Method and device for structuring a value stream

Abstract

Methods for structuring a value stream influenced by specific factors, characterized by the following features: - Skills relevant to a product of the value stream (11-20) are each assigned to a temporal level (A, B, C), - the planes (A, B, C) are depicted as concentric rings in a circle, one half of which represents a work process according to plan and the other half of which represents deviations in this regard and - Each of the halves is divided into corresponding sectors, each representing one of the factors.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for structuring a value stream influenced by certain factors. The present invention also relates to a corresponding device, a corresponding computer program, and a corresponding storage medium.

[0002] The automotive industry is known for its complex and highly specialized production processes. These encompass various activities that are closely interlinked to produce efficient, high-quality vehicles, including planning, manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics, and supply chain management. One challenge lies in optimally structuring and coordinating these activities to ensure both productivity and the quality of the produced vehicle.

[0003] Various approaches and methods have been developed to address these challenges. One common approach is lean production. This approach aims to minimize waste and maximize customer value through continuous process improvement.

[0004] Another approach is process modeling and simulation, which reduces the production process to a model that can be analyzed and optimized. These models can be created at various levels, from highly aggregated models representing the entire process to detailed models representing specific aspects of the process.

[0005] The introduction of digital technologies has also led to new opportunities for improving and optimizing production processes. For example, the Internet of Things (IoT) enables the networking of devices and systems to collect and analyze data in real time. This data can then be used to optimize production.

[0006] US 2013024226 A1 discloses a tool for corporate planning based on a plurality of interconnected objects. Each object has attributes and time dimensions. The objects are related to each other, with this relationship comprising at least one common attribute and one common time dimension. The object relationships are represented graphically such that each object in the planning tool is directly or indirectly connected to the remaining objects.

[0007] US 2013018696 A1 describes a method for analyzing and visualizing process flows in the context of a supply chain to optimize inventory. Data regarding products, locations, and the supply routes connecting them are fed into an application, which creates an array from the input data. Using this array and a second set of input data containing measured and forecasted product flows through the supply chain over a defined period of time, the application calculates a series of metrics for the operation of the supply chain. If one or more of these metrics lie outside a predefined range, the application creates an output that provides recommendations for adjusting the operation of the supply chain.

[0008] US 2009138321 A1 proposes, in order to optimize production processes within an organization, to define various organizational principles that should be applied to the organization. To implement these organizational principles, various practices should be developed. Furthermore, a project plan should be developed to improve a work area in which these practices are applied.

[0009] DE 10240338 A1 relates to a method for planning manufacturing processes, whose configuration is modeled based on input parameters. These configurations are subjected to event-oriented simulation or layout modeling, and relevant manufacturing parameters are determined, which are then to be optimized in an iterative process.

[0010] US 7280977 B2 discusses a model for assessing dynamic working relationships based on input data describing collaboration. The model is based on several key components of collaboration that are interrelated and outputs a value that indicates the state or performance of the relationship. This relationship value is to be analyzed by comparing it with baseline values ​​based on exemplary working relationships.

[0011] DE 102008005761 A1 discloses a device that is intended to support the coloring of vehicles by modeling and simulating human movement sequences.

[0012] One problem is that the complexity and diversity of processes, services, and capabilities in the automotive industry are often difficult to oversee and manage. The diverse aspects, such as personnel, machines, methods, and materials, must be organized into a unified and efficient structure. The current system architecture is often structured as a monolith, making further development and adaptation to new requirements difficult. A shift toward a modular and service-oriented architecture would be desirable to enable greater adaptability to new requirements and technologies.

[0013] In addition, there is often a lack of a clear structure and methodology for managing and optimizing the entire value chain. Current approaches are often unable to consider the entire value chain and manage both planned and deviant activities. This can lead to inefficiencies and errors that ultimately affect product quality and productivity.

[0014] Finally, there is often a lack of a clear connection between current operational management and future developments and requirements. There is currently no structured way to overcome the integration problems of newly developed software into existing concepts (brownfield), which hinders efficient and effective further development of the systems.

[0015] There is therefore a need for a method and a system that solves the above problems and enables efficient and effective structuring, management and optimization of the value creation process in the automotive industry.

[0016] The described problems are solved by a method for structuring a value stream influenced by certain factors, a corresponding device, a corresponding computer program and a corresponding storage medium according to the independent claims.

[0017] This approach creates a modular and service-oriented architecture that contrasts with the monolithic structure prevalent in the automotive industry. This architecture enables more efficient adaptation to new requirements and technologies. It supports future-oriented system development and can overcome the hurdles often associated with relocating existing IT systems.

[0018] Furthermore, the approach includes a clear structure and methodology for managing and optimizing the entire value chain. It is designed to consider the entire process and manage both planned and deviant activities. This helps reduce inefficiencies and errors that can negatively impact product quality and productivity.

[0019] Another benefit lies in the integration of employees and their skills into the overall process. By implementing clear mechanisms that place and manage relevant skills in the right context, employee productivity and efficiency can be improved.

[0020] Finally, the approach establishes a crucial link between current operations and future developments and requirements. A structured path for transferring existing IT software from the brownfield to the future architecture can ensure efficient and effective system development.

[0021] These benefits lead to improved structuring, management, and optimization of the value creation process in the automotive industry. The solution is not limited to the automotive industry but can also be applied to other industries and sectors facing similar challenges.

[0022] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. Fig. 1 illustrates the structure of a value stream in vehicle production using a circle Fig. Figure 2 shows the structure of the circle in detail. Fig. 3 illustrates the division of the circle into sectors. Fig. 4 illuminates the temporal levels depicted as rings of the circle. Fig. 5 shows the importance of roles in the circle. Fig. 6 shows the idealized location of skills in the circle. Fig. Figure 7 shows the relationship between the circle and the master data of a production control system.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an application of the described process in vehicle production. The example shown is based on the value stream and focuses on its product (10), i.e., the vehicle itself. For this purpose, the value stream process is represented by a circle from left to right.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the structure of the circle in more detail. The left half (21) of the circle (“target side”) represents the planned workflow and thus answers the question: “What should be done to ensure the vehicle is produced?” The right half (22), on the other hand, shows any deviations from the expected process result (output). If, for example, an error is detected and documented here, this results in a regulated input on the target side. The vertical bisector represents the quality line and thus marks the deviation between the target and actual state. This applies equally when focusing on the process and when focusing on a role.

[0025] Fig. 3 illustrates the division of the circle into four sectors per half (21, 22 - Fig. 2). These sectors represent the four relevant factors: people (1), methods (2), machines and other equipment (3), and materials (4). For each of these factors, appropriate skills are required to ensure readiness in this area, such as personnel management, work sequencing, hardware maintenance management, and equipment control software management, as well as the availability of rear wings on the assembly line and properly configured control units.

[0026] Fig. Figure 4 shows the division of the circle into temporal levels, represented as concentric rings (A, B, C). The inner level (A) represents the direct value creation that occurs during execution. The middle level (B) represents detailed planning, which takes place up to one month in advance, and the outer level (C) represents rough planning and resource allocation, which can take place more than one month in advance or without any time reference.

[0027] The Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 circles depicted focus on the activities that are carried out within a specific role (23 - Fig. 5). This role is therefore at the center of the circle. The activities are recorded in advance and require the skills defined in the procedure (11-20 - Fig. 6). Similar skills or services are bundled into so-called clusters. The role (23) is assigned those service clusters that are required to fulfill the responsible activities in the relevant circular sectors. The location of a service cluster at the respective levels results from the time component of the output factor of this service cluster. Relevant skills (11-20) may, for example, concern the management of materials, equipment, methods, and personnel; the parameterization and refinement of the plan; product control and analysis; and target / actual management.

[0028] Fig. Finally, Figure 7 shows a schematic architecture for determining the activities stored as master data - for example in a lean production control system - using the example of the management (17) of employees of a production facility ("worker"). List of reference symbols 1 staff 2 methods 3 systems 4 Materials 10 product 11 Management of the material 12 Management of the facilities 13 Management of methods 14 Personnel management 15 Administration of the plan 16 Parameterization and refinement of the plan 17 Management of personnel 18 Workflow and Deviation Management 19 Control of the product 20 Analysis and target-actual management 21 Work flow according to plan (one half of the circle) 22 deviations (other half of the circle) 23 roll A Time level: direct value creation / direct support / empowerment B Time Level: Detailed Planning Time Level: Rough Planning / Resource Provision / C Guidelines / Regulations / Governance QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2013024226 A1

[0006] US 2013018696 A1

[0007] US 2009138321 A1

[0008] DE 10240338 A1

[0009] US 7280977 B2

[0010] DE 102008005761 A1

[0011]

Claims

[1] Method for structuring a value stream influenced by certain factors (1-4), characterized by following features: - Capabilities (11-20) relevant for a product (10) of the value stream are each assigned to a time level (A, B, C), - the levels (A, B, C) are represented as concentric rings in a circle (21-23), one half of which (21) represents a work process according to plan and the other half (22) represents deviations from this, and - each of the halves (21, 22) is divided into corresponding sectors, each representing one of the factors (1-4). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that factors (1-4) include: - Personnel (1), - Methods (2), - Annexes (3) and - Materials (4). [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that the skills (11-20) include: - Management of the material (11), - Management of facilities (12), - Management of methods (13), - Personnel management (14), - Management of the plan (15), - Parameterization and refinement of the plan (16), - Management of personnel (17), - Management of workflow and deviations (18), - Control of the product (19), - Analysis and target-actual management (20) and - basic office applications. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by following features: - activities are recorded in advance which are carried out in a specific role (23) within the workflow and which require the skills (11-20), and - the roll (23) is in the center of the circle (21-23). [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by following features: - the activities are stored as master data in a production control system, and - the deviations are determined by the production control system based on movement data that refers to the master data. [6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by following features: - the product (10) is a vehicle and - the value stream is continuously evaluated using key performance indicators. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by that the key figures refer to at least one of the following: - Security, - Quality, - Process and - Employees. [8] Device, characterized by following features: - the device is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Computer program which is designed to carry out all the steps of a method according to one of claims 1 to 6. [10] A machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program according to claim 9.

Images