Progress management device, system, and method

Abstract

This progress management device for managing the progress status of execution of planned tasks comprises a storage unit that stores plan data representing a plan relating to tasks, an acquisition unit that acquires execution data representing the execution status of a task, a control unit that uses the stored plan data and the acquired execution data to control simulation processing involving predicting the progress status of a task to be executed after the status represented by the execution data, and an output unit that outputs information. The control unit detects a delay state in which the progress status predicted in the simulation processing delays from the plan represented by the plan data, specifies an application deadline for applying a measure to improve the detected delay state on the basis of a result of prediction for the simulation processing that is based on the assumption that the measure to improve the detected delay state is applied, and causes the output unit to output presentation information including the specified application deadline.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a progress management device, system, and method for simulating the progress of work. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a work support device for automatically applying improvement measures to effectively reduce the burden on workers due to work. The work support device collects information on production equipment and information on workers working in collaboration with the production equipment in real time, and evaluates the workload level, which indicates the degree of workload on the workers, based on the information. The work support device stores improvement measures for improving the workload level (e.g., changing the work speed of the worker, rearranging the work procedure, and changing the working height of the production equipment), and performs a simulation to estimate the estimated improvement effect, which indicates the degree of improvement in the workload level when the improvement measures are applied. The work support device determines an applicable improvement measure to be applied to at least one of the worker and the production equipment from the stored improvement measures based on the estimated improvement effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 217381 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a progress management device, system, and method that can facilitate improvements to delays in work progress. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A progress management device according to one aspect of the present disclosure manages the progress of work that has been planned in advance. The progress management device includes a memory unit, an acquisition unit, a control unit, and an output unit. The memory unit stores plan data indicating a plan for the work. The acquisition unit acquires implementation data indicating the status of the work currently being carried out. The control unit controls a simulation process that predicts the progress status of the work to be carried out after the status indicated by the implementation data, based on the stored plan data and the acquired implementation data. The output unit outputs information. The control unit detects a delay state in which the progress status predicted in the simulation process is behind the plan indicated by the plan data. The control unit identifies an application deadline for applying the measure to improve the delay state based on the prediction result of the simulation process for when a measure to improve the detected delay state is applied. The control unit causes the output unit to output presentation information including the identified application deadline.

[0006] These general and specific aspects may be realized by a system, a method, and a computer program, as well as combinations thereof. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The progress management device, system, and method disclosed herein can make it easier to improve delays in work progress. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a progress management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of an analysis server in a progress management system. [Figure 3] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of a manager terminal in a progress management system. [Figure 4] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a progress management system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the data structure of various data in a progress management system. [Figure 6]A diagram for explaining the operation of the progress management system [Figure 7] Flowchart illustrating the operation of the analysis server [Figure 8] A diagram for explaining progress simulation in a progress management system [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the process of multiple progress simulations to determine the application deadline. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for calculating an estimated completion time. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed by a manager terminal of a progress management system according to a simulation result. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a progress management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a period during which work has not yet started in the progress management system of the second embodiment; [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of calculating a period during which work has not yet arrived in the analysis server of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a progress management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a standard work period in the progress management system of the third embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for calculating a standard work period in the analysis server of the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining measures in a progress management system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0010] The applicant provides the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and does not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) 1. Configuration The progress management system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the progress management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0012] 1-1. Progress management system The progress management system 1 of this embodiment is applied to managing the progress of pre-planned work, i.e., work processes, in a workplace 4 such as a factory. As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 includes a camera 2 that captures images of the workplace 4, and an analysis server 7 that collects and analyzes data in real time from equipment 5-1 to 5-6 installed in the workplace 4 and the camera 2. The system 1 also includes a manager terminal 8 that presents the analysis results from the analysis server 7 to a work process manager 3, such as a supervisor of the workplace 4, and a workplace server 9 that executes various management controls in the workplace 4.

[0013] In the work site 4 of FIG. 1, a work line L1 including equipment 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3, and a work line L2 including equipment 5-4, 5-5, and 5-6 are installed. Hereinafter, the equipment 5-1 to 5-6 will be collectively referred to as equipment 5. Each equipment 5 is equipped with a sensor connected to transmit sensor data to an analysis server 7 via a communication network such as a LAN. The sensor is, for example, a proximity sensor, and generates sensor data including information about objects passing through each equipment 5.

[0014] The camera 2 of the present system 1 is positioned so as to capture the entire area in which the workers W1 to W3 move in the workplace 4. The camera 2 repeats an image capturing operation, for example, at a predetermined cycle, in the workplace 4, and generates image data representing the captured image. The camera 2 is connected to, for example, an analysis server 7 so that the image data can be transmitted.

[0015] The analysis server 7 analyzes the received image data and sensor data while work is being performed in the workplace 4, and executes a simulation process to predict the progress of the work process. In this system 1, if the progress predicted in the simulation process is behind schedule with respect to the work process, for example, a delay notification indicating such a delay and information indicating the simulation results are transmitted from the analysis server 7 to the administrator terminal 8.

[0016] According to the present system 1, the administrator 3 can check the simulation results received from the analysis server 7 on the administrator terminal 8, for example, and consider measures to improve the delay state.

[0017] The manager terminal 8, for example, accepts an operation by the manager 3 to determine a measure, and transmits information indicating the determined measure to the workshop server 9. The workshop server 9 is configured to be able to communicate data with external devices such as the manager terminal 8, for example, via a communication network. The workshop server 9 may be connected to the equipment 5 so as to transmit instruction data for reflecting the measure in the work process being carried out in the workshop 4. Furthermore, the workshop server 9 may be configured to be able to communicate with each terminal device, such as a smartphone associated with each worker W1 to W3, so as to transmit instruction data to the terminal device.

[0018] In this example, each piece of equipment 5 is used in a work process for manufacturing multiple types of products on each work line L1, L2, and workers W, such as workers W1, W2, and W3, perform switching operations to switch the type of product being manufactured on each work line L1, L2. While FIG. 1 illustrates two work lines L1, L2 and six pieces of equipment 5, the number of work lines in the work area 4 is not limited to two, and each work line may include one piece of equipment 5 or four or more pieces of equipment 5. Furthermore, each work line may include a different number of pieces of equipment 5. Furthermore, the number of cameras 2 and the number of workers W1 to W3 included in the system 1 are not particularly limited.

[0019] The specific configurations of the analysis server 7 and the administrator terminal 8 in this system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.

[0020] 1-2. Analysis server configuration FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the analysis server 7. The analysis server 7 is configured with an information processing device such as a server computer. The analysis server 7 is an example of a progress management device in this embodiment. The analysis server 7 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a control unit 70, a memory unit 71, an operation unit 72, a display unit 73, a device I / F 74, and a network I / F 75. Hereinafter, the interface will be abbreviated as "I / F."

[0021] The control unit 70 includes, for example, a CPU or MPU that works in cooperation with software to realize predetermined functions. The control unit 70 controls, for example, the overall operation of the analysis server 7. The control unit 70 reads data and programs stored in the storage unit 71 and performs various arithmetic processing to realize various functions. The control unit 70 may be configured with various semiconductor integrated circuits such as a GPU.

[0022] The control unit 70 executes a program including, for example, a set of instructions for realizing the functions of the analysis server 7. The program may be provided via a communication network or may be stored on a portable recording medium. The control unit 70 may also include an internal memory as a temporary storage area for storing various data and programs.

[0023] The control unit 70 may also be a hardware circuit such as a dedicated electronic circuit or a reconfigurable electronic circuit designed to realize each of the above functions. The control unit 70 may also be configured with various semiconductor integrated circuits such as a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, a GPGPU, a TPU, a microcomputer, a DSP, an FPGA, and an ASIC.

[0024] The storage unit 71 is a storage medium that stores programs and data required to realize the functions of the analysis server 7. As shown in Fig. 2, the storage unit 71 includes a storage unit 71a and a temporary storage unit 71b.

[0025] The storage unit 71a stores parameters, data, control programs, etc. for realizing predetermined functions. The storage unit 71a is configured, for example, with a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor storage device (SSD). For example, the storage unit 71a stores the above-mentioned programs and various databases (DBs) described later.

[0026] The temporary storage unit 71b is configured with a RAM such as a DRAM or an SRAM, and temporarily stores (i.e., holds) data. For example, the temporary storage unit 71b holds various data such as image data and sensor data received from the camera 2 and the equipment 5. The temporary storage unit 71b may also function as a work area for the control unit 70, and may be configured as a storage area in the internal memory of the control unit 70.

[0027] The operation unit 72 is a general term for operation members that accept user operations. The operation unit 72 is configured by, for example, any one of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackpad, a touchpad, buttons, switches, etc., or a combination thereof. The operation unit 72 may configure a touch panel together with the display unit 73. The operation unit 72 acquires various information input by user operations.

[0028] The display unit 73 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 73 may display various information such as information input from the operation unit 72 and various icons for operating the operation unit 72. The display unit 73 may also constitute an output unit in the analysis server 7 that outputs various information.

[0029] The device I / F 74 is a circuit for connecting an external device to the analysis server 7. The device I / F 74 performs communication in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The predetermined communication standard includes USB, HDMI (registered trademark), IEEE1395, WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The device I / F 74 may constitute a communication unit that connects to an external device via a communication network such as the Internet. The device I / F 74 may constitute an acquisition unit in the analysis server 7 that receives various information from an external device such as the camera 2, or an output unit that transmits various information to an external device.

[0030] The network I / F 75 is a circuit for connecting the analysis server 7 to a communication network via a wireless or wired communication line. The network I / F 75 communicates according to a predetermined communication standard. The predetermined communication standard includes IEEE802.3, IEEE802.11a / 11b / 11g / 11ac, etc. The network I / F 75 may constitute an acquisition unit in the analysis server 7 that receives various information via the communication network or an output unit that transmits various information.

[0031] 1-3. Administrator terminal configuration 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the administrator terminal 8. The administrator terminal 8 is configured as an information processing device such as a tablet terminal. The administrator terminal 8 in FIG. 3 includes a control unit 80, a storage unit 81, an operation unit 82, a display unit 83, a device I / F 84, and a network I / F 85.

[0032] The control unit 80 includes, for example, a CPU or MPU that works in cooperation with software to realize predetermined functions. The control unit 80 controls, for example, the overall operation of the administrator terminal 8. The control unit 80 reads data and programs stored in the storage unit 81 and performs various arithmetic processing to realize various functions. The above programs may be provided via a communication network such as the Internet, or may be stored in a portable recording medium.

[0033] The storage unit 81 is a storage medium that stores programs and data necessary to realize the functions of the administrator terminal 8. As shown in Fig. 3, the storage unit 81 includes a storage unit 81a and a temporary storage unit 81b.

[0034] The storage unit 81a stores parameters, data, control programs, and the like for realizing predetermined functions. The storage unit 81a is configured, for example, with an HDD or SSD. For example, the storage unit 81a stores the above-mentioned programs and various data. The temporary storage unit 81b is configured, for example, with a RAM such as a DRAM or an SRAM, and temporarily stores various data such as data received from the analysis server 7. Furthermore, the temporary storage unit 81b may function as a work area for the control unit 80, and may be configured as a storage area in the internal memory of the control unit 80.

[0035] The operation unit 82 is a general term for an operation member that accepts user operations, and may be configured similarly to the operation unit 72 of the analysis server 7, for example. The operation unit 82 may form a touch panel together with the display unit 83. The operation unit 82 acquires various information input by user operations.

[0036] The display unit 83 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 83 may display various information such as information input from the operation unit 82 and various icons for operating the operation unit 82. The display unit 83 may also constitute an output unit in the administrator terminal 8 that outputs various information.

[0037] The device I / F 84 is a circuit for connecting an external device to the administrator terminal 8. The device I / F 84 communicates in accordance with a predetermined communication standard, similar to, for example, the device I / F 74 of the analysis server 7. The device I / F 84 may constitute an acquisition unit in the administrator terminal 8 that receives various information from an external device or an output unit that transmits various information to an external device, or may constitute a communication unit that connects to an external device via a communication network.

[0038] The network I / F 85 is a circuit for connecting the administrator terminal 8 to a communication network via a wireless or wired communication line. The network I / F 85 performs communication in accordance with a predetermined communication standard, similar to the network I / F 75 of the analysis server 7, for example. The network I / F 85 may be connected to the analysis server 7 via a communication network, for example. The network I / F 85 may constitute an acquisition unit that receives various information or an output unit that transmits various information via the communication network in the administrator terminal 8.

[0039] The above-described configurations of the analysis server 7 and the manager terminal 8 are merely examples, and are not limited to the above examples. The progress management method of this embodiment may be executed in distributed computing. Furthermore, each acquisition unit in the analysis server 7 and the manager terminal 8 may be realized by cooperation with various software in the control units 70, 80, etc. Each acquisition unit may acquire various pieces of information by reading out the various pieces of information stored in various storage media (e.g., storage units 71a, 81a) into the working areas (e.g., temporary storage units 71b, 81b) of the control units 70, 80, respectively.

[0040] 1-4. Functional configuration of progress management system The functional configuration of the progress management system 1 including the above-described analysis server 7 and manager terminal 8 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the progress management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0041] The analysis server 7 includes, for example, a process log data generation unit 601, a process status data generation unit 602, a worker data generation unit 603, a simulator 701, and a notification unit 751, which are configured in the control unit 70. The analysis server 7 also includes, for example, a work plan DB 910, a process DB 611, a worker DB 613, and a measure candidate DB 717, which are configured in the storage unit 71a. The work plan DB 910 stores data indicating work plans, which is obtained, for example, from the workshop server 9 via the network I / F 75 or the like.

[0042] The process log data generation unit 601 generates process log data D1 (described later) based on sensor data received from the equipment 5 as needed, for example, by referring to the work plan DB 910. The process DB 611 stores the generated process log data D1 in association with time. The process status data generation unit 602 generates process status data D2 indicating the status of the work process that changes over time, based on the process log data D1 up to the most recent time stored in the process DB 611. The process status data D2 is stored in, for example, the process DB 611.

[0043] The worker data generation unit 603 applies image recognition technology to the image data received from the camera 2 to recognize the positions of the workers W1 and W2 in the workplace 4, thereby generating worker data D3 indicating the positions of the workers W1 and W2 at each time. The worker DB 613 stores the generated worker data D3. The worker number estimation unit 604 sequentially calculates an estimate of the number of workers indicating the number of workers W at each time, for example, for each work area (described later) corresponding to each piece of equipment 5, based on the worker data D3 in the worker DB 613. Each piece of data D1 to D3 is an example of implementation data in this embodiment.

[0044] The simulator 701 continually acquires the process log data D1, the process status data D2, and the estimated number of workers calculated by the worker number estimation unit 604. The simulator 701 executes a progress simulation process based on the data D1 to D3, for example, by referencing the work plan DB 910. Furthermore, the simulator 701 detects delays in the progress predicted in the simulation process by comparing it with the work plan.

[0045] The candidate measure DB 717 stores data indicating candidate measures that can be applied to the equipment 5 or the worker W in order to improve the delay state in the workplace 4. When the simulator 701 detects a delay state, it refers to the candidate measure DB 717 and executes a simulation process for applying the measure in the workplace 4.

[0046] For example, when a delay state is detected, the notification unit 751 controls the network I / F 75 to send a delay notification and presentation data D8 including information on measures and various simulation results by the simulator 701 to the administrator terminal 8.

[0047] The administrator terminal 8 includes a presentation operation unit 861 that displays the delay notification and presentation data D8 received from the analysis server 7. The presentation operation unit 861 also accepts an operation by the administrator 3 to determine the measures included in the presentation data D8. The presentation operation unit 861 is configured, for example, by an operation unit 82 and a display unit 83, and may be configured as a display superimposed on a touch panel, or the like.

[0048] In the above example, the process log data generating unit 601 generates the process log data D1 using data from the work plan DB 910. However, if the type of product can be determined from the sensor data, the process log data D1 may be generated only from the sensor data. The process log data generating unit 601, the process status data generating unit 602, and the worker data generating unit 603 are not limited to being implemented by a single processor, and may be executed by separate processors, or may be implemented by two processors in any combination. Some or all of the generating units 601 to 603 may be provided in an information processing device different from the analysis server 7. In the analysis server 7, the notification unit 751 may be implemented by the display unit 73, and may display the presentation data D8.

[0049] 1-5. Various data structures In the progress management system 1 of this embodiment, as described above, the process log data D1, process status data D2, and worker data D3 are managed in real time by the analysis server 7. An example of the data structure of the various data D1 to D3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the data structures of various data D1 to D3 in the present system 1. Figure 5(A) illustrates the data structure of process log data D1. Figure 5(B) illustrates the data structure of process status data D2. Figure 5(C) illustrates the data structure of worker data D3.

[0051] 5(A) manages in association with each other the "date and time," the "passing object" indicating the type of product passing through each facility 5, the "work line," the "facility," the "lot ID" identifying the production unit of the product, the "number of passes," and the "operating status" of the facility 5. The type of product indicates, for example, the model.

[0052] For example, "1" to "6" in "equipment" indicate equipment 5-1 to 5-6, respectively, among the equipment 5 in the work area 4, for which passing objects have been detected by sensors, and "1" or "2" in "work line" indicates either the work line L1 or L2 that includes the equipment in question. "Number of passes" indicates the total number of products that have passed through equipment 5 in the "equipment" column up to each time in the "date and time" column for the type in the "passing object" column, for example, by adding from the process log data D1 at a past time. "Operation status" indicates whether equipment 5 in the "equipment" column at each time is in a normal state or a stopped state.

[0053] The process log data D1 in Figure 5(A) indicates that, for example, at the date and time "2021.0801.0701.27", a product of type "A" (also referred to as "product A", the same applies below) passes through equipment "6" on work line L2, i.e., equipment 5-6. Furthermore, the process log data D1 in Figure 5(A) stores the lot ID "143" of the passing product A, the total number of products A that passed through equipment 5-6 (i.e., the number of passes) "201", and a value indicating a stopped state as the operating status of equipment 5-6 at that date and time.

[0054] The process status data D2 generated based on the above-described process log data D1 is managed by associating the "work line," the "start time" and "end time" of the work process status, the "equipment status," the "passing object," and the "lot ID," for example, as shown in FIG. 5(B).

[0055] The "equipment status" of the process status data D2 indicates, for example, the work performed in the period from the "start time" to the "end time" in the equipment 5 included in each work line L1 or L2, and corresponds to the status of each work line L1, L2 in the work process. In the example of Figure 5(B), the "equipment status" includes the statuses of "quality check," which verifies the quality of parts, etc. before the production of a product, "production," which produces a product, and "switching," which changes the type of product to be produced.

[0056] The process status data D2 in FIG. 5(B) indicates that, for example, for work line L1, switching work is performed to change the product being produced from product A to product B during the period from the start time "2021.0801.0835.21" to the end time "2021.0801.0913.25." Furthermore, the process status data D2 in this example indicates that product B with lot ID "212" will be produced during the subsequent period. Note that, before the quality of product A is confirmed, switching work may be performed to switch to the production of product A from the state at the start of operations in work area 4, for example.

[0057] In the work site 4 of this example, for example, when the equipment status of the equipment 5 is "switched" in the process status data D2 (i.e., switching work), the work is performed manually by the worker W. On the other hand, when the equipment status of the equipment 5 is "production" (i.e., production work), the work does not involve manual work by the worker W.

[0058] The worker data D3 illustrated in FIG. 5(C) manages a period from a "start time" to an "end time," "workers" indicating workers W1 to W3, and "work areas" associated with each piece of equipment 5 in the workplace 4, in association with each other. The "work area" is set in advance as a predetermined range in the workplace 4 where work related to each piece of equipment 5 is carried out. The analysis server 7 may store, for example, in the storage unit 71a, map data indicating the location of the equipment 5 in the workplace 4 in a predetermined coordinate system, and the worker data generation unit 603 may generate the worker data D3 using the map data.

[0059] 5(C) indicates that worker W1 was in the work area corresponding to facility 1, i.e., facility 5-1, from the start time "2021.0801.0700.00" to the end time "2021.0801.0700.07." Based on this worker data D3, for example, the worker number estimation unit 604 in FIG. 4 calculates the estimated number of workers for each facility 5 at each time.

[0060] 2.Operation The operation of the progress management system 1 configured as above will be described below.

[0061] 2-1. Overview of operation An overview of the operation of the analysis server 7 in the progress management system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the progress management system 1 of this embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 6(A) shows an example of a progress simulation performed by the analysis server 7 of the present system 1. The progress simulation is a simulation process that predicts the progress status in real time while work is being performed in the workplace 4. In the progress simulation, the analysis server 7 calculates predicted values ​​of production quantities in chronological order for times after the current time t0 during a predetermined period, such as one day, as shown in FIG. 6(A). The production quantities indicate, for example, the cumulative number of products produced from the start of production to each time for each work line L1, L2 in the workplace 4.

[0063] Figure 6(A) includes various graphs Gp, Gh, and Gs that show the change over time in production quantity for one work line L1. Graph Gp shows the production quantity planned in the work plan. Graph Gh shows the actual production quantity that has actually been produced in work area 4 up to the current time t0. Graph Gs shows the predicted production quantity after the current time t0.

[0064] The system 1 monitors whether the progress status of the workplace 4 is predicted to be in a delayed state by, for example, sequentially performing a progress simulation. In the example of Fig. 6(A), the completion time of the graph Gs predicted in the progress simulation is later than the planned completion time tp at which the work process is completed in the graph Gp of the work plan, and is detected as being in a delayed state.

[0065] When the analysis server 7 detects a delay state such as that shown in Figure 6(A), it searches for measures that can resolve the delay state, for example by tentatively applying various measures in the measure candidate DB 717 to the progress simulation. Figure 6(B) shows a graph G0 of the search results in addition to the graph Gp of Figure 6(A). Graph G0 shows the predicted value of the production quantity calculated by the progress simulation assuming the application of the measures at the current time t0.

[0066] In the provisional prediction graph G0 shown in Figure 6(B), the work process is completed earlier than the planned completion time tp, and it is clear that the delay can be resolved by the relevant measures. However, the completion time of the provisional prediction graph G0 is excessively earlier than the planned completion time tp. In an actual workplace 4, it may be difficult for a manager 3 or the like to immediately apply a measure when it is presented, but it may be easy to apply it some time after it is presented. In this case, it is considered useful information for a manager 3 or the like to know how much time is available, that is, by when the measure needs to be applied to resolve the delay.

[0067] Therefore, the progress management system 1 of this embodiment further performs a progress simulation in which the application time of the measure is changed, and identifies the application deadline indicating the latest application time at which the measure can resolve the delay.The system 1 then includes the application deadline of the measure in the presentation data D8 and presents the information to the manager 3.

[0068] 6(C) illustrates an example of presentation data D8 by the present system 1. In addition to the graphs Gp, Gh, and Gs in FIG. 6(A), the presentation data D8 of this example presents a deadline td for applying the measure and a graph Gd showing the results of a progress simulation when the measure is applied within the deadline td.

[0069] According to the presentation data D8 of the present system 1, for example, the grace period from the current time t0 to the deadline td for applying the identified measure is visualized (FIG. 6(C)), which reduces the burden on the manager 3 or the like when implementing the measure in the workplace 4. It also avoids the wasted effort that can occur when the measure is forced to be immediately applied at the current time t0 even though there is still time until the application deadline td. In this way, the present system 1 makes it easier to improve the delay state in the workplace 4.

[0070] 2-2. Analysis Server Operation The operation of the analysis server 7 in the progress management system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the analysis server 7 in this embodiment. The processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 7 is executed by the control unit 70 functioning as the simulator 701, for example. The processing of this flowchart is executed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle (for example, every minute) for each of the work lines L1 and L2 in the work area 4, for example. An example in which the processing of this flowchart is executed for the work line L1 will be described below.

[0072] First, the control unit 70 acquires process log data D1, process status data D2, and the estimated number of workers from, for example, the DBs 611 and 910 and the worker number estimation unit 604 in Fig. 4 (S11). The control unit 70 may extract data related to the target work line L1 from the data D1, D2, and the estimated number of workers stored in, for example, the temporary storage unit 71b.

[0073] Next, the control unit 70 executes a progress simulation of the work process based on the acquired data D1, D2 and the estimated number of workers (S12). The control unit 70 calculates a predicted value of the production quantity for each time after the current time t0, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(A) above. The progress simulation will be described in detail later.

[0074] The control unit 70 compares the completion time of the work process predicted by the progress simulation process (S12), i.e., the estimated completion time, with the planned completion time to determine whether the predicted progress is behind schedule (S13). The control unit 70 determines whether the work is behind schedule based on whether the estimated completion time is later than the planned completion time.

[0075] If the progress status is delayed (YES in S13), the control unit 70 searches for a measure that can resolve the delay by performing a progress simulation on the assumption that each measure in the measure candidate DB 717 is applied at the current time t0. The control unit 70 identifies, from among the measures, measures whose estimated completion time in the progress simulation on the assumption that the measure is applied will be earlier than the planned completion time tp (S14), for example, as shown in FIG. 6(B).

[0076] In this embodiment, a measure to eliminate the delay is identified, for example, as a measure to add one worker W from another work line L2 to the work line L1. In step S14, the control unit 70 may refer to the results of the progress simulation (S12) performed for the work line L2, for example, and adopt the measure if the scheduled completion time is earlier than the planned completion time.

[0077] Here, in each of the graphs Gp, Gh, and G0 in FIG. 6(B), the period in which the production quantity increases corresponds to the period in which the equipment status in the process status data D2 in FIG. 5(B) is "production." Furthermore, in each of the graphs Gp, Gh, and G0, the period in which the production quantity remains constant corresponds to the period in which the equipment status in the process status data D2 is "switching." In graph G0, which is obtained when the above-described measures are applied to the current time t0, the period in which the production quantity remains constant is shortened by increasing the number of workers after the current time t0, thereby eliminating the delay in progress. Note that the period in which the equipment status in the process status data D2 is "quality check" may be included in the period in which the equipment is switched from the type of production that was being performed immediately before.

[0078] When the control unit 70 identifies measures that can be applied at the current time t0 to resolve the delay state (S14), it executes a plurality of progress simulations with different application times of the measures in order to estimate application deadlines td (S15). If a plurality of measures are identified in step S14, the control unit 70 executes a plurality of progress simulation processes (S15) to determine application deadlines td for each measure. Details of the process of step S15 will be described later.

[0079] The control unit 70 generates, for example, presentation data D8 as shown in FIG. 6(C), and transmits the delay notification and the presentation data D8 to the administrator terminal 8 via the network I / F 75 (S16).

[0080] After transmitting the presentation data D8 etc. (S16), the control unit 70 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0081] According to the above process, when the analysis server 7 detects a delay in the progress status in the progress simulation (S12) (YES in S13), it identifies measures that can resolve the delay (S14) and calculates the application deadline td of the measures (S15). As a result, the application deadline td of the measures that can improve the current situation when a delay occurs can be included in the presentation data D8.

[0082] In the above processing, after the presentation data D8 etc. are transmitted (S16), the processing of the next cycle may be executed, for example, after an operation by the administrator 3 who decides on a measure is input at the administrator terminal 8. Also, for example, in the progress simulation (S14) in which a measure is applied at the current time t0, if the estimated completion time is later than or coincides with the planned completion time, the control unit 70 may proceed to step S16 without executing step S15.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, if there are multiple measures that can resolve the delay state in the measure candidate DB 717, presentation data D8 including the application deadline td for each measure and various graphs may be generated and transmitted in step S16.

[0084] 2-3. Progress Simulation The progress simulation (S12, S14, S15) in the analysis server 7 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0085] 8 is a diagram for explaining a progress simulation in the progress management system 1. In the analysis server 7, for example, the control unit 70 serves as a simulator 701 and performs a discrete event simulation that reproduces the processes of product manufacturing in the workshop 4 and the shutdown and recovery of the equipment 5.

[0086] In discrete event simulation, numerical calculations are performed to reproduce a real process as a system whose state changes due to events occurring at discrete points in time. Discrete event simulation is performed by repeating the following steps (s1) to (s3) using, for example, state variables that indicate the state of such a virtual system and an event list that associates events that can occur in the system with time. Each event occurs probabilistically, for example, using random numbers.

[0087] (s1) The time in the simulation (hereinafter referred to as "simulation time") is advanced to the time at which the next event occurs in the event list. (s2) From the event list, all events that can occur at the forward time are obtained. (s3) A predefined process is executed for each event to change the state of the system (i.e., the state variables), and a new event that occurs at a later time following the occurrence of the event is registered in the event list.

[0088] In the analysis server 7 of this embodiment, a progress simulation is performed using, for example, a manufacturing system 6a corresponding to the manufacturing process of a product and an equipment shutdown / recovery system 6b corresponding to the process of shutting down and restoring equipment 5. Each of the systems 6a and 6b starts, for example, at the start of the simulation process, i.e., from the current time t0. In both systems 6a and 6b, events occurring in the manufacturing system 6a may change depending on, for example, the state of the equipment 5 determined by the equipment shutdown / recovery system 6b.

[0089] In the manufacturing system 6a, for example, production of each type of product and changes in state due to switching of the type to be produced are repeated. The control unit 70 repeatedly executes the following steps (a1) to (a3) ​​in the manufacturing system 6a, for example, until all types of products in the work plan are produced.

[0090] (a1) A predetermined switching period according to the number of workers is allowed to elapse. (a2) The simulation time is allowed to elapse for the takt time of one product. (a3) Step (a2) is repeated the number of times planned in the work plan (M in the example of FIG. 8). In this embodiment, the predetermined switching period is set in advance, for example, in the work plan, for each product type as the period of switching work to switch to the production of another type. In this embodiment, the predetermined switching period is set, for example, for each estimated number of workers for switching work between each type. In the above step (a1), the control unit 70 causes the predetermined switching period to elapse according to, for example, the estimated number of workers acquired in step S11 of FIG. 7. Note that if the execution time of the progress simulation is within the period of production work, the simulation of the manufacturing system 6a may be executed from the above step (a2).

[0091] In the equipment shutdown / recovery system 6b, state changes are repeated, for example, when the equipment 5 is shut down due to an abnormality and then restarted through recovery work on the equipment 5 in the workplace 4. The recovery work includes, for example, manual work by a worker W. In the equipment shutdown / recovery system 6b, the control unit 70 repeatedly executes the following steps (b1) to (b2) until, for example, the operation of the manufacturing system 6a is completed, that is, until all types of products in the work plan are manufactured in the manufacturing system 6a.

[0092] (b1) The simulation time is allowed to elapse for a period corresponding to the mean time between failures (MTBF). (b2) The simulation time is allowed to elapse for a period of the mean time to recovery (MTTR). The MTBF and MTTR periods are set in advance in the analysis server 7 from statistical values ​​such as the average of the corresponding period in the past process status data D2. After the MTBF period has elapsed in the above step (b1), the control unit 70 stops the execution of the above steps (a2) and (a3) ​​in the manufacturing system 6a if the simulation time is within the period of production work by the equipment 5. The control unit 70 calculates the MTTR in step (b2). After the period has elapsed, the state of the equipment 5 in the manufacturing system 6a is changed to the normal state.

[0093] The control unit 70 of the analysis server 7 executes the progress simulation process by changing the states of the manufacturing system 6a and the equipment shutdown / recovery system 6b as described above, for example, using the programs and various data stored in the storage unit 71a.

[0094] 2-4. Processing multiple progress simulations to determine application deadlines The progress simulation process in step S15 of FIG. 7 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0095] 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process (S15) of multiple progress simulations to determine the application deadline. The process of this flowchart starts, for example, when a measure that can improve the delay state by applying it at the current time t0 is identified in the measure candidate DB 717 (S14).

[0096] First, the control unit 70 of the analysis server 7 calculates an estimated completion time when a measure is to be applied N minutes after the current time t0 (S21). N is a variable for determining the application deadline, and has an initial value of, for example, a positive number. In step S21, the control unit 70 calculates the estimated time when the work process is completed, i.e., the estimated completion time, based on, for example, the work plan and information on the measure to be applied, using a simple calculation different from the progress simulation. The method for calculating the estimated completion time will be described in detail later.

[0097] Next, the control unit 70 refers to the work plan DB 910, for example, and determines whether the calculated estimated completion time is earlier than the planned completion time (S22).

[0098] If the estimated completion time is earlier than the planned completion time (YES in S22), the control unit 70 increments N by a predetermined value (for example, 1 minute) (S23), and recalculates (S21) the estimated completion time when the measure will be applied N minutes after the current time t0, using the incremented N. The control unit 70 repeats the processes of steps S21 to S23 until the calculated estimated completion time is later than or coincides with the planned completion time (NO in S22).

[0099] If the calculated estimated completion time is not earlier than the planned completion time (NO in S22), the control unit 70 sets a time that is close to N minutes after the current time t0 as a candidate time for the policy application deadline td (S24). The close times are set to, for example, five times N minutes after the current time t0, N±10 minutes after, and N±20 minutes after the current time t0.

[0100] The control unit 70 executes a progress simulation in the case where the measures are applied to each of the set candidate times, for example, by the same process as in step S14 of FIG. 7 (S25).

[0101] The control unit 70 calculates the difference between the estimated completion time in the progress simulation and the planned completion time for each candidate time, and determines the candidate time with the smallest difference as the application deadline td of the measure (S26).

[0102] When the control unit 70 determines the application deadline td (S26), it ends the processing of this flowchart and proceeds to step S16 in FIG.

[0103] According to the above process, calculation of the estimated completion time (S21) when the application time of the measure is delayed (S23) from the current time t0 using simple calculations is repeated until the estimated completion time matches or exceeds the planned completion time (NO in S22). Then, a candidate time is set near the obtained estimated completion time (S24), and a progress simulation is performed when the measure is applied at the candidate time (S25), thereby accurately determining the application deadline td (S26).

[0104] Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for calculating an estimated completion time. Figure 10(A) shows an example in which a measure is applied to time t1 after the current time t0 in calculating the estimated completion time (S21 in Figure 9). Figure 10(B) shows an example in which the same measure is applied to time tn after Figure 10(A). Figure 10 shows an example in which, similar to the example in Figure 6, the number of workers on work line L1 is increased by applying a measure, reducing the number of workers from one to two.

[0105] 10, the operation plan is completed by producing 100 units of product A, then switching to production of product B to produce 60 units, and then switching to production of product C to produce 150 units. In this way, for each of products A to C, the production work and the switching work are repeated until the number of units planned to be produced in the operation plan (hereinafter referred to as the "planned number") is produced.

[0106] In calculating the estimated completion time (S21 in FIG. 9), the control unit 70 calculates the duration of each production task and changeover task. The duration of the production task for each of products A to C is calculated, for example, based on the task plan, by multiplying the takt time, which is preset as the time required to produce one unit for each of products A to C, by the number of units to be produced in the task plan. In FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), for example, the duration of the production task for product A, "100 minutes," is calculated from the takt time for product A, "1 minute," and the planned number of units of product A in the task plan, "100 units."

[0107] The duration of the switching work is calculated by dividing a predetermined switching period based on the work plan when the number of workers is "1" by the number of workers on the work line L1. The control unit 70 determines the number of workers for each switching period depending on the number of workers preset for the work line L1 in the work plan, for example, and whether or not a measure is applied.

[0108] In the example of FIG. 10(A), the measure is applied at time t1, which is N=1 minutes after the current time t0, and the duration of the work to switch from product A to product B is calculated to be "20 minutes" based on the predetermined switching period of "40 minutes" and the number of workers "2." On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 10(B), the measure is not applied at the time of the switching work, and the duration of the switching work is calculated to be "40 minutes." Through this simple calculation, the estimated completion time is calculated to be 415 minutes after the current time t0 in FIG. 10(A), while it is calculated to be 435 minutes after the current time t0 in FIG. 10(B) (S21).

[0109] As described above, the estimated completion time is repeatedly calculated by delaying the application time of the measure within a range before the planned completion time using simple calculations that do not use progress simulation, and a candidate time is set near the planned completion time (S21 to S24).

[0110] This allows the progress simulation to be performed for the candidate times for the application deadline td (S25), thereby reducing the processing load of the progress simulation for determining the application deadline td (S26). Furthermore, by reducing the number of times the progress simulation is performed, the processing time required for presenting improvement measures in the analysis server 7 can be shortened.

[0111] 2-5. Policy decision making process In the progress management system 1 of this embodiment, the analysis server 7 executes the progress simulation as described above, and the presentation data D8 is sent to the manager terminal 8 (S16 in FIG. 7). The operation of the manager terminal 8 in response to the presentation data D8 sent from the analysis server 7 and the action decision operation by the manager 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0112] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to a simulation result in the administrator terminal 8. The processing shown in this flowchart is executed, for example, in the administrator terminal 8 by, for example, the control unit 80 controlling the presentation operation unit 861.

[0113] First, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the presentation data D8 has been received from the analysis server 7 (S31).

[0114] If the presentation data D8 has not been received (NO in S31), the control unit 80 repeats the determination in step S31 at a predetermined cycle, such as the execution cycle of the process in FIG. 7, until the presentation data D8 is received.

[0115] When the presentation data D8 is received (YES in S31), the control unit 80 causes, for example, the presentation operation unit 861 to display the progress simulation results in the presentation data D8 and the application deadline td of the measures as shown in FIG. 6(C) (S32). The presentation operation unit 861 displays, for example, the simulation results for each measure. This allows the manager 3 to check, for example, on the presentation operation unit 861, the progress simulation results and application deadline td displayed for each measure, and select whether or not to apply the measure, i.e., to perform a decision operation for the measure.

[0116] The control unit 80 determines whether or not the manager 3 has input an operation to decide on a measure, for example, in the presentation operation unit 861 (S33).

[0117] If there is no decision operation for the policy (NO in S33), the control unit 80 repeats the judgment of step S33 at a predetermined cycle, for example, until a decision operation is input. In this case, the control unit 80 may repeat step S33, for example, until the application deadline td of the policy has passed, and may end the processing of this flowchart if there is no decision operation after the application deadline td has passed. If the application deadlines td for multiple policies are later than the current time t0, step S33 is repeated, for example, until the longest application deadline td has passed. The processing of this flowchart may be executed, for example, at a cycle similar to the processing of FIG. 7, or, for example, when new presentation data D8 is received (YES in S31), the processing of step S33 may be ended and the next execution cycle may be started.

[0118] If a decision operation for a measure has been performed (YES in S33), the control unit 80 transmits various instructions according to the decided measure to, for example, the work site server 9 (S34).

[0119] After notifying the workshop server 9 of the decided measure (S34), the control unit 80 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0120] According to the above process, the control unit 80 displays the progress simulation results and application deadline td for each measure (S32), and issues instructions according to the decided measure in response to the manager 3's operation to decide on the measure (YES in S33) (S34). This allows the manager 3 to, for example, check the progress simulation results and application deadline td displayed for each measure and decide on the measure to be implemented in the workshop 4. Furthermore, for example, the workshop server 9 can receive instructions according to the decided measure and transmit various data that feeds back the instructions to the equipment 5, or notify the terminal devices associated with each of the workers W1 to W3.

[0121] 3. Summary As described above, the analysis server 7 in this embodiment is an example of a progress management device that manages the progress status of work processes as an example of pre-planned work. The analysis server 7 includes a memory unit 71, a control unit 70, and a network I / F 75. The memory unit 71 stores plan data indicating a plan for the work. The control unit 70 (an example of an acquisition unit) acquires process log data D1, process status data D2, and an estimated number of workers as examples of implementation data indicating the status of the work currently being performed (S11). Based on the stored plan data and the acquired implementation data, the control unit 70 controls a progress simulation process (an example of a simulation process) that predicts the progress status of work to be performed after the current time t0 as an example of the status indicated by the implementation data (S12, S14, S15). The network I / F 75 (an example of an output unit) outputs information. The control unit 70 detects a delay state in which the progress status predicted in the simulation process is delayed from the plan indicated by the plan data (S13). The control unit 70 specifies an application deadline td for applying the measure to improve the delay state based on the predicted results of the simulation process (S14, S15) for applying the measure to improve the detected delay state (S15). The control unit 70 outputs presentation data D8 as an example of presentation information including the specified application deadline td to the network I / F 75 (S16).

[0122] According to the analysis server 7, the delay in the progress status predicted in the progress simulation process is detected (S13), and the application deadline td for applying the measure is identified (S15), and the presentation data D8 including the application deadline td is output (S16). This makes it easier to improve the delay in the progress status of the work process using the presentation data D8. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 executes the simulation process based on the implementation data acquired by the acquisition unit (S12, S14, S15). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 70 controls the simulation process multiple times with different application times of the measure to identify the application deadline td (S15).

[0123] In this embodiment, the work process, as an example of work, includes a switching work process as an example of a process performed in equipment 5 accompanied by worker W. The estimated number of workers, process log data D1, and process status data D2, which are examples of implementation data, indicate the status of at least one of worker W and equipment 5. The progress simulation process, which is an example of simulation processing, calculates a switching period as an example of a predicted period during which the process will be performed based on the implementation data, and predicts the progress status after the current time t0 (an example of a status indicated by the implementation data) (S12, S14, S15). In this embodiment, the process performed in equipment 5 accompanied by worker W may include a recovery work process for equipment 5. The predicted period may be the period required for the recovery work of equipment 5.

[0124] In this embodiment, the control unit 70 calculates the number of workers in the facility 5 based on the worker data D3 as an example of implementation data acquired by the acquisition unit (S11). The control unit 70 controls the progress simulation process (an example of a simulation process) so as to calculate a switching period (an example of a prediction period) based on the calculated number of workers (steps S12, S14, S15, the above step (a1)). In this embodiment, the control unit 70 calculates a predetermined switching period as the switching period depending on the number of workers.

[0125] In this embodiment, the measures include adding a worker W. By applying such measures, for example, the switching period can be shortened, and the delay state can be improved.

[0126] In this embodiment, the presentation data D8, which is an example of presentation information, further includes at least one of graphs G0 and Gd as examples of predicted results of the simulation process when the measure is applied, and graph Gs as an example of predicted results of the simulation process when the measure is not applied. By using such presentation data D8, it is possible to further facilitate improvement of delays in the progress of the work process.

[0127] In this embodiment, the progress management system 1 includes an analysis server 7 (an example of a progress management device) and a manager terminal 8 (an example of a terminal device). The manager terminal 8 receives presentation data D8 as an example of presentation information output from the progress management device (S31), and presents the received presentation data D8 to a manager 3, who is an example of a user (S32). According to this progress management system 1, for example, the manager 3 can check the presentation data D8 on the manager terminal 8, making it easier to improve delays in the progress of a work process.

[0128] In this embodiment, the manager terminal 8, which is an example of a terminal device, includes a network I / F 85 as an example of a communication unit, a display unit 83, an operation unit 82, and a control unit 80 as an example of a terminal control unit. The network I / F 85 communicates data with an external device. A presentation operation unit 861 configured in the display unit 83 displays presentation data D8 (an example of presentation information) received from the analysis server 7, which is an example of a progress management device (YES in S31) (S32). The presentation operation unit 861, also configured in the operation unit 82, accepts a measure decision operation by the manager 3 as an example of a user operation for selecting whether to apply a measure based on the presentation data D8 (S33). When a measure decision operation is input as an example of a case in which application of a measure is selected in response to a user operation (YES in S33), the control unit 80 executes a process of issuing an instruction corresponding to the decided measure as an example of predetermined control (S34). As a result, for example, when application of a measure is selected, control corresponding to the measure can be performed, making it easier to improve delays in the progress of the work process.

[0129] The progress management method in this embodiment is a method in which an analysis server 7, which is an example of a computer, manages the progress status of the execution of a pre-planned task. Plan data indicating a plan for the task is stored in a memory unit 71 of the analysis server 7. This method includes a step (S11) in which the analysis server 7 acquires implementation data indicating the status of the task being executed, a step (S12, S14, S15) in which the control unit 70 of the analysis server 7 controls a simulation process to predict the progress status of the task to be executed after the status indicated by the implementation data, based on the stored plan data and the acquired implementation data, and a step (S16) in which the network I / F 75 (an example of an output unit of a computer) of the analysis server 7 outputs information. In this method, the control unit 70 detects a delay state in which the progress predicted in the simulation process is behind the plan indicated by the planning data (S13), and identifies an application deadline td for applying measures to improve the delay state based on the predicted results of the simulation process when measures to improve the detected delay state are applied (S14-S15), and outputs presentation data D8 as an example of presentation information including the identified application deadline td to the network I / F 75 (S16).

[0130] In this embodiment, a program is provided for causing a control unit of a computer to execute the above-described progress management method. The progress management method of this embodiment makes it easier to improve delays in the progress of work processes.

[0131] (Embodiment 2) 12 to 14, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the first embodiment, a progress management system 1 that performs a progress simulation based on various data D1 to D3 collected in real time has been described. In the second embodiment, a progress management system 1 that further performs a progress simulation based on past work trends, such as the period until a worker W starts work at a workplace 4, will be described.

[0132] Below, the progress management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, omitting descriptions of the same configurations and operations as those of the progress management system 1 according to the first embodiment as appropriate.

[0133] 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the progress management system 1 of this embodiment. In addition to the same configuration as in embodiment 1 (FIG. 4), the analysis server 7 in the progress management system 1 of this embodiment includes a work tendency analysis unit 702A that generates in advance information to be used in the simulator 701A of this embodiment, and a work tendency DB 715.

[0134] The work trend analysis unit 702A is configured in, for example, the control unit 70, and generates work trend information indicating the tendency of work to be performed by the worker W in the workplace 4, based on the past process status data D2 and worker data D3. The generated work trend information is stored in, for example, a work trend DB 715 configured in the storage unit 71a.

[0135] In this embodiment, the work tendency information includes, for example, a period from the start of a switching work to when at least one worker W actually starts the switching work, i.e., a work non-start period, in the workplace 4. The simulator 701A of this embodiment is configured similarly to the simulator 701 of embodiment 1, and executes a progress simulation based on the above work tendency information in addition to the data D1 to D3.

[0136] Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining periods during which work has not yet started in the progress management system 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 13 shows the time transition of the number of workers in the period from the start time ts to the end time te of a switching work that occurred in the past on work line L1, for example.

[0137] In the example of FIG. 13, for example, the number of workers is "0" at the start time ts of the switching work managed in the past process status data D2. In other words, the switching work is not actually being performed during the period T1 from the start time ts to the time ta when the number of workers becomes "1." Such a period T1 in which work has not yet started can occur, for example, when a specific piece of equipment 5 on work line L1 in workplace 4 is in the "switched" state, and worker W1 or the like is late in arriving at that piece of equipment 5. For example, if workers W1 to W3 are each responsible for multiple work lines L1 and L2 in workplace 4, it is expected that the period T1 in which work has not yet started will be likely to occur.

[0138] Therefore, the progress management system 1 of this embodiment statistically calculates the period T1 during which work has not yet started based on past work trends in the workplace 4, and performs a progress simulation using the period T1 during which work has not yet started. This improves the accuracy of the progress simulation, making it possible to accurately identify the applicable deadline td.

[0139] 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of calculating the period during which work has not yet started in the analysis server 7 of this embodiment. The processes shown in this flowchart are executed for each work line L1, L2 by the control unit 70 functioning as the work trend analysis unit 702A, separately from the processes in FIG. 7. The processes in this flowchart are started at a predetermined cycle, such as once a day.

[0140] First, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 70 acquires, for example, the past process status data D2 and the past worker data D3 stored in the process DB 611 and the worker DB 613 (S101).

[0141] Next, the control unit 70 calculates the period T1 during which work has not yet started based on the acquired past data D2 and D3 (S102). For example, for each period during which the equipment status in the process status data D2 is "switched," the control unit 70 repeatedly calculates the period from the start time ts of the switching work to the arrival of at least one worker W. The control unit 70 then calculates a statistical value, such as the average of each calculated value, as the period T1 during which work has not yet started to be used in the progress simulation. The start time ts and end time te of the switching work correspond to the start time and end time when the equipment status is "switched" in the process status data D2, for example.

[0142] The control unit 70 stores data indicating the calculated period T1 during which work has not yet been started as work tendency information in, for example, the work tendency DB 715 shown in FIG. 12 (S103).

[0143] After storing the data of the period T1 during which work has not yet been started (S103), the control unit 70 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0144] According to the above process, data on the period T1 during which work has not yet started based on the past process status data D2 and worker data D3 can be prepared in the work tendency DB 715 (S101-S103). Thereafter, in the progress simulation process (S12, S14, S15), the period T1 during which work has not yet started in the work tendency DB 715 is used, thereby improving the accuracy of calculating the time transition of the predicted value of production quantity and determining the deadline td for applying measures (S15, S26).

[0145] In this embodiment, the control unit 70, for example, as the simulator 701A, performs processing to allow a period T1 during which work has not yet been started when executing a progress simulation in the same manner as in embodiment 1. The control unit 70 allows a period T1 during which work has not yet been started for the switching work to pass based on work trend information, for example, before step (a1) described above in the manufacturing system 6a of Fig. 8, i.e., before the predetermined switching period has passed.

[0146] In the above example, the period during which switching work has not been started has been described, but the period during which recovery work has not been started for the equipment 5 may also be taken into consideration. For example, the work trend analysis unit 702A may calculate the period during which recovery work has not been started based on the past process log data D1 and worker data D3, similar to the processing in Fig. 14. In the equipment shutdown / recovery system 6b in Fig. 8, the simulator 701A may allow the period during which recovery work has not been started to pass before the above-mentioned step (b2), i.e., before the MTTR period has passed.

[0147] As described above, in this embodiment, the storage unit 71 stores work trend information indicating a tendency for switching work (an example of a process) to be performed in the equipment 5 accompanied by the worker W. The control unit 70 refers to the work trend information stored in the storage unit 71 and controls the progress simulation process (an example of a simulation process) so as to reflect the trend indicated by the work trend information in the switching period (an example of a prediction period) (S12, S14, S15).

[0148] In this embodiment, the work tendency information includes a work non-start period T1 as an example of a first period that indicates a tendency that the worker W was absent from the equipment 5 at the start time ts of the switching work (an example of the start of a process). The control unit 70 refers to the work tendency information and controls the processing of the progress simulation so that the work non-start period T1 is included in the switching period (S12, S14, S15).

[0149] (Embodiment 3) 15 to 17, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the second embodiment, a progress management system 1 was described that uses a past period T1 during which work has not yet been started in a progress simulation. In the third embodiment, a progress management system 1 will be described that further uses information indicating a tendency of the period required for work by a worker W in a workplace 4 (standard work period) in a progress simulation.

[0150] Below, the progress management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, with descriptions of the same configurations and operations as those of the progress management system 1 according to the first and second embodiments being omitted as appropriate.

[0151] 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a progress management system 1 according to embodiment 3. In the analysis server 7 of the progress management system 1 of this embodiment, a work trend analysis unit 702B generates work trend information that includes a standard work period in addition to a period T1 in which work has not yet started, in a configuration similar to that of embodiment 2. Furthermore, a simulator 701B of this embodiment executes progress simulation processing using a standard work period Tu in addition to a period T1 in which work has not yet started, for example, in a configuration similar to that of simulator 701A of embodiment 2.

[0152] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating the standard work period in the progress management system 1 of this embodiment. Similar to Fig. 13, Fig. 16 shows the time transition of the number of workers for the period from the start time ts to the end time te of a switching work on work line L1, for example.

[0153] In the example of Figure 16, the number of workers is "1," "2," "1," "0," and "1" in succession in periods T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 following period T1 where work has not yet started. In this way, the number of workers may fluctuate, for example, during work switching on work line L1.

[0154] Therefore, the analysis server 7 of this embodiment calculates the period required for the switching work when there is one worker, i.e., the standard work period Tu, from each of the data D2 and D3 collected in the past, and performs a progress simulation using the switching period according to the number of workers and the standard work period Tu.

[0155] In the example of Fig. 16, the standard work period Tu is calculated based on each of the periods T1 to T6 and the corresponding number of workers by the calculation of the following formula (1). This calculation corresponds to the calculation for finding the area of ​​the shaded region in Fig. 16. Tu=T1*0+T2*1+T3*2+T4*1+T5*0*T6*1 (1)

[0156] 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of calculating the standard work period Tu in the analysis server 7 of this embodiment. For example, apart from the processing in FIG. 7, the control unit 70 serving as the work tendency analysis unit 702B of this embodiment executes steps S104 and S105 in addition to the same processing as in the second embodiment (FIG. 14).

[0157] Specifically, the control unit 70 calculates the standard work period Tu based on the past process status data D2 and worker data D3 (S104). The standard work period Tu is calculated for each combination of the type of "passing object" (i.e., each of products A to C) in the process status data D2 in FIG. 5(B) and the type of product produced immediately before. The control unit 70 repeats calculations such as those in formula (1) above for each period in which the equipment status in the process status data D2 is "switched," and calculates a statistical value, such as the average of each calculation value, as the standard work period Tu to be used in the progress simulation.

[0158] The control unit 70 stores data indicating the calculated standard work period Tu, for example, in the work tendency DB 715, so as to add it to the work tendency information (S105). Thereafter, the control unit 70 ends the processing of this flowchart. Similar to the processing of FIG. 14, the processing of this flowchart is repeated at predetermined intervals, for example, once a day.

[0159] According to the above process, data on standard work periods based on past process status data D2 and worker data D3 can be prepared in the work tendency DB 715 (S104, S105). This allows for more accurate progress simulation processing (S12, S14, S15), for example, using the standard work periods in the work tendency DB 715. Note that in the process of Figure 17, the order of execution of steps S102 to S105 is not limited to the order shown in the figure.

[0160] When executing a progress simulation similar to that of the second embodiment, the simulator 701B of this embodiment performs processing to allow a period corresponding to the number of workers and the standard work period to elapse instead of a predetermined switching period. For example, in the manufacturing system 6a of FIG. 8, the control unit 70 as the simulator 701B allows a period T1 before the above-described step (a1) to elapse, and then, instead of step (a1), allows a period obtained by dividing the standard work period by the number of workers to elapse. The control unit 70 calculates the period to elapse using, for example, the estimated number of workers acquired in step S11 of FIG. 7.

[0161] In the above calculation, if the estimated number of workers fluctuates during the standard work period, the control unit 70 may calculate the period according to the number of workers for each time interval corresponding to each estimated number of workers, and then add up each period to calculate the period to be elapsed.

[0162] Furthermore, in calculating the estimated completion time (S21 in FIG. 9), the standard work period may be used instead of the predetermined switching period.

[0163] Furthermore, the simulator 701B may perform a progress simulation using only the standard task period Tu, without using the task initiation period T1. In this case, steps S102 and S103 of the process in the flowchart of FIG. 17 may not be executed.

[0164] As described above, in this embodiment, the work trend information includes the standard work period Tu as an example of a second period that indicates a tendency for a switching work (an example of a process) to be performed by a single worker. The control unit 70 references the work trend information and controls the progress simulation process (an example of a simulation process) so that the standard work period Tu is used to calculate the switching period (an example of a predicted period) (S12, S14, S15).

[0165] (Other embodiments) As described above, embodiments 1 to 3 have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in each of the above embodiments to create new embodiments. Other embodiments are exemplified below.

[0166] In the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which a worker W is added to the delayed work line L1 as a measure to improve a delay that has occurred in the progress of a work process in the workplace 4. Measures that can be applied to a work process in the workplace 4 are not limited to this. Below, a modified example of each of the above-described embodiments 1 to 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a measure in a progress management system according to the modified example.

[0167] 18 shows graphs Gh and Gs for the task line L1, similar to FIG. 6A. In the example of FIG. 18, the graph Gs for when no measures are applied shows a delay from the planned completion time tp.

[0168] FIG. 18 further shows graph G1 of predicted values ​​obtained by progress simulation when the measure of this modification is applied at current time t0. In this modification, for example, equipment 5 is added to the delayed work line L1 from another work line L2 whose estimated completion time according to the progress simulation (S12) is earlier than the planned completion time tp. This distributes the production work among the equipment 5 on work line L1, reducing the production work burden assigned to each equipment 5, thereby improving the production speed (i.e., the production volume per hour) and improving the delay. In graph G1 of FIG. 18, after the current time t0 when the measure was applied, the period corresponding to the production work (i.e., the period during which the production volume increases over time) is shortened, and the delay is resolved.

[0169] Therefore, when the measure of this modification is applied to the current time t0, the slope of graph G1 becomes larger than the slope of graph Gs in the period corresponding to production work after the current time t0, as shown in Fig. 18. In the measure of this modification, the equipment 5 added to the work line L1 may be, for example, equipment on a work line that is not in operation when the measure is applied.

[0170] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as another example of a measure in the workplace 4, the information on the work plan in the work plan DB 910 may be modified in response to detection of a delay. For example, on a work line L1 that is delayed, the production quantity planned in the work plan that is not completed by the planned completion time tp may be produced on another work line L2. Also, a predetermined production quantity on the work line L1 (e.g., half of the production quantity in the work plan) may be produced on another work line L2. This also allows the production quantity on the work line L1 to be distributed to the work line L2, thereby improving the delay. Furthermore, on another work line L2 to which this measure is applied, if the production completion time predicted by the progress simulation is earlier than the planned completion time tp, the application deadline td of the measure may be determined for that work line, for example, by processing similar to that shown in FIG. 9.

[0171] In each of the above embodiments, the measures include at least one of adding a worker W, adding a facility 5, and, as an example of correcting plan data, correcting the work plan stored in the work plan DB 910. In this embodiment, multiple measures may be applied in any combination.

[0172] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the worker number estimation unit 604 of the analysis server 7 calculates the estimated number of workers based on image data from the camera 2. The calculation of the estimated number of workers is not limited to image data from the camera 2, and may be performed using other sensors, etc. For example, a vibration sensor that detects vibrations caused by each worker W may be provided in the work area corresponding to each piece of equipment 5 in the workplace 4. The worker number estimation unit 604 may obtain the detection result of the vibration sensor and calculate the estimated number of workers by determining whether a worker W is staying in each work area or whether a worker W has arrived or left based on the detection result.

[0173] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the analysis server 7 includes the worker number estimation unit 604, but the analysis server 7 may not include the worker number estimation unit 604. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the analysis server 7 may not include the worker data generation unit 603 and the worker DB 613. The analysis server 7 of this embodiment may perform the progress simulation (S12, S14, S15) and the calculation of the estimated completion time (S21) using, for example, the number of workers set in advance in the work plan instead of the estimated number of workers.

[0174] In the above embodiments, the presentation data D8 is described as shown in FIG. 6(C), but the presentation data D8 is not limited to the example of FIG. 6(C). For example, the presentation data D8 may include a graph G0 that assumes that a policy is applied at the current time t0, as shown in FIG. 6(B). The presentation data D8 may also include only the application deadline td.

[0175] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the predetermined switching period used in the manufacturing system 6a of FIG. 8 in the progress simulation is set for each estimated number of workers. In the present embodiment, the predetermined switching period does not have to be set for each number of workers, and may be set to, for example, a statistical value such as an average over the periods of multiple switching operations in the past process status data D2. In this case, in the progress simulation, in the above-described step (a1) for the manufacturing system 6a of FIG. 8, processing may be performed to simply allow the predetermined switching period to pass, regardless of the number of workers.

[0176] In the above-described second and third embodiments, an example has been described in which the process shown in FIG. 14 or FIG. 17, i.e., the process for generating work trend information, is executed at a predetermined cycle. In this case, for example, the work trend information in the work trend DB 715 may be updated as needed. In the present embodiment, the process shown in FIG. 14 or FIG. 17 is not limited to a predetermined cycle, and may be started, for example, in response to an operation signal indicating an operation input by the manager 3 at the manager terminal 8 to set a work unstarted period, transmitted from the manager terminal 8 to the analysis server 7.

[0177] In the above second and third embodiments, the processing in Fig. 14 or Fig. 17 is performed for each work line L1, L2. In this embodiment, the processing in Fig. 14 or Fig. 17 may be performed for each worker W or for each piece of equipment 5, instead of for each work line L1, L2. In this case, the period T1 during which work has not yet started is calculated, for example, by averaging the periods for each worker W or for each piece of equipment 5.

[0178] In the above embodiments, an example has been described in which switching work is performed when the equipment status of each work line L1, L2 is "switched" in the process status data D2. In this embodiment, switching work may be performed not only for each work line L1, L2, but also for each piece of equipment 5 on each work line L1, L2, for example. In this case, for example, an "equipment" item may be added to the process status data D2, and the equipment status for each piece of equipment 5 may be managed.

[0179] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the analysis server 7 acquires sensor data from the equipment 5 and generates various data such as the process log data D1. In the present embodiment, various processes of the analysis server 7 may be executed, for example, in the workshop server 9. In this case, the workshop server 9 may have, for example, the functional configuration of the analysis server 7 shown in FIG. 4.

[0180] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the analysis server 7 performs data communication with the equipment 5 via a communication network. The analysis server 7 of this embodiment may be installed in, for example, the workshop 4, and connected to the equipment 5 via the device I / F 74 so as to acquire various data.

[0181] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the presentation data D8 is transmitted from the analysis server 7 to the administrator terminal 8. In this embodiment, the presentation data D8 may be output not only to the administrator terminal 8 but also to an external display terminal such as a display connected to the analysis server 7 via the device I / F 74, for example.

[0182] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the analysis server 7 is realized by an information processing device different from the administrator terminal 8. In this embodiment, the analysis server 7 may be configured integrally with the administrator terminal 8, for example.

[0183] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the control unit 70 of the analysis server 7 (an example of a progress management device) performs a progress simulation, which is an example of a simulation process. In this embodiment, the progress management device does not have to execute the simulation process. The progress management device of this embodiment may further include a communication unit that communicates data with an external computing device that performs the simulation process. The control unit may transmit the implementation data acquired by the acquisition unit to the computing device via the communication unit, and receive the results of the simulation process from the computing device.

[0184] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the workshop server 9 manages various types of information in the workshop 4. In this embodiment, the workshop server 9 may be configured to manage various types of information in the workshop 4 over a communication network such as the Internet.

[0185] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the progress management system 1 is applied to a workplace 4 such as a factory. In this embodiment, the site to which the progress management system 1 is applied is not limited to the workplace 4, and may be various other sites such as a logistics warehouse or a sales floor in a store.

[0186] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure, and for that purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided.

[0187] Therefore, the components shown in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only essential components for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are shown in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0188] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0189] The present disclosure is applicable to various progress management systems that manage the progress of work processes in various environments such as factories, logistics sites, and stores.

Claims

1. A progress management device for managing a progress status of a pre-planned task, a storage unit for storing plan data indicating a plan for the work; an acquisition unit that acquires execution data indicating a status of the work being performed; a control unit that controls a simulation process that predicts a progress status of the work to be performed after a status indicated by the execution data based on the stored plan data and the acquired execution data; and an output unit that outputs information, The control unit detecting a delay state in which the progress status predicted in the simulation process is behind the plan indicated by the plan data; specifying a deadline for applying the measures to improve the detected delay state based on a prediction result of the simulation process for when the measures are applied, so that the delay state is improved; The output unit outputs presentation information including the specified application deadline. Progress management device.

2. The work includes a step performed at a facility with a worker, the implementation data indicates a status related to at least one of the worker and the equipment; The simulation process calculates a predicted period for which the process will be performed based on the implementation data, and predicts a progress status after the status indicated by the implementation data. The progress management device according to claim 1 .

3. the storage unit stores work trend information indicating a tendency of the process being performed in the equipment accompanied by the worker; The control unit refers to the work trend information stored in the storage unit and controls the simulation process so as to reflect the trend indicated by the work trend information in the prediction period. The progress management device according to claim 2 .

4. the work trend information includes a first period indicating a tendency that the worker was absent from the equipment at the start of the process; The control unit controls the simulation process by referring to the work trend information so as to include the first period in the prediction period. The progress management device according to claim 3 .

5. the work trend information includes a second period indicating a trend in which the process was performed with one worker; The control unit controls the simulation process so as to use the second period in calculating the predicted period by referring to the work tendency information. The progress management device according to claim 3 .

6. The control unit Calculating the number of workers in the facility based on the implementation data acquired by the acquisition unit; The simulation process is controlled so as to calculate the predicted period based on the calculated number of workers. The progress management device according to claim 2 .

7. The measures include at least one of adding the workers, adding the equipment, and correcting the plan data. The progress management device according to claim 2 .

8. The presented information further includes at least one of a predicted result of the simulation process when the measure is applied and a predicted result of the simulation process when the measure is not applied. The progress management device according to claim 1 .

9. The progress management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a terminal device that receives the presentation information output from the progress management device and presents the received presentation information to a user; Progress management system.

10. The terminal device a communication unit for performing data communication with an external device; a display unit that displays the presentation information received from the progress management device; an operation unit that accepts a user operation to select whether or not to apply the policy based on the presented information; a terminal control unit that executes predetermined control when application of the policy is selected in response to the user operation; The progress management system according to claim 9 .

11. A progress management method in which a computer manages a progress status of an execution of a pre-planned task, comprising: The storage unit of the computer stores plan data indicating a plan for the work, The computer acquires performance data indicating a status of the work being performed; a step in which a control unit of the computer controls a simulation process for predicting a progress state of the work to be performed after a state indicated by the execution data based on the stored plan data and the acquired execution data; an output unit of the computer outputting information; The control unit detecting a delay state in which the progress status predicted in the simulation process is behind the plan indicated by the plan data; specifying a deadline for applying the measures to improve the detected delay state based on a prediction result of the simulation process for when the measures are applied, so that the delay state is improved; The output unit outputs presentation information including the specified application deadline. Progress management methods.

12. A program for causing a control unit of a computer to execute the progress management method according to claim 11.

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