Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for obtaining more accurate output regarding the production of a given product.SOLUTION: An input information acquisition unit 51 acquires input information including drawings of a predetermined product from, for example, a manufacturer terminal 2. A process chart generation unit 52 creates a plan including setup time and processing time for each of one or more processing steps for producing the predetermined product by a predetermined algorithm using the input information, and generates a process chart showing the plan for each of the one or more processing steps. An estimate creation unit 53 creates an estimate for the production of the predetermined product by one or more processing steps based on the process chart.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a process in which an engineer with extensive knowledge of processing methods reads out processing elements, etc. based on drawings of a specified product, and then performs various calculations to create outputs such as estimates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-231265 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even if the conventional techniques including those disclosed in Patent Document 1 are applied, it is difficult to obtain a more accurate output regarding the production of a given product.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a mechanism that can obtain a more accurate output regarding the production of a specified product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: An information processing device for creating an estimate for the production of a predetermined product, An input information acquisition means for acquiring input information including a drawing of the predetermined product; a process schedule generating means for generating a plan including a setup time and a processing time for each of one or more processing steps for producing the predetermined product by a predetermined algorithm using the input information, and generating a process schedule showing each of the plans for each of the one or more processing steps; an estimate creating means for creating an estimate for producing the predetermined product through the one or more processing steps based on the process chart; Equipped with.

[0007] An information processing method and a program according to one aspect of the present invention are a method and a program corresponding to an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a mechanism for obtaining a more accurate output can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a workflow that can be realized by an information processing system to which a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system to which a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied. [Diagram 3] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server in FIG. 3 that constitutes the information processing system in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a process design task in a workflow. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the purpose and means of a process plan of a manufacturing operation in a workflow. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the correspondence between steps in creating a process plan and variables input at each step in the manufacturing operations in a workflow. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the correspondence between steps in creating a process plan and variables input at each step in the manufacturing operations in a workflow. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the correspondence between steps in creating a process plan and variables input at each step in the manufacturing operations in a workflow. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for registering an estimate or an order, as a specific example of input information in the workflow of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for inputting basic information for designing a manufacturing process, as a specific example of input information in the workflow of FIG. [Figure 12] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing examples of drawings required for an estimate or drawings of an ordered product, as specific examples of input information in the workflow of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface in which similar past performances are displayed together with a matching score. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of similarity of drawings. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface when editing information after calling up past results for a process schedule generated based on the drawing in FIG. 12. [Figure 16] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a process chart generated based on the drawing in FIG. 12 and obtained as a result of editing in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an estimate generated based on the process chart of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 17 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for a process plan generated based on the process chart of FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] First, with reference to FIG. 1, an overview of a workflow that can be realized by an information processing system to which a server according to an embodiment of an information processing device of the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a workflow that can be realized by an information processing system to which a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied.

[0012] In the manufacturing industry, for example, products and parts are manufactured through made-to-order production. In the manufacturing industry, it is the factory work that creates added value. Among the factory work, the work that depends on the individual and is difficult to standardize is the process design work and the manufacturing work. If a task is highly dependent on individual skills and difficult to standardize, not everyone can do it, and the output of an inexperienced person will be unreliable.

[0013] Here, in order to improve the efficiency of process design and manufacturing work and to obtain more accurate output, we provide a work efficiency service (hereinafter referred to as "this service") that can be realized by an information processing system (see Figure 2 described below) to which a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied.

[0014] 1 shows a workflow that is roughly divided into a process design task and a manufacturing task. In this embodiment, it is assumed that made-to-order production or production similar to made-to-order production is basically performed. The information that client U (see FIG. 2) sends to the manufacturing company (hereafter referred to as "manufacturer M" (see FIG. 2)) includes information on drawings and delivery dates, as well as information on requests for estimates.

[0015] In this service, in step S1, input information including drawings of a given product is obtained from a client U who has requested a quote or from a manufacturer M who has received the request. In step S2, a plan including setup time and processing time for each of one or more processing steps for producing a specified product is created using a specified algorithm that uses the input information, and a process chart is generated that shows the plan for each of the one or more processing steps. The process chart is a table for estimating actual costs and serves as the basis for determining how to allocate information and resources of Manufacturer M during manufacturing.

[0016] Based on such a process chart, in step S3, an estimate for producing a predetermined product by the one or more processing steps is created based on the process chart. In step S4, a process plan is created for each of the one or more processing steps, using variables based on the process chart, with regard to equipment, schedules, and personnel.

[0017] Manufacturer M prepares several hundred process plans each month. In addition, the number of requests for quotations from client U to manufacturer M is even greater than the number mentioned above. Approximately 30% of requests for quotations result in orders, and process plans are then drawn up to accompany these orders. It would be extremely difficult for Manufacturer M's staff to carry out tasks such as creating estimates and drawing up process plans while also performing their own duties, and as these tasks involve personal elements, it would be inefficient to deal with them.

[0018] This service automates tasks that depend on individual skills to generate a schedule, improving work efficiency and providing a mechanism for obtaining more accurate output based on the schedule, making it a very useful service.

[0019] Of the above steps S1 to S4 in this service, in step S2, a process chart / estimate AI 81 and a process chart generating unit 52 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, function. In step S3, a process chart / estimate AI 81 and an estimate creation unit 53 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, function. In step S4, a process plan AI 82 and a process plan formulation unit 54 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, function.

[0020] With regard to the above-mentioned specified algorithm in step S2, it is preferable that the algorithm is one that searches for estimates for the same product as the specified product or estimates for similar drawings from among multiple estimates related to each of the past production of multiple products, and generates a process schedule based on the results of the search. Moreover, the predetermined algorithm is preferably an algorithm that uses a model (e.g., an AI model) that is obtained as a result of predetermined machine learning and that outputs a predetermined value when at least a portion of input information is input. That is, in this example, the model is realized as a schedule and estimate AI 81 described later.

[0021] Conventionally, estimates and process plans were output as shown in Figure 1. In other words, estimates were output without creating a process chart, and process plans were output without creating a process chart. For this reason, conventionally, outputs were not exactly accurate. In contrast, with this service, before the output of an estimate and before the output of a process plan, a process schedule is generated according to a specified algorithm using the input information, and more accurate outputs such as an estimate and process plan are generated based on this generated process schedule.

[0022] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a description will be given of the configuration of an information processing system that realizes the provision of the above-mentioned service, that is, an information processing system to which a server according to an embodiment of an information processing device of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system to which a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention is applied.

[0023] The information processing system shown in FIG. 2 is configured to include a server 1, a manufacturer terminal 2, and a client terminal 3. The server 1, the manufacturer terminal 2, and the client terminal 3 are connected to each other via a network N such as the Internet.

[0024] The server 1 is an information processing device managed by the provider of this service (FIG. 1). The server 1 executes various processes for realizing this service while appropriately communicating with a manufacturer terminal 2 and a client terminal 3.

[0025] The manufacturer terminal 2 is an information processing device operated by a person in charge of the manufacturer M. Although not shown in the figure, there are a plurality of manufacturer terminals 2. The manufacturer terminal 2 is configured as a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like. The requester terminal 3 is an information processing device operated by the requester U. Although not specifically shown, there are a plurality of requester terminals 3. The client terminal 3 is configured with a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system shown in FIG.

[0027] The server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0028] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13 . The RAM 13 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

[0029] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to one another via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0030] The input unit 16 is configured with, for example, a keyboard and is used to input various information. The output unit 17 is configured with a display such as a liquid crystal display, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various information as images and sounds. The storage unit 18 is configured with a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or the like, and stores various data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices (for example, the manufacturer terminal 2 and the client terminal 3 in FIG. 2) via a network N including the Internet.

[0031] Removable media 30, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, is appropriately loaded into the drive 20. A program read from the removable media 30 by the drive 20 is installed in the storage unit 18 as necessary. Furthermore, the removable medium 30 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18 .

[0032] Although not shown, the manufacturer terminal 2 and the requester terminal 3 in Fig. 2 can also have a configuration basically similar to the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, the description of the hardware configuration of the manufacturer terminal 2 and the requester terminal 3 will be omitted.

[0033] 1 can be executed by cooperation of various hardware and software constituting the information processing system of FIG. 2 including the server 1 of FIG.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server of FIG. 3 in the information processing system of FIG.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, in the CPU 11 of the server 1, an input information acquisition unit 51, a process chart generation unit 52, an estimate creation unit 53, and a process planning unit 54 function.

[0036] Further, in one area of ​​the storage unit 18 of the server 1, a history DB 71, a process chart / estimate AI 81, and a process plan AI 82 are provided.

[0037] The input information acquisition unit 51 acquires input information including a drawing of a predetermined product. That is, the input information acquisition unit 51 executes a process corresponding to step S1 in FIG. In this example, since the information provided by the client U who has requested a quote is provided from the client terminal 3 to the manufacturer terminal 2, the input information acquisition unit 51 acquires the input information from the manufacturer terminal 2. However, this is not particularly limited to this example, and the input information acquisition unit 51 may acquire at least a part of the input information from the client terminal 3. Here, the "input information" refers to drawings as well as request information related to estimates and orders, and specifically includes product names, quantities, delivery dates, etc. Specific examples of input information will be described later with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. The acquired input information is stored in an input information DB, not shown.

[0038] The process schedule generation unit 52 creates a plan including setup time and processing time for each of one or more processing steps for producing a specified product using a specified algorithm that uses the input information, and generates a process schedule that shows the plan for each of the one or more processing steps.

[0039] The above-mentioned specified algorithm is an algorithm that searches for estimates for the same product as the specified product or estimates for similar drawings from among multiple estimates related to the past production of multiple products stored in the history DB71, and generates a process schedule based on the results of the search. In this example, an algorithm using the schedule and estimate AI81 is adopted. That is, although not shown here, a learning unit is provided in the CPU 11 or other information processing device, and the model obtained as a result of predetermined machine learning by this learning unit is the process schedule / estimate AI 81. This process schedule / estimate AI 81 is a model that outputs a predetermined output (including previous information required to generate a process schedule) when at least a portion of input information is input, and is updated appropriately by the learning unit.

[0040] If the input information includes information on a request for quotation, the process chart generation unit 52 inputs the input information to the process chart / estimate AI 81. The process chart / estimate AI 81 generates and outputs a process chart by carrying out the above search and the process design (plan for each of the one or more processing steps) required to create an estimate based on the search results. The process chart / estimate AI 81 displays the process chart on the manufacturer terminal 2 via a specified UI (User Interface). A specific example of the process chart and a UI for displaying the process chart will be described later with reference to FIGS. Furthermore, if the input information includes information on an order request, the process chart generating unit 52 uses the process chart / estimate AI 81 to generate a process chart corresponding to the ordered product. The generated process chart also includes information on the cost of producing a specific product. Such a process chart is stored in the history DB 71. In this manner, the process chart generating unit 52 executes the process corresponding to step S2 in FIG.

[0041] The estimate preparation unit 53 prepares an estimate for producing a predetermined product through one or more processing steps based on the process chart. That is, the estimate preparation unit 53 executes a process corresponding to step S3 in FIG. Specifically, for example, the estimate preparation unit 53 determines the estimated amount by adding a profit to the cost in the schedule, and then prepares the estimate. The created estimate is stored in the history DB 71 and is also transmitted to the manufacturer terminal 2 via the communication unit 19.

[0042] In this way, by operating the input information acquisition unit 51, the schedule generation unit 52, and the estimate creation unit 53, it is possible to automate process design work, which includes personal elements, and generate a schedule, thereby improving work efficiency and enabling more accurate estimates to be created based on the schedule.

[0043] The process planning unit 54 creates a process plan, which is a plan regarding equipment, schedules, and personnel, for each of one or more processing steps shown in the process chart, according to a predetermined algorithm that uses variables based on the process chart as input. That is, the process plan formulation unit 54 executes a process corresponding to step S4 in FIG.

[0044] The above-mentioned predetermined algorithm is an algorithm that uses variables based on the process chart as inputs and creates a process plan for equipment, schedules, and personnel for each of one or more processing steps shown in the process chart. In this example, an algorithm using a process plan AI82 is employed. That is, although not shown here, a learning unit is provided in the CPU 11 or other information processing device, and a model obtained as a result of a predetermined machine learning by this learning unit is the process plan AI 82. This process plan AI 82 is a model that outputs plans regarding equipment, schedules, and personnel as a process plan for one or more processing steps shown in a process chart when variables based on the process chart are input, and is updated appropriately in the learning unit.

[0045] In this way, by further utilizing the process planning unit 54, manufacturing operations that include personal elements can also be automated, thereby improving work efficiency and enabling more accurate process plans to be created based on a process chart.

[0046] Next, the flow of process design work in the workflow will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of a process design task in the workflow. It should be noted that steps S1 to S3 (step S4) in FIG. 5 correspond to steps S1 to S4 in FIG.

[0047] The purpose of process design is to estimate the cost and delivery date for the request of client U so that manufacturer M does not incur a loss. It is also to decide the manufacturing method to maintain the quality cost required by client U. The means for achieving this is to execute the following steps S1 to S3 (step S4).

[0048] In step S1 (input information acquisition step), the input information acquisition unit 51 in FIG. 4 acquires input information from the manufacturer M to execute a process of accepting a request for quotation. The acquired input information includes information on the drawing of the specified product (CAD data, etc.), or information on the product number for identifying the drawing, and information on the quantity. The input information may optionally include desired price information and desired delivery date information. Previously, quotation work required know-how and man-hours, but only a small portion of the estimates (say, 30%) resulted in an order. And if the estimate was wrong, it would result in a loss. Therefore, there was a high risk of not receiving the order, and only experienced people could do the work to avoid mistakes.

[0049] In step S2 (process schedule generation step), the process schedule generation unit 52 executes a process to create a plan including setup time and processing time for each of one or more processing steps for producing a specified product by a predetermined algorithm using the input information (in this example, an algorithm using the process schedule / estimate AI81), and to generate a process schedule showing the plan for each of the one or more processing steps. The process chart is a table for estimating actual costs and serves as the basis for determining how to allocate information and resources of Manufacturer M during manufacturing. Specifically, the following steps S21 to S28 are executed.

[0050] In step S21, the process schedule generating unit 52 executes a process of searching for a past estimate for the same product or a past estimate for a similar drawing, and then proceeds to step S22. If it is determined in step S22 that there has been no previous quotation for the same product or for a similar drawing, the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that a quotation for a drawing similar to the same product has been received in the past, the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that a quote for the same item has been received in the past, the process proceeds to step S25. A specific example of how to determine whether a drawing is similar will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0051] In the first use case, where it is determined that there has been no previous quote for the same product or a similar drawing, in step S23, a process is executed to plan the production process using the drawing as a reference, and then the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the process schedule generating unit 52 executes a process of calculating the setup time and processing time of each process. In the first use case, the process design required for creating an estimate is performed and the process proceeds to step S28.

[0052] As a second use case in which it is determined that there has been a quote in the past for a drawing similar to the same product, in step S24, the process schedule generation unit 52 executes a process to plan the process based on the differences between the quote content of the similar product and the drawing, and then proceeds to step S27. In step S27, a process is executed to calculate the setup time and processing time for each process by referring to the differences. In the second use case, the process design required for creating an estimate is also performed, and the process proceeds to step S28.

[0053] In step S28, the process schedule generating unit 52 generates a process schedule by calculating the cost by applying man or machine charges to the time for each process.

[0054] As a third use case in which it is determined that an estimate for the same product has been made in the past, in step S25, the process schedule generating unit 52 executes a process for determining the cost by referring to the amount of the estimate in the past. The third use case is to generate a schedule using past process plans and past estimates.

[0055] In step S3 (estimate creation step), the estimate creation unit 53 executes a process of creating an estimate for producing a predetermined product through the one or more processing steps based on the process chart. Specifically, the following processes of steps S31 to S33 are executed as step S3.

[0056] In step S31, the estimate preparation unit 53 executes a process of determining the estimated amount by adding a profit to the cost, and then proceeds to step S32. If it is determined in step S32 that the delivery date is not to be confirmed, the creation of the quotation is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the delivery date is to be confirmed, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0057] In step S33, a process is executed to check whether the process of the estimated product will be completed within the delivery date with respect to the confirmed process plan, and the creation of the quotation is completed. In addition, the process plan of step S4 is used to check whether the process of the estimated product will be completed within the delivery date.

[0058] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the purpose and means of the process plan created in step S4 of the manufacturing operations in the workflow will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram relating to the purpose and means of the process plan created in step S4 of FIG. 1 in the manufacturing operations in the workflow. It should be noted that step S4 in FIG. 6 corresponds to step S4 in FIG.

[0059] The purpose of process planning is to meet the delivery deadline for manufactured products (specified products) and to maximize the utilization of available processes (equipment and workers). There are four patterns for this purpose, which will be described later. Input information for the process plan includes a process chart (information on process design) and information that will be described later with reference to FIGS. One problem with previous process planning was that it was not possible to grasp what was happening (plans and progress) at each process for multiple existing manufacturing projects (e.g., several hundred) with different process designs, and multiple process plans had to be replanned to accommodate urgent requests such as a newly received manufacturing project with a shorter delivery date than the existing manufacturing projects. This service solves this problem.

[0060] The first pattern as a means of achieving the above-mentioned objectives of process planning is a pattern in which you want to automatically optimize all process cards for all projects, in order to reschedule the insertion of an urgent project so that the entire project falls within the delivery date. A specific use case example would be "fully automatic scheduling, targeting all cards within the range." "Pin" the selected card or "Do not select anything" are the settings to be optimized on the UI, while "Show all cases as search targets" is what will be displayed on the schedule.

[0061] In addition, the second pattern as a means of achieving the above-mentioned objective of process planning is a pattern in which you want to maximize the operation of bottleneck processes, so you want to automatically collapse specific process cards for all projects, but there are conditions such as whether it is okay to move the process preceding a project that includes a specific process, and whether it is okay to move the process following a project that includes a specific process.An example of a specific use case would be "fully automated scheduling only for the machining department (the process due dates are entered into all specific N process cards, and the optimal execution timing and person are found between the scheduled end date and time of the previous process card and the scheduled start date and time of the next process card)." In this use case example, in Case A, the settings to be optimized on the UI are "fix" the selected card and "do not select anything," and the content to be displayed on the schedule is "display only the specific process that you want to move."

[0062] In addition, the third pattern as a means of achieving the above-mentioned purpose of process planning is a pattern in which you want to automatically rearrange all process cards for a specific project in order to reschedule a delayed project without affecting other projects. A specific use case example would be "Do not review the current plan, but rearrange the entire project and look for what can be done (if a delay occurs in one specific project, set a recovery plan for the entire project without touching other projects, and for N specific projects, if there are multiple express trains inserted, set a production plan without touching the other plans)."

[0063] Furthermore, the fourth pattern as a means of achieving the above-mentioned objectives of process planning is a pattern in which you want to automatically rearrange a specific process card for a specific project in order to reschedule a delayed project without affecting other projects, but there are conditions as to whether it is okay to move the process before the project that includes the specific process, and whether it is okay to move the process after the project that includes the specific process. A specific use case example would be, "Do not review the current plan, but look for where you can do it by rearranging specific tasks (multiple projects, multiple cards) (if a delay occurs for one specific project, specific card, set up a recovery plan only for the delayed worker without touching the other projects, and for N specific projects, specific cards, if multiple tasks are delayed for some reason, move only the specific project, specific card)."

[0064] Next, with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, the correspondence between steps in creating a process plan and variables input at each step in the manufacturing operations in the workflow will be described. Each of Figs. 7 to 9 is a diagram showing the correspondence between steps in the creation of a process plan and variables input at each step in the manufacturing operations in a workflow. 1. Steps S41 to S43 in FIGS. 7 to 9 constituting step S4 correspond to step S4 in FIG.

[0065] In step S4 (process planning step), the process planning unit 54 executes a process of formulating plans related to equipment, schedules, and personnel as a process plan for each of the one or more processing steps, using variables based on the process chart. Specific steps for the process plan creation unit 54 to create (create) a process plan include the following steps S41 to S43, and various variables to be input at each step exist.

[0066] The purpose of step S41 is to "determine equipment", and the goal of this step is to "have the drawing received from the customer (client U) hanging on the equipment as a task". The variables in step S41 include "product dimensions," "required precision," "material," "processing details (number of faces, necessary tools, etc.)," ​​"presence or absence of jigs," and "equipment skills." The reason why the variable "product dimensions" is input information is because "the size determines what the equipment can handle." The reason why the variable "required accuracy" is input information is because "the accuracy that can be achieved is determined depending on the equipment." The reason why the variable "material" is input information is that "certain cutting tools are required depending on the material, and the cutting tools are installed on the equipment, which affects the selection of the equipment." In addition, the reason why the variable "processing content (number of faces, required tools, etc.)" becomes input information is because "the processing content that can be handled at one time is determined depending on the equipment." The reason why the variable "presence or absence of jig" becomes input information is that "when a repeat item is processed using a jig optimized for a single piece of equipment, it is automatically decided which equipment to use for processing." The reason why the variable "equipment skill" becomes input information is that "skill (label, label + numerical value) for equipment, e.g. new model / old model, weight capacity, etc."

[0067] The purpose of step S42 is to "determine a schedule," and the goal of this step is to achieve a state in which "tasks assigned to equipment have been prioritized (assembly is not taken into account in the 1st release, so cards (including free schedules) are arranged so that they do not overlap)." The variables in step S42 are "1. Delivery date", "2. Operation rate", "2.1 Nighttime processing", "2.2 Machining time length", "2.3 Co-processing diameter", "2.4 Co-processing material", "2.5 Overtime hours", "2.6 Equipment priority", "2.7 Equipment combination in previous and next processes", "2.8.1 Distribution of manufacturing lots - serial processing", "2.8.2 Distribution of manufacturing lots - parallel processing", "2.9 Consideration of component parts list", and "2.9 Work by multiple people". The numbers indicate the priority. The reason why the variable "1. Delivery date" is input information is because "Priority Goal, prioritize items with approaching delivery dates from customers." The reason why the variable "2. Operating rate" is input information is because "Secondary Goal, Goal is specified as a quantitative value." In addition, the reason why the variable "2.1 Nighttime processing" becomes input information is that "items that can be operated unmanned are scheduled for the night." In addition, the reason why the variable "2.2 Processing time length" becomes input information is that "if there is a 15-minute task and a 3-day task, even if the deadline for the 15-minute task is later, the 15-minute task will be performed first (to eliminate risk)." In addition, the reason why the variable "2.3 co-machining_diameter" becomes input information is that "if the diameters are the same and only the longitudinal dimensions differ, they will be machined together if the delivery dates are close." In addition, the reason why the variable “2.4 Co-processing_material” becomes input information is that “if the chips are mixed together, it would be difficult to dispose of them, so the materials are processed together (when processing different materials, cleaning work is required).” In addition, the reason why the variable "2.5 overtime hours" becomes input information is that "I try not to work overtime as much as possible, but I work overtime when I cannot meet the deadline." In addition, the reason why the variable "2.6 Equipment Priority" becomes input information is that "for example, if you basically want to use vertical machining, but when that is not available, you use horizontal machining, then on the product, the above equipment is placed in the same process group and priorities are assigned within the process group." In addition, the reason why the variable "2.7 Equipment combination in the upstream and downstream processes" becomes input information is that "when a specific piece of equipment (downstream process) is determined for a specific piece of equipment (upstream process), the downstream process for the upstream process must be determined. For example, a pallet changer (prestream process setup work) and a horizontal milling cutter (downstream process machining)." The reason why the variable "2.8.1 Distribution of manufacturing lots_serial processing" becomes input information is that "lots are processed by the lot size or the production volume per unit time (half a day's worth / full day's worth, etc.)." In addition, the reason why the variable “2.8.2 Distribution of manufacturing lots_parallel processing” becomes input information is that “the processes required to meet the delivery deadline are distributed into multiple parallel operations.” In addition, the reason why the variable “2.9 Consideration of the component bill of materials” becomes input information is that “after the lower-level parts in the component bill of materials are completed, we start manufacturing the higher-level products.” In addition, the reason why the variable "2.9 Working with multiple people" becomes input information is that "a task that would normally take one hour per person is planned to be completed in 30 minutes by two people working on it."

[0068] The purpose of step S43 is to "determine the person in charge", and the goal of this step is to "determine who will perform processing according to a fixed production schedule". The variables in step S43 include "personnel skill_maturity", "personnel skill_precision (customer)", "personnel skill_first product", and "personnel skill_complexity of shape". The reason why the variable "personnel skills_maturity" is input information is that "the skills of each worker for each piece of equipment defined in a rating chart, etc. It is taken into consideration when making adjustments so that workers are assigned to equipment with a high level of maturity as much as possible." In addition, the reason why the variable "staff skill_accuracy (customer)" is input information is that "items requiring high accuracy are often handled by experienced staff." In addition, the reason why the variable "personnel skills_first product" is input information is that "first products often have many uncertainties, so they are often handled by experienced personnel." In addition, the reason why the variable "personnel skill_complexity of shape" is input information is that "if the shape is complex, it is difficult to process, so it is often handled by an experienced person."

[0069] Next, with reference to FIG. 10 onwards, specific examples of input information, a process chart, an estimate and a process plan in the workflow of FIG. 1, as well as system screen images (user interface) for displaying and operating these specific examples will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for registering an estimate or an order, as a specific example of input information in the workflow of FIG.

[0070] In the user interface shown in Fig. 10, in the case of a quotation, basic information for the quotation (customer, quotation conditions, etc.), which is part of the input information, is input. Note that details of the quotation (drawings, product names, quantities, etc.) are displayed after step S3 in Fig. 1 etc. (although they are not displayed at the stage of step S1 in Fig. 1 etc.), but are displayed in Fig. 10 for convenience of explanation. Also, drawings necessary for the quotation, which are part of the input information, are registered. In the case of estimates, past similar estimates are searched for or estimates are created from past similar estimates (the AI ​​displays past similar cases along with matching scores, and estimate information can be copied by selecting it). On the other hand, when receiving an order, you enter basic information about the order (customer, delivery date, etc.), and order details (drawings, product name, quantity, etc.). You also register the drawings for the ordered items. In the case of an order, a user interface for registering orders (not shown) is displayed by selecting a button for arranging the ordered item. This user interface for registering orders includes a "table of correspondence between order details and allocated lots" and a "table of correspondence between order details of related components and allocated lots." The supplementary information regarding the former "Correspondence table between ordering details and allocated lots" is as follows: "Ordered items are allocated to lots. There are lots that are stored as inventory, lots that are being ordered in progress, and lots that are being newly ordered, and an algorithm is used to allocate items with the earliest delivery dates in order from the top down. If there is a shortage, a new lot is ordered and then the ordered items are allocated." The supplement to the latter "Table of correspondence between related component part procurement details and allocation lots" is "If the procured item contains a component part, the required quantity of the component parts is calculated and then allocated."

[0071] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for inputting basic information for designing a manufacturing process, as a specific example of input information in the workflow of FIG. This is a user interface for entering basic information for manufacturing lot registration as part of the input information, and among the arranged lots, the lots to be manufactured in-house are displayed as a manufacturing lot list. The manufacturing process is designed to determine how to manufacture the manufacturing lot.

[0072] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of drawings required for an estimate or drawings of an ordered product as a specific example of input information in the workflow of Fig. 1. As a part of the input information, a detailed drawing (product drawing of a spacer) as shown in Fig. 12 is registered.

[0073] In step S1 of FIG. 1, when the input information exemplified in FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 is acquired, in step S2, a process chart is created based on the input information. As described above, when a process schedule is created, in step S22 of FIG. 5, in order to determine the use case, it is determined whether or not there has been a quote in the past for the same or a similar drawing of the specified product that is the subject of the current quote. A specific example of whether or not a drawing is similar will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0074] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface in which similar past results are displayed together with a matching score. In the example of Fig. 13, if the procured lot inherits the order specification's drawing (abbreviated as "A" in the figure), part number, quantity, and delivery date (examples of input information), or if new information such as a drawing is input, similar past results are displayed together with a matching score by the process chart / estimate AI 81, and the results information can be copied by selecting it. In the example of FIG. 13, the past performance of a similar drawing A', the past performance of a similar drawing A'', and the past performance of a similar drawing A''' are shown.

[0075] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of similarity between drawings. For example, suppose drawing A in the example of FIG. 13 is drawing A on the left side of FIG. In this case, drawing A' on the right side of FIG. Therefore, if drawing A' on the right side of FIG. 14 exists as a past achievement, the past achievement of similar drawing A' will be displayed together with the matching score, as shown in FIG. It should be noted that the drawing in FIG. 14 is intended to merely explain a similar concept, and is therefore intentionally different from the drawings of input information in FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0076] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface when editing information after calling up past results for a process schedule generated based on the drawing in Fig. 12. Note that an example of a user interface related to "precision and material" and "process sequence" after inputting "basic information" in Fig. 11 is omitted. That is, the process schedule generating unit 52 uses the process schedule / estimate AI 81 to generate the process schedule shown in FIG. 15 based on the drawing in FIG. 12 (spacer product drawing). The process schedule in FIG. 15 displays information such as setup time (setup time) and processing time (processing / piece) for each process of "NC lathe", "vertical machining center", and "drill press". This process schedule also displays the cost calculated by multiplying the time for each process by man and machine charges. With this cost in hand, it becomes easy to create an estimate as shown in FIG. 17 described below. Fig. 15 is an example of a user interface related to "man-hours" in a process chart, and the estimated man-hours for each process are displayed not only as past planned man-hours for the same part number, but also as past actual man-hours for the same part number or similar products, and can be registered and edited by selecting them. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a process chart generated based on the drawing in FIG. 12 and obtained as a result of editing in FIG.

[0077] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an estimate generated based on the process chart of FIG. The estimate shown in Figure 17 shows the estimated amount determined by adding a profit to the cost of the schedule.

[0078] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for a process plan generated based on the process chart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the process plan includes a schedule for each process (each piece of equipment: in this example, an NC lathe, a vertical machining center, and a drill press) and a schedule for personnel (persons in charge) of a specific piece of equipment. In this way, the plans for each process (each piece of equipment) and personnel (personnel) can be conveniently seen at a glance.

[0079] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are considered to be included in the present invention.

[0080] Furthermore, the system configuration shown in FIG. 2 and the hardware configuration of the server 1 shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited.

[0081] In addition, the functional block diagram shown in Fig. 4 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. In other words, it is sufficient that the information processing system in Fig. 2 is provided with a function capable of executing the above-mentioned various processes as a whole, and the functional blocks and databases used to realize this function are not particularly limited to the example in Fig. 4.

[0082] Furthermore, the locations of the functional blocks and databases are not limited to those shown in FIG. 4 and may be arbitrary. For example, at least a part of the functional blocks and databases arranged on the server 1 side may be provided on the manufacturer terminal 2 side, the client terminal 3 side, or another information processing device (not shown).

[0083] Furthermore, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination of both.

[0084] When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed into a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs thereon, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0085] A recording medium containing such a program may be composed not only of a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also of a recording medium that is provided to the user in a pre-installed state in the device main body.

[0086] In this specification, the steps of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium include not only processes that are performed chronologically according to the order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically but are executed in parallel or individually.

[0087] In summary, it is sufficient for an information processing device to which the present invention is applied to have the following configuration, and various embodiments can be adopted. That is, an information processing device to which the present invention is applied (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4) An information processing device for creating an estimate for the production of a predetermined product, an input information acquiring means (e.g., the input information acquiring unit 51 in FIG. 4) for acquiring input information (e.g., information input in FIGS. 10 to 12) including a drawing (e.g., the drawing shown in FIG. 12) of the predetermined product (e.g., the spacer shown in FIG. 12); a process schedule generating means (e.g., the process schedule generating unit 52 in FIG. 4) for generating a plan including a setup time and a processing time for each of one or more processing steps for producing the specified product by a predetermined algorithm using the input information, and generating a process schedule (e.g., the process schedule shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 16) showing each of the plans for each of the one or more processing steps; an estimate creating means (e.g., the estimate creating unit 53 in FIG. 4) for creating the estimate (e.g., the estimate shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 17) when the predetermined product is produced by the one or more processing steps based on the process chart; It will be enough if you have this.

[0088] This makes it possible to automate process design work, which includes personal elements, and generate a schedule, thereby improving work efficiency and enabling more accurate estimates to be created based on the schedule.

[0089] A process plan making means (e.g., the process plan making unit 54 in FIG. 4) for making plans regarding equipment, schedules, and personnel for each of the one or more processing steps as a process plan (e.g., the process plan shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 18) using variables based on the process chart (e.g., the variables shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9). The sensor may further include: This enables the automation of manufacturing operations that involve personnel-dependent elements, thereby improving work efficiency and enabling more accurate process plans to be drawn up based on process charts.

[0090] The predetermined algorithm is an algorithm (e.g., an algorithm for executing step S2 in FIG. 5) that searches for an estimate of the same product as the predetermined product or an estimate of a drawing similar to the drawing from among a plurality of estimates related to each of a plurality of past productions of products, and generates the process chart based on the search results. It can be said that:

[0091] The predetermined algorithm is a model obtained as a result of predetermined machine learning, and is an algorithm that uses a model (e.g., a process chart / estimate AI81 and a process plan AI82 in FIG. 4) that outputs a predetermined value when at least a part of the input information is input. It can be said that: [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] Reference Signs List 1 server, 2 manufacturer terminal, 3 client terminal, 11 CPU, 12 ROM, 13 RAM, 14 bus, 15 input / output interface, 16 input section, 17 output section, 18 storage section, 19 communication section, 20 drive, 30 removable media, 51 input information acquisition section, 52 process chart generation section, 53 estimate creation section, 54 process planning section, 71 history DB, 81 process chart / estimate AI, 82 process planning AI

Claims

1. An information processing device for creating an estimate for the production of a predetermined product, An input information acquisition means for acquiring input information including a drawing of the predetermined product; a process schedule generating means for generating a plan including a setup time and a processing time for each of one or more processing steps for producing the predetermined product by a predetermined algorithm using the input information, and generating a process schedule showing each of the plans for each of the one or more processing steps; an estimate creating means for creating an estimate for producing the predetermined product through the one or more processing steps based on the process chart; An information processing device comprising:

2. a process plan creation means for creating a process plan for each of the one or more processing steps, the process plan including plans for equipment, schedules, and personnel, using variables based on the process chart; The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The predetermined algorithm is an algorithm for searching for an estimate of a product identical to the predetermined product or an estimate of a drawing similar to the drawing from among a plurality of estimates related to the past production of a plurality of products, and generating the process chart based on the search results. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The predetermined algorithm is a model obtained as a result of predetermined machine learning, and is an algorithm that uses a model that produces a predetermined output when at least a part of the input information is input. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing device for creating an estimate for the production of a predetermined product, comprising: An input information acquisition step of acquiring input information including a drawing of the predetermined product; a process chart generation step of creating a plan including a setup time and a processing time for each of one or more processing steps for producing the predetermined product by a predetermined algorithm using the input information, and generating a process chart showing each of the plans for each of the one or more processing steps; an estimate creation step of creating the estimate for producing the predetermined product by the one or more processing steps based on the process chart; An information processing method comprising:

6. A computer that generates an estimate for the production of a predetermined product, An input information acquisition step of acquiring input information including a drawing of the predetermined product; a process chart generation step of creating a plan including a setup time and a processing time for each of one or more processing steps for producing the predetermined product by a predetermined algorithm using the input information, and generating a process chart showing each of the plans for each of the one or more processing steps; an estimate creation step of creating the estimate for producing the predetermined product by the one or more processing steps based on the process chart; A program that executes control processing including:

Images