WO2003027923A1 - Consumables electronic commerce method, electronic commerce system, and server for electronic commerce - Google Patents

Abstract

A server (4) connected to a user system (1) including apparatuses using consumables and a maker system (3) connected to the user system and adapted to perform electronic commerce. The server (4) collects use record data on the consumables from the states of the apparatuses (8-1 to 8-n), sends the data to the maker system (3), calculates the use prediction data on the basis of the user record data so as to use the use prediction data for production adjustment at the maker, and calculates the discount rates of the prices of the consumables of the user on the basis of the provision of the use record data on the consumables of the user. The user makes an electronic order to the maker and provides the record data and prediction data on the consumables to the maker. Therefore, the maker can do production adjustment depending on the data and can reduce the inventory of the consumables and materials, thus lowering the sales prices. Since the maker sets discount rates depending on the amount-of-data/quality/frequency as the incentive to provide such data, the maker can establishes an environment in which the user positively provides data of high accuracy. The maker can secure the amount and obtain data of high prediction accuracy.

Description

 Description Electronic consumable electronic commerce method, electronic commerce system and electronic commerce server

 The present invention relates to a method of e-commerce of consumables, a system thereof, and a server thereof for conducting a trade of consumables between a user of the consumables and a manufacturer of the consumables. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a consumable electronic commerce method, a system thereof, and a server thereof for performing a discount processing of a consumable price. Background art

 When a device is used by a user, the elements required for the operation of the device are consumed and must be replenished. That is, replenishment of consumables is required. Typically, users order and purchase consumables from manufacturers of consumables. For example, in the case of a printer, for example, paper, toner, photosensitive drums, etc. are consumed by printing with the printer, and need to be replenished.

 Techniques for monitoring the amount of consumables used by a user's network system and automatically ordering the desired amount of consumables to be captured are known in the field of copiers and printers (for example, Kaihei 6 _ 1 4 9 8 5 1 Publication, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-64444, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-3255 14 Publication, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 62-2800961 Gazette, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-187069, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-194677).

Users naturally want inexpensive consumables. It is also known that manufacturers or their sellers contract according to a predetermined contract and discount the purchase price of the user according to the purchase amount of the user. This method is because, when purchased in large quantities, even if the profit of one consumable is small, the quantity can provide sufficient stable profit. Manufacturers, on the other hand, aim to reduce product costs by mass production. However, if a manufacturer does not produce enough to meet demand, even if it is mass-produced, inventory increases, conversely, profits decrease and costs increase. In other words, by adjusting production to meet demand, inexpensive consumables can be provided. As this production adjustment method, various methods have been proposed in which manufacturers predict the future demand from the current demand and produce the predicted demand, and improvement of the prediction method, prediction period, etc. (For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. Hei 5-2-2505, Hei 7-212,811, Hei 1-11-255, Hei 7 — Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11083/1995, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-314104 / 1993). Such production adjustment methods generally use the actual number of units sold and the number of inventories as demand, and predict the amount of production.

 However, the system for monitoring and automatically ordering consumables such as printers in these user systems mainly reduces the stock of consumables of users and automates the management of consumables by users. On the other hand, the manufacturer's production management system, while taking into account the amount of orders from users, is basically aiming for the maximum production volume that can reduce inventory and pursuing the profits of the manufacturer. In other words, the interests of the user and the manufacturer conflict with each other, and the user places an order on its own and the manufacturer performs its own production management. For this reason, manufacturers were limited in enclosing large numbers of users, mass-producing and streamlining, and reducing the price of consumables. In other words, if the price of consumables is reduced, the number of purchasing users will increase, but it has been difficult for both manufacturers and users to obtain such a synergistic effect. Disclosure of the invention

 Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic commerce method for consumables, an electronic commerce system, and an electronic commerce server for providing benefits to both manufacturers and users.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic commerce method, an electronic commerce system, and an electronic commerce system for consumables, which enable a manufacturer to realize a rational production adjustment and allow a user to enjoy the benefit of cost reduction of consumables. Providing a commerce server. Further, another object of the present invention is to determine a discount rate of a user's consumables in accordance with the amount of information provided about the user's consumables, so that the manufacturer can realize a reasonable production adjustment, and the user can use it. Consumables that can benefit from cost reduction of consumables An electronic commerce method, an electronic commerce system, and an electronic commerce server are provided.

 To achieve this object, a method for e-commerce of consumables according to the present invention includes: a step of collecting usage data of consumables of the user; a step of transmitting the collected usage data to the manufacturer; Calculating the use prediction data based on the use result data, and providing the use result data of the user's consumables to provide a discount rate of the price of the consumables of the user in order to provide production adjustment at The method is characterized by comprising a calculating step.

 Further, the electronic commerce system of the present invention includes: a system of the user having a plurality of devices using the consumables; a system of the manufacturer connected to the user system; and a state of the plurality of devices. A server that collects usage history data of consumables and transmits the collected usage history data to the manufacturer system.The server provides the usage history data to provide production adjustment at the manufacturer. And calculating a discount rate of the price of the consumable item of the user based on provision of use result data of the consumable item of the user.

 Further, the server of the present invention is a server for a consumable electronic commerce system in which a user of a consumable supplies an order for the consumable to a manufacturer of the consumable, the server having a plurality of devices using the consumable. The system is connected to a system of the user and a system of the manufacturer connected to the user system, and collects usage data of the consumable from the states of the plurality of devices, and stores the collected usage data in the mail. In order to transmit to the car system and to provide for the production adjustment at the manufacturer, use prediction data is calculated based on the use result data, and based on the provision of the use result data of the user's consumables, the consumption of the user is provided. It is characterized by calculating the discount rate of the price of goods.

In the present invention, since the user electronically places an order with the manufacturer, and the user provides the actual data and forecast data of the consumables to the manufacturer, the manufacturer can adjust the production based on this data, In addition, the stock of materials can be reduced. This allows manufacturers to reduce sales prices. On the other hand, as an incentive to provide such data, a discount rate is set according to the quantity / quality of the data and the frequency of the data, so that an environment can be created in which users can actively provide high-precision data. As a result, the manufacturer can secure data volume and obtain data with high prediction accuracy. As a result, manufacturers can reduce inventory of consumables and materials, and further reduce selling prices.

 In the present invention, preferably, the collection step includes a step of collecting usage result data of the consumable from the states of a plurality of devices installed in the user.

 In the present invention, preferably, the step of calculating the discount rate further includes a step of calculating an additional discount rate according to the size of the device of the user. Further, the present invention preferably further comprises a step of determining an error between the usage result data and the usage prediction data, and a step of calculating an additional discount rate according to the error.

 Further, in the present invention, preferably, a step of determining an error between the use result data and the use prediction data, and a step of inputting a provided change in the usage status of the consumable of the user according to the error. And calculating an additional discount rate in response to providing the user with a change in consumable usage.

 In the present invention, preferably, the step of calculating the discount rate further includes a step of calculating an additional discount rate according to the size of the device of another user introduced by the user.

 In the present invention, preferably, the user collects the usage record data, calculates the usage prediction data, and calculates the discount rate.

 In the present invention, preferably, the maker collects the usage result data, calculates the usage prediction data, and calculates the discount rate.

In the present invention, preferably, the usage record data is collected, the use prediction data is calculated, and the discount rate is calculated by the user and a system vendor entrusted to the manufacturer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a software configuration diagram of an electronic commerce server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the electronic commerce system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the electronic commerce system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the electronic commerce system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic commerce system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of use prediction for each power month in the configuration of FIG.

 FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of use prediction of the configuration of FIG. 5 every three months.

 FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of use prediction of the configuration of FIG. 5 every six power months.

 FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the electronic commerce system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic commerce system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the total discount calculation process of FIG.

 FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the subject discount processing for small users in FIG.

 Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the small-user introduction discount process of Fig. 11.

 FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the user introduction discount processing of FIG.

 FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the subject discount processing for large-scale users in FIG.

 FIG. 16 is an input screen diagram of the business situation change of the user in FIG.

 FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the input items in FIG.

 FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a discount process using the data provided by the user in FIG. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the change in the discount rate in FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in the order of a consumable electronic commerce system, a first embodiment, a second embodiment, a third embodiment, a discount calculation process, and other embodiments. I will tell.

 [E-commerce system]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an e-commerce server according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an e-commerce system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic commerce system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic commerce system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

 As shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4, the user (system) 1 uses many printers 8-1 to 8-n. Each of the printers 8-1 to 8-n is a so-called network printing device for performing an interactive connection (interface) such as bidirectional centronitas with a host computer.

 The system of the present invention includes the user 1, the manufacturer 2, and the system vendor 3. System vendor 3 develops consumables e-commerce software and a server system 4 (see Figure 1) that runs the software, and provides sales, support and service services.

 User 2 introduces / utilizes the system mechanism, and installs and utilizes the printing devices 8-1 to 8-n from a certain vendor. The consumables maker 3 manufactures and sells consumables and paper required for the printing device 8 1 1 to 8-n.

 At the request of user 1 or a consumables maker or paper maker 2, system vendor 3 provides system / software 4 under a lease / purchase contract, and provides maintenance services on a contract basis with customers.

 There are three ways to introduce the system depending on the user 1 / consumables / paper maker 2 system purchasing / supporting ability and its business strategy. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, when the system 4 is installed on the user 1 side, as shown in FIG. 4, when the system 4 is installed on the manufacturer 2 side, and further, as shown in FIG. There are three cases in which system vendor 3 implements outsourcing business using server 4.

 This e-commerce is executed based on a contract between User 1 and consumables' paper maker 2 (Figures 2 and 4), and between User 1 / Consumables maker 2 / System vendor 3 (Figure 3). Is done.

The basic functions (software) of the server 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The server 4 has a usage data collection usage calculation function 5, a prediction data calculation function 6, and a total discount rate determination processing function 7. Usage data collection The Z usage results calculation function 5 collects data on the use of consumables from each printing device 8—1 to 8—n, and Calculate the actual amount for use.

 The forecast data calculation function 6 calculates the forecast usage for the next period according to the actual usage. The comprehensive discount rate determination processing function 7 determines the total discount rate according to the size of the user 70, data provision 71, provision of information on the improvement of the forecast value 72, and the relationship between the forecast value and the actual value 73. I do.

 In the present invention, first, a standard discount rate is set according to the provision of the usage data of the user 1 and the size thereof. That is, the discount rate fluctuates according to the size of the user who provides usage data. As a result, such an incentive is given to the user 1, the production volume of the manufacturer 2 is secured, and the cost reduction by the production adjustment is easily realized. Second, Manufacturer 2 adjusts production according to projected usage. In order to achieve cost reductions through this production adjustment, it is necessary to improve the accuracy of predicted usage. For this reason, a discount rate is set according to the management status of the forecast value and the actual value, and furthermore, information on changes in the user status (for example, increase or decrease in the number of printers) for improving the accuracy of the forecast value is provided. Even set a discount rate for user 1.

 By setting the discount rate in this way, it is easier for Maker 2 to secure production volume and reduce costs through production adjustments.Furthermore, by improving the accuracy of forecasting, manufacturers can further reduce costs through production adjustments It's easy to do. Also, since the user 1 can receive the discount in accordance with the provision of the information, the number of users ordering from the manufacturer further increases, and as a result, the user can enjoy the provision of lower-priced consumables.

 Moreover, by setting such a discount rate, immediately after installing the printing device, or within a short period of time, such as within six months, scoop up the data on the operating status of the device, produce forecast data, and obtain results, A system / software structure can be built with the aim of achieving the goal, and long-term data accumulation is not required.

 Next, the e-commerce system in each of the above three cases will be described. '

 [First Embodiment]

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the system according to the first embodiment of FIG. 2, and shows a case where the server system is installed on the user 1 side. In this case, it is conceivable that the user 1 is a large corporate group with a large user group that has room for introducing a server system. 01 08271 As shown in Fig. 5, the server system 4 is installed in the user system 1 and a plurality of printers 8 :! ~ 8—connected to n. The server system 4 includes a data collection server 411 and a management server 412. The data collection server 411 is notified of the usage status of the consumable from each of the printers 8-1 to 8-n via an interface.

 The printers 8-1 to 8-n are composed of a well-known electrophotographic printing device. That is, the printers 8_1 to 8-n form a latent image on the photosensitive drum, develop the image with a developer containing toner, transfer the image to paper, and perform printing. The printers 8-1 to 8-n notify the server 41-1 of the usage of consumables (paper, toner, developer, photosensitive drum) periodically, although there are differences depending on the device specifications.

 The server 4-1 has a data collection journal program 5-

1, Actual calculation program 5-1 and Forecast calculation program 6 are installed. The data collection / journaling program 5-1 collects the amount of consumables used in each of the printers 8-1 to 8-n and journals each consumable.

 The performance calculation program 5-2 compiles the amount of consumables used every 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, calculates the average usage, and calculates the total usage. In addition, it sends the necessity of replacing the toner drum and sends a paper order message. For example, when the total consumption of each consumable / paper reaches 80% of the average life of each consumable set in advance in the software of the server 4-1, this message (replacement, ordering) is automatically sent. Is output. The Consumables Usage Forecasting Calculation Program 6 calculates usage forecasts for 1 month, 3 months and 6 months from past performance data (monthly consumption of consumables). For this prediction calculation, for example, a regression curve by a well-known least squares method is obtained, and an approximate prediction formula can be used. Other approximations to calculate an approximation curve passing through multiple data points can be used. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, when providing forecast data every 1 month, the data for each 1 month is accumulated for 3 to 6 months, and the regression curve for 1 month is obtained from the data. Ask. In other words, from the end of the third month (including the month of use), from the end of the third month (the last three months, in Fig. 6, the usage status from January to March), the target month is one to three months ahead (Fig. June) forecast. The forecast one month ahead (April) is fixed, and the reliability of the data is evaluated.

Forecasts a few months ahead (May and June) can be changed in the next month. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, when forecast data is provided every three months, the forecast data can be provided in the same period as one month, in which case six months from one month to six months Monthly forecast (April to September in Fig. 7), fix for the previous three months (April to June) and evaluate reliability. The remaining three months (July to September) can be changed at the next forecast.

 Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8, when forecast data is provided every six months, the forecast data can be provided in the same period as one month, and in that case, one month to 12 months ahead 12 months to 12 months, and the last 6 months are fixed and evaluated for reliability.

 The timing of providing forecast data depends on the type of consumables and the production plan of the consumables manufacturer.

 Returning to Fig. 5, the forecast calculation program 6 receives manual input of changes that can be expected in business, such as planned business volume changes (increased Z reduction) in business development in each department. Modify forecast data. For example, the forecast data is corrected by inputting a change in the usage status, such as setting up or reducing the number of printers, increasing or decreasing the budget, and the like. This increases the reliability of the forecast.

 The server 411 is provided, for example, for each department of the company and connected to the management server 412. That is, the management server 412 is connected to a plurality of department servers 411. The management server 4-1 is used to calculate the total usage, average usage, total usage, estimated usage, and replacement of each consumable from each department server You will be notified of the order message.

 As a result, the management server 4-1 uses the data integration program 9 to estimate the total consumption of consumables, paper, and consumables in the organization (company, group, etc.). Calculate the data. These are transmitted from the management server 42 to the consumables maker and paper maker 2 as data via the Internet or online.

The provision of these users' data is based on the contract between User 1 with the printing equipment and Consumables / Paper Maker 2 based on the product inventory of each Consumable / Paper at each Manufacturer 2 Reduction Cost reduction through Z reduction. As a result of this cost reduction, the sales price is Quantity Z quality Reduce according to Z frequency and provide consumables / paper to user 1.

 User 1 concludes a system sales contract or lease contract with system vendor 3 and pays system vendor 3 a maintenance fee by concluding a device fee or lease fee and a maintenance contract.

 In addition, User 1 provides consumables / paper manufacturer 2 with consumables paper usage data and forecast data, and in return, consumables / paper manufacturers 2 Receive the benefits of reduction. For User 1, it is expected that the sum of the above lease fee and maintenance fee will be smaller than the reduction in the consumables / paper sales price from consumables / paper manufacturer 2.

 Next, in the total discount program 7 on the server 4-12, the program 70, 71 1 The supply of usage data to the consumables manufacturer 2 of the user 1, while the consumables manufacturer 2 receives a uniform discount However, in this case, the discount rate fluctuates according to the size of the user.

 Also, the programs 72 and 73 apply a predetermined discount rate if the forecast data provided by the user is within a certain range with respect to the actual value. From there, if the absolute value of the divergence rate between the forecast data and the actual value becomes large (if the reliability decreases), the discount rate is set to 0%, and if the divergence rate further increases, the price is raised.

 The sum of the discount rates based on the divergence rates of these information provision and forecast data is calculated as the total discount rate.

 In addition, when the deviation rate is large as described above, the user 11 can request the system vendor 3 to improve the system in order to improve the reliability of the prediction data, and during that time, the maintenance fee is discounted. Do.

 In addition, a message indicating whether toner / drum replacement is required and whether a paper order is required is sent from the department server 4-1 via the management server 412, via the purchasing system 10, to the Internet, and notified to each manufacturer 2. (Automatic ordering). In this case, the purpose of the management server 14-2 is to collectively collect the orders of each department, so if the purchasing system 10 can handle it instead, these data will be stored in the management server 4-1-2. Can be bypassed.

If automatic order is selected by contract, it will be delivered immediately. This delivery is for consumables Manufacturer 2 submits the Usu invoice to User 1's purchase, and immediately after confirming the order / invoice matching on the data received for the electronic order. The ordered consumables / paper are delivered from the manufacturer 2 via a shipping company (courier service, etc.) to the user at the instruction of the supplier. The usage source is the delivery location described in the order and the usage source described in the message of the department / administration department server.

 In this way, User 1 places an electronic order with Manufacturer 2, and User 1 provides the actual data and forecast data of the consumables to Manufacturer 2. Production can be adjusted, and inventory of consumables and materials can be reduced. Therefore, Manufacturer 2 can realize a reduction in sales price.

 On the other hand, as an incentive to provide such data, the user 1 must actively provide high-precision data in order to set a discount rate according to the amount of data Z, quality Z, and frequency of updates. Can be formed. As a result, the manufacturer 2 can obtain data with a sufficient amount and high prediction accuracy. Therefore, Manufacturer 2 can further reduce the inventory of consumables and materials, and further reduce the selling price.

 [Second embodiment]

 FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, and shows a case where the system vendor 3 carries out an outsourcing business. In FIG. 9, the same components as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same symbols.

 As shown in FIG. 9, the above-mentioned server systems 411 and 412 are installed in the system vendor 3. In this case, there will be a contract relationship between the system vendor, the consumables manufacturer, the paper manufacturer, and the Z user. This is convenient for the manufacturer 2 / user 1 in terms of the location of the system unit 4, maintenance and installation costs, and the like. In this case, the size of each organization of users and manufacturers does not matter.

In this e-commerce, the printers 8-1 to 8 _n of the user 1 send consumables usage data to the system vendor 3. In the system vendor 3, the server 4-1 receives the data, and the data collection / journaling program 5-1; the usage record calculation program 5-2; and the forecast calculation program 6, use the above-mentioned total usage, average usage, and consumables. Exchange notification, prediction data, etc. are calculated. These data are stored on the management server 4-2. Via the consumables paper maker 2.

 The consumables paper maker 2 receives the forecast data and the actual data, makes internal rationalization efforts, and reflects this in the reduction of consumables / paper prices.

 User 1 receives low-priced consumables paper from consumables / paper manufacturer 2 in return for providing usage data. Consumables and paper orders are exchanged electronically between the two parties and delivered to User1.

User 1 and consumables / paper maker 2 pay outsourcing costs to system vendor ³ in half. Half of the art sourcing cost incurred by User 2 1 Consumables Consumables that are smaller than the reduction in paper costs Z Paper Maker 2 reduces the amount of consumables / paper production costs by It is expected to be more than half the sum of product / paper price reductions and art sourcing costs, and their continued maintenance will shape and sustain business.

 The discount program 7 of the management server 4-1 discounts uniformly for the usage data provided by the user 1 via the system vendor 3. This data is not provided to Maker 2 but is provided to System Vendor 3.Manufacturer 2 must receive the actual data and forecast data calculated based on the information via System Vendor 3. Can receive a discount from Maker 2.

 That is, similarly to the first embodiment, the user 1 places an electronic order with the manufacturer 2 and the user 1 sends the actual data and the forecast data of the consumables to the manufacturer 2 via the system vendor 3. As a result, Manufacturer 2 can adjust production based on this data and reduce inventory of consumables and materials. Therefore, Manufacturer 2 can realize a reduction in sales price.

 On the other hand, as an incentive to provide such data, a discount rate is set according to the amount, quality, and frequency of data, so that User 1 can actively create an environment that provides highly accurate data. As a result, the amount can be secured, and the manufacturer 2 can obtain data with high prediction accuracy. Therefore, Manufacturer 2 can further reduce the inventory of consumables and materials, and further reduce the selling price.

Also, if the reliability of the forecast data decreases and the difference between the forecast data and the actual performance is large, Manufacturer 2 can impose a penalty on system vendor 3. For example, reduce outsourcing fees.

 [Third Embodiment]

 FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. This embodiment shows a case in which the server system is installed in four consumables Z paper machine. In this case, if the user / user group is a small / medium business / small / medium group and it is burdensome to introduce the system, it is assumed that the consumable supplies maker Z paper maker 2 requests the system support.

 In FIG. 10, the same components as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same symbols, and the server systems 4-1 and 4-2 are installed in the maker 2. Differences from the first embodiment installed on the user side will be described.

 All the consumables usage data of the printing devices 8-1 to 8-n installed in the user 2 are transmitted to the server 411 of the maker 2. The server 4-1 receives the data, and the data collection / journaling program 5-1, the actual usage calculation program 5-2, and the forecast calculation program 6 allow the total usage, average usage, consumables replacement notification, Calculate forecast data. These data are notified to the management server 4-2, and the data is integrated by the data integration program 9. Figure 10 shows the management server 4-2 of the paper maker 2, and the data integration program 9 calculates the average paper usage of the entire user and calculates the forecast data of the entire user. Similarly, calculate the number of paper orders for all users. These are reflected in the production plan of the in-house production system 11.

 Therefore, the notice of the order of the consumables Z paper will be notified by the manufacturer 2 first, not the user 1. Therefore, the sales and sales of the maker 2 issue an invoice to the user 1 to urge the issuance of an order (order). During that time, prepare for shipment and deliver after receiving the order.

In addition, user 1 cannot directly modify forecast data. For this reason, it is desirable for each user to have a chance to consult with the sales promotion department / sales department of the manufacturer, to provide the manufacturer with forecast data, and to issue a correction plan for the user, so-called forecast study. In addition, the management server 4-2's total discount program 7, Calculate the discount rate for each user according to the quantity / quality / frequency. This is notified to the user 1 via the sales department of the maker 1-2. In this system, it is desirable that the server installed on the manufacturer side manages data for each user and performs strict security management.

 System vendor 3 and consumables Z paper maker 2 conclude a sales contract or lease contract for the system, and also conclude a system maintenance contract. The consumables / paper maker 1 pays the system lease fee (or equipment fee) and maintenance fee to the system vendor 3 to operate the system.

 Consumables Z Paper Maker 2 concludes an e-commerce contract with User 1, receives Consumables Z Paper Usage Data from User 1, creates forecast data, and plans production at its own factory. Adjust, streamline and lower product costs. As a result, we will reduce the selling price of consumables Z paper and respond to users.

 As a consumables paper maker 2, the requirement for the continuation of this business is that the reduction in product costs through rationalization in the factory is greater than (system lease fee + maintenance fee).

 Similarly, a uniform discount is applied to the provision of usage data from User 1 to Consumables Manufacturer 2. The frequency of calculating the forecast data will be determined in consultation with the consumables Z paper manufacturer, but it should be 1 / 36th power month in principle. However, if the reliability of the forecast data decreases and there is a discrepancy between the forecast data and the actual results, the consumables paper maker can impose a penalty on the system vendor. For example, reduction of maintenance fee.

 In this way, as in the first embodiment, the user 1 places an electronic order with the manufacturer 2 and the user 1 sends the actual data and forecast data of the consumables via the system vendor 3 to the manufacturer 2 Manufacturer 2 can adjust production based on this data, and can reduce inventory of consumables and materials. Therefore, Manufacturer 2 can realize a reduction in sales price.

On the other hand, as an incentive to provide such data, to set a discount rate according to the amount of data and the frequency of updates, User 1 must actively provide high-precision data in an environment. Can be formed. As a result, the quantity is secured and the data with high prediction accuracy is obtained. Manufacturer 2 can obtain the data. Therefore, Manufacturer 2 can further reduce the inventory of consumables and materials, and further reduce the selling price.

 [Discount calculation processing]

 Next, the total discount processing will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 11 is the flow chart of the total discount calculation, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13 are the flow chart of the discount fluctuation processing by the user scale, and Figs. 14 to 15 are the flow chart of the discount fluctuation processing by the user's additional efforts. Fig. 16 to Fig. 18 are flowcharts of the prediction adjustment process, and Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the total discount process.

 The total discount processing will be described with reference to FIG.

 (S1) The discount rate applied varies depending on the location of the management software.

 (S2) First, when the management software is installed at the maker 2 or the system vendor 3, provide the usage data to the maker 2 directly from the user or from the user via the system vendor 3. In step S3, discount processing is performed on the data provision in step S3. In addition, the manufacturer 2 or the system vendor 3 calculates the predicted value and provides it to the manufacturer 2.

 (S3) In other words, the following discount calculation is performed in order for the user to actively provide the use results of consumables.

 (a) Basic discount: By providing the usage record of consumables, any customer who provides the consumable sets a discount rate of A% of the selling price when purchasing the consumables.

 (b) Discount by the number of information providing printers; The following discount rate is added to the A% discount rate according to the number of information providing printers of the user.

 Figure 12 is a flowchart of the subject discount processing for small users. As shown in Fig. 12, a discount rate from a% to g% is determined according to the number of information providing printers of the user. For these small customers, group them and change the discount rate with large customers.

 That is, the entity discount is as follows.

 1 or more, less than 30 a% discount

 30% or more, less than 60 units b% discount

60 or more, less than 100 —— c ° /. discount 100 or more, less than 150 --- d ° /. discount

 150 or more, less than 200 --- e% discount

 200 or more, less than 500-One f% discount

 500 or more, less than 1,000-One g% discount

 Over 1,000 units will be the large-scale customer base described later.

 Furthermore, if the number of customers in the group changes due to an increase in the number of customers in the group in order to promote grouping of users, the discount rate increases as the number of customers in the group increases, as shown in Figure 13 I do. That is, when a customer in the group introduces this e-commerce system to another customer and groups it, the discount is added x% as a reward. This additional discount rate is as follows, as shown in Figure 13.

 Introduction of 1 or more and less than 30 units —— Xl%

Introduction of more than 30 units and less than 60 units —— X2 ° / ₀

Introduction of more than 60 units and less than 100 units —— X3 ° / ₀

 Introduction of more than 100 units and less than 150 units —— X4%

 Introducing more than 150 units and less than 200 units —— X5%

 Introduction of 200 or more and less than 500 units —— X6%

 Introduction of more than 500 units and less than 1,000 units —— X7%

 Furthermore, when more than 1000 large-scale users are introduced, as shown in Fig. 14, the discount rate is set as follows.

 Introduction of more than 1,000 units and less than 5,000 units-one X8%

 Introduction of more than 5,000 units and less than 10,000 units-one X9%

 Introduction of 10,000 or more units and less than 50,000 units --- X10%

 Introduction of more than 50,000 units and less than 100,000 units-one Xl l%

 100,000 units or more —— XI 2%

 —On the other hand, for large-scale users of more than 100 units, as shown in Figure 15, h% ~ 1 below. /. Of the subject.

 More than 1,000 units and less than 5,000 units h ° /. Discount

 More than 5,000 and less than 10,000 i% discount

10,000 units or more, less than 50,000 units --- j% discount More than 50,000 units and less than 100,000 units-1-k ° /. discount

 100,000 units or more-One 1% discount

 Also, for this large-scale user, as well as the small-scale user, if this e-commerce is introduced to another customer and the small-scale customer is queried, 'self-made', or registered as a large-scale customer The above-mentioned additional discount x% system can be applied.

 (S4) After calculating the predicted value in step S2, the accuracy of the predicted value is determined. That is, it is determined whether the actual value is equal to or more than (B * 4)% of the predicted value. Here, “B” is an error range in which the predetermined prediction accuracy is excellent. If the actual value is not more than the soil (B * 4)% with respect to the predicted value, the system operation is determined to be good and the system is continued.

 (S5) If the actual value is not less than (B * 4)% of the predicted value, the predicted value is corrected. For this reason, when the system is on the user's side, the user manually inputs items that are considered to be related to the reliability of the forecast data, and the user provides actual information. (Described later in step S10). Also, if the manufacturer has a system on the Z system vendor side, the user will be provided with the actual information at the forecast adjustment meeting held with the user.

 Both of the above information are considered to be one of useful data from users who support the actual data for calculating the forecast data. In addition, information from users is considered as one of the factors that improve the accuracy of forecast data, and the discount rate of the supply price of consumables is calculated in proportion to the frequency of information provided by users other than actual data, as follows: Fluctuate additionally.

 Uniform s per information provision. Discount

 Information provision from the second time onwards S% X n n: Frequency

 Fig. 16 is an input screen diagram, Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram of input items, and Fig. 18 is a flow chart of the discount rate determination process.

First, for the items related to the reliability of the forecast data, a stage is set for the degree of influence on the reliability of the forecast data, and the number of points is assigned according to the degree of influence, and the discount rate is varied. In other words, when creating the system, prioritize the items (information) that are most necessary for calculating the predicted value. Also, depending on the content of the information, Add points and set a discount rate accordingly.

 For example, the setting of items and points related to the reliability of forecast data are, as shown in Fig. 17, factors affecting the quantity of consumables and factors relating to timing. Factors related to quantity are changes in the business situation, such as the number of printers that increase and decrease, consequently the number of consumables that decrease, printer utilization, and budget increases and decreases. The element of time is the time when the aforementioned business change occurs or the time when the occurrence is predicted. The following points will be awarded to these for finalization and prospects.

 (1) Changes in business conditions (presentation and confirmation of specific figures) Point a

 (2) Changes in business conditions (presentation of approximate figures, forecast) Point b

 (3) When the business situation changes (specific period, from 〇 month) Point a

(4) When the business situation changes (prospect) Point b However, a> b.

 Describing with the processing flow of Fig. 18, change of the element relating to the quantity is selected from the input screen of Fig. 16, and finalized, expected, and undecided are input. Similarly, from the input screen shown in Fig. 16, select the change of the element related to the time, and enter “Fixed”, “Probable” and “Undecided”. As a result, it is converted into the above-mentioned number of points. For example,

 (a) When information is provided in paragraphs (1) and (3) Point a + a

 (b) Information provided in paragraphs (2) and (4) Point b + b

 This is converted to a discount rate. For example,

 (a) Point a + a: S%

 (b) Point b + b: P% (S%> P%)

 By providing the information by manual input, a forecast adjustment meeting will be held to correct the forecast value. '

 (S6) Even if this forecast correction is made, if the actual value is more than (B * 4)% of the forecast value, it is determined that the system is defective, and the manufacturer 2 sends the forecast data to the system vendor. Manufacturers demand increased reliability, and if necessary, manufacturers penalize system vendors.

(S 7) —If the location of the management software is User 1 in Step S 1, User 1 directly provides usage data to Maker 2, The discount processing for the data provision in step S3 described above is executed.

 (S8) Further, the server system 4 of the user 1 calculates the predicted value and provides it to the manufacturer 2. In response, an A '% discount is set.

 (S9) After calculating the predicted value in step S8, the accuracy of the predicted value is determined. That is, it is determined whether the actual value is within B% of the predicted value. Here, `` B '' is an error range where the predetermined prediction accuracy is excellent, so if the actual value is within ± B% of the predicted value, the maximum additional discount of C% will be added. Set.

 (S10) If the actual value is not within ± B% of the predicted value, it is determined whether the actual value is within (S * 4)% of the predicted value. If the actual value is within the soil (B * 4) from the predicted value, correct the predicted value. For this reason, as described in step S5, when the system is on the user side, the user manually inputs items that are considered to be related to the reliability of the forecast data, and the user provides actual information. You. If the forecast value is not improved even if it is corrected, the discount rate for the forecast value is set to “0”.

 Further, if the actual value is not within the soil (B * 4)% with respect to the predicted value, it is determined whether the actual value is within the soil (B * 5)% with respect to the predicted value. If the actual value is within soil (B * 5) from the predicted value, correct the predicted value. For this reason, as described in step S5, when the system is on the user side, the user manually inputs items considered to be related to the reliability of the prediction data, and the user provides actual information. If the forecast value is not improved even if it is corrected, the discount rate for the forecast value is set to “1-D” (D% increase).

 Even if this forecast correction is made, if the actual value is more than the soil (B * 4)% of the forecast value, it is determined that the system is faulty, and the manufacturer 2 determines the reliability of the forecast data to the system vendor. Manufacturers demand improvements and, where necessary, manufacturers penalize system vendors.

Fig. 19 is an example of the explanation of the fluctuation of the actual data, the predicted data, the prediction accuracy and the total discount rate. The circles in the columns of the actual data and the predicted data for each month (January to February) are shown. Indicates that the service is available, and the forecast data indicates the forecast based on usage over the past three months. Therefore, from January to March, uniform A (= 2)% Since April, the company has been providing forecast data improvement items and, if a system has been installed for users, has provided forecast data and applied discount rates in accordance with forecast accuracy.

 [Other embodiments]

 In addition to the above-described embodiment, the following modifications are possible in the present invention.

 (1) Although the target device is a printer and the consumables are printer toner and paper, it can be applied to other printer consumables such as photosensitive drums, developer, developing cartridges and process cartridges. In addition, although the description has been given of the printer of the computer system, the present invention can also be used for consumables of other devices such as a copying machine and a facsimile.

 (2) Although the server system has been described with two servers, it may be configured with one or three or more servers.

 As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, various modifications can be made to the present invention within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the technical scope of the present invention. Les ,. Industrial applicability

 Consumables are electronically ordered from User 1 to Maker 2, and actual data and forecast data on consumables are provided from User 1 to Maker 1 through System Vendor 3, so Maker 2 Based on this data, production can be adjusted and inventory of consumables and materials can be reduced. For this reason, Manufacturer 2 can realize a reduction in sales price.

 On the other hand, as an incentive to provide such data, a discount rate is set according to the amount / quality of data, so that User 1 can actively create an environment that provides highly accurate data. As a result, the amount can be secured, and the manufacturer 2 can obtain data with high prediction accuracy. Therefore, Manufacturer 2 can further reduce the inventory of consumables and materials, and further reduce the selling price.

Claims

The scope of the claims 1. The user of the consumable supplies the manufacturer of the consumables (in this e-commerce method,  Collecting usage data of consumables of the user;  Transmitting the collected usage data to the manufacturer; calculating usage forecast data based on the usage data for production adjustment at the manufacturer;  A step of calculating a discount rate of the price of the consumable of the user based on the provision of usage history data of the consumable of the user.  Characterized e-commerce method of consumables.  2.The method further comprises the steps of: determining an error between the usage result data and the usage prediction data; and calculating an additional discount rate according to the error.  A method for e-commerce of consumables according to claim 1.  3. a step of determining an error between the use result data and the use prediction data, and a step of inputting a provided change in the user's consumables use state according to the error;  Calculating an additional discount rate in response to providing a change in the consumable usage of the user.  A method for e-commerce of consumables according to claim 1.  4. The user collects the usage record data, calculates the usage forecast data, and calculates the discount rate.  A method for e-commerce of consumables according to claim 1.  5. The manufacturer collects the usage data, calculates the usage forecast data, and calculates the discount rate.  A method for e-commerce of consumables according to claim 1. 6. The consumption according to claim 1, wherein the usage data is collected, the usage prediction data is calculated, and the discount rate is calculated by the user and a system vendor entrusted to the manufacturer. E-commerce method of goods. 7. In the consumables e-commerce system, the user of the consumable supplies orders the consumables electronically to the consumables manufacturer.  A system for the user having a plurality of devices that use the consumables; a system for the user connected to the user system;  A server that collects use result data of the consumable from the states of the plurality of devices, and transmits the collected use result data to the maker system;  The server is  In order to provide production adjustment at the manufacturer, use forecast data is calculated based on the use result data, and based on provision of the user's use result data of consumables, a discount rate of the price of the consumables of the user is provided. To calculate  'Featured e-commerce system for consumables.  8. The server determines an error between the usage result data and the usage prediction data, and calculates an additional discount rate according to the error.  A consumable electronic commerce system according to claim 7, characterized by the claims.  9. The server determines an error between the usage result data and the usage prediction data, and calculates an additional discount rate according to the change in the usage status of the user's consumables.  A consumable electronic commerce system according to claim 7, characterized by the claims.  10. A consumables e-commerce system server in which a user of the consumable supplies an order for the consumables to a consumables manufacturer.  A system of the user having a plurality of devices that use the consumable, and a system of the manufacturer connected to the user system;  Based on the usage data, the usage data of the consumable is collected from the states of the plurality of devices, and the collected usage data is transmitted to the maker system, and provided for production adjustment at the maker. Calculating usage prediction data, and calculating a discount rate of the price of the consumable item of the user based on provision of use result data of the user's consumable item.  Characterized e-commerce system server for consumables.