JP2003157390A - Sales supporting information processor, machine type selection processing method and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sales supporting information processor, capable of accurately and quickly selecting a suitable machine type in selling the commodity and proposing the same to a customer. SOLUTION: In order to select a suitable machine type from an object commodity group, select information related to a customer's demand and the use status is input from an input part 7, the machine type select processing for selecting a recommended machine type according to the obtained select information is performed in a CPU 1, and the information related to the obtained recommended machine type is displayed on a display 6. Especially when the object commodity group is mainly composed of the image forming apparatus, at least one of the information related to the respective functions such as copying, duplex printing, network connection and automatic document feed is selected, and the information related to the number of sheets to used per a designated unit hour is taken as select information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sales support information processing device, a model selection processing method, and a recording medium for increasing the efficiency of sales activities of products in which a large number of models are prepared.

[0002]

[Prior Art] When a product is sold, the model name may be directly specified by the customer with reference to the product catalog, etc. However, when expert knowledge is required for model selection, the model is selected by the customer. In such a case, the sales representative should listen to the customer's requests and usage conditions in detail and propose the optimal model with the functions required by the customer and the ability to respond to the actual usage conditions. Is desired.

[0003]

However, depending on the product, there are many models, and the same type of product may be divided into multiple series. In such a case, the product structure is complicated and difficult to understand. In order to quickly select and propose a model suitable for a customer's request and usage situation at the time of a business negotiation, a sales staff member needs appropriate knowledge and experience.

Further, in recent years, there has been a tendency to combine a plurality of functions into one device in order to save cost and space, and for example, in an image forming apparatus, each function of copy, facsimile and printer is made optional. There are some that are selected according to the customer's request. In such a case, the number of options increases, the product structure becomes extremely complicated, and it is actually difficult to accurately grasp all models. For this reason, it is necessary to refer to a catalog or the like at the time of a business negotiation, and there is an inconvenience that the business negotiation is prolonged in order to propose an appropriate model without error, which hinders efficient sales activities.

The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its main purpose is to:
To provide a sales support information processing device, a model selection processing method, and a recording medium on which a sales support program is recorded, which is configured so that an appropriate model can be accurately and quickly selected and proposed to a customer. It is in.

[0006]

In order to achieve such an object, according to the present invention, as described in claim 1, the configuration of the information processing apparatus is such that an appropriate model is selected from the target product group. In addition, input means to input selection information about customer's request and usage status, model selection processing means to select recommended model based on the selection information acquired by this, and recommended model obtained by this And a display unit for displaying information regarding the information. According to this, the recommended model is selected based on the information on the customer's request and the usage status, and the appropriate model with the function to satisfy the customer's request and the ability to respond to the usage status of the customer is accurately and promptly selected. It becomes possible to propose to the customer in search of.

In this case, a plurality of question items concerning the customer's request and usage situation may be prepared in advance, and the selection information may be acquired from the answer to this question. Specifically, it is provided with a data storage means for storing information about a combination of a plurality of question items and their answers, and a model capable of supporting the function and ability derived from the combination,
While referring to the stored information, the question items are sequentially displayed on the display unit, the operator inputs the answers to the question items by the input unit, and the answers to the multiple question items obtained by this are selected as the selection information and the recommended model is selected. It should be done. In that case, in order to perform the processing easily, it is advisable to add a choice, ask a question, and make an answer by selecting the choice.

In the information processing apparatus, as described in claim 2, the target merchandise group is mainly composed of the image forming apparatus, and the selection information is copy, double-sided printing, network connection, automatic document feeding. It is possible to adopt a configuration including at least one of information regarding each function of. According to this, it is possible to select a model that satisfies the function required by the customer.

In the information processing apparatus, as described in claim 3, the target merchandise group is mainly composed of the image forming apparatus, and the selection information includes information on the number of used sheets per predetermined unit period. It can be configured to include. According to this, it is possible to select a model having a processing capacity suitable for the usage situation of the customer.

In the information processing apparatus, as described in claim 4, the target product group is a basic device that is selectively selected from a plurality of models, and the basic product is set for each basic device and arbitrarily selected. The selected device (option) may be used, and the model determination processing means may be configured to obtain a device configuration based on a combination of the basic device and the selected device. According to this, it is possible to select not only basic equipment that can respond to functions and capabilities that meet the customer's requirements and usage conditions, but also selected equipment that must be equipped in order to satisfy the functions and capabilities required by customers. This enables accurate and quick model proposals for products with a wide variety of selected devices.

In this case, it is desirable to have a configuration in which, in addition to the selected device that is forcibly selected to satisfy the required function and ability, the selected device can be selected appropriately according to the customer's request. In this case, it is advisable to verify the deficiency of selection such as the case where selection devices that are required to be combined are not selected at the same time or the selection devices that cannot be combined are selected at the same time so that appropriate selection can be performed.

Further, in the present invention, as set forth in claim 5, in the information processing apparatus, in order to select an appropriate model from the target product group, the selection information on the customer's request and usage condition is acquired, Based on this selection information, a calculation method is used to select a recommended model, and information about the recommended model is displayed on the display. Information about the model capable of supporting the function and ability to be guided is stored in advance in the data storage means, and by referring to this data storage means, the questions are sequentially displayed on the display, and the answers to the questions are input by the input means. Allow the operator to enter, and select the recommended model using the answers to the multiple questions obtained as selection information. It was a shall. According to this, it becomes possible to accurately and promptly find an appropriate model according to the customer's request and usage situation and propose it to the customer.

Further, in the present invention, as described in claim 6, the recording medium is configured such that a sales support program used in the information processing apparatus is recorded, and the sales support program is appropriate from the target product group. In order to select the model, the operator inputs the selection information regarding the customer's request and usage status by the input means, and the calculation means performs the model selection processing to select the recommended model based on the selection information acquired by this, and this The information about the recommended model obtained by is displayed on the display means. According to this, by installing a sales support program in an information processing device such as a PC to which a reading unit of a recording medium is connected, a customer can accurately and promptly find an appropriate model according to the customer's request and usage situation. It will be possible to propose to. It should be noted that, in this sales support program, it is possible to enhance the convenience by having a configuration in which, in addition to the model selection process, a quotation process based on the device configuration obtained thereby is performed.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The configuration of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. This information processing device performs model selection processing for constructing a device configuration by combining a basic device and an option (selected device) from a target product group mainly composed of an image forming device, and at the same time obtained by this. A CPU (arithmetic unit) 1, a RAM 2 serving as a work area for the processing here, a ROM 3 storing a program for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, and a model for performing an estimation process based on the device configuration. A hard disk drive 4 that stores a sales support program and required data for performing each process of selection and estimation, and a CD-ROM (recording medium) in which the sales support program and the required data installed therein are recorded A CD-ROM drive 5, a display (display means) 6 for displaying the process and results of each process of model selection and estimation, and necessary And an input portion (input means) 7 composed of a keyboard and a pointing device for performing the required instruction by click operation of buttons on the screen and inputs a character information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. here,
Interactive model selection (Seach by User) that narrows down to models that meet customer needs and usage conditions by answering questions
needs) and model selection by category that selects a model from a list of models belonging to the category (Seach by Category)
Select the model number directly from the model number (Seach
by Model Number) is prepared.

In interactive model selection, operation of the Go button 21 advances to the question screen. In the model selection by category, when the corresponding category is selected from the pull-down menu 22 and the Go button 23 is operated, the model list screen is displayed, and the model is selected on this model list screen. When selecting a model number, select the relevant model number from the pull-down menu 24
When the Go button 25 is operated, the product summary screen is displayed. In addition,
By operating the Go button 26 of news (NEWS), information on the new product is displayed, and by operating the Quote List button 27, a quotation list screen for confirming the contents of the quotation created in the past is displayed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a question screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. This question screen is displayed when the interactive model selection is selected on the menu screen shown in FIG. 2, and the question items regarding the function are displayed in the question item description section 31 and can be added to the image forming apparatus. A plurality of options based on a combination of possible functions, that is, a combination of copy, facsimile, print, and document management functions are displayed in the option field 32, and one of them is selected based on the customer's request.

In this case, there are a total of seven options: copy only, facsimile only, copy and facsimile, copy, print and facsimile, copy and document management, copy, print and document management, copy, print, facsimile and document management. If one of the options is selected and the Next button 33 is operated, the next question screen is displayed. If the Back button 34 is operated here, the previous question screen is returned, the Top button 35 is operated to return to the first question screen, and the Main button 36 is operated to return to the menu screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the question screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. This question screen is also displayed when the interactive model selection is selected on the menu screen shown in FIG. 2. The question item description section 31 displays a question item regarding the number of used sheets per month, and the option column 32 indicates monthly use. A choice about the number of sheets is displayed, and the number is selected according to the usage status of the customer. Here, 2,000 or less, 6,000
Sheets or less, 8,000 or less, 10,000 or less, 15,000 or less, 2
There are a total of 8 choices, such as 000 or less, 30,000 or less, and 30,001 or more. If one of the choices is selected and the Next button 33 is operated, the next question screen is displayed.
If the model is specified by this question, the Next button 3
Operation of 3 advances to the product summary screen.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a question item / model determination table stored in the hard disk shown in FIG.
This table is referred to when determining questions and models in interactive model selection, is a combination of questions and questions regarding functions and capabilities, and the basics that can support the functions and capabilities required by customers derived from the combinations. Equipment part number (selection MODEL) and optional part number (DEFA) that must be equipped to satisfy its function and capability.
ULT OPTION) information is stored. A required number of options are prepared for each question item, and an answer is given by selecting the options.

Here, functions added to the image forming apparatus (copy, facsimile, print and document management),
Image forming method of image forming apparatus (different for digital and analog), monthly number of sheets, maximum processable size (A3 size), duplex printing (duplex unit), network connection,
In addition, questions regarding automatic document feeding (ADF) etc. are prepared.

In the interactive model selection, referring to this question item / model determination table, the question items are sequentially displayed on the display 6 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the answer to the question item is input in the input section. The operator is allowed to input by the operation of 7, and the recommended model is selected by using the answers to the questions obtained thereby as the selection information.

When the interactive model selection is selected, a question screen regarding a function to be added to the image forming apparatus (“Which function is required?”) Is first displayed. Although question screens are sequentially displayed based on the model determination table, the next question item differs depending on the answer to the question, which allows the model to be quickly narrowed down without unnecessary questions. The questions and answers are exchanged until there is no question and the model is specified. Although Fig. 3 shows an example of questions regarding functions and Fig. 4 shows an example of questions regarding the monthly number of sheets used ("What is the number of monthly sheets used?"), Other questions are displayed in the same format. It is displayed with the required number of options.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of the product summary screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. This product summary screen is displayed when the product number model selection is selected on the menu screen shown in Fig. 2 and when the model is specified by the required input operation after selecting interactive model selection and category-specific model selection. In the model column 61, the model number of the recommended model of the basic device is displayed, in the appearance description section 62, a photograph of the entire external appearance of the recommended model is displayed, and in the summary column 63, the outline information regarding the specifications is displayed. When the Specification button 64 is operated here, the specification confirmation screen is displayed and detailed information regarding the specifications of the corresponding model is displayed. Runnung Cost button 65
When is operated, the maintenance cost trial calculation screen is displayed, and the trial calculation of the cost required to operate the corresponding basic device is displayed. Option sel
When the ect button 66 is operated, the option selection screen is displayed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the option selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. On this option selection screen, all the options set in the corresponding basic device are classified by function and displayed with arrows indicating their correlation. here,
Paper discharge system option selection unit 71, document table system option selection unit 72, network printer related option selection unit 7
3, a printer-related option selection unit 74, an image memory and document management-related option selection unit 75, and a paper feed system option selection unit 76 are provided. The option is selected using the check box placed near the product number. Select the desired option and click the Quotation button 77.
When is operated, the option inspection is performed to see if the option selection is complete, and if there is no option selection defect, the process advances to the estimation screen.

On this option selection screen, the option determined to be essential according to the function and ability required by the customer in the model selection process is forcibly selected and already marked with a check mark. Additional options can be set. It should be noted that it is also possible to remove the check mark here to cancel the selection and change to a configuration in which the function instructed in the model selection process is not equipped. Further, in the option summary display field (Note) 78, by clicking the part number description part in each option selection section, the part number and the summary explanation of the corresponding option are displayed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a warning window displayed on the display shown in FIG. This warning window 81 has a defect in the option selection on the option selection screen shown in FIG. 7, that is, it is determined that the option selection is not appropriate by the option check for verifying whether the combination of the selected options is proper or not. It is displayed when it is done. Here, warning column 82
Displays a warning message ("must"), the part number (FA-PK30) of the option that is the warning target, and the part number (FA-DS825) of the option that is required to escape the warning, and warns the remarks column 83. An explanation such as the reason is displayed.

This warning window 81 is displayed in a pop-up on the option selection screen shown in FIG. 7. After understanding the warning contents, the Close button 84 is operated to close the warning window 81 and return to the option selection screen.
Reselect the option according to the warning content. The warning window 81 is displayed even when an option recommended to be used in combination with the selection option on the basic device or the option selection screen is not selected, and prompts the selection of the recommended option. It is also displayed when the combination of the selected options is impossible.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an option management table stored in the hard disk shown in FIG. This table is referred to when determining the deficiency of option selection in the option inspection, and the product number (MODEL NO) of the image forming apparatus, which is the basic device, the product number of the first option (OPTION NAME1) and the second option. Part number (OPTI
ON NAME2) and the information (NOTE) consisting of a warning message (MESSAGE) corresponding to the combination of this option and explanations such as the reason for the warning (NOTE) are stored.

In the option inspection, for the basic device selected by model selection, it is determined whether the option selected on the option selection screen corresponds to the first option in the table. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the second option is selected at the same time, and the option selection is performed when the combination required or recommended options are not selected at the same time or the non-combinable options are selected at the same time. It is judged that there is a defect and a warning window is displayed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an estimation screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. On this estimate screen, the name of the basic device and option, the product number, the selling price, and the required calculation result are displayed in the estimate sheet description section 101. The customer's name is entered in the address entry field 102. If necessary, you can enter installation / delivery costs, discounts, etc. in the blank of the quotation sheet description section 101.
When the e button 103 is operated, it is recalculated. Print here
If the out button 104 is operated, the process advances to a print preview display screen of the quotation, and the quotation is printed by confirming the print contents and instructing printing. Also List
A list of quotations calculated in the past is displayed by operating the button 105, and the Back icon 106 is operated to return to the option selection screen.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure of processing in the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. First step 1
2. The menu screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed, and if it is determined in the next step 2 that interactive model selection has been selected, the process proceeds to step 3 where the question items shown in FIG.
Question items are determined based on the model determination table, and in the subsequent step 4, the question screen is displayed as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Then, in step 5, the selection data regarding the answer to the question is acquired, and in the following step 6, whether or not the model is identified by referring to the question item / model determination table, that is, the next question in the question item / model determination table. It is determined whether or not there is a matter, and if there is a next question here, the process returns to step 3 to move to the next question.
If there is no next question in step 6 and the model is specified, the process proceeds to step 7.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 2 that the model selection by category is selected, the process proceeds to step 8 and a list screen of models belonging to the selected category is displayed, and in step 9, the model related information is displayed. After the selection data is acquired, the process proceeds to step 7. If it is determined in step 2 that the product number model selection has been selected, the process directly proceeds to step 7.

In step 7, the product outline screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and the outline of the selected recommended model can be grasped. Next, in step 10, the option selection screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed, and in step 11, selection data regarding options is acquired. Then, in step 12, the option check is performed by referring to the option management table shown in FIG. 9, and if there is a defect in the option selection, proceed to step 13 and after the warning window shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, Returning to step 10, the option is selected again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 12 that there is no defect in option selection, step 1
Go to 4.

In step 14, an estimation calculation process is performed based on the equipment configuration based on the combination of the basic equipment and the options determined by the model selection and option selection, and then in step 15, the estimation screen shown in FIG. Is displayed, and an estimate and a purchase order are issued in step 16.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. Here, an information processing device is connected via the Internet to a server 121 in which a sales support program required for processing such as model determination and necessary data are stored, and the required processing is performed. Then, the information processing device 122
It is connected to the PSTN via the modem 123, and is also connected to the Internet via the provider 124 that mediates between the PSTN and the Internet. With this configuration, it is convenient to have the information processing device perform the model determination process at the destination, and the model determination process can be performed based on the latest information. You can save the trouble of updating the data.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately and promptly propose to a customer an appropriate model having a function that satisfies the customer's request and an ability to respond to the usage situation of the customer. It becomes possible, and it is possible to exert a great effect on streamlining sales activities.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on the display shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a question screen displayed on the display shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a question screen displayed on the display shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing a question item / model determination table stored in the hard disk shown in FIG. 1;

6 is a diagram showing an example of a product summary screen displayed on the display shown in FIG.

7 is a diagram showing an example of an option selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing an example of a warning window displayed on the display shown in FIG.

9 is a diagram showing an option management table stored in the hard disk shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an estimation screen displayed on the display shown in FIG.

11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in the information processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU (model selection processing means, calculation means) 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 Hard disk drive (data storage means) 5 CD-ROM drive 6 Display (display means) 7 Input section (input means)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hiroshi Aimoto             2-3-8 Shimo-Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Matsushita             Dentsu System Co., Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. In order to select an appropriate model from the target product group, input means for inputting selection information regarding customer's request and usage status, and selecting a recommended model based on the selection information acquired thereby. An information processing apparatus comprising: a model selection processing unit that performs a model selection process to be performed; and a display unit that displays information on the recommended model obtained by the model selection processing unit. 2. The target product group is configured centering on an image forming apparatus, and the selection information is at least one of information regarding each function of copy, double-sided printing, network connection, and automatic document feeding. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: 3. The target product group is configured mainly with an image forming apparatus, and the selection information includes information regarding the number of used sheets per a predetermined unit period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. 4. The target product group includes a basic device that is selectively selected from a plurality of models and a selected device that is set and arbitrarily selected for each basic device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination processing unit is configured to obtain a device configuration based on a combination of the basic device and the selected device. 5. An information processing apparatus, in order to select an appropriate model from a target product group, obtains selection information regarding a customer's request and usage status, and based on the selection information, a recommended model is calculated by a calculation means. Information on the recommended model is selected and displayed on the display, and information about the model that can support the combination of multiple questions and requests regarding the customer's request and usage status and the functions and capabilities derived from the combination. Is stored in advance in the data storage means, the question items are sequentially displayed on the display by referring to the data storage device, and the answer to the question items is input by the operator using the input means. A model characterized in that the recommended model is selected with the answers to a plurality of the questions as the selection information. Constant treatment method. 6. A sales support program used in an information processing device is recorded, and the sales support program inputs selection information regarding a customer's request and usage status in order to select an appropriate model from a target product group. Means to make the operator input the selected model based on the selection information acquired by the operator, and cause the calculation means to perform model selection processing to select the recommended model, and display the information on the recommended model thus obtained on the display means. Characteristic recording medium.