JP7581755B2 - Inventory management device, inventory management method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inventory management device, an inventory management method, and a program.

Technologies related to the present invention are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that manages the stock of oden sold in a store, and notifies users via a tablet device installed near the oden display that oden should be replenished, notifies the user of the number of pieces to be replenished, and determines the timing of the notification taking into account the preparation time.

Patent document 2 discloses a technology that outputs a finishing instruction when the number of products in stock falls below the minimum required number, and outputs a disposal instruction when the time that has elapsed since the finishing time of a product in inventory management exceeds a predetermined time.

Patent document 3 discloses a technology that displays information such as "freshly prepared dishes" and "half-price bento boxes" on a signage terminal installed near the display shelves.

JP 2019-152934 A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-249543 JP 2013-254363 A

Based on the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, by notifying store staff of the appropriate timing to replenish in-store cooked products that are displayed after being cooked in the store, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as missed sales opportunities. However, when outputting information about multiple products to one output terminal as with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the amount and type of information output from the output terminal increases. This can lead to problems such as taking time to understand the output content, misrecognizing the output content, or overlooking some information. Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not describe this problem or how to solve it.

The objective of the present invention is to output information about in-store cooked products that are displayed on shelves after being cooked in the store in a way that is easy for store staff to understand.

According to the present invention,
A replenishment information acquisition means for acquiring replenishment information indicating the number of products replenished to the display shelf and the date and time of replenishment, the information being information on the products to be displayed on the display shelf after being cooked in the store;
A sales information acquisition means for acquiring sales information indicating the sales status of the in-store cooked products;
an inventory status management means for managing the inventory status of the in-store cooked products based on the replenishment information and the sales information;
an alert means for outputting first alert information to an electronic shelf label associated with the in-store cooked product whose stock amount has become equal to or less than a reference amount;
An inventory control device is provided having:

Further, according to the present invention,
The computer
Acquire replenishment information, which is information about in-store cooked products that are displayed on a display shelf after being cooked in the store, and indicates the number of products replenished on the display shelf and the date and time;
Acquire sales information indicating the sales status of the in-store cooked products;
Manage the inventory status of the in-store cooked products based on the replenishment information and the sales information;
The inventory management method includes outputting first alert information to an electronic shelf label linked to the in-store cooked product whose inventory level has fallen below a reference level.

Further, according to the present invention,
Computer,
A replenishment information acquisition means for acquiring replenishment information indicating the number of products replenished to the display shelf and the date and time of replenishment, the information being information on the products to be cooked in the store and then displayed on the display shelf;
A sales information acquisition means for acquiring sales information indicating the sales status of the in-store cooked products;
an inventory status management means for managing the inventory status of the in-store cooked products based on the replenishment information and the sales information;
an alert means for outputting first alert information to an electronic shelf label associated with the in-store cooked product whose stock amount has become equal to or less than a reference amount;
A program is provided to function as a

According to the present invention, information about in-store cooked products that are displayed on shelves after being cooked in the store can be output in a manner that is easy for store staff to understand.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an inventory management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of installation of the customer-use electronic shelf label of the present embodiment. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of installation of an electronic shelf label for store clerk according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the inventory management device of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of the inventory management device according to the present embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by the inventory management device of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by the inventory management device of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the inventory management device of the present embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the inventory management device of the present embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the inventory management device of the present embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the inventory management device of the present embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by the inventory management device of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the inventory management device of the present embodiment.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals and descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

First Embodiment
"overview"
The inventory management device 10 of this embodiment is used in a store that sells in-store cooked products. In-store cooked products are products that are cooked in the store and then displayed on shelves and sold. Examples of in-store cooked products include, but are not limited to, croquettes, fried chicken, yakitori, oden, meat buns, and bean-jam buns. Examples of stores that sell in-store cooked products include, but are not limited to, convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and the like.

The inventory management device 10 has a function of managing the inventory status of in-store cooked products and outputting alert information to prompt the restocking of in-store cooked products according to the status. In this embodiment, an electronic shelf label is provided for each in-store cooked product, and alert information is output to this electronic shelf label. In other words, alert information to restock a first in-store cooked product is output to an electronic shelf label linked to the first in-store cooked product. With this configuration of the present embodiment, a store clerk can intuitively grasp which in-store cooked products need to be replenished based on which electronic shelf label the alert information is output to.

The Big Picture
Next, an overview of the system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in the figure, the system of this embodiment includes an inventory management device 10, a store clerk terminal 20, a POS (point of sales) system 30, store clerk electronic shelf tags 40, and customer electronic shelf tags 50.

First, the inventory management device 10 obtains replenishment information from the clerk terminal 20. The clerk terminal 20 is a terminal operated by a clerk, and examples include, but are not limited to, a handheld terminal, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and a mobile phone. The replenishment information includes identification information of the replenished in-store cooked product, the number of products replenished, the date and time of replenishment, etc. When the clerk replenishes the in-store cooked product on the display shelf, the clerk inputs the replenishment information regarding the replenishment into the clerk terminal 20. In response to the input, the clerk terminal 20 transmits the replenishment information to the inventory management device 10. Additionally, the clerk terminal 20 may transmit the replenishment information input from the previous transmission timing to the current transmission timing to the inventory management device 10 at predetermined intervals.

The inventory management device 10 is also configured to acquire sales information from the POS system 30. The sales information indicates the sales status of in-store cooked products. The sales information includes identification information of the sold in-store cooked products, the number of products sold, the date and time of sale, etc. For example, the POS system 30 may transmit sales information indicating the details of the sale of an in-store cooked product to the inventory management device 10 in response to the fact that the product has been sold being registered in its own system. In addition, the POS system 30 may transmit sales information indicating the sales details registered between the previous transmission timing and the current transmission timing to the inventory management device 10 at predetermined intervals.

The inventory management device 10 manages the inventory status (e.g., the amount of stock remaining on the shelves) of multiple in-store cooked products based on replenishment information obtained from the staff terminal 20 and sales information obtained from the POS system 30.

Then, the inventory management device 10 outputs first alert information to the staff electronic shelf label 40 linked to the in-store cooked product whose inventory level has fallen below the reference level, encouraging the restocking. The staff electronic shelf label 40 is an electronic shelf label that outputs information for staff. An staff electronic shelf label 40 is provided for each in-store cooked product.

The inventory management device 10 also causes the customer-use electronic shelf label 50 to output various types of information, such as promotional information. For example, when the first in-store cooked product is newly replenished, promotional information such as "Freshly made. Hot and delicious" may be output. Other information, such as the product name and price, may also be output to the customer-use electronic shelf label 50. The customer-use electronic shelf label 50 is an electronic shelf label that outputs information aimed at the customer. An electronic customer shelf label 50 is installed for each in-store cooked product.

The staff electronic shelf tag 40 and the customer electronic shelf tag 50 may be the same electronic shelf tag with the same model number, or may be different types of electronic shelf tags with different model numbers, etc.

"Example of installation of electronic shelf tags 40 for store clerks and electronic shelf tags 50 for customers"
As described above, in this embodiment, the store clerk electronic shelf label 40 that outputs information for store clerks is provided in addition to the customer-use electronic shelf label 50 that outputs information for customers. The store clerk electronic shelf label 40 and the customer-use electronic shelf label 50 are separate electronic shelf labels that are physically and logically separated.

Figures 2 and 3 show an example of the installation of the store clerk electronic shelf tags 40 and the customer electronic shelf tags 50. The illustrated display shelf 60 is installed, for example, at a cash register counter. Figure 2 shows the display shelf 60 as viewed from outside the cash register counter. In this case, the front side of the display shelf 60 is observed. As shown in the figure, customer electronic shelf tags 50 are installed on the front of the display shelf 60, linked to each in-store cooked product. In the illustrated example, six customer electronic shelf tags 50 are installed, linked to each of six types of in-store cooked products.

Figure 3 shows the display shelf 60 as viewed from inside the cash register counter. In this case, the back side of the display shelf 60 is observed. A store clerk opens a door on the back side of the display shelf 60 to replenish or remove in-store cooked products. As shown in the figure, electronic shelf tags 40 for store clerk are installed on the back side of the display shelf 60, linked to each in-store cooked product. In the example shown in the figure, six electronic shelf tags 40 for store clerk are installed, linked to each of six types of in-store cooked products.

Note that the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3 are merely examples, and the manner in which the store clerk electronic shelf labels 40 and the customer electronic shelf labels 50 are installed is not limited to this. For example, the store clerk electronic shelf labels 40 and the customer electronic shelf labels 50 may be installed next to each other, or may be installed using other methods.

"Hardware Configuration"
Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the inventory management device 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the inventory management device 10. Each functional unit of the inventory management device 10 is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centering on a central processing unit (CPU) of any computer, memory, programs loaded into the memory, a storage unit such as a hard disk for storing the programs (programs stored beforehand at the stage of shipping the device, as well as programs downloaded from storage media such as a compact disc (CD) or a server on the Internet), and a network connection interface. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are various variations in the realization method and device.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inventory management device 10 has a processor 1A, a memory 2A, an input/output interface 3A, a peripheral circuit 4A, and a bus 5A. The peripheral circuit 4A includes various modules. The inventory management device 10 does not necessarily have to have the peripheral circuit 4A.

The inventory management device 10 may be configured as multiple devices that are physically and/or logically separate, or as a single device that is physically and logically integrated. In the former case, each device may have the above hardware configuration.

The bus 5A is a data transmission path for the processor 1A, memory 2A, peripheral circuit 4A, and input/output interface 3A to send and receive data to each other. The processor 1A is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 2A is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The input/output interface 3A includes an interface for acquiring information from an input device, an external device, an external server, an external sensor, etc., and an interface for outputting information to an output device, an external device, an external server, etc. Examples of the input device are a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. Examples of the output device are a display, a speaker, a printer, a mailer, etc. The processor 1A can issue commands to each module and perform calculations based on the results of those calculations.

"Function Configuration"
Next, an example of the functional configuration of the inventory management device 10 will be described. Fig. 5 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the inventory management device 10. As shown in the figure, the inventory management device 10 has a replenishment information acquisition unit 11, a sales information acquisition unit 12, an inventory status management unit 13, a memory unit 14, and an alert unit 15.

The replenishment information acquisition unit 11 acquires replenishment information regarding in-store cooked products from the staff terminal 20. As described above, when a staff member replenishes an in-store cooked product on a display shelf, the staff member inputs the replenishment information regarding the replenishment to the staff terminal 20. In response to the input, the staff terminal 20 transmits the replenishment information to the inventory management device 10. In addition, the staff terminal 20 may transmit the replenishment information input from the previous transmission timing to the current transmission timing all together to the inventory management device 10 at predetermined intervals. The replenishment information includes identification information of the replenished in-store cooked product, the number replenished, the date and time of replenishment, etc.

The sales information acquisition unit 12 acquires sales information indicating the sales status of in-store cooked products from the POS system 30. As described above, the POS system 30 may transmit sales information indicating the details of the sale of an in-store cooked product to the inventory management device 10 in response to the fact that the in-store cooked product has been sold being registered in its own system. In addition, the POS system 30 may transmit sales information indicating the sales details registered between the previous transmission timing and the current transmission timing to the inventory management device 10 at predetermined intervals. The sales information indicates the sales status of the in-store cooked products. The sales information includes identification information of the sold in-store cooked product, the number sold, the date and time of sale, etc.

The inventory status management unit 13 manages the inventory status of in-store cooked products based on the replenishment information acquired by the replenishment information acquisition unit 11 and the sales information acquired by the sales information acquisition unit 12. The information managed here includes "the amount of stock remaining on the display shelves" and "the timing at which each item remaining on the display shelves was replenished."

For example, the inventory status management unit 13 may manage the inventory status by updating inventory information such as that shown in FIG. 6 based on replenishment information and sales information. The storage unit 14 stores the inventory information.

The inventory information shown in the figure links product identification information, product name, electronic shelf label number, and inventory status.

The product identification information is information for identifying multiple in-store cooked products from one another, and is, for example, a product code.
The product name is the name of each of the multiple in-store cooked products.
The electronic shelf label number is an identification number of the electronic shelf label for store staff 40 and the electronic shelf label for customer 50 that is linked to each in-store cooked product.

The inventory status is information showing the stock status of each in-store cooked product. It shows the replenishment timing and the number of items in stock replenished at each replenishment timing. In the example of "Karaage Juice" shown in the figure, it can be seen that one item remains from the item replenished at 8:13 on August 4, 2020, and three items remain from the item replenished at 11:52 on August 4, 2020. The number of "Karaage Juice" in stock at this point is four.

The inventory status management unit 13 updates the information based on the replenishment information and sales information. For example, if the sales information indicates the sale of "M units of a first in-store cooked product," the inventory status management unit 13 updates the stock quantity of the first in-store cooked product by subtracting M units. The inventory status management unit 13 can prioritize subtracting stock quantities from those with the oldest replenishment timing.

In addition, if the replenishment information indicates replenishment of "first in-store cooked product, N units, 13:12 on August 4, 2020 (replenishment timing)," the inventory status management unit 13 updates the inventory quantity of the first in-store cooked product by adding N units. The inventory status management unit 13 then links this inventory of N units to the replenishment timing of 13:12 on August 4, 2020 and registers it.

The alert unit 15 detects in-store cooked products whose stock quantity falls below the reference quantity by comparing the stock quantity of each in-store cooked product with the reference quantity. The alert unit 15 then outputs first alert information to the store clerk electronic shelf label 40 linked to the in-store cooked product whose stock quantity falls below the reference quantity.

By outputting the first alert information, it is possible to notify the store clerk that "the stock quantity is below the reference quantity." For example, the store clerk electronic shelf label 40 may be equipped with a display. The alert unit 15 may output a sentence such as "Please replenish products" as the first alert information via the display. The alert unit 15 may also output the first alert information including a figure, a photo, or the like via the display. In addition, if the store clerk electronic shelf label 40 is equipped with a light, the alert unit 15 may turn on or blink the light as the first alert information. In addition, if the store clerk electronic shelf label 40 is equipped with a speaker, the alert unit 15 may output a warning sound or a sentence such as "Please replenish products" as the first alert information.

The reference number may be set for each in-store cooked product. In this way, a value can be set according to the sales of each in-store cooked product. For example, the reference number for in-store cooked products that sell well can be set to a relatively large value, and the reference number for in-store cooked products that sell poorly can be set to a relatively small value. In this case, the alert unit 15 detects in-store cooked products whose stock quantity falls below the reference number by comparing the stock quantity of each in-store cooked product with the reference number of each in-store cooked product.

The reference number may also be set for each time period. In this way, a value can be set according to the sales of each in-store cooked product for each time period. For example, the reference number for a time period when sales are good can be set to a relatively large value, and the reference number for a time period when sales are poor can be set to a relatively small value. In this case, the alert unit 15 detects in-store cooked products whose stock amount falls below the reference number by comparing the stock amount of each in-store cooked product with the reference number at that time (current time).

The reference number may be set for each in-store cooked product and for each time period, as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the alert unit 15 detects in-store cooked products whose stock quantity falls below the reference number by comparing the stock quantity of each in-store cooked product with the reference number at that time (current time) for each in-store cooked product.

Next, an example of the processing flow of the inventory management device 10 will be described using the flowcharts in Figures 8 to 10.

Figure 8 relates to a process for managing the stock status of in-store cooked products. When the replenishment information acquisition unit 11 acquires new replenishment information (Yes in S10), the stock status management unit 13 updates the stock information (see Figure 6) based on the replenishment information (S12). Also, when the sales information acquisition unit 12 acquires new sales information (Yes in S11), the stock status management unit 13 updates the stock information (see Figure 6) based on the sales information (S12). Thereafter, the same process is repeated.

Figure 9 relates to the process of detecting in-store cooked products whose stock quantity has fallen below a reference quantity and initiating the process of outputting the first alert information. The alert unit 15 performs a process of detecting in-store cooked products whose stock quantity has fallen below a reference quantity by comparing the stock quantity of each in-store cooked product with the reference quantity (S20). Then, when an in-store cooked product whose stock quantity has fallen below the reference quantity is detected (Yes in S20), the alert unit 15 initiates the alert process (S21).

Figure 10 relates to a process for outputting first alert information. The process in Figure 10 is started in response to the start control in S21 in Figure 9. The alert unit 15 identifies an electronic shelf label 40 for store staff that is linked to an in-store cooked product whose stock quantity is equal to or less than a reference quantity, based on the linking information and the like shown in Figure 6 (S30). The alert unit 15 then transmits a signal to the identified electronic shelf label 40 for store staff to output first alert information (S31). In response to this, the electronic shelf label 40 for store staff starts outputting the first alert information.

Then, the alert unit 15 waits to receive an alert stop command (S32). When the alert stop command is received (Yes in S32), the alert unit 15 transmits a signal to the clerk electronic shelf label 40 identified in S30 to stop outputting the first alert information (S33). In response, the clerk electronic shelf label 40 stops outputting the first alert information.

The alert stop command may be a predetermined input via the electronic shelf label 40 for store staff (assuming that the input is made by a store staff member who notices the first alert information). In addition, the inventory management device 10 may generate an alert stop command and input it to the alert unit 15 in response to the acquisition by the replenishment information acquisition unit 11 of replenishment information indicating a new replenishment of in-store cooked products during the output of the first alert information.

"Action and effect"
The inventory management device 10 of this embodiment manages the inventory status of in-store cooked products. The inventory management device 10 then outputs first alert information, which prompts the replenishment of each in-store cooked product, to the electronic shelf label for store clerk 40 installed for each in-store cooked product. With this configuration of this embodiment, the store clerk can intuitively grasp which in-store cooked product needs to be replenished based on which in-store cooked product the first alert information is output to the electronic shelf label for store clerk 40 associated with that in-store cooked product.

The inventory management device 10 can detect in-store cooked products that need to be replenished by comparing the standard number set for each in-store cooked product with the stock quantity of each in-store cooked product. The inventory management device 10 can detect in-store cooked products that need to be replenished by comparing the standard number set for each time period with the stock quantity of each in-store cooked product. In this way, by dividing the situation into detailed conditions and setting appropriate standard numbers according to the sales of products under each condition, it is possible to encourage replenishment of products at a more appropriate time.

Second Embodiment
The alert unit 15 of this embodiment can change the content of the first alert information to be output by the store clerk electronic shelf label 40 in accordance with the elapsed time from the timing of starting to output the first alert information via the store clerk electronic shelf label 40. By changing the content of the first alert information, the store clerk can be made aware of the elapsed time and can be urged to replenish stock.

For example, the alert unit 15 may change the content of the text output via the display or speaker depending on the elapsed time. As an example, a text such as "Please replenish products" may be output initially, and when the elapsed time exceeds a reference time, the text may be changed to "Please replenish products quickly."

In addition, the alert unit 15 may change the display form of the light depending on the elapsed time. As an example, the light may be initially turned on, and when the elapsed time exceeds a reference time, the light may blink. In addition, the color of the light may be changed depending on the elapsed time.

In addition, the alert unit 15 may change the warning sound output from the speaker depending on the elapsed time. As an example, a "beep" sound may be output at first, and when the elapsed time exceeds a reference time, a "beep, beep, beep" sound may be output.

Here, an example of the alert process that is started in response to the start control in S21 of FIG. 9 will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 11.

The alert unit 15 identifies the staff electronic shelf label 40 that is linked to the in-store cooked product whose stock quantity is equal to or less than the reference quantity based on the linking information shown in FIG. 6 (S50). The alert unit 15 then transmits a signal to the identified staff electronic shelf label 40 to output the first alert information (S51). In response, the staff electronic shelf label 40 starts outputting the first alert information.

Then, the alert unit 15 waits to receive an alert stop command (S52). While the alert stop command is not received (No in S52), the alert unit 15 monitors the elapsed time from the timing of outputting the first alert information, and performs a process of changing the content of the first alert information being output according to the elapsed time (S54).

When the alert stop command is acquired (Yes in S52), the alert unit 15 transmits a signal to the clerk electronic shelf label 40 identified in S30 to stop outputting the first alert information (S53). In response, the clerk electronic shelf label 40 stops outputting the first alert information. The alert stop command in this embodiment is as described in the first embodiment.

The other configurations of the inventory management device 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The inventory management device 10 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the inventory management device 10 of this embodiment can change the content of the first alert information output by the store clerk electronic shelf label 40 according to the time elapsed from the timing when the output of the first alert information via the store clerk electronic shelf label 40 started. By changing the content of this first alert information, the store clerk can be made aware of the elapsed time and urged to replenish.

Third Embodiment
The alert unit 15 of this embodiment can output second alert information to the electronic shelf label 40 for store staff at the timing when a sales increase period during which cooked products in the store are sold in greater numbers than other periods of time begins, or at a predetermined time before the sales increase period begins.

As shown in FIG. 12, increased sales time period information indicating the increased sales time period for each in-store cooked product is generated in advance and stored in the memory unit 14. The alert unit 15 identifies the increased sales time period for each in-store cooked product based on the increased sales time period information. Then, when the alert unit 15 detects that the increased sales time period for a first in-store cooked product has arrived or that a specified time period has passed, it outputs second alert information to the electronic shelf label 40 for store staff that is associated with the first in-store cooked product.

By outputting the second alert information, the store clerk can be notified that "it is or is about to be a time period of increased sales." Based on the notification, the store clerk can replenish cooked products in the store. For example, the alert unit 15 may output text such as "It is now a time period of increased sales" or "It will soon be a time period of increased sales" as the second alert information via the display (electronic shelf label for store clerk 40). The alert unit 15 may also output second alert information including figures, photos, etc. via the display. In addition, the alert unit 15 may turn on or blink a light (electronic shelf label for store clerk 40) as the second alert information. In addition, the alert unit 15 may output a warning sound from the speaker (electronic shelf label for store clerk 40) or output text such as "It is now a time period of increased sales" or "It will soon be a time period of increased sales" as the second alert information.

The alert unit 15 may wait to receive an alert stop command after causing the clerk electronic shelf label 40 to output the second alert information. Then, upon receiving the alert stop command, the alert unit 15 may send a signal to the clerk electronic shelf label 40 to stop outputting the second alert information. In response, the clerk electronic shelf label 40 stops outputting the second alert information. The alert stop command may be a predetermined input via the clerk electronic shelf label 40 (assuming that the input is made by a clerk who notices the second alert information), etc.

The other configurations of the inventory management device 10 are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

The inventory management device 10 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as the first and second embodiments. In addition, the inventory management device 10 of this embodiment can notify store staff when a sales increase period for in-store cooked products is reached, or a specified time before the sales increase period is reached. Based on the notification, the store staff can replenish in-store cooked products, etc.

Fourth Embodiment
The alert unit 15 of this embodiment outputs the second alert information described in the third embodiment only to the electronic shelf label for store clerk 40 linked to an in-store cooked product that satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is that the in-store cooked product has an inventory quantity equal to or less than a reference quantity during a first time period specified based on the increased sales time period. The first time period is the "increased sales time period" or "the increased sales time period plus the time period from a predetermined time before the increased sales time period to the time when the increased sales time period occurs."

In other words, in the case of this embodiment, the second alert information is output to the electronic shelf labels 40 for store staff linked to in-store cooked products whose stock quantity is below the reference quantity during the first time period. The second alert information is not output to the electronic shelf labels 40 for store staff linked to in-store cooked products whose stock quantity is greater than the reference quantity during the first time period. In the case of this embodiment, the output of the second alert information makes it possible to notify the store staff that "the stock quantity is below the reference quantity" and "it is the time period of increased sales or immediately before that time period."

Here, an example of the alert processing that is started in response to the start control in S21 of FIG. 9 will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 13.

The alert unit 15 identifies the electronic shelf tag 40 for store staff that is linked to the in-store cooked product whose stock quantity is equal to or less than a reference quantity based on the linking information shown in FIG. 6 (S40). Next, the alert unit 15 determines whether the current time falls within a time period during which sales are increased for that in-store cooked product based on the sales increase time period information shown in FIG. 12 (S41).

If it is a time period of increased sales (Yes in S41), the alert unit 15 sends a signal to the electronic shelf label 40 for store clerk identified in S40 to output second alert information (S46). In response, the electronic shelf label 40 for store clerk starts outputting second alert information. By outputting this second alert information, it is possible to notify the store clerk that "the inventory quantity is below the reference number" and that "it is or is immediately before a time period of increased sales."

Then, the alert unit 15 waits to receive an alert stop command (S47). Then, when the alert stop command is received (Yes in S47), the alert unit 15 transmits a signal to the clerk electronic shelf label 40 identified in S40 to stop outputting the second alert information (S48). In response, the clerk electronic shelf label 40 stops outputting the second alert information. The alert stop command in this embodiment is as described in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, if the time does not fall within the increased sales time period (Yes in S41), the alert unit 15 sends a signal to the clerk electronic shelf label 40 identified in S40 to output first alert information (S42). In response, the clerk electronic shelf label 40 starts outputting the first alert information. By outputting this first alert information, it is possible to notify the clerk that "the inventory quantity is below the reference quantity."

Then, the alert unit 15 waits to receive an alert stop command (S43). The alert unit 15 also waits for the first time period to arrive (S44).

When the alert stop command is received (Yes in S43), the alert unit 15 transmits a signal to the clerk electronic shelf label 40 identified in S40 to stop outputting the first alert information (S48). In response, the clerk electronic shelf label 40 stops outputting the first alert information.

Furthermore, when the arrival of the first time period is detected (Yes in S44), the alert unit 15 transmits a signal to the clerk electronic shelf label 40 identified in S40 to output second alert information (S45). In response, the clerk electronic shelf label 40 stops outputting the first alert information and starts outputting the second alert information. As a result, the information output from the clerk electronic shelf label 40 identified in S40 is changed from the first alert information to the second alert information. Then, by outputting this second alert information, it is possible to notify the clerk that "the inventory quantity is below the reference number" and that "it is or is immediately before a time period of increased sales."

After outputting the second alert information (S45), the alert unit 15 waits to receive an alert stop command (S47). Then, when the alert stop command is received (Yes in S47), the alert unit 15 transmits a signal to the clerk electronic shelf label 40 identified in S40 to stop outputting the second alert information (S48). In response, the clerk electronic shelf label 40 stops outputting the second alert information.

The other configurations of the inventory management device 10 are the same as those of the first to third embodiments.

The inventory management device 10 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments. In addition, the inventory management device 10 of this embodiment can notify store staff of in-store cooked products whose stock levels are below a reference level during or immediately preceding sales periods when in-store cooked products sell well. Based on the notification, store staff can replenish in-store cooked products or understand the urgency of the replenishment. For example, store staff can prioritize cooking or replenishing in-store cooked products for which the second alert information has been output over in-store cooked products for which the first alert information has been output.

Fifth embodiment
In the present embodiment, when the stock quantity of multiple in-store cooked products falls below a reference quantity, the alert unit 15 determines a cooking priority among the multiple in-store cooked products whose stock quantity falls below a reference quantity, and outputs the determined priority to an electronic shelf label 40 for store staff.

The alert unit 15 can determine the priority order based on at least one of the "profit," "sales price," "sales performance," and "timing when the stock quantity fell below the reference quantity" for each of a number of in-store cooked products whose stock quantity falls below the reference quantity.

The profit may be gross profit, the selling price minus the purchase price, or something else. Information indicating the profit of each of a plurality of in-store cooked products is stored in advance in the memory unit 14. Then, based on the information, the alert unit 15 can determine a higher priority for in-store cooked products with higher profits.

In addition, information indicating the sales price of each of a plurality of in-store cooked products may be stored in the memory unit 14. Then, based on the information, the alert unit 15 may determine a higher priority for in-store cooked products with higher sales prices.

In addition, information indicating the sales performance (total number of items sold in the past, total amount of sales in the past, total profit in the past, etc.) of each of the multiple in-store cooking products may be stored in the memory unit 14. Then, based on the information, the alert unit 15 may determine a higher priority for in-store cooking products with greater sales performance (larger total number of items sold in the past, larger total amount of sales in the past, larger total profit in the past, etc.).

In addition, the alert unit 15 may assign a higher priority to in-store cooked products whose stock quantity fell below a reference number earlier.

The rest of the configuration of the inventory management device 10 is the same as in the first to fourth embodiments.

The inventory management device 10 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as the first to fourth embodiments. Furthermore, when the inventory of multiple in-store cooked products falls below a reference number, the inventory management device 10 of this embodiment determines the cooking priority of the multiple in-store cooked products whose inventory numbers fall below the reference number, and outputs the determined priority to the electronic shelf label 40 for store staff. Based on this information, the store staff can easily determine which in-store cooked product should be given priority for cooking.

Sixth Embodiment
The inventory status management unit 13 of the present embodiment detects an in-store cooked product whose elapsed time from the date and time when the product was stocked on the display shelf has reached its upper limit display time. The upper limit display time may be set for each in-store cooked product.

Then, the alert unit 15 outputs third alert information to the electronic shelf tag 40 for store staff that is installed in association with the in-store cooked product for which the elapsed time since the date and time when the product was stocked on the display shelf has reached the upper display time limit.

By outputting the third alert information, the store clerk can be notified of "in-store cooked products for which the elapsed time since the date and time when they were replenished on the display shelf has reached the upper display time limit." Based on the notification, the store clerk can discard the in-store cooked products, etc. For example, the alert unit 15 may output a sentence such as "Please discard" as the third alert information via the display (electronic shelf label for store clerk 40). The alert unit 15 may also output the third alert information including a figure, a photo, etc. via the display. In addition, the alert unit 15 may turn on or blink a light (electronic shelf label for store clerk 40) as the third alert information. In addition, the alert unit 15 may output a warning sound from the speaker (electronic shelf label for store clerk 40) or output a sentence such as "Please discard" as the third alert information.

The other configurations of the inventory management device 10 are the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments.

The inventory management device 10 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as the first to fifth embodiments. In addition, the inventory management device 10 of this embodiment allows a store clerk to intuitively grasp which in-store cooked product needs to be discarded based on which in-store cooked product is associated with the third alert information output on the store clerk electronic shelf label 40.

<Modification>
Here, modified examples that can be applied to the first to sixth embodiments will be described.

Instead of acquiring replenishment information from the store clerk terminal 20, the replenishment information acquisition unit 11 may employ a means for analyzing images generated by a camera photographing the display shelves, recognizing in-store cooked products contained in the images, and generating replenishment information based on the recognition results.

Additionally, the alert unit 15 may output the first alert information including the number of items to be replenished. The number to be replenished may be the standard display number minus the number of items in stock at that time. The standard display number may be the same as the reference number described above, or may be a different value. The standard display number may also be set for each product cooked in the store. Furthermore, the standard display number may be set for each time period.

In addition, the alert unit 15 may employ "means for predicting when the stock quantity will be below the reference quantity and outputting the first alert information at a timing a predetermined time before the predicted timing" instead of "means for outputting the first alert information at the timing when it is detected that the actual stock quantity is below the reference quantity." The prediction of when the stock quantity will be below the reference quantity can be realized based on past performance, the current stock quantity, etc.

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

In this specification, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: "the device retrieves data stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition)" based on user input or program instructions, such as receiving data by making a request or inquiry to another device, or accessing and reading out another device or storage medium, and "inputting data output from another device to the device (passive acquisition)" based on user input or program instructions, such as receiving data that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.), and selecting and acquiring data or information from among the received data or information, and "editing data (converting it to text, rearranging data, extracting some data, changing the file format, etc.) to generate new data and acquire the new data."

In addition, in the multiple flow charts used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processing) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that does not cause any problems in terms of content. In addition, each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined to the extent that the content is not contradictory.

A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.
1. A replenishment information acquisition means for acquiring replenishment information indicating the number of products replenished to the display shelves after being cooked in the store and then displayed on the display shelves, and the date and time of replenishment;
A sales information acquisition means for acquiring sales information indicating the sales status of the in-store cooked products;
an inventory status management means for managing the inventory status of the in-store cooked products based on the replenishment information and the sales information;
an alert means for outputting first alert information to an electronic shelf label associated with the in-store cooked product whose stock amount has become equal to or less than a reference amount;
An inventory management device having the following:
2. The reference number is set for each time period,
The inventory management device according to claim 1, wherein the alert means outputs the first alert information to the electronic shelf label associated with the in-store cooked product whose inventory quantity has fallen below the reference quantity at the current time.
3. The inventory management device according to 1 or 2, wherein the alert unit changes content of the first alert information to be output by the electronic shelf label in accordance with an amount of time that has elapsed since a timing at which output of the first alert information via the electronic shelf label was started.
4. The inventory management device according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the alert means causes the electronic shelf label to output second alert information at a time when a sales increase time period in which the in-store cooked product is sold in greater volume than other time periods has arrived, or at a predetermined time before the sales increase time period has arrived.
5. The inventory management device according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the alert means outputs the second alert information to the electronic shelf label that is associated with the in-store cooked product whose inventory quantity is equal to or less than the reference quantity during a first time period that is specified based on a time period of increased sales during which the in-store cooked product sells more than other time periods.
6. The alert output means is
An inventory management device as described in any one of 1 to 5, which, when the inventory quantity of multiple in-store cooking products is below the reference quantity, determines a cooking priority among the multiple in-store cooking products whose inventory quantities are below the reference quantity, and outputs the determined priority to the electronic shelf label.
7. The alert output means is
The inventory management device described in 6 determines the priority based on at least one of the profit, sales price, sales history, and the timing when the inventory quantity fell below the reference quantity for each of the multiple in-store cooked products whose inventory quantity is below the reference quantity.
8. The inventory status management means detects the in-store cooked product whose upper limit display time has passed since the date and time the product was stocked on the display shelf,
The inventory management device described in any one of 1 to 7, wherein the alert means outputs third alert information to the electronic shelf tag installed in association with the in-store cooked product for which the elapsed time since the date and time when the product was replenished on the display shelf has reached the upper display time limit.
9. The computer:
Acquire replenishment information, which is information about in-store cooked products that are displayed on a display shelf after being cooked in the store, and indicates the number of products replenished on the display shelf and the date and time;
Acquire sales information indicating the sales status of the in-store cooked products;
Manage the inventory status of the in-store cooked products based on the replenishment information and the sales information;
The inventory management method includes outputting first alert information to an electronic shelf label linked to the in-store cooked product whose inventory level has fallen below a reference level.
10. The computer
A replenishment information acquisition means for acquiring replenishment information indicating the number of products replenished to the display shelf and the date and time of replenishment, the information being information on the products to be cooked in the store and then displayed on the display shelf;
A sales information acquisition means for acquiring sales information indicating the sales status of the in-store cooked products;
an inventory status management means for managing the inventory status of the in-store cooked products based on the replenishment information and the sales information;
an alert means for outputting first alert information to an electronic shelf label associated with the in-store cooked product whose stock amount has become equal to or less than a reference amount;
A program that functions as a

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Inventory management device 11 Replenishment information acquisition unit 12 Sales information acquisition unit 13 Inventory status management unit 14 Memory unit 15 Alert unit 20 Staff terminal 30 POS system 40 Staff electronic shelf label 50 Customer electronic shelf label

Claims (10)

A replenishment information acquisition means for acquiring replenishment information indicating the number of products replenished to the display shelf and the date and time of replenishment, the information being information on the products to be displayed on the display shelf after being cooked in the store;
A sales information acquisition means for acquiring sales information indicating the sales status of the in-store cooked products;
an inventory status management means for managing the inventory status of the in-store cooked products based on the replenishment information and the sales information;
an output means for outputting information to each of the customer-use electronic shelf label and the store clerk-use electronic shelf label that are associated with the same product;
having
The output means includes:
outputting first alert information to the store clerk electronic shelf label associated with the in-store cooked product whose stock amount has become equal to or less than a reference amount ;
The inventory management device outputs sales promotion information to the customer electronic shelf label when the in-store cooked products are newly replenished . The reference number is determined for each time period,
The inventory management device according to claim 1 , wherein the output means outputs the first alert information to the electronic shelf tag for store staff that is associated with the in-store cooked product whose inventory quantity has fallen below the reference quantity at the current time. 3. The inventory management device according to claim 1, wherein the output means changes content of the first alert information to be output by the store clerk 's electronic shelf label in accordance with an amount of time that has elapsed since a timing at which output of the first alert information via the store clerk's electronic shelf label was started. The inventory management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output means causes the electronic shelf label for store clerk to output second alert information at a time when a sales increase period during which the cooked product in the store sells more than other periods of time has arrived, or at a time a predetermined time before the sales increase period has arrived. The inventory management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output means outputs second alert information to the electronic shelf tag for store staff that is associated with the in-store cooked product whose inventory quantity is below the reference quantity during a first time period that is identified based on a time period during which the in-store cooked product sells more than other time periods. The output means includes:
6. The inventory management device according to claim 1, wherein, when the inventory quantity of a plurality of in-store cooked products is equal to or less than the reference quantity, a cooking priority is determined among the plurality of in-store cooked products whose inventory quantities are equal to or less than the reference quantity, and the determined priority is output to the electronic shelf label for store staff . The output means includes:
The inventory management device according to claim 6, wherein the priority order is determined based on at least one of the profit, sales price, sales history, and timing when the inventory quantity fell below the reference quantity for each of the plurality of in-store cooked products whose inventory quantity falls below the reference quantity. The inventory status management means detects the in-store cooked product whose upper limit display time has elapsed since the date and time when the product was replenished on the display shelf,
The inventory management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the output means outputs third alert information to the electronic shelf tag for store staff that is associated with the in-store cooked product for which the elapsed time since the date and time when the product was replenished on the display shelf has reached the upper display time limit. The computer
Acquire replenishment information, which is information about in-store cooked products that are displayed on a display shelf after being cooked in the store, and indicates the number of products replenished on the display shelf and the date and time;
Acquire sales information indicating the sales status of the in-store cooked products;
Manage the inventory status of the in-store cooked products based on the replenishment information and the sales information;
Outputting information to each of the customer electronic shelf tags and the store clerk electronic shelf tags that are associated with the same product;
In the output of the information,
outputting first alert information to the store clerk electronic shelf label associated with the in-store cooked product whose stock amount has become equal to or less than a reference amount;
The inventory management method outputs sales promotion information to the customer electronic shelf label when the in-store cooked products are newly replenished . Computer,
A replenishment information acquisition means for acquiring replenishment information indicating the number of products replenished to the display shelf and the date and time of replenishment, the information being information on the products to be cooked in the store and then displayed on the display shelf;
A sales information acquisition means for acquiring sales information indicating the sales status of the in-store cooked products;
an inventory status management means for managing the inventory status of the in-store cooked products based on the replenishment information and the sales information;
an output means for outputting information to each of the customer-use electronic shelf label and the store clerk-use electronic shelf label that are associated with the same product;
Function as a
The output means includes:
outputting first alert information to the store clerk electronic shelf label associated with the in-store cooked product whose stock amount has become equal to or less than a reference amount ;
A program for outputting sales promotion information to the customer electronic shelf label when the in-store cooked products are newly replenished .

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