JP7230993B1 - Product information management device, product information management method, program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to reduce the production load in the case of sales promotion. A first processing unit that associates at least one piece of product data with a theme, and a second processing unit that generates promotion data including at least one of the themes. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

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

In order to promote sales to consumers, stores such as supermarkets sometimes print product names, appearance pictures of products, product prices, etc. on print media and distribute them as flyers.
In recent years, leaflets have also been digitized on the store side, and it is becoming possible to view them on the user's terminal device.
A system has also been devised that assists in the layout of merchandise on sales promotion media when producing sales promotion materials (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 5029088

However, when the person in charge of the store (advertiser) produces such promotional materials such as flyers, the product names, appearance photos, price lists, etc. to be posted on the flyers are prepared as paper manuscripts, handing over. In addition, if an explanation is required, an explanation may be given orally, or the contents of the explanation may be handed over as a memo on a manuscript or the like. Such delivery of manuscripts and management of products to be published in promotional materials are extremely complicated and burdensome for advertisers and producers.
In addition, simply digitizing the content to be delivered and transmitting/receiving it using a terminal device between the advertiser and the producer is not always sufficient to reduce the load. For example, promotional materials may be produced on a weekly basis at a store, and a large number of products may be listed in one promotional material, so the burden of managing these is heavy.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a product information management device, a product information management method, and a program that can reduce the production load in the case of sales promotion. .

In order to solve the above-described problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a first processing unit that associates at least one piece of product data with a theme, and a second processing unit that generates promotion data including at least one of the themes. a second input unit that receives an instruction to edit product data associated with promotion data; and an editing unit that edits product data associated with the promotion data based on the received instruction to edit. a second extracting unit for extracting a theme associated with the product data to be edited based on the editing instruction; and when the product data associated with the extracted theme is changed by the editing. (2) an instruction as to whether or not the content of the change in the product should be subject to editing based on the above-mentioned editing instruction for products related to the theme to which the product belongs, other than the promotion data subject to editing; The product information management device includes a third input unit that receives an instruction, and a processing unit that edits the product data to be edited based on the instruction received by the third input unit.

Further, one aspect of the present invention is a product information management method executed by a computer,
associate at least one product data with a theme, generate promotion data including at least one of the themes , receive an instruction to edit the product data associated with the promotion data, and based on the received instruction to edit editing the product data associated with the promotion data, extracting a theme associated with the product data to be edited based on the editing instruction, and regarding the product data associated with the extracted theme , when the product data is changed by the editing, the changed contents of the product are applied to the products other than the promotion data to be edited and related to the theme to which the product belongs based on the editing instruction. The product information management method includes receiving an instruction as to whether or not the product data is to be edited, and editing the product data to be edited based on the received instruction.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, at least one product data and a theme are associated, promotion data including at least one of the themes is generated, an instruction to edit the product data associated with the promotion data is received, editing the product data associated with the promotion data based on the received editing instruction; extracting a theme associated with the product data to be edited based on the editing instruction; If the product data associated with the theme is changed by the editing, the changed content of the product is associated with the theme to which the product belongs, other than the promotion data to be edited. The computer receives an instruction as to whether or not a product is to be edited based on the editing instruction, and edits the product data to be edited based on the received instruction. This is the program to run.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the production load in sales promotion.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of a product information management system S including a product information management device 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overview of the structure of data stored in the product information management device 1; It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the data of one promotion. It is the layout of the front side of the leaflet based on the advertisement data. It is the layout of the back side of the leaflet based on the publication data. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a product information management system S; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the product information management device 1; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of promotion data. It is a figure which shows an example of goods master data. It is a figure which shows an example of theme data. It is a figure which shows an example of theme merchandise data. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of data stored in a promotion tag storage unit 1023; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a theme tag storage unit 1024; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a product tag storage unit 1025; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of sales record data. It is a figure which shows an example of the store data memorize|stored in the store data storage part 1028. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a user terminal 30; FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the product information management device 1; 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the product information management device 1; It is a figure explaining the case where the change content of theme merchandise data is reflected. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the product information management device 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when an electronic leaflet is displayed on the user terminal 30. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a list of promotion data displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a list of theme selection screens displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a theme list screen displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a product selection screen displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a theme product detail screen displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a change confirmation screen displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20; FIG.

A product information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

《Overview of system configuration》
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of a product information management system S including a product information management device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.
The product information management system S includes a cross-industry database GDB, an SNS server SSV, a weather data server KSV, a core system KS, an electronic leaflet distribution server EF, a planogram system TS, a product information management device 1, a management terminal 20, and the like.
In this figure, a product information management device 1 includes a cross-industry database GDB, an SNS server SSV, a weather data server KSV, a core system KS, an electronic leaflet distribution server EF, a planogram system TS, a management terminal 20, and the like via a communication network. It is possible to take in various data from these.

The cross-industry database GDB stores cross-industry product data, for example, stores and manages product information of a plurality of different companies.

The SNS server SSV is a server that provides SNS (Social networking service). The SNS used here may be one in which a user makes comments (posts) using a terminal device and is open to the public for viewing by other users. The SNS may be, for example, Twitter (registered trademark), Facebook (registered trademark), or Instagram (registered trademark). When the SNS services are different, the SNS server 50 is also individually provided for each service.
The operator who operates the SNS server 50 and the operator who operates the product information management device 1 may be different operators.

The weather data server KSV is a server that provides weather information on a network such as the Internet.

The core system KS is a system used by a store that sells products, and is a system that manages product orders and orders, purchase management, physical distribution management, and the like in the store. The core system KS stores business information in the store and manages the status of various business based on this business information.
The core system KS can deliver order receiving/ordering data and physical distribution (purchase) data to the product information management device 1, and also distributes the selling price of each product to the POS register data.
The core system KS is communicably connected to the POS provided in the store, and acquires sales performance data transmitted from the POS register. The sales record data is data that includes the items sold, the date and time when the item was sold, the POS register used when the item was sold, the store where the item was sold, and the like.
The backbone system KS is a system for inside the store. For this reason, they store information that is only needed between buyers and vendors, and can use this information, but they do not store much information for consumers. For example, product names included in product data stored in the core system KS may be stored with simplified names. In this case, if the product data stored in the core system KS is used for promotion as it is, it may not provide sufficient information for consumers. Insufficient data can also be supplemented by obtaining product data from the database of the manufacturer, which is the manufacturer.

The electronic leaflet distribution server EF distributes electronic leaflets to user terminals. The distributed electronic flyer is displayed on the display screen of the user terminal. Thereby, the user can view the electronic flyer displayed on the user terminal. Electronic leaflets may be image data of leaflets that are distributed in newspapers, or the layout and product content may be adjusted according to the attributes of the users to whom they are distributed and the display screen size of the user terminal. It may be edited electronic data.

Further, the electronic handbill distribution server EF performs various information processing related to the electronic handbill.
The functions of the electronic handbill distribution server EF can be broadly divided into the following three functions. By using at least one of these three functions, it is possible to provide a new mechanism for distributing electronic flyers.

(1) Tag Attachment Function The electronic leaflet distribution server EF has a function of attaching tag information (tag data) to electronic leaflets. There are various kinds of electronic leaflets, but tag information is attached to electronic leaflets that are posted on products that are sold at a special price for a certain period of time, such as "goods A are on sale in ○ month". Tag information is, for example, a hashtag. A hashtag includes a specific character (for example, "#") and a character string indicating that it is a hashtag. Hashtags can be attached to messages, images, and the like, and users can collect information using these hashtags. In this embodiment, a character string indicating a theme is added as a hash tag to an electronic leaflet for products, services, etc. included in the electronic leaflet, thereby making it easier to collect electronic leaflets based on the theme. be able to. When selling products, leaflets are mainly used to explain what the price of the product is. However, in this embodiment, by attaching a hashtag indicating the theme, it is possible to appeal to the user (consumer) what kind of theme the product lineup is based on, apart from the price point. It is possible to In recent years, the number of users using SNS is on the rise, and in particular, the use of SNS is expanding among people in their teens and twenties. You can browse it and feel close to it. This makes it possible to improve the appeal of the product based on the theme, in addition to the method of focusing on price appeal. In addition, it is possible to grasp the direction of the product by expressing the theme as a hashtag.
In recent years, there have been an increasing number of cases in which low prices are continuously set for a certain period of time, such as monthly bargains, so that users' visits to stores do not concentrate over time. In that case, even if you try to appeal the price, it may be difficult to make a difference with other products, etc., so it tends to be difficult to appeal from the aspect of price. In addition, although the price may be the motivation for the user to purchase the product, there are also cases where the user purchases the product from a viewpoint other than the price. For example, there are users who browse or listen to information that has become a hot topic on SNS or the like, and make use of their own experiences to purchase products. It can be said that such a user's motivation to purchase a product is to perform a certain action. For such users, by providing electronic flyers with hashtags attached to themes related to actions, we provide a mechanism that allows users to easily search for electronic flyers that match the products they want. can.

(2) Animation addition function Electronic leaflets generally use character strings and still images. The product can be appealed, and the understanding of the product can be deepened.

(3) Personal Electronic Flyer Generation Function This is a function for generating electronic flyers including themes and products that take into consideration the tastes and preferences of individual users. For example, a user can receive and display an electronic leaflet customized for himself/herself on a user terminal, thereby viewing an electronic leaflet exclusively for him/herself.

The shelving allocation system TS generates shelving allocation data by allocating the quantity of each product to each divided area of the display shelf in the store.

The management terminal 20 includes a person in charge of creating a store who creates a promotion, a person in charge of a department in charge of sales promotion in the store, a person in charge of a department in charge of merchandise, an operator of the store, an administrator of the merchandise information management device 1, It is a terminal device that can be used by leaflet producers and the like. A plurality of management terminals 20 can be connected to the network, and different management terminals 20 may be used for different persons in charge.
Here, the promotion includes the contents to inform consumers about the products sold at the store or the store. There are electronic leaflets distributed electronically, posters introducing stores, and the like.

The product information management device 1 manages customer-specific consumer product information and supports sales promotion. The product information management device 1 may be configured by one server device, or may be configured by a cloud server.

<<Regarding an input example of the product information management device 1>>
The product information management device 1 takes in tag data, content data, product master data, store data, sales record data, planogram data, sales plans, etc. from the outside, and uses one or more of these data to generates promotion data according to the instructions of
Tag data, content data, and product master data are obtained from the cross-industry database GDB. The merchandise master can also be obtained from the core system KS. Store data can be obtained from at least one of the core system KS and the electronic leaflet distribution server EF. Sales performance data can be obtained directly from the core system KS or via the electronic handbill distribution server EF. A sales plan can be obtained from the management terminal 20 . Here, the sales plan itself may be input, but selection of theme products based on the sales plan may be received from the management terminal 20. FIG.
Here, the product information management device 1 can cooperate with various systems, acquire data, and generate promotion data using this data. can be improved. In addition, even if the sales promotion media are different, the product information management device 1 can collectively generate the promotion data. can be mitigated.

Tag data stored in the SNS server SSV can be used as the tag data.
By using the tag data and inputting an arbitrary tag in the user terminal 30, the user can search and acquire the promotion data in which the tag data corresponding to this tag is set from the SNS.

The content data is information about a product, such as image data of the product. Since leaflets often include not only the price of the product but also the image of the appearance of the product, image data representing the appearance of the product, image data representing the state in which the product is used, and the like are included. This content data may be video data, poster images, etc., instead of product image data.
The product master is data related to products. This product master contains not only the products to be promoted, but also product information such as products handled in stores (for example, real retail stores), products handled in the past, and products planned to be handled in the future. is. The product master records, for example, tens of thousands of products for one store.
The product master may be obtained from any one of the database of the wholesaler who sells the product, the database of the manufacturer who is the manufacturer of the product, the database of the vendor who handles the product, and the like. When acquiring the product master from these databases, the product information management device 1 may directly acquire the product master from any one of these databases. If the product master is not obtained directly, another computer obtains the product master from one of these databases and converts it into a text file format. The product information management device 1 may acquire the product master in the text file format.

Data on which the product master is based is obtained from the core system KS. Since the data stored in the core system KS is mainly intended for use inside the store, it does not contain much information for consumers. The product information management device 1 maintains (processes) the data obtained from the core system KS so that it is suitable for consumers, and stores it as a product master. Since the data obtained from the core system KS is used as the product master and planned product data, the product master can be created efficiently.

The store data is information (store name, address, telephone number, map showing the location, floor guide map, etc.) about the store targeted for the promotion. The store may be, for example, a supermarket, a consumer electronics store, an apparel store, a drug store, or the like. Store data stores data required to generate promotion data for each store. The store data may store the prices of products unique to the store, the promotion period, and the like.

The actual sales data is stored in the product information management device 1 by acquiring the actual sales data stored in the core system KS.
Planogram data can be acquired from the planogram system TS. Shelving allocation data is data for allocating product display areas to product display shelves installed in a store. Planogram data includes the position of product display shelves in the store, the flow of consumers in the store, the number of types of products displayed, the amount of products displayed, whether it is a hot-selling product, whether it is a regular product, etc. A shelf area is assigned to each product based on whether the product is available or not.

A promotion includes at least one theme. Themes are subjects that separate the products included in the promotion. The themes include, for example, camping specials, general cleaning specials, seasonal vegetable festivals, simple cooking specials, daily specials, and regular products (products that are continuously sold at lower prices than usual during the advertising period). Themes include theme products. This theme product includes the theme product based on the sales plan drafted in the management terminal 20. FIG.
A theme product is product data associated with a theme.
In addition to the case where the promotion is a leaflet, there are various cases such as a campaign, an event, and a unique leaflet for only one store. Therefore, even if the product included in the promotion is the same product, if the sales promotion medium is different, even if the list price is registered as 100 yen in the product master, if it is associated as the theme product, it will not be displayed in the product master. Part of the registered data can be changed to match the promotion, such as a bargain price (for example, 80 yen) and registered. As a change to match the promotion, in addition to the price, if the capacity is increased more than usual for a specific promotion, the data after the increase is registered as the data of the theme product. Also, even for the same product, the sales copy may differ depending on the season, so different sales copy can be registered for the product data of the theme product.

In addition, the products associated with the theme may be not only products for which special sale prices are set, but also products with no special sale prices. In this case, even if one promotion includes products with bargain prices and products with general prices, the consumer can purchase bargain-priced products at a low price. Even if the product is not at a bargain price, it is possible to consider the purchase of a product that has not been purchased before, or to consider the purchase by recognizing an unknown product. On the store side, not only products with bargain prices will be the center of attention, and not only bargain-priced products will be sold, but consumers will also consider purchasing products with general prices, so overall sales will increase. It can also be improved.

<<Regarding an output example of the product information management device 1>>
The product information management device 1 can perform various aggregations based on the actual sales data and output them as sales promotion actual data D1. Since the sales promotion performance data D1 can be output, the person in charge of the store or the person in charge of promotion production can immediately confirm the effect of the promotion based on the overview of the total performance. As a result, it is possible to ascertain how much the products posted in the promotion as bargain prices actually sold, and the relationship between sales of products with bargain prices and products not posted in the promotion. Sales results can be grasped from various perspectives such as by category, by store, and by theme, and can provide clues for examining the effectiveness of promotions.

The product information management device 1 outputs electronic data corresponding to each medium, such as leaflet data, POP (Point of purchase advertising) data, electronic leaflet data, product page data for online supermarkets, and electronic shelf label data. can also
Flyer publication data can be used as a paper flyer by being printed on a print medium.
The POP data can be used as a POP (for example, bulletin board) that informs consumers of product names, prices, selling points, etc. of products by being printed on paper media, plastic plates, or the like.
The electronic handbill data is viewed by the user by being delivered to the user terminal. This electronic leaflet can contain still images, text data, moving image data, and the like. Further, tag data is attached to the electronic leaflet, and by inputting an arbitrary character string by the user, an electronic leaflet attached with the retrieved character string can be obtained. Further, the electronic leaflet may be edited in the product information management apparatus 1 so as to have individual contents for the user according to the attribute of the user to whom it is delivered, and transmitted to the user terminal.
The online supermarket data is data that constitutes a product listing page of a virtual store provided on the Internet. The virtual store may be a supermarket (so-called net supermarket), a consumer electronics mass retailer, an apparel-related store, a drug store, or the like.
The electronic shelf label data is data displayed on the screen of the electronic shelf label, and can include product names, prices, information on discounts, descriptive texts explaining selling points, and the like.

Here, since the product information management device 1 is configured to generate leaflets, POPs, electronic leaflets, data for online supermarkets, electronic shelf label data, etc., based on promotion data, sales promotion contents can be individually created for each medium. Also, even though the same product is posted, when creating flyers, etc., there will be no need to create promotional content using information for the same product individually, so the person in charge of creating promotions such as advertisements The production load can be reduced, and production errors can be reduced.

In addition, since the product information management device 1 generates the promotion data, it is possible to support the creator who creates the sales promotion contents in creating digital sales promotion contents such as electronic leaflets and data for online supermarkets. .

"data structure"
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of the structure of data stored in the product information management device 1. As shown in FIG.
In the product master, product images (product image data) representing product images are stored in association with each other. One or more product images may be associated with the product master. Product images include, for example, an image that represents the packaging of the product, an exterior image of the product (an image viewed from any direction, such as front (front), back (back), side, etc.), an image that represents the image of the product, and a product image. In the case where the product is food, it is a cooking image representing the case where the product is cooked, a producer image such as a face image of the producer who produced the product, an image of the state of production, and the like. The product image may be the content data described above.
With such product image data, various images can be displayed on the screen in an EC (Electronic commerce) store or a virtual store (for example, a supermarket provided on the Internet).
Here, the product image data may be stored in association with the product master, or may be stored as part of the product master data.

At least one theme belongs to a promotion. Promotion is plan information for each medium (leaflet, POP, electronic leaflet, net supermarket, electronic shelf label, etc.). Promotions include, for example, normal promotions and independently planned promotions. A normal promotion is a plan that is predetermined to be carried out periodically, and may be carried out several times a week. Independently planned promotions are planned independently from normal promotions, and are planned according to the season and the state of the world at that time.
The theme is plan information for each plan, and one plan number (promotion) includes one or more themes. One or more theme product masters belong to a theme. Depending on the contents of the project, the theme may not be directly related to the product, such as "store opening ○ anniversary coupon present", and for such a theme, the theme product master may not be included.
The theme product master is information about products selected as items corresponding to the theme, and may include 300 to several thousand items for one promotion. The theme product master is stored separately from the product master, and is data associated with the theme.
One or more product images (contents) can be associated with the theme product master.
One or more product images can be associated with the theme product master of one product, and products that do not use product images do not have to be associated with the theme product master.

Theme content can also belong to a theme.
The theme content may be contents of a campaign or event held at a store, or video data. Theme content is associated with each theme.
The sales promotion performance is the sales performance of products aggregated for each combination of day, plan, and product, and such sales performance can also be aggregated for each store.

Here, the number of promotions is (52 (weeks) × (2 to 3 (books )) + several independent projects). Generally, it often takes two to three weeks to create one promotion. For this reason, the production of promotions for several to more than ten promotions is carried out in parallel. As a result, the workload of people involved in the production of promotions is heavy. In addition, there are many cases in which one product is listed in multiple different promotions. Therefore, for example, when the name of one product is changed, it is necessary to change the name of each product included in each promotion in the production stage. In such a case, conventionally, a paper list or the like must be visually checked to see if there is a corresponding product for each of a plurality of projects in the production stage that are being produced in parallel, which is a heavy burden.

The product information management apparatus 1 can manage promotions as one unit, and can also manage themes as one unit.

<<Figure 3: Data structure>>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of one promotion.
In this figure, one promotion A includes three themes: theme T1, theme T11, and theme T12. The theme T1 includes three theme product masters: a theme product master KS1, a theme product master KS2, and a theme product master KS3.
The theme T11 includes three theme product masters such as a theme product master KS1, a theme product master KS2, and a theme product master KS3. The theme T11 includes one theme product master like the theme product master KS11. The theme T12 includes one theme product master like the theme product master KS12.
Thus, one piece of promotion data can be associated with at least one theme. In addition, one theme can be associated with at least one product data registered in the product master as a theme product master.

《Flyer layout》
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a layout when leaflet placement data is generated based on the promotion data shown in FIG. FIG. 4A shows the layout of the front side of the flyer based on the advertisement data, and FIG. 4B shows the layout of the back side of the leaflet based on the advertisement data.
In the example of this figure, on the front side of the leaflet, product contents related to theme T1 are arranged on the left and lower right, and product contents related to theme T11 are arranged on the upper right. On the back side of the leaflet, product content related to theme T11 is arranged on the left side, and product content related to theme T12 is arranged on the right side.

Layout data for laying out content may be output from the product information management apparatus 1 . In this case, the product information management device 1 may associate the layout data with the promotion data and output data in which various data and contents are laid out starting from the promotion data.

"system configuration diagram"
FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a product information management system S using the product information management device 1. As shown in FIG.
The product information management system S includes a product information management device 1, a cross-industry database GDB, an SNS server SSV, a weather data server KSV, a core system KS, an electronic leaflet distribution server EF, a shelf allocation system TS, an electronic shelf label system ES, and a management terminal. 20, including user terminals 30, connected via a network N;
Here, a plurality of management terminals 20 may be connected, and a plurality of user terminals 30 may also be connected.
The management terminal 20 can access the product information management device 1 via a web browser and display various display screens. The user terminal 30 can access the product information management apparatus 1 from the terminal via a web browser, receive promotion data, and display the promotion data. The user terminal 30 may access the product information management device 1 by executing application software to receive and display the promotion data.

<<Product information management device 1: functional block diagram>>
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the product information management device 1. As shown in FIG.
Product information management device 1 includes communication unit 101 , storage unit 102 , processing unit 103 , input unit 104 , output unit 105 , tag search unit 106 , extraction unit 107 , determination unit 108 , processing unit 109 and control unit 110 . The communication unit 101, the processing unit 103, the input unit 104, the output unit 105, the tag search unit 106, the extraction unit 107, the determination unit 108, the processing unit 109, and the control unit 110 are processing units such as a CPU (central processing unit) or It may consist of a dedicated electronic circuit.

The communication unit 101 communicates with other devices directly or via a network. The communication unit 101 may be connected to a communication partner device via a wire, or may be connected wirelessly in at least a part of the section.

The storage unit 102 stores various data. The storage unit 102 includes a storage medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access read/write Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or any of these memories. Consists of any combination of storage media. A non-volatile memory, for example, can be used for this storage unit 102 .

Storage unit 102 includes promotion data storage unit 1020, product master storage unit 1021, theme data storage unit 1022a, theme product storage unit 1023b, promotion tag storage unit 1023, theme tag storage unit 1024, and product tag storage. It includes a section 1025 , a sales record storage section 1026 , a content data storage section 1027 , a shop data storage section 1028 and a planogram data storage section 1029 .

Promotion data storage unit 1020 stores promotion data.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of promotion data.
Promotion data includes item numbers, promotion-related data, and theme-related data.
The item number is a number assigned to each line of promotion data.
The promotion-related data includes a promotion ID, promotion title, sale start date, and sale end date. A promotion title is a title (name) given to a promotion. The sale start date indicates the start date of the promotion period (effective period). For example, the sale start date may be the start date for a special sale. Also, the sales start date may be the start date or the start date and time. The sale end date indicates the end date of the opening period (effective period) during which the promotion is performed. For example, the sale end date may be the end date on which the sale will take place. Also, the sale end date may be the end date or the end date and time.
The period indicated by the sale start date and the sale end date (sale period) corresponds to, for example, the period during which the product posted on the leaflet is treated as a bargain sale price. In addition, when the promotion is carried out using media such as electronic flyers, online supermarkets, electronic shelf labels, etc., it corresponds to the period during which the contents of the promotion are disclosed.

The theme-related data includes theme ID, theme_main, planned sales start date, and planned sales end date.
A theme ID is identification information that identifies a theme. Theme_main indicates the name of the theme. The planned sales start date indicates the start date of the effective period of the theme. Also, the planned sales start date may be the start date or the start date and time. The planned sales end date indicates the end date of the effective period of the theme. Also, the planned sales end date may be the end date or the end date and time.
Here, the period (planned period) indicated by the planned sales start date and the planned sales end date may or may not coincide with the sales period. This is because some themes are valid continuously from the start date to the end date of the sales period, but some themes are valid only on a specific day during the sales period (for example, daily themes). For example, even if the selling period and the planning period are different, at least a part of the selling period and the planning period may overlap. In this case, for this overlapping period, the theme corresponding to the overlapping period will be posted as valid during the offering period. For example, if the sales period is from October 1st to October 4th and the planning period is from September 25th to October 1st, the flyer will say, "The bargain sale period is from October 1st to October 4th. ” is posted, and the camp feature is posted like “October 1 limited camp feature”. Incidentally, if the joining period overlaps between the selling period and the planning period, the promotion can be associated with the theme. If the sales period and the planning period partially overlap, but if there are different periods, an alert is displayed on the management terminal 20 that edits this association, and an inconsistency in the exhibition period of the theme product is displayed. You may ask them to edit it so that it does not occur.

Here, the theme indicated by the theme ID "10241" is associated with the promotion ID "2020100101" and also with the promotion ID "2020100501". Thus, one theme can be associated with multiple promotion IDs. In this case, for example, the theme "camp special" can be used in different promotions with different sales periods, and in this case, the theme product data belonging to the theme can also be used in different promotions.

On the other hand, one promotion can be associated with one or more themes. Multiple themes can be associated with one promotion, but the same theme is not associated redundantly. For example, if dozens of products are associated with the theme "camping special", and the same theme "camping special" is posted multiple times in one flyer, "camping special" will be displayed on the page of the flyer. Due to overlapping themes, dozens of products belonging to the "camping feature" will also be posted redundantly, so effective use of space (posting space) This is because

In addition, sales periods may overlap in a plurality of different promotions. Here, the sales period of the promotion ID "2020100101" is "from October 1, 2020 to October 4, 2020", and the sales period of the promotion ID "2020100201" is "from October 2, 2020. Until October 8, 2020", and part of the period overlaps.

The product master storage unit 1021 stores product master data, which is data related to products.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of product master data stored in the product master storage unit 1021. As shown in FIG.
The product master data includes product code, classification code, JAN code, product name, product standard, supplier, cost price, and selling price.
A product code is identification information that identifies a product. The classification code is identification information indicating which category the product belongs to when the product is classified into categories or the like. If this classification code is classified into multiple layers, such as large, medium, and small classes, if it is identification information that can identify which classification in each hierarchy it belongs to, good. A JAN code is a product identification code. A JAN code can also be represented by a two-dimensional barcode. This two-dimensional barcode is printed on the product package or outer surface and read by a barcode reader connected to the POS register of the store.
The product name is the name of the product. The product standard is the internal volume, size, and the like of the product. The business partner indicates the supplier of the product. Cost represents the cost of goods. The selling price represents the selling price of the product.

The theme data storage unit 1022a stores theme data.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of theme data.
The theme data is data representing the content of the theme. Theme data includes a theme and a holding period. Here, the themes include, for example, "life", "infectious disease countermeasures", "camp special", and "summer goods". The duration represents the period during which the theme can be used for promotion.

The theme product storage unit 1022b stores theme product data.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of theme product data.
The theme product data includes product code, JAN code, product name, theme, price, selling point, product image, holding period, and the like. A selling point represents a theme-based catchphrase for a product. For example, if the product name of the theme product is "corn" and the theme is "summer vegetable special", a character string such as "I found deliciousness" is associated as a selling point.
The holding period represents the period during which the theme product can be handled.
In addition, even if there is one theme product, if the themes are different, different data can be registered for the price, sales copy, product image, and the like. In this example, the product code is "AA002305", and the product name is "alcohol spray" for the same product. You can register different data such as data whose theme is "anti-infectious disease", price is "v3" yen, and selling point is "antivirus". As a result, even for one product, various sales promotions can be performed according to the theme.

The promotion tag storage unit 1023 stores promotion data and tag information, which is a keyword related to the promotion data.
FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining an example of data stored in the promotion tag storage unit 1023. As shown in FIG.
The promotion tag storage unit 1023 stores promotion IDs and tags. A promotion ID is identification information that identifies a promotion. A promotion ID, for example, is individually assigned to each of a plurality of sales promotion contents (for example, leaflets). Here, the promotion ID can be used to associate the promotion data with the tag.
One or more tags may be associated with a promotion ID. In this figure, three tags, a first tag, a second tag, and a third tag, can be associated with one promotion ID and stored.

The theme tag storage unit 1024 stores a theme and tag information, which is a keyword related to the theme.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the theme tag storage unit 1024. As shown in FIG.
The theme tag storage unit 1024 stores theme IDs and tags. Here, a theme and a tag can be associated by using a theme ID.
The number of tags associated with a theme ID may be one, but may be plural. In this figure, three tags, a first tag, a second tag, and a third tag, can be associated with one theme ID and stored.

The product tag storage unit 1025 stores product data and tag information, which is a keyword for the product.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the product tag storage unit 1025. As shown in FIG.
The product tag storage unit 1025 stores product IDs and tags. Here, by using the product ID, the product and the tag can be associated.
The number of tags associated with a product ID may be one, but may be plural. In this figure, three tags, a first tag, a second tag, and a third tag, can be associated with one product ID and stored.

Here, the tag may be associated with at least one of the theme product, product master, content data, image data, and theme.
The tags include, for example, "for family", "health-oriented", "time-saving cooking", "silver class", "quality over quantity", "walking", and "recovery from fatigue".
The tag may be used by the person in charge of the store or by the consumer.
When the person in charge of the store uses the tag, the tag can be used as a keyword for searching when browsing or editing promotion data, themes, theme product data, and the like.
When a consumer uses a tag, he/she inputs a keyword using SNS or the like. A tag corresponding to this keyword is searched, and for the tag found as a search result, at least one of merchandise, theme, and promotion associated with the tag is searched, and the obtained result is transmitted to the terminal device. Thereby, the consumer can obtain products related to the keyword, products corresponding to the theme related to the keyword, and promotions corresponding to the keyword. Here, in the product database, promotions, products, and the like can be searched for using keywords arbitrarily used by the user, in addition to product information provided by the product maker.

By associating items (keywords) not expected by the manufacturer with products by means of tags, the user can obtain related products and promotions even if the keywords are not the keywords assumed by the manufacturer. . For example, if a manufacturer that sells seasoning does not assume that the seasoning can be used in recipes that save time, and a consumer devises a time-saving dish using that seasoning, , Keywords related to time-saving cooking may not be registered in the product data. Even in such a case, by storing keywords such as "time-saving cooking" and "time-saving recipe" in the promotion tag storage unit 1023, the theme tag storage unit 1024, the product tag storage unit 1025, etc. as tags, Another consumer can use SNS or the like to obtain the product information of the seasoning or the promotion in which the seasoning is posted.
Further, such a tag can be input and registered at any timing by a system administrator of the product information management apparatus 1, a person in charge of a store, or the like.

The sales performance storage unit 1026 stores sales performance data.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of actual sales data.
The actual sales data includes product code, date of sale, classification code, cost price, standard sales, bargain sales, regular sales quantity, bargain sales quantity, project category, and promotion ID.
The product code is information for identifying the product, and the product code of the sold product is stored here.
The date of sale is the date on which the item was sold. Here, the time of sale may be included in the date of sale. The sale date may be the date and time when the bar code of the product to be sold was read by the bar code reader of the POS cash register.

Regular sales is the price at which items were sold without discounts. The price without discount may be the fixed price or the standard price set in the store. Bargain sale sales are the prices sold when discounts are applied to standard prices in stores. The discounted price is the discounted price when the product is listed in the promotion as a product targeted for promotion. The standard sales number represents the number of products sold without discounts. The bargain sales number represents the number of products sold when the discount is applied. The project category indicates the category to which the promotion belongs when classified according to a predetermined rule.
Since the sales record data includes the promotion ID, the relationship between the promotion and the sales record can be grasped when performing an analysis based on the sales record. Here, the control unit 110 of the product information management device 1 determines whether or not the date of sale corresponds to the holding period of the promotion. memorize it.

The content data storage unit 1027 stores content data and product IDs regarding products.
The content data includes an image representing the appearance of the product (for example, a thumbnail image, product image, etc.), an image ID that identifies the image, an effective period during which the image can be used, a JAN code of the product, a product name, a product number, and the like. can contain. The images may be still images or moving images.
The content data storage unit 1027 may further associate tags with content data and product IDs and store them. The tag is attached in advance and stored according to the product.

The store data storage unit 1028 stores store data.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of store data stored in the store data storage unit 1028. As shown in FIG.
The store data includes a store code, purchase cost, sales price, product name, store availability, and promotion ID.
A store code is identification information that identifies a store.
Purchase cost is the cost at the purchase stage of the product. The purchase cost may include the cost itself as data, or may be data indicating which of separately determined purchase cost patterns is adopted. In this case, the data representing the corresponding relationship between the product and the purchase cost is stored in the storage device for each purchase cost pattern, and can be referred to based on the purchase cost pattern of the store data. .
The selling price is the selling price of the product. The sales price may include the price itself as data, but indicates which of the separately determined sales price patterns is adopted. In this case, data representing the correspondence between products and selling prices is stored in the storage device for each selling price pattern, and can be referred to based on the selling price pattern of store data.
A product name is a product name used in promotion. The product name may include the product name itself as data, or may be data indicating which of the separately defined product name patterns is adopted. In this case, data representing the correspondence between the product code and the product name is stored in the storage device for each product name pattern, and can be referred to based on the product name pattern of the store data.
The presence/absence of store handling indicates whether or not the promotion indicated by the promotion ID is handled.
The store data can indicate for each store which of the multiple types of promotions is being handled. For example, for a promotion with a promotion ID of "2020100101", a store with a store code of "1000175" indicates whether or not the store handles the promotion, indicating that this promotion is available (implemented). However, for a store with a store code of "1000329", the presence/absence of store handling is "None", indicating that there is no handling (not carried out).
Further, here, the purchase cost, sales price, and product name can be set differently depending on the store even for the same promotion. For example, for the promotion with the promotion ID "2020100102", for the store with the store code "1000175", the purchase cost is "pattern S2", the selling price is "pattern H2", and the product name is "pattern N2". However, for the store whose store code is "1000329", the purchase cost is "pattern S6", the selling price is "pattern H6", and the product name is "pattern N6", which may differ depending on the store. .
The store data may include the store name, address, telephone number, map indicating the location, floor guide map, and the like.

The planogram data storage unit 1029 stores planogram data.
The planogram data stores, for each store, shelf identification information for identifying product shelves installed in the store, the number of product shelf levels, and product identification information displayed on each shelf level.

Returning to FIG. 6, description will be made.
The processing section 103 includes a first processing section 1031 and a second processing section 1032 . The processing unit 103 performs various editing processes on promotion data, theme data, product data, and the like.
The input section 104 includes a first input section 1041 , a second input section 1042 , a third input section 1043 and a fourth input section 1044 . The output section 105 includes a first output section 1051 , a second output section 1052 , a third output section 1053 and a fourth output section 1054 .
The tag search section 106 includes a first tag search section 1061 , a second tag search section 1062 and a third tag search section 1063 . The extractor 107 includes a first extractor 1071 and a second extractor 1072 .

《Generation of promotion data》
The first processing unit 1031 associates at least one product data with a theme.
The second processing unit 1032 generates promotion data including at least one theme.
By using the first processing unit 1031 and the second processing unit 1032, it is possible to associate products and promotions on a theme-by-theme basis. This allows the products associated with the selected theme to be associated with the promotion by associating them with the promotion on a theme-by-theme basis, rather than individually associating each product with the promotion. Also, it is possible to reduce the load on promotion production. Here, since the theme is the unit, multiple products related to the use, purpose, usage scene, and a certain aspect when consumers choose products to purchase are regarded as one unit, and whether or not to include them in the promotion can be easily determined. can be managed. In addition, when producing multiple promotions in parallel, by replacing the products belonging to the theme, the product replacement can be reflected in each promotion including the theme in which the replacement occurred, which reduces the production burden. is reduced.
Here, one promotion can be associated with one or more themes. Also, one theme can be associated with multiple promotions. One theme product can be associated with one theme. Also, one theme product can be associated with another different theme, and in this case, can be treated as another theme product.

Also, by creating a theme associated with product data and storing it in the storage unit 102 (in particular, the theme data storage unit 1022a), this theme data can be used in another promotion. Therefore, depending on the theme, there are times when it is held regularly according to the season, etc., and times when the same theme is held again depending on the situation in the world. For example, themes such as "special feature on year-end cleaning", "measures against hay fever", and "special feature on summer vegetables" may be used each time the season arrives. In such a case, a combination of a theme created in the past and its product can be utilized and reflected in a promotion to be created in the future, thus saving the trouble of newly associating a product with each promotion.

In addition, products can be managed as a group from the viewpoint of a theme. Flyers may include catchphrases such as "Winter Hot Pot Cuisine Special" or character strings representing catchphrases. In this embodiment, such a character string is used as a theme, a product is associated with the theme, and the theme is registered as a unit in a promotion. can be reduced.

《Duplicate Theme Judgment》
The determination unit 108 determines whether or not the same theme is included in one promotion.
A first output unit 1051 outputs the determination result of the determination unit 108 .
If the same theme is included for one promotion, modify it to leave one of the themes so that there is no duplication of themes, or for one of the duplicate themes, the theme itself , and modify the products that belong to the modified theme to include products that follow the modified theme. As a result, duplication of products due to duplication of themes in one promotion can be prevented.

《Skewering function: Skewering products》
The first input unit 1041 accepts product designation.
The first extraction unit 1071 extracts promotion data including the specified product.
Since the first extraction unit 1071 extracts promotions that include the product specified by the first input unit 1041, even if the product to be searched for is included in a different promotion, the product that is included in the promotion Since there is no need to visually search for each promotion, promotions containing the same product can be easily found.
For example, there are multiple promotions such as leaflets in the production stage, and even if the same product is included in at least two of those promotions, the product can be easily found, and the product to be searched for can be found in each promotion. , even if they belong to different themes, you can save the trouble of searching for each one. In particular, there are cases where more than 10 promotions are produced in parallel, so work efficiency can be improved because it is possible to save the trouble of searching for each of these promotions to see if the target product is included. can be improved.
From the point of view of products, multiple promotions can be skewed and the presence or absence of overlapping products can be grasped.

《Confirmation of reflection on other themes》
Second input unit 1042 accepts an instruction to edit product data associated with promotion data.
The second extraction unit 1072 extracts a theme associated with the product to be edited from the products stored in the theme data storage unit 1022a based on the editing instruction input from the second input unit 1042 .
The third input unit 1043 accepts an instruction as to whether or not the product data associated with the extracted theme is subject to editing based on the editing instruction.
Based on the instruction accepted by the third input unit 1043, the processing unit 109 edits the product data to be edited.
By having the second input unit 1042, the second extraction unit 1072, the third input unit 1043, and the processing unit 109, based on the instruction to edit the product data, the theme associated with the product to be edited is extracted and extracted. It is possible to receive an input as to whether or not the product data associated with the selected theme is to be edited. Then, the product data of the theme for which the instruction to edit is input is edited. As a result, when editing product data, we asked the person in charge of editing whether or not it is permissible to edit products associated with other themes in the same way. In order to avoid editing products belonging to other themes that are not included, it is possible to edit after specifying the range that can be reflected. As a result, the product data that can be edited in the same way can be efficiently extracted and edited in the same way, and on the other hand, the product data can be managed correctly so that unintended editing is not performed. can be done. Here, the second extraction unit 1072 can extract all future themes (themes scheduled to be held in the future) associated with the product to be edited. All theme products associated with all the themes extracted by 1072 can be edited and an editing operation can be accepted.
In addition, multiple themes can be skewed from the product point of view, and the themes that include the same product can be confirmed.
For example, when the product itself is renewed, the product name and product image may be changed. In such a case, the edited content is reflected in any theme. On the other hand, it is possible to change the description of the product or change the name of the product only for a specific period.

《Registration of new theme and product registration related to it》
Fourth input unit 1044 accepts an instruction to register a theme. The theme registration instruction is input, for example, through an input device connected to the management terminal 20, based on the operation details input by the store manager or the person in charge of promotion production.
When a theme registration instruction is input from the fourth input unit 1044, the first processing unit 1031 associates at least one product data with the registered theme. Thereby, a new theme can be stored in the theme data storage unit 1022a as needed.
Promotions may be created using past themes created, but new themes may also be created. In such a case, it is possible to increase the number of themes that can be used for promotion by registering a new theme and associating products with that theme.

《New promotion registration》
Also, the fourth input unit 1044 accepts an instruction to newly register a promotion. The promotion registration instruction is input, for example, via an input device connected to the management terminal 20, based on the operation details input by the store manager or the person in charge of promotion creation. As a result, new promotion data is stored in the promotion data storage unit 1020, making it possible to register themes, theme products, and the like.

《Product extraction function using tags》
The first tag search unit 1061 extracts from the product tag storage unit 1025 product data to which a tag corresponding to a keyword input from a terminal device (for example, the management terminal 20 or the user terminal 30) is added.
The second output unit 1052 outputs the extracted product data to the terminal device.
The first tag search unit 1061 searches the product tag storage unit 1025 for product data to which a tag corresponding to the specified keyword is attached, and the search result is output to the terminal device. As a result, it is possible to collect and present products that are likely to be related to the tag. For example, a person in charge of a store can easily find related products using keywords without using the product name itself. In addition, by inputting an arbitrary keyword, the user can obtain the promotion data of the product corresponding to the keyword. can be used as clues to search for products.
Here, the product name and the keyword may or may not match. For example, a product "alcohol spray" may be associated with tags such as "sterilization", "sanitary", and "spray type". Even if the tag is not the same character string as the product, it is possible to use a character string that is easy to use to search for the product. can.

《Theme extraction function using tags》
The second tag search unit 1062 extracts, from the theme tag storage unit 1024, a theme to which a tag corresponding to a keyword input from a terminal device (user terminal or management terminal) is added.
The third output unit 1053 outputs the extracted theme to the request source terminal device (user terminal or management terminal).
The second tag search unit 1062 searches the theme tag storage unit 1024 for a theme to which a tag corresponding to the designated keyword is added, and the search result is output to the terminal device. This makes it possible to collect and present themes related to the tags.
For example, a person in charge of a store can easily find a related theme using a keyword without using the theme name itself. For example, by aggregating themes associated with the same tag, related themes can be aggregated, thereby providing consideration for selecting which of the related themes to include in the promotion. easier to clean. More specifically, the tag "outdoor" is associated with each of the themes "camping feature", "outdoor goods feature", and "hiking feature", and the person in charge of the store uses "outdoor" as a keyword. By searching for , these three themes can be extracted. This saves you the trouble of searching for related themes individually.
In addition, by inputting an arbitrary keyword, the user can obtain the promotion data of the theme corresponding to the keyword. can be used as a clue to search for a theme, and products belonging to that theme can be browsed.
Here, the theme and the keyword may or may not match. For example, a product "alcohol spray" may be associated with "lifestyle" and "infectious disease countermeasures" as themes, and may be associated with tags such as "sterilization" and "hygiene". Even if the tag does not have the same character string as the theme, a character string that can be easily used to search for the product can be used, so the product can be searched from a different viewpoint from the theme used for promotion.

《Promotion extraction function using tags》
Third tag search unit 1063 extracts content corresponding to the specified tag from content data storage unit 1027 . The designated tag may be a tag corresponding to a keyword input from a terminal device (user terminal or management terminal), or may be a tag associated with a theme. Also, the third tag search unit 1063 only needs to be able to read out the content related to the product based on the tag. A product image corresponding to the product ID (product code) that has been displayed may be read from the theme product storage unit 1022b.
Also, the third tag search unit 1063 extracts from the promotion tag storage unit 1023 the promotion data attached with the tag corresponding to the keyword input from the terminal device (user terminal or management terminal).
The fourth output unit 1054 outputs the extracted promotion data to the terminal device.
The third tag search unit 1063 searches the promotion tag storage unit 1023 for promotions to which a tag corresponding to the specified keyword is added, and outputs the search result to the terminal device. This allows promotions related to tags to be aggregated and presented.
For example, store personnel can easily find related promotions using keywords without using the promotion name itself. For example, by aggregating promotions that are associated with the same tag, we can aggregate related promotions, which saves us the trouble of searching for each related promotion individually, while also allowing us to understand the themes and products they contain. can be reviewed.

The control unit 110 controls each unit of the product information management device 10 .

《Configuration of user terminal》
FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the user terminal 30. As shown in FIG.
The user terminal 30 includes a communication section 301 , a storage section 302 , an input section 303 , an output section 304 and a control section 305 .
A communication unit 301 communicates with another device directly or via a network.
The storage unit 302 stores various data. The input unit 303 inputs data according to a user's operation input via an input device such as a keyboard or touch panel, or data transmitted from an external device via the communication unit 301 . The output unit 304 outputs various data. The output unit may output data by displaying the data on a liquid crystal display panel provided inside the user terminal 30, or display the data on the display screen of a liquid crystal display device connected to the outside of the user terminal 30. You can output the data by pressing The control unit 305 controls each unit of the user terminal 30 . Also, the control unit 305 performs various types of information processing.

<<Description of Operation: Merchandise Information Management Device 1>>
Next, the operation of the product information management device 1 will be explained.
17A and 17B are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the product information management device 1. FIG.
Here, a process of editing the promotion data by the product information management device 1 according to the operation contents from the management terminal 20 will be described.
The communication unit 101 of the product information management device 1 receives the operation details input to the management terminal 20 .
The control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation content is an instruction to register a theme (step S101). Here, when registering a theme, the management terminal 20 also accepts input of the name of the theme to be registered, and transmits the name of the theme and a request for theme registration to the product information management apparatus 1 .
If the operation content is theme registration (step S101-YES), the fourth input unit 1044 receives an instruction for theme registration and the name of the theme. When the theme registration instruction and the theme name are input, the first processing unit 1031 stores the theme name as a new theme in the theme data storage unit 1022a (step S102). Here, the fourth input unit 1044 also receives an input of the holding period for the theme, and stores it in the theme data storage unit 1022a in association with the theme.
Next, when product data to be registered for the registered theme is input from the product information management apparatus 1, the fourth input unit 1044 acquires the input product data (step S103). The first processing unit 1031 associates the acquired product data with the theme registered in step S102, and stores it in the theme data storage unit 1022a (step S104).
The control unit 110 determines whether or not an instruction to finish editing has been input from the management terminal 20 (step S105). is terminated, and if no instruction to terminate is input (step S105-NO), the process proceeds to step S101.

On the other hand, in step S101, if the operation content is not theme registration (step S101-NO), the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation content input from the management terminal 20 is an instruction to edit a promotion ( step S106). If it is not a promotion edit instruction (step S106-NO), the control unit 110 shifts the process to step S105.

On the other hand, if the operation content input from the management terminal 20 is an instruction to edit the promotion (step S106-YES), the fourth input unit 1044 receives the input of the editing content of the promotion from the management terminal 20. . When an instruction to register a promotion, the name of the promotion, and the promotion period (effective period of the sales promotion content) are input, the first processing unit 1031 stores new promotion data in the promotion data storage unit 1020 based on the input data. (step S107).
Next, when a theme to be registered for the registered promotion is input from the product information management apparatus 1, the fourth input unit 1044 acquires the input theme. The first processing unit 1031 associates the acquired theme with the promotion registered in step S107, and stores it in the promotion data storage unit 1020 (step S108). When associating a theme with a promotion, the fourth input unit 1044 associates with the promotion a theme whose duration overlaps at least a part of the duration of the promotion. For example, if the promotion period is from October 1st to October 3rd, and theme A among the multiple themes is held on October 1st (only one day), during the promotion period, Special prices can be set for theme products related to theme A only on October 1st.
After that, the control unit 110 shifts the process to step S109 (described later).

On the other hand, in step S106, if the operation content is not promotion editing (step S108-NO), control unit 110 determines whether or not the input operation content is theme editing (step S109). Editing of a theme here means any one of associating a new theme with the registered promotion data, deleting a theme, or replacing the theme.
If the operation content is theme editing (step S109-YES), the fourth input unit 1044 acquires the operation content from the management terminal 20. FIG. The first processing unit 1031 edits the theme associated with the promotion based on the acquired edited content (step S108). For example, when the edited content is the association of a new theme, the first processing unit 1031 associates the promotion data with the theme designated to be newly associated. The theme to be associated may be specified by the product information management device 1, and the first processing unit 1031 associates the specified theme with the promotion.

In addition, the first processing unit 1031 deletes the theme to be deleted when the editing content is deletion of the theme associated with the promotion data, and deletes the theme to be deleted when the editing content is replacement of the theme. replaces the theme associated with the promotion with another theme. Which of the other themes to be replaced may be specified by the product information management device 1, and the first processing unit 1031 associates the specified theme with the promotion, and duplicate registration is performed in the promotion. To avoid duplication, only one theme remains and the others are deleted.

The determination unit 108 determines whether or not the same theme is included in the themes associated with one promotion (step S109). When one promotion includes a plurality of the same themes (step S109-YES), the first output unit 1051 outputs to the management terminal 20 a determination result indicating that the themes overlap as an alert. (Step S110). The management terminal 20 displays on the display screen that the same theme is redundantly registered for one promotion. Thereby, the operator of the management terminal 20 can understand that the same theme is redundantly registered for one promotion. Then, an instruction to edit the theme such as removing one of the overlapping themes from registration or replacing one of the overlapping themes with a different theme is input. In this manner, the operator of the management terminal 20 edits the themes so that the themes do not overlap.

The communication unit 101 of the product information management device 1 receives the edited contents input from the management terminal 20 via the network (step S111). The control unit 110 of the product information management device 1 edits the theme according to the input editing content (step S113). Duplication of themes is eliminated by inputting edits from the management terminal 20 so that the same theme does not overlap in one promotion.
After that, the control unit 110 shifts the process to step S105.

On the other hand, if the input editing content is not theme editing (step S109-NO), the control unit 110 of the product information management device 1 can edit the product data associated with the promotion. It is determined whether or not there is (step S114). If the input editing content is editing of the product data associated with the promotion (step S114-YES), the second input unit 1042 selects the theme product associated with the promotion (here, the theme). An instruction to edit data is received from the management terminal 20 . The processing unit 103 edits the theme product data associated with the promotion stored in the theme product storage unit 1022b in accordance with the instruction to edit (step S115). Editing of the theme product data includes, for example, changing the name of the product, changing the price of the product, and the like. These changes may be input from the management terminal 20 and acquired by the processing unit 103 . Further, here, by editing the theme product data associated with the promotion, the product data can be individually changed according to the purpose of the promotion.

After the editing process for the theme product data, the second extraction unit 1072 extracts the theme associated with the edited target product based on the editing instruction input from the second input unit 1042, and extracts the theme from the theme data storage unit 1022a. extracted from among the themes stored in the
The third input unit 1043 inquires of the management terminal 20 whether or not the theme product data associated with the extracted theme is to be edited based on the editing instruction, and transmits the inquiry result from the management terminal 20. accept. Here, the themed merchandise data associated with a promotion is changed, but the themed merchandise data is associated with one or more themes. In this case, if one product data is changed in certain promotion data, is it necessary to change the content of the product change only in one promotion data? The operator of the management terminal 20 confirms whether or not the changed contents are also reflected in the theme product data associated with the theme to which the product belongs.
The management terminal 20 displays, from the product information management device 1, an inquiry screen asking whether or not to reflect the changed contents of the theme product data to the theme product data belonging to the theme, and based on the display contents, the operator asks Accept the contents of the operation.

Based on the instruction received by the third input unit 1043, the processing unit 109 determines whether to reflect the change in the product data to the theme product data belonging to the theme (step S116), and instructs to reflect. is input, the selection input of the theme to be reflected is accepted. Here, since one product is associated with one or more themes, it accepts which theme the theme product data belonging to is to be reflected (step S117), and The editing content input in step S115 is reflected in the theme product data (step S118).
After that, the control unit 110 shifts the process to step S105.
Control unit 110 shifts the process to step S105 even when NO is determined in step S114 and when NO is determined in step S116.

FIG. 18 shows a case where, when product data included in promotion data is edited, the changed contents are also reflected in the theme product data associated with the theme to which the product belongs, other than the promotion data to be edited. It is a figure explaining.
When the third input unit 1043 inputs an instruction to reflect the change in the theme product data to the theme product data associated with other themes, the processing unit 109 selects the product belonging to the theme to be determined. The data is also reflected based on the edited content. For example, when a product "A" (reference A16) belonging to certain promotion data is edited to change the name of the product, the product "A" in the theme product storage unit 1022b is changed to the product "A". Rewrite the name according to the editing contents. For example, among multiple theme product data, other theme product data can be reflected (updated) collectively, and among multiple theme product data, some theme product data can be reflected. (update) can be done.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the product information management device 1. As shown in FIG.
Here, a case where the product information management device 1 performs search processing in response to a request from the management terminal 20 or the user terminal 30 will be described. The transmission source of the search request may be either the management terminal 20 or the user terminal 30, but here, the case where the request is transmitted from the management terminal 20 will be described as an example.
When the control unit 110 of the product information management device 1 receives a search request from the management terminal 20 via the communication unit 101, it determines whether or not the search request is a request to search for a promotion designating a specific product. (Step S201). Here, for example, the management terminal 20 accepts at least one of the product ID, product name, etc. data that can specify the product for a specific product in response to an operation input from the user. , to the product information management device 1 .

When the designation of the product is received from the management terminal 20, the first extraction unit 1071 extracts the promotion data including the designated product by searching the promotion data storage unit 1020 (step S202). is sent to the management terminal 20 (step S203). Here, if there is a plurality of promotion data including the specified product, the plurality of promotion data may be transmitted to the management terminal 20 respectively. On the display screen of the management terminal 20, promotion data including the designated product is displayed. As a result, the operator of the management terminal 20 can input the product ID (product code), the product identification data such as the product name, or the data that can be used as a clue to identify the product. Promotion data can be checked. Here, the theme product can be associated with different themes even if it is one theme product (the same theme product). are managed respectively. Since such theme products are associated with promotion data, duplicate promotion data can be easily identified by designating product codes, for example.

The control unit 110 determines whether or not an instruction to terminate has been input from the management terminal 20 (step S204), and if an instruction to terminate has been input from the input device of the management terminal 20, terminates the process (step S204-YES), if the instruction to end is not input, the process proceeds to step S201.
On the other hand, in step S201, if the operation content input from the management terminal 20 is not a product search request (step S201-NO), the control unit 110 determines that the operation content input from the management terminal 20 is a search using a tag. It is determined whether or not it is a request (step S205). If the search request does not use a tag (step S205-NO), control unit 110 shifts the process to step S204.

On the other hand, if the operation content input from the management terminal 20 is a search request using a tag (step S205-YES), the control unit 110 determines whether the object to be searched using the tag is a product, a theme, or a promotion. It is determined whether there is (step S206). Here, when performing a search using a tag, the operator of the management terminal 20 determines the tag data (for example, a character string that is a keyword) used for the search and which of the product, theme, and promotion the search target is. By specifying and inputting an instruction to request a search, a search using tags can be performed.

If the search target is a product, the first tag search unit 1061 searches the product tag storage unit 1025 for product data corresponding to the character string of the tag data to be searched (step S207). Read the corresponding product data. Second output unit 1052 transmits the extracted product data to management terminal 20 via communication unit 101 . Here, if there is a plurality of extracted product data, the plurality of product data may be transmitted to the management terminal 20 respectively.
As a result, the product data corresponding to the character string input as the tag data is displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20 . As a result, the operator of the management terminal 20 can confirm the product data corresponding to the keyword by inputting the keyword as the tag data, which is a clue for identifying the product.
When the product data search result is transmitted, control unit 110 shifts the process to step S204.

On the other hand, if the search target is a product, the second tag search unit 1062 searches the theme tag storage unit 1024 for a theme corresponding to the character string of the tag data to be searched (step S208), and retrieves the character string of the tag data. Read the theme corresponding to . Third output unit 1053 transmits the extracted theme to management terminal 20 via communication unit 101 . Here, if there are a plurality of extracted themes, the plurality of themes may be transmitted to the management terminal 20 respectively.
As a result, the theme corresponding to the character string input as the tag data is displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20 . As a result, the operator of the management terminal 20 can confirm the theme corresponding to the keyword by inputting the keyword as the tag data, which is a clue for identifying the theme.
When the theme search result is transmitted, control unit 110 shifts the process to step S204.

On the other hand, if the search target is a promotion, the third tag search unit 1063 searches the promotion tag storage unit 1023 for a promotion corresponding to the character string of the tag data to be searched (step S209), and retrieves the character string of the tag data. Read the promotion data corresponding to Fourth output unit 1054 transmits the extracted promotion data to management terminal 20 via communication unit 101 . Here, if there is a plurality of extracted promotion data, the plurality of promotion data may be transmitted to the management terminal 20 respectively.
As a result, the display screen of the management terminal 20 displays the promotion data corresponding to the character string input as the tag data. As a result, the operator of the management terminal 20 can confirm the promotion data corresponding to the keyword by inputting the keyword as the tag data, which is a clue for identifying the promotion data.
When the search result of the promotion data is transmitted, control unit 110 shifts the process to step S204.

Although the flowchart in FIG. 19 describes the case where the source of the search request is the management terminal 20 , the source of the search request may be the user terminal 30 .

<<Example of display on user terminal 30>>
Next, an example of screen display on the user terminal 30 will be described.
Here, a case of displaying an electronic leaflet on the user terminal 30 based on promotion data will be described.
The user terminal 30 makes a promotion transmission request based on an operation input from the user. Here, the user can also narrow down the promotions by inputting conditions for browsing such as area names, themes, keywords, etc., regarding what kind of promotions the user wants to browse.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when an electronic leaflet is displayed on the user terminal 30. As shown in FIG.
In this figure, the electronic leaflet includes a tag area R21 in which hashtags are displayed, a product area R22 in which product information is displayed, and an image area R23 in which a still image or moving image representing the theme is displayed. The case is exemplified.
Here, a plurality of products corresponding to the hashtags included in the tag area R21 are displayed in the product area R22. For example, if the theme is "measures against hay fever" and the tags associated with this theme are "measures against hay fever" and "sensitive skin," the hashtags are "# hay fever measures", "# sensitive skin ” is displayed in the tag area R21. If the products associated with this theme are hay fever countermeasure eye drops, hay fever countermeasure oral medicines, masks, etc., these products are laid out and displayed in the display area R22. Here, products that are directly related to both "anti-hay fever" and "sensitive skin" may be associated with the theme "anti-hay fever". A product directly related to either one of them may be associated with the theme "measures against hay fever." Here, for example, even if the product is directly related only to "sensitive skin" among "anti-hay fever" and "sensitive skin", it is assumed that consumers who purchase products with anti-hay fever If there is a tendency to purchase products related to sensitive skin, setting the tags "anti-hay fever" and "sensitive skin" will increase the likelihood that products related to sensitive skin will also be purchased.
Also, the content corresponding to the tag associated with the theme is extracted from the content data storage unit 1027 and displayed in the image area R23.

<<Edit screen on management terminal 20>>
Next, a case where promotion data is edited on the management terminal 20 will be described using a display screen.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a list of promotion data displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20. As shown in FIG.
The promotion data list screen is displayed when the "promotion list" button (code A200) of the menu on the left side of the display screen is operated and input is performed.
The promotion data list screen includes a selection field (reference A201), a promotion code (reference A202), a promotion title (reference A203), a promotion period (reference A204), and a period during which promotion data can be changed (reference A205). , the person in charge of producing the promotion data (code A206), the deadline date and time for editing the price of the product data (code A207), and the like.

The selection field is a field for designating which promotion to be edited in the list of promotion data. For example, a promotion to be edited can be designated by inputting from the management terminal 20 so as to put a check mark in one of the selection fields.
A promotion ID is used as the promotion code.
The promotion title is the name of the promotion.
The period during which promotion data changes can be accepted includes the deadline for registering the first copy of promotion data, the deadline for registering the final version of promotion data, the deadline for editing specific categories of products included in the promotion (e.g., perishables), and the deadline for POP It includes the start date and time for accepting the specification of the number of POPs, the end date and time for accepting the specification of the number of POPs, and the like.
The person in charge of promotion data represents a name that can identify the person in charge of production.
The deadline date and time for editing the price of the product data represents the deadline for accepting price editing of the product to be published in the promotion.

By checking the promotion data list screen, the operator of the management terminal 20 can check the items displayed on the list screen for promotion data during the event period, promotion data after the event ends, promotion data before the event period, and the like. You can check the status.

On this promotion data list screen, for example, a check mark is input via the management terminal 20 in the selection column of the promotion data to be edited related to the theme among the plurality of promotion data, and the "details screen" button ( When the symbol A208) is clicked, the detailed screen is displayed.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a list of theme selection screens displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20. As shown in FIG.
The theme selection screen is displayed when an operation input is made with respect to the "details screen" button in FIG. The theme selection screen is used to select a theme to be associated with promotion data.
The theme selection screen includes a promotion ID (code A210), a promotion title (code A211), a selection field (code A212), a theme code (code A213), a theme title (code A214), a start date (code A215), and an end date. (symbol A216), theme type (symbol 217), theme classification (symbol A218), media publication flag (symbol A219), POP production flag (symbol A220), performance classification (symbol A221), number of promotions (symbol A222), theme The number of products (code A223) and the like are included.
In addition, the selection target theme list (reference A224) displays a list of candidate themes that can be included in the promotion data. Selected themes (code A225) display a list of themes selected as themes to be included in the promotion data.

A theme ID is used for the theme code. The name of the theme is used for the theme title. The start date corresponds to the planned sales start date. The end date corresponds to the planned sales end date. The theme type represents the type of theme. Theme types include "bargain", "standard", "other projects", and the like. "Bargain sale" is a theme planned on the assumption that bargain products are mainly included. "Standard" is a theme planned on the assumption that standard products are mainly included.
A theme division represents a theme division. For example, a theme division may represent the purpose for which the theme is used. Theme categories include "monthly bargains", "individual store leaflets", "time service", and "regular leaflets". "Monthly bargain sale" is a theme planned for products on bargain sale in the month. "Individual store flyer" indicates that the theme is planned for a specific store. "Time service" represents a theme used when time service is provided in supermarkets. "Regular leaflet" indicates that the theme is intended to be used in leaflets issued periodically.

The medium publication flag indicates whether or not there is publication on the medium. The POP production flag is a flag indicating whether or not a POP related to a theme is to be produced. When the POP production flag indicates that the POP is to be produced, the POP is printed by a printer installed in the store, or the order data for POP production is sent to the terminal device of the POP production company, the POP is produced, and the target delivered to the store. For example, if POPs are uniformly prepared and delivered to affiliated stores in a certain supermarket, they may not always be used effectively due to reasons such as the size not being suitable for some stores or the POPs being unwilling to use. . Here, by specifying whether or not to produce POPs for each theme, POPs that do not need to be produced are not produced, so production costs can be reduced, and POPs that are not used can be discarded. can be reduced. In addition, the production of POP may be specified for each theme or may be specified for each store.

The actual result category is a target category recorded as an actual result. The number of promotions represents the number of promotions selected as themes belonging to the promotion data. The theme product number is the number of products belonging to the theme.

This theme selection screen is displayed when a check mark is entered in the selection column of the promotion data whose theme is to be edited on the promotion data list screen via the management terminal 20 and the "details screen" button is clicked. The promotion ID and promotion name of the selected promotion data are displayed in the display column (reference A226). This display field (reference A226) is a pull-down menu from which editable promotion data can be selected.
Also, here, the display screen is in a state where the "select theme" button (reference A227) is selected from the menu on the left side of the screen, but it is also possible to select other buttons such as "basic information". there is

On this theme selection screen, the operator of the management terminal 20 confirms that the promotion data for which the theme is to be selected is displayed in the display column (reference A226), and then selects the promotion data from the selection target theme list. A check mark is entered through the input device in the option column of the theme to be associated with the data. Then, when the operator of the management terminal 20 makes an operation input to the "select for promotion" button (code A228) on the theme selection screen, the product information management device 1 associates the selected theme with the promotion data. together with the selected themes are displayed in the column of "selected themes". Here, the theme associated as the "selected theme" is displayed in a manner different from the selection candidates so that it can be seen that the theme has already been selected in the "selected theme list". As a different display mode, it may be grayed out or the character color may be changed to a color different from the others. As a result, related themes and unrelated themes are displayed in the "list of selected themes" and whether or not they are displayed in the "selected themes" column. Theme associations can be done easily.

As for the "selected theme", if the operator of the management terminal 20 operates and inputs the "delete from promotion" button (reference numeral 229) with a check mark in the selection column, the The promotion data is disassociated for the selected theme.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a theme list screen displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20. As shown in FIG.
The theme list screen is displayed when an operation input is made to the "theme list" button in the menu on the left side of the display screen.
On the theme list screen, selection fields (code A230), theme code, theme title, start date, end date, theme type, theme classification, media posting flag, POP production flag, achievement classification, number of promotions, number of theme products, content number, etc.
In the theme list screen, items that are the same as those in FIG. 21 have the same contents, and therefore description thereof is omitted.
When a check mark is entered in the target theme selection column (code A230) on the theme list screen and the operator of the management terminal 20 selects and inputs the "details screen" button (code A231), the screen transitions to the theme product selection screen. do. In this theme list screen, only one theme may be selected, or multiple themes may be selected.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a product selection screen displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20. As shown in FIG.
The product selection screen is displayed when an operation input is made to the button of the "details screen" in FIG. Further, the product selection screen is used when selecting a target product to be associated with a theme by using the theme data already associated with the product.

The theme product selection screen includes selection fields (code A240), department (code A241), product code (code A242), product name (code A243), purchase cost (code A244), shipping cost (code A245), main body It includes selling price (code A246), tax-included selling price (code A247), product sales period (code A248), customer (code A249), and the like.
The theme product selection screen is divided into a diversion product display column (reference numeral 251) included in the diversion source theme and a theme product column (reference numeral 252) in which theme products registered for diversion are displayed.
The diversion product display column (reference numeral 251) displays product data that are candidates for association with the theme. By specifying a theme (code A253) to be used as a source of diversion, product data belonging to the specified theme is displayed in this diversion product display field (code 251).
Then, the user of the management terminal 20 puts a check mark in the selection column of the product data to be used in the diversion product display column (reference numeral 251), and operates the "diversion" button (reference A254). By doing so, the selected product is associated with the theme to be created and displayed in the theme product column (reference numeral 251). If the operator of the management terminal 20 wants to cancel the association with the theme among the product data displayed in the theme product column, the operator of the management terminal 20 inputs an operation to put a check mark in the selection column of the theme product column (reference numeral 251), and selects "divert". An operation input is made to the "Release" button (reference numeral 255). As a result, the selected theme product is released from the association with the theme to be edited, and is hidden in the theme product column.
In this way, by editing the association between the theme and product data via the theme selection screen, the operator of the management terminal 20 can find the relationship between the theme to be created this time among the large amount of product data. It is possible to specify a certain theme, select from the product data associated with the specified theme, and associate it with the theme created this time. As a result, instead of selecting product data from a large amount of product data, the theme and product data can be associated with each other while referring to the relationship between the products that belong to another theme that has already been created. can improve production efficiency.

In addition, when the operator of the management terminal 20 operates the "details screen" button (reference numeral 256) in a state where a check mark is added to the selection column in the theme product column of the theme product selection screen, the product information is displayed. The management device 1 shifts to display of the theme product detail screen.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a theme product detail screen displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20. As shown in FIG.
The theme product detail screen is displayed when an operation input is made with respect to the "detail screen" button in FIG. Also, the theme product detail screen is used when editing product data associated with a theme.
Editable items among various items of product data are displayed on the theme product detail screen. For example, when changing the product name among various items, the operator of the management terminal 20 changes the current product name displayed in the product name display field (reference A260) to the changed product name via the input device. Input operation to rewrite. Then, when the operator of the management terminal 20 finishes rewriting the product name, he/she operates the "save" button (reference A261). As a result, the product information management device 1 updates the product name of the product data associated with this theme to the rewritten product name. Also, when the "save" button is pressed, the display screen shifts to a change confirmation screen.

FIG. 26 shows a change confirmation screen displayed on the display screen of the management terminal 20. As shown in FIG.
The change confirmation screen is displayed when the "save" button in FIG. 25 is operated and input is performed. The change confirmation screen also displays whether or not to reflect the edited content on the data of the product master when data for at least some items of the product data associated with a certain theme is edited. This is used for confirmation, for confirming whether or not to reflect the edited content to product data associated with other themes.

The change confirmation screen has a commodity master change confirmation column (reference A270) and a handbill master change confirmation column (reference A271).
The product master change confirmation column (reference A270) includes an item name to be edited, a value before change, a value after change, and an item (reference A272). The item name to be changed represents which item of the product master is to be reflected. The value before change represents the currently registered data. The post-change value indicates what value (here, a character string representing the product name) will be changed when the data is reflected. The skewer is a column in which data can be entered to specify whether or not the data can be reflected.

The operator of the management terminal 20 confirms the value before change and the value after change, and if he/she determines that the name of the product may be changed (may be reflected) in the product master, Enter a check mark and press the "OK" button. The product information management device 1 follows this instruction and rewrites the product name in the product master to the changed value. As a result, when the operator of the management terminal 20 edits or confirms the association between the theme and the product data, the operator updates the product data associated with the theme. can be confirmed. As a result, even when changing the product name, not only can you update only the product name associated with a specific theme, but you can also change the product master on the spot if necessary, so you can change the product master itself. When necessary, it is possible to update only the product data associated with the theme, prevent forgetting to update the product master, and improve operational efficiency.
When updating the product master, the product name may be changed due to partial renewal of the product. By changing the product master, the product names in product data associated with other themes are also changed collectively.

The handbill master change confirmation column (reference A271) has items of bargain sale category, bargain sale plan number, theme name, item name, value before change, value after change, and skewer.
In the leaflet master change confirmation column, a list of themes currently being worked on in parallel among the themes associated with the edited product data is displayed. Themes that are being worked on in parallel are themes that are in the production stage and are in a period where various data can be edited.

The item name in the handbill master change confirmation column indicates which item of the product master is to be reflected. The value before change represents the currently registered data. The post-change value indicates what value (here, a character string representing the product name) will be changed when the data is reflected. The skewer is a column in which data can be entered to specify whether or not the data can be reflected.

In this figure, four themes are displayed in the handbill master change confirmation column. For each theme, the value before change and the value after change are displayed. The operator of the product information management device 1 confirms the value before change and the value after change for each theme displayed in the leaflet master change confirmation column, and determines whether or not the product name can be changed in that theme. to judge. When changing, the operator of the management terminal 20 performs operation input to put a check mark in the skewer column (reference A273) and presses the "OK" button (reference A274). As a result, the edited content is reflected in the theme specified as skewed.

If you want to check whether or not to reflect changes in product data for each theme, you want to change the product name temporarily, or if you want to change only in the theme considering the correspondence between the theme and the product name. There is If the product name is reflected only in a specific theme and not reflected in other themes, the changed product name will be displayed in promotions that use the theme that is reflected, and will not be changed in promotions that use the theme that is not reflected. The product name of the state is displayed. This makes it possible to use different product names depending on the theme.

The operator of the management terminal 20 confirms the value before change and the value after change, and if he/she determines that the name of the product may be changed (may be reflected) in the product master, Enter a check mark and press the "OK" button. According to this instruction, the product information management device 1 rewrites the product name in the product master to the changed value. As a result, when the operator of the management terminal 20 edits or confirms the association between the theme and the product data, the operator updates the product data associated with the theme. can be confirmed. As a result, even when changing the product name, not only can you update only the product name associated with a specific theme, but you can also change the product master on the spot if necessary, so you can change the product master itself. When necessary, it is possible to update only the product data associated with the theme, prevent forgetting to update the product master, and improve operational efficiency.

"effect"
Conventionally, when producing sales promotion materials, photographs of the products to be promoted, price lists of the products, etc. were prepared in paper media and handed over to leaflet producers, etc., which resulted in a heavy workload. In addition, if there are multiple people in charge of the store (for example, a person in charge of the sales promotion department who plans sales promotions, and a person in charge of the product department who manages product purchases and sales, etc.), information about the product should be shared by each person. The person in charge may store the information individually, and in such a case, the information will be managed in a diffused state. For example, even if some products are the same among different flyers with similar posting periods, if the person in charge of the store is different, each person in charge individually collects product information from the core system, etc. In some cases, duplication of work is likely to occur. For example, if you want to change a part of the exterior photo of a product, each person in charge must recollect the exterior photo from the core system and make similar corrections to each leaflet individually. not.
In addition, product information can be digitized by storing it on a computer such as a PC instead of paper media, but in the case of simple digitization, product data is stored on each person's PC. One person in charge cannot grasp what kind of product data another person in charge has stored in the PC.
On the other hand, according to the product information management device 1 described above, the product data and promotion data are collectively managed in the product information management device 1, and even if the person in charge is different, the same data can be sent via the network. can be shared by accessing from the terminal. This makes it possible to refer to and maintain the latest data in real time. In addition, not only the person in charge of producing the store, but also the producer of leaflets and the like can access the product information management device 1 from a terminal to always obtain the latest information in an integrated manner. As a result, duplication of work can be reduced and information can be shared, so the burden of creating sales promotion materials can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load while utilizing existing mechanisms. In this case, since there is no new burden on the consumer side, it is possible to digitize product data while ensuring benefits for consumers when digitizing product data from being handled on paper media.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, regarding the skewering function of various data, the case of searching for products, themes, and promotions in one store has been described, but different stores may also be searched. For example, if the store operates both a real store and a virtual store on an EC site, or stores by region (for example, ○○ supermarket A station front store, ○○ supermarket B street store, etc.) One operator may operate a plurality of stores (affiliated stores). In such a case, even if the stores are different, if the managing entity (operator) is the same, the stores may be searched even if they are different.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the product information management device 1, when the promotion is performed, the sales results when the promotion is not performed, the sales results when the previous promotion is performed, and the sales results when the current promotion is performed may be extracted and displayed on the management terminal 20 or the like by arranging them on the screen.
For example, sales results may be extracted for each theme. Aggregate each product associated with a theme and compare sales performance by theme, or aggregate and compare the current promotion with the same theme and previous promotions that included the same theme. may be displayed on the screen as follows. From this, the effect of the promotion can be grasped.

<Sales forecast function>
Further, the product information management device 1 may predict the sales performance of the current promotion based on the past sales performance. In addition, the product information management device 1 may have a product selection function based on sales prediction. For example, since the sales performance of each product can be grasped from the past sales performance, products that reach the target sales amount may be extracted based on the sales performance (for example, the sales amount of the product). . Then, the person in charge of the store can confirm the extracted product and decide whether or not to add this product to the current promotion, taking into account past sales results.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, for registration, update, viewing, etc., of various data such as promotion data, themes, and theme product data stored in the product information management device 1, authority is set for each user who accesses. You may do so.

The functions of the product information management device 1, the functions of the management terminal 20, and the functions of the user terminal 30 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by different computers. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. It should be noted that the "computer system" referred to here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible discs, magneto-optical discs, ROMs and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard discs incorporated in computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" means a medium that dynamically retains a program for a short period of time, like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. It may also include something that holds the program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client in that case. Further, the program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above, or may be capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, It may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design and the like are included within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Product information management apparatus, 10... Product information management apparatus, 20... Management terminal, 30... User terminal, 50... SNS server, 101... Communication part, 102... Storage part, 103... Processing part, 104... Input part, 105 ... output section 106 ... tag search section 107 ... extraction section 108 ... determination section 109 ... processing section 110 ... control section 301 ... communication section 302 ... storage section 303 ... input section 304 ... output section 305... Control unit 1020... Promotion data storage unit 1021... Product master storage unit 1022a... Theme data storage unit 1022b... Theme product storage unit 1023... Promotion tag storage unit 1023b... Theme product storage unit 1024... Theme Tag storage unit 1025 Product tag storage unit 1026 Sales record storage unit 1027 Contents data storage unit 1028 Store data storage unit 1029 Planogram data storage unit 1031 First processing unit 1032 Second 2 processing units 1041 first input unit 1042 second input unit 1043 third input unit 1044 fourth input unit 1051 first output unit 1052 second output unit 1053 third Output part 1054... Fourth output part 1061... First tag search part 1062... Second tag search part 1063... Third tag search part 1071... First extraction part 1072... Second extraction part

Claims (10)

a first processing unit that associates at least one piece of product data with a theme;
a second processing unit that generates promotion data including at least one of the themes ;
a second input unit that receives an instruction to edit the product data associated with the promotion data;
an editing unit that edits product data associated with the promotion data based on the received instruction for editing;
a second extraction unit that extracts a theme associated with product data to be edited based on the editing instruction;
Regarding the product data associated with the extracted theme, when the product data is changed by the editing, the changed content of the product is associated with the theme to which the product belongs, other than the promotion data to be edited. a third input unit for receiving an instruction as to whether or not the product obtained is also subject to editing based on the editing instruction;
a processing unit that edits the product data to be edited based on the instruction received by the third input unit;
A product information management device having A theme product storage unit that stores product data belonging to a theme, and stores theme product data that stores at least one of a product name, a sales point, a product image, and an event period associated with the product in association with the theme. has a theme product storage unit that
The second extraction unit extracts a theme associated with product data to be edited from the theme product storage unit,
The processing unit edits at least one of the product name, sales point, product, and holding period of the product data to be edited, based on the instruction received by the third input unit. conduct
The product information management device according to claim 1. a determination unit that determines whether or not the same theme is included in one promotion;
a first output unit that outputs the determined result;
3. The product information management device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a first input unit that receives product designation;
a first extraction unit for extracting promotion data including the designated product;
The merchandise information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: Having a fourth input unit that receives an instruction to register the theme,
The product information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first processing unit associates at least one item of product data with the registered theme. a product tag storage unit that stores product data and tag information that is a keyword for the product;
a first tag search unit for extracting from the product tag storage unit product data tagged with a tag corresponding to a keyword input from a terminal device;
a second output unit that outputs the extracted product data to the terminal device;
The merchandise information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a theme tag storage unit that stores a theme and tag information that is a keyword related to the theme;
a second tag search unit for extracting from the theme tag storage unit a theme tagged with a tag corresponding to a keyword input from a terminal device;
a third output unit that outputs the extracted theme to the terminal device;
The product information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: a content data storage unit that stores content data and tag information;
a third tag search unit for extracting content data corresponding to a specified tag from the content data storage unit;
The merchandise information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: A product information management method executed by a computer, comprising:
associate at least one product data with a theme;
generating promotion data including at least one of the themes ;
Receiving an instruction to edit product data associated with promotion data,
editing product data associated with the promotion data based on the received instruction for editing;
extracting a theme associated with the product data to be edited based on the editing instruction;
Regarding the product data associated with the extracted theme, when the product data is changed by the editing, the changed content of the product is associated with the theme to which the product belongs, other than the promotion data to be edited. receiving an instruction as to whether or not to edit based on the said editing instruction also for the ordered product,
Editing the product data to be edited based on the received instruction
Product information management method including associate at least one product data with a theme;
generating promotion data including at least one of the themes ;
Receiving an instruction to edit product data associated with promotion data,
editing product data associated with the promotion data based on the received instruction for editing;
extracting a theme associated with the product data to be edited based on the editing instruction;
Regarding the product data associated with the extracted theme, when the product data is changed by the editing, the changed content of the product is associated with the theme to which the product belongs, other than the promotion data to be edited. receiving an instruction as to whether or not to edit based on the said editing instruction also for the ordered product,
Editing the product data to be edited based on the received instruction
A program that makes a computer do something.

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