Information processing device, productivity management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a productivity management method, and a program that allow a productivity management manager to grasp an actually implemented improvement measure.SOLUTION: An information processing device 40 that processes information obtained from an image formation device 10 and manages productivity includes: an acquisition unit 1040 that acquires an actually implemented improvement measure from improvement measures for improving productivity of the image formation device 10; a recording unit 504 that records the implemented remedial measure; and an improvement implementation result output unit 1060 that outputs the implemented improvement measures recorded in the recording unit 504.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a productivity management method, and a program for managing productivity by processing information obtained from one or more image forming apparatuses. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for calculating the operation rate of printing machines (e.g., image forming devices) used by a printing company and visualizing the difference by comparing the operation records of multiple printing machines. By visualizing the difference in operation records, it is possible to know which printing machine has a declining operation rate. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for calculating the operation rate based on the execution time of a job by not including interruption time due to an error during job execution when calculating the operation rate of an image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-211256 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By analyzing the factors behind the decline in the operation rate of a printing press and examining improvement measures to raise the operation rate, it is expected that the productivity of the printing press will improve. However, even if improvement measures are proposed to address the decline in the operation rate of the printing press, the productivity control manager cannot grasp whether or not the improvement measures have been implemented on-site, or how they have been implemented, and cannot determine whether the improvement measures have had an effect on improving productivity.

[0005] Given the above situation, there was a demand for a method that would allow productivity managers to understand which improvement measures had actually been implemented. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing device of one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that processes information obtained from an image forming device to manage productivity, and is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires improvement measures that have actually been implemented from among improvement measures that improve the productivity of the image forming device, a recording unit that records the implemented improvement measures, and an improvement implementation result output unit that outputs the implemented improvement measures recorded in the recording unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to at least one aspect of the present invention, by providing a mechanism for inputting and recording improvement measures that have actually been implemented and presenting the improvement measures that have actually been implemented, a productivity control manager can understand the improvement measures that have actually been implemented. Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a network configuration of a productivity management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a print server according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a productivity management terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a field terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a print server according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a productivity management terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a field terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an analysis result screen for operation log data of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a legend of symbols displayed on an analysis result screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result screen with an implementation confirmation field for operation log data of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an implementation content description window according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of free text entry in a text entry field of an implementation content entry window according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] Fig. 17A is an example in which the details of a first action item and related action contents are written together in the text input field of the action content description window. Fig. 17B is an example in which the details of a second action item are written in the text input field of the action content description window. Fig. 17C is an example in which the details of the first action item and the second action item are written in the text input field of the action content description window. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a report output setting screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a report output setting screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for recording the implementation details of an improvement action by a field terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21]10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for tallying up implementation details (implementation items) and implementation counts from improvement implementation data by an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functions or configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] <One embodiment> First, a productivity management system for managing the productivity of one or more image forming apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] [Productivity Management System] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a network configuration of a productivity management system. The productivity management system 1 includes image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C, a print server 20, a productivity management terminal 30, an information processing apparatus 40, and a field terminal 50. The apparatuses are connected to each other via networks 60 and 70 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0012] The image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C execute a process (also called a printing process) for forming an image on a recording material based on an input print instruction. The image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C output operation log data to the network 60 according to the operation history. Although three image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C are illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of image forming apparatuses may be one or more, and may be four or more. Hereinafter, when the image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C are not distinguished from each other or when a common function is described, the image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C may be referred to as "image forming apparatus 10". Note that the image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C may be multifunction machines having other functions in addition to a printing function. For example, the other functions include a copy function, a scan function, and a facsimile function.

[0013] The print server 20 is connected to each of the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C so as to be able to communicate with them. The print server 20 relays communication between the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C and other apparatuses. For example, the print server 20 receives a print job from a user terminal (not shown) via the network 60, and instructs the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C to print.

[0014] The productivity management terminal 30 displays information relating to the productivity of the image forming apparatuses 10A-10C provided from the information processing device 40 via the networks 60, 70. A personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), a tablet terminal, or the like can be used as the productivity management terminal 30. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a notebook PC is used as the productivity management terminal 30. A productivity management manager checks the information relating to productivity displayed on the productivity management terminal 30 to manage the productivity of the image forming apparatuses 10A-10C and operate the image forming apparatuses 10A-10C.

[0015] The information processing device 40 acquires and analyzes operation log data from the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C via the networks 60 and 70, and manages the productivity of the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C based on the analysis results. For example, the information processing device 40 manages the multiple image forming apparatuses 10 connected to the network 60 by customer based on a table linking the image forming apparatuses 10 to the customers. The information processing device 40 transmits the results of analyzing the operation log data (including improvement measures) to the productivity management terminal 30 as information related to the productivity of the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C. The information processing device 40 also transmits information on the improvement measures to the on-site terminal 50. The information processing device 40 is configured as a Web server. In this case, the productivity management terminal 30 operates as a Web client (Web browser). Hereinafter, in this specification, the improvement measures are also referred to as "improvement actions".

[0016] The on-site terminal 50 receives the analysis results including the improvement measures from the information processing device 40 as information on the improvement measures (for example, analysis result reports 1210 to 1230 in FIG. 14 described later). The on-site terminal 50 also has a function of displaying the analysis results including the improvement measures, and a function of inputting and recording the improvement measures actually implemented by the workers and the details of the improvement measures (for example, the implementation details shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 17 described later). The information processing device 40 records the improvement measures inputted to the on-site terminal 50 and their details, and creates and outputs a report on the implemented improvement measures and their details. For example, the workers include service personnel who provide maintenance services and operators at a printing company who use the image forming apparatus 10.

[0017] The network 60 is an in-house network such as a LAN. The network 70 is a wide area network such as the Internet, and is one of the elements constituting a so-called cloud. The networks 60 and 70 are communicatively connected via a relay device such as a router (not shown). Alternatively, the networks 60 and 70 may be a single network.

[0018] Also, a storage server (not shown) that stores operation log data output by the image forming apparatus 10 may be connected to the network 70 (cloud), and the information processing apparatus 40 may acquire the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 from the storage server. In this case, message queuing (Web service) that can asynchronously transmit and receive data between the storage server and the information processing apparatus 40 may be introduced on the network 70 (cloud). Alternatively, message queuing middleware may be implemented in the information processing apparatus 40.

[0019] Next, the hardware configuration of each device constituting the productivity management system 1 will be described.

[0020] [Hardware configuration of image forming device] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a print controller 200, a print engine 210, and an operation display unit 220.

[0021] The print controller 200 receives a print document file from a user terminal (not shown), generates image data, and transfers the data to a print engine 210. The print controller 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk (HDD) 204, a printer I / F 206, an operation unit I / F 207, an audio input / output I / F 208, and a network I / F 209. These devices are connected via a system bus 205.

[0022] For example, the print controller 200 may be configured to apply WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning). WebDAV is a distributed file system that has the function of directly copying or deleting files to a Web server, and acquiring and setting file information such as the file owner and update date and time, and is realized by a protocol that is an extension of HTTP1.1. In addition, when the print server 20 is configured to relay communication between the image forming device 10 and the network 60, WebDAV may be applied to the print server 20.

[0023] The CPU 201 performs overall control of access to various devices connected to the system bus 205 based on a computer-readable control program stored in the ROM 202 or the HDD 204. The ROM 202 is an example of a non-transient storage medium that stores the control program executed by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 mainly functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201, and the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The HDD 204 is a non-volatile recording device that stores a boot program, various application programs, font data, user files, editing files, etc. Although the HDD 204 is used in this embodiment, an external storage medium such as an SD card or a flash memory may be used in addition to the HDD 204.

[0024] Printer I / F 206 controls the output of image data to print engine 210, which is a mechanism for executing print processing. Print engine 210 executes print processing (transfer of color materials such as toner and ink to a recording material) based on input image data by electrophotography, inkjet recording, or the like. Print engine 210 includes multiple sensors 211, which detect the states of drive devices and actuators (not shown) in image forming apparatus 10 and output the detection data to printer I / F 206.

[0025] The sensor 211 is an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a voltmeter, an ammeter, an acceleration sensor, an encoder, an image sensor, etc. The printer I / F 206 may include an A / D converter that converts an analog signal input from the sensor 211 into a digital signal.

[0026] Image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown) that detects the opening / closing of a door attached to image forming apparatus 10, a tray drawer detection sensor that detects the drawer / storage of a paper feed tray, and the like. For example, when the door opening / closing detection sensor detects that the door is open or the tray drawer detection sensor detects that the tray is drawn out, print engine 210 does not execute print processing. Such sensors that affect the operation of print engine 210, such as the door opening / closing detection sensor and the tray drawer detection sensor, are included in sensor 211.

[0027] The operation unit I / F 207 controls display of a display unit 222 included in the operation display unit 220, and controls input of various setting information set by the input unit 221. For example, the operation display unit 220 includes a liquid crystal display panel as the display unit 222, and a touch sensor as the input unit 221. The audio input / output I / F 208 controls audio input / output with audio input / output devices such as a microphone, speaker, and headset (not shown).

[0028] The network I / F 209 receives image data to be output to the print engine 210 and information required for print control (print settings) from the print server 20 (FIG. 1) via the network 60.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 10 and the print server 20 may be connected by a dedicated line, and when the image forming apparatus 10 communicates with the network 60, the communication may be relayed through the print server 20. When a dedicated line is used, the image forming apparatus 10 and the print server 20 may each include a control system I / F (not shown) for communicating information required for print control, and an image data system I / F (not shown) for communicating image data to be printed.

[0030] In the image forming apparatus 10, the CPU 201 acquires detection data of a plurality of sensors 211 via the printer I / F 209, and stores the data as operation log data in the HDD 204. Then, the CPU 201 transmits the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 to the information processing apparatus 40 via the network I / F 209 and the networks 60 and 70.

[0031] [Print server hardware configuration] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the print server 20. The print server 20 performs processes required for executing print processing, such as analyzing an input print job and converting the job into image data. The print server 20 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a hard disk (HDD) 304, and a network I / F 306. Each device is connected via a system bus 305.

[0032] The CPU 301 performs overall control of access to various devices connected to the system bus 305 based on a computer-readable control program stored in the ROM 302 or the HDD 304. The ROM 302 is an example of a non-transient storage medium that stores the control program executed by the CPU 301. The RAM 303 mainly functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 301, and the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The HDD 304 stores a boot program, various application programs, font data, user files, edited files, print job data, etc. Although the HDD 304 is used in this embodiment, an external storage medium such as an SD card or a flash memory may be used in addition to the HDD 304.

[0033] Network I / F 306 performs data communication with network 60 via a network cable. Network I / F 306 transmits information required for print control (print settings) and image data output from print engine 210 to image forming apparatus 10 (FIG. 1).

[0034] As described above, the print server 20 may relay communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the network 60. In this case, in the print server 20, data communication with the image forming apparatus 10 is performed by a control system I / F, and data communication with the network 60 is performed by a network I / F.

[0035] [Productivity management terminal hardware configuration] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the productivity management terminal 30. The productivity management terminal 30 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a hard disk (HDD) 404, a keyboard I / F 406, a display I / F 407, an image input I / F 408, an audio input / output I / F 409, and a network I / F 410. Each device is connected via a system bus 405.

[0036] The functions of the CPU 401, the ROM 402, the RAM 403, and the HDD 404 are similar to the functions of the corresponding devices in the print server 20, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] A keyboard I / F 406 controls key input from a keyboard 420 or a pointing device (not shown). A display I / F 407 controls display on a display 430. An image input I / F 408 controls image input from an image input device 440 such as a camera. An audio input / output I / F 409 controls audio input / output from audio input / output devices such as a microphone, speaker, and headset (not shown).

[0038] The network I / F 410 performs data communication with the network 60 via a network cable. As described above, the productivity management terminal 30 may be configured to communicate with the image forming apparatus 10 via the print server 20.

[0039] [Hardware configuration of information processing device] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a hard disk (HDD) 504, and a network I / F 506. Each device is connected to a system bus 505.

[0040] The functions of the CPU 501, the ROM 502, the RAM 503, and the HDD 504 are similar to the functions of the corresponding devices in the print server 20, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] The network I / F 506 performs data communication with the network 70 via a network cable. As described above, the networks 60 and 70 may be a single network. The information processing device 40 may be configured to communicate with the image forming device 10 via the print server 20.

[0042] [Hardware configuration of the field terminal] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the field terminal 50. The field terminal 50 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a hard disk (HDD) 604, a touch panel I / F 606, a display I / F 607, an image input I / F 608, an audio input / output I / F 609, and a network I / F 610. Each device is connected via a system bus 605.

[0043] The functions of the CPU 601, ROM 602, RAM 603, and HDD 604 are similar to those of the corresponding devices of the productivity management terminal 30, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] A touch panel I / F 606 controls touch input from a touch panel 620 stacked on a display 630. A display I / F 607 controls display on the display 630. An image input I / F 608 controls image input from an image input device 640 such as a camera. An audio input / output I / F 609 controls audio input / output of audio input / output devices such as a microphone, speaker, and headset (not shown).

[0045] The network I / F 610 performs data communication with the network 60 via a network cable.

[0046] The hardware configuration of the field terminal 50 may be the same as the hardware configuration of the productivity management terminal 30. For example, a notebook computer may be used as the field terminal 50, and the input device may be the keyboard 420 or a mouse device instead of the touch panel 620.

[0047] [Functional configuration of image forming device] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The print controller 200 of the image forming apparatus 10 includes a print image generating unit 701, a print instruction unit 702, a display control unit 703, an input control unit 704, an operation log data collecting unit 705, and an operation log data output unit 706. These functions are realized by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 2 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 202.

[0048] A print image generating unit 701 generates image data necessary for the print processing operation of the print engine 210 based on a print document file and print settings. A print instruction unit 702 outputs print settings and image data to the print engine 210 and instructs the print engine 210 to execute printing.

[0049] A display control unit 703 controls display on the display unit 222 the status of the image forming apparatus 10 (printing possible / not possible, color adjustment processing in progress, remaining amount of consumables, etc.), the status of the paper feed tray, and the like. An input control unit 704 receives an input signal in response to a user's operation on the input unit 221, and performs operations such as changing print settings, issuing an instruction to perform color adjustment, canceling printing, and issuing an instruction to resume printing.

[0050] The operation log data collection unit 705 collects detection data of sensors in the image forming apparatus 10 including the multiple sensors 211, operation data of actuators, and the like, and stores the data as operation log data in the RAM 203 or HDD 204 of the image forming apparatus 10. The operation log data includes not only one-off error data during job execution based on the sensors and image quality abnormality data, but also all of the operation history (power on / off, operation history, user operation history) and related information of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the operation log data collection unit 705 collects, as the operation history and related information, log data of panel operations of the operation display unit 220, log data of pulling out / putting in the paper feed tray, information about the recording material stored in the paper feed tray, log data at the start / interrupt / end of printing, log data when the door of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 or the door of a post-processing device (not shown) is opened and closed, and the like.

[0051] The operation log data output unit 706 outputs the operation log data stored by the operation log data collection unit 705 to the information processing device 40 via the networks 60 and 70.

[0052] [Print server functional configuration] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the print server 20. The print server 20 includes a print document file storage unit 801, a print setting storage unit 802, a print job management unit 803, and a data relay unit 804. These functions are realized by the CPU 301 of the print server 20 shown in Fig. 3 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 302.

[0053] A print manuscript file storage unit 801 stores in the HDD 304 a print manuscript file transmitted from a user terminal (not shown) by a job management application (print driver). A print setting storage unit 802 associates the print manuscript stored by the print manuscript file storage unit 801 with print settings necessary for image data generation and print processing, and stores them in the HDD 304.

[0054] A print job management unit 803 manages print job data received from a user terminal. Specifically, the print job management unit 803 performs processes such as retrieving print job data stored in the HDD 304, reflecting changes to print job settings made by the user terminal, and managing the history of printed jobs.

[0055] The data relay unit 804 analyzes the data received by the network I / F 306. Then, when the data relay unit 804 determines that there is data to be relayed between the image forming apparatus 10 and the network 60, it controls to relay the data.

[0056] [Productivity management terminal function configuration] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the productivity management terminal 30. A productivity management application 900 is installed in the productivity management terminal 30. The productivity management application 900 is a browser for browsing information related to productivity management, and includes an input receiving unit 901, an information acquiring unit 902, and an information display unit 903. These functions are realized by the CPU 401 of the productivity management terminal 30 shown in Fig. 4 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 402.

[0057] The input reception unit 901 has an interface that receives operations by the productivity management manager on the keyboard 420 or the like. For example, the input reception unit 901 receives a display request for the following information related to the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10. The information related to the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 includes, for example, a productivity monitoring status (analysis overview), analysis details, and productivity improvement information.

[0058] The productivity monitoring status (analysis overview) is information relating to changes in productivity, etc., and corresponds to the analysis results of operation log data (see Figures 12 and 14 described below). Moreover, the productivity improvement information is information relating to improvements in productivity, etc., and corresponds to the analysis results of operation log data (see Figures 12 and 14 described below). The analysis details include information on decline in productivity and the basis for the proposal overview, but illustration and explanation are omitted. As shown in Figure 14, the analysis result screen 1400 of the operation log data in this embodiment displays an implementation confirmation column 1401 indicating whether or not the improvement measures shown in the "proposal overview" have been implemented.

[0059] The information acquisition unit 902 acquires information relating to the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 from the information processing device 40 based on a user operation or the like accepted by the input acceptance unit 901 .

[0060] The information display unit 903 displays, on the display 430, the information relating to the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 acquired by the information acquisition unit 902 from the information processing apparatus 40 based on a display request.

[0061] [Functional configuration of information processing device] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 includes an operation log data acquisition unit 1010, an operation log analysis unit 1020, and an analysis result output unit 1030. The information processing device 40 also includes an improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040, an improvement implementation data aggregation unit 1050, and an improvement implementation result output unit 1060. These functions are realized by the CPU 501 of the information processing device 40 shown in Fig. 5 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 502.

[0062] The operation log data acquisition unit 1010 acquires operation log data from the image forming apparatus 10 and stores the data in the HDD 504. The operation log data acquisition unit 1010 collects operation log data from one or more image forming apparatuses 10 connected to the network 60 at predetermined time intervals, such as several msec.

[0063] The operation log analysis unit 1020 analyzes operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 stored in the HDD 504, and determines (proposes) improvement measures for improving productivity based on the analysis results. The operation log analysis unit 1020 also calculates the effects that can be obtained by implementing the improvement measures. The operation log analysis unit 1020 executes analysis processing in the background of the operation log data acquisition unit 1010. The operation log analysis unit 1020 includes a target device identification unit 1021, a cause identification unit 1022, and a proposal determination unit 1023.

[0064] The target device identification unit 1021 analyzes operation log data of one or more image forming devices 10, and performs processing to compare the analysis result value of the image forming device 10 with a reference value based on the analysis result, and identify image forming devices 10 with declining productivity and image forming devices 10 that require improvement (improvement target devices). The reference value is the average value of the operation rate, interruption time, etc. for a predetermined comparison unit (weekly, daily, machine-by-machine, entire factory, or a combination thereof). The reference value may also be a fixed value set in advance.

[0065] The cause identification unit 1022 analyzes the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 whose productivity has decreased and which needs improvement, and performs processing to identify the cause of the decrease in productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 based on the analysis results.

[0066] The proposal determination unit 1023 performs processing to analyze operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 that requires improvement, and based on the analysis results, determine improvement measures for factors that are reducing the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10. At this time, the proposal determination unit 1023 identifies the basis for the determined improvement measures based on the analysis results, and outputs the basis together with the improvement measures to the analysis result output unit 1030. Note that the contents of the improvement measures based on the analysis results of the operation log data may be set and registered in advance and recorded in the HDD 504, or may be configured to be updated as appropriate using machine learning such as a neural network.

[0067] The analysis result output unit 1030 performs processing to output the analysis results (only the analysis results or including improvement measures) of the operation log analysis unit 1020 to the productivity management terminal 30. At this time, the analysis result output unit 1030 adds an implementation confirmation field 1401 (see FIG. 14 described later) indicating whether or not an improvement measure has been implemented, based on the improvement implementation data acquired by the improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040, to each of the analysis result reports 1210 to 1230 on the analysis result screen 1400.

[0068] The improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040 acquires improvement implementation data indicating the implementation record of an improvement measure (whether or not the improvement measure was implemented and the details of the implementation) from the on-site terminal 50 (FIG. 1) via the network 60, and stores the data in the HDD 404. When an operator operates the on-site terminal 50 to input information indicating the implementation record of an improvement measure, the improvement implementation data including that information is transmitted from the on-site terminal 50. The improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040 may be configured to collect the improvement implementation data from the on-site terminal 50 at a predetermined time interval, such as every few seconds.

[0069] The improvement implementation data aggregation unit 1050 aggregates the improvement implementation data (implementation results of improvement measures) acquired by the improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040, and transmits the aggregation result to the improvement implementation result output unit 1060. In the following description, the implementation results of improvement measures will also be referred to as "improvement results."

[0070] The improvement implementation result output unit 1060 creates data for report output setting screens 1800, 1800A (FIGS. 18 and 19 described below) based on the result of the compilation of the improvement implementation data input from the improvement implementation data compilation unit 1050, and outputs the data to the productivity management terminal 30. When an operator of the printing company uses the on-site terminal 50, the improvement implementation result output unit 1060 may be configured to output the data for the report output setting screens 1800, 1800A to the on-site terminal 50.

[0071] [Function configuration of on-site terminal] Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the on-site terminal 50. An improvement implementation application 1100 is installed in the on-site terminal 50. The improvement implementation application 1100 is a browser that displays improvement measures and inputs and records improvement measures implemented by on-site workers, and includes an input receiving unit 1101, an information acquiring unit 1102, an information display unit 1103, and an improvement implementation data output unit 1104. These functions are realized by the CPU 601 of the on-site terminal 50 shown in Fig. 6 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 602.

[0072] The input reception unit 1101 has an interface that receives operations by an operator on the touch panel 620, etc. For example, the input reception unit 1101 receives a request to display remedial measures for the image forming apparatus 10 whose productivity has decreased, and input of remedial measures implemented by an on-site operator, which will be described later.

[0073] The information acquisition unit 1102 acquires information on improvement measures for the target image forming apparatus 10 from the information processing device 40 based on the operation of the worker accepted by the input acceptance unit 901 .

[0074] The information display unit 1103 displays information on the improvement measures acquired by the information acquisition unit 1102 from the information processing device 40 on the display 630. At this time, a field for inputting whether or not the improvement measures have been implemented (implementation confirmation field 1401 ( FIG. 14 )) is displayed on the display 630 together with the improvement measures. Note that the information processing device 40 may spontaneously transmit the improvement measures to the on-site terminal 50 even if there is no display request from the worker, and the information display unit 1103 may display the improvement measures received from the information processing device 40.

[0075] The improvement implementation data output unit 1104 transmits information on the improvement measures implemented by the workers at the site, received by the input receiving unit 1101 (improvement results), to the information processing device 40 via the network 60 as improvement implementation data.

[0076] [Operation log data analysis results screen] Next, a screen showing the analysis results of the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 displayed on the productivity management terminal 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Here, an analysis result screen showing a list of improvement action proposals will be described as the screen showing the analysis results.

[0077] Fig. 12 shows an example of an analysis result screen for operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 displayed on the productivity management terminal 30. When the productivity management manager starts the productivity management application 900 (browser) shown in Fig. 9 and logs in, the productivity management terminal 30 accesses the information processing apparatus 40, and an analysis result screen 1200 is displayed on the top screen.

[0078] The analysis result screen 1200 displays an analysis result report 1210 from 11 / 08 (Sun) to 11 / 14 (Sat) (45th week), an analysis result report 1220 from 10 / 25 (Sun) to 10 / 31 (Sat) (44th week), and an analysis result report 1230 from 10 / 18 (Sun) to 10 / 24 (Sat) (43rd week). The analysis results are displayed on a weekly basis, but the analysis period is not limited to this example. The analysis result report 1210 from the 45th week has three analysis results (records), and the analysis result report 1220 from the 44th week has two analysis results (records). Also, the analysis result report 1230 from the 43rd week has three analysis results (records).

[0079] 12, each record in the analysis result reports 1210 to 1230 is composed of the fields of "Proposal," "Proposal Type," "Analysis Classification," "Expected Effect," and "Proposal Summary." The analysis result report is an example of an improvement action proposal list that displays a list of proposal summaries.

[0080] "Proposals" are represented by pictograms or other symbols (symbols 1301 and 1302 in Fig. 13) so that the contents of the proposals can be understood at a glance. The proposals are roughly divided into two proposals (reports): "improvement actions" for improving productivity, and "analysis and discovery." "Proposal type" indicates the type of proposal content shown in the "Proposal" column (symbols 1303 to 1306 in FIG. 13). "Analysis classification" indicates the classification of the factors of the decline in productivity identified by the analysis (symbols 1307 to 1309 in FIG. 13).

[0081] "Expected effect" indicates the effect expected by implementing the improvement action. The expected effect is expressed as "xx minutes / day" or "xx minutes / week," and indicates how many minutes of productivity is expected to be improved per day or week. "xx minutes / day" or "xx minutes / week" varies depending on the operational performance of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0082] "Proposal Summary" shows an overview of the improvement action and analysis / discovery proposal (report). The proposal summary shows what kind of improvement proposal (e.g. operational improvement, device configuration change, etc.) there is regarding the factors that are reducing productivity for a specific machine (e.g. one of the image forming devices owned by a printing company). Factors that reduce productivity include, for example, print interruption time, print preparation time, and printing time. The content of "specific machine," "factors that are reducing productivity," and "type of improvement" vary depending on the operational history of the image forming device 10.

[0083] [Symbol legend] Here, the legend of the symbols displayed on the analysis result screen will be described with reference to FIG. 13 shows an example of a legend for the symbols displayed on the analysis result screen. Note that these symbols may be used on other screens besides the analysis result screen, for example, on a screen showing details of the analysis result (not shown). (suggestion) A symbol 1301 is a picture of a miniature light bulb, and indicates a proposal or report for an improvement action (improvement measure). Graphic symbol 1302 is a picture of a magnifying glass, and indicates a proposal or report of analysis and findings.

[0084] (Proposal type) The pictorial symbol 1303 is a picture of a person, and indicates a proposal or report regarding operations. Graphic symbol 1304 is a picture of a printing press and shows suggestions or reports regarding the machine. Graphic symbol 1305 is a picture of cardboard and indicates a proposal or report regarding materials. The graphic symbol 1306 is a picture showing the management cycle, and indicates a proposal or report on a method or process. Graphic symbols 1303 to 1306 represent the resources used in carrying out business, that is, the four elements of production (man, machine, material, and method).

[0085] (Analysis classification) Graphic symbol 1307 is a picture of a printing press and an hourglass, and indicates a proposal or report regarding press downtime. Graphical symbol 1308 is a picture of a power standby and an hourglass, which indicates a suggestion or report regarding run time. A graphic symbol 1309 is a picture of a manual feed tray and an hourglass, and indicates a suggestion or report regarding print preparation time.

[0086] For example, the first record of the analysis result report 1230 for the 43rd week shown in FIG. 12 has a proposal for an improvement action (symbol 1301) written as "proposal". The "proposal type" is a proposal related to operations (symbol 1303), and the "analysis classification" is a proposal related to print interruption time (symbol 1307). "Expected effect" is written as 170 minutes / week. And the "proposal summary" shows a message that says, "By improving the time to resume printing after the 'paper output tray full' occurs, it is possible to reduce the time by about 170 minutes per week for B / W No. 1." B / W No. 1 is the common name of the machine (printing machine) used in the printing company, and may be another name or symbol such as Machine A.

[0087] Similarly, a proposal for improvement action (symbol 1301, symbol omitted) is described as a "proposal" in the record on the second line of the analysis result report 1230. A proposal for analysis and discovery (symbol 1302, symbol omitted) is described as a "proposal" in the record on the third line of the analysis result report 1230.

[0088] In the record on the first line of the analysis result report 1230, a suggestion was made regarding the print interruption time, but a suggestion regarding other items such as print time may be made. For example, when suggesting an improvement action regarding print time (operation time: symbol 1308), it is possible to make a suggestion such as "The print time is short and the operation rate is low, so let's print more," or "There is a variation in print time between machines and on a weekly / monthly basis, so let's level it out." In addition, when suggesting an improvement action regarding print preparation time (symbol 1309), it is possible to make a suggestion such as "Let's prepare XX in advance to shorten the print preparation time." Furthermore, it is also possible to display an analysis result (symbol 1302) that suggests the existence of some trend related to productivity, such as "Some trend is observed in print time on a weekly / monthly basis."

[0089] When the user wishes to check the details of the analysis results, the user may select the proposal (any line) that the user wishes to check from the list of analysis results, and the details of the proposal's rationale and improvement actions may be displayed. In the example of Fig. 12, the user may move to a details screen (not shown) that shows the details of the analysis results by placing the pointer on any line (record) of the analysis results and clicking the mouse device.

[0090] Note that the present invention is intended to confirm whether or not improvement actions have been implemented at the site and what content has been implemented, and is not intended to involve analysis of operation log data or the analysis results (such as the basis for proposals or more detailed analysis items), so a detailed explanation of the analysis process and analysis results (such as the basis for proposals) will be omitted.

[0091] [Analysis results screen with confirmation field] Next, an analysis result screen with an implementation confirmation field for the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0092] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result screen with an implementation confirmation field. In the illustrated analysis result screen 1400, an implementation confirmation field 1401 is added to each of the analysis result reports 1210 to 1230 of the analysis result screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12. The implementation confirmation field 1401 is added to the beginning (left side in the figure) of each record of the analysis result reports 1210 to 1230. A check box is displayed in the implementation confirmation field 1401, and an operator can select an improvement action that has actually been implemented by inputting a check mark in the check box using the touch panel 620 (FIG. 6). In FIG. 14, the improvement action proposed in the first line of the analysis result report 1210 and the improvement actions proposed in the first and third lines of the analysis result report 1230 are selected.

[0093] In this way, in this embodiment, the on-site worker can check the improvement action that he or she actually implemented in the analysis result report (improvement action proposal list) to keep a record of the improvement action that was implemented. Note that, although check marks are used in this embodiment, other symbols such as a circle mark or highlighting using a color or frame may also be used as long as it is possible to keep a record of the improvement action implemented by the worker.

[0094] [Implementation details window] By selecting any record in the above analysis result report, the screen transitions to a screen (implementation content description window) for inputting details of the implementation content for the improvement action described in the selected record. When the analysis result output unit 1030 of the information processing device 40 detects that any record that proposes an improvement action has been selected on the field terminal 50, it causes the field terminal 50 to display the implementation content description window. The implementation content description window will be described below.

[0095] 15 is a diagram showing an example of an implementation content entry window. In the analysis result report 1230, of the records in the first and second rows with check marks displayed in the implementation confirmation column 1401, the record in the first row is selected by the pointer 1510. Then, an implementation content entry window 1500 for the improvement summary (improvement action) described in the selected record is displayed. In this embodiment, the implementation content entry window 1500 is displayed by clicking on the record describing the improvement action that has been implemented (with a check mark displayed in the implementation confirmation column 1401), making it possible to input details of the implementation content.

[0096] The implementation content entry window 1500 is an interface for entering details of an implemented improvement action. The implementation content displayed in the implementation content entry window 1500 is determined according to the improvement action. In other words, the implementation content displays implementation items that are prepared in advance according to the content of the improvement action. The implementation items are descriptions or terms (keywords) that succinctly express the implementation content. For example, the implementation items are extracted from the details of an improvement action (not shown) that corresponds to the proposal outline. The worker selects the implementation items that have actually been implemented from the implementation items prepared in advance in the implementation content entry window 1500 as the implementation content of the improvement action.

[0097] For example, in the action content entry window 1500, a first action item 1501, a second action item 1502, and a text input field 1503 in which text can be input are provided. Check boxes are displayed for each of the first action item 1501, the second action item 1502, and the text input field 1503. For example, "Review paper output tray settings" is displayed as the first action item 1501, and "Review operations" is displayed as the second action item 1502. In the example of FIG. 15, a check mark is placed on the first action item 1501. The improvement implementation data output unit 1104 transmits information on this first action item 1501 to the information processing device 40.

[0098] The information display unit 1103 may erase the analysis result report 1230 after displaying the implementation content description window 1500, or may display the analysis result report 1230 and the implementation content description window 1500 side by side.

[0099] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of free text entry in a text entry field 1503 in an implementation content entry window 1500. By checking the checkbox in the text entry field 1503, the worker can freely enter text about the implementation content, supplementary notes, etc. in the text entry field 1503. In Fig. 16, "An additional large-capacity paper output tray has been installed." is entered.

[0100] In this way, in this embodiment, the worker can input and record the improvement action implemented by simply checking (selecting) the corresponding improvement action in the analysis result report (improvement action proposal list). Also, in this embodiment, the worker can enter the implementation details of the improvement action in two ways: by selecting from prepared action items, and by freely writing the implementation details in the text input field 1503. This allows the worker to easily enter (record) the implementation details of the improvement action.

[0101] Conversely, a check mark indicating that an action has been taken can be displayed in the implementation confirmation field 1401 of the relevant record by selecting the relevant line (relevant record) in the analysis result report or the relevant line in the implementation confirmation field 1401, and selecting the relevant implementation item or entering text in the implementation content entry window 1500 that is displayed.

[0102] If the implementation details are not entered (by selecting the implementation items or entering text) in the implementation details entry window 1500, the input receiving unit 1101 or the improvement implementation data output unit 1104 may display a message indicating that the implementation details are not entered. This makes it possible to prompt the worker to enter the implementation details.

[0103] Finally, the worker presses a confirm button (not shown) displayed on the analysis result screen to confirm the selection of the implemented improvement action and the description of the implementation content, and records them in the information processing device 40. The above input content may be automatically confirmed by closing the analysis result screen.

[0104] 17A to 17C are diagrams showing other examples of free entry in the text entry field 1503 of the action content entry window 1500. It is also possible to select multiple action contents (check boxes). The text entry may describe details of checked action items (when there is additional content to be written about matching action contents), or completely different action contents may be entered side by side.

[0105] 17A is an example in which details of a first action item 1501 and related action details are entered side by side in a text entry field 1503 of an action details entry window 1500. In (1) of the text entry field 1503, it is entered as details of the first action item 1501, "The paper output tray was set to a tray with a small paper output capacity, so the setting was changed." In addition, in (2) of the text entry field 1503, it is entered as details of the first action item 1501, "An additional large-capacity paper output tray was installed."

[0106] 17B is an example in which details of a second action item 1502 are entered in a text input field 1503 of an action content entry window 1500. In the text input field 1503, the following is entered as details of the second action item 1502: "The cardboard board that was placed so as to touch the sensor of the paper output tray was removed."

[0107] 17C is an example in which details of a first action item 1501 and a second action item 1502 are entered in a text entry field 1503 of an action content entry window 1500. In (1) of the text entry field 1503, the following is entered as the details of the first action item 1501: "The paper output tray was set to a tray with a small paper output capacity, so the setting was changed." In addition, in (2) of the text entry field 1503, the following is entered as the details of the second action item 1502: "The cardboard board that was placed so as to touch the sensor of the paper output tray was removed."

[0108] [Report output setting screen] In the present invention, the improvement implementation result output unit 1060 (FIG. 10) of the information processing device 40 can output a report on the improvement implementation results (improvement performance) within a collection period based on a request from the productivity management terminal 30. Hereinafter, a report output setting screen for displaying the improvement implementation results (improvement performance) on the productivity management terminal 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0109] 18 is a diagram showing an example of a report output setting screen. The illustrated report output setting screen 1800 is a screen for displaying improvement results and setting the output format of a report. The report output setting screen 1800 includes a report period 1810, content selection 1820, output format 1850, next month's target 1860, and an output button 1870.

[0110] The report period 1810 is an area for setting the report aggregation period on the report output setting screen 1800. Options include "weekly," "monthly," "quarterly," "half-yearly," and "annual." For example, in FIG. 18, "monthly" is selected and the report period is "1 / 10 / 2020 to 31 / 10 / 2020." When the report period is set on the productivity management terminal 30, the report period setting is transmitted to the information processing device 40, and the improvement implementation results according to the report period are transmitted from the information processing device 40 to the productivity management terminal 30.

[0111] Content selection 1820 is an area showing improvement results, and includes the period set in report period 1810. Content selection 1820 has process improvement results 1830 and improvement results 1840. Using content selection 1820, the productivity control manager can grasp the implementation results of improvement actions in the past and in a specified report period, and the contents of the report output.

[0112] The process improvement result 1830 indicates the result of implementing an improvement action (in the drawing, the improvement action is expressed as a "process"). The process improvement result 1830 includes fields for "check column", "analysis No.", "analysis classification", "type of improvement", and "record of improvement measures".

[0113] The "check column" is a column where the worker checks the records of the process improvement results 1830 that interest him / her. "Analysis No." is an identifier that identifies each record in the analysis result report shown in FIG. 14, and indicates which analysis result the implemented improvement action corresponds to. The "analysis category" is the same as the analysis category in the analysis result report shown in FIG. "Improvement type" indicates the type of improvement action to be implemented. The improvement types mostly correspond to the proposal types in the analysis result report shown in Figure 14, but there are cases where they do not correspond. The symbols in "Analysis classification" and "Improvement type" are based on the legend shown in Figure 13. The "record of improvement measures" indicates the improvement measures that have been implemented (corresponding to the implementation details of the improvement actions).

[0114] A row (record) of the process improvement result 1830 is added every time the improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040 receives information on an improvement action that has actually been implemented from the field terminal 50. The records with "Analysis No." "XX0620XX 0021" and "XX0620XX 0026" highlighted in the process improvement results 1830 indicate records including improvement actions implemented within the period set in the report period 1810. Here, improvement measures corresponding to the implementation details described in the implementation details description window 1500 in FIG. 17A are recorded. Therefore, the symbol 1304 indicating a proposal for a machine is displayed in the "Improvement type" of the two records. When a record has a check mark in the "check column," that information is output as a report. Records that fall within the report period are automatically marked with a check mark. It is also possible for the productivity manager to select records that are of interest. It is also possible to remove a check mark that has already been marked.

[0115] The improvement record 1840 shows the results of tallying up improvement actions implemented during the period set in the report period 1810. Here, it shows what kind of improvements were implemented and how many times they were implemented. The tallying can be performed by setting the tallying unit to weekly, monthly, or annual, or by selecting an arbitrary tallying period. The number of implementation content items and the number of implementation times increase by selecting the implementation content (implementation items) and describing them in text. The improvement record 1840 has the items of "implementation content" and "number of implementation times."

[0116] "Implementation details" are the implementation details of the improvement actions implemented during the period set in the report period 1810. These implementation details correspond to the prepared implementation items shown in Figs. 15 to 17 and the implementation items extracted from the text-described implementation details. In Fig. 18, "paper output tray setting", "paper tray setting", and "capital investment" are displayed as examples of "implementation details".

[0117] "Number of implementations" indicates the number of times the improvement action was implemented during the period set in the report period 1810. FIG. 18 shows an example in which the number of implementations is "1" along with "output tray setting," "paper tray setting," and "capital investment" as improvement results for October 2020.

[0118] A vertical slide bar is displayed on the right edge of the display area of ​​each of the process improvement results 1830 and improvement performance 1840. By moving the vertical slide bar, it is possible to display records of the process improvement results 1830 or implementation details of the improvement performance 1840 that do not fit within the display range.

[0119] The output format 1850 is an area for setting the output format of the report of the improvement implementation results. In this embodiment, the file format of the report and the orientation of the report (portrait or landscape) can be set. The file format options are, for example, "PDF" (Portable Document Format) and "CSV" (Comma-Separated Values). FIG. 18 shows an example in which "PDF" and "Landscape" are selected. The improvement implementation result output unit 1060 (FIG. 10) outputs records with check marks in the process improvement result 1830 and information on the improvement performance 1840 for the period set in the report period 1810 as a report of the improvement implementation results.

[0120] The display format of the report (not shown) can be set using the "Display Settings" function displayed in the upper right corner of the report output setting screen 1800. Also, the "Preview" function allows the content and finish of the output report to be checked.

[0121] Next month's target 1860 is an area where the target for the next month is displayed. For example, FIG. 18 shows that the machine utilization rate is "23%" and the production capacity is "2200 sheets / hour" as the target for next month. Note that although the "next month's target" is displayed here, the target period may be a period based on the report period 1810, or may be set to an arbitrary period. For example, if "weekly" is selected in the report period 1810, the display changes to "next week's target" and the aggregation unit is also changed to weekly.

[0122] The output button 1870 is a button for an operator to instruct output of a report. When the productivity control manager clicks the output button 1870, the productivity management application 900 (FIG. 9) outputs the information displayed on the current report output setting screen 1800 as a report. For example, the productivity management application 900 of the productivity management terminal 30 displays the report on the display 430 (FIG. 4). Alternatively, the productivity management terminal 30 (productivity management application 900) may output a print job of the report to the image forming apparatus 10. The report includes at least records with check marks in the process improvement results 1830 in the content selection 1820, and the contents of the improvement record 1840.

[0123] [Another example of the report output setting screen] Next, another example of the report output setting screen will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing another example of the report output setting screen. The report output setting screen 1800A shown in Fig. 19 is different from the report output setting screen 1800 shown in Fig. 18 in that it has an item of improvement effect 1880 in the content selection 1820. The improvement effect 1880 indicates the effect obtained by implementing the proposed improvement action, and is output to the report. Fig. 19 shows an example in which the operation rate was "17%" in September and became "20%" in October, improving by 3% in one month. In this way, by showing the effect obtained by implementing the improvement, the productivity control manager can recognize the improvement effect.

[0124] [Process to record the implementation of improvement actions] Next, a process for recording the implementation details of an improvement action according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0125] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for recording the implementation details of an improvement action by the field terminal 50. The CPU 601 (Fig. 6) of the field terminal 50 reads out and executes a control program (improvement implementation application 1100 in Fig. 11) recorded in the ROM 602 or HDD 604, thereby realizing the processing of each step in this flowchart.

[0126] As a premise, in the on-site terminal 50, the information acquisition unit 1102 receives the analysis result of the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 from the information processing device 40, and the information display unit 1103 displays an analysis result screen 1400 as shown in Fig. 14 on the display 630. After the work, the on-site worker checks the analysis result report (improvement action proposal list) with the implementation confirmation column 1401 and inputs a check mark in the check box of the implemented improvement action (S1). The input receiving unit 1101 determines whether a check mark has been input (S2), and if a check mark has not been input (NO determination in S2), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0127] If a check mark is entered (YES in S2), the information display unit 1103 displays an implementation content entry window 1500 (FIGS. 15 to 17) according to the selected improvement action (S3).

[0128] Next, the worker checks the action content entry window 1500 and determines whether the prepared (displayed) action content (e.g., the first action item 1501 and the second action item 1502) matches the actual action content (S4).

[0129] If the worker judges that the prepared action content matches the actual action content (YES judgment in S4), he / she checks the matching action content (action item) (S5). Next, if the worker wants to add anything to the above matching action content, he / she writes an explanation in the text input field 1503 (S6).

[0130] If the worker determines that the prepared action content does not match the actual action content (NO in S4), the worker inputs a check mark in the check box for entering text (S7). Next, the worker writes new action content that has not been prepared in the text input field 1503 (S8).

[0131] If the worker has other action details to enter in the action details entry window 1500 for the selected improvement action, the worker returns to the decision process of step S4 and appropriately executes the processes of steps S4 to S8. If the worker has other improvement actions to select, the worker returns to the process of step S1 and appropriately executes the processes of steps S1 to S8.

[0132] After the process of step S6 or S8, when the input receiving unit 1101 detects the input of the implementation details, the improvement implementation data output unit 1104 transmits the selected improvement action and its implementation details as improvement implementation data to the information processing device 40 (S9). After the process of step S9 ends, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0133] [Process to count action items and number of times they were performed] Next, a process for tabulating implementation details (implementation items) and implementation counts from improvement implementation data according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0134] 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for tallying up implementation details (implementation items) and implementation counts from improvement implementation data by the information processing device 40. The CPU 501 (FIG. 5) of the information processing device 40 reads out and executes a control program recorded in the ROM 502 or HDD 504, thereby realizing the processing of each step in this flowchart.

[0135] As a premise, when the improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040 of the information processing device 40 receives the improvement implementation data from the on-site terminal 50, the improvement implementation data is recorded in the HDD 504. In the information processing device 40, the improvement implementation data compilation unit 1050 extracts implementation items from the implementation contents for the implemented improvement action from the received improvement implementation data (S11). This implementation item corresponds to the implementation contents (implementation items) selected in step S5 of FIG. 20, and is an explanation or term (word) that succinctly expresses the implementation contents. Next, the improvement implementation data compilation unit 1050 saves the implementation items (list (1)) extracted in step S11 in chronological order in the HDD 504 or the like (S12).

[0136] Next, the improvement implementation data compilation unit 1050 extracts implementation items from the implementation details entered as text in the text input field 1503 (S13). Next, the improvement implementation data compilation unit 1050 saves the implementation items (list (2)) extracted in step S13 in chronological order in the HDD 504 or the like (S14).

[0137] Then, the improvement implementation data aggregation unit 1050 executes a process (S15) of extracting action items similar to the action items stored in steps S12 and S14 from the action items (lists (1) and (2)) stored in chronological order during the aggregation period (report period 1810 in FIG. 18). These action item lists (1) and (2) correspond to the multiple records (particularly "records of improvement measures") displayed in the process improvement results 1830 in FIG. 18.

[0138] Next, the improvement implementation data compilation unit 1050 judges whether or not a similar action item exists in the lists (1) and (2) (S16). Then, if a similar action item exists (YES judgment in S16), the improvement implementation data compilation unit 1050 increments the count value of the corresponding action item by "1" (S17). This count value corresponds to the number of times of implementation. In other words, after the processing of step S17, the number of times of implementation of the corresponding action item becomes "2" or more.

[0139] On the other hand, if a similar action item does not exist (NO in S16), the improvement implementation data compilation unit 1050 sets the count value of the new action item saved in step S12 or S14 to "1" (S18).

[0140] Next, after processing step S17 or S18, the improvement implementation data aggregation unit 1050 determines whether the aggregation for the set aggregation period has been completed (S19), and if the aggregation has not been completed (NO judgment in S19), the process returns to step S11 and executes the processes of steps S11 to S18 again.

[0141] On the other hand, when the calculation is completed (YES in S19), the improvement implementation data calculation unit 1050 obtains the count value (number of times implemented) of the implementation item according to the calculation period set when the report was output, and creates the improvement record 1840 (S20). After the process of step S20, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0142] After the process of step S20, the information processing device 40 creates a report of the improvement implementation results by the improvement implementation result output unit 1060, and transmits the report to the productivity management terminal 30 in accordance with the output instruction. As a result, the report of the improvement implementation results is displayed on the productivity management terminal 30, and the productivity control manager can grasp whether or not an improvement action has been implemented and the details of the implementation.

[0143] As described above, the information processing device (information processing device 40) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device that processes information (for example, operation log data) obtained from the image forming device 10 to manage productivity. This information processing device includes an acquisition unit (improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040) that acquires improvement measures that have actually been implemented from improvement measures (improvement actions) that improve the productivity of the image forming device, a recording unit (improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040, HDD 504) that records the implemented improvement measures, and an improvement implementation result output unit (improvement implementation result output unit 1060) that outputs the implemented improvement measures recorded in the recording unit.

[0144] According to the information processing device of this embodiment configured as described above, a mechanism is provided for inputting and recording improvement measures (improvement actions) that have actually been implemented and presenting the improvement measures that have actually been implemented, thereby enabling the productivity control manager to grasp the improvement measures that have actually been implemented.

[0145] In addition, the information processing device with the above configuration provides a mechanism for on-site workers to input the improvement measures that they have actually implemented (by checking the implemented improvement measures (implementation details) or by entering text), which can be used by productivity control managers as a record for accumulating improvement know-how and measuring the effectiveness of improvement activities.

[0146] In addition, in the information processing device according to the present embodiment, an improvement measure proposal list (analysis result reports 1210-1230) in which improvement measures for improving the productivity of the image forming device are proposed is displayed on the on-site terminal used by the worker. An acquisition unit (improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040) of the information processing device is configured to acquire, from the on-site terminal, the improvement measures selected by the worker from the improvement measure proposal list and actually implemented by the worker.

[0147] Furthermore, in the information processing device of this embodiment, the acquisition unit (improvement implementation data acquisition unit 1040) is configured to acquire, as the improvement measures, the content of the measures that the worker has taken to improve productivity, which is entered as text by the worker into the on-site terminal.

[0148] According to the information processing device of this embodiment having the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide a mechanism for allowing on-site workers to select the improvement measures (implementation details) that have actually been implemented, or to input the implementation details of the improvement measures in text form.

[0149] In addition, the information processing device of this embodiment includes an operation history acquisition unit (operation log data acquisition unit 1010) that acquires operation history information (operation log data) from the image forming device, an analysis unit (operation log analysis unit 1020) that analyzes the operation history information and determines improvement measures from the analysis results, and an improvement measure output unit (analysis result output unit 1030) that outputs the improvement measures to an on-site terminal used by an operator.

[0150] According to the information processing device of the present embodiment having the above configuration, factors that reduce productivity are identified from the operation log data of the image forming device, and specific improvement measures (improvement actions) for improving productivity are output. Then, by displaying the specific improvement measures on the display screen of the on-site terminal, workers can quickly take improvement actions, and the productivity of the image forming device can be improved.

[0151] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other applications and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. For example, the above-described embodiment describes the configuration of the information processing device 40 and the productivity management system 1 in detail and specifically in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to having all of the components described. In addition, it is also possible to add, replace, or delete other components to a part of the configuration of one embodiment.

[0152] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the information processing device 40 collects and analyzes operation log data of a plurality of image forming devices 10 and proposes improvement measures, but the productivity management terminal 30 may have an operation log analysis function of the information processing device 40. In this case, it is not necessary to output the operation log data of the image forming device 10 to the network 70, which is a wide area network. Alternatively, the operation log analysis function of the information processing device 40 may be provided in another information processing device (not shown) connected to the network 60 or 70. Furthermore, the productivity management terminal 30 may have an improvement implementation data aggregation function and a report creation function of the information processing device 40.

[0153] In addition, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, etc. may be realized in part or in whole by hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. As the hardware, a broad processor device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) may be used.

[0154] Furthermore, each component of the information processing device 40 according to the embodiment described above may be implemented in any hardware as long as each hardware can transmit and receive information to and from each other via a network. Furthermore, the process performed by a certain processing unit may be realized by a single piece of hardware, or may be realized by distributed processing by multiple pieces of hardware. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1...productivity management system, 10, 10A, 10B, 10C...image forming apparatus, 20...print server, 30...productivity management terminal, 40...information processing apparatus, 50...on-site terminal, 900...productivity management application, 901...input reception section, 902...information acquisition section, 903...information display section, 1010...operation log data acquisition section, 1020...operation log analysis section, 1030...analysis result output section, 1021...target device identification section, 1022...cause identification section, 1023...proposal decision section, 1040...improvement implementation data acquisition section, 1050...improvement implementation data aggregation section, 1060...improvement implementation result output section, 1100...improvement implementation application, 1101...input reception section, 1102...information acquisition section, 1103...information display section, 1104...improvement implementation data output section, 1200...Analysis result screen, 1210~1230...Analysis result report, 1400...Analysis result screen, 1401...Implementation confirmation field, 1500...Implementation content entry window, 1800,1800A...Report output setting screen, 1810...Report period, 1820...Content selection, 1830...Process improvement result, 1840...Improvement performance, 1880...Improvement effect

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus for managing productivity by processing information obtained from an image forming apparatus, an improvement measure output unit that outputs, to a site terminal, an improvement measure proposal list including one or more improvement measures that are proposed to be implemented by an operator in order to improve productivity of the image forming apparatus and an effect on productivity expected by implementing the improvement measures; an acquisition unit that acquires from the on-site terminal an improvement measure selected by the worker from the improvement measure proposal list displayed on the on-site terminal as the improvement measure actually implemented by the worker; a recording unit that records the remedy acquired by the acquisition unit; a counting unit that counts the improvement measures recorded in the recording unit for each set counting period and outputs the counting result; and an improvement implementation result output unit that outputs information on the improvement measures implemented within the aggregation period based on the aggregation result. Information processing device.

2. The expected productivity effect of implementing the improvement measures is the expected improvement in productivity in terms of time. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The improvement measure proposal list is displayed in such a way that the improvement measures actually implemented by the worker can be selected. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The acquisition unit acquires, as the improvement measure, content of the work carried out by the worker to improve the productivity, which content is input by the worker into the on-site terminal as text. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The recording unit records the number of times the remedial action was implemented within the collection period in association with the remedial action, The improvement implementation result output unit outputs information on the improvement measures implemented within the collection period together with the number of times the improvement measures were implemented. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The improvement implementation result output unit outputs the improvement effect obtained by the improvement measures implemented within the collection period. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. an operation history acquisition unit that acquires operation history information from the image forming apparatus; an analysis unit that analyzes the operation history information and calculates the improvement measures and the effects on productivity that are expected to be achieved by implementing the improvement measures from the analysis results; 7. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. A productivity management method using an information processing device for managing productivity by processing information obtained from an image forming device, comprising: a process in which an improvement measure output unit of the information processing device outputs, to a field terminal, an improvement measure proposal list including one or more improvement measures proposed to be implemented by an operator in order to improve productivity of the image forming apparatus and an effect on productivity expected by implementing the improvement measures; an acquisition unit of the information processing device acquires from the on-site terminal an improvement measure selected by the worker from the improvement measure proposal list displayed on the on-site terminal as the improvement measure actually implemented by the worker; A process in which a recording unit of the information processing device records the remedy acquired by the acquisition unit; a process in which a counting unit of the information processing device counts the improvement measures recorded in the recording unit for each set counting period and outputs a counting result; and a process in which an improvement implementation result output unit of the information processing device outputs information on the improvement measures implemented within a collection period based on the collection result. Productivity management methods.

9. A computer that processes information obtained from an image forming device and manages productivity. outputting, to a site terminal, a list of improvement measures proposed for implementation to an operator in order to improve productivity of the image forming apparatus and including an expected effect on productivity of the improvement measures; acquiring from the on-site terminal an improvement measure selected by the worker from the improvement measure proposal list displayed on the on-site terminal as the improvement measure actually implemented by the worker; A procedure for recording the obtained remedy in a recording unit; a step of tallying up the improvement measures recorded in the recording unit for a set tally period and outputting the tally results; a step of outputting information on the improvement measures implemented within a collection period based on the collected results; A program for executing.

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