Production capacity estimation system, production capacity estimation method, and production capacity estimation program

Abstract

This invention provides a production capacity estimation system, a production capacity estimation method, and a production capacity estimation program that can easily estimate the production capacity of production lines with different configurations. [Solution] A production capacity estimation method for estimating the production capacity of products produced by a production line composed of multiple production devices acquires device information and operating records of the multiple production devices, generates virtual capacity information of the production line from the device information and operating records, including information on the equipment elements of the production devices, information on the specifications of the production devices, and information on the time required for the production line to produce products (ST1), estimates the virtual production capacity of the production line based on the virtual capacity information (ST4), and displays information on the number of products that the production devices will produce in a predetermined period under ideal conditions, such as no production stoppages due to replenishment work or recovery work, on the display unit as the virtual production capacity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a production capacity estimation system, a production capacity estimation method, and a production capacity estimation program for estimating the production capacity of a production line.

Background Art

[0002] In a production line composed of production equipment such as a component mounting device, products such as electronic circuit boards on which components are mounted on a substrate are continuously produced. In order to estimate the production capacity of such a production line, in addition to the processing capacity of individual production equipment, it is also necessary to consider factors such as the replenishment of members such as components to the production equipment and the temporary stoppage of the production equipment due to operator operations such as error handling of the production equipment (for example, Patent Document 1). The system described in Patent Document 1 discloses estimating the production capacity of a component mounting line based on pre-stored information such as the configuration of the production line for estimating production capacity, information on production equipment, and the occurrence frequency of operator operations, information on the input operator, and the production plan.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, including Patent Document 1, estimating production capacity requires building a simulation environment by inputting a lot of detailed information about the production line, production equipment, and products in advance, which presents the following problems. That is, while production capacity can be easily estimated under multiple conditions in a production line where a simulation environment has been built, when considering the addition of production equipment or investment in a new production line, it is necessary to build a simulation environment by inputting a lot of detailed information for each production line with a different configuration, which is time-consuming and laborious, and there is room for further improvement for use in equipment investment considerations.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a production capacity estimation system, a production capacity estimation method, and a production capacity estimation program that can easily estimate the production capacity of production lines with different configurations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The production capacity estimation system of the present invention is a production capacity estimation system for estimating the production capacity of products produced by a production line composed of a plurality of production devices, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires device information and operational records of the plurality of production devices; a virtual capacity generation unit that generates virtual capacity information of the production line from the device information and operational records, including information on equipment elements of the production devices, information on the specifications of the production devices, and information on the time required for the production line to produce the products; an estimation unit that estimates the virtual production capacity of the production line based on the virtual capacity information; and a display unit that displays information regarding the number of products that the production devices will produce in a predetermined period under ideal conditions where there are no production stoppages due to replenishment work, recovery work, etc., as the virtual production capacity.

[0007] The present invention provides a method for estimating the production capacity of a product produced by a production line composed of multiple production devices, comprising: acquiring device information and operational records of the multiple production devices; generating virtual capacity information for the production line from the device information and operational records, including information regarding the equipment elements of the production devices, information regarding the specifications of the production devices, and information regarding the time required for the production line to produce the product; estimating the virtual production capacity of the production line based on the virtual capacity information; and displaying information on a display unit regarding the number of units of the product that the production devices will produce in a predetermined period under ideal conditions, where there are no production stoppages due to replenishment work, recovery work, etc., as the virtual production capacity.

[0008] The production capacity estimation program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the production capacity estimation method of claim 9. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the production capacity of production lines with different configurations can be easily estimated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Diagram illustrating the configuration of a production system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Diagram illustrating the configuration of a production line in a production system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the configuration of a production system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Diagram illustrating the generation of virtual capacity information in a production capacity management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a floor setting screen displayed on the display unit of a production management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the line setting (main) screen displayed on the display unit of a production management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]This figure shows an example of a line setting (equipment addition) screen displayed on the display unit of a production management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a line setting (equipment option setting) screen displayed on the display unit of a production management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a simulation setting (floor setting) screen displayed on the display unit of a production management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a simulation setting (results display) screen displayed on the display unit of a production management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Flowchart of a production line production capacity estimation method according to one embodiment of the present invention [Figure 12] Flowchart of a method for generating virtual capacity information for a production line according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The configurations, screen displays, etc. described below are illustrative examples for illustrative purposes and can be appropriately modified according to the specifications of the production system, production line, production equipment, production management equipment, and production capacity management equipment. In the following, all corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in all drawings, and redundant explanations are omitted. In Figures 1 and 2, in the substrate transport direction (left-right direction in Figures 1 and 2), the left side of the paper is considered upstream and the right side is considered downstream. Also, in Figures 1 and 2, in the direction perpendicular to the substrate transport direction in the horizontal plane (up-down direction in Figures 1 and 2), the bottom of the paper is considered the front and the top is considered the rear.

[0012] First, let's explain the configuration of Production System 1 with reference to Figure 1. Production System 1 consists of floors F1 to F3 within the customer's factory, and a support center S located away from floors F1 to F3 (factory) to support the customer's production activities. Each floor F1 to F3 has a production line for producing electronic circuit boards, which are circuit boards with components mounted on them. Note that floors F1 to F3 may be installed in the same factory, or they may be installed in multiple factories. Each floor F1 to F3 has a similar configuration, and we will explain floor F1 below.

[0013] In Figure 1, floor F1 is equipped with three production lines L1 to L3. The production equipment of production lines L1 to L3 is connected to an internal communication network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and is connected to a production management device 3 via an internal communication unit 4. The production management device 3 has the function of creating the data and parameters necessary for the operation of the production equipment of production lines L1 to L3 and transmitting them to each production equipment. In addition, data such as the operating status and work history of each production equipment is transmitted to the production management device 3 from each production equipment. Floor F1 may also be configured to have a line management device for each production line L1 to L3 to manage the production of electronic circuit boards, in addition to the production management device 3.

[0014] Each production line L1 to L3 is equipped with component mounting lanes L1F to L3F and L1R to L3R at the front and rear, respectively, which have the function of producing electronic circuit boards. Note that the production line L1 on floor F1 does not necessarily have to be three; it could be one, two, or four or more. Also, the component mounting lanes on production lines L1 to L3 do not necessarily have to be two, one at the front and one at the rear; one is sufficient. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 1, the production control device 3 is installed inside floor F1 where production lines L1 to L3 are located, but the production control device 3 may be installed outside floor F1. In addition to the configuration where each floor F1 to F3 within the factory has its own production control device 3, a single production control device 3 installed within the factory may manage the production lines L1 to L3 on each floor F1 to F3.

[0015] In FIG. 1, a production capacity management device 7 is installed in the support center S. The production management devices 3 on the plurality of floors F1 to F3 include an external communication unit 5. Further, the production capacity management device 7 in the support center S includes an external communication unit 8. The external communication unit 5 and the external communication unit 8 are connected to an off-site communication network 6 such as the Internet or a mobile communication line. With this configuration, the production management device 3 and the production capacity management device 7 can exchange information via the off-site communication network 6.

[0016] The production capacity management device 7 acquires device information, performance information, etc. of the production devices from the production management devices 3 on each of the floors F1 to F3 and stores them in a database. Further, the production capacity management device 7 has a function of generating virtual capacity information of the production lines L1 to L3 from the information stored in the database, etc. in response to a request from the production management device 3 and estimating the virtual production capacity.

[0017] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the detailed configuration of the production lines L1 to L3 will be described. The production lines L1 to L3 have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the production line L1 will be described. The production line L1 includes, in order from the upstream to the downstream in the substrate conveyance direction, a substrate supply device M1, a substrate sorting device M2, a solder printing device M3, a printing inspection device M4, a substrate sorting device M5, component mounting devices M6 to M9, a substrate sorting device M10, a mounting inspection device M11, a reflow device M12, a substrate sorting device M13, and a substrate recovery device M14 connected in series.

[0018] The board sorting device M2, solder printing device M3, printing inspection device M4, board sorting device M5, component mounting devices M6-M9, board sorting device M10, mounting inspection device M11, reflow device M12, and board sorting device M13 are connected to the production management device 3 via the in-house communication network 2 and the internal communication unit 4. The board supply device M1 has two conveyors 9a and 9b, one at the front and one at the rear, and the conveyors 9a and 9b have the function of transferring boards 10A and boards 10B of different board types that have been supplied, respectively, to the downstream board sorting device M2. Note that boards 10A and boards 10B may be of the same board type.

[0019] In Figure 2, the substrate sorting devices M2, M5, M10, and M13 are production devices that perform substrate sorting work, receiving substrates 10A and 10B from upstream production devices and distributing them to downstream production devices. They are equipped with a transport conveyor, which is the substrate sorting work unit, and a conveyor movement mechanism that moves the transport conveyor between the front and rear. The substrate sorting devices M2 and M10 receive substrates 10A and 10B from two conveyors, front and rear, connected upstream, onto the transport conveyor, move the transport conveyor while holding the substrates 10A and 10B, and sequentially transfer them to a single conveyor connected downstream. Information regarding the order in which the substrates 10A and 10B have been transferred downstream is transmitted from the built-in device communication unit to the production management device 3 via the premises communication network 2 and the internal communication unit 4.

[0020] The board sorting devices M5 and M13 receive boards 10A and 10B from a single conveyor connected upstream onto a transport conveyor, move the transport conveyor while holding boards 10A and 10B, and then sort and hand them over to two conveyors, front and rear, connected downstream. When handing them over downstream, the boards 10A and 10B, which are mixed and transported from upstream, are sorted to the designated front or rear conveyor based on the order information of boards 10A and 10B transmitted from the production management device 3 via the premises communication network 2 and the internal communication unit 4, which is received by the built-in management communication unit. Note that if the component mounting devices M6 to M9 are single-lane type with one conveyor, the production line L1 does not need to be equipped with board sorting devices M2, M5, M10, and M13.

[0021] In Figure 2, the solder printing device M3 is a production device that performs solder printing work by the solder printing work unit to print solder onto the substrates 10A and 10B to be mounted. In the solder printing device M3, if the solder contained in the device is consumed and runs out (solder depletion occurs) during repeated solder printing work, the operator performs solder replenishment work. In addition, during setup changeover work to switch the electronic circuit boards to be produced, the operator of the solder printing device M3 performs tasks such as changing the mask for solder printing and changing the arrangement of the lower support pins that support the substrates 10A and 10B from below during solder printing. The printing inspection device M4 is a production device that performs printing inspection work by the printing inspection work unit, which includes a solder inspection camera, to inspect the condition of the solder printed on the substrates 10A and 10B.

[0022] In Figure 2, component mounting devices M6 to M9 are production devices that perform component mounting work to mount components D onto substrates 10A and 10B, respectively, using two conveyors (front and rear), two component supply units, and a component mounting work unit including two mounting heads. Note that production line L1 is not limited to a configuration of four component mounting devices M6 to M9, but may consist of one or five or more. In component mounting devices M6 to M9, the two conveyors extending in the substrate transport direction are arranged parallel to each other at the front and rear, and the two component supply units are arranged outside (front and rear) of the two side-by-side conveyors.

[0023] The component supply unit is equipped with multiple tape feeders that supply component D by feeding a carrier tape holding component D, and a tray feeder that supplies component D by switching trays that hold multiple component D, supplying component D to the pickup position by the mounting head. The mounting head is equipped with a suction nozzle that vacuum-suctions component D, picks up the component D supplied by the component supply unit, and performs component mounting work by transferring and mounting it onto substrates 10A and 10B that are transported and positioned by a conveyor. During setup changes, carrier tapes and trays that hold predetermined component D are set in the tape feeders and trays of the component supply unit so that predetermined component D is supplied according to the type of electronic circuit board being produced (in other words, component D is arranged).

[0024] Component mounting machines M6-M9 perform component mounting operations using various mounting modes based on production data. In alternating mounting mode, two mounting heads alternately transfer and mount components to substrates 10A and 10B. In independent mounting mode, two mounting heads independently transfer and mount components to substrates 10A and 10B, which are held by two conveyors. Multiple connected component mounting machines M6-M9 can perform component mounting operations using the same mounting mode, or they can perform component mounting operations using different mounting modes.

[0025] In the dual-lane production system, two conveyors transport circuit boards 10A and 10B respectively, and a mounting head performs component mounting by transferring and placing components. In the single-lane production system, only one of the two conveyors transports circuit boards 10A and 10B, and a mounting head performs component mounting by transferring and placing components.

[0026] In component mounting machines M6 to M9, if the number of components D held by the component supply unit falls below a predetermined amount during repeated component mounting operations (a component shortage warning is issued), or if component D runs out (a component shortage occurs), the operator performs a replenishment operation for component D (replenishment of carrier tape, replacement of trays, etc.). In addition, if a device error occurs that causes component mounting machines M6 to M9 to stop, such as a suction error where the suction nozzle does not properly pick up component D, or a supply error of component D by the tape feeder due to entanglement of the carrier tape (jamming), the operator performs a recovery operation from the device error.

[0027] Furthermore, during the setup changeover to switch between the electronic circuit boards being produced, operators perform tasks such as replacing tape feeders, trays, mounting heads, suction nozzles, and rearranging the lower support pins that support boards 10A and 10B from below during component mounting. In addition, equipment options such as a nozzle changer that holds multiple suction nozzles and automatically replaces the suction nozzle attached to the mounting head during component mounting, a transfer unit used to transfer paste to the electrodes of component D before mounting the component D held by the suction nozzle onto boards 10A and 10B, and an electrical characteristic measuring device that measures the electrical characteristics of component D held by the suction nozzle are also replaced.

[0028] In Figure 2, when performing the above-described operation, the operator moves to the operating surface (front or rear) of the component mounting machine M6-M9 to perform the operation. Note that there are also device errors in which only the component mounting operation on the front or rear where the device error occurred stops, while the component mounting operation on the opposite side continues without interruption, and device errors that are automatically corrected by the recovery process of the component mounting machines M6-M9. Thus, the component mounting machines M6-M9 are production machines that perform component mounting operations to produce electronic circuit boards (products), and are equipped with equipment elements such as tape feeders, tray feeders, mounting heads, nozzle changers, transfer units, and electrical characteristic measuring devices.

[0029] In Figure 2, the mounting inspection device M11 is a production device that performs mounting inspection work, inspecting the condition of components D mounted on substrates 10A and 10B using a mounting inspection work unit that includes a component inspection camera. The reflow device M12 is a production device that performs substrate heating work, heating the substrates 10A and 10B brought into the device with a substrate heating unit to harden the solder on the substrates 10A and 10B and joining the electrodes of the substrates 10A and 10B to components D. The substrate retrieval device M14 has two conveyors 9c and 9d, one at the front and one at the rear, and the conveyors 9c and 9d have the function of receiving and retrieving substrates 10A and 10B, respectively, from the upstream substrate sorting device M13.

[0030] In this way, on production line L1, component D is mounted on board 10A supplied to the front conveyor 9a of board supply device M1, and board 10A with component D mounted is collected from the front conveyor 9c of board retrieval device M14. This path becomes the front component mounting lane L1F. Similarly, on production line L1, component D is mounted on board 10B supplied to the rear conveyor 9b of board supply device M1, and board 10B with component D mounted is collected from the rear conveyor 9d of board retrieval device M14. This path becomes the rear component mounting lane L1R.

[0031] In the dual-lane production system, component mounting is performed on both the front component mounting lane L1F and the rear component mounting lane L1R. In the single-lane production system, component mounting is performed on only one of the two lanes, either the front component mounting lane L1F or the rear component mounting lane L1R. Hereinafter, circuit boards 10A and 10B on which component D is mounted will simply be referred to as "electronic circuit board B".

[0032] Next, referring to Figure 3, we will describe the configuration of the production system 1 (production capacity estimation system) which includes a production management device 3 and a production capacity management device 7. Here, we will focus on the configuration of the function that generates virtual capacity information for production lines L1 to L3 based on the operating performance of production equipment and estimates virtual production capacity, among the various functions of the production system 1.

[0033] The production system 1 of this embodiment easily estimates the production capacity of electronic circuit boards B (products) produced by production lines with different configurations. Therefore, the production system 1 does not require the input of detailed information such as production equipment and electronic circuit boards B used to estimate production capacity, and generates the information necessary to estimate production capacity based on the operating records of production lines L1 to L3. Furthermore, the configuration information of electronic circuit boards B used to estimate production capacity is also generated based on operating records. In addition, the production system 1 estimates the production capacity of production lines with different configurations based on the production capacity of component mounting equipment M6 to M9, which mainly have a large impact on the production capacity of production lines L1 to L3.

[0034] First, let's explain the configuration of the production management device 3. The production management devices 3 installed on floors F1 to F3 have the same configuration, and here we will explain using floor F1 as an example. The production management device 3 installed on floor F1 is connected to an internal communication unit 4, an external communication unit 5, an input unit 11, and a display unit 12. The production management device 3 includes a production management storage unit 13, a performance data collection unit 16, a display processing unit 17, and a control unit (not shown). The production management storage unit 13 is a storage device, such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive, and stores operational performance data 14, display information 15, etc.

[0035] In Figure 3, the input unit 11 is an input device such as a keyboard, touch panel, or mouse, and is used for inputting operation commands and data. The display unit 12 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, which displays various data stored in the production management storage unit 13, as well as various information such as operation screens and input screens for operations performed by the input unit 11. The control unit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which controls the entire production management device 3.

[0036] In Figure 3, the performance data collection unit 16 periodically collects performance data for component mounting work from component mounting devices M6 to M9 (production equipment) on production lines L1 to L3 installed on floor F1. The performance data for component mounting work includes information such as the production start date and time, production end date and time (time the production equipment produced the product), number of units produced, number of work errors, error rate (frequency), number and details of operational errors, and information on the operators who performed the work on floor F1 (working hours, working hours, number of people, assigned duties, etc.).

[0037] Furthermore, the performance data collection unit 16 also collects equipment information such as the configuration of equipment elements of component mounting devices M6 to M9, production data for operating component mounting devices M6 to M9 (production devices) to produce electronic circuit boards B (products), information on the type of electronic circuit board B and its production order, information on the configuration of electronic circuit board B (board size, number of mounted components, etc.), and setup changeover time. The performance data collection unit 16 stores the collected equipment information, operational performance, and production data of component mounting devices M6 to M9 (multiple production devices) as operational performance data 14 in the production management storage unit 13, in association with information that identifies the production lines L1 to L3 and component mounting devices M6 to M9 that performed the component mounting work.

[0038] In Figure 3, the production capacity management device 7 installed in the support center S has functions such as generating virtual capacity information for production lines L1 to L3 based on information acquired from production management devices 3 installed on floors F1 to F3 of the customer's factory, and estimating virtual production capacity based on the virtual capacity information. An external communication unit 8 and a storage device 20 are connected to the production capacity management device 7.

[0039] The storage device 20 is a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive and includes a database 21 that stores information acquired from production management devices 3 installed on multiple floors F1 to F3. The storage device 20 also stores virtual capacity information 22, standard capacity information 23, virtual production capacity 24, etc. The production capacity management device 7 includes information processing devices such as an acquisition unit 30, a virtual capacity generation unit 31, a virtual capacity setting unit 32, an estimation unit 33, a display information generation unit 34, and a control unit (not shown).

[0040] Each information processing unit may be composed of independent hardware assets, or it may be composed of a common CPU and programs for each information processing unit. The control unit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the entire production capacity management system 7. Furthermore, the production capacity management system 7 does not need to be composed of a single computer, but may be composed of multiple devices. For example, all or part of the storage device 20 and the information processing units that make up the production capacity management system 7 may be stored in the cloud via a server.

[0041] In Figure 3, the acquisition unit 30 acquires equipment information, operating records, production data, operator information, etc., from multiple production management devices 3 on multiple floors F1 to F3 via the external communication unit 8, for multiple component mounting devices M6 to M9 (production devices) on production lines L1 to L3 installed on each floor F1 to F3. Specifically, the acquisition unit 30 acquires the necessary information from the operating records 14 collected by the performance collection unit 16 of the production management devices 3 installed on floors F1 to F3. The acquisition unit 30 stores the acquired information in the database 21. In the database 21 shown in Figure 4, the information acquired from multiple production management devices 3 on multiple floors F1 to F3 is stored as information for the operating period (monthly) for each floor F1 to F3.

[0042] In Figures 3 and 4, the virtual capacity generation unit 31 generates virtual capacity information 22 for production lines L1 to L3 from the equipment information and operating records stored in the database 21 and stores it in the storage device 20. In the example in Figure 4, the virtual capacity generation unit 31 generates virtual capacity information 22 in units corresponding to the operating period (monthly) for each floor F1 to F3 stored in the database 21. Specifically, the virtual capacity generation unit 31 generates information about the equipment elements (tape feeders, tray feeders, mounted heads, etc.) of component mounting devices M6 to M9 (production equipment) and information about the specifications of component mounting devices M6 to M9 (model, number of conveyors, number of mounted heads, etc.) from the equipment information stored in the database 21.

[0043] Furthermore, the virtual capability generation unit 31 generates information (line takt information) regarding the time required for production lines L1 to L3 to produce electronic circuit board B (products) (such as line takt time), and information (event information) regarding events requiring operator work for production lines L1 to L3 (such as replenishing parts D, recovering from equipment errors, etc.) and their frequency of occurrence, based on the operational records stored in the database 21. In addition, the virtual capability generation unit 31 generates information about the products, such as the type of electronic circuit board B (product) produced, its configuration (size of boards 10A and 10B, number of mounted components, etc.), and production order, based on the operational records stored in the database 21. Thus, the storage device 20 is a storage unit that stores the virtual capability information 22 generated by the virtual capability generation unit 31 for each operational record.

[0044] Furthermore, the production capacity management device 7 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 30 that acquires device information and operational records of multiple component mounting devices M6 to M9 (production devices) provided on production lines L1 to L3 where electronic circuit boards B (products) are produced, a virtual capacity generation unit 31 that generates virtual capacity information 22 for production lines L1 to L3 from the device information and operational records, and a storage device 20 (storage unit) that stores the generated virtual capacity information 22 for each operational record. This makes it possible to easily generate virtual capacity information 22 used for estimating the production capacity of production lines L1 to L3, which have different configurations.

[0045] In Figures 3 and 4, the standard capacity information 23 stores standard equipment information, including catalog values ​​for the specifications (model, number of conveyors, number of mounted heads, CPH, etc.) of component mounting devices M6 to M9 that can be connected to production lines L1 to L3. In addition, the standard capacity information 23 stores standard equipment element information, including catalog values ​​for the specifications of equipment elements (tape feeder, tray feeder, mounted head, etc.) that can be used with component mounting devices M6 to M9.

[0046] The virtual capability setting unit 32 sets virtual capability information 22 for virtual production lines A1 and A2, which differ from the actual production lines L1 to L3 in terms of component mounting devices M6 to M9 and equipment elements, based on commands transmitted from the production management devices 3 on floors F1 to F3 and the virtual capability information 22 and standard capability information 23 for production lines L1 to L3. The virtual capability setting unit 32 stores the set virtual capability information 22 for virtual production lines A1 and A2 in the storage device 20.

[0047] In Figure 3, the estimation unit 33 estimates the virtual production capacity 24 of production lines L1 to L3 based on the virtual capacity information 22 of production lines L1 to L3. The estimation unit 33 also estimates the virtual production capacity 24 of virtual production lines A1 and A2 based on the virtual capacity information 22 of virtual production lines A1 and A2. The estimation unit 33 stores the estimated virtual production capacity 24 in the storage device 20. The display information generation unit 34 generates display information 15 to display the results of the processing executed according to the instructions sent from the production management devices 3 on floors F1 to F3 (for example, information on virtual production lines A1 and A2, and the estimated virtual production capacity 24) on the display unit 12 of the production management device 3, and transmits it to the production management device 3, which is the source of the instructions.

[0048] The display information 15 transmitted from the production capacity management device 7 is stored in the production management storage unit 13 of the production management device 3, which is the source of the command. The display processing unit 17 of the production management device 3 displays the received display information 15 on the display unit 12. For example, the display unit 12 displays the virtual production capacity 24 transmitted from the production capacity management device 7. The display processing unit 17 also displays various screens on the display unit 12 for creating commands to be transmitted to the production capacity management device 7, and assists in the input of information and commands by the input unit 11.

[0049] Next, referring to Figures 5 to 10, we will explain the various screens used by the display processing unit 17 to perform a simulation of the production capacity of production lines L1 to L3 displayed on the display unit 12, and an example of information input by the input unit 11. The production capacity simulation described later is used by factory and floor F1 to F3 managers and executives to easily estimate the effect of adding new production equipment or constructing new production lines to increase the production capacity of existing production lines L1 to L3.

[0050] First, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the floor setting screen 40 displayed on the display unit 12 by the display processing unit 17 will be described. The floor setting screen 40 is used when specifying existing production lines L1 to F3 for generating virtual capacity information. In this example, existing production lines L1 to L3 are specified for each of the existing floors F1 to F3. The floor setting screen 40 is provided with a menu selection area 41, a floor specification area 42, and a floor information display area 43.

[0051] In the menu selection area 41, the floor setting button 41a, line setting button 41b, and SIM setting button 41c are arranged in the order of the tasks for estimating production capacity. When the administrator operates the input unit 11 and presses the floor setting button 41a, the display processing unit 17 switches the display unit 12 to the floor setting screen 40. Similarly, when the line setting button 41b is pressed, the display processing unit 17 switches the display unit 12 to the line setting (main) screen 44 (Figure 6). Furthermore, when the SIM setting button 41c is pressed, the display processing unit 17 switches the display unit 12 to the simulation setting (floor setting) screen 59 (Figure 9).

[0052] In Figure 5, the floor selection area 42 contains a floor addition button 42a and a floor information setting frame 42b. When the floor addition button 42a is pressed, the display processing unit 17 switches the display unit 12 to the floor addition screen (not shown). When floors F1 to F3 to be added are specified on the floor addition screen, the display processing unit 17 sends a command to the production capacity management device 7 of the support center S to "generate virtual capacity for the specified floors."

[0053] Upon receiving a command, the production capacity management device 7 uses an acquisition unit 30 to acquire device information and operational records 14 of the component mounting equipment (production equipment) equipped on the production line set up on the floor from the production management device 3 installed on the designated floor. Next, the virtual capacity generation unit 31 generates virtual capacity information 22 of the production line from the acquired device information and operational records 14. Then, the display information generation unit 34 generates display information 15 from the generated virtual capacity information 22 for the production management device 3 that sent the command to display on the display unit 12, and transmits it to the production management device 3. The transmitted display information 15 is stored in the production management storage unit 13.

[0054] In Figure 5, the floor information setting frame 42b displays information transmitted from the production capacity management device 7, such as the floor names and number of lines for floors F1 to F3 to which the virtual capacity information 22 has been added. In this example, virtual capacity information 22 has been added for floor F1 with 3 lines, floor F2 with 7 lines, and floor F3 with 2 lines. When the delete button corresponding to the floor name is pressed, the virtual capacity information 22 for that floor is deleted from the floor settings. When the edit button is pressed, the display processing unit 17 switches the display unit 12 to the line setting (main) screen 44, which changes the configuration of that floor.

[0055] The floor information display area 43 is equipped with a floor information display frame 43a that displays information transmitted from the production capacity management device 7. The floor information display frame 43a is provided with a floor selection tab 43b, a line configuration display area 43c, and line selection buttons 43d and 43e. When either floor selection tab 43b is selected, the floors F1 to F3 displayed in the line configuration display area 43c are changed to the production lines of the selected floor. When the line selection buttons 43d and 43e are pressed, the production lines L1 to L3 displayed in the line configuration display area 43c are changed in sequence.

[0056] In Figure 5, in this example, the line configuration display section 43c shows the component mounting devices M6 to M9, which are located on the production line L1 of floor F1 as shown in Figure 2, in the order in which they are connected. Component mounting devices M6 and M7 are component mounting devices of model "D1", and component mounting devices M8 and M9 are component mounting devices of model "D2". A component mounting device of model "D1" has two conveyors and two mounting heads at the front and rear, aligned with the board transport direction, with "2" stages and "4" tables. A component mounting device of model "D1" has two conveyors and one mounting head at the front and one at the rear, with "1" stage and "2" tables.

[0057] The component mounting devices M6 to M9 displayed in the line configuration display section 43c show a table configuration display 43f showing the configuration of the front and rear feeder tables, and a mounting head configuration display 43g showing the configuration of the mounting heads attached to the front and rear. In the table configuration display 43f, "c17" indicates a trolley capable of mounting 17 tape feeders, "c30" indicates a trolley capable of mounting 30 tape feeders, "f13" indicates a trolley capable of mounting 13 tape feeders, and "t20" indicates a tray feeder capable of mounting 20 trays. In the mounting head configuration display 43g, "H16" indicates a mounting head with 16 suction nozzles, "H8" indicates a mounting head with 8 suction nozzles, and "H3" indicates a mounting head with 3 suction nozzles.

[0058] Thus, the virtual capability information 22 includes the names of the component mounting devices (production equipment) that constitute the production line (virtual production line) set from multiple operational records 14, the equipment elements required to produce the electronic circuit board B (product) that the component mounting device possesses, and information about the component mounting device.

[0059] In Figure 5, when the line setting button 41b is pressed, the display processing unit 17 displays the line setting (main) screen 44 on the display unit 12. Next, an example of the line setting (main) screen 44 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The line setting (main) screen 44 is used when setting the configuration of a production line for estimating production capacity. In Figure 6, information on existing production lines L1 to L3 on floor F1 is displayed. The line setting (main) screen 44 is provided with a menu selection area 41, a line specification area 45, and a line information display area 46.

[0060] In Figure 6, the line selection area 45 contains a line addition button 45a and a line information setting frame 45b. When the line addition button 45a is pressed, the display processing unit 17 switches the display unit 12 to the line setting (equipment addition) screen 47 (Figure 7). The line information setting frame 45b displays information such as the number of mounting devices, number of stages, lanes, mounting mode, and production method for production lines L1 to L3 of floor F1, which are included in the virtual capacity information 22. For example, production line L1 has four dual-lane component mounting devices connected together, with "6" stages, an "alternating mounting mode," and a "both-lane production" production method.

[0061] In the line information setting frame 45b, when the delete button corresponding to the line name is pressed, the virtual capacity information 22 for that production line is deleted. When the edit button is pressed, the display processing unit 17 switches the display unit 12 to the line setting (equipment addition) screen 47 (Figure 7) which changes the configuration of the production line. The line information display area 46 contains a line information display frame 46a. The line information display frame 46a is provided with a line selection tab 46b and a line configuration display field 46c. When either line selection tab 46b is selected, the configuration of the component mounting devices M6 to M9 for the selected production lines L1 to L3 is displayed in the line configuration display field 46c.

[0062] In Figure 6, when the line addition button 45a is pressed, the display processing unit 17 displays the line setting (equipment addition) screen 47 on the display unit 12. Next, an example of the line setting (equipment addition) screen 47 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. The line setting (equipment addition) screen 47 is used when adding a component mounting device (production equipment) to an existing production line, or when adding a new production line. Figure 7 shows an example of adding a new production line to floor F1.

[0063] When the display processing unit 17 switches the display unit 12 to the line setting (equipment addition) screen 47, it sends a command to the production capacity management device 7 of the support center S to "send standard capacity information." Upon receiving the command, the production capacity management device 7 uses the display information generation unit 34 to generate display information 15 (standard list) for the sending production management device 3 to display on the display unit 12, based on the standard capacity information 23 stored in the storage device 20, and sends it to the sending production management device 3. The transmitted display information 15 is stored in the production management storage unit 13.

[0064] In Figure 7, the line setting (add equipment) screen 47 includes a menu selection area 41, a step switching area 48, and a line setting area 49. The step switching area 48 contains a line name input field 48a, a step display frame 48b, a previous button 48c, and a next button 48d. The line name input field 48a is where the line name of the newly created production line (new line LX) is entered. When adding production equipment (parts mounting equipment) to existing production lines L1 to L3, the line name input field 48a initially displays the line names of the existing production lines L1 to L3. The step display frame 48b displays the line setting work in step order. When the previous button 48c or the next button 48d is operated, the display switches to the line setting screen of the previous or next step.

[0065] The line setting area 49 contains a line configuration setting frame 50, a line configuration information display frame 51, a production equipment selection frame 52, and a production equipment information display frame 53. The administrator operates the input unit 11 to select one of the component mounting devices (production equipment) displayed in the production equipment selection frame 52 and repeatedly moves it to a predetermined position in the line configuration setting frame 50 (drag and drop) to set the configuration of the production line (new line LX) in the line configuration setting frame 50.

[0066] This process allows administrators to easily configure and change the configuration of a new production line (hereinafter referred to as the "virtual production line") for estimating production capacity. The line configuration information display frame 51 displays the configuration information of the virtual production line set in the line configuration setting frame 50 (total number of stages, total number of mounted heads, total number of tape feeders, total CPH, etc.). When the configuration of the virtual production line is changed by adding or removing component mounting equipment in the line configuration setting frame 50, the configuration information of the virtual production line in the line configuration information display frame 51 is also changed accordingly.

[0067] In Figure 7, the production equipment selection frame 52 is provided with list selection tabs 52a. When any of the list selection tabs 52a are selected, the list of component mounting equipment (production equipment) displayed in the production equipment selection frame 52 changes. When the "Standard List" tab is selected, the standard list created from the standard capacity information 23 transmitted from the production capacity management device 7 is displayed. When the "Floor F1" tab is selected, the list of component mounting equipment (production equipment) with usage records included in the virtual capacity information 22 of Floor F1 is displayed. The same applies to the "Floor F2" tab and the "Floor F3" tab.

[0068] The production equipment selection frame 52 displays information about the component mounting equipment (production equipment), including the model and the catalog value of Chips Per Hour (CPH), which is the number of components that can be mounted per unit time. CPH is information calculated from the number of components mounted on the electronic circuit board B and the production time (line takt). In other words, CPH is information about the number of electronic circuit boards B that the component mounting equipment produces in a predetermined period. The order in which the displayed component mounting equipment is changed by selecting the "Display / Sort Order" condition from the drip-down list 52b provided in the production equipment selection frame 52. When the feed buttons 52c and 52d provided in the production equipment selection frame 52 are pressed, the displayed component mounting equipment is changed in sequence. The production equipment information display frame 53 displays detailed information about the component mounting equipment selected in the production equipment selection frame 52 (in this case, model D1).

[0069] In Figure 7, when setting up a new virtual production line, the initial display of the line configuration setting frame 50 is "blank". Also, when making changes to existing production lines L1 to L3, such as adding a component mounting device, the configuration of the existing production lines L1 to L3 is initially displayed in the line configuration setting frame 50. When the Next button 48d is pressed, the display processing unit 17 displays the line settings (equipment options) screen 54 (Figure 8) on the display unit 12.

[0070] Next, an example of the line settings (equipment options) screen 54 will be explained with reference to Figure 8. The line settings (equipment options) screen 54 is used to set and change the equipment elements (equipment options) of the component mounting equipment (production equipment) that constitute the virtual production line. Figure 8 shows an example of setting equipment options for a new virtual production line (new line LX). The component mounting equipment in the standard list has predetermined standard equipment elements set as initial values. In addition, the component mounting equipment included in the virtual capacity information 22 has the equipment elements used during production set as initial values. The line settings (equipment options) screen 54 is provided with a menu selection area 41, a step switching area 48, a line configuration display area 55, and an equipment option setting area 56.

[0071] The line configuration display area 55 contains a line configuration display frame 57. The line configuration display frame 57 displays the component mounting equipment (production equipment) that constitute the virtual production line in the order they are connected. The equipment option setting area 56 contains an equipment option setting frame 58. The equipment option setting frame 58 contains drag buttons for selecting and setting equipment options (equipment elements) for each table (TBL) of component mounting equipment that constitutes the virtual production line. Selectable equipment options include the type of mounted head (head), whether or not to use a nozzle changer (changer), the type of trolley or tray feeder to be mounted on the feeder table, whether or not to use a transfer unit, and whether or not to use an electrical characteristic measuring device.

[0072] In Figure 8, when the SIM setting button 41c in the menu selection area 41 is pressed, the display processing unit 17 switches the display unit 12 to the simulation setting (floor setting) screen 59 (Figure 9). When the display processing unit 12 switches to the simulation setting (floor setting) screen 59 (Figure 9), the display processing unit 17 transmits the information of the virtual production line set on the line setting (equipment addition) screen 47 and the line setting (equipment option) screen 54 to the production capacity management device 7 of the support center S.

[0073] Upon receiving a command, the production capacity management device 7 sets the virtual capacity information 22 for the virtual production line based on the received virtual production line information, the virtual capacity information 22 for existing production lines L1 to L3 stored in the storage device 20, and the standard capacity information 23. In this way, the number of production devices (component mounting devices) and the equipment elements required to produce the products (electronic circuit boards B) that the production devices possess are input from the input unit 11 (input / output terminal device) of the production management device 3. The virtual capacity setting unit 32 sets the virtual capacity information 22 for the virtual production line based on the information input by the input unit 11. Furthermore, the virtual capacity setting unit 32 sets the virtual capacity information 22 for the virtual production line based on the virtual capacity information 22 for multiple production lines L1 to L3.

[0074] Next, an example of the simulation settings (floor settings) screen 59 will be described with reference to Figure 9. The simulation settings (floor settings) screen 59 is used to set simulation conditions for estimating the production capacity of a floor that includes a virtual production line. The simulation settings (floor settings) screen 59 includes a menu selection area 41, a step switching area 60, an existing floor selection area 61, and a new floor setting area 62.

[0075] The step switching area 60 contains a simulation name input field 60a, a step display frame 60b, a previous button 60c, and a next button 60d. The simulation name input field 60a is where the name of the newly created simulation setting (New Simulation (1)) is entered. The step display frame 48b displays the simulation setting work in step order. When the previous button 60c or the next button 60d is operated, the display switches to the line setting screen of the previous or next step.

[0076] In Figure 9, the existing floor selection area 61 contains an existing floor selection frame 63 and an existing floor information display frame 64. In the existing floor selection frame 63, floors F1 to F3, which contain existing production lines that will be used as the basis for comparison when estimating the production capacity of the virtual production line, are selected via a drop-down list. In this example, floor F1 is selected. The existing floor information display frame 64 displays the configuration information of production lines L1 to L3 that are provided by the selected floor F1. The configuration information for production lines L1 to L3 includes the line name, CPH, total number of component mounting devices (devices), total number of stages (stages), whether the transport conveyor is dual or single (lanes), whether the mounting mode is alternating mounting mode or independent mounting mode (mounting), and whether the production method is both lanes or one lane (production).

[0077] In Figure 9, the new floor setting area 62 contains a new line addition button 65 and a new floor information display frame 66. The new floor information display frame 66 displays the configuration of the new floor, including a virtual production line for estimating production capacity. The production line configuration information is the same as that in the existing floor information display frame 64. Pressing the delete button located in the new floor information display frame 66 removes the corresponding production line from the new floor configuration.

[0078] When the "Add New Line" button 65 is pressed, a screen is displayed for selecting a virtual production line to add to the new floor or existing production lines L1 to L3 (not shown in the diagram). Once a production line is added, the configuration information of the added production line is displayed in the new floor information display frame 66. In this example, the new floor is configured with existing production line L1 (line L1), a virtual production line (line L2+D3) which is existing production line L2 with one component mounting device (D3) added, existing production line L3 (line L3), and a virtual production line (new line LX).

[0079] In Figure 9, when the Next button 60d is pressed, the display processing unit 17 displays the Simulation Settings (Production Performance Selection) screen (not shown) on the display unit 12. On the Simulation Settings (Production Performance Selection) screen, the electronic circuit board B (product) to be produced on the new floor is set as a condition for estimating production capacity. This electronic circuit board B is selected from among the electronic circuit board B with production performance included in the virtual capacity information 22. At that time, the production order of the types of electronic circuit board B (product) is also set. In this way, by selecting from among the electronic circuit board B with production performance, the effort required to set the details of the configuration information of the electronic circuit board B in order to estimate production capacity can be reduced.

[0080] When the Next button 60d is pressed on the Simulation Settings (Production Performance Selection) screen, the display processing unit 17 displays the Simulation Settings (Condition Settings) screen (not shown) on the display unit 12. On the Simulation Settings (Condition Settings) screen, the number of electronic circuit boards B (products) to be produced, the production time, the mounting mode for each production line, the production method, and the number of operators in charge of the new floor are set. The number of operators is specified on a floor-by-floor basis, and during the simulation, the estimation unit 33 allocates operators to each production line according to a predetermined procedure. For example, the estimation unit 33 allocates operators by simply dividing the number of operators by the number of production lines, or by weighting them by the number of production devices that each production line has.

[0081] When the Next button 60d is pressed on the Simulation Settings (Condition Settings) screen, the display processing unit 17 displays the Simulation Settings (Execution) screen (not shown) on the display unit 12. The Simulation Settings (Execution) screen has a Start button to begin a simulation that specifies the production capacity. When the Start button is pressed, the display processing unit 17 transmits the new floor configuration information, simulation condition information, etc., to the production capacity management device 7 of the support center S.

[0082] Upon receiving the information, the production capacity management device 7 uses an estimation unit 33 to estimate the virtual production capacity 24 of the virtual production line included in the new floor and the existing production lines L1 to L3 based on the received information and the virtual capacity information 22 of the virtual production line and existing production lines L1 to L3 stored in the storage device 20. Once the estimation of the virtual production capacity 24 is complete, the display information generation unit 34 generates display information 15 (simulation results) for the source production management device 3 to display on the display unit 12 and transmits it to the source production management device 3. Upon receiving the display information 15, the display processing unit 17 displays the simulation setting (display) screen 67 (Figure 10) on the display unit 12.

[0083] Next, an example of the simulation settings (display) screen 67 will be explained with reference to Figure 10. The simulation settings (display) screen 67 includes a menu selection area 41, a step switching area 60, and a simulation result display area 68. The simulation result display area 68 contains a simulation result display frame 69 and line-specific display buttons 70. The simulation result display frame 69 displays the estimated result of the virtual production capacity 24 based on the actual performance of the current floor F1 (#1), the estimated result of the virtual production capacity 24 that serves as the comparison source, with the production time adjusted to the conditions of the new floor using the configuration of the current floor F1 (#2), and the estimated result of the virtual production capacity 24 of the new floor to be compared (#3), showing the comparison results of the comparison source and the comparison target.

[0084] In the simulation results display frame 69 shown in Figure 10, the estimated production line results are displayed in an aggregated form on a floor basis. That is, the display unit 12 displays the virtual production capacity 24 on a floor basis, with multiple production lines. When the line-specific display button 70 is pressed, the simulation results display frame 69 displays the estimated results for each production line before aggregation. In the information displayed in the simulation results display frame 69, "Catalog CPH" is the CPH value under ideal conditions where there are no production stoppages due to replenishment work or recovery work. "Floor Opening / Closing Time" is the time from the start to the end of production on the floor. "Line Opening / Closing Time" is the sum of the time from the start to the end of production for each production line. "Line Utilization Rate" is the percentage of time that each production line is operating without stopping. Note that the information may also be displayed on a single display screen without the line-specific display button 70.

[0085] "Floor CPH" is the CPH value that takes into account the configuration of electronic circuit board B, and production stoppages due to replenishment and recovery work. "Area productivity" is the floor CPH per unit floor area. "Number of setup parts" is the number of parts that require setup changes. "Number of setup carts" is the number of carts that require setup changes. The simulation results display frame 69 also displays other information such as the number of carts required for production (resource carts), the number of operators required on the floor, and the total time of operator work.

[0086] As described above, the display unit 12 displays information related to the virtual production line, such as the configuration of the virtual production line (Figures 7 and 8), virtual capacity information 22 of the virtual production line (Figure 7), and virtual production capacity 24 of the virtual production line (Figure 10). The production capacity management device 7 also includes an acquisition unit 30 that acquires equipment information and operational records 14 of the production equipment (component mounting equipment), a virtual capacity generation unit 31 that generates virtual capacity information 22 for production lines L1 to L3 from the equipment information and operational records 14, and a storage unit (storage device 20) that stores the virtual capacity information 22 for each operational record. This makes it possible to easily generate information (virtual capacity information 22) used to estimate the production capacity of production lines L1 to L3, which have different configurations.

[0087] Next, following the flow chart in Figures 11 and 12, we will explain a production capacity estimation method (production capacity estimation program) for estimating the production capacity of electronic circuit boards B (products) produced by production lines L1 to L3, which consist of multiple component mounting devices (production equipment). First, virtual capacity information 22 of the production line is generated (ST1: virtual capacity information generation process).

[0088] In Figure 12, during the virtual capability information generation process (ST1), the acquisition unit 30 acquires equipment information and operational records 14 of multiple component mounting devices M6 to M9 (production devices) that constitute existing production lines L1 to L3 (ST11: acquisition process). Next, the virtual capability generation unit 31 generates virtual capability information 22 for production lines L1 to L3 from the equipment information and operational records 14, including information on the equipment elements of component mounting devices M6 to M9, information on the specifications of component mounting devices M6 to M9, information on the time required for production lines L1 to L3 to produce electronic circuit boards B (products), and information on events that require operator work for production lines L1 to L3 and their frequency of occurrence (ST12: virtual capability information generation process).

[0089] Next, the virtual capacity generation unit 31 stores the generated virtual capacity information 22 in the storage device 20 (storage unit) for each operational record (ST13: storage process). Then, the acquisition process (ST11), virtual capacity information generation process (ST12), and storage process (ST13) are repeatedly executed until virtual capacity information 22 for all production lines L1 to L3 is generated (No in ST14). Thus, the acquisition process (ST11), virtual capacity information generation process (ST12), and storage process (ST13) constitute the production capacity management method (production capacity management program) by the production capacity management device 7. This production capacity management method makes it possible to easily generate information (virtual capacity information 22) used to estimate the production capacity of production lines L1 to L3, which have different configurations.

[0090] In Figure 11, when virtual capacity information 22 for production lines L1 to L3 is generated (Yes in ST14), the display processing unit 17 receives input from the input unit 11, including information such as the number of component mounting devices (production equipment) that constitute the virtual production line, the equipment elements of the component mounting devices, and information about the electronic circuit board B (product) produced on the virtual production line (ST2: Information input process) (Figures 7 to 9). Next, the virtual capacity setting unit 32 sets the virtual capacity information 22 for the virtual production line based on the information input in the information input process (ST2) (ST3: Virtual production line setting process).

[0091] Next, the estimation unit 33 estimates the virtual production capacity 24 of the virtual production line based on the virtual capacity information 22 of the virtual production line, and estimates the virtual production capacity 24 of production lines L1 to L3 based on the virtual capacity information 22 of existing production lines L1 to L3 (ST4: virtual production capacity estimation process). Next, the display processing unit 17 displays the estimated virtual production capacity 24 of the virtual production line and the virtual production capacity 24 of existing production lines L1 to L3 on the display unit 12 (ST5: virtual production capacity display process) (Figure 10).

[0092] If the configuration or simulation conditions of the virtual production line are changed (Yes in ST6), the information input process (ST2), virtual production line setting process (ST3), virtual production capacity estimation process (ST4), and virtual production capacity display process (ST5) are executed repeatedly. This makes it possible to easily estimate the production capacity of production lines (virtual production lines) with different configurations.

[0093] As described above, the production system 1 of this embodiment is a production capacity estimation system that estimates the production capacity of products produced by production lines L1 to L3, comprising: an acquisition unit 30 that acquires equipment information and operational records 14 of a plurality of production devices (component mounting devices); a virtual capacity generation unit 31 that generates virtual capacity information 22 for production lines L1 to L3, including information on the equipment elements of the production devices, information on the specifications of the production devices, information on the time required for production lines L1 to L3 to produce products (electronic circuit boards B), and information on events requiring operator work for production lines L1 to L3 and their frequency of occurrence, from the equipment information and operational records; an estimation unit 33 that estimates the virtual production capacity 24 of production lines L1 to L3 based on the virtual capacity information 22; and a display unit 12 that displays the virtual production capacity 24.

[0094] This makes it possible to easily estimate the production capacity of production lines with different configurations (virtual production lines).

[0095] In the above embodiment of production system 1 (production capacity estimation system), the support center S (production capacity management device 7) is located outside the factory, which has floors F1 to F3. However, the support center S (production capacity management device 7) may also be located inside the factory.

[0096] Furthermore, although the above explanation described an example in which production system 1 includes production lines L1 to L3 that mount components D onto substrates 10A and 10B to produce electronic circuit boards B, the production lines L1 to L3 included in production system 1 are not limited to this. For example, the production lines may be semiconductor manufacturing lines that manufacture semiconductors, assembly production lines that assemble workpieces (products) such as electrical machinery and equipment, general machinery and equipment, or food processing lines that produce processed food products. [Industrial applicability]

[0097] The production capacity estimation system, production capacity estimation method, and production capacity estimation program of the present invention have the effect of being able to easily estimate the production capacity of production lines with different configurations, and are useful in the field of component mounting, where components are mounted on a substrate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Production System (Production Capacity Estimation System) B. Electronic circuit boards (products) Floors F1-F3 L1~L3 Production Line M6-M9 Component Mounting Equipment (Production Equipment)

Claims

1. A production capacity estimation system for estimating the production capacity of products produced by a production line composed of multiple production devices, An acquisition unit that acquires equipment information and operating records of multiple production machines, A virtual capacity generation unit generates virtual capacity information for the production line, including information regarding the equipment elements of the production equipment, information regarding the specifications of the production equipment, and information regarding the time required for the production line to produce the product, based on the aforementioned equipment information and the aforementioned operating record. An estimation unit that estimates the virtual production capacity of the production line based on the virtual capacity information, A production capacity estimation system comprising a display unit that displays information regarding the number of units of the product that the production apparatus will produce in a predetermined period under ideal conditions where there are no production stoppages due to replenishment work, recovery work, etc., as the virtual production capacity.

2. The production capacity estimation system according to claim 1, wherein the operational record includes at least one of production data for operating the production apparatus to produce the product, the production order of the types of products, and the time the production apparatus produced the product.

3. The system further includes a virtual capacity setting unit that sets virtual capacity information for a virtual production line different from the aforementioned production line, based on the virtual capacity information of the aforementioned production line. The estimation unit estimates the virtual production capacity of the virtual production line based on the virtual capacity information of the virtual production line. The production capacity estimation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit displays information relating to the virtual production line.

4. The system further comprises an input unit for inputting at least one of the number of production devices, the equipment elements required to produce the products that the production devices have, and information about the products to be produced. The production capacity estimation system according to claim 3, wherein the virtual capacity setting unit sets the virtual capacity information of the virtual production line based on the information input by the input unit.

5. The virtual capacity setting unit, based on the virtual capacity information of at least one production line, A production capacity estimation system according to claim 3 or 4, which sets the virtual capacity information of the virtual production line.

6. The production capacity estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the virtual capacity generation unit generates virtual capacity information for the production line based on at least one of the information of a plurality of the equipment of the production line or the operating records of a plurality of equipment.

7. The production capacity estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display unit displays the virtual production capacity on a floor-by-floor basis, comprising at least one production line.

8. The production capacity estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the product is an electronic circuit board, the production apparatus is a component mounting apparatus, and the virtual capacity information includes information regarding the number of electronic circuit boards that the component mounting apparatus produces in a predetermined period of time.

9. A method for estimating the production capacity of products produced by a production line composed of multiple production devices, By acquiring the equipment information and operating records of multiple production machines, From the aforementioned device information and the aforementioned operating record, virtual capacity information of the production line is generated, which includes information regarding the equipment elements of the production device, information regarding the specifications of the production device, and information regarding the time required for the production line to produce the product. Based on the virtual capacity information, the virtual production capacity of the production line is estimated. A method for estimating production capacity, which includes displaying information on a display unit about the number of products that the production apparatus will produce in a predetermined period under ideal conditions where there are no production stoppages due to replenishment work, recovery work, etc., as the virtual production capacity.

10. A production capacity estimation program for causing a computer to execute the production capacity estimation method of claim 9.

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