JP2019049842A - Forecast management device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a forecast management device and a program that can forecast a suitable number of opening of POS terminals.SOLUTION: A forecast management device according to an embodiment is a forecast management device connected with multiple sales data processing devices executing transaction processing regarding a commodity to be purchase, and comprises a display unit, a statistic information storage unit storing statistical data regarding transition of the number of customers who visit a shop inside a store, forecast means forecasting a proper number of opening of the commodity sales data processing devices based on the statistical data stored in the statistic information storage unit, and display means displaying information regarding the forecast number of opening on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a prediction management device and a program.

  Conventionally, in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, a POS (Point of Sales) system has been introduced to process sales of products purchased by customers and manage sales data of the stores.

  The POS system has one or more POS terminals and a server such as a store server that is an upper terminal of the POS terminals. The POS terminal performs sales registration processing and settlement processing of the product purchased by the customer, and the server receives and stores sales data from one or more POS terminals to manage sales of the store.

  By the way, during the busy season when the number of visitors to the store is large, the number of customers who are waiting for accounting and line up with the POS terminal increases. In addition, during the quiet period when the number of visitors to the store is small, POS terminals with fewer customers waiting for accounting will increase. Therefore, a store operator or the like predicts the number of POS terminals opened based on an estimation of the number of customers visiting the store.

  However, since the number of customers visiting the store increases or decreases due to the influence of various conditions such as weather, it is difficult to predict the number of POS terminals that are appropriate.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a prediction management device and program that can predict the number of opening POS terminals properly.

  The prediction management apparatus according to the embodiment is a prediction management apparatus connected to a plurality of commodity sales data processing apparatuses that execute transaction processing relating to a commodity to be purchased, the transition of the display unit and the number of customers visiting the store A statistical information storage unit for storing such statistical data; prediction means for predicting an appropriate number of opening stations of the commodity sales data processing apparatus based on the statistical data stored in the statistical information storage unit; And display means for displaying information on a number on the display unit.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a POS system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server. FIG. 3 is a memory map showing a memory configuration of the statistics unit of the server. FIG. 4 is a memory map showing a memory configuration of the appropriate station number part. FIG. 5 is a memory map showing a memory configuration of the person-in-charge management unit. FIG. 6 is a memory map showing a memory configuration of the person-in-charge information unit. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the POS terminal. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the server. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the server. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing in the server prediction processing. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing in the server correction processing. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing in another correction processing of the server. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal. FIG. 15 is a view showing a display example displayed on the server. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another display example displayed on the server. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing still another display example displayed on the server. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing still another display example displayed on the server.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. An embodiment explains a server as an example of a prediction management device. The POS terminal will be described as an example of the commodity sales data processing apparatus. The present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a POS system according to an embodiment. The POS system includes a server 1 and a plurality of POS terminals 3 in a store T.

  Each POS terminal 3 is connected to the server 1 via a communication line N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), for example. Therefore, the server 1 and the POS terminal 3 can mutually transmit and receive data and the like.

  The POS terminal 3 executes sales registration processing and settlement processing of the product sold at the store T. In the sales registration process, an image of a symbol such as a barcode attached to a product to be sold is captured or optically read to obtain a product code, and the product code is read out from the product master based on the obtained product code. It refers to a process of displaying product information (product name, price, etc.) of a product and storing the product information in a RAM or the like. Settlement processing refers to the display of the total amount of money for the transaction and the amount of change calculated based on the amount of money deposited from the customer (cash) based on the product information stored in the RAM or the like along with the sales registration processing. Processing etc. Also, the POS terminal 3 issues a receipt on which product information and payment information are printed. Further, the POS terminal 3 transmits product information, payment information, and the like as sales data to the server 1 via the communication line N1.

  The server 1 is a computer that tabulates and manages sales in the store T based on sales data (such as product information and payment information) received from each POS terminal 3.

  The server 1 can communicate with the server 5 installed at the weather forecast company through the communication line N2. Therefore, the server 1 and the server 5 of the weather forecast company can mutually transmit and receive data and the like. The server 1 sequentially receives, from the server 5, weather information relating to a forecast of today's weather, temperature, humidity, wind and the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the weather").

  In addition, the server 1 predicts the number of opened POS terminals 3 based on statistical data on the transition of the number of customers visiting the store T. Specifically, the server 1 predicts the number of POS terminals 3 to be opened based on the acquired weather information and the transition (statistical data) of the number of customers visiting the store T described later. In addition, the server 1 corrects the predicted number of opened POS terminals 3 based on the statistical data and the number of customers who have actually visited the store T.

  From here, the hardware configuration of the server 1 and the POS terminal 3 will be described. First, the hardware configuration of the server 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a read only memory (ROM) 12, a random access memory (RAM) 13, a memory unit 14 and the like. The CPU 11 is a control entity. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 develops programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the memory unit 14 are connected to one another via a bus 15. The CPU 11, the ROM 12 and the RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes control processing related to the server 1 described later by the CPU 11 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory unit 14 and expanded in the RAM 13.

  The memory unit 14 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory which holds stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 14 includes a control program unit 141, a sales management unit 142, a statistics unit 143, a proper open station number unit 144, a customer number management unit 145, a person-in-charge management unit 146, and a person-in-charge information unit 147. The control program unit 141 stores a control program for controlling the server 1. The sales management unit 142 stores and manages sales data obtained by aggregating product information and payment information on products purchased by customers received from each POS terminal 3.

  The statistical unit 143 stores statistical data indicating the transition of the customer visiting the store T in accordance with the various conditions. Details will be described with reference to FIG. The appropriate opening number unit 144 stores the appropriate opening number of the POS terminal 3 corresponding to the number of customers who have visited the store T. The appropriate open station number unit 144 will be described with reference to FIG. The customer number management unit 145 stores information on the number of customers who have actually visited the store T at predetermined time intervals (for example, every one minute). The number of customers who have visited the store may be, for example, the number of transactions with the customer at each POS terminal 3 (specifically, in the control processing of each POS terminal 3 described later in FIG. It is possible to transmit data relating to product information, payment information, and the like to the server 1 and to grasp the count by counting the number of times the server 1 has received such information.

  The person-in-charge management unit 146 stores the skill level (rank) of the operator for each operator who operates the POS terminal 3. The degree of proficiency is a rank such as the speed and accuracy of the skills and techniques for operating the POS terminal 3. For example, an operator who can operate the POS terminal 3 quickly and accurately is more skilled than a person who operates the late one. Also, for example, a veteran operator is more skilled than a novice operator. In the embodiment, the proficiency level is described as three ranks of advanced, intermediate and beginner. The person-in-charge management unit 146 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The person-in-charge information unit 147 stores an operator operating the POS terminal 3 corresponding to each POS terminal 3 that has been opened. The person-in-charge information unit 147 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 100 is also connected to the operation unit 17 and the display unit 18 via the bus 15 and the controller 16. The operation unit 17 is a keyboard in which a plurality of keys are arranged. The display unit 18 displays information to the operator who operates the server 1.

  The control unit 100 is also connected to the communication unit 19 via the bus 15. The communication unit 19 is communicably connected to the plurality of POS terminals 3 via the communication line N1. The control unit 100 is also connected to the communication unit 20 via the bus 15. The communication unit 20 is communicably connected to the server 5 of the weather forecast company outside the store T via the communication line N2. The server 5 transmits weather information of today and after tomorrow to the server 1 periodically (for example, once an hour).

  Next, the statistical unit 143 will be described. FIG. 3 is a memory map showing a memory configuration of the statistics unit 143. As shown in FIG. The statistical unit 143 stores, in the statistical unit 143, statistical data representing the transition of the number of customers who have visited the store T according to the various conditions. The conditions include date, day of the week, weather, whether it is a bargain day, whether it is an event day, etc.

  The statistic unit 143 is a day-by-day transaction number statistical unit 14311, a day-by-day transaction number statistic unit 14312, a weather-by-day transaction number statistic unit 14313, a sale day transaction number statistic unit 14314, an event-by-event transaction number statistic unit 14315, transaction points by day A statistical unit 14316, a day-by-day transaction score statistical unit 14317, a weather-based transaction score statistical unit 14318, a sale date-based transaction point statistic unit 14319, and an event-based transaction score statistics unit 14320 are provided.

  The daily transaction count statistics unit 14311 stores statistical data that represents the transition of the number of transactions with the customer on a daily basis (for example, on an hourly basis). This statistical data makes it possible to grasp the transition of the number of transactions per day on a daily basis. The number-of-day transactions number statistical unit 14311 stores this statistical data for a predetermined period (for example, 365 days indicating one year), and can grasp the transition of the number of transactions per hour on a daily basis. In addition, it is possible to grasp the characteristic (difference) of the transition of the number of transactions for each day.

  The day-by-day transaction number statistics unit 14312 stores statistical data that represents the transition of the number of transactions with the customer on a day by hour basis (for example, every hour) for each day of the week (Sunday to Saturday). With this statistical data, it is possible to grasp, for each day of the week, a time zone in which the number of transactions is large and a time zone in which the number of transactions is small. In addition, it is possible to grasp the transition of the number of transactions per hour on a day-by-day basis. In addition, the characteristic (difference) of the transition of the number of transactions can be grasped for each day of the week.

  The weather-based transaction number statistical unit 14313 is a weather (eg, sunny, cloudy, rain, snow, windy day, windy day, high temperature day, low temperature day, high humidity day, low humidity day) , Etc.) separately stores statistical data representing the transition of the number of transactions with the customer every day (for example, every hour). With this statistical data, it is possible to grasp the transition of the number of daily transactions by weather, such as the transition of the number of transactions with customers on a sunny day or the transition of the number of transactions with customers on a rainy day. Moreover, the characteristic (difference) of transition of the number of transactions can be grasped according to the weather.

  The trade number by transaction date statistical unit 14314 is a statistic that represents the transition of the number of transactions with a customer on a day by hour basis (for example, every hour), distinguishing the sale day on which the sale is held and the day other than the sale day. Store data With this statistical data, it is possible to grasp the time zone in which the number of transactions is large and the time zone in which the number of transactions is small according to the special sale day and the day other than the special sale day. In addition, it is possible to grasp the transition of the number of transactions per hour on a day-by-day basis by the day of sale and the day other than the day of sale. In addition, it is possible to grasp the characteristic of the transition of the number of transactions (difference from the regular sale day which is not the special sale day) by the sale day and the day other than the sale day.

  The event-based transaction number statistics unit 14315 changes hourly the number of transactions with the customer per day (for example, every hour) with and without the event (for example, morning market, evening market and time sale) held. Store the statistical data shown in). With this statistical data, it is possible to grasp the time zone in which the number of transactions is large and the time zone in which the number of transactions is small according to the day when the event is held and the day when the event is not held. In addition, it is possible to grasp the transition of the number of transactions per hour on a day basis according to the day when the event is held and the day when the event is not held. In addition, it is possible to grasp the characteristic (difference) of the transition of the number of transactions by the day when the event is held and the day when the event is not held.

  The trade score by day statistic unit 14316 stores statistical data representing, for each hour (for example, every hour), the transition of the number of trades in a day of trading with a customer. This statistical data makes it possible to grasp the transition of the daily transaction points on a daily basis. The daily transaction score statistical unit 14316 stores this statistical data for a predetermined period (for example, 365 days indicating one year), and can grasp the transition of the transaction score per hour by day. In addition, it is possible to grasp the characteristic (difference) of the transition of the number of trade points by date.

  Day-of-the-week transaction score statistics unit 14317 stores statistical data representing, for each hour (for example, every hour), the transition of the transaction score in the transaction with the customer on a day-by-day basis (Sunday to Saturday). With this statistical data, it is possible to grasp, for each day of the week, a time zone in which the number of trading points is high and a time zone in which the number of trading points is small. In addition, it is possible to grasp the transition of the number of trading points per hour on a day-by-day basis. In addition, it is possible to grasp the characteristics (differences) of the transition of the transaction points for each day of the week.

  The weather-based transaction score unit 14318 is a weather (fine, cloudy, rain, snow, windy day, windy day, high temperature day, low temperature day, high humidity day, low humidity day, etc. ) Separately stores statistical data representing the transition of the number of trading points in the daily customer transaction with each hour (for example, every hour). With this statistical data, it is possible to comprehend, for example, the transition of the transaction points per hour, such as the transition of the transaction points on a sunny day or the transition of the transaction points on a rainy day, according to the weather. Moreover, the characteristic (difference) according to the weather of transition of the number of dealings can be grasped according to the weather.

  The trading point by transaction date statistics part 14319 distinguishes the sale day for holding the bargain sale day and the day other than the sale day, and changes the number of trade points in a day's transaction with the customer every hour (for example, every hour) Store the statistical data that it represents. With this statistical data, it is possible to grasp the time slot having a large number of transaction points and the time slot having a small number of transaction points by one day other than the sale date and the day. In addition, it is possible to grasp the transition of the number of trading points every hour of the day according to the sale day and the day other than the sale day. In addition, it is possible to grasp the feature of the transition of the number of trade points (difference from the regular sale day which is not the sale day) by the sale day and the day other than the sale day.

  The transaction score by event statistic unit 14320 changes the transaction score in the transaction with the customer on a day basis with or without an event (for example, morning market, evening market or time sale) held every hour (for example, 1 Store the statistical data represented on a hourly basis. Based on this statistical data, it is possible to grasp the time zone in which the number of transaction points is high and the time zone in which the number of transaction points is small according to the day when the event is held and the day when the event is not held. In addition, it is possible to grasp the transition of the transaction score every hour of the day according to the day when the event is held and the day when the event is not held. In addition, it is possible to grasp the characteristic (difference) of the transition of the number of trade points by the day when the event is held and the day when the event is not held.

  The transition of the number of transactions, the transition of the number of transactions, and the date (for example, today) of the date (for example, today), the day of the week, the bargain sale or the event Based on the presence / absence and the weather information received from the weather forecast company, the server 1 estimates the transition of the number of customers visiting the store T today.

  Next, the appropriate open station number unit 144 will be described. FIG. 4 is a memory map showing a memory configuration of the appropriate opening number unit 144. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the appropriate opening station number unit 144 includes a number of people unit 1441, an opening station number 1 unit 1442, an opening station number 2 unit 1443, and an opening station number 3 unit 1444. The number-of-people section 1441 stores the range of the number of customers who have visited the store T. The opening station number 1 unit 1442 corresponds to the range of the number of customers who have visited the store T, and sets the appropriate opening station number of the POS terminal 3 in the case of using a predetermined waiting time 1 (for example 2 minutes) which is a standard waiting time. Show. For example, when the range of the number of customers who have visited the store T is 0 to 150, the time until the customer's transaction at the end of the POS terminal 3 starts is set as the standard time Indicates that the appropriate number of open POS terminals 3 is four.

  The opening station number 2 unit 1443 indicates the appropriate opening station number of the POS terminal 3 in the case where the predetermined waiting time 2 (for example, 1 minute) is the shortest waiting time corresponding to the range of the number of customers visiting the store T. . For example, when the range of the number of customers who visit the store T is 0 to 150, when the time until the customer's transaction at the end of the POS terminal 3 is started is taken as the shortest time, It shows that the appropriate number of open stations of the POS terminal 3 is six.

  The number of opening stations 3 1444 is the appropriate number of opening stations of the POS terminal 3 when the predetermined time 3 (eg 3 minutes) which is a waiting time slightly longer than the standard corresponding to the range of the number of customers visiting the store T. Indicates For example, when the range of the number of customers who have visited the store T is 0 to 150, the time until the end of the customer's transaction starting at the end of the POS terminal 3 is slightly longer than the standard Indicates that the appropriate number of open POS terminals 3 is three.

  FIG. 4 shows the appropriate number of appropriately opened stations when the POS terminal 3 is operated in a one-person system in which one operator performs the operation of sales registration of goods and the operation of settlement. In the case of a two-person system in which separate operators perform the sales registration operation and the settlement operation of goods, the appropriate number of one-person systems is corrected based on a predetermined weighting value, and the appropriate POS terminal to be opened 3 Predict the number of For example, in the case of operating all POS terminals 3 in a two-person system, the POS terminal 3 in two-person system is multiplied by the appropriate number of POS terminals 3 shown in FIG. Find the appropriate number of (predict). In the case where the single POS terminal 3 and the two POS terminal 3 are mixed, the POS terminal as a whole is based on the number of POS terminals 3 in a dual host and the number of POS terminals 3 to be newly opened. Find (estimate) the appropriate number of vehicles. For example, when the POS terminal 3 which has already been opened is changed from one person system to two person system, the number of the POS terminal devices 3 is multiplied by a predetermined numerical value (for example, 0.7). The number of opened POS terminals 3 is determined (predicted).

  Next, the person-in-charge management unit 146 will be described. FIG. 5 is a memory map showing a memory configuration of the person-in-charge management unit 146. As shown in FIG. 5, the person-in-charge management unit 146 includes a person-in-charge unit 1461, a person-in-charge code unit 1462, and a person-in-charge level unit 1463. The person-in-charge unit 1461 stores the name of the operator who operates the POS terminal 3 that has been opened. The person-in-charge code portion 1462 stores a person-in-charge code identifying the operator stored in the person-in-charge portion 1461. The person-in-charge level unit 1463 stores the skill level (rank) of operating the POS terminal 3 of the operator. An operator with an advanced skill level is a veteran of the operation of the POS terminal 3 or operates the POS terminal 3 quickly. An operator with an intermediate level of skill is a mid-level person in the operation of the POS terminal 3 or the speed of operation of the POS terminal 3 is normal. An operator having a beginner's skill level is a beginner of the operation of the POS terminal 3, or the operation of the POS terminal 3 is slow.

  Next, the person-in-charge information unit 147 will be described. FIG. 6 is a memory map showing a memory configuration of the person-in-charge information section 147. As shown in FIG. The person-in-charge information unit 147 indicates an operator who operates each POS terminal 3 installed in the store T, which is currently open. As shown in FIG. 6, the person-in-charge information unit 147 includes a POS terminal unit 1471 and a person-in-charge code unit 1472. The POS terminal unit 1471 stores a specific POS terminal 3 such as, for example, the POS terminal A and the POS terminal B. The person-in-charge code portion 1472 stores the person-in-charge code of the operator operating the POS terminal 3 stored in the POS terminal portion 1471. For example, the POS terminal A is operated by an operator specified by the person-in-charge code "0001". Further, the person-in-charge code is not stored corresponding to the POS terminal C. This indicates that there is no operator currently operating (ie, the POS terminal C is not open).

  The server 1 estimates the transition of the number of customers visiting the store T based on the transition of the number of transactions and the transition of the number of transactions, which are statistical data stored in the statistical unit 143, and estimates the predicted number of customers visiting the store Based on the transition and the proficiency level of the operator operating the POS terminal 3, the number of POS terminals 3 in the store T today is predicted.

  Specifically, statistical data indicating the transition of the number of transactions on the same day as the current day is extracted from the number-of-day transactions number statistical unit 14311. Statistical data indicating the transition of the number of transactions on the same day of the week as the current day is extracted from the day-by-day number-of-day transaction number statistical unit 14312. Based on the weather information received from the server 5 installed in the weather forecasting company, statistical data indicating the transition of the number of dealings on the day of the weather similar to the weather forecast today is extracted from the number-of-transactions by weather statistical part 14313. If the current day is a special sale date, statistical data indicating the transition of the number of special sale dates is extracted from the special sale date number-of-days statistical part 14314. If the current day is not a sale date, statistical data indicating the transition of the number of transactions on a normal day that is not a sale date is extracted from the trade number by transaction date statistical part 14314. If today is the event holding date, statistical data indicating the transition of the number of transactions on the event holding date is extracted from the number-of-transactions by event statistics section 14315. If the current day is not the event holding date, statistical data indicating the transition of the number of transactions on the day other than the event holding date is extracted from the event-based transaction number statistical unit 14315.

  From the daily transaction score statistical unit 14316, statistical data indicating the transition of the transaction score on the same day as today is extracted. From the day-by-day transaction score statistics unit 14317, statistical data indicating the transition of the transaction points on the same day as the current day is extracted. Based on the weather information received from the server 5, statistical data indicating the transition of the number of trading points of the day of the weather similar to the weather forecast today is extracted from the trading score by weather statistical part 14318. If the current day is a special sale date, statistical data indicating the transition of the number of trade points on the special sale date is extracted from the special trade date transaction number statistical unit 14319. If the current day is not a bargain sale date, statistical data indicating the transition of the number of trade points on a day other than the bargain sale date is extracted from the bargain date by trade date statistical unit 14319. If today is the event holding date, statistical data indicating the transition of the transaction points on the event holding date is extracted from the transaction score by event statistical part 14320. If the current day is not an event date, statistical data indicating the transition of the transaction points on the day other than the event date is extracted from the transaction score by event statistic unit 14320.

  Then, based on the extracted statistical data and the skill level of the operator operating the POS terminal 3, the number of POS terminals 3 in the shop T of the present day is predicted. Specifically, for example, the transition of the average value of the extracted statistical data is estimated as the transition of the customer who visits the store today. Further, for example, the above-described statistical data is prioritized, and the transition of the average value after weighting the statistical data having the higher priority is estimated to be the transition of the number of customers coming to the store today. Then, based on the estimated number of customers, the appropriate number of POS terminals 3 today is predicted based on the appropriate number of POS terminals 3 stored in the appropriate number-of-openings unit 144. This prediction is performed every predetermined time (for example, one hour) according to the transition of the number of customers coming to the store today. At that time, the skill of the operator in charge of the operator operating the POS terminal 3 based on the information of the operator stored in the person-in-charge information part 147 and the information of the operator operating the POS terminal 3 to be opened. Refer to the degree. When the operator's skill level is advanced or intermediate, when the opening number of POS terminals 3 is increased, a new POS terminal 3 is opened. If the operator's proficiency is beginner level, then the POS terminal 3 operated by the operator is a two-man system, and one more (possibly middle class) operator is added to the beginner operator, and transaction processing in the POS terminal 3 is performed. Speed up the time it takes.

  From here, the POS terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the POS terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the POS terminal 3 includes a main body 46 and a combination keyboard 45. The main body 46 is provided with an operator display unit 38, a printing unit 40 as a receipt issuing device, a code reader 42 and the like. The main unit 46 additionally includes a control unit 300, a display unit for customer use 39 (all refer to FIG. 8), and the like. The operator display unit 38 displays information to the operator. The customer display unit 39 displays information to the customer. The printing unit 40 has, for example, a thermal head, and issues a receipt in which information is printed on a receipt sheet, which is a thermal paper, using the thermal head. The code reader 42 reads a symbol attached to the product. The POS terminal 3 acquires a product code that specifies a product based on the read symbol. The code reader 42 may identify a product using a general object recognition technology based on the image of the product that has been captured.

  The combination keyboard 45 is detachable from the main body 46. The combination keyboard 45 includes an operation unit 37, a sub display unit 44 which is a second display unit, and a card reading unit 41. The operation unit 37 is a keyboard including the settlement key 371. The settlement key 371 operates when declaring settlement processing in a transaction with a customer. The sub display unit 44 displays information to the operator. The sub display unit 44 displays supplementary information that can not be displayed by the operator display unit 38, communication information in the store, and the like. If the POS terminal 3 is the POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge of the store T as an operator, the sub display unit 44 displays the information on the number of opened POS terminals 3 as a message for the person in charge.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the POS terminal 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory unit 34 and the like. The CPU 31 is a control entity. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 develops programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 34 are connected to one another via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute a control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes control processing related to the POS terminal 3 described later by the CPU 31 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 32 or the memory unit 34 and expanded in the RAM 33.

  The RAM 33 includes a product information unit 331. The product information unit 331 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) of a product for which sales registration processing has been performed based on the product code acquired from the symbol read by the code reader 42.

  The memory unit 34 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or a flash memory that holds stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 34 includes a control program unit 341, a product master 342, and the like. The control program unit 341 stores a control program for controlling the POS terminal 3. The product master 342 stores, for each product code that specifies a product, product information related to the product.

  The control unit 300 also controls the operation unit 37, the operator display unit 38, the customer display unit 39, the sub display unit 44, the printing unit 40, the card reading unit 41, and the code reader 42 via the bus 35 and the controller 36. Connected

  The control unit 300 is also connected to the communication unit 43 via the bus 35. The communication unit 43 is communicably connected to the server 1 and other POS terminals 3 via the communication line N1.

  The control of the server 1 and the POS terminal 3 will now be described. First, control of the server 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the server 1. The control unit 100 functions as the prediction unit 101, the display unit 102, the transmission unit 103, the first correction unit 104, and the second correction unit 105 by following the control program stored in the control program unit 141 of the ROM 12 or the memory unit 14. Do.

  The prediction unit 101 has a function of predicting the appropriate opening number of the POS terminal 3 based on statistical data representing the transition of the number of customers visiting the store T stored in the statistical unit 143.

  The display means 102 has a function of displaying information on the predicted number of open stations on the display unit 18.

  The transmitting unit 103 has a function of transmitting information on the predicted opening number to the POS terminal 3 in order to display information on the predicted opening number on the sub display unit 44 provided in the POS terminal 3.

  The first correction means 104 has a function of correcting the opening number of POS terminals 3 predicted by the prediction means 101 based on the number of customers actually visiting the store T.

  The second correction means 105 has a function of correcting the opening number of the POS terminal 3 in response to the updated waiting time when the displayed waiting time is changed.

  Next, control in which the server 1 predicts and corrects the appropriate number of opening of the POS terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of control processing in which the server 1 predicts the appropriate number of opening of the POS terminal 3. In FIG. 10, the control unit 100 determines whether it is a predetermined timing (S11). The predetermined timing in S11 is, for example, a time shortly before the store T opens. The control unit 100 predicts the appropriate number of open stations of the POS terminal 3 at this timing. If it is determined that the predetermined timing is reached (Yes in S11), the control unit 100 executes prediction processing for predicting the appropriate number of open stations of the POS terminal 3 (S12). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the prediction process performed by the control unit 100 in S12. In FIG. 11, the control unit 100 uses the statistical unit 143 to select statistical data on the number of transactions and the number of transaction points based on today's date, day of the week, availability of sale date, presence of events, weather information, etc. Acquire (S31). Then, the control unit 100 grasps the transition of the number of transactions today and the transition of the number of transactions today from the acquired statistical data. Then, the control unit 100 estimates the transition of the number of customers visiting the store T today from the transition of the number of transactions and the transition of the number of transactions (S32). Next, the control unit 100 (prediction means 101) estimates the transition of the estimated number of customers coming to the store today, the range of the number of visiting customers stored in the appropriate opening number unit 144, and the information on the appropriate opening number of the POS terminal 3. Based on the above, the appropriate number of open stations of the POS terminal 3 is predicted (S33). The control unit 100 determines the appropriateness of the POS terminal 3 in consideration of the skill level of the operator who operates the POS terminal 3 stored in the person-in-charge information part 147 and the operator stored in the person-in-charge management part 146 in the process of S33. Predict the number of open stations. Next, the control unit 100 (display means 102) displays information on the predicted opening number of POS terminals 3 on the display unit 18 (S34).

  FIG. 15 is a display example G of information on the number of opened stations of the POS terminal 3 displayed by the control unit 100 in S34. The control unit 100 includes, as a display example G, an area G1, an area G2, an area G3, and an area G4. In the area G1, the opening number of the POS terminal 3 is displayed by the number (number) of images of the POS terminal 3. In the example of FIG. 15, the images of the five POS terminals 3 are displayed in the area G1. That is, the number of open stations of the POS terminal 3 predicted by the control unit 100 is five. Among them, the POS terminal 3 displayed as G11 indicates that a beginner operator is in charge. Also, the POS terminal 3 displayed as G12 indicates that an intermediate or advanced operator is in charge. This distinction is made by the color of the display of the operator displayed together with the POS terminal 3 or the like.

  The area G2 displays the waiting time for the customer for the cash register with the current number of POS terminals 3 opened. The waiting time for the checkout is an estimated time until the customer lined up at the end of the row of the POS terminal 3 starts receiving the settlement process (transaction process) by the POS terminal 3 in order to receive the settlement of the purchased product. The more rows waiting for cash, the longer the line, and it takes time to start settlement. Also, the smaller the waiting time for cash register, the shorter the line, and no time is required to start settlement. In the embodiment, one minute is set as the minimum registration waiting time. The area G2 includes an area G21 and an area G22. The area G21 is an area in which the cash waiting time is represented by numbers. The area G22 is an area that represents the cash register waiting time by an indicator (one bar graph).

  The area G3 displays buttons G31, G33, G34, G35, and G36. Further, the area G3 displays the current number G32 of open stations of the POS terminal 3. A button G31 is a button for reducing the registration waiting time displayed on G21 and G22. A button G33 is a button for increasing the registration waiting time displayed on G21 and G22. The button G34 is a button for changing the form of the settlement process to one person system. The button G35 is a button for changing the form of the settlement process into a two-person system. The button G36 is a button for changing the form of the settlement process into a mix of one-man system and two-man system.

  The area G4 indicates whether or not the current registration waiting time is appropriate by the expression of the face image of a person. In the example of FIG. 15, since the registration waiting time is 2 minutes, a face image of a facial expression (smile) whose registration waiting time is appropriate is displayed.

  For example, regarding the opening number of POS terminals 3 predicted by the control unit 100 as a one-person system, when the button G35 is operated, the control unit 100 predicts the opening number when all POS terminals 3 are two-person in S33. To display. Further, regarding the opening number of POS terminals 3 predicted by the control unit 100 as a one-man system, when the button G 36 is operated, the control unit 100 mixes the one-man POS terminal 3 and the two-man POS terminal 3 in S33. Predict the number of stations opened and display it. In this case, the POS terminal 3 operated by an operator having a beginner's skill level is changed to a two-person system, and the POS terminal 3 operated by an operator with intermediate and advanced skill levels remains in one person system. Predict.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. Next, the control unit 100 determines the presence or absence of the POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge at the store T (S35). The person-in-charge management unit 146 stores information on whether the operator is a person in charge corresponding to the person-in-charge code. The control unit 100 is responsible for the POS terminal 3 being opened by referring to the person-in-charge management unit 146 based on the person-in-charge code of the operator operating the POS terminal 3 stored in the person-in-charge information unit 147. It is determined whether the POS terminal 3 operated by the operator as the operator.

  If it is determined that there is a POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge (Yes in S35), the control unit 100 (transmission means 103) displays information regarding the number of opened POS terminals 3 properly displayed on the display unit 18 in S34. Are transmitted to the POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge (S36). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11. When it is determined that there is no POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge (No in S35), the control unit 100 returns to S11.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. When it is determined in S11 that the predetermined timing is not reached (No in S11), whether or not a predetermined time (for example, one hour) has elapsed from the predetermined timing in S11 (or from the opening time of the store) (S13). If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S13), the first correction process is executed (S14). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the first correction process performed by the control unit 100 in S14. In FIG. 12, the control unit 100 acquires data of the number of customers actually visiting the store from the customer number management unit 145 (S41). Next, the control unit 100 compares the current number of customers who visit the store T today estimated at S32 with the number of customers who have actually visited at the current time (S42). Then, based on the comparison result, the control unit 100 determines whether it is necessary to correct the number of open stations of the POS terminal 3 (S43). If there is no substantial difference between the estimated number of customers visiting the store T and the number of customers actually visiting at the present time, the control unit 100 determines that the correction of the opening number of the POS terminal 3 is unnecessary. When the number of customers who actually come to the store is included in the range of the number of customers stored in the number of people unit 1441 corresponding to the POS terminal 3 currently opened, the control unit 100 is substantially It is judged that there is no difference. In addition, if there is a difference between the estimated number of customers who visit the store T today and the number of customers who actually visited at the present time, the control unit 100 needs to correct the number of opened POS terminals 3. to decide. When the number of customers who actually come to the store is included in a range different from the range of the number of customers stored in the number-of-people unit 1441 corresponding to the POS terminal 3 currently opened, the control unit 100 , Judge that there is a difference.

  FIG. 16 shows a display example G of information on the opening number of the POS terminal 3 displayed on the display unit 18 when it is determined that the correction of the opening number of the POS terminal 3 is necessary in S43. As shown in FIG. 16, in the area G21, a registration waiting time of 4 minutes is displayed. Further, also in the area G22, an indicator indicating that the registration waiting time is 4 minutes is displayed. In this case, the indicator is displayed in a color (e.g., reddish color) to indicate that it is not an appropriate registration waiting time, unlike the normal display color. In addition, since the registration waiting time is 4 minutes, a face image of an expression indicating that the registration waiting time is not appropriate is displayed in the area G4.

  If it is determined that it is necessary to correct the opening number of the POS terminal 3 (Yes in S43), the control unit 100 (first correcting unit 104) corrects the opening number of the POS terminal 3 (S44). That is, the control unit 100 refers to the number-of-people unit 1441, opens the number of POS terminals 3 corresponding to the range of the number of people including the number of customers who actually visit, 1 open station number 1442, open station number 2 1443, open station It corrects according to the information in any one of the number 3 part 1444. Normally, since the registration waiting time is set to 2 minutes in the area G21, the control unit 100 requires POS opening based on the opening number of the POS terminal 3 stored in the opening number one unit 1442. The number of open stations of the terminal 3 is corrected. At that time, the operator's skill level and designation of one-man system and two-man system are considered.

  Next, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 18 to display the information related to the number of opened stations of the POS terminal 3 that has been corrected (S45). FIG. 17 is a display example G of the information related to the number of opened stations of the POS terminal 3 that has been corrected and displayed in S45. The area G1 displays an area G12 indicating that the intermediate or advanced operator is in charge, and an area G13 indicating that the settlement mode is a two-man system. The POS terminal 3 in the area G13 is in a state in which the settlement form is changed to a two-man system after the correction with respect to the POS terminal 3 in the area G11 operated by the novice operator before the correction. In addition, the POS terminals 3 in the area G12 are increased from two before correction to seven after correction. By increasing the number of POS terminals 3 that have been opened in this way, the registration waiting time returns by two minutes, so that the facial image of the facial expression whose registration waiting time shown in the area G4 is appropriate is returned.

  Next, the control unit 100 determines the presence or absence of the POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge at the store T (S46). When it is determined that there is a POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge (Yes in S46), the control unit 100 operates the information on the appropriate number of opening POS terminals 3 displayed in S44 by the person in charge operating the POS terminal Send to 3 (S47). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11. When it is determined that the POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge is not present (No in S46), the control unit 100 returns to S11. When it is determined in S43 that the correction of the number of open POS terminals 3 is not necessary (No in S43), the control unit 100 returns to S11.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. When it is determined in S13 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S13), the control unit 100 determines whether the registration waiting time has been changed by the operator (S15). When the button G31 or the button G33 is operated, the control unit 100 determines that the registration waiting time has been changed by the operator. Also, when the indicator representing the registration waiting time displayed in the area G22 is operated, the control unit 100 determines that the registration waiting time has been changed by the operator. A touch panel (not shown) is provided in the area G22, and the registration waiting time can be changed by performing an operation of moving the registration waiting time displayed on the indicator from side to side with the finger. When the button G31 or the button G33 is operated, or when the indicator displayed in the indicator area G22 is operated left or right, the registration waiting time number displayed in the area G21 is changed in accordance with the change operation.

  In the embodiment, the registration waiting time is a predetermined time 1 (two minutes) as a standard, and the predetermined time 2 (the minimum registration waiting time is one minute) and the predetermined time 3 (three minutes) having a waiting time slightly longer than the standard. It can be changed to When the registration waiting time is changed to the predetermined time 1, the control unit 100 corrects the opening number of the POS terminal 3 based on the opening number stored in the opening number 1 unit 1442 in S61. When the registration waiting time is changed to the predetermined time 2, the control unit 100 corrects the opening number of the POS terminal 3 based on the opening number stored in the opening number 2 unit 1443 in S61. When the registration waiting time is changed to the predetermined time 3, the control unit 100 corrects the opening number of the POS terminal 3 based on the opening number stored in the opening number 3 unit 1444 in S61.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing how the operator operates the indicator on the left side in the display example G displayed on the display unit 18 to change to the registration waiting time of the predetermined time 2 (one minute which is the minimum registration waiting time). FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the operator slides the graph representing the registration waiting time displayed on the indicator to the left while touching with a finger. Then, the registration waiting time displayed in the area G21 is changed to the predetermined time 2.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. If it is determined that the registration waiting time has been changed (Yes in S15), the control unit 100 executes the second correction process (S16). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a second correction process that the control unit 100 performs in S16. In FIG. 13, the control unit 100 (second correction unit 105) corrects the number of open POS terminals 3 appropriately in accordance with the changed registration waiting time based on the information stored in the properly opened local area 144 ( S61). Next, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 18 to display the information on the corrected number of opening of the POS terminal 3 (S62).

  Next, the control unit 100 determines the presence or absence of the POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge at the store T (S63). If it is determined that there is a POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge (Yes at S63), the control unit 100 operates the information on the number of opened POS terminals 3 displayed in S62 by the person in charge at the POS terminal Send to 3 (S64). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11. When it is determined that the POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge is not present (No in S63), the control unit 100 returns to S11.

  It returns to the explanation of FIG. If it is determined in S15 that the operator does not perform the operation of changing the registration waiting time (No in S15), the control unit 100 may receive a person-in-charge code for identifying the operator from the POS terminal 3 (S17). If it is determined that the person-in-charge code has been received (Yes in S17), the control unit 100 associates the received person-in-charge code with the information specifying the POS terminal 3 received simultaneously with the person-in-charge code. It memorizes in person information section 147 (S18). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11. When it is determined that the person-in-charge code is not received (No in S17), the control unit 100 returns to S11.

  Next, control of the POS terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal 3. In FIG. 14, the control unit 300 determines whether or not the product code is obtained based on the symbol read by the code reader 42 (S51). If it is determined that the product code is acquired (Yes in S51), the control unit 300 searches the product master 342 based on the product code, and acquires product information of the product specified by the product code, It stores in the product information unit 331 (S52). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S51.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the product code is not acquired (No in S51), the control unit 300 determines whether the settlement key 371 is operated (S53). If it is determined that the settlement key 371 has been operated (Yes in S53), the control unit 300 executes transaction settlement processing based on the product information stored in the product information unit 331 and the deposit from the customer. (S54). Next, the control unit 300 transmits, to the server 1, data relating to product information related to the payment process, payment information, and the like (S55). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S51.

  When it is determined in S53 that the operation of the settlement key 371 is not performed (No in S53), the control unit 300 relates to the number of opened POS terminals 3 that the server 1 transmitted in the process of S36 or the process of S47. It is determined whether information has been received (S61). If it is determined that the information on the opening number of the POS terminal 3 has been received (Yes at S61), the control unit 300 displays the received information on the opening number of the POS terminal 3 on the sub display unit 44 (S62). On the sub display unit 44, an image equivalent to the display example G displayed at S34 by the server 1 or the display example G displayed at S45 is displayed. Then, the control unit 300 returns to S51. The control unit 300 may display the information displayed in S62 on the operator display unit 38 instead of displaying it on the sub display unit 44. In this case, the operator display unit 38 corresponds to the second display unit.

  If it is determined in S61 that the information on the opening number of the POS terminal 3 has not been received (No in S61), the control unit 300 determines whether the POS terminal 3 that has been opened signs in. (S63). Sign-in means that an operator operating the POS terminal 3 makes the POS terminal 3 operable. When the operator signs in the POS terminal 3, the operator inputs a person-in-charge code identifying the user. If it is determined that the POS terminal 3 has signed in (Yes at S63), the control unit 300 transmits the person-in-charge code used at the time of sign-in to the server 1 together with the information specifying the POS terminal 3. (S64). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S51. Further, when it is determined that the sign-in of the POS terminal 3 is not made (No in S63), the control unit 300 returns to S51.

  In the embodiment, the server 1 counts the number of transactions transacted with the customer in the POS terminal 3 to obtain the number of customers who have actually visited the shop, and corrects the predicted number of open POS terminals 3. However, without being limited thereto, for example, a detector for detecting passage of a person is provided at the entrance of the store T, the detector and the server 1 are connected by the communication line N1, and the detector passes through the entrance of the store T The server 1 detects the customer coming to the store T, transmits a signal indicating that the detector has detected it to the server, and counts the signal received by the server 1 so that the server 1 counts the number of customers who actually come to the store. It is also possible to correct the predicted number of open POS terminals 3.

  Further, in the embodiment, the server 1 acquires the number of customers who actually visit the store T and corrects the predicted number of open POS terminals 3. The number of customers visiting the store T may include the meaning of the number of customers staying in the store T. For example, the number of customers staying in the store T is provided with a detector of the same type as the detector provided at the entrance of the store T at the outlet of the store T, and the detector and the server 1 are connected by the communication line N1. The detector detects a customer leaving the store T through the outlet of the store T, and transmits a signal to the server indicating that the detector has detected it. The server 1 counts the number of customers visiting the store T and the number of customers leaving the store, and can obtain the number of customers staying in the store T by obtaining the difference.

  According to such an embodiment, the server 1 can predict the appropriate opening number of the POS terminal 3 and display it on the display unit 18. The responsible person can see this display and open the appropriate number of POS terminals 3.

  While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment is included in the scope and the gist of the invention, and is included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  For example, in the embodiment, in S36 and S47, the information on the opening number of the appropriate POS terminal 3 is transmitted to the POS terminal 3 operated by the person in charge. However, the process of S36 and the process of S47 are not essential.

  Further, in the embodiment, the server 1 graphically displays the number of POS terminals 3 that can visually recognize the predicted number of opening of the POS terminals 3. However, the predicted number of opening of the POS terminal 3 may be displayed by a display method other than that shown in the drawing.

  The program executed by the server 1 according to the embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It is recorded and provided on a readable recording medium.

  Further, the program executed by the server 1 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the server 1 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Further, the program executed by the server 1 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

1 server 3 POS terminal 100 control unit 101 prediction unit 102 display unit 103 transmission unit 104 first correction unit 105 second correction unit 143 statistical unit 144 appropriate number of opened stations 145 customer number management unit 146 person-in-charge management unit 147 person-in-charge information unit 300 control unit

JP, 2013-61742, A

Claims (6)

In a prediction management device to which a plurality of commodity sales data processing devices for executing transaction processing relating to a commodity to be purchased are connected,
A display unit,
A statistical information storage unit that stores statistical data related to the transition of the number of customers visiting the store;
Prediction means for predicting an appropriate number of open stations of the commodity sales data processing apparatus based on the statistical data stored in the statistical information storage unit;
Display means for displaying information on the predicted opening number on the display unit;
Prediction management device equipped with. It further comprises a level storage unit for storing the level of a person in charge of the commodity sales data processing apparatus which is open.
The prediction means predicts the number of open stations of the commodity sales data processing apparatus in consideration of the level of the person in charge.
The prediction management device according to claim 1. The information processing apparatus may further include transmission means for transmitting information on the predicted number of opening stations to be displayed on a second display unit provided in the commodity sales data processing apparatus.
The prediction management apparatus of Claim 1 or 2. And a first correction unit that corrects the opening number predicted by the prediction unit based on the number of customers actually visiting the store.
The display means further displays the number of open stations corrected by the first correction means.
The prediction management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The display means displays the waiting time until the transaction processing of the customer according to the predicted opening number and the customer waiting time according to the corrected opening number.
A second correction unit that corrects the number of open stations according to the changed waiting time when the displayed waiting time is changed;
The prediction management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A plurality of commodity sales data processing apparatuses for executing transaction processing relating to commodities to be purchased are connected, and provided with a display unit and a statistical information storage unit for storing statistical data concerning the transition of the number of customers visiting the store. Computer as a prediction management device
Prediction means for predicting an appropriate number of open stations of the commodity sales data processing apparatus based on the statistical data stored in the statistical information storage unit;
Display means for displaying information on the predicted opening number on the display unit;
Program to function as.

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