Operation status management system of asset

Abstract

To determine presence / absence of the possibility of loss of each asset on the basis of an operation status of each asset, and notify a manager or the like of the fact that an asset that can be lost is detected, in a system 2 managing the operation status of each asset.SOLUTION: The system 2 managing the operation status of each asset stored in a space includes: means for calculating a loss possibility index value becoming larger as the possibility of loss of an asset becomes higher, on the basis of the operation status of the asset; and means for notifying a manager or a user of a system of the fact that an asset that the loss possibility index value exceeds a threshold determined on the basis of the loss possibility index value calculated on the basis of the operation status of the loss of the asset lost in the past is detected, among the assets whose movement status is managed by the system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for managing the operational status of assets (items) stored in a space, and more particularly to a system for managing the possibility of loss of assets and whether or not they are in operation. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems have been proposed that manage information such as the presence or absence of assets and their storage locations, thereby enabling asset operational status management. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that attaches RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags (mono tags) containing item information identifying the assets to the assets, places RFID tags (location tags) containing location information at appropriately selected locations in a space where the assets may be placed, and sequentially reads the mono tags and location tags with an RFID reader. The system identifies the surrounding area (zone) of a location tag read close to the time of reading a mono tag as the area where the asset associated with the mono tag is located. This system configuration conveniently enables management of the storage and removal of assets simply by reading the RFID tags attached to the assets and their locations with an RFID reader. Patent Document 2 also proposes a system that determines the presence or absence of surplus assets based on operational data representing the operational status of IT assets and surplus determination rules that describe the operational status requirements for determining whether an asset has surplus. In addition, Patent Document 3 proposes a system that calculates value data representing the offering price when an IT asset is provided, based on supply and demand data representing the transition of demand or supply of multiple IT assets operating in multiple business systems, performance data including the offering price, and data regarding the IT asset to be evaluated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2023-9899 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2007-11620 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2007-11621 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a system that manages the storage status, movement status, and take-out or loan status of any asset in a space such as a warehouse (hereinafter referred to as "operational status"), an asset whose status is being managed may be lost as it is repeatedly taken out, returned, and stored. Since there is a certain tendency in the operation status of such lost assets prior to their loss, it can be determined that assets with similar operating status trends are likely to be lost in the future. Therefore, if a system that manages asset operation status could determine whether the operation status of each managed asset is similar to the operation status of the lost asset prior to its loss, detect the possibility of each asset being lost, and notify the manager, etc., if an asset that may be lost is found, it is believed that the loss of assets can be prevented.

[0005] Thus, the main object of the present invention is to enable a system for managing the operational status of assets to determine whether or not each asset is likely to be lost based on the operational status of each asset, and to notify a manager or other person of the fact when an asset that may be lost is detected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, the above problem is solved by a system for managing the movement status of assets stored in a space, which comprises: means for calculating a loss probability index value based on the operational status of the asset, the value of which increases as the probability of the asset being lost increases; a means for notifying an administrator or a user of the system when an asset whose loss probability index value exceeds a threshold determined based on a loss probability index value calculated based on the operation status of assets that have been lost in the past is detected among the assets whose movement status is managed by the system; This is achieved by a system including:

[0007] In the system of the present invention, the "operational status" of an asset refers to the storage status of the asset (whether the asset is present in the space) and the status of asset movement, removal, or lending (such as removal time, return time, and removal period). The system for managing asset operation status may have any configuration. In one embodiment, for example, an asset is assigned a mono tag, which is an RFID tag having its identification information recorded thereon, and each of multiple locations in the space is assigned a location tag, which is an RFID tag having the identification information of each location recorded thereon. An RFID reader is moved to any location in the space, reads the identification information from the mono tag and the location tag, identifies the location of the asset based on the read identification information, and manages the storage of each asset at a location within the space. The "loss probability index value" is, as described above, an index value calculated based on the asset operation status such that the higher the likelihood of the asset being lost, the larger the index value. More specifically, the loss probability index value is calculated using an appropriately set method using index values ​​representing operating conditions related to the possibility of asset loss, such as the length of asset storage, the length of time the asset has been removed, and the difference between the planned and actual period of removal, so that the greater the likelihood of asset loss, the greater the index value becomes. Here, knowledge used to calculate the loss probability index value, such as which index values ​​are related to the possibility of asset loss, or which index values ​​and conditions increase the likelihood of asset loss, can be collected appropriately by referring to the operating conditions of past asset losses, and a method for calculating the loss probability index value can be appropriately set based on such collected knowledge. The "threshold" for the "loss probability index value" is determined based on the loss probability index value calculated based on the operating conditions of past asset losses, as described above.

[0008] In the system configuration of the present invention, an index value representing the likelihood of loss is calculated for each asset managed by the system as needed, and when the loss likelihood index value calculated for a certain asset exceeds a threshold value determined based on the loss likelihood index value calculated based on the operating status of an asset previously lost before it was lost, that is, when the loss likelihood index value for that asset becomes similar to the loss likelihood index value of an asset previously lost, it is determined that the likelihood of loss of that asset has increased, and a notification to that effect is sent to the manager or user. With this configuration, when the manager or user receives notification that the likelihood of loss of an asset has increased, it is expected that they will take some kind of action to avoid the loss of the asset, thereby preventing the loss of the asset.

[0009] In the above configuration, the loss probability index value of each asset may be calculated when there is a change in the state of the asset, for example, when the asset is taken out or returned, using an index value appropriately selected to represent the state up to that point. Note that the loss probability index value of each asset may be calculated at a time appropriately set by the administrator or user. An example of calculating the loss probability index value (loss points) will be exemplified in the embodiment section described later.

[0010] In the system of the present invention, confirmation of whether each asset managed by the system is in operation may be performed as needed. For example, if a loss probability index value for a certain asset has not been calculated for a period that may be set arbitrarily, or if the asset has not been in operation since the last inventory, the asset may be determined to be in operation and this may be recorded in a database or the like. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] Thus, according to the system of the present invention, when managing the storage status or operation status of assets within a space, if an asset that may be lost is detected, the administrator or user will be notified of this, and measures to avoid the loss of the asset will be taken, which is expected to prevent the loss of the asset. Since the present invention makes it possible to appropriately grasp the possibility of loss of each asset, it is particularly advantageous when there are a large number of assets to be managed, or when the space in which the assets are stored is large or there are many assets.

[0012] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Fig. 1(A) is a schematic diagram of the general configuration of a system for managing the operational status of assets (items) according to this embodiment, and Fig. 1(B) is a block diagram showing the configuration for detecting and notifying the possibility of loss and determining the operational status in the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the process of detecting the possibility of asset loss in the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3(A) is a list of operation-related items that are input and recorded for each asset in the system according to this embodiment. Figure 3(B) is a list of calculation items (variables) used to calculate the lost points for each asset in the system according to this embodiment, and the calculation method. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a list of lost points added to each calculation item (variable) in the calculation of lost points for each asset in the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether an asset is in operation in the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a list of items indicating the operating status of each asset recorded in the database in the system according to this embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0014] 1...space, 2...asset operation status management system (computer device), 3...display, S1...communication means, Ts1~...location tag (RFID tag), Tp1~...mono tag (RFID tag), R...RFID reader BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to some preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like parts.

[0016] Asset Operation Status Management System Overview In a system (asset operation status management system) for managing the operation status of assets (items) according to this embodiment, a system (asset location system) that detects the location of assets within a space using RFID technology may confirm whether the assets are stored within the space or taken out of the space. First, referring to FIG. 1 , in an asset location system using RFID technology, briefly stated, information on the presence or absence of each asset in space 1 where the assets may be stored and information on its location (information on where it is located) are recorded and managed in system 2, which may be any type of computer device. To record the presence or absence and location information of each asset, specifically, RFID tags (location tags) Ts1, Ts2, etc., each carrying identification information for identifying a location, are first attached to a plurality of locations that may be arbitrarily selected within space 1. Note that information on the location of each location tag in space 1 is recorded in system 2 at the time the tag is attached (the location information of the location tag may be manually recorded by a user or administrator). Furthermore, RFID tags (mono tags) Tp1, Tp2, etc., on which identification information for identifying each asset is recorded, are assigned in advance to each asset placed in the space 1. When recording the location of each asset, the user brings the RFID reader R (by moving) to the vicinity of the mono tag of each asset, reads the mono tag with the reader R to obtain the identification information of each asset, and also reads the location tag in the vicinity of the asset to obtain the identification information of that location, and the identification information obtained from these tags is transmitted from the reader R to the system 2 via any wireless or wired communication means S1. Thus, in the system 2, the asset is identified as being placed in the vicinity of the location tag obtained in the vicinity along with the identification information of each asset, and such location information is recorded.

[0017] In addition, in system 2, the positions of location tags and object tags (asset positions) in space 1 may be displayed within an image 1a of space 1, which is depicted as a two-dimensional planar image on the screen of display 3. This allows the positions of assets in space 1 to be visually grasped, which is expected to make asset location search faster and asset position management easier. Furthermore, in the above system, information such as the date and time each asset was taken out of its storage location and the date and time it was returned to its storage location, as listed in Figure 3(A), may be input into system 2 and displayed on the screen of display 3, as schematically depicted in the lower part of Figure 1(A).

[0018] In the asset operation status management system 2 according to this embodiment, a lost point, which is an index of the possibility of loss of each asset, is calculated based on the operation status of each asset input and recorded in the system, and the possibility of loss of each asset is detected and reported. Furthermore, a determination is made as to whether each asset is in operation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1B, the lost point calculation unit calculates the lost point for each asset based on the information on the take-out and return dates and times of each asset input from the take-out and return date and time input unit and the information on whether the asset is stored by the asset location identification system. When an asset whose lost point exceeds a threshold set as described below is detected, the loss possibility notification unit notifies the system administrator or user that the asset may be lost. Furthermore, the operation status determination unit may determine whether each asset is in operation based on the calculated lost point for each asset and the take-out and return status of each asset.

[0019] Managing the risk of losing assets In the system of this embodiment, as described above, in addition to identifying the storage location within the space of each asset to be managed, information (information related to the operation status) that enables understanding of the asset's operation status, such as the start date and time of the asset's take-out (or loan), the deadline date and time (return deadline date and time), the date and time of the request for take-out, the scheduled date and time of return (return approval date and time), and the date and time of the return (return confirmation date and time), as illustrated in FIG. 3(A), may be input and recorded into the system by any method. The take-out or return of each asset may be confirmed using the asset location identification system described above. The system of this embodiment then detects whether each asset may be lost based on the information related to the operation status, and if a certain asset is detected as possibly lost, notifies the system administrator or user. FIG. 2 shows in flowchart form the process of detecting whether each asset stored and managed by the system may be lost and issuing a notification (warning).

[0020] Referring to FIG. 2, specifically, first, information regarding the operational status of a certain asset, such as a record of removal and return, is generated (step 1). Then, the information listed in FIG. 3A is confirmed (step 2). Lost points, which are an index value indicating the likelihood of loss of the asset, are calculated based on the operational status information (step 3). Lost points may be recalculated at intervals appropriately set by the system administrator or user. Simply put, lost points are index values ​​adjusted based on information regarding the operational status of previously lost assets leading up to their loss, so that the higher the likelihood of loss, the higher the value. As mentioned above, the operational status of previously lost assets often shows certain trends, such as assets often being removed for long periods of time or not being returned by the scheduled return date. Therefore, the system administrator or user may appropriately select or determine the method of calculating lost points to reflect such trends. For example, in one embodiment, the items illustrated in FIG. 3(B) are calculated using the information listed in FIG. 3(A) according to the respective methods shown in the figure. Furthermore, the calculated items in FIG. 3(B) are used to determine the additional points (additional points P) to be assigned to each variable listed in FIG. 4. Here, A and B (>A) represent the amount of points to be assigned to each variable, and C, D (>C), E, ​​F (>E), G, H (>G), I, J (>I), K, and L (>K) represent the number of days that may be set appropriately. For example, for variable Ish41, if the planned number of days until removal is less than C days, 0 points are assigned; if C days or more but less than D days, A points are assigned; and if D days or more, B points are assigned. Lost property points X may be calculated using the following formula: X=a41·Ish41+a42·Ish42+a43·Ish43+a44·Ish44+a45·Ish45+a46·Ish46+a47·Ish47+a48·Ish48+a49·Ish49 Here, a41 to a49 are coefficients that are set appropriately.

[0021] Thereafter, it is determined whether the loss point X is greater than a threshold value Xo, which may be set as appropriate (step 4). Here, the threshold value Xo may be determined based on the loss point calculated based on the operating status of previously lost assets up until the time of their loss, and specifically, may be a value similar to the loss point of previously lost assets. If the loss point X is greater than the threshold value Xo, it is determined that the asset may be lost, and a warning to that effect is issued to the system administrator or user. This allows the system administrator or user to take some kind of action to prevent the asset from being lost, thereby preventing the asset from being lost.

[0022] Asset operational status management The system of this embodiment may be configured to determine whether each asset is in operation using information related to the calculation time of the lost property points and the operating status, and record the information. The determination of the operating status of each asset may be performed at regular intervals (e.g., every three months) appropriately set by the system administrator or user. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 5, first, it is determined whether lost property points have been calculated for each asset in the past (step 11). Here, if lost property points have not been calculated for a certain asset, it is a newly stored and managed asset, and therefore may not be subject to the determination of whether the asset is in operation. On the other hand, if the lost point calculation for a certain asset has been performed in the past, but the calculation of the lost point has not been performed within a predetermined period (within Z months), which may be set as appropriate (i.e., the operation information has not been updated within the predetermined period) (step 12), and the asset has not been recorded as being in operation during an asset inventory (a confirmation of the existence of assets, which is usually performed once a year as part of asset management required for tax returns) (step 13), and furthermore, the asset has not been recorded as being in operation during a normal asset existence confirmation (step 14), the asset may be determined to be in operation (step 15) and recorded as such in the database. On the other hand, if the lost point calculation has been performed within a predetermined period, or the asset has been recorded as being in operation during an asset inventory, or the asset has been recorded as being in operation during a normal asset existence confirmation, the asset may be determined to be in operation (step 16) and recorded as such in the database. This makes it possible to determine whether each asset under storage management is in operation.

[0023] The database of the system of this embodiment may record the items shown in Fig. 6 for each asset. This makes it possible to easily manage the operating status of each asset under storage management and whether or not there is a possibility of it being lost.

[0024] According to the system of the present embodiment, it is expected that measures to prevent the loss of assets that may be lost can be taken, and loss can be prevented. The system of the present embodiment is advantageous in that it can appropriately grasp the possibility of loss of each asset when there are a large number of assets to manage or when the space in which the assets are stored is large or many.

[0025] The above description has been made in relation to the embodiments of the present invention, but it will be apparent that many modifications and changes will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, but can be applied to various devices without departing from the concept of the present invention.

Claims

[Claim 1] A system for managing the movement of assets stored in a space, means for calculating a loss probability index value based on the operational status of the asset, the value of which increases as the probability of the asset being lost increases; a means for notifying an administrator or a user of the system when an asset whose loss probability index value exceeds a threshold determined based on a loss probability index value calculated based on the operation status of assets that have been lost in the past is detected among the assets whose movement status is managed by the system; A system including:

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