JPH03278173A - Method and system for supporting commodity management business - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the convenience for use by outputting information responding to an input request in accordance with a commodity exhibition drawing and inputting an indication to an element business system related to commodity management in response to outputted information and transmitting the inputted indication to the element business system. CONSTITUTION:A commodity exhibition drawing 20 is outputted to an output device 2 as a blank map expressing the exhibition state of commodities with outlines, and a request to display information related to commodity management is inputted from an input device 3, and information responding to the inputted request is outputted to the output device 2 in accordance with the commodity exhibition map 20. An indication to the element business system related to commodity management is inputted in response to outputted information, and the inputted indication is transmitted to the element business system. Since the commodity exhibition drawing 20 with which a user can recognize the exhibition state of commodities as a picture is used as the interface between the system and the user and information is inputted and outputted through this drawing in this manner the convenience for use is improved.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is an analysis of changes (differences) in commercial areas due to changes in the local environment, and a sales floor configuration plan based on the results.

Place orders based on sales floor layout plan, product assortment plan, and display plan.

A product management work support method that uses a computer system to support integrated management of the merchandising cycle at retail stores, where products are sold by repeating each elemental work from delivery, inspection/storage, display (stocking), and sales. and its system.

[Conventional technology]

As an information processing system for the retail industry, a display planning support system for supporting product display planning is discussed in Hitachi Hyoron Vol. 71, No. 2, pages 67-72 and US Pat. No. 4,947,322. The system first allows the user to set prerequisites for product assortment in an interactive format (11). Then, based on the preconditions and data such as sales performance and sales standard values, we utilize the knowledge base to
The product assortment plan is automatically determined and the result is output on the screen of the computer terminal. If the user is not satisfied with the output assortment plan, he or she can modify it interactively.

Next, a knowledge base is used to automatically determine a product display plan based on the product assortment results and data on display shelves, product sizes, etc., and the results are displayed as a color image on the screen of the computer terminal. Display by product classification, such as container type, or product line, such as best sellers or dead sellers, as necessary. If the user is unsatisfied with the layout result, he or she can modify it interactively.

As another information processing system, a vehicle allocation planning support system that supports planning of the cargo configuration and operation route of each individual vehicle is discussed in Measurement and Control Vol. 28, No. 1, pages 31-36. The system first predicts the next day's delivery volume based on order history information, and then determines the type and number of vehicles to be used based on the prediction results and constraints on delivery destinations and cargo.

Next, the cargo to be delivered is grouped, and finally (12
) Determine the vehicle and driver for delivery. Leverage your knowledge base to make these decisions.

In addition, many information processing systems for the retail industry developed for each business are discussed in Measurement and Control Vol. 28, No. 1, pages 31-36.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In retail stores, we start from the analysis stage, such as analyzing changes in the commercial area due to changes in the local environment, to the planning stage, such as sales floor composition planning, sales floor layout planning, product assortment planning, and display planning, based on the analysis results.
Furthermore, orders, delivery, inspection/storage, processing, and display (stocking) are carried out according to these plans.

Each elemental work (change analysis) at the practical stage of sales etc.

Sales floor configuration planning, sales floor layout planning 2. Selling products by repeating individual operations such as ordering, delivery, and sales. This kind of sales cycle is called a merchandising cycle. Managing this entire merchandising cycle is called product management.

Each of the above conventional systems is an information system for optimizing individual elemental operations. 13) However, the results of a particular elemental operation do not necessarily have a positive impact on all other elemental operations. Therefore, optimization of individual elemental operations using this information system is not necessarily
It does not optimize the entire merchandising cycle. For example, planning a wide variety of products in small quantities in assortment planning operations can revitalize sales operations, but it also complicates ordering operations, delivery operations, and inspection/storage operations. On the other hand, a product assortment plan with a large number of small items saves labor in ordering, delivery, inspection, and storage, but it leads to a stagnation in sales operations. therefore,
In order to optimize the entire merchandising cycle, product management operations that integrate and manage the entire merchandising cycle are essential. However, in the past, companies were not aware of the need for such management operations, and as a result, there was no system that integratedly managed the entire merchandising cycle. Furthermore, even if conventional individual information systems are simply connected for integrated management, each has its own man-machine interface.
There was a problem with the system being difficult to use (14).

An object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use product management work support method and system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for supporting product management operations that improves user operability by providing a common screen interface for each elemental task of product management operations. .

Still other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[Means to solve the problem]

The second purpose is to output a product display diagram to the output device as a blank map showing the outline of the product display state, input a request for displaying information related to product management from the input device, and generate information in response to the human-powered request. This can be achieved by outputting the information to the output device in correspondence with the product display diagram, inputting instructions to the component business system regarding product management in response to the output information, and transmitting the input instructions to the component business system.

In addition, there is an input device for inputting requests for displaying information related to product management and instructions to the elemental business system regarding product management (15), and a product display diagram is input as a blank map showing the outline of the product display state. This can be achieved by providing an output device for outputting information corresponding to a given request in correspondence with a product display diagram, and transmitting instructions input from the input device to the elemental business system.

[Effect]

According to the present invention, a product display diagram that allows the user to capture the product display state as an image is used as an interface between the system and the user, and input and output are performed via the interface.
It is possible to realize an easy-to-use product management work support method and system.

According to the present invention, the product display diagram is also used as a unified (common) screen interface for each element of product management work, thereby realizing a product management work support method and system that improves user operability. be able to.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail using drawings (16). I will clarify.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a product management work support system according to the present invention. This system consists of a computer 1. an output device 2. It is composed of an input device 3 and a storage device 4. The dividing machine 1 has five functions for supporting product management operations.

Each function is achieved by a program executed by the computer 1. The first is a function 11 that accepts a request for information display from a user.

The second is a function 12 that displays information corresponding to the received request on the product display diagram. The third is a function 13 that accepts requests (instructions) from users to each elemental business or elemental business support system that constitutes the merchandising cycle. The fourth function is a function 14 that transmits the received request to the corresponding elemental work or elemental work support system. The fifth function is a function 15 that controls the execution order of these four functions. Details and operational explanations of each function will be described later.

The output device 2 displays information output from the computer 1 as several types of screens. The first screen is for accepting information display requests from the user (17).

The second screen is for displaying product display diagrams and various information necessary for product management work. The third screen is a screen that accepts requests (instructions) for each elemental task. Other display screens are prepared as necessary.

When explaining each of the above-mentioned functions and their operations, each screen will be explained.

The input device 3 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

Furthermore, an image input device such as an image scanner is prepared as necessary.

The storage bag M4 stores various information necessary for product management work. For example, product assortment information, display information, ordering information,
This information includes delivery information, inventory information, processing information, stock information, sales information, etc. Note that the programs and data necessary for processing to realize each function described below are stored in the storage device 4.
Those skilled in the art will easily infer that the data is stored in .

Before explaining each function and operation of the product management work support system, information related to product management handled in this embodiment will be explained. Note that the information described in (18) below is for the purpose of explaining this embodiment, and does not limit the scope of application of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a record configuration diagram of the assortment information 41. Note that records here refer to data related to products;
A file is composed of a plurality of these (regarding multiple products). The assortment information 41 includes the following four items. They are the product name 411 and product attribute information 41.
2. Display status identifier 413 and product image diagram 414. (The image diagram is a diagram input using the above-mentioned image input device as an image such as an external view or a front view of the product. The field 414 actually stores the address of the storage area where the image diagram is stored. ) In the figure, the blank space is a storage area or a spare area for information not handled in this embodiment. Regarding this margin, the same holds true up to and including FIG. 10. The attribute information 412 includes the product's width dimension 4121, depth dimension 4122, height dimension 4123, type of container (19) 4124 in which the product is placed, and the like.

The products included in the assortment information 41 are products handled at the store, and are broadly classified into the following two types. One is the products displayed on the display shelf. The other item is a product that is not displayed on the display shelf. The products on display are further (
a) Removed from display shelves due to poor sales etc. (1)
(b) products that should not be deleted; and (b) products that should not be deleted.

In addition, products that are not currently displayed are (c) products that should be displayed in the sales department, and (d) products that the person in charge of assortment planning should display according to the characteristics of the area where the store is located. (e) products that should not be displayed; and (e) products that should not be displayed. The identifier 413 is an identifier for identifying which of the product categories (a) to (e) the product belongs to.

In addition, according to each of the above classifications, (a) “Cut candidate product J
, (b) "Display items", (C) "Newly launched products", (d) "
(e) "Newly introduced selected product" and (e) "Undisplayed product", and one of these is stored in the identifier 413.

(20) FIG. 4 is a record configuration diagram of the display information 42.

The display information 42 includes the following three items. They are,
Product name 421. These are display position information 422 and display number 423 of the product. The display position information 422 includes the number 4221 of the fixture to be displayed, the shelf number 4222 indicating which shelf opening of the fixture the fixture is displayed on. A column number 4223 indicating in which column of the shelf the item is displayed is included.

FIG. 5 is a record configuration diagram of the ordering information 43.

The order information 43 includes the following three items. First, the title of the invention 481. The second is an order point 432, which is a reference point for inventory quantity used to order the product.

When the inventory amount of the product becomes less than the value indicated by the order point, the product is ordered.

The third item is order plan/actual information 433,434°... This ordering plan/actual information 433 includes the ordering month 4331. Day 4332. Time 4333゜ Order quantity 433
4 is included. The ordering plan/actual information is stored in the ordering performance information 434 each time an order is planned or actually placed.
．． ...and increases.

(21) FIG. 6 is a record configuration diagram of the delivery information 44.

The delivery information 44 includes the following two items. First, the title of the invention 441. The second is scheduled delivery date information 442. This information includes the delivery date 4421, hour 4.4
．． 22, min 4.423, number of items delivered 4, 4.24.
, the name 4425 of the store of the delivery destination. Scheduled delivery date information is provided in the scheduled delivery date information 44 for each store that is the delivery destination.
3. ...is stored. As can be seen from the above, the delivery information 44 is not necessary when this system is operated only by a store.

FIG. 7 is a record configuration diagram of the inventory information 45.

The inventory information 45 includes the following two items. First, the title of the invention 451. The second is inventory performance information 452. This inventory record information 452 includes the year 4.521 and month 4522. Day 4523, number of items in stock 45
24 included. The inventory performance information is stored in the inventory performance information 453. ...and increases.

FIG. 8 is a record configuration diagram of the processing information 46.

The processing information 46 includes the following two items. 1st (22
) is the product name 461. The second is processing schedule information 462. This processing schedule information 462
The processing start time 4621° and the processing end time 4622. Planned number of pieces to be processed: 4623° Number of pieces actually processed: 46
24 included. The machining schedule information is stored in the machining schedule information 463. ...and increases. In addition, for products that do not require processing during the process from the purchasing stage to the sales stage, processing information 46
There is no need to have one.

FIG. 9 is a record configuration diagram of the stock information 47. The stock information 47 includes the following two items.

First, the title of the invention 471. The second is product planning and
This is performance information 472. This product release plan/actual information 47
2, the date on which the item was displayed) or the date on which the item was put on display (47)
21. Hour 4722. This includes 4723 degrees and 4724 pieces. The stocking plan/actual information is stored in the stocking plan/actual information 473, each time stocking is planned or carried out.
...and increases.

Figure 10 is a record configuration diagram of sales information 48 (23) Ru. Sales information 48 includes the following two items.

First, the title of the invention 481. The second is 84 paintings for sale.
This is performance information 482. This sale 31 pictures/Actual performance information 4
82 indicates the date 48 when the product was sold or sold.
21. Standard sales price: 4822゜If it is sold as a special sale product, the special sale price: 4823゜Planned sales quantity: 4824
．． , sales record number 4825, and sale information 4826 indicating whether the product is a sale item or not. Sales opening/actual information 482 is divided into sales plan/actual information 483 for each sales date. ...and increases.

The above is the product management business data used in this embodiment.

These data constitute records for each product name, files for each data type, and are stored in the storage device 4. Next, a method for supporting product management operations using this information will be explained.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method for supporting product management operations using a product management support system.

Follow this flowchart to support product management operations (24 hours)
) Explain how.

Step 100: Read out information necessary for creating a product display diagram (product assortment information 41 in FIG. 3 and display information 42 in FIG. 4) from the storage device 4.

A product display diagram is created using that information. Then, the display diagram is outputted to the output device 2 as a blank map.

FIG. 11 (description will be given later) is an output example of the product display diagram 20 displayed as a blank map.

Step 200: Allow the user to select what kind of information to display regarding which elemental business.

The user inputs the assortment plan 21. shown in FIG. 11 using the input device 3. Display planning 22 to ordering 23. Delivery 24, inspection/storage 25. Select one of the element operations in the merchandising cycle from processing 269 to product distribution 27 and sales 28. The user uses a mouse as the input device 3 to select items on the screen.

Information items related to the selected elemental work are displayed on the output device 2 in the form of a list. The details will be described later, but for example, it is like 211 in FIG. 12 (25). - The user further uses the input device 3 to select the information item that needs to be displayed from among the information items written on the list.

Step 300: Information corresponding to the information item selected in step 200 is read from the storage device 4. The read information is then superimposed and displayed on the product display diagram 20 output in step 100.

Step 400: Request for elemental work to be executed (
The above three-step information analysis is repeated until the instruction) is determined (determined by the user).

Step 500: A request (instruction) for the elemental work determined in step 400 is input from the input device 3.

Step 600: The request (instruction) accepted in step 500 is transmitted to the corresponding elemental work or elemental work support system. If the destination is the elemental work itself, the request (instruction) is output to a printing device such as a laser printer. If the destination is the elemental work (26) business support system, the corresponding elemental work support (26)
computer) system.

The above is the product management work support method according to the present invention.

In the following, a more specific example of application of the product management work support method according to the present invention to product assortment planning work, which is one of the main elemental work of product management work, will be described. After that, we will discuss application examples of this product management work support method to each of the tasks of display plan 2 ordering, delivery, inspection/storage, processing 2 product placement, and sales. This is to show that the above product management work support method can be easily and commonly applied to each elemental work.

First, I will explain the product assortment planning work.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method for supporting assortment planning operations. According to this flowchart 1-, an assortment planning work support method will be explained.

Step 100a: This step 100a is common to each element work, and is the same as step 100 in FIG. Assortment information 41 and display information 42 from the storage device 4
Read out and create a product display diagram (z7). Then, the display diagram is outputted to the output device 2 as a blank map. FIG. 11 is an output example of a product display diagram 20 for a certain display fixture. One rectangle 201 represents the display position of one product.

The product display diagram 20 to be output is created as follows. Fixture number 422, which is the same as the fixture number attached to the fixture to be output.
1 is selected from the display information 42 file. Corresponding to the selected product, attribute information 412 such as the width dimension 4121 of the product is read from the product assortment information 41 file, and display number 423 is read from the display information 42 file. The display size of the product (the overall size of a certain number of products displayed) is determined from the read information.

Based on this display dimension, a rectangle is drawn at a position determined from the contents of the shelf number 4222 and column number 4223 of the file of the display information 42. Rectangles are drawn for each of the products displayed in this way to obtain the product display diagram 20 as a whole.

Note that the rectangular shape is used because the front shape of the product or its container is often rectangular, and it is convenient for computer processing (28); for example, it may be triangular or oval.

Rectangular frames 21 to 28 indicate elemental tasks supported by this system.

Step 200a: On the display screen shown in FIG. 11, the user is allowed to select what kind of information is to be displayed regarding which elemental work. First, the user is asked to select which elemental work information is to be displayed. Specifically, the user selects one of the element tasks in the rectangular frames 21 to 28 using the human power device 3.

Here, it is assumed that the assortment plan indicated by the rectangular frame 21 has been selected.

When the assortment plan 21 is selected, a screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the output device 2. In addition to the previously displayed product display diagram 20, information 211 for assortment planning is displayed in the form of a list on the screen. This list is stored in the storage device 4 as a character string file shown in FIG. The following items are displayed as information related to assortment planning work.

(1) Products that should be removed from display shelves (cut products and (29)
) Cut candidate product-list 2111 showing candidates for (call), (2
) Newly introduced product candidate list 2112 showing candidates for products to be displayed in place of cut products (referred to as newly introduced products);
(3) Sales trends 211 showing sales trends of individual products
3. (4) Comparison against budget showing achievement status of sales plan 211
4. (5) Product specifications 211 showing attribute information of individual products
5. (6) Product lines of individual products (product lines are sales volume,
This is a name for products classified by profit level.

For this classification, a cross-ABC analysis method is often used. For example, a product line 2116 (for example, a product with high sales volume and high profit is called a "high-earning product"), (
7) Inventory trends 2117 showing changes in the inventory amount of individual products
and ■Growth rate comparison 2118 showing the growth rate of various management indicators (sales, profits, etc.).

Step 300a H The information corresponding to the item selected in step 200a is read from the storage device 4. Then, the read information is overwritten (30) and displayed on the product display diagram 20 output in step 100a.

Figure 13 shows the cut candidate product list 21 in Figure 12.
This is a screen 212 that is output as a result of selecting 11 and a list of new introduction candidate products 2112.

Product Display Diagram 20” Candidate items C1, C2゜C
3 and C4 in a different manner (eg, by changing color, blinking, shading, etc.).

For cut candidate products, check the display status identifier in the product assortment information 41 on the product display diagram 20, and check the display status identifier if the content is "
This product is a cut product. In addition, there is a list 2121 of Kak I candidates and a list 2122 of new product candidates.
Output.

The cut candidate parts list 2121 displays cut candidate products C1, C2, C3, and C4 in a list format.

Newly introduced product candidate list 2122 includes product (newly introduced products) candidates Al, A2. ... is displayed in a list format. - In the list 2122, the product A2 with the identifier "required" is a product that must be displayed. Product A with the identifier “selection”
1 is a product for which it is up to the planner (user) to decide whether or not to display (31) it. This newly introduced product is determined by checking the display status identifier in the product assortment information 41 on the product display diagram 20.
Identifier “required” for items whose contents are “newly launched products”
"Newly introduced selected products" are displayed with the identifier "selection" attached.

Step 400a: Repeat the information analysis in the three steps described above until the user determines a request (instruction) for the elemental work to be executed.

In this example, until the user decides on a request (instruction) for the assortment planning task, the cut candidate product list 2121, the new introduction candidate product list 2122. Sales trends 2113. Comparison against budget 2114. , product specifications 2115, product line 21
1.6, inventory trends 2117° and growth rate comparison 211
8. Repeat information analysis (display).

Step 500a: Input requests (instructions) for the element work determined in the steps up to step 400a.

(32) FIG. 14 shows a screen when the cut of the product is designated from the input device 3. The user specifies the product to be cut on the product display diagram 20.

Specifically, the user inputs the cut product 2131 using the input device 3.
Select (pick using the mouse). The selected products 2131 are sequentially added to the cut product list 2141 in the cut product screen 214.

Furthermore, a record whose product name 421 matches the product 2131 is selected from the records of the display information 42, and that record is deleted from the display information 42. Furthermore, the display status identifier 413 of the product assortment information 41 is changed to ``r-undisplayed item''.

Step 600a: The request (instruction) accepted in step 500a is transmitted to the corresponding elemental work or elemental work support system. Here, the received request (instruction) is to delete products C1 and C2.

If the destination of this content is an elemental job, the request (instruction) is output to a printing device such as a laser printer. If the transmission destination is an elemental business support system, it is sent to the corresponding elemental business support system via a communication line (33) or using a storage medium such as a magnetic disk.

The method for supporting product management operations using this system has been explained above, using assortment planning operations as an example. Steps 100a and 3
00a is executed as part of the function 12 that displays information corresponding to the received request on the product display diagram. Step 200a is a function 11 for accepting an information display request 1-+
is executed as

Step 500a is executed as the function 13 that accepts requests (instructions) to each elemental business or elemental business support system constituting the merchandising cycle. Step 600a is executed as the function 14 that transmits the received request to the corresponding elemental work or elemental work support system.

Step 400a and control of the execution order of each step are executed as a function 15 that controls the execution order of these four functions.

Other duties (display planning 229 ordering 23. delivery 24° inspection/
Storage 25. Processing 269 products 27. Sales 28 operations)
The support method by this system is also the same for (34). Therefore, by repeating steps 100 to 600 shown in FIG. .Repetition of sales 28) can be managed in an integrated manner.

Below, display planning 222 ordering 23. Delivery 24° inspection/
Storage 25. Processing 262 products 27. An example of business support in each business of Sales 28 will be explained.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart 1 showing the display planning task support method. The display planning task support method will be explained according to this flowchart.

Step 100b: This is the same as step 100 in FIG. 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

Step 200b: FIG. 18 is a screen resulting from the user's selection of display plan 22 as an elemental task.

In the display planning direction, information 221 regarding this business is displayed in a list format. This list is stored in the storage device 4 as a character string file shown in FIG.

The following information items are displayed as information items related to display planning work. (1) Sales volume trend 2211 showing sales volume trends of individual products, (2) Comparison against budget 2212 showing sales plan achievement status, (3) Product specifications 2213 showing attribute information of individual products, (4) ) Product lines 2214 of individual products,
(5) Inventory amount trend 22 showing changes in the inventory amount of individual products
15, (6) Growth rate comparison 2216 showing the growth rate of management indicators such as sales and profits. The user uses the input device 3 to select the item of information he/she wishes to view.

This selection depends on the menu selection method.

Step 300b: FIG.
This screen shows the sales characteristics of the displayed products on the product display diagram 20 as a result of selecting the product line 2214 in step b. Rather than displaying the sales characteristics of a product using the absolute value of the sales amount, it is displayed using a classification called product line. The sales amount of each product is obtained by multiplying the standard price 4822 in the sales information 48 regarding the product by the actual sales number 4825.

(3G) The correspondence between individual product lines and marking patterns is shown in the product line list (legend) 222. It is desirable that the marking pattern be represented by different colors. A cross-ABC analysis method is often utilized for this classification. Since the cross-ABC analysis method is a well-known technique, its explanation will be omitted.

Step 400b: Request for display planning work (
The above three-step information analysis is repeated until the instructions (instructions) are determined. In this example, the user monitors sales trends, budget comparisons, product specifications, and product lineups until deciding on requirements (instructions) for display planning work.

Repeat information analysis (display) such as inventory changes, growth rate comparisons, etc.

Step 500b: FIG. 20 shows the screen 223 when a request (instruction) for display planning work is manually inputted from the input device 3 for display editing.

Display editing consists of the following three types of editing functions: movement 223
1. Exchange 2232. It has the functions of changing the number of items on display 2233. The user requests display editing (indicated by finger (37)) on the product display diagram 20. The request (instruction) method for each editing function will be explained below.

A case will be described in which a product 2241 is moved to a position 2242 different from the current position. The user selects movement 2231 using the input device 3. Next, product 2241 with human force W3
and position 2242. Based on the above selection instructions, the shelf number 4222 of the display position information 422 of the record of the display information 42 with the product name 421 of 01 is changed from "3" to "
1”. Furthermore, the column number 4223 is changed from "3" to "4". Column number 4223 represents the order from the left when facing the display shelf. Along with the movement of G1, the column number 4223 of the display information 42 of product G5 is changed from "4" to "3".

A case will be described in which the display positions of the product 2243 and the product 2244 are swapped. The user selects exchange 2232 using input device 3. Next, the product 2243 and the product 2244 are selected using the input device M3.

This system selects products (38
) name 421 selects the display information 42 of G2 and G3.

Then, the fixture number 4221 of the display position information 422 of the display information 42 of G2 is changed from "2" to "1", and the shelf number 4222 is changed from "2" to "1".
from "6" to "5" and column number 4223 to "2".
to "3".

In addition, the fixture number 4221 of the display position information 422 of the G3 display information 42 is changed from "1" to "2", the shelf number 4222 is changed from "5" to "6", and the column number 4223 is changed from "3" to "12". Change to In the description here, the fixture on the left side of the display diagram 20 in FIG. 20 is designated as fixture number "1", and the fixture on the right side is designated as fixture number "2". Also, the shelf number is
I try to count from the second row to the bottom.

A case will be described in which the number of products 2245 is changed from two to three. The user selects change 2233 of the number of items on display using the input device 3. Next, use the input device 3 to input the product 2245.
Select. Finally, the changed number (3) is input into the display number input field 2234 using the input device 3. This system is
Based on the selection instructions in ``2'', the product name 421 is changed to 64.
Display information (39) Change the display number 423 of the information 42 to the changed number (3).

Step 600b: The request (instruction) accepted in step 500b is transmitted to the display planning work or display nI image work support system \\.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart 1 showing the ordering business support method. According to this flowchart 1., the ordering business support method will be explained.

Step 100c: This is the same as step 100 in FIG. 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

Step 200c: FIG. 22 shows a screen resulting from the user's selection of the ordering task 23 as an elemental task.

For the ordering business, information regarding this business is displayed in the form of a list as information 223. This list is stored in the storage device 4 as a character string file shown in FIG.

The following information items are displayed as information items related to ordering operations. (1) Sales volume trends 2311 showing the sales volume trends of individual products, (2) Inventory volume trends 2312 showing the stock volume trends of individual products, (40) (3) Trends in the order quantities of individual products Order trends shown 231
3, etc. The user uses the input device 3 to select the item of information he/she wishes to view. This selection depends on the menu selection method.

Step 300c: FIG. 23 shows step 200c.
This is a screen 232 that shows the order progress of a certain product on the product display diagram 20 as a result of selecting the order progress 2313 in step c. On the screen 232, ■ represents the order date 2321, ma represents the delivery date 2322, and () represents the order quantity 2323. Furthermore, a graph of changes in the number of sold items and the number of items in stock is displayed to assist in deciding when to place an order and the number of items to be ordered.

In order to view the order progress of the product 231, the user selects the product 231 on the product display diagram 20 using the input device 3.

Step 400c: Request (instruction) for order
The above three-step information analysis is repeated until the information is determined. In this example, the user requests (
(41) repeats the analysis (display) of information such as sales volume trends, inventory volume trends, order trends, etc. until the instructions (instructions) are determined.

Step 500c: FIG. 24 is a screen 233 for the user to instruct to place an order. The user uses the product display diagram 20 to issue order instructions.

The ordering instruction method will be explained below.

This system uses ordering information 43 and inventory information 45 to recommend products to be ordered and the number of products to be ordered. Specifically, order information 43 and inventory information 45 for product 2341
is checked, and the order point 432 of the order information 43 and the number of items in stock 4524 of the inventory information 45 are compared. As a result of the comparison, the number of items in stock is 4.
If the value of 524 is less than the value of order point 432, the product 2
341 is the product to be ordered, and the difference is the number of recommended orders, 23
42 on the product display diagram 20. The user is
It is confirmed whether the recommended order number 2342 is appropriate. For this confirmation, the user uses the screen 233 showing the order progress. The user determines which product's order history information is to be displayed on the screen 233. For example, product 234
If the number of order recommendations 2342 of 1 is unsatisfactory, the user selects the product 2341 from the product display diagram 20 using the input device 3 (42). Then, the order recommendation number 2342 is rewritten to the appropriate order number.

This system is based on the month 4331 of the order record 433 of the order information 43 of the product 2341. Day 4332.

The month, day, and time of the day of ordering are stored at hour 4333.

Furthermore, the appropriate order quantity input by the user is stored in the order quantity 4334. Repeat the above two operations for each product.

Step 600C: The request (instruction) accepted in step 500c is transmitted to the ordering process or the ordering process support system.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a delivery business support method. The delivery service support method will be explained according to this flowchart.

Step 100d: This is the same as step 100 in FIG. 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

Step 200d: FIG. 26 is a screen resulting from the user's selection of the delivery task 24 as an elemental task,
Delivery route information 242 is displayed together with the product display diagram 20. In the delivery route information 242, (43) 0 represents the store 2421, a line with an arrow represents the delivery route, and a numerical value represents the arrival time 2422.

Step 300d: In order to view the delivery route I- of the product 241, the user uses the input device 3 to select the product 241.
41 is selected from the product display diagram 20.

Step 400d: The user repeats the above three-step information analysis until the request (instruction) for delivery is determined.

Step 500d: FIG. 27 is a screen 243 for the user to instruct changes to the delivery plan.

The user uses the product display diagram 20 to instruct changes in the delivery plan. The change instruction method will be explained below.

This system allows the user to select the product 2 for which the delivery plan should be changed.
41 from the product display diagram 20 using the input device 3. Based on the user's selection, this system outputs the delivery schedule 2431 to the output device 2. The user edits the delivery plan on the displayed delivery plan table 2431. Any information (44) in the delivery plan table 2431 can be edited. The user uses the input device 3 to specify the position to be changed on the delivery schedule table 2431, and further inputs the changed information.

It is assumed that the user inputs to reverse the delivery order of the product 241 to the 81st store and the 82nd store. Based on this instruction from the user, the present system replaces the value of the scheduled delivery date information 442 with the value of the scheduled delivery date information 443. It is assumed that the scheduled delivery date information 442 stores information regarding 81 stores, and the scheduled delivery date information 443 stores information regarding 82 stores. Similarly, if the delivery store name is changed from "Sl" to "S4", the delivery store name 4425
Correct the value from "Sl" to "S4".

If the delivery time is changed from r5:oOJ to "5:05", the value of minute 4423 is rewritten from "OO" to "06". If the number of delivered items is changed from "40" to "30", the value of number of delivered items 4425 will be changed from "40" to "30".
Rewrite to . This operation is repeated for products whose delivery plans are unsatisfactory.

(45) Step 600d: The request (instruction) received in Step 500d is transmitted to the delivery service or the delivery service support system.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a method for supporting inspection and storage operations. Follow this flowchart to inspect and
We will explain how to support storage operations.

Step 100e: This is the same as step 100 in FIG. 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

Step 200e: FIG. 29 shows, as elemental work,
This is a screen showing the result of the user selecting inspection/storage work 25. For inspection/storage work, information 251 regarding this work is displayed in a list format. This list is the first
It is stored in the storage device 4 as a character string file shown in FIG.

The following information items are displayed as information items related to inspection and storage operations. (1) Inventory volume trends 2511 showing changes in the inventory amount of individual products (2) Inventory height trends 2512 showing changes in the inventory amount of individual products, (3) Inventory showing excess or deficiency in the inventory amount of individual products Quantity (46) Notice 2513, (4) Out-of-stock trend 2514 indicating the change in the difference between the ordered quantity and the received quantity of each product. The user uses the manual device 3 to select the item of information he/she wishes to view. This selection depends on the menu selection method.

Step 300e: FIG.
As a result of selecting the inventory warning 2513 in step e, this screen shows the surplus/deficiency status of the inventory amount of the displayed products on the product display diagram 20. Rather than displaying the absolute value of the product,
There are five types: "excessive", "many", "adequate", "
It is classified and displayed in five categories: "low" and "too low". 5
A correspondence table (legend) between type classification and marking pattern is displayed on screen 252.
Shown below. It is desirable that the marking pattern be represented by different colors. Products classified as “excessive” may be returned, sold out, or
This is a product that requires immediate instructions such as disposal (disposal). "
Products classified as "in short supply" are products that require immediate ordering instructions (measures).

Step 400e: Repeat the information analysis in the above three steps (47) until a request (instruction) for inspection and storage is determined. In this example, the user analyzes information such as inventory volume trends, inventory level trends, inventory warnings, and out-of-stock trends until deciding on requests (instructions) for inspection and storage operations.
display) is repeated.

Step 500e: FIG. 31 is a screen 254 for the user to instruct inventory disposal.

Inventory disposal consists of the following three types of disposal functions: Returns 2
54.1, Closeout sale 2542. This is performed by any of the functions of Discard 2543. The instruction method for each disposal function will be explained below.

A case where the return item 2541 is selected by the user will be described. First, the user uses the input device 3 to
541, and then select the product 253 to be returned from the product display diagram 20. Furthermore, the number of returned items is entered in the number of returned items manpower column 2544.

Based on such user input, the number of returned items specified by the user is subtracted from the value of the number of items in stock 4524 of the inventory information 45 of the product 253, and the difference is stored in the number of items in stock 4524.

A case where the closeout sale 2542 is selected by the user (48) will be explained. First, the user uses the input device 3 to select the closeout sale 2542, and further selects the product 253 to be sold out from the product display diagram 20. Further, the number of sold items is entered in the number of sales field 2545, and the reduced price is entered in the disposal price input field 2546. Based on such user input, the reduced price specified by the user is stored in the special sale price 4823 of the sales information 48 of the product 253, and the closeout sale quantity specified by the user is stored in the special sale planned quantity 4824. In addition, whether there is a special sale or not 4
826 is set to "available" indicating that there is a special sale.

A case where discard 2543 is selected by the user will be described. First, the user uses the input device 3 to
543, and then select the product 253 to be discarded from the product display diagram 20. Furthermore, the number of pieces to be discarded is input in the number of discarded pieces input column 2547.

Based on such user input, the number of items to be discarded specified by the user is subtracted from the value of the number of items in stock 4524 of the inventory information 45 of the product 253, and the difference is stored in the number of items in stock 4524.

(49) Furthermore, in this system, the following information is displayed on the output device 2 in order to support the determination of product disposal methods such as returns, closeout sales, and disposal. First, products classified as "excessive" or "many" are displayed on the product display diagram 2°. It is assumed that the user uses the input device 3 to select a product 253 from among products classified as "excessive" or "many". Based on this user's selection, the inventory trend of the product 253 is displayed on the screen 254. In the inventory trend, the return opening is indicated by a ``ma''.
indicates the closing sale date, and mu indicates the disposal port. (
), the number of products disposed of due to returns, closeout sales, and disposal is 23.
48. The upper row of the bar graph represents the number of products in stock with deteriorated freshness, and the lower row represents the number of products in stock with high freshness or products with little freshness deterioration.

Step 600e: The request (instruction) received in Step 500e is transmitted to the inspection/storage operation or the inspection/storage operation support system.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a processing work support method. The machining work support method (50) will be explained according to this flowchart.

Step 100f: This is the same as step 100 in FIG. 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

Step 200f: If the user selects processing 26, the processing schedule for each product is displayed as an information item regarding processing work.

Step 300f: FIG. 33 is a screen displaying the processing schedule 261 of each product in correspondence with the product display diagram 20. The user has the product 262.263,2
In order to check the processing schedule information of 64, products 262, 263, and 264 on the product display diagram 20 are selected using the input device 3.

Based on the selection of a product by the user, this system displays the processing schedule of the selected product as a Gantt chart on a screen 261. Gantt charts 1 to 2 express processing schedules (times) and processing quantities 2661 corresponding to each of the selected products 262, 263, and 264.

Step 4.0 Of: The user performs the addition of individual products (51
) Repeat the analysis of the eschedule information.

Step 500f: FIG. 34 shows the screen 26 when the user instructs to change the machining plan using the input device 3.
It is 5. This screen 265 is displayed overlapping the screen 261. The user uses the input device 3 to select products 262, 263, and 264 whose processing M image should be changed from the product display diagram 20.

Based on the user's selection, the system
2,263,264 machining schedules are displayed on the machining plan editing screen 265. The machining plan is edited using the following three types of editing functions: changing the start time, changing the end time, and changing the number of pieces to be processed. Each editing function will be explained below.

A case will be described in which the start time of the product 262 is changed. The user selects the display position 2653 of the current start time of the product 262 using the input device 3.

Next, select the position of the changed start time. Based on the user's instruction to change the processing start time, this system rewrites the value of the processing (52) start time 4621 in the processing information 46 of the product 262 to the changed start time specified by the user.

When changing the end time of the product 262, the operation is the same as when changing the start time, so the explanation will be omitted.

A case will be described in which the number of processed items of the product 262 is changed. The user displays the number of processed pieces 2652 of the product 262 on the screen 26.
5 using the input device 3. Next, the input device 3 is used to rewrite the number of processed pieces after the change. Based on the user's specification, this system rewrites the value of the planned number of pieces to be processed 4623 in the processing information 46 of the product 262 to the changed number of pieces to be processed specified by the user.

Step 600f: The request (instruction) from the user accepted in step 500f is transmitted to the processing operation or processing operation support system.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart 1 showing a method for supporting product stocking operations.
It is ~. According to this flowchart, a method for supporting the stocking operation will be explained.

Step 100g: Step 100 (53
), so the explanation will be omitted.

Step 200g: Figure 36 shows, as elemental work,
This is a screen showing the result of the user's selection of item display 27. For the product handling business, information related to this business is displayed in the form of a list. This list is stored in the storage device 4 as a character string file shown in FIG.

The following information items are included as information items related to stocking operations: (1) Inventory volume trend 2701 that shows the trend in the stock amount of individual products; (2) Sales volume trend 2702 that shows the trend in the sales volume of each product. , (3) Product turnover rate of individual products 2
703 (Product turnover rate (%) = sales volume / number of displayed items xlO
O), (4) Work performance trend 2704 showing the performance trend of the stocking work of individual products, etc. are displayed. The user uses the input device 3 to select the item of information he/she wishes to view. This selection depends on the menu selection method.

Step 300g: Figure 37 shows step 200g
This is a screen 271 that displays the product turnover rate of each product together with the product display diagram (54) 20 when the product turnover rate is selected by the user. Products with a high product turnover rate are products that have been properly stocked and have achieved high sales numbers without running out of stock. On the other hand, a product with a low product turnover rate is a product that is presumed to have either been out of stock due to inappropriate stocking operations, or to be unattractive. Therefore, here, only products with a low product turnover rate are displayed on the product display diagram 20.

A case in which the user views the progress of work results for products 272 and 273 with a low product turnover rate will be described. The user selects products 272 and 273 with a low product turnover rate from the product display diagram 20 using the input device @3. This system displays the progress of work for products 272 and 273 on screen 27 based on the user's specifications.
Display the graph on 1. The upper graph shows the change in work performance for the product 272, and the lower graph shows the change in work performance for the product 273. Indicates the release time. () represents the number of items on offer, 2711. The user can read from the upper graph that the product 272 will be out of stock before the release time and will be out of stock55).

The user can read from the lower graph that product 273 has no appeal and the number of units sold has not increased.

Therefore, it can be seen that the product 272 needs to be properly stocked. It can be seen that product 273 requires inventory clearance.

Step 400g: The information analysis in the above three steps is repeated until the request (instruction) for the product stocking operation is determined. In this example, the user analyzes (displays) information such as inventory volume trends, sales volume trends, product turnover rates, work performance trends, etc. until the user decides on requests (instructions) for stocking operations.
repeat.

Step 500g: FIG. 38 shows the screen 274 when the user instructs to edit the stocking work plan. The user edits the stocking work plan on the product display diagram 20.

The user selects the product 272, 2 for which the stocking work plan should be changed.
75 and 276 are selected from the product display diagram 20 using the input device 3. This system displays screen 27 based on the user's specifications.
4, (56) displays the stock schedule for the products 272, 275, and 276. The stocking schedule is edited using the function of changing the start time of stocking work. The editing method will be explained below.

A case will be described in which the release start time of the product 272 is changed. The user specifies the current start time position 277 using the input device 3. Next, specify the position of the changed start time. This system is based on the date 4721 of the product 272 stock information 47, product stock plan/result 472. Hour 4722. The value of minute 4723 is rewritten to the changed time specified by the user.

Furthermore, this system displays sub-measurements of the number of items in stock and the number of items sold on the screen 27 in order to support the determination of the start time of product release.
4 Display on top. Then, depending on the change in the start time, the sub-measurement value of the number of items in stock is changed as needed. For example, if the user
Assume that the product release start time is changed from time 277 to time t. At that time, the present system changes the child measurement value of the number of items in stock from the dashed-dotted line graph to the dashed line graph. As a result, it is possible to formulate an inventory work plan that does not cause out-of-stock items (57).

Step 600g: The request (instruction) from the user accepted in step 500g is transmitted to the stocking operation or the stocking operation support system.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a sales operation support method. The sales operation support method will be explained according to this flowchart.

Step 100h: This is the same as step 100 in FIG. 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

Step 200h: FIG. 40 shows a screen when the user selects sales 28 as an elemental task. For sales operations, information 281 displays information related to this operation in a list format. This list is stored in the storage device 4 as a character string file shown in FIG.

Information items related to sales operations include the following information items: (1) Sales trends 2 showing trends in sales of individual products;
811, (2) Sales volume trends 2812 showing trends in the sales numbers of individual products, (3) Comparison against budget 2813 showing the achievement status of sales plans, (58) (4) Product lines of individual products 2814, ( (i) Product specifications 2815 indicating attribute information of each product are displayed.

The user uses the input device 3 to select the item of information he/she wishes to view. This selection depends on the menu selection method.

Step 300h: FIG. 41 shows step 200h.
As a result of the product line 2814 being selected by the user at h,
This is a screen showing the product line of each product on a product display diagram 20. The user selects individual products 2821, 2822, 2
When looking at the sales trends of items 823, those items are selected from the product display diagram 20 using the input device 3. This system graphically displays the sales trends of these products 2821, 2822, and 2823 on the screen 282.

Step 400h: The information analysis in the above three steps is repeated until a request (instruction) for sales operations is determined. In this example, until the user decides on requests (instructions) for sales operations, the user can
Repeatedly analyze (display) information such as budget comparison, product lineup, product specifications, etc.

(59) Step 500: FIG. 42 shows the screen 283 when the user uses the input device 3 to instruct the editing of the sales plan.
It is. The user edits the sales plan on the product display diagram 20. The editing method will be explained below.

First, this system displays the sales price of each product in the sales/performance information 48 on the product display diagram 20 (special sale products display a special sale price 4823, and other products display a standard sales price 4822). ). Additionally, sale items are displayed differently than others. For example, it is desirable to display it with a pattern or with a different color.

The sales special page is edited using the following two types of editing functions: setting/changing special sale items and changing sales prices. The user edits the sales plan on the product display diagram 20.

The request (instruction) method for each editing function will be explained below.

Explain how to set or change special sale items. The user selects a product 2831 to be newly made a special sale product from the product display diagram 20 using the input device 3. This system is
Based on the user's selection, (60) the presence or absence of special sale 4826 in the sales plan/results 482 of the sales information 48 of the product 2831 is rewritten to “Yes”.

The case where the sales price is changed will be explained.

The user inputs the bargain price 2832 of the product 2831 using the input device 3. This system writes the special sale price 2832 input by the user into the special sale price 4823 of the sales information 48.

Furthermore, in order to support the editing of the sales plan, this system displays the display position, name, standard price of each product, special price if it is a special sale product, and a list of product lineups on the screen 283. Then, the contents are changed according to the editing of the sales plan.

Step 600h: The request (instruction) from the user accepted in step 500h is transmitted to the sales operation or sales operation support system.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the product display diagram 20 is integrated into a unified interface (common interface) between the system and the user.
As such, assortment planning and display planning.

From ordering to delivery, inspection/storage, processing of 9 products, and sales (61
) enables integrated management of the merchandising cycle.

FIG. 43 shows an overall configuration diagram showing the relationship between the product management work support system and each work support system according to the present invention. As shown in the diagram, the business support systems include an assortment planning business support system 2100, a display planning business support system 2200. Ordering business support system 2300. Delivery business support system 2400.

Inspection/storage support system 2500. Processing work support system 2600. They are a stocking operation support system 2700 and a sales operation support system 2800.

There are various aspects regarding the functions and operations of these business support systems, but since they are described in many documents,
The explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 44, the display screen on the output device 2 of the above embodiment is divided into a first window for outputting a product display diagram representing various information necessary for product management work, and a format other than the product display diagram. A second window that outputs information that is more convenient for the user to be expressed as , and a third window that outputs the name of the elemental work that constitutes the product management work (62) or the elemental work support information system.
By creating a display screen consisting of two windows, user-friendliness can be further improved.

In the above embodiments, the man-machine interface was mainly described. In order to support product management operations in the above embodiment, information on products sold at the store, information on the fixtures used to display the products, and information on the customers who purchased the products are required. Below, these information, namely product information,
An example of a method for collecting and managing fixture information and customer information will be described.

FIG. 45 is a configuration diagram of a product management support system including a collection mechanism for product information, fixture information, and customer information according to the present invention. Based on this diagram, the device configuration of the product information, fixture information, and customer information collection mechanism will be explained.

This system includes the computer 1 and the output device 22 of the above-mentioned embodiment.
Human powered device 3. In addition to the storage device 4 and each elemental business support system 2100, 2200, 2300, etc., it has an image input device 5 such as an image scanner and a video terminal (63).

Calculator 1 has five functions to support product management operations.
That is, a function 11 for accepting an information display request, and a function 12 for displaying information corresponding to the received request on a product display diagram.
13 Function for accepting requests (instructions) to each elemental operation or elemental operation support system that constitutes the merchandising cycle; Function 14 for transmitting accepted requests to the corresponding elemental operation or elemental operation support system;
The provision of the function 15 for controlling the execution order of the two functions was described in the above embodiment. In addition to the above five functions, the computer 1 has the following four functions for collecting product information, fixture information, and customer information. The first is a window display function 16 that displays on the output device 2 a reception screen for accepting product information, fixture information, and customer information. The second is an information receiving function 17 for receiving and receiving each piece of information. Each piece of information is input from the input device 3 or the image input device 5. The third is an information registration function (64) 18 for storing the received information in the storage device 4. The fourth function is a function 19 that controls the execution order of these four functions. Each function is accomplished by a program executed by the divider 1. Details of each function and operation flow will be described later.

The output device 2 displays information output from the computer 1 on a screen. The screens include a screen for displaying product information, a screen for displaying fixture information, a screen for displaying customer information, and the like. When explaining the above-mentioned functions and their operation flows, each screen will be explained.

The input device 3 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

The storage device 4 stores various types of information necessary for product management operations. The information handled by the storage device 4 has already been described in the above embodiment, so it will be omitted here.

The image input device 5 inputs image information of products, fixtures, and customers.

Next, an information collection and management method using these devices and functions will be explained.

(65) FIG. 46 is a flowchart 1 showing a method of collecting and managing product information. According to this flowchart 1-,
Explain how to collect and manage product information.

Step 160: As shown in FIG. 47, four types of windows are displayed on the output device 2. The first is a name window 1600 for accepting invention name information.

The second is an image window 161° for accepting image information of the product. Here, the image information is, for example, image information of a product package. The third is an attribute window 1620 that receives attribute information of the product. The attribute information includes the height, width, width, and depth of the product, the name of the manufacturer in two colors, and the identifier of the display status. The fourth is a time-series information window that receives time-series information about the product. The time-series information includes the sales quantity history, inventory quantity history, order quantity history, etc. of the product.

Next, the configuration of each window will be described using the output example shown in FIG.

The name window 1600 displays the output (66) of the output device 2. Output to two positions on the left side of the screen.

Image window 1610 outputs below it. The input 1611 is an area for the user to instruct the start of activation of the image input device 5.

The attribute window 1620 is output to the right of the image window. The window 1620 displays a list consisting of the following two columns. The first column is an attribute item column 1621 that outputs the type of information item to be collected. Second
Attribute value column 1 allows you to check the attribute value of each information item.
It is 622.

Information items to be collected include the product's height (1623 degrees) and width (1624 degrees). Depth dimension 1625. Manufacturer name 1626. Product color 1627. There is an identifier 1628, etc. In the output example shown in FIG. 47, eight types of attribute items are output. However, the products are not limited to the above eight types,
It has many attributes such as taste, target customers, etc. Therefore, an area 1629 is displayed for the user to instruct scrolling in the column direction of the table. The upward arrow is an area for instructing upward scrolling. The downward arrow is an area for instructing scrolling downward (67).

The time series information window 1630 is output at the bottom.

This window shows the order history, delivery history (delivery/inspection history), inventory history, and processing history of the product.

This is a window for collecting product listing history and sales history from users. The window is composed of two types of areas. The first area is an area for the user to specify the type of time series information. Specifically, order 1631. Delivery 1632. Stock 1633.

Processing 1634. Item out 1635. There are 1636 sales areas. The second area is an area for collecting individual history information. This area outputs a list consisting of the following three columns. The first column is a date 1637 indicating the date of occurrence of the information. The second column is Plan 1638, which shows the history of plan values.

The third column is performance 1639 indicating the history of performance values.

Each field has three columns so that the user can enter one month's history.
Display one input field. Furthermore, so that the user can input historical information for several months, a previous month column 1640 (68) and a next column 1641 are provided for the user to instruct scrolling of the relevant area. Previous month 1640
is an area for instructing scrolling in a decreasing direction, for example, from August to July 2, June, and so on. Next row 1
641 is, for example, from August to September.

This is an area for instructing scrolling in an increasing direction such as October. Note that the arrangement of each window and the configuration of each window are for the purpose of explaining this example.
This is not intended to limit the scope of application of the present invention.

Step 170: Product information is received and accepted from the input device 3 and image input device 5 via each window output in step 160.

First, through the name window 1600, the name of the product,
For example, "Hitachi Dressing" is accepted. Image information of the product package is received from the image input device 5 via the image window 161o. Use the mouse to select “Input 16”
When 11J is picked, the image input device M5 is activated. Next, the attribute information of the product is displayed in the attribute window 162.
Uke is attached via 0. Specifically, the height (69) of the item is received via the height dimension 1623.

The width dimension is received via the width dimension 1624.

The depth dimension is received via the depth dimension 1625. The name of the manufacturer is received via the manufacturer's name 1626. The color of the product is received via the product color 1627. The usage is accepted via the usage 1628.

When inputting other attributes, scroll instruction area 16
29 Pick (up arrow or down arrow) and
After scrolling the list, do it manually. Finally, the time series information of the product is displayed in the time series information window 16.
The receiver is attached via 30. First, it is determined what kind of information is input from the input device 2. Specifically, order 1631. Delivery 1632. Inventory 1633, processing 1634. Item out 1635. If any one of the sales 1636 is picked, the acceptance is made. Then, the plans and results for one month of this information will be posted on the date 1637. plan 16
38. Acceptance will be made via track record 1639. When entering history information for another month, pick the previous month 1.640 and the next column (70) 1641, scroll the history table, and then input. The above operations are repeated for each piece of time-series information from ordering to sales.

Perform the above operations for each product.

Step 180: The product information obtained in step 170 is transferred to the assortment information 41. in the storage device 4. Display information 429 Order information 43. Delivery information 44. Stock information 45. Processing information 4
69 product information 47. It is stored in the corresponding record of the sales information 48 (FIGS. 3 to 10). Since the correspondence between the information items accepted in step 170 and the information items of each record can be easily understood from the previous explanation, the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the following, we have explained how to collect and manage information using this system, using product information as an example. Step 160 is executed by the window display function 16. Step 170 is executed by the information reception function 17. Step 180 is executed by the information registration function]8. The execution order of each step is controlled by a function 19 that controls the execution order of these four functions.

(71) Next, we will discuss how to collect and manage fixture information.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart 1 showing a method for collecting and managing fixture information. Fixture information is also similar to product information.
Achieve it in just one step. A method for collecting and managing fixture information will be explained according to this flowchart 1-.

Step 161: As shown in FIG. 49, three types of windows are displayed on the output device 2. First, the name window for receiving the name information of the invention] 6oO.

The second is an image window 1610 for receiving package information of the fixture. The third is an attribute window 1620 that receives attribute information of the fixture. The attribute information includes the height, width, depth dimensions, color, name of the manufacturer, etc. of the fixture. The arrangement and configuration of each window are the same as in the case of product information shown in FIG. 47, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

Step 171: Receiving fixture information from the input device 2 and the image person (72) and blade device 5 via each window output in step 161. The method of accepting fixture information via each window is the same as for product information. Therefore, detailed explanation thereof will be omitted here.

Step 181: The fixture information added in step 171 is transferred to the assortment information 41 of the storage device 4. Display information 422 Order information 43. Delivery information 44. Stock information 45. Processing information 4
62 item information 47. It is stored in the corresponding record of the sales information 48 (FIGS. 3 to 10). The correspondence between the information items accepted in step 171 and the information items of each record is as follows.
Since this is easily understood from the previous explanation, the explanation will be omitted.

Next, we will discuss how to collect and manage customer information.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a method of collecting and managing customer information. Just like product information and fixture information, customer information can be realized in three steps.

A method of collecting and managing customer information will be explained according to this flowchart.

(73) Step 162: As shown in FIG. 51, four types of windows are displayed on the output device 2. The first is a name window 1600 for accepting invention name information.

The second is an image window 1610 for accepting face photo information of the customer. The third is an attribute window 1620 that accepts attribute information of the customer. The attribute information includes the customer's age, gender, telephone number (location), address (prefecture name, model name, town name, etc.). The arrangement and configuration of each window are similar to those for product information and fixture information, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted here.

Step 172: Customer information is accepted from the input device 2 and image input device 5 via each window output in step 162. The method of accepting customer information through each window is similar to that for product information and fixture information, so detailed explanation thereof will be omitted here.

Step 182: The customer information received in step 172 is stored in the storage device 4 as assortment information 4], display (74) column information 422 order information 43. Delivery information 44. Stock information 4
5. Processing information 462 Product information 47. The sales information 48 is stored in the corresponding record (FIGS. 3 to 10). Since the information storage method and storage format can be easily understood from the previous explanation, the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the method of inputting product information, fixture information, and customer information from the input device 3 and the image input device 5 has been described above. With this method, users can now manage information that was previously managed in elemental business units of product management work in units of management entities such as products, fixtures, and customers, so that elemental business systems and information management systems can be separated. , it becomes unnecessary to change the information management system due to changes in elemental operations and elemental operation systems. Note that this method is for explaining the present example, and does not limit the scope of application of the present invention. This can also be achieved by transferring the relevant information to the storage device 4 from a group of storage devices utilized in various information processing systems including each elemental business support system.

(75) By combining the two embodiments described above, it is possible to realize a product management support method that consistently supports everything from information management in management entity units to product management based on product display diagrams. FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating this method.

Step 1000: Using the above-described product information collection and management method (steps 160 to 180), product information is collected and stored in the storage device 4, and the product information is managed.

Step 2000: Using the above-described fixture information collection and management method (steps 161 to 181), the fixture information is collected and stored in the storage device 4, and the fixture information is managed.

Step 3000: Using the aforementioned customer information collection and management method (steps 162 to 182), the customer information is collected and stored in the storage device 4, and the customer information is managed.

Step 4000: Support product management work based on the product display diagram using the above-mentioned product management work support method (steps 100 to 600).

(76) Step 5000: Repeat step 4 until satisfactory sales results are obtained. Repeat OOO.

The above embodiments have been described with reference to product management operations based on product display diagrams. However, the present invention is not limited to product display diagrams, but can also be applied to product management tasks such as sales floor configuration planning and sales floor layout planning based on sales floor layout plans. moreover,
Based on residential maps around stores, it can also be applied to product management tasks such as analyzing differences in commercial areas due to changes in the local environment. These can be realized by replacing the product display diagram of the above embodiment with a sales floor layout diagram or a residential map.
It can be easily achieved.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, the entire merchandising cycle can be managed in an integrated manner with an easy-to-use product management work support system, which has the effect of improving the accuracy and efficiency of product management work.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a product management work support method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of the product management (77) management support system. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an assortment information record. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the display information record. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an order information record. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a delivery information record. 7th
The figure is a configuration diagram of an inventory information record. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a processing information record. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of the product information record. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a sales information record. FIG. 11 is an output example of a product display diagram of a certain display fixture. FIG. 12 shows an example of displaying information for assortment planning. FIG. 13 is an example of an output screen when the cut candidate product list and the new introduction candidate product list are selected in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 shows a screen when the cut of the product is designated from the input device. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method for supporting assortment planning operations. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a character string file storing display character strings. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a display planning task support method. FIG. 18 is an example of a screen when the user selects a display plan as an elemental task. (78) FIG. 19 is an example of a screen displaying sales characteristics of products on display. FIG. 20 is an example of a screen when the user instructs display editing for the display planning task. 21st
The figure is a flowchart showing an ordering business support method. FIG. 22 is an example of a screen when the user selects ordering work as an elemental work. FIG. 23 is an example of a screen displaying product order trends on a product display diagram. FIG. 24 is an example of a screen for the user to instruct to place an order. Second
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a delivery service support method. FIG. 26 is an example of a screen when the user selects delivery work as an elemental work. FIG. 27 is an example of a screen for the user to instruct changes to the delivery plan. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a method for supporting inspection and storage operations. FIG. 29 is an example of a screen when the user selects inspection/storage work as an elemental work. FIG. 30 is an example of a screen showing the excess or shortage of inventory of displayed products on a product display diagram. FIG. 31 is an example of a screen for the user to instruct inventory disposal. FIG. 32 (79) is a flowchart showing a processing work support method. FIG. 33 is an example of a screen displaying processing schedules for individual products in correspondence with product display diagrams. FIG. 34 is an example of a screen when the user instructs to change the machining plan. Third
FIG. 5 is a flowchart 1 showing a method for supporting an item stocking operation. FIG. 36 is an example of a screen when the user selects stocking as an elemental task. FIG. 37 is an example of a screen displaying the product turnover rate of products together with a product display diagram. 38th
The figure is an example of a screen when the user instructs to edit the stocking work plan. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a sales operation support method. FIG. 40 is an example of a screen when the user selects sales as an elemental task. FIG. 41 is an example of a screen showing the product lineup of products on a product display diagram. 42nd
The figure shows an example of a screen when a user instructs to edit a sales plan. FIG. 43 shows an overall configuration diagram showing the relationship between the product management business support system and each business support system according to the present invention. FIG. 44 is an example of a screen displaying various information necessary for product management work in multiple windows. (80) FIG. 45 is a configuration diagram of a product management work support system including a collection mechanism for product information, fixture information, and customer information according to the present invention. FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a method for collecting and managing product information. FIG. 47 is an example of a screen in which various types of information necessary for collecting and managing product information are displayed in a multi-window. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a method for collecting and managing fixture information. FIG. 49 is an example of a screen in which various types of information necessary for collecting and managing fixture information are displayed in a multi-window. FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a method of collecting and managing customer information. FIG. 51 is an example of a screen in which various types of information necessary for collecting and managing customer information are displayed in a multi-window. FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing a product management support method that consistently supports everything from information management in management entity units to product management based on product display diagrams. ■...Calculator, 2...Output device, 3...Input device, 4...Storage device, 41...Assortment information record,
42...Display information record, 43...Order information record, 44(81)...Delivery information record, 45...Inventory information record, 46...Processing information record, 47...Output information Rec (82) Figure 15 JP-A No. 278173 (26) JP-A No. 3 278173 (42) 4 and (2) (44)

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Outputting a product display diagram to an output device as a blank map showing the product display state as a blank map, inputting a request to display information regarding product management from an input device, and inputting the input request from the input device. outputting information corresponding to the product display diagram to the output device, inputting instructions to the elemental business system regarding product management from the input device in response to the outputted information, and inputting the input instructions to the elemental business system corresponding to the outputted information. A product management work support method characterized by transmitting information to the elemental work system. 2. In the product management business support method as set forth in claim 1, if the instruction to the component business system regarding product management is an instruction regarding a specific product, the specific product in the product display diagram is A product management work support method, characterized in that a product is specified using the input device, and an instruction to an elemental business system regarding the specified specific product is inputted from the input device. 3. In the product management business support method as set forth in claim 1, if the information responding to the request is information regarding a specific product, the specific product in the product display diagram is displayed in a different manner from others. A method for supporting product management operations, characterized in that information regarding the specific product is output to the output device in correspondence with the specific product in the product display diagram. 4. In the product management work support method according to claim 1, the elemental work system related to product management includes:
A product management work support method characterized in that the work is an elemental work that constitutes a merchandising cycle. 5. In the product management work support method as set forth in claim 4, the elemental work constituting the merchandising cycle is an assortment planning work for selecting products to be sold, and selecting products to be displayed. Display planning work to properly control product inventory, ordering work to appropriately control product inventory, delivery work to ensure that each store has the appropriate amount of products, inspection and storage work to manage and maintain product quality, It is characterized by being at least one of the following elemental operations: processing operations for managing product processing schedules, stocking operations for managing product display status, and sales operations for managing product sales. Product management support method. 6. In the product management work support method as set forth in claim 1, the product display diagram is output to a first window of the output device, and information corresponding to the request is output to the first window and the second window. A product management work support method characterized by selectively displaying information in a window. 7. The product management work support method as set forth in claim 6, further comprising displaying the name of the elemental work support information system in a third window of the output device. . 8. In the product management work support method as set forth in claim 1, a name of an object related to product management is output to a first window of the output device, and information regarding the object is output to a second window of the output device. A product management work support method, characterized in that information corresponding to the request is inputted from the input means in correspondence with each piece of information displayed on each of the first and second windows. 9. A product management support method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the information output to the second window is image information. 10. The product management support method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the target related to product management is one of products, fixtures, and customers. 11. Output the target of a predetermined business as a blank map to an output device, input a request for displaying information regarding the predetermined business from the input device, and make the information corresponding to the input request correspond to the blank map and display the It is characterized by outputting to an output device, inputting an instruction to an elemental business system of the predetermined business from the input device in response to the outputted information, and transmitting the inputted instruction to the elemental business system. business support methods. 12. In the business support method according to claim 11, when the instruction to the element business system of the predetermined business is an instruction regarding a specific position in the blank map, the specific position in the blank map A business support method, comprising: specifying a position using the input device, and inputting an instruction to an element business system regarding the specified specific position from the input device. 13. In the business support method according to claim 11, when the information responding to the request is information regarding a specific position in the blank map, the specific position in the blank map is determined in a different manner from others. and outputting information regarding the specific location to the output device in correspondence with the specific location in the blank map. 14. The business support method according to claim 11, wherein the blank map is a residential map. 15. An input device for inputting requests for displaying information related to product management and instructions to elemental business systems related to product management, and a product display diagram as a blank map representing the product display state as an outline from the input device. A product management system comprising: an output device for outputting information corresponding to the product display diagram in response to a request; and a means for transmitting instructions input from the input device to the elemental business system. Business support system. 16. In the product management business support system according to claim 15, if the instruction to the component business system regarding product management is an instruction regarding a specific product,
A product management work support system, wherein the input device includes means for specifying the specific product in the product display diagram, and means for inputting instructions to the elemental business system regarding the specified specific product. . 17. In the product management business support system as set forth in claim 15, if the information responding to the request is information regarding a specific product, the output device may output the specific product in the product display diagram to other products. A product management work support system comprising: means for outputting information in a manner different from the above, and means for outputting information regarding the specific product in correspondence with the specific product in the product display diagram. 18. The product management work support system according to claim 15, wherein the elemental work system related to product management is an elemental work that constitutes a merchandising cycle. 19. In the product management work support system according to claim 18, the elemental work constituting the merchandising cycle is an assortment planning work for selecting products to be sold, and selecting products to be displayed. display planning work to ensure that products are in stock, ordering work to appropriately control product inventory, delivery work to ensure that each store has the appropriate amount of products,
Inspection and storage operations to manage and maintain product quality, processing operations to manage product processing schedules, stocking operations to manage product display status, and sales to manage product sales. A product management work support system characterized by being at least one of each elemental work of a business. 20. In the product management work support system according to claim 15, the output device outputs the product display diagram to a first window, and outputs the information corresponding to the request to the first window and the second window. 1. A product management work support system comprising means for selectively displaying a window. 21. In the product management business support system according to claim 20, the output device further includes a third window, and includes means for displaying the name of the element business support information system in the third window. A product management support system that is characterized by: 22. In the product management work support system according to claim 15, the output device includes means for outputting the name of an object related to product management to a first window, and outputting information regarding the object to a second window. said input device inputs information corresponding to said request in correspondence with each piece of information displayed on said first and second windows of said output device. Business support system. 23. The product management support system according to claim 22, wherein the information output to the second window is image information. 24. In the product management work support system according to claim 22, the object related to product management is a product,
A product management support system characterized by being one of fixtures and customers. 25. An input device for inputting a request for displaying information regarding a predetermined business and an instruction to an element business system of the predetermined business; an input device for outputting the target of the predetermined business as a blank map; A business support system comprising: an output device that outputs information corresponding to an input request in correspondence with the blank map; and means for transmitting instructions input from the input device to the element business system. 26. In the business support system according to claim 25, when the instruction to the element business system of the predetermined business is an instruction regarding a specific position in the blank map, the input device A business support system comprising: means for specifying the specific position; and means for inputting an instruction to an element business system regarding the specified specific position. 27. In the business support system according to claim 25, when the information responding to the request is information regarding a specific position in the blank map, the output device outputs the specific position in the blank map to another location. A business support system comprising: means for outputting information in a manner different from that of the blank map; and means for outputting information regarding the specific position in correspondence with the specific position on the blank map. 28. The business support system according to claim 25, wherein the blank map is a residential map.