Production management system and method

Abstract

To ensure product traceability in an environment where product manufacturing-related information is managed in a distributed manner across individual factories.SOLUTION: A production management system 10 comprises process management servers 1A to 1D, which share and manage a series of manufacturing processes 6, and a production control server 2, which sends an identification number issuance request signal 21 to the process management servers 1. When receiving the signal 21, the process management server 1C, which manages an intermediate stage in the manufacturing processes 6, receives a post-process identification number for a product from the process management server 1D that manages a subsequent process, issues a pre-process identification number for the product in association with the received post-process identification number, sends the issued pre-process identification number to the process management server 1B that manages the preceding process, and sends an identification number issuance completion signal 22 to the production control server 2. Based on the signal 22 received from the process management servers 1, the production control server 2 determines whether or not to send a production start signal 23 to the process management servers 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a production management system and method for managing a series of manufacturing processes for a product. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to the mad cow disease issue and increased consumer awareness of food hygiene, systems have been provided in recent years that allow consumers to easily check information such as the quality and country of origin of food when purchasing it. For example, the product information provision system disclosed in Patent Document 1 below allows consumers to refer to information about the ingredients and country of origin of a product such as coffee beans before or after purchasing it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-027394 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As exemplified in Patent Document 1, in the food manufacturing industry, a system has been provided that enables tracking of records from the place of origin (producer) of a product (food) through the manufacturing process, distribution, and consumption, and its introduction is being promoted. Such a food traceability system is realized by an integrated core business system (ERP: Enterprise Resources Planning) that collects and manages related information and data in one place.

[0005] On the other hand, in recent years, in the case of industrial products other than food, such as solar cells, in order to improve the security of product manufacturing information and manufacturing data, information and data related to product manufacturing are increasingly being managed and stored in a distributed manner for each production line and factory that carries out each manufacturing process.

[0006] Furthermore, in recent industrial products, the number of components that make up the final product has increased, and supply chains have become more diverse. As supply chains become more diverse, the number of different types of final products also increases. Therefore, in today's environment where information and data related to product manufacturing are managed separately for each production line and factory, it has been difficult to trace information from the final product back through the process to the country of origin. In this environment where information and data related to product manufacturing are managed separately for each production line and factory, there is a need to ensure product traceability.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a technology for ensuring product traceability in an environment where information and data related to product manufacturing are managed in a distributed manner for each manufacturing line or factory. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention for solving the above problems includes, for example, the following aspects. (Section 1) multiple process control servers that each share and manage a series of manufacturing processes for a product; a production control server that transmits an identification number issuance request signal to the process control server; Equipped with When the process control server that controls the intermediate process of the manufacturing process receives the identification number issuance request signal, receiving a post-process identification number for the product from the process control server that controls the process immediately following the process that the server controls, issuing a pre-process identification number for the product in association with the received post-process identification number; Transmitting the issued pre-process identification number to the process control server that manages the process immediately before the process that the server manages; Sending an identification number issuance completion signal to the production control server; A production management system in which the production control server determines whether to send a production start signal to the plurality of process control servers based on the plurality of identification number issuance completion signals received from the plurality of process control servers. (Section 2) When the process control server that manages the final process of the manufacturing process receives the identification number issuance request signal, receiving an identification number of the product from the production control server; issuing a pre-process identification number for the product in association with the received product identification number; Transmitting the issued pre-process identification number to the process control server that manages the process immediately before the process that the server manages; Item 2. The production management system according to item 1, wherein the identification number issuance completion signal is transmitted to the production control server. (Section 3) When the process control server that manages the first process of the manufacturing process receives the identification number issuance request signal, receiving a post-process identification number for the product from the process control server that controls the process immediately following the process that the server controls, The received post-process identification number is recorded in association with the pre-process identification number of the product; Item 1. The production management system according to item 1, wherein an identification number issuance completion signal is sent to the production control server. (Section 4) Item 2. The production management system according to item 1, wherein each of the process management servers, upon receiving the production start signal, instructs the production equipment it manages to carry out the process. (Section 5) Item 2. The production control system according to item 1, wherein the production control server transmits the production start signal to all of the process control servers when the production control server receives the identification number issuance completion signal from all of the process control servers. (Section 6) the production control server transmits the identification number issuance request signal to the process control server that manages the final process of the product; Item 1, a production management system in which each of the process control servers managing the intermediate processes and the process control server managing the final process transmits the received identification number issuance request signal to the process control server managing the process immediately preceding the process it manages. (Section 7) Item 7. A production management system as described in Item 6, wherein each of the process control servers that manage the intermediate processes transmits the identification number issuance completion signal to the production control server, and then transmits the identification number issuance request signal to the process control server that manages the process immediately before the process that it manages. (Section 8) Item 2. The production management system according to item 1, wherein the production control server transmits the identification number issuance request signal to each of the process control servers. (Section 9) Item 2. The production management system according to item 1, wherein the production control server transmits the production start signal to each of the process control servers. (Section 10) the production control server transmits the production start signal to the process control server that manages the final process of the product; Item 1, a production management system in which each of the process management servers managing the intermediate processes and the process management server managing the final process transmits the received production start signal to the process management server managing the process immediately preceding the process it manages. (Section 11) A production management method in a production management system including a plurality of process control servers each of which is responsible for managing a series of manufacturing processes of a product, and a production supervision server which transmits an identification number issuance request signal to the process control servers, Each of the process control servers that manage intermediate processes in the manufacturing process, receiving the identification number issuance request signal; receiving a post-process identification number for the product from the process control server that controls a process immediately following the process that the process control server manages; issuing a pre-process identification number for the product in association with the received post-process identification number; transmitting the issued pre-process identification number to the process control server that manages a process immediately before the process that the server manages; a step of transmitting an identification number issuance completion signal to the production control server; Including, a step of determining whether or not the production control server should transmit a production start signal to the plurality of process control servers based on the plurality of identification number issuance completion signals received from the plurality of process control servers; Production management methods, including: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology for ensuring product traceability in an environment in which information and data related to product manufacturing are managed in a distributed manner for each manufacturing line or factory. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a production management system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the flow of data and signals in a production management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a production management system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals will denote the same or similar components, and therefore, redundant descriptions of the same or similar components will be omitted. [composition]

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a general configuration of a production management system according to an embodiment.

[0013] A production management system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of process control servers 1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) each of which is responsible for managing a series of manufacturing processes 6 for a product, and a production control server 2 which transmits an identification number issuance request signal 21 to the process control server 1.

[0014] The process control servers 1 are connected to each other via a network 5 so that they can communicate data with each other at least before and after the processes they manage. In this embodiment, each process control server 1 is located at each factory 3 (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) that processes each process in the manufacturing process 6. While it is preferable to provide a process control server 1 for each process as in this embodiment, in other embodiments, the process control server 1 may be provided, for example, for each company or for each organization within a company.

[0015] The production control server 2 is connected to a plurality of process control servers 1 via a network 5 so as to be able to communicate data with them. In this embodiment, the production control server 2 is located in a company that has placed an order for the manufacture of a product.

[0016] The process control server 1 and production control server 2 can be configured using a general-purpose electronic calculator (computer) such as a workstation or personal computer. Such a computer has, as hardware components not shown, a processor such as a CPU that processes data, memory used by the processor as a work area for data processing, an auxiliary storage device, and a communication interface (I / F). The computer can further have an input unit and a display unit.

[0017] The auxiliary storage device is, for example, a magnetic disk device, and stores an operating system (OS), various control programs, data generated by the programs, etc. The input unit is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and the display unit is, for example, an LCD monitor.

[0018] The network 5 may be a public network such as the Internet, or a private network such as an in-house intranet or VPN. The network 5 may be connected via a wired connection such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or EtherCAT (registered trademark), or via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0019] In this embodiment, the process control server 1 is realized as an integrated device, but the process control server 1 does not necessarily have to be an integrated device. The hardware components that make up the process control server 1 may be located in different locations and connected to each other via a network. The production control server 2 is similar to the process control server 1. Overview of operation

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the flow of data and signals in a production management system according to one embodiment.

[0021] An overview of the operation of the production control system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. When each process control server 1 located in each factory 3 receives an identification number issuance request signal 21, it executes a predetermined identification number issuance process (steps S2 to S5) described below. Upon completing the identification number issuance process, each process control server 1 transmits an identification number issuance completion signal 22 to the production control server 2. Based on the multiple identification number issuance completion signals 22 received from the multiple process control servers 1, the production control server 2 determines whether to transmit a production start signal 23 to the multiple process control servers 1. When the production control server 2 determines that it has received the identification number issuance completion signal 22 from, for example, all process control servers 1, it transmits the production start signal 23 to, for example, all process control servers 1. Each process control server 1 that receives the production start signal 23 then instructs its own managed production equipment (not shown) in its respective factory 3 to carry out the process.

[0022] In this way, according to the production management system 10, the production control server 2 confirms that the issuance of a product identification number has been completed in each process control server 1 that is responsible for managing the series of product manufacturing processes 6, and then the production control server 2 instructs each process control server 1 to start manufacturing the product. This ensures that the issuance of a product identification number has been completed in each process control server 1. If it is guaranteed that the issuance of a product identification number has been completed in each process, it becomes possible to reliably trace production-related information for a product, such as the manufacturer and country of manufacture for each process, back through the manufacturing process 6 from the final product based on the product identification number (e.g., serial number) held by the purchaser 8, for example. ·Manufacturing process

[0023] Hereinafter, the object processed in each step of the product manufacturing process 6 will be referred to as an article. The shape and configuration of the article change in each step, for example, through the flow of raw materials, molded products, parts, assemblies, products, and packaged products. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, manufacturing process 6 includes four steps. In the first manufacturing step, molded products are manufactured from raw materials in Factory A. In Factory A, raw materials are obtained by purchasing them, for example, from a trading company. In the second manufacturing step, parts are manufactured from molded products in Factory B. In the third manufacturing step, assemblies are manufactured from parts in Factory C. In the fourth manufacturing step, final products are manufactured from assemblies in Factory D. In the case of manufacturing a solar cell as the final product, for example, the raw materials include silicon wafers, glass plates, resin pellets, metal ingots, chemical solutions containing molten organic and inorganic components and reagents, sheets mainly made of organic or inorganic fibers, wiring, etc. The molded products include inorganic and organic sheet materials, the housing of an electrical box for extracting electricity, composite reinforced materials that form the base of a power-generating substrate, and organic and inorganic sheet materials that form the base material of a power-generating sheet. The components are, for example, a power generation substrate, a power generation sheet, an electrical box for extracting electricity, etc. The assemblies are, for example, a solar power generation panel and a solar power generation sheet.

[0024] An identification number is assigned to each item in each process. The assigned identification number is stored as data in each process control server 1. The identification number can also be associated with information such as the production volume (quantity), manufacturer, and country of manufacture (hereinafter referred to as production-related information). This production-related information associated with the identification number is stored as data in each process control server 1 together with the identification number. Identification number

[0025] An identification number is a unique number assigned to an item at each step of a series of manufacturing processes 6 for a product, and is automatically assigned at each step. Identification numbers are not limited to numbers (numeric characters), but may also include, for example, alphanumeric characters (numeric characters and alphabets), symbols (e.g., "#", "%", hyphens), and combinations of these. That is, identification numbers are not limited to numbers (numeric characters), but may also include, for example, alphabets and symbols in addition to numbers. Preferably, identification numbers include the name of a company or organization, the location where the process is performed, and the date on which the process is performed. Identification numbers may be printed directly on the item, or may be attached to the item using a sticker or paper medium, for example. Identification numbers may be attached directly to the item using, for example, a barcode or two-dimensional code, or may be virtually assigned through electronic management.

[0026] The identification number can be associated with production-related information such as the company, organization, country, and production date. The production-related information associated with the identification number can be any information that identifies the raw materials and semi-processed products used in the item. More preferably, the production-related information includes information such as the processing date of the item, the manufacturer, the country to which the manufacturer belongs, and the country of manufacture. Data storage

[0027] In each process control server 1, data is stored after a specified process (e.g., molding, processing, assembly, etc.) is performed on an item, before the item is handed over to the process control server 1 of the immediately following process, at the same time as the item is handed over, or immediately after the item is handed over. From the perspective of data confidentiality, it is preferable that the production control server 2 cannot be accessed to obtain information. Since the production control server 2 receives communications from each process control server 1, mutual information exchange between the process control server 1 and the production control server can potentially serve as a starting point for accessing information on another process control server. For this reason, an environment in which only necessary information can be received from the process control server 1 is preferable. [procedure]

[0028] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the production management system according to one embodiment.

[0029] 2, the operation of process control server 1A, which manages the first process (the most upstream process) of manufacturing process 6, and process control server 1D, which manages the last process (the most downstream process) of manufacturing process 6, differs slightly from the operation of process control servers 1B and 1C, which manage the intermediate processes. Below, the operation of process control servers 1B and 1C, which manage the intermediate processes of manufacturing process 6, will be mainly explained with reference to Fig. 3. The operation of process control server 1A, which manages the first process, and process control server 1D, which manages the last process, will be described later.

[0030] In step S1, the production control server 2 transmits an identification number issuance request signal 21 to the process control server 1. Upon receiving the identification number issuance request signal 21, each process control server 1 executes the identification number issuance process of steps S2 to S5 described below.

[0031] In this embodiment, the identification number issuance request signal 21 is transmitted between each process control server 1 in a relay manner. That is, the production control server 2 transmits the identification number issuance request signal 21 to the process control server 1D that manages the final process of the product. Each of the process control servers 1B, 1C that manage the intermediate processes and the process control server 1D that manages the final process transmits the received identification number issuance request signal 21 to the process control servers 1A, 1B, 1C that manage the process immediately preceding the process that they manage. For example, in the case of the process control server 1C located in the factory 3C, the process control server 1C receives the identification number issuance request signal 21 from the process control server 1D and transmits the identification number issuance request signal 21 to the process control server 1B.

[0032] When the identification number issuance request signal 21 is transmitted to each process control server 1 by relay, there is no restriction on the timing at which the process control server 1 relays and transmits the identification number issuance request signal 21. Preferably, each process control server 1B, 1C that manages an intermediate process transmits an identification number issuance completion signal 22, which will be described later, to the production control server 2, and then transmits the identification number issuance request signal 21 to the process control server 1A, 1B that manages the process immediately preceding the process that it manages.

[0033] In step S2, the process control server 1 receives a post-process identification number for the product from the process control server 1 that manages the process immediately following the process that it manages. The process control server 1C receives an identification number for the assembly from the process control server 1D as the post-process identification number for the product. The process control server 1C manages a third manufacturing process in which an assembly is manufactured from parts.

[0034] In step S3, the process control server 1 issues a pre-process identification number for the product in association with the received post-process identification number. The process control server 1C issues a part identification number in association with the received identification number for the assembled product. As an optional process, the process control server 1 can record the correspondence between the identification numbers before and after the process that it manages.

[0035] In step S4, the process control server 1 transmits the issued identification number for the previous process to the process control server 1 that manages the process immediately before the process that it manages. The process control server 1C transmits the issued identification number for the part to the process control server 1B.

[0036] In step S5, the process control server 1 transmits an identification number issuance completion signal 22 to the production control server 2. The process control server 1C transmits an identification number issuance completion signal 22 to the production control server 2.

[0037] In step S6, the production control server 2 determines whether to transmit a production start signal 23 to the plurality of process control servers 1 based on the plurality of identification number issuance completion signals 22 received from the plurality of process control servers 1.

[0038] If the production control server 2 has received the identification number issuance completion signal 22 from, for example, all of the process control servers 1 ("Yes" in step S7), then in step S8 the production control server 2 sends a production start signal 23 to, for example, all of the process control servers 1. In this embodiment, the production control server 2 sends the production start signal 23 directly to each of the process control servers 1 by multicast rather than by relay. Then, in step S9, each of the process control servers 1 instructs its own managed production equipment (not shown) in its own factory 3 to carry out the process. This starts a series of manufacturing processes 6 for the product in the entire production control system 10.

[0039] On the other hand, if the production control server 2 has not received the identification number issuance completion signal 22 from, for example, all of the process control servers 1 ("No" in step S7), this means that at least one process control server 1 has not yet completed the processing of steps S2 to S5 described above. In this case, the production control server 2 waits, for example, for a predetermined time, until the remaining process control servers 1 transmit the identification number issuance completion signal 22, and then executes the processing of step S6 again.

[0040] As an optional process, if the process of step S6 is executed a predetermined number of times or more, the administrator of the production control server 2 and the administrator of each process control server 1 can be notified that there is an abnormality in the processing of the production control system 10. ·Operation of the process control server that manages the final process

[0041] When the process control server 1D that manages the final process receives the identification number issuance request signal 21, it performs the processes of steps S2D to S5D described below instead of the processes of steps S2 to S5 described above. The process control server 1D manages the fourth manufacturing process in which a final product is manufactured from an assembly.

[0042] In step S2D, the process control server 1D receives the product identification number from the production control server 2.

[0043] In step S3D, the process control server 1D issues a pre-process identification number for the product in association with the received product identification number, as in step S3. The process control server 1D issues an identification number for the assembled product in association with the received identification number for the final product. As an optional process, the process control server 1D can record the correspondence between the identification numbers before and after the process it manages.

[0044] In step S4D, similar to step S4, the process control server 1D transmits the issued identification number for the previous process to the process control server 1 that manages the process immediately before the process that it manages. The process control server 1D transmits the issued identification number for the assembly to the process control server 1C.

[0045] In step S5D, the process control server 1D transmits an identification number issuance completion signal 22 to the production control server 2, similar to step S5. · Operation of the process control server that manages the first process

[0046] When the process control server 1A, which manages the first process, receives the identification number issuance request signal 21, it performs the processes of steps S2A to S5A, which will be described below, instead of the processes of steps S2 to S5 described above. The process control server 1A manages the first manufacturing process, which produces molded products from raw materials. In this embodiment, the raw material identification number is assigned in advance by a trading company, for example, when Factory A purchases the raw material from the trading company. The process control server 1A also stores data provided by the trading company on the production-related information of the raw material, which is associated with the raw material identification number.

[0047] In step S2A, similar to step S2, the process control server 1A receives the post-process identification number of the product from the process control server 1 that manages the process immediately following the process that it manages. The process control server 1A receives the identification number of the molded article as the post-process identification number of the product.

[0048] In step S3A, the process control server 1A records the received post-process identification number in association with the pre-process identification number of the product. Step S3A is an optional process. In step S5A, the process control server 1A transmits an identification number issuance completion signal 22 to the production control server 2, similar to step S5.

[0049] As described above, the production management system according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide technology for ensuring product traceability in an environment where information and data related to product manufacturing are managed in a distributed manner for each production line or factory.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the production management system 10, the production control server 2 confirms that the issuance of product identification numbers has been completed in each process control server 1 that is responsible for managing a series of product manufacturing processes 6, and then the production control server 2 instructs each process control server 1 to start manufacturing the product. This ensures that the issuance of product identification numbers has been completed in each process control server 1. If it is ensured that the issuance of product identification numbers has been completed in each process, it becomes possible to reliably trace product production-related information, such as the manufacturer and country of manufacture for each process, back through the manufacturing process 6 from the final product based on the product identification number (e.g., serial number) held by the purchaser 8, for example. [Other forms]

[0051] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the identification number issuance request signal 21 is transmitted between each process control server 1 by relay, but the manner in which the identification number issuance request signal 21 is transmitted to each process control server 1 is not limited to relay. The identification number issuance request signal 21 may also be transmitted directly from the production control server 2 to each process control server 1 by multicast. In other words, the production control server 2 may transmit the identification number issuance request signal 21 to each process control server 1. In this case, each process control server 1 receives the identification number issuance request signal 21 from the production control server 2.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the production control server 2 transmits the production start signal 23 directly to each process control server 1 by multicast rather than relay, but the manner in which the production start signal 23 is transmitted to each process control server 1 is not limited to multicast. The production start signal 23 may also be transmitted between each process control server 1 by relay. That is, the production control server 2 may transmit the production start signal 23 to the process control server 1D that manages the final process of the product, and each of the process control servers 1B, 1C that manage the intermediate process and the process control server 1D that manages the final process may transmit the received production start signal 23 to the process control servers 1A, 1B, 1C that manage the process immediately preceding the process that they manage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1(1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) Process control server 2. Production control server 3(3A,3B,3C,3D) Factory 5. Network 6 Manufacturing process 8 Buyers 10 Production Management System 21 Identification number issue request signal 22 Identification number issuance completion signal 23 Production start signal

Claims

1. multiple process control servers that each share and manage a series of manufacturing processes for a product; a production control server that transmits an identification number issuance request signal to the process control server; Equipped with When the process control server that controls the intermediate process of the manufacturing process receives the identification number issuance request signal, receiving a post-process identification number for the product from the process control server that controls the process immediately following the process that the server controls, issuing a pre-process identification number for the product in association with the received post-process identification number; Transmitting the issued pre-process identification number to the process control server that manages the process immediately before the process that the server manages; Sending an identification number issuance completion signal to the production control server; A production management system in which the production control server determines whether to send a production start signal to the plurality of process control servers based on the plurality of identification number issuance completion signals received from the plurality of process control servers.

2. When the process control server that manages the final process of the manufacturing process receives the identification number issuance request signal, receiving an identification number of the product from the production control server; issuing a pre-process identification number for the product in association with the received product identification number; Transmitting the issued pre-process identification number to the process control server that manages the process immediately before the process that the server manages; The production management system according to claim 1 , wherein the identification number issuance completion signal is transmitted to the production control server.

3. When the process control server that manages the first process of the manufacturing process receives the identification number issuance request signal, receiving a post-process identification number for the product from the process control server that controls the process immediately following the process that the server controls, The received post-process identification number is recorded in association with the pre-process identification number of the product; 2. The production management system according to claim 1, further comprising a step of transmitting an identification number issuance completion signal to said production control server.

4. 2. The production management system according to claim 1, wherein each of the process control servers, upon receiving the production start signal, instructs the production equipment it manages to carry out the process.

5. 2. The production control system according to claim 1, wherein said production control server transmits said production start signal to all said process control servers when said identification number issuance completion signal is received from all said process control servers.

6. the production control server transmits the identification number issuance request signal to the process control server that manages the final process of the product; 2. The production management system according to claim 1, wherein each of the process control servers managing the intermediate processes and the process control server managing the final process transmits the received identification number issuance request signal to the process control server managing the process immediately preceding the process that it manages.

7. 7. The production management system according to claim 6, wherein each of the process control servers managing the intermediate processes transmits the identification number issuance completion signal to the production control server, and then transmits the identification number issuance request signal to the process control server managing the process immediately preceding the process that it manages.

8. 2. The production management system according to claim 1, wherein said production control server transmits said identification number issuance request signal to each of said process control servers.

9. The production control system according to claim 1 , wherein the production control server transmits the production start signal to each of the process control servers.

10. the production control server transmits the production start signal to the process control server that manages the final process of the product; 2. The production management system according to claim 1, wherein each of the process control servers managing the intermediate processes and the process control server managing the final process transmits the received production start signal to the process control server managing the process immediately preceding the process that it manages.

11. A production management method in a production management system including a plurality of process control servers each of which is responsible for managing a series of manufacturing processes of a product, and a production supervision server which transmits an identification number issuance request signal to the process control servers, Each of the process control servers that manage intermediate processes in the manufacturing process, receiving the identification number issuance request signal; receiving a post-process identification number for the product from the process control server that controls a process immediately following the process that the process control server manages; issuing a pre-process identification number for the product in association with the received post-process identification number; transmitting the issued pre-process identification number to the process control server that manages a process immediately before the process that the server manages; a step of transmitting an identification number issuance completion signal to the production control server; Including, a step of determining whether or not the production control server should transmit a production start signal to the plurality of process control servers based on the plurality of identification number issuance completion signals received from the plurality of process control servers; Production management methods, including:

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