Apparatus and method for planning work personnel and program

Abstract

To appropriately assign the time of out-of-line work to an out-of-line worker.SOLUTION: An apparatus for planning work personnel 1 comprises a total workload calculating section 15 that classifies out-of-line work which is work outside a production line into cyclic work having the time of work dependent on cycle time and non-cyclic work having the time of work not dependent on cycle time, calculates the time of cyclic work based on cycle time, calculates the time of non-cyclic work based on a work occurrence rate and calculates a total workload which is a sum of the time of cyclic and non-cyclic work, a number-of-input personnel determining section 16 that determines the number of input personnel to out-of-line work based on the total workload, a workload assigning section 17 that assigns the time of out-of-line work to a determined number-of-input personnel of out-of-line workers in proportion that the workload approximates equivalence the most based on skill of an out-of-line worker for out-of-line work, and an assignment-result output section 19 that outputs assignment-result information indicative of a result of assignment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a workforce planning device, a workforce planning method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a production line where products are assembled is staffed with multiple assembly workers. Systems for managing line balance have been proposed to appropriately allocate work to assembly workers on a production line that includes work processes performed by assembly workers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that balances the workload among workers, reduces and effectively utilizes the number of workers while taking into account differences in the level of skill among workers, and improves line balance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-317103 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In factories, in addition to assembly workers who assemble products on the production line, there are also "off-line workers" who work outside the production line, such as "management workers" who manage assembly workers and "repair workers" who repair products that have been removed from the line. The system described in Patent Document 1 proposes a method for optimizing line balance specifically for assembly workers, and therefore cannot be applied to off-line workers. Off-line work, which is work outside the production line, involves a wide variety of tasks, with some workloads not dependent on the product's cycle time. For this reason, personnel are assigned based on intuition, experience, etc., which can lead to excessive personnel assignments and uneven workloads among off-line workers.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to appropriately allocate work time for off-line work to off-line workers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the worker planning device according to the present disclosure includes: a total workload calculation unit; The system includes an allocation personnel number determination unit, a workload allocation unit, and an allocation result output unit. The workforce planning device classifies off-line work, which is work performed outside the production line, into cycle work, whose working time depends on the cycle time, and non-cycle work, whose working time does not depend on the cycle time. The total workload calculation unit calculates the working time of cycle work based on the cycle time, calculates the working time of non-cycle work based on the work occurrence rate, and calculates the total workload, which is the sum of the working times of cycle work and non-cycle work. The allocation personnel number determination unit determines the number of workers to be allocated to off-line work based on the total workload. The workload allocation unit allocates the working time of off-line work to the determined number of off-line workers based on the skills of the off-line workers for the off-line work in a manner that distributes the workload as evenly as possible. The allocation result output unit outputs allocation result information indicative of the allocation result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the number of personnel to be deployed is determined based on the total workload, and the working hours for off-line work are allocated to the determined number of off-line workers based on the skills of the off-line workers in a distribution that most evenly distributes the workload, thereby making it possible to appropriately allocate working hours for off-line work to off-line workers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a workforce planning device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation occurrence rate DB according to the first embodiment; [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cycle time DB according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a worker skill DB according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of allocation result information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing workforce planning process 1 according to embodiment 1 [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a worker planning device according to a second embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of allocation result information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing worker planning process 2 according to embodiment 2 [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a worker planning device according to first and second embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a worker planning device, a worker planning method, and a program according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] In this embodiment, an example is described in which a worker planning device is applied to off-line work in a factory, calculating the daily workload of the off-line work before the work starts, determining the off-line workers to be assigned, and allocating the off-line work hours to the off-line workers. Off-line work includes "cyclical work," in which the workload of the off-line workers is determined by the number of units to be worked on and the cycle time, which is determined by the number of units produced, and "non-cyclical work," which occurs at a fixed rate on a daily basis. For example, "sub-assembly work," which involves assembling product subassemblies outside the production line, is classified as cyclical work because the number of units produced is the number of units worked on and the workload is determined by the number of units worked on and the cycle time for sub-assembly assembly. Furthermore, the work of reworking defective products that have been removed from the production line is classified as cyclical work because the number of units worked on is determined by the number of units produced and the defect rate, and the workload is determined by the number of units worked on and the cycle time for the rework. On the other hand, unexpected tasks that occur daily, such as responding to problems, responding to requests from other departments, transporting products and parts, and improvement activities, but whose workload does not fluctuate depending on the number of units produced, are classified as non-cyclical tasks.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) The configuration of a workforce planning device 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the workforce planning device 1 includes a work occurrence rate database 11 that stores the work occurrence rate of non-cyclical work, a cycle time database 12 that stores the cycle time per cyclical work unit, a production load information acquisition unit 13 that acquires production load information indicating the number of units produced per day, and an operation schedule information acquisition unit 14 that acquires operation time schedule information indicating the operation time per off-line worker per day. The workforce planning device 1 also includes a total workload calculation unit 15 that calculates the total workload time, which is the sum of the operation times of cyclical work and non-cyclical work, a workforce allocation unit 17 that allocates the work time of off-line work to each worker, a worker skill database 18 that stores the skills of off-line workers for off-line work, and an allocation result output unit 19 that outputs allocation result information indicating the allocation result. The work occurrence rate is the rate at which a particular work occurs per day. Hereinafter, database will be abbreviated as DB.

[0012] The task occurrence rate DB11 and cycle time DB12 are explained using Figures 2 and 3, respectively. The task occurrence rate DB11 and cycle time DB12 are generated using the following procedure. First, all tasks performed by off-line workers are extracted. Extraction of all tasks performed by off-line workers can be achieved using methods such as work sampling, in which production engineering department staff observe off-line workers; daily work logs in which off-line workers record their daily tasks and the time required for each task; and continuous operation analysis using cameras. Continuous operation analysis is a method of continuously observing tasks and their status to determine the time ratios for each task. The more accurate the analysis, the more comprehensive the database can be and the more accurate the workload calculation. Therefore, the analysis period and method are selected appropriately depending on the situation, and tasks are comprehensively extracted. All extracted tasks are classified into cyclical and non-cyclical tasks. Tasks whose workload is determined by the number of off-line workers' tasks and cycle time, which are determined by the number of units produced, are classified as cyclical tasks. Tasks whose workload does not vary with the number of units produced are classified as non-cyclical tasks.

[0013] For tasks classified as non-cyclical tasks, the task occurrence rate is calculated based on the results of continuous operation analysis, and the task occurrence rate is linked to the non-cyclical tasks to generate the task occurrence rate DB11. Figure 2 shows an example of the task occurrence rate DB11. In the example of Figure 2, the task occurrence rate DB11 has fields for "task name," which indicates the name of the non-cyclical task, and "task occurrence rate," which indicates the task occurrence rate of the non-cyclical task. There are eight types of tasks classified as non-cyclical tasks. The task occurrence rate is a value obtained by adding up the analysis results for each off-line worker, and the total does not necessarily equal 100%. For example, "quality response" is linked to the task occurrence rate of quality response, which is "11%." The task occurrence rate is linked to all non-cyclical tasks, and the task occurrence rate DB11 is generated. In the example of Figure 2, the daily working hours can be calculated using the formula: daily operating hours per off-line worker x task occurrence rate = daily working hours. However, any information necessary to calculate the daily working hours other than the "task occurrence rate" is also linked. The operation occurrence rate DB11 may not be a single DB, but may be generated separately for each off-line operation.

[0014] For tasks classified as cycle tasks, the cycle time DB12 is generated by linking the cycle time per task unit and the task occurrence rate relative to the number of units produced. Figure 3 shows an example of the cycle time DB12. In the example of Figure 3, the cycle time DB12 has the fields "task name," which indicates the name of the cycle task, and "cycle time," which indicates the cycle time per task unit of the cycle task. There are three types of tasks classified as cycle tasks. For example, "nameplate issuance" is linked to "128 seconds / unit," which is the cycle time for issuing nameplates. The cycle times are linked for all cycle tasks, and the cycle time DB12 is generated. In the example of Figure 3, for "Nameplate Issuance," the number of units produced is the number of tasks, so if the daily production volume is 100 units / day, the daily task time can be calculated using the formula 100 [units / day] x 128 [seconds / unit] = 12,800 [seconds / day] ≒ 3.5 [hours / day], but if there is any information other than "cycle time" that is necessary to calculate the daily task time, all of it should be linked. For example, if multiple pieces of information are needed to calculate the task time, such as defect rate and yield rate depending on the task content, all of this information should be linked.

[0015] As described above, the task occurrence rate DB 11 included in the task workforce planning device 1 stores information for calculating the task time of non-cyclic tasks, and the cycle time DB 12 stores information for calculating the task time of cyclic tasks.

[0016] Returning to FIG. 1 , the production load information acquisition unit 13 acquires production load information indicating the number of units to be produced per day from an external device or system. Alternatively, a user may input the production load information to the production load information acquisition unit 13. The operation schedule information acquisition unit 14 acquires operation time schedule information indicating the operation time per off-line worker per day from an external device or system. Alternatively, a user may input the operation time schedule information to the operation schedule information acquisition unit 14. The user is assumed to be, for example, a manager who has decision-making authority over the management tasks and operation status of the production line, but is not limited to a manager and may also be, for example, an off-line worker.

[0017] The total workload calculation unit 15 calculates the work time of the non-cycle work stored in the work occurrence rate DB 11 and the cycle work stored in the cycle time DB 12 based on the production load information acquired by the production load information acquisition unit 13, the operation schedule information acquired by the operation schedule information acquisition unit 14, the work occurrence rate DB 11, and the cycle time DB 12. The method for calculating the work time of the non-cycle work and the cycle work is as described above. The total workload calculation unit 15 sums up the work times of all the calculated non-cycle work and the cycle work. Hereinafter, the work time summed by the total workload calculation unit 15 is referred to as the total workload time. The total workload time is the sum of the work time of all off-line work that occurs outside the production line in one day. The total workload calculation unit 15 generates total workload time information indicating the total workload time and sends it to the personnel allocation determination unit 16 together with the operation schedule information. The total workload calculation unit 15 generates off-line task time information that links the off-line tasks stored in the task occurrence rate DB 11 and the cycle time DB 12 with their task times, and sends the information to the workload allocation unit 17 .

[0018] The personnel allocation unit 16 determines the number of personnel to be allocated today by dividing the total workload time indicated by the total workload time information by the daily working hours per off-line worker indicated by the operation schedule information. For example, if the total workload time is 40 hours / day and the daily working hours per off-line worker are 8 hours / person, then 40 [hours / day] ÷ 8 [hours / person] = 5 [persons / day], and determines the allocation of five personnel as off-line workers. The calculation result may not be an integer. In such cases, a rule may be set in advance, such as allocating fewer personnel than the calculated result to extend the working hours, or allocating more personnel than the calculated result to shorten the working hours. Alternatively, the user may determine the number of personnel to be allocated based on the calculation result. The personnel allocation unit 16 sends information indicating the determined number of personnel to be allocated to the workload allocation unit 17.

[0019] The workload allocation unit 17 refers to the worker skill DB 18 and allocates the work time for off-line work indicated by the off-line work time information to the off-line contractors with the number of personnel indicated by the input personnel number information in a distribution that brings the workload as even as possible.

[0020] The worker skill DB 18 will now be described with reference to Fig. 4. The worker skill DB 18 is generated by linking the non-cyclical tasks and cyclical tasks stored in the task occurrence rate DB 11 and the cycle time DB 12 with the ability of off-line workers to perform them. Whether off-line workers can perform the non-cyclical tasks and cyclical tasks is determined based on, for example, the results of continuous operation analysis.

[0021] In the example of FIG. 4, the worker skill DB 18 is represented as a matrix with the vertical axis representing information identifying off-line tasks (tasks 1 to 22) and the horizontal axis representing the ranks of the off-line workers (A to H). Information such as "◯ (possible to perform)" or "× (unpossible to perform)" is stored for each combination of an off-line task and a rank of the off-line worker. Tasks 1 to 22 correspond to the non-cyclical tasks and cyclical tasks stored in the task occurrence rate DB 11 and the cycle time DB 12. The worker skill DB 18 is not limited to this, and may store information for determining whether an off-line worker can perform each off-line task. For example, the worker skill DB 18 may be a matrix with the vertical axis representing the name of the off-line task and the horizontal axis representing information identifying the line worker, storing information on whether the off-line task can be performed for each combination of the off-line task and the off-line worker.

[0022] In order to allocate working hours for off-line work to off-line workers, it is necessary to determine the off-line workers to be deployed. The off-line workers to be deployed may be determined, for example, by a user taking into account the attendance status of workers, deploying assembly workers to the production line, and then determining the number of workers who were not deployed to the production line as off-line workers, based on the number of workers deployed information. In this case, the number of workers to be deployed determination unit 16 outputs the number of workers to be deployed information, and the user determines the off-line workers to be deployed by referring to the output information on the number of workers to be deployed, and inputs the determined off-line workers to the workload allocation unit 17.

[0023] Alternatively, the workload allocation unit 17 may store the rank of each worker in advance, acquire information on today's working workers, and determine an off-line contractor from among the working workers in descending order of rank, or may randomly determine an off-line contractor from among the working workers so that there is no line work that none of the off-line workers can perform.If the worker skill DB 18 is a matrix in which the vertical axis indicates information identifying off-line work and the horizontal axis indicates information identifying off-line workers, and in which combinations of off-line work and off-line work are associated with whether or not they can be performed, the workload allocation unit 17 may acquire information on today's working workers and determine an off-line contractor from among the working workers in descending order of the off-line worker who has the most off-line work that they can perform (the most ○ marks), or may randomly determine an off-line contractor from among the working workers so that there is no line work that none of the working workers can perform.

[0024] When allocating off-line work hours to each determined off-line worker, the workload allocation unit 17 uses Solver to allocate the daily work hours of the assigned off-line workers so that they are uniform. Solver is a function of spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel (registered trademark) that can find the optimal variable values ​​to obtain a target value in a formula containing multiple variables. Solver can determine the interrelationships between multiple variables while changing their values ​​and calculate the optimal value. It can also impose specific constraints on variables or change the values ​​of other variables to obtain the maximum or minimum value of a specific variable.

[0025] The workload allocation unit 17 uses a solver to perform a mathematical optimization process, for example, by varying the allocated time of each off-line task assigned to an off-line worker as a variable to calculate the value of the variable that will make the standard deviation of the task time assigned to each off-line worker closest to zero while satisfying the constraints. When allocating the task time of the off-line task to each determined off-line worker, the workload allocation unit 17 references the worker skill database 18 and sets the allocated time of off-line tasks that the off-line worker cannot perform to zero, thereby preventing unskilled off-line workers from being assigned off-line tasks that they cannot perform. Furthermore, for off-line tasks that occur equally among all workers, such as breaks and morning meetings, a predetermined fixed time is allocated to all workers. The allocated time to each off-line worker for other off-line tasks is varied as a variable to bring the standard deviation of the total task time for each worker, which is the sum of the allocated time allocated to each off-line worker, closer to zero. The total task allocation time, which is the sum of the allocated times for each off-line task, is equal to the task time for each off-line task. The workload allocation unit 17 executes a mathematical optimization process to generate allocation result information that indicates the off-line tasks allocated to each off-line worker and the allocation times for those tasks.

[0026] The allocation result output unit 19 outputs the allocation result information generated by the workload allocation unit 17. The allocation result information may be output, for example, by displaying it on a screen or by sending it to a terminal used by the user.

[0027] Here, the assignment result information will be explained using FIG. 5. In the example of FIG. 5, four workers, Worker 1 to Worker 4, have been selected as off-line workers, and the work times for off-line tasks, Task 1 to Task 22, have been allocated to Worker 1 to Worker 4. In the example of FIG. 5, the values ​​of the allocated time for Task 1 to Task 22 allocated to Worker 1 to Worker 4 are entered in each of columns 1 to 4, and the sum of the allocated time for each off-line task is entered in each of column 5 as the total work allocation time. The allocated time entered in columns 1 to 4 and rows 1 to 22 is used as a variable when calculating with Solver. In each of rows 23, the sum of the work time allocated to each off-line worker is entered as the total work time by worker. In row 24, the standard deviation of the total work time by worker is entered.

[0028] The allocation time for off-line tasks that cannot be performed by off-line workers is entered as 0.00, and a predetermined constant is entered for the allocation time for equal tasks that occur equally among all workers. Furthermore, the values ​​in rows 1 through 22 of columns 1 through 4 are entered as the total task allocation time for each of the five columns so that it matches the task times for tasks 1 through 22, respectively. The example in Figure 5 shows the allocation result information when the workload allocation unit 17 changes the values ​​in rows 1 through 22 of columns 1 through 4 so that the standard deviation shown in row 24 approaches 0 as close as possible to 0, resulting in a solution with the smallest standard deviation: 0.0. From the allocation result information shown in Figure 5, it can be seen that four workers, workers 1 through 4, can each perform today's off-line tasks with a workload of 7.84 hours.

[0029] The user can check the off-line tasks and the allocated time allocated to each off-line worker by referring to the allocation result information output by the allocation result output unit 19. The allocation result information is not limited to the example in Fig. 5, and may be generated for each off-line worker, or may indicate only the off-line tasks allocated to each off-line worker and the allocated time.

[0030] If the user is a manager, for example, the user may show the allocation result information to the off-line worker and give work instructions. At this time, for example, the user may show the off-line worker a screen displaying the allocation result information, or the allocation result information may be sent to the terminal used by the off-line worker. If the user is an off-line worker, the off-line worker can check the off-line tasks assigned to him or her and the allocated time. In either case, the off-line worker can easily manage his or her own work speed and motivation by seeing the work goals, such as how much time should be allocated to each off-line task.

[0031] The flow of the workforce planning process 1 executed by the workforce planning device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The workforce planning process 1 shown in Fig. 6 starts, for example, when a workforce allocation instruction is input to the workforce planning device 1. The production load information acquisition unit 13 of the workforce planning device 1 acquires production load information indicating the number of units to be produced in a day (step S11). The operation schedule information acquisition unit 14 acquires operation time schedule information indicating the operation time per off-line worker in a day (step S12).

[0032] The total workload calculation unit 15 calculates the work time of the non-cycle work stored in the work occurrence rate DB 11 and the cycle work stored in the cycle time DB 12 based on the production load information, operation schedule information, work occurrence rate DB 11, and cycle time DB 12 (step S13). The total workload calculation unit 15 calculates the total workload time by adding up the work times of all the calculated non-cycle work and cycle work (step S14). The personnel number determination unit 16 determines the number of personnel to be deployed today by dividing the total workload time calculated by the total workload calculation unit 15 by the working time per off-line worker for one day indicated by the operation schedule information (step S15).

[0033] The workload allocation unit 17 references the worker skill DB 18 and sets the first constraint condition that the off-line worker is capable of performing the off-line work (step S16). At this time, the workload allocation unit 17 inputs the allocated time of the off-line work as 0 hours for the off-line worker who is not capable of performing the off-line work. The workload allocation unit 17 sets the second constraint condition that the total value of the allocated time for each off-line work matches the work time for that off-line work calculated in step S13 (step S17). The workload allocation unit 17 sets the third constraint condition that the standard deviation of the work time allocated to each off-line worker approaches 0 (step S18). The workload allocation unit 17 uses a solver to allocate the work time of the off-line work to the off-line worker so as to satisfy the first to third constraint conditions (step S19), and generates allocation result information that indicates the off-line work assigned to each off-line worker and the allocation time, which is the allocation result.

[0034] The allocation result output unit 19 outputs the allocation result information generated by the workload allocation unit 17 (step S20), and then ends the processing. The allocation result information shown in Fig. 5 is an example in which the workload allocation unit 17 changes the values ​​in rows 1 to 22 of columns 1 to 4 so that the standard deviation shown in row 24 approaches 0 as close as possible to 0, and the standard deviation becomes 0.0. From the allocation result information shown in Fig. 5, it can be seen that four workers, workers 1 to 4, can each perform off-line work with a load of 7.84 hours.

[0035] According to the workforce planning device 1 of the first embodiment, the number of workers to be deployed is determined based on the total workload, and the working hours of off-line work are allocated to the determined number of off-line workers based on the skills of the off-line workers in a distribution that most evenly distributes the workload, thereby making it possible to appropriately allocate the working hours of off-line work to the off-line workers.

[0036] (Embodiment 2) In the second embodiment, if the standard deviation indicated by the assignment result information is not 0, the user updates the worker skill DB 18 and repeats the process of outputting the assignment result information again until the standard deviation indicated by the assignment result information becomes 0, thereby determining which off-line tasks the off-line workers should have their skills improved for. The configuration of the workforce planning device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, the workforce planning device 1 includes a work occurrence rate DB 11, a cycle time DB 12, a production load information acquisition unit 13, an operation schedule information acquisition unit 14, a total workload calculation unit 15, a number of workers to be assigned determination unit 16, a workload allocation unit 17, a worker skill DB 18, and an allocation result output unit 19, as well as a worker skill update unit 20 that receives input from a user regarding changes to the skills of off-line workers and updates the worker skill DB 18.

[0038] Here, the assignment result information when the standard deviation is not 0 will be explained using FIG. 8. In the example of FIG. 8, four workers, Worker 1 to Worker 4, have been selected as off-line workers, and the work times for off-line tasks, Task 1 to Task 22, have been distributed to Worker 1 to Worker 4. In the example of FIG. 8, the values ​​of the distributed time for Task 1 to Task 22 assigned to Worker 1 to Worker 4 are entered in each of columns 1 to 4, and the sum of the distributed time for each off-line task is entered in each of column 5 as the total distributed work time. In each of the columns on row 23, the sum of the work time distributed to each off-line worker is entered as the total work time by worker. The standard deviation of the total work time by worker is entered in row 24.

[0039] The allocation time for off-line tasks that cannot be performed by off-line workers is entered as 0.00, and a predetermined constant is entered for the allocation time for equal tasks that occur equally among all workers. Furthermore, the values ​​in rows 1 through 22 of columns 1 through 4 are entered as the total task allocation time for each row in column 5 so that it matches the task times for tasks 1 through 22, respectively. The example in Figure 8 shows the allocation result information when the workload allocation unit 17 changes the values ​​in rows 1 through 22 of columns 1 through 4 so that the standard deviation shown in row 24 approaches 0 as close as possible to 1.0, resulting in the smallest standard deviation solution. The allocation result information in Figure 8 indicates that there is a variation in the workload, with worker 1 working 8.31 hours, worker 2 and worker 3 working 7.02 hours, and worker 4 working 9.01 hours. The cause of the variation in workload is thought to be that, for example, tasks 9, 10, and 12 can only be performed by worker 4, so the allocated time for workers 1 to 3 is 0.00 hours, and the work time is not being distributed effectively.

[0040] In other words, workload variations occur because the skills of the off-line workers employed vary, resulting in the existence of off-line tasks that cannot be assigned. Training of off-line workers is essential to avoid such variations and ensure even workload allocation. Therefore, the user inputs expected changes in the skills of the off-line workers after training into the worker skill update unit 20 to update the worker skill DB 18. When the worker skill DB 18 is updated, the workload allocation unit 17 refers to the updated worker skill DB 18 and allocates the off-line work time indicated by the off-line work time information to the employed off-line contractors so that the standard deviation of the workload approaches zero. If the standard deviation approaches zero, the expected skills of the workers after training entered by the user in the worker skill DB 18 can be said to be effective in eliminating workload variations for off-line workers. Conversely, if the standard deviation does not reach zero, it can be considered that the skills to be trained need to be changed or the number of workers to be trained needs to be increased.

[0041] The user updates the worker skill DB 18 by inputting changes to the skills to be trained or an increase in the number of workers to be trained. When the worker skill DB 18 is updated, the workload allocation unit 17 refers to the updated worker skill DB 18 and allocates the work time of the off-line work indicated by the off-line work time information to the entered off-line contractors so that the standard deviation of the workload approaches 0. The user causes the workforce planning device 1 to execute the above-mentioned process until the standard deviation of the workload becomes 0, and determines the skills to be trained for the off-line workers based on the difference between the allocation result information when the standard deviation becomes 0 and the allocation result information when the standard deviation was 1.0.

[0042] The flow of the worker planning process 2 executed by the worker planning device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Steps S21 to S30 are the same as steps S11 to S20 shown in Figure 6, and therefore will not be described again. In step S30, after the allocation result output unit 19 outputs the allocation result information generated by the workload allocation unit 17, if the worker skill DB 18 is updated by the worker skill update unit 20 (step S31; YES), the process returns to step S29, and steps S29 to S31 are repeated. If the worker skill DB 18 has not been updated by the worker skill update unit 20 (step S31; NO), the process ends.

[0043] According to the workforce planning device 1 of the second embodiment, the number of workers to be assigned is determined based on the total workload, and the work time for off-line work is allocated to the determined number of off-line workers based on the skills of the off-line workers in a manner that most evenly distributes the workload. This makes it possible to appropriately allocate the work time for off-line work to the off-line workers. Furthermore, if the standard deviation does not become 0, the user updates the worker skill DB 18 and repeats the process of outputting the allocation result information again until the standard deviation indicated by the allocation result information becomes 0. This allows the user to simulate the skills that should be developed for the off-line workers. In other words, the workforce planning device 1 can support the user in creating a worker training plan.

[0044] The hardware configuration of the workforce planning device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 10, the workforce planning device 1 includes a temporary storage unit 101, a storage unit 102, a calculation unit 103, an input unit 104, a transmission / reception unit 105, and a display unit 106. The temporary storage unit 101, the storage unit 102, the input unit 104, the transmission / reception unit 105, and the display unit 106 are all connected to the calculation unit 103 via a BUS.

[0045] The calculation unit 103 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The calculation unit 103 executes the processes of a total workload calculation unit 15, a number of personnel to be assigned determination unit 16, and a workload allocation unit 17 in accordance with a control program stored in the storage unit 102.

[0046] The temporary storage unit 101 is, for example, a RAM (Random-Access Memory). The temporary storage unit 101 loads the control program stored in the storage unit 102 and is used as a work area for the calculation unit 103.

[0047] The storage unit 102 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk, a DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disc - Random Access Memory), or a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disc - Rewritable). The storage unit 102 pre-stores a program for causing the calculation unit 103 to perform the processing of the worker planning device 1, and also supplies information stored by this program to the calculation unit 103 in accordance with instructions from the calculation unit 103, and stores information supplied from the calculation unit 103. The task occurrence rate DB 11, cycle time DB 12, and worker skill DB 18 are configured in the storage unit 102.

[0048] The input unit 104 is an interface device that connects input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device, and a voice input device to the BUS. Information input by the user is supplied to the calculation unit 103 via the input unit 104. When the workforce planning device 1 accepts production load information input by the user, the input unit 104 functions as a production load information acquisition unit 13. When the workforce planning device 1 accepts operation schedule information input by the user, the input unit 104 functions as an operation schedule information acquisition unit 14. The input unit 104 also functions as a worker skill update unit 20.

[0049] The transmitting and receiving unit 105 is a network termination device or a wireless communication device that connects to the network, and a serial interface or a LAN (Local Area Network) interface that connects to them. When the workforce planning device 1 is configured to send assignment result information to a terminal used by a user, the transmitting and receiving unit 105 functions as an assignment result output unit 19. When the workforce planning device 1 acquires production load information from an external device or system, the transmitting and receiving unit 105 functions as a production load information acquisition unit 13. When the workforce planning device 1 acquires operation schedule information from an external device or system, the transmitting and receiving unit 105 functions as an operation schedule information acquisition unit 14.

[0050] The display unit 106 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc. When the workforce planning device 1 is configured to display the assignment result information on a screen, the display unit 106 functions as an assignment result output unit 19.

[0051] The processing of the work occurrence rate DB 11, cycle time DB 12, production load information acquisition unit 13, operation schedule information acquisition unit 14, total workload calculation unit 15, number of personnel to be assigned determination unit 16, workload allocation unit 17, worker skill DB 18, allocation result output unit 19, and worker skill update unit 20 of the work personnel planning device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is executed by a control program using a temporary memory unit 101, a calculation unit 103, a memory unit 102, an input unit 104, a transmission / reception unit 105, a display unit 106, and the like as resources.

[0052] Furthermore, the above hardware configuration and flowchart are merely examples and can be changed and modified as desired.

[0053] The core processing components of the workforce planning device 1, such as the calculation unit 103, temporary storage unit 101, storage unit 102, input unit 104, transmission / reception unit 105, and display unit 106, can be realized using an ordinary computer system rather than a dedicated system. For example, the computer program for executing the above operations may be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc - Read Only Memory), or DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc - Read Only Memory), and the workforce planning device 1 that executes the above processing may be configured by installing the computer program on a computer. Alternatively, the computer program may be stored in a storage device of a server device on a communication network, such as the Internet, and downloaded by an ordinary computer system to configure the workforce planning device 1.

[0054] Furthermore, when the functions of the worker planning device 1 are realized by sharing the work between an OS (Operating System) and an application program, or by cooperation between the OS and the application program, only the application program portion may be stored in a recording medium or storage device.

[0055] It is also possible to superimpose a computer program on a carrier wave and provide it via a communication network. For example, the computer program may be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on the communication network and provided via the communication network. The computer program may then be started and executed under the control of an OS in the same way as other application programs, thereby enabling the above-mentioned processing to be performed.

[0056] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which off-line workers are determined from among the workers who will be working today and the working hours of the off-line work are appropriately allocated to the determined off-line workers, but this is not limiting. When the workers who will be working are known, the worker planning device 1 may determine the off-line workers from among the workers who will be working on a specific day in the future and appropriately allocate the working hours of the off-line work to the determined off-line workers.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the calculation performed by the workload allocator 17 is an example of calculation using a solver, but the present invention is not limited to this and other mathematical optimization algorithms may be used.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the workforce planning device 1 is provided with the task occurrence rate DB 11, the cycle time DB 12, and the worker skill DB 18 in advance, but this is not limited to this. The workforce planning device 1 may be provided with a task occurrence rate DB generation unit that generates the task occurrence rate DB 11, a cycle time DB generation unit that generates the cycle time DB 12, and a worker skill DB generation unit, or the task occurrence rate DB 11, the cycle time DB 12, and the worker skill DB 18 may be provided by an external device or system.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the worker planning device 1 includes the production load information acquisition unit 13 and the operation schedule information acquisition unit, but is not limited to this. The device may also include a production load information storage unit that stores production load information and an operation time schedule information storage unit that stores operation time schedule information. The production load information storage unit and the operation time schedule information storage unit may also be included in an external device or system.

[0060] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0061] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0062] (Appendix 1) Off-line work, which is work outside the production line, is classified into cycle work, whose working time depends on the cycle time, and non-cycle work, whose working time does not depend on the cycle time. a total workload calculation unit that calculates the work time of the cycle work based on a cycle time, calculates the work time of the non-cycle work based on a work occurrence rate, and calculates a total workload that is the sum of the work times of the cycle work and the non-cycle work; an allocation manpower number determination unit that determines the number of manpower to be allocated to the off-line work based on the total workload; a workload allocation unit that allocates the working time of the off-line work to the determined number of off-line workers based on the skills of the off-line workers for the off-line work in a manner that distributes the workloads most evenly; an allocation result output unit that outputs allocation result information indicating the allocation result; Equipped with Workforce planning device. (Appendix 2) a cycle time database that stores the cycle time per work unit of the cycle work; a work occurrence rate database that stores the work occurrence rate of the non-cycle work; a production load information acquisition unit that acquires production load information indicating the number of units produced per day; an operation schedule information acquisition unit that acquires operation time schedule information indicating the operation time per off-line worker per day; Furthermore, The total workload calculation unit calculating the work time of the cycle work based on the production load information and the cycle time database, calculating the work time of the non-cycle work based on the operation schedule information and the work occurrence rate database, and calculating the total work load by adding up the work times of the cycle work and the non-cycle work; 2. A workforce planning device according to claim 1. (Appendix 3) The workload allocation unit a mathematical optimization process is performed using a mathematical optimization algorithm to calculate the value of the variable that makes the standard deviation of the work time of the off-line work assigned to each off-line worker closest to 0 while satisfying the constraint conditions, while changing the distribution time of the off-line work to be assigned to the off-line worker as a variable; 3. The workforce planning device according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The workload allocation unit A first constraint condition is set to that the off-line worker is able to perform the off-line work, a second constraint condition is set to that the total value of the distributed time of the off-line work assigned to the off-line worker matches the working time of the off-line work, and a third constraint condition is set to that the standard deviation of the working time assigned to the off-line worker is closest to 0. 4. A workforce planning device according to claim 3. (Appendix 5) a worker skill database indicating the skills of the off-line workers for the off-line work; a worker skill update unit that receives input from a user to change the skills of the off-line workers and updates the worker skill database; Further preparation, The workload allocation unit determining whether the off-line work can be performed by each of the off-line workers based on the worker skill database, and repeating the mathematical optimization process each time the worker skill update unit updates the worker skill database; 5. The workforce planning device according to claim 4. (Appendix 6) The workforce planning device executes Off-line work, which is work outside the production line, is classified into cycle work, whose working time depends on the cycle time, and non-cycle work, whose working time does not depend on the cycle time. calculating the work time of the cycle work based on a cycle time, calculating the work time of the non-cycle work based on a work occurrence rate, and calculating a total workload which is the sum of the work times of the cycle work and the non-cycle work; determining the number of personnel to be assigned to the off-line work based on the total workload; a step of allocating the work time of the off-line work to the determined number of off-line workers based on the skills of the off-line workers for the off-line work in a manner that distributes the workload most evenly; A workforce planning method comprising: (Appendix 7) Computer, Off-line work, which is work outside the production line, is classified into cycle work, whose working time depends on the cycle time, and non-cycle work, whose working time does not depend on the cycle time. a total workload calculation unit that calculates the work time of the cycle work based on a cycle time, calculates the work time of the non-cycle work based on a work occurrence rate, and calculates a total workload that is the sum of the work times of the cycle work and the non-cycle work; an input manpower number determination unit that determines the number of manpower to be input to the off-line work based on the total workload; and a workload allocation unit that allocates the working time of the off-line work to the determined number of off-line workers based on the skills of the off-line workers for the off-line work in a manner that distributes the workloads most evenly; A program that functions as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Workforce planning device, 11 Work occurrence rate DB, 12 Cycle time DB, 13 Production load information acquisition unit, 14 Operation schedule information acquisition unit, 15 Total workload calculation unit, 16 Number of workers to be input determination unit, 17 Workload allocation unit, 18 Worker skill DB, 19 Allocation result output unit, 20 Worker skill update unit, 101 Temporary storage unit, 102 Storage unit, 103 Calculation unit, 104 Input unit, 105 Transmission / reception unit, 106 Display unit.

Claims

1. Off-line work, which is work outside the production line, is classified into cycle work, whose working time depends on the cycle time, and non-cycle work, whose working time does not depend on the cycle time. a total workload calculation unit that calculates the work time of the cycle work based on a cycle time, calculates the work time of the non-cycle work based on a work occurrence rate, and calculates a total workload that is the sum of the work times of the cycle work and the non-cycle work; an allocation manpower number determination unit that determines the number of manpower to be allocated to the off-line work based on the total workload; a workload allocation unit that allocates the working time of the off-line work to the determined number of off-line workers based on the skills of the off-line workers for the off-line work in a manner that distributes the workloads most evenly; an allocation result output unit that outputs allocation result information indicating the allocation result; Equipped with Workforce planning device.

2. a cycle time database that stores the cycle time per work unit of the cycle work; a work occurrence rate database that stores the work occurrence rate of the non-cycle work; a production load information acquisition unit that acquires production load information indicating the number of units produced per day; an operation schedule information acquisition unit that acquires operation time schedule information indicating the operation time per off-line worker per day; Furthermore, The total workload calculation unit calculating the work time of the cycle work based on the production load information and the cycle time database, calculating the work time of the non-cycle work based on the operation schedule information and the work occurrence rate database, and calculating the total work load by adding up the work times of the cycle work and the non-cycle work; The workforce planning device according to claim 1 .

3. The workload allocation unit a mathematical optimization process is performed using a mathematical optimization algorithm to calculate the value of the variable that makes the standard deviation of the work time of the off-line work assigned to each off-line worker closest to 0 while satisfying constraints, while changing the distribution time of the off-line work to be assigned to the off-line workers as a variable; The worker planning device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The workload allocation unit A first constraint condition is set to that the off-line worker is able to perform the off-line work, a second constraint condition is set to that the total value of the distributed time of the off-line work assigned to the off-line worker matches the working time of the off-line work, and a third constraint condition is set to that the standard deviation of the working time assigned to the off-line worker is closest to 0. The workforce planning device according to claim 3 .

5. a worker skill database indicating the skills of the off-line workers for the off-line work; a worker skill update unit that receives input from a user to change the skills of the off-line workers and updates the worker skill database; Further preparation, The workload allocation unit determining whether the off-line work can be performed by each of the off-line workers based on the worker skill database, and repeating the mathematical optimization process each time the worker skill update unit updates the worker skill database; The workforce planning device according to claim 4.

6. The workforce planning device executes Off-line work, which is work outside the production line, is classified into cycle work, whose working time depends on the cycle time, and non-cycle work, whose working time does not depend on the cycle time. Calculating the work time of the cycle work based on a cycle time, calculating the work time of the non-cycle work based on a work occurrence rate, and calculating a total workload which is the sum of the work times of the cycle work and the non-cycle work; determining the number of personnel to be assigned to the off-line work based on the total workload; a step of allocating the work time of the off-line work to the determined number of off-line workers based on the skills of the off-line workers for the off-line work in a manner that distributes the workload most evenly; A workforce planning method comprising:

7. Computer, Off-line work, which is work outside the production line, is classified into cycle work, whose working time depends on the cycle time, and non-cycle work, whose working time does not depend on the cycle time. a total workload calculation unit that calculates the work time of the cycle work based on a cycle time, calculates the work time of the non-cycle work based on a work occurrence rate, and calculates a total workload that is the sum of the work times of the cycle work and the non-cycle work; an input manpower number determination unit that determines the number of manpower to be input to the off-line work based on the total workload; and a workload allocation unit that allocates the working time of the off-line work to the determined number of off-line workers based on the skills of the off-line workers for the off-line work in a manner that distributes the workloads most evenly; A program that functions as a

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