JP7516932B2 - Automatic quotation output device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an automatic estimate output device, and in particular to an automatic estimate output device that creates an estimate of the approximate cost of modernizing an existing elevator.

Patent Document 1 discloses technology relating to a system for proposing renovation work plans suitable for handling customer inquiries when a customer wishes to carry out renovation work on their home. In this technology, customer information, floor plan data, and customer operation screen data are stored in the storage device of a customer-dedicated terminal and the terminal is lent to the customer. A sales representative then obtains image data taken with a camera equipped with a communication function that operates wirelessly via communication means, and uses the data to create a renovation plan.

JP 2004-336186 A

In some cases, customers may request an estimate of the approximate cost required for modernizing an existing elevator. Modernization refers to renovation work such as repair or replacement of an existing elevator. Existing elevators are customized to individual specifications based on the installation environment and customer requests. For this reason, when creating an estimate for modernization, it is necessary to confirm the individual specification items from the customer information of the existing elevator and calculate the modernization cost for the existing specification items. As with the above technology, manually estimating renovation work requires a lot of time and effort. In particular, when modernizing an existing elevator, in addition to the standard specifications, there are many options for additional specifications such as safety devices and designs. For this reason, it is desirable to reduce the effort required for creating an estimate for modernization while providing useful information for customers to consider the details of the modernization.

This disclosure has been made to solve the problems described above, and aims to provide an automatic estimate output device that can automatically output an estimate to a customer that includes useful information when considering the modernization of an existing elevator.

The present disclosure is applicable to an automatic estimate output device that automatically outputs an estimate upon receiving an estimate request for an estimated cost of modernization from a customer of an existing elevator. The automatic estimate output device includes an input/output interface that receives an input of an estimate request including customer identification information transmitted from a customer terminal device and outputs an estimate to the customer terminal device, a storage device that stores multiple databases, and a processor that performs an estimate creation process that creates an estimate by referencing information stored in the multiple databases when an estimate request is received. The multiple databases include a customer information database in which existing specification items related to existing elevators are stored in association with customer identification information, a price information database in which costs related to modernization are specified for each specification item, and a message information database in which standardized explanatory items are stored in association with the specification items. In the quotation creation process, the processor is configured to obtain existing specification items corresponding to customer identification information based on the customer information database, calculate the cost of standard specification items corresponding to the existing specification items based on the price information database, calculate the cost of additional specification items that can be further added to the existing specification items based on the price information database, obtain explanations corresponding to the standard specification items or additional specification items based on the message information database, and output a quotation including the cost of the standard specification items, the cost of the additional specification items, and the explanations to the customer terminal device.

According to the automatic estimate output device disclosed herein, an estimate is created that includes the costs of standard specification items as well as the costs of additional specification items and explanations corresponding to these specification items. This makes it possible to automatically output an estimate to a customer that includes information that is useful when considering the modernization of an existing elevator.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an automatic estimate output system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an automatic estimate output device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a database stored in a storage device. 10 is a flowchart of an estimate creation process executed in the automatic estimate output device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the automatic estimate output device included in the automatic estimate output system according to the embodiment.

The following describes the embodiment with reference to the drawings. Note that elements common to each drawing are given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations are omitted.

Embodiment
1. Configuration of the automatic estimate output system according to the embodiment FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the automatic estimate output system according to the present embodiment. The automatic estimate output system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that provides an estimate of approximate costs in response to an estimate request from a customer who wishes to modernize an existing elevator. The automatic estimate output system includes a customer terminal device 2 and an automatic estimate output device 10. The customer terminal device 2 is a terminal device operated by a customer of the existing elevator. The customer terminal device 2 is connected to the automatic estimate output device 10 via a communication network 4. The communication network 4 may be a telephone line, IP (Internet Protocol), or the like. A customer who wishes to obtain an estimate for modernization uses the customer terminal device 2 to transmit a request for estimate to the automatic estimate output device 10.

The automatic estimate output device 10 is a device that receives a customer's request for estimate and creates an estimate of the approximate cost of modernization. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic estimate output device. Each function of the automatic estimate output device 10 is realized by a processing circuit. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the processing circuit of the automatic estimate output device 10 includes at least one processor 12, at least one storage device 14, and at least one input/output interface 16.

When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 12 and at least one storage device 14, each function of the automatic quotation output device 10 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is described as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in at least one storage device 14. At least one processor 12 realizes each function of the automatic quotation output device 10 by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one storage device 14. At least one processor 12 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). For example, at least one storage device 14 may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.

The processor 12 executes an estimate creation process that creates an estimate for modernization. Typically, the processor 12 creates an estimate based on information from multiple databases stored in the storage device 14. The estimate creation process will be described in detail below.

The storage device 14 stores multiple databases. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the databases stored in the storage device. As shown in this figure, the storage device 14 stores multiple databases, including a customer information database 141, a price information database 142, a message information database 143, and an uncertainty element information database 144.

In the customer information database 141, existing specification items related to the customer's existing elevator are stored in association with customer identification information. Examples of existing specification items include information on the building to be installed, the model, floor, speed, capacity, design, and additional equipment. Examples of additional equipment include safety devices related to elevator safety control in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake or fire, such as a door-open running protection device and an earthquake control operation device. Customer identification information is identification information attached to identify the customer's building, and examples include an access number.

In the price information database 142, the costs related to elevator modernization are specified in association with the specification items. The specification items include items such as model, floor, speed, capacity, design, and additional equipment. In addition, the specification items are also associated with construction period information necessary for estimating the construction period.

The message information database 143 stores standard explanatory items in association with specification items. The standard explanatory items include special notes, explanations of technical terms, explanations of the contents and fees of maintenance and inspections after modernization, frequently asked questions, etc. Each explanatory item has content specific to the corresponding specification item.

The uncertain element information database 144 stores cases from past modernization records where special measures were necessary due to individual circumstances. Examples of special measures here include pit reinforcement work, total removal work, and lifting crane work. The uncertain element information database 144 stores the content, actual costs, and construction period of these special measures in association with the specification items related to the content. Note that the uncertain element information database 144 may also store the content, actual costs, and construction period of these special measures in association with the existing specification items related to the content.

The input/output interface 16 is an interface for receiving quotation requests sent from the customer terminal device 2 via the communication network 4 and outputting the created quotation to the customer terminal device 2.

2. Estimate Creation Process Next, the operation of the estimate creation process executed by the automatic estimate output device 10 of this embodiment will be described. The estimate creation process is a process for automatically creating an estimate of approximate costs upon receiving an estimate request for modernization from a customer of an existing elevator. The customer transmits the estimate request using the customer terminal device 2. Typically, the customer accesses the company's homepage on the Internet and enters an access number. The access number here is an identification number given by the elevator company to identify the customer's building.

The automatic estimate output device 10 executes an estimate creation process upon receiving an estimate request. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the estimate creation process executed by the automatic estimate output device 10. This control routine is executed by the processor 12 when the automatic estimate output device 10 receives a request for estimate.

In step S100 of the routine shown in FIG. 4, existing specification items for the existing elevator are read out based on the customer identification information. Here, the access number included in the quotation request is used as the customer identification information. The processor 12 obtains the existing specification items for the existing elevator corresponding to the access number from the customer information database 141.

In the next step S102, the cost of modernizing the standard specification items corresponding to the existing specification items is calculated. The standard specification items here are the same specifications as or equivalent to the existing specification items. The processor 12 identifies the standard specification items corresponding to the existing specification items from the price information database 142. The processor 12 then identifies information on the cost and construction period corresponding to the identified standard specification items from the price information database 142.

In the next steps S104 to S106, the cost of modernizing additional specification items that can be added to the standard specification items is calculated. First, in step S104, the cost of additional equipment items as additional specification items is calculated. Examples of additional equipment items here include a door-open running protection device and an earthquake control operation device. Processor 12 identifies additional equipment items that can be added to the standard specification items, as well as information on their costs and construction periods, from price information database 142.

In the next step S106, the modernization cost for the design items as additional specification items is calculated. The design items here are design items that can be further added to the standard specification items, and examples include car room designs and landing designs. The processor 12 identifies the design items that can be further added to the standard specification items, as well as information on their costs and construction periods, from the price information database 142.

In step S108, the cost or construction period of the standard specification item or additional specification item is corrected based on the uncertain elements. Here, the processor 12 extracts an uncertain element corresponding to either the standard specification item or the additional specification item from the uncertain element information database 144. Then, the processor 12 corrects the cost or construction period of the corresponding standard specification item or additional specification item based on the actual cost and construction period corresponding to the extracted uncertain element.

In step S110, a message to be added to the quotation is generated. Here, the processor 12 searches the message information database 143 to read messages corresponding to the selected standard specification items, additional equipment items, design items, and uncertain elements.

In step S112, a message to the customer is generated. Here, the processor 12 generates, for example, information about the sales representative to contact for inquiries.

In the next step S114, an estimate is output to the customer terminal device 2 of the customer. Here, the processor 12 calculates the final estimated cost by reflecting the correction cost based on the uncertain factors in the total cost corresponding to the standard specification items and the additional specification items. The processor 12 also calculates the final estimated construction period by reflecting the correction construction period based on the uncertain factors in the total construction period corresponding to the standard specification items and the additional specification items. The processor 12 outputs an estimate including the calculated final estimated cost and final estimated construction period, the message read in the processing of step S110, and the contact information generated in the processing of step S112 to the customer terminal device 2 of the customer. In the next step S116, the processor 12 outputs the same estimate to the sales representative in charge. When the processing of step S116 is completed, this routine ends.

The above-described quotation creation process provides the following effects and advantages:

Quotations can be created automatically when a customer requests one. This reduces the amount of manual work required to create quotations and improves work efficiency.

The estimate created by the estimate creation process includes estimated costs for additional specification items. This allows the customer to consider the need for additional equipment or designs to be added to the standard specification items while referring to the cost and construction period.

During the quotation creation process, the total cost and construction period for standard specification items and additional specification items are adjusted based on uncertainties. This allows for highly accurate estimates to be provided to customers.

During the quotation creation process, explanatory text corresponding to each specification item is added. This makes it possible to efficiently resolve customer questions and promote orders for modernization.

In addition, the created quotation is also output to the sales representative. This enables the sales representative to proceed with the sales negotiations more efficiently.

3. Modifications of the Automatic Estimate Output System of the Present Embodiment The automatic estimate output system 100 of the present embodiment may be modified as follows.

The estimate may include estimated costs for multiple modernization plans. The multiple modernization plans may include, for example, a plan for implementing only standard specification items and a plan for implementing both standard specification items and additional specification items. In this case, in the processing of step S114, the processor 12 may create an estimate by calculating both the cost and construction period of the standard specification items and the combined cost and construction period of the standard specification items and additional specification items.

Reflecting the revised cost and construction period based on uncertain factors is not a mandatory component. In addition, the estimate may present both an estimated cost that has been revised based on uncertain factors and an estimated cost that has not been revised.

The quotation request sent by the customer from the customer terminal device 2 may include information regarding the desired time period for which modernization is planned. For example, such a configuration can be achieved by providing an item for inputting the desired time period on the screen where the customer accesses the company's website on the Internet and enters the access number. In this case, in the processing of step S114, the processor 12 adjusts the estimated estimate according to the desired time period. For example, if the desired time period is outside the busy season, the processor 12 adjusts the estimated estimate toward a discount.

The quotation request may include information regarding the customer's desired specification items regarding modernization. As with the desired time period described above, such a configuration can be achieved by providing an item for inputting the desired specification items on the screen for inputting the access number. In the processing of step S114, the processor 12 can calculate an estimated cost for the modernization plan that reflects the desired specification items and include this in the quotation.

The automatic quote output device 10 included in the automatic quote output system 100 of this embodiment may be configured as follows. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the automatic quote output device included in the automatic quote output system of this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the processing circuit of the automatic quote output device 10 includes at least one dedicated hardware 18. When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 18, the processing circuit is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of these. Each function of the automatic quote output device 10 may be realized by a processing circuit. Also, each function of the automatic quote output device 10 may be realized collectively by a processing circuit.

2 Customer terminal device, 4 Communication network, 10 Automatic quotation output device, 10 Automatic quotation output device, 12 Processor, 14 Storage device, 16 Input/output interface, 18 Hardware, 100 Automatic quotation output system, 141 Customer information database, 142 Price information database, 143 Message information database, 144 Uncertainty factor information database

Claims (9)

An automatic estimate output device that automatically outputs an estimate upon receiving an estimate request for an estimated cost of modernization from a customer of an existing elevator,
The automatic estimate output device includes:
an input/output interface for receiving the quotation request including the customer identification information transmitted from a customer terminal device and outputting the quotation to the customer terminal device;
A storage device in which a plurality of databases are stored;
a processor which performs an estimate creation process to create the estimate by referring to information stored in the plurality of databases when the estimate request is received;
Equipped with
The plurality of databases include
a customer information database in which existing specification items related to the existing elevator are stored in association with customer identification information;
A price information database in which costs related to the modernization are specified for each specification item;
a message information database in which standardized explanatory items are stored in association with the specification items;
In the estimate creation process, the processor
Acquire the existing specification items corresponding to the customer identification information based on the customer information database;
Calculating the cost of the standard specification items corresponding to the existing specification items based on the price information database;
Calculating the cost of additional specification items, which are specification items that can be further added to the existing specification items, based on the price information database;
obtaining the explanation corresponding to the standard specification item or the additional specification item based on the message information database;
an automatic estimate output device configured to output an estimate including the costs of the standard specification items, the costs of the additional specification items, and the explanation items to the customer terminal device. The additional specification items include a safety device related to safety control of the elevator in the event of a disaster,
2. The estimate automatic output device according to claim 1, wherein the description includes a description of the safety device. The additional specification items include design items related to the design of the elevator,
3. The estimate automatic output device according to claim 1, wherein the description includes a description of the design item. The price information database includes construction period information related to construction periods corresponding to the specification items,
In the estimate creation process, the processor
Calculating the construction periods corresponding to the standard specification items and the additional specification items based on the construction period information;
4. The estimate automatic output device according to claim 1, further comprising: a customer terminal device that outputs the estimate including the construction period. The plurality of databases further includes an uncertainty element information database in which uncertainty elements are stored in association with the specification items,
In the estimate creation process, the processor
extracting the uncertain elements corresponding to the standard specification items or the additional specification items based on the uncertain element information database;
4. The automatic estimate output device according to claim 1, further comprising: a cost adjustment unit that adjusts the cost of the standard specification item or the cost of the additional specification item based on the uncertain factors. The plurality of databases further includes an uncertainty element information database in which an uncertainty element is stored in association with the construction period,
In the estimate creation process, the processor
Extracting the uncertain factors corresponding to the construction period based on the uncertain factor information database;
5. The automatic estimate output device according to claim 4, further comprising a step of correcting the construction period based on the uncertain factors. In the estimate creation process, the processor
7. The automatic estimate output device according to claim 1, further comprising a terminal for outputting the estimate to a sales representative. The quotation request includes the customer's desired specification items regarding the modernization,
In the estimate creation process, the processor
Calculating the cost of a specification item corresponding to the desired specification item based on the price information database;
8. The automatic estimate output device according to claim 1, further comprising: a customer terminal device that outputs an estimate including costs corresponding to the desired specification items. the request for quotation includes the customer's desired timing for the modernization;
In the estimate creation process, the processor
2. The automatic estimate output device according to claim 1, further comprising: a step of adjusting the cost of the standard specification item or the cost of the additional specification item based on the desired time.

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