Schedule planning device

Abstract

To provide a schedule planning technique capable of not only improving productivity and work efficiency but also training personnel.SOLUTION: A schedule planning device according to the present invention includes a phase setting unit capable of setting a preparation phase of a schedule to one of a first preparation phase for improving work efficiency and a second preparation phase for training human resources on the basis of skill information of a plurality of workers for work to be assigned to the workers, and assigns the work to be assigned to a worker who can handle the work to be assigned and has the highest skill for the work to be assigned in a case where the first preparation phase is set. And a schedule creation unit that allocates the work to be allocated to a worker who can handle the work to be allocated and has the lowest skill for the work to be allocated when the second creation phase is set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a schedule planning device. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, in projects involving many people, such as system operations and production management, the overall project schedule, including task progress management, is often managed centrally using a Gantt chart. The schedule creator must consider various factors, such as deadlines, budgets, task priorities, task assignments, past performance, and progress, when creating and modifying (updating) the schedule. Therefore, creating a schedule is a time-consuming task. Furthermore, if the schedule creator makes changes to the schedule without investing time and effort on their own, they may not be able to create a schedule that meets the constraints.

[0003] Therefore, various techniques have been proposed in the past to reduce the work of creating schedules (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a simple schedule management tool for easily adjusting schedules. The simple schedule management tool disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs calculations according to a specified pattern from existing schedule data and progress data to obtain the start and end dates of each unfinished task from the time of schedule adjustment. Then, based on the obtained results, the schedule is adjusted and the schedule data is output. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-312429 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Normally, when creating (drafting) a schedule, personnel are assigned to various tasks taking into consideration, for example, productivity and work efficiency. However, in light of the recent labor shortage problem, it is necessary to create a schedule that takes into consideration not only productivity and work efficiency, but also the perspective of human resource development.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a schedule planning technique that not only improves productivity and work efficiency, but also enables human resource development. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the schedule planning device of the present invention includes a phase setting unit and a schedule planning unit. The phase setting unit can set the schedule creation phase to one of a first creation phase aimed at improving work efficiency and a second creation phase aimed at human resource development, based on skill information of multiple workers for tasks to be assigned to the workers included in the schedule. The schedule planning unit creates a schedule based on information about the tasks to be assigned input by a user and the setting results of the phase setting unit. When the first creation phase is set by the phase setting unit, the schedule planning unit assigns the tasks to a worker who is capable of handling the tasks and has the highest skill for the tasks. When the second creation phase is set by the phase setting unit, the schedule planning unit assigns the tasks to a worker who is capable of handling the tasks and has the lowest skill for the tasks. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention having the above configuration, it is possible to create a schedule that not only improves productivity and work efficiency but also enables human resource development, for example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram of a schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of schedule data for each worker stored in a data storage unit of the schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of task skill data stored in a data storage unit of a schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of schedule data of a project stored in a data storage unit of a schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display form of a schedule planning result displayed on a schedule display unit of a schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display aspect of a schedule creation screen displayed on a schedule display unit of a schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a schedule planning process performed by a conventional schedule planning device. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a schedule planning process performed by a schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a schedule planning process performed by the schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for a schedule creation phase setting process performed by the schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a schedule creation process in a normal phase that is performed by the schedule creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13]10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a schedule creation process in a human resource development phase performed by the schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [Functional configuration of the schedule planning device] Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows only the functional units related to the planning (creation and modification) of the overall schedule (hereinafter simply referred to as "schedule") of a project such as system operation work or production management.

[0012] 1, the schedule planning device 1 functionally comprises a work data acquisition unit 2, a schedule planning unit 3, a data storage unit 4, and a schedule display unit 5. Within the schedule planning device 1, the schedule planning unit 3 is functionally connected to each of the work data acquisition unit 2, the data storage unit 4, and the schedule display unit 5.

[0013] (Work data acquisition section) The task data acquisition unit 2 detects operations performed by the user of the schedule planning device 1, i.e., the person who plans (creates) the schedule, on the schedule planning device 1, and acquires setting information for various periodic tasks included in the schedule, which are input through the operations. The "periodic tasks" referred to here are predetermined tasks (the timing of which can be arbitrary) that are performed N times (N=1, 2, ...) over a period of, for example, one day, one week, one month, one year, etc., and include, for example, maintenance tasks and security check tasks. The setting information for periodic tasks input by the schedule planner includes various data such as the type of task (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.), duration, execution interval, and execution date (day of the week).

[0014] Furthermore, when a schedule planner performs a change (update) operation on an already created schedule, the work data acquisition unit 2 acquires the change (update) information. Note that the change information acquired by the work data acquisition unit 2 includes, for example, not only change information on the work period, but also information on worker absences and change information on the responsible worker.

[0015] (Schedule Planning Department) The schedule planning unit 3 performs various processes to automatically plan (create and change) a schedule in accordance with the information input by the planner, based on the setting information and change information (information about the work to be assigned) for regular work acquired by the work data acquisition unit 2, and various data stored in the data storage unit 4.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the schedule planning section 3 functionally comprises a schedule creation / change section 31 (schedule planning section), a phase setting section 32, and a schedule display control section 33.

[0017] When the schedule creation / modification unit 31 acquires setting information for new periodic work from the work data acquisition unit 2, it automatically creates a schedule in accordance with the information input by the planner, based on the setting information for the periodic work and various data stored in the data storage unit 4. Furthermore, when the schedule creation / modification unit 31 acquires schedule change information from the work data acquisition unit 2, it automatically changes (updates) the schedule based on the change information.

[0018] In the process of formulating (creating and changing) a schedule, the schedule creation / change unit 31 assigns each task to a worker, and also sets the scheduled time for performing the assigned task (hereinafter referred to as "scheduled task time") according to the worker's skill (ability, track record, etc.). The schedule creation / change unit 31 then stores the data of the created or changed (updated) schedule in the data storage unit 4.

[0019] The phase setting unit 32 performs a process for setting a schedule creation mode (hereinafter referred to as a "creation phase") based on the setting information or change (update) information of the periodic work acquired by the work data acquisition unit 2, and various data stored in the data storage unit 4. In this embodiment, the schedule creation phases include a creation phase called a "normal phase" and a creation phase called a "human resource development phase."

[0020] The normal phase (first creation phase) is a schedule creation phase that mainly aims to improve productivity and work efficiency. In the normal phase, the skills (abilities) of workers for regular tasks are taken into consideration, and basically, the schedule is planned (created and modified) by prioritizing the allocation of regular tasks to workers with high skills.

[0021] On the other hand, the human resource development phase (second creation phase) is a schedule creation phase aimed at improving the skills (abilities) of workers, i.e., human resource development. In the human resource development phase, regular tasks are preferentially assigned to less experienced (low-skilled) workers, and a schedule is created (created and modified).

[0022] In this embodiment, a schedule is planned (created and modified) in the human resource development phase only when there is a margin in the work situation and the workers who can be assigned the work include workers with little experience (low skills). Specifically, a schedule is planned (created and modified) in the human resource development phase only when there is a margin in the work situation and the workers who can be assigned the work include workers with less than a predetermined experience level (e.g., "3"). On the other hand, for example, if there is no margin in the work situation or if the workers who can be assigned the work do not include workers with less than a predetermined experience level (e.g., "3") (workers with low skills), a schedule is planned in the normal phase.

[0023] The term "when there is leeway in the work situation" refers to the case where, for example, a schedule or deadline is not delayed even if a given task is assigned to an inexperienced (low-skilled) worker. More specifically, the term "when there is leeway in the work situation" refers to the case where, within the most recent specified period, all workers who are capable of performing the given task have completed the task within the regular working hours, i.e., when no overtime is occurring (when there is leeway in the work time), or when there is a worker who has not been assigned a task for the period during which the given task should be performed (when there is leeway in the personnel). In this embodiment, the phase setting unit 32 refers to the work performance data group 43 (described later) stored in the data storage unit 4, and determines whether there is leeway in the work situation based on whether the former case has occurred (information indicating whether there is leeway in the work situation).

[0024] The schedule display control unit 33 controls the display processing of various information on the schedule display unit 5. For example, the schedule display control unit 33 performs control to display on the schedule display unit 5 an input screen (see FIG. 6 described later) for a schedule planner to input setting information and change (update) information for periodic work via the operation unit 105 (see FIG. 7 described later) described later. Furthermore, for example, the schedule display control unit 33 performs control to display on the schedule display unit 5 an image of a schedule created or changed (updated) by the schedule creation / change unit 31 (see FIG. 5 described later).

[0025] (Data storage unit) The data storage unit 4 stores various data necessary for the schedule planning (creation and modification) process by the schedule creation / modification unit 31. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the data storage unit 4 stores a worker schedule data group 41, a task skill data group 42 (skill information), and a work performance data group 43.

[0026] The worker schedule data group 41 includes schedule data for each worker (hereinafter referred to as "worker schedule data"). The task skill data group 42 includes skill data for each worker for that task (hereinafter referred to as "task skill data") created for each task type (task content). The work performance data group 43 includes work performance data for each worker over a predetermined period in the past. The work performance data for each worker includes information such as the task execution date, task start time, task end time, and task type.

[0027] The data storage unit 4 also stores schedule data 44 created or updated by the schedule creation / modification unit 31. The schedule data 44 may include not only the latest schedule data but also data on schedules created and modified (updated) within a specific period in the past, i.e., schedule update history data.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the schedule data for each worker included in the schedule data for each worker 41. Note that Fig. 2 shows the configuration of the schedule data for each worker A as an example, but the schedule data for each worker of other workers (such as workers B to E described below) also has a similar configuration.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the schedule data for each worker is structured in a table format, and specifies the content of the work (work type) assigned to each worker for each day after the start date of the project. In the example shown in Fig. 2, worker A is assigned a work called "Weekly Work #1" on Monday and Tuesday of the first week after the start of the project, Monday and Tuesday of the second week, etc.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of task skill data included in task skill data group 42. Note that Fig. 3 shows task skill data for a task (task type) called "Weekly Task #3" as an example, but task skill data for other tasks (task types) also has a similar configuration.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the task-specific skill data has a table-like structure, and various data (hereinafter referred to as "skill parameters") related to the skills (ability, achievements) for each task are specified for each worker (such as worker A to worker E in the figure). In the example shown in FIG. 3, a skill parameter called "experience value" and a skill parameter called "work efficiency" are specified as the skill parameters. The experience value is the number of times the task was completed within the scheduled work time out of the last five times the task was actually performed. Therefore, the maximum experience value is "5" and the minimum experience value is "0". Furthermore, the work efficiency is the average value of the value obtained by dividing the scheduled work time by the actual work time for the last five times the task was actually performed.

[0032] The scheduled work time for the target task is set according to the worker's work efficiency, and the higher the worker's work efficiency for the target task, the shorter the scheduled work time is set. That is, in this embodiment, as a worker gains experience and their work efficiency for the target task increases, the scheduled work time for the target task set for that worker is set shorter accordingly. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the scheduled work time for the target task may be set to a common scheduled work time regardless of the worker's work efficiency (skill).

[0033] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the worker with the highest skill for weekly task #3 is worker A, whose experience score and work efficiency are "5" and "2", respectively. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the worker with the lowest skill for weekly task #3 is worker E, whose experience score and work efficiency are "0" and "0.5", respectively. Note that the skill parameters specified in the skill data of the workers for the target task are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3, and other skill parameters (e.g., years of employment) may also be specified.

[0034] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of project schedule data 44 stored in the data storage unit 4. The schedule data 44 is created and changed (updated) based on the schedule data for each worker (see FIG. 2) and the skill data for each task (see FIG. 3) stored in the data storage unit 4. Note that in FIG. 4, the schedule data 44 is shown in the form of a Gantt chart to clarify the configuration of the schedule data 44, but in reality, the schedule data 44 is stored in the data storage unit 4 in the form of a table.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, the schedule data 44 specifies, for each task (task type), the worker in charge and the task period for that worker from the start date of the project onwards. In Fig. 4, the task period for each worker in charge is indicated by the length of a bar graph (a hollow pentagon in the figure) extending in the direction of the task period (from the first week to the fifth week). The task period for this worker in charge is determined based on the skill data of the worker for the task in question (see Fig. 3).

[0036] In the schedule data 44 shown in FIG. 4, weekly task #1 (name "YYYY1") is assigned to worker A, and it is specified that worker A will perform weekly task #1 once during the period from Monday to Tuesday each week (week 1 to week 5, etc.). In the example shown in FIG. 4, daily task #1 (name "XXXX1") is assigned to worker B, and it is specified that worker B will perform daily task #1 every day during the period from Monday to Friday each week (week 1 to week 5, etc.). In the example shown in FIG. 4, weekly task #2 (name "YYYY2") is assigned to worker C, and it is specified that worker C will perform weekly task #2 once during the period from Monday to Wednesday each week (week 1 to week 5, etc.). In the example shown in FIG. 4, weekly task #3 (name "YYYY3") is assigned to worker D, and it is specified that worker D will perform weekly task #3 once during the period from Tuesday to Thursday of each week (week 1 to week 5, etc.). Also, in the example shown in FIG. 4, monthly task #1 (name "ZZZZ1") is assigned to worker E, and it is specified that worker E will perform monthly task #1 once during the period from Monday of week 4 to Wednesday of week 5, for example.

[0037] (Schedule display section) The schedule display unit 5 displays various data stored in the data storage unit 4. The schedule display unit 5 also has a GUI (Graphical User Interface) function, and can reflect user operations on an operation unit 105 (see FIG. 7 ) described later on the display screen of the schedule display unit 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, operations performed by the schedule planner when creating and updating a schedule are also reflected on the display screen of the schedule display unit 5.

[0038] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of schedule data 44 drawn up by the schedule drawing up unit 3 on the display screen 50 of the schedule display unit 5. In this example, an image (Gantt chart) of a schedule 51 corresponding to the schedule data 44 (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the display screen 50. Also, on the display screen 50, above the schedule 51, an image of a schedule creation button 52 and an image of a schedule update button 53 are displayed, which are operated (clicked, etc.) by the schedule drawer when creating and updating the schedule, respectively.

[0039] In this embodiment, when a schedule planner inputs setting information and change (update) information for a periodic task within a schedule, the planner first selects (clicks, etc.) the task to be set or changed (for example, weekly task #1) on the display screen 50. Next, when the planner operates (clicks, etc.) the schedule creation button 52 or the schedule update button 53, an information input screen is displayed superimposed on the image of the schedule 51, allowing the setting information or change information for the task to be entered. Then, when the planner inputs setting information or change information for the periodic task via the information input screen, the schedule 51 is automatically generated or changed (updated).

[0040] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display mode of the information input screen 54 when the planner operates (clicks, etc.) the schedule creation button 52 when creating a schedule 51 on the display screen 50 of the schedule display unit 5. Fig. 6 also shows an example of the display mode of the information input screen 54 when the planner selects weekly task #1 and then operates the schedule creation button 52 when starting to create the schedule 51. The example shown in Fig. 6 is an example of the display mode when starting to create a new schedule 51, and information such as the responsible workers, the tasks assigned to each responsible worker, and the planned work times has not been set in the schedule 51.

[0041] On the information input screen 54 shown in Fig. 6, the schedule planner can switch between displaying setting pages for Weekly Task #1, called "Basic Settings," "Recurring Schedule Settings," "Person in Charge Settings," and "Automation Settings." On the "Recurring Schedule Settings" page for Weekly Task #1, as shown in Fig. 6, the user can set, for example, the start time, end date and time of Weekly Task #1 ("End Time," "* Days Later" in the figure), time zone, execution interval of Weekly Task #1 ("Interval" in the figure), type of Weekly Task #1 ("Daily," "Weekly," "Monthly," or "Yearly" in the figure), execution day of Weekly Task #1 ("Monday" to "Sunday" in the figure), start date of Weekly Task #1, and end conditions of Weekly Task #1 ("End Date," "End Number of Times," and "End Date Undetermined" in the figure). Although not shown here, the information input screen that is displayed when the schedule update button 53 is operated is configured so that the planner can input change (update) information (for example, information on the person in charge who has not been decided and the period for which that information is not decided) for the work to be changed.

[0042] [Hardware configuration of the schedule planning device] The schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment can be configured as an information processing device such as a computer device having a calculation function and a communication function. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer device 100 that can be used as the schedule planning device 1.

[0043] The computer device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, all connected to a bus line 108. The computer device 100 also includes a network I / F (Interface) 104, an operation unit 105, a display unit 106, and a non-volatile storage 107, all connected to the bus line 108. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the computer device 100 also includes various interfaces used when executing input / output processing of various data (various information) between the computer device 100 and external devices.

[0044] The CPU 101 reads out program code of software for realizing various processing functions of the schedule planning device 1 from the ROM 102 to the RAM 103 and executes the code. At this time, variables and parameters generated during the calculation process are also temporarily written to the RAM 103. That is, the schedule planning unit 3 (see FIG. 1) of the schedule planning device 1 is included in the CPU 101. Furthermore, the data storage unit 4 (see FIG. 1) of the schedule planning device 1 is included in the RAM 103.

[0045] The network I / F 104 is configured by, for example, a network interface card (NIC) or the like, and transmits and receives various data to and from each device connected via wireless communication.

[0046] The operation unit 105 is composed of, for example, keys and buttons, and generates an operation signal according to the operation content input by the user and supplies the operation signal to the CPU 101. The display unit 106 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays characters, images, and the like on the screen. The display unit 106 may also be composed of a touch panel, in which case the display unit 106 and the operation unit 105 are integrally configured. The task data acquisition unit 2 and schedule display unit 5 (see FIG. 1) provided in the schedule planning device 1 are included in the operation unit 105 and the display unit 106, respectively.

[0047] The nonvolatile storage 107 can be configured, for example, with a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory, etc. The nonvolatile storage 107 stores an operating system (OS), various parameters, and various programs for causing the computer device 100 to function as the schedule planning device 1. Note that information (data) such as programs, tables, and files for realizing the various functions of the schedule planning device 1 may be stored in a recording medium other than the ROM 102 or the nonvolatile storage 107, such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD.

[0048] [Schedule planning and update process overview] In this embodiment, as described above, a normal phase and a human resource development phase are provided as project schedule creation phases. In the normal phase, as described above, the skills (abilities, track record) of each worker for periodic predetermined tasks are taken into consideration, and the predetermined tasks are basically assigned preferentially to highly skilled workers, and a schedule is created or changed (updated). On the other hand, in the human resource development phase, the predetermined tasks are assigned preferentially to less experienced (low-skilled) workers, and a schedule is created or changed (updated) with the aim of improving the skills of those workers.

[0049] Here, to facilitate understanding of the content (principle) of the schedule planning and updating process in the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment, the following situation will be described as an example. First, consider a situation in which worker D is unable to perform weekly task #3 due to absence or other reasons in the second week of the schedule shown in FIG. 4. Note that in this example, it is assumed that information about worker D's absence, etc., has been obtained before the second week. Also, in this example, consider a case in which the skill data of each worker for weekly task #3 is the per-task skill data shown in FIG. 3.

[0050] When such a situation occurs, a conventional schedule planning device assigns weekly task #3 to the worker with the highest work efficiency who can take over weekly task #3 in place of worker D. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how the allocation of weekly task #3 for the second week is changed in a conventional schedule planning device when the above situation occurs. In a conventional schedule planning device, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 8, weekly task #3 for the second week is assigned to worker A (see FIG. 3), who has the highest work efficiency, among the workers (workers A, C, and E) who can take over weekly task #3 in place of worker D.

[0051] On the other hand, in the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment, when the above situation occurs, the schedule is planned (changed) as follows: Figure 9 is a diagram showing how the allocation of weekly task #3 for the second week is changed in the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment when the above situation occurs.

[0052] In this embodiment, first, the skill data of each worker for weekly task #3 shown in FIG. 3 is taken into consideration to extract a worker who can be assigned (take charge of) weekly task #3 in place of worker D. In this case, the worker who can perform weekly task #3 during the free time is extracted based on each worker's work efficiency for weekly task #3 shown in FIG. 3 and the period in week 2 when each worker is not working (hereinafter referred to as the "free time"). In this example, workers A, C, and E are extracted as workers who can be assigned weekly task #3 in week 2 in place of worker D. Note that while worker B's free time is Saturday and Sunday in week 2, worker B's work efficiency for weekly task #3 is lower than that of worker D, and worker B cannot complete weekly task #3 in the two days of Saturday and Sunday, so he is determined to be unavailable for assignment ("Not Available" in FIG. 9).

[0053] Next, in this embodiment, the schedule creation phase is determined (set). Specifically, if there is ample room in the work situation and the workers to whom weekly task #3 can be assigned include workers with less than a predetermined experience level (e.g., "3") (workers with low skills), the human resource development phase is set as the creation phase. On the other hand, if there is no ample room in the work situation or the workers to whom weekly task #3 can be assigned do not include workers with less than a predetermined experience level (e.g., "3"), the normal phase is set as the creation phase.

[0054] In this embodiment, as described above, for example, if all workers who can handle the tasks to be assigned have completed their tasks within the regular working hours (no overtime work has occurred) in the most recent specified period, it is determined that there is room for improvement in the work situation. In the example shown in Fig. 9, since there is a worker E with a low experience level (less than "3") among the workers who can be assigned weekly task #3, the normal phase is set as the creation phase only when there is room for improvement in the work situation.

[0055] Then, in the normal phase, weekly task #3 is assigned to the worker with the highest work efficiency from among the extracted workers (worker A, worker C, and worker E), in this example, worker A (see FIG. 3) (see dashed arrow NP in FIG. 9). At this time, in this embodiment, the scheduled work time for weekly task #3 newly assigned to worker A is also changed according to worker A's work efficiency. In the example shown in FIG. 9, worker A's work efficiency is twice that of worker D (see FIG. 3), so the scheduled work time for weekly task #3 newly assigned to worker A is one and a half days.

[0056] Meanwhile, in the human resource development phase, weekly task #3 is assigned to the worker with the lowest work efficiency from among the extracted workers (worker A, worker C, and worker E), in this example, worker E (see FIG. 3) (see dashed arrow TP in FIG. 9). At this time, in this embodiment, the planned work time for weekly task #3 newly assigned to worker E is also changed according to worker E's work efficiency. In the example shown in FIG. 9, worker E's work efficiency is half that of worker D (see FIG. 3), so the planned work time for weekly task #3 newly assigned to worker E is six days.

[0057] As for Worker C, since his work efficiency is lower than that of Worker A but higher than that of Worker E (see Figure 3), he is determined to be unavailable for assignment in both the normal phase and the human resource development phase ("Not Available" in Figure 9).

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 9, a processing example for changing (updating) a schedule once created by the schedule planning device 1 is described, but even when creating a new schedule, the schedule is created in a manner that combines the normal phase and the human resource development phase according to the above-mentioned method.

[0059] [Schedule planning process flow] Next, a specific process flow of various processes executed by the schedule planning device 1 when creating a schedule will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0060] (Schedule planning process) Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the schedule planning process executed by the schedule planning unit 3 of the schedule planning device 1. The schedule planning process shown in Fig. 10 is executed on software by the CPU 101 in Fig. 7. The schedule planning process shown in Fig. 10 is started every time a user (planner) of the schedule planning device 1 inputs various information about a periodic task to be set or changed (hereinafter referred to as a "target task").

[0061] First, the schedule planning unit 3 acquires input information related to the target work via the work data acquisition unit 2 (S1). In this process, when creating a new schedule, the setting information (work type, period, etc.) of the target work input by the user (planner) via the operation unit 105 (see FIG. 2 described later) is acquired as input information related to the target work. In addition, in this process, when changing (updating) the schedule, change (update) information of the target work input by the user is acquired as input information related to the target work.

[0062] Next, the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) performs a schedule creation phase setting process (S2). In this process, the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) sets the creation phase to either the normal phase or the human resource development phase depending on the experience levels (see FIG. 3) of all workers to whom the target work can be assigned and whether there is leeway in the work situation. Details of the schedule creation phase setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. 11.

[0063] Next, the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) determines whether the schedule creation phase is a normal phase (S3). This determination process is performed based on the creation phase setting result in the process of S2. If the normal phase is set as the creation phase in the process of S2, the determination result in S3 will be a YES determination, and if the human resource development phase is set as the creation phase in the process of S2, the determination result in S3 will be a NO determination.

[0064] If the scheduler 3 determines in S3 that the creation phase is the normal phase (if S3 returns a YES determination), the scheduler 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) performs a schedule creation process in the normal phase (S4). In this process, the scheduler 3 assigns target tasks to workers with higher skills based on the task-specific skill data for the target tasks (see FIG. 3) to create or modify a schedule. Details of the schedule creation process in the normal phase will be described later with reference to FIG. 12. After the process in S4, the scheduler 3 terminates the schedule creation process.

[0065] On the other hand, if the scheduler 3 determines in S3 that the creation phase is not the normal phase (if S3 is determined to be NO), the scheduler 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) performs a schedule creation process in the human resource development phase (S5). In this process, the scheduler 3 creates or modifies a schedule by assigning the target task to a worker with lower skills based on the task-specific skill data of the target task (see FIG. 3). Details of the schedule creation process in the human resource development phase will be described later with reference to FIG. 13. After the process of S5, the scheduler 3 ends the schedule creation process.

[0066] (Creation phase setting process) Next, a schedule creation phase setting process performed in the process of S2 in the schedule planning process (see FIG. 10) will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the schedule creation phase setting process. The creation phase setting process shown in Fig. 11 is executed on software by CPU 101 in Fig. 7.

[0067] First, the scheduler 3 (phase setting unit 32) acquires the schedules of all workers who can be in charge of (assign) the target work at the current processing time (S11). In this process, the scheduler 3 acquires the schedule data for each worker (see FIG. 2) of all workers who can be in charge of the target work, which is stored in the data storage unit 4.

[0068] Next, the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) determines whether the experience value for the target task of all workers who can be in charge of the target task is "3" or more (S12). In this determination process, if all workers who can be in charge of the target task include a worker whose experience value for the target task is less than "3", the determination result in S12 will be a NO determination, and if no worker whose experience value for the target task is less than "3", the determination result in S12 will be a YES determination. Note that this determination process is performed based on the task-specific skill data for the target task (see FIG. 3). Also, here, an example will be described in which the experience value threshold that triggers switching the creation phase is "3", but the experience value threshold may be another value (for example, "2" or "4").

[0069] In S12, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that the experience points for the target work of all workers who can be in charge of the target work are "3" or more (if S12 is judged as YES), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) performs the processing of S14 described below.

[0070] On the other hand, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines in S12 that the experience points for the target task of all workers who can handle the target task are not "3" or more (if S12 is a NO judgment), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) determines whether there is leeway in the work situation (S13). In this process, the schedule planning unit 3 references the work performance data group 43 stored in the data storage unit 4 and determines whether, in the most recent specified period, the work of all workers who can handle the target task has been completed within the regular working hours (a situation in which overtime is not occurring). Then, if the work of all workers who can handle the target task has been completed within the regular working hours, the schedule planning unit 3 determines that there is leeway in the work situation (YES judgment), and otherwise determines that there is no leeway in the work situation (NO judgment).

[0071] In S13, if the scheduler 3 determines that there is no slack in the work situation (if S13 is a NO determination), or if S12 is a YES determination, the scheduler 3 (phase setting unit 32) sets the schedule creation phase to the normal phase (S14). Information on the schedule creation phase is stored, for example, in the data storage unit 4 (see FIG. 1). After processing S14, the scheduler 3 ends the creation phase setting process and returns the process to S3 in the schedule creation process (see FIG. 10).

[0072] On the other hand, if the scheduler 3 determines in S13 that there is room in the work situation (if S13 returns a YES result), the scheduler 3 (phase setting unit 32) sets the schedule creation phase to the human resource development phase (S15). After processing S15, the scheduler 3 ends the creation phase setting process and returns the process to S3 in the schedule creation process (see FIG. 10).

[0073] (Schedule creation process in normal phase) Next, the schedule creation process in the normal phase, which is performed in the process of S4 in the schedule planning process (see FIG. 10), will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the schedule creation process in the normal phase. The schedule creation process shown in Fig. 12 is executed on software by CPU 101 in Fig. 7.

[0074] First, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) extracts the worker with the highest experience value for the target task (S21). This process is performed by referring to the task-specific skill data for the target task (see FIG. 3).

[0075] Next, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) determines whether or not there are multiple workers with the highest extracted experience points (S22).

[0076] In S22, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that there are not multiple workers with the highest extracted experience value (if S22 is judged as NO), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) assigns the target work to the worker with the highest extracted experience value (S23).

[0077] On the other hand, if the scheduler 3 determines in S22 that there are multiple workers with the highest extracted experience value (if S22 returns YES), the scheduler 3 (phase setting unit 32) assigns the target task to the worker with the highest work efficiency from among the multiple workers with the highest experience value (S24). Note that in the process of S24, if there are multiple workers with the highest work efficiency, one worker may be selected randomly from among them, or one worker may be selected with reference to other conditions. In the latter selection method, for example, the worker with the longest free time during the period in which the target task is to be performed or the worker with the longest years of employment may be selected.

[0078] After processing S23 or S24, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / change unit 31) sets a scheduled work time for the target work in accordance with the work efficiency of the selected worker (S25). In this process, the higher the work efficiency of the selected worker, the shorter the scheduled work time for the target work is set. Then, after processing S25, the schedule planning unit 3 ends the schedule creation process in the normal phase, and also ends the schedule planning process (see FIG. 10).

[0079] (Schedule creation process in the human resource development phase) Next, the schedule creation process in the human resource development phase, which is performed in the process of S5 in the schedule planning process (see FIG. 10), will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the schedule creation process in the human resource development phase. The schedule creation process shown in Fig. 13 is executed on software by CPU 101 in Fig. 7.

[0080] First, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) extracts the worker with the lowest experience value for the target task (S31). This process is performed by referring to the task-specific skill data for the target task (see FIG. 3).

[0081] Next, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) determines whether there are multiple extracted workers with the lowest experience value (S32).

[0082] In S32, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that there are not multiple workers with the lowest extracted experience value (if S32 is judged as NO), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) assigns the target work to the worker with the lowest extracted experience value (S33).

[0083] On the other hand, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines in S32 that there are multiple workers with the lowest experience level (if S32 returns YES), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) assigns the target task to the worker with the lowest work efficiency among the multiple workers with the lowest experience level (S34). If there are multiple workers with the lowest work efficiency in the process of S34, one worker may be selected randomly from among them, or one worker may be selected based on other criteria. In the latter selection method, for example, the worker with the longest free time during the period in which the target task is to be performed or the worker with the shortest years of employment may be selected. In the latter selection method, for example, the presence or absence of work experience in a human resource development phase for the target task may be determined, and a worker without work experience in a human resource development phase may be selected. In this case, more inexperienced workers may be given the opportunity to improve their skills.

[0084] After processing S33 or S34, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) sets a planned work time for the target work in accordance with the work efficiency of the selected worker (S35). In this process, the lower the worker's work efficiency, the longer the planned work time for the target work is set. Then, after processing S35, the schedule planning unit 3 ends the schedule creation process in the human resource development phase, and also ends the schedule planning process (see FIG. 10).

[0085] [Various effects] As described above, the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment provides schedule creation phases including a normal phase that emphasizes work efficiency and a human resource development phase aimed at human resource development (skill improvement). Then, depending on the availability of leeway in the work situation and the skills of each worker for the work to be assigned, the project schedule is planned (created and modified) in either the normal phase or the human resource development phase. Therefore, this embodiment can plan a schedule that not only improves productivity and work efficiency but also enables human resource development. As a result, it also becomes possible to resolve human resource shortages.

[0086] Furthermore, the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment plans (creates and modifies) a schedule taking into account the work situation, so that an optimal schedule that can flexibly respond to changes in the work situation can be planned.

[0087] Furthermore, in the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment, the planned work time for the work to be assigned is set according to the availability of leeway in the work situation and the skill of each worker for the work to be assigned so as not to cause delays in the progress of the project. Therefore, in this embodiment, a highly reliable schedule can be planned.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if there is room for improvement in the work situation, if the skills of all workers who can handle the assigned work are at a predetermined level (experience value of "3") or higher, a schedule is created in the normal phase. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to create a schedule with higher work efficiency while minimizing work opportunities in the human resource development phase.

[0089] Furthermore, in the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment, if the schedule planner (user) inputs setting information or change information for periodic tasks via the operation unit 105, a schedule is automatically planned in accordance with the input information. Also, the planner inputs setting information or change information for periodic tasks via the information input screen 54 displayed on the display screen 50 of the schedule display unit. Therefore, in this embodiment, the workload of the schedule planner can be reduced.

[0090] [Various variations] Although the schedule planning device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The configuration of the present invention can take on various other modified configurations as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a worker to be assigned to a task is determined by referring to both the worker's experience value and work efficiency in the schedule creation process (see FIGS. 12 and 13 ). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the schedule creation process may be configured to determine a worker to be assigned to a task by referring to either the worker's experience value or work efficiency. Furthermore, for example, the schedule creation process may be configured to determine a worker to be assigned to a target task by referring to a parameter obtained by adding or multiplying the worker's experience value and work efficiency. Furthermore, for example, the schedule creation process may be configured to weight each skill parameter, and determine a worker to be assigned to a target task by referring to each weighted skill parameter.

[0092] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the experience value and work efficiency are defined as skill parameters in the skill data of each worker for the target task (see FIG. 3 ). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a configuration in which a worker to be assigned a target task is determined by referring to either the experience value or work efficiency of the worker in the schedule creation process, the skill data of each worker for the target task may be configured to define only one of the experience value and work efficiency as a skill parameter. Furthermore, for example, the skill data of each worker for the target task may define skill parameters other than the experience value and work efficiency (e.g., years of employment, whether or not the worker has work experience in a human resource development phase, etc.).

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the presence or absence of leeway in the work situation in the schedule creation phase setting process (see FIG. 11) is determined based on whether or not all workers who are capable of performing the work to be assigned have completed the work within the regular working hours (no overtime work has occurred), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the presence or absence of leeway in the work situation may be determined based on whether or not there is a worker to whom the work to be assigned has not been assigned over the period in which the work should be performed, or the determination may be made by combining this condition with the conditions in the above embodiment.

[0094] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the processing functions of the various functional blocks included in the schedule planning device 1 are realized by software, but the present invention is not limited to this. Some or all of these functional blocks may be configured by hardware.

[0095] The above-described embodiments provide detailed and specific descriptions of the device configuration to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to devices that include all of the described components. The position, size, shape, and range of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, and range in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, and range disclosed in the drawings. Furthermore, some of the configurations of the above-described embodiments may be added, deleted, or replaced with other configurations. Furthermore, the illustrated control lines and information lines are those considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines in the actual product. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1... Schedule planning device, 2... Work data acquisition unit, 3... Schedule planning unit, 4... Data storage unit, 5... Schedule display unit, 31... Schedule creation / change unit, 32... Phase setting unit, 33... Schedule display control unit, 41... Schedule data group for each worker, 42... Skill data group for each task, 43... Work performance data group, 44... Schedule data, 54... Information input screen

Claims

1. a phase setting unit that can set the schedule creation phase to one of a first creation phase aimed at improving work efficiency and a second creation phase aimed at human resource development, based on skill information of a plurality of workers for tasks to be assigned to the workers included in the schedule; a schedule planning unit that plans the schedule based on information about the work to be assigned input by a user and a setting result by the phase setting unit, and when the first creation phase is set by the phase setting unit, assigns the work to be assigned to a worker who is capable of taking on the work to be assigned and has the highest skill for the work to be assigned, and when the second creation phase is set by the phase setting unit, assigns the work to a worker who is capable of taking on the work to be assigned and has the lowest skill for the work to be assigned. Schedule planning device.

2. The phase setting unit sets the schedule creation phase based on skill information of the plurality of workers for the work to be assigned and information indicating whether there is room for manpower in the work situation. The schedule planning device according to claim 1 .

3. The phase setting unit When the information indicating whether there is a margin in the work status is information indicating that there is a margin in the work status, the schedule creation phase can be set to the second creation phase, If the information indicating whether there is any leeway in the work situation indicates that there is no leeway in the work situation, the schedule creation phase is set to the first creation phase. The schedule planning device according to claim 2 .

4. the information indicating whether there is a margin in the work situation is information indicating whether the work of the plurality of workers has been completed within a set working time within a recent predetermined period; If the work of the plurality of workers is completed within the scheduled time, the phase setting unit determines that there is margin in the work situation. The schedule planning device according to claim 3 .

5. The phase setting unit sets the schedule creation phase to the first creation phase when all workers who can handle the assigned work have skills at or above a predetermined level in the work situation where there is room for maneuver, and sets the schedule creation phase to the second creation phase when all workers who can handle the assigned work do not have skills at or above the predetermined level. The schedule planning device according to claim 4.

6. The schedule planning unit determines a scheduled work time for the work to be assigned in accordance with a skill of the worker to whom the work to be assigned is assigned. The schedule planning device according to claim 3 .

7. The skills of the worker include at least one of experience and work efficiency for the work to be assigned. The schedule planning device according to claim 6.

8. a display unit that displays an input screen on which the user can input information about the work to be assigned. The schedule planning device according to claim 3 .

Images