client device 6 to the barrier segment 32 and the internal network 31. The device 2 allows the external client device 6 to connect to the internal network 3
By restricting access to the network client 1, unauthorized access to the barrier segment 32 and the internal network 31 from the external client device 6 may be prevented.

Next, a purchase processing procedure of the purchase system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a purchase request for an article by the purchase system according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a purchase request input screen W1 of the internal client device 3. As shown in FIG. 3, when inputting the purchase request information, the person in charge of the ordering section operates the internal client device 3 to display the purchase request input screen W1. The purchase request input screen W1 includes a plurality of input fields for individually inputting information such as a purchase request number, a product name code associated with an article to be purchased, a purchase quantity, and a desired delivery date, and performs various operations. And operation buttons are displayed. The person in charge of the ordering section displays such a purchase request input screen W1 and operates a keyboard and a mouse provided on the internal client device 3 to thereby display the item name code, purchase quantity, desired delivery date and the like. The purchase requisition information including the information is input, and an additional storage operation of the purchase requisition information in the database is performed. The internal client device 3 receives such purchase request information (Step 1) and transmits the purchase request information to the database server device 1 (Step 2).

The database server device 1 receives the purchase request information (step 3), adds the purchase request information to the database (step 4), and ends the processing.

The purchase request information added to the database in this way is approved by the person in charge of the ordering department. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for approving purchase request information. The person in charge of the ordering section operates the internal client device 3 to input a transmission request for purchase request information. And the internal client device 3
The information indicating the transmission request of the purchase request information is transmitted (step 211). The database server device 1 receives the information (step 212), reads out unapproved purchase request information, that is, purchase request information not associated with approval information described later (step 213), and reads the purchase request information. Is transmitted (step 214).

The internal client device 3 receives the purchase request information (step 215), and displays a list of unapproved purchase request information stored in the database server device 1 (step 216). The person in charge of the ordering section operates the internal client device 3 to input approval information indicating approval of purchase request information in association with purchase request information to be approved. The internal client device 3 receives the approval information (Step 217), and transmits the approval information to the database server device 1 (Step 218). The database server device 1 receives the approval information (step 219) and stores the approval information in the database in association with the corresponding purchase request information (step 22).
0), and the process ends.

Next, the person in charge in the purchasing department refers to the approved purchase request information, and additionally stores in the database server device 1 estimate instruction information indicating an estimate instruction to the supplier of the article to be purchased. FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure for additionally storing the estimation instruction information. The person in charge of the purchasing department operates the internal client device 3 to request the database server device 1 to transmit the approved purchase request information. The internal client device 3 accepts input of information indicating the transmission request (step 311), and transmits this information to the database server device 1 (step 312).

The database server device 1 receives this information (step 313), reads the approved purchase request information from the database (step 314), and transmits the purchase request information to the internal client device 3 (step 315). Then, the internal client device 3 receives the purchase request information (step 316) and displays a list of approved purchase request information (step 317).

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an approved purchase request list screen W2 of the internal client device 3. As shown in the figure, on the purchase request list screen W2, the request number associated with the purchase request information, the name of the article to be purchased, the request date of the purchase request, the department name of the ordering department, the purchase quantity, the desired delivery date, and Information such as the budget amount is displayed in a table format.
Further, operation buttons for performing various operations are displayed at a lower portion of the purchase request list screen W2. The person in charge of the purchasing department selects a purchase request displayed on the purchase request list screen W2 by operating a keyboard, a mouse, and the like provided in the internal client device 3, and gives a quotation instruction to the selected purchase request. An estimate instruction information creation screen W3 for creating information is displayed.

The internal client device 3 receives an instruction as to whether or not to end the processing (step 318), and upon receiving an instruction to end the processing, ends the processing.
In step 318, if no instruction to end the process has been received, selection of purchase request information is received (step 319), and a display instruction of the estimate instruction information creation screen W3 for the selected purchase request information is received (step 318). 320).

Then, when receiving the display instruction, the internal client device 3 displays an estimate instruction information creation screen W3 for the selected purchase request information (step 32).
1). FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the estimation instruction information creation screen W3. In the estimate instruction creation screen W3, a plurality of input fields for individually inputting information such as a product name code, a purchase quantity, a desired delivery date, and an estimate response time limit, and a supplier of the estimate instruction destination are input and displayed. Are displayed, and operation buttons for performing various operations are displayed. The person in charge of the purchasing department operates a keyboard and a mouse provided in the internal client device 3 to provide quotation instruction information including information such as the article name code, purchase quantity, desired delivery date, and quotation response deadline, and supply. Enter the supplier information that represents the supplier,
Perform additional storage operation of the estimate instruction information in the database.
The internal client device 3 receives such estimation instruction information and supplier information (step 322), and transmits the estimation instruction information and supplier information to the database server device 1 (step 323).

The database server device 1 receives the estimate instruction information and the supplier information (step 324), additionally stores the estimate instruction information in the database in association with the supplier information (step 325), and ends the processing. .

Thus, the database server device 1
Quotation instruction information stored in the database of will be approved later by the person in charge of the purchasing department,
Only approved quote instruction information is presented to the supplier as described below. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for approving the estimation instruction information. The manager of the purchasing department operates the internal client device 3 to input a request for transmission of quote instruction information. Then, the internal client device 3 transmits information indicating a request for transmission of estimation instruction information (step 411). The database server device 1 receives the information (step 41)
2), the unapproved quote instruction information from the database,
The estimation instruction information to which the approval information described later is not associated is read (step 413), and the estimation instruction information is transmitted (step 414).

The internal client device 3 receives the estimate instruction information (step 415), and displays a list of unapproved estimate instruction information recorded in the database server device 1 (step 416). The manager of the purchasing department operates the internal client device 3 to input approval information indicating approval of the estimate instruction information in association with the estimate instruction information to be approved. The internal client device 3 receives the approval information (Step 417), and transmits the approval information to the database server device 1 (Step 418). The database server device 1 receives the approval information (step 419), and stores the approval information in the database in association with the corresponding estimate instruction information (step 42).
0), and the process ends.

On the other hand, the person in charge on the supplier side operates the external client device 6 to operate the computer 4.
Ask the supplier for quote information for this supplier.
When the external client device 6 accesses the computer 4 using the WWW client program, the external client device 6 has a login ID and this login ID.
A login screen W4 for inputting the password associated with D is displayed. FIG. 10 shows a login screen W
FIG. On the login screen W4, input fields for inputting a login ID and a password, a login button, and a reset button are displayed. A login ID given to the supplier is entered in a login ID entry field, a password predetermined for the login ID is entered in a password entry field, and a login button is operated. As a result, the login ID and the password are transmitted to the computer 4, and when the computer 4 confirms that the login ID and the password are valid, an article is transmitted between the external client device 6 and the computer 4. In this state, the user can exchange data related to the purchase, and the main menu screen W5 is displayed on the external client device 6.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the main menu screen W5. On the main menu screen W5, a part for switching the display between the number of quote inquiry and order, and the inquiry list screen W6, W7 and order list screen W11 is displayed. By clicking these parts with a mouse, the screen display can be switched.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the inquiry about the estimation instruction information. The person in charge of the supplier operates the main menu screen W5 shown in FIG.
Is displayed, when a portion for switching the display to the quote inquiry list screen W6, W7 is clicked with the mouse, the information indicating the HTML file transmission request on the quote inquiry list screen W6, W7 is displayed on the external client device 6.
Is transmitted to the computer 4 (step 511).
The computer 4 receives the information (step 51).
2), and transmits to the database server device 1 the information indicating the transmission request of the approved estimation instruction information associated with the supplier (step 513). The database server device 1 receives this information (step 514), and receives the approved quotation instruction information associated with the supplier,
That is, the estimation instruction information associated with the above-described approval information is read from the database (step 515),
This estimation instruction information is transmitted to the computer 4 (step 516).

The computer 4 receives the quotation instruction information (step 517) and converts the received quotation instruction information into HTML.
The file is converted into a file (step 518). Then, this HTML file is transmitted to the external client device 6 (step 519), and the external client device 6 transmits the HTML file.
The L file is received (step 520), and the estimate inquiry list screens W6 and W7 are displayed (step 521).

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the quote inquiry list screen W6, and FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the quote inquiry list screen W7 when there is no quote instruction information. On the quote inquiry list screen W6, information such as a request number, an article name, a purchase quantity, a delivery place, a contact person in charge, a quote reply deadline, and a desired delivery date is displayed for each quote request. Part,
By clicking this with the mouse, the display is switched to the estimate answer creation screen W8. On the other hand, when there is no estimate instruction information, an estimate inquiry list screen W7 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. The quote inquiry list screen W7 displays a message notifying that there is currently no quote inquiry article.

Next, when there is an estimate instruction, the external client device 6 accepts a display instruction of the estimate answer creation screen W8 (step 522). When the display instruction is accepted, the external client apparatus 6 displays the estimate answer creation screen W8 (step 522). 52
3).

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the estimate reply creation screen W8. The estimate answer creation screen W8 displays the estimate instruction information, and also includes a plurality of inputs for individually inputting information such as the creator of the estimate answer, the expiration date, the estimated quantity of the article, the estimated amount, and the delivery date of the answer. A column and operation buttons for performing various operations are displayed. Supplier contacts are:
By operating a keyboard, a mouse, and the like provided in the external client device 6, the user inputs estimation response information including information such as the creator, the expiration date, the estimated amount, the estimated amount, the estimated delivery date, and the like. An operation of transmitting information to the computer 4 is performed. External client device 6
Receives such estimation response information (step 52).
4), sending the reply information to the computer 4 (step 525).

The computer 4 receives the estimate response information (step 526), and transmits the estimate response information and the supplier information to the database server 1 (step 527). The database server device 1 receives the estimated response information and the supplier information (step 528), additionally stores the estimated response information in the database in association with the supplier information (step 529), and ends the processing.

Next, the person in charge of the purchasing department refers to the estimate response information stored in the database server device 1 and additionally stores order information indicating an order for the supplier in the database server device 1. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are flowcharts illustrating a processing procedure of additional storage of order information. The person in charge of the purchasing department operates the internal client device 3 to request the database server device 1 to transmit quote response information. Internal client device 3
Receives the input of the information indicating the transmission request (step 611), and transmits the information to the database server device 1 (step 612).

The database server device 1 receives this information (step 613), reads out the estimate response information from the database (step 614), and transmits the estimate response information to the internal client device 3 (step 615).
Then, the internal client device 3 receives the estimate response information (step 616), and displays a list of the estimate response information (step 617).

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the estimated answer list screen W9 of the internal client device 3. As shown in the figure, on the quote answer list screen W9, the quote answer request number,
Information such as an estimated amount, a budget amount, a desired delivery date, a response delivery date, an estimated response date, and an estimated response time limit is displayed in a table format.
Further, operation buttons for performing various operations are displayed at a lower portion of the estimate answer list screen W9. The person in charge of the purchasing section selects the quote answer displayed on the quote answer list screen W9 by operating a keyboard, a mouse, and the like provided in the internal client device 3, and enters order information for the selected quote answer. An order information creation screen W10 for creating the order is displayed.

The internal client device 3 receives an instruction as to whether or not to end the processing (step 618), and upon receiving an instruction to end the processing, ends the processing.
If no instruction to end the processing is received in step 618, selection of estimate response information is received (step 619), and an instruction to display the order information creation screen W10 for the selected estimate response information is received (step 620). ).

Then, when receiving the display instruction, the internal client device 3 displays the order information creation screen W10 for the selected estimate response information (step 62).
1). FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the order information creation screen W10. On the order information creation screen W10, an order number associated with the order information, a business partner representing a supplier, an article name,
Information such as maker name, desired delivery date, specification, estimated quantity, estimated amount, estimated delivery date, and creator of the estimated answer, etc. are displayed, and the determined quantity, determined amount, and determined delivery date determined by the person in charge of the purchasing department A plurality of input fields for individually inputting the above information and operation buttons for performing various operations are displayed. The person in charge of the purchasing department is the internal client device 3
By operating a keyboard, a mouse, and the like provided in the server, order information including information such as the determined quantity, the determined amount, and the determined delivery date is input, and an additional storage operation of the order information in the database is performed. The internal client device 3 receives such order information (Step 622), and transmits the order information and the supplier information of the order destination to the database server device 1 (Step 623).

The database server 1 receives the order information and the supplier information (step 624), additionally stores the order information in the database in association with the supplier information (step 625), and ends the processing.

In this way, the database server device 1
The order information stored in the database is to be approved later by the manager of the purchasing department, and only the approved order information is presented to the supplier as described later. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of order information approval. The manager of the purchasing department operates the internal client device 3 to input a request for transmitting order information. Then, the internal client device 3 transmits information indicating the request for transmitting the order information (step 711). The database server device 1 receives the information (step 712), and reads out unapproved order information, that is, order information not associated with approval information to be described later (step 71).
3), this order information is transmitted (step 714).

The internal client device 3 receives the order information (step 715), and displays a list of unapproved order information recorded in the database server device 1 (step 716). The manager of the purchasing department operates the internal client device 3 to input approval information indicating approval of the order information in association with the order information to be approved. The internal client device 3 receives the approval information (step 717), and transmits the approval information to the database server device 1.
(Step 718). The database server device 1 receives the approval information (Step 719), stores the approval information in the database in association with the corresponding order information (Step 720), and ends the process.

Further, the person in charge on the supplier side operates the external client device 6 to operate the computer 4.
Contact the supplier for ordering information for this supplier. FIG.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 23 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of order information inquiry. The supplier's representative
In the state where the main menu screen W5 shown in is displayed,
When a part for switching the display to the order list screen W11 is clicked with the mouse, the order list screen W1 is displayed.
The information indicating the transmission request of one HTML file is transmitted from the external client device 6 to the computer 4 (step 811). The computer 4 receives the information (step 812), and transmits to the database server device 1 information indicating a request for transmitting approved order information associated with the supplier (step 813). The database server device 1 receives this information (step 8
14) The approved order information associated with the supplier, that is, the order information associated with the above-described approval information is read from the database (step 81).
5) The order information is transmitted to the computer 4 (step 816).

The computer 4 receives the order information (step 817), and converts the received order information into an HTML file (step 818). And this HTML
The file is transmitted to the external client device 6 (step 819), and the external client device 6 receives the HTML file (step 820) and displays the order list screen W11 (step 821).

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an order list screen W11. On the order list screen W11, information such as an order number, an article name, an order date, a determined quantity, a determined amount, and a determined delivery date is displayed for each order, and the order number portion is clicked with a mouse. The display is switched to the order input screen W12 by the operation.

Next, when there is an order, the external client device 6 accepts a display instruction of the order entry screen W12 (step 822), and when the display instruction is accepted, displays the order entry screen W12 (step 823).

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an order entry screen W12. Order information is displayed on the order input screen W12, and an input field for inputting the name of a person in charge on the supplier side and operation buttons for performing an order confirmation operation are displayed. The person in charge on the supplier side is the external client device 6
By operating a keyboard, a mouse, and the like provided in the computer, the name of the person in charge is input, and the order receiving information indicating the order confirmation is transmitted to the computer 4. The external client device 6 receives such order information (step 824), and transmits the order information and the order number to the computer 4 (step 825).

The computer 4 receives the order information and the order number (step 826), and transmits the order information and the order number to the database server device 1 (step 827). The database server device 1 receives the order information and the order number (step 828), additionally stores the order information in the database in association with the order number (step 829), and ends the process. Then, the ordered supplier delivers the goods, and the purchase processing is completed.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the purchasing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The database server device 1, the internal client device 3, and the computer 4 are connected to the internal network 31a.
Is connected to the external network 33 via the firewall server device 2 and the router device 5.

Further, access from the external client device 6 to the internal network 31a is restricted by the firewall server device 2, so that the external client device 6 cannot directly access the database server device 1, and the external client device 6 cannot access the database server device 1. Can access the computer 4.

The other parts that are the same as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0088]

As described in detail above, in the case of the purchase processing method according to the first invention, the purchase system according to the second invention, the communication device according to the eighth invention, and the recording medium according to the fourteenth invention, an estimation instruction is given. When a request for transmitting information based on the information is received, the estimation instruction information stored in the database device is acquired, and at the time when the transmission request is received, the latest estimation instruction information stored in the database device is obtained. Can be immediately transmitted to the terminal device that has issued the transmission request, and it is possible to prevent a delay in information transmission.

In the case of the purchasing system according to the third invention and the communication device according to the ninth invention, the communication device converts the obtained estimation instruction information into HTML format information by the conversion means, and converts this information to the terminal information by the transmission means. By transmitting to the device, the terminal device of the transmission destination is provided with display means for performing display in accordance with information in HTML format such as a WWW client program, so that it is possible to perform display in accordance with information related to estimation instructions, Since the terminal device does not require a dedicated computer program for reading information related to the estimation instruction and uses the display means that is widely spread and distributed free of charge, the cost can be reduced.

In the case of the purchasing system according to the fourth invention and the communication device according to the tenth invention, when the communication device receives the estimate response information, the communication device transmits the estimate response information and adds it to the database. In addition, the estimation response information transmitted from the terminal device can be immediately added to the database, and it is possible to prevent a delay in information transmission.

In the case of the purchasing system according to the fifth invention and the communication device according to the eleventh invention, when the communication device receives a transmission request of information based on the order information by the receiving device, the obtaining device obtains the order information by the obtaining device. By transmitting the information based on the order information by the transmitting means, the terminal device which immediately issues the transmission request, the information based on the latest order information stored in the database device when the transmission request is received. And transmission of information can be prevented from being delayed.

In the case of the purchase system according to the sixth invention and the communication device according to the twelfth invention, the communication device converts the acquired order information into information in HTML format by the conversion means, and converts this information to the terminal device by the transmission means. By transmitting to the terminal device, the terminal device of the transmission destination is provided with display means for performing display according to information in HTML format such as a WWW client program, so that display according to information related to the order can be performed. Does not require a dedicated computer program for reading information about an order, and uses the display means that is widely spread and distributed free of charge, so that costs can be reduced.

In the case of the purchasing system according to the seventh invention and the communication device according to the thirteenth invention, when the communication device receives the order information, the communication device transmits the order information and adds the received order information to the database. The present invention has excellent effects, for example, the order information transmitted from the device can be immediately added to the database, and the transmission of information can be prevented from being delayed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a purchasing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a purchase request for an article by the purchasing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a purchase request input screen of an internal client device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for approving purchase request information.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of additional storage of estimation instruction information.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of additional storage of estimation instruction information.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an approved purchase request list screen of the internal client device.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an estimate instruction information creation screen.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for approving estimation instruction information.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a login screen.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a main menu screen.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for inquiring of estimation instruction information.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for inquiring of estimation instruction information.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an estimate inquiry list screen.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an estimate inquiry list screen when there is no estimate instruction information.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an estimate response creation screen.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of additional storage of order information.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of additional storage of order information.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an estimate response list screen of the internal client device.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an order information creation screen.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of order information approval.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for inquiring of order information.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for inquiring of order information.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an order list screen.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an order entry screen.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a purchasing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a conventional purchasing system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 database server device (database device) 2 firewall server device 3 internal client device 4 computer (communication device) 4a CPU 4b RAM 4c external storage device 4d hard disk 4e communication interface 5 router device 6 external client device (terminal device) 31 internal network 32 Barrier segment 33 External network 34 External server computer 35 Recording medium

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A database device, which stores estimation instruction information indicating an estimation instruction for an article to be purchased, and transmits information based on the estimation instruction information stored in the database device to a terminal device. The processing method, comprising: a step of receiving a transmission request for information based on the estimation instruction information from the terminal device; and a step of acquiring the estimation instruction information from the database device when the transmission request is accepted. And the purchase processing method. 2. A database device for storing estimate instruction information indicating an estimate instruction for an article to be purchased, and a communication device for transmitting information based on the estimate instruction information stored in the database device to a connected terminal device. In the purchasing system, the communication device receives, from the terminal device, a request for transmitting information based on the estimation instruction information, and when the reception unit receives a transmission request for information based on the estimation instruction information, Acquiring means for acquiring the estimation instruction information from the database device. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a conversion unit configured to convert the estimation instruction information obtained by the obtaining unit into information in an HTML format; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the information converted by the conversion unit to the terminal device. 3. The terminal device according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit configured to read the information in the HTML format and perform display according to the information.
Purchasing system described. 4. The communication device, comprising: first receiving means for receiving estimation response information indicating a response to the estimation instruction transmitted from the terminal device; and when receiving the estimation response information by the first receiving means, A transmitting unit that transmits the estimate response information to the database device, wherein the database device receives the estimate response information transmitted by the transmission unit, and receives the estimate response information by the second reception unit. 4. The purchasing system according to claim 2, further comprising: storage means for storing estimate response information. 5. The database device stores order information indicating an order for an article to be purchased, wherein the communication device receives a transmission request for information based on the order information from the terminal device; When the receiving unit receives the request for transmitting the order information, the receiving unit further includes an obtaining unit that obtains the order information from the database device, and a transmitting unit that transmits information based on the order information to the terminal device. The purchasing system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: 6. The communication device further includes a conversion unit configured to convert the order information acquired by the acquisition unit into information in an HTML format, and the transmission unit transmits the information converted by the conversion unit to the terminal device. The terminal device reads the information in the HTML format,
6. The purchasing system according to claim 5, further comprising display means for performing display according to the information. 7. The communication device, comprising: first receiving means for receiving order information indicating an order for an article to be purchased transmitted from the terminal device, and receiving the order information by the first receiving means, Transmitting means for transmitting the order information to the database device, the database device comprising: a second receiving means for receiving the order information transmitted by the transmitting means; and an order information received by the second receiving means. 7. A purchasing system according to claim 2, further comprising storage means for storing 8. A receiving means for receiving a transmission request for information based on estimation instruction information indicating an estimation instruction for an article to be purchased, and when the receiving means receives a transmission request for information based on the estimation instruction information, A communication apparatus comprising: an obtaining unit that obtains estimation instruction information; and a transmission unit that transmits information based on the estimation instruction information obtained by the obtaining unit. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a conversion unit configured to convert the estimation instruction information obtained by the obtaining unit into information in an HTML format, wherein the transmission unit transmits the information converted by the conversion unit. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein
The communication device as described. 10. A system further comprising: receiving means for receiving estimate response information indicating a response to an estimate instruction; and transmitting means for transmitting the estimate response information when the response means receives the estimate response information. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein: 11. A receiving means for receiving a transmission request for information based on order information representing an order for an article to be purchased, and acquiring the order information when the receiving means receives a transmission request for information based on the order information. Acquisition means for
The communication device according to claim 8, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit information based on the order information acquired by the acquisition unit. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a converting unit for converting the order information obtained by said obtaining unit into information in an HTML format, wherein said transmitting unit is configured to transmit the information converted by said converting unit. Claim 11
The communication device as described. 13. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving unit for receiving order information indicating an order for an article to be purchased, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the order information when the order information is received by the receiving unit. The communication device according to claim 8. 14. A computer communicably connected to a database device and a terminal device storing estimate instruction information indicating an estimate instruction for an article to be purchased,
On a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for transmitting the information based on the estimation instruction information stored in the database device to the terminal device is recorded. A program code means for receiving a transmission request for information based on the program, and a program code means for acquiring the estimation instruction information from the database device when the transmission request is received, is recorded. Computer readable recording medium.