Digital transformation support system, digital transformation support method, and digital transformation support program

Abstract

The risk evaluation section (130) calculates, for each job process of the job process flow, at least any one of an index value related to a bottleneck of the job process flow, i.e., a bottleneck index value, an index value related to human dependency of the job process, i.e., a human dependency index value, and an index value related to collaboration of the job process, i.e., a collaboration degree index value, based on information shown by a job log recorded at each execution of the job process flow executed one or more times, and calculates an evaluation value of the job process using the calculated index value for each job process of the job process flow. The recommendation section (140) prompts a job process in which a digital tool is recommended based on the evaluation value of each job process of the job process flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to support for digital transformation. Background Technology

[0002] Based on the premise that manual operation by skilled workers is optimal, efforts are underway to extract technical know-how and improve business efficiency.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for efficiently and reliably accumulating information such as skills and knowledge possessed by skilled workers in operations such as maintenance and inspection of various devices into knowledge information. This technique extracts common knowledge information shared by multiple skilled workers from recordings of video / audio information of the same operation, enabling the knowledge information to be properly managed and made editable.

[0004] The technology in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the production system to which it is applied has been completely digitized, and it neither discloses nor implies the replacement of manual labor with digital technology.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 079414 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide suggestions on recommending the use of digital tools for work processes, including those performed manually.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The digital transformation support system disclosed herein comprises: a risk assessment unit, which, based on information shown in the work log recorded during each execution of a work process flow that has been executed more than once, calculates at least one of the following indicators for each work process flow: a bottleneck indicator value, an indicator value related to the bottleneck of the work process flow, an indicator value related to the human dependence of the work process, an indicator value related to the collaboration of the operator, and a collaboration indicator value; and calculates an evaluation value for each work process flow using the calculated indicator value; and a recommendation unit, which, based on the evaluation values ​​of each work process flow, suggests and recommends work processes that utilize digital tools.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suggest work processes that utilize digital tools, including those performed manually. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the digital transformation support system 100 in Implementation Method 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a functional structure diagram of the production system 200 in Implementation Method 1.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a functional structure diagram of the digital transformation support system 100 in implementation method 1.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the digital transformation support method in Implementation Method 1.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the items of the work process information displayed in the work log of Implementation 1.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow flowchart in Implementation 1.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating step S130 in Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the relationship with respect to the index value in Implementation 1.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the items of information obtained through the processing of steps S131 to S134 in Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the information obtained through step S135 in Implementation 1.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating objects that support digital transformation in existing technologies.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the objects supporting digital transformation in Implementation 1.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the digital transformation support system 100 in implementation method 2.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a functional structure diagram of the digital transformation support system 100 in implementation method 2.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the improvement evaluation in Implementation Method 2.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the information obtained through step S220 in embodiment 2.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the relationship with investable costs in Implementation 2.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the information obtained through step S230 in embodiment 2.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a hardware structure diagram of the digital transformation support system 100 in the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the embodiments and accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding elements are labeled with the same reference numerals. Descriptions of elements labeled with the same reference numerals as those already described are appropriately omitted or simplified. Arrows in the figures primarily indicate data flow or processing flow.

[0034] Implementation method 1.

[0035] based on Figures 1 to 12 This document describes the Digital Transformation Support System 100.

[0036] Structural description

[0037] based on Figure 1 The structure of the digital transformation support system 100 is explained.

[0038] The digital transformation support system 100 is a computer equipped with hardware such as a processor 101, a memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a communication device 104, and an input / output interface 105. These hardware components are interconnected via signal lines.

[0039] Processor 101 is an IC that performs computational processing and controls other hardware. For example, processor 101 is a CPU.

[0040] IC is short for Integrated Circuit.

[0041] CPU is short for Central Processing Unit.

[0042] Memory 102 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device. Memory 102 is also referred to as main storage device or main memory. For example, memory 102 is RAM. Data stored in memory 102 is stored in auxiliary storage device 103 as needed.

[0043] RAM is short for Random Access Memory.

[0044] Auxiliary storage device 103 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, auxiliary storage device 103 is ROM, HDD, flash memory, or a combination thereof. Data stored in auxiliary storage device 103 is loaded into memory 102 as needed.

[0045] ROM is short for Read Only Memory.

[0046] HDD is short for Hard Disk Drive.

[0047] Communication device 104 is both a receiver and a transmitter. For example, communication device 104 is a communication chip or NIC. Communication in the digital transformation support system 100 is performed using communication device 104.

[0048] NIC is short for Network Interface Card.

[0049] Input / output interface 105 is a port for connecting input devices and output devices. For example, input / output interface 105 is a USB terminal, the input devices are a keyboard and mouse, and the output device is a monitor. The input and output of the digital transformation support system 100 are performed using input / output interface 105.

[0050] USB is short for Universal Serial Bus.

[0051] The digital transformation support system 100 has elements such as an acquisition department 110, an extraction department 120, a risk assessment department 130, and a recommendation department 140. These elements are implemented through software.

[0052] The auxiliary storage device 103 stores digital transformation support programs that enable the computer to function as the acquisition unit 110, extraction unit 120, risk assessment unit 130, and recommendation unit 140. The digital transformation support programs are loaded into the memory 102 and executed by the processor 101.

[0053] The OS is also stored in the auxiliary storage device 103. At least a portion of the OS is loaded into the memory 102 and executed by the processor 101.

[0054] The processor 101 executes digital transformation support programs while running the OS.

[0055] OS is short for Operating System.

[0056] The input and output data of the digital transformation support program are stored in storage unit 190.

[0057] The memory 102 functions as the storage unit 190. However, auxiliary storage devices such as the auxiliary storage device 103, registers within the processor 101, and cache memory within the processor 101 may also replace the memory 102 or function as the storage unit 190 together with the memory 102.

[0058] Digital transformation support programs can be recorded (stored) in a computer-readable manner on non-volatile recording media such as optical discs or flash memory.

[0059] Figure 2 The functional structure of the production system 200 is shown.

[0060] Production system 200 is an example of a system (support object system) that is supported by digital transformation support system 100.

[0061] The production system 200 includes a product design tool 201, a process / equipment design tool 202, a production management system 203, a production control device 204, production equipment 205, and a data collection system 206. Furthermore, the production system 200 includes a product design DB 211, a process / equipment design DB 212, production conditions DB 213, and production performance DB 214. DB stands for database.

[0062] Product Design Tool 201 is software used for product design. For example, Product Design Tool 201 may be CAD or CAE software. CAD stands for Computer Aided Design, and CAE stands for Computer Aided Engineering.

[0063] Product Design DB211 stores data obtained from Product Design Tool 201. For example, Product Design DB211 stores data from drawings created using CAD, data related to the conditions and results of simulations using CAE, etc.

[0064] Process / equipment design tool 202 is software used for designing the overall structure (layout) of a production process or the structure of individual equipment assemblies / components. For example, process / equipment design tool 202 is software similar to CAD.

[0065] The process / equipment design DB212 stores data obtained from the process / equipment design tool 202. For example, the process / equipment design DB212 stores data from drawings created using CAD. This data represents the structure / dimensions of the production process, the installation location / dimensions of each machine, and the specifications of the equipment (heater capacity, motor capacity, etc.).

[0066] The production management system 203 is a system that provides unified management for production-related business operations. For example, the production management system 203 has functions such as sales management, production planning, quantity calculation, purchasing management, inventory management, manufacturing management, shipping management, original price management, and budget management.

[0067] The Production Conditions DB213 stores information required for the manufacture of various products. For example, it stores information known as the Bill of Process (BOP), including work steps and machine settings. This information is managed in relation to various production processes. BOP is short for Bill of Process.

[0068] The DB214 production performance data is linked and saved with time information, including the production quantity of different product models and the consumption of various energy sources.

[0069] The production control device 204 is either a PLC or a DCS. PLC is short for Programmable Logic Controller. DCS is short for Distributed Control System.

[0070] Production equipment 205 is equipment used to manufacture products. For example, production equipment 205 includes assembly machines, conveyor machines, and inspection equipment.

[0071] Data collection system 206 is a system for collecting and processing (visualizing, analyzing, etc.) production performance data. For example, data collection system 206 is SCADA. SCADA is short for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.

[0072] Engineers use Production System 200 to perform product design, process and equipment design, production condition setting, and production improvement.

[0073] The operation log of the production system 200 is recorded by the acquisition unit 110 of the digital transformation support system 100.

[0074] The performance data of the production system 200 is recorded by the extraction unit 120 of the digital transformation support system 100.

[0075] Figure 3 The functional structure of the digital transformation support system 100 is shown.

[0076] The main features of the digital transformation support system 100 are the risk assessment department 130 and the recommendation department 140.

[0077] Engineers use the acquisition unit 110 to record work logs.

[0078] The process narrator observes the engineers. Furthermore, the process narrator interviews the engineers. Then, the process narrator uses the user interface to modify (correct or add) the data obtained from the extraction unit 120, risk assessment unit 130, and recommendation unit 140, respectively.

[0079] Description of the action

[0080] The steps of the Digital Transformation Support System 100 are equivalent to the steps of a digital transformation support method. Furthermore, the steps of the Digital Transformation Support System 100 are equivalent to the processing steps of a digital transformation support procedure.

[0081] based on Figure 4 This document explains the methods for supporting digital transformation.

[0082] The system supports executing job process flows more than once. Furthermore, a job log is recorded each time a job process flow is executed.

[0083] A job process flow consists of multiple job processes whose execution order is determined.

[0084] The job log displays information (job process information) related to each job process in the executed job process flow.

[0085] In step S110, the acquisition unit 110 acquires one or more job logs corresponding to job process flows that have been executed more than once.

[0086] Figure 5 This shows an example of the data format for the information about each job process shown in the job log.

[0087] The job log displays job process information such as "Job Step No.", "Job Process Name", "Input Data", "Output Data", "Department", "Operator", "Job Time", "Knowledge Used", "Digital Tools Used", and "Notes".

[0088] "Job Step No." indicates the sequence of job processes in the job process flow. That is, Job Step No. is the sequence number of the job process.

[0089] "Job Process Name" is the name of the job process. The job process name is extracted and replaced with text by the process writer or machine from animations, sounds, operation log information, etc. An example of a machine is an artificial intelligence chatbot.

[0090] "Input data" refers to the data required for the operation process. Input data is the data needed to execute the operation process.

[0091] "Output data" refers to the data generated during the execution of a task. Output data is the data obtained as a result of the task's execution.

[0092] "Department" refers to the name of the department to which the operator belongs.

[0093] "Operator" refers to the name of the operator.

[0094] "Work time" refers to the time that the worker spends on the work process.

[0095] "Using knowledge" refers to the information (knowledge information) used by the operator during the operation. Input data is excluded from the knowledge information.

[0096] "Using digital tools" indicates the name of the digital tools used by the operator during the operation. Information such as the connection destination used to use the digital tools may also be shown.

[0097] “Notes” refers to notes related to the work process.

[0098] The information in the job log is obtained as follows.

[0099] The information in the job log is recorded by the support object system.

[0100] A camera and microphone are set up in the supporting system to execute a job workflow. During the execution of the job workflow, image data is acquired through the camera, and audio data is acquired through the microphone. Job log information is obtained by parsing the image and audio data.

[0101] The information in the job log is recorded by the engineers supporting the object system.

[0102] return Figure 4 The explanation continues from step S120.

[0103] In step S120, the extraction unit 120 detects multiple job processes constituting the job process flow from one or more job logs (and performance data).

[0104] Then, the extraction unit 120 extracts job process information from one or more job logs (and performance data) for each job process in the job process flow.

[0105] For example, the extraction unit 120 performs process mining according to the definition of the basic process model, thereby extracting information about each job process.

[0106] The basic process model is a model that defines the basic job process flow and is prepared in advance.

[0107] Process mining can be performed using existing methods. An example of an existing method is the Alpha algorithm.

[0108] The extracted process information can also be modified manually or by machine. For example, the process information can be modified as follows.

[0109] The extraction unit 120 uses information from multiple job processes in the job process flow to generate a job process flowchart and displays the job process flowchart on a monitor.

[0110] The job process flowchart illustrates the execution flow of multiple job processes, and displays job process information in association with the graphics representing each job process.

[0111] The process describer selects a work process from the work process flowchart and indicates changes (modifications, additions, etc.) to the work process information of the selected work process.

[0112] The extraction department 120 received the instruction and made changes to the operation process information accordingly.

[0113] Figure 6 An example of a workflow diagram is shown.

[0114] The workflow diagram illustrates the process of work process No. 1 and work process No. 2.

[0115] Each work process is accompanied by a plus sign (+) to display work process information on the graph.

[0116] When the process narrator selects any mark (+), the extraction unit 120 displays the operation process information with the selected mark (+) attached to the graphic.

[0117] When the process recorder edits the displayed work process information, the extraction unit 120 updates the work process information according to the edit.

[0118] return Figure 4 The explanation continues from step S130.

[0119] In step S130, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates an evaluation value for the digital transformation of each work process in the work process flow based on the work process information.

[0120] based on Figure 7 Explain the steps in step S130.

[0121] In step S131, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates the average work time per person, the total number of people working, the number of knowledge used, and the average number of related departments for each work process in the work process flow, based on the work process information shown in one or more work logs.

[0122] The average time for each person to complete a task is calculated by dividing the total time spent on the task by the total number of workers.

[0123] Total task time is the sum of the "task time" required for the task process.

[0124] The total number of workers is the sum of the number of "operators" involved in the work process. In cases where the same workers are involved in different work batches, the number of workers involved in the same work batches is counted.

[0125] The total number of workers is the number of "operators" associated with the work process. If the same operator is involved in different work batches, that operator is counted as one person.

[0126] Knowledge usage refers to the amount of "knowledge information" used during the task.

[0127] The average number of related departments is calculated by dividing the total number of related departments by the number of operations (number of operation process information and number of operation logs).

[0128] The total number of related departments is the sum of the "departments" involved in the work process. When the same department is involved in different work batches, the same number as the work batches involving the same department is counted.

[0129] In step S132, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates the bottleneck index value for each work process in the work process flow based on the average work time of each person and the total number of people in the work.

[0130] Bottleneck metrics are metrics that relate to bottlenecks in the workflow.

[0131] Specifically, the Risk Assessment Department 130 calculated the following values: the longer the average work time per person, the larger this value; the more people involved in the work, the larger this value. The calculated value is the bottleneck indicator value.

[0132] For example, the Risk Assessment Department 130 calculates the bottleneck index value by multiplying the average working time of each person by the total number of people working.

[0133] In step S133, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates the human dependency index value for each work process in the work process flow based on the total number of people involved and the number of knowledge used.

[0134] The human dependency index is an index value related to human dependency in the work process.

[0135] Specifically, the Risk Assessment Department 130 calculated the following values: the larger the total number of people involved in the operation, the smaller the value; the larger the number of people using the knowledge, the larger the value. The calculated value is the human dependency index.

[0136] For example, the Risk Assessment Department 130 will use the number of knowledge points divided by the total number of employees to calculate the human dependency index value.

[0137] In step S134, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates the collaboration index value for each work process in the work process flow based on the average of the total number of people involved in the work, the number of knowledge used, and the number of related departments.

[0138] The collaboration index is an index value related to the collaboration of operators.

[0139] Specifically, the Risk Assessment Department 130 calculated the following values: the more people involved in the operation, the higher the value; the more knowledge used, the higher the value; and the more related departments on average, the higher the value. The calculated value is the collaboration index.

[0140] For example, the Risk Assessment Department calculates the collaboration index value by multiplying the total number of employees in the 130-person operation by the number of knowledge users and the number of related departments.

[0141] Figure 8 It shows the relationship between the average time spent on assignments per person, the total number of people on assignments, the number of knowledge used, the average number of related departments, and the values ​​of each indicator.

[0142] Figure 9 This represents a list of items for which information has been obtained through steps S131 to S134.

[0143] The information obtained through steps S131 to S134 can also be modified manually or by machine. For example, the information can be modified as follows.

[0144] Risk Assessment Department 130 will be... Figure 9 The table showing the items is displayed on the screen.

[0145] The process narrator indicates changes (modifications, additions, etc.) to the information shown in the displayed table.

[0146] The Risk Assessment Department received the instruction via 130 and made changes to the information accordingly.

[0147] return Figure 7 Step S135 will be explained.

[0148] In step S135, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates an evaluation value for each work process in the work process flow using bottleneck index values, human dependency index values, and cooperation index values.

[0149] Calculate the evaluation value as follows.

[0150] First, the Risk Assessment Department 130 normalized the bottleneck index value, human dependence index value, and collaboration index value for each work process.

[0151] For example, Risk Assessment Department 130 uses the percentile method to normalize the values ​​of each indicator in a 5-stage evaluation as follows.

[0152] When the index value of an object job process ranks in the top 20% among multiple index values ​​corresponding to multiple job processes in the job process flow, the normalized index value of the object job process is "5".

[0153] Similarly, when the index value of the object operation process falls within the range of the upper 20% to the upper 40%, the normalized index value of the object operation process is "4".

[0154] Similarly, when the index value of the object operation process falls within the range of the upper 40% to the upper 60%, the normalized index value of the object operation process is "3".

[0155] Similarly, when the index value of the object operation process falls within the range of the upper 60% to the upper 80%, the normalized index value of the object operation process is "2".

[0156] Similarly, when the index value of the object operation process falls into the lower 20%, the normalized index value of the object operation process is "1".

[0157] Then, the Risk Assessment Department 130 calculates the sum of normalized bottleneck index values, normalized human dependency index values, and normalized collaboration index values ​​for each work process. The calculated sum is the evaluation value.

[0158] The risk assessment department 130 can also calculate the evaluation value by separately weighting the normalized bottleneck indicator value, the normalized human dependency indicator value, and the normalized cooperation indicator value. In this case, the sum of the weighted normalized bottleneck indicator value, the weighted normalized human dependency indicator value, and the weighted normalized cooperation indicator value becomes the evaluation value. The weighted normalized indicator value is obtained by multiplying the weighting coefficient by the normalized indicator value.

[0159] Figure 10 This provides a list of items for which information obtained through step S135 is displayed.

[0160] The information obtained through step S135 can also be changed manually or by machine. For example, the information is changed as follows.

[0161] Risk Assessment Department 130 will be... Figure 10 The table showing the items is displayed on the screen.

[0162] The process narrator indicates changes (modifications, additions, etc.) to the information shown in the displayed table.

[0163] The Risk Assessment Department received the instruction via 130 and made changes to the information accordingly.

[0164] return Figure 4 Step S140 will be explained below.

[0165] In step S140, the recommendation unit 140 suggests and recommends work processes that utilize digital tools based on the evaluation values ​​of each work process in the work process flow.

[0166] For example, the recommendation unit 140 arranges multiple work processes in the work process flow in descending order of evaluation value, and then... Figure 10 The table showing the items is displayed on the screen. That is, the recommendation unit 140 suggests the priority order of the work process using digital tools.

[0167] The recommendation unit 140 can also select a certain number of work processes with an evaluation value above the threshold or with an evaluation value above the upper limit, and prompt the selected work processes.

[0168] The recommendation unit 140 can also exclude work processes with evaluation values ​​below the threshold or a certain number of work processes with low evaluation values, and suggest the remaining work processes.

[0169] If a task process that does not utilize digital tools is prompted as a task process that recommends the use of digital tools, then it is recommended to use digital tools in the prompted task process.

[0170] If a task process that utilizes digital tools is prompted as a recommended task process, it is recommended to use another digital tool (replacement / update of the digital tool) in the prompted task process.

[0171] The information displayed or the information displayed can also be changed manually or by machine. For example, the information is changed as follows.

[0172] The recommendation section 140 displays the suggested information on the monitor.

[0173] The process narrator indicates changes (corrections, additions, etc.) to the displayed information.

[0174] The recommendation department received the instruction and made changes to the information accordingly.

[0175] Effects of Implementation Method 1

[0176] Figure 11 This demonstrates the objects that support digital transformation in existing technologies.

[0177] Existing technologies, while optimizing the work of skilled individuals in the physical world, are limited to the realm of manual tasks and focus on extracting know-how and improving business efficiency. However, by leveraging digital tools (computers), it is possible to achieve further improvements in business efficiency.

[0178] Existing technologies are based on the premise of equipping and constructing digital technologies (Cyber ​​World) that correspond to the manual operations of the production system. However, in the production sites of customers who want to undergo digital transformation (DX), production systems often have a mixture of areas using digital tools and areas with residual manual operations.

[0179] Figure 12 The objects supporting digital transformation in Implementation 1 are shown.

[0180] Implementation method 1 focuses on production systems where manual operations (Physical World) and digital technologies (Cyber ​​World) coexist, aiming to achieve business efficiency (DX) through the application of digital technologies. This DX-based business efficiency is achieved by observing, recording, and evaluating the decision-making processes of skilled engineers.

[0181] Specifically, Implementation 1 aims to prompt users to recommend locations for replacement / update with digital technologies.

[0182] The extraction unit 120 generates a workflow that mixes input and output information, knowledge used, and other information based on the work logs representing skilled workers’ production improvement and design operations.

[0183] Based on information such as the time required for each work process, the number of related departments, and the number of personnel, the Risk Assessment Department 130 determines the work bottlenecks, human dependence, and the necessity (indicator values) of (inter-departmental) collaboration.

[0184] Then, Recommendation 140 suggests recommending locations (work processes) for standardizing operations based on digital tool replacement / update.

[0185] When the work process is a bottleneck, and there is high dependence on people or the need for inter-departmental collaboration, it is determined that the work process has not been standardized or that the effect of standardization is too great. In such cases, it is recommended to replace or update the work process with digital tools.

[0186] In Implementation 1, users who cannot achieve DX are quantitatively alerted to risks such as operational bottlenecks and human dependency.

[0187] Therefore, Implementation Method 1 serves as a guide, making it easy to determine where operations can be standardized through replacement / updating of digital tools. Furthermore, Implementation Method 1 increases the potential for operational efficiency.

[0188] Supplement to Implementation Method 1

[0189] The digital transformation support system 100 can also consist of multiple devices (computers) that communicate with each other.

[0190] The digital transformation support system 100 can also be applied to systems other than production systems 200, such as supply chain management systems or programming training systems.

[0191] A supply chain management system is a management system that manages the flow of products from suppliers to end customers, improving the efficiency of their business processes and eliminating waste.

[0192] A programming training system is a system that provides a programming training environment through online or other means.

[0193] The Risk Assessment Department 130 can also calculate any one or two of the bottleneck index, human dependence index, and cooperation index for each work process, and use the calculated index values ​​to calculate the evaluation value of the work process.

[0194] Implementation method 2.

[0195] The method for evaluating the effectiveness of improvements brought about by the use of digital tools is mainly based on Figures 13 to 18 Explain the differences from Implementation Method 1.

[0196] Structural description

[0197] based on Figure 13 The structure of the digital transformation support system 100 is explained.

[0198] The Digital Transformation Support System 100 also has an Effectiveness Evaluation Department 150.

[0199] The digital transformation support program also enables computers to function as an evaluation department.

[0200] Figure 14 The functional structure of the digital transformation support system 100 is shown.

[0201] The main feature of the digital transformation support system 100 is the effect evaluation department 150.

[0202] Engineers use the user interface to input various settings into the digital transformation support system 100.

[0203] The process recorder uses the user interface to modify (correct or add) the data obtained from the effect evaluation department 150.

[0204] Description of the action

[0205] based on Figure 15 Explain the improvement evaluation.

[0206] Improvement evaluation is the process of assessing the effectiveness of improvements after they have been implemented.

[0207] Improved implementation refers to using digital tools to execute the work process flow during the work process prompted in step S140 of implementation method 1.

[0208] Work processes that utilize digital tools through improved implementation are called improvement processes. Improvement processes include work processes involving the replacement or updating of digital tools.

[0209] In step S210, the effect evaluation unit 150 receives setting information such as the investment period and the investment recovery period.

[0210] "Investment period" refers to the investment period for the supported system. The investment period is the time during which investments are made in the supported system. For example, the investment period is the time during which improvements and design are implemented for production system 200.

[0211] "Investment recovery period" refers to the period during which the investment in the supported system is recovered. The investment recovery period is the time during which the investment in the supported system is recovered. For example, the investment recovery period is the period from when the improvements and designs are fully reflected in production system 200 and the effects of those improvements begin to appear until the investment is recovered.

[0212] In step S220, the effect evaluation unit 150 calculates the average effect cost for each improvement process based on the work time of each operator shown in the work log after the improvement is implemented and the effect cost obtained through the improvement implementation.

[0213] Effect costs are the costs reduced by improving the effectiveness of implementation. Effect costs can be calculated based on information from work logs or included in the configuration information.

[0214] The average cost-per-effect is the cost of achieving results at each fixed point in the improvement process.

[0215] The average cost of the treatment is supplemented.

[0216] Specifically, average cost-per-performance (CPS) is the average of the annual unit cost of performance obtained at the end of the investment period. In practice, the cost of performance is not limited to equal annual amounts. Average cost-per-performance is used to determine the total level of performance achieved up to the payback period. If it were a total cost-per-performance calculation, the duration of the performance in the coming years would be unknown, hence the use of average cost-per-performance. The cost of performance is calculated based on actual production results.

[0217] Calculate the average cost of effect as follows.

[0218] First, the performance evaluation department 150 calculates the total work time by summing the work time of each worker for each work process in the work process flow.

[0219] In addition, the effect evaluation department 150 calculates the total operation time by summing the operation time of each operation process.

[0220] Then, the effectiveness evaluation department 150 allocates effectiveness costs proportionally to each work process in the work process flow, based on the ratio of the total work time of the improvement process to the total work time.

[0221] If not allocated proportionally, the cost of effectiveness is associated only with the specific operational process (improvement process) that reflects the measures on the production floor.

[0222] The cost-effectiveness average is calculated by allocating the improvement process proportionally.

[0223] Figure 16 This provides a list of items for which information obtained through step S220 is displayed.

[0224] return Figure 15 The explanation continues from step S230.

[0225] In step S230, the effect evaluation unit 150 calculates the investable cost for each improvement process based on the calculated average effect cost, the investment period included in the setting information, and the investment recovery period included in the setting information.

[0226] Investable costs are the costs that can be invested in improving a process over a given period. Specifically, investable costs are the average annual amount that can be invested. It doesn't have to be the same amount every year, but (investable costs) × (investment period) must be consistent.

[0227] The higher the average cost-effectiveness, the higher the potential investment cost; the longer the investment period, the lower the potential investment cost; and the longer the investment recovery period, the higher the potential investment cost.

[0228] Figure 17 It shows the relationship between average cost of effect, investment period, number of investment periods, and investable cost.

[0229] Calculate investable costs as follows.

[0230] The effectiveness evaluation department calculates the average cost of investment by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the payback period by the investment period. The resulting value is the investable period.

[0231] The investable costs are expressed by the following formula.

[0232] (Investable Costs) = (Average Cost-Effectiveness) × (Investment Recovery Period) / (Investment Period)

[0233] Figure 18 This provides a list of items for which information obtained through step S230 is displayed.

[0234] In step S240, the effect evaluation unit 150 displays the investable costs of each improvement process.

[0235] For example, the effect evaluation department 150 will be composed of... Figure 18 The table showing the items is displayed on the screen.

[0236] The information displayed or the information displayed can also be changed manually or by machine. For example, the information is changed as follows.

[0237] The effect evaluation department 150 will display the prompt information on the monitor.

[0238] The process narrator indicates changes (corrections, additions, etc.) to the displayed information.

[0239] The Effect Evaluation Department received the instruction from 150 and made changes to the information accordingly.

[0240] Effects of Implementation Method 2

[0241] In Implementation 2, the cost-effectiveness is calculated based on the results obtained from applying the improvement measures and designs to the production site after the evaluation of Implementation 1. The cost of digital investment is calculated (through simulation) based on conditions such as the investment payback period set by experts. This evaluates the effectiveness of replacing / updating the accompanying digital tools. The results reinforce the evidence for the recommendations in Implementation 1.

[0242] Implementation method 2 predicts and evaluates the effectiveness of the improvement measures and design implementation from a cost perspective. This strengthens the evidence for users regarding the replacement / updating of digital tools.

[0243] Supplement to the implementation method

[0244] based on Figure 19 The hardware structure of the Digital Transformation Support System 100 is described.

[0245] The digital transformation support system 100 has a processing circuit 109.

[0246] The processing circuit 109 is the hardware that implements the acquisition unit 110, the extraction unit 120, the risk assessment unit 130, the recommendation unit 140, and the effect evaluation unit 150.

[0247] The processing circuit 109 can be dedicated hardware or a processor 101 that executes the program stored in the memory 102.

[0248] When the processing circuit 109 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 109 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmable processor, a parallel programmable processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0249] ASIC is short for Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

[0250] FPGA is short for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0251] The digital transformation support system 100 may also have multiple processing circuits that can replace the processing circuit 109.

[0252] In the processing circuit 109, some functions may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while the remaining functions may be implemented by software or firmware.

[0253] In this way, the functions of the digital transformation support system 100 can be realized through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0254] The various embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure. Each embodiment may be implemented in part or in combination with other embodiments. The steps described using flowcharts, etc., may also be appropriately modified.

[0255] The "department" in each element of the Digital Transformation Support System 100 can also be replaced with "process", "procedure", "circuit" or "line".

[0256] Label Explanation

[0257] 100 Digital Transformation Support System, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Auxiliary Storage Device, 104 Communication Device, 105 Input / Output Interface, 109 Processing Circuit, 110 Acquisition Unit, 120 Extraction Unit, 130 Risk Assessment Unit, 140 Recommendation Unit, 150 Effectiveness Evaluation Unit, 190 Storage Unit, 200 Production System, 201 Product Design Tool, 202 Process / Equipment Design Tool, 203 Production Management System, 204 Production Control Device, 205 Production Equipment, 206 Data Collection System, 211 Product Design Database, 212 Process / Equipment Design Database, 213 Production Conditions Database, 214 Production Performance Database.

Claims

1. A digital transformation support system, comprising: The risk assessment department, based on information from the work logs recorded during each execution of a work process flow that has been executed more than once, calculates at least one of the following indicators for each work process in the work process flow: a bottleneck indicator, an indicator related to human dependence in the work process, and an indicator related to worker collaboration: a collaboration indicator. For each work process in the work process flow, the calculated indicator value is used to calculate an evaluation value for that work process. The recommendation department, based on the evaluation values ​​of each work process in the work process flow, suggests and recommends work processes that utilize digital tools.

2. The digital transformation support system according to claim 1, wherein, The job log, for each job process in the job flow, displays the job time associated with that job process as job process information for each worker involved in that job process. The risk assessment department calculates the average work time for each person and the total number of workers related to the work process, based on the work process information shown in one or more work logs, for each work process in the work process flow. The bottleneck index value is then calculated based on the average work time for each person and the total number of workers.

3. The digital transformation support system according to claim 2, wherein, The risk assessment department calculates the following values ​​as the bottleneck index values: the longer the average working time of each person, the larger the value; the more people involved in the work, the larger the value.

4. The digital transformation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The job log, for each job process in the job process flow, displays the knowledge information used by each worker in that job process as job process information for each worker associated with that job process. The risk assessment department calculates the number of workers related to each work process in the work process flow, i.e., the total number of workers, and the amount of knowledge information used in the work process, i.e., the number of knowledge used, based on the work process information shown in one or more work logs for each work process. The department then calculates the human dependency index value based on the total number of workers and the number of knowledge used.

5. The digital transformation support system according to claim 4, wherein, The risk assessment department calculates the following values ​​as the human dependency index: the more people involved in the task, the smaller the value; the more knowledge is used, the larger the value.

6. The digital transformation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The job log, for each job process in the job flow, and for each worker associated with that job process, displays the knowledge information used by that worker in the job and the department to which that worker belongs. For each work process in the work process flow, the risk assessment department calculates the number of workers related to the work process (i.e., the total number of workers), the amount of knowledge information used in the work process (i.e., the number of knowledge used), and the average number of departments related to the work process (i.e., the average number of related departments) based on the information shown in one or more work logs. The collaboration index value is then calculated based on the total number of workers, the number of knowledge used, and the average number of related departments.

7. The digital transformation support system according to claim 6, wherein, The risk assessment department calculates the following values ​​as the collaboration index: the more people involved in the operation, the higher the value; the more knowledge is used, the higher the value; and the more related departments on average, the higher the value.

8. The digital transformation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The job process flow is executed by the supporting object system. The digital transformation support system includes an effectiveness evaluation department. The effect evaluation department performs the following processing: After improvements are implemented using digital tools during the suggested work process, the investment period and investment recovery period for the supported system are set as information. For each work process that utilizes digital tools through the aforementioned improvement implementation, based on the work time of each operator as shown in the work log after the improvement implementation and the cost of effectiveness obtained through the improvement implementation, the average cost of effectiveness for each period in the work process is calculated. For each operational process that utilizes digital tools through the aforementioned improvements, the investable cost is calculated based on the calculated average cost-effectiveness, the investment period included in the defined information, and the investment payback period included in the defined information. The report outlines the investment costs for each operational process that utilizes digital tools through the aforementioned improvements.

9. A digital transformation support method, wherein, Based on the information recorded in the job logs during each execution of a job process flow that has been executed more than once, for each job process in the job process flow, at least one of the following indicators is calculated: a bottleneck indicator value (i.e., bottleneck indicator value), a human dependency indicator value (i.e., human dependency indicator value), and a collaboration indicator value (i.e., collaboration degree indicator value). For each job process in the job process flow, the calculated indicator value is used to calculate the evaluation value of the job process. Based on the evaluation values ​​of each job process in the job process flow, suggestions are made to recommend job processes that utilize digital tools.

10. A digital transformation support program for enabling a computer to perform the following processes: Risk assessment processing, based on information from the work logs recorded during each execution of a work process flow that has been executed more than once, calculates at least one of the following indicators for each work process in the work process flow: a bottleneck indicator, an indicator related to human dependence in the work process, and an indicator related to worker collaboration: a collaboration indicator. The calculated indicator value is then used to calculate the evaluation value of each work process for each work process in the work process flow. The recommendation process, based on the evaluation values ​​of each job process in the job process flow, suggests job processes that utilize digital tools.

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