Tool management system

Abstract

To provide a tool management system which can easily perform management with respect to the disposal of a tool and the necessity of calibration of the tool.SOLUTION: A tool management system 10 comprises: a calibration determination unit 20 which acquires a scheduled calibration date of a tool being a calibration confirmation object from a management table 15 and collates a confirmation period inputted by a user and the acquired scheduled calibration date to determine the necessity of calibration of the tool; and a disposal determination unit 22 which acquires a scheduled disposal date of a tool being a disposal confirmation object from the management table 15 and collates a confirmation period inputted by the user and the acquired scheduled disposal date to determine the necessity of disposal of the tool.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool management system for managing the calibration and disposal of tools. [Background technology]

[0002] In factories, tools are stored in a tool room, and when tools are needed at the production site, etc., the necessary tools are borrowed from the tool room and returned to the tool room once the work is completed.

[0003] A known tool management system for renting tools is a tool inventory management system as shown in Patent Document 1. In this system, a data code having identification data is assigned to each tool, and the tool inventory is managed using this data code, taking into consideration the number of times the tool can be used and the number of tools that can be used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-680 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The system in Patent Document 1 assigns data codes to all tools and manages them, which requires a lot of time and effort to prepare.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a tool management system that can easily manage the disposal of tools and the need for tool calibration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The tool management system of the present invention comprises a database unit having an ID for identifying a tool and a management table in which the planned calibration date and planned disposal date of the tool are recorded; a calibration judgment unit that obtains the planned calibration date of the tool that is the subject of calibration check from the management table, compares the obtained planned calibration date with the check period entered by the user, and determines whether the tool needs to be calibrated; and a disposal judgment unit that obtains the planned disposal date of the tool that is the subject of disposal check from the management table, compares the obtained planned disposal date with the check period entered by the user, and determines whether the tool needs to be disposed of.When the need for calibration of the tool that is the subject of calibration check is confirmed, the judgment result by the calibration judgment unit is sent to a terminal and displayed, and when the need for disposal of the tool that is the subject of disposal check is confirmed, the judgment result by the disposal judgment unit is sent to a terminal and displayed.

[0008] In the tool management system, the database unit has a usage table in which the ID and the usage date, which is the loan date or return date of the tool, are recorded, and the management table records the standard number of uses of the tool, and the disposition determination unit obtains the number of uses of the tool from the usage table from the usage date of the tool to be subject to usage confirmation, obtains the standard number of uses of the tool to be subject to usage confirmation from the management table, and determines the disposition of the tool based on the usage rate calculated from the obtained number of uses and the obtained standard number of uses, and the determination result is sent to and displayed on the terminal.

[0009] In the tool management system, the management table records the number of searches and the standard number of searches for the tool, and the system has a search determination unit that obtains the number of searches and the standard number of searches for the tool to be searched and confirmed from the management table, and determines the search response guidelines for the tool based on the search rate calculated from the obtained number of searches and the obtained standard number of searches, and the search response guidelines determined by the search determination unit are transmitted to and displayed on the terminal.

[0010] In the tool management system, the management table records the number of repairs and the standard number of repairs for the tool, and the tool management system has a repair judgment unit that acquires the number of repairs and the standard number of repairs for the tool that is the target of repair confirmation from the management table, and determines a repair response guideline for the tool based on a repair rate calculated from the acquired number of repairs and the acquired standard number of repairs, and the repair response guideline determined by the repair judgment unit is sent to and displayed on the terminal.

[0011] In the tool management system, the database unit has a usage log in which the ID sent from the terminal and usage information of the tool corresponding to the ID are stored, a usage status table in which the usage status of the tool and keywords for determining the usage status are stored, and a hierarchical table in which response measures for the tool are hierarchically stored, and the disposition determination unit extracts the usage information of the tool based on the usage log, compares the extracted usage information with the usage status table to determine the usage status, transmits the usage status determination result to the terminal, and selects the response measure based on the selection information sent from the terminal in response to the usage status determination result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the tool management system of the present invention, it is possible to easily manage the need for tool disposal and tool calibration. Furthermore, by managing tools taking into account the tool usage rate, it is possible to appropriately manage the need for tool disposal. Furthermore, it is possible to manage tools taking into account the tool search rate. Furthermore, it is possible to manage tools taking into account the tool repair rate. Furthermore, it is possible to propose appropriate countermeasures for users depending on the usage status. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a tool management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a management table. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a usage table. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a usage log. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a usage status table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a hierarchy table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a calibration management procedure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the display content when the determination result is within the calibration period, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the display content when the determination result is outside the calibration period. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a processing procedure for disposal management. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a processing procedure for usage management. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a search management processing procedure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a repair management procedure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of another usage management processing procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] <Explanation of the configuration of the tool management system 10> The tool management system 10 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the tool management system 10 according to this embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the management table 15, Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the usage table 16, Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the usage log 17, Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the usage status table 18, and Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the hierarchical table 19.

[0015] The tool management system 10 comprises a control unit 12, a database unit 14, a calibration determination unit 20, a disposal determination unit 22, a search determination unit 24, a repair determination unit 26, a memory unit 28, and a communication unit 30, which are connected to a bus 32. The tool management system 10 can also be connected to a terminal 50 via a public line 40. The public line 40 is a public line such as the Internet. The terminal 50 is a terminal with communication capabilities.

[0016] The control unit 12 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). In the control unit 12, various programs stored in a storage device within the tool management system 10 are loaded onto RAM (Random Access Memory) and executed. The control unit 12 is realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0017] The database unit 14 has a management table 15, a usage table 16, a usage log 17, and a usage status table 18. The management table 15 records management data for tools (see FIG. 2). The management data includes an ID, a planned calibration date, a planned disposal date, a standard number of uses, a standard usage rate, the number of searches, the standard number of searches, the standard search rate, the number of repairs, the standard number of repairs, and the standard repair rate. Here, the ID refers to an identification code for identifying a tool. The planned calibration date refers to the planned date for calibrating a tool. Note that, in this specification, the term "calibration" also includes the meaning of calibration. The planned disposal date refers to the planned date for disposing of a tool. Disposal can be by discarding or transferring to another company. The standard number of uses refers to the number of times a tool can generally be used. The standard usage rate refers to a standard value for evaluating usage, which is the ratio of the standard number of uses to the number of times a tool is used, and is a usage rate that serves as a basis for disposing of, purchasing, etc. a tool. The number of searches refers to the number of searches for a tool, for example, the number of searches conducted to confirm the user to whom a loaned tool was loaned. The standard number of searches refers to the number of searches for a tool and the standard number. The standard search rate is the evaluation standard value for the search rate, which is the ratio of the standard number of searches to the number of searches for a tool, and refers to the search rate that serves as the standard for purchasing a tool, etc. The number of repairs refers to the number of times a tool was repaired. The standard number of repairs refers to the standard number of times a tool was repaired. The standard repair rate is the evaluation standard value for the repair rate, which is the ratio of the standard number of repairs to the number of tool repairs, and refers to the repair rate that serves as the standard for purchasing a tool, etc. For example, for a tool with ID I1, the scheduled calibration date is 2xx2 / 3 / 1, the scheduled disposal date is 2xx5 / 3 / 1, the standard number of uses is 50, the standard usage rate is 70%, the number of searches is 1, the standard number of searches is 2, the standard search rate is 50%, the number of repairs is 1, the standard number of repairs is 2, and the standard repair rate is 50%.

[0018] The usage table 16 records the ID, loan date, return date, and loaner name (see Figure 3). Here, the loan date refers to the date the tool was loaned. The return date refers to the date the tool was returned. The loaner name refers to the name of the person who borrowed the tool. For example, for a tool with ID I1, the loan date is recorded as 2xx1 / 3 / 1, the return date is recorded as 2xx1 / 3 / 8, and the loaner name is recorded as N1.

[0019] The usage log 17 stores the recording date, ID, and usage information (see FIG. 4). Here, the recording date refers to the date on which the ID and usage information are stored. The usage information refers to information about the use of a tool that is transmitted from the tool user. For example, the date is recorded as 2xx4 / 1, the ID is recorded as I1, and the usage status is recorded as a malfunction.

[0020] The usage status table 18 stores usage status and keywords (see FIG. 5). Here, usage status refers to the status in which a tool is being used, such as broken, under repair, under inspection, on loan, and under search. Keywords refer to keywords for determining the usage status. For example, as a usage status, keywords such as broken, trouble, and not working are recorded for broken tool. Also, as a usage status, keywords such as under repair, repair, and malfunction are recorded for under repair, keywords such as inspection and inspection date are recorded for under inspection, keywords such as loaned, loaned date, and returned are recorded for loaned tool, and keywords such as searching, lost, and unknown are recorded for under search.

[0021] The hierarchy table 19 stores the countermeasures for tools in a hierarchical structure (see Figure 6). For example, "Out of order" is recorded in the first layer, "Repair" and "Discard" in the second layer, "Contact information" and "Replacement" in the third layer, "Contact information" and "Contacted" in the fourth layer, and "Unresolved" and "Resolved" in the fifth layer.

[0022] The calibration determination unit 20 has the function of obtaining the planned calibration date of the tool that is the target of calibration confirmation, which is the tool that the user wishes to confirm, from the management table 15, comparing the confirmation period entered by the user with the obtained planned calibration date, and determining whether the tool needs to be calibrated.

[0023] The disposal determination unit 22 has the function of obtaining from the management table 15 the planned disposal date of the tool that is the target of disposal confirmation and that the user wishes to confirm, and comparing the obtained planned disposal date with the confirmation period entered by the user to determine whether or not the tool needs to be disposed of. The disposal determination unit 22 also has the function of obtaining from the usage table 16 the number of times the tool has been used by counting the number of usage days of the tool that is the target of usage confirmation and that the user wishes to confirm, obtaining from the management table 15 the standard number of times the tool has been used, and determining the disposal of the tool based on a usage rate calculated from the obtained number of times of use and the obtained standard number of times of use. Furthermore, the disposition determination unit 22 has the function of extracting tool usage information, determining the usage status of the tool, and determining and selecting response measures based on the usage status.

[0024] The search determination unit 24 has the function of obtaining the number of searches and the standard number of searches for the tool that the user wishes to check from the management table 15, and determining a search response guideline for the tool based on a search rate calculated from the obtained number of searches and the obtained standard number of searches. Here, the search response guideline refers to a response to the tool determined based on the standard search rate. Examples of responses include purchase, continued use, etc.

[0025] The repair determination unit 26 has a function of acquiring the number of repairs and the standard number of repairs of the tool that is the target of repair confirmation, which is the tool that the user wishes to check, from the management table 15, and determining the repair response guideline for the tool based on the repair rate calculated from the acquired number of repairs and the acquired standard number of repairs. Here, the repair response guideline refers to the response to the tool determined based on the standard repair rate. The response can be, for example, purchasing.

[0026] The storage unit 28 is configured with a memory etc. The communication unit 30 has a function for communicating with the terminal 50.

[0027] <Explanation of the operation of the tool management system 10> Next, the operation of the tool management system 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. It is assumed below that a user A uses the tool management system 10.

[0028] <Explanation of calibration management using the tool management system 10> Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the processing procedure for calibration management. Fig. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the display content when the judgment result is within the calibration period, and Fig. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the display content when the judgment result is outside the calibration period.

[0029] First, user A inputs the ID of the tool for which calibration confirmation is desired and the start and end dates of the confirmation period as the confirmation period from terminal 50 (step S1). For example, user A inputs I1 as the ID, 2xx2 / 2 / 1 as the start date of the confirmation period, and 2xx2 / 4 / 1 as the end date.

[0030] The input ID and confirmation period are transmitted from the terminal 50 to the tool management system 10 via the public line 40 (step S2). The tool management system 10 receives the ID and confirmation period via the communication unit 30 (step S3).

[0031] In the tool management system 10, the calibration determination unit 20 acquires the planned calibration date from the management table 15 based on the received ID (step S4). The calibration determination unit 20 also compares the acquired planned calibration date with the confirmation period (step S5).

[0032] The calibration judgment unit 20 transmits the judgment result, which is the result of the comparison, to the terminal 50 via the public line 40 (step S6). The terminal 50 displays a message or the like based on the judgment result (step S7).

[0033] Specifically, since the ID is I1, the calibration judgment unit 20 acquires 2xx2 / 3 / 1 as the scheduled calibration date from the management table 15 (step S4). The calibration judgment unit 20 compares the acquired scheduled calibration date (2xx2 / 3 / 1) with the confirmation period (2xx2 / 2 / 1 to 2xx2 / 4 / 1) (step S5). Since the acquired scheduled calibration date falls within the confirmation period, the calibration judgment unit 20 transmits the determination result that the date is "within the calibration period" and the scheduled calibration date to the terminal 50 (step S6). Since the determination result is "within the calibration period," the terminal 50 displays, for example, a message that "It's time for calibration" and the "scheduled calibration date" (step S7, see FIG. 8A).

[0034] If the acquired scheduled calibration date falls outside the confirmation period in step S5, the calibration determination unit 20 transmits a determination result indicating that the date is "outside the calibration period" to the terminal 50 (step S6). If the determination result is "outside the calibration period," the terminal 50 displays, for example, a message indicating that the date is not during the calibration period (step S7, see FIG. 8B).

[0035] <Explanation of disposal management using the tool management system 10> FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the processing procedure of disposal management.

[0036] First, user A inputs the ID of the tool for which he / she wishes to confirm disposal and the start and end dates of the confirmation period as the confirmation period from terminal 50 (step S11). For example, user A inputs I1 as the ID, 2xx5 / 2 / 1 as the start date of the confirmation period, and 2xx5 / 4 / 1 as the end date.

[0037] The input ID and confirmation period are transmitted from the terminal 50 to the tool management system 10 via the public line 40 (step S12). The tool management system 10 receives the ID and confirmation period via the communication unit 30 (step S13).

[0038] In the tool management system 10, the disposal determination unit 22 acquires the planned disposal date from the management table 15 based on the received ID (step S14). The disposal determination unit 22 also compares the acquired planned disposal date with the confirmation period (step S15).

[0039] The disposition determination unit 22 transmits the determination result, which is the result of the comparison, to the terminal 50 via the public line 40 (step S16). The terminal 50 displays a message or the like based on the determination result (step S17).

[0040] Specifically, since the ID is I1, the disposition determination unit 22 obtains 2xx5 / 3 / 1 as the planned disposal date from the management table 15 (step S14). The disposition determination unit 22 compares the obtained planned disposal date (2xx5 / 3 / 1) with the confirmation period (2xx5 / 2 / 1 to 2xx5 / 4 / 1) (step S15). Since the obtained planned disposal date is within the confirmation period, the disposition determination unit 22 transmits the determination result that the date is "within the disposal period" and the planned disposal date to the terminal 50 (step S16). Since the determination result is "within the disposal period," for example, a message saying "It's time to dispose" and the "planned disposal date" are displayed on the terminal 50 (step S17). Note that, instead of "It's time to proofread" in FIG. 8A, for example, "It's time to dispose" is displayed, and instead of "planned proofreading date," for example, "planned disposal date" is displayed on the terminal 50.

[0041] In step S15, if the acquired planned disposal date is outside the confirmation period, a determination result that it is "outside the disposal period" is transmitted to terminal 50 (step S16). If the determination result is "outside the disposal period", terminal 50 displays, for example, "It is not time for disposal" (step S17). Instead of "It is not time for calibration" in Fig. 8B, terminal 50 displays, for example, "It is not time for disposal".

[0042] The tool management system 10 comprises a database unit 14 having an ID for identifying a tool and a management table 15 in which the planned calibration date and planned disposal date of the tool are recorded; a calibration judgment unit 20 that acquires the planned calibration date of the tool that is the subject of calibration confirmation from the management table 15, compares the acquired planned calibration date with the confirmation period entered by the user, and determines whether the tool needs to be calibrated; a disposal judgment unit 22 that acquires the planned disposal date of the tool that is the subject of disposal confirmation from the management table 15, compares the acquired planned disposal date with the confirmation period entered by the user, and determines whether the tool needs to be disposed of; and a bus 32. When it is confirmed whether the tool that is the subject of calibration confirmation needs to be calibrated, the judgment result by the calibration judgment unit 20 is sent to the terminal 50 and displayed, and when it is confirmed whether the tool that is the subject of disposal confirmation needs to be disposed of, the judgment result by the disposal judgment unit 22 is sent to the terminal 50 and displayed.

[0043] According to the tool management system 10, it is possible to easily manage the disposal of tools and the necessity of tool calibration.

[0044] <Explanation of usage management using the tool management system 10> FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the usage management processing procedure.

[0045] First, user A inputs the ID of the tool for which he / she wishes to confirm the use from terminal 50 (step S21). For example, it is assumed that user A inputs I1 as the ID.

[0046] The input ID is transmitted from the terminal 50 to the tool management system 10 via the public line 40 (step S22). The tool management system 10 receives the ID via the communication unit 30 (step S23).

[0047] In the tool management system 10, the disposal determination unit 22 obtains the number of uses from the usage table 16 based on the received ID, and obtains the reference number of uses from the management table 15 (step S24). The disposal determination unit 22 calculates the usage rate from the obtained number of uses and the obtained reference number of uses (step S25).

[0048] The disposal determination unit 22 acquires the standard utilization rate from the management table 15, and determines the disposal of the tool based on the calculated utilization rate and the acquired standard utilization rate (step S26). For example, if the utilization rate is greater than the standard utilization rate (standard utilization rate +10% or more), it determines that the tool is to be "considered for purchase," if the utilization rate is within ±10% of the standard utilization rate (standard utilization rate ±10%), it determines that the tool is to be "continued to be used," and if the utilization rate is 10% or more less than the standard utilization rate (standard utilization rate -10%), it determines that the tool is to be "disposed of."

[0049] The disposition determination unit 22 transmits the determination result to the terminal 50 via the public line 40 (step S27). On the terminal 50, a message or the like is displayed based on the determination result (step S28).

[0050] Specifically, since the ID is I1, the disposition determination unit 22 obtains from the management table 15 a usage count of 40 times and a reference usage count of 50 times (step S24). The disposition determination unit 22 calculates the usage rate from the obtained usage count (41 times) and the reference usage count (50 times). In this case, the usage rate is 82% (41 / 50) (step S25). The disposition determination unit 22 obtains from the management table 15 a reference usage rate of 70% and determines the disposition of the tool based on the calculated usage rate and the obtained reference usage rate (step S26). Since the calculated usage rate (82%) is greater than the reference usage rate (70%) by 10% or more, the disposition determination unit 22 determines that "tool purchase is being considered" (step S26). The disposition determination unit 22 transmits the determination result to the terminal 50 (step S27). At terminal 50, since the determination result is "consider purchasing a tool", for example, "consider purchasing a tool" is displayed on terminal 50 (step S28). Note that, instead of "It's time to proofread" in Fig. 8B, for example, "consider purchasing a tool" is displayed on terminal 50.

[0051] If the determination in step S26 is "continue to use the tool" or "dispose of the tool," the respective determination results are transmitted to the terminal 50 (step S27). Depending on the determination result, the terminal 50 displays, for example, "continue to use the tool" or "dispose of the tool" (step S28). Instead of "not time for calibration" in Fig. 8B, the terminal 50 displays, depending on the determination result, for example, "continue to use the tool" or "dispose of the tool."

[0052] In the tool management system 10, the database unit 14 has a usage table 16 in which the ID and the usage date, which is the loan date or return date of the tool, are recorded, and the management table 15 records the standard number of uses of the tool, and the disposition determination unit 22 obtains the number of uses of the tool from the usage table 16 from the usage date of the tool to be confirmed for usage, obtains the standard number of uses of the tool to be confirmed for usage from the management table 15, and determines the disposition of the tool based on the usage rate calculated from the obtained number of uses and the obtained standard number of uses, and the determination result is displayed on the terminal 50.

[0053] According to the tool management system 10, by taking into consideration the utilization rate of tools, it is possible to appropriately manage whether or not tools need to be disposed of.

[0054] <Explanation of search management using the tool management system 10> FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the search management processing procedure.

[0055] First, user A inputs the ID of the tool for which he / she wishes to confirm the search (step S31) from terminal 50. For example, it is assumed that user A inputs I1 as the ID.

[0056] The input ID is transmitted from the terminal 50 to the tool management system 10 via the public line 40 (step S32). The tool management system 10 receives the ID via the communication unit 30 (step S33).

[0057] In the tool management system 10, the search determination unit 24 acquires the number of searches and the reference number of searches from the management table 15 based on the received ID (step S34). The search determination unit 24 calculates the search rate from the acquired number of uses and the reference number of searches (step S35).

[0058] The search determination unit 24 acquires the standard search rate from the management table 15, and determines a search response guideline from the calculated search rate and the acquired standard search rate (step S36). For example, if the search rate is 10% or more higher than the standard search rate (standard search rate + 10% or more), it determines that the user should "consider purchasing a tool," and if the search rate is equal to or lower than the upper limit of 10% of the standard search rate (a search rate lower than the standard search rate + 10%), it determines that the user should "continue to use the tool."

[0059] The search determination unit 24 transmits the search response guidelines to the terminal 50 via the public line 40 (step S37). The terminal 50 displays a message or the like based on the search response guidelines (step S38).

[0060] Specifically, since the ID is I1, the search determination unit 24 obtains from the management table 15 the search count as 1 and the reference search count as 2 (step S34). The search determination unit 24 calculates the search rate from the obtained search count (1) and the reference search count (2). In this case, the search rate is 50% (1 / 2) (step S35). The search determination unit 24 obtains 50% as the reference search rate from the management table 15 and determines the search response guideline from the calculated search rate and the obtained reference search rate (step S36). Since the calculated search rate (50%) is less than the upper limit of 10% of the reference search rate (50%), the search determination unit 24 determines that the tool should be used continuously (step S36). The search determination unit 24 transmits the determination result to the terminal 50 (step S37). In the terminal 50, since the determination result is "continued use of tool", for example, "continued use of tool" is displayed on the terminal 50 (step S38). Note that, as for the display on the terminal 50, instead of "time for calibration" in Fig. 8B, for example, "continued use of tool" is displayed.

[0061] If it is determined in step S36 that the result is "consider purchasing a tool," the determination result is sent to the terminal 50 (step S37). The determination result, for example, "consider purchasing a tool," is displayed on the terminal 50 (step S38). Instead of "not time for calibration" in FIG. 8B, the display on the terminal 50 may be, for example, "consider purchasing a tool," depending on the determination result.

[0062] In the tool management system 10, the management table 15 records the number of searches and the standard number of searches for the tool, and the system has a search determination unit 24 that obtains the number of searches and the standard number of searches for the tool to be searched and confirmed from the management table 15, and determines the search response guidelines for the tool based on the search rate calculated from the obtained number of searches and the obtained standard number of searches, and the search response guidelines determined by the search determination unit 24 are displayed on the terminal 50.

[0063] According to the tool management system 10, tools can be managed taking into consideration the tool search rate.

[0064] <Explanation of repair management using Tool Management System 10> FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the repair management processing procedure.

[0065] First, user A inputs the ID of the tool for which he / she wishes to check repairs from terminal 50 (step S41). For example, it is assumed that user A inputs I1 as the ID.

[0066] The input ID is transmitted from the terminal 50 to the tool management system 10 via the public line 40 (step S42). The tool management system 10 receives the ID via the communication unit 30 (step S43).

[0067] In the tool management system 10, the repair determination unit 26 acquires the number of repairs and the standard number of repairs from the management table 15 based on the received ID (step S44). The repair determination unit 26 calculates the repair rate from the acquired number of repairs and the standard number of repairs (step S45).

[0068] The repair determination unit 26 acquires the standard repair rate from the management table 15, and determines a repair response guideline from the calculated repair rate and the acquired standard repair rate (step S46). For example, if the repair rate is 10% or more higher than the standard repair rate (standard repair rate + 10% or more), it determines that the tool purchase should be considered, and if the repair rate is equal to or lower than the upper limit of 10% of the standard repair rate (a repair rate lower than standard repair rate + 10%), it determines that the tool should be continued to be used.

[0069] The repair determination unit 26 transmits the repair guidelines to the terminal 50 via the public line 40 (step S47). The terminal 50 displays a message or the like based on the repair guidelines (step S48).

[0070] Specifically, since the ID is I1, the repair determination unit 26 obtains from the management table 15 the number of repairs as 1 and the standard number of repairs as 2 (step S44). The repair determination unit 26 calculates the repair rate from the obtained number of repairs (1) and the standard number of repairs (2). In this case, the search rate is 50% (1 / 2) (step S45). The repair determination unit 26 obtains 50% as the standard repair rate from the management table 15 and determines the search response guideline from the calculated repair rate and the obtained standard repair rate (step S46). Since the calculated repair rate (50%) is equal to or less than the upper limit of 10% of the standard search rate (50%), the repair determination unit 26 determines that the tool should be used continuously (step S46). The repair determination unit 26 transmits the determination result to the terminal 50 (step S47). Since the determination result is that the tool should be used continuously, the terminal 50 displays a message stating that the tool should be used continuously (step S48). It should be noted that the message displayed on the terminal 50 is "Continue using the tool" instead of "Time for calibration" in FIG. 8B.

[0071] If it is determined in step S46 that the result is "consider purchasing a tool," the determination result is sent to the terminal 50 (step S47). The determination result, "consider purchasing a tool," is displayed on the terminal 50 (step S48). Instead of "not time for calibration" in FIG. 8B, the display on the terminal 50 displays "consider purchasing a tool" in accordance with the determination result.

[0072] In the tool management system 10, the management table 15 records the number of repairs and the standard number of repairs for the tool, and the system has a repair judgment unit 26 that acquires the number of repairs and the standard number of repairs for the tool that is the target of repair confirmation from the management table 15, and determines the repair response guidelines for the tool based on the repair rate calculated from the acquired number of repairs and the acquired standard number of repairs, and the repair response guidelines determined by the repair judgment unit 26 are displayed on the terminal 50.

[0073] According to the tool management system 10, tools can be managed taking into account the repair rate of the tools.

[0074] <Explanation of other usage management by the tool management system 10> FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another usage management processing procedure.

[0075] First, user A inputs the ID of the tool for which he wishes to confirm the use from terminal 50 (step S51). For example, it is assumed that user A inputs I1 as the ID.

[0076] The input ID is transmitted from the terminal 50 to the tool management system 10 via the public line 40 (step S52). The tool management system 10 receives the ID via the communication unit 30 (step S53).

[0077] In the tool management system 10, the disposal determination unit 22 extracts usage information corresponding to the ID from the usage log 17 based on the received ID, and determines the usage status of the tool corresponding to the ID by referring to the usage status table 18 (step S54).

[0078] Specifically, the disposition determination unit 22 extracts the word "broken" as usage information from the usage log 17. The disposition determination unit 22 compares the extracted usage information with the usage status table 18. For example, when the usage status table 18 contains "broken" as usage information, the disposition determination unit 22 identifies "out of order" as the usage status corresponding to the keyword. As a determination result, the disposition determination unit 22 determines that the tool with ID I1 is "out of order" (step S54).

[0079] The disposal determination unit 22 transmits the determination result to the terminal 50 via the communication unit 30 (step S55). The terminal 50 displays the determination result as an icon (step S56). The user of the terminal 50 selects the icon in question, and the selected information is transmitted to the tool management system 10 (step S57). In the tool management system 10, the disposal determination unit 22 receives the selected information via the communication unit 30 and compares it with the usage status table 18 (step S58).

[0080] The disposition determination unit 22 compares the selected information with the first-level response measures in the usage status table 18, obtains the second-level response measures corresponding to the selected information, and transmits the obtained response measures to the terminal 50 via the communication unit 30 (step S59).

[0081] The response measures are displayed as icons on the terminal 50 (step S60). The icon is selected by the user of the terminal 50, and the selected selection information is transmitted to the tool management system 10 (step S61). In the tool management system 10, the disposal determination unit 22 receives the selection information via the communication unit 30 and compares the response measures in the most recently transmitted response measure hierarchy with the usage status table 18 (step S62).

[0082] The response measure matching process is then repeated (step S63), which includes matching with the response measures in the usage status table 18, obtaining the response measures at a lower level than the level containing the response measure, sending the obtained response measures to the terminal 50, displaying an icon for the response measure on the terminal 50, the user of the terminal 50 selecting the icon on the terminal 50, and sending the selected selection information to the tool management system 10.

[0083] In the tool management system 10, the response measures at the lowest level of the usage status table 18 are sent to the terminal 50, and the response measures are displayed as icons on the terminal 50. The icon is selected by the user of the terminal 50, and the selected selection information is sent to the tool management system 10 (step S64), thereby completing the process.

[0084] Next, a detailed description will be given of the case where the tool with ID I1 is determined to be "out of order" in step S54.

[0085] The disposal determination unit 22 transmits the usage status "out of order" to the terminal 50 via the communication unit 30 (step S55). The terminal 50 displays the usage status "out of order" as an icon (step S56). The user of the terminal 50 selects the icon in the terminal 50, and the selected information "out of order" is transmitted to the tool management system 10 (step S57). In the tool management system 10, the disposal determination unit 22 receives the selected information via the communication unit 30 and compares it with the usage status table 18 (step S58).

[0086] The disposition determination unit 22 compares the response measures at the first level in the usage status table 18, obtains the response measures at the second level, "repair" and "discard", that correspond to the selected information "out of order", and transmits the obtained response measures to the terminal 50 via the communication unit 30 (step S59).

[0087] On the terminal 50, the countermeasures "repair" and "discard" are displayed as icons (step S60). On the terminal 50, the user of the terminal 50 selects one of the icons, and the selected selection information is sent to the tool management system 10 (step S61). Here, it is assumed that "repair" is selected. In this case, "repair" is sent to the tool management system 10 as the selected information.

[0088] In the tool management system 10, the disposition determination unit 22 receives the selected information "repair" via the communication unit 30 and compares it with the second-level response action, which is the most recently transmitted response action hierarchy, against the usage status table 18 (step S62). Because the selected information matches "repair," which is the second-level response action, the disposition determination unit 22 acquires "contact information" and "replacement," which are the response actions at the lower, third level, and transmits the acquired response actions, "contact information" and "replacement," to the terminal 50 via the communication unit 30 (step S59).

[0089] On the terminal 50, the countermeasures, "Contact Information" and "Exchange," are displayed as icons (step S60). On the terminal 50, the user of the terminal 50 selects one of the icons, and the selected information is sent to the tool management system 10 (step S61). Here, it is assumed that "Contact Information" is selected. In this case, "Contact Information" is sent to the tool management system 10 as the selected information.

[0090] In the tool management system 10, the disposition determination unit 22 receives the selected information "contact information" via the communication unit 30 and compares it with the third-layer response measure, which is the hierarchy of the most recently transmitted response measures, against the usage status table 18 (step S62). Because the selected information matches "contact information," which is a response measure at the third layer, the disposition determination unit 22 obtains "contact information" and "contacted," which are response measures at the lower fourth layer, and transmits the obtained response measures "contact information" and "contacted" to the terminal 50 via the communication unit 30 (step S59).

[0091] On the terminal 50, the response measures, "contact information" and "contacted", are displayed as icons (step S60). On the terminal 50, the user of the terminal 50 selects one of the icons, and the selected information is sent to the tool management system 10 (step S61). Here, it is assumed that "contacted" is selected. In this case, "contacted" is sent to the tool management system 10 as the selected information.

[0092] In the tool management system 10, the disposition determination unit 22 receives the selected information "Contacted" via the communication unit 30 and compares it with the fourth-layer response measure, which is the most recently transmitted response measure hierarchy, against the usage status table 18 (step S62). Because the selected information matches "Contacted," which is the fourth-layer response measure, the disposition determination unit 22 obtains the fifth-layer response measures "Unresolved" and "Resolved," and transmits the obtained response measures "Unresolved" and "Resolved" to the terminal 50 via the communication unit 30 (step S59).

[0093] The terminal 50 displays the countermeasures, "unresolved" and "resolved," as icons (step S60). The user of the terminal 50 selects one of the icons, and the selected selection information is sent to the tool management system 10 (step S61). Here, it is assumed that "resolved" is selected. In this case, "resolved" is sent to the tool management system 10 as the selected information.

[0094] In the tool management system 10, the disposition determination unit 22 receives the selected information "resolved" via the communication unit 30 and compares the response action at the fifth layer, which is the layer of response actions most recently sent, with the usage status table 18 (step S62). The disposition determination unit 22 finds that the selected information matches "resolved," which is the response action at the fifth layer, and the fifth layer is the lowest layer, so the processing ends.

[0095] In the tool management system 10, the database unit 14 has a usage log 17 that stores the ID sent from the terminal 50 and the usage status of the tool corresponding to the ID, and a hierarchical table 19 that hierarchically stores response measures for the tool, and the disposition determination unit 22 determines the usage status of the tool based on the usage log 17, transmits the usage status to the terminal 50 based on the determination result, and selects the response measure for the usage status based on the selection information sent from the terminal 50.

[0096] The tool management system 10 can propose appropriate countermeasures for the user depending on the usage situation.

[0097] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the terminal 50 is connected to the tool management system 10 via the public line 40, but this is not limiting as long as the terminal 50 can be connected to the tool management system 10. For example, the terminal 50 may be connected to the tool management system 10 without going through the public line 40.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the hierarchical table 19 lists the countermeasures corresponding to the usage status "out of order," but the countermeasures are not limited to this. For example, the hierarchical table 19 may include countermeasures corresponding to the usage statuses "under repair," "under inspection," "on loan," and "under search." [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10...Tool management system 12...Control section 14...Database section 15...Management table 16...Tables available 17...Usage log 18...Usage table 19...Hierarchical table 20...Calibration judgment section 22...Disposition Judgment Division 24...Search and Judgment Department 26...Repair Judgment Department 28...Storage section 30...Communications Department 32...bus 40...Public line 50...Terminal

Claims

1. A tool management system that can be connected to a terminal and includes a disposal determination unit and a database unit, The database unit an ID for identifying a tool, and a usage log in which usage information of the tool corresponding to the ID is stored; a usage status table in which the usage status of the tool and a keyword for determining the usage status are stored; a hierarchical table in which countermeasures for the tools are hierarchically stored; and The disposition determination unit extracting the usage information of the tool based on the usage log; The extracted usage information is compared with the usage status table; Transmitting the determination result of the usage status to the terminal; The terminal Displaying the received judgment results, and transmitting the judgment result selected by the user of the terminal to the disposition judgment unit as selection information; The disposition determination unit comparing the received selection information with the hierarchy table; Obtain the countermeasures for the layer below the matched layer; Sending the countermeasure to the terminal; The terminal The received countermeasure is displayed, and the countermeasure selected by the user of the terminal is transmitted to the disposition determination unit as selection information. A tool management system.

2. 2. The tool management system according to claim 1, A tool management system characterized in that the disposition determination unit transmits the response measure to the terminal and terminates processing if the response measure at a lower level than the checked level is the lowest level.

3. 3. The tool management system according to claim 2, A tool management system characterized in that the hierarchical table records, as the response measures, broken down in the first layer, repair and disposal in the second layer, contact information and replacement in the third layer, contact information and contacted in the fourth layer, and unresolved and resolved in the fifth layer.

4. 4. The tool management system according to claim 3, A tool management system characterized in that the lowest layer corresponds to the second layer, the third layer, the exchange, the fourth layer, the contact information, and the unresolved and resolved, respectively.

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