JP7074458B2 - Workflow management device, workflow management method and workflow management program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a workflow management device, a workflow management method, and a workflow management program.

In Patent Document 1, "when applying for one expense settlement in a workflow, the application status of another category of expense settlement common to the projects, which is individually managed in another database as another settlement item, is also taken into consideration. Then, at the time of application, a workflow device having a mechanism for grasping the budget exhaustion status of the entire project is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-177720

Organizations such as companies use workflow systems that support application processing for accepting applications and approval processing for approving applications. In such a workflow system, the approver may refer not only to the information of the application but also to the information of other applications (related applications) related to the application when deciding whether or not to approve the application. be. For example, if an application (planning application) for a certain project is approved and then an application (cost application) for expenses related to the project (travel expenses, etc.) is submitted, the approver approves the cost application. When deciding whether or not to accept, it may be desired to refer not only to the content of the relevant cost application but also to the content of related planning applications and other cost applications. As described above, the procedure for referring to the information of the related application at the time of approval processing is not sufficiently simplified in the conventional system, and may be a heavy burden on the approver. Such a problem becomes remarkable especially when the number of applications is huge in a workflow in a large organization.

In Patent Document 1, the amount of the related application can be confirmed, but the content of the related application, the approval history, etc. cannot be confirmed. Further, in Patent Document 1, since only one layer of planning and budget is assumed to be related, it is not possible to confirm the content of the application further related to the related application. Further, Patent Document 1 does not mention the case where there are a plurality of direct prior applications. For example, when ordering from the same supplier in a plurality of preceding projects, payment processing may be performed in one application, but in such a case in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1. I can't handle it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is a workflow management device, a workflow management method, and a workflow management that can easily refer to the information of the related application related to the application to be approved at the time of approval processing. The purpose is to provide a program.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the workflow management device according to the present invention is a workflow management device provided with a control unit, and the control unit is an application processing means for performing application processing for accepting applications. , The approval processing means for performing the approval process for approving the application, the association data generation means for generating the association data indicating the correspondence relationship between the accepted application and the related application related to the application, and the execution of the approval process. Occasionally, the approval process is an operation by the approver, comprising a related information display means for displaying related information indicating the content of the related application related to the application specified by the approver based on the association data. Is performed using an approval screen including an operation unit including a related inquiry operation unit for displaying a list of one or more related applications, and the related information display means is based on the operation of the operation unit. The related information is displayed, a list display screen including a list of one or more related applications is displayed based on the operation of the related inquiry operation unit, and the list display screen is selected from the list of the related applications. It is characterized in that the related application includes a related inquiry operation unit for displaying a list of related related applications .

Further, in the workflow management device according to the present invention, the application processing means accepts a plan application indicating a plan and a cost application indicating a cost related to the plan, and the approval processing means accepts the plan application and the above. Processing for approving the cost application is performed, and the association data generation means indicates the association data indicating the correspondence relationship between the received cost application and the planning application related to the cost application at the time of receiving the cost application. The related information display means displays the related information indicating the content of the planning application related to the cost application at the time of approving the cost application.

Further, in the workflow management device according to the present invention, the cost application includes a schedule application for applying for a pre-estimated cost and a settlement application for applying for the cost actually incurred, and the associated data generation means is used. The related information display means generates the association data indicating the correspondence relationship between the scheduled application and the settlement application, and the related information indicating the contents of the scheduled application related to the settlement application at the time of approval of the settlement application. It is characterized by displaying.

Further, in the workflow management device according to the present invention, the cost application further includes a reimbursement application for applying for reimbursement of expenses, and the association data generation means indicates a correspondence relationship between the reimbursement application and the scheduled application. The association data is generated, and the related information display means displays the related information indicating the content of the scheduled application related to the replacement application at the time of approval of the replacement application.

Further, in the workflow management device according to the present invention, the list display screen includes a content confirmation operation unit for displaying the content of the related application specified in the list display screen.
The related information display means is characterized in that a content display screen including the content of the related application is displayed based on an operation performed by the content confirmation operation unit.

Further, in the workflow management device according to the present invention, the content display screen includes an attachment confirmation operation unit for displaying the attachment information attached to the related application, and the related information display means is the attachment confirmation operation. It is characterized in that the attached information display screen including the attached information is displayed based on the operation performed by the unit.

Further, in the workflow management device according to the present invention, the content display screen includes a history confirmation operation unit for displaying the approval history related to the related application, and the related information display means is the history confirmation operation unit. It is characterized in that the approval history display screen including the approval history is displayed based on the operation.

Further, the workflow management method according to the present invention is a workflow management method executed by an information processing apparatus provided with a control unit, which is executed by the control unit and includes an application processing step for performing an application process for accepting an application. An approval processing step for performing an approval process for approving the application, an association data generation step for generating association data indicating a correspondence relationship between the accepted application and a related application related to the application, and an association data generation step at the time of executing the approval process. , A related information display step that displays related information indicating the content of the related application related to the application specified by the approver based on the association data, and the approval process performed in the approval process step. , The operation is performed using an approval screen including an operation unit including a related inquiry operation unit for accepting an operation by the approver and displaying a list of one or more related applications, and in the related information display step, the operation is performed. The related information is displayed based on the operation of the unit, the list display screen including the list of one or more related applications is displayed based on the operation of the related inquiry operation unit, and the list display screen is the related. The related application selected from the list of applications is characterized by including a related inquiry operation unit for displaying a list of related related applications .

Further, the workflow management program according to the present invention is a workflow management program for being executed by an information processing apparatus provided with a control unit, and is an application process for receiving an application for being executed by the control unit. A step, an approval process step for performing an approval process for approving the application, an association data generation step for generating association data indicating a correspondence relationship between the accepted application and a related application related to the application, and the approval process. A related information display step that displays related information indicating the content of the related application related to the application specified by the approver based on the association data, and the related information display step , which is performed in the approval processing step. The approval process is performed using an approval screen including an operation unit including a related inquiry operation unit for accepting an operation by the approver and displaying a list of one or more related applications, and in the related information display step. , The related information is displayed based on the operation of the operation unit, and a list display screen including a list of one or more related applications is displayed based on the operation of the related inquiry operation unit. , The related application selected from the list of related applications further includes a related inquiry operation unit for displaying a list of related related applications .

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily refer to the information of the related application related to the application to be approved at the time of approval processing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the workflow management device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the workflow management device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of each data stored in the storage unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of transition of each data with the progress of application processing and approval processing. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen for accepting a project application. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an approval screen for approving a project application. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen for accepting a scheduled application. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an approval screen for approving a scheduled application. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a related application list display screen for related applications related to a scheduled application. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a related application content display screen for a related application related to a scheduled application. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an attached information display screen for a related application related to a scheduled application. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a related application approval history display screen for a related application related to a scheduled application. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a derivation-related application list display screen for the derivation-related application related to the scheduled application. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen for accepting a settlement application. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an approval screen for approving a settlement application. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a related application list display screen for related applications related to the settlement application. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a derivation-related application list display screen for the derivation-related application related to the settlement application.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the workflow management device, the workflow management method, and the workflow management program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[1. Overview]
In organizations such as companies, workflow systems that support application processing for accepting applications and approval processing for approving applications are used. In such a workflow system, the approver may refer not only to the information of the application but also to the information of other applications (related applications) related to the application when deciding whether or not to approve the application. be. For example, if an application (planning application) for a certain project is approved and then an application (cost application) for expenses related to the project (travel expenses, etc.) is submitted, the approver approves the cost application. When deciding whether or not to accept, it may be desired to refer not only to the content of the relevant cost application but also to the content of related planning applications and other cost applications. As described above, the procedure for referring to the information of the related application at the time of approval processing is not sufficiently simplified in the conventional system, and may be a heavy burden on the approver. Such a problem becomes remarkable especially when the number of applications is huge in a workflow in a large organization.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a workflow management device, a workflow management method, and a workflow management program that can easily refer to the information of the related application related to the application to be approved at the time of approval processing are provided. Hereinafter, a specific configuration and operation will be described.

[2. Constitution]
The configuration of the workflow management device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the workflow management device 100.

The workflow management device 100 is a commercially available desktop personal computer. The workflow management device 100 is not limited to a stationary information processing device such as a desktop personal computer, but is a portable type such as a commercially available notebook personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a smartphone, or a tablet personal computer. It may be an information processing device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the workflow management device 100 includes a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a storage unit 106, and an input / output interface unit 108. Each part of the workflow management device 100 is communicably connected via an arbitrary communication path.

The communication interface unit 104 connects the workflow management device 100 to the network 300 so as to be communicable via a communication device such as a router and a wired or wireless communication line such as a dedicated line. The communication interface unit 104 has a function of communicating data with another device via a communication line. Here, the network 300 has a function of connecting the workflow management device 100 and the server 200 so as to be communicable with each other, and is, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like. The data stored in the storage unit 106, which will be described later, may be stored in the server 200.

An input device 112 and an output device 114 are connected to the input / output interface unit 108. As the output device 114, a speaker or a printer can be used in addition to a monitor (including a home television). As the input device 112, a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone, as well as a monitor that cooperates with the mouse to realize a pointing device function can be used. In the following, the output device 114 may be referred to as a monitor 114, and the input device 112 may be referred to as a keyboard 112 or a mouse 112.

Various databases, tables, files, and the like are stored in the storage unit 106. In the storage unit 106, a computer program for giving an instruction to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) in cooperation with an OS (Operating System) to perform various processes is recorded. As the storage unit 106, for example, a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) / ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, or the like can be used.

The workflow management device 100 has a function of supporting an application process for accepting an application from an applicant and an approval process for an approver to approve the accepted application. In the present embodiment, as an example of the application to be approved, a planning application for planning and a cost application for expenses related to planning are given. In addition, as examples of cost application, there are a planned application to apply for the predicted cost in advance, a settlement application to apply for the actual cost after the fact, and a reimbursement application to apply for the reimbursement of the cost. ..

In the following explanation, after a project application for a certain project is applied for and approved, a schedule application for travel expenses related to the project is applied, and then a settlement application or replacement application related to the schedule application is made. It is envisioned that the application will be submitted and approval processing will be performed for each of these scheduled applications, settlement applications, and advance payment applications.

The storage unit 106 stores association data indicating a correspondence relationship between the accepted application and the related application related to the application. The association data according to the present embodiment includes application data 106a indicating the contents of the application, planning data 106b specifying the planning application, cost data 106c specifying the cost application, and association specifying a plurality of applications related to each other. It is composed of data 106d. Details of the items included in each data 106a to 106d are described below [3. Specific example of processing] will be described.

The control unit 102 is a CPU or the like that collectively controls the workflow management device 100. The control unit 102 has an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS, a program that defines various processing procedures, required data, and the like, and performs various information processing based on these stored programs. Run.

The control unit 102 functionally conceptually includes (1) an application processing unit 102a as an application processing means for accepting an application, and (2) an approval processing unit as an approval processing means for approving an application. 102b, (3) the association data generation unit 102c as an association data generation means for generating association data indicating the correspondence between the accepted application and the related application related to the application, and (4) when the approval process is executed. , A related information display unit 102d as a related information display means for displaying related information indicating the contents of the related application related to the application specified by the approver based on the association data. For details of the processing executed by each part, see the following [3. Specific examples of processing] will be described in detail.

[3. Specific example of processing]
Hereinafter, specific examples of the processing according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 17. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the workflow management device 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of each data 106a to 106d stored in the storage unit 106. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of each data 106a to 106d with the progress of the application process and the approval process. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen for accepting a project application. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an approval screen for approving a project application. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen for accepting a scheduled application. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an approval screen when approving a schedule application. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a related application list display screen for related applications related to a scheduled application. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a related application content display screen for a related application related to a scheduled application. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an attached information display screen for a related application related to a scheduled application. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a related application approval history display screen for a related application related to a scheduled application. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a derivation-related application list display screen for the derivation-related application related to the scheduled application. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen for accepting a settlement application. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an approval screen when approving a settlement application. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a related application list display screen for related applications related to the settlement application. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a derivation-related application list display screen for the derivation-related application related to the settlement application.

(Process flow)
As shown in FIG. 2, when the application processing unit 102a receives the application from the applicant (S101), the association data generation unit 102c receives the association data (in this embodiment, the application data 106a, the planning data 106b, the cost data 106c, And related data 106d) (S102). After that, when the approver designates the application through the approval screen (S103) and performs a predetermined operation, the related information display unit 102d displays the information (related information) of the related application related to the designated application (S104). .. After that, the approver determines whether or not to approve the designated application while referring to the displayed related information, and the approval processing unit 102b executes the approval process according to the approver's judgment (operation) (S105).

(data structure)
FIG. 3 shows an example of the data structure of each of the data 106a to 106d constituting the association data. FIG. 4 shows an example of the transition of each data 106a to 106d with the progress of the application process and the approval process.

The application data 106a is data indicating the contents of the accepted application and is generated based on the information input by the applicant through the application screen. The application data 106a according to the present embodiment includes an "application key", an "approval status", a "content", and an "amount". The "application key" is identification information uniquely assigned to each application, and in this example, it is a numerical value assigned in ascending order in the order in which the applications are accepted. The "approval status" is information indicating whether or not the approval has been completed. The "content" is information indicating the content of the application, and in this example, it is information indicating the period, the project name, the business trip destination, and the like. The "amount" is information indicating the amount of expenses related to the content of the application, and in this example, it is the budget for planning, the estimated amount of travel expenses, the actual travel expenses incurred, the expenses for requesting replacement, and the like. The application data 106a may further include arbitrary attached information, comments, and the like.

The planning data 106b is data for specifying the planning application, and is generated when the planning application is accepted. The planning data 106b according to the present embodiment includes a "slip number" and an "application key". The "slip number" is identification information uniquely assigned to each project application, and in this example, it is composed of a combination of alphabetic characters (KK) and numerical values (001 to). The "application key" is the same as the "application key" assigned in the application data 106a. As a result, the "slip number" assigned to each project application and the "application key" assigned to each application are associated with each other. The planning data 106b may further include arbitrary attached information, comments, and the like.

The cost data 106c is data for specifying the cost application, and is generated when the cost application (scheduled application, settlement application, or replacement application) is accepted. The cost data 106c according to the present embodiment includes an "application classification", a "slip number", and an "application key". The "application classification" is information indicating whether the cost application has been classified, that is, whether it is a scheduled application (business trip scheduled application), a settlement application (business trip settlement application), or a replacement application. The "slip number" is identification information uniquely assigned to each cost application, and in this example, it is composed of a combination of alphabetic characters (SY, SS, TK) and numerical values (001 to). The "application key" is the same as the "application key" assigned in the application data 106a. As a result, the "application classification" indicating the classification of the cost application, the "slip number" assigned to each cost application, and the "application key" assigned to each application are associated with each other. The cost data 106c may further include arbitrary attached information, comments, and the like.

The related data 106d is data for identifying a plurality of applications related to each other. The related data 106d according to the present embodiment includes an "application key" and a "related application key". The "application key" is an "application key" assigned to a reference application (planning application or scheduled application in this example). The "related application key" is an "application key" assigned to an application related to the reference application (in this example, a replacement application or a settlement application). As a result, the "application key" assigned to the reference application is associated with the "related application key" assigned to the application related to the reference application.

In FIG. 4, the first state 151, the second state 152, the third state 153, the fourth state 154, and the second state of the association data (application data 106a, planning data 106b, cost data 106c, and related data 106d) are shown. The fifth state 155, the sixth state 156, and the seventh state are exemplified.

(Acceptance of planning application)
The first state 151 in FIG. 4 shows the data structure at the stage when the project application from the applicant A is accepted. FIG. 5 shows an example of the application screen 201 used when the applicant A applies for the project of a certain project.

The application screen 201 according to this example has an implementation period input unit 202 for inputting a project implementation period, a project name input unit 203 for inputting a project name, and a budget input unit for inputting a project budget. It includes 204, an attachment button 205 for attaching an attachment, and an application button 206 for confirming the application. Applicant A inputs necessary information into these input units 202 to 204, presses the attachment button 205 as necessary to attach the attached file, and then presses the application button 206 to apply for the project. Can be submitted.

When the project application is accepted as described above, the application data 106a and the project data 106b are in the state shown in the first state 151 of FIG.

In the application data 106a, information regarding the project application to which "1" is assigned as the "application key" is registered. In the application data 106a, "approved" in "approved status" indicates that the project application is in an unapproved status, and "period: 2017 / ~~" in "contents" is the implementation period input unit 202 and the project name input. It is the information input to the unit 203, and "1,000,000 yen" of the "amount" is the amount input to the budget input unit 204.

In the project data 106b, information associated with "KK001" of the "slip number" uniquely assigned to the project application and "1" of the "application key" is registered. The method of assigning the slip number is not particularly limited, but for example, even if the association data generation unit 102c generates a new slip number so as not to overlap with the slip number issued in the past at the time of receiving the project application. good.

(Approval of project application)
The second state 152 in FIG. 4 shows the data structure at the stage after the approver approves the project application. FIG. 6 shows an example of the approval screen 211 used when the approver approves the project application.

The approval screen 211 according to this example has a list of unapproved applications 212, a content confirmation button 213 for confirming the content of the application selected in the list 212, and an approval button 214 for approving the selected application. And, including. The list 212 according to this example shows "selection" indicating whether or not the approver has selected, "application type" indicating the classification of the application, "slip number" indicating the slip number assigned to the application, and the application. It includes the "application date" indicating the date when the application was accepted, the "amount" indicating the cost related to the application (project budget in this example), and the "content" indicating the period related to the application. Only one application is displayed in the list 212 according to this example, but when a plurality of applications are accepted, a plurality of applications are displayed. When the content confirmation button 213 is pressed by the approver (the operation of clicking or tapping is performed on the display), the application content display screen 217 showing the content of the currently selected application is displayed.

The application content display screen 217 displays the content display unit 218 showing the information input by the application screen 201 shown in FIG. 5 and the slip number (“KK001” in this example), and the attached file attached to the application. It includes an attachment confirmation button 219 for the purpose and a history confirmation button 220 for displaying the approval history of the application. When the attachment confirmation button 219 is pressed, the attached file is displayed if the attached file was attached at the time of application processing of the application. When the history confirmation button 220 is pressed, history information including the application date, approval date, etc. of the application is displayed.

As a result, the approver can easily refer to the content, attached file, history information, etc. of the project application when determining whether or not to approve the project application. In this example, since there is no related application related to the project application, it is not possible to refer to the information related to the related application at this point. When the approver presses the approval button 214 on the approval screen 211, the "approval status" of the application data 106a is changed to "approved" as shown in the second state 152 in FIG.

(Acceptance of schedule application)
The third state 153 in FIG. 4 shows the data structure at the stage when the business trip schedule application from the applicant B is accepted. The business trip schedule application is an application for reporting the expected business trip expenses before the business trip, and is an application related to the previously submitted planning application. FIG. 7 shows an example of the application screen 221 used when the applicant B applies for a business trip schedule application.

The application screen 221 according to this example has a business trip number input unit 222 for inputting a slip number assigned to a plan application for a business trip related plan (project) and a business trip schedule for inputting a business trip period schedule. An input unit 223, a business trip destination input unit 224 for inputting a business trip destination, a temporary payment desired amount input unit 225 for inputting an estimated business trip cost, and an attachment button 226 for attaching an attached file. Includes an application button 227 to confirm the application. Applicant B inputs necessary information into these input units 222 to 225, presses the attachment button 226 as necessary to attach the attached file, and then presses the application button 227 to apply for a business trip schedule. Can be submitted.

When the business trip schedule application is accepted as described above, the application data 106a, the cost data 106c, and the related data 106d are in the state shown in the third state 153 of FIG.

In the application data 106a, information regarding the business trip schedule application to which "2" is assigned as the "application key" is registered. In the application data 106a, "approved" in "approved status" indicates that the business trip schedule application is in an unapproved status, and "period: 2017 / ~~" in "contents" is the business trip schedule input unit 223 and the business trip destination. It is the information input to the input unit 224, and "48,000 yen" of the "amount" is the amount input to the temporary payment desired amount input unit 225.

In the cost data 106c, "business trip schedule" of "application classification" indicating the classification of the application, "SY1002" of "slip number" uniquely assigned to the business trip schedule application, and "2" of "application key" are included. And, the information associated with is registered. The method of assigning the slip number is not particularly limited, but for example, when the business trip schedule application is received, the association data generation unit 102c generates a new slip number so as not to overlap with the slip number issued in the past. May be good.

The related data 106d is associated with "1" of the "application key" assigned to the corresponding project application and "2" of the "related application key" indicating the application key assigned to the business trip schedule application. Information is registered. The method of generating the related data 106d is not particularly limited, but for example, the application key "1" associated with the slip number "KK001" input to the slip number input unit 222 of the application screen 221 from the planning data 106b. Can be generated by extracting. By using such related data 106d, it is possible to determine the relationship between the planning application and the business trip schedule application.

(Acceptance of replacement application)
The fourth state 154 in FIG. 4 shows the data structure at the stage when the advance application for the business trip expense from the applicant B is accepted. The replacement application can be made through the same application screen as the application screen 221 shown in FIG. In this case, the "business trip schedule application" in the application screen 221 shown in FIG. 7 is changed to a notation such as "replacement application". The usage of the input units 222 to 225 and the buttons 226 and 227 is the same as in the case of the above-mentioned business trip schedule application.

When the replacement application is accepted as described above, the application data 106a, the cost data 106c, and the related data 106d are in the state shown in the fourth state 154 of FIG.

In the application data 106a, information regarding the replacement application to which "3" is assigned as the "application key" is registered. In the application data 106a, "approved" in "approved status" indicates that the replacement application is in an unapproved status, and "period: 2017 / ~~" in "contents" and "18,000 yen" in "amount". Is the information entered through the application screen for the replacement application.

In the cost data 106c, "replacement application" of "application classification" indicating the classification of the application, "TK1003" of "slip number" uniquely assigned to the reimbursement application, and "3" of "application key" are included. The information associated with, is registered. The method of assigning the slip number is not particularly limited, but for example, even if the association data generation unit 102c generates a new slip number so as not to overlap with the slip number issued in the past at the time of receiving the replacement application. good.

In the related data 106d, information in which "1" of the "application key" assigned to the project application and "3" of the "related application key" assigned to the replacement application are registered is registered. By using such related data 106d, it is possible to determine the relationship between the planning application and the replacement application.

(Approval of scheduled application)
The fifth state 155 in FIG. 4 shows the data structure at the stage after the approver approves the business trip schedule application. FIG. 8 shows an example of the approval screen 231 used when the approver approves the business trip schedule application.

The approval screen 231 according to this example has a list 232 of unapproved applications, a content confirmation button 233 for confirming the contents of the application selected in the list 232, and a related application related to the application selected in the list 232. Includes a related inquiry button 234 for displaying information about, and an approval button 235 for approving the selected application.

When the related inquiry button 234 on the approval screen 231 is pressed, a list of related applications related to the selected application (in this example, a business trip schedule application) is displayed. FIG. 9 shows an example of a related application list display screen 251 that displays a list of related applications related to a business trip schedule application. The related application list display screen 251 related to this example is the operating application display unit 252 showing the currently being approved application (in this example, the business trip schedule application), and the operating application related to the operating application. The prior application display unit 253 showing a list (prior application list) of related applications (planning applications in this example) applied earlier, and related applications related to the operating application and applied after the operating application (book). Subsequent application display unit 254 showing a list (subsequent application list) (absent in the example), content confirmation button 255 for displaying the contents of the related application selected from the prior application list, and selected from the prior application list. A related inquiry button 256 for displaying information (derivative related information) of an application related to a related application (derivative related application), and a content confirmation button 257 for displaying the content of the related application selected from the subsequent application list. , Includes a related inquiry button 258 for displaying information (derivative related information) of an application (derivative related application) related to the related application selected from the subsequent application list.

When the content confirmation button 255 on the related application list display screen 251 is pressed, the content of the selected related application (planning application in this example) is displayed. FIG. 10 shows an example of the related application content display screen 261 showing the content of the related application (planning application in this example) related to the business trip schedule application. The related application content display screen 261 according to this example has a content display unit 262 similar to the content display unit 218 of the application content display screen 217 shown in FIG. 6, and an attachment confirmation for displaying the attached file attached to the project application. It includes a button 263 and a history confirmation button 264 for displaying the approval history of the project application. When the attachment confirmation button 263 is pressed, the attachment file attached to the project application is displayed. When the history confirmation button 264 is pressed, history information including the application date, approval date, etc. of the project application is displayed.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the attached file display screen 271 showing the attached file attached to the project application. The attachment file display screen 271 is displayed by pressing the attachment confirmation button 263 on the related application content display screen 261.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the approval history display screen 281 showing the history information of the project application. The approval history display screen 281 is displayed by pressing the history confirmation button 264 on the related application content display screen 261.

When the related inquiry button 256 on the related application list display screen 251 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed, a list of derivative related applications related to the selected related application (planning application in this example) is displayed. FIG. 13 shows an example of the derivative-related application list display screen 291 that displays a list of derivative-related applications (business trip schedule application and replacement application in this example) related to the related application (planning application in this example). The derived related application list display screen 291 according to this example is an operation related to the in-operation application display unit 292 showing the related application (planning application in this example) selected in the related application list display screen 251 and the operation in relation to the in-operation application. The advance application display unit 293 (preceding application list) showing a list of derivative-related applications (absent in this example) applied before the middle application, and the derivation related to the operating application and applied after the operating application. Subsequent application display unit 294 showing a list (subsequent application list) of related applications (in this example, business trip schedule application and replacement application), and content confirmation button 295 for displaying the contents of derivative related applications selected from the prior application list. And the related inquiry button 296 for displaying the information of the application related to the derivative related application selected from the prior application list, and the content confirmation button 297 for displaying the content of the derivative related application selected from the subsequent application list. And a related inquiry button 298 for displaying information on the application related to the derived related application selected from the subsequent application list.

When the content confirmation buttons 295 and 297 of the derivation-related application list display screen 291 are pressed, a screen (similar to FIG. 10) including the content corresponding to the selected derivation-related application is displayed. When the related inquiry buttons 296 and 298 are pressed, a screen (similar to FIG. 9) including a list of applications further related to the selected derivative related application is displayed.

According to the above configuration, when the approver decides whether or not to approve the business trip schedule application, the content, attachment file, history information of the planning application related to the business trip schedule application, the replacement application further related to the planning application, etc. Etc. can be easily referred to.

(Acceptance of business trip settlement application)
The sixth state 156 in FIG. 4 shows the data structure at the stage when the business trip settlement application from the applicant B is accepted. The business trip settlement application is an application for reporting the actual business trip expenses after the business trip, and is an application related to the previously submitted business trip schedule application. FIG. 14 shows an example of the application screen 301 used when the applicant B applies for a business trip settlement application.

The application screen 301 according to this example has a slip number input unit 302 for inputting the slip number assigned to the previously submitted business trip schedule application and a business trip schedule for inputting the period of the actual business trip. The application is confirmed with the input unit 303, the business trip destination input unit 304 for inputting the business trip destination, the settlement amount input unit 305 for inputting the actual business trip expense, the attachment button 306 for attaching the attached file, and the application. Includes an application button 307 to do so. Applicant B inputs necessary information into these input units 302 to 305, presses the attachment button 306 as necessary to attach the attached file, and then presses the application button 307 to apply for business trip settlement. Can be submitted.

When the business trip settlement application is accepted as described above, the application data 106a, the expense data 106c, and the related data 106d are in the state shown in the sixth state 156 of FIG.

In the application data 106a, information regarding the business trip settlement application to which "4" is assigned as the "application key" is registered. In the application data 106a, "approved" in "approved status" indicates that the business trip settlement application is in an unapproved status, and "period: 2017 / ~~" in "contents" is the business trip schedule input unit 303 and the business trip destination. It is the information input to the input unit 304, and "45,000 yen" of the "amount" is the amount of money input to the settlement amount input unit 305.

In the cost data 106c, "business trip settlement" of "application classification" indicating the classification of the application, "SS2006" of the "slip number" uniquely assigned to the business trip settlement application, and "4" of the "application key" are included. And, the information associated with is registered. The method of assigning the slip number is not particularly limited, but for example, when the business trip settlement application is received, the association data generation unit 102c generates a new slip number so as not to overlap with the slip number issued in the past. May be good.

The related data 106d is associated with "2" of the "application key" assigned to the corresponding business trip schedule application and "4" of the "related application key" indicating the application key assigned to the business trip settlement application. The registered information is registered. The method of generating the related data 106d is not particularly limited, but for example, the application key "2" associated with the slip number "SY1002" input to the slip number input unit 302 of the application screen 301 from the cost data 106c. Can be generated by extracting. By using such related data 106d, it is possible to determine the relationship between the business trip schedule application and the business trip settlement application. Further, by the same method, it is possible to determine the relationship between the business trip settlement application and the planning application, the relationship between the business trip settlement application and the advance payment application, and the like.

(Approval of settlement application)
The seventh state 157 in FIG. 4 shows the data structure at the stage after the approver approves the business trip settlement application. FIG. 15 shows an example of the approval screen 311 used when the approver approves the business trip settlement application.

The approval screen 311 according to this example has a list of unapproved applications 312, a content confirmation button 313 for confirming the content of the application selected in the list 312, and a related application related to the application selected in the list 312. Includes a related inquiry button 314 for displaying information about, and an approval button 315 for approving the selected application.

When the related inquiry button 314 of the approval screen 311 is pressed, a list of related applications related to the selected application (in this example, a business trip settlement application) is displayed. FIG. 16 shows an example of a related application list display screen 321 that displays a list of related applications related to a business trip settlement application. The related application list display screen 321 related to this example is the operating application display unit 322 showing the operating application currently being approved (in this example, the business trip settlement application), and the operating application related to the operating application. The advance application display unit 323 showing a list (advance application list) of related applications (in this example, business trip schedule applications) applied earlier, and related applications related to the in-operation application and applied after the in-operation application (advance application list). Subsequent application display unit 324 showing a list (subsequent application list) (not present in this example), content confirmation button 325 for displaying the contents of related applications selected from the prior application list, and selected from the prior application list. Related inquiry button 326 for displaying information (derivative related information) of applications related to related applications (derivative related applications), and content confirmation button 327 for displaying the contents of related applications selected from the subsequent application list. And a related inquiry button 328 for displaying information (derivative related information) of the application (derivative related application) related to the related application selected from the subsequent application list.

When the related inquiry button 326 on the related application list display screen 321 is pressed, a list of derivative related applications related to the selected related application (in this example, a business trip scheduled application) is displayed. FIG. 17 shows an example of a derivative-related application list display screen 331 that displays a list of derivative-related applications (planning application and business trip settlement application in this example) related to related applications (business trip schedule application in this example). The derived related application list display screen 331 according to this example is related to the operating application display unit 332 showing the related application (in this example, the business trip schedule application) selected on the related application list display screen 321 and the operating application. The advance application display unit 333 showing a list (advance application list) of derivative related applications (planning application in this example) applied before the operation application, and the application after the operation application related to the operation application. Subsequent application display unit 334 showing a list (subsequent application list) of derivation-related applications (in this example, business trip settlement application), content confirmation button 335 for displaying the contents of derivation-related applications selected from the prior application list, and A related inquiry button 336 for displaying the information of the application related to the derived related application selected from the prior application list, and a content confirmation button 337 for displaying the content of the derived related application selected from the succeeding application list. It includes a related inquiry button 338 for displaying information on the application related to the derived related application selected from the subsequent application list.

When the content confirmation buttons 335 and 337 are pressed, a screen (similar to FIG. 10) including the content corresponding to the selected derivation-related application is displayed. When the related inquiry buttons 336 and 338 are pressed, a screen (similar to FIG. 17) including a list of applications further related to the derived related application selected on the derivative related application list display screen 331 is displayed. To.

According to the above configuration, when the approver decides whether or not to approve the business trip settlement application, the content, attachment file, history information of the planning application related to the business trip schedule application, the replacement application further related to the planning application, etc. Etc. can be easily referred to.

According to the above embodiment, at the time of approval processing, it is possible to easily refer to the information of the related application related to the application to be approved, the information of the derivative related application further related to the related application, and the like. Specifically, when making an expense application (business trip schedule application, advance payment application, business trip settlement application, etc.) for expenses related to a certain project, the approver applies for the project for the project and other projects related to the project. Information such as cost application can be easily referred to. For example, the approval or disapproval can be determined in consideration of the relationship between the business trip schedule application and the business trip settlement application, the relationship between the business trip settlement application and the planning application, the relationship between the business trip settlement application and the replacement application, and the like. As a result, the burden on the approver can be significantly reduced, and the efficiency of the workflow can be improved.

[4. Other embodiments]
In addition to the above-described embodiments, the present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

For example, of each of the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed may be manually performed, or all of the processes described as being performed manually. Alternatively, a part can be automatically performed by a known method.

In addition, processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registration data and search conditions for each processing, screen examples, and database configurations shown in this specification and drawings are not specified unless otherwise specified. Can be changed arbitrarily.

Further, with respect to the workflow management device 100, each component shown in the figure is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure.

For example, with respect to the processing functions included in the workflow management device 100, particularly each processing function performed by the control unit 102, all or any part thereof is realized by the CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU. It may be realized as hardware by wired logic. The program is recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium including a programmed instruction for causing the information processing apparatus to execute the process described in the present embodiment, and the workflow management apparatus is required. Read mechanically to 100. That is, a computer program for giving instructions to the CPU in cooperation with the OS and performing various processes is recorded in a storage unit such as a ROM or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). This computer program is executed by being loaded into RAM, and cooperates with the CPU to form a control unit.

Further, this computer program may be stored in an application program server connected to the workflow management device 100 via an arbitrary network, and all or a part thereof can be downloaded as needed. be.

Further, the program for executing the process described in the present embodiment may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, or may be configured as a program product. Here, the "recording medium" includes a memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an SD (Secure Digital) card, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (registration). Trademarks) (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), MO (Magnet-Optical Disc), MO (Magnet-Optical Disc), DVD (Digital), DVD (Digital) "Physical medium for portability" shall be included. Therefore, a recording medium containing a program for executing a process or a process method as described herein also constitutes the present invention.

Further, the "program" is a data processing method described in any language or description method, regardless of the format such as source code or binary code. The "program" is not necessarily limited to a single program, but is distributed as multiple modules or libraries, or cooperates with a separate program represented by the OS to achieve its function. Including things. It should be noted that well-known configurations and procedures can be used for the specific configuration and reading procedure for reading the recording medium and the installation procedure after reading in each device shown in the embodiment.

Various databases and the like stored in the storage unit 106 are memory devices such as RAM and ROM, fixed disk devices such as hard disks, flexible disks, and storage means such as optical disks, and are used for various processes and website provision. Stores programs, tables, databases, files for web pages, etc.

Further, the workflow management device 100 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, or may be configured as the information processing device to which an arbitrary peripheral device is connected. Further, the workflow management device 100 may be realized by mounting software (including a program or data) that realizes the processing described in the present embodiment on the device.

Furthermore, the specific form of distribution / integration of the device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of the device may be functionally or physically in any unit according to various additions or functional loads. It can be distributed and integrated. That is, the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined and implemented, or the embodiments may be selectively implemented.

The present invention is particularly useful in a workflow system used within an organization such as a company.

100 Workflow management device
102 Control unit
102a Application Processing Department
102b Approval processing unit
102c Association data generator
102d Related information display unit
104 Communication interface section
106 Storage unit
106a Application data
106b Planning data
106c cost data
106d Related data
108 Input / output interface section
112 Input device
114 Output device 200 Server 2011,221,301 Application screen 202 Implementation period input unit 203 Plan name input unit 204 Budget input unit 205,226,306 Attached button 206,227,307 Application button 211,231,311 Approval screen 212,232 , 312 List 213,233,255,257,295,297,313,325,327,335,337 Content confirmation button 214,235,315 Approval button 217 Application content display screen 218,262 Content display unit 219,263 Attachment confirmation Button 220,264 History confirmation button 222,302 Slip number input unit 223 Business trip schedule input unit 224,304 Business trip destination input unit 225 Temporary payment desired amount input unit 234,256,258,296,298,314,326,328,336 , 338 Related inquiry button 251,321 Related application list display screen 252,292,322,332 Operating application display unit 253,293,323,333 Advance application display unit 254,294,324,334 Subsequent application display unit 261 Related application Content display screen 271 Attached file display screen 281 Approval history display screen 291,331 Derivation related application list display screen 300 Network 303 Business trip schedule input unit 305 Settlement amount input unit

Claims (9)

It is a workflow management device equipped with a control unit.
The control unit
Application processing means for accepting applications and processing applications
Approval processing means for approving the application and
An association data generation means for generating association data indicating the correspondence between the received application and the related application related to the application, and
A related information display means for displaying related information indicating the content of the related application related to the application specified by the approver based on the association data at the time of executing the approval process is provided.
The approval process is performed using an approval screen comprising an operation unit including a related inquiry operation unit for accepting an operation by the approver and displaying a list of one or more related applications.
The related information display means displays the related information based on the operation of the operation unit, and displays a list display screen including a list of one or more related applications based on the operation of the related inquiry operation unit. ,
The list display screen includes a related inquiry operation unit for displaying a list of related related applications in the related application selected from the related application list.
A workflow management device that features. The application processing means accepts a project application for a project and an expense application for expenses related to the project.
The approval processing means performs processing for approving the planning application and the cost application, and performs processing.
At the time of receiving the cost application, the association data generation means generates the association data showing the correspondence relationship between the received cost application and the planning application related to the cost application.
The related information display means displays the related information of the planning application related to the cost application at the time of the approval processing of the cost application.
The workflow management device according to claim 1. The cost application includes a planned application for applying for the planned cost and a settlement application for applying for the actual cost.
The association data generation means generates the association data showing the correspondence between the schedule application and the settlement application.
The related information display means displays the related information of the scheduled application related to the settlement application at the time of the approval processing of the settlement application.
2. The workflow management device according to claim 2. The cost application further includes a reimbursement application for reimbursement of expenses.
The association data generation means generates the association data showing the correspondence between the advance application and the scheduled application.
The related information display means displays the related information of the scheduled application related to the replacement application at the time of the approval processing of the replacement application.
The workflow management device according to claim 3. The list display screen includes a content confirmation operation unit for displaying the content of the related application specified in the list display screen.
The related information display means displays a content display screen including the content of the related application based on the operation performed by the content confirmation operation unit.
The workflow management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the workflow management device is characterized. The content display screen includes an attachment confirmation operation unit for displaying attached information attached to the related application.
The related information display means displays an attachment information display screen including the attachment information based on an operation performed by the attachment confirmation operation unit.
The workflow management device according to claim 5 . The content display screen includes a history confirmation operation unit for displaying the approval history related to the related application.
The related information display means displays an approval history display screen including the approval history based on an operation performed by the history confirmation operation unit.
5. The workflow management device according to claim 5 or 6 . It is a workflow management method executed by an information processing device equipped with a control unit.
Executed by the control unit,
An application processing step that performs application processing to accept an application, and
An approval process step that performs an approval process to approve the application, and
An association data generation step that generates association data indicating the correspondence between the received application and the related application related to the application, and the association data generation step.
Includes a related information display step that displays relevant information indicating the content of the related application related to the application specified by the approver, based on the association data, when the approval process is performed.
The approval process performed in the approval process step is performed using an approval screen comprising an operation unit including a related inquiry operation unit for accepting an operation by the approver and displaying a list of one or more related applications. I,
In the related information display step, the related information is displayed based on the operation of the operation unit, and a list display screen including a list of one or more related applications is displayed based on the operation of the related inquiry operation unit. ,
The list display screen includes a related inquiry operation unit for displaying a list of related related applications in the related application selected from the related application list.
A workflow management method that features. It is a workflow management program to be executed by an information processing device equipped with a control unit.
To be executed by the control unit
An application processing step that performs application processing to accept an application, and
An approval process step that performs an approval process to approve the application, and
An association data generation step that generates association data indicating the correspondence between the received application and the related application related to the application, and the association data generation step.
Includes a related information display step that displays relevant information indicating the content of the related application related to the application specified by the approver, based on the association data, when the approval process is performed.
The approval process performed in the approval process step is performed using an approval screen comprising an operation unit including a related inquiry operation unit for accepting an operation by the approver and displaying a list of one or more related applications. I,
In the related information display step, the related information is displayed based on the operation of the operation unit, and a list display screen including a list of one or more related applications is displayed based on the operation of the related inquiry operation unit. ,
The list display screen includes a related inquiry operation unit for displaying a list of related related applications in the related application selected from the related application list.
A workflow management program featuring.

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