Schedule planning device

Abstract

To provide a schedule planning technique capable of not only improving productivity and work efficiency but also training personnel.SOLUTION: A schedule planning device according to the present invention includes a phase setting unit capable of setting a preparation phase of a schedule to one of a first preparation phase for improving work efficiency and a second preparation phase for training human resources on the basis of skill information of a plurality of workers for work to be assigned to the workers, and assigns the work to be assigned to a worker who can handle the work to be assigned and has the highest skill for the work to be assigned in a case where the first preparation phase is set. And a schedule creation unit that allocates the work to be allocated to a worker who can handle the work to be allocated and has the lowest skill for the work to be allocated when the second creation phase is set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a scheduling device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in projects involving many people such as system operation work and production management, the overall schedule of the project, including the progress management of tasks, is often centrally managed using a Gantt chart. Schedule creators need to perform operations such as creating and changing (updating) schedules, considering various factors such as delivery dates, budgets, task priorities, task assignments, past performance, and progress status. Therefore, the task of creating a schedule is a labor-intensive task. Also, if a schedule creator changes the schedule without spending time and effort, there is a possibility that a schedule plan that meets the constraints cannot be created.

[0003] Therefore, conventionally, various techniques have been proposed to reduce the workload of creating schedules (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a simple schedule management tool for easily adjusting schedules. In the simple schedule management tool disclosed in Patent Document 1, calculations are performed according to a specified pattern from existing schedule data and progress data to obtain the start date and end date of each unfinished task after the time point when schedule adjustment is performed. Then, based on the obtained results, the schedule is adjusted and schedule data is output.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, when creating (planning) a schedule, personnel are allocated to various tasks, taking into consideration factors such as productivity and work efficiency. However, given the recent labor shortage, it is necessary to create schedules that consider not only productivity and work efficiency, but also personnel development.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a scheduling technology that not only improves productivity and work efficiency but also enables human resource development. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the schedule planning device of the present invention comprises a phase setting unit and a schedule planning unit. The phase setting unit collects the skill information of multiple workers for the tasks to be assigned to workers included in the schedule. , and information indicating whether or not there is leeway in the work situation. Based on this, the schedule creation phase can be set to either a first creation phase aimed at improving work efficiency or a second creation phase aimed at personnel development. The schedule planning unit creates a schedule based on the information about the assigned tasks entered by the user and the settings in the phase setting unit. The skill information of multiple workers for the assigned task includes experience points related to the number of times they have completed the assigned task within the scheduled time in the past, and their work efficiency for the assigned task. The phase setting unit sets the schedule creation phase to the second creation phase if there are workers among all workers who can handle the assigned task who do not have an experience level above a certain level, and there is leeway in the work situation. Otherwise, it sets the schedule creation phase to the first creation phase. When the first creation phase is set by the phase setting unit, the schedule planning unit can assign the assigned task to the worker who is capable of handling the task and has the highest experience points for that task. When the first creation phase is set by the phase setting unit, and there are multiple workers who are capable of handling the assigned task and have the highest experience points for that task, the schedule planning unit assigns the assigned task to the worker with the highest work efficiency among the workers with the highest experience points. When the Phase Setting Unit sets the second creation phase, the Schedule Planning Unit can assign the task to the worker who is capable of handling the task and has the lowest level of experience in that task. Furthermore, if the Phase Setting Unit sets the second creation phase and there are multiple workers who are capable of handling the task and have the lowest level of experience in that task, the Schedule Planning Unit will assign the task to the worker with the lowest work efficiency among those with the lowest experience. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention with the above configuration, it is possible to create a schedule that not only improves productivity and work efficiency, but also enables human resource development. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram of a schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of worker-specific schedule data stored in the data storage unit of a schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]This figure shows an example of the configuration of the work-specific skill data stored in the data storage unit of a schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of project schedule data stored in the data storage unit of a schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of how the schedule planning results are displayed on the schedule display unit of a schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the display mode of the schedule creation screen displayed on the schedule display unit of a schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a scheduling device relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the overview of the scheduling process performed by conventional scheduling devices. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the outline of the scheduling process performed by a scheduling device relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the procedure for the scheduling process performed by the scheduling device relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the procedure for setting the schedule creation phase in a schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the procedure for the schedule creation process in the normal phase performed by a schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the procedure for creating a schedule in the human resource development phase performed by a schedule planning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, a schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [Functional Configuration of Schedule Planning Device] FIG. 1 is a functional block configuration diagram of a schedule planning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 1 shows only functional units related to the planning (creation and change) process of the overall schedule of a project such as system operation work or production management (hereinafter simply referred to as "schedule").

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the schedule planning device 1 functionally includes a work data acquisition unit 2, a schedule planning unit 3, a data storage unit 4, and a schedule display unit 5. Inside the schedule planning device 1, the schedule planning unit 3 is functionally connected to each of the work data acquisition unit 2, the data storage unit 4, and the schedule display unit 5.

[0013] (Work Data Acquisition Unit) The work data acquisition unit 2 detects an operation of the schedule planning device 1 by the user of the schedule planning device 1, that is, the schedule creator, and acquires the setting information of various regular tasks included in the schedule input by the operation. The "regular task" here is, for example, a predetermined task (the execution timing is arbitrary) that is performed N times (N = 1, 2,...) in a period such as one day, one week, one month, one year, etc., and includes, for example, maintenance work and security check work. The setting information of the regular task input by the schedule creator includes various data such as the type of work (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, annual, etc.), period, execution interval, execution day (day of the week), etc.

[0014] In addition, when the work data acquisition unit 2 receives a change (update) operation on a schedule that has already been created by the schedule planner, the work data acquisition unit 2 acquires the change (update) information. Note that the change information acquired by the work data acquisition unit 2 includes, for example, not only the change information of the work period, but also information regarding the absence of workers and change information of the assigned workers.

[0015] (Schedule Planning Department) Based on the setting information and change information (information regarding the work to be assigned) of the regular work acquired by the work data acquisition unit 2 and various data stored in the data storage unit 4, the schedule planning department 3 performs various processes for automatically planning (creating and changing) a schedule in accordance with the input information of the planner.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the schedule planning department 3 functionally includes a schedule creation / change unit 31 (schedule planning department), a phase setting unit 32, and a schedule display control unit 33.

[0017] When the schedule creation / change unit 31 acquires the setting information of a new regular work from the work data acquisition unit 2, it automatically creates a schedule in accordance with the input information of the planner based on the setting information of the regular work and various data stored in the data storage unit 4. In addition, when the schedule creation / change unit 31 acquires the schedule change information from the work data acquisition unit 2, it automatically changes (updates) the schedule based on the change information.

[0018] In the schedule planning (creation and change) process, the schedule creation / change unit 31 sets the assignment of each work to a worker, and also sets the planned time for completing the assigned work (hereinafter referred to as "work planned time") according to the skills (abilities, achievements, etc.) of the worker. Then, the schedule creation / change unit 31 stores the data of the created or changed (updated) schedule in the data storage unit 4.

[0019] The phase setting unit 32 performs a schedule creation mode setting process (hereinafter referred to as the "creation phase") based on the periodic work setting information or change (update) information acquired by the work data acquisition unit 2, and various data stored in the data storage unit 4. In this embodiment, the schedule creation phases include a creation phase called the "normal phase" and a creation phase called the "personnel development phase".

[0020] The normal phase (the first creation phase) is primarily a phase for creating schedules aimed at improving productivity and work efficiency. In the normal phase, the skills (abilities) of workers for regular tasks are taken into consideration, and basically, these regular tasks are assigned preferentially to highly skilled workers, and the schedule is planned (created and modified).

[0021] On the other hand, the human resource development phase (the second creation phase) is the phase for creating schedules aimed at improving the skills (abilities) of workers, that is, for human resource development. In the human resource development phase, regular tasks are assigned preferentially to less experienced (less skilled) workers, and schedules are planned (created and modified).

[0022] In this embodiment, the schedule for the personnel training phase is planned (created and modified) only when there is sufficient capacity in the work environment and the assigned workers include inexperienced (low-skilled) workers. Specifically, the schedule for the personnel training phase is planned (created and modified) only when there is sufficient capacity in the work environment and the assigned workers include workers with less than a predetermined experience level (e.g., "3"). On the other hand, if, for example, there is no sufficient capacity in the work environment or the assigned workers do not include workers with less than a predetermined experience level (e.g., "3") (low-skilled workers), the schedule is planned in the normal phase.

[0023] Furthermore, "having leeway in the work situation" refers to a situation where assigning a prescribed task to an inexperienced (low-skilled) worker does not cause delays in schedule progress or deadlines, for example. More specifically, "having leeway in the work situation" includes cases where, within the most recent prescribed period, the work of all workers capable of handling the prescribed task is completed within regular working hours, i.e., no overtime is required (there is leeway in work time), or where there are workers who are not assigned work for the period during which the prescribed task should be performed (there is leeway in personnel). In this implementation model, the phase setting unit 32 refers to the work performance data group 43 described later, stored in the data storage unit 4, and determines whether or not there is leeway in the work situation based on whether or not the former case occurs (information indicating whether or not there is leeway in the work situation).

[0024] The schedule display control unit 33 controls the display processing of various information on the schedule display unit 5. For example, the schedule display control unit 33 controls the display of an input screen (see Figure 6 below) on the schedule display unit 5 for the schedule planner to input setting information and change (update) information for periodic tasks via the operation unit 105 (see Figure 7 below). Also, for example, the schedule display control unit 33 controls the display of an image of the schedule (see Figure 5 below) created or changed (updated) by the schedule creation / modification unit 31 on the schedule display unit 5.

[0025] (Data storage section) The data storage unit 4 stores various data necessary for the schedule planning (creation and modification) process performed by the schedule creation / modification unit 31. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the data storage unit 4 stores a group of worker schedule data 41, a group of work skill data 42 (skill information), and a group of work performance data 43.

[0026] The worker schedule data group 41 contains the schedule data for each worker (hereinafter referred to as "worker schedule data"). The task skill data group 42 contains the skill data for each worker for each type of task (task content) (hereinafter referred to as "task skill data"). The work performance data group 43 contains the work performance data for each worker over a specified period in the past. The work performance data for each worker includes information such as the date the work was performed, the start time of the work, the end time of the work, and the type of work.

[0027] Furthermore, the data storage unit 4 stores the schedule data 44 created or updated by the schedule creation / modification unit 31. The schedule data 44 may include not only the latest schedule data, but also schedule data created and modified (updated) within a specific past period, i.e., schedule update history data.

[0028] Figure 2 shows the structure of the worker schedule data included in the worker schedule data group 41. Note that Figure 2 shows the structure of worker schedule data for worker A as an example, but the worker schedule data for other workers (workers B to E, etc., described later) has a similar structure.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the schedule data for each worker has a table-like structure, and the content (type of work) of the work assigned to each worker for each day after the project start date is defined. In the example shown in Figure 2, worker A is assigned a task called "Weekly Task #1" on Monday and Tuesday of the first week after the project start, Monday and Tuesday of the second week, etc.

[0030] Figure 3 shows the structure of the work-specific skill data included in the work-specific skill data group 42. While Figure 3 shows the work-specific skill data for a work (work type) called "Weekly Work #3" as an example, the work-specific skill data for other work (work types) has a similar structure.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the skill data for each task has a table-like structure, and various data (hereinafter referred to as "skill parameters") related to the skills (abilities, performance) for the task are defined for each worker (workers A to E, etc. in the figure). In the example shown in Figure 3, we will explain an example in which a skill parameter called "experience points" and a skill parameter called "work efficiency" are defined as skill parameters. Experience points are the number of times the task was completed within the scheduled time in the last 5 times the task was actually performed. Therefore, the maximum value of experience points is "5" and the minimum value of experience points is "0". Work efficiency is the average value obtained by dividing the scheduled time by the actual work time in the last 5 times the task was actually performed.

[0032] The scheduled work time for the target task is set according to the worker's work efficiency, and the higher the worker's work efficiency for the target task, the shorter the scheduled work time will be set. In other words, in this embodiment, as a worker gains experience and their work efficiency for the target task increases, the scheduled work time for that worker for the target task will also be set shorter accordingly. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a common scheduled work time may be set for the target task regardless of the worker's work efficiency (skill).

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 3, worker A has the highest skill level for weekly task #3, with experience and work efficiency of "5" and "2," respectively. On the other hand, in the same example, worker E has the lowest skill level for weekly task #3, with experience and work efficiency of "0" and "0.5," respectively. Note that the skill parameters defined in the worker's skill data for the target task are not limited to the example shown in Figure 3, and other skill parameters (e.g., years of service) may also be defined.

[0034] Figure 4 shows the structure of the project schedule data 44 stored in the data storage unit 4. The schedule data 44 is created and modified (updated) based on the worker-specific schedule data (see Figure 2) and task-specific skill data (see Figure 3) stored in the data storage unit 4. In Figure 4, the schedule data 44 is shown in the form of a Gantt chart to clarify its structure, but in reality, the schedule data 44 is stored in the data storage unit 4 in the form of a table.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the schedule data 44 specifies, for each type of work, the assigned worker and the duration of that worker's work from the project start date onward. In Figure 4, the duration of each assigned worker's work is indicated by the length of a bar graph (white pentagonal in the figure) extending in the direction of the work period (from week 1 to week 5). This duration of work for each assigned worker is determined based on the assigned worker's skill data for the relevant work (see Figure 3).

[0036] In the schedule data 44 shown in Figure 4, weekly task #1 (named "YYYY1") is assigned to worker A, and worker A is required to perform weekly task #1 once on Mondays and Tuesdays of each week (weeks 1 through 5, etc.). In the example shown in Figure 4, daily task #1 (named "XXXX1") is assigned to worker B, and worker B is required to perform daily task #1 every day from Monday to Friday of each week (weeks 1 through 5, etc.). In the example shown in Figure 4, weekly task #2 (named "YYYY2") is assigned to worker C, and worker C is required to perform weekly task #2 once on Mondays and Wednesdays of each week (weeks 1 through 5, etc.). In the example shown in Figure 4, weekly task #3 (named "YYYY3") is assigned to worker D, and worker D is required to perform weekly task #3 once during the period from Tuesday to Thursday of each week (e.g., week 1 to week 5). Also in the example shown in Figure 4, monthly task #1 (named "ZZZZ1") is assigned to worker E, and worker E is required to perform monthly task #1 once during the period from, for example, Monday of week 4 to Wednesday of week 5.

[0037] (Schedule display section) The schedule display unit 5 displays various data stored in the data storage unit 4. Furthermore, the schedule display unit 5 is equipped with a GUI (Graphical User Interface) function, allowing user operations on the operation unit 105 (see Figure 7 below) to be reflected on the display screen of the schedule display unit 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, operations performed by the schedule planner when creating and updating a schedule are also reflected on the display screen of the schedule display unit 5.

[0038] Figure 5 shows an example of how the schedule data 44 planned by the schedule planning unit 3 is displayed on the display screen 50 of the schedule display unit 5. In this example, an image (Gantt chart) of the schedule 51 corresponding to the schedule data 44 (see Figure 5) is displayed on the display screen 50. In addition, images of the schedule creation button 52 and the schedule update button 53, which are operated (clicked, etc.) by the schedule planner when creating and updating the schedule, are displayed above the schedule 51 on the display screen 50.

[0039] In this embodiment, when a schedule planner inputs setting information and change (update) information for regular tasks within the schedule, the planner first selects the task to be set or changed (for example, weekly task #1) on the display screen 50 (by clicking, etc.). Next, when the planner operates (by clicking, etc.) the schedule creation button 52 or the schedule update button 53, an information input screen is displayed superimposed on the image of the schedule 51, allowing the planner to input setting information or change information for the task. Then, when the planner inputs the setting information or change information for the regular task via the information input screen, the schedule 51 is automatically generated or changed (updated).

[0040] Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the information input screen 54 when the schedule creator operates (clicks, etc.) the schedule creation button 52 on the display screen 50 of the schedule display unit 5 when creating a schedule 51. Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the information input screen 54 when the schedule creator selects weekly task #1 and then operates the schedule creation button 52 at the start of creating the schedule 51. Furthermore, the example shown in Figure 6 is an example of the display when a new schedule 51 is created, and information such as the assigned worker, the tasks assigned to each assigned worker, and the scheduled work time has not been set within the schedule 51.

[0041] In the information input screen 54 shown in Figure 6, the schedule planner can switch between and display various setting pages for Weekly Task #1, including "Basic Settings," "Setting Regular Schedules," "Assignee Settings," and "Automation Settings." On the "Setting Regular Schedules" page for Weekly Task #1, as shown in Figure 6, it is possible to set, for example, the start time of Weekly Task #1, the end date and time (indicated as "End Time" and "* days later"), the time zone, the execution interval of Weekly Task #1 (indicated as "Interval"), the type of Weekly Task #1 (indicated as "Daily," "Weekly," "Monthly," and "Yearly"), the days of the week on which Weekly Task #1 will be executed (indicated as "Monday" to "Sunday"), the start date of Weekly Task #1, and the completion conditions for Weekly Task #1 (indicated as "End Date," "Number of Completions," and "End Date Undetermined"). Although not shown in the diagram here, the information input screen displayed when the schedule update button 53 is operated is configured so that the planner can input change (update) information (for example, information that the person in charge has not yet been decided, and the period during which it is undecided) for the task to be changed.

[0042] [Hardware configuration of the scheduling device] The schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment can be composed of an information processing device such as a computer device equipped with calculation and communication functions. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer device 100 that can be used as the schedule planning device 1.

[0043] The computer device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 connected to the bus line 108. The computer device 100 also includes a network interface 104, an operation unit 105, a display unit 106, and non-volatile storage 107, all connected to the bus line 108. Although not shown in Figure 7, the computer device 100 also includes various interfaces used for inputting and outputting various data (various information) with external devices.

[0044] The CPU 101 reads the program code for the software that implements the various processing functions of the schedule planning device 1 from the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executes it. At this time, variables and parameters that arise during the calculation process are also temporarily written to the RAM 103. In other words, the schedule planning unit 3 (see Figure 1) of the schedule planning device 1 is included in the CPU 101. Also, the data storage unit 4 (see Figure 1) of the schedule planning device 1 is included in the RAM 103.

[0045] Network I / F104 is composed of, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) and transmits and receives various types of data between it and each device connected via wireless communication.

[0046] The operation unit 105 is composed of, for example, keys and buttons, and generates operation signals according to the operation content entered by the user and supplies the operation signals to the CPU 101. The display unit 106 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays characters, images, etc. on the screen. Alternatively, the display unit 106 may be configured as a touch panel, in which case the display unit 106 and the operation unit 105 are configured as an integrated unit. Note that the work data acquisition unit 2 and the schedule display unit 5 (see Figure 1) provided in the schedule planning device 1 are included in the operation unit 105 and the display unit 106, respectively.

[0047] The non-volatile storage 107 can consist of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, magnetic tape, or non-volatile memory. The non-volatile storage 107 stores the OS (Operating System), various parameters, and various programs for making the computer device 100 function as the scheduling device 1. Note that information (data) such as programs, tables, and files for realizing each function of the scheduling device 1 may be stored in recording media other than the ROM 102 and non-volatile storage 107, such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

[0048] [Overview of schedule planning and updating process] In this embodiment, as described above, the project schedule creation phase includes a normal phase and a personnel development phase. In the normal phase, as described above, the skills (abilities, performance) of each worker for prescribed periodic tasks are taken into consideration, and the prescribed tasks are basically assigned to workers with higher skills as a priority, and the schedule is created or modified (updated). On the other hand, in the personnel development phase, prescribed tasks are assigned to workers with less experience (lower skills) as a priority, and the schedule is created or modified (updated) with the aim of improving the skills of those workers.

[0049] To make the content (principle) of the schedule planning and updating process in the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment easier to understand, we will explain the following situation as an example. First, consider a situation in the second week of the schedule shown in Figure 4 where worker D is unable to perform weekly task #3 due to absence or other reasons. In this example, we assume that information regarding worker D's absence or other reasons was obtained before the second week. Also, in this example, we consider the case where the skill data for each worker for weekly task #3 is the task-specific skill data shown in Figure 3.

[0050] In the event of such a situation, a conventional scheduling system would assign weekly task #3 to the worker with the highest work efficiency among those who are able to take on weekly task #3 in place of worker D. Figure 8 shows how the assignment of weekly task #3 for the second week is changed in a conventional scheduling system when the above situation occurs. In a conventional scheduling system, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 8, weekly task #3 for the second week is assigned to worker A (see Figure 3), who has the highest work efficiency among the workers (workers A, C, and E) who are able to take on weekly task #3 in place of worker D.

[0051] On the other hand, in the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment, if the above situation occurs, the schedule is planned (modified) as follows. Figure 9 shows how the assignment of weekly task #3 for the second week is changed in the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment when the above situation occurs.

[0052] In this embodiment, first, considering the skill data of each worker for weekly task #3 shown in Figure 3, we extract workers who can be assigned (responsible for) weekly task #3 in place of worker D. At this time, based on each worker's work efficiency for weekly task #3 shown in Figure 3, and the period in the second week when each worker has no work (hereinafter referred to as the "work free period"), we extract workers who can perform weekly task #3 during the work free period. In this example, workers A, C, and E are extracted as workers who can be assigned weekly task #3 in place of worker D in the second week. For worker B, Saturday and Sunday of the second week are the work free period, but worker B's work efficiency for weekly task #3 is lower than that of worker D, and it is not possible to complete weekly task #3 in the two days of Saturday and Sunday, so it is determined that it is not possible to assign it ("Not Available" in Figure 9).

[0053] Next, in this embodiment, the schedule creation phase is determined (set). Specifically, if there is sufficient capacity in the work schedule and the workers who can be assigned weekly task #3 include workers with less than a predetermined experience level (e.g., "3") (low-skilled workers), the personnel development phase is set as the creation phase. On the other hand, if, for example, there is no sufficient capacity in the work schedule or the workers who can be assigned weekly task #3 do not include workers with less than a predetermined experience level (e.g., "3"), the normal phase is set as the creation phase.

[0054] In this embodiment, as described above, for example, if the work of all workers who can handle the assigned task has been completed within regular working hours (no overtime has occurred) during the most recent predetermined period, it is determined that there is leeway in the work situation. In the example shown in Figure 9, since there is worker E with low experience (less than "3") among the workers who can be assigned weekly task #3, the normal phase is set as the creation phase only when there is no leeway in the work situation.

[0055] In the normal phase, weekly task #3 is assigned to the worker with the highest work efficiency among the selected workers (worker A, worker C, and worker E), in this example, worker A (see Figure 3) (see dashed arrow NP in Figure 9). In this embodiment, the scheduled work time for weekly task #3 newly assigned to worker A is also changed according to worker A's work efficiency. In the example shown in Figure 9, worker A's work efficiency is twice that of worker D (see Figure 3), so the scheduled work time for weekly task #3 newly assigned to worker A is one and a half days.

[0056] On the other hand, in the personnel development phase, weekly task #3 is assigned to the worker with the lowest work efficiency among the selected workers (worker A, worker C, and worker E), in this example, worker E (see Figure 3) (see dashed arrow TP in Figure 9). In this embodiment, the scheduled work time for weekly task #3 newly assigned to worker E is also changed according to worker E's work efficiency. In the example shown in Figure 9, worker E's work efficiency is half that of worker D (see Figure 3), so the scheduled work time for weekly task #3 newly assigned to worker E is 6 days.

[0057] Furthermore, since worker C's work efficiency is lower than that of worker A but higher than that of worker E (see Figure 3), it is determined that they cannot be assigned to work in either the normal phase or the personnel training phase (indicated as "Not Available" in Figure 9).

[0058] The example shown in Figure 9 illustrates the process of changing (updating) a schedule that has already been created by the schedule planning device 1. However, even when creating a new schedule, the schedule is created in a manner that combines the normal phase and the personnel training phase, following the method described above.

[0059] [Process flow for schedule planning] Next, with reference to the drawings, we will explain the specific processing flow of the various processes performed during schedule planning by the schedule planning device 1.

[0060] (Schedule planning process) Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the schedule planning process executed by the schedule planning unit 3 of the schedule planning device 1. The schedule planning process shown in Figure 10 is executed by the CPU 101 in Figure 7 via software. Furthermore, the schedule planning process shown in Figure 10 is started each time a user (planner) of the schedule planning device 1 inputs various information about the periodic tasks to be set or changed (hereinafter referred to as "target tasks").

[0061] First, the schedule planning unit 3 acquires input information related to the target work via the work data acquisition unit 2 (S1). In this process, when a new schedule is created, the setting information of the target work (work type, period, etc.) entered by the user (planner) via the operation unit 105 (see Figure 2 described later) is acquired as input information related to the target work. Also, in this process, when the schedule is changed (updated), the change (update) information of the target work entered by the user is acquired as input information related to the target work.

[0062] Next, the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) performs the schedule creation phase setting process (S2). In this process, the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) sets the creation phase to either the normal phase or the personnel development phase, depending on the experience level of all workers to whom the target work can be assigned (see Figure 3) and whether or not there is leeway in the work situation. Details of the schedule creation phase setting process will be explained later with reference to Figure 11.

[0063] Next, the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) determines whether the schedule creation phase is a normal phase or not (S3). This determination process is based on the result of setting the creation phase in process S2. If the normal phase is set as the creation phase in process S2, the determination result in S3 is YES, and if the personnel development phase is set as the creation phase in process S2, the determination result in S3 is NO.

[0064] In S3, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that the creation phase is a normal phase (S3 is a YES determination), the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) performs the schedule creation process in the normal phase (S4). In this process, the schedule planning unit 3 assigns the target work to the worker with the higher skill level based on the skill data for each task (see Figure 3) and creates or modifies the schedule. Details of the schedule creation process in the normal phase will be explained later with reference to Figure 12. After the process in S4, the schedule planning unit 3 terminates the schedule planning process.

[0065] On the other hand, in S3, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that the creation phase is not a normal phase (S3 is a NO determination), the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) performs schedule creation processing for the personnel training phase (S5). In this process, the schedule planning unit 3 assigns the target work to a worker with lower skill level based on the skill data for each task (see Figure 3) and creates or modifies the schedule. Details of the schedule creation processing for the personnel training phase will be explained later with reference to Figure 13. After processing in S5, the schedule planning unit 3 terminates the schedule planning process.

[0066] (Creation phase setting process) Next, referring to Figure 11, we will explain the schedule creation phase setting process performed in process S2 during the schedule planning process (see Figure 10). Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the schedule creation phase setting process. Note that the creation phase setting process shown in Figure 11 is executed in software by CPU 101 in Figure 7.

[0067] First, the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) obtains the schedules of all workers who can be assigned to the target task at the current processing time (S11). In this process, the schedule planning unit 3 obtains the worker-specific schedule data (see Figure 2) of all workers who can be assigned to the target task, which is stored in the data storage unit 4.

[0068] Next, the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) determines whether the experience level of all workers who can handle the target task is "3" or higher (S12). In this determination process, if any of the workers who can handle the target task have an experience level of less than "3", the result of S12 is NO, and if no workers have an experience level of less than "3", the result of S12 is YES. This determination process is performed based on the skill data for each task of the target task (see Figure 3). In addition, although we explain here an example where the experience level threshold that triggers the switching of the creation phase is "3", the experience level threshold may be set to other values ​​(for example, "2" or "4").

[0069] In S12, if the scheduling unit 3 determines that the experience level of all workers capable of handling the target task is "3" or higher (i.e., if S12 is a YES determination), the scheduling unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) performs the process described in S14 below.

[0070] On the other hand, in S12, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that the experience level of all workers who can handle the target task is not "3" or higher (i.e., S12 is a NO determination), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) determines whether there is leeway in the work situation (S13). In this process, the schedule planning unit 3 refers to the work performance data group 43 stored in the data storage unit 4 and determines whether the work of all workers who can handle the target task has been completed within regular hours (i.e., no overtime has occurred) in the most recent predetermined period. If the work of all workers who can handle the target task has been completed within regular hours, the schedule planning unit 3 determines that there is leeway in the work situation (YES determination), and otherwise determines that there is no leeway in the work situation (NO determination).

[0071] In S13, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that there is no leeway in the work status (if S13 is a NO determination), or if S12 is a YES determination, the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) sets the schedule creation phase to the normal phase (S14). The schedule creation phase information is stored, for example, in the data storage unit 4 (see Figure 1). After processing in S14, the schedule planning unit 3 terminates the creation phase setting process and returns to processing in S3 during the schedule planning process (see Figure 10).

[0072] On the other hand, in S13, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that there is sufficient time for the work (if S13 is a YES determination), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) sets the personnel training phase in the schedule creation phase (S15). After processing in S15, the schedule planning unit 3 finishes the creation phase setting process and returns to processing in S3 during the schedule planning process (see Figure 10).

[0073] (Schedule creation process in the normal phase) Next, referring to Figure 12, we will explain the schedule creation process in the normal phase, which is performed in S4 during the schedule planning process (see Figure 10). Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the schedule creation process in the normal phase. Note that the schedule creation process shown in Figure 12 is executed in software by CPU 101 in Figure 7.

[0074] First, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) extracts the worker with the highest experience level for the target task (S21). This process is performed by referring to the task-specific skill data for the target task (see Figure 3).

[0075] Next, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) determines whether there are multiple workers with the highest extracted experience points (S22).

[0076] In S22, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that there are no multiple workers with the highest extracted experience points (i.e., S22 is a NO determination), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) assigns the target task to the worker with the highest extracted experience points (S23).

[0077] On the other hand, in S22, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that there are multiple workers with the highest extracted experience points (if S22 is determined to be YES), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) assigns the target task to the worker with the highest work efficiency from among the multiple workers with the highest experience points (S24). In the process of S24, if there are multiple workers with the highest work efficiency, one worker may be selected randomly from among them, or one worker may be selected by referring to other conditions. In the latter selection method, for example, the worker with the longest idle time during the period in which the target task should be performed may be selected, or the worker with the longest years of service may be selected.

[0078] After processing in S23 or S24, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) sets the scheduled work time for the target task according to the work efficiency of the selected worker (S25). In this process, the higher the work efficiency of the selected worker, the shorter the scheduled work time for the target task is set. After processing in S25, the schedule planning unit 3 completes the schedule creation process in the normal phase and also completes the schedule planning process (see Figure 10).

[0079] (Schedule creation process during the talent development phase) Next, referring to Figure 13, we will explain the schedule creation process in the human resource development phase, which is performed in process S5 during the schedule planning process (see Figure 10). Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the schedule creation process in the human resource development phase. Note that the schedule creation process shown in Figure 13 is executed by the CPU 101 in Figure 7 on the software side.

[0080] First, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) extracts the worker with the lowest experience level for the target task (S31). This process is performed by referring to the task-specific skill data for the target task (see Figure 3).

[0081] Next, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) determines whether there are multiple workers with the lowest extracted experience points (S32).

[0082] In S32, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that there are no multiple workers with the lowest extracted experience points (i.e., S32 is a NO determination), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) assigns the target task to the worker with the lowest extracted experience points (S33).

[0083] On the other hand, in S32, if the schedule planning unit 3 determines that there are multiple workers with the lowest experience levels (if S32 is determined to be YES), the schedule planning unit 3 (phase setting unit 32) assigns the target task to the worker with the lowest work efficiency from among the multiple workers with the lowest experience levels (S34). In the process of S34, if there are multiple workers with the lowest work efficiency, one worker may be selected randomly from among them, or one worker may be selected by referring to other conditions. In the latter selection method, for example, the worker with the longest idle time during the period in which the target task should be performed may be selected, or the worker with the shortest years of service may be selected. In the latter selection method, for example, it may be determined whether or not the worker has work experience in the personnel training phase for the target task, and a worker without work experience in the personnel training phase may be selected. In this case, more workers with less experience can be given the opportunity to improve their skills.

[0084] After processing in S33 or S34, the schedule planning unit 3 (schedule creation / modification unit 31) sets the scheduled work time for the target task according to the work efficiency of the selected worker (S35). In this process, the lower the worker's work efficiency, the longer the scheduled work time for the target task is set. After processing in S35, the schedule planning unit 3 completes the schedule creation process in the personnel training phase, and also completes the schedule planning process (see Figure 10).

[0085] [Various effects] As described above, the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment includes a normal phase that prioritizes work efficiency and a personnel development phase aimed at personnel training (skill improvement) as part of the schedule creation phase. Then, depending on whether there is leeway in the work situation and the skills of each worker for the assigned work, the project schedule is planned (created and modified) in either the normal phase or the personnel development phase. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to plan a schedule that not only improves productivity and work efficiency but also enables personnel training. As a result, it is also possible to alleviate the shortage of personnel.

[0086] Furthermore, the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment plans (creates and modifies) a schedule while taking into account the work situation, so it can plan an optimal schedule that can respond flexibly to changes in the work situation.

[0087] Furthermore, in the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment, the scheduled work time for each assigned task is set according to the availability of leeway in the work situation and the skills of each worker for the assigned task, so as not to cause delays in the progress of the project. Therefore, in this embodiment, a highly reliable schedule can be planned.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if there is leeway in the workload, if the skills of all workers capable of handling the assigned tasks are at or above a predetermined level (experience level of "3"), scheduling will be carried out in the normal phase. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to create a more efficient schedule while minimizing the amount of work required in the personnel training phase.

[0089] Furthermore, in the schedule planning device 1 of this embodiment, if the schedule planner (user) inputs setting information or change information for regular tasks via the operation unit 105, a schedule is automatically planned according to the input information. In addition, the input operation of setting information or change information for regular tasks by the planner is performed via the information input screen 54 displayed on the display screen 50 of the schedule display unit. Therefore, in this embodiment, the workload of the schedule planner can be reduced.

[0090] [Various variations] Although a schedule planning device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The configuration of the present invention can take various other modified forms as long as it does not depart from the gist of the present invention as described in the claims.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the schedule creation process (see Figures 12 and 13) determines which worker to assign a task to by referring to both the worker's experience and work efficiency, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the schedule creation process may be configured to determine which worker to assign a task by referring to either the worker's experience or work efficiency. Alternatively, for example, the schedule creation process may be configured to determine which worker to assign a target task by referring to a parameter obtained by adding or multiplying the worker's experience and work efficiency. Furthermore, for example, the schedule creation process may be configured to weight each skill parameter and determine which worker to assign a target task by referring to each weighted skill parameter.

[0092] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example in which experience and work efficiency are defined as skill parameters in the skill data of each worker for the target task (see Figure 3), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a configuration in which the worker to whom the target task is assigned is determined by referring to either the worker's experience or work efficiency in the schedule creation process, the skill data of each worker for the target task may be configured to define only one of experience or work efficiency as a skill parameter. Also, for example, the skill data of each worker for the target task may define skill parameters other than experience and work efficiency (e.g., years of employment, whether or not there is work experience in the personnel training phase, etc.).

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which, in the schedule creation phase setting process (see Figure 11), the presence or absence of leeway in the work situation is determined by whether or not the work of all workers who can handle the assigned work has been completed within the regular working hours (no overtime has occurred). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the presence or absence of leeway in the work situation may be determined by whether or not there are workers who have not been assigned work over the period during which the assigned work should be performed, or the determination may be made by combining this condition with the conditions in the above embodiment.

[0094] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the processing functions of various functional block units included in the schedule planning device 1 are implemented in software, the present invention is not limited thereto. Some or all of these functional block units may be configured in hardware.

[0095] The above embodiments are described in detail and concretely to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to those comprising all the described components. The positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges disclosed in the drawings. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the components in the above embodiments with other components. In addition, the control lines and information lines shown are those considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines in the actual product. In practice, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1...Schedule planning device, 2...Work data acquisition unit, 3...Schedule planning unit, 4...Data storage unit, 5...Schedule display unit, 31...Schedule creation / modification unit, 32...Phase setting unit, 33...Schedule display control unit, 41...Schedule data group for each worker, 42...Skill data group for each task, 43...Work performance data group, 44...Schedule data, 54...Information input screen

Claims

1. A phase setting unit that can set the schedule creation phase to either a first creation phase aimed at improving work efficiency or a second creation phase aimed at human resource development, based on the skill information of multiple workers for the tasks to be assigned to workers included in the schedule, and information indicating whether or not there is leeway in the work status. The system comprises a schedule planning unit that plans the schedule based on the information regarding the assigned tasks entered by the user and the setting results in the phase setting unit, The skill information of the multiple workers for the assigned task includes experience points related to the number of times they have completed the assigned task within the scheduled time in the past, and work efficiency for the assigned task. The phase setting unit is, If, among all the workers who can handle the assigned task, there is a worker who does not have a certain level of experience or higher, and there is a certain amount of leeway in the work situation, then the schedule creation phase is set to the second creation phase. In cases other than those specified above, the schedule creation phase is set to the first creation phase. The aforementioned scheduling department, When the first creation phase is set by the phase setting unit, the task to be assigned can be assigned to the worker who is capable of performing the task and has the highest level of experience in that task. The phase setting unit sets the first creation phase, and if there are multiple workers who are capable of handling the assigned task and have the highest level of experience with the assigned task, the assigned task is assigned to the worker with the highest work efficiency among the multiple workers with the highest level of experience. When the second creation phase is set by the phase setting unit, the task to be assigned can be assigned to the worker who is capable of performing the task and has the lowest level of experience in that task. If the phase setting unit sets the second creation phase and there are multiple workers who are capable of handling the assigned task and have the lowest level of experience with that task, the assigned task will be assigned to the worker with the lowest level of experience among those multiple workers with the lowest level of experience and the lowest work efficiency for that task. Schedule planning device.

2. The information indicating whether or not there is leeway in the work situation is information indicating whether or not the work of the multiple workers has been completed within the scheduled time in the most recent specified period. If the work of the aforementioned multiple workers is completed within the scheduled time, the phase setting unit determines that there is sufficient time for the work. The schedule planning device according to claim 1.

3. The scheduling unit determines the scheduled time for the assigned task according to the skills of the worker to whom the task is assigned. The schedule planning device according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a display unit that displays an input screen on which the user can input information related to the assigned task. The schedule planning device according to claim 1.

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