JP7725264B2 - Inventory management system, inventory management method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for managing inventory of volatile fluids.

Systems related to inventory management are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology in which an oil seller (a wholesaler or retailer) manages oil inventory at a buyer's (a retailer or consumer) destination. Furthermore, Patent Document 2, for example, discloses a system related to fueling equipment that detects the liquid level detected by a liquid level gauge, or corrosion or oil leaks in tanks and piping, and automatically transmits the detected information to a management server via a network such as the Internet.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-209241 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-151728

Gas stations sell volatile fluids such as gasoline. Unlike non-volatile products, volatile products often have a discrepancy between the quantity received and the quantity sold that does not match the quantity in stock. However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not fully consider the characteristics of volatile fluids.

This disclosure provides technology for more accurate inventory management of volatile fluids and for outputting warnings based on the results of that inventory management.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an inventory management system having: a receiving means for receiving input of the sales quantity and actual inventory amount of fuel at the retailer that sells volatile fluids at the end of a specified unit period from a terminal at the retailer; and an output means for outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retailer when a first condition is met regarding the difference between the calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity during a target unit period at the retailer and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period, the first condition indicating that the difference is greater than a standard.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an inventory management method including the steps of: accepting input of the sales quantity and actual inventory amount of fuel at a retail store that sells volatile fluids at the end of a predetermined unit period from a terminal at the retail store; and outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retail store when a condition is met regarding the difference between the calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity during a target unit period at the retail store and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period, the condition indicating that the difference is greater than a standard.

A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of: accepting input of the sales quantity and actual inventory amount of fuel at the retailer that sells volatile fluids from a terminal of the retailer at the end of a specified unit period; and outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retailer when a condition is met regarding the difference between the calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity during a target unit period at the retailer and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period, the condition indicating that the difference is greater than a standard.

This disclosure enables inventory management that takes into account the characteristics of volatile fluids and provides warnings based on the results of that inventory management.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an inventory management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an inventory management system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server. 4 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the inventory management system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a top screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for daily and weekly inspections. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI object for inputting inspection results. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monthly inspection input screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for a six-month inspection. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inventory management screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI object for inputting inventory information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a menu screen for registering attribute information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tank master setting screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for mail destination master data. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for alert/remind notification master.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an inventory management system 1 according to one embodiment. The inventory management system 1 is a system for managing inventory of volatile fluids at a retail store (SS) that sells volatile fluids. In this disclosure, a volatile fluid refers to a fluid that is more volatile than water, and examples include fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. In the following, an example in which the volatile fluid is fuel is used. The retail store SS is a service station or a gas station. In the following, when multiple retail stores SS are to be distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as retail store SS[i]. When multiple retail stores SS are not to be distinguished from one another, they will be simply referred to as retail store SS.

The inventory management system 1 has a server 10, a dealer terminal 20, and a user terminal 30. These devices are connected via a network such as the Internet. The inventory management system 1 manages fuel inventory at multiple dealer SSs. At least one dealer terminal 20 is used at each dealer SS. The dealer terminal 20 is a computer device installed at the dealer SS, such as a personal computer or tablet terminal. The user terminal 30 is a computer device used by a user corresponding to the dealer SS, such as a personal computer or smartphone. The term "user" in the inventory management system 1 refers to employees and managers of dealer SSs, as well as employees of the management company for those dealers.

A retail store SS has a storage facility (or tank) T for storing fuel. If a single retail store SS sells multiple types of fuel, that retail store SS has a storage facility Tk corresponding to each fuel. For example, a retail store SS[1] that sells three types of fuel - gasoline, diesel, and kerosene - has three storage facilities Tk[1,1], Tk[1,2], and Tk[1,3].

At the end of a specified unit period, an employee at dealer SS[i] enters at least the sales quantity and actual inventory amount of fuel at dealer SS[i] into inventory management system 1. Inventory management system 1 records the entered information in a database. Inventory management system 1 references this database to determine whether there are any abnormalities, such as fuel leaks. If an abnormality is determined to exist, inventory management system 1 outputs a warning to the corresponding user.

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the inventory management system 1. The inventory management system 1 includes a storage unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a writing unit 13, a determination unit 14, a judgment unit 15, a setting unit 16, an output unit 17, a control unit 19, a storage unit 21, a receiving unit 22, a display unit 23, a transmission unit 24, a receiving unit 25, a control unit 29, a storage unit 31, a receiving unit 32, a display unit 33, a transmission unit 34, and a control unit 39. In this example, the storage unit 11, the receiving unit 12, the writing unit 13, the determination unit 14, the judgment unit 15, the setting unit 16, the output unit 17, and the control unit 19 are implemented in the server 10; the storage unit 21, the receiving unit 22, the display unit 23, the transmission unit 24, the receiving unit 25, and the control unit 29 are implemented in the retailer terminal 20; and the storage unit 31, the receiving unit 32, the display unit 33, the transmission unit 34, and the control unit 39 are implemented in the user terminal 30.

In the server 10, the storage means 11 stores various data and programs. In this example, the storage means 11 stores databases 111 and 112. Database 111 is a database that records the attributes of retailers. Database 112 is a database that records data on sales quantities and actual inventory amounts entered by retailers. In this example, database 112 also records warnings issued to retailers and the results of inspections carried out by the retailers in response to those warnings.

The receiving means 12 receives input of periodic inspection results from the dealer terminal 20. Periodic inspection refers to an inspection of fuel storage facilities and related equipment conducted by a dealer at the end of a unit period (e.g., business hours). The results of the periodic inspection include, for example, data on the amount of fuel sold and the actual inventory amount. The writing means 13 writes the received periodic inspection result data to the database 112. The determining means 14 determines the conditions for outputting a warning based on the received periodic inspection results.

The determination means 15 determines whether the conditions for issuing a warning are met for the target retailer. These conditions include a first condition regarding the difference between the calculated inventory amount, obtained from the sales volume during the target unit period and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period, and indicating that the difference is greater than a standard. If the determination means 15 determines that this condition is met, the setting means 16 sets a destination to which the warning will be output. The output destination of the warning is defined, for example, in the database 111. The output means 17 outputs a warning to the set destination. This warning, for example, prompts the retailer to inspect its storage facility and related equipment. The control means 19 performs other control.

In the dealer terminal 20, the storage means 21 stores various data and programs. The reception means 22 receives input of regular inspection results from the user. The display means 23 displays various UI (User Interface) screens. The UI screens displayed by the display means 23 include, for example, an input screen for entering regular inspection results. The transmission means 24 transmits the results of the regular inspection to the server 10. The reception means 25 receives various data from other devices such as the server 10. The control means 29 performs other control functions.

In the user terminal 30, the storage means 31 stores various data and programs. The receiving means 32 receives warnings from the server 10. The display means 33 displays a UI screen for inputting the results of an inspection in response to a warning received from the server 10 (hereinafter, an inspection conducted to address a warning will be referred to as an "abnormality inspection"). The user inputs the results of the abnormality inspection via this UI screen. The transmission means 34 transmits the results of the abnormality inspection to the server 10. The control means 39 performs other control functions.

In the server 10, the receiving means 12 receives input of the results of the abnormality inspection. The writing means 13 writes the results of the abnormality inspection to the database 112.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of server 10. Server 10 is a computer device having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, memory 102, storage 103, and communication IF (Interface) 104. CPU 101 is a control device that executes programs to perform various calculations and controls other hardware elements of server 10. Memory 102 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when CPU 101 executes programs. Storage 103 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and data. Communication IF 104 is a communication device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard (e.g., Ethernet (registered trademark)).

In this example, the programs stored in storage 103 include a program (hereinafter referred to as the "server program") for causing the computer device to function as the server 10 in the inventory management system 1. When CPU 101 executes the server program, the functions shown in Figure 2 are implemented in the computer device. When CPU 101 is executing the server program, at least one of memory 102 and storage 103 is an example of storage means 11, CPU 101 is an example of writing means 13, decision means 14, judgment means 15, setting means 16, and control means 19, and communication IF 104 is an example of reception means 12 and output means 17.

Although detailed explanations will be omitted, the dealer terminal 20 and the user terminal 30 are each computer devices that include a processor, memory, storage, display, input device, and communication IF. In this example, the programs stored in the storage include programs that cause the computer devices to function as the dealer terminal 20 or user terminal 30 in the inventory management system 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "client program (for dealer terminal)" and the "client program (for user terminal)," respectively). The client program (for dealer terminal) and the client program (for user terminal) are, respectively, general-purpose web browser programs or dedicated application programs.

When the processor is executing the client program (for the dealer terminal), at least one of the memory and the storage is an example of storage means 21. Also, in the above state, the input device is an example of reception means 22, the display is an example of display means 23, the communication IF is an example of transmission means 24 and reception means 25, and the processor is an example of control means 29.

When the processor is executing a client program (for the user terminal), at least one of the memory and the storage is an example of storage means 31, the communication IF is an example of receiving means 32 and transmitting means 34, the display is an example of display means 33, and the processor is an example of control means 39.

2. Operation 2-1. Operation example 1
Figure 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the inventory management system 1. Before the start of the sequence of Figure 4, a server program, a client program (for the store terminal), and a client program (for the user terminal) are installed in the server 10, the store terminal 20, and the user terminal 30, respectively.

In step S101, a user at the dealer enters the results of the regular inspection at the dealer terminal 20. In one example, when the dealer terminal 20 accesses the server 10, the server 10 sends data to the dealer terminal 20 to display the top screen.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the top screen. The top screen includes areas 901 and 902. Area 901 is an area that displays a menu of services provided by the inventory management system 1. In this example, four menus are provided: "Daily/Weekly Inspection," "Monthly Inspection," "6-Month Inspection," and "Inventory Management." "Daily/Weekly Inspection" is a link to a screen for entering the results of regular inspections that should be performed daily and weekly. "Monthly Inspection" is a link to a screen for entering the results of regular inspections that should be performed monthly. "6-Month Inspection" is a link to a screen for entering the results of regular inspections that should be performed every 6 months. "Inventory Management" is a link to a screen that displays the fuel inventory status at that dealership.

As such, in this example, multiple types of regular inspections are defined (three types in the example of Figure 5: daily/weekly inspections, monthly inspections, and six-monthly inspections). Each type of inspection has a different unit period. For daily/weekly inspections, the unit period is one business day and seven calendar days, for monthly inspections the unit period is one calendar month, and for six-monthly inspections it is six calendar months. For daily/weekly inspections, for example, an employee of dealer SS[i] enters the inspection results into inventory management system 1 at a set time during business hours (for example, 10:00 p.m. every day after closing).

Area 902 is an area for displaying notifications from the inventory management system 1. These notifications include alerts (i.e., warnings) regarding regular inspections. For example, in the example of Figure 5, the top row of area 902 displays a warning that reads, "This week's oil-water separator inspection has not been entered.", indicating that the results of the regular inspection have not been entered.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for daily and weekly inspections. This input screen includes areas 911, 912, and 913. Area 911 displays a UI object (e.g., a pull-down menu) for specifying the target dealer and the target period. In the example of Figure 6, April 2021 is specified as the target period. Area 912 displays a UI object (e.g., a button) for inputting an instruction to output the input data in a specified format (e.g., a PDF file). Area 913 displays the results of routine inspections (daily and weekly inspections) for the target period. Because the target period includes multiple unit periods, in this example, the inspection results are displayed in a table format with dates listed vertically and inspection items and whether or not they were checked horizontally. When the user selects a date on this screen (e.g., by clicking a row), a UI object (e.g., a pop-up window) for entering the inspection results is displayed.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a UI object (pop-up window) for entering inspection results. This pop-up window displays inspection items and includes a UI object for entering the inspection results. The inspection results are selected from predefined options. In this example, the UI object for entering the inspection results is a radio button. Furthermore, the UI object for entering the inspection results includes a text input field for entering a string of characters to be written as a remark. The user (e.g., a store employee) enters the inspection results on this screen.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input screen for monthly inspections. This input screen includes area 923 in addition to area 911 and area 912. Area 923 is an area that displays the results of daily inspections (monthly inspections) for the target period. Unlike daily and weekly inspections, the target period includes only a single unit period, so area 923 displays the inspection items and inspection details, as well as UI objects for entering the inspection results (radio buttons for selecting options and a text input field for entering remarks). The inspection items differ from those for daily and weekly inspections. A confirmation field is included at the bottom of area 923. The confirmation field includes UI objects (checkboxes in the example of Figure 8) for selecting the person who performed the inspection. Although not shown in Figure 7, the pop-up window for entering the results of daily and weekly inspections also includes a confirmation field for selecting the person who performed the inspection.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input screen for a six-month inspection. This input screen includes area 933 in addition to areas 911 and 912. Area 933 is an area that displays the results of the daily inspection (six-month inspection) for the target period. The inspection items differ for daily/weekly inspections and monthly inspections. Although the inspection items differ, the method for entering inspection results is the same as for monthly inspections.

Referring again to Figure 4. For monthly inspections and six-month inspections, once the user has completed entering the inspection results (for example, by pressing the "Update" button in area 923 in Figure 8), the dealer terminal 20 sends the inspection results to the server 10 (step S102). Upon receiving the inspection results from the dealer terminal 20, the server 10 writes the received data to the database 112 (step S103). The server 10 generates data for area 923 or area 933 including the newly entered inspection results and sends it to the dealer terminal 20. The dealer terminal 20 displays a screen (Figure 8 or Figure 9) including area 923 or area 933 including the newly entered inspection results.

10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inventory management screen. In addition to areas 911 and 912, the inventory management screen includes areas 943 and 944. Area 944 includes a UI object for selecting a fuel storage facility and a display of the attributes of the selected storage facility. Storage facility attributes include, for example, an identification number ("Tank No." in the illustrated example), fuel type ("Oil Type" in the illustrated example), storage facility capacity ("Tank Capacity" in the illustrated example), and inspection manager. This information is recorded in database 111, and server 10 retrieves this information from database 111. A single dealer may have multiple storage facilities, and inventory is checked for each storage facility. Note that while FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 illustrate examples in which daily/weekly, monthly, and six-monthly inspections are performed collectively for multiple storage facilities (regular inspections are not performed for each storage facility and its associated equipment), these regular inspections may also be performed and recorded for each storage facility and its associated equipment.

When the user selects a date on this screen (e.g., by clicking on a row), a UI object (e.g., a pop-up window) is displayed for entering inventory information.

Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI object (pop-up window) for entering inventory information. This pop-up window includes UI objects for displaying inspection items and entering the inspection results. Just to be clear, entering inventory information is also an example of a periodic inspection. The inspection results entered here primarily consist of fuel inventory figures. In the example of Figure 11, the inspection results entered for the target business day (April 3, 2021 in the example shown) are the "actual inventory amount after business hours the previous day," "quantity received from the tanker truck," "quantity sold from the scale," and "actual inventory amount after business hours." The "actual inventory amount after business hours the previous day" is not entered by the user, as the data for the previous day is automatically retrieved and displayed on this screen except during initial input. The "quantity received from the tanker truck" indicates the amount of fuel newly added to the storage facility on the target business day, if any. The "quantity sold from the scale" indicates the amount of fuel recorded as sold on that business day at the retailer's scale (e.g., a POS device). "Actual inventory after business hours" indicates the amount of inventory in the warehouse after business hours on that business day, as measured by the warehouse's meters.

Because fuel is highly volatile, there is a high probability that a clear difference D will occur between calculated inventory and actual inventory. Calculated inventory is the result of subtracting the sales volume measured on the scale from the actual inventory after business hours the previous day. For example, if the actual inventory after business hours the previous day was 4,000 L and the sales volume for that business day was 1,000 L, the calculated inventory is 4,000 - 1,000 = 3,000 L. However, due to factors such as fuel volatilization during refueling, the remaining amount shown on the storage meter may be less, such as 2,900 L. The difference between the two (more specifically, the result of subtracting calculated inventory from actual inventory) is D (in this example, D = 2,900 - 3,000 = -100).

The pop-up window in Figure 11 includes fuel inventory figures, as well as radio buttons for entering the results of the "leak inspection pipe inspection," and a text input field for entering details of any deficiencies in the leak inspection pipe. The user (e.g., a dealer employee) enters these inspection results on this screen.

Referring again to FIG. 4. When the user has completed entering the inspection results (for example, when the "Register" button is pressed in the pop-up window of FIG. 7 or the pop-up window of FIG. 11), the dealer terminal 20 sends the inspection results to the server 10 (step S102). When the inspection results are accepted from the dealer terminal 20 (i.e., when the inspection results are received), the server 10 writes the accepted data to the database 112 (step S103). The server 10 generates screen data including the newly entered inspection results and sends it to the dealer terminal 20. The dealer terminal 20 displays a screen including the newly entered inspection results (i.e., the screen is updated). For example, when new daily or weekly inspection results are entered, the screen in FIG. 6 is updated, and when new inventory information is entered, the screen in FIG. 10 is displayed.

In step S104, the server 10 determines the conditions for issuing a warning to the user. While the inventory management system 1 can issue multiple types of warnings to users, the warning determined here is a warning regarding inventory information. In one example, the conditions are common to all retailers and all seasons, and information defining these conditions is stored in the server 10 (storage means 11). In one example, this condition is a condition regarding the ratio of the difference D between the calculated inventory amount and the actual inventory amount to the sales quantity (an example of a condition regarding the difference D). Specifically, this condition is that the magnitude of the cumulative increase/decrease rate RΣ (=ΣD/ΣS) of the cumulative difference value ΣD over a predetermined period T relative to the cumulative sales quantity ΣS over this predetermined period is greater than or equal to a threshold value Th[1]. In one example, T is 3 days and Th[1] is 10%. Th[1] is obtained based on the cumulative increase/decrease rate determination criteria recorded in the database 111 (for example, by multiplying the cumulative increase/decrease rate determination criteria by a predetermined coefficient). If this condition is common to all retailers and all seasons (i.e., if this condition is fixed), step S104 may be omitted.

In step S105, the server 10 determines whether the target inspection result satisfies the conditions for issuing a warning. The target inspection result is the inspection result whose input was accepted in step S102. In other words, the server 10 determines whether the newly input inspection result satisfies the conditions for issuing a warning. If this condition is met, the server 10 writes information indicating that this condition has been met into the database 112, correlating it with the target retailer.

If it is determined that the newly entered inspection results meet the conditions for issuing a warning, the server 10 outputs a warning (step S106). In one example, the destination to which the warning is output is predetermined, such as the retailer terminal 20 that has accessed the server 10 to display the inventory management screen. In one example, the warning is displayed on the inventory management screen.

Referring again to Figure 10, in this example, the cumulative increase/decrease rate R for the last three days, April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, is -10.00%, which satisfies the conditions for issuing a warning. In this case, the server 10 generates a screen containing a warning in response to an access request from the dealer terminal 20. In this example, cells corresponding to items for which the conditions for issuing a warning are met are displayed in a different color from the other cells. For example, the cell for the cumulative increase/decrease rate for April 3rd is displayed in red.

Furthermore, if the conditions for issuing a warning are met, the server 10 sends a warning message to a predefined destination. The warning message is sent, for example, via email, SMS, a messaging service, or a chat service. This destination is registered in the database 111. The destination of the warning message is, for example, at least one of the following: an employee of the dealership, the store manager, and a management representative of the management company that oversees the dealership. In other words, the server 10 sends a warning to the user terminal 30 (Figure 4: step S107). According to this example, the user can easily know that an abnormality has occurred during daily inspection.

2-2. Supplementary information (Registering retailer attribute information)
When using the inventory management system 1, it is necessary to register the attribute information of each sales outlet in the inventory management system 1. In one example, the attribute information of a point of sale is registered by an employee of that point of sale.

Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a menu screen (master management screen) for registering attribute information. For example, a link to this master management screen is included on the top screen that is displayed when the dealer terminal 20 accesses the server 10, and when the user selects this link, the master management screen is displayed on the dealer terminal 20.

In this example, the master management screen allows users to register or set three types of attribute information: information about the storage facility (tank master), settings for the destination to which alerts are sent (email destination master), and settings for the conditions under which alerts are issued (alert/remind notification master).

Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tank master settings screen. The tank master settings screen includes areas 951, 952, and 953. Area 951 displays a UI object (a pull-down menu in the illustrated example) for specifying the target retailer. Area 952 displays a UI object (a "New Registration" button in the illustrated example) for instructing the user to register a new storage facility. Area 953 displays the attributes of registered storage facilities. In this example, the storage facility attributes include an identification number ("Tank No." in the illustrated example), fuel type ("Oil Type" in the illustrated example), storage facility capacity ("Tank Capacity" in the illustrated example), inspection manager, and information regarding warning conditions ("Cumulative Increase/Decrease Rate Determination Criteria" in the illustrated example). When the user presses the "New Registration" button, an input screen (not illustrated) for entering this information is displayed. The server 10 writes the attribute information entered via this input screen to the database 111.

Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the email destination master settings screen. The email destination master settings screen includes areas 962 and 963 in addition to area 951. Area 962 is an area that displays a UI object (in the illustrated example, a "New Registration" button) for instructing the registration of a new email destination. Area 963 is an area that displays the attributes of registered email destinations. In this example, the email destination attributes include identification information (in the illustrated example, "Destination"), the destination email address, and information specifying the type of alert to be sent (in the illustrated example, "Alert Notification (for SS)," "Alert Notification (for Manager)," and "Reminder Notification"). An alert notification (for SS) is an alert intended for a store employee or manager. An alert notification (for Manager) is an alert intended for the manager of the management company that oversees the store. In this example, the alerts are classified into alert notifications (for SS), alert notifications (for Manager), and reminder notifications. The conditions for issuing a warning may be defined separately for the alert notification (for the responsible person) and the "remind notification," or the same conditions may be used. If the same conditions are used for both, the email text of the alert notification for the SS and the responsible person will be different. The server 10 writes the attribute information entered via this input screen to the database 111.

Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the alert/remind notification master settings screen. The alert/remind notification master settings screen includes area 973 in addition to area 951. Area 973 is an area that displays a UI object for setting the timing of alert/remind notifications. Alerts issued to users from the inventory management system 1 are categorized into several types. Figure 15 shows an example in which a no-entry alert is set. A no-entry alert is a warning issued when the results of a regular inspection have not been entered. A no-entry alert is set for each of several types of regular inspections. Setting items for a no-entry alert include the no-entry period and the email sending time. When the set "email sending time" arrives after the number of days set in the "no-entry period" has passed from the closing time of the business day on which the regular inspection is to be performed, the server 10 sends a warning email to the set destination. The server 10 writes the attribute information entered via this input screen to the database 111.

3. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Some modifications are described below. Two or more of the features described in the following modifications may be used in combination.

3-1. Conditions for Issuing a Warning The conditions for issuing a warning to the user are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. For example, instead of or in addition to the conditions exemplified in the embodiment, a condition may be used in which the ratio R (= D/S) of the difference D between the calculated inventory amount and the actual inventory amount to the sales quantity S is equal to or greater than a threshold value Th[2] for a unit period of time that is equal to or greater than a threshold value Th[3]. In one example, Th[2] is obtained based on the cumulative increase/decrease rate criterion recorded in the database 111 (for example, by multiplying the cumulative increase/decrease rate criterion by a predetermined coefficient). The threshold value Th[2] is, for example, 10%. The threshold value Th[3] is, for example, 3 days.

The conditions for issuing a warning to the user may be defined in multiple stages, ranging from lenient to strict. For example, a first condition may be defined such that the number of consecutive unit periods during which the ratio R (= D/S) is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th[2] is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th[3]. A stricter second condition may be defined such that the number of consecutive unit periods during which the ratio R is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th[4] is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th[3] (Th[4] > Th[2]). Alternatively, the second condition may be such that the number of consecutive unit periods during which the ratio R is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th[2] is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th[5] (Th[5] > Th[3]). Alternatively, the second condition may be such that the number of consecutive unit periods during which the ratio R is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th[4] is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th[5]. When multiple stages of conditions for issuing a warning are defined, at least one of the content of the warning and the recipient of the warning may be changed depending on the strictness of the conditions. For example, when stricter conditions are met, the server 10 outputs a warning to more users or to users with higher priority than when looser conditions are met. Alternatively, when stricter conditions are met but the destination to which the warning is output remains the same, the server 10 outputs a warning with more urgency or stricter text than when looser conditions are met.

Alternatively, the condition for issuing a warning to the user may not be related to the ratio R of the difference D between the calculated inventory amount and the actual inventory amount to the sales quantity S, but may be related to the difference D itself. For example, the condition for issuing a warning to the user may be that the difference D is greater than or equal to the threshold value Th[6] for a continuous period of time greater than or equal to the threshold value Th[7].

3-2. Method for Determining Conditions for Issuing a Warning Although the embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the conditions for issuing a warning are fixed, the conditions for issuing a warning may be adaptively determined in accordance with various attributes or environments. For example, in step S104, the determination unit 14 determines the conditions based on at least one of the attributes of the retailer and the season to which the target business day belongs. The attribute information of the retailer used here is, for example, the region to which the retailer belongs. Each region is grouped based on meteorological data such as average temperature or average solar radiation. For example, a higher threshold value Th related to the magnitude of the ratio R is determined for a retailer located in a region that belongs to a group with a higher average temperature, and a lower threshold value Th related to the magnitude of the ratio R is determined for a retailer located in a region that belongs to a group with a lower average temperature. Alternatively, at least one of the size and number of storage facilities may be used as an attribute of the retailer. Alternatively, the determination unit 14 may determine the conditions for issuing a warning (more specifically, the threshold value used in the conditions) based on meteorological data (i.e., the weather near the retailer) such as the maximum temperature or solar radiation of the region to which the retailer belongs on that business day. For example, even for the same store, the threshold value Th for the magnitude of the ratio R is set to be large on business days when the weather is fine, and set to be small on business days when the weather is rainy.

Alternatively, the decision means 14 may determine the conditions for issuing a warning by referencing data recorded in the database 112. The database 112 records information indicating that the conditions for issuing a warning have been met. This information is associated with the identification information of the dealer and time information indicating the time when it was determined that the conditions were met. The decision means 14 uses the identification information and time information of the dealer to refer to the inspection results in the database 112 before and after the time when it was determined that the conditions for issuing a warning were met. If the percentage of inspections in which a warning was issued but no abnormalities were found exceeds a threshold value over a certain period of time in the past, the decision means 14 changes the conditions for issuing a warning for that dealer to be more lenient. Specifically, the decision means 14 increases the value of the threshold value Th[1], for example.

Further alternatively, the determination means 14 may determine the conditions for issuing a warning through machine learning using data recorded in the database 112 as training data. For example, the determination means 14 performs machine learning by providing the attribute information of the dealer recorded in the database 112, weather data for the region to which the dealer belongs, and the conditions for issuing a warning (e.g., threshold values) to the input layer of the machine learning model, and the results of regular inspections and abnormality inspections to the output layer as training data. Using this trained machine learning model, when the conditions for issuing a warning (e.g., threshold values) for a certain dealer (whose attributes and region are known) are varied in multiple patterns and input to the input layer, predicted values for the results of regular inspections and abnormality inspections (i.e., whether or not an abnormality is present) are output from the output layer. For example, the determination means 14 maximizes the threshold value within a range in which the probability of an abnormality does not exceed the threshold value.

3-3. Warning Output Method The warning output method is not limited to the example described in the embodiment. For example, the warning may be output by voice communication.

3-4. Destination of the warning The destination of the warning is not limited to the example given in the embodiment. For example, the setting unit 16 sets the user who is closest to the store at that time among users who have been registered in advance as candidates for the destination of the warning as the destination of the warning.

3-5. Warning Contents The warning contents are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. The warning message may include a character string instructing an inspection corresponding to the cause of the abnormality predicted from the inspection results, or a link to an input screen for the inspection results. In this case, for example, the control unit 19 estimates the cause of the abnormality corresponding to the warning. The cause of the abnormality is estimated, for example, using the attributes of the retailer recorded in the database 111 and the results of regular inspections and abnormal inspections recorded in the database 112. In one example, as described above, the difference D obtained by subtracting the calculated inventory amount from the actual inventory amount should be a negative value. However, if the difference D is more positive than expected, there is a possibility that other liquids, such as water, have been mixed into the storage facility. Conversely, if the difference D is more negative than expected, there is a possibility that a liquid leak has occurred in the storage facility or related equipment. Alternatively, a more detailed cause may be estimated based on inspection results other than numerical data, or by combining numerical data with other inspection results.

If the warning message includes an inspection instruction or a link to a screen for inputting the inspection results, the output means 17 may output an inspection reminder until the inspection results are entered. If the inspection results are not entered even after the reminder has been output, the setting means 16 may output the reminder to another user (for example, a user with a higher position among users previously registered as recipient candidates).

3-6. Other Embodiments The correspondence between functional elements and hardware elements in the inventory management system 1 is not limited to that exemplified in the embodiment. For example, some of the functions described as the server 10 in the embodiment may be implemented in the dealer terminal 20 or the user terminal 30. Alternatively, some of the functions described as the server 10 in the embodiment may be implemented in another device on the network. For example, the databases 111 and 112 may be stored in a device other than the server 10.

The hardware elements of the inventory management system 1 are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. The inventory management system 1 may have any hardware configuration as long as it can implement the required functions. For example, the server 10 may be a physical server or a virtual server (e.g., a so-called cloud).

The UI screens described in the embodiments are merely examples, and the UI screens provided by the inventory management system 1 are not limited to these. Any UI screen may be used as long as it is capable of inputting or outputting the required information. Furthermore, the information input and recorded in the inventory management system 1 is not limited to the examples given in the embodiments. Information not given as an example in the embodiments, such as inventory information, may also be input and recorded.

The various programs exemplified in the embodiments may be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet, or may be provided recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory).

1...Inventory management system, 10...Server, 11...Storage means, 12...Acceptance means, 13...Writing means, 14...Decision means, 15...Judgment means, 16...Setting means, 17...Output means, 19...Control means, 20...Dealer terminal, 21...Storage means, 22...Acceptance means, 23...Display means, 24...Transmission means, 25...Receiving means, 29...Control means, 30...User terminal, 31...Storage means, 32...Receiving means, 33...Display means, 34...Transmission means, 39...Control means, 101...CPU, 102...Memory, 103...Storage, 104...Communication IF

Claims (12)

a receiving means for receiving input of the sales quantity and actual stock amount of fuel at a retail store that sells volatile fluids at the end of a predetermined unit period from a terminal of the retail store;
and an output means for outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retail store when a first condition is satisfied regarding a difference between a calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity in a target unit period at the retail store and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period, the first condition indicating that the difference is greater than a reference value ;
The first condition is
(1) The condition is that the rate of increase or decrease of the cumulative value of the difference over a predetermined period with respect to the cumulative value of the sales volume over the predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold value; or
(2) The condition is that the ratio of the difference to the sales volume is equal to or greater than a threshold value for a unit period of time that is equal to or greater than the threshold value.
Inventory management system. a receiving means for receiving input of the sales quantity and actual stock amount of fuel at a retail store that sells volatile fluids at the end of a predetermined unit period from a terminal of the retail store;
an output means for outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retailer when a first condition is satisfied, which condition relates to the difference between the calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity in the target unit period at the retailer and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period , and indicates that the difference is greater than a standard;
a determination means for determining the first condition by one of the following methods (1) and (2);
(1) The first condition is determined based on at least one of the attributes of the retailer and the season to which the target unit period belongs, and the first condition is determined to be relaxed when the attributes of the retailer are the region in which the retailer is located and at least one of the attributes of the retailer and the season to which the target unit period belongs indicates that the temperature or the amount of solar radiation at the retailer is relatively high.
(2) The first condition is determined using information recorded in a database that records the warning and the results of the inspection for the warning, and when the information indicates that the percentage of cases in which the warning was output but no abnormality was found as a result of the inspection during a predetermined period in the past exceeds a threshold, the first condition is determined to be relaxed.
An inventory control system having: a receiving means for receiving input of the sales quantity and actual stock amount of fuel at a retail store that sells volatile fluids at the end of a predetermined unit period from a terminal of the retail store;
an output means for outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retailer when a first condition is satisfied, which condition relates to the difference between the calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity in the target unit period at the retailer and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period , and indicates that the difference is greater than a standard;
a setting means for setting the destination of the warning to a second destination different from the first destination when a second condition related to the difference, which is stricter than the first condition, is satisfied;
An inventory control system having: the receiving means receives an input of the result of an inspection carried out at the dealer in response to the warning,
4. The inventory management system according to claim 1, further comprising a writing unit that writes the received results into a database that records the warnings and the results of the inspections performed in response to the warnings. the receiving means receives an input of the result of an inspection carried out at the dealer in response to the warning,
3. The inventory management system according to claim 2, further comprising a writing means for writing the received results into a database that records the warnings and the results of the inspections in response to the warnings. 5. The inventory management system according to claim 4 , further comprising a determination means for determining the first condition using information recorded in the database , and determining to relax the first condition if the information indicates that the percentage of cases in which the warning was output but no abnormalities were found as a result of the inspection during a specified past period exceeds a threshold value. The computer
receiving an input of the sales quantity and actual inventory amount of fuel at the store selling the volatile fluid at the end of a predetermined unit period from a terminal of the store;
and outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retailer when a first condition is satisfied, the first condition being a condition relating to a difference between a calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity in a target unit period at the retailer and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period, the difference being greater than a reference value ;
The first condition is
(1) The condition is that the rate of increase or decrease of the cumulative value of the difference over a predetermined period with respect to the cumulative value of the sales volume over the predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold value; or
(2) The condition is that the ratio of the difference to the sales volume is equal to or greater than a threshold value for a unit period of time that is equal to or greater than the threshold value.
Inventory management methods. The computer
receiving an input of the sales quantity and actual inventory amount of fuel at the store selling the volatile fluid at the end of a predetermined unit period from a terminal of the store;
a step of outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retailer when a first condition is satisfied, the first condition being a condition regarding the difference between the calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity in the target unit period at the retailer and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period , the difference being greater than a standard;
determining the first condition by one of the following methods (1) and (2);
(1) The first condition is determined based on at least one of the attributes of the retailer and the season to which the target unit period belongs, and the first condition is determined to be relaxed when the attributes of the retailer are the region in which the retailer is located and at least one of the attributes of the retailer and the season to which the target unit period belongs indicates that the temperature or the amount of solar radiation at the retailer is relatively high.
(2) The first condition is determined using information recorded in a database that records the warning and the results of the inspection for the warning, and when the information indicates that the percentage of cases in which the warning was output but no abnormality was found as a result of the inspection during a predetermined period in the past exceeds a threshold, the first condition is determined to be relaxed.
An inventory control method having the following. The computer
receiving an input of the sales quantity and actual inventory amount of fuel at the store selling the volatile fluid at the end of a predetermined unit period from a terminal of the store;
a step of outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retailer when a first condition is satisfied, the first condition being a condition regarding the difference between the calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity in the target unit period at the retailer and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period , the difference being greater than a standard;
setting the destination of the warning to a second destination different from the first destination when a second condition related to the difference, which is stricter than the first condition, is satisfied;
An inventory control method having the following. On the computer,
receiving an input of the sales quantity and actual inventory amount of fuel at the store selling the volatile fluid at the end of a predetermined unit period from a terminal of the store;
and a step of outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retail store when a first condition is satisfied, the first condition being a condition regarding the difference between the calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity in a target unit period at the retail store and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period, the difference being greater than a reference value ,
The first condition is
(1) The condition is that the rate of increase or decrease of the cumulative value of the difference over a predetermined period with respect to the cumulative value of the sales volume over the predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold value; or
(2) The condition is that the ratio of the difference to the sales volume is equal to or greater than a threshold value for a unit period of time that is equal to or greater than the threshold value.
program. On the computer,
receiving an input of the sales quantity and actual inventory amount of fuel at the store selling the volatile fluid at the end of a predetermined unit period from a terminal of the store;
a step of outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retailer when a first condition is satisfied, the first condition being a condition regarding the difference between the calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity in the target unit period at the retailer and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period , the difference being greater than a standard;
determining the first condition by one of the following methods (1) and (2);
(1) The first condition is determined based on at least one of the attributes of the retailer and the season to which the target unit period belongs, and the first condition is determined to be relaxed when the attributes of the retailer are the region in which the retailer is located and at least one of the attributes of the retailer and the season to which the target unit period belongs indicates that the temperature or the amount of solar radiation at the retailer is relatively high.
(2) The first condition is determined using information recorded in a database that records the warning and the results of the inspection for the warning, and when the information indicates that the percentage of cases in which the warning was output but no abnormality was found as a result of the inspection during a predetermined period in the past exceeds a threshold, the first condition is determined to be relaxed.
A program to execute. On the computer,
receiving an input of the sales quantity and actual inventory amount of fuel at the store selling the volatile fluid at the end of a predetermined unit period from a terminal of the store;
a step of outputting a warning to a first destination set for the retailer when a first condition is satisfied, the first condition being a condition regarding the difference between the calculated inventory amount obtained from the sales quantity in the target unit period at the retailer and the actual inventory amount at the end of the unit period immediately preceding the target unit period, and the actual inventory amount at the end of the target unit period , the difference being greater than a standard;
setting the destination of the warning to a second destination different from the first destination when a second condition related to the difference, which is stricter than the first condition, is satisfied;
A program to execute.