JP2021033965A - Information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To predict a reasonable price as a price presented in future by a supplier and thereby reduce the payment amount of a buyer, thus optimizing the purchase of the buyer.SOLUTION: In a server 1 for predicting a price when a purchase object is provided in future from a supplier to a buyer as a successful tender price, a reference setting unit 101 sets a reference price on the basis of the records of prices when a purchase object is provided from one or more suppliers to the buyer at present or in the past. A purchase requirement setting unit 102 sets a purchase requirement that at least includes the purchase amount of the purchase object by the buyer and which is needed for estimating a price when the purchase object is provided to the buyer. A buyer requirement setting unit 103 sets a buyer requirement that is a requirement relating to the buyer and which includes at least the creditworthiness of the buyer. A prediction unit 104 predicts a successful tender price on the basis of the reference price, the purchase requirement and the buyer requirement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device.

Traditionally, companies that purchase consumables, pay electricity bills, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "buyers") take phase estimates and negotiate prices in order to reduce spending on purchasing. To do. There is also a technique for supporting unit price negotiation in such purchasing (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2017-49795

However, in the case of a phase quotation, the contents of the quotation presented by each of a plurality of contractors (hereinafter referred to as "suppliers") that can be the other party of the contract are compared, and one supplier to be the other party of the contract is selected. Can only be done.
Further, when price negotiation is conducted with a supplier, the technique of Patent Document 1 can be applied, but the technique described in Patent Document 1 only extracts products having a great merit of unit price negotiation.
Successful price negotiations require the buyer to have sufficient knowledge of the goods and services offered by the supplier to overturn the supplier's claims, but it is not easy for the buyer to have such knowledge. It is extremely difficult for buyers to have sufficient knowledge to overturn the claims of suppliers, especially in highly specialized fields.
For this reason, buyers were often forced to accept the contents of the quotation presented by the supplier without verifying the appropriateness.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and by predicting a reasonable price as a future price offered by the supplier, the buyer's payment amount can be reduced and the buyer's purchase can be optimized. The purpose is to make it.

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing device of one aspect of the present invention is
In an information processing device that predicts the price at which the target of goods or services will be provided to the buyer from the first supplier in the future as the winning bid.
A reference price setting means for setting a reference price as a reference when predicting the winning bid based on the actual price when the target is provided to the buyer by the second supplier now or in the past.
As a requirement for estimating the price when the target is provided to the buyer, a purchase requirement setting means for setting a purchase requirement including at least the purchase amount of the target by the buyer, and a purchase requirement setting means.
A buyer requirement setting means for setting a requirement relating to the buyer, including at least the creditworthiness of the buyer, as a buyer requirement.
A forecasting means for predicting the winning bid based on the reference price, the purchase requirement, and the buyer requirement.
To be equipped.

According to the present invention, by predicting a reasonable price as a price offered by the supplier in the future, it is possible to reduce the payment amount of the buyer and optimize the purchase of the buyer.

It is a figure which shows the outline of this service which can be realized by an information processing system including the server which concerns on one Embodiment of the information processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the system of a purchase optimization project. It is a figure which shows a concrete example of each pattern of a factor of cost reduction and a negotiation scheme of cost reduction. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the information processing system including the server which concerns on one Embodiment of the information processing apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware composition of the server among the information processing system shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional configuration for executing the winning bid price prediction processing among the functional configurations of the information processing system including the server of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of various information used for the winning bid price prediction processing. It is a graph which shows the specific example of "analysis of accounting data" performed in Step 1 of the project design phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG. It is a graph which shows the specific example of "target extraction" performed in Step 1 of the project design phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of "creation of purchase target management table" performed in Step 1 of the project design phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of "creation of a schedule draft" performed in Step 2 of the project design phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of "creation of a supplier list" performed in Step 4 of the individual matter execution phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of "acquisition of a phase estimate and holding of an electronic bid" performed in Step 5 of the individual matter execution phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG.

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

First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 as appropriate, a service to which the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied (see FIG. 4 described later) is applicable (hereinafter, "this service"). ”) Will be explained.

This service is an example of the service provided by the service provider to buyers and suppliers.
By using this service, the buyer can optimize the purchase of the goods or services provided by the supplier (hereinafter referred to as "purchase target"). Specifically, by using this service, the buyer can reduce various costs in a short period of time and obtain a substantial profit.
In addition, the supplier can get a chance to offer the purchase target to more buyers by using this service.
In this service, a reasonable price (hereinafter referred to as "successful bid price") is predicted as the price when the purchase target is provided to the buyer from the supplier in the future. This allows the service provider to verify the validity of the price of the purchase target actually offered by the supplier in providing the service to the buyer. This allows the service provider to provide appropriate services to the buyer, and as a result, the buyer can reduce the payment amount to the supplier and optimize the purchase. At that time, the service provider can obtain a predetermined reward as a consideration for providing the service to the buyer.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the service that can be realized by an information processing system, including a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention.

The service provider proposes a project for optimizing the purchase of the buyer (hereinafter referred to as "purchase optimization project") to the buyer. If the proposal is accepted, the service will be provided.
This purchasing optimization project is composed of the following first phase and second phase.
The first phase is the phase of designing a purchasing optimization project. Such a first phase is hereinafter referred to as a “project design phase”.
The second phase is the phase of executing individual projects. Such a second phase is hereinafter referred to as an “individual matter execution phase”.

First, the project design phase in the purchasing optimization project will be described.
The project design phase consists of Step 1 and Step 2.
In Step 1, the following analysis of accounting data, extraction of targets, and creation of purchase target management table are performed.

In Step 1, in the analysis of accounting data, the buyer's accounting data is analyzed.
Specifically, a non-disclosure agreement is signed between the buyer and the service provider, and accounting data (for example, data on expenditure) is analyzed.
Here, the specific method applied to the analysis of the buyer's accounting data is not particularly limited. For example, ABC analysis (priority analysis) may be used to grasp the items of expenses for which the amount of expenditure is relatively large. When the method using this ABC analysis is adopted, for example, capital investment and purchase of fixed assets are subject to separate analysis.
The details of the analysis when the method using ABC is applied will be described later with reference to FIG.

In Step 1, in the extraction of the target, the purchase target for cost reduction efforts is extracted.
Specifically, for example, the priority of cost reduction efforts based on the possibility of cost reduction, the difficulty level of cost reduction efforts, and the scale of payment amount (hereinafter referred to as "action priority"). The image of the call) is analyzed. In addition, the priority of efforts to realize the fastest and maximum cost reduction with the minimum man-hours will be verified.
Details using a specific example of target extraction will be described later with reference to FIG.

In Step 1, in the creation of the purchase target management table, a table for managing the purchase target for cost reduction efforts (hereinafter, referred to as "purchase target management table") is created.
Specifically, for example, information on the current purchase status (hereinafter referred to as "purchase status information") such as item name, purchase amount, supplier who is the current business partner, etc. is grasped for each department of the buyer. .. In addition, individual projects to be purchased with high priority for cost reduction efforts are extracted. In addition, the relationship between the buyer and the existing supplier and the contract status will be confirmed, and the specific method for cost reduction efforts will be examined. Based on these grasps, extractions, confirmations, examinations, etc., a purchase target management table is created.
Details of the creation of the purchase target management table will be described later with reference to FIG.

When Step 1 described above is completed, Step 2 is started. In this Step 2, a draft schedule is created.
In Step 2, when creating a draft schedule, a schedule is created for each individual project for cost reduction efforts.
Specifically, for example, a draft schedule for each individual project for cost reduction efforts is created based on the priority of efforts for each department of the buyer. In addition, the purchase optimization project will be kicked off, and one or more individual projects will be scheduled as a joint project. By creating such a draft schedule and clarifying milestones, delays in the schedule are prevented.
Details using a specific example of creating the draft schedule will be described later with reference to FIG.

The project design phase of the purchasing optimization project has been described above. Next, the individual matter execution phase will be described.
When a kick-off or the like is made between the service provider and the buyer regarding the purchase optimization project, the phase of the purchase optimization project shifts from the project design phase to the individual project execution phase.
The individual project execution phase is composed of Step 3 to Step 6.

First, in Step 3, requirements are defined.
In Step 3, in the requirement definition, a specification, a request for quotation, or a bid guide for purchase is created.
Specifications are created so that incidental conditions such as delivery date, contract conditions, and compensation are clarified. As a result, the quality of the purchase target can be ensured.
The quotation request form is created as a request form presented to the suppliers when obtaining a phase quotation from multiple suppliers.
The bid guide is created as a guide presented to the supplier when the buyer makes an electronic bid.
In the present embodiment, the amount obtained by multiplying the standard unit price set based on the buyer's past purchase record, future plan, etc. by the buyer's planned purchase amount is set as the standard price.
A quotation request or bid guide is created based on this reference price.
The details of the definition of the standard price and the like will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 as appropriate.

Next, in Step 4, a supplier list is created.
In Step 4, as a supplier list, a list containing information on each of one or more suppliers who are candidates for business partners is created.
Specifically, for example, a supplier list is created by utilizing a database in which various types of information regarding suppliers (hereinafter referred to as "supplier information") are stored. The supplier list will list the suppliers that have been approved by the buyer.
Details using a specific example of creating a supplier list will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, in Step 5, acquisition of a phase estimate and holding of an electronic bid will be carried out.
If the prediction of the winning bid amount, which will be described later, is executed before this Step 5, it is preferable because the Step 5 and subsequent steps are appropriately executed.
In Step 5, as the acquisition of the phase quotation and the holding of the electronic bidding, the acquisition of the phase quotation from a plurality of suppliers and the holding of the electronic bidding are performed for the purpose of determining the preferential negotiation right.
Specifically, for example, a service provider makes a phase estimate by requesting quotations from each of a plurality of suppliers, and compares the quotations in a table summarizing the comparison results of the quotations of each of the plurality of suppliers obtained as a result. Create a table and present it to the buyer.
The electronic bidding may be held using the website dedicated to electronic bidding provided by this service, or the existing reverse auction site may be used. As a result, the cost reduction effect can be improved.
Details of the acquisition of the phase estimate and the holding of the electronic bidding will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, in Step 6, supplier evaluation and selection are performed.
In Step 6, the supplier is evaluated, and based on the result of the evaluation, the supplier to be the contractor of the buyer is selected.
Specifically, for example, the evaluation of a supplier is performed not only from the price aspect but also from all aspects such as quality of the purchase target, guarantee, delivery date, corporate credit, and performance of other companies.
Therefore, if necessary, an opportunity for an interview between the buyer and the supplier (hereinafter referred to as “supplier interview”) is provided. As a general rule, supplier interviews are targeted at the first-ranked supplier who has obtained preferential negotiation rights through phase quotation or electronic bidding, but it is also possible to target the second-ranked and subsequent suppliers. In this case, for example, the supplier interview of the second-ranked supplier may be conducted by receiving the feedback of the result of the supplier interview of the first-ranked supplier.

In the supplier interview, the contents of the quotation presented by the supplier (for example, quality of the purchase target, guarantee, delivery date, etc.) are confirmed. In addition, in the supplier interview for new suppliers, the contents of the supplier's evaluation results (for example, quality of purchase target, guarantee, delivery date, corporate credit, performance of other companies, etc.) are confirmed.

In addition to supplier interviews, if necessary for making quotations or evaluating suppliers, for example, collecting proposals prepared by suppliers, conducting planning presentations, holding sample evaluation meetings, and on-site tours. Implementation etc. will be carried out.
The supplier selected in "Supplier Evaluation and Selection" concludes a purchase contract with the buyer. In addition, this service supports the process until the purchase contract is concluded between the buyer and the supplier in order to realize cost reduction in a short period of time.

Summarizing the above contents, for example, the purchase optimization project can be realized by the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the system of the purchase optimization project.

The purchasing optimization project is controlled by a steering committee composed of representatives on the buyer side and representatives on the service provider side. The Steering Committee (steering committee) makes decisions on the overall project policy and reports on the boathouse from a management perspective. The representative of the buyer side is, for example, the management team, the project manager, etc., and the representative of the service provider side is, for example, the project manager or the like.

In the purchase optimization project, since the project design phase shown in FIG. 1 is executed, various information is provided from the buyer side to the service provider side.
Specifically, for example, from the department in charge of the buyer (for example, general affairs, sales promotion, logistics, information system, etc.) to the department in charge of the service provider (for example, specifications, supplier, etc.) Various information is provided. The information provided from the buyer side to the service provider side includes current purchase data, accounting data, contract status, information on existing suppliers, and the like.

In addition, in the purchase optimization project, since the individual case execution phase shown in Fig. 1 is executed, specifications, supplier lists, quotation comparison tables, etc. are sent from the department in charge on the service provider side to the department in charge on the buyer side. The presentation is made. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of output and maximize the cost reduction.
Further, in the purchase optimization project, since the individual case execution phase shown in FIG. 1 is executed, approval and decision making are made for each individual case from the department in charge on the buyer side to the department in charge on the service provider side. .. This facilitates communication between buyers and service providers throughout the purchasing optimization project.

The flow and system of the entire purchasing optimization project that can be realized by this service have been explained above.
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a specific method for maximizing the cost reduction of the buyer will be described. Specifically, a method for verifying the validity of the supplier's estimated amount and bid amount by predicting the above-mentioned "successful bid price" at an arbitrary timing (for example, the timing before the above-mentioned Step 5) will be described.

In this service, the base price, purchase requirements, and buyer requirements are taken into consideration when forecasting the winning bid.
The reference price is a reference price when predicting the winning bid, and is also used when creating the above-mentioned quotation request form and bid guide. As described above, the base price is calculated by multiplying the base unit price set based on the buyer's past purchase record, future plans, etc. by the buyer's planned purchase amount. Specifically, for example, the price when the purchase target is provided to the buyer by each of one or more suppliers now or in the past is taken into consideration. The "past purchase record" may include the purchase record from the supplier who is the other party of the current contract.
“Purchase requirement” means a purchase requirement on the buyer side, which is necessary for a supplier to make a price estimate when offering a purchase target to a buyer. The purchase requirement can include the purchase quantity (for example, production lot or size) to be purchased.
"Buyer requirements" means requirements regarding qualifications on the part of the buyer. Buyer requirements can include the creditworthiness of the buyer (eg, company size, financial resources, etc.).

Specifically, for example, when the purchase target to be provided from the supplier to the buyer in the future is "electric power", the winning bid can be predicted by the following procedure.
That is, for example, the reference price is set based on the current or past electricity charges of the electric power provided to the buyer by one or more suppliers (for example, an electric power company).
Further, for example, purchase requirements including electricity usage and amperage capacity are set.
In addition, for example, buyer requirements are set including the amount of capital indicating the creditworthiness of the year, the number of employees, sales, and the like.
Then, the winning bid is predicted based on the reference price, the purchase requirement, and the buyer requirement set in this way.

This service makes it possible to purchase at a lower price (that is, reduce costs) without degrading the quality when the target of goods or services is provided from the supplier to the buyer in the future. The factors and the negotiation scheme will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing specific examples of each pattern of cost reduction factors and cost reduction negotiation schemes.

That is, this service is more appropriate by considering the influence of one or more patterns (hereinafter referred to as "factor patterns") that are factors of cost reduction in addition to the standard price, purchase requirements, and buyer requirements. It is possible to predict the winning bid.
In addition to the standard price, purchase requirements, and buyer requirements, this service also provides one or more patterns that serve as a cost reduction negotiation scheme when the target of goods or services is provided from the supplier to the buyer in the future (hereinafter, "" By considering the influence of the "negotiation scheme pattern"), it becomes possible to predict the winning bid more appropriately.

FIG. 3A shows four patterns as specific examples of factor patterns. That is, in this service, (1) when procurement costs and manufacturing costs are reduced due to technological innovation, etc., (2) when a competitive environment is established due to revision of the legal system, etc. (3) There are four factor patterns: when the market prices of raw materials and labor are in a downward phase, procurement costs and manufacturing costs are decreasing, and (4) the supply-demand relationship is loose.
If at least one of these four patterns applies, the buyer often purchases the purchase target at a price higher than the market price based on his / her own belief.
Therefore, by considering the influence of at least one of these four patterns, it is possible for the buyer to realize the purchase at a price close to the market price, that is, to realize a further cost reduction. , The winning bid can be predicted.
In other words, considering the impact of at least one of these four patterns can be understood as considering economic trends and projects of other companies. That is, by considering economic trends and projects of other companies, it is possible to predict the winning bid so that the buyer can purchase at a lower price.
It should be noted that these four patterns can also be used to extract a target as a purchase target. A specific example of this extraction will be described later with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 3B, six patterns are shown as specific examples of the negotiation scheme pattern. That is, in this service, (1) take advantage of economies of scale, (2) extract the part where a phase estimate can be obtained, (3) change the ordering method, (4) negotiate a discount rate, and (5) new. Taking advantage of the merits of the supplier side, (6) Focusing on the motivation of new suppliers to continue trading, there are six patterns of negotiation scheme patterns.
Since the appropriate negotiation scheme pattern is different for each individual case, it may be necessary to combine a plurality of negotiation scheme patterns. For this reason, the service employs one or more negotiation scheme patterns that are appropriate for the buyer's situation.
By considering the influence of the pattern adopted in this way, it becomes possible to predict the winning bid so that the buyer can purchase at a lower price.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the information processing system including the information processing system that realizes the provision of the above-mentioned service, that is, the server according to the embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing system including a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention.

The information processing system shown in FIG. 4 is configured to include a server 1, a buyer terminal 2, and supplier terminals 3-1 to 3-n (n is an integer value of 1 or more). The server 1, the buyer terminal 2, and the supplier terminals 3-1 to 3-n are connected to each other via a predetermined network N such as the Internet.

The server 1 is an information processing device managed by the service provider G, and performs various processes for realizing this service while appropriately communicating with the buyer terminal 2 and the supplier terminals 3-1 to 3-n. Execute.

Each of the buyer terminals 2 is an information processing device operated by the buyer B, and is composed of, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.
For convenience of explanation, only one buyer (one company) is shown in the figure, but this service can be provided to a plurality of buyers in parallel, and in that case, to each of the plurality of buyers. On the other hand, one or more buyer terminals 2 are provided.

Each of the supplier terminals 3-1 to 3-n is an information processing device operated by each of the suppliers C1 to Cn, and is composed of, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.
For convenience of explanation, only one supplier terminal 3-1 to 3-n is shown for each of the pliers C1 to Cn, but of course, a plurality of terminals may be used.
Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish each of the supplier terminals 3-1 to 3-n, these are collectively referred to as "supplier terminal 3".

In this embodiment, the buyer B and the supplier C use, for example, the buyer terminal 2 and the supplier terminal 3 on which the dedicated application for the user of the service (hereinafter referred to as “dedicated application”) is installed. You can use this service.
Further, for example, each of the buyer B and the supplier C may use this service by using the website managed by the service provider G displayed by the browser functions of the buyer terminal 2 and the supplier terminal 3. it can.
In the following, unless otherwise specified, when the expression "buyer B operates the buyer terminal 2" means any of the following. That is, it means that the buyer B activates the dedicated application installed on the buyer terminal 2 and performs various operations, or uses the service from the website displayed by the browser function of the buyer terminal 2. ..
Further, when the expression "supplier C operates the supplier terminal 3", it means any of the following. That is, it means that the supplier C activates the dedicated application installed on the supplier terminal 3 to perform various operations, or uses the service from the website displayed by the browser function of the supplier terminal 3. ..

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server in the information processing system shown in FIG.

The server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an input unit 16, and an output unit 17. A storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are provided.

The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or the program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13.
Data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes are also appropriately stored in the RAM 13.

The CPU 11, ROM 12 and RAM 13 are connected to each other via the bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14. An input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

The input unit 16 is composed of, for example, a keyboard or the like, and inputs various information.
The output unit 17 is composed of a display such as a liquid crystal display, a speaker, or the like, and outputs various information as images or sounds.
The storage unit 18 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores various data.
The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices (for example, the buyer terminal 2 and the supplier terminal 3 in FIG. 5) via the network N including the Internet.

A removable media 30 made of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately mounted on the drive 20. The program read from the removable media 30 by the drive 20 is installed in the storage unit 18 as needed.
Further, the removable media 30 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18.

Although not shown, the buyer terminal 2 and the supplier terminal 3 of FIG. 4 can also have basically the same configuration as the hardware configuration shown in FIG. Therefore, the description of the hardware configuration of the buyer terminal 2 and the supplier terminal 3 will be omitted.

By collaborating with the various hardware of the server 1 of FIG. 5 and the various software, it is possible to execute various processes including the winning bid price prediction process on the server 1. As a result, the service provider G can provide the above-mentioned service to the buyer B and the supplier C.
Here, the winning bid price prediction process is a process executed to provide the above-mentioned service, and means a series of processes until the winning bid price is predicted.
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, a functional configuration for executing the winning bid price prediction process executed on the server 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration for executing the winning bid price prediction process among the functional configurations of the information processing system including the server of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the CPU 11 of the server 1, when the execution of the winning bid price prediction process is controlled, the reference setting unit 101, the purchase requirement setting unit 102, the buyer requirement setting unit 103, and the prediction unit 104 , The determination extraction unit 105 functions.
Further, a buyer DB181 and a supplier DB182 are provided in one area of the storage unit 18 of the server 1. In the buyer DB181, various kinds of information regarding the buyer B (hereinafter, referred to as "buyer information") are managed in association with an ID or the like that can uniquely identify the buyer B. In the supplier DB 182, the above-mentioned supplier information is managed in association with an ID or the like that can uniquely identify the supplier C.

The reference setting unit 101 is a reference price which is a reference price when predicting a winning bid based on a purchase record with one or more suppliers C who have provided a purchase target to buyer B now or in the past. To set.
Specifically, for example, the reference setting unit 101 sets the reference price based on the buyer information stored in the buyer DB181 and the supplier information stored in the supplier DB182 (particularly, the purchase record and purchase of the buyer B). Set.
In addition, one or more suppliers C having a track record of providing the purchase target to the buyer B at present or in the past may include the supplier C for which the winning bid is predicted. That is, the buyer B may continue to make a contract with the supplier C who has a current contract or a contract in the past, if cost reduction or the like becomes possible.

The purchase requirement setting unit 102 sets a purchase requirement including at least the purchase amount of the purchase target in the buyer B as a requirement for estimating the price when the purchase target is provided to the buyer B.
Specifically, for example, the purchase requirement setting unit 102 sets the purchase requirement based on the production lot, size, and the like of the purchase target obtained from the buyer information stored in the buyer DB181.

The buyer requirement setting unit 103 sets a requirement relating to the buyer B, which includes at least the creditworthiness of the buyer B, as a buyer requirement. As described above, the creditworthiness of the buyer B includes, for example, the scale and financial resources of the buyer if the buyer is a company.

The forecasting unit 104 is a target supplier based on the standard price set by the standard setting unit 101, the purchase requirement set by the purchase requirement setting unit 102, and the buyer requirement set by the buyer requirement setting unit 103. Predict the winning bid of C.

The method of predicting the winning bid by the prediction unit 104 is not particularly limited, but for example, the following method can be adopted.
That is, a method in which a model that outputs a winning bid is generated or updated when a reference price, a purchase requirement, and a buyer requirement are input by machine learning of an arbitrary method, and the winning bid is predicted based on the model. Can be adopted.
As described above, this machine learning may be any method, and may be supervised learning or unsupervised learning. For example, in the case of supervised learning, a data set in which information on the actually used standard price, purchase requirements, and buyer requirements is used as learning data, and information such as the estimated amount actually presented at that time is used as teacher data. The above-mentioned model may be generated or updated by preparing a large number of the above-mentioned models and performing machine learning by a learning device (not shown).

At that time, the forecasting unit 104, in addition to the reference price, the purchase requirement, and the buyer requirement, further influences the influence of one or more patterns that will be a factor of cost reduction when the purchase target is provided from the supplier C to the buyer B in the future. In consideration, the winning bid can be predicted.
Specifically, for example, the prediction unit 104 can predict the winning bid price in consideration of the influence of the "factor pattern" in FIG. 3A.
For example, when the above-mentioned machine learning is used, the machine learning is performed in consideration of the influence of the "factor pattern" in FIG. 3A, and the model is generated or updated.

In addition to the base price, purchase requirements, and buyer requirements, the forecasting unit 104 also considers the impact of one or more patterns that will be a cost reduction negotiation scheme when the purchase target is offered from supplier C to buyer B in the future. Then, the winning bid can be predicted.
Specifically, for example, the prediction unit 104 can predict the winning bid price in consideration of the influence of the “negotiation scheme pattern” of FIG. 3 (B).
For example, when the above-mentioned machine learning is used, the machine learning is performed in consideration of the influence of the “negotiation scheme pattern” of FIG. 3 (B), and the model is generated or updated.

As a matter of course, in predicting the winning bid, the combination of the "factor pattern" of FIG. 3 (A) and the "negotiation scheme pattern" of FIG. 3 (B) may be considered.
For example, when the above-mentioned machine learning is used, machine learning is performed in consideration of the influence of the combination of the "factor pattern" in FIG. 3 (A) and the "negotiation scheme pattern" in FIG. 3 (B). The model is generated or updated.

The decision extraction unit 105 determines the winning bid price based on at least one determinant of reduction possibility, effort difficulty, and payment amount scale from among the plurality of goods or services currently provided by buyer B. Determine and extract the purchase target for which the forecast is made. A specific example of extracting the purchase target by the determination extraction unit 105 will be described later with reference to FIG.
As described above, the determination extraction unit 105 is provided in the present embodiment. As a result, the winning bid of supplier C can be predicted by narrowing down the purchase targets that can be expected to have a cost reduction effect.

Next, a specific example of the above-mentioned successful bid price prediction process will be described with reference to FIG. 7.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing specific examples of various information used in the winning bid price prediction process.

7 (A) and 7 (B) show specific examples of purchase results used in the winning bid price prediction process.
As shown in FIG. 7A, when the purchase target is a so-called utility product, the purchase record is stored and managed in the buyer DB181 for each brand or item, for example.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the purchase target is a printed matter such as an advertisement leaflet, for example, the day when the newspaper is inserted or each title is stored and managed in the buyer DB181. ..

Specifically, for example, FIG. 7A shows the following as an example of the purchase record when the purchase target is a utility product.
That is, the brand classification is "(1)", the item name is "OOOO logo sticker", the unit price (yen / sheet / piece) is "2.0", and the production lot (sheet / piece / time) is "120,000". , The purchase target is indicated in which the purchase quantity (sheets / piece / year) is "2,308,990" and the purchase amount (yen / year) is "4,617,980".
The brand classification is "(1)", the item name is "000 Poly M", the unit price (yen / piece / piece) is "38.0", and the production lot (sheet / piece / time) is "50,000". , The purchase target is shown in which the purchase quantity (sheets / piece / year) is "1,200,687" and the purchase amount (yen / year) is "45,626,106".
Brand classification is "(1)", item name is "Poly S new", unit price (yen / piece / piece) is "9.7", production lot (sheet / piece / time) is "40,000", purchase The purchase target is shown in which the quantity (sheets / piece / year) is "776,748" and the purchase amount (yen / year) is "7,534,456".

Further, for example, FIG. 7B shows the following as an example of the purchase record when the purchase target is a printed matter (advertising leaflet).
That is, the insertion date is "2016/6/25", the title is "The Otokoichi (Coat version)", the size is "B4", the number of colors is "4x4", the number of plate patterns is "1", and printing. The purchase target is shown in which the number of copies (sheets / lot) is "29,200" and the unit price (yen / sheet) is "6.50".
Insertion date is "2016/11/26", title is "Bazaar 1 bullet (Obu store)", size is "B4", number of colors is "4x4", number of plate patterns is "1", number of copies (sheets) The purchase target in which (/ lot) is "33,400" and the unit price (yen / sheet) is "6.88" is shown.
Insertion date is "2016/12/31", title is "first sale (tabloid version)", size is "B4", number of colors is "4x4", number of plate patterns is "1", number of copies (sheets / sheet / The purchase target is shown in which the lot) is "54,200" and the unit price (yen / sheet) is "4.65".

FIG. 7C shows a specific example of the winning bid price predicted as a result of the winning bid price prediction processing. As shown in FIG. 7C, the winning bid can be predicted for each store of Buyer B.
Specifically, for example, for the store name "Takinogawa store", the standard price of electricity charges for the year is "¥ 3,769,163", while the winning bid is predicted to be "¥ 3,484,062". Has been done.
In other words, the winning bid price prediction process makes it clear that there is room for discount negotiation at least for the discount rate of "7.56%".
Regarding the store name "Hokima store", the standard price of the annual electricity charge is "¥ 10,136,460", while the winning bid is predicted to be "¥ 8,148,864". In other words, the winning bid price prediction process makes it clear that there is room for discount negotiation at least for the discount rate of "19.61%".
Regarding the store name "Geba store", the standard price of electricity charges for the year is "¥ 4,766,559", while the winning bid is predicted to be "¥ 3,968,250". In other words, the winning bid price prediction process makes it clear that there is room for discount negotiation at least for the discount rate of "16.75%".

Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13, specific examples of processing performed in the project design phase and the individual project execution phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG. 1 will be described.
The functional blocks that execute these processes are not shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 6, except for the processes executed by the determination extraction unit 105 of FIG. 6 using the graph of FIG. The processing is also appropriately executed by the server 1.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a specific example of “analysis of accounting data” performed in Step 1 of the project design phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG.
The graph shown in FIG. 8 is a graph generated for performing ABC analysis (priority analysis) based on the accounting data of buyer B (Company Z).
As shown in FIG. 8, in the ABC analysis, the purchase targets are arranged in descending order (that is, in descending order of importance) in the amount of expenditure (vertical axis on the left side of the graph) from the left side to the right side of the horizontal axis. Then, the purchase target is classified into A zone (high importance), B zone (medium importance), and C zone (low importance) according to the cumulative expenditure ratio (vertical axis on the right side of the graph).
Specifically, among the purchase targets, multifunction devices, printed matter, new construction, cleaning, electric power, mobile phones / fixed telephones, design / production, and repair work are classified into Zone A (high importance). In addition, among the purchase targets shown on the horizontal axis of the graph, security, advertising fees, packaging materials / materials, car leasing, shipping costs, legal inspections, and labels are classified into zone B (medium importance). Although not shown, among the purchase targets shown on the horizontal axis of the graph, the purchase targets arranged on the right side of the label are classified into C zone (low importance). As a result, as shown in the graph of FIG. 8, purchase targets up to about 80% of the cumulative expenditure ratio are classified into zone A, and purchase targets of about 80% to 90% of the cumulative expenditure ratio are classified into zone B. It can be seen that purchase targets of about 90% to 100% of the cumulative expenditure ratio are classified into the C zone. That is, since the purchase targets classified into the A zone are the purchase targets having a high ratio to the total expenditure, they should be targeted for cost reduction with particular emphasis.
Of the purchase targets shown on the horizontal axis of the graph, the difference between the purchase target surrounded by the broken line and the purchase target not surrounded by the broken line will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing a specific example of “target extraction” performed in Step 1 of the project design phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG.

As mentioned above, when target extraction is performed, the image of the priority of efforts is analyzed based on the possibility of cost reduction, the difficulty of making cost reduction efforts, and the scale of payment amount. .. In addition, priority verification is performed to realize the fastest and maximum cost reduction with the minimum man-hours.
The graph shown in FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the possibility of cost reduction (vertical axis) and the difficulty level (horizontal axis) of cost reduction efforts based on the accounting data of buyer B (Company Z). It is a graph which shows. The size of each bubble of the purchase target plotted on the graph indicates the size of the expenditure.
For this reason, for example, among the purchase targets plotted in the graph, the multifunction device has the highest expenditure, the possibility of cost reduction is extremely high, and the difficulty level when making cost reduction efforts is extremely low. It turns out that there is. In this case, the multifunction device will be a purchase target with an extremely high priority of efforts.
On the other hand, for example, among the purchase targets plotted in the graph, new construction work has the third highest expenditure, but the possibility of cost reduction is extremely low, and the difficulty level when making cost reduction efforts is high. It turns out that it is an extremely high level. In this case, the new construction work will be a purchase target with an extremely low priority of efforts.
The arrow Y extending in the lower left direction shown in the center of the graph of FIG. 9 is an arrow extending from the one with the highest priority to the one with the lowest priority. Therefore, for example, in the example of the graph of FIG. 9, the priority of efforts is set in the order of the multifunction device, the printed matter, the electric power, the cleaning, and the mobile / fixed telephone, and the target is extracted.
As for new construction, design / production, advertising costs, and shipping costs, as shown in the graph in Fig. 9, it is unlikely that costs can be reduced, and purchasing is highly difficult when making cost reduction efforts. Since it is classified as a target, it is excluded from the target extraction target. Of the purchase targets shown on the horizontal axis of the graph of FIG. 8 above, the purchase targets not surrounded by the broken line (that is, new construction, design / production, advertising costs, and shipping costs) are the targets. It indicates that the purchase target is excluded from the extraction target.

That is, the graph, as shown in FIG. 9, contains information about at least one determinant of the potential for reduction, the difficulty of the effort, and the size of the payment amount for the plurality of goods or services currently being offered by the buyer. It has been.
Therefore, the determination extraction unit 105 of FIG. 6 can generate or acquire a graph as shown in FIG. 9, and determine and extract the purchase target for which the winning bid is predicted based on this graph.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of “creation of a purchase target management table” performed in Step 1 of the project design phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG.

As described above, the purchase target management table is a table for managing purchase targets for cost reduction efforts. In the purchase target management table, specific information about the item name, purchase amount (yen / year), and each supplier who is the current business partner is managed for each department of buyer B.
In the example of the purchase target management table shown in FIG. 10, the purchase target for which the department in charge of general affairs, the department in charge of facility management, and the department in charge of sales promotion of buyer B make efforts for cost reduction are respectively. Illustrated.
Specifically, for example, the purchasing targets for cost reduction efforts in the department in charge of general affairs are multifunction devices, electric power, mobile phones / fixed telephones, and the like. In addition, the departments in charge of facility management are purchasing items for cost reduction efforts such as cleaning, repair work, and security. In addition, the department in charge of sales promotion is trying to reduce costs by purchasing printed matter (flyers, etc.), labels, etc.
Of these, the annual purchase amount of "multifunction peripherals", which the department in charge of general affairs is working on to reduce costs, is "470,000,000 yen", and the supplier who is an existing customer is "○○ Co., Ltd." It is said to be a trading company. In addition, the annual purchase amount of "electric power" is "180,000,000 yen", and the supplier who is an existing business partner is "OO Electric Power Co., Ltd.". In addition, the annual purchase amount of "mobile / fixed-line phones" is "150,000,000 yen", and the supplier who is an existing business partner is "OO Co., Ltd.".
The details of the purchase targets for which the department in charge of facility management and the department in charge of sales promotion of Buyer B are making cost reduction efforts are as shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of “creation of a draft schedule” performed in Step 2 of the project design phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG.

As described above, when a draft schedule is created, a draft schedule for each individual project for cost reduction efforts is created based on the priority of efforts for each department of buyer B.
As shown in FIG. 11, the points in creating the draft schedule are, for example, the contract switching month, the settlement timing, the busy season, and the unit price switching timing.
In the example of the draft schedule shown in FIG. 11, the draft schedule is prepared for each of the multifunction devices, electric power, mobile phones, landlines, etc. that are targeted for cost reduction in the department in charge of general affairs in Buyer B. Has been created. Specifically, for example, in the draft schedule for multifunction devices, cost reduction efforts are scheduled to be carried out from the beginning of April to the end of May. In addition, in the draft electricity schedule, cost reduction efforts are scheduled to be carried out from the middle of April to the middle of June. In addition, in the draft schedule for mobile phones and landlines, cost reduction efforts are scheduled to take place from the beginning of May to the end of June.
FIG. 11 shows a draft schedule for each purchase target in which the department in charge of facility management and the department in charge of sales promotion of Buyer B each make efforts for cost reduction.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of “creating a supplier list” performed in Step 4 of the individual project execution phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG.

As described above, when a supplier list containing information on each of one or more supplier Cs that are candidates for business partners is created, the supplier DB 182 in which the supplier information is stored is utilized. The supplier information stored and managed in the supplier DB182 is enriched by conducting a survey targeting not only the supplier information of the existing customer C, but also the supplier C who can be a new customer. Be done.
As shown in FIG. 12, the supplier list includes, for example, information indicating the transaction status of supplier C, the company name, the location of the head office, sales, capital, and the number of employees. Specifically, for example, in the supplier list shown in FIG. 12, the transaction status is "existing", the company name is "○○ Shoji Co., Ltd.", and the head office location is "○○ XX-XX-XX ○, Tokyo. 〇Building ”, dealing with supplier C whose sales (million yen) is“ 430,000 ”, capital (million yen) is“ 90,000 ”, and number of employees (name) is“ 2,500 ” The situation is "new", the company name is "○○ Shokai Co., Ltd.", the head office location is "○○ XX-XX ○○ Tower" in Tokyo, and the sales (million yen) is "460,000 yen". , Supplier C, etc., whose capital (million yen) is "15,000" and whose number of employees (names) is "2,800".

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of “acquisition of a phase estimate and holding of an electronic bid” performed in Step 5 of the individual project execution phase of the purchase optimization project of FIG.

When a phase estimate is obtained (so-called one-shot bidding), as described above, the service provider G requests a quotation from each of a plurality of suppliers C (for example, suppliers C1 to C4 in FIG. 13). Get a phase quote. Then, a quotation comparison table summarizing the comparison results is presented to buyer B. In this way, the service provider G collectively performs the communication with each supplier C. Then, the service provider G supplements the contents of the specification by making a proposal and asking a question while presenting the quotation comparison table to the buyer B.

In addition, when an electronic bidding is held, as described above, a website dedicated to electronic bidding provided by this service or an existing reverse auction site is utilized, and bidding is carried out in a closed environment.

Summarizing the above, according to this service, the following effects can be expected.
That is, Buyer B can achieve economies of scale by coordinating purchases within a group (for example, a consolidated subsidiary, a factory, an acquiring company) centered on the parent company. In addition, PMI (Post Merger Integration), which is an integration process after M & A (merger / acquisition), can be supported.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, and the like within the range in which the object of the present invention can be achieved are included in the present invention. Consider it as.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the purchase target targeted for cost reduction is only one example. For example, rental mats, office consumables, building maintenance, firefighting equipment inspection, repair work, restoration work, shopping bags, personal computers, processed foods, logistics consumables, non-life insurance, etc. can be included in the purchase target.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the production lot and the size are mentioned as the "purchase amount" of the buyer B included in the purchase requirement, but these are merely examples. A "purchase amount" can be defined for each purchase target. Specifically, for example, when the purchase target is "electric power", "electric power consumption" is defined as "purchase amount".

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the "creditworthiness" of the buyer B included in the buyer requirement includes the size of the company, the amount of capital, the number of employees, and the sales, but these are merely examples. Absent. For example, it may be based on the survey results of a predetermined credit research company.

Also, for example, FIG. 1 shows four factor patterns and six negotiation scheme patterns, but these are merely examples. Factor patterns and negotiation scheme patterns other than the factor patterns and negotiation scheme patterns shown in FIG. 1 can be adopted.

Further, the system configuration shown in FIG. 4 and the hardware configuration of the server 1 shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited.

Further, the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it suffices if the information processing system is provided with a function capable of executing the above-mentioned series of processes as a whole, and what kind of functional block is used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the example of FIG. ..

Further, the location of the functional block is not limited to FIG. 6, and may be arbitrary.
For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the above-mentioned winning bid price prediction processing is configured to be performed on the server 1 side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least a part of the winning bid price prediction processing is performed on the buyer terminal 2 side. You may.
That is, the functional block required to execute the winning bid price prediction process is configured to be provided on the server 1 side, but this is only an example. At least a part of the functional blocks arranged on the server 1 side may be provided on the buyer terminal 2 side.

Further, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or software.
Further, one functional block may be configured by a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination thereof.

When a series of processes are executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed on a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.
The computer may be a computer embedded in dedicated hardware.
Further, the computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose smartphone or a personal computer in addition to a server.

The recording medium containing such a program is not only composed of a removable medium (not shown) distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to the advertiser, but also advertises in a state of being pre-installed in the device main body. It is mainly composed of provided recording media and the like.

In the present specification, the steps for describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium are not only processed in chronological order but also in parallel or individually, even if they are not necessarily processed in chronological order. It also includes the processing to be executed.
Further, in the present specification, the term of the system means an overall device composed of a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, and the like.

Summarizing the above, the information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied need only have the following configuration, and various various embodiments can be taken.
That is, the information processing device to which the present invention is applied (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 6) is
A successful bid is made for the price (for example, electricity charges) when the object of goods or services (for example, electric power as a purchase target) is provided to the buyer (for example, buyer B) in the future from the first supplier (for example, supplier C for which the forecast is made). In information processing equipment that predicts prices
A reference for predicting the winning bid based on the actual price when the target is provided to the buyer by the second supplier (for example, supplier C as an existing business partner) now or in the past. A reference price setting means for setting a price (for example, a reference setting unit 101 in FIG. 6) and
A purchase requirement setting means (for example, FIG. 6) that sets a purchase requirement including at least the purchase amount (for example, power consumption) of the target in the buyer as a requirement for estimating the price when the target is provided to the buyer. Purchase requirement setting unit 102) and
A buyer requirement setting means (for example, the buyer requirement setting unit 103 in FIG. 6) that sets a requirement relating to the buyer, including at least the creditworthiness of the buyer (for example, the size of a company), as a buyer requirement.
A forecasting means for predicting the winning bid based on the reference price, the purchase requirement, and the buyer requirement (for example, the forecasting unit 104 in FIG. 6).
To be equipped.

As a result, the winning bid is predicted based on the actual price when offered to the buyer, the requirement including at least the target purchase amount in the buyer, and the requirement including at least the creditworthiness of the buyer.
As a result, it is possible to predict a reasonable price as the price offered by the supplier in the future, so that the payment amount of the buyer can be reduced and the purchase of the buyer can be optimized.

Further, the prediction means further affects the influence of one or more patterns (for example, the factor pattern of FIG. 1A) that cause cost reduction when the target is provided to the buyer from the first supplier in the future. In consideration of this, the winning bid can be predicted.

As a result, when the winning bid is predicted, the influence of one or more patterns that contribute to cost reduction is taken into consideration, so that the winning bid can be realized at a price close to the market price for the buyer. Can be predicted. As a result, buyers can further reduce costs.

Further, the prediction means further comprises one or more patterns (for example, the negotiation scheme pattern of FIG. 1B) that becomes a negotiation scheme for cost reduction when the target is provided to the buyer from the first supplier in the future. The winning bid can be predicted in consideration of the influence.

Thereby, when the winning bid is predicted, the influence of one or more patterns that serve as a negotiation scheme for cost reduction is taken into consideration. As a result, buyers can purchase at a lower price, that is, further reduce costs.

In addition, the target is determined and extracted from a plurality of products or services currently provided by the buyer based on at least one determinant of reduction possibility, difficulty of effort, and payment amount scale. The target determination extraction means (for example, the determination extraction unit 105 of FIG. 6) can be further provided.

As a result, the target of the goods or services for which the winning bid is predicted is determined and extracted based on at least one determinant of the possibility of reduction, the difficulty of the effort, and the scale of the payment amount.
As a result, it becomes possible to predict the winning bid of the supplier by narrowing down the purchase target that can be expected to have a cost reduction effect.

1 ... server, 2 ... buyer terminal, 3,3-1 to 3-n ... supplier terminal, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Bus, 15 ... Input / output interface, 16 ... Input unit, 17 ... Output unit, 18 ... Storage unit, 19 ... Communication unit, 20 ... Drive, 30 ... Removable media , 101 ... Standard setting unit, 102 ... Purchase requirement setting unit, 103 ... Buyer requirement setting unit, 104 ... Prediction unit, 105 ... Decision extraction unit, 181 ... Buyer DB, 182・ ・ ・ Supplier DB, G ・ ・ ・ Service provider, B ・ ・ ・ Buyer, C, C1 to Cn ・ ・ ・ Supplier, N ・ ・ ・ Network, Y ・ ・ ・ Arrow

Claims (4)

In an information processing device that predicts the price at which the target of goods or services will be provided to the buyer from the first supplier in the future as the winning bid.
A reference price setting means for setting a reference price as a reference when predicting the winning bid based on the actual price when the target is provided to the buyer by the second supplier now or in the past.
As a requirement for estimating the price when the target is provided to the buyer, a purchase requirement setting means for setting a purchase requirement including at least the purchase amount of the target by the buyer, and a purchase requirement setting means.
A buyer requirement setting means for setting a requirement relating to the buyer, including at least the creditworthiness of the buyer, as a buyer requirement.
A forecasting means for predicting the winning bid based on the reference price, the purchase requirement, and the buyer requirement.
Information processing device equipped with. The forecasting means further predicts the winning bid, taking into account the impact of one or more patterns that will contribute to cost savings when the subject is offered to the buyer in the future by the first supplier.
The information processing device according to claim 1. The forecasting means further predicts the winning bid, taking into account the impact of one or more patterns that will be a cost reduction negotiation scheme when the subject is offered to the buyer in the future by the first supplier.
The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2. A target to be determined and extracted from a plurality of products or services currently provided by the buyer based on at least one determinant of reduction possibility, difficulty of effort, and payment amount scale. Further equipped with decision extraction means,
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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