Method for monitoring a process

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for monitoring a process, such as a drying process. An order number is determined (110) based on the order. Further, a unique object identifier for an object of the process is determined (122). A unique device identifier of the device for the process is also determined (124). Furthermore, at least one parameter of the process is obtained (130). A data set regarding the process is then provided (130). The data set includes the order number, the unique object identifier, the unique device identifier, and parameters of the process. Accordingly, a method for tracking and / or monitoring an object during a process is provided. In particular, a method for monitoring a drying process of a coated panel is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for monitoring a process, in particular preferably a drying process of a floor panel or the like. Background Art

[0002] In the coating industry, many different devices are used to process different kinds of objects, such as floor panels and the like. For example, a laboratory oven is used to dry a floor panel with a liquid coating. To dry the liquid coating, the floor panel is placed in a furnace chamber of the oven, for example. After a predetermined time in the furnace chamber, the liquid coating becomes solid, and the floor panel is pulled out of the furnace chamber.

[0003] However, in some cases, the solid coating may be damaged, such as cracking, fissuring, etc., resulting in the unusability of the floor panel. However, the reasons for these damages are mostly unclear. The damages may be caused by incorrect mixing of the liquid coating, incorrect handling of the floor panel during the drying process, or even the process or the laboratory oven itself may have caused the damages.

[0004] Therefore, a method for monitoring such a process would be advantageous, especially to improve the quality of the process. Preferably, it is advantageous to provide a seamless method for monitoring and / or tracking a coated floor panel during a drying process or the like. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for monitoring a process, in particular a drying process, the method comprising the steps of: determining an order number based on an order; determining a unique object identifier for an object used in the process; determining a unique device identifier for a device used in the process; obtaining at least one parameter of the process; and providing a data set regarding the process, the data set comprising the order number, the unique object identifier, the unique device identifier, and the parameter of the process.

[0006] Therefore, a method for tracking and / or monitoring an object during a process is provided. In particular, a method for monitoring a drying process of a coated floor panel is provided. Preferably, the method is designed to seamlessly track an object during a process within the coating industry.

[0007] In a first step, an order number is determined based on an order. To this end, an order including the order number may be received in a previous step. The order may be received manually or electronically and processed accordingly. The order may be any kind of order. Preferably, the order is for a specific process, particularly a process within the coating industry (such as a drying process for panels etc.). The order may be provided and / or received in any kind of way and / or form. For example, the order is received manually as a physical document or electronically as a digital image via an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system etc. The order may include any kind of data, such as an order number, process information, etc. The data and / or the order itself may be in an encoded or decoded form, for example encoded as a matrix bar code, such as a QR code etc. Preferably, the order includes a plurality of data defining the process and / or the object to be used and / or the equipment to be used etc. Preferably, the order requires a specific execution of a specific process (particularly preferably a drying process for drying coated panels etc.).

[0008] The order number may be any kind of data string etc. In addition, the order number may have any number of digits. The order number may include digits, letters, symbols, etc. Preferably, the order number is unique and refers to only one specific order. If the order is provided in the form of a physical or electronic document, the order number may be encoded as a matrix bar code, such as a QR code etc. In this case, the order number needs to be decoded first. The order number may also include additional data, such as the type of object to be used, the type of equipment to be used, the type of process to be used, etc. The additional data may also be encoded within the order number by using a specific type of label (such as a matrix bar code). In this case, the order consists only of the encoded order number. However, the order number itself includes a plurality of instructions and / or requirements for the process.

[0009] In the next step, a unique object identifier is determined. Preferably, the unique object identifier is the unique identifier of the object to be used in the process. To this end, the object according to the order can be provided in the previous step. The object may already have a unique object identifier, for example, in the form of a label or the like. If the object does not yet have a unique object identifier, a unique object identifier can be assigned to the object, for example, by using a database designed to provide unique identifiers. For example, an order is received that includes an order number (e.g., AB123F), a process type (e.g., drying process type B), and the type of object to be used in the process (e.g., a constantly coated panel, 10 inches × 10 inches, type 1). The constantly coated panel may already have a unique object identifier. If not, the coated panel will be labeled accordingly with a unique object identifier. The unique object identifier allows the object to be monitored and / or tracked throughout the process. The unique object identifier can have any kind of shape and / or form, for example, encoded as a matrix barcode, such as a QR code or the like. The unique object identifier is designed to identify a specific object. The unique object identifier can already be part of the object or labeled onto the object before or after the process. For example, the object is labeled with a string (e.g., 01 / 01 / 2023g1b1) before the process, thus providing a consecutive unique number, thereby uniquely labeling and identifying the object. In addition, the unique object identifier can also include further data about the object, such as size, material, etc. The object itself can be any kind of object. Preferably, the object is used in the coating industry. Preferably, the object is a panel or the like. Preferably, the object has a liquid coating on its surface, such as a constant coating, a wedge coating, etc.

[0010] In the next step, a unique device identifier is determined. Preferably, the unique device identifier is the unique identifier of the device to be used in the process. To this end, a specific device can be determined in the previous step. For example, an order is received that includes an order number (e.g., AB123F) and a process type (e.g., drying process type B). Then, the device is determined according to the process type, for example, laboratory oven 4. In this case, the number "4" is the unique device identifier.

[0011] The unique device identifier can be any kind of identifier, especially in any shape and / or form, such as a number, a matrix barcode, etc. Preferably, the unique device identifier is attached to the device in the form of a label or the like. In this case, the unique device identifier can be determined by scanning the label on the device, thereby identifying the device and collecting data accordingly.

[0012] The device itself can be any kind of device, instrument, machine, etc. Preferably, the device is designed to perform a drying and / or heating process. However, the device can also be used for and / or designed for annealing, die-bond curing, dehydration, polyimide baking, sterilization, evaporation, etc. Preferably, the device is an oven, particularly a laboratory oven, such as a simulated laboratory oven.

[0013] In the next step, at least one parameter of the process is obtained. To this end, the process is started and executed. The process can be started manually or automatically. Preferably, at least one setpoint of the process is set according to the order, such as the duration of the process, the temperature in the oven chamber, etc. After the process is started, the parameters are obtained, for example, by measurement, etc. The parameters can be any kind of process parameters. The parameters can be obtained in different ways, such as estimation, measurement, etc. Preferably, a plurality of parameters are obtained, such as the temperature inside the device, the position of the object, etc.

[0014] In the next step, a data set regarding the process is provided, which data set at least includes an order number, a unique object identifier, a unique device identifier, and the parameters of the process. The data set can be provided in any kind of way or form. For example, the data set is transmitted to an enterprise resource planning system and / or stored in a database and / or visualized on a screen, etc. By doing so, a method for seamlessly tracking an object during a process in the coating industry is provided. In particular, the data set includes the process type, the object being processed, the device on which the process has been performed, and any data required regarding the process in order to monitor each step of the process.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the data set is provided to at least one of the following: a screen, a computing device, a database, a cloud, an enterprise resource planning system. The screen can be any kind of screen, such as a computer screen, etc. Preferably, the screen is part of the device as described herein or connected to the device. Preferably, the screen is designed to visualize the data set.

[0016] The computing device can be any kind of computing device. Preferably, the computing device is a fixed computer, a handheld device, etc. Preferably, the computing device is designed to visualize the data set and / or connected to a screen in order to visualize the data set. Preferably, the computing device is part of the device as described herein or connected to the device.

[0017] The database can be any kind of data storage, such as a computer memory, a server, a cloud, etc. Preferably, the database is part of a decentralized cloud computing system and / or an enterprise resource planning system. Preferably, the database is part of the device as described below or connected to the device. Preferably, the database is part of a cloud and / or an enterprise resource planning system, particularly as described below.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the parameter is at least one of the following: set temperature, set temperature curve, measured temperature, measured temperature curve, position, drying parameter, processing duration, whether there is recirculated air or fresh air during the process, humidity condition. The set temperature can be any kind of set process temperature. Preferably, the set temperature is set to be provided in the chamber of the laboratory oven, especially as described herein. In some cases, the set temperature can be set to a temperature curve in which different temperatures are set for different times during the process, especially at constant time steps. The measured temperature can be any kind of process temperature. Preferably, the temperature is measured in the chamber of the laboratory oven, especially as described herein. Preferably, during the process, the temperature is measured multiple times, especially at constant time steps. Preferably, the temperature is recorded as a measured temperature curve.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, other parameters of the process can also be determined, for example, by observation, measurement, etc., such as humidity, pressure, or other drying parameters. Additionally or alternatively, other parameters can also be determined, such as the position of the object, etc.

[0020] For example, the object is a panel with a liquid coating, the device is a simulated laboratory oven, and the process is a drying process for drying the liquid coating of the panel. In this case, the panel can be placed in the chamber of the simulated laboratory oven for a predefined time to dry the coating, and during this period, the humidity, pressure, and temperature in the chamber are measured over time (especially during the entire drying process).

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the parameter is observed during the process. For this purpose, the parameter can be measured multiple times during the process. Thus, the parameter is determined more than once during the process. For example, the process is a 20 - minute drying process, and the temperature of the process is measured once every 10 seconds throughout the process. Thus, for example, the parameter can be measured, tracked, traced, etc. over time during the process.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the parameter is determined based on an order. For example, the parameter is already part of the order. Thus, the order can, for example, include an order number, the process to be executed, and the parameters to be observed during the process. In another example, the parameter can be determined based on the order number, for example, by using a database, especially as described herein.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the process is determined based on an order (e.g., process type, etc.). To this end, the order may also include the process to be executed and / or the process type. The process and / or the process type may be explicitly or implicitly part of the order. For example, the order may include a separate row or column requesting a specific process or process type. In another example, the process may be encoded within the order number, etc.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the unique object identifier and / or the unique device identifier is determined based on the order. To this end, the order may also include the unique object identifier and / or the unique device identifier. For example, the order may include a separate row or column requesting a specific object and / or device. In another example, the unique object identifier and / or the unique device identifier may be encoded within the order number.

[0025] In another embodiment, the process type and / or the parameters of the process and / or the object for the process and / or the device for the process are determined automatically or semi-automatically based on the order. For example, the order is received as a physical document. Then, the physical document can be scanned with an OCR scanner or a barcode scanner (preferably using software as described herein), thereby providing any information required to execute the process, such as the object, the device, the process type, and the parameters of the process.

[0026] In another example, the order is received electronically via software, preferably as described herein. In this case, the software automatically extracts the data required for the process from the order and can present the required information, such as the process type and / or the parameters of the process, on the screen. To this end, the software may also use the help of a database and / or may be connected to an enterprise resource planning system. For example, the order includes the process type in digital form, such as "1". By using data that matches the database or the enterprise resource planning system, the software determines that the process type is a drying process for a panel.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the object is a panel. The panel can be any kind of panel. Generally, the panel can be made of any material, such as metal, plastic, aluminum, etc. The panel can also have any kind of form. For example, the panel can be a 2D panel (e.g., a folding panel) or a 3D panel (e.g., having a curved shape, such as a door, a hood, or a fender). Preferably, the panel has a coating, especially a liquid coating. The coating can be any kind of coating. Preferably, the coating is a liquid or semi-liquid coating. In addition, the coating can refer to one or more layers of coating. For example, it can refer to a primer, a first coating, or a second coating, or a combination thereof, where a drying process can be performed after applying each layer of coating, or where each layer can be applied and then all the layers can be dried together.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the device is a laboratory oven. The laboratory oven may include a housing having a door and an oven chamber within the housing, the oven chamber being accessible via the door. Preferably, the laboratory oven includes temperature control, preferably precise temperature control, especially to provide a uniform temperature within the oven chamber of the laboratory oven throughout the process. Preferably, the laboratory oven has a size between 0.5 cubic meters and 4 cubic meters, such as approximately 0.9 cubic meters or 1.0 cubic meters. Preferably, the laboratory oven is designed to reach a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius or higher. Preferably, the laboratory oven is a simulated laboratory oven. Alternatively, the oven may also be a feed oven or the like. In this case, the object moves through the oven, for example, on a conveyor belt or attached to a chain, and is dried while moving through the oven. These types of ovens can be configured to receive the object on one side of the oven chamber and discharge the object on the other side or the same side (e.g., through the same opening).

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes generating control data based on the provided data set to control the process of the object, especially the drying process. Generally, the control data can be any data that can be used to control the process, for example, via an enterprise resource planning system or a process control system installed to control the process. The generation of the control data may include, for example, comparing the provided data set with the information provided with the order of the process, and in the case where a difference (especially a parameter difference) is determined to exist, generating control data to minimize the difference, that is, to utilize the parameters determined by the order in the process. Additionally, the generation of the control data may further include receiving a measure of the success of the process (such as a quality measure), and generating control data based on the measure and the data set. For example, the measure may be received from the quality control measurement results of the processed object and may indicate whether the object has been successfully processed, that is, meets the predetermined target characteristics within the predetermined limits. In the case where the measure indicates that the process is not successful, the control data may be generated by analyzing the data set using a predetermined rule. For example, the rule may determine to first analyze the data set to determine the differences from the established process, such as if the temperature curve in the oven deviates from the established temperature curve due to opening the oven door at an unplanned time. In the case where a deviation is determined to exist, then the control data may be generated to enforce the process parameters provided by the order, for example, by prioritizing the order during the next processing. In the case where no deviation is found, the rule may include, for example, gradually modifying the process parameters of the process based on predetermined algorithms (these predetermined algorithms may be based on experience or knowledge and may also be based on empirical measurement results), and then generating control data to enforce the new process parameters during the next order.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method for monitoring a process as described herein.

[0031] Preferably, the computer program product is software, in particular cloud-based software, such as service software or on-premises software, etc. Thus, the method for monitoring a process proposed herein can be executed distributively from any location. For example, an order is received via email. Then the order is obtained and uploaded to the cloud. Inside the cloud, the order is converted into a digital image, for example by OCR, and the information in the order is extracted and visualized on a screen and / or provided to a device that executes the predefined method.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device comprising an interface for determining and an interface for providing. Preferably, the interface for determining is designed to determine at least one of the following: the order number of an order, the parameters of a process, the unique device identifier of a device, the unique object identifier of an object. The interface for determining can be provided, for example, by a scanner, etc. Preferably, the interface for providing is designed to provide a data set to a screen, a computing device, a database, a cloud, an enterprise resource planning system, etc. The interface for providing can be provided, for example, by a data bus, etc. Preferably, the interface for providing is designed to transmit data. Preferably, the device further comprises a database and / or is designed to be connected to a database, in particular via the interface for providing.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the interface for determining is designed to be connected to another device which is designed to provide the order number and / or the parameters of the process and / or the unique device identifier and / or the unique object identifier. For example, the device is a computer that can be connected to a scanner, and the scanner is used to determine the unique device identifier and / or the unique object identifier.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a database and / or is designed to be connected to a database. In particular, the database is cloud-based and / or connected to an enterprise resource planning system or is part of the enterprise resource planning system. Thus, the data set provided by the method for monitoring as described herein can be stored in the database. The database can be any kind of data storage, such as a computer memory, a server, the cloud, etc. Preferably, the database is part of a distributed cloud computing system and / or an enterprise resource planning system. Preferably, the database can be a centralized or distributed database, or include additional data. A centralized database is a database that is located, stored, and maintained in a single location (e.g., a computer or a server). A distributed database splits the workload across multiple machines and uses complex algorithms to balance incoming and outgoing requests for an optimal response time, e.g., a cloud running on multiple servers.

[0035] In another aspect of the invention, a method for processing an object, in particular for drying, is proposed, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) receiving an order for processing an object, in particular for coating and drying, b) determining, based on the order, the object to be processed, the process to be performed on the object, and the device for performing the process, c) performing the process using the determined object and the determined device, d) generating a data set for monitoring the process using the method as described above. In particular, an order number can be determined based on the received order, a unique object identifier can be determined based on the order and / or based on the object used, a unique device identifier can be determined based on the order and / or based on the device used, and at least one parameter can be determined, in particular measured, based on the process performed.

[0036] It should be understood that the methods and systems as described above and the computer program products as described above have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments, in particular as defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0037] It should also be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention can also be any combination of the dependent claims or the above embodiments and the corresponding independent claims.

[0038] It should also be understood that any connection between units or systems herein should be understood as a data connection or a data communication system (e.g., wires, buses, circuitry, etc.) that transmits (e.g., sends and receives) data between the units and / or systems. However, the data communication can also be wireless.

[0039] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. Description of the Drawings

[0040] In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for monitoring a process is shown schematically and by way of example; and

[0042] Figure 2 An apparatus for monitoring a process is shown schematically and by way of example, and

[0043] Figure 3 A method for processing an object, in particular for drying, is shown schematically and by way of example. Detailed Description

[0044] Figure 1 A method 100 for tracking and / or monitoring a process, in particular a drying process, is shown schematically and by way of example. In a first step 110, an order number is determined. To this end, an order for the process can be received, which order includes at least the order number. The order can then be scanned manually or automatically (e.g., with a scanner, etc.) in order to determine the order number. For example, the order is for the drying process of a panel with a liquid coating.

[0045] Based on the order, the object and the equipment to be used in the process are determined. In this case, it is a panel with a liquid coating and suitable equipment for performing the drying process, such as a simulated laboratory oven. The object and / or the equipment can already have a unique identifier, for example in the form of a label (such as a barcode, etc.). If the object and / or the equipment do not have any unique identifier, then a unique identifier can be assigned to the object and / or the equipment, for example by using a database designed to provide unique identifiers.

[0046] In the next step 120, the unique identifiers of the object and the equipment are determined. In particular, a unique object identifier is determined in one step 122, and a unique equipment identifier is determined in another step 124. Both steps 122 and 124 can be performed separately and / or simultaneously and / or sequentially. Preferably, the unique identifier is determined by scanning.

[0047] After determining the unique identifiers, the process for the equipment and the object is preferably performed according to the order. In this case, the panel is placed in the chamber of the simulated laboratory oven, and the simulated laboratory oven performs a heating process, thereby drying the liquid coating of the panel. Preferably, the drying process and / or the heating process are performed according to the order. For example, the order includes a specific equipment type, drying process, duration, temperature, etc.

[0048] In the next step 130, and preferably during the process, the parameters of the process are obtained. This parameter can be any kind of process data, such as the duration of the process, the temperature in the chamber of the simulated laboratory oven, etc. Preferably, the parameter is monitored throughout the time of the process (in particular step by step).

[0049] In the next step 140, parameters (e.g., the temperature inside the chamber of an analog laboratory oven) and unique identifiers are transmitted to and / or stored in a database. The database can be connected to or be part of an enterprise resource planning system. Thus, the basic data of the process is archived, including the order number, unique object identifier, unique device identifier, and parameters of the process. By doing so, the entire process is recorded.

[0050] Figure 2 Schematically and exemplarily shown is a device 200 for monitoring a process 100 (in particular as Figure 1 shown). The device 200 basically comprises a computer 240 having a scanner 242 and a database 250. However, in this embodiment, the order number 212 of the order 210, the unique object identifier 222 of the object, and the unique device identifier 232 of the device are also part of the device 200, which is connected to an enterprise resource planning system 260 via a cloud-based database 250.

[0051] The order 210 includes an order number 212, which is scanned by the scanner 242 of the computer 240 and stored in the database 250. The object 220 includes a unique object identifier 222, which is also scanned by the scanner 242 of the computer and stored in the database 250. The device 230 includes a unique device identifier 232, which is scanned by the scanner 242 of the computer and also stored in the database. Moreover, a plurality of parameters p of the process are stored in the database. Thus, the database 250 includes a data set, which includes the order number 212, the unique object identifier 222, the unique device identifier 232, and the parameter p.

[0052] Figure 3A method for processing an object, in particular for drying, is schematically and exemplarily illustrated. In a first step, an order for processing an object (e.g., a panel), in particular for coating and drying, is received. Preferably, the order is received in the form of a barcode or other digital identifier. Based on the barcode, the corresponding order number can be determined and the order details can be accessed. The order details can refer to details of the process, e.g., panel details, oven details, process parameters, etc. Thus, in a second step, based on the order, the object to be processed, the process to be performed on the object, and the equipment for performing the process are determined, and the utilized object and equipment are uniquely identified. For example, the panel and oven to be utilized can include barcodes which, when scanned, uniquely identify the panel and oven used. Thus, this step can also include determining the identifier of the object and identifying the equipment, e.g., by scanning the corresponding barcodes. Further, the process parameters are determined according to the order and the process parameters are set for the performance of the equipment. In a third step, the process is then performed using the determined object and the determined equipment and also the set process parameters. In this step, the process parameters can also be measured during the performance of the process. This allows the determination of the actual process parameters which may be different from the set process parameters. For example, if the oven is opened before the due time to add or remove another panel, the actual temperature profile may deviate from the set temperature profile. In a fourth step, the process is monitored using the method as described above. In particular, a data set is generated which at least includes the order number, the unique object identifier, the unique equipment identifier, and at least one process parameter.

[0053] From the study of the drawings, the present disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention.

[0054] For the processes and methods disclosed herein, the operations performed in the processes and methods can be implemented in a different order. In addition, the operations outlined are provided only as examples, and some of them can be optional, can be combined into fewer steps and operations, can be supplemented with more operations, or can be extended into more operations without departing from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.

[0055] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0056] A single unit or device can implement the functions of several items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0057] Procedures such as determining an order number, determining a unique object identifier, determining a unique device identifier of a device, obtaining at least one parameter of a process, providing a data set regarding a process, etc., which are performed by one or several units or devices, can be performed by any other number of units or devices. These procedures can be implemented as program code means of a computer program and / or dedicated hardware.

[0058] A computer program product can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium provided together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0059] Any unit described herein can be a processing unit as part of a classical computing system. The processing unit can include a general-purpose processor and can also include a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other specialized circuit. Any memory can be a physical system memory, which can be volatile, non-volatile, or some combination of the two. The term "memory" can include any computer-readable storage medium, such as a non-volatile mass storage device. If the computing system is distributed, then the processing and / or storage capabilities can also be distributed. The computing system can include multiple structures as "executable components". The term "executable component" is a term in the computing field that is well understood to be a structure that can be software, hardware, or a combination thereof. For example, when implemented in software, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the structure of an executable component can include software objects, routines, methods, etc. that can be executed on a computing system. This can include executable components in the computing system heap or on a computer-readable storage medium. The structure of an executable component can exist on a computer-readable medium such that when interpreted by one or more processors (e.g., by a processor thread) of the computing system, it causes the computing system to perform a function. Such a structure can be directly computer-readable by a processor, e.g., as is the case when the executable component is binary, or it can be constructed to be interpretable and / or compilable, e.g., whether in a single stage or multiple stages, to generate such a binary that can be directly interpreted by the processor. In other cases, the structure can be hard-coded or hard-wired logic gates that are implemented almost exclusively in hardware, such as within a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other specialized circuit. Thus, the term "executable component" is a term for a structure well known to those of ordinary skill in the computing field, whether implemented in software, hardware, or a combination. Any embodiment herein is described with reference to actions performed by one or more processing units of a computing system. If such actions are implemented in software, one or more processors respond to computer-executable instructions that constitute an executable component to direct the operation of the computing system. The computing system can also include a communication channel that allows the computing system to communicate with other computing systems, e.g., via a network. A "network" is defined as one or more data links that enable the transfer of electronic data between computing systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transmitted or provided to a computing system via a network or another communication connection (e.g., hard-wired, wireless, or a combination of hard-wired and wireless), the computing system properly treats that connection as a transmission medium. The transmission medium can include a network and / or a data link, which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general-purpose computing system or a specialized computing system or a combination.While not all computing systems require a user interface, in some embodiments, a computing system includes a user interface system for interacting with a user. The user interface serves as an input or output mechanism for the user, for example, via a display.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that at least part of the present invention can be practiced in a network computing environment having a variety of types of computing system configurations, including personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, messaging processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, data centers, wearable devices (such as glasses), and the like. The present invention can also be practiced in a distributed system environment where local and remote computing systems, linked, for example, by a hardwired data link, a wireless data link, or a combination of hardwired and wireless data links through a network, jointly perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will also understand that at least part of the present invention can be practiced in a cloud computing environment. A cloud computing environment can be distributed, but this is not required. When a cloud computing environment is distributed, it can be distributed across multiple countries within an organization and / or have components across multiple organizations. In this specification and the appended claims, "cloud computing" is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The definition of "cloud computing" is not limited to any one of the many other advantages that can be obtained from this model at the time of deployment. The computing systems in the figures include various components or functional blocks that can implement the various embodiments disclosed herein as explained. The various components or functional blocks can be implemented on a local computing system or on a distributed computing system that includes elements residing in the cloud or implementing aspects of cloud computing. The various components or functional blocks can be implemented as software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The computing systems shown in the figures can include more or fewer components than those shown in the figures, and some of the components can be combined as needed.

[0062] Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0063] The present invention relates to a method for monitoring a process, such as a drying process. An order number is determined based on an order. Further, a unique object identifier for an object used in the process is determined. Also, a unique device identifier for a device used in the process is determined. In addition, at least one parameter of the process is obtained. Then, a data set regarding the process is provided. The data set includes the order number, the unique object identifier, the unique device identifier, and the parameter of the process. Thus, a method for tracking and / or monitoring an object during a process is provided. In particular, a method for monitoring the drying process of a coated panel is provided.

Claims

1. A method (100) for monitoring a process, particularly a drying process, the method comprising the following steps: - determining (110) an order number (212) based on an order (210); - determining (122) a unique object identifier (222) of an object (220) for the process; - determining (124) a unique device identifier (232) of a device (230) for the process; - obtaining (130) at least one parameter (p) of the process; and - providing (140) a data set regarding the process, the data set including the order number (212), the unique object identifier (222), the unique device identifier (232), and the parameter (p) of the process.

2. The method (100) for monitoring a process according to claim 1, wherein: - the data set is provided to at least one of the following: - a screen; - a computing device; - a database (250); - the cloud; - an enterprise resource planning system (260).

3. The method (100) for monitoring a process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The parameter (p) is at least one of the following: - a set temperature, - a set temperature curve, - a measured temperature, - a measured temperature curve, - a location, drying parameter, - a processing duration, - whether there is recirculated air or fresh air during the process, - humidity conditions.

4. The method (100) for monitoring a process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the parameter (p) is observed during the process.

5. The method (100) for monitoring a process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the parameter (p) is determined based on the order.

6. The method (100) for monitoring a process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the process is determined based on the order, such as the process type.

7. The method (100) for monitoring a process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the unique object identifier (222) is determined based on the order.

8. The method (100) for monitoring a process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the unique device identifier (232) is determined based on the order.

9. The method (100) for monitoring a process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the object is a panel.

10. The method (100) for monitoring a process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the device is a laboratory oven.

11. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer (240), cause the computer (240) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A device (200) for monitoring a process, particularly a drying process, the device comprising: - an interface for determining at least one of the following: - an order number (212) of an order; - a parameter of a process; - a unique device identifier (232) of a device; - a unique object identifier (222) of an object; and - an interface for providing a data set.

13. The device (200) according to claim 12, wherein: - The interface for determination is designed to be connected to another device that provides the order number (212) and / or the parameters (p) of the process and / or the unique device identifier (232) and / or the unique object identifier (222).

14. The device (200) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: - includes a database (250) and / or is designed to be connected to a database (250), in particular where the database (250) is cloud-based and / or connected to an enterprise resource planning system (260) or is part of the enterprise resource planning system.

15. A method for processing an object, in particular for drying, wherein, The method includes the following steps: - receiving an order for processing an object, in particular coating and drying; - determining, based on the order, the object to be processed, the process to be performed on the object, and the device for performing the process; - performing the process using the determined object and the determined device; - generating a data set for monitoring the process using the method as described above.

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