JP3997962B2 - Product allocation system, product allocation method, product allocation program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a merchandise allocation system and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus that improves merchandise logistics efficiency by predetermining a delivery destination of merchandise scheduled to be stored.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a conventional product delivery system 101.
The merchandise delivery system 101 is roughly divided into three parts: a shipping area 102, a storage area 103, and a delivery zone 104.
The shipping area 102 is a place where product shipment is started, such as a warehouse that is installed in a manufacturing company and stores manufactured products, and a warehouse that stores products produced overseas and landed at a port. It is an area composed of

The accumulation area 103 is a base for collecting and accumulating products carried out from the warehouse, and includes a replenishment base installed at the back and a product center installed at the front.
The delivery zone 104 is a delivery destination of the product, and is, for example, a mass retailer, a retail store, or a wholesale store that sells the product to consumers.

In this way, physical distribution in the configured product delivery system 101 is performed as follows.
From the shipping area 102, the product is shipped with the prospect and accumulated in the replenishment base.
On the other hand, when the delivery destination in the delivery zone 104 orders a product, the storage area 103 confirms whether the ordered product is in the product center. If it is in the merchandise center, it is sent to the delivery destination, and the merchandise is ordered from the replenishment base and replenished.
If it is not in the merchandise center, it is further confirmed whether there is a merchandise ordered at the replenishment base, and if there is, it is sent to the delivery destination via the merchandise center.
If the ordered product does not exist at the replenishment site, the product is ordered from the manufacturer.

In addition, there is the following supply chain management system as an invention for improving the efficiency of merchandise distribution.
JP2003-48621A

  The present invention generates finished product demand prediction information based on the actual sales information provided by the distributor, and inquires of the parts supplier about the parts delivery date. Then, the delivery date of the finished product is estimated from the answer from the parts supplier and is notified to the distributor.

Further, as an invention for guiding the product delivery date, there is the following product sales apparatus.
JP2002-24352

  This invention guides the delivery date to the customer even before receiving the order, and when the customer places an order, the product is directly delivered to the customer with the guided delivery date.

  In the product delivery system 101, delivery is planned such that the product shipped from the shipping area 102 is temporarily stored in the storage area 103, and the stored product is shipped when an order is placed from the delivery zone. It was n’t done. Moreover, since the distribution vehicles responsible for these logistics are arranged at each site, for example, a delivery vehicle with a small load may be run, or a return flight may be run without loading, resulting in wasted delivery costs. Has occurred.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a product allocation system or the like that can deliver products efficiently in a planned manner.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a product allocation system that allocates the product to a customer in advance using a planned number of shipments of the predetermined product in a predetermined period in the future, and the allocation associated with the customer In the frame information, possible number setting means for setting orderable number information that the customer can order the product, distribution frame information storage means for storing distribution frame information in which the orderable number information is set, and the product From the order quantity obtaining means for obtaining the order quantity from the order customer who orders the product, and the order quantity that is specified by the order quantity quantity information of the allocation frame information associated with the order customer, the obtained order quantity is An allocating means for allocating to the ordering customer, and an updating means for updating the orderable quantity information of the allocation frame information to information for specifying the orderable quantity after the allocation using the allocated quantity. When Providing products allocation system that (first configuration).
In the first configuration, the distribution frame information storage means stores hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure, The frame information is directly linked to the customer, and the distribution frame information other than the lowest layer is linked to the customer via the lower layer distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship with the distribution frame information is set, The allocating means can be configured to allocate the number of orders in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the ordered customer (second configuration).
2nd composition WHEREIN: The sales forecast number calculation means which calculates the sales forecast number of the said goods in the said predetermined period for every sales destination unit is provided, The said possible number setting means is the sales destination unit to which the said order customer belongs The orderable quantity information set in the distribution frame information can be determined using the predicted sales number (third configuration).
In the second configuration, there is provided presentation means for presenting orderable number information set in the distribution frame information, and distribution frame information for which orderable number information can be presented for each presentation destination presented by the presenting means. A range can be set (fourth configuration).
In the fourth configuration, the presentation destination is associated with any of the lowermost allocation frame information, and the range of the presentable allocation frame information is the lowermost layer associated with the presentation destination. The distribution frame information can be configured to be distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship is set in a direction from the distribution frame information toward the upper layer (fifth configuration).
In the fifth configuration, an upper layer presentation prohibited part is provided in the hierarchical relationship, and the presentable distribution frame information is configured to be limited to a part restricted by the upper layer presentation prohibited part. Yes (sixth configuration).
In the second configuration, the hierarchical structure of the distribution frame information can be configured for each product (seventh configuration).
Further, the present invention is a product allocation method that allocates the product to a customer in advance using the planned number of shipments of a predetermined product in a predetermined period in the future, the possible number setting means, a distribution frame information storage means, In a computer comprising an order quantity obtaining means, an assigning means, and an updating means, the possible quantity setting is performed by setting the possible quantity information that the customer can order the product in the distribution frame information associated with the customer. The possible number setting step set by means, the distribution frame information storage step for storing the distribution frame information for which the orderable number information is set by the distribution frame information storage means, and the order quantity acquisition means, From the order quantity obtaining step of obtaining the order quantity from the ordering customer to order and the order quantity that is specified by the order quantity quantity information of the allocation frame information linked to the order customer, An allocation step of allocating to the order customer by an allocation unit, and an update step of updating the orderable number information of the allocation frame information to information for specifying the orderable number after allocation by the updating unit using the allocated quantity A product allocation method characterized in that the product allocation method is configured (eighth configuration).
In the eighth configuration, the distribution frame information storage means stores hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure, The frame information is directly linked to the customer, and the distribution frame information other than the lowest layer is linked to the customer via the lower layer distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship with the distribution frame information is set, In the allocating step, the allocating means can be configured to allocate the number of orders in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the ordered customer (ninth configuration).
In a ninth configuration, the computer includes a sales prediction number calculation unit, and the sales prediction number calculation unit calculates the sales prediction number of the product in the predetermined period for each sales destination unit. A possible calculation step, wherein the possible number setting means determines the orderable number information to be set in the distribution frame information using the sales forecast number of the sales destination unit to which the order customer belongs. (Tenth configuration).
In a ninth configuration, the computer includes a presentation unit, the presentation unit including a presentation step of presenting orderable quantity information set in the distribution frame information, and each presentation destination presented in the presentation step In addition, it is possible to configure such that a range of distribution frame information in which orderable number information can be presented is set (eleventh configuration).
In the eleventh configuration, the presentation destination is associated with any one of the lowermost allocation frame information, and the range of the presentable allocation frame information is the lowermost layer associated with the presentation destination. It can be configured to be distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship is set in a direction from the distribution frame information toward the upper layer (a twelfth configuration).
In a twelfth configuration, an upper layer presentation prohibited portion is provided in the hierarchical relationship, and the presentable distribution frame information is configured to be limited to a portion restricted by the upper layer presentation prohibited portion. Yes (13th configuration).
In the ninth configuration, the hierarchical structure of the distribution frame information may be configured for each product (fourteenth configuration).
Further, the present invention is a product allocation program for realizing a function of preallocating the product to a customer in advance by using a planned number of shipments of the predetermined product in a predetermined period in the future, the distribution associated with the customer A possible number setting function for setting the orderable number information that the customer can order the product in the frame information, a distribution frame information storage function for storing distribution frame information for setting the orderable number information, and the product From the order quantity obtaining function for obtaining the order quantity from the order customer who orders the order quantity and the order quantity quantity specified by the order quantity quantity information associated with the order customer, the obtained order quantity is An allocation function to be assigned to the ordering customer, and an update function to update the orderable quantity information of the allocation frame information to information for specifying the orderable quantity after the allocation using the assigned quantity. In providing products allocation program for realizing (15 configuration).
In the fifteenth configuration, the distribution frame information storage function stores hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure, Is directly linked to the customer, and the allocation frame information other than the lowest layer is linked to the customer via the lower level distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship is set with the distribution frame information, and the allocation function Can be configured so that the number of orders is allocated in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer (sixteenth configuration).
In the sixteenth configuration, the computer realizes a sales forecast number calculating function for calculating the sales forecast number of the product for each predetermined sales period for each sales destination unit, and the possible number setting function belongs to the order customer. The orderable quantity information set in the distribution frame information can be determined by using the sales forecast quantity of the sales destination unit (17th configuration).
In the sixteenth configuration, the presenting function for presenting orderable quantity information set in the allocation frame information is realized by the computer, and the orderable number information can be presented for each presentation destination presented by the presenting function It can be configured such that the range of the frame information is set (eighteenth configuration).
In the eighteenth configuration, the presentation destination is associated with any of the lowermost allocation frame information, and the range of the presentable allocation frame information is the lowermost layer associated with the presentation destination. The distribution frame information can be configured to be distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship is set in a direction from the distribution frame information toward the upper layer (19th configuration).
In the nineteenth configuration, an upper layer presentation prohibited portion is provided in the hierarchical relationship, and the distribution frame information that can be presented is configured up to a portion restricted by the upper layer presentation prohibited portion. Yes (twentieth configuration).
In the sixteenth configuration, the hierarchical structure of the distribution frame information can be configured for each product (21st configuration).
In addition, the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium storing a product allocation program for realizing a function of preallocating a product to a customer in advance by using a planned shipment number of a predetermined product in a predetermined period in the future. In the distribution frame information associated with the customer, a possible number setting function for setting the orderable number information that the customer can order the product and a distribution frame information for setting the orderable number information are stored. An allocation frame information storage function to perform, an order quantity acquisition function to acquire the number of orders from an ordering customer who orders the product, and an order that can be specified by orderable number information in the allocation frame information associated with the ordering customer Using the allocation function for allocating the acquired order number to the ordering customer from the number and the allocated quantity, the orderable number information of the allocation frame information is calculated as the orderable number after the allocation. Computer storing a product allocation program realizing the update function that updates the constant information, with the computer to provide a storage medium readable (Configuration 22).
In the twenty-second configuration, the distribution frame information storage function stores hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure, Is directly linked to the customer, and the allocation frame information other than the lowest layer is linked to the customer via the lower level distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship is set with the distribution frame information, and the allocation function Can be configured so that the number of orders is allocated in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the ordered customer (23rd configuration).
In the twenty-third configuration, the computer realizes a sales forecast number calculation function for calculating the sales forecast number of the product in the predetermined period for each sales destination unit, and the possible number setting function belongs to the order customer. The orderable quantity information set in the distribution frame information can be determined by using the sales forecast number of the sales destination unit (24th configuration).
In the twenty-third configuration, the presenting function for presenting orderable quantity information set in the distribution frame information is realized by the computer, and the orderable number information can be presented for each presentation destination presented by the presenting function. It can be configured such that the range of the frame information is set (25th configuration).
In the twenty-fifth configuration, the presentation destination is associated with any one of the lowermost allocation frame information, and the range of the presentable allocation frame information is the lowermost layer associated with the presentation destination. The distribution frame information can be configured to be distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship is set in a direction from the distribution frame information toward the upper layer (26th configuration).
In the twenty-sixth configuration, the hierarchical relationship includes an upper-layer presentation prohibited part, and the distribution frame information that can be presented is configured to be limited to a part restricted by the upper-layer presentation prohibited part. Yes (27th configuration).
In the twenty-third configuration, the hierarchical structure of the distribution frame information can be configured for each product (a twenty-seventh configuration).

  Merchandise can be delivered systematically, and costs associated with merchandise logistics can be reduced.

(Outline of the embodiment)
The management center 5 (FIG. 1) uses a sales prediction system to predict the number of production required for each product every week and notifies the manufacturing company. The manufacturing company drafts a production plan so as to satisfy the predicted number (predicted value), and notifies the management center 5 of the planned receipt of goods. When goods are received, they are ready for shipment.
The management center 5 distributes the notified goods to be received in advance to the delivery destination before the goods are received.

The number of distributions is to set an upper limit value that can be accepted when an order is received from a customer (product retailer, etc.). The management center 5 determines the priority or the ratio set in advance for each customer.
Although details will be described later, the number of distributions is set so as to form a hierarchical structure so as to be able to respond flexibly to orders from customers (Fig. 4), and from the lower layer to the upper layer, to the customer according to the order It is to be assigned.

The delivery center for delivering the goods from the warehouse to the delivery destination is centrally delivered by the management center 5 in a lump.
In each warehouse, a collection closing time is set for each shipping direction, and a delivery vehicle departs at a fixed time every day. The delivery vehicle passes through a predefined transportation route, reloads the cargo at the transshipment base, and delivers it to the destination.

The time required for the delivery vehicle to pass through the transportation route is estimated in advance, and the collection closing time is set so that the delivery vehicles can meet each other at the transshipment base at approximately the same time.
The delivery vehicle transships the load according to the instruction from the management center 5 and delivers it to the delivery destination.
Thus, since the time when goods are shipped from the warehouse and the time required for transportation can be estimated in advance, it is possible to notify the customer of an accurate delivery date.

In addition, the management center 5 assigns products scheduled to be received into the warehouse to orders from customers on a time basis.
The management center 5 has a production schedule provided in units of hours in advance from the manufacturing company, and grasps the planned number of receipts in units of hours (FIG. 9).
The management center 5 acquires the number of orders and the desired delivery date from the customer, identifies the latest collection closing time in time for the desired delivery date, and plans to go back in the direction of going back to the current time, that is, toward the present. Assign the number of orders to the customer.

  In this way, by assigning to the customer the product with the latest receipt that meets the desired delivery date, even if an order with a shorter delivery date comes later than this customer, it is possible to respond to this, and it is efficient to meet the production schedule. Assignment can be made.

  Conventionally, existing products that have been produced have been assigned to customer orders, but in this embodiment, product logistics is made more efficient by systematically assigning products that are not yet produced to customers. Can do.

(Details of the embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a product delivery system 1 according to the present embodiment.
The product delivery system 1 is a system that delivers home appliances such as a digital camera, a video, and a stereo to a store.
The merchandise delivery system 1 includes a standard shipment area 2, a store delivery area 3, a delivery zone 4, and a management center 5.

The standard shipment area 2 is a transport lead to a store delivery area 3 to be described later, which is a starting point for product shipment, such as a warehouse of a product manufacturer or a warehouse that stores and stores products produced overseas. These are aggregated so that the times are the same.
In FIG. 1, only one reference shipping area 2 is shown, but there are a plurality of areas for each area in the country, for example, the Tokyo area or the Chukyo area.

The store delivery area 3 is an area where delivery is based on a specific front line base, and the area where goods are delivered is grouped by area.
In FIG. 1, only one store delivery area 3 is shown. However, for example, there are a plurality of areas for each region such as the Kanto Koshinetsu area and the Chubu area.
The store delivery area 3 is provided with a transshipment base where the delivery vehicle transships the load, and the delivery vehicle is the transshipment base, and reships the load as instructed by the management center 5. Ship the cargo to the destination.

The delivery zone 4 is a grouping of delivery destinations for products that have the same transport lead time from the store delivery area 3.
In FIG. 1, only one delivery zone 4 is shown, but a plurality of delivery zones 4 exist in the store delivery area 3.
Delivery destinations include, for example, stores and distribution centers of home appliance mass retailers, home appliance retail stores operated by individuals, and wholesalers of home appliances.

The management center 5 is an organization that centrally manages merchandise distribution in the merchandise delivery system 1 and manages the merchandise so that the merchandise is transported without delay until it is delivered from the reference shipping area 2 to the delivery zone 4.
The management center 5 makes a sales prediction, estimates how much the product should be produced, and notifies the manufacturing company. As described above, the management center 5 requests the manufacturing company before receiving an order for purchasing the product from the customer.
In the merchandise delivery system 1, a customer is a person who purchases merchandise manufactured by a manufacturing company under the management of the management center 5, for example, a retail store or a mass retailer. When selling directly, the consumer is the customer.

The manufacturing company formulates a production plan that allows the number of production to be grasped in units of time based on the number of predictions provided by the management center 5.
From this production plan, the management center 5 can grasp the number of goods that have been received and can be shipped in time units.

Further, the management center 5 designates the collection time of the warehouse and the transportation route of the transportation vehicle and issues a transshipment instruction at the transshipment base for the goods scheduled to be received. Usually, the collection closing time and the transportation route are fixed.
The time required for the transportation vehicle to travel is estimated in advance, and the collection closing time is set so that the transportation vehicle can meet at the same time at the transshipment base.

Thus, in order to deliver a product in a planned manner, it is desirable that the delivery destination of the product is determined when the product is shipped.
Therefore, the management center 5 performs two types of information processing, “distribution processing using the distribution frame structure” and “delivery time management using the collection closing time”, which will be described in detail later.
“Allocation processing using allocation frame structure” is information processing that allocates products scheduled to be produced on a weekly basis to customers based on sales forecasts, and “delivery management using collection deadline” This is information processing for efficiently allocating products shipped in units of time according to the customer's desired delivery date. As will be described later, sales frame information in which hierarchical relationships are defined is set for the customer.

In the following, terms will be defined prior to describing these information processes.
The “number of distributions” is assumed to be an upper limit value of the number of products that can be accepted according to customer orders.
For example, if the distribution number of customer A is 10 and the distribution number of customer B is 5, it is possible to respond to orders from customer A and accept orders from customer B up to 5. Can do.

“Allocation” means setting the number of allocations to customers.
For example, if 10 and 5 are allocated to customer A and customer B, respectively, allocation numbers 10 and 5 are set to customer A and customer B, respectively.
In the present embodiment, as will be described later, a hierarchical distribution frame structure associated with a customer is used, and distribution is performed on this distribution frame.

“Allocation” means that, when an order is received from a customer, the number of orders is consumed from the number of allocations of the customer according to a predetermined allocation rule.
For example, if there are three orders from a customer with a distribution number of 10, 10 to 3 of the distribution number are consumed, and the distribution number after the allocation is 7. The customer can then order 7 items.

That is, the customer has the right to order the product for the number of distributions, and the provision is to exercise that right.
In other words, the customer has the right to secure the goods that are scheduled to be received by the number of distributions, and reserves the goods by the number of orders (not yet produced).

Next, the system configuration of the management center 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
These system configurations are examples, and may be realized using one server device, or may be realized by combining a plurality of server devices.

The management center 5 includes a sales prediction system 7, a frame management / allocation system 8, an order receiving system 9, and the like.
In addition, a manufacturing company system 12, a delivery company system 13, and a sales company system 14 are also illustrated as business systems corresponding to the standard shipment area 2, the store delivery area 3, and the delivery zone 4. These systems can communicate with the system of the management center 5 via a network.

The sales prediction system 7 is a system that predicts the number of products sold for each product item.
The sales prediction system 7 performs sales prediction on a weekly basis, and notifies the frame management / allocation system 8 and the manufacturing company system 12 of the prediction result.

The sales prediction system 7 accumulates past sales performance data for each product item, and predicts the number of sales using a statistical method.
The sales prediction system 7 can predict the number of sales from various viewpoints, such as sales prediction for each region or sales company, in addition to the predicted total sales.
Note that the number of predictions calculated by the sales prediction system 7 is not necessarily the right one, so that a specialized person in charge can correct the number of predictions according to the actual situation. Known software can be used as the software constituting the sales prediction system 7.

  The sales prediction system 7 notifies the manufacturing company system 12 of the predicted number of total sales. The manufacturing company draws up a production schedule using the total number of sales, and notifies the frame management / allocation system 8. In this production schedule, the planned number of receipts is set in units of time.

The frame management / allocation system 8 performs “allocation processing using the allocation frame structure” and “delivery time management using the collection closing time”, and allocates and allocates the goods scheduled to be received.
The frame management / allocation system 8 uses the sales prediction acquired from the sales prediction system 7 and the warehousing schedule acquired from the manufacturing company system 12 to allocate the goods scheduled to be received to customers.

Further, the frame management / allocation system 8 acquires order data from a customer from the order receiving system 9, and allocates the number of orders from the products allocated to the customer. The allocation result is notified to the order receiving system 9.
The order data includes information for specifying a customer, information for specifying a product to be ordered, the number of orders, a desired delivery date, and the like.
Further, the inventory information is acquired from the delivery company system 13 and the delivery request and the shipping schedule are notified to the delivery company system 13 using this, the allocation result, and the allocation result.

The order receiving system 9 receives customer order data from the sales company system 14 and provides it to the frame management / allocation system 8, and acquires the allocation result for this order from the frame management / allocation system 8.
Orders are received from the sales company system 14 via a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, a telephone, a facsimile, or the like may be used. The acquired order is stored as order data.

The order receiving system 9 calculates a delivery date from the allocation result and notifies the sales company system 14 of the delivery date.
The delivery date calculation may be performed by the frame management / allocation system 8.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a sales prediction screen provided by the sales prediction system 7.
The sales forecaster can acquire various forecast numbers while operating the sales forecast screen displayed on the display.
The prediction area 21 is a column for designating an area for performing sales prediction of a product, and the person in charge can select from preset values.

The prediction area 21 can select the sales forecast range for each region, for example, the whole country, Kanto area, Chiyoda-ku, etc. In addition, for example, “XX camera”, “XX corporation” You can also choose.
Furthermore, it is also possible to obtain a sales forecast for each region of each customer by taking the logical product of both the customer and the region, such as “XX Camera AND Chiyoda-ku”.

The product type 22 is a column for designating the type of product. For example, the person in charge can select from the product types prepared in advance, such as “digital camera”, “handycam”, and “television”.
The model 23 can select a product number corresponding to the product type designated by the product type 22.
By specifying the product type 22 and the model 23, it is possible to specify the product item to be predicted.
When the model 23 is not designated, the predicted number of the whole kind designated by the kind 22 is obtained.

The predicted number display column 24 is a column for displaying the results up to the previous week and the predicted number after the current week. Note that the number of predictions after this week is underlined.
In the item “Sales forecast number”, a value calculated by the prediction module provided in the sales prediction system 7 using the past sales performance and other values as parameters is displayed.
This predicted number is calculated by a statistical calculation process, and can be used as a guideline for the person in charge to predict the actual sales number.

In the item “actual sales number”, the predicted actual sales number set based on the predicted number in the “sales forecast number” is displayed.
The number of predictions can be corrected by the person in charge, and this number of predictions can reflect the judgment of the person in charge in addition to mechanical processing.
In the item “market inventory quantity”, the quantity of products currently stored as inventory in the market is displayed. It is the forecast number after this week. The person in charge can also correct this predicted number.

In the item “shipment quantity”, the quantity to be shipped to the market of the product item is displayed. It is the forecast number after this week.
This predicted number is calculated by the formula “(current week's market inventory) − (last week's market inventory) + (this week's actual sales)”.
In the example of FIG. 3, the number of shipments in the current week is 5,204 = 15,377-11,640 + 1,467.
When the person in charge changes the items “actual sales number” and “market inventory number” for the current week, the item “shipment number” is also updated to the value calculated by the changed value.

In the example of the figure, since the prediction area 21 is “Nationwide”, the number of shipments 26 for this week is the number of “Digital Camera Model ABC12345” to be shipped from the manufacturing company.
The sales prediction system 7 sends this value to the manufacturing company system 12 of this digital camera manufacturing company, so that the manufacturing company can set the production target number of this digital camera.
The sales prediction system 7 calculates the number of shipments for each product item in the current week and the following week, and transmits them to the manufacturer of these product items.

[Allocation processing using allocation frame structure]
Next, the distribution process using the distribution frame structure performed by the frame management / allocation system 8 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution frame structure used by the frame management / allocation system 8 to distribute products to customers.

The distribution frame structure is generated on a weekly basis for each product item. The distribution frame structure 30 shown in the figure shows the distribution frame structure for a certain week of the digital camera model ABC12345.
The distribution frame structure 30 is formed in a memory space of a computer constituting the sales prediction system 7 and can be presented by a display or the like.
The storage device of the computer constitutes distribution frame information setting means.

As shown in FIG. 4, the distribution frame structure 30 is configured by defining a hierarchical relationship with a distribution frame to which a distribution frame name and the number of distributions are attached.
The hierarchical relationship is distribution frame information defined by the hierarchy to which the distribution frame belongs, the distribution frame (single) located immediately above the distribution frame, and the distribution frame (single or plural) located immediately below the distribution frame. When a distribution frame is assembled based on the relationship, a hierarchical structure is formed.

In the example of the figure, the uppermost distribution frame has the distribution frame name “top” and the number of distributions is set to zero. Hereinafter, the distribution frame “top” is abbreviated.
The allocation frame “customer corporation”, “other general corporation”, and “special corporation” are set below the allocation frame “top” (tier 1), and the number of allocations is 0 respectively.
In the lower layer (level 2) of the allocation frame “customer corporation”, there are allocation frames “Edo Electric” and “Long Camera”, and the allocation numbers are set to 50 and 30, respectively.

The distribution frame “Osaka Branch” is located below the distribution frame “Edo Electric” (tier 3), and the number of distributions is set to 15.
In the lower layer (level 4) of the distribution frame “Osaka Branch”, there is a distribution frame “Umeda Sales Office”, and the distribution number is set to 45.

  In this embodiment, as an example, the distribution frame is set corresponding to the hierarchical structure of the customer's business, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the distribution frame and the layer not related to the customer's business form You can also set relationships.

These allocation slots are linked to customers. That is, the lowermost allocation frame is directly linked to the customer, and the upper allocation layer is linked to the customer via the lower allocation frame in which the hierarchical relationship is set.
In the figure, a single customer is associated with the distribution frame at the lowest level for the sake of simplicity. However, a plurality of customers may be associated with one distribution frame.

The customer can receive provision by digesting the number of allocations of the allocated allocation frames in order from the lower hierarchy.
For example, the customer 33a can use the allocation number 45 of the allocation frame “Umeda Sales Office” (that is, can receive provision of this product up to 45). After all the allocation numbers are exhausted, provision can be made from the allocation number 15 set in the distribution frame “Osaka branch” in the upper layer.

  Further, both the customer 33b and the customer 33c are linked to the distribution frame “long camera” in the hierarchy 2, and after the distribution frames in the hierarchy 3 and 4 are digested, the customer 33b and the customer 33c are both allocated to the distribution frame “long camera”. Can be allocated from the number of distributions.

To which customer the allocation number of the allocation frame “long camera” is assigned depends on the digestion of the allocation number in the lower layer. That is, the person who has already used the lower number of allocations has the right to request the allocation of the allocation frame “long camera”.
In this way, by providing an allocation rule that allocates in order from the lower layer, it is possible to prevent the customer from monopolizing the merchandise by preempting the upper layer by jumping over the middle layer.

The distribution frame structure 30 is further provided with places 32, 32,. The upper search impossible portion 32 constitutes an upper layer presentation prohibited portion.
The upper search impossible portion 32 means the upper limit of the allocation frame that can be allocated, and also means the upper limit of the search range set for the customer.

  The customer can access the management center 5 from his / her terminal device, and can search the lower hierarchy from the upper search impossible part 32 among the distribution frames to which he / she is linked, and these distribution frames are set. You can know the number of distributions.

  For example, the distribution frames “Edo Electric”, “Osaka Branch”, and “Umeda Sales Office” form a search range, and the customer 33a can search each distribution frame from the terminal device, but the upper search disabled portion 32. It is not possible to search for other lines such as a higher allocation frame “customer corporation” and an allocation frame “long camera”.

Further, even in the same search range, the customer can perform a search in the direction in which the hierarchy goes up, but cannot perform a search in the direction in which the hierarchy goes down.
For example, the customer 33b can refer to the distribution frame in the upward direction such as the distribution frame “Sapporo Sales Office” → the distribution frame “Hokkaido Branch” → the distribution frame “Long Camera”. The search cannot be performed toward the distribution frame “Tokyo branch”, that is, in the direction of lowering the hierarchy.

  This is to prevent an entity with a financial capacity such as a large mass retailer from buying up the product. Also, how many products purchased by each entity belongs to the trade secret of each entity, and the determination of the number of products allocated to each entity is related to the sales strategy of the product supplier. Therefore, it may not be preferable to make the entire distribution frame structure 30 public.

Next, the allocation method using the distribution frame structure will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 5A, the upper layer is the distribution frame “A camera”, and the lower layer is the distribution frame “A camera Hokkaido”.
Now, it is assumed that one unit is ordered from the customer “A camera retail store” associated with the distribution frame “A camera Hokkaido” to the management center 5.

In this case, the frame management / allocation system 8 confirms the allocation number of the lowermost allocation frame “A camera Hokkaido” linked to the customer “A camera retail store” and determines whether allocation is possible.
In this case, since the allocation number of the allocation frame “A camera Hokkaido” is 2, the allocation is possible, and the frame management / allocation system 8 allocates one of the allocation numbers 2 of the allocation frame “A camera Hokkaido” to the customer “A Allocate to "Camera Retail Store".
FIG. 5B shows the allocation frame structure after allocation, and the allocation number of the allocation frame “A camera Hokkaido” is updated to 1 (= 2-1).

FIG. 5C is a distribution frame structure diagram showing a case where the distribution number of the distribution frame “A camera in Hokkaido” is zero.
In this state, it is assumed that the management center 5 receives an order from the customer “A camera retail store”.

In this case, the frame management / allocation system 8 confirms the distribution number of the distribution frame “A camera Hokkaido”. In this case, since it is 0, it cannot be allocated, and the number of distributions of the distribution frame “A camera” in the upper layer is confirmed. In this case, since the number of distribution is 10, the frame management / allocation system 8 allocates one of them to the customer “A camera retail store”.
FIG. 5D shows the distribution frame structure updated by the frame management / allocation system 8 by the allocation, and the allocation number of the allocation frame “A camera” is updated to 9 (= 10−1). .

As described above, when the distribution frame is structured in a hierarchical manner, there are the following advantages.
When there are multiple customers in the lower layer, the number of distributions set in the upper distribution frame is shared with these customers, and is allocated to one of the customers according to the order received from the customer. be able to.
That is, by using the hierarchical structure to distribute the products in a hierarchical manner, the difference between the sales forecast and the actual order can be absorbed by the number of allocations in the upper hierarchy.

For example, since the quantity of sales forecasts in large sales areas such as the Kanto area and the Chukyo area is large, the ratio of the deviation of the order quantity with respect to the forecast quantity is small.
On the other hand, in a small sales area such as Uchisaiwaicho in Chiyoda-ku, the sales volume is small, so the ratio of the deviation of the number of orders with respect to the predicted number is large.
Thus, since the number of customers associated with the lower-tier distribution frame decreases, the fluctuation in the number of orders with respect to the predicted number increases, making accurate prediction difficult.
Therefore, the amount of fluctuation is distributed to the upper distribution frame, and the fluctuation generated in the lower layer is absorbed by the upper distribution number.

For example, it is assumed that the number of sales forecasts in the distribution frame “A district” is three and the number of sales forecasts in the distribution frame “B district” is two. Therefore, one unit is set for "A district" and one unit is set for "B district". A distribution frame "C region" is set up above "B district" and "A district". To do.
In this situation, if there are 2 orders from “A district” and 3 orders from “B district”, one of the 3 allocations of “C area” will be assigned to “A district”. You just need to replenish and replenish two to “B District”.

As described above, the correction of the distribution number is completed only in “A district”, “B district”, and “C region” directly above the entire distribution frame structure.
If the allocation frame is made into a single layer without hierarchization, each frame will be linked to a small number of customers, and if there is a shortage of allocation number, search for the allocation frame with the remaining allocation number Therefore, it is necessary to move the distribution number of the distribution frame to a distribution frame in which the distribution number is insufficient, and the processing is considerably complicated and inefficient.

The case where there is a single distribution frame structure has been described above, but a plurality of distribution frame structures can also be configured hierarchically as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 6, the distribution frame structure 36 is subordinate to the distribution frame “Kanto branch office” of the distribution frame structure 35, and the distribution frame structure 37 is subordinate to the distribution frame “Tokyo branch” of the distribution frame structure 36.

Even in such a distribution frame structure configured in a composite manner, the number of distributions is allocated from the lower layer in the same manner.
For example, when the allocation amount exceeds the allocation number in the allocation frame “Tachikawa Sales Office” of the allocation frame structure 37, it is considered that the shortage is replenished from the allocation frame “top” immediately above. If the distribution frame “top” cannot be replenished, it is further considered that the shortage is replenished from the distribution frame “Tokyo branch” of the distribution frame structure 36 immediately above.
This is repeated until the shortage can be replenished or the upper search impossible portion 32 is reached.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure in which the frame management / allocation system 8 sets the number of distributions.
The following processing is performed by the frame management / allocation system 8 according to a predetermined program.
First, a counter i for counting product items is initialized to 0 (step 5).
Next, the planned number of receipts is acquired for the i-th product item (step 10). This processing is performed by the order quantity acquisition means provided in the frame management / allocation system 8.

And the number of distribution is input into the distribution frame structure corresponding to this product item using the planned number of goods receipt (step 15). This processing is performed by the possible number setting means provided in the frame management / allocation system 8.
The number of distributions is determined based on, for example, the number of sales forecasts for each region, customer priority, or a preset ratio. Other methods may be used. If necessary, the person in charge adjusts the distribution number.
Furthermore, if there is a place where sales prediction cannot be applied, such as when there is a small area for performing sales prediction, the person in charge manually sets the distribution number for the area where sales prediction is not possible.

Next, it is determined whether or not the distribution number has been set for all product items (step 20).
If there is a merchandise item that has not yet been distributed (step 20; N), the counter is incremented by 1 (step 25), and the process returns to step 10.
When the distribution has been completed for all the merchandise items (step 20; Y), the distribution process is terminated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the allocation process using the distribution frame structure.
The following processing is performed by the frame management / allocation system 8 according to a predetermined program.

First, the number of orders from the customer is acquired (step 50). This processing is performed by the order quantity acquisition means provided in the frame management / allocation system 8.
Next, the distribution frame associated with the customer is specified, and it is confirmed whether the distribution number of the distribution frame is sufficient for the allocation (step 55).
When the allocation number is sufficient (step 55; Y), the allocation is made from the allocation number. This processing is performed by the allocation means provided in the frame management / allocation system 8.
Then, the number of distribution frames in this distribution frame is updated to the value after distribution (= value before allocation−number of allocation) (step 75), and the process is terminated. This updating process is performed by the updating means provided in the frame management / allocation system 8.

If the number of distributions is insufficient (step 55; N), it is confirmed whether the distribution frame immediately above can be referred to (step 60).
If it cannot be referred to because it is a non-upper search location (step 60; N), the process is terminated without assigning or allocating the allocatable quantity.
When the distribution frame immediately above can be referred to (step 60; Y), the number of distributions of the distribution frame directly above is confirmed (step 65).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a distribution number for replenishing the shortage in the distribution frame (step 70). If the distribution number is insufficient (step 70; N), the process returns to step 60, and further the upper layer Continue searching for the number of allocations for the allocation frame.
If the allocation number is sufficient (step 70; Y), the allocation is made from this allocation frame, the allocation number is updated to the value after the allocation (step 75), and the process is terminated.

The following effects can be obtained by the allocation process using the distribution frame structure described above.
(1) When a product ordered from a customer is allocated, the number of distributions that is the upper limit of the number of allocations can be set in a distribution frame structure stratified for each customer.
(2) Since the delivery destination can be set in advance for the product that is scheduled to be received using the distribution frame structure, the transport vehicle can be dispatched in a planned manner.
(3) Since it is possible to systematically dispatch and instruct to reload the cargo, it is not necessary to store products in the store delivery area 3. Therefore, the transport vehicle can transfer the cargo in the store delivery area 3 and deliver the cargo to the delivery destination.

(4) The allocation is performed from the lower allocation frame linked to the customer. However, when the allocation number exceeds the allocation number, the allocation can be performed from the allocation frame of the higher hierarchy.
(5) By providing an upper search impossible portion in the distribution frame structure, reference to the distribution frame from the outside can be limited to a preset range. In this way, it is possible to switch between micro frame management and macro frame management according to the supply and demand situation of the product without changing the hierarchical structure of the distribution frame.
(6) The number of distributions to the distribution frame can be automatically set from the planned number of warehousing by using a preset ratio, sales prediction, or the like.
(7) Since the distribution frame structure is set for each product, it is possible to perform customer segmentation unique to the product, and more accurately reflect the sales strategy in the order received from the customer. In addition, the number of distributions can be set by taking advantage of the product characteristics.

[Delivery time management using collection closing time]
Next, a delivery date management process using the collection closing time performed by the frame management / allocation system 8 will be described.
In the allocation process using the allocation frame structure, the allocation possible number is allocated by setting the allocation number, whereas the allocation process using the collection time sets the delivery date of the product allocated in the frame structure.

That is, the distribution frame structure is created every week, and the number of products produced in that week is distributed to the distribution frame structure.
However, for example, if 1000 items are produced in the week, the items are produced every day, such as 100 items on the first day, 200 items on the second day, and so on. Therefore, even products that are distributed to the same distribution frame structure are delivered earlier to the customer as they are produced earlier.
Therefore, if the concept of collection closing time is used, it is possible to accurately inform the customer of the delivery date of the goods scheduled to be received (not yet existing).

More specifically, first, the production plan data (scheduled to be received) received from the manufacturing company is set as a time unit, and the deadline of the product shipping application is set as a time unit.
Then, when placing an order from a customer, the number of scheduled receipts is compared with the collection closing time, and the delivery is performed using the latest scheduled receipt product that meets the delivery deadline desired by the customer. This is one of the allocation rules.
Below, this procedure is demonstrated concretely.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the goods are transported from the warehouse about once per day for each delivery direction by the delivery vehicle.
FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a timetable for transporting products from a certain warehouse.
From this warehouse, it is assumed that transportation vehicles depart daily for Kyushu and Honshu.
The departure time does not need to be a fixed time, but for the sake of simplicity, the departure time is assumed to be a fixed time every day.

  In addition, this timetable constitutes shipping schedule information in which a product shipping time, the number of products that can be shipped, and a collection closing time for each direction are recorded. This is transmitted from the manufacturing company system 12 to the frame management / allocation system 8 and stored in the frame management / allocation system 8 (shipping schedule information acquisition means).

The deadline for applications for shipments to Kyushu is 12:00 every day, and the deadline for applications for shipments to Honshu is 14:00 daily.
On the other hand, this warehouse has 25 items in stock, and the shipment of goods that can be shipped is 25 at 9 am on April 1, 25 at 13 o'clock, 25 at 15 o'clock, 75 at 9 am on April 2 , 75 at 13:00.
Thus, the warehousing schedule is notified from the manufacturing company system 12 to the management center 5 in units of time.

Suppose that the current time is 8 o'clock on April 1 and 50 orders are received from the Honshu dealership as a customer (FIG. 9B).
Assume that the latest collection time for Honshu in time for the customer's desired delivery date was 14:00 on April 1st. The frame management / allocation system 8 performs allocation processing for goods scheduled to be received based on this time.
In addition, when the latest collection time for Honshu in time for the customer's desired delivery date is 14:00 on April 2, provision processing is performed based on 14:00 on April 2.
In this way, by performing the provisioning process based on the latest collection closing time in time for the desired delivery date, there is a possibility that if a customer who wishes to deliver at a later date appears, the product to be allocated to this customer can be secured. growing.

Next, the frame management / allocation system 8 searches and confirms the planned number of warehousing from the base point to the present, and allocates the order number from the side closer to the base point.
For example, if the number of orders is 50, 25 customers (13:00 on April 1), which is closest to the base point (14:00 on April 1), will be allocated to this customer, and the time will be further retrospected 25 (9 o'clock on April 1) will be allocated to this customer.
In this way, the frame management / allocation system 8 allocates 50 products in the direction of going back from the base point.
If there are 60 orders from a customer, the time is further traced and 25 to 10 items currently in stock are allocated to this customer.

Fig.10 (a) is a figure for demonstrating another example of allocation.
Now, assume that 150 orders have been received from the Honshu Dealer. Assume that the latest collection deadline in time for the desired delivery date was 14:00 on April 1st.
However, even if the time is traced back from this time, it is not possible to secure the planned number of warehousing of 150 pieces.
Therefore, the frame management / allocation system 8 attempts to secure the product based on the next collection closing time (14:00 on April 2) closest to the desired delivery date.

First, the frame management / allocation system 8 secures the planned number of warehousing 75 closest to the base point (14:00 on April 2) (13:00 on April 2), and then the planned warehousing number 75 close to the base point ( (April 2, 9:00) is secured, and a total of 150 of these are allocated to this customer.
In this case, the actual delivery date is delayed by about one day from the customer's desired delivery date, but the delivery date closest to the desired delivery date can be secured and the customer's request can be met to the maximum. The customer will be notified of the delivery date after the provision.

FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining an example of a case where the planned number of warehousings to be allocated has already been allocated.
Assume that 150 orders are received from a customer (Honshu dealer). As with FIG. 10A, an attempt is made to secure the goods scheduled to be received starting from 14:00 on April 2nd.
However, it is assumed that the 75 items to be stored closest to the base point (13:00 on April 2) have already been allocated to other customers.
For this reason, the frame management / allocation system 8 does not assign the goods scheduled to be received, and tries to assign the expected number of goods to be stored next to the base point.
As described above, the assignment is performed on a first-come-first-served basis. This is one of the allocation rules.

  In this way, the frame management / allocation system 8 moves in the direction of going back from the base point to 75 items scheduled to be received (9 o'clock on April 2) and 25 items (15 o'clock on April 1). ) ... Secure a total of 150 items and allocate them to customers.

Next, FIG. 11A will be described with respect to an example of allocating products currently in stock.
Assume that there is an order for 50 pieces from a Kyushu dealership, one of the customers. The latest collection closing time in time for the customer's desired delivery date is set to 12:00 on April 1, and the frame management / allocation system 8 attempts to secure and allocate the goods based on this time.

First, 25 items (9 o'clock on April 1) to be stored closest to the base point in the direction going back in time are secured.
Next, the frame management / allocation system 8 further goes back and secures 25 items currently in stock.
The quota management / allocation system 8 allocates a total of 50 of these products to this customer.
As described above, the frame management / allocation system 8 also targets the products currently in stock.

Next, an example where there are 150 orders from the customer will be described with reference to FIG.
The frame management / allocation system 8 tries to secure the product based on the collection closing time of 12:00 on April 1, but since only 50 items can be secured, this time is not used as the reference point, and the next collection closing close to the present time. Time (April 2, 12:00) is the base point.

In the direction going back from this base point, 150 reserved goods that have not yet been allocated are secured and allocated to this customer.
In this case, since it is possible to secure 150 pieces of goods scheduled to be received from 9:00 on April 2 to 9:00 on April 1, there is no need to allocate 25 in stock.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating a delivery date.
First, it is assumed that the goods are stored from the warehouse and leave the standard collection area at 15:00 on April 1. The subsequent transportation process of this product is scheduled to be reloaded at another transshipment site at another transshipment site after 3 hours, then at another transport vehicle after 12 hours, and reach the destination after 4 hours. . That is, the total lead time is 19 (= 3 + 12 + 4) hours.

The frame management / allocation system 8 stores the required time for each transportation route, and can use this to calculate the delivery date.
As described above, the frame management / allocation system 8 includes required time calculation means.

It should be noted that the above delivery date calculation has been simplified, and in actuality, the delivery date calculation is performed in consideration of various circumstances such as manufacturing company holidays, transportation company holidays, transport vehicle reloading time, customer holidays, and the like.
If the desired delivery date is not indicated by the customer, the order date is set as the desired delivery date.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the allocation process using the collection closing time.
The following processing is performed by the frame management / allocation system 8 according to a predetermined program.
First, order data is transmitted from the sales company system 14 (FIG. 2) to the order receiving system 9, and the order receiving system 9 provides this to the frame management / allocation system 8. The frame management / allocation system 8 stores this. As described above, the frame management / allocation system 8 includes order acquisition means.
The frame management / allocation system 8 obtains, from the order data, the product to be allocated, the number of orders, the desired delivery date, etc. (step 100).

Next, the frame management / allocation system 8 specifies the latest collection closing time in time for the desired delivery date by using the goods arrival schedule (step 105). This collection closing time is a base point for the allocation process. This is performed by the collection closing time selection means provided in the frame management / allocation system 8.
Next, the frame management / allocation system 8 searches the goods scheduled for arrival (those that have not yet been allocated) from the specified collection closing time toward the current time, that is, in the direction of going back in time, and determines the number of orders. Secure (step 110).
This processing is performed by the search means provided in the frame management / allocation system 8.

  Next, the frame management / allocation system 8 determines whether or not the number of orders has been secured (step 115), and when the number of orders has been secured (step 115; Y), the stocked products that have been secured are displayed in this manner. It is assigned to the customer (step 120), and the process is terminated.

This allocation is performed by allocation means provided in the frame management / allocation system 8.
On the other hand, if the number of orders could not be secured (step 115; N), the next collection closing time, that is, the collection collection time closest to the current time is specified after the collection collection time specified in step 110 (step 125). ) And return to Step 110. Thereafter, this process is repeated until the allocation is completed.
Further, the frame management / allocation system 8 includes a database for storing the correspondence between the customer and the assigned product, and updates this in accordance with the assignment work (assignment information storage means).

  As described above, the present embodiment provides logic for making an optimal allocation and minimizing an opportunity loss when an order from a customer is assigned to a production plan. In addition, a control method is implemented so that the allocation result does not become inconsistent when the allocation process is executed collectively.

[Re-allocation processing]
Next, the re-allocation process will be described.
The manufacturing company notifies the management center 5 of the warehousing schedule on an hourly basis, but the warehousing may be delayed from the schedule for some reason such as troubles, holiday fluctuations, equipment maintenance and inspection.

When the warehousing schedule is changed due to a delay in warehousing, the management center 5 performs a re-allocation process using the latest information and allocates again, and calculates a delivery date after the change.
As described above, when the delivery date is delayed, the management center 5 can recalculate the delivery date in real time and notify the customer of the changed delivery date.
In the present embodiment, the case where the warehousing is delayed will be described, but the delivery date can be recalculated in the same manner when the warehousing is earlier than scheduled.

FIG. 14 (a) is a diagram showing a warehousing schedule of a certain manufacturing company.
At the present time (April 1 at 8:00), we have already allocated to customers who have a total of 50 products: 25 products scheduled to be received at 9:00 April 1 and 25 products scheduled to be received at 1 April 1 April, Suppose that it was scheduled to be picked up at 14:00 on April 1st.

However, as shown in FIG. 14B, it is assumed that the goods have not yet been received at 14:30 on April 1, and the deadline for collecting cargo at 14:00 on April 1 has not been met.
Then, it is assumed that the management center 5 has received a notification from the manufacturing company that the receipt of these 50 items is delayed and the warehousing schedule has been changed so as to be received at 15:00 on April 1.

In the management center 5, the frame management / allocation system 8 receives this notification and starts re-allocation processing.
First, 25 items scheduled to be received at 9 am on April 1 and 25 items scheduled to be received at 13:00 on April 1 are added to 50 items scheduled to be received at 15:00 on April 1st. As a result, the planned number of goods received at 15:00 on April 1 is 100.
Thus, the frame management / allocation system 8 first updates the warehousing schedule using the latest information from the manufacturing company.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14 (c), the frame management / allocation system 8 starts from 14:00 on April 2, which is the closest collection time from the present (April 1, 14:30). In the direction going back from this base point, 50 pieces (scheduled to be received at 14:00 on April 2) received from this customer are allocated. In this way, the frame management / allocation system 8 performs the re-allocation process using the updated warehousing schedule.
Furthermore, the frame management / allocation system 8 recalculates the delivery date using the collection closing time after the re-allocation process and notifies the customer.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the warehousing schedule is changed, the schedule table is updated using the latest information, and the re-allocation process is performed. Then, the delivery date is recalculated and the latest delivery date is notified to the customer.
When there is a change in the warehousing schedule, the delivery date can be recalculated in real time, and prompt customer service is possible.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a re-allocation processing method performed by the frame management / allocation system 8.
For example, it is assumed that there is a product group such as product A, product B, product C,. The quota management / allocation system 8 manages allocation processing for all of these commodity groups.
The frame management / allocation system 8 can perform a re-allocation process for each product individually. Therefore, for example, if the warehousing schedule of the product A is changed, the frame management / allocation system 8 performs the re-allocation process only for the product A as shown in FIG. Does not reallocate.

By the way, while the frame management / allocation system 8 is performing the re-allocation process, the product cannot be answered even if there is a delivery date inquiry. Therefore, it is not possible to receive orders from customers.
The frame management / allocation system 8 cannot make a delivery date reply for the product A while performing the re-allocation process for the product A, but can make a delivery date reply for other products.

  FIG. 15B is an example in the case of performing the re-allocation process for all products. As described above, the system that performs the re-allocation process for all the products is much easier to construct than the system that performs the re-allocation process for each product, so that the construction cost is low and can be easily adopted.

  However, in the system shown in FIG. 15B, even when the warehousing schedule of some products is changed, the re-allocation process must be performed for all the products, and the delivery date reply impossible time is long. Note that new orders cannot be accepted during the delivery dead time.

For example, assume that the re-allocation processing time per product is 1 minute and there are 1000 product types.
Assuming that there is a change in the warehousing schedule for one product, the frame management / allocation system 8 of FIG.
On the other hand, when the re-allocation process is performed in the system of FIG. 15B, the delivery date reply cannot be made for all products for 1000 minutes (about 16 hours).

  For this reason, the business operator adopting the system of FIG. 15 (b) is forced to perform the re-allocation process at night, for example, and the latest delivery date is set in real time as in the frame management / allocation system 8. I can't answer.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the re-allocation process.
The following processing is performed by the frame management / allocation system 8 according to a predetermined program.
First, the frame management / allocation system 8 identifies one product that needs re-allocation processing (step 200). This is performed by the shipment schedule information specifying means provided in the frame management / allocation system 8 specifying the shipment schedule information including the changed information.

Next, the frame management / allocation system 8 updates the warehousing schedule using the latest information acquired from the manufacturing company for this product (step 205).
This is performed by the shipping schedule information update means.

Next, the frame management / allocation system 8 performs allocation processing using the updated warehousing schedule (step 210). The procedure of the allocation process is the same as the procedure shown in FIG.
This is again performed by the assigning means.
Next, the frame management / allocation system 8 checks whether there is another product that needs to be re-allocated (step 215).
If there is another product that needs to be re-allocated (step 215; Y), the process returns to step 200, and re-allocation processing is performed for this product.
If there is no other necessary product (step 215; N), the re-allocation process is terminated.

[Future frame processing]
Next, the future frame process will be described with reference to FIG.
When a manufacturing company manufactures products, manufacturing costs may be lower if a large number of products are manufactured together.
Therefore, there may be a gap between the weekly sales prediction performed by the sales prediction system 7 (FIG. 2) and the number of products manufactured by the manufacturing company.

As shown in FIG. 17, it is assumed that the manufacturing company manufactures 200 commodities collectively in the 25th and 27th weeks.
On the other hand, it is assumed that the sales prediction of the sales prediction system 7 is 100 per week. This is a gap caused by the fact that the cost of manufacturing 200 products collectively is lower for a manufacturing company than the predicted number of the sales prediction system 7 that 100 can be sold every week.

In this case, the frame management / allocation system 8 allocates 100 of the 200 manufactured in the 25th week to the 25th week, and allocates the remaining 100 to the 26th week.
Similarly, 200 pieces manufactured in the 27th week move to the 27th and 28th weeks by 100 pieces.
As a result, the sales forecast is equal to the number of distributions.

In this way, the management center 5 notifies the manufacturing company of sales forecasts up to several weeks in advance, and the manufacturing company manufactures the products together so that the total number is equal to the total number of sales predictions. Can do.
The frame management / allocation system 8 distributes and distributes the products that are scheduled to be manufactured collectively so that the number of distributions is equal to the sales forecast.
This is performed by the transition means provided in the frame management / allocation system 8.

As described above, the following effects can be obtained by delivery time management using the collection closing time.
(1) The warehousing schedule of the manufacturing company can be grasped in units of time.
(2) By providing time information in the production plan, the completed product can be shipped at the fastest speed, and orders from customers can be met with less inventory.
(3) By providing the collection closing time in accordance with the departure time of the transport vehicle, provision can be made based on the collection time when there is an order from the customer.
(4) An accurate delivery date can be presented to the customer using the collection closing time and lead time.

(5) Since the re-allocation process can be performed independently for each product, the re-allocation process can be performed in a short time. Therefore, there is no need to interrupt the order receiving work.
(6) Since the re-allocation process can be performed in a short time, the re-allocation process can be performed in real time based on the latest information when the warehousing schedule is changed.
(7) Since the re-allocation process can be performed in real time, when the warehousing schedule is changed, the delivery date after the change can be quickly notified to the customer.

Next, the configuration of a computer installed in the management center 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
This computer is composed of, for example, a personal computer or a workstation.

In the management center 5, peripheral devices such as an input device 74, an output device 78, a communication control device 82, a storage device 88, a storage medium drive device 76, and an input / output interface 84 are connected to the control unit 66 via the bus line 73. It is configured.
The bus line 73 mediates transmission / reception of control signals and data signals transmitted / received between the control unit 66 and peripheral devices.

The control unit 66 performs information processing necessary for merchandise delivery such as sales prediction processing, frame management processing, and allocation processing according to a predetermined program.
The control unit 66 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 68, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 70, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 72, and the like.

  The ROM 70 is a read-only memory that stores various programs, data, parameters, and the like for the CPU 68 to perform various calculations and controls. The CPU 68 can read programs, data, parameters, and the like from the ROM 70, but cannot rewrite or delete them.

The RAM 72 is a random access memory used as a working memory for the CPU 68. The CPU 68 can write and erase programs and data in the RAM 72.
In the present embodiment, the RAM 72 can secure an area for the CPU 68 to perform sales prediction processing, frame management processing, allocation processing, and other various information processing. In the RAM 72, the distribution frame structure is expanded to constitute distribution frame information storage means.

The input device 74 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.
The person in charge can use the input device 74 to correct the sales forecast number, the distribution number, and the like.

The keyboard is a device for inputting information such as letters and numbers to the management center 5.
The keyboard includes keys for inputting kana and English characters, numeric keys for inputting numbers, various function keys, cursor keys, and other keys.

  A mouse is a pointing device. When a person in charge operates software using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like, predetermined information can be input by clicking a button or icon displayed on the display device with a mouse.

The output device 78 includes a display device, a printing device, and the like, for example.
The display device is a device for presenting information formed on, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like on a screen.
The display device can display a sales forecast screen, a distribution frame structure, and the like.
The display device constitutes presentation means for presenting the distribution frame structure.
The distribution frame structure can be presented at the management center 5 as well as at the manufacturing company system 12.
However, the frame structure presented by the manufacturing company system 12 is in a range limited by the upper search disabled portion 32.

  The printing apparatus is an apparatus that prints output information such as a predicted sales number on a print medium such as paper. The printing apparatus includes various printer apparatuses such as an ink jet printer, a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, and a dot printer.

The communication control device 82 is connected to a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network), for example, and is a server device provided in the manufacturing company system 12, the delivery company system 13, and the sales company system 14 via a communication line. And a device for connecting to a terminal device.
The communication control device 82 is controlled by the CPU 68 and transmits and receives signals and data according to a predetermined protocol.

  The storage medium driving device 76 is a driving device for reading and writing data by driving a removable storage medium. Examples of the removable storage medium include a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, a semiconductor memory, a paper tape punched with data, and a CD-ROM. Note that CD-ROMs and paper tapes can only be read.

  The storage device 88 includes a readable / writable storage medium and a driving device for reading / writing programs and data from / to the storage medium. A hard disk is mainly used as the storage medium, but it can also be configured by other readable / writable storage media such as a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory.

The storage device 88 stores various programs such as the sales prediction program 50, the frame management / allocation program 52, the order receiving program 54, and other programs 56, allocation frame structure data for each product, allocation data using the collection closing time, etc. A database 58 storing various data necessary for product delivery is stored. The database 58 stores a distribution frame structure developed in the RAM 72, and this also constitutes distribution frame information storage means.
The CPU 68 can read and write programs and data to and from the storage device 88 by driving the drive device of the storage device 88.

The sales prediction program 50 is a program for causing the CPU 68 to exhibit the sales prediction function, and the sales prediction system 7 (FIG. 2) is configured by the CPU 68 executing the sales prediction program 50.
The frame management / allocation program 52 and the order receiving program 54 are executed by the CPU 68, whereby the frame management / allocation system 8 and the order receiving system 9 are configured.

The other program 56 is, for example, a communication program for communicating with the manufacturing company system 12, the delivery company system 13, the sales company system 14, etc., or an OS (Operating System) that is basic software for operating memory management, input / output management, and the like. It consists of various programs such as.
In addition, a program for generating data for displaying the distribution frame structure in the sales company system 14 and transmitting the data to the sales company system 14 (presenting means) is also stored.

  The input / output interface 84 is configured by, for example, a serial interface or another standard interface. The function can be expanded by connecting an external device corresponding to the interface to the input / output interface 84.

As described above, in the present embodiment, after managing the number of distributions using the hierarchical distribution frame structure, the delivery date management using the collection closing time is performed. However, each method is a technology independent of the other method. It is also possible to construct a delivery system that performs either one of them.
In other words, the conventional method is used for the allocation of the allocation number, the collection deadline time is used for delivery date management, or the allocation number is managed using a hierarchical allocation frame structure. It can also be configured to use things.

In the above example, the distribution using the distribution frame structure and the delivery date management using the collection closing time are performed independently. However, it is also possible to organically combine these.
That is, the collection deadline information is given to the distribution number of the distribution frame, and the distribution number in time for the customer's desired delivery date is allocated.
The quota management / allocation system 8 satisfies both the quantity and the desired delivery date in the upper hierarchy if there is no allocation time that can be allocated in the lower hierarchy, even if there is no deadline in time for the desired delivery date. The distribution frame allocated for commercialization is searched, and if there is a condition that satisfies the condition, it is allocated.

  The product delivery system 1 is more effective when applied to products whose demand exceeds supply. In this case, orders from customers can be controlled by customer segment without confusion.

By using the collection closing time, the following configuration can be obtained.
Shipment schedule information obtaining means for obtaining shipment schedule information composed of a shipment available time and a number of deliverables at which a predetermined product can be shipped, and a collection closing time for closing the application for shipment of the product, and ordering the product In order information acquisition means for acquiring and storing an order quantity from an ordering customer, pickup time selection means for selecting a predetermined pickup time from the acquired shipment schedule information, and the shipment schedule information, Search means for searching for an unassigned product that is not assigned in a direction that goes back in time from the selected collection closing time, and a search if the quantity of the searched product is the stored order quantity An allocation unit that allocates the ordered product to the order customer, and an allocation information in which the allocation of the order customer and the product is associated is updated and stored using the allocation result of the allocation unit. Product allocation system for the assignment information storage means, characterized by comprising a that (first configuration using a collection tightening time).
In the first configuration, the order information obtaining unit further obtains a desired delivery date and a delivery destination, specifies a transportation route to the obtained delivery destination, and is required for transporting the product through the identified transportation route. A required time calculation means for calculating a time, wherein the collection closing time selection means uses the calculated required time, and the latest collection fastening time at which the product reaches the delivery destination before the acquired desired delivery date. It can be configured to select time (second configuration using pick-up time).
In the second configuration, as a result of the search by the search means using the pickup closing time selected by the pickup dead time selection means, the quantity of the searched product did not reach the stored order quantity. In this case, the pick-up time selection means selects the pick-up time at which the product searched for by the search means reaches the order quantity at the pick-up time closest to the present time, which belongs to the future than the selected pick-up time. (A third configuration using the collection closing time).
In the first configuration, the product allocation system associates an ordered customer with a product independently for each product for a plurality of types of products, and the information included in the acquired shipping schedule information When at least a part of the information is changed, the shipping schedule information specifying means for specifying the shipping schedule information including the information to be changed, and the specified shipping schedule information using the changed information It can be configured to include shipping schedule information updating means that updates independently from shipping schedule information, and reassignment means that reassigns the product to the ordering customer using the updated shipping schedule information. (Fourth configuration using the collection closing time).
In the fourth configuration, it may be configured to include a delivery date answering unit that sends a delivery date reply to a product other than the product that is assigned by the reassignment unit (the fifth time using the collection closing time). Configuration).
In the first configuration, the apparatus includes a sales prediction unit that predicts the number of sales forecasts for each predetermined period of the product, and at least a part of a product that is scheduled to be shipped based on the shipping schedule information. It can comprise so that the transfer means which shifts in the future direction may be comprised so that a possible number may correspond to the estimated sales forecast number (sixth structure using the collection tightening time).
In the first configuration, possible number setting means for setting orderable quantity information that the customer can order the product in the distribution frame information associated with the customer, and distribution in which the orderable quantity information is set Distribution frame information storage means for storing the frame information, and update means, wherein the allocation means calculates the orderable number specified by the orderable number information of the distribution frame information associated with the ordering customer. As an upper limit, the order quantity is assigned to the order customer, and the update means updates the orderable quantity information in the allocation frame information to information for specifying the orderable quantity after the assignment, using the assigned quantity. (Seventh configuration using a collection tightening time).

  The present invention can be applied to a merchandise delivery system that delivers merchandise from a shipping source to a delivery destination.

It is the figure which showed an example of the structure of the goods delivery system of this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the structure of the management center. It is the figure which showed an example of the sales prediction screen. It is the figure which showed an example of the distribution frame structure. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the allocation number in the case of allocation. It is a figure for demonstrating the example which comprised the some distribution frame structure hierarchically. It is a flowchart for demonstrating distribution processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the allocation process. It is a figure for demonstrating the collection closing time. It is a figure for demonstrating the collection closing time. It is a figure for demonstrating the collection closing time. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of calculating a delivery date. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the allocation process using the collection closing time. It is a figure for demonstrating the re-allocation process. It is a figure for demonstrating the re-allocation processing method which a frame management and allocation system performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of a re-allocation process. It is a figure for demonstrating a future frame. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the computer installed in the management center. It is a figure for demonstrating the conventional goods delivery system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Merchandise delivery system 2 Standard delivery area 3 Store delivery area 4 Delivery zone 5 Management center 7 Sales prediction system 8 Frame management and allocation system 9 Order receiving system 12 Manufacturing company system 13 Delivery company system 14 Sales company system

Claims (28)

A product allocation system that allocates the product to a customer in advance using a planned shipment number of the predetermined product in a predetermined period in the future,
Possible number setting means for setting orderable number information that the customer can order the product in the distribution frame information associated with the customer;
Distribution frame information storage means for storing distribution frame information in which the orderable quantity information is set, and hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure ; ,
Order quantity obtaining means for obtaining an order quantity from an ordering customer who orders the product;
From the orderable number specified by the orderable number information of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer, the order number obtained in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer Assigning means to assign to the ordering customer;
Update means for updating the orderable quantity information of the distribution frame information to information for specifying the orderable quantity after the allocation, using the allocated quantity;
Equipped with,
The lowermost allocation frame information is dedicated to a single customer, and at least one distribution frame information other than the lowermost layer is transmitted via the lower allocation frame information in which a hierarchical relationship with the distribution frame information is set. A merchandise allocation system, wherein the merchandise allocation system is linked to and shared with a plurality of the customers . The distribution frame information storage means stores hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure,
The lowermost allocation frame information is directly linked to the customer, and the allocation frame information other than the lowermost layer is linked to the customer via the lower allocation frame information in which a hierarchical relationship with the distribution frame information is set. And
2. The product allocation system according to claim 1, wherein the allocation unit allocates the number of orders in order from the lower one of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer. A sales forecast number calculating means for calculating the sales forecast number of the product in the predetermined period for each sales destination unit;
3. The product allocation according to claim 2, wherein the possible number setting means determines the orderable number information to be set in the distribution frame information by using a predicted sales number of a sales destination unit to which the order customer belongs. system. Comprising presentation means for presenting orderable quantity information set in the distribution frame information;
The product allocation system according to claim 2, wherein a range of allocation frame information in which orderable quantity information can be presented is set for each presentation destination presented by the presenting means. The presentation destination is associated with any of the distribution frame information of the lowest layer, and the range of the distribution frame information that can be presented is from the distribution frame information of the lowest layer associated with the presentation destination to the upper layer. 5. The product allocation system according to claim 4, wherein the product allocation system is distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship is set in a direction of going. 6. The product according to claim 5, wherein an upper layer presentation prohibition part is provided in the hierarchical relationship, and the distribution frame information that can be presented is up to a part restricted by the upper layer presentation prohibition part. Assignment system. The product allocation system according to claim 2, wherein the hierarchical structure of the distribution frame information is set for each product. A product allocation method for pre-allocating the product to a customer using a planned number of shipments of the predetermined product in a predetermined period in the future,
In a computer comprising possible number setting means, distribution frame information storage means, order quantity acquisition means, allocation means, and update means,
A possible number setting step in which the order quantity information that the customer can order the product is set by the possible number setting means in the distribution frame information associated with the customer;
And allocation frame information before Symbol orderable number information is set in the allocation frame information storage means, said allocation frame information and hierarchical relationship information specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so as to form a hierarchical structure A stored distribution frame information storage step;
An order quantity obtaining step of obtaining an order quantity from an ordering customer who orders the product by the order quantity obtaining means;
From the orderable number specified by the orderable number information of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer, the order number obtained in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer Assigning to the ordering customer by the assigning means,
An update step of updating the orderable number information of the allocation frame information to information for specifying the orderable number after the allocation by the update unit, using the allocated quantity;
Consisting of
The lowermost allocation frame information is dedicated to a single customer, and at least one distribution frame information other than the lowermost layer is transmitted via the lower allocation frame information in which a hierarchical relationship with the distribution frame information is set. A merchandise allocation method, wherein the merchandise allocation method is associated with a plurality of the customers and shared . The distribution frame information storage means stores hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure,
The lowermost allocation frame information is directly linked to the customer, and the allocation frame information other than the lowermost layer is linked to the customer via the lower allocation frame information in which a hierarchical relationship with the distribution frame information is set. And
9. The product allocating method according to claim 8, wherein, in the allocating step, the allocating unit allocates the number of orders in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the ordered customer. The computer comprises a sales forecast number calculating means,
The sales forecast number calculation means comprises a sales forecast number calculation step of calculating the sales forecast number of the product in the predetermined period for each sales destination unit,
In the possible number setting step, the possible number setting means determines the orderable number information to be set in the distribution frame information using a sales forecast number of a sales destination unit to which the order customer belongs. Item 12. The method for allocating goods according to Item 9. The computer comprises a presentation means,
The presenting means comprises a presenting step of presenting orderable quantity information set in the distribution frame information,
The product allocation method according to claim 9, wherein a range of allocation frame information in which orderable quantity information can be presented is set for each presentation destination presented in the presenting step. The presentation destination is associated with any of the distribution frame information of the lowest layer, and the range of the distribution frame information that can be presented is from the distribution frame information of the lowest layer associated with the presentation destination to the upper layer. 12. The product allocation method according to claim 11, wherein the product allocation method is distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship is set in a direction in which the product heads. 13. The product according to claim 12, wherein the hierarchical relationship includes an upper-layer presentation prohibited portion, and the distribution frame information that can be presented is up to a portion restricted by the upper-layer presentation prohibited portion. Assignment method. The product allocation method according to claim 9, wherein the hierarchical structure of the distribution frame information is set for each product. A product allocation program for realizing a function of preallocating the product to a customer in advance using a planned number of shipments of the predetermined product in a predetermined period in the future,
A possible number setting function for setting orderable number information that the customer can order the product in the distribution frame information associated with the customer;
A distribution frame information storage function that stores distribution frame information in which the orderable quantity information is set, and hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure ; ,
An order quantity obtaining function for obtaining an order quantity from an order customer who orders the product;
From the orderable number specified by the orderable number information of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer, the order number obtained in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer Assigning to the ordering customer,
An update function for updating the orderable quantity information of the allocation frame information to information for specifying the orderable quantity after the allocation, using the allocated quantity;
Realized by a computer,
The lowermost allocation frame information is dedicated to a single customer, and at least one distribution frame information other than the lowermost layer is transmitted via the lower allocation frame information in which a hierarchical relationship with the distribution frame information is set. A product allocation program, which is linked to and shared with a plurality of customers . The distribution frame information storage function stores hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure,
The lowermost allocation frame information is directly linked to the customer, and the allocation frame information other than the lowermost layer is linked to the customer via the lower allocation frame information in which a hierarchical relationship with the distribution frame information is set. And
16. The product allocation program according to claim 15, wherein the allocation function allocates the number of orders in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer. The computer realizes a sales forecast number calculation function for calculating the sales forecast number of the product in the predetermined period for each sales unit.
17. The product allocation according to claim 16, wherein the possible number setting function determines orderable number information to be set in the distribution frame information using a predicted sales number of a sales destination unit to which the order customer belongs. program. A presenting function for presenting orderable quantity information set in the distribution frame information is realized by the computer,
The product allocation program according to claim 16, wherein a range of distribution frame information in which orderable quantity information can be presented is set for each presentation destination presented by the presentation function. The presentation destination is associated with any of the distribution frame information of the lowest layer, and the range of the distribution frame information that can be presented is from the distribution frame information of the lowest layer associated with the presentation destination to the upper layer. 19. The product allocation program according to claim 18, wherein the product allocation program is distribution frame information in which a hierarchical relationship is set in a direction of going. The product according to claim 19, wherein the hierarchical relationship includes an upper-layer presentation prohibited portion, and the distribution frame information that can be presented is limited to a portion restricted by the upper-layer presentation prohibited portion. Assignment program. The product allocation program according to claim 16, wherein a hierarchical structure of the distribution frame information is set for each product. A computer-readable storage medium storing a product allocation program for realizing a function of preallocating the product to a customer in advance using a planned shipment number of a predetermined product in a predetermined period in the future,
A possible number setting function for setting orderable number information that the customer can order the product in the distribution frame information associated with the customer;
A distribution frame information storage function that stores distribution frame information in which the orderable quantity information is set, and hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure ; ,
An order quantity obtaining function for obtaining an order quantity from an order customer who orders the product;
From the orderable number specified by the orderable number information of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer, the order number obtained in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer Assigning to the ordering customer,
An update function for updating the orderable quantity information of the allocation frame information to information for specifying the orderable quantity after the allocation, using the allocated quantity;
Realized by a computer,
The lowermost allocation frame information is dedicated to a single customer, and at least one distribution frame information other than the lowermost layer is transmitted via the lower allocation frame information in which a hierarchical relationship with the distribution frame information is set. A computer-readable storage medium storing a merchandise allocation program linked to and shared with a plurality of customers . The distribution frame information storage function stores hierarchical relationship information for specifying a hierarchical relationship with other distribution frame information so that the distribution frame information forms a hierarchical structure,
The lowermost allocation frame information is directly linked to the customer, and the allocation frame information other than the lowermost layer is linked to the customer via the lower allocation frame information in which a hierarchical relationship with the distribution frame information is set. And
23. The computer storing a product allocation program according to claim 22, wherein the allocation function allocates the number of orders in order from the lower layer of the distribution frame information associated with the order customer. Storage medium. The computer realizes a sales forecast number calculation function for calculating the sales forecast number of the product in the predetermined period for each sales unit.
The commodity allocation function according to claim 23, wherein the possible number setting function determines orderable number information to be set in the distribution frame information using a sales forecast number of a sales destination unit to which the order customer belongs. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program. A presenting function for presenting orderable quantity information set in the distribution frame information is realized by the computer,
24. A computer storing a product allocation program according to claim 23, wherein a range of allocation frame information in which orderable quantity information can be presented is set for each presentation destination presented by the presentation function. Storage medium. The presentation destination is associated with any of the distribution frame information of the lowest layer, and the range of the distribution frame information that can be presented is from the distribution frame information of the lowest layer associated with the presentation destination to the upper layer. 26. A computer-readable storage medium storing a product allocation program according to claim 25, wherein the distribution frame information has a hierarchical relationship set in a direction toward it. 27. The product according to claim 26, wherein an upper layer presentation prohibited part is provided in the hierarchical relationship, and the distribution frame information that can be presented is up to a part restricted by the upper layer presentation prohibited part. A computer-readable storage medium storing an allocation program. 24. A computer-readable storage medium storing a product allocation program according to claim 23, wherein the hierarchical structure of the distribution frame information is set for each product.

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