JP7493994B2 - Information processing device and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and a program therefor.

For example, a logistics center that receives product orders from multiple stores sends all of those orders to a supplier in one go. When the supplier delivers the products, they are inspected based on the order data. After the inspection, the products are then sorted by store based on the order data from each store.

However, since fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables and seafood has a short lead time from ordering to delivery, there are cases where products that originate from a different place than the ordered product are received. In such cases, the logistics center inspects the products that are not included in the order data, but if the information on which product in the order data the inspected product has been replaced by is not properly managed, mistakes may occur during sorting.

JP 2009-26030 A

The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide an information processing device that can easily manage that an item not included in the order data is a substitute for an item included in the order data.

In one embodiment, the information processing device includes an attribute receiving means, an output means, an item designation means, and an association means. The attribute receiving means receives attributes of a second item that has arrived as a replacement for an ordered first item. The output means outputs a group of items having the attributes received by the attribute receiving means. The item designation means receives designation of a second item from the group of items output by the output means. The association means associates the order data for the second item designated by the item designation means with the order data for the first item.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a logistics management system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a product master record. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structures of a store order record. Schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a headquarters order record. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a logistics management server. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of an inspected record. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a sorting destination record. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a sorting information record. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure of a mark table. 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the logistics management server. 11 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the incoming goods inspection process in FIG. 10 . 11 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the incoming goods inspection process in FIG. 10 . 11 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the incoming goods inspection process in FIG. 10 . 11 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of a sorting number change process in FIG. 10 . 11 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the store label issuing process in FIG. 10 . 11 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the sorting process in FIG. 10 . 11 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the sorting process in FIG. 10 . 11 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the sorting process in FIG. 10 . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a printed cart label. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a store label. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a business selection screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a supplier list screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an order list screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a loading quantity input screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a confirmation and correction screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a substitute product registration screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a target product list screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a sorting number adjustment screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a store list screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a sorting confirmation screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a mark selection error screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of an assortment execution screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a sorting end screen.

The following describes the embodiment with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the logistics management system 100. In this embodiment, the logistics management system 100 is constructed in a logistics center or logistics warehouse under the management of a headquarters that manages multiple stores. The stores are assumed to be, for example, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other stores that handle food products such as fruits and vegetables, seafood, and daily necessities. The logistics center receives product orders from each store and places orders with suppliers in bulk. The suppliers are, for example, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and the like. The logistics center also inspects the products delivered by the suppliers based on order data, and sorts the inspected products for each store based on order data from each store. The products sorted for each store are delivered to each store using transportation means such as trucks. The logistics center also arranges for the delivery. In this embodiment, the logistics management system 100 is constructed in the logistics center to smoothly carry out the inspection and sorting operations of the logistics center.

[Description of the logistics management system 100]
The logistics management system 100 includes a database server 10, a logistics management server 20, and a communication network 30. The communication network 30 is, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a wide area network (WAN), or a local area network (LAN). The communication network 30 may include a telephone communication network or a mobile communication network. Alternatively, the communication network 30 may be a combination of these. In the logistics management system 100, the database server 10 and the logistics management server 20 are connected to the communication network 30.

The database server 10 manages at least a product master database 11, an order slip database for each store 12, and a headquarters order slip database 13. Although not shown, the database server 10 also manages a store database, a supplier database, an employee database, a truck database, a driver database, etc.

The logistics management system 100 may be considered as a single system including the access point 40 described below. Alternatively, the logistics management system 100 may be considered to be constructed including the worker terminal 50 and the printer 60 described below.

[Description of Database Server 10]
The database server 10 is typically installed in a logistics center, and provides services to the logistics management server 20 via a communication network 30. The database server 10 may provide services to the logistics management server 20 as cloud computing using the Internet.

The product master database 11 is a collection of product master records 111 (see Figure 2) that are created for each product sold at each store. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the product master record 111. The product master record 111 includes data items such as product ID, department ID, product name, place of origin, quantity, specifications, order unit, and purchase price.

The product ID is a unique code set for each product to identify it. Even if the product is the same variety, the product ID will be a different code for each product that differs in place of origin, number of pieces, specifications, etc. The department ID is a unique code set for each department to identify the department into which each product is classified. Departments include, for example, the produce department, fresh fish department, daily delivery department, etc. The produce department includes, for example, the vegetable department, fruit department, etc. The vegetable department includes, for example, leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, root vegetables, etc. The product name, place of origin, number of pieces, specifications, order unit, and purchase price are information related to the product identified by the corresponding product ID. That is, in this embodiment, the product ID functions as an item identification code that identifies the item.

The store-specific order slip database 12 is a collection of store order records 121 (see Figure 3) that are created for each order slip from a corresponding store. Each store issues an order slip for each product.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a store order record 121. The store order record 121 includes data items such as store slip ID, store ID, store name, order date, expected delivery date, product ID, product name, origin, order quantity, and sort quantity. The store slip ID is a unique code set for each order slip to identify the order slip issued from the store to the headquarters. The store slip ID is, for example, a slip number. The store ID is a unique code set for each store to identify each store. The store name is the name of the store identified by the store ID. The order date, expected delivery date, product ID, product name, origin, and order quantity are information related to the product ordered by the store identified by the corresponding store ID using the order slip issued with the corresponding store slip ID.

The sorting quantity is the quantity of the product to be delivered to the store identified by the corresponding store ID. The quantity is set in order units of "1". The sorting quantity matches the order quantity in the initial state. The sorting quantity may be changed by the sorting quantity change operation on the logistics management server 20.

The purchase order database 13 is a collection of headquarters order records 131 (see Figure 4) that are created for each purchase order issued from the headquarters to a supplier. The headquarters compiles the order quantities for the same product based on the purchase orders from each store. The headquarters then issues purchase orders for each product with the order quantity to the supplier that corresponds to that product.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the headquarters order record 131. The headquarters order record 131 includes data items such as the headquarters invoice ID, supplier ID, order date, expected delivery date, product ID, product name, place of origin, quantity, specifications, purchase price, order quantity, total purchase price, replacement flag, replacement number, and previous product ID.

The headquarters slip ID is a unique code set for each slip to identify the purchase slip issued from the headquarters to the supplier. The supplier ID is a unique code set for each supplier to identify the supplier to which the purchase slip is issued. The order date, expected delivery date, product ID, product name, place of origin, quantity, specification, purchase price, order quantity, and total purchase price are information related to the product ordered by the purchase slip identified by the corresponding headquarters slip ID. The substitution flag is one bit data for identifying whether the product identified by the corresponding product ID is a substitute product for the product ordered by the store. For example, if a product of the same variety as the ordered product but of a different place of origin is delivered by the supplier, that product becomes a substitute product for the ordered product. In this embodiment, the substitution flag indicating that it is a substitute product is set to "1". Therefore, the substitution flag indicating that it is not a substitute product is set to "0". The substitution number is a consecutive number assigned to each substitute product starting from "1" when there are multiple substitute products. The pre-substitution product ID is the product ID of the product that the substitute product is replacing, i.e., the product ordered by the store.

[Explanation of the logistics management server 20]
The logistics management server 20 cooperates with the database server 10 to provide services for managing the main operations at the logistics center. These operations include incoming goods inspection, sorting quantity change, store label issuance, sorting, etc. Details of each operation will be made clear in the operation explanation given later.

The logistics management server 20 is one aspect of an information processing device. The logistics management server 20 is connected to a wireless LAN access point 40. The logistics management server 20 performs wireless communication with multiple worker terminals 50 via the access point 40.

The worker terminal 50 is a terminal operated by employees in charge of the various tasks described above, that is, workers. For example, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a laptop computer, etc. can be the worker terminal 50.

The worker terminal 50 functions as a man-machine interface for the worker. That is, the worker terminal 50 has a display device for displaying various screens provided by the logistics management server 20. The worker terminal 50 has an input device for providing information to the logistics management server 20 via the screen. The worker terminal 50 is equipped with a camera that can be used to read barcodes or two-dimensional data codes.

The worker terminal 50 is equipped with a wireless circuit for communicating with the printer 60 that supports short-range wireless communication. The printer 60 is typically a mobile label printer. The worker terminal 50 controls the printer 60 via short-range wireless communication to print a cart label 61 or a store label 62. The cart label 61 is affixed to the inspection cart 71. The store label 62 is affixed to the shipping cart 72.

The inspection cart 71 is a cart used for the incoming inspection of goods delivered by suppliers. The goods delivered by suppliers are loaded onto the inspection cart 71 by the worker in charge of the incoming inspection work. The goods are grouped by order unit and loaded onto the inspection cart 71. At this time, one type of product is loaded onto one inspection cart 71. Since there is an upper limit to the loading capacity of the inspection cart 71, one type of product may be loaded onto multiple inspection carts 71. However, in this embodiment, it is prohibited to load multiple types of products together onto one inspection cart 71.

The shipping cart 72 is a cart used in the sorting of goods. The goods loaded on the inspection cart 71 are transferred to the shipping cart 72 by the worker in charge of sorting. The goods are grouped by order unit and loaded onto the shipping cart 72. One shipping cart 72 is loaded with goods to be shipped to one store. Since the shipping cart 72 also has a maximum load capacity, goods to be shipped to one store may be loaded onto multiple shipping carts 72. However, in this embodiment, it is prohibited to load a single shipping cart 72 with a mixture of goods to be shipped to multiple stores.

The types of the inspection cart 71 and the shipping cart 72 are not particularly limited. Basket carts, cart trucks, hand carts, dolly carts, four-wheel carts, etc. can be used as the inspection cart 71 or the shipping cart 72. It is also permissible to use a cart that has been used as the inspection cart 71 as the shipping cart 72.

The inspection cart 71 and the shipping cart 72 have space for attaching the cart label 61 or the store label 62. In addition, if the inspection cart 71 and the shipping cart 72 are provided with a holder for holding the operator terminal 50, workability is improved.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the logistics management server 20. The logistics management server 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a clock 24, a communication interface 25, a wireless unit 26, and a system transmission path 27. The processor 21, the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, the clock 24, the communication interface 25, and the wireless unit 26 are each connected to the system transmission path 27. The system transmission path 27 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. In the logistics management server 20, the processor 21, the main memory 22, and the auxiliary storage device 23 are connected by the system transmission path 27 to form a computer that performs information processing for controlling the logistics management server 20.

The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the logistics management server 20 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores data required for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The volatile memory area of the main memory 22 is also used by the processor 21 as a work area or counter area. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. As the auxiliary storage device 23, for example, well-known storage devices such as an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) are used alone or in combination. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 21, etc. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store application programs.

The application programs stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 include the control programs described below. There are no particular limitations on the method of installing the control programs in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. The control programs can be installed in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 by recording them on a removable recording medium, or by distributing them by communication via a network. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the programs and is readable by the device.

The clock 24 functions as a time information source for the logistics management server 20. The processor 21 keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock 24.

The communication interface 25 is a circuit for performing data communication with the database server 10 connected via the communication network 30.

The wireless unit 26 is a circuit for wireless data communication with the worker terminal 50 via the access point 40. Here, the wireless unit 26 functions as a means of communication with the worker terminal 50.

The logistics management server 20 configured as above uses part of the memory area of the auxiliary memory device 23 as an area for an inspected file 81, a sorting destination file 82, and a sorting information file 83. The logistics management server 20 also forms a mark table 84 in part of the memory area of the auxiliary memory device 23.

The inspected file 81 is an area for storing the inspected record 811 (see FIG. 6). FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the inspected record 811. The inspected record 811 includes data items such as delivery date, product ID, product name, place of origin, number of items, specifications, number of orders, cart number, first cart ID, number of items loaded, replacement flag, and product ID before replacement. The delivery date, product ID, product name, place of origin, number of items loaded, specifications, and number of orders are information related to the product that has been inspected. The cart number is a series of numbers assigned to each inspection cart 71 when the same product is loaded on multiple inspection carts 71. The first cart ID is a code created to identify the inspection cart 71 that loads the product that has been inspected. In other words, in this embodiment, the first cart ID functions as a cart identification code that identifies the cart on which the incoming goods are loaded. For example, a unique first cart ID is created by combining the delivery date, product ID, and cart number. The loaded quantity is the number of products loaded on the inspection cart 71 identified by the corresponding first cart ID. The loaded quantity is set to an order unit of "1". The substitution flag and pre-substitute product ID are data in the head office order record 131. In other words, if the product that has completed inspection is a substitute product, the substitution flag and pre-substitute product ID included in the head office order record 131 of the substitute product are incorporated into the inspection completed record 811.

The sorting destination file 82 is an area for storing the sorting destination record 821 (see FIG. 7). FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the sorting destination record 821. The sorting destination record 821 includes data items such as the issue date, store ID, store name, second cart ID, and mark ID. The issue date is the date on which the store label 62 was issued. The store ID and store name are information on the store to which the sorted goods are delivered. The second cart ID is a code created to identify the shipping cart 72 on which the sorted goods are loaded. For example, a unique second cart ID is created by combining the issue date and the store ID. The mark ID is an identification code of the mark 621 (see FIG. 20) printed on the store label 62 affixed to the shipping cart 72 identified by the second cart ID. The mark 621 is a symbol assigned to each shipping cart 72 so that the worker in charge of the sorting work can visually identify the shipping cart 72 to which the goods are to be sorted. The mark 621 is an example of a sorting destination symbol. The sorting destination symbol is not limited to the mark 621, and may be any shape, number, alphabet, or other symbol that visually identifies the shipping cart 72.

The sorting information file 83 is an area for storing sorting information records 831 (see Figure 8). Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the sorting information record 831. The sorting information record 831 includes data items such as the first cart ID, product ID, product name, store ID, store name, and number of sorts. The first cart ID is a code for the inspection cart 71 on which the products to be sorted by the sorting work are loaded. The product ID, product name, store ID, store name, and number of sorts are information on the products loaded on the inspection cart 71 identified by the first cart ID and information related to the sorting of those products.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the mark table 84. The mark table 84 is a data table that stores images of different types of marks 621 and used flags, each associated with a plurality of mark IDs. The used flag is one-bit data for identifying whether the mark 621 identified by the corresponding mark ID has been used on the store label 62. In this embodiment, the used flag corresponding to a used mark 621 is set to "1". Therefore, the used flag corresponding to a mark 621 that has not been used is "0".

[Explanation of the operation and effects of the logistics management system 100]
Figures 10 to 18 are flow charts showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor 21 of the logistics management server 20 in accordance with the control program. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a trolley label 61. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a store label 62. Figures 21 to 32 are examples of various images displayed on the display device of the worker terminal 50. Below, the main operations and effects of the logistics management system 100 will be explained using each figure. Note that the following explanation is an example. As long as similar results are obtained, the procedures etc. are not particularly limited.

First, at the logistics center, a worker who performs the incoming goods inspection task, the sorting quantity change task, the store label issuance task, or the sorting task starts the worker terminal 50. When the processor 21 recognizes that the worker terminal 50 has started up, it starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in FIG. 10.

First, the processor 21 instructs the worker terminal 50 to display a login screen in ACT 1. In response to this instruction, the login screen is displayed on the display device of the worker terminal 50. The login screen is a screen that accepts input of, for example, an employee code and a password as a login operation by the worker.

In ACT 2, the processor 21 waits for a login operation to be performed. When the processor 21 detects that a login operation has been performed on the worker terminal 50 on which the login screen is displayed, the processor 21 judges as YES in ACT 2 and proceeds to ACT 3. In ACT 3, the processor 21 judges whether the login is valid. For example, if the password set for the employee code does not match the input password, the processor 21 judges that the login is invalid. The processor 21 judges as NO in ACT 3 and returns to ACT 1. The processor 21 displays the login screen again and waits for a login operation to be performed.

If the password set for the employee code matches the entered password, the processor 21 determines that the login is valid. The processor 21 determines YES in ACT 3 and proceeds to ACT 4. In ACT 4, the processor 21 instructs the worker terminal 50 to display a task selection screen SCa (see FIG. 21). In response to this instruction, the task selection screen SCa is displayed on the display device of the worker terminal 50. The task selection screen SCa is a screen that prompts the worker to select the task to be performed.

Figure 21 is an example of the display of the task selection screen SCa. As shown in the figure, the task selection screen SCa has images of an incoming inspection button BTa, a change sorting quantity button BTb, a store label issuance button BTc, and a sorting button BTd arranged on it. The incoming inspection button BTa is an operator for commanding the performance of an incoming inspection task. The change sorting quantity button BTb is an operator for commanding the performance of a sorting quantity change task. The store label issuance button BTc is an operator for commanding the performance of a store label issuance task. The sorting button BTd is an operator for commanding the performance of a sorting task.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21, which has caused the operator terminal 50 to display the task selection screen SCa, checks in ACT 5 whether the incoming inspection button BTa has been pressed. If the incoming inspection button BTa has not been pressed, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 5 and proceeds to ACT 6. The processor 21 checks in ACT 6 whether the sorting quantity change button BTb has been pressed. If the sorting quantity change button BTb has not been pressed, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 6 and proceeds to ACT 7. The processor 21 checks in ACT 7 whether the store label issue button BTc has been pressed. If the store label issue button BTc has not been pressed, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 7 and proceeds to ACT 8. The processor 21 checks in ACT 8 whether the sorting button BTd has been pressed. If the sorting button BTd has not been pressed, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 8 and returns to ACT 5. Here, the processor 21 waits for input of the incoming inspection button BTa, the sorting quantity change button BTb, the store label issue button BTc, or the sorting button BTd in ACT5 to ACT8.

The worker performing the incoming inspection task operates the worker terminal 50 to input the incoming inspection button BTa. When the processor 21, which is in a standby state of ACT5 to ACT8, detects that the incoming inspection button BTa has been input, it judges YES in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT9. The processor 21 executes the incoming inspection process in ACT9. Then, when the incoming inspection process is completed, the processor 21 returns to ACT4. That is, the processor 21 commands the worker terminal 50 to display the task selection screen SCa, and returns to the standby state of ACT5 to ACT8.

The worker who performs the sorting number change task operates the worker terminal 50 to input the sorting number change button BTb. When the processor 21, which is in a standby state from ACT 5 to ACT 8, detects that the sorting number change button BTb has been input, it judges YES in ACT 6 and proceeds to ACT 10. The processor 21 executes the sorting number change process in ACT 10. Then, when the sorting number change process is completed, the processor 21 returns to ACT 4. That is, the processor 21 commands the worker terminal 50 to display the task selection screen SCa, and returns to the standby state from ACT 5 to ACT 8.

The worker who performs the store label issuance task operates the worker terminal 50 to input the store label issuance button BTc. When the processor 21, which is in a standby state from ACT 5 to ACT 8, detects that the store label issuance button BTc has been input, it judges YES in ACT 7 and proceeds to ACT 11. The processor 21 executes the store label issuance process in ACT 11. Then, when the store label issuance process is completed, the processor 21 returns to ACT 4. That is, the processor 21 instructs the worker terminal 50 to display the task selection screen SCa, and returns to the standby state from ACT 5 to ACT 8.

The worker performing the sorting task operates the worker terminal 50 to input the sorting button BTd. When the processor 21, which is in a standby state from ACT 5 to ACT 8, detects that the sorting button BTd has been input, it judges YES in ACT 8 and proceeds to ACT 12. The processor 21 executes the sorting process in ACT 12. Then, when the sorting process is completed, the processor 21 returns to ACT 4. That is, the processor 21 instructs the worker terminal 50 to display the task selection screen SCa, and returns to the standby state from ACT 5 to ACT 8.

Note that the order in which the processor 21 waits for button input during the standby state of ACT5 to ACT8 is not particularly limited. In essence, the processor 21 executes the incoming inspection process when the incoming inspection button BTa is pressed, executes the sorting quantity change process when the sorting quantity change button BTb is pressed, executes the store label issuance process when the store label issuance button BTc is pressed, and executes the sorting process when the sorting button BTd is pressed. Then, each time the processor 21 finishes each process, it returns the screen of the worker terminal 50 to the task selection screen SCa. In this way, the task selection screen SCa becomes the home screen on the worker terminal 50 where the login was valid.

Next, the procedure for the incoming goods inspection process will be described.
11 to 13 are flow charts showing specific steps of the incoming goods inspection process. After starting the incoming goods inspection process, the processor 21 instructs the operator terminal 50 to display a delivery date input screen as ACT 21 in FIG. 11. In response to this instruction, the delivery date input screen is displayed on the display device of the operator terminal 50. The delivery date input screen is a screen that accepts input of the delivery date. The operator in charge of the incoming goods inspection work operates the operator terminal 50 to input the delivery date from the delivery date input screen.

In ACT 22, the processor 21 waits for the delivery date to be input. When the processor 21 detects that the delivery date has been input at the worker terminal 50, the processor 21 judges that the result is YES in ACT 22 and proceeds to ACT 23. In ACT 23, the processor 21 stores the delivery date. The delivery date is stored, for example, in a volatile memory area of the main memory 22.

At ACT 24, the processor 21 instructs the worker terminal 50 to display the supplier list screen SCb (see FIG. 22). In response to this instruction, the supplier list screen SCb is displayed on the display device of the worker terminal 50. The supplier list screen SCb is a screen that displays a list of suppliers and prompts the user to select from the list the supplier that delivered the product to be inspected.

Figure 22 is an example of the Supplier List Screen SCb. As shown in the figure, the Supplier List Screen SCb displays a list of suppliers, listing the supplier ID, supplier name, and person in charge for each supplier. It also displays images of a Change Delivery Date button BTe and a Confirm button BTf.

After checking the supplier list screen SCb, the worker operates the worker terminal 50 to select the supplier who delivered the product to be inspected from the supplier list and input the decision button BTf. If the worker wishes to change the delivery date, he or she inputs the change delivery date button BTe.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21, which has caused the worker terminal 50 to display the supplier list screen SCb, waits for a supplier to be specified in ACT 25. Although not shown, if the change delivery date button BTe is pressed in this standby state, the processor 21 returns to ACT 21. That is, the processor 21 instructs the worker terminal 50 to display a delivery date input screen, and waits for the delivery date to be input.

When the processor 21 detects that a supplier has been specified by inputting the decision button BTf, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 25 and proceeds to ACT 26. In ACT 26, the processor 21 searches the headquarters order slip database 13. Then, in ACT 27, the processor 21 checks whether there is a headquarters order record 131 whose delivery date stored in the main memory 22 matches the scheduled delivery date and whose supplier ID matches the supplier specified via the supplier list screen SCb.

If there is not even one headquarters order record 131 in the order slip database 13 with a matching delivery date and supplier, it is assumed that the delivery date or supplier is specified incorrectly. The processor 21 judges NO in ACT 27 and ends the incoming inspection process with an error.

If a headquarters order record 131 with a matching delivery date and supplier exists in the order slip database 13, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 27 and proceeds to ACT 28. In ACT 28, the processor 21 retrieves all headquarters order records 131 with matching delivery dates and suppliers from the order slip database 13. In ACT 29, the processor 21 instructs the operator terminal 50 to display an order list screen SCc (see FIG. 23) based on the data of the retrieved headquarters order records 131. In response to this instruction, the order list screen SCc is displayed on the display device of the operator terminal 50. The order list screen SCc is a screen that displays a list of products ordered from a specified supplier with the input delivery date as the scheduled delivery date, that is, a so-called order list. The operator performs incoming inspection work based on this order list.

Figure 23 is an example of the display of the order list screen SCc. As shown in the figure, the order list screen SCc displays an order list that lists the product ID, product name, place of origin, specifications, quantity, and order quantity of the ordered product. In addition, images of a back button BTg, an inspection button BTh, a replacement product button BTi, and a home button BTj are also displayed.

After checking the order list screen SCc, the worker operates the worker terminal 50 to specify the product to be inspected from the order list and input the inspection button BTh. At this time, the product to be inspected may have the same product name as the product on the order list but a different place of origin. This product is a substitute product that has been delivered in place of the product on the order list. In this case, the worker specifies the product to be inspected from the order list and inputs the substitute product button BTi. If the worker wants to re-specify the supplier, the worker inputs the back button BTg. If the worker wants to cancel the incoming inspection process, the worker inputs the home button BTj.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21, which has caused the operator terminal 50 to display the order list screen SCc, checks whether or not the back button BTg has been input in ACT 30. If the back button BTg has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 30 and proceeds to ACT 31. The processor 21 checks whether or not the inspection button BTh has been input in ACT 31. If the inspection button BTh has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 31 and proceeds to ACT 32. The processor 21 checks whether or not the alternative product button BTi has been input in ACT 32. If the alternative product button BTi has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 32 and proceeds to ACT 33. The processor 21 checks whether or not the home button BTj has been input in ACT 33. If the home button BTj has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 33 and returns to ACT 30. Here, the processor 21 waits for any one of the back button BTg, the inspection button BTh, the substitute product button BTi, or the home button BTj to be input in ACT 30 to ACT 33. Note that even in the standby state in ACT 30 to ACT 33, the order of waiting for button input is not particularly limited.

When it is detected that the back button BTg has been pressed in the standby state of ACT 30 to ACT 33, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 30 and returns to ACT 24. That is, the processor 21 instructs the worker terminal 50 to display the supplier list screen SCb, and waits for a supplier to be specified.

When it is detected that the inspection button BTh has been input in the standby state of ACT 30 to ACT 33, the processor 21 judges as YES in ACT 31 and proceeds to ACT 41 of FIG. 12. In ACT 41, the processor 21 checks whether or not a product to be inspected has been specified from the order list. If the inspection button BTh is input without specifying a product to be inspected, the processor 21 judges as NO in ACT 41 and returns to ACT 29 of FIG. 11. That is, the processor 21 instructs the operator terminal 50 to display the order list screen SCc. The processor 21 then enters a standby state of ACT 30 to ACT 33.

When the inspection button BTh is pressed while any product is specified as an inspection target from the order list, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 41 and proceeds to ACT 42. The processor 21 writes the product ID of the product specified as an inspection target in the work area Ma of the main memory 22 in ACT 42. The processor 21 also writes the order quantity of the product specified as an inspection target in the work area Mb and the work area Mc in ACT 43.

In ACT 44, the processor 21 sets an initial value of "0" in the counter area Ca of the main memory 22. Next, in ACT 45, the processor 21 increments the count value of the counter area Ca by "1". In ACT 46, the processor 21 instructs the worker terminal 50 to display the load quantity input screen SCd (see FIG. 24). In response to this instruction, the load quantity input screen SCd is displayed on the display device of the worker terminal 50. The load quantity input screen SCd is a screen that accepts input of the number of products to be inspected that are loaded on the inspection cart 71.

Figure 24 is an example of the load quantity input screen SCd. The load quantity input screen SCd is an example of a screen when a product with product ID "9999" is specified as an inspection target from the order list displayed on the order list screen SCc. As shown in the figure, the load quantity input screen SCd displays the product name "AAAA", place of origin "Made in AA", and size "L size" contained in the headquarters order record 131 of the product specified as an inspection target. Below, the headquarters order record 131 of the product specified as an inspection target is referred to as headquarters order record 1311.

The loading quantity input screen SCd has box areas for order quantity, loading record, remaining quantity, trolley number, trolley type, and loading quantity. The order quantity box area displays the order quantity "80" contained in the headquarters order record 1311. The trolley number box area displays the count value in the counter area Ca as, for example, a three-digit trolley number. The box area by trolley type allows the type of trolley to be selected using a pull-down menu.

The image of the numeric keypad button BTk is arranged on the load quantity input screen SCd. The numeric keypad button BTk includes number buttons from "0" to "9", a register button "E", and a clear button "C". The load quantity input screen SCd also has images of a back button BTg, a label printing button BTl, a done button BTm, and a home button BTj arranged on it.

The worker in charge of the incoming goods inspection work first prepares the first inspection cart 71. Hereinafter, the first inspection cart 71 is referred to as the inspection cart 711. The worker selects the type of inspection cart 711 from the pull-down menu in the vehicle type box area. Next, the worker loads the products to be inspected, that is, the products whose product names are displayed on the loading quantity input screen SCd, onto the inspection cart 711. Then, when the inspection cart 711 is full or the loading of the products is completed, the worker inputs the loading quantity using the numeric keypad buttons BTk and inputs the registration button. The loading quantity is the number of products in the order unit with "1" as the number. The input loading quantity is displayed in the loading quantity box area of the loading quantity input screen SCd. After checking the display in the loading quantity box area, the worker inputs the label issue button BTl.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21, having caused the worker terminal 50 to display the load number input screen SCd, checks whether or not the load number has been input via the worker terminal 50 in ACT 47. If the load number has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 47 and proceeds to ACT 48. The processor 21 checks whether or not the Complete button BTm has been input in ACT 48. If the Complete button BTm has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 48 and returns to ACT 47. Here, the processor 21 waits for the load number to be input or the Complete button BTm to be input in ACT 47 and ACT 48.

In the standby state of ACT 47 and ACT 48, when it is detected that the load number has been input using the numeric keypad button BTk and the registration button, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 47 and proceeds to ACT 49. In ACT 49, the processor 21 adds the load number to the work area Md. Note that the initial value of the work area Md is "0". In ACT 50, the processor 21 subtracts the value of the work area Md from the value of the work area Mc, and writes the value after the subtraction to the work area Mc.

At ACT 51, the processor 21 waits for input from the label print button BTl. Before the load number is input, the label print button BTl is grayed out and input is disabled. However, once the load number is input, the label print button BTl is no longer grayed out and input is enabled.

When the processor 21 detects that the label issuing button BTl has been pressed, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 51 and proceeds to ACT 52. The processor 21 creates a first cart ID in ACT 52. For example, as described above, the processor 21 creates the first cart ID by combining the delivery date, product ID, and cart number. The delivery date is the delivery date stored in the main memory 22. The product ID is information in the headquarters order record 1311. The cart number is the count value in the counter area Ca.

In ACT 53, the processor 21 saves the inspected record 811 relating to the product to be inspected in the inspected file 81. The delivery date of this inspected record 811 is the delivery date stored in the main memory 22. The product ID, product name, place of origin, quantity, specification, and order quantity are information of the headquarters order record 1311. The trolley number is the count value of the counter area Ca. The first trolley ID is a code created in ACT 52. The load quantity is the load quantity input using the numeric keypad button BTk and the register button.

The processor 21 controls the printer 60 to print the cart label 61 in ACT 54. This control causes the printer 60 paired with the worker terminal 50 to print and print the cart label 61.

An example of a trolley label 61 is shown in FIG. 19. As shown in the figure, the product name, the trolley number, the number of loads, and a two-dimensional data code 611 are printed on the trolley label 61. The product name, the trolley number, and the number of loads are information of the inspection record 811 related to the product to be inspected. The two-dimensional data code 611 is a two-dimensional code of the first trolley ID and the number of loads of the inspection record 811. The two-dimensional data code 611 may be a code of the first trolley ID and the number of loads, including other information of the inspection record 811. The two-dimensional data code 611 may be a code of the first trolley ID. The information printed on the trolley label 61 is not limited to the product name, the trolley number, the number of loads, and the two-dimensional data code 611. For example, information such as the delivery date, place of origin, number of items, and specifications may be further printed on the trolley label 61.

After controlling the issuance of the trolley label 61, the processor 21 returns to ACT 45. That is, the processor 21 further increments the count value in the counter area Ca by "1". The processor 21 also commands the worker terminal 50 to display the load quantity input screen SCd, and waits for the load quantity to be input or for the completion button BTm to be pressed. At this time, the value of the work area Md is displayed in the loading record box area of the load quantity input screen SCd. The value of the work area Mc is displayed in the remaining number box area.

The worker attaches a dolly label 61 to the inspection dolly 711 loaded with the products. The worker then checks whether other products with the same place of origin, number of items, and specifications as the products loaded onto the inspection dolly 711 have been delivered. If so, the worker prepares a second inspection dolly 71. Hereinafter, the second inspection dolly 71 is referred to as the inspection dolly 712. The worker checks whether the type of the inspection dolly 712 is different from that of the inspection dolly 711. If the types are different, the worker selects the type of the inspection dolly 712 from the pull-down menu described above. Next, the worker loads the products to be inspected onto the inspection dolly 712 in the same manner as the work for the inspection dolly 711. Then, when the inspection dolly 712 is full or the loading of the products is completed, the worker enters the number of items loaded using the numeric keypad buttons BTk and inputs the registration button. After that, the worker inputs the label issue button BTl.

For such an operation, the processor 21 executes the processes of ACT 49 to ACT 54 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, a new inspected record 811 is stored in the inspected file 81. This inspected record 811 matches the delivery date, product ID, product name, place of origin, quantity, specifications, and order quantity of the previously stored inspected record 811, but the trolley number and first trolley ID are different. The loading quantity is a value entered by the worker, so it may or may not match.

The worker attaches a cart label 61 to the inspection cart 712 on which the products have been loaded. Then, when the worker has finished loading the products to be inspected onto the inspection cart 71, he or she presses the completion button BTm.

When the processor 21 detects that the completion button BTm has been input in the standby state of ACT 47 and ACT 48, the processor 21 judges as YES in ACT 48 and proceeds to ACT 55. In ACT 55, the processor 21 checks whether the value of the work area Mc is "0". When the same number of products as the ordered quantity are loaded onto the inspection cart 71, the value of the work area Mc becomes "0". In other words, the value of the work area Mc being "0" means that the inspection has been completed correctly. In this case, the processor 21 judges as YES in ACT 55 and returns to ACT 29 in FIG. 11. That is, the processor 21 instructs the operator terminal 50 to display the order list screen SCc again, and enters a standby state for ACT 30 to ACT 33.

Therefore, if there is a product to be inspected next, the worker selects that product from the order list and presses the inspection button BTh or the replacement product button BTi. When the worker has finished the incoming goods inspection work, he or she presses the home button BTj.

On the other hand, when the value of the work area Mc is not "0", it is possible that the worker has made a mistake in inputting the load quantity. Therefore, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 55 and proceeds to ACT 56. In ACT 56, the processor 21 instructs the worker terminal 50 to display a confirmation and correction screen SCe (see FIG. 25). In response to this instruction, the confirmation and correction screen SCe is displayed on the display device of the worker terminal 50. The confirmation and correction screen SCe is a screen that displays the trolley number of the trolley on which the products to be inspected are loaded and the load quantity, and prompts the worker to confirm whether the load quantity is correct and to correct it.

Figure 25 is an example of the display of the confirmation and correction screen SCe. As shown in the figure, the confirmation and correction screen SCe displays a list of the trolley number, the trolley type, and the load amount. The list is created from the inspection record 811 saved in the inspection file 81 in the process of ACT 53. Note that the label issue button BTl is erased or grayed out.

After checking the confirmation/correction screen SCe, the worker compares the number of items loaded on the list with the actual number of items loaded. If the number of items loaded on the list is different, the worker operates the numeric keypad button BTk to correct the number of items loaded on the list. The worker then presses the label issue button BTl. When the worker has finished correcting the number of items loaded or has confirmed that there is no error in the number of items loaded, the worker presses the complete button BTm.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21, having caused the operator terminal 50 to display the confirmation and correction screen SCe, checks whether or not the label issue button BTl has been pressed in ACT 57. If the label issue button BTl has not been pressed, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 57 and proceeds to ACT 58. The processor 21 checks whether or not the complete button BTm has been pressed in ACT 58. If the complete button BTm has not been pressed, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 58 and returns to ACT 57. Here, the processor 21 waits for the label issue button BTl or the complete button BTm to be pressed in ACT 57 and ACT 58.

When the processor 21 detects that the label printing button BT1 has been pressed while in the standby state of ACT 57 and ACT 58, the processor 21 judges that the result is YES in ACT 57 and proceeds to ACT 59. In ACT 59, the processor 21 corrects the loading quantity in the inspected record 811 to match the correction to the list. Then, in ACT 60, the processor 21 controls the printer 60 to print the trolley label 61 based on the corrected inspected record 811. After that, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 58 and enters the standby state of ACT 57 and ACT 58.

When the processor 21 detects that the completion button BTm has been input during the standby state of ACT 57 and ACT 58, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 58. The processor 21 returns to ACT 29 in FIG. 11. The processor 21 then instructs the worker terminal 50 to display the order list screen SCc again, and enters a standby state for ACT 30 to ACT 33.

Therefore, the worker who modifies the load quantity on the list will replace the cart label 61 of the inspection cart 71 for which the load quantity has been modified.

When the processor 21 detects that the substitute product button BTi has been input during the standby state of ACT 30 to ACT 33, the processor 21 judges as YES in ACT 32 and proceeds to ACT 61 of FIG. 13. The processor 21 checks whether or not a product has been specified from the order list in ACT 61. If the substitute product button BTi is input without specifying a product, the processor 21 judges as NO in ACT 61 and returns to ACT 29 of FIG. 11. That is, the processor 21 instructs the operator terminal 50 to display the order list screen SCc. The processor 21 then enters the standby state of ACT 30 to ACT 33.

When the substitute product button BTi is input with any product specified from the order list, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 61 and proceeds to ACT 62. The processor 21 sets the initial value "0" in the counter area Cd in ACT 62. Next, the processor 21 instructs the operator terminal 50 to display the substitute product registration screen SCf (see FIG. 26) in ACT 63. In response to this instruction, the substitute product registration screen SCf is displayed on the display device of the operator terminal 50. The substitute product registration screen SCf is a screen that accepts registration of products delivered as substitute products.

Figure 26 is an example of the substitute product registration screen SCf. As shown in the figure, the substitute product registration screen SCf displays the delivery date and the supplier's name. The delivery date is the delivery date entered on the delivery date input screen. The supplier name is the supplier's name selected from the supplier list. The substitute product registration screen SCf also has a box area for the ordered product, a box area for multiple substitute products (three in the figure), a box area for entering the place of origin, and a display area for the product list. The substitute product registration screen SCf also has a back button BTg, an add button BTn, and a home button BTj.

In this way, when a worker who has confirmed the delivery of an alternative product for a product to be inspected specifies the product to be inspected on the order list screen SCc and inputs the alternative product button BTi, the screen of the worker terminal 50 switches to the alternative product registration screen SCf. On the alternative product registration screen SCf, the box area for ordered products displays the product name, place of origin, and specifications of the product to be inspected. The box area for alternative products and the box area for entering the place of origin are left blank. The product list is not displayed in the display area either.

The worker inputs the place of origin of the alternative product in the place of origin input box area on the alternative product registration screen SCf. Note that there are no particular limitations on the method of inputting the place of origin. The place of origin selected from a pull-down menu may be input into the box area, or a list of places of origin may be displayed separately and the place of origin selected from that list may be input into the box area. Alternatively, the worker may input text indicating the place of origin into the box area.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21, having caused the operator terminal 50 to display the substitute product registration screen SCf, checks whether or not a place of origin has been input in ACT 64. If a place of origin has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 64 and proceeds to ACT 65. The processor 21 checks whether or not the back button BTg has been input in ACT 65. If the back button BTg has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 65 and returns to ACT 64. Here, the processor 21 waits for the place of origin to be input or the back button BTg to be input in ACT 64 and ACT 65. In this waiting state, the add button BTn is grayed out and input is disabled.

When the place of origin is input in the standby state of ACT 64 and ACT 65, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 64 and proceeds to ACT 66. The processor 21 displays a list of products including the place of origin input in ACT 66 in the display area of the substitute product registration screen SCf. As shown in FIG. 26, the product list is a list of product IDs, product names, place of origin, specifications, and quantities. The product list is created based on the product master records 111 stored in the product master database 11. When the place of origin is input, input of the Add button BTn becomes valid on the substitute product registration screen SCf.

Here, the processor 21 functions as an attribute receiving means by the processing of ACT 64. That is, the processor 21 receives the place of origin as an attribute of the second item that has arrived as a substitute for the ordered first item, that is, the item to be inspected, i.e., the substitute item.
The processor 21 also functions as an output unit by the process of ACT 66. That is, the processor 21 outputs image data to the operator terminal 50 so that a product list, which is a group of products having the attribute accepted by the attribute accepting unit, is displayed on the substitute product registration screen SCf.

Then, the worker who entered the place of origin finds and selects the data for the alternative product from the product list, and presses the Add button BTn.

After displaying the product list on the worker terminal 50, the processor 21 waits for the Add button BTn to be input in ACT 67. When it detects that the Add button BTn has been input, the processor 21 judges as YES in ACT 67 and proceeds to ACT 68. The processor 21 checks whether or not an alternative product has been specified in ACT 68. If an alternative product has not been specified, the processor 21 judges as NO in ACT 68 and returns to ACT 67.

Here, the processor 21 functions as an item designation means by processing the procedures of ACT 67 and ACT 68. That is, the processor 21 accepts the designation of a second item, i.e., a substitute item, from the item list displayed and output by the output means on the display device of the worker terminal 50.

If an alternative product has been specified, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 68 and proceeds to ACT 69. The processor 21 increments the count value of the counter area Cb by "1" in ACT 69. Furthermore, the processor 21 creates a headquarters order record 131 relating to the alternative product in ACT 70. Hereinafter, the headquarters order record 131 relating to the alternative product is referred to as a headquarters order record 1312.

The headquarters invoice ID, supplier ID, order date, and scheduled delivery date of the headquarters order record 1312 are information of the headquarters order record 131 of the product designated as the inspection target, i.e., headquarters order record 1311. The order quantity is "0". The product ID, product name, place of origin, quantity, specifications, and purchase price are information of the product master record 111 of the product designated as the replacement product. The total purchase price is the amount calculated by multiplying the purchase price by the order quantity. However, since the order quantity is "0", the total purchase price is "0". The substitution flag is "1". The substitution number is the count value of the counter area Cb. The pre-substitution product ID is the product ID of the headquarters order record 1311.

In ACT 71, the processor 21 adds the headquarter order record 1312 to the order slip database 13. For example, the processor 21 adds the headquarter order record 1312 next to the headquarter order record 1311.

Here, the processor 21 functions as an association means by processing the procedures of ACT71 and ACT72. That is, the processor 21 associates the order data related to the second item designated by the item designation means, i.e., the substitute item, with the order data of the first item, i.e., the item to be inspected.

In ACT 72, the processor 21 displays the product name, place of origin, and specifications of the headquarters order record 1312 in the box area corresponding to the count value of the counter area Cb among the multiple box areas of the alternative product. After that, the processor 21 returns to ACT 64. The processor 21 then waits for the place of origin to be input or for the back button BTg to be input.

If there is another alternative product for the product being inspected, the worker inputs the place of origin of the alternative product. The worker then selects the alternative product from the list of products from that place of origin and presses the Add button BTn. Thus, a headquarters order record 1312 for that alternative product is added to the order slip database 13. When the worker confirms that there is no alternative product for the product being inspected, he or she presses the Back button BTg.

When the processor 21 detects that the back button BTg has been pressed while in the standby state of ACT 64 and ACT 65, it returns to ACT 26 in FIG. 11. That is, the processor 21 acquires from the headquarters order slip database 13 all headquarters order records 131 whose delivery date stored in the main memory 22 matches the scheduled delivery date and whose supplier ID matches the supplier specified via the supplier list screen SCb. Then, based on the data of the acquired headquarters order records 131, the processor 21 instructs the operator terminal 50 to display the order list screen SCc. Therefore, the order list screen SCc also displays the product ID, product name, place of origin, specifications, quantity, and order quantity of the substitute product based on the headquarters order record 1312 added to the order slip database 13 in the process of ACT 71. The processor 21 enters a standby state of ACT 30 to ACT 33.

Then, in the standby state of ACT 30 to ACT 33, when a replacement product is specified from the order list and the inspection button BTh is pressed, the processor 21 executes the process from ACT 41 onward in FIG. 12 in the same manner as described above. However, in this case, the replacement flag "1" of the headquarters order record 1312 and the pre-substitution product ID are incorporated into the inspection completed record 811 saved in the inspection completed file 81 in ACT 53.

When the processor 21 detects that the home button BTj has been pressed in the standby state of ACT 30 to ACT 33, the processor 21 judges that the result is YES in ACT 33. The processor 21 ends the incoming goods inspection process.

Next, the procedure for the sorting number change process will be described.
A supplier does not always deliver to the logistics center the same number of products as the number ordered. In such cases, the logistics center must adjust the purchase quantity for each store to match the number of items received. The task for this adjustment is the sorting quantity change task. The worker in charge of the sorting quantity change task inputs the sorting quantity change button BTb on the task selection screen SCa of the worker terminal 50. This operation starts the sorting quantity change process in the logistics management server 20.

Figure 14 is a flow chart showing the specific steps of the sorting number change process. After starting the sorting number change process, the processor 21 acquires an inspected record 811 from the inspected file 81 in ACT 81. The processor 21 checks whether there is another inspected record 811 in the inspected file 81 whose product ID or substitute product ID matches that of the inspected record in ACT 82.

If there is no other inspected record 811 with a matching product ID or substitute product ID, the processor 21 determines NO in ACT 82 and proceeds to ACT 83. In ACT 83, the processor 21 stores the loaded quantity of the inspected record 811 as the incoming quantity of the product corresponding to the inspected record 811.

In contrast, if there is another inspected record 811 with a matching product ID or alternative product ID, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 82 and proceeds to ACT 84. In ACT 84, the processor 21 retrieves all inspected records 811 with a matching product ID or alternative product ID from the inspected file 81, and totals the loading numbers of each inspected record 811. The processor 21 then stores this total loading number as the arrival number of the product corresponding to the inspected record 811.

Here, the processor 21 functions as an acquisition unit by processing the procedures of ACT81 to ACT84. That is, the processor 21 acquires the number of second items, i.e., substitute products, in stock.

After completing the processing of ACT 83 or ACT 84, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 85. In ACT 85, the processor 21 compares the order quantity and the arrival quantity in the inspected record 811 to check whether the arrival quantity matches the order quantity. If the arrival quantity does not match the order quantity, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 85 and proceeds to ACT 86. In ACT 86, the processor 21 adds the inspected record 811 to the target product list memory. The target product list memory is formed, for example, in a volatile memory area of the main memory 22.

In more detail, if there is no other inspected record 811 with a matching product ID or alternative product ID, the processor 21 adds the inspected record 811 acquired in the process of ACT81 to the target product list memory as is. On the other hand, if there is another inspected record 811 with a matching product ID or alternative product ID, the processor 21 adds the inspected record 811 acquired in the process of ACT81 and the other inspected record 811 with a matching product ID or alternative product ID to the target product list memory.

When the processor 21 finishes the processing in ACT 86, it proceeds to ACT 87.
On the other hand, if the quantity of goods received matches the quantity ordered, the processor 21 judges that the answer is YES in ACT 85, skips the processing in ACT 86, and proceeds to ACT 87.

In ACT 87, the processor 21 checks whether or not an inspected record 811 that has not been acquired in the processing of ACT 81 or ACT 84 exists in the inspected file 81. If an inspected record 811 that has not been acquired from the inspected file 81 exists, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 87 and returns to ACT 81. The processor 21 then executes the processing from ACT 81 onwards for the inspected record 811 that has not been acquired in the same manner as described above.

When the processor 21 has acquired all of the inspected records 811 stored in the inspected file 81, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 87 and proceeds to ACT 88. In ACT 88, the processor 21 commands the operator terminal 50 to display the target product list screen SCg (see FIG. 27) based on the data in the target product list memory. In response to this command, the target product list screen SCg is displayed on the display device of the operator terminal 50. The target product list screen SCg is a screen that displays a list of products whose arrival quantity differs from the order quantity. The operator performs the sorting quantity change task based on this list.

Figure 27 is an example of the display of the target product list screen SCg. As shown in the figure, the target product list screen SCg displays a target product list that lists the product ID, product name, place of origin, specifications, quantity included, order quantity, arrival quantity, and difference of the inspected records 811 stored in the target product list memory. In addition, images of a change button BTo and a home button BTj are displayed on the target product list screen SCg.

In the target product list, data for inspected records 811 that do not include a substitution flag are displayed with a symbol (in this embodiment, a circle) indicating that they are ordered products. Data for inspected records 811 that include a substitution flag are displayed with a symbol (in this embodiment, a triangle) indicating that they are substitute products. The quantity in stock is the loaded quantity of the corresponding inspected records 811. The difference is the loaded quantity minus the ordered quantity. If the value is negative, a negative symbol (in this embodiment, a black triangle) is displayed next to the difference value.

Products displayed in the target product list are those whose quantity in stock does not match the ordered quantity. However, products whose quantity in stock, when combined with alternative products, matches the ordered quantity are not displayed in the target product list. Products whose quantity in stock, when combined with alternative products, does not match the ordered quantity are displayed in the target product list. For this reason, the number of sorts must be adjusted. To adjust the number of sorts, the worker selects the product for which the number of sorts is to be adjusted from the target product list and presses the change button BTo. If the number of sorts is not to be adjusted, the worker presses the home button BTj.

If there are no products whose stock quantity does not match the order quantity, the target product list will not be displayed on the target product list screen SCg. In this case, the change button BTo is not displayed or is grayed out. Therefore, the worker will press the home button BTj.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21, having caused the worker terminal 50 to display the target product list screen SCg, checks whether or not the Change button BTo has been input in ACT 89. If the Change button BTo has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 89 and proceeds to ACT 90. The processor 21 checks whether or not the Home button BTj has been input in ACT 90. If the Home button BTj has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 90 and returns to ACT 89. Here, the processor 21 waits for the Change button BTo or the Home button BTj to be input in ACT 89 and ACT 90.

When the processor 21 detects that the change button BTo has been input during the standby state of ACT 89 and ACT 90, the processor 21 judges as YES in ACT 89 and proceeds to ACT 91. The processor 21 checks whether or not a product to be changed has been specified in ACT 91. If the change button BTo is input without specifying a product in the target product list, the processor 21 judges as NO in ACT 91 and returns to ACT 89. In other words, the processor 21 invalidates the input of the change button BTo.

When a product in the target product list is specified and the change button BTo is pressed, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 91 and proceeds to ACT 92. In ACT 92, the processor 21 instructs the operator terminal 50 to display the sorting number adjustment screen SCh (see FIG. 28). In response to this instruction, the sorting number adjustment screen SCh is displayed on the display device of the operator terminal 50. The sorting number adjustment screen SCh is a screen that allows the operator to manually adjust the number of products to be sorted to each store for the specified product.

Figure 28 is an example of the display of the sorting number adjustment screen SCh. As shown in the figure, the sorting number adjustment screen SCh has a sorting number adjustment table TA expressed in a matrix format. In addition, images of a back button BTg and a done button BTm are also arranged.

In the sorting quantity adjustment table TA, the first column is the store name, the second column is the order quantity, and the third column is the adjusted sorting quantity. The fourth column onwards is the sorting quantity adjustment area for each product to be sorted. The products to be sorted may be only ordered products or only substitute products. As shown in Figure 28, there may be a mixture of ordered products and substitute products. Note that on the sorting quantity adjustment screen SCh, the number of items in stock is the number of ordered products in stock. The number of substitutes is the number of substitute products in stock. The number of shipments to be inserted is the sum of the number of ordered products in stock and the number of substitute products in stock.

Here, the processor 21 functions as an adjustment receiving means by processing ACT92. That is, the processor 21 receives an input via the sorting number adjustment screen SCh to adjust the incoming quantity acquired by the acquisition means as the shipping quantity to the supplier that has ordered the second item, i.e., the first item associated with the substitute item, i.e., the item to be inspected.

For ordered items, the worker adjusts the sorting quantity for each store within the range of the ordered quantity.For substitute items, the worker adjusts the sorting quantity for each store within the range of the substitute quantity.When the worker has finished adjusting the sorting quantity, he/she presses the complete button BTm.If the worker wishes to stop the adjustment midway, he/she presses the back button BTg.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21, having caused the operator terminal 50 to display the sorting number adjustment screen SCh, checks in ACT 93 whether the Complete button BTm has been input. If the Complete button BTm has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 93 and proceeds to ACT 94. The processor 21 checks in ACT 94 whether the Back button BTg has been input. If the Back button BTg has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 94 and returns to ACT 93. Here, the processor 21 waits for the Complete button BTm or the Back button BTg to be input in ACT 93 and ACT 94.

When the processor 21 detects that the completion button BTm has been input during the standby state of ACT 93 and ACT 94, the processor 21 judges that the answer is YES in ACT 93 and proceeds to ACT 95. In ACT 95, the processor 21 changes the number of sorts included in the store order record of the store so that it matches the number of sorts adjusted for each store on the sorting number adjustment screen SCh. The processor 21 then returns to ACT 88.

If the processor 21 detects that the back button BTg has been pressed during the standby state of ACT 93 and ACT 94, it judges YES in ACT 94 and returns to ACT 88.

Returning to ACT 88, the processor 21 instructs the operator terminal 50 to display the target product list screen SCg based on the data in the target product list memory, as described above. The processor 21 then enters a standby state for ACT 89 and ACT 90. In this standby state, when the processor 21 detects that the home button BTj has been pressed, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 90. The processor 21 ends the sorting number change process.

Next, the procedure for the store label issuing process will be described.
Products delivered by suppliers are loaded onto inspection carts 71, one product at a time, by a worker in charge of incoming inspection work. The products loaded onto the inspection carts 71 are then sorted into shipping carts 72 for each store by a worker in charge of sorting work. A store label 62 for each store is then affixed to each shipping cart 72. The work of creating these store labels 62 is the store label issuance work. The worker in charge of the store label issuance work inputs the store label issuance button BTc on the work selection screen SCa of the worker terminal 50. With this operation, the store label issuance process is started in the logistics management server 20.

Figure 15 is a flow diagram showing the specific steps of the store label issuance process. Having started the store label issuance process, the processor 21 issues a command to the operator terminal 50 to display the store list screen SCi (see Figure 29) at ACT 101. In response to this command, the store list screen SCi is displayed on the display device of the operator terminal 50. The store list screen SCi is a screen that displays a list of the stores that have ordered the product, and prompts the operator to specify from the list the store that will issue the store label 62.

Figure 29 is an example of the store list screen SCi. As shown in the figure, the store list screen SCi displays a list of the store ID and store name of each store. In addition, in association with each store, a box area for each cart type and a check box CX are displayed. In the box area for each cart type, the type of cart can be selected using a pull-down menu. When the worker checks the box in the check box CX, the corresponding store is specified. Images of a label issue button BTl and a home button BTj are also displayed on the store list screen SCi.

The worker checks the check box CX of the store for which the store label 62 is to be created. The worker also selects from the box area the type of shipping cart 72 to which the store label 62 will be affixed. The worker then presses the label issue button BTl.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21, having caused the operator terminal 50 to display the store list screen SCi, checks whether or not the label printing button BTl has been pressed in ACT 102. If the label printing button BTl has not been pressed, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 102 and proceeds to ACT 103. The processor 21 checks whether or not the home button BTj has been pressed in ACT 103. If the home button BTj has not been pressed, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 103 and returns to ACT 102. Here, the processor 21 waits for the label printing button BTl or the home button BTj to be pressed in ACT 102 and ACT 103.

When the processor 21 detects that the label issuing button BT1 has been pressed in the standby state of ACT102 and ACT103, the processor 21 judges as YES in ACT102 and proceeds to ACT104. In ACT104, the processor 21 checks whether or not a store has been selected by the check box CX. If a store has not been selected, the processor 21 judges as NO in ACT104 and returns to ACT102. That is, the processor 21 returns to the standby state of ACT102 and ACT103.

If one or more stores are selected by the checkboxes, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 104 and proceeds to ACT 105. The processor 21 sets the number of selected stores in the counter area Cc in ACT 105.

The processor 21 acquires the store ID of the selected store in ACT 106. Then, the processor 21 generates a second cart ID in ACT 107. For example, as described above, the processor 21 generates the second cart ID by combining the issue date and the store ID. The issue date is the date kept by the clock 24.

The processor 21 searches the mark table 84 in ACT 108, and obtains one of the mark IDs whose used flag is "0". The processor 21 then sets the used flag associated with the obtained mark ID to "1".

The processor 21 saves the sorting destination record 821 in ACT 109. Here, the issue date of the sorting destination record 821 is the date measured by the clock 24. The store ID and store name are data of the store selected from the store list. The second cart ID is a code generated in the processing of ACT 107. The mark ID is a code obtained in the processing of ACT 108.

The processor 21 controls the printer 60 to print a store label 62 in ACT 110. This control causes the printer 60 paired with the operator terminal 50 to print and print the store label 62.

Figure 20 shows an example of a printed store label 62. The store label 62 has the store code and store name printed on it. In addition, a mark 621 identified by a mark ID is printed on the store label 62.

In ACT 111, the processor 21 subtracts "1" from the count value in the counter area Cc. Then, in ACT 112, the processor 21 checks whether the count value in the counter area Cc has become "0". If the count value is greater than "0", another store has been selected from the store list. The processor 21 determines NO in ACT 112 and returns to ACT 106. The processor 21 then executes the processes in ACT 106 to ACT 112 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, for all stores selected on the store list screen SCi, the sorting destination records 821 are saved and store labels 62 are issued. Here, the mark 621 printed on each store label 62 has a different design for each store.

When the processor 21 confirms that the count value in the counter area Cc has reached "0", it judges YES in ACT 112 and returns to ACT 101. The processor 21 then displays the store list screen SCi and returns to the standby state of ACT 102 and ACT 103. In this standby state, when the processor 21 detects that the home button BTj has been pressed, it ends the store label issuing process.

Next, the procedure of the sorting process will be described.
The products loaded onto the inspection carts 71 are sorted by an operator into shipping carts 72 for each store. This is the sorting operation. The operator in charge of the sorting operation inputs the sorting button BTd on the operation selection screen SCa of the operator terminal 50. By this operation, the logistics management server 20 starts the sorting process.

Figures 16 to 18 are flow charts showing the specific steps of the sorting process. Having started the sorting process, the processor 21 causes the worker terminal 50 to display guidance for the sorting work at ACT 121 in Figure 16. Then, at ACT 122, the processor 21 outputs a control signal to the worker terminal 50 to start the camera of the worker terminal 50. As a result, the display device of the worker terminal 50 displays guidance such as "Please read the two-dimensional code on the trolley label." Also, the camera of the worker terminal 50, which is an input device capable of reading two-dimensional codes, is started.

After checking the guidance, the worker performs an operation to read the two-dimensional data code 611 on the cart label 61 affixed to the inspection cart 71 with a camera. In the following, the inspection cart 71 to which the cart label 61 is affixed, the two-dimensional data code 611 of which has been read by the camera, is referred to as the inspection cart 711. Note that an image of a home button BTj is also displayed on the display device together with the guidance. If the worker wishes to interrupt the sorting operation, he or she inputs the home button BTj.

The processor 21, which controlled the start of the camera, checks whether or not a two-dimensional data code has been read by the camera in ACT 123. If the two-dimensional data code has not been read, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 123 and proceeds to ACT 124. The processor 21 checks whether or not the home button BTj has been input in ACT 124. If the home button BTj has not been input, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 124 and returns to ACT 123. Here, the processor 21 waits for the two-dimensional data code to be read or the home button BTj to be input in ACT 123 and ACT 124.

When the processor 21 detects that the two-dimensional data code has been read in the waiting state in ACT 123 and ACT 124, the processor 21 determines that the result is YES in ACT 123 and proceeds to ACT 125. In ACT 125, the processor 21 analyzes the two-dimensional data code 611 and acquires the first cart ID.
The processor 21 searches the inspected file 81 and acquires the inspected record 811 including the first cart ID in ACT 126. The processor 21 writes the number of loads in the inspected record 811 into the work area Me and the work area Mf in ACT 127.

After completing the processing in ACT 125 to ACT 127, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 131 in FIG. 17. In ACT 131, the processor 21 searches the order slip database 12 of each store in sequence. Then, in ACT 132, the processor 21 checks whether the order slip database 12 has a store order record 121 whose planned delivery date matches the delivery date of the inspected record 811 and whose product ID matches the product ID or substitute product ID of the inspected record 811. In the following, the store order record 121 whose delivery date and product ID or substitute product ID match the information of the inspected record is referred to as store order record 1211.

If the order slip database 12 to be searched does not have a store order record 1211, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 132 and proceeds to ACT 133. In ACT 133, the processor 21 checks whether the search of the order slip database 12 has ended. If the search has not ended, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 133 and returns to ACT 132. The processor 21 searches the order slip database 12 of the next store.

If the order slip database 12 to be searched has a store order record 1211, the processor 21 judges as YES in ACT 132 and proceeds to ACT 134. In ACT 134, the processor 21 checks whether the sorting number of the store order record 1211 is "0". If the sorting number of the store order record 1211 is "0", the product related to that store order record 1211 has already been sorted. The processor 21 judges as NO in ACT 134 and returns to ACT 131. The processor 21 searches the next order slip database 12.

If the sorting number in the store order record 1211 is greater than "0", the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 134 and proceeds to ACT 135. In ACT 135, the processor 21 writes the sorting number in the store order record 1211 into the work area Mg.

The processor 21 checks whether the number of sorts written in the work area Mg is equal to or less than the number of loads written in the work area Mf in ACT 136. If the number of sorts is equal to or less than the number of loads, the processor 21 judges that the answer is YES in ACT 136 and proceeds to ACT 137. The processor 21 rewrites the number of sorts in the store order record 1211 to "0" in ACT 137.

In contrast, if the number of sorts written in work area Mg is greater than the number of loads written in work area Mf, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 136 and proceeds to ACT 138. In ACT 138, the processor 21 subtracts the number of loads in work area Mf from the number of sorts in work area Mg, and rewrites the value after subtraction as the number of sorts in store order record 1211. In addition, the processor 21 overwrites the number of loads in work area Mf to the work area Mg in ACT 139.

Thus, upon completing the processing of ACT 137 or ACT 139, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 140. In ACT 140, the processor 21 saves the sorting information record 831 in the sorting information file 83. Here, the first cart ID, product ID, and product name of the sorting information record 831 are the information of the inspected record 811 obtained in the processing of ACT 126. The store ID and store name are the information of the store order record 1211. The number of sorts is the value of the work area Mg.

In ACT 141, the processor 21 subtracts the number of sorts in the work area Mg from the number of loads in the work area Mf, and writes the value after the subtraction to the work area Mf. In ACT 142, the processor 21 checks whether the number of loads in the work area Mf is "0". If the number of loads in the work area Mf is greater than "0", the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 142 and returns to ACT 131. The processor 21 searches the next purchase order slip database 12.

When the load count in the work area Mf becomes "0", the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 142 and proceeds to ACT 151 in FIG. 18. Also, when an instruction to end the search is given in the standby state in ACT 132 and ACT 133, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 133 and proceeds to ACT 151 in FIG. 18.

In ACT 151, the processor 21 writes the number of sorting information records 831 stored in the sorting information file 83 into the work area Mh. In ACT 152, the processor 21 resets the count value of the counter area Cd to "0". Next, in ACT 153, the processor 21 increases the count value of the counter area Cd by "1". Then, in ACT 154, the processor 21 checks whether the count value of the counter area Cd has exceeded the number of records in the work area Mh.

If the count value of the counter area Cd does not exceed the number of records in the work area Mh, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 154 and proceeds to ACT 155. In ACT 155, the processor 21 obtains the Cd-th sorting information record 831 from the sorting information file 83. Here, the Cd-th sorting information record 831 refers to the sorting information record 831 written to the sorting information file 83 in the order corresponding to the count value of the counter area Cd. Hereinafter, the Cd-th sorting information record 831 is referred to as the sorting information record 8311.

The processor 21 instructs the worker terminal 50 to display a sorting confirmation screen SCj (see FIG. 30) at ACT 156. In response to this instruction, the sorting confirmation screen SCj is displayed on the display device of the worker terminal 50. The sorting confirmation screen SCj is a screen that allows the worker to confirm the sorting destination of the products. The worker sorts the products based on the information on this sorting confirmation screen SCj.

Figure 30 is an example of the display of the sorting confirmation screen SCj. As shown in the figure, the sorting confirmation screen SCj displays the product name, place of origin, and specifications of the product to be sorted, the store name and store ID of the store to which the product will be shipped, the number of items to be sorted (quantity), and the remaining number. The number of items to be sorted is the number of items to be sorted in the sorting information record 8311. The remaining number is the number of items loaded that is written in the work area Me. The sorting confirmation screen SCj also displays a list of marks 621 set in the mark table 84. In addition, an image of the next button BTp is also displayed on the sorting confirmation screen SCj.

The worker searches for the shipping cart 72 of the store that is displayed as the shipping destination on the sorting confirmation screen SCj. When the worker finds the shipping cart 72, he or she selects from the sorting confirmation screen SCj the mark that is the same as the mark 621 on the store label 62 affixed to the shipping cart 72.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21 waits for a mark to be selected in ACT 157. If it detects that a mark has been selected, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 157 and proceeds to ACT 158. The processor 21 searches the sorting destination file 82 in ACT 158, and acquires a sorting destination record 821 including the store ID of the sorting information record 8311. The processor 21 checks whether the mark ID associated with the mark selected by the operator terminal 50 matches the mark ID included in the sorting destination record 821 in ACT 159.

If the mark IDs do not match, the processor 21 determines NO in ACT 159 and proceeds to ACT 160. The processor 21 notifies the worker terminal 50 of a mark selection error in ACT 160. This notification causes a mark selection error screen SCk (see FIG. 31) to be displayed on the display device of the worker terminal 50. The mark selection error screen SCk is a screen that warns the worker that the shipping cart 72 to which the store label 62 of the mark selected by the worker is affixed is not the sorting destination of the product notified by the sorting confirmation screen SCj.

Figure 31 is an example of the display of the mark selection error screen SCk. As shown in the figure, the mark selection error screen SCk displays a warning message, for example, "The destination cart is incorrect. Please check the store name on the store label." In addition, the mark selection error screen SCk displays a close button BTq. After checking the message, the worker presses the close button BTq. When the close button BTq is pressed, the mark selection error screen SCk is closed.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
After displaying the mark selection error screen SCk on the operator terminal 50, the processor 21 returns to ACT 156. The processor 21 returns the screen of the operator terminal 50 to the assortment confirmation screen SCj, and waits for a mark to be selected.

If the mark ID associated with the mark selected by the worker terminal 50 matches the mark ID included in the sorting destination record 821, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 159 and proceeds to ACT 161. The processor 21 notifies the worker terminal 50 of sorting execution in ACT 161. With this notification, a sorting execution screen SC1 (see FIG. 32) is displayed on the display device of the worker terminal 50. The sorting execution screen SC1 is a screen that notifies the worker of the product name and the number of products to be sorted.

Figure 32 is an example of the display of the sorting execution screen SCl. As shown in the figure, the sorting execution screen SCl displays the product names and sorting quantities of the products to be sorted. In addition, a close button BTq is displayed on the sorting execution screen SCl. After checking the message, the worker presses the close button BTq. The sorting execution screen SCl is closed when the close button BTq is pressed. The worker then transfers the number of products loaded on the inspection cart 711 to the shipping cart 72, which has a store label 62 with the mark 621 selected on the worker terminal 50 printed on it. When the transfer is complete, the worker presses the next button BTp.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 21, which has controlled the display of the sorting execution screen SCl, waits for the Next button BTp to be input in ACT 162. When the processor 21 detects that the Next button BTp has been input, it determines YES in ACT 162 and proceeds to ACT 163. The processor 21 subtracts the number of sorts from the value in the work area Me in ACT 163, and overwrites the value after the subtraction in the work area Me. After that, the processor 21 returns to ACT 153. The processor 21 increases the count value of the counter area Cd by "1" and checks whether the count value exceeds the number of records in the work area Mh.

The processor 21 thus executes the processes from ACT 155 onwards in the same manner as described above until the count value in the counter area Cd exceeds the number of records in the work area Mh. Then, when the count value in the counter area Cd exceeds the number of records in the work area Mh, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 154 and proceeds to ACT 166. The processor 21 notifies the completion of sorting in ACT 166. With this notification, a sorting completion screen SCm (see FIG. 33) is displayed on the display device of the operator terminal 50. The sorting completion screen SCm is a screen that notifies the operator that sorting of the products to be sorted has been completed.

Figure 33 is an example of the display of the sorting end screen SCm. As shown in the figure, the sorting end screen SCm displays the product name of the product to be sorted and a message indicating that sorting is complete, such as "Sorting has been completed." In addition, the sorting end screen SCm displays a close button BTq. After checking the message, the worker presses the close button BTq. When the close button BTq is pressed, the sorting end screen SCm is closed.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
After notifying the completion of sorting, the processor 21 returns to ACT 123 of Fig. 16. That is, the processor 21 waits until the two-dimensional data code is read or the home button BTj is pressed.

Therefore, when the worker is sorting products loaded on another inspection cart 71, the worker performs an operation to read the two-dimensional data code 611 on the cart label 61 attached to that inspection cart 71 with the camera. When the worker has finished sorting work, he or she inputs the home button BTj.

As described above in detail, in this embodiment, when a product with a different place of origin from the product to be inspected arrives as a substitute product, the following effects can be achieved. That is, the worker in charge of the incoming goods inspection work specifies the product to be inspected from the order list displayed on the order list screen SCc of the worker terminal 50, and inputs the substitute product button BTi. Then, the screen of the worker terminal 50 switches to the substitute product registration screen SCf, and the worker inputs the place of origin of the substitute product in the place of origin input box area of the substitute product registration screen SCf. Then, a list of products including that place of origin as attribute information is displayed on the substitute product registration screen SCf, and the worker specifies the data of the substitute product from the list and inputs the add button BTn.

By performing the above operations, a headquarters order record 1312 for the substitute product is created in the logistics management server 20 and added to the order slip database 13. Here, the headquarters order record 1312 includes the headquarters slip ID, supplier ID, order date, and planned delivery date of the product to be inspected, the product ID, product name, place of origin, quantity, specifications, and purchase price of the substitute product, and the pre-substitute product ID, which is the product ID of the product to be inspected. In other words, the headquarters order record 1312 associates the order data for the substitute product with the order data for the product to be inspected. Therefore, according to the logistics management server 20 of this embodiment, it is possible to correctly manage information regarding which product in the order data the substitute product that has completed inspection has been received in place of.

In this case, the alternative product can simply be selected from the list of products from that place of origin that is displayed when the place of origin of the alternative product is entered. Therefore, even if the product to be inspected does not have a barcode, such as fresh produce or seafood, it is possible to associate the alternative product with the product to be inspected.

Moreover, the worker only needs to input the place of origin of the alternative product into the worker terminal 50, and then select the alternative product from the list of products of that place of origin that is displayed. Therefore, the alternative product can be associated with the product to be inspected in a short time with a simple operation, so that even when an alternative product is received, the work time required for the incoming goods inspection work can be shortened and the efficiency can be improved.

Furthermore, the substitute product registration screen SCf displays data related to the substitute product alongside data related to the product to be inspected. Therefore, the worker can easily check the substitute product associated with the product to be inspected by simply glancing at the substitute product registration screen SCf.

However, when a product with a different origin from the product being inspected arrives as a substitute product, the number of substitute products received does not necessarily match the number ordered. There may also be cases where products from multiple origins are received as substitute products. In such cases, it becomes necessary to adjust how the number of substitute products received is allocated to the order quantity from the supplier.

In this embodiment, the logistics management server 20 performs a task of changing the number of items to be sorted. In the logistics management server 20, an operator can easily adjust the number of substitute products received to match the number of items ordered by the supplier by performing the task of changing the number of items to be sorted.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the place of origin is exemplified as an attribute accepted by the attribute accepting means. The attribute is not limited to the place of origin. The attribute may be a department ID. For example, when komatsuna is delivered instead of spinach, the worker inputs the department ID for komatsuna. Then, data on komatsuna from each place of origin is displayed in a list, so the worker can select from the list the komatsuna from the place of origin that was delivered as a substitute product. Alternatively, the attribute may be a product name. That is, the worker inputs "komatsuna" as the product name. Then, data on komatsuna from each place of origin is displayed in a list, so the worker can select from the list the komatsuna from the place of origin that was delivered as a substitute product.

The items managed by the logistics management server 20 are not limited to merchandise. For example, they may be agricultural products, marine products, industrial products, natural products, etc., that are not sold commercially.

Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.
In addition, the claims as originally filed of this application are set forth below.
[Appendix 1]
an attribute receiving means for receiving attributes of a second item received as a substitute for an ordered first item;
an output means for outputting a group of items having the attribute received by the attribute receiving means;
an item designation means for accepting designation of the second item from the group of items output by the output means;
an associating means for associating order data relating to the second item designated by the item designation means with order data for the first item;
An information processing device comprising:
[Appendix 2]
A means for communicating with a terminal equipped with an input device and a display device;
Further comprising:
The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the attribute receiving means displays an image on the display device that displays data of the first item and an input area for receiving input of the attributes, and receives attributes input into the input area via the input device.
[Appendix 3]
3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the output means outputs the image so that a list of the group of items is displayed on the image.
[Appendix 4]
4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the image has an area for displaying data of the second item designated by the item designation means.
[Appendix 5]
An acquisition means for acquiring the number of arrivals of the second item;
an adjustment receiving means for receiving an input for adjusting the arrival quantity acquired by the acquisition means as a shipping quantity to a supplier that has ordered the first item associated with the second item;
5. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising:
[Appendix 6]
The computer of the information processing device,
an attribute receiving means for receiving attributes of a second item received as a substitute for the ordered first item;
an output means for outputting a group of items having the attribute received by the attribute receiving means;
an item designation means for accepting designation of the second item from the group of items output by the output means; and
an associating means for associating order data relating to the second item designated by the item designation means with order data for the first item;
A program to function as a

10...database server, 11...product master database, 12...order slip database by store, 13...headquarters order slip database, 20...logistics management server, 21...processor, 22...main memory, 23...auxiliary storage device, 24...clock, 25...communication interface, 26...wireless unit, 27...system transmission path, 30...communication network, 40...access point, 50...operator terminal, 60...printer, 61...cart label, 62...store label, 71...inspection cart, 72...shipping cart, 81...inspected file, 82...sorting destination file, 83...sorting information file, 84...mark table.

Claims (6)

an attribute receiving means for receiving attributes of a second item received as a substitute for an ordered first item;
an output means for outputting a group of items having the attribute received by the attribute receiving means;
an item designation means for accepting designation of the second item from the group of items output by the output means;
an associating means for associating order data relating to the second item designated by the item designation means with order data for the first item;
An information processing device comprising: A means for communicating with a terminal equipped with an input device and a display device;
Further comprising:
2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the attribute receiving means displays an image on the display device that displays data of the first item and an input area for receiving input of the attributes, and receives the attributes input into the input area via the input device. the attribute receiving means receives a designation of an inspection target for the first item, and then displays data of the designated first item;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the output means outputs the image so that the list of the group of items is displayed on the image. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the image has an area for displaying data of the second item specified by the item specifying means. An acquisition means for acquiring the number of arrivals of the second item;
an adjustment receiving means for receiving an input for adjusting the arrival quantity acquired by the acquisition means as a shipping quantity to a supplier that has ordered the first item associated with the second item;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: The computer of the information processing device,
an attribute receiving means for receiving attributes of a second item received as a substitute for the ordered first item;
an output means for outputting a group of items having the attribute received by the attribute receiving means;
an item designation means for accepting designation of the second item from the group of items output by the output means; and
an associating means for associating order data relating to the second item designated by the item designation means with order data for the first item;
A program to function as a