Traceability management system and traceability management method

Abstract

To provide a traceability management system and a traceability management method, that can instantly confirm a component lot number by being linked to a finished product in which an abnormality is found even if the abnormality is found in the finished product.SOLUTION: A computer creates a first table T1 that links a component lot number and a component inputting date / time to a component supply lane. Next, the computer creates a second table that links a finished product serial number and a component assembling date / time, and a fourth table T4 that links a finished product delivery date / time and a component assembling date / time from a third table that links the finished product serial number and the finished product delivery date / time. Then, the computer searches for a corresponding component lot number from the component inputting date / time of the first table T1 with respect to the component assembling date / time of the fourth table T4 and creates a fifth table T5 that links the finished product serial number and the component lot number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a traceability management system and a traceability management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, products are manufactured through multiple manufacturing processes. For example, if a defective product occurs, the defective product can be discovered during an inspection process carried out after the manufacturing process. The parts used in the product may be managed by lot. In this case, it is necessary to prevent defective products from being discarded as finished products and to identify the lot of the parts used in the defective product.

[0003] Incidentally, a document related to the present application can be cited as Patent Document 1. According to the traceability management system described in Patent Document 1, the traceability management server generates, from the process traceability information received from the manufacturing management server, product configuration information indicating the components that constitute the product manufactured in the manufacturing processes up to now and the relationships between the assembled components, and inter-process coordination information that associates the tag numbers attached to the assembled components with the product numbers and serial numbers of the assembled components. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-299721 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a defective product is discovered, a worker traces back the date and time the product was removed from the manufacturing process, references the input parts list, identifies the parts used, and searches for the lot of parts used in the defective product. Then, for example, the parts from that lot are inspected and the products that use the parts from the searched lot are identified. If this series of tasks were performed manually, it would take a significant amount of time to narrow down the part lots and products. Furthermore, because a worker must manually create an input parts list, it would require more man-hours than necessary.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a traceability management system and a traceability management method that, even if an abnormality is discovered in a finished product, can instantly confirm the part lot number by linking it to the finished product in which the abnormality was discovered. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention of claim 1 is directed to a traceability management system for supplying parts to a parts supply lane, and when the parts are supplied from the parts supply lane to a main lane, the parts supplied in the main lane are assembled and a finished product is discharged from the main lane. A first creation unit creates first information linking the parts lot number with the date and time of input of the parts to the parts supply lane. A second creation unit issues an identification number after input of the parts to the parts supply lane and before the parts are assembled, and generates the identification number. The date and time are synchronized with the part input date and time. Second information is created that is linked to the part assembly date and time when the part was assembled.

[0008] The third creation unit obtains the date and time of discharge of the finished product when the finished product is discharged from the main lane, and creates third information linking the identification number with the date and time of discharge of the finished product. The fourth creation unit creates fourth information linking the date and time of discharge of the finished product with the date and time of assembly of the part from the second information and the third information. The search unit searches for the part lot number corresponding to the date and time of input of the part in the first information for the date and time of assembly of the part in the fourth information. The fifth creation unit searches for the identification number and the part lot number. along with the date and time of discharge of the finished product Create a fifth piece of information that links the above.

[0009] According to the invention of claim 1, the fifth creating unit creates the identification number and the part lot number. along with the date and time of discharge of the finished product This creates a fifth piece of information that links the identification number related to a finished product with the part lot number, so for example, it becomes possible to quickly link the identification number related to the finished product with the part lot number, and the part lot number can be calculated from the identification number. Even if an abnormality is discovered in a finished product, the part lot number can be instantly confirmed by linking it to the finished product in which the abnormality was discovered. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a traceability management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Computer-generated functional diagram [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of the overall structure of a main lane and a parts supply lane. [Figure 4] Diagram showing one step in the manufacturing process (part 1) [Figure 5] A flowchart outlining the flow of a table generation method. [Figure 6] Example of the first table [Figure 7] Example of the second table [Figure 8] Diagram showing one step in the manufacturing process (part 2) [Figure 9] Diagram showing one step in the manufacturing process, part 3 [Figure 10] Example of the third table [Figure 11] Explanation of how to generate the fourth table [Figure 12] Explaining how to generate the fifth table DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a traceability management system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. The traceability management system 1 shown in FIG.

[0012] The computer 2 includes a control unit 4 using a processor (not shown), a storage unit 5 such as RAM, ROM, or non-volatile memory, and an I / O 6. Programs are stored in the storage unit 5, and the computer 2 is capable of executing various programs. The computer 2 has a built-in clock function that is obtained by executing the programs stored in the storage unit 5, and functions as a date and time acquisition unit that acquires the current date and time.

[0013] The computer 2 executes a program to monitor the manufacturing process of the product, and records the management status of the manufacturing process in the storage unit 5 to construct a database 7. The computer 2 constructs a relational database 7 in the storage unit 5 by sequentially creating a first table T1 to a fifth table T5 in the database 7.

[0014] 2, the computer 2 has the functions of a first creation unit 2a that creates a first table T1 as the first information and a second creation unit 2b that creates a second table T2 as the second information. The computer 2 also has the functions of a third creation unit 2c that creates a third table T3 as the third information and a fourth creation unit 2d that creates a fourth table T4 as the fourth information. The computer 2 also has the function of a fifth creation unit 2e that creates a fifth table T5 as the fifth information.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing system 10 that manufactures a particular product. In this manufacturing system 10, parts A, B, and C are supplied to multiple part supply lanes R1, R2, and R3, respectively. Once parts A, B, and C are supplied to a main lane MR, parts A, B, and C are assembled at turnpoints Pa, Pb, and Pc, respectively, and a finished product CO is discharged from the main lane MR. In this manufacturing system 10, parts A, B, and C that make up the finished product CO are assigned part lot numbers for each lot, but part identification numbers that individually identify parts A, B, and C are not assigned. Furthermore, the finished product CO is discharged with a finished product serial number attached to it via a nameplate or an information code such as a QR code (registered trademark).

[0016] The detection unit 3 described above detects assembly information for parts A, B, and C and the finished product CO, for example, by detecting that the workpiece W has passed through a passing point on the main lane MR and, if necessary, detecting the in-process state of the workpiece W. The detection unit 3 is configured using, for example, a sensor that detects the movement of the workpiece W, and is installed so as to be able to detect the date and time when the workpiece W passes through the turn points Pa, Pb, and Pc shown in Figure 3, and the date and time when the finished product CO is discharged.

[0017] The workpiece W is moved automatically, semi-automatically, or manually by a moving means such as a belt conveyor, and the computer 2 records and manages the date and time when the workpiece passes through turning points Pa, Pb, and Pc at each assembly process location, etc., in the memory unit 5. In Figure 3, the workpieces W located at the assembly process locations that are turn points Pa, Pb, and Pc are shown as works Wa, Wb, and Wc.

[0018] While FIG. 3 shows a simple illustration of a single belt conveyor as a single piece of equipment in the main lane MR, the main lane MR may be configured by connecting multiple pieces of equipment, for example, by dividing the main lane MR into multiple pieces of equipment. In such cases, it is advisable to install a detection unit 3 at each of the multiple pieces of equipment, with the turn points Pa, Pb, and Pc as the passing points. By acquiring the date and time of the workpiece W passing from each detection unit 3, the computer 2 can synchronize the date and time of the detection of the workpiece W installed in these multiple pieces of equipment. This shows the function of the management unit 2g by the computer 2.

[0019] Next, a method for creating the tables T1 to T5 executed by the traceability management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent drawings. As shown in Fig. 4, parts A, B, and C are input into part supply lanes R1, R2, and R3, respectively. At this time, in S1 of Fig. 5, computer 2 creates a first table T1 by linking the part lot number with the part input date and time when parts A, B, and C were input into part supply lanes R1, R2, and R3, respectively. Fig. 6 shows an example of how the first table T1 is created.

[0020] Next, computer 2 issues the finished product serial numbers as identification numbers until the parts reach the part assembly process where parts A, B, and C are first assembled after being fed into part supply lanes R1, R2, and R3, or at the first part assembly process, and creates second table T2 that links the finished product serial numbers with the part assembly dates and times when the parts were assembled. Figure 7 shows an example of creating second table T2.

[0021] For example, it is preferable to issue a finished product serial number when a part assembly process is performed to assemble the first part A. In the example of this embodiment, the first part assembly process is an assembly process at turn point Pa, so it is preferable to issue a finished product serial number by the time part A reaches turn point Pa, or when part A reaches turn point Pa as shown in FIG. 8. Here, a form is shown in which the finished product serial number itself is issued, but other types of identification numbers that can be linked to the finished product CO may also be issued. This identification number can be composed of various numbers and symbols, but it is preferable to configure it to include the finished product serial number assigned when the finished product CO is shipped, or to match the finished product serial number.

[0022] Thereafter, as shown in Figure 9, the workpiece W moves along the main lane MR, and parts B and C are assembled in sequence, and a finished product CO with all parts A, B, and C assembled is discharged from the main lane MR. When the finished product CO is discharged from the main lane MR, the computer 2 detects the date and time using the detection unit 3 to obtain the date and time of discharge of the finished product, and creates a third table T3 that links the finished product serial number with the date and time of discharge of the finished product. Figure 10 shows an example of the creation of the third table T3.

[0023] Next, the computer 2 creates a fourth table T4 that links the finished product discharge date and time with the part assembly date and time from the second table T2 and the third table T3. Fig. 11 shows an example of the fourth table T4, in which the finished product discharge date and time, the part assembly date and time, and the finished product serial number are linked together and generated in the fourth table T4.

[0024] Next, computer 2 searches for the part lot number corresponding to the part assembly date and time in fourth table T4 from the part input date and time in first table T1. This shows the function of computer 2 as search unit 2f. Next, computer 2 creates fifth table T5, which links the finished product serial number with the part lot number. Figure 12 shows an example of fifth table T5, in which the finished product serial number, part lot number, and finished product discharge date and time are linked together and generated in fifth table T5.

[0025] As explained in the Background Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention section, if an abnormality is discovered in a finished product CO, for example, it would require a lot of man-hours to manually determine the part lot number and the finished product serial number, which is not desirable.

[0026] In this embodiment, a fifth table T5 linking finished product serial numbers and part lot numbers can be created, making it easy to link these numbers. That is, the part lot number can be instantly determined from the finished product serial number by tracing back, and the finished product serial number and part lot number of the corresponding product can be easily linked. Therefore, even if an abnormality is discovered in a finished product CO, a worker or other person can check the computer 2 and instantly confirm the part lot number linked to the finished product CO in which the abnormality was discovered.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the finished product serial number itself is configured as an identification number, so the finished product serial number can be grasped without much effort compared to when other identification numbers linked to the finished product CO are used.

[0028] <Summary> According to this embodiment, the computer 2 creates a first table T1 that links the part lot numbers with the part input dates and times when the parts were input to the part supply lanes R1, R2, and R3. Then, after the parts are input to the part supply lane R1, a finished product serial number is issued before part A is assembled, and a second table T2 is created that links the finished product serial number with the part assembly date and time when the part is assembled.

[0029] The computer 2 then obtains the discharge date and time of the finished product CO when the finished product CO is discharged from the main lane MR, and creates a third table T3 that links the finished product serial number with the discharge date and time of the finished product.The computer 2 then creates a fourth table T4 that links the discharge date and time of the finished product with the part assembly date and time from the second table T2 and the third table T3.

[0030] Furthermore, the computer 2 searches for the part lot number corresponding to the part assembly date and time in the first table T1 for the part input date and time in the fourth table T4, and creates a fifth table T5 that links the finished product serial number with the part lot number. The computer 2 uses tables T1 to T5 to record and manage the in-process date and time of each milestone process in each of the tables T1 to T5 in the database 7. This makes it easy to link the part lot number with each individual finished product CO.

[0031] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be implemented in various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible:

[0032] In the above-described embodiment, a form in which the finished product serial number is assigned as an identification number during the manufacturing process has been described, but other identification numbers linked to the finished product CO may also be assigned during the manufacturing process, as described in the above-described embodiment. When other identification numbers are assigned during the manufacturing process, the finished product serial number is ultimately assigned to the finished product CO, but the finished product serial number may also be assigned when the finished product CO is discharged from the main lane MR. An information code may also be affixed when the finished product CO is discharged. The information code may record the date and time of passage through various manufacturing processes, measurement values ​​in the inspection process, and the like, together with the finished product serial number.

[0033] If an information code is assigned to each part from the beginning of the part insertion, the information code may be read by an information code reader at each turn point Pa, Pb, and Pc, and the date and time of reading may be stored and managed in database 7.

[0034] The computer 2 techniques described herein may be implemented by a dedicated device configured by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the computer 2 and techniques described herein may be implemented by a dedicated device configured by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the computer 2 and techniques described herein may be implemented by one or more dedicated devices configured by combining a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions with a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer 2 on a non-transitory tangible storage medium readable by the computer 2.

[0035] Although the present invention has been described based on the above-described embodiment, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment or structure. The present invention also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including one, more, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] In the drawing, 1 indicates a traceability management system, 2 indicates a computer, 2a indicates a first creation unit, 2b indicates a second creation unit, 2c indicates a third creation unit, 2d indicates a fourth creation unit, 2e indicates a fifth creation unit, 2f indicates a search unit, 2g indicates a management unit, 3 indicates a detection unit, 4 indicates a control unit, 5 indicates a memory unit, T1 indicates a first table (first information), T2 indicates a second table (second information), T3 indicates a third table (third information), T4 indicates a fourth table (fourth information), and T5 indicates a fifth table (fifth information).

Claims

1. A traceability management system for supplying parts to part supply lanes (R1 to R3), supplying the parts from the part supply lanes to a main lane (MR), assembling the parts supplied in the main lane, and discharging a finished product from the main lane, comprising: a first creating unit (2a) that creates first information (T1) that links a part lot number with a part input date and time when the part is input to the part supply lane; a second creation unit (2b) that issues an identification number after a part is input to the part supply lane and before the part is assembled, and creates second information (T2) that links the identification number with a part assembly date and time at the time of assembling the part, the date and time of which is synchronized with the part input date and time; a third creation unit (2c) that acquires the discharge date and time of the finished product when the finished product is discharged from the main lane and creates third information (T3) that links the identification number with the discharge date and time of the finished product; a fourth creation unit (2d) that creates fourth information (T4) that links the finished product discharge date and time with the part assembly date and time from the second information and the third information; a search unit (2f) for searching for the part lot number corresponding to the part installation date and time of the fourth information from the part input date and time of the first information; a fifth creation unit (2e) that creates fifth information (T5) that links the identification number and the part lot number with the date and time of discharge of the finished product; A traceability management system with

2. The traceability management system according to claim 1, wherein the identification number includes a finished product serial number for managing the finished product.

3. The main lane is configured with a plurality of facilities, 3. The traceability management system according to claim 1, further comprising a management unit (2g) for synchronizing the date and time managed among the plurality of facilities.

4. A traceability management method for supplying parts to a parts supply lane, supplying the parts from the parts supply lane to a main lane, assembling the parts supplied by the main lane, and discharging a finished product from the main lane, comprising: a step in which a first creation unit creates first information (T1) linking a part lot number with a part input date and time when the part was input into the part supply lane; a step in which a second creation unit issues an identification number after a part is input to the part supply lane and before the part is assembled, and creates second information (T2) linking the identification number with a part assembly date and time at the time of the part assembly, the date and time of which is synchronized with the part input date and time; a step of acquiring a discharge date and time of the finished product when the finished product is discharged from the main lane by a third creation unit, and creating third information (T3) linking the identification number with the discharge date and time of the finished product; a fourth creation unit creating fourth information (T4) linking the finished product discharge date and time with the part assembly date and time from the second information and the third information; a searching unit searching for the part lot number corresponding to the part installation date and time of the first information with respect to the part installation date and time of the fourth information; a step in which a fifth creation unit creates fifth information (T5) linking the identification number, the part lot number, and the finished product discharge date and time; A traceability management method with

5. 5. The traceability management method according to claim 4, wherein the identification number includes a finished product serial number for managing the finished product.

6. The main lane is configured with a plurality of facilities, 6. The traceability management method according to claim 4, wherein the management unit synchronizes the dates and times managed among the plurality of facilities.

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