Item management system, linkage system, and item management method

Abstract

To provide an article management system and an article management method which can early detect loss of an article with high accuracy.SOLUTION: The article management system manages a plurality of articles for use in manufacturing a product and comprises a detection device, a reading record storage unit, and an article management server. The detection device detects at least a part of the plurality of articles. The reading record storage unit stores therein a detection result of the detection device as a reading record. The article management server determines management states of the plurality of articles on the basis of difference between the reading record based on the detection result of the detection device and a previous reading record.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article management system, a linkage system, and an article management method. [Background technology]

[0002] In the manufacturing process of a product, tools such as wrenches and sockets, and measuring instruments are used. In relatively large products, if such items remain inside, they may cause defects and have a serious impact on product quality. Therefore, it is important to manage these items during the manufacturing process to prevent the remaining of foreign objects.

[0003] Conventionally, methods to prevent foreign objects from being left behind have involved manually checking the presence of items and recording the take-out and return of items through visual inspection and recording. However, manual work is time-consuming and costly, and it is not easy to achieve sufficient reliability. In particular, when the number of items to be managed increases, manual work has its limits, and the reality is that items are often lost. Lost items incur costs associated with searching for lost items and the risk of delivery delays due to work being halted until the search is complete, so countermeasures are needed.

[0004] As a solution to such problems, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an identification tag attached to an item is read by a reading terminal, and the location of the item is managed based on the location information of the reading terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-92464 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the location of an item is managed based on location information obtained by reading an identification tag attached to the item with a reading terminal. Therefore, if the identification tag itself cannot be read, the location of the item becomes unknown, making management difficult. In this case, it is not possible to determine whether the item is lost, so there is a possibility that a foreign object will be left behind, and it takes time to discover the missing item. Furthermore, even if the missing item is discovered, by that time, a considerable amount of time will have passed, increasing the possibility that the lost item will have moved, and the search time may increase.

[0007] In recent years, RFID tags have been used as identification tags for managing goods, but in large assembly plants and other locations with many metal obstructions, RFID tags may not be readable, making it difficult to apply this technology and requiring manual intervention.Furthermore, in locations with many metal obstructions over a wide area, covering the entire area with the necessary radio waves for RFID requires a large amount of equipment, which increases costs.

[0008] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an item management system, a linkage system, and an item management method that can detect item loss with high accuracy and early detection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, an article management system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An article management system for managing a plurality of articles used in the manufacture of a product, at least one detection device for detecting at least a portion of the plurality of articles; a read record storage unit that stores the detection result of the at least one detection device as a read record; an item management server configured to determine the management status of the plurality of items based on a read record based on the detection result of the at least one detection device and a difference between the read record and the previous read record stored in the read record storage unit; Equipped with.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, a collaboration system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An article management system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, an article management method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: 1. An article management method for managing a plurality of articles used in manufacturing a product, comprising: detecting at least some of the plurality of articles; a step of storing the detection result from the detecting step as a read record; determining the management status of the plurality of items based on a difference between a read record based on the detection result and the previous read record; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an item management system and an item management method can be provided that are capable of detecting item loss with high accuracy and early detection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an item management system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the article management server of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an article management method according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is an example of a login screen displayed in step S1 of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 4 is an example of a tag reading screen displayed in step S3 of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is an example of a recording history screen displayed in step S6 of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of an item record screen. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a storage status list screen. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a collaboration system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, expressions expressing relative or absolute arrangement such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial" not only express such an arrangement exactly, but also express a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous" that indicate that something is in an equal state not only indicate a state of strict equality, but also indicate a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions representing shapes such as a square shape or a cylindrical shape not only represent shapes such as a square shape or a cylindrical shape in the strict geometric sense, but also represent shapes including uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc., to the extent that the same effect can be obtained. On the other hand, the expressions "comprise," "include," "have," "includes," or "have" of one element are not exclusive expressions that exclude the presence of other elements.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an item management system 1 according to one embodiment. The item management system 1 is a system for managing items 2. The items 2 broadly include items used in the manufacture of any product, and in particular, metal materials. For example, the items 2 include tools and measuring instruments used in various tasks, as well as toolboxes for storing these.

[0016] The item management system 1 is installed in a field 4 (for example, the premises of a factory or the like) that is composed of multiple areas. In this embodiment, the areas that make up the field 4 include a first area 4-1, a second area 4-2, and a third area 4-3 that are physically separated from one another by partitions. The first area 4-1 and the second area 4-2 can be accessed from one another via a first passage 6-1, and the second area 4-2 and the third area 4-3 can be accessed from one another via a second passage 6-2. The first passage 6-1 and the second passage 6-2 are each configured by partitions that separate the areas being partially open, and may be opened and closed by installing a door (not shown). The areas that make up the field 4 may be non-physically divided by any arrangement.

[0017] Of these areas, an item storage location 8 for storing the items 2 is set in a first area 4-1, which serves as a management base for the items 2. In the item storage location 8, for example, a storage cabinet 10 capable of storing the items 2 therein is installed. The storage cabinet 10 has an internal space 10B surrounded by an outer wall 10A, and the items 2 can be stored by being accommodated in the internal space 10B. The internal space 10B may be divided into shelf-like sections by partitions, for example.

[0018] The storage facility 10 is also provided with a first detection device 12-1 for detecting an item 2 (hereinafter referred to as "stored item 2A") stored in the internal space 10B. The first detection device 12-1 is capable of detecting the stored item 2A by contactlessly reading an identification tag attached to the stored item 2A. In this embodiment, an RF tag with ID information set thereon is attached to the stored item 2A as an identification tag, and the first detection device 12-1 is an RF reader that can detect the stored item 2A by receiving radio waves transmitted from the RF tag.

[0019] The exterior wall 10A that defines the interior space 10B of the storage facility 10 may be made of a metal material. In this case, the exterior wall 10A blocks radio wave noise from the outside due to its electrostatic shielding effect, and the first detection device 12-1 installed in the interior space 10B receives only radio waves from the identification tag attached to the stored item 2A in the interior space 10B, thereby enabling accurate detection of the stored item 2A stored in the interior space 10B.

[0020] The partitions and the like provided in the internal space 10B may be made of a non-metallic material. In this case, the radio waves from the identification tags attached to each stored item 2A are received by the first detection device 12-1 without being obstructed by the partitions and the like, so that the stored items 2A stored in the internal space 10B can be accurately detected.

[0021] Detection by the first detection device 12-1 is automatically and repeatedly performed, thereby enabling the first detection device 12-1 to monitor the stored item 2A stored in the item storage location 8. The repetition period of detection by the first detection device 12-1 can be set as appropriate.

[0022] Stored items 2A stored in the item storage area 8 can be taken out by the user as needed, and items that the user has used outside the item storage area 8 can be returned to the item storage area 8 as needed. The item management system 1 is equipped with a second detection device 12-2 for detecting items 2 taken out from the item storage area 8 (hereinafter referred to as "taken items 2B" as appropriate) or items 2 returned to the item storage area 8 (hereinafter referred to as "returned items 2C" as appropriate). The second detection device 12-2 is installed near the item storage area 8 to detect the taken items 2B or returned items 2C.

[0023] In this embodiment, the second detection device 12-2 is installed adjacent to the storage cabinet 10 in the same first area 4-1 as the item storage location 8. The second detection device 12-2 includes a base 14 and a detection unit 16 for detecting an item to be taken out placed on the base 14. Specifically, when a user takes an item 2 out of the item storage location 8, the user is permitted to take the item out of the item storage location 8 on the condition that the user places the item 2B to be taken out on the detection unit 16 and has it detected by the second detection device 12-2. When the user returns an item 2 to the item storage location 8, the user is permitted to return the item to the item storage location 8 on the condition that the user places the item 2C to be returned on the detection unit 16 and has it detected by the second detection device 12-2.

[0024] In this embodiment, the second detection device 12-2 is used to detect both the carried-out items 2B and the returned items 2C, but a device for detecting the carried-out items 2B and a device for detecting the returned items 2C may be provided separately.

[0025] The item management system 1 also includes a third detection device 12-3 for detecting items 2 (hereinafter referred to as "used items 2D") used in each area. The third detection device 12-3 is installed in each area where items are used, and in this embodiment, it is installed in each area (second area 4-2 and third area 4-3) except for the first area 4-1, which has the item storage location 8. Specifically, the third detection device 12-3A is installed in the second area 4-2, and the third detection device 12-3B is installed in the third area 4-3. The third detection device 12-3 has the same configuration as the second detection device 12-2 described above. In these areas, the use of an item in that area is permitted on the condition that the third detection device 12-3 detects the used item 2D when the user brings the used item into that area.

[0026] In this embodiment, the second detection device 12-2 and the third detection device 12-3 are both equipped with a so-called mat-type antenna as the detection unit 16 capable of detecting an item placed on the base 14. However, for example, by placing a similar mat-type antenna detection unit 16 on the floor, it may be possible to configure it to detect an item passing over the detection unit 16 (for example, an item held or carried by a person, cart, etc. when they pass over the detection unit 16), or it may be possible to use a detection unit 16 configured as a so-called gate-type antenna having a gate shape in a passage through which the item 2 can pass, so as to be able to detect an item 2 passing through the passage.

[0027] The item management system 1 also includes an item management server 100, which is the system main body. The item management server 100 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium. A series of processes for realizing various functions is stored in a storage medium, for example, in the form of a program. The CPU reads this program into RAM and executes information processing and arithmetic operations to realize various functions. The program may be pre-installed in a ROM or other storage medium, provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication means. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

[0028] The item management server 100 is configured to acquire the detection results of the first detection device 12-1, the second detection device 12-2, and the third detection device 12-3, for example, via a wired or wireless communication network (not shown), and determine the management status of the item 2 based on these detection results. In the following description, the first detection device 12-1, the second detection device 12-2, and the third detection device 12-3 will be collectively referred to as the "detection device 12" as appropriate.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the item management server 100 of Fig. 1. The item management server 100 includes a detection result acquisition unit 110, a read record storage unit 120, a difference determination unit 130, a read record registration unit 140, and a display unit 150.

[0030] The detection result acquisition unit 110 is configured to acquire the reading result obtained by the detection device 12. The detection result acquired by the detection result acquisition unit 110 is confirmed by the user in accordance with the determination result by the difference determination unit 130, and then registered as a reading record by the reading record registration unit 140. The reading record storage unit 120 is a storage device such as a database, and stores the registered reading record in a readable manner.

[0031] The display unit 150 is a display device, such as a display, for displaying various pieces of information in a manner that can be recognized by the user in accordance with the processing of the item management server 100. By referring to the display contents of the display unit 150, the user recognizes various pieces of information output from the item management server 100 and determines the input contents necessary for the processing performed by the item management server 100 based on the recognized information. In this embodiment, the display unit 150 displays a screen, which will be described later, but other displays are also possible as needed.

[0032] Next, an item management method implemented by the item management system 1 having the above configuration will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an item management method according to one embodiment. In the following explanation, in order to specifically explain the overall outline of the item management method, an example will be given in which an item 2 taken out of an item storage location 8 is moved in the following order: first area 4-1 → second area 4-2 → third area 4-3 → second area 4-2 → first area 4-1, and then returned to the item storage location 8.

[0033] First, the article management server 100 accepts a login by a user (step S1). In step S1, the article management server 100 displays a login screen G1 on the display unit 150, and the user performs a login operation according to the login screen G1.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an example of a login screen G1 displayed in step S1 of FIG. 3. The login screen G1 displays a user ID input field 20 for inputting a user ID, which is identification information corresponding to a user, a password input field 22 for inputting a password, and a login button 24 for executing login. The user ID is assigned in advance to a user registered to use the article management system 1. The password is associated with the user ID and set in advance, and may be an initial password set arbitrarily, or may be a password set by the user after changing the initial password. The user ID and password are entered into the user ID input field 20 and the password input field 22, respectively, via an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. When the login button 24 is clicked, the entered user ID and password are verified to determine whether they match the pre-registered contents. Incidentally, such a login method may be performed by reading an ID card on which a user ID has been registered in advance, instead of inputting a user ID and password as described above.

[0035] Next, the detection result acquisition unit 110 acquires the detection result from the detection device 12 (step S2). The acquisition of the detection result in step S2 is performed in accordance with the timing of detection by the detection device 12. For example, when a user takes item 2 out of the item storage location 8, detection is performed by the second detection device 12-2 installed in the first area 4-1, and the detection result acquisition unit 110 acquires the detection result by the second detection device 12-2. Furthermore, when a user moves between areas, detection is performed by the third detection device 12-3 installed in the area to which the user has moved, and the detection result acquisition unit 110 acquires the detection result by the third detection device 12-3.

[0036] Next, the item management server 100 displays the detection result acquired in step S2 on the display unit 150 as a tag reading screen G2 (step S3).

[0037] Fig. 5 is an example of the tag reading screen G2 displayed in step S3 of Fig. 3. On the tag reading screen G2, information is displayed for each item based on the reading results of the detection device 12. In Fig. 5, "tag ID," "item type," and "item name" are displayed for each item 2 as the reading results of the detection device 12.

[0038] Furthermore, the tag reading screen G2 displays check boxes 26 for selecting whether or not to exclude each item 2 from the reading record (take-out record, use record, or return record) for the reading results of the detection device 12. The user can check the check boxes 26 as needed while checking the reading results of the detection device 12, thereby excluding the checked item 2 from the reading record. After completing the input work in the check boxes 26 as needed, the user selects either the take-out record button 28, the temporary record button 30, or the return record button 32 depending on the situation (step S4).

[0039] To explain step S4 in more detail, when an item 2 is taken out from the item storage location 8 to the first area 4-1, the take-out record button 28 is selected. When an item 2 is moved between the first area 4-1, the second area 4-2, and the third area 4-3, the temporary record button 30 is selected. When an item 2 is returned from the first area 4-1 to the item storage location 8, the return record button 32 is selected.

[0040] Next, the difference determination unit 130 determines whether there is a difference between the current read record and the immediately preceding read record (step S5). If there is a difference (step S5: YES), the item management server 100 displays a record history screen G3 on the display unit 150 (step S6). The record history screen G3 displays a past record history including the current read record and the immediately preceding read record.

[0041] FIG. 6 is an example of the record history screen G3 displayed in step S6 of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 shows past record histories including the current read record registered in step S4. Specifically, in the current read record (the read record registered in step S4), the items "small toolbox," "long-nose pliers," "small nippers," and "small pressure gauge" are registered at the same date and time. Furthermore, in the read record immediately before (the read record immediately before), the item "small pressure gauge" does not exist compared to the current read record, and an item "adjustable wrench" that does not exist in the current read record is registered. Furthermore, in the read record two records before (the read record immediately before), the items "small nippers" and "adjustable wrench" do not exist compared to the read record immediately before (the read record immediately before), and an item "small pressure gauge" that does not exist in the read record immediately before is registered. Furthermore, the reading record three times ago shows that the items "small toolbox," "nose pliers," and "small pressure gauge" are not present in the reading record two times ago, and that the items "nippers: small" and "monkey wrench," which were not present in the reading record two times ago, are registered.

[0042] By referring to the record history on the record history screen G3, the user can recognize whether there are any items that are suspected to be lost based on the increase or decrease in the number of items between read records. In Fig. 6, on the record history screen G3, read records that are suspected to be lost due to an increase or decrease in the number of items since the previous read record are highlighted so that they can be easily distinguished from other read records, thereby supporting the user's recognition.

[0043] Next, on the condition that the user's approval is obtained for the record history screen G3 displayed in step S6 (step S7: YES), the reading record registration unit 140 registers the reading record displayed in step S3 in the reading record storage unit 120 (step S8). As a result, if the take-out record button 28 is selected in step S4, the reading record is registered as a "take-out record." Also, if the temporary record button 30 is selected in step S4, the reading record is registered as a "temporary record." Also, if the return record button 32 is selected in step S4, the reading record is registered as a "return record."

[0044] In addition to the above-described item management method, the item management server 100 can also provide search support for an item 2 that is suspected to be lost, based on the read record stored in the read record storage unit 120. Search support for an item 2 that is suspected to be lost is provided by displaying an item record screen G4 or a storage status list screen G5 on the display unit 150 in response to a request from the user.

[0045] FIG. 7 is an example of the item record screen G4. The item record screen G4 displays the management status for each item 2 based on the read records stored in the read record storage unit 120. In FIG. 7, for each item 2 registered as a management target, "tag ID," "item type," and "item name" are displayed as "common items," and "recorder," "location," "date and time," and "status" are displayed as "last record." Furthermore, if the "status" is "suspected loss," a link 29 for displaying the history is displayed in "usage history." By clicking on the link 29, the operator can access the record history screen G3 (see FIG. 6) described above and display it on the display unit 150.

[0046] FIG. 8 is an example of the storage status list screen G5. The storage status list screen G5 shows the "number of registered items" registered in the item management system 1 and a breakdown of their status ("returned (in storage)," "taken out," "long-term takeout," "suspected lost") for each storage location. By referring to this storage status list screen G5, the operator can get an overview of the status of all items handled by the item management system 1. In particular, knowing whether there are any items 2 with a status of "suspected lost" and the location where items 2 with a status of "suspected lost" have been found can be used as useful information when searching for items.

[0047] In this way, the operator can refer to the status of each managed item 2 and understand the management status by displaying the item record screen G4 on the display unit 150 at any time. If there is an item 2 whose status is suspected to be lost, the operator can efficiently narrow down the search range for that item by displaying the record history screen G3 from link 29.

[0048] The search range can be narrowed based on the record history screen G3 based on whether there is a difference between two consecutive read records in the record history of the suspected lost item 2. For example, if there is a decrease in the number of items 2 in two consecutive read records, it is assumed that the loss of the item occurred in the area corresponding to those two read records, and therefore, by specifying that area as the search range, the search for the suspected lost item 2 can be carried out efficiently.

[0049] Explaining this in detail based on the record history screen G3 shown in Fig. 6, it can be seen that the item "small pressure gauge" has decreased between the second reading record and the previous reading record, and therefore it can be seen that the item "small pressure gauge" is suspected to have been lost between the storage facility 10 and the first area 4-1. This suggests that when the user took the item "small pressure gauge" out of the storage facility 10, the item "small pressure gauge" may have been lost on the way to the second detection device 12-2 installed in the first area 4-1, or that the user may have forgotten to perform the detection operation with the second detection device 12-2 in the first area 4-1.

[0050] Furthermore, since the item "monkey wrench" has decreased between this reading record and the previous reading record, it is possible that the item "monkey wrench" may have been lost between the first area 4-1 and the storage unit 10. This suggests that when the user returns the item "monkey wrench" to the storage unit 10, the item "monkey wrench" may have been lost on the way from the second detection device 12-2 installed in the first area 4-1 to the storage unit 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the items "nose pliers" and "monkey wrench" have decreased between the third previous reading record and the second reading record, but in this case, since both are reading records from storage facility 10, the item "nose pliers" has not been lost, but has been taken away by the user.

[0052] In this way, the user can efficiently specify the search range for the suspected lost item 2 based on the recording history displayed on the recording history screen G3. This effectively reduces the time and cost required for the search compared to searching the entire field 4.

[0053] The above-described item management system 1 may be operated in cooperation with other systems related to product manufacturing to form a linkage system 200. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the linkage system 200 according to one embodiment. Here, as an example of the linkage system 200, a case will be described in which the linkage system 200 includes the above-described item management system 1, a worker entry / exit management system 300 for managing the entry and exit of users (workers) to / from a field 4, and a work procedure management system 400 for managing work procedures in the product manufacturing process.

[0054] The linkage system 200 includes the above-mentioned item management system 1, worker entry / exit management system 300, and work procedure management system 400. The item management system 1 manages items 2 used in manufacturing. In this embodiment, tools used in manufacturing are managed as the items 2, and an "item ID," "item name," "item code," and "proofreading expiration date" are managed for each item 2.

[0055] The worker entry / exit management system 300 is a system for managing workers involved in the manufacturing of products, and for each worker, it manages the identification information "worker ID" and "worker name," a "qualification code" that specifies the type of manufacturing-related qualification the worker holds, and a "qualification expiration date" that specifies the expiration date of the qualification.

[0056] The work procedure management system 400 is a system for managing work procedures in the manufacturing process of a product, and for each work procedure, it manages a "work group ID" for identifying the work group made up of the workers in charge, a "work procedure ID" for identifying the work procedure in the manufacturing process, a "previous procedure ID" for identifying the work procedure performed immediately before, a "connection relationship with the previous procedure", a "post procedure ID" for identifying the work procedure performed immediately after, and a "connection relationship with the post procedure".

[0057] The linkage system 200 is configured to create work plan data based on the above information managed by each system by accessing the item management system 1, worker entrance / exit management system 300, and work procedure management system 400. In Fig. 9, the work plan data is created by linking the information managed by the item management system 1, worker entrance / exit management system 300, and work procedure management system 400 together.

[0058] More specifically, in the work procedure management system 400, the items to be used for each work procedure are specified, so the information managed by the item management system 1 and the information managed by the work procedure management system 400 can be linked using the item code as a key. On the other hand, in the work procedure management system 400, the qualifications required of the workers in charge of each work procedure are specified, so the information managed by the worker entry / exit management system 300 and the information managed by the work procedure management system 400 can be linked using the qualification code as a key.

[0059] The linkage system 200 creates work plan data by extracting and combining management information from the linked item management system 1, worker entry / exit management system 300, and work procedure management system 400. The work plan data shown in Figure 9 shows the "work procedure name," "work location," "start date," and "completion date" for each combination of "work procedure ID," "item code," and "qualification code." By referencing this work plan data, users can, for example, plan the planned use period and location of items corresponding to each item code based on the start and completion dates, thereby checking future item surpluses and shortages. Furthermore, based on the qualification codes linked to the item codes, it is possible to deliver items corresponding to each item code in advance to workers with the corresponding qualifications. Furthermore, traceability of work plans can be created using the calibration expiration dates linked to the item codes and the worker names linked to the qualification codes. Such traceability is also effective for ensuring the quality of manufactured products by easily tracking the validity of item expiration dates and worker qualifications. This will contribute to ensuring traceability for type signatures and manufacturing certification associated with the design, development, and manufacturing of critical infrastructure and safety-related products, for example.

[0060] In addition, within the scope of the present disclosure, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0061] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0062] (1) An item management system according to one aspect includes: An article management system (e.g., article management system 1 of the above embodiment) for managing a plurality of articles (e.g., article 2 of the above embodiment) used in the manufacture of a product, At least one detection device (e.g., detection device 12 of the above embodiment) for detecting at least some of the plurality of articles; a read record storage unit (for example, the read record storage unit 120 in the above embodiment) that stores the detection result of the at least one detection device as a read record; an article management server (e.g., the article management server 100 of the above embodiment) configured to determine the management status of the plurality of articles based on a read record based on the detection result of the at least one detection device and a difference between the read record of the previous time stored in the read record storage unit; Equipped with.

[0063] According to the above aspect (1), the detection results of the detection device are sequentially stored as a read record, and the management status of the item is determined based on the difference from the previous read record. If there is a difference from the previous read record, it means that there has been some change in the management status of the item during that time, and the management status of the item can be determined by evaluating the difference.

[0064] (2) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (1), The item management server is configured to determine that the item corresponding to the difference is suspected of being lost when the number of the items included in the read record is reduced based on the difference.

[0065] According to the above aspect (2), when the reading record based on the detection result of the detection device is compared with the previous reading record, if the number of items included in the reading record has decreased, it is possible that an item may have been lost in the meantime, and based on this, it is possible to effectively determine whether an item is suspected to have been lost.

[0066] (3) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (2), The item management server is configured to display, for the item determined to be suspected of being lost, a reading record based on the detection results of the at least one detection device and a recording history including the past history of the reading record, based on the reading record stored in the reading record memory unit.

[0067] According to the above aspect (3), by displaying a record history including reading records based on the detection results of the detection device and past history, it is possible to provide search support for an item determined to be suspected of being lost. For example, by identifying the location where an item determined to be suspected of being lost has disappeared from the record history, it is possible to efficiently narrow down the search range for the item, thereby reducing the time and cost required for the search.

[0068] (4) In another embodiment, in any one of the above (1) to (3), The at least one detection device a first detection device (for example, the first detection device 12-1 in the above embodiment) for detecting stored items among the plurality of items stored in an item storage location; a second detection device (e.g., the second detection device 12-2 in the above embodiment) for detecting an item to be taken out of the plurality of items from the item storage location or an item to be returned to the item storage location; Includes.

[0069] According to the above aspect (4), a first detection device for detecting stored items and a second detection device for detecting taken-out or returned items are used as detection devices. The item management server determines the management status of the managed items based on the difference between the read records based on the detection results of these detection devices.

[0070] (5) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (4), The item storage location is a storage facility (e.g., the storage facility 10 in the above embodiment) capable of storing the storage item, The first detection device is installed inside the storage facility and is configured to be able to read, in a non-contact manner, the identification tags attached to the stored items.

[0071] According to the above aspect (5), the first detection device is provided inside a storage cabinet installed in an item storage location and configured as a device capable of contactlessly reading identification tags attached to stored items, thereby enabling the items stored in the storage cabinet to be suitably detected.

[0072] (6) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (5), The storage cabinet has a non-metallic partition inside a metallic outer wall (for example, the outer wall 10A in the above embodiment).

[0073] According to the above aspect (6), by making the outer wall of the storage cabinet out of metal, noise from outside the storage cabinet can be blocked from the first detection device that detects stored items non-contact inside the storage cabinet, thereby achieving good detection accuracy.

[0074] (7) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (5) or (6), The first detection device is configured to automatically perform detection of the stored items at predetermined intervals.

[0075] According to the above aspect (7), the first detection device automatically and repeatedly detects the stored items, thereby making it possible to monitor the management status of the stored items in the most up-to-date state.

[0076] (8) In another embodiment, in any one of the above (4) to (7), The second detection device is configured to be able to read an identification tag attached to the placed taken-out item or the placed returned item.

[0077] According to the above aspect (8), when an article is placed on the second detection device, the second detection device can detect the article by reading the identification tag attached to the article.

[0078] (9) In another embodiment, in any one of the above (1) to (8), The at least one detection device The facility further includes a third detection device (for example, the third detection device 12-3 in the above embodiment) that is provided for each area where the plurality of articles can be used and that detects the articles used in the area.

[0079] According to the above aspect (9), a third detection device for detecting the used article is provided for each area, and when an article is moved between areas, if there is a difference between the read record based on the detection result of the third detection device provided for each area, the management status of the article can be determined based on the difference.

[0080] (10) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (9), The third detection device is configured to be able to read an identification tag attached to the placed taken-out item or the placed returned item.

[0081] According to the above aspect (10), when an article is placed on the third detection device, the third detection device can detect the article by reading the identification tag attached to the article. (11) A collaboration system according to one aspect includes: An article management system according to any one of the above (1) to (10); a worker management system for managing workers involved in the manufacturing of the product; a work procedure management system for managing work procedures related to the manufacturing process of the product; Equipped with.

[0082] According to the above aspect (11), the aforementioned item management system can be linked to the worker management system and the work procedure management system, and the information managed by each system can be combined and used to formulate work plans, etc.

[0083] (12) An item management method according to an embodiment includes: 1. An article management method for managing a plurality of articles used in manufacturing a product, comprising: detecting at least some of the plurality of articles; a step of storing the detection result from the detecting step as a read record; determining the management status of the plurality of items based on a difference between a read record based on the detection result and the previous read record; Equipped with.

[0084] According to the above aspect (12), the detection results of the detection device are sequentially stored as a read record, and the management status of the item is determined based on the difference from the previous read record. If there is a difference from the previous read record, it means that there has been some change in the management status of the item during that time, and the management status of the item can be determined by evaluating the difference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Inventory management system 2 Goods 2A Stored items 2B Items to be taken out 2C Returned Items 2D items used 4 Fields 4-1 Area 1 4-2 Area 2 4-3 Third Area 6-1 1st aisle 6-2 2nd aisle 8 Goods storage area 10 Storage 10A Exterior wall 10B interior space 12 Detection Devices 12-1 First detection device 12-2 Second detection device 12-3 Third detection device 14 Pedestal 16 Detector 20 Input fields 22 Password entry field 24 Login button 26 Checkboxes 28 Take-out record button 29 Links 30 Temporary recording button 32 Return record button 100 Inventory Management Server 110 Detection result acquisition unit 120 Reading record memory unit 130 Difference judgment part 140 Records and Registration Department 150 Display section 200 Collaboration System 300 Entrance / Exit Control System 400 Work Procedure Management System G1 login screen G2 screen G3 Record History Screen G4 Item Record Screen G5 Storage status list screen

Claims

1. An article management system for managing a plurality of articles used in the manufacture of a product, at least one detection device provided for each area where the plurality of items can be used, for detecting at least some of the plurality of items in the area using information for identifying the items; a read record storage unit that stores a detection result of the at least one detection device in the area as a read record in association with information about the area; an item management server configured to display and control, as a history, which items were detected in which areas, using the read record of the detection results of the at least one detection device stored in the read record storage unit so as to correspond to information about each of the areas; Equipped with the at least one detection device a first detection device installed in an internal space of a storage facility in an item storage location, the internal space being surrounded by an outer wall comprising a metal material, to detect information for identifying an item stored in the storage facility; a second detection device that is installed in a field outside the outer wall and that detects, among the plurality of items, an item to be taken out from the item storage location or an item to be returned to the item storage location; An article management system, including:

2. The item management system of claim 1, wherein the item management server is configured to determine the management status of the plurality of items based on a difference between a read record based on the detection result of the at least one detection device and the previous read record stored in the read record memory unit.

3. The item management system of claim 2, wherein the item management server is configured to determine that the item corresponding to the difference is suspected of being lost when the number of items included in the read record decreases based on the difference.

4. The item management system of claim 2, wherein the item management server is configured to control the display of a history of which items were detected in which areas based on the reading records stored in the reading record memory unit for items whose management status is determined to be suspected of being lost.

5. The item management system according to claim 1 , wherein the first detection device is installed inside the storage facility and configured to be capable of contactlessly reading identification tags attached to the stored items.

6. The article management system according to claim 5 , wherein the storage facility has a non-metallic partition inside the outer wall.

7. The article management system according to claim 1 , wherein the first detection device is configured to automatically perform detection of the stored article at predetermined intervals.

8. The article management system according to claim 1 , wherein the second detection device is configured to be able to read an identification tag attached to the placed article to be taken out or the placed article to be returned.

9. The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a worker management system for managing workers involved in the manufacturing of the product; a work procedure management system for managing work procedures related to the manufacturing process of the product; A collaborative system that includes:

10. 1. An article management method for managing a plurality of articles used in manufacturing a product, comprising: detecting at least some of the items in each area using at least one detection device provided in each area where the items can be used, based on information identifying the items; storing the detection result in the detecting step in the area as a read record in association with information about the area; a step of controlling a display of a history of which items were detected in which areas using the read record of the detection results of the at least one detection device stored in the step of storing the read record so as to correspond to information about each of the areas; Equipped with the at least one detection device a first detection device installed in an interior space of a storage facility in an item storage location, the storage facility having an interior space surrounded by an outer wall comprising a metal material, for detecting information for identifying a stored item from the stored item; a second detection device that is installed in a field outside the outer wall and that detects, among the plurality of items, an item to be taken out from the item storage location or an item to be returned to the item storage location; An article management method, including:

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