JP7713409B2 - Ordering device, ordering system, and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ordering device, an ordering system, and a program.

Many convenience stores and other businesses operate under franchise agreements. The operators of stores under franchise agreements (hereafter referred to as "owners") operate the stores using the management know-how and product ordering systems of the franchise headquarters.

For example, an owner orders a product by sending product ordering information to a headquarters server at the franchise headquarters from an ordering device consisting of a PC (Personal Computer) or the like installed in the store. The franchise headquarters manages the ordering information from multiple stores and places orders for products with supplier companies based on the ordering information from each store. The ordering device of each store is associated with that store.

In recent years, however, the number of owners who operate multiple stores based on franchise agreements has been increasing. Conventional ordering systems require an ordering device at each store to be used for placing orders, and owners who operate multiple stores must place orders using the ordering device at each store when placing orders for products at each store. This makes ordering a burden for owners who operate multiple stores.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an ordering device, ordering system, and program that can reduce the ordering burden on owners who operate multiple stores.

The ordering device of the embodiment is an ordering device that transmits ordering information for products of a store associated with the ordering device to a server device that manages ordering information for multiple stores, and includes a registration unit that registers other stores different from the associated store, an input unit to which the ordering information of the other stores registered by the registration unit is input, and a transmission unit that transmits the ordering information input to the input unit to the server device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an ordering system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main hardware configuration of the ordering device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of an order information file stored in the memory unit of the ordering device of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of an inventory information file stored in the memory unit of the ordering device of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of a control unit of the ordering device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main hardware configuration of the head office server according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of a store management file stored in the memory unit of the head office server of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of an order information management file stored in the memory unit of the head office server of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of a control unit of the head office server according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of another store registration process by the control unit of the ordering device according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of an order processing by the control unit of the ordering device of the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen displayed on the display unit of the ordering device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of an order information reception process by the control unit of the head office server according to the embodiment.

The ordering device, ordering system, and program of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. For example, in the embodiment described below, a headquarters server installed at the franchise headquarters consolidates the ordering information of each store and transmits it to the ordering system, but this is not limited to this. The ordering information transmitted to the ordering system may be transmitted from an ordering device installed in each store.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an ordering system. The ordering system 1 of this embodiment comprises, for example, an ordering device 2 installed in each store operated by an owner based on a franchise agreement, a headquarters server 3 installed in a franchise headquarters that manages multiple stores, and an ordering system 4 which is a system of a company that supplies products to the stores. These multiple ordering devices 2, headquarters server 3, and ordering system 4 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network N such as the Internet.

In this embodiment, Stores A, B, and C are operated by Owner X, Store D is operated by Owner Y, and Stores E and F are operated by Owner Z. For ease of explanation, FIG. 1 only shows Stores A through F, but the ordering system 1 includes ordering devices 2 for many other stores.

The ordering device 2 is composed of a PC installed in each store. That is, the ordering device 2 is associated with each store, and the associated information is managed by the headquarters server 3. The ordering device 2 transmits product ordering information input by the owner or the like to the headquarters server 3 as ordering information for the store corresponding to the ordering device 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "its own store"). The ordering information transmitted to the headquarters server 3 is information for the store to order products, and in this embodiment includes a store ID (store identification information) that identifies the store to which the products are to be delivered, a product code (product identification information) that identifies the product to be ordered, quantity information indicating the number of products to be ordered, information indicating the delivery date and time of the products, etc.

The ordering device 2 can also register other stores (hereinafter also referred to as "other stores") operated by the owner of the store in which the ordering device 2 is installed. In the following description, registering other stores may be referred to as "registering other stores." Here, when the ordering device 2 registers a store, it means that information identifying the store, such as a store ID, is stored in the ordering device 2 itself or in the headquarters server 3.

In this embodiment, the ordering device 2 of store A can register stores B and C. Similarly, the ordering device 2 of store B can register stores A and C, and the ordering device 2 of store C can register stores A and B. Owner X can freely decide which store to register using which ordering device 2. For example, the owner can only register other stores to the ordering device 2 of the store where he or she is present.

The ordering device 2 can also transmit ordering information related to other registered stores (hereinafter also referred to as "registered stores") to the headquarters server 3. In other words, the ordering information related to registered stores transmitted by the ordering device 2 is authenticated as correct ordering information by the headquarters server 3. The ordering device 2 may be a portable device, in which case the ordering device 2 can execute processing related to ordering by accessing the ordering system 1 from outside the store.

The ordering device 2 is connected to a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal (not shown) in the store and acquires information on products sold in the store. The ordering device 2 manages inventory information for products sold by the store based on information on products delivered based on the ordering information sent to the headquarters server 3 and information acquired from the POS terminal. The inventory information is information indicating the number of products sold in the store, and in this embodiment includes product codes (product identification information) and the number of products identified by the product codes in stock. The inventory information managed by the headquarters server 3 also includes the store code (store identification information). The inventory information may also be managed by an inventory management device that is separately connected to the ordering system 1. In this case, the inventory management device performs the inventory-related functions of the ordering device 2.

The ordering device 2 can also obtain inventory information for products sold by registered stores. The ordering device 2 obtains inventory information for registered stores from the headquarters server 3, which manages inventory information for each store. The ordering device 2 can contribute to the efficiency of ordering operations by displaying the inventory information for its own store managed by the ordering device itself and the inventory information for registered stores obtained from the headquarters server 3 on the order information input screen.

The headquarters server 3 manages the ordering information received from each ordering device 2 by store, and transmits the ordering information for each store to the ordering system 4. This causes an order to be placed with the company that supplies the products to the store (hereinafter also referred to as the "ordering company"). The headquarters server 3 also manages the inventory information of each store based on the inventory information received from each ordering device 2. The headquarters server 3 is an example of a server device. Note that the headquarters server 3 may be composed of multiple computers. In other words, the functions of the headquarters server 3 may be distributed across multiple computers.

The supplier system 4 is the supplier company's system, and manages the order information (order information for the supplier company) received from the headquarters server 3. The supplier company delivers products to each store based on the order information managed by the supplier system 4.

Next, the ordering device 2 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the ordering device 2. The ordering device 2 includes a control unit 20, a memory unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 20, the memory unit 21, the display unit 22, and the communication unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25 or the like.

The control unit 20 is a computer configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 25.

The CPU 201 controls the operation of the entire ordering device 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs, such as a program used to drive the CPU 201, and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201, and expands the various programs and data stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. The control unit 20 executes various control processes of the ordering device 2 by the CPU 201 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21 and expanded in the RAM 203.

The memory unit 21 is composed of storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, and maintains the stored contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 21 stores a control program 211, an ordering device ID unit 212, an orderable store information unit 213, an ordering information file 214, and an inventory information file 215.

The control program 211 is a program that realizes functions such as registering other stores in the memory unit 21 and/or the headquarters server 3, accepting input of order information for one's own store and registered stores, and transmitting the accepted order information to the headquarters server 3.

The ordering device ID section 212 stores an ordering device ID that identifies the device itself. The ordering device ID is assigned by the franchise headquarters when the owner enters into a franchise agreement with the franchise headquarters.

Information indicating other stores is stored in the order-accepting store information section 213 as necessary. That is, the order-accepting store information section 213 stores information indicating other stores that can place orders using the ordering device 2, such as store IDs. Stores to be registered in the order-accepting store information section 213 can be selected at the owner's discretion.

The order information file 214 is a file that stores the order information sent to the headquarters server 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of the order information file 214. Each piece of data registered in the order information file 214 corresponds to information indicating the product, quantity, order date, and scheduled delivery date and time.

In the product section, information identifying the product to be ordered is registered (stored). Information identifying the product is information that allows both the store and the ordering company to recognize the product, such as a product code such as the JAN (Japanese Article Number) code or the product name.

The quantity field contains information indicating the number of items to be ordered.

The order date field stores information indicating the date on which the store ordered the product. The order date may be the date on which the ordering device 2 sent the order information to the headquarters server 3, or the date on which the headquarters server 3 sent the order information to the supplier system 4.

The scheduled delivery date and time field stores information indicating the scheduled date and time when the ordered product will be delivered to the store. The delivery date and time is the scheduled delivery date and time agreed upon between the franchise headquarters and the client company.

The inventory information file 215 is a file that stores inventory information for the store. The inventory information file 215 is updated according to delivery information after inspection of products delivered in response to an order, and sales information from the store's POS terminal (not shown). The inventory information file 215 is updated periodically, for example, based on the delivery information and sales information, and data at the time of update is accumulated. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the inventory information file 215. Each piece of data registered in the inventory information file 215 is associated with information indicating the update date and time, product, and inventory quantity.

The update date and time field registers information indicating the date and time when the inventory information file 215 was updated.

In the product item, information identifying the product sold in the store is registered. The information identifying the product is the same as the information registered in the product item in the order information file 214.

The inventory quantity field stores information indicating the number of items in stock. The inventory quantity is calculated based on the delivery information and sales information.

Returning to FIG. 2, the hardware of the ordering device 2 will now be described. The display unit 22 is, for example, configured as a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. For example, the display unit 22 displays an input screen for inputting product ordering information. Details of the input screen will be described later.

The operation unit 23 is used to input information to the control unit 20, and is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 22, and the like. The operation unit 23 inputs various information to the control unit 20. For example, the operation unit 23 inputs product order information to the control unit 20 based on an input screen displayed on the display unit 22.

The communication unit 24 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the headquarters server 3 and a POS terminal (not shown) in the store where the ordering device 2 is installed. The control unit 20 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 24, thereby enabling the control unit 20 to send and receive information (data) to and from the external device.

Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the ordering device 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the ordering device 2. The control unit 20 functions as an input unit 2001, a registration unit 2002, an acquisition unit 2003, a display control unit 2004, and a transmission unit 2005 by the CPU 201 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 202 or the memory unit 21. Each of these functions may be configured by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

Various information is input to the input unit 2001. For example, ordering information for the store itself and ordering information for registered stores is input to the input unit 2001 by operating the operation unit 23. Also, the store ID of another store is input to the input unit 2001 in order to register the store in the orderable store information unit 213 and/or the headquarters server 3. In other words, the store ID of the other store to be registered is input to the input unit 2001.

The registration unit 2002 registers other stores different from the store associated with the ordering device 2. That is, the registration unit 2002 executes the registration of the other stores. Specifically, the registration unit 2002 stores the store ID of the other store approved for registration by the headquarters server 3 in the orderable store information unit 213 and also stores it in the headquarters server 3. The headquarters server 3 approves the registration if the store ID of the other store included in the registration request received from the ordering device 2 is the store ID of a store run by the owner of the store in which the ordering device 2 is installed. Note that the registration unit 2002 may store the store ID to be registered of the other store in only one of the orderable store information unit 213 and the headquarters server 3.

The registration unit 2002 also registers the order information input to the input unit 2001 in the order information file 214. The registration unit 2002 periodically registers inventory information in the inventory information file 215 based on delivery information for the order information and sales information from the store's POS terminal, both of which are separately input to the input unit 2001.

The acquisition unit 2003 acquires inventory information of other stores registered by the registration unit 2002. Specifically, the acquisition unit 2003 acquires inventory information of products of registered stores from the headquarters server 3 that manages inventory information of each store. Note that the acquisition unit 2003 may acquire inventory information of products of registered stores from the ordering device 2 of the registered stores without going through the headquarters server 3.

The acquisition unit 2003 also acquires a registration completion notification from the headquarters server 3. The registration completion notification notifies the headquarters server 3 that the headquarters server 3 has approved and registered the registration request for other store registration sent to the headquarters server 3. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 2003 acquires weather information from an external device as necessary. The weather information acquired by the acquisition unit 2003 is displayed on the order information input screen and is used for inputting order information.

The display control unit 2004 controls the display unit 22 to display various information on the display unit 22. For example, the display control unit 2004 causes the display unit 22 to display an input screen for inputting product order information. The display control unit 2004 also causes the input screen for inputting product order information to display inventory information for the store itself stored in the inventory information file 215 and inventory information for products of registered stores acquired by the acquisition unit 2003.

The transmission unit 2005 transmits the ordering information inputted to the input unit 2001 to the server device. Specifically, the transmission unit 2005 transmits the ordering information of the store itself and the ordering information of registered stores inputted to the input unit 2001 to the headquarters server 3. The transmission unit 2005 also transmits a registration request to the headquarters server 3. The registration request is information requesting that orders from other stores be made possible, i.e., information requesting the registration of other stores, and includes the ordering device ID of the ordering device 2 that transmits the registration request, and the store ID of the other store requesting registration.

Next, the headquarters server 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the headquarters server 3. The headquarters server 3 comprises a control unit 30, a memory unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, and a communication unit 34. The control unit 30, the memory unit 31, the display unit 32, the operation unit 33, and the communication unit 34 are connected to each other via a bus 35 or the like.

The control unit 30 is a computer configuration including a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 35.

The CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the headquarters server 3. The ROM 302 stores various programs, such as programs used to drive the CPU 301, and various data. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301, and expands the various programs and data stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31. The control unit 30 executes various control processes for the headquarters server 3 by the CPU 301 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31 and expanded in the RAM 303.

The memory unit 31 is composed of storage media such as a HDD or flash memory, and retains its stored contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 31 stores a control program 311, a store management file 312, an ordering device management file 313, an ordering information management file 314, and an inventory information management file 315.

The control program 311 is a program that realizes functions such as receiving ordering information and inventory information from each ordering device 2, managing the received ordering information and inventory information for each store, and associating the ordering device 2 with a store ID based on a registration request received from each ordering device 2.

The store management file 312 is a file that manages information about the owner and the ordering device 2 for each store. The store management file 312 is updated based on the status of the contract between the franchise headquarters and the owner. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the store management file 312. Each piece of data registered in the store management file 312 is associated with information indicating the owner, store, and ordering device.

In the owner field, owner identification information that identifies the owner who runs the store is registered. The owner identification information may be an owner ID or the name of the individual or corporation who is the owner. In the following explanation, the owner identification information will be described as the owner ID.

In the store item, store identification information that identifies the store run by the owner is registered. The store identification information is a store ID or a store name, etc. In the following explanation, the store identification information is assumed to be a store ID.

In the ordering device field, ordering device identification information that identifies the ordering device 2 installed in the store is registered. The ordering device identification information is, for example, an ordering device ID. In the following explanation, the ordering device identification information is described as being the ordering device ID.

The ordering device management file 313 is a file that manages the status of stores where the ordering device 2 can place orders. The ordering device management file 313 is updated in response to approval of a registration request received by the headquarters server 3 from each ordering device 2. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the ordering device management file 313. Each piece of data registered in the ordering device management file 313 is associated with information indicating the ordering device and the store where orders can be placed.

In the ordering device field, ordering device identification information that identifies the ordering device 2 is registered. The ordering device identification information is the same as the information registered in the ordering device field of the store management file 312.

In the "stores available for ordering" field, store identification information is registered that identifies stores available for ordering by the ordering device 2. The store identification information is the same as the information registered in the "store" field of the store management file 312.

In the information registered in the store management file 312 in FIG. 7 and the ordering device management file 313 in FIG. 8, Owner X operates three stores: Store A, Store B, and Store C, and ordering device 2 "1" installed in Store A allows orders to be placed for Stores B and C. Furthermore, ordering device 2 "2" installed in Store B and ordering device 2 "3" installed in Store C are only capable of placing orders for their own stores.

Similarly, Owner Z operates two stores, Store E and Store F, and both ordering device 2 "5" installed at Store E and ordering device 2 "6" installed at Store F can place orders for Store E and Store F.

The order information management file 314 is a file that manages the order information received from each ordering device 2 for each store. The order information management file 314 stores the information registered in the order information file 214 of the ordering device 2 in association with the store ID.

The inventory information management file 315 is a file that manages the inventory information received from each ordering device 2 for each store. The inventory information management file 315 stores the information registered in the inventory information file 215 of the ordering device 2 in association with the store ID.

Returning to FIG. 6, the hardware of the headquarters server 3 will now be described. The display unit 32 is, for example, configured with an LCD panel, and displays various information. For example, the display unit 32 displays various information registered in the store management file 312, the ordering device management file 313, the ordering information management file 314, and the inventory information management file 315.

The operation unit 33 is used to input information to the control unit 30, and is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 22, and the like. The operation unit 33 inputs various information to the control unit 20. For example, the operation unit 23 inputs data to update the store management file 312 to the control unit 30.

The communication unit 34 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the ordering device 2 and the supplier system 4. The control unit 30 is connected to an external device via the communication unit 34, thereby enabling the control unit 30 to send and receive information (data) to and from the external device.

Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the headquarters server 3 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the headquarters server 3. The control unit 30 functions as a receiving unit 3001, a management unit 3002, an ordering unit 3003, and a transmitting unit 3004 by the CPU 301 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 302 or the memory unit 31. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

The receiving unit 3001 receives ordering information from each ordering device 2. Specifically, the receiving unit 3001 receives ordering information for the ordering device 2's own store and ordering information for registered stores from the ordering device 2. The receiving unit 3001 also receives inventory information from each ordering device 2. Furthermore, the receiving unit 3001 receives registration requests from each ordering device 2.

The management unit 3002 manages the order information by storing the order information received by the receiving unit 3001 from each ordering device 2 in the order information management file 314 for each store. The management unit 3002 manages the inventory information by storing the inventory information received by the receiving unit 3001 from each ordering device 2 in the inventory information management file 315 for each store.

The management unit 3002 also updates the ordering device management file 313 based on the registration request received by the receiving unit 3001 from each ordering device 2. More specifically, when the receiving unit 3001 receives a registration request, the management unit 3002 refers to the store management file 312 to determine whether the ordering device ID included in the registration request and the store ID of another store are associated with the same owner ID, and if they are associated, approves the registration request and updates the ordering device management file 313. In other words, the management unit 3002 also functions as an approval unit that approves the registration request received by the receiving unit 3001 from the ordering device 2.

The ordering unit 3003 outputs ordering information that integrates the ordering information received from each ordering device 2 to the ordering system 4. More specifically, the ordering unit 3003 transmits ordering information to the ordering system 4, the ordering information including the store ID of the store to which the product will be delivered, the product code of the product to be ordered, quantity information indicating the number of the product, information indicating the delivery date and time of the product, etc.

The transmission unit 3004 transmits various information to the ordering device 2. For example, the transmission unit 3004 transmits a registration completion notification to the ordering device 2 in response to a registration request received by the reception unit 3001. The registration completion notification notifies the ordering device 2 that a registration request for registration of another store has been approved by the management unit 3002 and that the store ID of the other store has been registered in the ordering device management file 313. The transmission unit 3004 notifies error information in response to a registration request that is not approved by the management unit 3002.

Next, the other store registration process executed by the ordering device 2 in the ordering system 1 configured as above will be described. The other store registration process is executed so that the ordering device 2 can place orders for other stores in addition to placing orders for its own store. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the other store registration process executed by the control unit 20 of the ordering device 2.

The control unit 20 determines whether a registration request has been input to the input unit 2001 by operating the operation unit 23 (step S1), and if not (N in step S1), returns to step S1 and waits.

When a registration request is input to the input unit 2001 by operating the operation unit 23 (Y in step S1), the registration unit 2002 causes the transmission unit 2005 to transmit a registration request including the other store ID. The transmission unit 2005 transmits the registration request to the headquarters server 3 based on an instruction from the registration unit 2002 (step S2). In other words, the registration unit 2002 uses the registration request transmitted from the transmission unit 2005 to store the store ID of the other store in the headquarters server 3. As a result, the registration unit 2002 registers the other store in the headquarters server 3.

The control unit 20 then determines whether the acquisition unit 2003 has acquired a registration completion notification from the headquarters server 3 (step S3). When the acquisition unit 2003 acquires a registration completion notification from the headquarters server 3 (Y in step S3), the registration unit 2002 stores the store ID stored in the headquarters server 3 in the orderable store information unit 213. This causes the registration unit 2002 to register other stores in the orderable store information unit 213 (step S4). The control unit 20 then ends the other store registration process.

In the process of step S3, if the acquisition unit 2003 does not receive a registration completion notification from the headquarters server 3 (N in step S3), in other words, if the acquisition unit 2003 receives an error notification from the headquarters server 3, the display control unit 2004 causes the display unit 22 to display an error (step S5). Then, the control unit 20 ends the other store registration process.

The other store registration process allows owners who operate multiple stores to place orders for the other stores using the ordering device 2 of any of their stores.

Next, the ordering process executed by the ordering device 2 will be described. The ordering process is executed so that the ordering device 2 can place orders for its own store and registered stores. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordering process executed by the control unit 20 of the ordering device 2.

The control unit 20 determines whether or not information indicating the start of inputting order information has been input to the input unit 2001 by operating the operation unit 23 (step S11), and if no information has been input (N in step S11), returns to step S11 and waits.

When information indicating the start of inputting order information is input to the input unit 2001 by operating the operation unit 23 (Y in step S11), it is determined whether the store ID of another store is registered in the orderable store information unit 213. That is, the control unit 20 determines whether another store is registered (step S12).

If another store is registered (Y in step S12), the acquisition unit 2003 acquires inventory information of the other store, i.e., the registered store, from the headquarters server 3 (step S13). For example, the acquisition unit 2003 acquires inventory information of the registered store output by the headquarters server 3 in response to an inventory information request (including the store ID of the registered store) sent by the sending unit 2005.

Next, the acquisition unit 2003 reads the inventory information from the inventory information file 215 to acquire the inventory information of the own store (step S14). Note that in the process of step S12, if no other stores are registered (N in step S12), the control unit 20 skips the process of step S13 and proceeds to step S14.

The display control unit 2004 causes the display unit 22 to display an input screen for order information (step S15). In the process of step S15, the display control unit 2004 transitions between multiple input screens in response to the operation of the operation unit 23.

For example, the display control unit 2004 displays an input screen for specifying the product to be ordered, and then displays an input screen for specifying the order information (quantity, delivery store, scheduled delivery date and time, etc.) related to the specified product. In this embodiment, the quantity information is input by operating the operation unit 23 on the input screen for specifying the order information related to the product. At this time, the display control unit 2004 causes the stock information acquired by the acquisition unit 2003 in the processing of steps S13 and S14 to be displayed on the input screen.

The control unit 20 then determines whether or not order information has been input (step S16), and if no order information has been input (N in step S16), returns to the processing of step S16. The control unit 20 performs the processing of step S16 by determining whether or not information indicating that input of order information has been completed has been input to the input unit 2001 by operating the operation unit 23.

When the order information is entered (Y in step S16), the transmission unit 2005 transmits the order information, including the order device ID stored in the order device ID unit 212, to the headquarters server 3 (step S17).

Next, the registration unit 2002 registers the order information input to the input unit 2001 in the order information file 214 (step S18). Then, the control unit 20 ends the order process.

By performing the above ordering process, the ordering device 2 can display inventory information for not only its own store but also registered stores, and can transmit ordering information for its own store and registered stores to the headquarters server 3.

The order information input screen will now be described. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the input screen after the product to be ordered has been specified. The input screen shown in Figure 12 is an input screen where the order quantity can be input by planned delivery date. The input screen is formed with a header section 221, a medium category display section 222, a reference information display section 223, a product name display section 224, an order information display section by store 225, a function key display section 226, and an instruction button display section 227.

The header section 221 displays the date and time when the input screen is displayed as the order date and time. The header section 221 also displays the name of the major category into which the specified product is classified, and the words "Lunchbox Order" to indicate that this is the ordering screen.

The intermediate category display section 222 displays the classification code and category name of the intermediate category into which the specified product is classified.

The reference information display section 223 displays reference information that the owner can use as a reference when entering order information. The reference information is information about the weather, temperature, and events on the scheduled delivery date. In addition, the delivery service that will deliver the product on the scheduled delivery date is also displayed as reference information.

The product name display section 224 displays the product name of the specified product, i.e., the product for which the order quantity is being entered.

Multiple store-specific order information display sections 225 are formed on the input screen to display various information by store. When multiple store-specific order information display sections 225 are displayed, i.e., when entering order information for the store itself and registered stores, the topmost store-specific order information display section 225 displays information for the store itself. Each store-specific order information display section 225 is formed with a store name display section 2251, a stock quantity display section 2252, a price display section 2253, and an order quantity input section 2254.

The store name display section 2251 displays the store name. The stock quantity display section 2252 displays the stock quantity based on the stock information acquired by the acquisition section 2003 when information indicating the start of input of order information is entered into the input section 2001. The price display section 2253 displays the price of the product. The order quantity input section 2254 is an area for inputting the order quantity. The order quantity can be entered by planned purchase date and by delivery method.

The function key display section 226 displays multiple function keys. The function keys are, for example, keys for viewing detailed inventory information and keys for viewing sales trends of specific products.

The instruction button display section 227 displays multiple instruction buttons. The instruction buttons include a button to end the input of order information, a button to return to the previous screen (the input screen for specifying the product), etc.

The owner can input order quantities for one product from multiple stores on the same input screen while referring to the reference information on the input screen. Then, when input of the order quantity for one product is completed, the display unit 22 transitions to the input screen for another product.

Next, the order information reception process executed by the control unit 30 of the headquarters server 3 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the order information reception process executed by the control unit of the headquarters server 3.

The control unit 30 determines whether the receiving unit 3001 has received order information from the ordering device 2 (step S21), and if not (N in step S21), returns to step S21 and waits.

When the receiving unit 3001 receives the order information (Y in step S21), the management unit 3002 determines whether the order information received by the receiving unit 3001 includes order information from other stores (step S22).

If the ordering information received by the receiving unit 3001 includes ordering information from another store (Y in step S22), the management unit 3002 determines whether or not there is an association with the other store (step S23). More specifically, the management unit 3002 refers to the ordering device management file 313 to determine whether or not the ordering device ID included in the ordering information is associated with the store ID of the other store. In other words, the management unit 3002 determines whether or not the ordering information from the other store included in the ordering information received by the receiving unit 3001 is ordering information from a registered store.

If there is an association with another store (Y in step S23), the management unit 3002 registers the order information received by the receiving unit 3001 in the order information management file 314 (step S24). Then, the control unit 30 ends the order information reception process.

Note that in the process of step S22, if the order information received by the receiving unit 3001 does not include order information from other stores (N in step S22), the control unit 30 skips the process of step S23 and proceeds to the process of step S24.

In addition, in the process of step S23, if there is no correspondence with another store (N in step S23), the transmission unit 3004 transmits error information to the ordering device 2 (step S25). The transmitted error information is information indicating that the ordering information of another store included in the ordering information transmitted by the ordering device 2 is not that of a registered store of the ordering device 2. Then, the control unit 30 ends the ordering information reception process.

By the above-mentioned order information reception process, the headquarters server 3 accepts the order information received from the ordering device 2 on the condition that the order information received from the ordering device 2 does not include order information of other stores that are not registered stores. This allows the headquarters server 3 to prevent the ordering device 2 from accepting order information that the ordering device 2 does not have authority to accept.

As described above, the ordering device 2 of the above embodiment is an ordering device 2 that transmits ordering information for products of a store associated with the ordering device itself to a headquarters server 3 that manages ordering information for multiple stores, and includes a registration unit 2002 that registers a store other than the associated store, an input unit 2001 into which ordering information for products of the store registered by the registration unit 2002 is input, and a transmission unit 2005 that transmits the ordering information input to the input unit 2001 to the headquarters server 3.

As a result, in an ordering system 1 built across multiple stores, the ordering device 2 of one store can transmit registered ordering information of other stores to the headquarters server 3. In other words, the ordering device 2 of one store can be used to order products from other stores. This reduces the ordering burden on owners who operate multiple stores under franchise agreements.

In addition, the ordering device 2 of the above embodiment further includes an acquisition unit 2003 that acquires inventory information of products in the store registered by the registration unit 2002, and a display control unit 2004 that displays the inventory information acquired by the acquisition unit 2003 on the display unit 22.

As a result, when an owner who manages multiple stores uses the ordering device 2 of one store to place an order for a product from another store, the owner can check the inventory information of the other store. This allows the owner to place appropriate orders for other stores according to the number of products in stock.

Furthermore, the display control unit 2004 of the ordering device 2 in the above embodiment displays the inventory information of the product acquired by the acquisition unit 2003 on the input screen for inputting the product order information.

This allows the owner to input order information for another store while checking the inventory information of that store. This improves the ease with which the owner can input order information.

In addition, the display control unit 2004 of the ordering device 2 in the above embodiment displays information indicating the product and information indicating other stores registered by the registration unit 2002 in association with each other on the order information input screen.

This allows the owner to input order information for one product from multiple stores on the same input screen. This also improves the ease of inputting order information by the owner.

In the above embodiment, the control programs executed by each device of the ordering device 2 and the headquarters server 3 may be configured to be provided by recording them on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the control programs executed by each device may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or may be configured to be provided via a network such as the Internet.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-described embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

1 Ordering system 2 Ordering device 3 Headquarters server (server device)
22 Display unit 2001 Input unit 2002 Registration unit 2003 Acquisition unit 2004 Display control unit 2005 Transmission unit 3001 Reception unit 3002 Management unit

JP 2015-219781 A

Claims (7)

An ordering device that transmits ordering information of a product of a store associated with the ordering device to a server device that manages ordering information of a plurality of stores,
A registration unit that registers a store other than the associated store;
an input unit to which the order information of the other store registered by the registration unit is input;
a transmission unit that transmits the order information inputted to the input unit to the server device;
An ordering device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires inventory information of other stores registered by the registration unit;
a display control unit that causes the inventory information acquired by the acquisition unit to be displayed on a display unit;
The ordering device according to claim 1 , further comprising: The display control unit displays inventory information of the product acquired by the acquisition unit on an input screen for inputting order information of the product of the other store.
The ordering device according to claim 2. The display control unit causes the input screen to display information indicating the product and information indicating the other store registered by the registration unit in association with each other.
The ordering device according to claim 3. An ordering system comprising: an ordering device associated with each store; and a server device that receives ordering information from the ordering device and manages ordering information for a plurality of stores,
The ordering device includes:
a registration unit that registers a store other than the store associated with the device;
an input unit to which order information of products from other stores registered by the registration unit is input;
a transmission unit that transmits the order information inputted to the input unit to the server device,
The server device includes:
A receiving unit that receives order information from the ordering device;
a management unit that manages the order information received by the receiving unit for each store;
An ordering system comprising: When the order information received by the receiving unit includes order information of the other store, the management unit registers the order information received by the receiving unit on the condition that the store associated with the ordering device and the other store are associated in advance.
6. The ordering system according to claim 5. A program for controlling an ordering device that transmits ordering information of a product of a store associated with the ordering device to a server device that manages ordering information of a plurality of stores, the program comprising:
The computer,
A registration unit that registers a store other than the associated store;
an input unit to which the order information of the other store registered by the registration unit is input;
a transmission unit that transmits the order information inputted to the input unit to the server device;
A program that functions as a