ECN management method and system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of intelligent casting, in particular to an ECN management method and system. The ECN management method comprises the following steps: receiving a change demand and creating an ECN application task; obtaining a control instruction obtained after the ECN application task is sent to a corresponding node for review; according to the control instruction, the corresponding technological process is controlled; wherein the control on the corresponding technological process comprises freezing or unfreezing. According to the method, the change demand is received through the informatization system, the ECN application task is created, the task is sent to the related review node, the technological process is frozen or unfrozen based on the review result, the change management process is improved, and it is guaranteed that subsequent production standards and requirements are effectively implemented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of intelligent casting technology, and in particular to an ECN management method and system. Background Art

[0002] Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) are a critical process in the manufacturing industry for managing and controlling product design or process changes. ECN change management typically involves collaboration across multiple departments within an enterprise. Its core goal is to ensure that customer change requests are accurately assessed, properly reviewed, and ultimately implemented in an orderly manner.

[0003] However, in the actual operations of many companies today, there is a lag in updating process data in the ECN change process. After the process design or change is completed, it cannot be communicated to relevant personnel quickly and effectively, affecting production efficiency and quality control.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an ECN change management system and method that is integrated, has clear processes, is traceable, supports multi-role collaboration, and has an intelligent freezing mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application implements freezing and unfreezing of orders at the production site after review and confirmation by the corresponding nodes when changes in technology, equipment, etc. occur during the production process of the product, to ensure that subsequent production standards and requirements are effectively implemented.

[0006] An ECN management method, comprising:

[0007] Receive change requests and create ECN application tasks;

[0008] Obtaining a control instruction obtained after sending the ECN application task to the corresponding node for review;

[0009] According to the control instruction, the corresponding process flow is controlled; wherein, the controlling of the corresponding process flow includes freezing or unfreezing.

[0010] Preferably, the corresponding process flow is controlled according to the control instruction, and then the following steps are further included:

[0011] Develop new standards based on the change requirements;

[0012] Obtaining customer feedback based on the new standards;

[0013] Obtaining updated control instructions for the corresponding process flow based on the customer opinions at each node;

[0014] According to the update control instruction, the corresponding process flow is updated and controlled.

[0015] Preferably, each node updates and controls the corresponding process flow based on the customer's opinions, including:

[0016] If the original standard is followed according to the customer's opinion, the corresponding process flow will be unfrozen;

[0017] If the new standard is implemented according to the customer's opinion, the corresponding process flow will remain frozen.

[0018] Preferably, sending the ECN application task to the corresponding node for review includes:

[0019] If the change requirement is higher than the original process standard, the ECN application task will be sent to the corresponding node for review; if the change requirement is not higher than the original process standard, the ECN application task will not be sent to the corresponding node for review.

[0020] A second aspect of the present application provides an ECN management system, including:

[0021] The task creation module is used to receive change requests and create ECN application tasks;

[0022] A task review module is used to obtain control instructions obtained by each node based on the review of the ECN application task;

[0023] The process control module is used to control the corresponding process flow according to the control instruction; wherein, the control of the corresponding process flow includes freezing or unfreezing.

[0024] Preferably, it further comprises an instruction generation module, which is configured on each node and is used to evaluate the ECN application task and obtain a control instruction.

[0025] Preferably, the task creation module is further configured to formulate new standards based on the change requirements and obtain customer opinions based on the new standards;

[0026] The task review module is further configured to obtain the update control instruction obtained by the instruction generation module based on the customer's opinion;

[0027] The process control module is further used to update and control the corresponding process flow according to the update control instruction.

[0028] Preferably, the instruction generation module is used to generate an updated quality for unfreezing the corresponding process flow when the original standard is executed according to the customer's opinion; if the new standard is executed according to the customer's opinion, an updated instruction for keeping the corresponding process flow frozen is generated.

[0029] This application receives change requests through the information system and creates an ECN application task, sends the task to the relevant review node, and freezes or unfreezes the process flow based on the review results, improves the change management process, and ensures that subsequent production standards and requirements are effectively implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an ECN management method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the swim lanes of the ECN management method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 3 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ECN management system 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments. Please note that the embodiments described below are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0034] The technical solution proposed in this application is primarily used in the foundry industry, where process parameters are highly sensitive. Failure to promptly deliver process data to the site after design or changes are completed can directly impact product quality. ECN applications involve relevant departments within the foundry industry, including marketing, technology, quality, equipment, and production.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an ECN management method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the swim lane of the ECN management method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The ECN management method includes the following steps:

[0036] S101: Receive change requirements and create ECN application tasks.

[0037] After receiving a customer change request, the relevant node (responsible person) in the marketing department can obtain the customer change request and related order information, such as exporting the relevant order history from the CRM (Customer Relationship Management System) and then importing it into the ECN system module. Based on the customer's order information and change information, the change request is determined. Finally, an ECN application task is created in an information system, such as the Manufacturing Execution System (MES). This ECN application task not only includes the customer's design change request but also includes previous examples of similar changes as references, so that subsequent nodes (reviewers) can better understand the customer's needs.

[0038] S102: Obtaining a control instruction obtained after sending the ECN application task to a corresponding node for review.

[0039] After the Marketing Department completes the preliminary review of an ECN application task, the Marketing Department node distributes the task to the person in charge of the Technical Department, or the task is automatically pushed by the system. After receiving the notification, the Technical Department node (person in charge) logs into the system to view the task details and assigns a specific engineer to review the task based on the content involved. For example, if the change involves adjusting the melting temperature, the technician responsible for the heat treatment process will conduct the review. The main contents of the review of ECN application tasks include: Technical Department process review, Quality Department review, Equipment review, Production Department product inventory, and current order processing plan, etc. The Technical Department review is required for all changes. The Technical Department needs to review key contents such as process parameters (mold / sand mold parameters, melting process standards, pouring process standards), material review (replacement of raw materials, replacement of auxiliary materials), tooling review (tooling replacement, modification), and generate corresponding control instructions.

[0040] Furthermore, if the change requirement exceeds the original process standard, the corresponding node generates a freeze instruction; if the change requirement does not exceed the original process standard, the original state is maintained (no frozen quality is generated at this time). Furthermore, if the change requirement exceeds the original process standard, the ECN application task is sent to the corresponding node for review; if the change requirement does not exceed the original process standard, the ECN application task may not be sent to the corresponding node for review, and relevant information may be sent to the corresponding node and its parent node in a silent notification or other manner, so that the relevant nodes can understand the process status and make complete records.

[0041] S103: Control the corresponding process flow according to the control instruction.

[0042] Specifically, this step primarily involves the management and control of work-in-progress (WIP). The technical department will analyze and review the current WIP. If the review indicates that the existing production process fully meets the new customer requirements and no adjustments are required, no freeze command is issued. If the status was previously unfrozen, sending another "unfreeze" command will maintain the original status and continue production as planned.

[0043] Assume that after a series of reviews, both the Technical Department and the Technical Quality Department believe that a batch of castings currently in production cannot meet the new quality standards and does not meet customer requirements and that production standards need to be adjusted. In this case, the current process needs to be frozen first.

[0044] At the same time, feedback is sent to marketing personnel to confirm whether the current product is under discussion and new standards are being formulated or whether the customer is accepting the product through concessions. If the customer accepts the product through concessions, each node generates an update control instruction to unfreeze the product.

[0045] If the customer refuses to accept the contract, the corresponding technical personnel will develop the latest process standards. The new standards can then be sent to the customer, and the customer's feedback based on the new standards can be obtained. Update control instructions will then be generated. If the original standards are implemented according to the customer's feedback, the corresponding process flow will be unfrozen; if the new standards are implemented according to the customer's feedback, the corresponding process flow will remain frozen.

[0046] Furthermore, if all reviews are passed, production will be carried out in accordance with the latest standards. If the review is not passed, the product needs to be frozen as needed. After the responsible persons complete the ECN application, if the overall task has not been submitted for review, if there are any review changes, the corresponding responsible person can perform a second edit. After the editing is completed, the task is submitted to overwrite the historical filling record of this version. After all personnel submit the task, the ECN change task of this version is completed, and the change record of the latest version is formed in the system. Version management is performed on the ECN application work. The corresponding personnel generally only view the latest version of the ECN application content. The query of the historical version requires the query permission of the corresponding module to view it. After the ECN application is completed, the technical, quality, equipment or marketing personnel will determine whether the current product production needs to be frozen. After the freeze is confirmed, the plan cannot be scheduled and production is suspended. Adhering to the principle of "who freezes, who unfreezes", the final product process can be unfrozen and the site can produce according to the final review plan.

[0047] There are currently two common situations in which enterprises use information technology for production management. The product freezing modes in different situations are slightly different:

[0048] a. Enterprises with high degree of equipment automation and comprehensive information integration: For such enterprises, when the corresponding personnel freeze production, the current production of the enterprise can be completely stopped (corresponding logic can be formulated to freeze at any time according to the process or freeze after the current production sequence is completed. For example, processes such as grinding and shot blasting can be stopped at any time, while the casting process generally needs to be frozen after the current sequence is completed).

[0049] b. The degree of automation of enterprise equipment is low and it mainly relies on information system for management and control: Since the production process of this type of enterprise is mainly carried out manually, on-site operators cannot obtain information in the system at any time (it can only be obtained when using the system). Therefore, it is generally necessary to manually complete the current sequence and report the working hours to obtain the latest freezing information. At this time, the product can be controlled and cannot be circulated to the next sequence.

[0050] Based on the same inventive concept, Figure 3 The structural diagram of the ECN management system 300 shown in FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the ECN management system 300 . The present application further provides an ECN management system 300 , which includes a task creation module 301 , a task review module 302 , a process control module 303 , and an instruction generation module 304 .

[0051] Task creation module 301, for receiving change requirements and creating ECN application tasks;

[0052] The task review module 302 is used to obtain the control instructions obtained by each node based on the review of the ECN application task;

[0053] The process control module 303 is used to control the corresponding process flow according to the control instruction; wherein, the control of the corresponding process flow includes freezing or unfreezing.

[0054] Furthermore, the ECN management system 300 further includes an instruction generation module 304 , which is configured on each node and is used to evaluate the ECN application task and obtain a control instruction.

[0055] The task creation module 301 is also used to develop new standards based on the change requirements and obtain customer feedback on the new standards. Specifically, the task creation module 301 can receive change requirements from customers or internal departments regarding processes, materials, orders, etc., and based on these requirements, create a structured ECN (Engineering Change Notice) application task in the information system. This module includes an information acquisition unit and a requirement determination unit.

[0056] Information Acquisition Unit: This unit automatically imports customer order history, change request content, and related attachments (such as drawings and technical specifications) from CRM systems, ERP systems, or other external interfaces. Marketing personnel can also manually enter key information. Requirements Determination Unit: This unit analyzes the change type (such as material replacement, process parameter adjustment, and quality standard improvement) based on the acquired information and compares it with similar historical changes to assist in generating preliminary change recommendations. The system automatically generates an ECN application task sheet containing complete background information, the reason for the change, and the scope of impact, along with accompanying reference cases to facilitate subsequent reviewers' understanding and judgment.

[0057] The task review module 302 is also used to obtain the updated control instructions obtained by the instruction generation module based on the customer's opinions; specifically, the task review module 302 is responsible for distributing the ECN application tasks to relevant responsible nodes (such as the technical department, quality department, equipment department, production department, etc.), and collecting the control instructions fed back by each node after the review is completed. The task review module 302 supports an intelligent distribution mechanism: automatically matching the departments and responsible persons who should participate in the review according to the content of the change; for example, if the smelting temperature adjustment is involved, the heat treatment engineer will be assigned first; if the quality standard is to be improved, the person in charge of the quality department will be notified. The task review module 302 can also be configured with differentiated review processes: for changes that exceed the original process standards, the system will forcibly start a multi-department joint review process; and for changes that do not exceed the original standards, a silent notification can be selectively sent, and only records are kept for filing to avoid waste of resources.

[0058] The process control module 303 is also used to update and control the corresponding process flow according to the update control instruction. For highly automated production lines, the system can issue freeze instructions according to the process level, such as "stop the polishing process immediately" or "freeze after the current process is completed"; for manually controlled low-automation production lines, the system will automatically trigger the freeze after the current process is reported to prevent incorrect flow; after the freeze instruction takes effect, the system will simultaneously notify the relevant departments and suspend the production schedule until the unfreeze instruction is received. In addition, if the customer makes concessions to accept the current product, or the technical staff develops a new process standard and passes the approval, the system will generate an unfreeze instruction; after unfreezing, the system will resume the production plan and update the relevant process documents to ensure that on-site workers obtain the latest version of the standard; all freeze / unfreeze operations are controlled by the principle of "who initiates, who releases" to ensure authority security.

[0059] The module can also provide a real-time process status dashboard to display the current freeze / running status of each process; all operation records are saved to the system database for auditing and tracing.

[0060] Furthermore, the instruction generation module 304 is configured to generate updated quality instructions to unfreeze the corresponding process flow when the original standard is followed according to the customer's feedback; and to generate updated quality instructions to keep the corresponding process flow frozen when the new standard is followed according to the customer's feedback. The instruction generation module 304 can serve as an extension of the task review module and be embedded in the terminal systems of various review nodes (such as the technical department, quality department, and equipment department). It is configured to generate standardized control instructions after the review is completed. Each node can view task details and upload review opinions through the system interface, ultimately generating control instructions (such as whether to freeze the current process or whether the process standards need to be updated). After completing the evaluation, reviewers can submit their review results within the module by selecting options or filling out forms. The system automatically converts these into effective control instructions (such as "freeze immediately," "freeze after process completion," "maintain current status," etc.). For example, if the technical department determines that the current work-in-progress fails to meet the new standard, a freeze instruction is automatically triggered; if the quality department confirms that the new standard has been met, a thaw instruction is generated. All control instructions are timestamped, signed by the reviewer, and the review basis, ensuring traceability and clear accountability.

[0061] In this embodiment, the ECN management system 300 can adopt a browser / server (B / S) architecture. The ECN management system 300 can be a program server that also hosts a database such as SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL. By integrating various required modules and functions into the program server, the client end of each node can interact with the database through a browser-based web server such as Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge, via the program server's program website, thereby processing ECN applications.

[0062] It should be noted that the ECN management system provided in this embodiment may refer to the introduction of steps S101 to S103 and any optional embodiment thereof, and the two may refer to each other, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0063] This application leverages information technology to manage the entire process, from receiving customer change requests to creating, reviewing, and executing ECN application tasks, significantly improving the foundry's responsiveness and production efficiency. First, the marketing department can quickly obtain and import customer change requests and related order information into the MES system, create detailed ECN application tasks, and distribute them to relevant nodes for professional review. This covers key areas such as process, quality, and equipment, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all potential influencing factors. Based on the review results, process control is implemented, ensuring production flexibility and customer satisfaction, and improving the efficiency and accuracy of change management.

[0064] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application. At the same time, for ordinary technicians in this field, according to the ideas of the present application, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scopes.

Claims

1. An ECN management method, characterized in that: include: Receive change requests and create ECN application tasks; Obtaining a control instruction obtained after sending the ECN application task to the corresponding node for review; According to the control instruction, the corresponding process flow is controlled; wherein, the controlling of the corresponding process flow includes freezing or unfreezing.

2. The ECN management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: According to the control instructions, the corresponding process flow is controlled, and then the following steps are also included: Develop new standards based on the change requirements; Obtaining customer feedback based on the new standards; Obtaining updated control instructions for the corresponding process flow based on the customer opinions at each node; According to the update control instruction, the corresponding process flow is updated and controlled.

3. The ECN management method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each node updates and controls the corresponding process flow based on the customer's feedback, including: If the original standard is followed according to the customer's opinion, the corresponding process flow will be unfrozen; If the new standard is implemented according to the customer's opinion, the corresponding process flow will remain frozen.

4. The ECN management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Send the ECN application task to the corresponding node for review, including: If the change requirement is higher than the original process standard, the ECN application task will be sent to the corresponding node for review; if the change requirement is not higher than the original process standard, the ECN application task will not be sent to the corresponding node for review.

5. An ECN management system, characterized in that: include: The task creation module is used to receive change requests and create ECN application tasks; A task review module is used to obtain control instructions obtained by each node based on the review of the ECN application task; The process control module is used to control the corresponding process flow according to the control instruction; wherein, the control of the corresponding process flow includes freezing or unfreezing.

6. The ECN management system according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes an instruction generation module, which is configured on each node and is used to evaluate the ECN application task to obtain a control instruction.

7. The ECN management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: include: The task creation module is further configured to formulate new standards based on the change requirements and obtain customer opinions based on the new standards; The task review module is further configured to obtain the update control instruction obtained by the instruction generation module based on the customer's opinion; The process control module is further used to update and control the corresponding process flow according to the update control instruction.

8. The ECN management system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The instruction generation module is used to generate an updated quality for unfreezing the corresponding process flow when the original standard is executed according to the customer's opinion; if the new standard is executed according to the customer's opinion, it is used to generate an updated quality for freezing the corresponding process flow.

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