Work management device, work management system

Abstract

To provide a work management apparatus with high maintainability.SOLUTION: A work management apparatus includes: a work instruction information acquisition unit 110 which acquires work instruction information written on general-purpose software; an output unit 120 which outputs the acquired work instruction information through at least one of visual information and voice; a management unit 130 which manages the content of work of a work tool 200 used for implementing the output work; a recording unit 140 which records a work time required for the output work; and a determination unit 150 which determines whether the content of work and the work time satisfy a criterion. The output unit 120 issues a notification about an anomaly when the management unit 130 determines that at least one of the content of work and the work time does not satisfy the criterion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work management device and a work management system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Work management devices are known for detecting work omissions and work errors at work sites where machines are manufactured using work performed by people. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a work management device that manages what work has been done on each of a plurality of fastening members when the work of attaching each of the fastening members to a predetermined location is performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-091316 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventors have found the following problems with the work management device. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows a smart terminal to function as a work management device by executing various programs stored in a storage unit. Therefore, for example, when modifying or changing the work content, the program needs to be rewritten. However, since the program is written in a programming language, rewriting it requires specialized programming knowledge. Therefore, maintenance must be performed by someone with specialized programming knowledge, which reduces maintainability.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a work management device that is highly maintainable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect for achieving the above object is a work management device comprising: a work instruction information acquisition unit that acquires work instruction information written in general-purpose software; an output unit that outputs the acquired work instruction information in the form of at least one of visual information and audio; a management unit that manages the work content of the work tools used to perform the output work; a recording unit that records the work time required to perform the output work; and a judgment unit that judges whether the work content and the work time satisfy a standard, and the output unit notifies of an abnormality when the management unit judges that at least one of the work content and the work time does not satisfy a standard.

[0007] One aspect for achieving the above object is a work management system comprising: a work instruction information acquisition unit that acquires work instruction information written in general-purpose software; an output unit that outputs the acquired work instruction information in the form of at least one of visual information and audio; work tools to be used to perform the output work; a management unit that manages the work content of the work tools; a recording unit that records the work time required to perform the output work; and a determination unit that determines whether the work content and the work time satisfy a standard, and the output unit notifies of an abnormality when the management unit determines that the work content does not satisfy the standard.

[0008] As described above, one aspect of the present disclosure manages work performed by a user based on work instruction information entered into general-purpose software. Therefore, the work instruction information can be edited by editing the general-purpose software. Therefore, even those without programming expertise can easily maintain the system, resulting in high maintainability. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a highly maintainable work management device and work management system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a work management device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of a work management method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a work management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a work management method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the kth work flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and for clarity of explanation, duplicate explanations will be omitted as necessary.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a work management device according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the work management device 100 includes a work instruction information acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, a management unit 130, a recording unit 140, and a determination unit 150. The work management device 100 is connected to a network 300 (not shown). The network 300 may be wired or wireless. The network 300 is, for example, a local area network (LAN), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). A work tool 200 (not shown) is connected to the network 300.

[0013] The work management device 100 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal. The work instruction information acquisition unit 110 acquires work instruction information written in general-purpose software. The output unit 120 outputs the work instruction information acquired by the work instruction information acquisition unit 110 as at least one of visual information and audio. The management unit 130 manages the work content of the power tool 200. The recording unit 140 records the work time required to perform the output work. The determination unit 150 determines whether the work content managed by the management unit 130 and the work time recorded by the recording unit 140 meet criteria.

[0014] As will be described in detail later, the worker performs work using the work tool 200 based on the work instruction information output from the output unit 120. If the work management device 100 is a personal computer, for example, the output unit 120 is the monitor and speaker of the personal computer. The output unit 120 may also be a wearable device capable of communicating with the personal computer. Examples of wearable devices include earphones and smart glasses. If the output unit 120 is a wearable device, the worker can receive the work instruction information even when the worker is away from the work management device 100, and therefore does not need to approach the work management device 100 to receive the work instruction information. Therefore, the worker does not need to leave the work site every time he or she receives work instruction information, and can proceed with work efficiently.

[0015] The work instruction information is information relating to the work content to be performed by a worker using the power tool 200. Specifically, the work instruction information includes the work order when a worker performs multiple tasks, the type of power tool 200 to be used for each task, the threshold value (set threshold value) of the power tool 200 set for each task, and the number of workers performing each task. The power tool 200 is a tool used by a worker when performing a task. The power tool 200 can communicate with the work management device 100 via the network 300. The power tool 200 is, for example, an IoT (Internet of Things) tool such as a digital torque wrench.

[0016] The general-purpose software is not particularly limited as long as it can input work instruction information and does not require specialized programming knowledge for editing. Examples of general-purpose software include text editing software such as Notepad (registered trademark) and spreadsheet software such as Excel (registered trademark). Hereinafter, a general-purpose software file containing work instruction information may be referred to as a "work instruction information file." For example, when changing work instructions, a worker or manager edits the work instruction information file. The work instruction information file can be edited on the general-purpose software. In other words, even someone without specialized programming knowledge can edit the work instruction information file. Because the work instruction information file is easy to operate and maintain, the work management device 100 is highly maintainable.

[0017] Next, an example of the operation of the work management apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of a work management method (work management method according to the first embodiment) performed using the work management apparatus 100. First, the work instruction information acquisition unit 110 acquires work instruction information written in the general-purpose software (step S101).

[0018] Next, the output unit 120 outputs the work instruction information acquired by the work instruction information acquisition unit 110 as at least one of visual information and audio (step S102). Visual information is information that can be recognized by human vision, such as an image or animation. The worker selects a work tool 200 based on the work instruction information output from the output unit 120 and performs the work. When the work is completed, the work tool 200 transmits the work details to the work management device 100 via the network 300.

[0019] The management unit 130 acquires the work content transmitted by the power tool 200 (step S103). Next, the determination unit 150 compares the work content acquired by the management unit 130 with the work instruction information acquired by the work instruction information acquisition unit 110, and determines whether the work content is appropriate (step S104). If the work content is inappropriate (No in step S104), the output unit 120 notifies the worker that the work content is inappropriate as an abnormality (step S105). The worker who has been notified of the abnormality selects the power tool 200 again and performs the work. Upon completion of the work, the power tool 200 transmits the work content to the work management device 100 via the network 300. The management unit 130 again acquires the work content transmitted by the power tool 200 (step S103).

[0020] If the work content is appropriate (Yes in step S104), the recording unit 140 records the work time of the power tool 200 (step S106). Next, the determination unit 150 determines whether all work has been completed (step S107).

[0021] If there is an unfinished task (step S107: No), the output unit 120 outputs the next task instruction information (step S108). The worker performs the next task using the power tool 200 based on the next task instruction information. When the task is completed, the power tool 200 transmits the next task content to the task management device 100 via the network 300. The management unit 130 acquires the next task content transmitted by the power tool 200 (step S103). In this way, the task management device 100 outputs task instruction information according to the task status and records the task content and task time until the worker completes all tasks (step S107: Yes).

[0022] The work management device 100 includes a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the processing of the work management method according to this embodiment. The processor then loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. This allows the processor to implement the functions of a work instruction information acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, a management unit 130, a recording unit 140, and a determination unit 150.

[0023] Furthermore, the work instruction information acquisition unit 110, output unit 120, management unit 130, recording unit 140, and determination unit 150 may each be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and programs. Furthermore, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc., may be used as the processor.

[0024] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of the work management apparatus 100 are implemented using multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be implemented as a client-server system, cloud computing system, or other system connected via a communications network. Furthermore, the functions of the work management apparatus 100 may be provided in a SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0025] <Embodiment 2> Embodiment 2 is a more specific embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a work management system using a work management device according to embodiment 2 (a work management system according to embodiment 2). As shown in Fig. 3, the work management system 400 includes a work management device 100a and a work tool 200. The work management device 100a and the work tool 200 are connected via a network 300. Note that descriptions that overlap with embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0027] Work management system 400 includes work management device 100a instead of work management device 100 shown in Fig. 1. In addition to the components shown in Fig. 1, work management device 100a includes work history storage unit 160, work history output unit 170, input unit 180, and work instruction information storage unit 190, and includes management unit 131 instead of management unit 130. Management unit 131 includes transmission unit 132, reception unit 133, and notification unit 134.

[0028] The transmitter 132 transmits the set threshold value of the power tool 200 to the power tool 200. The receiver 133 receives the work content of the power tool 200. The notifier 134 notifies when the work content received by the receiver 133 does not satisfy the set threshold value of the power tool 200.

[0029] The work history storage unit 160 stores the work history for each task. The work history includes the task content and task time. The work history output unit 170 outputs the work history stored in the work history storage unit 160. The input unit 180 is an input means for the task management device 100a. The worker performs operations such as selecting the task to be performed and outputting the work history through the input unit 180. If the task management device 100a is a personal computer, the input unit 180 is, for example, a keyboard of the personal computer. If the input unit 180 is a device such as a keyboard that the worker can operate with his or her fingers, the worker can perform input operations on the task management device 100a even in a noisy environment.

[0030] The input unit 180 may be a voice input device such as a microphone. When the input unit 180 is a voice input device, the input voice is subjected to voice recognition and natural language processing in a voice recognition engine such as Julius (registered trademark). When the input unit 180 is a voice input device, the worker can perform input operations on the work management device 100a even when the worker cannot use his or her hands, for example, when carrying luggage in both hands. Furthermore, the input unit 180 may be an input / output unit integrated with the output unit 120. The input / output unit is, for example, an intercommunication system (intercom).

[0031] The work instruction information storage unit 190 stores work instruction information. As shown in FIG. 3, the work instruction information storage unit 190 stores a work instruction information file 191 containing work instruction information. The work instruction information is information for instructing a worker on the work to be performed. In the second embodiment, the worker performs work using the power tool 200. The worker usually performs multiple tasks. When there are multiple tasks to be performed by the worker, the work instruction information includes information on the order in which the tasks are to be performed, i.e., work order information. Hereinafter, each task performed by the worker based on the work instruction information may be referred to as an element task. Furthermore, the kth element task performed in a series of element tasks may be referred to as the kth task. Hereinafter, k is a natural number between 1 and n, inclusive, and n is the total number of element tasks included in the work instruction information.

[0032] 3, the kth work instruction information includes, for example, the work tool ID of the power tool 200 to be used in the kth work, the set threshold of the power tool 200, the number of workers performing the kth work, and the expected work time for the kth work. The work tool ID of the power tool 200 is an ID for distinguishing each power tool 200. The set threshold of the power tool 200 is, for example, a target torque value set for the kth work when the power tool 200 is a digital torque wrench.

[0033] 3 shows only one work instruction information file 191, but work instruction information files 191 relating to a plurality of different works are usually stored in the work instruction information storage unit 190. In other words, the work instruction information storage unit 190 stores work instruction information relating to a plurality of different works.

[0034] Next, an example of the operation of the work management device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a work management method (work management method according to the second embodiment) performed using the work management device 100a. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the kth work.

[0035] First, the worker selects a task to be performed from among the tasks for which work instruction information is stored in the work instruction information storage unit 190 (step S201). Note that the work instruction information file 191 is usually saved in the work instruction information storage unit 190 before step S201. Once the task to be performed is selected (step S201), the work instruction information acquisition unit 110 reads the work instruction information for that task stored in the work instruction information storage unit 190 (step S202).

[0036] Next, k is set to 1 (step S203), and the kth work instruction is executed (step S204). That is, the first work instruction is executed. Next, the determination unit 150 determines whether k is equal to n (step S205). If k is not equal to n (step S205 No), k+1 is set to k, and the kth work instruction is executed (step S204). For example, if n is 3, and the first work instruction was executed with k set to 1 (step S204), k is not equal to n (step S205 No), so k is set to 2 and step S204 is executed.

[0037] If k is equal to n in step S205 (Yes in step S205), that is, when all elemental work has been completed, output of work instruction information is terminated. Next, the worker checks the work history stored in the work history storage unit 160 (step S207) and outputs the work history (step S208). The data format of the work history output in step S208 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a csv (Comma Separated Values) file, an Excel (registered trademark) file, a PDF (registered trademark) file, etc.

[0038] As described above, the work management method according to the second embodiment instructs a worker to perform all elemental tasks included in the work instruction information in a predetermined order and outputs work history data. Therefore, even for tasks that include multiple elemental tasks or tasks that the worker is unfamiliar with, there is no need to assign a work supervisor or refer to a manual, allowing the worker to work efficiently. Furthermore, if the work content of each elemental task does not meet the standard, i.e., if an abnormality occurs in an elemental task, no instruction to proceed to the next elemental task is output, thereby reducing work errors. Furthermore, because the work management device 100a records the work history, there is no need to secure personnel to record the work history or for the worker to record it himself. In other words, the records necessary for tracking the work history can be automatically kept. Furthermore, the work management method according to the second embodiment records the work time for each elemental task, allowing the worker to understand and analyze which elemental task took the most time, i.e., which elemental task is a bottleneck.

[0039] Next, the execution of the kth work instruction (step S204) will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the kth work is to tighten a bolt using a digital torque wrench as the power tool 200.

[0040] 5, first, the output unit 120 outputs the kth work instruction information (step S301). Next, the transmission unit 132 transmits a target torque value as a set threshold to the power tool 200 to be used in the kth work (step S302). The recording unit 140 starts measuring the work time, starting from the time when the output unit 120 outputs the kth work instruction information (step S303).

[0041] The worker selects the power tool 200 based on the kth work instruction information output from the output unit 120 and performs the work. When the torque value approaches the received set threshold, the power tool 200 issues an alarm notifying the completion of tightening. The worker determines from the alarm that the bolt tightening is complete, and transmits the tool communication ID and torque value of the power tool 200 to the work management device 100a. The worker transmits the tool communication ID and torque value of the power tool 200 by, for example, operating a button provided on the power tool 200.

[0042] The receiving unit 133 receives and acquires the tool communication ID and torque value of the power tool 200 (step S304). Next, the determining unit 150 determines whether the power tool 200 used by the worker is the correct tool (step S305). In step S305, the determining unit 150 compares the tool communication ID acquired by the receiving unit 133 with the work tool ID included in the kth work instruction information in the work instruction information file 191, and determines that the tool is the correct tool if they match. If the power tool 200 used by the worker is not the correct tool (step S305 No), the notifying unit 134 notifies the worker that the wrong power tool 200 is being used (step S306).

[0043] If the power tool 200 used by the worker is the correct tool (step S305 Yes), it is determined whether the torque value during work satisfies the standard (step S307). In step S307, the determination unit 150 determines that the torque value during work satisfies the standard if the torque value acquired by the receiving unit 133 is within the standard of the set threshold included in the kth work instruction information in the work instruction information file 191. If the torque value during work does not satisfy the standard (step S307 No), the notification unit 134 notifies the worker that the torque value does not satisfy the standard (step S308).

[0044] The notification in steps S306 and S308 is made, for example, via the output unit 120. When at least one of steps S306 and S308 is performed, i.e., when the worker is notified that at least one of the power tool 200 is incorrect and the torque value does not satisfy the standard, the worker selects a new power tool 200 and performs the work. Then, when the work is completed, the power tool 200 transmits the tool communication ID and torque value to the work management device 100a. As described above, in the work management method according to the second embodiment, steps S304 to S308 are repeated until the work is performed using the correct power tool 200 with a torque value that is within the standard. If the torque value during the work satisfies the standard (Yes in step S307), the recording unit 140 writes the torque value in the work history storage unit 160 as the work content of the kth work (step S309).

[0045] Next, the determination unit 150 determines whether the required number of workers is met (step S310). The number of workers is the number of locations where work is performed in the kth job. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the number of workers is the number of bolts to be tightened in the kth job. In step S310, the determination unit 150 determines whether the number of torque values ​​recorded as the job content in the work history storage unit 160 matches the number of tightened bolts, and determines whether this number matches the number of workers. If the number of workers does not match (No in step 310), the worker uses the power tool 200 to tighten any bolts that have not been tightened. If the number of workers does not match (No in step 310), the notification unit 134 may notify the worker that there are bolts that have not been tightened.

[0046] If the number of workers matches (Yes in step S310), the determination unit 150 determines that the kth task has been completed, and the recording unit 140 ends measurement of the task time, setting the time when the determination unit 150 completes the kth task as the end time (step S311). The determination unit 150 determines whether the measured task time is within the standard of the estimated task time included in the kth task instruction information in the task instruction information file 191 (step S312). If the task time does not meet the standard of the estimated task time (No in step S312), the notification unit 134 notifies the worker that the task time is inappropriate (step S313). Next, the recording unit 140 writes the measured task time in the task history storage unit 160 (step S314).

[0047] In this way, in the work management method according to the second embodiment, the work management device 100a does not determine that the kth work has been completed until the number of workers matches, which makes it possible to prevent work from being forgotten or skipped. In other words, the work management device 100a has a poka-yoke (error-proofing) function.

[0048] <Other embodiments, etc.> In the above-described embodiment, the case where the worker sequentially performs elemental works according to instructions from the work management device 100a has been described. However, the worker may select the work to be performed within each elemental work. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, when the output unit 120 outputs the kth work instruction (step S301), multiple works may be presented to the worker, and the worker may select the work to be performed. In this case, the work management device 100a executes each of steps S302 to S314 according to the work selected by the worker. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where one work tool 200 is communicatively connected to the work management device 100 has been described. However, two or more work tools 200 may be connected.

[0049] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the worker performs the element work using the power tool 200 has been described. However, the series of element work may also include element work performed without using the power tool 200. An example of an element work performed without using the power tool 200 is a work in which the worker visually checks a component and records the check result. In this case, the transmission unit 132 does not perform step S302, and the worker performs the work based on the output kth work instruction information, and then records the work content in the work management device 100a. The work content is recorded, for example, by the worker operating the input unit 180. The determination unit 150 compares the recorded work content with the work content included in the kth work instruction information in the work instruction information file 191. If they match, the determination unit 150 determines that the correct work has been performed and that the kth work has been completed.

[0050] Although the above-described embodiment has been described as a hardware configuration, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Any processing in the present disclosure can also be realized by causing a CPU to execute a computer program.

[0051] In the above example, the program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable media can be supplied to a computer via wired communication paths such as electrical wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication paths.

[0052] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure may be implemented by appropriately combining the respective embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 100, 100a Work management device 110 Work instruction information acquisition unit 120 Output section 130, 131 Management Department 132 Transmitter 133 receiving unit 134 Information Department 140 Recording Unit 150 Judgment section 160 Work history memory unit 170 Work history output section 180 Input section 190 Work instruction information storage unit 191 Work Instruction Information File 200 Work tools 300 Network 400 Work Management System

Claims

1. a work instruction information acquisition unit that acquires work instruction information written in the general-purpose software; an output unit that outputs the acquired work instruction information in visual and audio form; an input unit that receives, by voice, an input of an execution task selected from the output tasks; a management unit that manages the work content of the power tool used to perform the work to be performed; a recording unit that records the work time required to perform the execution work; a determination unit that determines whether the work content and the work time satisfy a standard, the output unit notifies an abnormality when the management unit determines that the work content does not meet a standard. Work management device.

2. The management unit a transmitter that transmits the set threshold value of the power tool to the power tool; a receiving unit that receives the work content of the power tool; and a notification unit that notifies when the work content does not satisfy the set threshold value. The work management device according to claim 1 .

3. the output unit does not output the next work instruction information when the management unit determines that the work content does not meet the standard. The work management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the output unit notifies an abnormality when the management unit determines that the work time does not meet a standard. The work management device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A work management device that instructs a worker to perform a work based on work instruction information, and a work tool that is used to perform the work, The work management device a work instruction information acquisition unit that acquires work instruction information written in the general-purpose software; an output unit that outputs the acquired work instruction information in visual and audio form; an input unit that receives, by voice, an input of an execution task selected from the output tasks; a management unit that manages the work content of the power tool; a recording unit that records the work time required to perform the execution work; a determination unit that determines whether the work content and the work time satisfy a standard, The work content managed by the management unit includes an operation history of the power tool, the output unit notifies an abnormality when the management unit determines that the work content does not meet a standard. Work management system.

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