JP6136469B2 - Information providing method, information providing program, and information providing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing method, an information providing program, and an information providing apparatus.

  In a beverage maker, which is a vending machine installation company, a route salesman visits each vending machine to collect sales, replenish change, and replenish merchandise.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique is known in which products to be replenished to a vending machine are sorted for each vending machine in a sorting hall in advance (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-220145

  However, there is a time difference between the time when the goods are loaded on the delivery vehicle and the time when the goods are actually arrived at the vending machine and the goods are replenished. For this reason, the route salesman anticipates the sales of the product, and loads the product into the delivery vehicle more than the necessary number of replenishments (when the product is loaded).

  In this case, as a result of actually visiting a plurality of vending machines, if there is a surplus of merchandise, it will be taken back to a sorting hall or warehouse. When the product is taken home, it is necessary to return to the management space for each product instead of leaving it on the delivery vehicle for managing the product, which is troublesome. In addition, there is a risk of losing a sales opportunity for the product by taking the product home.

  In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an information providing method, an information providing program, and an information providing apparatus capable of providing information for improving the efficiency of product replenishment work to a vending machine.

In one aspect, the information providing method includes a step of acquiring the number of products installed in a delivery vehicle that delivers products to be replenished to a plurality of predetermined vending machines, and the product installed in the delivery vehicle. When the number includes a surplus that exceeds the number of products scheduled to be replenished to the plurality of vending machines, the predetermined plurality Selecting at least one vending machine capable of replenishing a part or all of the surplus from vending machines existing within a predetermined distance from a route along which the delivery vehicle moves other than the vending machine And a step of notifying information of at least one of the vending machines selected in the selecting step .

In one aspect, the information providing program acquires the number of products installed in a delivery vehicle that delivers products to be replenished to a plurality of predetermined vending machines, and determines the number of products installed in the delivery vehicle. When a plurality of items exceeding the number of products scheduled to be replenished are included in the plurality of vending machines , the plurality of predetermined automatics are referred to by referring to a storage unit that stores the number of products in the vending machine. Select at least one vending machine capable of replenishing a part or all of the surplus from vending machines existing within a predetermined distance from the route along which the delivery vehicle moves other than the vending machine, and at least the selected at least This is a program for notifying information of one of the vending machines and causing the computer to execute processing.

In one aspect, the information providing device is mounted on the delivery vehicle that acquires the number of products installed in a delivery vehicle that delivers products to be replenished to a plurality of predetermined vending machines. When the number of products includes a surplus exceeding the number of products scheduled to be replenished to the plurality of vending machines, the predetermined number is determined with reference to a storage unit that stores the number of products in stock of the vending machines Selection of selecting at least one vending machine capable of replenishing a part or all of the surplus from vending machines existing within a predetermined distance from a route along which the delivery vehicle moves other than a plurality of vending machines And a notification unit for notifying information on at least one of the vending machines selected by the selection unit .

  There is an effect that it is possible to provide information for improving the efficiency of the product replenishment work to the vending machine.

It is a figure showing roughly the composition of the information service system concerning one embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing unit of the vending machine. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a portable terminal. It is a functional block diagram of an information provision system. It is a figure (example 1) which shows an example of stock DB. It is a figure which shows an example of vending machine position DB. It is FIG. (1) which shows an example of a taking-out amount work table. It is FIG. (2) which shows an example of a taking-out amount work table. It is FIG. (1) which shows an example of the replenishment work table classified by vending machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process of an inventory information transmission part. It is a flowchart which shows the process of an inventory information update part. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a route determination part. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the process of a route adjustment part. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the process of a route adjustment part. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which displays a route | root etc. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which displays the route | root etc. after adjustment. It is a figure which shows an example of stock DB (the 2). It is FIG. (2) which shows an example of the replenishment work table classified by vending machine. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the process of the route adjustment part which concerns on a modification. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the process of the route adjustment part which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the information providing system will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The information providing system 100 according to the present embodiment travels a plurality of vending machines (hereinafter abbreviated as “vending machines”) with a delivery vehicle and replenishes each vending machine with products (such as beverages). This is a system that provides information on the route of the day (information on vending machines that circulate), information on the number of products to be mounted on delivery vehicles, and the like.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of the information providing system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the information providing system 100 includes a server 10 as an information providing apparatus, a plurality of vending machines 20, and a plurality of portable terminals 130. The server 10, the vending machine 20, and the mobile terminal 130 are connected to a network 80 such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

  FIG. 2A shows the hardware configuration of the server 10. As shown in FIG. 2A, the server 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 90, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 92, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 94, and a storage unit (here, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive)). 96, a network interface 97, a portable storage medium drive 99, and the like. Each component of the server 10 is connected to a bus 98. In the server 10, the CPU 90 executes a program (including an information providing program) stored in the ROM 92 or the HDD 96 or a program (including an information providing program) read from the portable storage medium 91 by the portable storage medium drive 99. Thus, the functions as the inventory information update unit 40, the route determination unit 42, and the route adjustment unit 44 shown in FIG. 4 are realized. 4 also shows a map DB (database) 30, an inventory DB 32, a vending machine position DB 34, a take-out amount work table 36, and a vending machine-specific replenishment work table 38 stored in the HDD 96 of the server 10. The specific data structures of the DBs 30 to 34 and the work tables 36 and 38 will be described later.

  The inventory information update unit 40 updates the information in the inventory DB 32 based on the information transmitted from the vending machine 20. Based on information stored in the inventory DB 32, the route determination unit 42 identifies the vending machines that the route salesman circulates in one day, and determines the routes that circulate each vending machine. In addition, the route determination unit 42 transmits screen data displaying a route to be circulated to the mobile terminal 130. The route adjustment unit 44 adjusts the route determined by the route determination unit 42 based on the number of products mounted on the delivery vehicle. In addition, the route adjustment unit 44 transmits screen data displaying the adjusted route to the mobile terminal 130.

  FIG. 2B shows the hardware configuration of the information processing unit of the vending machine 20. As shown in FIG. 2B, the information processing unit of the vending machine 20 includes a CPU 190, a ROM 192, a RAM 194, a storage unit (HDD) 196, a network interface 197, etc., and each unit is connected to a bus 198. Yes. In the vending machine 20, the function as the inventory information transmission unit 50 shown in FIG. 4 is realized by the CPU 190 executing the program. The inventory information transmission unit 50 transmits the inventory amount in the vending machine to the server 10 (inventory information update unit 40) at predetermined time intervals or when the route salesman opens and closes the door.

  FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 130. As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile terminal 130 includes a CPU 290, a ROM 292, a RAM 294, a storage unit (HDD) 296, a display 293, an input unit 295, a network interface 297, a portable storage medium drive 299, and the like. Each component of the mobile terminal 130 is connected to the bus 298. The display 293 includes a liquid crystal display and the like, and the input unit 295 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. In the portable terminal 130, the CPU 290 executes a program stored in the ROM 292 or the HDD 296 or a program read by the portable storage medium drive 299 from the portable storage medium 291, thereby displaying the display processing unit shown in FIG. 60 and the function as the input processing unit 62 are realized. In response to an instruction from the route determination unit 42 or the route adjustment unit 44 of the server 10, the display processing unit 60 displays on the display 293 of the mobile terminal 130 information on vending machines to be traveled by the route salesman, routes, and the like. The input processing unit 52 receives information input by the user of the mobile terminal 130 via the input unit 295 and transmits the information to the route determination unit 42 of the server 10.

  Here, the DB and work table of the server 10 will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the data structure of the inventory DB 32. The stock DB 32 stores the number of stocks in each vending machine, the number that can be replenished, the stock rate, and the like. Specifically, the inventory DB 32 has fields of “vending machine ID”, “stock quantity by stored product”, and “total inventory ratio”. In the “vending machine ID” field, a unique ID assigned to the vending machine is stored. In the field of “stock quantity by stored product”, the stock quantity of each product (cola, oolong tea, coffee 1, etc.) in each vending machine and the replenishable number are stored. In the “total inventory ratio” field, the “total” of the inventory quantity and the replenishable quantity in each vending machine is stored, and the “inventory ratio” (= {inventory quantity / (inventory quantity + replenishable quantity)} × 100 ) Is stored.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the data structure of the vending machine position DB 34. The vending machine position DB 34 is a database that stores the installation location of each vending machine, and has fields of “vending machine ID” and “installation location”.

  7 and 8 show examples of the data structure of the carry-out amount work table 36. FIG. The take-out amount work table 36 is a work table created for each route salesman, and is updated at the timing when the route salesman performs a product replenishment operation for one vending machine. FIG. 7 shows the carry-out amount work table 36 before the route salesman starts the replenishment work (timing when the route of the day is determined). FIG. 8 shows a take-out amount work table 36 after a route salesman performs a replenishment operation for a certain vending machine. In the take-out amount work table 36, “replenishable amount at the time of route determination (total amount)”, “reserve amount”, “total replenishment amount (replenishable amount + reserve amount)”, “take-out case amount (1 case) 30 cans) "," Total amount taken out "," Amount already replenished "," Remaining amount (current) "," Scheduled replenishment amount (replenishable amount of unrefilled vending machine) "," Remaining amount (prediction at end of replenishment) " "Is entered.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the replenishment work table 38 for each vending machine. The vending machine-specific replenishment work table 38 is a work table created for each route salesman, and is created when a route is newly created.

  Note that the map DB 30 of FIG. 4 does not show the data structure or the like, but stores various types of map information (position information on buildings and roads, etc.).

  Next, various processes in the information providing system 100 will be described along the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 14 with reference to other drawings as appropriate.

(Processing of inventory information transmission unit 50)
First, the processing of the inventory information transmission unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. In the process of FIG. 10, in step S10, the inventory information transmission unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined notification time has come. Note that the predetermined notification time is, for example, a time set at one hour intervals. If the determination in step S10 is affirmed, in step S12, the inventory information transmitting unit 50 transmits the current inventory amount together with the vending machine ID to the server 10 (inventory information updating unit 40), and the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the determination in step S10 is negative, the inventory information transmitting unit 50 proceeds directly to step S14.

  If transfering it to step S14, the inventory information transmission part 50 will judge whether the door was opened by the route salesman. In addition, the inventory information transmission part 50 can detect opening / closing of a door by a door opening / closing sensor (not shown) or the like. If the determination in step S14 is negative, the process returns to step S10. On the other hand, when the determination in step S14 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S16, and the inventory information transmitting unit 50 acquires the current inventory amount (pre-replenishment inventory amount).

  Next, in step S18, the inventory information transmission unit 50 waits until the door is closed by the route salesman. Then, when the door is closed, the inventory information transmitting unit 50 proceeds to step S20 and acquires the current inventory amount (replenished inventory amount).

  After that, in step S22, the inventory information transmission unit 50 transmits the pre-replenishment stock amount and the replenishment stock amount together with the vending machine ID to the server 10 (stock information update unit 40). After the process of step S22, the process returns to step S10, and thereafter, the above process is repeated.

  Note that the inventory quantity is transmitted to the inventory information update unit 40 at a fixed time by repeating the processing of FIG. 10. In addition, the inventory amount before replenishment and the inventory amount after replenishment of the vending machine are transmitted to the inventory information update unit 40 every time the door is opened and closed (each replenishment operation).

(Process of inventory information update unit 40)
Next, processing by the inventory information update unit 40 of the server 10 will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 11 shows the processing of the inventory information update unit 40. In FIG. 11, first, in step S30, the inventory information update unit 40 determines whether or not it has received the inventory quantity and the vending machine ID. That is, in FIG. 10, it is determined whether the inventory information transmission unit 50 has executed step S12. If the determination here is affirmed, in step S32, the inventory information update unit 40 updates the inventory number (replenishable number) and the overall inventory rate in the inventory DB 32 (FIG. 5), and then proceeds to step S34. To do. On the other hand, if the determination in step S30 is negative, the process proceeds directly to step S34.

  In step S34, the inventory information update unit 40 determines whether or not the pre-replenishment inventory quantity, the post-replenishment inventory quantity, and the vending machine ID have been received. That is, in FIG. 10, it is determined whether the inventory information transmission unit 50 has executed step S22. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step S30. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, the inventory information update unit 40 records the pre-replenishment stock amount and the post-replenishment stock amount in the vending machine-specific replenishment work table 34, and records the difference as the replenishment amount. For example, after the vending machines having the vending machine IDs: 1001 and 1002 are replenished, information as shown in FIG. 9 is recorded in the replenishment work table 34 for each vending machine.

  Next, in step S38, the inventory information update unit 40 records the replenished inventory quantity in the inventory quantity in the inventory DB 32 and updates the overall inventory rate. Thereafter, the process returns to step S30, and thereafter, the above process is repeated.

  In addition, by repeating the process of FIG. 11, the inventory DB 32 is updated at regular intervals, and the vending machine-specific replenishment work table 38 is updated each time a product replenishment operation is performed on the vending machine.

(Processing of route determination unit 42)
Next, processing by the route determination unit 42 of the server 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the route determination unit 42 executes the process shown in FIG. 12, for example, before the route salesman starts work for one day.

  In the process of FIG. 12, first, in step S50, the route determination unit 42 waits until it receives a person-in-charge ID and a route determination request. Here, it is assumed that the route salesman inputs a route determination request from the input unit 295 of the mobile terminal 130 in order to confirm the daily route before starting work. Then, the input processing unit 62 of the mobile terminal 130 transmits the route salesman ID (person in charge ID) and the route determination request to the route determination unit 42 when the route determination request is input from the route salesman. To do.

  When the route determination unit 42 receives the person-in-charge ID and the route determination request, and proceeds to step S52, the route determination unit 42 uses the inventory DB 32 to make the product more than the threshold inventory number (for example, 10) for each product. Determine if there are few vending machines. Next, in step S54, the route determination unit 42 determines whether or not there is a vending machine having a product smaller than the threshold stock quantity. If the determination here is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S56. In the case of FIG. 5, coffee 1 with vending machine ID: 1002 has an inventory quantity (2) that is less than the threshold inventory quantity (10), and cola with vending machine ID: 1006 has an inventory quantity that is less than the threshold inventory quantity ( 4), the determination in step S54 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step S56.

  If transfering it to step S56, the route determination part 42 will set the vending machine which has goods smaller than a threshold stock quantity as a 1st relay group. The first relay group means a vending machine group with products that are likely to be sold out. After step S58, the process proceeds to step S60. If the determination in step S54 is negative, the process proceeds directly to step S58 without passing through step S56 (without setting the first relay group).

  In step S58, the route determination unit 42 determines whether there are vending machines in the inventory DB 32 that are less than a threshold inventory rate (for example, 30%). If the determination here is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S60. In the case of FIG. 5, since the inventory ratios of the vending machine IDs: 1001 and 1007 are smaller than the threshold inventory ratio (for example, 30%), the determination in step S58 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step S60.

  If transfering it to step S60, the route determination part 42 will make a vending machine with fewer than a threshold inventory ratio into a 2nd relay group. The second relay group means a vending machine group with a small inventory amount as a whole. After step S60, the process proceeds to step S62. If the determination in step S58 is negative, the process proceeds directly to step S62 without passing through step S60 (without setting the second relay group).

  In step S62, the route determination unit 42 uses the map DB 30 to create a route that leaves the shipping center, goes around the first relay group and the second relay group, and returns to the shipping center. Note that the route determination unit 42 may create a route with the shortest distance as a route, or may create a route that can be visited without taking the most time.

  Next, in step S64, the route determination unit 42 calculates the replenishment amount of the vending machine of the first relay group and the replenishment amount of the vending machine of the second relay group from the inventory DB 32. Next, in step S66, the route determination unit 42 creates a take-out amount work table 36 (FIG. 7), and adds the replenishable amount and reserve amount (for example, 10) for each product to the take-out amount work table 36. Record the total amount.

  Next, in step S68, the route determination unit 42 calculates how many cases (for example, one case 30 cans) should be taken out based on the calculated replenishment amount. For example, in the case of the cola in FIG. 7, since the total number of replenishments is 82, the route determination unit 42 takes the number of cases (three cases) larger than the total number of replenishments as the carry-out case amount.

  Next, in step S <b> 70, the route determination unit 42 records the carry-out case amount and the total amount in the carry-out amount work table 36. The total amount means the amount of goods in the carry-out case amount × 1 case (for example, 30).

  Next, in step S72, the route determination unit 42 creates a vending machine-specific replenishment work table 38 and registers the vending machine IDs of the first relay group and the second relay group. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, vending machine IDs: 1001, 1002, 1006, and 1007 are registered. Incidentally, immediately after step S72, only the vending machine ID is registered in FIG. 9, and the number of stocks and the replenishment amount of each product are not registered.

  Next, in step S74, the route determination unit 42 creates a map describing the route and screen data for displaying the amount of case taken out, and transmits the screen data to the mobile terminal 130 (display processing unit 60). In this case, the display processing unit 60 performs screen display as shown in FIG. 15 on the display 293 of the mobile terminal 130. As a result, the route salesman can check the vending machine that needs to travel around a day and the traveling route.

(Process of route adjustment unit 44)
Next, processing by the route adjustment unit 44 of the server 10 will be described. Note that the route adjustment unit 44 executes the processes shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 after the mid-day work of the route salesman (for example, after half of the vending machines to be visited). Shall. In other words, in the present embodiment, the processes in FIGS. 13 and 14 are performed after the vending machines having the vending machine IDs: 1001 and 1002 are replenished with products.

  In the process of FIG. 13, first, in step S80, the route adjustment unit 44 obtains the total replenishment amount from the replenishment amount of the vending machine-specific replenishment work table 38, and sets it to “already replenished amount” in the take-out amount work table 36. Record. In this case, the “total amount already supplemented” records the total number of products supplemented to the vending machines with the vending machine IDs: 1001 and 1002 (see FIG. 8).

  Next, in step S82, the route adjusting unit 44 subtracts the “already replenished amount” from the “total amount brought out” of the carry-out amount work table 36, and records the value in the “remaining amount (current)”.

  Next, in step S84, the route adjusting unit 44 detects the vending machine ID in which the pre-replenishment inventory quantity and the post-replenishment inventory quantity of the replenishment work table 38 for each vending machine in the current replenishment are not stored. That is, the route adjustment unit 44 detects the vending machine ID of the vending machine that has not yet been visited by the route salesman. In the case of FIG. 9, the route adjustment unit 44 detects the vending machine IDs: 1006 and 1007.

  Next, in step S86, the route adjustment unit 44 acquires the replenishable amount for each product in the vending machine having the acquired vending machine ID (1006, 1007) from the inventory DB 32, and calculates the total value (total amount) of each product. In step S88, the route adjustment unit 44 records the total amount calculated in step S86 in the “scheduled replenishment amount (a replenishable amount of the unsupplemented vending machine)” in the take-out amount work table 36.

  Next, in step S90, the route adjustment unit 44 subtracts the “scheduled replenishment amount (a replenishable amount of the unreplenished vending machine)” from the “remaining amount (current)” in the carry-out amount work table 36. In step S92, the route adjusting unit 44 records the result obtained by subtracting in step S90 in the “remaining amount (prediction at the end of replenishment)” in the carry-out amount work table 36. Through the processing up to this point, as shown in FIG. 8, numerical values are recorded in all items of the carry-out amount work table 36. Each numerical value of “remainder amount (prediction at the end of replenishment)” means the number of products remaining in the delivery vehicle at the stage when the route salesman finishes the day.

  Next, in step S94, the route adjustment unit 44 determines whether or not there is a product with “remainder amount (prediction at the time of replenishment completion)”. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, “extra amount (prediction at the end of replenishment)” exists in all the products. Therefore, the determination in step S94 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step S100 in FIG. Note that if the determination in step S94 is negative, that is, if there is no product remaining in the delivery vehicle at the end of the work, there is no need to adjust the route. The whole process of is terminated.

  When the determination in step S94 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step S100 in FIG. 14, the route adjustment unit 44 moves the future unscheduled vending machines near the route to the vending machine position DB 34 (FIG. 6) and the inventory DB 32 (FIG. 5). Get based on. Note that the vending machine near the route is a vending machine whose straight line distance from the route is within a predetermined distance.

  Next, in step S102, the route adjustment unit 44 acquires the replenishable number of vending machines acquired in step S100 from the inventory DB 32.

  Next, in step S104, the route adjustment unit 44 sets the “remaining amount (replenishment end prediction)” of all the products having the “remaining amount (replenishment end prediction)” in the take-out amount work table 36 (FIG. 8). Determine if there is a vending machine that can be refilled. If the determination here is affirmative, that is, if there is a vending machine that can replenish all surplus amounts (prediction at the time of replenishment completion) in FIG. 8 (the delivery vehicle can be emptied) near the future route, step S106 Migrate to In step S106, the route adjusting unit 44 creates a map including the vending machine in the route and screen data for displaying the amount to be replenished to the vending machine, and transmits the screen data to the mobile terminal 130 (display processing unit 60). In this case, the display processing unit 60 displays on the display 293 of the mobile terminal 130 a screen (including information on the amount to be supplemented) in which the partial route of FIG.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S108, and the route adjustment unit 44 updates the take-out amount work table 36 and the replenishment work table 38 for each vending machine. Specifically, the route adjustment unit 44 has newly added “scheduled replenishment amount (replenishable amount of unsupplemented vending machine)” and “remaining amount (prediction at the time of replenishment completion)” of the take-out amount work table 36 to the route. Update considering the replenishment amount to the vending machine. In addition, the route adjustment unit 44 adds the vending machine ID of the vending machine added to the route as the vending machine ID of the replenishment work table 38 for each vending machine. Note that after step S108, the route adjustment unit 44 ends all the processes in FIGS.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S104 is negative, that is, if one vending machine cannot cover the “remainder amount (prediction at the end of replenishment)” of all products, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the route adjustment unit 44 determines whether or not there is a vending machine that can replenish all of the “remaining amount (prediction upon completion of replenishment)” of some products having “remaining amount (replenishment completion prediction)”. . That is, the route adjustment unit 44 determines whether there is a vending machine that can empty a box (at least one) of products in the delivery vehicle. If the determination here is negative, route adjustment is not performed, and all the processes in FIGS. 13 and 14 are terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S110 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S112. As can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 8 and FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the vending machine with vending machine ID: 1008 can replenish all of the excess amount of coffee 1 and tea (prediction at the end of replenishment), and vending machine ID: The vending machine 1009 can replenish all of the remaining amount of tea (prediction at the end of replenishment). Therefore, the determination in step S110 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, the route adjustment unit 44 acquires the vending machine having the largest number of replenishable products (the vending machine having the largest number of boxes that can be emptied). In this case, since the vending machine with the vending machine ID: 1008 has the number of replenishable products of “2” and the vending machine with the vending machine ID: 1009 has the number of replenishable products of “1”, the vending machine with the vending machine ID: 1008 acquires the vending machine. Is done.

  Next, in step S114, the route adjustment unit 44 creates a map including the vending machine (vending machine ID: 1008) having the largest number of replenishable products in the route, and screen data for displaying the amount to be replenished to the vending machine, It transmits to the portable terminal 130 (display processing part 60). In this case, the display processing unit 60 displays a screen as shown in FIG. Thereby, the route salesman can confirm the number of vending machines to be visited in the future, the number of products to be replenished to the vending machines, and a new route.

  After step S114, similarly to the above, the process of step S108 is executed, and all the processes of FIGS. 13 and 14 are terminated. FIG. 17 shows an example of the inventory DB 32 after the route salesman performs the replenishment work according to the screens of FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 18 shows an example of the replenishment work table 38 for each vending machine after the replenishment work is performed. In FIG. 18, since the time has elapsed since the route was determined, the inventory amount should change somewhat, but for the sake of clarity, the inventory amount is illustrated as not changing.

  As can be seen from the description so far, the route adjustment unit 44 of the present embodiment is configured such that the number of products (remaining amount (current amount) (current amount) mounted on a delivery vehicle that delivers products to be replenished to a plurality of predetermined vending machines 20. )), The surplus if the number of products installed in the delivery vehicle includes a surplus (remaining amount) (prediction at the end of replenishment) that exceeds the number of products scheduled to be replenished to multiple vending machines A function as a selection unit that selects at least one vending machine capable of replenishing the minutes and a notification unit that notifies the route salesman of information on the selected at least one vending machine are realized.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the route adjustment unit 44 has the number of products (remaining amount (current)) installed in a delivery vehicle that delivers products to be replenished to a plurality of predetermined vending machines. ) Is acquired (S82), and there is a surplus (a surplus amount (prediction at the end of replenishment)) exceeding the number of products scheduled to be replenished to a plurality of vending machines (S94: (Yes), at least one vending machine capable of replenishing the surplus is selected (S106, S112), and information on the selected at least one vending machine is notified (S106, S114). As a result, the surplus of products installed in the delivery vehicle can be reduced, so that it is possible to reduce the work of the route salesman when the product is brought back to the shipping center, and the sale of the product by taking the product home. Loss of opportunity can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the product replenishment work for the vending machine.

  In the present embodiment, the route adjustment unit 44 selects at least one vending machine in the vicinity of the route on which the delivery vehicle is scheduled to move (newly added to the route). Therefore, the vending machine far away to replenish the surplus portion. There is no need to go up. This makes it possible to efficiently replenish the surplus.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the route adjustment unit 44 executes the processes of FIGS. 13 and 14 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the route adjustment unit 44 may execute the processes of FIGS. 19 and 20. Hereinafter, the processing of FIGS. 19 and 20 will be described in detail.

  In the process of FIG. 19, first, in step S184, the route adjustment unit 44 determines the vending machine ID in which the pre-replenishment inventory quantity and the replenishment inventory quantity in the replenishment work table 38 for each vending machine (FIG. 9) are not stored. Is detected. In FIG. 9, vending machine IDs: 1006 and 1007 are detected.

  Next, in step S186, the route adjustment unit 44 acquires the current replenishable number for each product of the acquired vending machines (ID: 1006, 1007) from the inventory DB 32. Next, in step S188, the route adjustment unit 44 acquires a surplus amount (current) for each product from the take-out amount work table 36.

  Next, in step S190, the route adjusting unit 44 calculates a surplus amount (prediction at the end of replenishment) by subtracting the surplus amount (current) of the take-out amount work table 36 from the acquired replenishment scheduled amount of the scheduled replenishment vending machine.

  Next, in step S194, the route adjustment unit 44 determines whether or not there is a product with a surplus amount (prediction at the end of replenishment). If the determination here is negative, the entire processing of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 ends. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S200 of FIG.

  When the process proceeds to step S200 in FIG. 20, the route adjustment unit 44 acquires a vending machine that is not scheduled to be replenished near the future route from the position of the final replenishing vending machine. Next, in step S202, the route adjustment unit 44 acquires the replenishable amount of the acquired vending machine from the inventory DB 32. Next, in step S204, the route adjustment unit 44 determines whether or not there is a vending machine capable of replenishing all the quantities of products having a surplus quantity (prediction at the end of replenishment). If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S206, and the route adjustment unit 44 creates a map that includes the vending machine in the route, and screen data that displays the amount to be replenished to the vending machine. And transmitted to the mobile terminal 130 (display processing unit 60). Thereafter, all the processes in FIGS. 19 and 20 are terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S204 is negative, the process proceeds to step S210, and the route adjustment unit 44 can replenish all the quantities of products with a surplus quantity (prediction at the end of replenishment) with a plurality of vending machines. Determine whether or not. If the determination here is negative, the entire processing of FIGS. 19 and 20 is terminated. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S214. In step S214, the route adjusting unit 44 creates a map including the plurality of vending machines in the route and screen data for displaying the amount to be replenished to the vending machine, and transmits the data to the mobile terminal 130 (display processing unit 60). To do. Thereafter, all the processes in FIGS. 19 and 20 are terminated.

  As described above, when the route adjustment unit 44 executes the processes of FIGS. 19 and 20, when all the surplus (remaining amount (prediction at the end of replenishment)) can be replenished to one vending machine, the vending machine Is added to the route, and if all of the surplus (remaining amount (prediction at the time of replenishment completion)) can be replenished to a plurality of vending machines, the plurality of vending machines are newly added to the route. In this way, the range of route adjustment can be expanded by allowing the plurality of vending machines to cover the surplus.

  The above-described embodiment and modification examples are examples. That is, other methods can be adopted as a method for selecting a vending machine to be newly added to the route. For example, one or a plurality of vending machines that can most reduce the total of surplus (excess amount (prediction at the time of replenishment completion)) existing in the delivery vehicle may be newly added to the route.

  The above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program describing the processing contents of the functions that the processing apparatus should have is provided. By executing the program on a computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (except for a carrier wave).

  When the program is distributed, for example, it is sold in the form of a portable recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) on which the program is recorded. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of a server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. Further, each time the program is transferred from the server computer, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

  The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In addition, the following additional remarks are disclosed regarding description of the above embodiment.
(Additional remark 1) The process of acquiring the number of the goods mounted in the delivery vehicle which delivers the goods replenished to several predetermined vending machines,
Select at least one vending machine capable of replenishing the surplus when the number of commodities installed in the delivery vehicle includes a surplus exceeding the number of commodities scheduled to be replenished to the plurality of vending machines And a process of
And a step of notifying the information of at least one of the selected vending machines.
(Supplementary note 2) The information providing method according to supplementary note 1, wherein, in the selecting step, at least one vending machine is selected based on a route on which the delivery vehicle is scheduled to travel.
(Supplementary note 3) The information providing method according to supplementary note 1 or 2, wherein, in the selecting step, a combination of a plurality of vending machines capable of replenishing the surplus most is selected.
(Appendix 4) Obtain the number of products installed in a delivery vehicle that delivers products to be replenished to a plurality of predetermined vending machines,
Select at least one vending machine capable of replenishing the surplus when the number of commodities installed in the delivery vehicle includes a surplus exceeding the number of commodities scheduled to be replenished to the plurality of vending machines And
An information providing program for notifying information of at least one selected vending machine, causing a computer to execute processing.
(Supplementary note 5) The information providing program according to supplementary note 4, wherein, in the selecting process, at least one of the vending machines is selected based on a route on which the delivery vehicle is to travel.
(Supplementary note 6) The information providing program according to supplementary note 4 or 5, wherein, in the selecting process, a combination of a plurality of vending machines capable of replenishing the surplus most is selected.
(Additional remark 7) The acquisition part which acquires the number of goods mounted in the delivery vehicle which delivers the goods replenished to several predetermined vending machines,
Select at least one vending machine capable of replenishing the surplus when the number of commodities installed in the delivery vehicle includes a surplus exceeding the number of commodities scheduled to be replenished to the plurality of vending machines A selection section to
An information providing apparatus comprising: a notification unit that notifies information on at least one selected vending machine.
(Supplementary note 8) The information providing apparatus according to supplementary note 7, wherein the selection unit selects at least one of the vending machines based on a route on which the delivery vehicle is scheduled to travel.
(Supplementary note 9) The information providing apparatus according to supplementary note 7 or 8, wherein the selection unit selects a combination of a plurality of vending machines that can replenish the surplus most.

10 server (information provision device)
20 Vending machines (vending machines)
44 Route adjustment unit (acquisition unit, selection unit, notification unit)
90 CPU (computer)

Claims (4)

Obtaining the number of products installed in a delivery vehicle for delivering products to be replenished to a plurality of predetermined vending machines;
When the number of products installed in the delivery vehicle includes a surplus that exceeds the number of products scheduled to be replenished to the plurality of vending machines, refer to the storage unit that stores the number of products in the vending machine A vending machine that can replenish a part or all of the surplus from vending machines that exist within a predetermined distance from a route along which the delivery vehicle moves other than the predetermined vending machines. Selecting at least one machine ;
And a step of notifying the information of at least one of the vending machines selected in the selecting step .   The information providing method according to claim 1, wherein in the selecting step, a combination of a plurality of vending machines capable of replenishing the surplus most is selected. Acquire the number of products installed in a delivery vehicle that delivers products to be replenished to a plurality of predetermined vending machines,
When the number of products installed in the delivery vehicle includes a surplus that exceeds the number of products scheduled to be replenished to the plurality of vending machines, refer to the storage unit that stores the number of products in the vending machine A vending machine that can replenish a part or all of the surplus from vending machines that exist within a predetermined distance from a route along which the delivery vehicle moves other than the predetermined vending machines. Select at least one machine ,
An information providing program for notifying information of at least one selected vending machine, causing a computer to execute processing. An acquisition unit for acquiring the number of products mounted on a delivery vehicle for delivering products to be replenished to a plurality of predetermined vending machines;
When the number of products installed in the delivery vehicle includes a surplus that exceeds the number of products scheduled to be replenished to the plurality of vending machines, refer to the storage unit that stores the number of products in the vending machine A vending machine that can replenish a part or all of the surplus from vending machines that exist within a predetermined distance from a route along which the delivery vehicle moves other than the predetermined vending machines. A selection unit for selecting at least one machine ;
An information providing apparatus comprising: a notification unit that notifies information on at least one of the vending machines selected by the selection unit.

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