JP2008015559A - Consumable article management system, consumable article management method, and program for consumable article management - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make an enterpriser side which sells consumable articles to be used for business equipment always deliver articles on the same day in response to ordering from a customer. <P>SOLUTION: A consumable article use equipment 10 detects the consumption degree of a consumable article 11, and notifies a terminal 31 of an information desk 30 at the enterpriser side of the detected information. The terminal 31 specifies a customer who uses the consumable article use equipment 10 based on the notification, and selects a selling store suitable for the customer. In a warehouse/delivery center 70, a terminal 71 retrieves the inventory of the consumable article 11, and notifies a terminal 41 of an A selling point 40 selected by the terminal 31 of the retrieval result. A person 42 in charge of the A selling store 40 negotiates with a customer side person 20 in charge about selling while confirming the residual consumable articles of the consumable article use equipment 10 or the inventory circumstances of the consumable articles in advance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a consumable management system, a consumable management method, and a consumable management program for monitoring the degree of consumption of consumables in office equipment such as printing equipment and managing the stock of the consumables.

  Conventional OA equipment (office automation equipment) detects the consumption status of consumables such as paper and toner in the equipment, displays a message on the screen, and emits a warning sound to the user. The degree of wear of the consumables was notified. In this case, the user grasps the consumption state of the consumable item in accordance with the notification from the device, confirms the spare consumable item, and orders the consumable item from the supplier if necessary.

  However, in such a method, if the user neglects to check the spare consumables and the ordering time is delayed, the device may not be used until the consumables arrive. As a solution to this problem, the device automatically detects the remaining amount of consumables in the device and needs to be replenished. In order to prevent unforeseen orders and unexpected orders due to malfunctions, once the user (administrator) terminal is notified of the consumption status of consumables, an order mail is sent according to the instructions for this notification. An apparatus that performs the above is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-024838

  However, in the ordering method using the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to check the inventory information of the warehouse or arrange for shipping when the order is placed just before the end of business hours or just before a holiday. Delivery as requested is not possible. In the worst case, there was a situation of a loss of purchase, and depending on the situation, there was a disadvantage that an equivalent product was ordered from a competitor. Moreover, if the user purchases and uses consumables of low quality that are handled by other companies but are of poor quality, the maintenance cost will be worsened due to the deterioration of the apparatus.

  In addition, when the contact information of the trader is changed due to the convenience of the trader, there is a problem that the ordering mail cannot be transmitted unless the information such as the mail address set in the apparatus is promptly updated.

  Therefore, the present invention improves the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art, and enables a business operator who sells consumables used for office equipment to always deliver the same order or soon in response to an order from a customer. The object is to provide a consumable management system, a consumable management method, and a consumable management program.

  In order to achieve the above object, a consumable product management system according to the present invention includes a consumable product use device and a consumable product management device connected via a communication network, and the consumable product use device is connected to the consumable product use device and the consumable product use device. An information storage unit for storing information about consumables used in the device used, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables consumed in the consumable device, and a remaining amount of the detected consumables Information indicating the detected consumables and information about the consumables using devices is sent to the consumables management device as remaining amount notification information, and the consumables management device includes consumables inventory information. And an inventory search means for referring to the inventory database and searching for inventory information of the corresponding consumable based on the remaining amount notification information from the consumable using device. The constitution (claim 1).

  According to such a consumable item management system, the degree of consumption of the consumable item consumed by the consumable item using device is detected, and the detected information is notified to the consumable item management device managed by the business operator, and the consumable item management device Then, the inventory information of consumables is searched according to the notification. As a result, the business operator can start sales negotiations for consumables to the customer in accordance with the degree of consumption of consumables and the inventory status, and can prepare for the shipment of goods prior to receiving an order from the customer. . And by making preparations for shipping products in advance, the same-day delivery becomes possible when an order is made from a customer.

  In addition, the above consumables management system is equipped with consumables storage means for storing information related to the consumables in advance, and the above-mentioned consumables using device is a consumable attached to the consumables being used. Information update means for reading information stored in the product-side storage means and updating information in the information storage section may be provided.

  In this way, information is stored in advance in the consumables sent from the business operator, and when this consumable is mounted on the consumables using device, the information held in the consumables using device is held in the consumables. Information can be rewritten. Therefore, each time the consumable product is replaced, the consumable device can hold newer information, and can accurately transmit the remaining amount notification information.

  Further, in the above consumable item management system, the above-described consumable item using device may include a consumable item side information erasing unit for erasing information stored in the consumable item side storage unit attached to the consumable item (claim). Item 3). In this way, information leakage and misuse can be prevented when consumables are recycled.

  In the above consumables management system, the consumables management device described above is based on the customer information database storing customer information related to the user of the consumables using device and the remaining amount notification information with reference to the customer information database. Customer information specifying means for specifying corresponding customer information may be provided (claim 4). In this way, the sales history, address, etc. of the customer using the consumable management device can be specified.

  Still further, in the consumable item management system, the consumable item management device is connected to a dealer terminal at a dealer selling consumable items via a network, and the consumable item management device is connected to a dealer regarding the dealer. A store information database storing information, a store selection means for selecting store information corresponding to the customer information specified by the customer information specifying means from the store information database, and a store selected by the store selection means There may be provided customer related information notifying means for transmitting the remaining amount notification information from the consumables using device, the customer information specified by the customer information specifying means, and the inventory information searched by the inventory searching means to the dealer terminal. (Claim 5).

  In this way, by selecting the most appropriate store that will carry out the consumables sales approach, and notifying the dealer of the information about the customers who are likely to be required to deliver the consumables and the inventory information of the consumables, The dealer can appropriately perform an approach related to sales of consumables prior to ordering by the customer.

  Next, according to the consumables management method of the present invention, the consumables using device and the consumables management device are connected via a communication network, and the consumables using device detects the remaining amount of consumables in use. Residual amount that the consumable using device transmits to the consumable management device as the remaining amount notification information including the amount detection step, information indicating the remaining amount of the consumable detected and information regarding the consumable and the consumable using device The inventory process in which the notifying process and the consumable management device search the inventory information of the consumables based on the remaining amount notification information with reference to the inventory database in which the consumables inventory information is stored and hold the search results And a step. (Claim 6).

  According to such a consumables management method, the consumables management device that manages the consumables consumed by the consumables using device is notified to the consumables management device managed by the business operator, and the consumables management device follows the notifications to store consumables inventory information Search for. As a result, the business operator side can start sales negotiations for consumables with the customer early, and prepare for shipping the product prior to receiving the order from the customer. And by making preparations for shipping products in advance, the same-day delivery becomes possible when an order is made from a customer.

  In the above consumable management method, the information stored in the consumable-use storage unit attached to the consumable being used is read by the consumable-use device and the information related to the consumable stored in advance is read. An information updating step for updating the information may be provided.

  In this way, information is stored in the consumables in advance, and when this consumable is mounted on the consumables using device, the information stored in the consumables using device is rewritten with the information held in the consumables. It is done. Therefore, each time the consumable product is replaced, the consumable device can hold newer information, and can accurately transmit the remaining amount notification information.

  Further, the consumable item management method may further include a consumable item information erasing step for erasing information stored in the consumable side storage unit attached to the consumable item after the information updating step described above. ). In this way, information leakage and misuse can be prevented when consumables are recycled.

  In the consumable item management method, the consumable item management device refers to the customer information database in which customer information related to the user of the consumable item using device is stored after the remaining amount notification step described above, based on the remaining amount notification information. A customer information specifying step for specifying the corresponding customer information may be provided (claim 9). If it does in this way, the sales history, address, etc. of the customer side using a consumables management device can be specified.

  Furthermore, in the above consumables management method, the above consumables management device and a dealer terminal at a dealer selling the consumables are connected via a communication network, and dealer information regarding the dealer is stored. The store selection process in which the consumables management device selects store information corresponding to the customer information specified in the customer information specifying process from the stored store information database, the remaining amount notification information from the consumables using device, and the customer Customer related information notifying process in which the consumables management device transmits the customer information specified in the information specifying process and the inventory information searched in the inventory searching process to the dealer terminal indicated by the dealer information selected in the dealer selecting process. (Claim 10).

  In this way, it is possible to select the most appropriate sales outlet that implements the consumables sales approach, and notify the dealer of information on customers who are likely to be required to deliver consumables and inventory information of the consumables. The dealer can appropriately take an approach related to sales of consumables prior to ordering by the customer.

  Next, the consumables management program according to the present invention accepts, as remaining amount notification information, information on consumables using devices, consumables used by the consumables using devices, and information indicating the remaining amount of the consumables. This is the result of the search, and the inventory search process for searching the inventory information of consumables related to the remaining amount notification information by referring to the inventory database storing the inventory information related to the consumables. A customer-related information transmission process for transmitting inventory information and remaining amount notification information to a dealer terminal installed in a specific dealer is executed by the computer (claim 11).

  According to such a consumables management program, the degree of consumption of consumables consumed by the consumables using device is detected, the inventory information of the consumables is searched according to the detected information, and the search result is sent to the store. Be notified. As a result, the dealer on the business side can start the sales negotiation early while confirming the inventory status of the consumables with the customer, and can prepare for the shipment of the product prior to receiving the order from the customer. And by making preparations for shipping products in advance, the same-day delivery becomes possible when an order is made from a customer.

  The consumables management program includes a customer information specifying process for referring to a customer information database in which customer information related to a user of the consumables using device is stored and identifying the corresponding customer information based on the remaining amount notification information. And causing the computer to execute a store selection process for selecting store information corresponding to the customer information specified in the customer information specifying process from the store information database storing the store information related to the store that sells the consumables. At the same time, the customer-related information transmission process described above may be specified such that the identified customer information is transmitted to the dealer terminal selected in the dealer selection process together with the inventory information and the remaining amount notification information ( Claim 12).

  In this way, it is possible to select the most appropriate store for executing the consumables sales approach from the sales history or address of the customer using the consumables management device, and the customer information and consumables are stored on the terminal of the store. The degree of wear and the inventory information of consumables can be notified. Accordingly, the store can appropriately perform an approach related to sales of consumables prior to the customer order based on the information notified to the terminal.

  Since the present invention is configured and functions as described above, the operator handling the consumables used in the equipment can monitor the consumption state of the consumables used on the customer side. Depending on the situation, it is possible to check the inventory of consumables, prepare an estimate, and prepare for shipping the goods, and approach the customer to sell consumables at an early stage. In addition, the same-day delivery is possible with respect to orders for consumables from customers.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the consumables management system of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the consumables using device 10 used on the customer side and the terminals 31 and 41 installed on the sales business side of the consumables consumed by the consumable using device 10 are used. , 51, 61, 71. The sales company side has a reception desk 30 that performs a counter service for receiving orders from customers, sales shops 40, 50, 60 that directly negotiate sales with customers, and a warehouse that stores and manages consumables to be sold. A distribution center 70 is provided.

  In addition, the consumable-use device 10 and the terminal 31 installed at the reception window are connected via the Internet 90, and the terminal 31 and the terminals 40, 50, 60 installed in the stores 40, 50, 60 respectively. A terminal 70 installed in the warehouse / distribution center is connected via an in-house network 80.

  Persons 32, 42, 52, and 62 are in charge of the reception counter 30 and the sales outlets 40, 50, and 60 to communicate with customers and business operators. The person in charge 72 performs inventory management and delivery management. In addition, communication between persons in charge performed in the business is performed by e-mail or the like via the in-house network 80 connecting the respective terminals 31, 41, 51, 61, 71.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the consumable-use device 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the consumable using device 10 is mounted with a consumable 11 including a consumable storing device 12 for storing information, and is used by the consumable using device 10 and the consumable using device 10. Information update unit 13 that reads information stored in the storage unit 12 that stores information related to the consumables 11 that are in use and the consumables storage unit 12 that is installed in the consumables 11 that are in use. Means 14, remaining amount detecting means 15 for detecting the remaining amount of the consumable 11 consumed in the consumable using device 10, information indicating the detected remaining amount of the consumable, and the detected consumable 11 and the consumed Remaining amount notifying means 16 for transmitting information on the consumable item 10 to the terminal 30 as remaining amount notification information, and consumable side information erasing means 17 for erasing information stored in the consumable side storage means 12 of the consumable item 11 And the user It is constituted by a data input unit 18 for inputting information from the outside by the operation.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the terminal 31 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 31 of the reception desk 30 includes a communication unit 3A that connects to the Internet 90 and transmits / receives information, an in-house network communication unit 3B that connects to the internal network 80 and transmits / receives information, and a consumable. A customer information database 33 that stores the identification information of the used device 10 and customer information related to the user in association with each other, a store information database 34 that stores store information about the stores 40, 50, and 60, and consumables. Customer information specifying means 35 for specifying the corresponding customer information from the customer information database 33 based on the identification information of the consumables using device included in the remaining amount notification information from the using device 10, and dealer information corresponding to this customer information From the store information database 34 to the store selection means 36 and the terminal at the store selected by the store selection means 36 Customer-related information notifying means 37 for transmitting the remaining amount notification information from the consumable using device 10 and the customer information specified by the customer information specifying unit 35, the remaining amount notifying information from the consumable using device 10 and the store selection The store information notifying means 38 for transmitting the store information selected by the means 36 to the terminal 71 of the warehouse / distribution center 70 is provided.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the terminal 71 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal 71 of the warehouse / distribution center 70 is connected to an in-house network 80 to transmit / receive information, an in-house network communication unit 7A, an inventory database 76 for storing inventory information of various consumables, A stock retrieval unit 77 that retrieves stock information of the corresponding consumables based on the remaining amount notification information from the terminal 31 with reference to the stock database 76, and a terminal in the store indicated by the store information from the terminal 31 Inventory information notifying means 78 as customer related information notifying means for transmitting the searched inventory information.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the warehouse / distribution center 70 has a consumables information document for writing store information, customer information, etc. in consumables-side storage means 75 built in the consumables 74 newly ordered. Insertion device 73 is installed.

  In the consumable-use device 10, the consumable-side storage means 12 mounted on the consumable 11 is information such as dealer information, coded customer information, shipping date, number of deliveries, etc. when delivered from the business side. Remember. In addition, when the consumable part 11 is completely consumed and the consumable part 11 is removed from the consumable part using device 10, the consumable part side information erasing part 17 automatically erases the stored information. It has come to be. This is to prevent an influence from being exerted even when it is intentionally abused when it is recycled by a remanufacturer.

  The information update unit 14 has a function of reading the information in the consumables storage unit 12 and transferring the information as a part of information to the information storage unit 13 in the consumables using device 10. The information storage unit 13 receives information from the information updating unit 14 and stores it in addition to the device information (for example, device model number, device manufacturing number, consumable consumption state) already stored in the consumable using device. .

  The remaining amount detection unit 15 detects the consumption state of the consumables 11 and sends information indicating the consumption state to the remaining amount notification unit 16. The remaining amount notification means 16 has a function of receiving the consumption status information and sending it to the terminal 31 of the reception counter 30 as remaining amount notification information together with information obtained from the information storage unit 13. Here, the remaining amount notifying unit 15 may be configured to detect the remaining state of the consumables 11 at regular intervals and send the information, or set some thresholds in advance and use the consumables. When the remaining amount of the product 11 decreases beyond the threshold, the information may be sent to notify the consumable status in stages.

  The data input unit 18 can input information by a user's operation, thereby writing information in the information storage unit 13 and rewriting this stored content.

  In the reception window 30, the terminal 31 receives the remaining amount notification information indicating the consumption status of the consumables 11 used in the consumables using device 10 on the customer side via the Internet.

  In the terminal 31, the customer information specifying means 35 has a function of searching the customer information database 33 from the customer information code included in the remaining amount notification information and specifying the customer information. The store selection means 36 searches the store information database 34 on the basis of the specified customer information, and the store that seems to be most suitable from the past sales history information or the customer location (in this embodiment, the A store). 40.) is selected. The customer-related information notifying unit 37 includes remaining amount notification information indicating that the consumables 11 are almost insufficient in the store selected by the store selecting unit 36, and the past sales time and sales quantity of a specific customer. It has a function of notifying customer information to be shown. The store notification means 38 notifies the terminal 71 of the warehouse / distribution center 70 of the consumable product model number (hereinafter referred to as “model number”), searches the inventory, searches for the quantity that can be delivered with the shortest delivery time, and further searches the search. It has a function of instructing the terminal 41 of the A store 40 to answer the result.

  The person in charge 42 who operates the terminal 41 at the A store 40 and confirms the notification contacts the customer-side person in charge 20 with reference to the answer to the inventory status from the warehouse / distribution center 70 and secures it on the customer side. We listen to the availability of stock and requests for ordering, and accept the creation and ordering of customer request quotations.

  Upon receiving the order, the terminal 41 of the A store 40 stores information such as the model number of the consumables to be arranged, the quantity to be arranged, the delivery address, the name of the person in charge of the delivery destination, the contact address, and the delivery date by the operation of the person in charge 42. -It has the function to transmit to the terminal 71 of the delivery center 70, and to instruct delivery. In addition, when the person in charge 42 confirms the customer information obtained in the negotiation with the customer side and the past customer information needs to be corrected, the terminal 41 operates the reception person 30 by operating the person in charge 42. The terminal 31 is accessed and the customer information database 33 is corrected.

  The terminal 71 of the warehouse / delivery center 70 that has received the delivery instruction has a function of transferring the information received from the terminal 41 to the consumable information writing device 73. 41 has a function of writing the information transferred from the terminal 71 to the consumable side storage means 75 built in the consumable 74 arranged based on the information from the terminal 41.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the terminal 31 of the reception counter 30 receives the remaining amount notification information from the consumables using device 10, identifies the corresponding customer information based on this information, and according to this customer information It functions to select the store 40 and transmit the remaining amount notification information and the identified customer information to the terminal 41 of the store 40. Then, the terminal 71 of the warehouse / distribution center 70 functions to search the inventory information of the corresponding consumables based on the remaining amount notification information and transmit the searched inventory information to the terminal 41 of the store 40. .

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the terminal 31 and the terminal 71 function as a consumable management device according to the present invention.

  Here, there is no reason why each database group must exist in each terminal, it exists in another managed location or department, and each terminal can access the required database via the network. Yes, as long as the information in the database is provided.

  Next, the overall operation of this embodiment will be described in detail. Here, the consumables management method according to the present invention will be described simultaneously.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the consumables management system of this embodiment.

  First, in the consumable-use device 10, when the remaining amount detecting means 15 detects the consumption of the consumable (FIG. 5: step s1, remaining amount detecting step), the remaining amount notifying means 16 detects the detection result and the information in the information storage unit 13. The information is transmitted as remaining amount notification information to the terminal 31 in the reception desk 30 on the business side (FIG. 5: step s2, remaining amount notification step).

  In the terminal 31, the customer information specifying means 35 searches the customer information database from the customer code included in the information received by the communication unit 3A and specifies the customer (FIG. 5: step s3, customer information specifying step). Then, the store information database 36 is searched according to the specified customer information, and an optimal store is selected from among a plurality of stores in the business (FIG. 5: step s4, store selection process). The remaining amount indicating that the customer-related information notifying means 37 is depleting the consumables in the customer's consumables using device 10 to the terminal 41 of the selected optimal store (here, A store 40). The notification information, customer name, consumable product model number, and past sales date are transmitted (FIG. 5: step s5, customer related information notification step).

  Here, the contents of the above-described customer information identification process, dealer selection process, and customer-related information notification process are programmed and the terminal 31 is controlled as a customer information identification process, dealer selection process, and customer-related information notification process. You may comprise so that it may be performed.

  On the other hand, the store information notifying means 38 stores the information such as the model number of the consumables contained in the information received by the communication unit 3A together with the A store information which is the inventory database search instruction and the search result notification destination information. -It transmits to the terminal 71 of the delivery center 70 (FIG. 5: step s6).

  When the terminal 71 of the warehouse / distribution center 70 receives and inputs the information such as the model number of the consumables and the store A information, the inventory searching means searches the inventory information database for the consumable stock of the corresponding model. The inventory number and the shortest possible delivery date are searched (FIG. 5: step s7, inventory search process), and the inventory information notification means 78 returns the search result to the designated store (FIG. 5: step s8, customer-related). Information notification process).

  Here, the operation of receiving and inputting information such as the model number of the consumables in the terminal 71 described above may be configured such that the content is programmed and executed by a computer that controls the terminal 71 as a remaining amount information input process. Good. Similarly, the contents of the inventory search process and the customer related information notification process may be programmed and executed by a computer that controls the terminal 71 as an inventory search process and a customer related information notification process.

  The person in charge of the A store 42 confirms the inventory search result from the warehouse / distribution center 70 on the terminal 41 (FIG. 5: step s9), and contacts the customer-side person in charge 20 by telephone or e-mail, It is informed that the consumable item of the consumable item using device 10 is almost exhausted, and inquires whether the consumable item is necessary (FIG. 5: step s10). If the customer does not own spare consumables, the person in charge of the sales store negotiates on sales and delivery date based on the inventory information already received from the warehouse / distribution center 70.

  If the customer-side person in charge 20 does not have an intention to purchase, the response is terminated. However, if there is an intention to purchase and an order is requested (FIG. 5: step s11), the person in charge at the A store is in charge. Upon receiving the order request, the person sends necessary information to the warehouse / distribution center 70 to instruct delivery (FIG. 5: step s12).

  The warehouse / distribution center 70 that has received the customer order instructed by the dealer A 40 needs to use the consumable information writing device in the consumables storage means built in the consumables in stock. (FIG. 5: step s13). The consumable 74 is delivered to the customer side (FIG. 5: step s14).

  When the consumable 11 attached to the consumable using device 10 is removed, the information recorded in the consumable storage unit 12 of the consumable 11 is erased (FIG. 5: step s15, consumable information erasing step). ). When the consumable item 74 is attached to the consumable item using device 10, the information recorded in the consumable item side storage means 75 is read and stored in the information storage unit 13 (FIG. 5: step s16, information updating step). ).

  If there is a difference between the customer information and the information that the customer information has been grasped in the past, the A store manager 42 accesses the customer information database using the terminal 41 and corrects the information (FIG. 5: step s17).

  Next, the consumable side storage means and the information storage unit 13 of the consumable using device 10 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating information stored in the consumables storage unit 12 and information stored in the information storage unit 13 of the consumable using device 10 according to the present embodiment. According to FIG. 6, the storage addresses A1 to A6 of the consumable item storage means 12 provided in the consumable item 11 in the present embodiment (not a specific address but a logical arbitrary address) are as follows. The store code, the email address of the company selling the consumables, the consumable part model number, the consumable sales date, and the message are recorded.

  The information storage unit 13 stores the model number of the consumable-use device 10 and the use of consumables in the storage addresses B1 to B9 (not a specific address as in the storage unit 1, but a logical arbitrary address). The manufacturing number of the device 10, the state of the consumable using device 10, the store code, the mail address, the customer code, the consumable product model number, the consumable sales date, the message, etc. can be recorded.

  The model number of the consumable-use device 10 is a model number representing the consumable-use device 10 having the same specifications determined when manufactured at the factory. The serial number of the consumable-use device 10 is a unique number indicating a specific device, and is recorded when the device is produced in the factory. Each is a character string expressed by alphanumeric characters or the like.

  The state of the consumable using device 10 is the time when the consumable consumption state detected by the remaining amount detecting means 15 in the consumable using device 10 (for example, about half the consumable state, almost no remaining amount, etc.) is detected. Is recorded.

  The store code is a character string expressed by alphanumeric characters set so that each store can be identified. The e-mail address is the e-mail address of the business operator. Normally, an e-mail address specific to the reception desk that handles consumables is set, but it can be changed if there is an organizational change.

  The customer code is a character string expressed by alphanumeric characters or the like that can be set by an operator at the time of shipment from the factory or at the time of installation of the apparatus and set so that the customer can be specified. The consumable item model number is a model number representing a consumable item used in the consumable-use device 10, and is a character string expressed in alphanumeric characters or the like. The consumables sales date represents the date when the consumables are delivered from the delivery warehouse to the customer, and is used for determining the initial failure of the consumables, determining whether the warranty expiration date has been exceeded, and the like. The message is registered in advance when there is a customer-specific item or the like that is particularly desired to be notified when the message is notified to the provider side, so that it can be notified every time notification is made.

  Here, in the information storage unit 13, information other than the information stored in B1 and B2 indicating information unique to the device and the recording information of the consumable consumption state of the consumable using device 10 recorded by the remaining amount detecting means In addition to recording the consumables by transfer from the consumables storage means, a specific operator other than the customer (for example, the operator who installs the consumables using equipment 10 related to the business operator who wants to handle the consumables or a trouble) Recording by writing through the data input unit 18 by a maintenance worker or the like) is also possible. This function is to enable correction at a later date when the e-mail address notified to the business operator is changed or when an incorrect registration is performed at the initial setting of the customer code.

  The consumable side storage means automatically stores the stored information by the consumable side information erasing means 17 of the consumable using device 10 when the consumable is completely consumed and removed. It is configured to be erased. This is to prevent an influence from being produced even when recycled by a reproduction company.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the consumable item storage means is built in the consumable item, and various information can be stored in the consumable item storage unit, and the information is consumable item that uses the consumable item. Since it is configured to notify only a specific business operator that handles consumables from the consumable product use device 10, it can be transferred to the use device 10. It can operate advantageously.

  Further, a store familiar with the customer's consumables using device 10 is preferentially selected from information registered in the customer information database 33 and the store information database 34 held in the terminal 31 of the reception desk 30 that receives the notification. , It is possible to select the most appropriate store corresponding to the consumables using device 10 owned by the customer.

  In addition, since the optimum store registered in the store information database 34 of the terminal 31 of the reception desk 30 that receives the notification can be corrected at the same time as the organization change on the operator side, the organization change on the operator side Even when (consolidation of dealers, change of dealer name, etc.) occurs, it is configured to update its database, so it is easy to change the traditional dealer that was in charge of customers to another dealer Can take over.

  Furthermore, even if the store changes, the contact information of the reception desk 30 does not need to be changed as long as the business operator exists, so the notification destination set in the consumable product using device 10 does not have to be changed. Also good. Even if a situation that must be changed occurs, information stored in the information storage unit 13 of the customer's consumables using device 10 can be visited by the operator and changed from the data input unit 18. Therefore, the correction can be easily performed.

  Even if the consumable item is changed to a new model number, the new model number is transferred to the information storage unit 13 in the consumable-use device 10 through the consumable-side storage unit, so that it is used once. If there is, the consumable of the new model will be immediately identified. Further, the information in the information storage unit 13 can be changed by the operator through the data input unit 18 as necessary.

  In addition, even if another competitor sells an equivalent consumable and is temporarily used by a customer, the first operator detects another competitor when it detects that the consumable has progressed. Began sales activities ahead of other companies. The reason is that if the consumable item in use is a consumable item that does not contain the consumable item storage means, the notification is sent to the operator's e-mail address previously set in the information storage unit 13. Because it is.

  In the present embodiment, the consumable using device 10 may be a printing device that uses consumables such as toner and paper. In addition, the consumables storage means equipped in the consumables includes a bar code and an IC tag. For example, the IC tag is inserted into a print sheet and the color of only the sheet is changed. A configuration is conceivable in which the paper is set as the last paper, and the colored paper is fed forward so as not to be printed, and the information recorded in the IC tag is read and stored in the information storage unit 13.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the consumables management system of one Embodiment in this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the consumable goods utilization apparatus disclosed by embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal installed in the reception desk in embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal installed in the warehouse and delivery center in embodiment shown in FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of the whole consumables management system disclosed by embodiment shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the information memorize | stored in the information storage part of the consumable goods side memory | storage means disclosed in embodiment shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Consumables use apparatus 11 Consumables 12 Consumables side memory | storage means 13 Information storage part 14 Information update means 15 Remaining quantity detection means 16 Remaining quantity notification means 17 Consumables side information erasure means 18 Data input part 20 Customer side person in charge 30 Reception Window 31, 41, 51, 61, 71 Terminal 32 Person in charge of reception 33 Customer information database 34 Dealer information database 35 Customer information specifying means 36 Dealer selection means 37 Customer related information notifying means 38 Dealer information notifying means 3A Communication section 3B Internal network communication section 40 A store 50 B store 60 C store 42, 52, 62 Sales staff 70 Warehouse / distribution center 72 Person 73 Consumable information writing device 74 Consumable 75 Consumable storage means 76 Inventory information database 77 Inventory search means 78 Inventory information notification means 7A Internal network Communication Department 80 Internal network (LAN)
90 Internet network

Claims (12)

The consumable device and the consumable management device are connected via a communication network.
The consumable-use device stores an information storage unit that stores information related to the consumable-use device and the consumable-use device used in the consumable-use device, and the remaining amount of consumables consumed in the consumable-use device. A remaining amount detecting unit for detecting, and a remaining amount notifying unit configured to transmit information indicating the remaining amount of the consumable item and information on the consumable item and the consumable using device to the consumable item management apparatus as remaining amount notification information. ,
The consumables management device stores stock information of the consumables based on the stock information database storing the consumables stock information and the remaining amount notification information from the consumables using device with reference to the stock database. A consumables management system comprising inventory searching means for searching. In the consumable item management system according to claim 1,
Equipped with consumables storage means for storing information on the consumables in advance in the consumables,
The consumable-use device comprises information update means for reading information stored in the consumable-side storage means equipped in the consumable being used and updating information in the information storage unit to the read information. Consumables management system characterized by In the consumable item management system according to claim 2,
A consumable item management system, wherein the consumable item using device comprises consumable item side information erasing means for erasing information stored in the consumable item side storage means of the consumable item. In the consumable item management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Customer information database in which the consumables management device stores customer information related to users of the consumables using devices, and customer information that refers to the customer information database and identifies corresponding customer information based on the remaining amount notification information A consumables management system comprising a specific means. In the consumable item management system according to claim 4,
The consumables management device is connected via a communication network to a dealer terminal in a store that sells the consumables,
A store where the consumable management device selects store information corresponding to the customer information specified by the customer information specifying means from the store information database, and stores store information related to the store. Selecting means, remaining amount notification information from the consumable using device to the dealer terminal indicated by the dealer information selected by the dealer selecting means, customer information specified by the customer information specifying means, and the inventory searching means A consumables management system comprising a customer related information notifying means for transmitting the inventory information retrieved in (1). The consumable device and the consumable management device are connected via a communication network.
A remaining amount detection step in which the consumable using device detects the remaining amount of consumables in use;
A remaining amount notifying step in which the consumable using device transmits information indicating the detected remaining amount of the consumable and the information regarding the consumable and the consumable using device to the consumable managing device as remaining amount notification information; ,
The consumables management device refers to a stock database storing stock information of the consumables, searches the stock information of the corresponding consumables based on the remaining amount notification information, and stores the search result A consumable management method characterized by comprising a process. In the consumable item management method according to claim 6,
Information for reading information related to the consumables stored in the consumable side storage means attached to the consumables in use by the consumable using device and updating the information related to the consumables stored in advance to the read information. A consumable management method comprising an update process. In the consumables management method according to claim 7,
A consumable item management method comprising a consumable item side information erasing step for erasing information stored in a consumable item side storage unit attached to the consumable item after the information updating step. In the consumables management method according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
After the remaining amount notification step, the consumables management device identifies corresponding customer information based on the remaining amount notification information with reference to a customer information database in which customer information regarding users of the consumables using devices is stored in advance. A consumable management method characterized by providing a customer information specifying step. In the consumables management method according to claim 9,
The consumables management device is connected via a communication network to a dealer terminal at a store that sells the consumables,
After the customer information specifying step, the consumables management device selects store information corresponding to the customer information specified in the customer information specifying step from a store information database in which store information related to the store is stored in advance. The consumables management device selects the store selection process, the remaining amount notification information from the consumables using device, the customer information specified in the customer information specifying process, and the inventory information searched in the inventory searching process. A consumables management method comprising: a customer related information notification step for transmitting to a dealer terminal indicated by the dealer information.   A remaining amount information input process for receiving and inputting information on a consumable device and information on the consumable used by the consumable device and information indicating the remaining amount of the consumable as remaining amount notification information, and the consumable Inventory search processing for searching inventory information of consumables indicated by the input remaining amount notification information with reference to an inventory database in which the inventory information related to the storage is stored, and the inventory information and the remaining amount notification information which are the search results A program for consumables management, which causes a computer to execute a customer-related information transmission process for transmitting a message to a store terminal installed in a specific store. In the consumables management program according to claim 11,
A customer information specifying process for specifying customer information based on the remaining amount notification information with reference to a customer information database in which customer information related to a user of the consumable product is stored, and sales related to a store that sells the consumable product A store selection process for selecting store information corresponding to the identified customer information with reference to a store information database storing store information;
The content of the customer related information transmission process is transmitted so as to transmit the specified customer information together with the inventory information and the remaining amount notification information to the dealer terminal indicated by the dealer information selected in the dealer selection process. A consumables management program characterized by identification.

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