JP2013196669A - Information processing system and partner selection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically and respectively select the optimal alliance undertaker in each process among a plurality of alliance undertakers in each process of design, printing, delivery, or the like until delivering a printed matter.SOLUTION: The information processing system of this invention has: storage means for associating a plurality of print partners being an order destination of printing business of printed matters with information for measuring a production capacity of printed matters of the print partners for storage; print partner selection means for selecting one print partner who can print printed matters within a predetermined delivery period on the basis of the information for measuring the production capacity of print partners; and order means for ordering printing business of printed matters to the selected print partner through a network. The print partner selection means, after ordering, reselects one alternate print partner who can print the printed matters within the predetermined delivery period among the plurality of print partners on the basis of the information for measuring the production capacity of the print partners.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system and a partner selection method.

  In recent years, with the spread of digital technologies such as PCs and the Internet, the mainstream of printed materials such as sales promotion printed materials, pamphlets, and various forms has shifted from the conventional paper media-based ones to digital ones. For example, printed materials on paper media are being replaced by electronic data, such as promotional printed materials by e-mail, pamphlets by PDF (registered trademark), and bills and specifications by document files.

  In general, compared with an electronic document, a printed material on a paper medium needs to be requested to be printed by a printing company, and the printing cost for that is required. In addition, a certain period (delivery date) is required before delivery for printing and its delivery because printing is required. However, on the other hand, the goodness only of printed materials on paper media is also fully recognized. Paper media prints are accepted by men and women of all ages, and sometimes the ease of reading inherent to paper media prints, the sense of security given to people, and the eye-catching beautiful print feel and design, It goes without saying that the benefits are not inferior to electronic documents.

  Against this backdrop, printers have made various proposals using digital technology to encourage the use of printed materials on paper media, one of which is one-stop printing through websites and web browsers. There is cloud printing (also known as web print) that can be ordered at. From the viewpoint of the ordering side (user), it is possible to easily place an order at any time. Specifically, as long as print data is uploaded (uploaded) through a website, the printed matter is delivered to a designated delivery destination, which simplifies ordering work. In addition, from the viewpoint of the printing order (printer), it is possible to realize a system for efficiently providing sales activities and efficiently providing printed materials.

  Specifically, the user accesses a website (see FIG. 1) operated by a printing company and inputs information such as the type, quantity, and delivery address of the printed material and places an order for the printed material. As an option, it is also possible to place detailed orders such as special printing and delivery. For example, “Create 20000 copies of newspaper leaflets, and send 18000 copies to Sendai and 2000 copies to Tokyo 4 days later.” “Create 500 copies with 100 pages bound”. "Laminate on the surface.", "Double-sided printing, 90 pages in black and white, 10 pages in color."

  In addition, how to submit a printed document differs depending on the type of printed matter. For example, if you have a standard printout such as a business card, host card, or envelope, you can select a form from several designs and templates provided on the site, and then edit the form as you like. Submit the manuscript (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For a free-form printed matter such as a company guide or instruction manual, a completed document (print data) created by the user is uploaded. In some cases, when a user uses a design service, a designer on the printer side creates a completed manuscript (print data) including the design if the requested items are entered.

  As described above, when the input of various information is completed, the cloud printing system calculates the estimated amount and the delivery date according to the input order contents, and displays the estimated amount and the delivery date on the site (for example, Patent Document 2). 3). On the other hand, when accepting an order through the site, a printing company or the like immediately arranges for delivery of printed matter such as design (if necessary), printing, delivery, and the like.

  However, the conventional cloud printing service and web print service have been dissatisfied in terms of the quality of the printed matter to be delivered and the delivery date. Conventionally, when a site operator (cloud printing operator) owns a designer, a printing factory, a warehouse, etc., the quality and delivery time is relatively constant, but it is a busy period that exceeds the capacity of the company. Is actually using subcontractors. In addition, when the site operator does not own a designer, a printing factory, a warehouse, etc., there is a fact that a partner company (partner) is used for any or all of the processes. For this reason, problems have been pointed out in the past, such that the quality of the printed matter cannot be maintained (the quality is uneven) as a result, or the delivery date varies from time to time or the delivery date is postponed.

  If the site operator uses multiple partners (partners) for any or all of the processes as in the latter case, special printing / delivery that exceeds the range that can be handled by one company It is highly possible that even small orders can be handled, so user convenience is high in terms of being able to handle a wide range of user orders, but even in this case, the conventional ones can handle user orders only From the standpoint of whether or not, one partner among a plurality of partners is determined in order, and the quality of the printed matter to be delivered is not considered at all. In other words, from the viewpoint of quality, one partner is not determined from among a plurality of partners.

  In addition, the delivery date was simply the sum of the delivery times for each partner in each process such as design, printing, delivery, etc., and no consideration was given to shortening the overall delivery date of the printed matter to be delivered. It is not a thing. Some user orders not only require quality (at the expense of some quality), but also urgently request delivery of printed materials. It was not determined that one of the partners.

  In the present invention, in view of the above points, in each process such as design, printing, delivery, etc. until the printed material is delivered, from among a plurality of partner companies (partners), the optimum partner company in each process is selected. An object is to provide an information processing system for automatic selection and a partner selection method.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system according to the present invention receives an order from a user to create a printed material via a network, and also orders each process work until the printed material is delivered to a plurality of partners. An information processing system for performing a plurality of print partners who are orders for printing work of the printed matter, and storage means for storing information relating to the printed partner's printed matter production capacity in association with each other; A print partner selection means for selecting one print partner capable of printing the printed matter within a predetermined delivery date based on the information measuring the production capacity of the print partner, and the print partner. Ordering means for placing an order for the printing work of the printed matter to the print partner, The partner selecting means selects an alternative print partner that can print the printed matter within the predetermined delivery date based on information for measuring the production capacity of the print partner from the plurality of print partners after the ordering. Re-select.

  In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the partner selection method receives information from the user through the network for ordering creation of printed materials and orders for each process operation until delivery of the printed materials to a plurality of partners. A method of selecting a partner in a processing system, wherein a plurality of print partners who are orders for printing work of the printed matter and information for measuring the printed product's production ability are read in association with each other from storage means And a print partner selection procedure for selecting one print partner capable of printing the printed matter within a predetermined delivery date based on information for measuring the production capacity of the print partner from the plurality of print partners, and the network. Through the selected print partner. An alternative print partner capable of printing the printed matter within the predetermined delivery date based on the ordering procedure to be ordered and, after the ordering, based on information for measuring the production capacity of the print partner from the plurality of print partners. A print partner reselection procedure for reselection.

  In addition, what applied the arbitrary combination of the component of this invention, expression, or a component to a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, a recording medium, etc. is also effective as an aspect of this invention.

  According to the present invention, in each process such as design, printing, and delivery until a printed matter is delivered, information processing for automatically selecting an optimal partner in each process from a plurality of partners (partners). Systems and partner selection methods can be provided.

An example of a website is shown. 1 shows a schematic network configuration diagram of a cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a hardware block diagram which shows the main structures of one Embodiment of the partner selection server 1. FIG. An example of a functional block diagram of partner selection server 1 concerning this embodiment is shown. It is an example which shows design partner registration information. It is an example which shows a design field table. It is an example which shows the leap month schedule information of a design partner. It is an example which shows design partner request performance information. It is a flowchart figure explaining the design partner selection process which concerns on this embodiment. It is an example which shows print partner registration information. It is an example which shows a printing field table. It is an example which shows the stock amount which can be used for a print partner. It is an example which shows the use holding | maintenance printing machine of a certain print partner. It is an example which shows the leap month operation schedule information of the possessed printing press which can be used by a print partner. It is a flowchart figure explaining the print partner selection process which concerns on this embodiment. It is an example which shows distribution partner registration information. It is an example which shows a delivery field table. It is an example which shows the monthly distribution vehicle schedule information of a distribution partner. It is a flowchart figure explaining the distribution partner selection process which concerns on this embodiment. An example of a website order confirmation screen (normal delivery date) is shown. An example of a website order confirmation screen (short delivery time) is shown. It is a figure explaining print partner re-selection. The network schematic block diagram (the 2) of the cloud printing system 100 which concerns on this embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart explaining the necessity determination process of print partner reselection according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating print partner reselection processing according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating print partner reselection processing (Modification 1) according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating print partner reselection processing (Modification 2) according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration]
(Network configuration)
FIG. 2 is a schematic network configuration diagram of the cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment. The cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a partner selection server 1 and a Web server 2. Further, as shown in the figure, a user (user PC), a design partner A, a print partner B, and a logistics partner C are connected to the cloud printing system 100 via a network.

  When the partner selection server 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the selection server 1) receives an order for a printed matter from the user via the Web server 2, a plurality of processes are performed in each process such as design, printing, and delivery until the printed matter is delivered. This is a server that selects the most suitable partner from each partner (design partner A, print partner B, logistics partner C), especially from the viewpoint of print quality and quick delivery. For example, it is arranged in a data center or the like with the Web server 2.

  When the selection server 1 first receives an order for a printed matter, the selection server 1 selects an optimum design partner A that meets the user order from a plurality of partnering design partners A. Next, one optimal print partner B that meets the user order is selected from a plurality of partner print partners B. Next, one optimal logistics partner C that meets the user order is selected from a plurality of logistics partners C that are affiliated. Then, in each process such as design, printing, delivery, etc., after selecting an optimal partner in each process, an ordering operation is requested / ordered for each selected partner.

  More specifically, the selected design partner A is requested to order a design corresponding to the order of the printed matter and to create a completed manuscript (print data). Further, the selected print partner B is requested to print a completed document (print data) created by the design partner A. The selected distribution partner C requests delivery of printed matter printed by the print partner B. Then, the distribution partner C delivers the printed matter to a delivery destination (delivery destination) designated by the user.

  The Web server 2 is a server that is provided on the Internet and provides a website (see FIG. 1) that is an order window for printed materials. The user accesses the website of the Web server 2 and can easily place an order (ordering) at any time. The order contents ordered via the website are passed to the selection server 1.

  The design partner A is a design contractor in charge of design in each process such as design, printing, and delivery until the printed matter is delivered. As shown in the figure, there are a plurality of design partners A. When a design order is received from the selection server 1, the design partner A creates a design corresponding to the contents of the order and a completed manuscript (print data). The completed manuscript is transmitted (delivered) to the selection server 1.

  The print partner B is a printing company in charge of printing in each process such as design, printing, and delivery until the printed material is delivered. As shown in the figure, there are a plurality of print partners B over a wide area such as various places in the country (or around the world), and there are also a plurality of print partners B in each area. When a print order is received from the selection server 1, the completed document is printed according to the order contents. The printed matter printed is delivered to the distribution partner C designated by the selection server 1. To be precise, since the distribution partner C is a delivery company, the printed material is collected by the distribution partner C at a designated date and time.

  The logistics partner C is a delivery company in charge of delivery of a transportation company, a delivery company, a motorcycle service, a mail, etc. in each process such as design, printing, delivery and the like until the printed material is delivered. As shown in the figure, there are a plurality of distribution partners C over a wide area such as all over the country (or all over the world), and a plurality of distribution partners C exist in each region. When a delivery order is received from the selection server 1, the printed matter is collected from the designated print partner B at the designated date and time, and the printed matter is delivered to the designated delivery destination (delivery destination).

  The selection server 1 of the cloud printing system 100, the design partner A, the print partner B, and the distribution partner C are connected via the network, and as long as the request from the selection server 1 is received, each partner has a PC terminal (non- Needless to say, it is provided.

  In addition, in the cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment, a form can be selected from the designs and templates provided on the website of the web server 2 as long as it is a standard printed matter as described above. In addition, you can edit any form online and submit it. In addition, if it is a free-form printed matter, a completed manuscript (print data) created by the user can be uploaded and submitted. In any case, since the design by the design partner A is not necessary, the selection server 1 may omit the selection of the design partner A and select the print partner B. However, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user uses the design service and the designer partner A creates a completed document (print data) to be printed.

(hardware)
Here, the hardware configuration of the selection server 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a main configuration of one embodiment of the partner selection server 1. The selection server 1 includes, as main components, a CPU 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an auxiliary storage device 14, a storage medium reader 15, an input device 16, a display device 17, and a communication device. 18.

  The CPU 11 is composed of a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, and is a circuit that controls the entire apparatus. The ROM 12 is a memory that stores a predetermined control program (software component) executed by the CPU 11. The RAM 13 executes various control operations by the CPU 11 executing a predetermined control program (software component) stored in the ROM 12. This is a memory used as a work area (work area) when performing.

  The auxiliary storage device 14 is a device that stores various information including a general-purpose OS (Operating System) and various programs, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that is a nonvolatile storage device is used.

  The input device 16 is a device for a user to perform various input operations. The input device 16 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel switch provided so as to be superimposed on the display screen of the display device 17, and the like. The display device 17 is a device that displays various data on a display screen. For example, it is composed of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and the like.

  The communication device 18 is a device that communicates with other devices via a network. Supports communication according to various network forms including wired and wireless networks.

(function)
Next, the main functional configuration of the selection server 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the partner selection server 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the selection server 1 includes an input unit 110, a design partner selection unit 120, a print partner selection unit 130, a distribution partner selection unit 140, an ordering unit 150, and a storage unit 160.

  The input unit 110 is a functional unit that inputs user order details from the Web server 2. As described above, the user accesses the website of the Web server 2 and places an order (order) for the printed matter. However, the order contents ordered through the website are transferred to the input unit 110 of the selection server 1. It is.

  When the design partner selection unit 120 receives a design order for a printed matter from a user, the design partner selection unit 120 selects one design partner A that meets the user order from a plurality of design partners A registered in the design partner DB 161. A specific selection method will be described later.

  When receiving a print order for a printed matter from the user, the print partner selection unit 130 will be described later from among the plurality of print partners B registered in the print partner DB 162.

  When the distribution partner selection unit 140 receives a print order for a printed matter from a user, the distribution partner selection unit 140 selects one optimal distribution partner C that meets the user order from a plurality of distribution partners C registered in the distribution partner DB 163. A specific selection method will be described later.

  The ordering unit 150 performs design, printing, and distribution (delivery) for the design partner A, the print partner B, and the distribution partner C selected by the design partner selection unit 120, the print partner selection unit 130, and the distribution partner selection unit 140, respectively. Make a request. At the time of the request, the design partner A and the print partner B are requested to include the user order contents and the distribution partner C including various information such as the delivery date and time.

  The storage unit 160 is a storage unit in which the design partner DB 161, the print partner DB 162, and the distribution partner DB 163 are registered. The design partner selection unit 120, the print partner selection unit 130, and the logistics partner selection unit 140 select one optimal partner based on the information of each DB. For details and specific examples of each DB, see FIG. It will be described later.

  As described above, these functions are actually realized by a computer by a program executed by the CPU 11 of the selection server 1. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is only one configuration example, and each functional unit can be mounted on an external device or another server. For example, the storage unit 160 in which each DB is registered can be constructed by another server.

[Information processing]
Information processing of the cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. That is, when the partner selection server 1 receives an order for printed matter from the user via the Web server 2, the partner selection server 1 (design partner A, print partner B) in each process such as design, printing, and delivery until the printed matter is delivered. , Logistics partner C) is selected to select one optimal partner in each process. The following description will be divided into (1) user order input step, (2) design partner selection step, (3) print partner selection step, (4) logistics partner selection step, and (5) partner request step.

(1) User Order Input Step First, in the input step, the input unit 110 inputs user order details from the Web server 2. As described above, the user accesses the website of the web server 2 (see FIG. 1) and places an order for the printed matter (ordering). The order contents ordered through the website are input to the selection server 1. To the unit 110.

Here, as an example, it is assumed that the following order contents are ordered by the user, for example.
· "Company Profile"
・ Delivery time: Normal delivery time ・ Use design service ・ Design requirements (design outline, text information, image of request, other requirements, etc.)
・ Printing: Double-sided printing, 10 pages, the cover is full color and laminated on the surface,
・ Number of copies: 1000
・ Delivery destination: 800 copies to Sendai branch and 200 copies to Tokyo headquarters. Needless to say, on the web page of Web server 2 (Fig. 1), the type of printed matter that the user wants to order, the type of delivery date, and the use of design services It is possible to input detailed orders such as presence / absence, design requirements, special printing / delivery, etc., and the order contents as described above can be received.

(2) Design partner selection step (Design partner DB 161)
First, a specific example of the design partner DB 161 will be described with reference to FIGS. The design partner DB 161 has a plurality of information, tables, and the like shown below. FIG. 5 is an example showing design partner registration information. FIG. 6 is an example showing a design field table. FIG. 7 is an example showing the design month schedule information of the design partner. FIG. 8 is an example showing design partner request performance information.

  In the design partner registration information of FIG. 5, information such as “location”, “business day”, “special field”, etc. is registered for each design partner in advance based on a report from the partner.

  “Location” indicates the location of the design partner. “Business day” indicates the business day (day of the week, time zone) of the design partner. In principle, this business day is the working hours of the design partner. The “special field” indicates a design field that the design partner is particularly good at. A list of design fields is shown in the design field table of FIG. 6, and among these, the number of the design field that the design partner is particularly good at is stored here. For example, the design field of design partner A3 is 1 (business card), 2 (company profile), 3 (various pamphlets). I understand that.

  In addition to the “special field”, an item of “corresponding field” can be set as a field where the design partner can respond temporarily, but in this embodiment, all design partners correspond to all design fields. It is supposed to be possible. In addition to “location”, items such as “telephone number” and “mail address” can be provided.

  In the design field table of FIG. 6, design field categories are registered in advance. It is used to specify the “specialty field” of the design partner described above. Of course, the example in the figure is merely an example, and there may be various design fields.

  7 is so-called schedule information of a registered design partner. For example, the figure is a schedule table for the design partner A4 in April 2011, which shows the availability of the schedule in the “business day” of the design partner A2. “○” indicates that the space is empty, and “×” indicates that the schedule is already filled. When requesting a design from a design partner, a design partner that has a space in the schedule and can respond to the request is selected. It is assumed that schedule information of all design partners is registered in the design partner DB 161, and the schedule information is updated daily by reports from the respective design partners. In the example shown in the figure, the schedule in units of days is shown. However, the schedule for each time zone can be shown in more detail in one day.

  The design partner request result information in FIG. 8 is a record of the request results that the selection server 1 has received a user order and requested a design in the past. “Request No” is an identification number uniquely issued for the design request item, and “Design Partner” is the design partner who requested the design request item. The “request date” is the date on which the design request item is requested, and the “delivery date” is the date on which the completed manuscript designed by the design partner is delivered to the design request item.

  “Delivery” is the name of the completed manuscript file (print data) designed and delivered by the design partner. Of course, the file entity data is separately stored in the storage area of the design partner DB 161. “User evaluation” is the degree of evaluation (for example, A, B, C, etc.) on the quality and quality of a completed manuscript designed and delivered by the design partner. This evaluation is given after each delivered original document based on feedback (word-of-mouth) from the user.

(Design partner selection process)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the design partner selection process according to the present embodiment. As described above, when the design partner selection unit 120 receives a print design order from a user, the design partner selection unit 120 selects a user order from among a plurality of design partners A registered in the design partner DB 161, particularly in terms of quality and quick delivery. The most suitable design partner A is selected. This will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

  S1: First, the design partner selection unit 120 acquires user order details from the input unit 110. Here, among the contents of the user order described above, “company guide”, normal delivery date, use of design service, and design request items (design outline, character information, request image diagram, request items, etc.) are acquired. And since the design service is used, the following design partner selection process will be implemented.

  As described above, in the cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment, as long as it is a fixed form printed matter as described above, the design or template provided on the website of the Web server 2 is selected. After selecting a form, you can edit the form and submit it online, and if it is a free-form print, you can upload a completed document (print data) created by the user. In such a case (when the design service is not used), the design by the design partner A is unnecessary, and therefore the selection server 1 may skip the selection of the design partner A and proceed to the selection process of the print partner B.

  S2: Here, the process branches depending on whether or not it is a short delivery date. That is, if the user order content is short delivery (urgent), the process proceeds to S3. If it is not a short delivery date (urgent), that is, if it is a normal delivery date, the process proceeds to S7. This is to select a design partner from the viewpoint of how short a delivery date can be delivered if it is a delivery date (emergency). On the other hand, in the case of the normal delivery date, the design partner is selected from the viewpoint of how high quality the completed manuscript can be delivered with respect to the user order contents.

  S3: When it is a short delivery time (emergency), the design partner selection part 120 extracts the design partner with the vacant space of the latest schedule. Specifically, by referring to the schedule information (FIG. 7), the latest schedule information of each design partner is confirmed, and design partners having a space “◯” in the schedule are extracted.

  Whether or not there is a vacancy in the schedule is, for example, whether there is a vacancy only on the day of the order, whether there is a vacancy on consecutive days including the day of the order, or if there is no vacancy on the day of the order. It may be necessary if there is a vacancy soon. Here, priorities are set such that there are vacancies including consecutive days including the order day, vacancies only on the day of the order, and vacancies in the near future even if there is no vacancy on the day of the order. In the case of the short delivery time required, it is determined with the highest priority that there is a vacancy “O” in the schedule if there is a vacancy including consecutive days including the order day. Further, here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that there is a vacancy on the design partner A3 and the design partner A4 including consecutive days including the order day (determined that there is a vacancy “◯” in the schedule).

  S4: The design partner selection unit 120 obtains the request results (“request date”, “delivery date”) of the design partner extracted so far. Specifically, referring to design partner request performance information (FIG. 8), here, “request date” and “delivery date” of design partner A3 and design partner A4 are acquired.

  S5: Next, the design partner selection unit 120 calculates an average delivery date for each design partner based on the acquired request results. Specifically, this average delivery date can be calculated from the difference days between “request date” and “delivery date” in the request results. For example, when calculated from FIG. 8 only, the average delivery date of the design partner A3 is 8 days, and the average delivery date of the design partner A4 is 7.5 days.

  S6: The design partner selection unit 120 selects one design partner with the smallest average delivery date based on the average delivery date calculated for each design partner. When user orders are short delivery (emergency), delivery is the top priority above all. By choosing a design partner that can deliver products in a short delivery period without considering the quality described later, Delivery of completed manuscripts can be realized.

  Although it can be said that the design process has only been shortened at this point, it is clear that it contributes to shortening the period required for all the processes of design, printing, and delivery. Here, it is assumed that among the design partner A3 and the design partner A4, the design partner A4 has a shorter average delivery date, and therefore the design partner A4 is selected as the design partner.

  Furthermore, selecting a design partner with only an average delivery date does not necessarily mean that design quality has been abandoned. This is because all design partners are design partners who can provide designs with a certain level of quality as long as they are registered as design partners.

  In addition, in the calculation of the average delivery date, holidays such as Saturdays and Sundays are not considered for convenience of explanation. Therefore, strictly speaking, it is desirable to calculate the average delivery date based on the actual “business day” conversion of the design partner (see FIG. 5). This follows the calendar at that time. For example, in the above description, the average delivery date of the design partner A3 is 8 days and the average delivery date of the design partner A4 is 7.5 days. Among these, the “request date” of the design partner A3, If the “delivery date” includes weekends or legal holidays, the average delivery time of the design partner A3 is calculated to be, for example, 5 days, and as a result, the design partner A3 has the smallest average delivery date of one design partner. It should be noted that there may be cases.

  S7: On the other hand, when the delivery date is normal, the design partner selection unit 120 identifies the order design field from the user order content. Specifically, since the design of “company information” has been ordered here, the number of “company information” is 2 when referring to the design field table (FIG. 6). Therefore, the order design field is No2.

  S8: The design partner selection unit 120 extracts design partners that specialize in the order design field. Specifically, referring to design partner registration information (FIG. 5), a design partner in which 2 is registered in the “special field” is extracted. Here, the design partners who specialize in “company guidance” are the design partner A3 and the design partner A4. Design deliveries are delivered as electronic data, so the physical location of the design partner is not considered (the location does not affect the delivery date).

  S9: Next, the design partner selection unit 120 acquires the request results (“delivery items”) of the design partner extracted so far. This is to select a design partner that can respond with high quality to the user order contents based on the past delivery. Specifically, referring to design partner request result information (FIG. 8), here, entity data of “delivery items” of design partner A3 and design partner A4 is acquired. In the “delivery item”, the file name (print data) of the completed manuscript designed and delivered by the design partner is registered, and the file entity data may be acquired based on the file name. For example, if acquired from FIG. 8 only, the entity data of the delivery of the design partner A3 is “D201101007.jpeg”, and the entity data of the delivery of the design partner A4 is “D201101004.jpeg” and “D201101006.jpeg”.

  S10: Next, the design partner selection unit 120 performs score assignment based on image comparison analysis processing (image comparison analysis means). The purpose of this image comparison analysis process is to analyze the actual data of deliverables delivered by design partners in the past, and to select design partners that can respond to user order contents with high quality. Specifically, for example, first, a request image diagram among the design request items from the user is compared with an image in the substance data of the deliverables delivered by each design partner in the past. Then, an image with many color pixels similar to the requested image diagram is extracted from the substance data of the delivery (similar color extraction). Alternatively, an image having many color shape pixels similar to the requested image diagram is extracted from the substance data of the delivery (similar color shape extraction).

More specifically, similar color extraction is performed when the order in which the color of each pixel in the substance data of the delivered product is similar to the order in which the color in the unit of pixel of the requested image is similar. Similarity determination is made based on whether or not the order in which the colors in pixel units are similar is similar.
Similar example)
Number of pixels in the order image color order: Yellow 254 pixels, Red 128 pixels, Green 45 pixels, Blue 16 pixels Delivered substance data pixels Order: Yellow 1675 pixels, Red 564 pixels, Yellow green 278 pixel number, blue 68 pixel number For similar color shape extraction, the requested image diagram and the similar color shape of the substance data of the delivered product are overlapped, and it is determined that the number of overlapping pixels is similar when it is an approximate value.

  In this way, design images delivered / created in the past by the design partner (substance data of delivered items) are stored, and from those, similar images are extracted from the requested image diagram, color, and shape. Thereby, it is possible to select a design partner who has made a delivery (design) similar in color and shape to the requested image diagram. Here, each design partner is scored in accordance with the degree of similarity between the requested image diagram and the image of the substance data of the delivered item and the number of similar images. In other words, high scores are given to design partners who have delivered and created many images similar to the requested image in the past.

  S11: Next, the design partner selection unit 120 assigns a score based on the definition analysis process (definition analysis means). The purpose of this sharpness analysis process is to select design partners who will analyze the actual data of deliverables delivered by design partners in the past and make a beautiful and clear design. In general, design is different from art design, and in the field of professional design, the appeal to those who see the design is regarded as important. In other words, office design and commercial design can be said to have a stronger appeal than beautiful art design. Specifically, for example, to design partners who have delivered and created many images with high sums in the past, for example, calculating brightness and contrast from images in the substance data of deliverables delivered by design partners in the past. Is given a high score.

  S12: Next, the design partner selection unit 120 assigns a score based on the evaluation. The purpose is to select a design partner that will be able to respond with high quality in the future based on the evaluation of deliverables delivered by the design partner in the past. Specifically, referring to the design partner request performance information (FIG. 8) in FIG. 8, the degree of evaluation registered in the “user evaluation” is extracted for each design partner. Here, the design partner A3 has an evaluation “A”, and the design partner A4 has an evaluation “A” and “B”. Here too, high scores are assigned to design partners with good evaluation.

  S13: The design partner selection unit 120 finally selects the design partner with the highest score based on the above. Here, it is assumed that design partner A3 has a higher score among design partner A3 and design partner A4, and therefore design partner A3 is selected as one design partner.

  The user accesses the website of the Web server 2 (see FIG. 1) and places an order for the printed matter (ordering). In the case of a member user, the design partner who has ordered in the past based on the past order history or the like. Can also be specified. In this case, since the design partner selection unit 120 selects the same design partner again based on the order history, the request history, etc., the same design quality as the past can be maintained for this member user.

  By the way, when a user places an order (order) for a printed matter on a website (see FIG. 1), it is necessary to display a delivery date (and an estimated amount). There may be a method of accepting orders without specifying the delivery date (and estimated amount), but it is desirable to clearly display the delivery date (and estimated amount) as much as possible from the viewpoint of user convenience. Because. Therefore, the selection server 1 selects a partner in each process, calculates a delivery date for each process of design, printing, and delivery, and then calculates an overall delivery date that is the sum of each process.

  The design partner selection unit 120 determines the delivery date of the design process (the period until the designed printed document is completed) for each of the normal delivery date and the short delivery date as follows. First, when the user order is a normal delivery date, the design order delivery date and a predetermined period determined in advance with each design partner in accordance with the design work are set as the delivery date of the design process (for example, 10 days for company guidance).

  On the other hand, when the delivery time is short, the delivery time of the design process is varied flexibly. For example, in the above example, design partner A4 was selected as a design partner because it had a smaller average delivery date (7.5 days). In this case, the delivery date of the design process is, for example, the average delivery date of design partner A4 itself. And 7.5 days can be determined as the delivery date of the design process. Further, for example, the delivery date of the design process can be calculated as an average delivery time + 1 day (preliminary date) in consideration of the preliminary delivery date in the average delivery date of the design partner A4, and 8.5 days can be determined as the delivery date of the design process. However, as described above, it is desirable to determine the delivery date on an actual “business day” conversion basis. In other words, when a weekend or the like is sandwiched, a design completion date is determined in consideration of a schedule such as a weekend.

  In addition, each design partner receives a design, and in the case of a normal delivery date, there are exceptions that sometimes exceed the delivery date, but of course, the design partners always deliver strictly in accordance with a predetermined period. There are some design partners with fast designs that deliver in about 5 or 6 days, even if the normal delivery time is 10 days, for example. It is possible to determine from. And if the user order has a short delivery time, such a design partner has a production capacity that can be met by the delivery time of the previous average delivery date (and the preliminary date). Is a short delivery date, a past average delivery date equivalent period (and a preliminary date) is set as the delivery date of the design process (for example, 7.5 days). Needless to say, in the case of the normal delivery date, it is an agreed matter with each design partner that the system determines the delivery date in this way.

  In the above-described embodiment, the design partner is selected from the viewpoint of quality when the delivery date is normal (not the short delivery date), but the design partner is not selected from the point of short delivery time. This is because it is not necessary to search for a design partner that has a vacancy at the present time because it is not a short delivery time. In other words, if it is normal delivery time, design partners should be selected from the viewpoint of quality. The design partner does not have to have a vacancy in the schedule at this time. This is because even if there is no vacancy in the schedule at this time, it will naturally be delivered within the delivery date of the design process that has been negotiated with each design partner in advance.

  In the above embodiment, the process branches depending on whether or not the user order content is a short delivery date in S2, and if it is a short delivery date, the average delivery date is the smallest 1 based on the average delivery date calculated for each design partner. Design partner was selected. This is because when the user order content is short delivery (emergency), the delivery is given the highest priority over quality. However, even if the contents of the user order are short delivery time, it is possible to perform the processes of S7 to S13. In other words, if multiple design partners with the smallest average delivery date are extracted, the process of S7 to 13 is further performed, so that one design partner that can achieve a short delivery time and can also be expected in terms of quality is finally obtained. It is also possible to select.

(3) Print partner selection step (Print partner DB 162)
First, a specific example of the print partner DB 162 will be described with reference to FIGS. The print partner DB 162 has a plurality of information, tables, and the like shown below. FIG. 10 is an example showing print partner registration information. FIG. 11 is an example showing a print field table. FIG. 12 is an example showing the available inventory amount of the Sakai Print Partner. FIG. 13 is an example showing a usable printing press available from the Sakai Print Partner. FIG. 14 is an example showing the month-of-month operation schedule information of the available owned printing presses of the month print partner.

  The print partner registration information shown in FIG. 10 includes information such as “location”, “business day”, “available field”, “special field”, “user evaluation”, “staff technology”, etc. Information is registered.

  “Location” indicates the location of the print partner. “Business day” indicates the business day (day of the week, time zone) of the print partner. In principle, this business day is the working hours of the print partner.

  “Corresponding field” indicates a printing field that the print partner can respond to. This is because design can be applied in a wide range of fields if it has design skills, but prints can be handled in different fields depending on the printing press. The “special field” indicates a print field that the print partner is particularly good at. A list of print fields is shown in the print field table of FIG. 11. Of these, “available field” stores the number of print fields that the print partner can handle, and “special field” includes that field. Stores the number of the print field that the print partner is good at. For example, “available fields” of the print partner B4 are 11 (single color printing), 12 (4-color printing), 13 (5-color printing), 14 (A0), 15 (A1), and “special field”. Of these, 14 (A0) and 15 (A1), it can be seen that the main field and the field of expertise are mainly printing related to large posters and large advertisements (street advertisements). Note that “available fields” and “special fields” are registered in advance by a report from a print partner. In addition, you can register which of the “Available Fields” to be the “Expert Fields” based on the print partner's subjectivity (self-reported), or based on the past handling results, objective grounds based on owned equipment, etc. You can also register.

  The “user evaluation” is an evaluation degree (for example, A, B, C, etc.) with respect to the quality and quality of the printed material so far for the print partner. This evaluation degree is given afterwards based on feedback (word-of-mouth), evaluation, etc. from a user. “Staff technical ability” is an evaluation degree (for example, A, B, C, etc.) with respect to a printing technical ability with respect to a staff (technical staff) belonging to the print partner. This evaluation level is also comprehensively evaluated after the cloud printing operator's own evaluation, the staff's work experience, the staff / skill evaluation table declared by the partner side, etc.

  In the print field table of FIG. 11, categories of print fields are registered in advance. This is used to specify the “compatible field” and “special field” of the print partner. Of course, the example shown in the figure is merely an example, and there may be various print fields.

  In the available stock quantity of the print partner in FIG. 12, the available stock quantity that a certain print partner currently holds is registered. In addition to the printing press, printing raw materials (for example, printing paper, toner, ink, etc.) are required for printing, and if there is no inventory, printing work cannot be performed in the first place. Therefore, this information is used to determine which print partner should be selected based on the availability of inventory when selecting a print partner in case of urgent needs such as short delivery times (cannot be requested for partners without inventory) ). It should be noted that the available stock amount that is available at the present time is registered for each print partner, and is updated in real time by each print partner.

  In the 保有 print partner usable printing press of FIG. 13, a list of printing presses held by a certain print partner at the present time, its “reliability (availability)”, and “print quality” are registered. The print partner naturally owns the printing press, but this information first identifies the number of printing presses, and if the number of available printing presses is large, it can be seen that the production capacity is high. “Reliability (availability)” indicates an evaluation degree (for example, A, B, C, etc.) as to whether or not the printing press can operate normally without failure. Since this evaluation degree is calculated based on the past downtime, the number of failures, etc., it can be understood that a printing machine with a high reliability is an apparatus with a low downtime so far. In the future, it can be expected to be a device with little downtime.

  “Print quality” indicates an evaluation degree (for example, A, B, C, etc.) as to whether or not the printing machine can print with high quality without ink transfer stains or the like during printing. Since this evaluation degree is calculated based on past printing results, it can be understood that a printing machine (for example, the printing machine A) having a high printing quality degree is an apparatus that has at least little ink transfer stains and the like so far. In the future, it can be expected to be a device with less ink transfer stains and the like.

  The evaluation degree of “print quality” can be determined as follows, for example. In general, when a printing document (print data) is input to a printing machine, a raster image (bmp) is generated, and the raster image is developed on a drum using toner. The transferred image developed on the drum is transferred to the belt and then transferred (fixed) to the conveyed paper, whereby the printing on the paper is completed, and the printed matter (printing paper) is discharged from the discharge port of the printing press. ) Is discharged.

  Based on this, first, here, the transfer image data which is digital data is acquired by scanning the transfer image immediately after being transferred to the belt. Then, the transferred image data is compared with the print document (print data) input to the printing machine. The comparison is performed by comparing the portions where the images do not overlap. If there is a difference of a predetermined pixel or more, it can be determined that the transferred image data is contaminated, that is, the drum or belt is contaminated. Because, in principle, the printed document (print data) and the transferred image data after transfer to the belt should match completely, the printed document (print data) and the transferred image data after transfer to the belt If there is a difference pixel, the difference pixel is generated when transferred to the belt, that is, the stain is generated when transferring to the drum or belt.

  In addition, after transfer (fixing) to the paper, the printed material (printing paper) is discharged from the discharge port of the printing press, but the printed data, which is digital data, is obtained by scanning the printing paper immediately before (or immediately after) discharging. To do. Then, the printed material data is compared with the transfer image data acquired previously. The comparison is made by comparing the parts where the images do not overlap. If there is a difference of more than a predetermined pixel, it is determined that the conveyed paper itself is soiled, that is, the paper soiled on the printing press is present. it can. This is because, in principle, the images before and after transfer (fixing) to the paper should be exactly the same, but the transferred image data before transfer (fixing) to the paper and after transfer (fixing) to the paper If there is a difference pixel in the print data, the difference pixel has occurred other than when the transferred image is transferred (fixed) to the conveyed paper, that is, the original paper itself is dirty. It is because it has been.

  The printing machine owned by the print partner is equipped with the functions described above (print stain calculation function), and if the drum, belt or original paper is dirty, it will be delivered to the user. The printed material is also delivered with dirt, which contributes to a decrease in the quality of the printed material. Therefore, the printing press performs a stain inspection every time printing is performed or at a predetermined frequency, and calculates and accumulates a stain detection rate. If the dirt detection rate data is collected on the selection server 1 side of the cloud printing system 100 on a regular basis, the final evaluation degree of “print quality” (for example, A, B, C, etc.) is based on the data. ) To reflect. That is, if the evaluation degree of “print quality” is high (for example, A), it can be said that the printed material to be delivered is not stained (or very unlikely), and as a result, a high-quality printed material can be delivered.

  If the printing partner (technical engineer) has a high stain detection rate, the print partner knows that there is a cause in the drum, belt, or original paper itself. By checking the drum and belt and the quality of the original paper itself, the contamination detection rate can be improved.

  14 is the scheduled operation schedule information for one certain printer (for example, P001) among the printing machines owned by the print partner. For example, the figure is a schedule table for April 2011 of one printing machine (P001) held by a printing partner, and the printing machine (P001) of the printing machine (P001) is displayed on the “business day” of the printing partner. It shows the availability of the scheduled operation schedule. “○” indicates that there is no space, “×” indicates that the schedule has already been filled. Possible print partners are selected. The print partner DB 162 stores the operation schedule information of all the printing presses owned by all the print partners, and the operation schedule schedule information of all the presses is updated daily by reports from the respective print partners. It shall be. In the example shown in the figure, the schedule in units of days is shown. However, the schedule for each time zone can be shown in more detail in one day.

(Print partner selection process)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining print partner selection processing according to the present embodiment. As described above, when the print partner selection unit 130 receives a print order for a printed matter from a user, the print partner selection unit 130 selects a user order from among a plurality of print partners B registered in the print partner DB 162, particularly from the viewpoint of quality and short delivery time. The most suitable print partner B is selected. This will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

  S <b> 21: First, the print partner selection unit 130 acquires user order details from the input unit 110. Here, among the contents of the user order described above, “company profile”, normal delivery date, printing: double-sided printing, 10 pages, the cover is full color, the surface is laminated, and the number of copies: 1000 is acquired. In addition, although it is related to logistics, information on delivery destinations is also obtained (800 copies are sent to the Sendai branch and 200 copies are sent to the Tokyo head office).

  S22: Here, the process branches depending on whether or not it is a short delivery date. That is, when the user order content is short delivery (urgent), the process proceeds to S23. If it is not a short delivery date (urgent), that is, if it is a normal delivery date, the process proceeds to S29. This is to select a print partner from the viewpoint of how short a delivery date can be delivered when it is a delivery date (emergency). On the other hand, when the delivery date is normal, the printing partner is selected from the viewpoint of how high quality the printed matter can be delivered to the user order.

  S23: If it is a short delivery time (emergency), the print partner selection unit 130 confirms the delivery destination of the printed matter, and within the same area as the location of the delivery destination (eg, determined in the same prefecture, the same city, the same region, etc.) Extract print partners. This is because printing with a printing partner that is geographically close to the delivery destination contributes to quick delivery. The printed material is a thing and needs to be delivered to the delivery destination. Therefore, in order to shorten the delivery time, basically printing by a print partner located closer to the delivery destination (delivery place) can finally deliver the product in a shorter delivery time by the delivery destination. Needless to say, it is important to establish a large number of print partner networks throughout the country.

  Specifically, according to the contents of the user order here, the delivery destination of printed materials is to deliver 800 copies to the Sendai branch and 200 copies to the Tokyo head office. Therefore, the print partner B2, print partner B3, and print partner B4, which are print partners located in Sendai or Tokyo, are extracted (FIGS. 2 and 10).

  S24: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 specifies the order print field from the contents of the user order. Specifically, here, “company profile” print, or printing: double-sided printing, 10 pages, the cover is full-colored and the laminate is ordered on the surface. Refer to the print field table (FIG. 11). , Printing (four-color printing), bookbinding (upbound), and laminate (matte), the order print fields are No12, 18, and 22.

  S25: The print partner selection unit 130 extracts print partners that can handle the order print field. This is because, in the case of short delivery time, a print partner having at least a production capability corresponding to the user order is extracted (note that, as will be described later, in the case of normal delivery time, a print partner having the order print field as the “special field” is extracted). Specifically, with reference to the print partner registration information (FIG. 10), print partners in which 12, 18, and 22 are registered in “Available fields” are extracted. Here, the print partners that can deal with these print fields are the print partner B3 and the print partner B4.

  S26: Next, the print partner selection unit 130, as information for measuring the current production capacity of the print partner, the current stock amount of the print partner extracted so far (FIG. 12), the owned printing press (FIG. 13). In addition, an operation schedule (FIG. 14) for each owned printing press is acquired. Note that the scheduled operation schedule for each owned printing press (FIG. 14) is matched with the delivery date of the design process, and the scheduled operation schedule for each owned printing press as of the design completion date is acquired. In other words, for example, if the delivery date of the design process is 10 days as described above, an operation schedule may be acquired, for example, 11 days after the user order (the day after the delivery date of the design process). If the delivery date of the design process is 7.5 days, for example, an operation schedule may be acquired 8 days after the user order (the day after the delivery date of the design process).

  S27: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 confirms the stock quantity of the print partner, and extracts the print partner according to the contents of the user order. That is, a print partner that holds a printed material necessary for printing the printed material ordered from the user as an inventory is extracted. Here, as described above, the contents of the user order are “Company Profile”, printing: double-sided printing, 10 pages, full cover color, laminated on the surface, number of copies: 1000. This is because, for example, high-quality paper 5000, laminated raw materials, etc. must be present in stock at the present time. Here, it is assumed that the stock amounts of the print partner B3 and the print partner B4 are sufficient.

  S28: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 confirms the scheduled operation schedule of the print partner, and selects one print partner that can be delivered with the shortest delivery time. If the number of owned printing presses is large and there is a vacancy in the scheduled operating schedule of the owned printing presses, the production capacity of the print partner is high, and such a print partner is a partner who can respond to user orders in a short time. is there.

  Specifically, it can be converted from the contents of the user's order and the standard printing time (delivery date) for the order can be calculated. Here, the “Company Profile” is printed on both sides, the number of pages is 10 pages, and the cover is full color on the surface. It is assumed that the standard printing work period (delivery time) for performing the laminating process and the number of copies: 1000 is 30 hours when printing is performed with one printing machine (capability is constant). From today, we calculate the uptime after considering the actual “business days”, business hours, weekends, and other factors of each print partner. A partner that can be reached quickly, that is, one partner that can deliver the printed matter of the user order with the shortest delivery time is selected as the print partner.

  For example, referring to FIG. 10, the actual “business day” of the print partner B3 is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (9-17). Assume that there are 5 owned printing machines. The actual “business day” of the print partner B4 is Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday (10-20). Assume that there are three owned printing machines. It is assumed that the user order reception time (today) is Monday (early morning), and that the general operation schedule of this week for the printing presses owned by all print partners is empty.

  Here, it is considered that each printing partner operates all the printing machines owned by the printing partner and performs printing using the full “business day” time. Since the standard printing work period (delivery date) per unit printer is 30 hours, the print partner B3 achieves the work amount for 30 hours at PM3 on Monday. That is, the printed matter can be printed and delivered at PM3 on Monday. Also, the print partner B4 achieves the work amount for 30 hours at 20:00 PM on Monday. In other words, the printed matter can be delivered and delivered at 20:00 PM on Monday. Therefore, in this case, the partner that can reach the standard printing work period (delivery date) determined for the user order contents earliest, that is, the print partner B3 that can deliver the printed matter of the user order contents with the shortest delivery time is set as one print partner. Can be selected.

  Although it can be said that only the shortening of the printing process period has been realized at this point, it is clear that it contributes to the shortening of the period required for all the processes of design, printing, and delivery. Furthermore, selecting a print partner with only a short delivery time does not necessarily mean that the print quality has been abandoned. This is because all the print partners are print partners that can print printed matter with a certain quality or higher as long as they are registered as print partners.

  S29: On the other hand, if it is the normal delivery date, the print partner selection unit 130 specifies the order print field from the contents of the user order. Specifically, here, “company profile” print, or printing: double-sided printing, 10 pages, the cover is full-colored and the laminate is ordered on the surface. Refer to the print field table (FIG. 11). , Printing (four-color printing), bookbinding (upbound), and laminate (matte), the order print fields are No12, 18, and 22.

  S30: The print partner selection unit 130 extracts print partners that specialize in the order print field. This is to extract a print partner that can respond with high quality to the printed matter by the user order. Specifically, referring to the print partner registration information (FIG. 10), the print partners in which 12, 18, and 22 are registered in the “special field” are extracted. Here, the print partners specializing in these print fields are the print partner B3, the print partner B4, and the print partner B7. In principle, print partners that have “special fields” in the order print field are extracted. However, if there are no print partners in the order print field that have “special fields”, the next measure is the order print field. Select the print partners that correspond to “Available fields”.

  S31: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 acquires “user evaluation”, “staff technology”, “reliability”, and “print quality” of the design partner extracted so far. Up to now, print partners B3, print partners B4, and B7 have been extracted as print partners who specialize in the user print field. Therefore, the “user evaluation”, “staff technology”, “reliability” (for each owned printing press), and “print quality” (for each owned printing press) of each of these print partners registered in the print partner DB 162 are acquired. .

  S32: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 performs score assignment based on the evaluation degree of “user evaluation”. As described above, the “user evaluation” is an evaluation degree (for example, A, B, C, etc.) regarding the quality and quality of the printed material so far for the print partner based on feedback (word-of-mouth), evaluation, etc. from the user. Therefore, a high score is assigned to a print partner with a high evaluation.

  S33: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 assigns a score based on the evaluation degree of “staff technical ability”. As described above, the “staff technical ability” is an evaluation degree (for example, A, B, C, etc.) with respect to the printing technical ability with respect to the staff (engineer) belonging to the print partner. A high score is given.

  S34: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 performs score assignment based on the evaluation degree of “reliability”. As described above, since the evaluation degree (for example, A, B, C, etc.) indicates whether or not the printing machine can operate normally without failure, a high score is assigned to a print partner having a high evaluation degree. Since the degree of evaluation of “reliability” is attached to each printing press, the average value of the “reliability” evaluation degree of each printing press is calculated, and this average value is held by the print partner. A score is given to the evaluation degree after the evaluation degree of “reliability” of the printing press.

  S35: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 assigns a score based on the evaluation degree of “print quality”. As described above, since the evaluation degree (for example, A, B, C, etc.) indicates whether or not the printing machine can print with high quality without ink transfer stains or the like at the time of printing, a high score is given to a print partner with a high evaluation degree. Attached. Since the "print quality" rating is assigned to each printing press, the average value of the "printing quality" rating for each printing press is calculated, and this average is held by the print partner. A score is attached to the evaluation degree after the evaluation degree of “print quality” of the printing press.

  S36: The print partner selection unit 130 finally selects the print partner with the highest score based on the above. Here, it is assumed that print partner B4 has a higher score among print partner B3, print partner B4, and print partner B7, and therefore print partner B4 is selected as the print partner.

  Note that the user accesses the website of the Web server 2 (see FIG. 1) and places an order (order) for printed matter. In the case of a member user, a print partner who has ordered in the past based on past order history or the like. Can also be specified. In this case, since the print partner selection unit 130 selects the same print partner again based on the order history, the request history, etc., the same print quality as the past can be maintained for this member user.

  In addition, the print partner selection unit 130 determines the delivery date of the printing process (the period until the printed matter is printed) for each of the normal delivery date and the short delivery date as follows. First, when the user order is a normal delivery date, the print order and a predetermined period agreed in advance with each print partner in accordance with the printing work are set as the delivery date of the printing process (for example, “company guide”, printing: double-sided Printing, 10 pages, cover is full color and laminated on the surface, 5 days for 1000 copies).

  On the other hand, when the delivery time is short, the delivery time of the printing process is changed flexibly. For example, in the above-mentioned example, the earliest print partner B3 was selected as a print partner because it was able to deliver the printed matter at PM3 on Monday, but in this case, the delivery date of the printing process is one day of the printing process. Can be determined as delivery date. For example, if a preliminary date is considered, it is calculated as 1 day + 1 (preliminary date), and 2 days can be determined as the delivery date of the printing process. However, as described above, it is desirable to determine the delivery date on an actual “business day” conversion basis. In other words, when a weekend or the like is sandwiched, a design completion date is determined in consideration of a schedule such as a weekend.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print partner is selected from the point of quality when the normal delivery date (not the short delivery date), but the print partner is not selected from the point of short delivery date. This is because it is not necessarily a short delivery time, and therefore it is not always necessary to confirm the print partner that has a vacant point in time or the amount of stock held. In other words, if the delivery date is normal, a print partner is selected in terms of quality. The print partner does not have to have a vacancy in the schedule or inventory at this time. This is because the products are naturally delivered within the delivery date of the printing process decided in advance with each print partner.

(4) Logistics partner selection step (Logistics partner DB 163)
First, specific examples of the distribution partner DB 163 will be described with reference to FIGS. The distribution partner DB 163 has a plurality of information, tables, and the like shown below. FIG. 16 is an example showing logistics partner registration information. FIG. 17 is an example showing a delivery field table. FIG. 18 is an example showing the monthly delivery vehicle schedule information of the logistics partner.

  The logistics partner registration information in FIG. 16 includes information such as “location”, “available delivery field”, “delivery damage rate”, “delivery error delivery rate”, “delivery delay rate”, etc. Information is registered. Since all logistics partners here are open 24 hours, there is no special item for “business days”.

  “Location” indicates the location of the logistics partner. The location here refers to the location of a delivery vehicle base that can be dispatched from that location. For example, in the case of a large-scale logistics partner across the whole country, each major city has a delivery vehicle base.

  “Available delivery field” indicates a distribution field that can be handled by the distribution partner. A list of distribution fields is shown in the distribution field table of FIG. 17, and among these, the “corresponding distribution field” stores the number of distribution fields that the distribution partner can handle. For example, “available delivery fields” of logistics partner C4 are 3 (medium-sized cars / regular flights), 4, (medium-sized cars / dedicated flights), 5 (small cars / regular flights), and 6 (small cars / dedicated flights). Therefore, it can be seen that the delivery service is carried out with the medium-sized car and the small-sized car as the owned vehicles.

  The “delivery breakage rate” is calculated from the past delivery results of the logistics partner, and is the rate at which the delivery is damaged. Reasons for damage to the delivery can be various, for example, due to an accident, roughness of operation, roughness of the way of loading (careful handling of the delivery), etc. It is calculated based on the number of cases. The smaller the value is, the less the damage or damage is on the delivery, and the larger the value is, the greater the damage or damage is on the delivery.

  The “delivery error delivery rate” is calculated from the past delivery results of the physical distribution partner, and is a rate at which a delivery item is mistakenly delivered to a different delivery destination. Reasons for misdelivery of deliverables may be various, for example, misrecognition of delivery destination, wrong address, slipping of slips, etc., but these are calculated based on the number of confirmed delivery mistakes at the delivery destination. The The smaller the value, the smaller the misdelivery of delivery, and the larger the value, the greater the misdelivery of delivery. In addition, in the case of erroneous delivery, it is necessary to deliver to the correct delivery destination again, which is a major cause of delivery delay.

  The “delivery delay rate” is calculated from the past delivery results of the physical distribution partner, and is a rate at which delivery of delivery items is delayed with respect to delivery date and time. Reasons for delayed delivery can be various, for example, misjudgment of delivery route (select an inefficient route such as a route with many signals), traffic conditions (such as traffic jams and traffic closures), poor preparation for delivery, Including these, it is calculated based on the number of confirmed delivery delays at the delivery destination. The smaller the value, the smaller the delivery delay, and the larger the value, the greater the delivery delay.

  In the delivery field table of FIG. 17, categories of delivery fields are registered in advance. It is used to specify the “available delivery field” of the above-mentioned logistics partner. Of course, the illustrated example is merely an example, and there may be various other delivery fields. Note that a regular flight refers to a route delivery flight that delivers at a predetermined date and time, and a dedicated flight refers to a dedicated flight that performs direct delivery to a delivery destination immediately in response to a delivery order from a user.

  The distribution partner schedule information of the logistics partner in FIG. 18 is the scheduled delivery schedule information of the vehicles owned by the logistics partner. For example, the figure is a schedule table of April 2011 for all vehicles owned by a certain logistics partner, and shows the availability of the delivery schedule for each vehicle owned. The number next to the vehicle indicates the number of empty vehicles. When the number of empty vehicles is 0, it indicates that there is no empty vehicle and the delivery schedule of all vehicles is filled. When requesting logistics from a logistics partner, a logistics partner is selected that has a vacancy (vacant space) in the schedule of owned vehicles and can respond to the request. In addition, the distribution schedule information of vehicles owned by all distribution partners is registered in the distribution partner DB 163, and the distribution schedule information of all owned vehicles is updated daily by reports from the respective distribution partners. Shall. In addition, even if the logistics partner can arrange a vehicle from, for example, a partner, even if it is not a vehicle owned by the company, it can be declared including the corresponding vehicle. In other words, it is only necessary that there be a vehicle that can be delivered by the logistics partner at that time. In the example shown in the figure, the schedule in units of days is shown. However, the schedule for each time zone can be shown in more detail in one day.

(Logistics partner selection process)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a distribution partner selection process according to the present embodiment. As described above, when the distribution partner selection unit 140 receives a print order for a printed matter from a user, the distribution partner selection unit 140 selects a user order from among a plurality of distribution partners C registered in the distribution partner DB 163, particularly from the viewpoint of quality and quick delivery. The most appropriate logistics partner C is selected. This will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

  S41: First, the distribution partner selection unit 140 acquires user order details from the input unit 110. Here, among the contents of the above-mentioned user orders, “company profile” (specify the contents of the delivery), delivery date: normal delivery date, printing: double-sided printing, 10 pages, cover is full color and laminated on the surface Processing, number of copies: 1000 (specify the amount of delivery), destination: 800 copies at Sendai branch and 200 copies at Tokyo head office.

  S42: Next, the distribution partner selection unit 140 acquires a print partner (location) from which the printed material is collected. Since this print partner is a print partner selected in the partner selection step, this print partner prints printed matter. In order to deliver the printed material to the delivery destination, it is first necessary to collect (collect) the printed material. Here, it is assumed that the collection destination of the printed material is the print partner B (Tokyo,...).

  S43: Next, the distribution partner selection unit 140 specifies a delivery amount and a corresponding delivery field corresponding to the delivery amount from the contents of the user order. "Corporate Profile", Printing: Double-sided printing, 10 pages, cover is full color, and the printed surface is 800 copies (destination: Sendai branch) and 200 copies (Tokyo head office). Estimate delivery volume. For example, the delivery amount to the Tokyo head office and the Sendai branch office is estimated to be 8 packaged prints and 2 packaged prints, respectively. In addition, since this delivery amount can be delivered by a small car, the applicable delivery field is specified as a small car (No. 5, 6). As long as the delivery volume can be delivered by a small car, it can of course be delivered physically by a medium-sized car or a large car, but the smaller the vehicle, the faster the delivery, so select the smallest vehicle that can be delivered as much as possible. Is. It is also cheaper.

  S44: The logistics partner selection unit 140 extracts a logistics partner whose delivery field can be handled from the same area as the print partner (location). Specifically, referring to the distribution partner registration information (FIG. 16), first, the collection destination of the printed matter is the print partner B (Tokyo), so the same area (for example, the same prefecture, the same city, the same region) Logistics partners who are determined by internal use) are extracted. Here, the logistics partner C3, the logistics partner C4, and the logistics partner C5 located in the same Tokyo as the print partner B are extracted. Among these, since the applicable delivery field is small cars, the distribution partners C3 and C4 having Nos. 5 and 6 are extracted. If there is no logistics partner having a small vehicle, delivery is possible even with the above-mentioned model vehicle, that is, a medium-sized vehicle or a large vehicle. Therefore, a logistics partner having a medium-sized vehicle or a large vehicle may be extracted instead.

  S45: Here, the process branches depending on whether or not it is a short delivery date. That is, if the user order content is short delivery (urgent), the process proceeds to S46. If it is not a short delivery date (urgent), that is, if it is a normal delivery date, the process proceeds to S53.

  S46: In the case of short delivery (emergency), the logistics partner selection unit 140 has the vehicle type specified in the distribution field that can be handled by the extracted partner as information for measuring the current delivery capability of the logistics partner. Get the latest schedule for the vehicle. Specifically, the distribution schedule for the small cars (dedicated flights) of the distribution partner C3 and distribution partner C4 (FIG. 18) is acquired, and an empty distribution partner is extracted. This is because the distribution partner cannot deliver the printed matter in the first place if the delivery vehicle is not available. If the delivery time is short, a small car (dedicated flight) with quick delivery is used. If the delivery time is not short, a small car (regular flight) is used. In addition, the delivery schedule schedule (FIG. 18) is matched with the delivery date of the printing process, and the delivery schedule schedule of the small car (dedicated flight) at the time when the printed matter is completed is acquired.

  S47: Here, if any one of the extracted distribution partners is determined, the distribution partner may be selected (to S52). This is because if there is only one logistics partner having an empty delivery vehicle, it is desirable from the viewpoint of short delivery time to select the logistics partner without considering the processing described later.

  S48: The distribution partner selection unit 140 calculates the distance between the distribution partner base, the collection destination, and the delivery destination as information for measuring the current distribution capability of the distribution partner. The logistics partner must first leave the logistics partner base, collect the printed material from the print partner that performed the printing, and then move it to the delivery destination. Therefore, the distance between the logistics partner base and the collection destination, and the collection destination and delivery. This is because a logistics partner whose total distance is the shortest distance can deliver to the delivery destination earliest. Since the distance between the collection destination and the delivery destination is the same for any distribution partner, eventually the distribution partner with the shortest distance between the distribution partner base and the collection destination delivers the earliest delivery to the delivery destination. It can be said that it can be done.

  S49: Here, when there is a distance difference of a predetermined distance or more between each distribution partner base and the collection destination of each distribution partner extracted so far, the distribution partner in the shortest distance is selected (S52). What). In other words, if the distance between a certain logistics partner site and the collection destination is more than a predetermined distance (for example, 5 km) compared to the distance between another logistics partner site and the collection destination, the shortest distance from the collection destination. By selecting a logistics partner located at a distance, a logistics partner located very close to the collection destination is selected compared to other logistics partners. On the other hand, if there is no distance difference of a predetermined distance or more between the distances, that is, if there is not much distance difference, the process proceeds to the next.

  S50: The distribution partner selection unit 140 acquires “distribution delivery error rate” and “delivery delay rate” of the distribution partner extracted so far as information for measuring the distribution capability of the distribution partner at the present time (FIG. 16). . As described above, the “delivery error sending rate” is calculated from the past delivery results of the physical distribution partner, and is a rate at which a delivery item is mistakenly delivered to different delivery destinations. Is calculated from the past delivery results of the logistics partner, and is the ratio at which delivery of the delivery is delayed with respect to the delivery date and time. This is because the smaller these values are, the less misdelivery and delay of delivery are, and such a logistics partner contributes to short delivery.

  S51: The distribution partner selection unit 140 selects one print partner having the smallest “delivery error sending rate” and “delivery delay rate” among the distribution partners extracted so far. This is because the smaller the “delivery error sending rate” and “delivery delay rate” values, the less error sending and delay, and such a logistics partner contributes to short delivery.

  S53: On the other hand, if it is the normal delivery date, the distribution partner selection unit 140 acquires the “delivery breakage rate” of the distribution partner extracted so far (FIG. 16). As described above, the “delivery damage rate” is calculated from the past delivery results of the physical distribution partner, and is a ratio at which the delivery item is damaged. This is because the smaller these values are, the less the damage and damage to the delivery is, and such logistics partners contribute to delivery quality.

  S54: The distribution partner selection unit 140 selects one distribution partner with the smallest “delivery breakage rate”. Here, the distribution partner C4 has the smallest “delivery breakage rate” among the distribution partners C3 and C4. Accordingly, the logistics partner C4 is selected as the print partner.

  The distribution partner selection unit 140 determines the delivery date of the delivery process (the period until the printed material is delivered) for both normal delivery time and short delivery time as follows. In the case of short delivery, a dedicated flight will be dispatched, so collection will start immediately at the specified date and time of the request. On the other hand, in the case of normal delivery, regular flights will be dispatched, so collection will begin as appropriate (when ready). There is a difference in that Specifically, the delivery date of the delivery process is a period (number of days) presented by each logistics partner in advance according to the location of the delivery destination. For example, delivery from Tokyo to Sendai takes up to 2 days for large, medium and small cars (regular flights), up to 1 day for large, medium and small cars (dedicated flights), and motorcycles (dedicated flights). ), A delivery period can be set to a period in which a delivery period is determined in advance, such as a maximum of 0.5 days.

  In addition, the delivery capability used above is not the capability to indicate the delivery amount that can deliver a large amount of deliveries at the same time, but the meaning that indicates the delivery speed that can deliver deliveries quickly. It is.

(5) Partner request step As described above, (1) user order input step, (2) design partner selection step, (3) print partner selection step, and (4) logistics partner selection step have been described. Through the steps (4) to (4), the selection server 1 selects one design partner, print partner, and logistics partner from a plurality of partners in each of the design, printing, and delivery processes. Therefore, in this partner ordering step, the ordering unit 150 of the selection server 1 requests the selected design partner, print partner, and distribution partner for each process of design, printing, and delivery.

(In the case of normal delivery)
As described above, the user can place an order by selecting whether the delivery date is a normal delivery date or a short delivery date at the time of reception. First, in the case of normal delivery, the selection server 1 selects one design partner, print partner, and distribution partner from a plurality of partners in each of the design, printing, and delivery processes through the above-described steps. Accordingly, the selection server 1 places business orders for design, printing, and delivery to the one design partner, print partner, and logistics partner, respectively. As described above, the selection server 1 of the cloud printing system 100, the design partner A, the print partner B, and the distribution partner C are connected via the network and receive a request from the selection server 1, so that each PC terminal (non- (Shown). Therefore, the business order from the selection server 1 may be made to each PC terminal via the network.

  The selection server 1 transmits the contents of the user order to each partner when placing a business order. More specifically, for design partners, "company profile", design services, design requirements (design outline, text information, etc.) as information related to the design of the user order content , Request image, request items, etc.) and delivery information. Also, for print partners, "company profile", printing: double-sided printing, 10 pages, cover page is full color and laminated on the surface as information related to printing out of the information necessary for printing. Provide information such as processing, number of copies: 1000, and delivery date. Also, for logistics partners, “company guide” (identifies the contents of the delivery), delivery amount (calculated from the printed matter) Yes), delivery destination, delivery source (print partner location), and delivery date (delivery date).

  Further, the selection server 1 needs to inform each partner of the process schedule, that is, the date and time when the ordering work can be started, when placing a business order. In the process until the printed material is delivered, the design partner first creates a completed document, and the print partner prints the completed document. The logistics partner then delivers the printed material. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the print partner of the date and time when the completed manuscript is completed and can be printed, and the distribution partner needs to be notified of the date and time when the printed material is completed and can be delivered.

In the case of the normal delivery date, the delivery date can be calculated based on a predetermined period determined in advance as described above. When the user order is a normal delivery date, in the design process, the design order contents and a predetermined period agreed with each design partner in advance according to the design work are the delivery dates of the design process (for example, 10 for company guidance). Day). Further, in the printing process, the print order contents and a predetermined period determined in advance with the print partner in accordance with the printing work are delivery times of the printing process (for example, “company profile”, printing: double-sided printing, number of pages 10 The page and cover are full color and laminated on the surface. If the number of copies is 1000, 5 days, etc.).
In the delivery process, the period (number of days) presented by each logistics partner according to the location of the delivery destination is the delivery date of the delivery process (for example, delivery from Tokyo to Sendai is a large car, medium-sized car, small car) (For regular flights, 2 days, etc.)

  Therefore, the selection server 1 can calculate the date and time when the ordering work can be started for each partner from each delivery date when ordering the business, and notifies the calculated date and time when the ordering work can be started. For example, if a holiday is not taken into consideration and a user order is on April 1, the user order is immediately accepted. For example, April 11 (April 1 to April 11) ) Delivery date is fixed. Then, the print partner can start on April 12, for example, and the delivery date of April 16 (April 12 to April 16) is fixed. For example, the distribution partner can deliver on April 17, and the delivery date of April 18 (April 17 to April 18) is fixed. In other words, it is delivered (delivered) to the delivery destination on April 18.

  As described above, when a user places an order (order) for a printed material on a website (see FIG. 1), it is necessary to display a delivery date (and an estimated amount). This is because it is desirable to clearly display the delivery date (and estimated amount) as much as possible from the viewpoint of user convenience. Therefore, the selection server 1 selects a partner in each process, calculates a delivery date for each process of design, printing, and delivery, and then calculates an overall delivery date that is the sum of each process, and sends it to the Web server 2. Is displayed. For example, in the case of the above-described example, the Web server 2 performs the design process (April 1 to April 11), the printing process (April 12 to April 16), and the delivery process (April 17). Display the total delivery date from Sunday to April 18). In addition, the delivery destination displays that it will be delivered (delivered) on April 18 (see, for example, FIG. 20). When the user places a final order after confirming such a delivery date on the website, the user order is confirmed and the user order is accepted formally on the system.

(In case of quick delivery)
Even in the case of short delivery, the selection server 1 selects one design partner, print partner, and logistics partner from a plurality of partners in each of the design, printing, and delivery processes through the above-described steps. Accordingly, the selection server 1 places business orders for design, printing, and delivery to the one design partner, print partner, and logistics partner, respectively. In addition, the selection server 1 transmits the contents of the user order to each partner when placing a business order in the same manner as in the normal delivery date.

  Even in the case of short delivery time, the selection server 1 needs to inform each partner of the process schedule, that is, the date and time when the ordering work can be started, when placing a business order. However, unlike the normal delivery date, the delivery date in the short delivery date is determined flexibly as described above. For example, in the above-mentioned example, when the delivery date is short, the delivery date of the selected design partner is 7.5 days. The delivery date of the selected print partner is one day. The delivery date of the selected logistics partner is one day.

  Therefore, the selection server 1 can calculate the date and time when the ordering work can be started for each partner from each delivery date determined flexibly when placing a business order, so that the ordering work can be started for each calculated partner. Tell the date and time. For example, if a holiday is not taken into consideration and a user order is on April 1, the user order is accepted immediately. For example, for design partners, April 9 (April 2 to April 9) ) Delivery date is fixed. Then, the print partner can start on April 10, for example, and the delivery date of April 11 (April 10 to April 11) is fixed. For example, the distribution partner can deliver on April 12, and the delivery date of April 13 (April 12 to April 13) is fixed. That is, it is delivered (delivered) on April 13 to the delivery destination.

  Even in the case of short delivery time, the selection server 1 selects a partner in each process at the website (see FIG. 1), calculates the delivery time for each process of design, printing, and delivery, and then performs each process. The total delivery date, which is the total, is calculated and displayed on the Web server 2 (see, for example, FIG. 21). When the user places a final order after confirming such a delivery date on the website, the user order is confirmed and the user order is accepted formally on the system.

[troubleshooting]
Next, failure handling of the cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As described above, the print partner B is a printing company in charge of printing in each process such as design, printing, and delivery until a printed material is delivered. The selection server 1 selects one print partner B and requests the selected print partner B to perform a printing job. When the print partner B receives a print job from the selection server 1, the print partner B prints the printed matter using the owned printing machine according to the order contents.

  Here, after receiving an order for a print job, the print partner B may not be able to print the printed matter due to some factor. Specifically, after receiving an order for a printing job, if the printing machine goes down due to a trouble or disaster in the printing equipment, if there is a shortage of printing materials for some reason, or the printing worker is absent from work due to a sudden reason Etc.

  In such a case, since the print partner B once selected cannot perform the printing job, the selection server 1 needs to select another print partner B again.

  Again, for example, refer to FIG. As shown in the figure, the cloud printing system 100 has already received an order from the user and has confirmed the delivery date. In the case of the figure, the printing process is scheduled for April 12 to April 16, and the initially selected print partner B must perform printing work within the period given for this printing process. Don't be. However, if the printing partner B encounters a trouble with the printing device on April 13, for example, and the printing machine goes down, there is a possibility that the user-ordered printed matter cannot be printed within the period given to the printing process. is there.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining print partner reselection. In the case of the figure, the printing process is scheduled for April 12 to April 16, and the initially selected print partner B must perform printing work within the period given for this printing process. Don't be. However, if the printing partner B encounters a trouble with the printing device on April 13, for example, and the printing machine goes down, there is a possibility that the user-ordered printed matter cannot be printed within the period given to the printing process. is there.

  Therefore, in this case, the selection server 1 replaces the print partner B with another print partner B ′ capable of performing a printing job within the remaining printing process period (April 14 to April 16). It is necessary to select again. As described above, in the present embodiment, after receiving an order for a printing job, the following describes how the cloud printing system 100 responds to a failure when the printing press of the print partner once selected due to a failure or the like goes down.

(Network configuration)
FIG. 23 is a schematic network configuration diagram (part 2) of the cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment. The cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a partner selection server 1 and a Web server 2. In addition, a user (user PC), a design partner A, a print partner B, and a distribution partner C are connected to the cloud printing system 100 via a network. Furthermore, compared with FIG. 2, a remote management center (technical call center) 200 is connected and configured via a network.

  The remote management center 200 provides a maintenance service for the printing press owned by each print partner B. As shown in the figure, the printing press owned by each print partner B is connected to a monitoring system (not shown) of the remote management center 200 via a network. When a failure or the like occurs in the printing machine to be monitored, the monitoring system detects the failure or the like. In some cases, the print partner B itself notifies the call center of the remote management center 200 of the occurrence of a failure or the like, thereby detecting the failure or the like.

(Remote Administration Center)
A maintenance staff is resident in the remote management center 200. When the monitoring system detects a failure or the like in the monitored printing press, the maintenance staff accesses the printing press if it can be accessed remotely, Check the printer status. Then, if the maintenance person is capable of remote handling such as a software fault, for example, the maintenance person handles the fault via the remote. Also, if remote response is not possible, such as a hardware failure, an engineer is dispatched directly to the site.

  As described above, the remote management center 200 performs maintenance on the printing presses owned by each print partner B, and when the printing press of each print partner B goes down due to a printing press failure or the like, the failure handling is performed promptly.

  Here, when the maintenance person confirms that the printing machine has failed due to a monitoring system, a call from the printing partner B, or a status check, and that the printing machine has stopped operating, the printing machine is restored. Then, the time required for resuming the operation (referred to as the recovery estimated time) is quickly estimated, and the monitoring system notifies the cloud printing system 100 of the estimated recovery time.

  It is desirable to notify the estimated recovery time as quickly as possible. When a trouble occurs in the printing press, the maintenance staff first accesses the printing press if it can be accessed remotely and checks the status of the printing press. Then, by performing failure analysis etc., for example, software failure and hardware failure, if failure cannot be resolved immediately (when it is determined that it takes time to resolve the failure), the estimated recovery time is quickly estimated and cloud printing is performed. Notify the system 100 of the estimated recovery time. After that, we will continue to deal with failures.

  Regarding the estimation of the estimated recovery time, for example, when a remote failure is possible, such as a software failure, the maintenance staff can estimate the estimated recovery time with reference to failure history information, own skills, and the like. In addition, for example, if a remote failure is not possible, such as a hardware failure, an engineer is dispatched directly to the site, but if it can be resolved by simple parts replacement, the engineer's travel time and parts replacement work time will be used. Estimated recovery time can be estimated. When a part is ordered, it is estimated that the recovery time is from part procurement to part replacement work. In addition, the estimated recovery time can be estimated based on the contact from the engineers who arrived.

  Note that the maintenance staff does not notify the cloud printing system 100 of the estimated recovery time in the case of a minor failure that does not stop the printing press even if a failure of the printing press occurs. This is because a minor failure does not affect the operation of the printing press. Also, the estimated recovery time is not notified even when the failure can be resolved immediately via remote. This is because the problem has already been resolved without notice.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a failure or the like of the printing press of the printing partner B occurs and the operation of the printing press stops, the monitoring system of the remote management center 200 restores the cloud printing system 100 to the recovery. Failure information including the predicted time, print partner B, and the owned printer with the failure is notified.

(Judgment of necessity of re-selection of print partner)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the necessity determination process for reselecting a print partner according to the present embodiment. Accordingly, the print partner selection unit 130 of the selection server 1 determines that it is necessary to select another print partner B again because the print partner B once selected cannot perform the printing job. On the other hand, if the selected print partner B can continue to perform the printing job, it is determined that it is not necessary to select another print partner B again.

  S61: First, the print partner selection unit 130 determines whether or not a failure has occurred in the printing press of the print partner that has requested the printing job.

  As described above, the remote management center 200 performs maintenance for the printing presses owned by each print partner B. The monitoring system of the remote management center 200 promptly (within a predetermined time from the down) as a failure information to the cloud printing system 100 when the printing press of each print partner B goes down due to a printing device failure. The time, the identifier of the print partner B (for example, the print partner B1, the print partner B2, etc.), the identifier of the faulty owned printing press (for example, P001, P002, etc.) are notified.

  As a result, the print partner selection unit 130 receives the failure information from the remote management center 200, and determines whether or not a failure has occurred in the printing press of the print partner that has requested the print job. In addition, the print partner selection part 130 can grasp | ascertain separately about each partner who has requested printing work, for example by referring to a request history etc.

  S62: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 acquires user order details again by referring to, for example, a request history. This is in order to ascertain the amount of printed matter when re-selecting a print partner. Here, among the contents of the above-mentioned user order, “company guide”, printing: double-sided printing, 10 pages, the cover is full color, the surface is laminated, and the number of copies: 1000 is acquired. In addition, although it is related to logistics, information on delivery destinations is also obtained (800 copies are sent to the Sendai branch and 200 copies are sent to the Tokyo head office).

  S63: If the print partner selection unit 130 determines that a failure has occurred in the printing press owned by the print partner that has requested printing, the print partner holding printer and the schedule of the owned printing press in which the failure has occurred are acquired. . This information is obtained from the print partner registration information (Fig. 10) in the print partner DB 162, the print partner's usable printer (Fig. 13), and the monthly operation schedule information of the print partner's usable printer (Fig. 14). it can.

  S64: The print partner selection unit 130 confirms the printing press owned by the print partner and the operation schedule of the owned printing press, and after the estimated recovery time has elapsed (after recovery of the down-owned printing press), the print partner performs printing. It is determined again whether the printed matter can be delivered within the delivery date given to the process.

  For example, as described above, the printing process provided for this printing job is scheduled for April 12 to April 16, and the initially selected print partner B is, for example, April 13 If a printer fails due to a problem with a printing device, the printer cannot be operated until the estimated recovery time elapses. Can be operated).

  Therefore, in this case, the selection server 1 operates the owned printing press including the owned printing press in which the failure occurs in the owned printing press and the owned printing press after the estimated recovery time has elapsed (after the failed owned printing press is restored). Check the scheduled schedule, and within the estimated recovery time, on the premise that the failed printer cannot operate, whether or not this print partner B can still deliver the printed matter within the delivery date given to the printing process. judge. A specific determination method can be determined by the same method as in S28 described above.

  S65: When the print partner selection unit 130 determines that the print partner can deliver the product within the delivery date, the print partner gives the print process to the printing process even if the printer has a failure. Since the printed matter ordered by the user can be delivered within the designated delivery date, there is no need to reselect another print partner B. That is, it is only necessary to maintain the request to the print partner. In this case, this process is terminated (proceeds to “END”).

  On the other hand, if the print partner selection unit 130 determines that the print partner cannot deliver within the delivery date, the print partner cannot deliver the printed matter ordered by the user within the delivery date given to the printing process. It is necessary to select another print partner B. In this case, print partner reselection processing is performed (proceed to "A").

(Print partner re-selection step)
FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining print partner reselection processing according to the present embodiment. Accordingly, the print partner selection unit 130 of the selection server 1 selects another print partner B again when the print partner B once selected cannot perform the printing job due to a failure or the like. Here, it is assumed that the print partner B that is initially selected and has a failure is the print partner B3, and the print partner B other than the print partner B3 is selected again.

  S71: The print partner selection unit 130 acquires the remaining delivery date (referred to as the remaining delivery date). The remaining delivery time is as follows. For example, as described above, the printing process provided for this printing job is scheduled for April 12 to April 16, and the initially selected print partner B is, for example, on April 13 If the printing machine goes down due to a trouble with the printing device, the period given to the printing process is the remaining three days (April 14 to April 16). That is, in this case, the remaining delivery date is 3 days (April 14 to April 16).

  S72: The print partner selection unit 130 confirms the delivery destination of the printed matter, and extracts the print partner in the same area as the delivery destination (for example, determined in the same prefecture, the same city, the same region, etc.). This is because printing with a print partner that is geographically close to the delivery destination contributes to the delivery of a short delivery date.

  In exceptional cases, it may be assumed that all the printing partners in the same area cannot perform printing work due to a major disaster. In this case, in this step, the print partner selection unit 130 confirms the delivery destination of the printed matter, and prints within the nearest neighborhood area (for example, determination in the adjacent prefecture, adjacent city, adjacent area, etc.) Extract partners. Since the cloud printing system 100 is affiliated with partners in multiple regions, even if all print partners in the area cannot perform printing operations, they are print partners in neighboring areas. To perform printing work.

  Specifically, according to the contents of the user order here, the delivery destination of printed materials is to deliver 800 copies to the Sendai branch and 200 copies to the Tokyo head office. Therefore, the print partner B2, the print partner B3, and the print partner B4 which are print partners located in Sendai or Tokyo are extracted (FIGS. 2 and 10). However, since print partner B3 is excluded, print partner B2 and print partner B4 are extracted.

  S73: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 specifies the order print field from the contents of the user order. Specifically, here, “company profile” print, or printing: double-sided printing, 10 pages, the cover is full-colored and the laminate is ordered on the surface. Refer to the print field table (FIG. 11). , Printing (four-color printing), bookbinding (upbound), and laminate (matte), the order print fields are No12, 18, and 22.

  S74: The print partner selection unit 130 extracts print partners that can handle the order print field. This is because a print partner having a production capacity that can meet the user order is extracted. Specifically, with reference to the print partner registration information (FIG. 10), print partners in which 12, 18, and 22 are registered in “Available fields” are extracted. Here, the print partner that makes these print fields compatible is the print partner B4.

  S75: Next, the print partner selection unit 130, as information for measuring the current production capacity of the print partner, the current stock amount (FIG. 12) of the print partner that has been extracted so far, 13) Further, an operation schedule (FIG. 14) for each owned printing press is acquired. As the operation schedule for each owned printing press (FIG. 14), the operation scheduled schedule for each owned printing press is acquired in accordance with the remaining delivery period (S72). That is, for example, if the delivery date remaining as described above is April 14 to April 16, an operation schedule for each owned printing press from April 14 to April 16 may be acquired.

  S76: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 confirms the stock quantity of the print partner, and extracts the print partner according to the contents of the user order. That is, a print partner that holds a printed material necessary for printing a printed material ordered by the user as an inventory is extracted. Here, as described above, the contents of the user order are “company information”, printing: double-sided printing, 10 pages, the cover is full color and laminated on the surface, the number of copies: 1000. This is because, for example, high-quality paper 5000 (both sides, 10 pages, so 5 pieces of high-quality paper per copy are required), laminating raw materials, etc. must be present in stock at the present time. Here, it is assumed that the stock amount of the print partner B4 is sufficient.

  S77: Next, the print partner selection unit 130 confirms the scheduled operation schedule of the print partner, and selects one print partner that can be delivered within the remaining delivery date (and the shortest delivery date). Specifically, during the remaining payment period from April 14 to April 16, 1000 copies of “company guide” can be printed based on the number of owned printing presses and the scheduled operation schedule of the owned printing presses. A print partner is selected.

  In addition, when multiple lint partners that can print 1000 copies of the “Company Profile” are selected, one print partner can be printed with the shortest delivery time to narrow down to one print partner. Select a partner. If there are a large number of printing presses and there are vacant schedules for the operation of many of the printing presses, the print partner's production capacity will be high, and such print partners will respond to user orders more quickly. A partner to be. The specific determination method is the same as that in S28 described above.

  S78: The print partner selection unit 130 determines whether or not one print partner to be finally replaced can be selected. When one alternative print partner can be selected, the print partner reselection process is terminated (proceeds to "END"). Here, for example, it is assumed that the print partner B4 is selected again.

  S79: On the other hand, if one print partner cannot be selected, a separate reselection NG process is performed. The case where one print partner cannot be selected (re-selected) from the flow so far is that the delivery date of the printing process determined by the user due to trouble such as a failure of the print partner B3 (for example, April 12 to 4 This is a case where there is no print partner that can deliver the printed matter within a month (16th). In this case, it is difficult to observe the delivery date determined for the user.

  Accordingly, in the reselection NG process, first, it is necessary to notify the user that the printing process is delayed due to circumstances (failure or the like). Furthermore, after extending the delivery date, the print partner will be selected again. In addition, the distribution partner that delivers the printed material is selected again, or even if it is the same distribution partner, the change of the delivery date is notified. As described above, the cloud printing system 100 performs various processes associated with the fact that the print partner B3 selected at the beginning cannot perform the printing job due to the occurrence of a failure or the like.

  Here, the following points are supplemented. The print partner reselection process described so far is a process that is performed when the print partner B3 that was initially selected cannot perform a printing job due to the occurrence of a failure or the like. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid a situation in which the reselected print partner cannot perform the print job again due to a failure or the like due to the print partner reselection process. This is because, even if the print partner reselection process is performed again, the remaining delivery date is no longer practically equal to that, and it is very unlikely that the print partner can be selected again.

  Therefore, in order to prevent a situation in which the reselected print partner cannot perform the printing job again due to the occurrence of a failure or the like by the print partner reselection process, in the above step S77 (or subsequent to S77), It is preferable to select a print partner based on the score assignment (S34) based on the evaluation level of “reliability”. Since the evaluation level of “reliability” is an evaluation level (for example, A, B, C, etc.) of whether the printing press can operate normally without failure, a high score is assigned to a print partner with a high evaluation level. The By selecting the one print partner with the highest score, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the reselected print partner cannot perform the printing job again due to the occurrence of a failure or the like.

(Partner request step)
Finally, the selection server 1 places a print job order for the reselected one print partner. As described above, the selection server 1 of the cloud printing system 100 and the print partner B are connected via a network and each have a PC terminal (not shown) in order to receive a request from the selection server 1. Therefore, the business order from the selection server 1 may be made to each PC terminal via the network.

  In addition, the selection server 1 transmits the contents of the user order to the print partner when placing a business order. More specifically, the information necessary for printing, that is, information relating to printing out of the user order contents, “company profile”, printing: double-sided printing, 10 pages, the cover is full color and laminated on the surface, the number of copies: 1000, information on the remaining delivery date (for example, April 14 to April 16). Further, since the print partner has been changed, the selection server 1 informs the selected distribution partner of information such as the changed delivery source (location of the print partner).

  As described above, the cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the print partner once selected cannot perform the printing job due to the occurrence of a failure or the like, again from a plurality of partner partners, Reselect another print partner B. As a print partner to be selected again, a print partner capable of printing a printed matter within a delivery date determined by the user is selected. Therefore, even if the print partner once selected cannot perform the printing job due to an unexpected trouble of the printing press such as a failure, the cloud printing system 100 can send the printed matter within the delivery date determined by the user. It is possible to deliver.

  In addition, since the cloud printing system 100 according to the present embodiment is affiliated with a very large number of partners for each region, the remaining delivery date can be printed at least within the remaining delivery date. It is highly possible to re-select a print partner. It is also desirable to partner with a larger number of partners in order to increase that possibility.

[Modification 1]
Subsequently, a first modification example regarding the above-described failure handling will be described. As described above, in the print partner reselection process (FIG. 25), if the selected print partner B cannot perform the printing job due to a failure or the like, another print partner B is selected again. Repaired.

  Here, when a print job cannot be performed due to a failure or the like in the selected print partner B due to a failure or the like, the timing of the failure or the like is “printing” of the printed matter of the user order. If so, there is a possibility that a certain amount of printed matter has already been printed.

  Specifically, for example, when the content of the user order is “company information” and the number of copies is 1000, the initial print partner B once selected has started printing, but when 200 copies are printed, there is a failure or the like. Suppose that the printing press is down. Even if the print partner re-selection process selects another print partner B again, if another print partner B that has been selected again prints 1000 copies of the “company profile” again, There is a problem that 200 copies of printed matter are printed.

  In this modification, if a certain amount of printed matter has already been printed, it is printed by requesting another one of the selected print partners B to print only the remaining unprinted printed matter. The printed matter is prevented from being wasted. This will be described below.

(Print partner re-selection step)
FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining print partner reselection processing (Modification 1) according to this modification. As a result, the print partner selection unit 130 of the selection server 1 selects another print partner B again when the print partner B once selected cannot perform the printing job due to a failure or the like. If a certain amount of printed matter has already been printed, another selected print partner B is requested to print only the remaining unprinted printed matter.

  The flowchart of FIG. 26 according to the present modification includes steps S70-1, S70-2, and S70-3 as compared to FIG. Therefore, different points will be mainly described.

  S70-1: The print partner selection unit 130 determines whether or not there is a printed matter that has already been printed by the initial print partner B that cannot perform the printing job due to a failure or the like. If there is a printed matter already printed, the number of copies is acquired.

  As a specific determination method, for example, there is a method in which the PC server of the original print partner B inputs and notifies the selection server 1 of a specific printed amount (number of copies). Further, for example, the specific amount (number of copies) of printed matter printed by the printing press owned by the print partner B can be automatically detected via the monitoring system of the remote management center 200.

  S70-2: When the print partner selection unit 130 determines that there is a printed matter that has already been printed, the print partner selection unit 130 determines whether or not the number of copies of the printed matter that has been printed is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (specified threshold) of the total number of copies.

  For example, the predetermined ratio is 10%. The user order content is “company guide”, the number of copies is 1000, and the number of printed printed materials is 200 as described above. In this case, the number of printed copies of 200 is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of 10% (100 copies) of the total number of copies of 1000. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the number of printed printed materials is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of the total number of copies.

  Note that the prescribed threshold value may be a predetermined number of copies or more (for example, 100 copies or more). In this case, it is possible to prevent the printed matter that has been printed more than the predetermined number of copies from being wasted.

  S70-3: The print partner selection unit 130 corrects the user order contents (number of copies). In other words, the number of copies obtained by subtracting the number of printed printed copies from the number of copies included in the user order details acquired in S62 described above is corrected as the number of copies of the user order details.

  Specifically, the number of copies included in the user order content acquired in S62 is 1000, and the number of printed printed materials is 200. In this case, the number of copies of the user order content is corrected to 800. The corrected number of copies is the number of print copies requested for the reselected print partner B.

  Thereafter, the print partner selection unit 130 selects another print partner B through S71 to S79. In the partner request step, the selection server 1 places a print business order with respect to the reselected one print partner. The selection server 1 transmits the contents of the user order to the print partner when placing a business order, and the number of copies transmitted here is the corrected number of copies (for example, 800 copies).

  As described above, when a print partner who has been unable to perform a printing job due to a failure or the like has printed a certain amount of printed matter, the printed matter is delivered to the user without being discarded. At the same time, the remaining number of copies is printed by another print partner and delivered in batches. Thereby, especially when there are a considerable number of printed materials, it is possible to prevent the printed materials from being wasted.

  In addition, another print partner that can print the remaining number of copies (for example, only 800 copies) can be selected again, so another print partner that can print the total number of copies (for example, 1000 copies) is selected again. The possibility of re-selection is higher than when it must be done.

  Also, if there is no other print partner that can print the remaining number of copies within the remaining delivery date, the delivery date will be extended (delayed), but at least for printed products, it will be distributed to the user within the remaining delivery date. Delivered. Here, depending on the user, although a desired delivery date is desired, it may be sufficient if only a certain number of copies are ordered within the delivery date. In such a case, the user's request is met. be able to.

  In this modified example, the following points should be noted when arranging for the logistics partner C.

  The number of printed copies (for example, 200 copies) is delivered to the user by the original distribution partner C. However, since the delivery amount (for example, 200 copies) and delivery destination information (200 copies delivered to the Tokyo head office) have been changed, this information is conveyed to the logistics partner.

  Further, by re-selecting another print partner B, it is necessary to newly select a distribution partner that collects the printed matter from the print partner B and delivers it to the delivery destination. Specific selection can be made with reference to FIG. In addition, for the selected logistics partner, information necessary for delivery, “Company Information” (identifies the contents of the delivery), delivery volume (eg, 800 copies), delivery destination, delivery source ( Communicate information such as the location of the reselected print partner) and delivery date (delivery date).

  As described above, in this modification, when a certain amount of printed matter has already been printed, another one of the selected print partners B is requested to print only the remaining unprinted printed matter. As a result, it is possible to prevent the printed matter being printed from being wasted.

[Modification 2]
Then, the modification 2 about the above-mentioned failure response is demonstrated. As described above, in the print partner reselection process in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, if the selected print partner B cannot perform the printing job due to a failure or the like, it is again within the delivery date determined by the user ( Another print partner B that can print the printed matter within the remaining delivery period) was selected again.

  However, there may be no other print partners that can deliver the printed matter to the user within the delivery period of the printing process once determined. In such a case, it is no longer difficult to comply with the delivery date determined for the user, and therefore the reselection NG process is performed in the above-described print partner reselection process of FIGS. 25 and 26 (S79). . By this re-selection NG process, the user is notified that the printing process is delayed due to circumstances (failure etc.) and that the delivery date is also delayed.

In the second modification, when another print partner B capable of printing a printed matter within the delivery date decided by the user cannot be selected, the printing process decided for the user among the plurality of print partners is now performed. Select multiple print partners that can deliver printed matter within the delivery date. This is because, if the printing amount is divided among a plurality of print partners and the printing work is performed jointly, a printing work that is difficult with one print partner may be performed. Thereby, even in an emergency such as a failure, there is a higher possibility that the delivery date once determined for the user can be observed. This will be described below.
(Print partner re-selection step)
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating print partner reselection processing (Modification 2) according to this modification. As a result, the print partner selection unit 130 of the selection server 1 selects another print partner B again when the print partner B once selected cannot perform the printing job due to a failure or the like. If another print partner B cannot be selected again, a plurality of other print partners B are selected this time.

  27 is the same as S71 to S77 in FIG. 25 and S70-1 to S77 in FIG. In this figure, S78-2, S78-3, and S78-4 are added between S78 and S79. Through these steps, before proceeding to the reselection NG process (S79), a plurality of print partners that can deliver the printed matter within the delivery time of the printing process determined for the user among the plurality of print partners are tried. Nevertheless, if the printed matter cannot be delivered within the delivery date of the printing process determined for the user, the process proceeds to the reselection NG process (S79).

  S78-2: If the print partner selection unit 130 cannot extract one or more alternative print partners in S78, among the print partners extracted in S74, the print partner's inventory amount, The operation schedule of the possessed printing press is confirmed, and a plurality of print partners according to the user order contents are extracted between the plurality of print partners.

  This will be specifically described. Note that the print partner extracted in S74 described above was only the print partner B4. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that in S74 described above, a print partner B4-2 (not shown in FIG. 10) is extracted in addition to the print partner B4.

  In addition, the plurality of print partners extracted in S74 is intended to be a print partner that is in the same area as the delivery destination through S72 and S73 and that can handle the order print field. is there.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the total stock amount of the print partner B4 and print partner B4-2 has a stock amount sufficient to satisfy the user order. The quality paper possessed by the print partner B4 is 4000, and the quality paper possessed by the print partner B4-2 is 2000. In this case, since the total stock amount of the high-quality papers of the print partner B4 and the print partner B4-2 is 6000, the stock amount (for example, high-quality paper 5000 or more) sufficient for the user order is held.

  In consideration of the available printing presses of the print partner B4 and the print partner B4-2, the operation schedule of the available printing press, and the delivery date given to the printing process (for example, 3 days) It is determined whether there is a vacant printing machine available and the printing partner B4 and the printing partner B4-2 have the printing capability to print on the high-quality paper 5000 within the remaining delivery period of 3 days. If the total print capability of the print partner B4 and the print partner B4-2 exceeds the print amount ordered by the user, the print capability sufficient to meet the user order can be realized by both partners.

  As described above, when both partners of the print partner B4 and the print partner B4-2 are satisfied according to the user order contents, the print partner selection unit 130 can extract both the partners.

  In the above example, two print partners, namely print partner B4 and print partner B4-2, have been extracted. However, in some cases, for example, three, four or more print partners can only respond to user orders. Therefore, there are possibilities that three, four, etc. print partners may be extracted. However, in this case, the Print Partner Selection Department avoids the demerits (for example, it is difficult to maintain uniform print quality and arrange many delivery destinations) due to an increase in the number of print partners who order printing work. 130 extracts a minimum number of print partners when extracting a plurality of print partners according to user order contents among a plurality of print partners.

  S78-3: The print partner selection unit 130 determines whether a plurality of print partners have been extracted.

  S78-4: When a plurality of print partners can be extracted, the print partner selection unit 130 selects the plurality of print partners.

  S79: On the other hand, if the print partner selection unit 130 cannot select a plurality of print partners, the reselection NG process is performed. From the flow so far, the case where the reselection NG process is performed means that the delivery date of the printing process determined by the user due to a trouble such as a failure of the print partner B3 (for example, April 12 to April 16). ) In which there is no one print partner or a plurality of print partners capable of delivering printed matter. In this case, it is no longer difficult to comply with the delivery date determined for the user.

  As described above, the print partner selection unit 130 selects a plurality of alternative print partners B (for example, print partner B4 and print partner B4-2) through S78-4. In the partner request step, the selection server 1 divides the number of user orders for each of the reselected print partners, and then places a print job order. When a plurality of print partners are selected as described above, information necessary for printing is transmitted to the plurality of print partners. At this time, the distribution of the number of copies becomes a problem, but finally, the number of copies of the user order may be printed.

  For example, there is a method in which one print partner orders the maximum print amount that the print partner can print, and thereafter, the other print partners divide and order the remaining print amount. In this case, a print quantity of 800 copies can be ordered from the print partner B4 and 200 copies can be ordered from the print partner B4-2.

  Also, for logistics partners, information necessary for delivery, that is, vehicle type, “company profile” (identifies the contents of the delivery), delivery volume (can be calculated from the print), delivery destination, and print Communicating information such as the location of the print partner from which the product is collected and information such as the delivery date.

  In this modified example, the following points should be noted when arranging for the logistics partner C.

  By re-selecting a plurality of print partners B, it is necessary to newly select a distribution partner that collects printed materials from these print partners B and delivers them to a delivery destination. Specific selection can be made with reference to FIG. In addition, information necessary for delivery to the selected logistics partner, “company guide” (specify the contents of the delivery), delivery amount of delivery (for example, 800 copies from print partner B4, print partner) 200 copies from B4-2), delivery destination, delivery source (location of the reselected print partner), delivery date (delivery date), and other information.

  As described above, in this modified example, when one print partner B that is another alternative capable of printing a printed matter within the delivery date decided by the user cannot be selected, this time, the user can be selected among a plurality of print partners. Select multiple printing partners that can deliver printed matter within the delivery date of the printing process that has been confirmed. This is because, if the print amount is divided among a plurality of print partners and the print job is performed jointly, a print job that is difficult with one print partner B may be performed. Thereby, even in an emergency such as a failure, there is a higher possibility that the delivery date once determined for the user can be observed.

[Summary]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in each process such as design, printing, and delivery until a printed product is delivered, an optimum partner in each process is automatically selected from a plurality of partners. It becomes possible to provide a cloud printing system and the like.

  Although the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations with other elements listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form. Moreover, what applied the component, expression, or arbitrary combinations of the component of this invention to a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, a recording medium, etc. is also effective as an aspect of this invention.

A Design partner B Print partner C Logistics partner 1 Partner selection server 2 Web server 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 auxiliary storage device 15 storage medium reader 16 input device 17 display device 18 communication device 110 input unit 120 design partner selection unit 130 print partner selection unit 140 distribution partner selection unit 150 ordering unit 160 storage unit 161 design partner DB
162 Print Partner DB
163 Logistics Partner DB
100 Cloud printing system 200 Remote management center

JP 2007-004348 A JP 2008-040878 A JP 2005-339515 A

Claims (10)

An information processing system that receives orders for creation of printed matter from a user via a network and orders each process work until delivery of the printed matter to a plurality of partners,
Storage means for storing a plurality of print partners that are orders for printing work of the printed matter and information for measuring the print partner's printed product production capacity in association with each other;
A print partner selecting means for selecting one print partner capable of printing the printed matter within a predetermined delivery period based on information for measuring the production capacity of the print partner from the plurality of print partners;
Ordering means for placing an order for the printing work of the printed matter to the selected print partner via the network;
The print partner selecting means is an alternative print partner capable of printing the printed matter within the predetermined delivery date based on information for measuring the production capacity of the print partner from the plurality of print partners after the ordering. Reselecting,
An information processing system characterized by When the printed amount of the printed matter printed by the one print partner out of the printed amount of the printed matter is a predetermined amount or more,
The print partner selection means reselects the one alternative print partner capable of printing the printed matter with a printing amount obtained by subtracting the printed amount from the printed amount within the predetermined delivery date;
The information processing system according to claim 1. The information for measuring the production capacity of the printed material of the print partner includes the owned printing press and the operation schedule of the owned printing press,
The print partner selection means reselects the one alternative print partner capable of printing the printed matter within the predetermined delivery date based on the print partner's possessed printing press and the operation schedule of the possessed printing press.
The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2. The information measuring the print partner's production capacity of the print partner includes operation reliability based on the past performance of the print partner's possessed printing press,
The print partner selection means reselects the one alternative print partner capable of printing the printed matter within the predetermined delivery date based on the operation reliability of the print partner.
The information processing system according to claim 3. The print partner selection means is based on information for measuring the production capacity of the print partner from the plurality of print partners when the one alternative print partner capable of printing the printed matter does not exist within the predetermined delivery date. Select two or more alternative print partners whose total printable amount exceeds the print amount of the printed matter,
The ordering unit divides the print amount of the printed matter according to the printable amount based on the information for measuring the production capacity for each of the two or more alternative print partners, and for each of the two or more alternative print partners, Ordering a print job of the divided print amount;
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The information for measuring the production capacity includes the stock amount of the printed material, the possessed printing machine, and the operation schedule of the possessed printing machine,
The print partner selection means, when there is no one alternative print partner capable of printing the printed matter within the predetermined delivery date, the stock quantity of the printed material of the print partner from the plurality of print partners, Select two or more alternative print partners in which the total amount of printable amount based on the possessed printing press and the operation schedule of the owned printing press exceeds the print amount of the printed matter,
The ordering unit divides the print amount of the printed material according to the retained stock amount of the printed material for each of the two or more alternative print partners, the retained printing machine, and the printable amount based on the operation schedule of the owned printing machine. Placing an order for a print job of the divided print amount for each of the two or more alternative print partners;
The information processing system according to claim 5. Receiving means for receiving an operation stop notification of the possessed printing press;
When the print partner selection unit receives the operation stop notification, the one print partner includes the possessed printing press including the retained printing press and the operation schedule of the owned printing press. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the printed matter can be printed within the predetermined delivery date, and when it is determined that printing is impossible, the alternative print partner is restarted from the plurality of print partners other than the one print partner. To select,
The information processing system according to claim 3, 4 or 6. The storage means stores the location of the print partner in association with each other,
The print partner selection means selects or reselects a print partner in which the delivery destination of the printed matter and the location are located in the same area from the plurality of print partners;
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: A second storage means for storing a plurality of logistics partners that are orders for delivery of the printed matter, the location of the logistics partners, and information for measuring the delivery capability of the logistics partners in correspondence;
Among the plurality of logistics partners, the one printing partner and the logistics partner where the location is located in the same area, and the logistics partner capable of delivering the printed matter based on information measuring the delivery capability of the logistics partner Logistics partner selection means to select
The ordering means orders the delivery of the printed matter to the selected logistics partner via the network,
When the alternative print partner is re-selected, the distribution partner selection means is a distribution partner in which the one print partner and the location are located in the same area from the plurality of distribution partners. Re-selecting a logistics partner capable of delivering the printed matter based on the information measuring the delivery capacity;
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A partner selection method in an information processing system that receives orders for creation of printed matter from a user via a network and orders each process operation until delivery of the printed matter to a plurality of partners,
A reading procedure in which a plurality of print partners who are orders of the printing work of the printed matter and information for measuring the print partner's production capacity are read in association with each other from storage means;
A print partner selection procedure for selecting one print partner capable of printing the printed matter within a predetermined delivery date based on information measuring the production capacity of the print partner from the plurality of print partners;
An ordering procedure for placing an order for the printing work of the printed matter to the selected print partner via the network;
After the ordering, the print partner re-selecting one alternative print partner capable of printing the printed matter within the predetermined delivery date based on information measuring the production capacity of the print partner from the plurality of print partners. Selection procedure,
A partner selection method characterized by comprising:

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