Automatic standard delivery time estimation system and method thereof

Abstract

According to the automatic standard delivery time estimation system and method, the category of a main process is set, a data table and a corresponding standard delivery time formula are established according to data collected by the main process, the main process comprises CNC machining, sheet metal, 3D printing and vacuum copying, and the standard delivery time estimation system is established. Therefore, the problems of low working hour calculation efficiency and poor accuracy in the prior art are solved, and the pre-estimated delivery time of each project can be automatically generated at a system end by integrating standard delivery time data of various processes in a company into one calculation system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated standard delivery date estimation system and method. Background Art

[0002] In the manufacturing industry, project cycle estimation and production scheduling are crucial factors impacting efficiency. Traditionally, man-hour calculations are often performed manually, which can lead to inaccuracies and inconsistencies due to differences in experience, impacting project delivery dates and the rationality of production scheduling. Accurate man-hour calculations are particularly critical in projects with multiple process flows, due to the varying characteristics and operating times of each process. Currently, there is a lack of an automated method that can systematically handle the standard delivery times of multiple processes. Existing technologies struggle to effectively address this issue, especially when it comes to complex calculations involving CNC processes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides an automated standard delivery date estimation system and method.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0005] An automated standard delivery date estimation system and method thereof, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0006] S1: Set the main process category, collect data based on the main process, and create a data table and the corresponding standard delivery formula. The main processes include CNC machining, sheet metal, 3D printing, and vacuum molding.

[0007] The standard delivery time formula is: T=S+M+P+F+R+H+L+B+ V

[0008] T is the total number of days of standard delivery;

[0009] S is the production scheduling time of the PMC department;

[0010] M is the order review time before workshop production;

[0011] P is the procurement time of materials required for the product;

[0012] F is the time required for product adjustment;

[0013] R is the product processing time, which is the time it takes for the machine to run and change equipment in the hang-up state after the first product meets the size requirements after debugging;

[0014] H is the total time used for post-processing.

[0015] L refers to the preparation time after the project or product production process is completed.

[0016] B is the time for flexible changes,

[0017] V is the time of the vacuum molding process.

[0018] When the main process is CNC machining, V Take 0,

[0019] When the main process is sheet metal or 3D printing, P, F, R, V Take 0,

[0020] When the main process is vacuum molding, P, F, and R are set to 0. S2: A standard delivery date estimation system is established based on the main process category, data table, and standard delivery date formula.

[0021] The standard delivery date estimation system includes a main process module and various submodules.

[0022] When the main process is CNC machining, the single operation and single change time is set to E, and the product quantity is Q, so R=ExQ. The submodules include a single operation and single change time module and a product quantity module.

[0023] When the main process is CNC machining, the time F required for product adjustment is associated with the product complexity. The product complexity is divided into several levels, each level corresponds to a time, and a corresponding relationship between product complexity and the time required for product adjustment is established. Therefore, it is only necessary to manually select or input the complexity level in the standard delivery time estimation system, and the system can automatically convert it into the time F required for product adjustment. The sub-module includes a product complexity level module.

[0024] The time used for the post-processing process corresponding to CNC machining is associated with the complexity of the product, and a corresponding relationship between the time required for the post-processing process at a certain level is established. The time required for each post-processing process is added up to obtain the total time H used for the post-processing process corresponding to CNC machining. Therefore, you only need to select the corresponding post-processing process, and the system can automatically convert it into the total time H used for the post-processing process. The sub-module includes a machining post-processing process module.

[0025] The time for flexible changes is related to product complexity, and a corresponding relationship is established between the time for flexible changes and the time required at a certain level.

[0026] When the main process is vacuum molding, the time V of the modeling process of the vacuum molding is related to the material of the mold. The materials of the mold are divided into several types, and the time of the corresponding modeling process is established for each material. The sub-module includes a mold material module and a molding post-processing process module.

[0027] When the main process is sheet metal or 3D printing, the time used for the post-processing process corresponding to sheet metal or 3D printing is associated with the product quantity range, and a corresponding relationship between the time required for the post-processing process within a certain product quantity range is established. The time required for each post-processing process is added together to obtain the total time H used for the post-processing process. Therefore, by selecting the post-processing process corresponding to sheet metal or 3D printing and the product quantity range, the system can automatically convert it into the total time H used for the post-processing process. The sub-modules include a product quantity range module, a sheet metal post-processing process module, and a 3D printing post-processing process module.

[0028] The submodule includes the assembly process module required for CNC machining. The assembly process should derive different assembly times according to the product's external dimensions, classify the product sizes, and establish a corresponding relationship between size and assembly time. The total time H is the sum of the assembly time and the time used for the post-processing process corresponding to CNC machining.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: the present invention establishes a data table and a corresponding standard delivery period formula based on the data collected from the main process and establishes a standard delivery period estimation system, thereby solving the problems of low efficiency and poor accuracy in working hour calculation in the existing technology. By integrating the standard delivery period data of multiple processes within the company into a calculation system, the present invention can automatically generate an estimated delivery period for each project on the system side. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0031] Figure 1 It is a system principle diagram of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and its implementation methods will be illustrated by the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be comprehensive and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0033] The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles and numbers disclosed in the drawings for describing the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and therefore the present disclosure is not limited to the details shown. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. In the following description, when a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is determined to be unnecessary to obscure the focus of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Where “including”, “having” and “comprising” described in this specification are used, other components may be added unless “only” is used. Unless otherwise indicated, terms in the singular may include plural forms.

[0034] When explaining an element, although not explicitly described, the element is understood to include a range of error.

[0035] When describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship is described as "on," "above," "below," and "adjacent to," one or more parts may be arranged between two other parts, unless "immediately" or "directly" is used.

[0036] When describing a temporal relationship, for example, when a temporal order is described as “after,” “subsequently,” “next,” and “before,” discontinuous cases may be included unless “just” or “directly” is used.

[0037] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from other elements. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] As will be fully appreciated by those skilled in the art, the features of the different embodiments of the present disclosure may be coupled or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may cooperate with each other in various ways and be driven technically. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed independently of each other, or may be performed together in a mutually dependent relationship.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 The present invention discloses an automated standard delivery date estimation system and method thereof, comprising the following steps:

[0040] S1: Set the main process category, and create a data table and the corresponding standard delivery formula based on the data collected from the main process. The main processes include CNC machining, sheet metal, 3D printing, and vacuum molding. The main process category of this application is set according to the company's business direction and the main processing technology involved in the product. The data in the data table are all related to the parameters in the formula.

[0041] The standard delivery time formula is: T=S+M+P+F+R+H+L+B+ V

[0042] T is the total number of days of standard delivery;

[0043] S is the production scheduling time of the PMC department;

[0044] M is the order review time before workshop production;

[0045] P is the procurement time of materials required for the product;

[0046] F is the time required for product adjustment;

[0047] R is the product processing time, which is the time it takes for the machine to run and change equipment in the hang-up state after the first product meets the size requirements after debugging;

[0048] H is the total time used for post-processing.

[0049] L refers to the preparation time after the project or product production process is completed.

[0050] B is the time for flexible changes,

[0051] V is the time of the vacuum molding process.

[0052] When the main process is CNC machining, V Take 0, because CNC machining does not require vacuum molding,

[0053] When the main process is sheet metal or 3D printing, P, F, R, V Take 0, because our company's sheet metal or 3D printing is outsourced business, so when estimating the delivery time, there is no need to involve P, F, R, V These parameters,

[0054] When the main process is vacuum molding, P, F, and R are set to 0. The process flow of vacuum molding is different from CNC machining. A set of molds can produce many products, and the materials of a set of molds are very few and do not need to be specially prepared. Therefore, the three parameters P, F, and R are not required.

[0055] In the above, S is the production schedule of the PMC department. The production schedule is not divided into process categories. We prefer to set it to a fixed 0.5 days. It is a necessary process and does not require the quotation engineer to input.

[0056] M is the order review time after the customer places the order and before the workshop starts production. The review time is set to a fixed 0.5 days regardless of the process category. It is a required process and does not require the quotation engineer to input.

[0057] P is the procurement time for the materials required for the product. The procurement time is not divided into process categories. We set it to a fixed 2.5 days. It is a necessary process and does not require the quotation engineer to input.

[0058] Specifically, when the main process is CNC machining, the time F required for product adjustment is related to the complexity of the product. The product complexity is divided into several levels, each level corresponds to a time, and a corresponding relationship between product complexity and the time required for product adjustment is established. Therefore, it is only necessary to manually select or input the complexity level in the standard delivery time estimation system, and the system can automatically convert it into the time F required for product adjustment. The submodule includes a product complexity level module. For example, the product complexity level is divided into 8 levels, namely 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. We can set the product complexity level of the product to 1, and the time F required for product adjustment to 1 day; when the product complexity level of the product is 2, the time F required for product adjustment to 2 days, and so on, thereby establishing a corresponding relationship between product complexity and the time required for product adjustment.

[0059] Specifically, when the main process is CNC machining, the single operation and single changeover time refers to the total time R of the single operation and changeover of the machine in a smooth hanging operation state after the first piece meets the size requirements after debugging. The delivery time is related to the order quantity. The single operation and single changeover time is set to E, and the product quantity is Q, so R=ExQ. The sub-module includes a single operation and single changeover time module and a product quantity module.

[0060] Specifically, the post-processing process is a series of necessary additional processing steps that must be carried out after the product completes the main process in order to meet the requirements of the customer's drawings, improve product quality, performance or appearance. The time used for the post-processing process corresponding to CNC machining is associated with the complexity of the product, and a corresponding relationship between the time required for the post-processing process at a certain level is established. The time required for each post-processing process is added to obtain the total time H used for the post-processing process corresponding to CNC machining. Therefore, only the corresponding post-processing process needs to be selected, and the system can automatically convert it into the total time H used for the post-processing process. The sub-module includes the machining post-processing process module. The corresponding relationship is shown in the table below. Some post-processing processes in the table below are not affected by complexity, so the time corresponding to different complexities is the same. The time unit in the table is day.

[0061]

[0062] The post-processing process corresponding to the CNC machining in this application mostly overlaps with the total time R of a single operation and changeover. After processing a certain number of products, they are sent to the post-processing process. For example, 10 products are a batch, and the post-processing process is sent after the main process is completed. In some cases, the time for the post-processing process of the first batch of products is the real extra time. Therefore, the time for the post-processing process of CNC machining cannot be calculated according to the number of products, but is mainly related to the difficulty.

[0063] Further explanation, the submodule includes the assembly process module required for CNC machining. The assembly process should derive different assembly times based on the product's external dimensions, classify the product sizes, and establish a corresponding relationship between size and assembly time. The assembly time plus the time used for the post-processing process corresponding to CNC machining is the total time H. The setting time is 0.5 days for product sizes within 300 mm, 1 day for 300 mm-600 mm, and 1.5 days for products above 600 mm. The maximum value is taken according to the length, width and height. For example, if the length, width and height of a product are 500 mm, 400 mm and 300 mm, the maximum value of the product is 500 mm, and the corresponding assembly time is 1 day.

[0064] When the main process is sheet metal or 3D printing, the time used for the post-processing process corresponding to sheet metal or 3D printing is associated with the product quantity range, and a corresponding relationship is established between the time required for the post-processing process within a certain product quantity range. The total time H used for the post-processing process is obtained by adding up the time required for each post-processing process. Therefore, by selecting the post-processing process corresponding to sheet metal or 3D printing and the product quantity range, the system can automatically convert it into the total time H used for the post-processing process. The submodules include a product quantity range module, a sheet metal post-processing process module, and a 3D printing post-processing process module. Because the main process of our company's products is sheet metal or 3D printing, the corresponding post-processing process is outsourced. When the number of products is too large, such as more than 201, in order to shorten the delivery time, our company will choose multiple suppliers to process simultaneously. Therefore, the product quantity range is set to only three ranges, as shown in the following table.

[0065] It should be noted that because sheet metal and 3D printing are outsourced, the outsourcing company sets its own processing procedures. In addition, the order of the main process and post-processing process of sheet metal and 3D printing is not fixed. For example, sheet metal bending is a main process, and laser cutting is a post-processing process. However, sometimes laser cutting is required before bending, so the post-processing process comes first and the main process comes later. In order to simplify the calculation logic, the main processes of sheet metal and 3D printing are classified into the post-processing process and created in one table:

[0066]

[0067]

[0068] The post-processing steps for mold replication are fixed as follows and are not related to the number and complexity of the products, as shown in the following table:

[0069]

[0070] The above post-processing process chart only lists some of the post-processing processes, which does not mean that the post-processing processes are limited to those shown in the table. The time unit in the above table is day.

[0071] Specifically, L refers to the lead time after the project or product production process is completed, which refers to the time it takes to organize, inspect, package, label, and prepare for transportation after the project or product production process is completed. We set the lead time for packaging to be uniformly set at 0.5 days. The above is a required process and does not require input from the quotation engineer.

[0072] Specifically, B represents the time reserved for flexible changes in CNC projects to address potential risks, uncertainties, or unforeseen delays. This time buffer plays a crucial role in project schedule management, increasing the probability of on-time delivery. The flexible change time B is correlated with product complexity, establishing a corresponding relationship between the time required for flexible changes at a certain level. For example, three days for product complexity levels 1 to 3; three and a half days for product complexity levels 4 to 6; and four days for product complexity levels 6 to 7.

[0073] Specifically, V is the time of the vacuum molding modeling process. When the main process is vacuum molding, the time V of the vacuum molding modeling process is related to the material of the mold. There are several types of mold materials. Each material has a corresponding modeling process time. The submodule includes a mold material module and a molding post-processing process module, as shown in the following table: For example, when the mold is made of material 1, its modeling process is as follows:

[0074] A time of 0 means that no corresponding process is required when modeling with this material.

[0075]

[0076] S2: Establish a standard delivery date estimation system based on the main process category, data table, and standard delivery date formula. The standard delivery date estimation system includes the main process module and various sub-modules. The operation process is as follows:

[0077] The quotation engineer selects the corresponding main process option in the main process module and selects the corresponding option in the sub-module related to the main process:

[0078] For example, when the main process is CNC machining, the quotation engineer first selects CNC machining in the main process options. The sub-modules corresponding to the main process include the single run and single changeover time module, the product quantity module, the assembly process module, the product complexity level module, and the machining post-processing process module. The quotation engineer enters the time in the single run and single changeover time module. This time requires the quotation engineer to estimate after analyzing the product; the product quantity module enters the product quantity; the assembly process module selects the product size classification; the product complexity level module selects the product complexity level, and the product belongs to which level is analyzed by the quotation engineer; the machining post-processing process module selects the corresponding machining post-processing process. Therefore, as long as the quotation engineer enters the above information, the quotation system will calculate the delivery time of the product through built-in data, corresponding relationships and calculation logic.

[0079] For example: When the main process is sheet metal, the quotation engineer first selects sheet metal in the main process option. The corresponding sub-module of the main process is the sheet metal post-processing process module. The quotation engineer should select the corresponding sheet metal post-processing process in the sheet metal post-processing process module. The quotation system will calculate the delivery time of the product through built-in data, corresponding relationships and calculation logic.

[0080] The above is a detailed introduction to an automated standard delivery date estimation system and method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method of the present invention and its core idea. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the ideas of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scopes. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated standard delivery date estimation system and method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: Set the main process category, collect data based on the main process, and establish a data table and the corresponding standard delivery period formula. The main process includes CNC machining, sheet metal, 3D printing, and vacuum molding. The standard delivery period formula is: T = S + M + P + F + R + H + L + B + V T is the total number of days of standard delivery period; S is the production schedule of the PMC department; M is the order review time before workshop production; P is the procurement time of materials required for the product; F is the time required for product adjustment; R is the product processing time, which is the time it takes for the machine to run and change equipment in the hanging operation state after the first product meets the size requirements after debugging; H is the total time used for post-processing. L refers to the preparation time after the project or product production process is completed. B is the flexible time. V is the time of the vacuum molding process. When the main process is CNC machining, V Take 0, When the main process is sheet metal or 3D printing, P, F, R, V When the main process is vacuum molding, P, F, and R are 0. S2: Establish a standard delivery date estimation system based on the main process category, data table and standard delivery date formula. The standard delivery date estimation system includes a main process module and various sub-modules.

2. The automated standard delivery date prediction system and method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the main process is CNC machining, the single operation and single changeover time is set to E, and the product quantity is Q, so R=ExQ, and the submodules include a single operation and single changeover time module and a product quantity module.

3. The automated standard delivery date prediction system and method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the main process is CNC machining, the time F required for product adjustment is associated with the product complexity. The product complexity is divided into several levels, each level corresponds to a time, and a corresponding relationship between product complexity and the time required for product adjustment is established. Therefore, it is only necessary to manually select or input the complexity level in the standard delivery time estimation system, and the system can automatically convert it into the time F required for product adjustment. The sub-module includes a product complexity level module.

4. The automated standard delivery date prediction system and method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The time used for the post-processing steps corresponding to CNC machining is associated with the complexity of the product, and a corresponding relationship between the time required for the post-processing steps at a certain level is established. The total time H used for the post-processing steps corresponding to CNC machining is obtained by adding up the time required for each post-processing step. Therefore, only the corresponding post-processing step needs to be selected, and the system can automatically convert it into the total time H used for the post-processing step. The sub-module includes a machining post-processing step module.

5. The automated standard delivery date prediction system and method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The time for flexible changes is related to product complexity, and a corresponding relationship is established between the time for flexible changes and the time required at a certain level.

6. The automated standard delivery date prediction system and method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the main process is vacuum molding, the time V of the modeling process of the vacuum molding is related to the material of the mold. The materials of the mold are divided into several types, and the corresponding modeling process time is established for each material. The sub-module includes a mold material module and a molding post-processing process module.

7. The automated standard delivery date prediction system and method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the main process is sheet metal or 3D printing, the time used for the post-processing process corresponding to sheet metal or 3D printing is associated with the product quantity range, and a corresponding relationship between the time required for the post-processing process under a certain product quantity range is established. The time required for each post-processing process is added to obtain the total time H used for the post-processing process. Therefore, by selecting the post-processing process corresponding to sheet metal or 3D printing and the product quantity range, the system can automatically convert it into the total time H used for the post-processing process. The sub-modules include a product quantity range module, a sheet metal post-processing process module, and a 3D printing post-processing process module.

8. The automated standard delivery date prediction system and method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The submodules include the assembly process module required for CNC machining. The assembly process should derive different assembly times according to the product's external dimensions, classify the product sizes, and establish a corresponding relationship between the size and the assembly time. The total time H is the sum of the assembly time and the time used for the post-processing process corresponding to the CNC machining.

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