Business status analysis system and business status analysis method

Abstract

To visualize the progress of each of tasks together with a relationship with the progress of other tasks, regarding the multiple tasks constituting a series of tasks.SOLUTION: A work status analysis system 1 includes: a configuration management system 20 which stores, in a recording apparatus, and manages task information on task records and deliverables of tasks, as task information data, for a series of tasks composed of multiple tasks dependent on each other; and a work status visualization apparatus 10 which generates individual task visualization data for visualizing the tasks on the basis of the task information of the tasks included in the task information data, and generates and outputs an analysis result graph representing a relationship between the progress of each task in the series of tasks and other tasks, on the basis of the individual task visualization data and task process data indicating task processes of the series of tasks.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a business situation analysis system and a business situation analysis method, and is suitable for application to a business situation analysis system and a business situation analysis method for analyzing a series of operations composed of a plurality of operations having a dependency relationship.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in companies and the like, at sites such as design, development, or production, a plurality of operations having a dependency relationship are carried out along a workflow, and for purposes such as obtaining regulatory approval or business improvement, there is a need to analyze the business processes of these plurality of operations having a dependency relationship.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to determine whether there are "overtakes" where the next operation has started ahead of time while the previous operation is incomplete, or "skips" where the development hold point is incomplete but the operation is considered completed, from business plans and work records of the person in charge, and reflect the determination result in the management table of the business process for visualization. A progress management device is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in order to improve the business efficiency of operations such as design, development, or production, "generation - type development" may be carried out, in which the results of the previous generation are reused to review the newly developed part or the modified part. When generation - type development is used, since prerequisite information such as the results of the previous generation exists from the beginning, even if there is a previous - step operation as a prerequisite on the workflow, the subsequent - step operation may be started ahead.

[0006] However, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the problem that while it is possible to determine and visualize the status of subsequent processes relative to preceding processes, such as skipping or overtaking, it is not possible to visualize the causal relationship of how the work of preceding processes contributes to the efficiency of subsequent processes. Specifically, the progress management device in Patent Document 1 cannot visualize the progress status of the work of each process, nor can it visualize the prerequisite information for the work of each process when the generational development described above is performed.

[0007] This invention was made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose a business status analysis system and business status analysis method that can visualize the progress of each business, along with its relationship to the progress of other business, for multiple business processes that constitute a series of business processes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a business status analysis system that analyzes a series of operations consisting of multiple operations that have dependencies on each other and visualizes the status of each operation, comprising: a configuration management system that stores and manages business information relating to the business records and deliverables of each operation as business information data in a recording device; and a business status visualization device that generates individual business visualization data for visualizing each operation based on the business information of each operation included in the business information data, and creates and outputs an analysis result graph that shows the progress of each operation in the series of operations and its relationship with other operations based on business process data showing the business processes of the series of operations and the individual business visualization data.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a business status analysis method using a business status analysis system that analyzes a series of operations consisting of multiple operations having dependencies and visualizes the status of each operation, wherein the business status analysis system comprises a configuration management system and a business status visualization device, and the business status analysis method is characterized by comprising: a business information registration step in which the configuration management system stores and manages business information relating to the business records and deliverables of each operation as business information data in a recording device; and an individual business visualization step in which the business status visualization device generates individual business visualization data for visualizing each operation based on the business information of each operation included in the business information data stored in the recording device in the business information registration step, and creates and outputs an analysis result graph that shows the progress of each operation and its relationship with other operations in the series of operations based on business process data showing the business process of the series of operations and the individual business visualization data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to visualize the progress of each task, along with its relationship to the progress of other tasks, for multiple tasks that constitute a series of tasks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a business status analysis system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of business information data 200 stored in the recording device 30. [Figure 3] This is an example of an operation screen for generating business processes in the business process generation device 40. [Figure 4] This sequence diagram shows an example of the processing procedure for the overall process executed primarily by the Business Status Analysis System 1. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for individual task visualization that can determine whether tasks are being overtaken or skipped. [Figure 6]This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for individual task visualization that can determine the timing of meetings between tasks. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the overall structure of the analysis results graph. [Figure 8] This is a partially enlarged view of an example of graph 300 showing the analysis results when overtaking occurs in task G of the design process. [Figure 9] This is a partially enlarged view of an example of Graph 300, which shows the analysis results when a meeting occurs during task G in the design process. [Figure 10] This is a partially enlarged view of an example of Graph 300, which shows the analysis results when the target business is a manufacturing process. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the work status visualization device 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The following descriptions and drawings are illustrative examples for explaining the present invention, and have been omitted and simplified as appropriate for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and any application that aligns with the spirit of the invention falls within its technical scope. Those skilled in the art can make various additions and modifications within the scope of the present invention. The present invention can also be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural.

[0014] In the following description, various types of information may be described using expressions such as "table", "sheet", "list", "queue", etc. However, the various types of information may also be represented by other data structures. To indicate independence from the data structure, "XX table", "XX list", etc. may be referred to as "XX information". When explaining the content of each piece of information, expressions such as "identification information", "identifier", "name", "ID", "number", etc. are used, but these are mutually replaceable.

[0015] Also, in the following description, when explaining without distinguishing between elements of the same type, the common part (excluding the subscript and branch number) of the reference signs including the subscript and branch number is used, and when explaining while distinguishing between elements of the same type, reference signs including the subscript and branch number may be used.

[0016] Also, in the following description, there may be cases where the processing performed by executing a program is explained. However, the program is executed by at least one or more processors (for example, a CPU), and in order to perform the defined processing while appropriately using a storage resource (for example, a memory) and / or an interface device (for example, a communication port), etc., the main body of the processing may be the processor. Similarly, the main body of the processing performed by executing the program may be a controller, device, system, computer, node, storage system, storage device, server, management computer, client, or host having a processor. The main body of the processing performed by executing the program (for example, a processor) may include a hardware circuit that performs part or all of the processing. For example, the main body of the processing performed by executing the program may include a hardware circuit that performs encryption and decryption, or compression and decompression. The processor operates as a functional unit that realizes a predetermined function by operating according to the program. The device and system including the processor are devices and systems including these functional units.

[0017] The program may be installed from a program source into a device such as a computer. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. When the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server includes a processor (e.g., a CPU) and a non-transitory storage resource, and the storage resource may further store a distribution program and a program to be distributed. Then, by the processor of the program distribution server executing the distribution program, the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. In the following description, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0018] (1) Configuration FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a business situation analysis system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The business situation analysis system 1 is a system that analyzes and visualizes a series of operations composed of a plurality of operations having a dependency relationship, and includes an operation situation visualization device 10, a configuration management system 20, and a recording device 30. Further, the business situation analysis system 1 is communicably connected via a network 60 to an operation process generation device 40 and input terminals 51 installed in each department of one or more bases 50. Note that the business situation analysis system 1 may be configured to include the operation process generation device 40.

[0019] The input terminal 51 is a computer arranged in each department that performs design, development, production, etc., and is operated by an operator of the department where it is arranged. The operator operates the input terminal 51 arranged in his / her own department to input operation information related to the operation executed in the department. The operation information input by the input terminal 51 is transmitted to the configuration management system 20 via the network 60 and stored in the recording device 30 by the configuration management system 20. 2]]

[0020] In the following explanation, to distinguish them from business personnel who input business information into the input terminal 21, those who request the analysis and visualization of a series of business processes using the business status analysis system 1 will be referred to as "users (of the business status analysis system 1)," and will correspond to User 2 shown in Figure 4 later. The computer operated by the user is not particularly limited. For example, the user may operate input devices such as a keyboard and mouse provided on the computer of the business status analysis system 1 (e.g., the business status visualization device 10 or the configuration management system 20) to give instructions to the business status analysis system 1 to analyze and visualize a series of business processes (referred to as visualization instructions), or they may operate an input terminal 51 located at any of the locations 50 to give visualization instructions.

[0021] Business information includes business event information and deliverables. Event information is information about events that occur as a business progresses, such as the start of a business, during a business (which may have multiple steps), completion of a business, and handover of information, and also includes the time of execution for each progress stage. Deliverables are documents, programs, or test evidence registered in relation to each event, and in business processes with dependencies, deliverables generated in the preceding business process are used in the subsequent business process.

[0022] The business status visualization device 10 is a computer system that, triggered by a visualization instruction operation by a user of the business status analysis system 1, analyzes a series of business operations to be visualized based on business information (business information data) managed by the configuration management system 20 and stored in the recording device 30, generates data (individual business visualization data) for visualizing the detailed progress status of each business (progress rate per unit time, deliverables of the preceding business used as prerequisite information) and the relationship (causal relationship) with the progress of other business operations for multiple business operations that constitute the series of operations (individual business visualization processing), and further integrates the data of each business individually visualized by the individual business visualization processing into a state transition diagram based on the business process (graph creation), and outputs an analysis result graph obtained from the integration.

[0023] The business status visualization device 10 is comprised of a communication unit 11, an individual business visualization unit 12, and a state transition diagram synthesis unit 13.

[0024] The communication unit 11 has the function of communicating between the business status visualization device 10 and external devices (configuration management system 20, recording device 30, business process generation device 40, input terminal 51). For example, the communication unit 11 communicates with a terminal where a user performs an input operation (visualization instruction), receives a visualization instruction, and transfers the visualization instruction to the individual business visualization unit 12, or receives business process data for a series of tasks to be visualized from the business process generation device 40 and transfers it to the state transition diagram synthesis unit 13.

[0025] The individual task visualization unit 12 has the function of generating data for visualizing individual tasks (individual task visualization data) for each task by executing individual task visualization processing for a series of tasks to be visualized, based on the data related to the task information stored in the recording device 30 (task information data 200 shown in Figure 2). Details will be described later with reference to Figures 5 and 6, etc., but in the individual task visualization processing, even when "generational development" is carried out in a series of tasks to be visualized, in which deliverables from the previous generation (e.g., documents) are reused to review newly developed or modified parts, it is possible to analyze and visualize the causal relationships that contribute to the progress between tasks, such as overtaking, skipping, and waiting.

[0026] The state transition diagram synthesis unit 13 has the function of creating an analysis result graph based on the individual task visualization data generated by the individual task visualization unit 12 and the business process data (business process data) generated by the business process generation device 40, and outputting the analysis result graph so that it can be viewed by the user. The analysis result graph as a whole consists of a state transition diagram generated from the business process data, and each node of the state transition diagram (corresponding to each task) incorporates an individual task visualization graph that shows the detailed progress status of each task and its specific relationship with the progress of other tasks. The individual task visualization graph includes a process progress graph that shows the time-series progress status of the task, and a prerequisite information history table that shows the prerequisite information of the task and the timing of its updates or references. Furthermore, if it is analyzed that a certain task has a specific relationship (overtaking, skipping, waiting) with a preceding task (prerequisite task) that is affected by the progress of the prerequisite task, a string indicating the above specific relationship is also included in the individual task visualization graph. An overall example of the analysis results graph is shown in Figure 7, which will be described later, and magnified examples of parts of it are shown in Figures 8 to 10, which will also be described later.

[0027] The configuration management system 20 is a computer that has the function of receiving business information (event information (business records), deliverables) entered by business personnel from input terminals 51, and storing and managing it in the recording device 30. In this explanation, as an example, the recording device 30 stores multiple business information entered from each input terminal 51 as business information data. The recording device 30 may also store business process data indicating business processes generated by the business process generation device 40.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an example of business information data 200 stored in the recording device 30. The business information data 200 stores business information entered by the business person into the input terminal 51, with each entry being a different record. The business person enters business information into the input terminal 51 at predetermined intervals (for example, every day) or for each event.

[0029] The business information data 200 shown in Figure 2 consists of date and time 201, name of the person in charge of the work 202, ID of the person in charge of the work 203, item classification 204, item 205, task 206, estimated man-hours 207, planned man-hours 208, actual man-hours 209, remaining man-hours 210, progress rate 211, delay 212, and process status 213.

[0030] Date and Time 201 indicates, for example, the date and time the business information was entered. If there are rules for entering business information that are established between departments, those rules should be followed. Business Person Name 202 indicates the name of the business person, and Business Person ID 203 indicates the identifier (ID) that is individually assigned to the business person.

[0031] Item classification 204 indicates the name of the higher-level process classification to which the business information recorded in the record (hereinafter referred to as "the business") belongs. Higher-level process classifications are expected to include, for example, design (software / hardware), development (software / hardware), manufacturing (hardware), and inspection. Item 205 indicates the name of the lower-level process classification to which the business belongs. Lower-level process classifications are expected to include, for example, requirements definition, specification creation, basic design, detailed design, CAD design, and document creation. Task 206 indicates the content of the business at the person in charge level. The values ​​of item classification 204 and item 205 are predetermined for each business.

[0032] The estimated effort of 207 represents the effort for the task estimated during the initial planning stage. The planned effort of 208 represents the effort for the task predicted at the start. The actual effort of 209 represents the effort spent on the task at the current stage (i.e., at the time of the event corresponding to the record). The remaining effort of 210 represents the effort for the task that is currently incomplete. The remaining effort of 210 is calculated by subtracting the actual effort of 209 from the planned effort of 208. The progress rate of 211 represents the progress rate of the task at the current stage. The progress rate of 211 is the ratio (e.g., a percentage) of the actual effort of 209 to the planned effort of 208. The delay of 212 represents the predicted delay time for the task at the current stage. The delay of 212 is calculated by subtracting the estimated effort of 207 from the planned effort of 208. If the actual man-hours of 209 exceed the planned man-hours of 208, the delay of 212 may be calculated by subtracting the estimated man-hours of 207 from the actual man-hours of 209.

[0033] Process Status 213 indicates the situation that needs to be supplemented in the relevant work. Specifically, for example, it may indicate deliverables that have been completed (output) at this stage, or prerequisite information currently being used, or it may indicate a situation where, as a result of discussions with a later process, the design of an intermediate revision is being shared, or development is being carried out using some deliverables from a previous process.

[0034] Furthermore, the data structure of the business information data 200 is not limited to the data structure shown in Figure 2. Any additional items may be added or deleted, as long as there are items that show at least the date and time of the business, the progress status, and the deliverables.

[0035] The business process generation device 40 is a device that generates business processes that indicate the content and execution order of business operations. The business process generation device 40 is a computer that automatically generates business processes through program processing, and a known business process generation device can be used. In another embodiment, instead of the business process generation device 40, a configuration may be used in which a business person or a user of the business situation analysis system 1 creates business processes by manual input.

[0036] When a user issues an instruction to visualize the business status to the business status analysis system 1 (business status visualization device 10), the business process generation device 40 receives a business process creation instruction output from the business status visualization device 10, creates a business process based on the necessary information stored in the recording device 30, and provides it to the business status visualization device 10.

[0037] Figure 3 shows an example of the operation screen for generating business processes in the business process generation device 40. The operation screen 41 displays the business process 42, the threshold 43, and the scroll bar 44.

[0038] At the top of the business process 42, the dependencies between tasks in a series of tasks (e.g., tasks A to F) are visualized. At the bottom of the business process 42, the steps of each task are displayed in chronological order. The threshold 43 is a threshold specified by the user for the degree of relevance calculated based on the names of each task. The scroll bar 44 is a component that allows the value of the threshold 43 to be changed by scrolling.

[0039] The business process generation device 40 determines the order of each task considering the time series of the process, calculates the degree of relevance between each task, and generates the business process 42 by connecting tasks with a degree of relevance above a threshold with arrows, determining that there is a dependency between them. If the value of the threshold 43 is changed by operating the scroll bar 44 or by directly entering a value into the threshold 43 display field, the business process generation device 40 regenerates the business process 42 based on the changed threshold.

[0040] Figure 3 is intended to visually illustrate the image of the business process generated by the business process generation device 40, and the business process data provided from the business process generation device 40 to the business status visualization device 10 only needs to be data that shows the structure of the business process.

[0041] (2) Processing (2-1) Overall processing Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for the overall process executed primarily by the business status analysis system 1.

[0042] The overall process shown in Figure 4 is broadly divided into two parts: a business information registration process (steps S11-S14) in which the configuration management system 20 registers business information entered by the business person in charge into the input terminal 51 into the business information data of the recording device 30; and a business status visualization process (steps S21-S36) in which, triggered by a visualization instruction from user 2 to the business status analysis system 1, the business process generation device 40 creates business process data for a specified series of tasks (hereinafter referred to as target tasks), the business status visualization device 10 generates individual task visualization data to visualize each task included in the target tasks, and an analysis result graph is created and output by integrating the information of the individual task visualization data and business process data.

[0043] The business information registration process is executed repeatedly at regular intervals or at any arbitrary time, each time a person in charge of a business enters business information at each input terminal 51. On the other hand, the business status visualization process is executed at the time desired by user 2, provided that the business information data is stored in the recording device 30.

[0044] Referring to Figure 4, the processing procedure for business information registration (steps S11-S14) will be explained.

[0045] First, the person in charge of the task enters the daily progress status of the task they are responsible for into the input terminal 51, and the input terminal 51 transmits the entered task information to the configuration management system 20 (step S11). Next, the configuration management system 20 registers the received task information into the task information data of the recording device 30 (step S12). Then, once the registration into the task information data is completed in the recording device 30 (step S13), the configuration management system 20 notifies the input terminal 51, from which the task information was transmitted in step S11, that the registration of the task information is complete (step S14), and the task information registration process ends.

[0046] Referring to Figure 4, the processing procedure for the business status visualization process (steps S21 to S36) will be explained.

[0047] First, user 2 operates a terminal, which then transmits a visualization instruction command to the business status visualization device 10 (step S21). Here, the terminal on which user 2 operates the visualization instruction can be the input terminal 51, the business status visualization device 10, or the configuration management system 20, as long as it is connected to the network 60 and has a program that can input visualization instructions, or it may be a terminal not shown in Figure 1. However, if user 2 operates the business status visualization device 10 directly, the visualization instruction is input to the individual business visualization unit 12 without going through the communication unit 11. When issuing a visualization instruction, all business information included in the business information data 200 may be made the target of visualization, or the scope of a series of business operations (target business operations) to be made the target of visualization may be specified. The method of specifying the scope of target business operations is not particularly limited, but for example, if a keyword is specified, the business operations included in the target business operations may be extracted by referring to the item classification 204 or item 205 of the business information data 200, or if a period is specified, the business operations included in the target business operations may be extracted by referring to the date and time 201 of the business information data 200.

[0048] Next, when the communication unit 11 of the business status visualization device 10 receives the visualization instruction transmitted in step S11, it forwards the visualization instruction to the individual business visualization unit 12 (step S22). Upon receiving the visualization instruction, the individual business visualization unit 12 instructs the business process generation device 40 to create a business process for the target business (step S23), and separately performs the processing described in step S31.

[0049] Upon receiving instructions to create a business process, the business process generation device 40 requests the recording device 30 to obtain the information necessary to create the business process from the business information data (step S24), and obtains this information from the recording device 30 (step S25). The "information necessary to create a business process" varies depending on the specifications of the business process generation device 40, so a detailed explanation is omitted. However, in order to create a business process that takes time into account, such as the business process 42 exemplified in Figure 3, at least the date and time 201, item classification 204 (or item 205), and task 206 from the business information data 200 in Figure 2 are required.

[0050] Next, the business process generation device 40 creates a business process for the target business based on the information acquired in step S25 (step S26), and transmits business process data indicating the created business process to the business status visualization device 10. At this time, the communication unit 11 of the business status visualization device 10 receives the business process data (step S27) and transfers it to the state transition diagram synthesis unit 13.

[0051] The process from step S31 onwards will be explained.

[0052] Upon receiving the visualization instruction in step S22, the individual business visualization unit 12 requests the acquisition of business information data stored in the recording device 30 (step S31), and acquires it (step S32). In the following explanation, the business information data 200 shown in Figure 2 will be used.

[0053] Next, the individual task visualization unit 12 executes the individual task visualization process (step S33). As will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 5 and 6, in the individual task visualization process of step S33, the individual task visualization unit 12 analyzes each of the multiple tasks included in the target task based on the task information data 200, taking into account the progress of the task in the preceding process, and generates individual task visualization data to visualize the detailed progress status of each task (progress rate per unit time, deliverables of the task in the preceding process used as background information), and the relationship (causal relationship) with the progress of other tasks.

[0054] Once the individual task visualization process is complete, the individual task visualization unit 12 sends a state transition diagram synthesis instruction to the state transition diagram synthesis unit 13, along with the generated individual task visualization data (step S34).

[0055] Upon receiving the state transition diagram synthesis instruction, the state transition diagram synthesis unit 13 creates an individual task visualization graph based on the individual task visualization data received in step S34, which shows the detailed progress of each task and its specific relationship with the progress of other tasks. Based on the business process data received in step S28, it creates a state transition diagram that shows the connections between tasks aligned in chronological order. The created individual task visualization graph and state transition diagram are then integrated to create an analysis result graph (step S35). The individual task visualization graph includes a process progress graph showing the chronological progress of each task (progress rate per unit time), a background information history table showing background information and the timing of its updates or references, and further includes strings representing specific relationships that are affected by the progress of background tasks, according to the analysis results by the individual task visualization unit 12.

[0056] Finally, the state transition diagram synthesis unit 13 outputs the analysis result graph created in step S35 so that it can be viewed on the user 2 side (the terminal operated by user 2 in step S21) that sent the visualization instruction (step S36), and the business status visualization process ends. For outputting the analysis result graph, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be used, for example. Examples of the display of the analysis result graph are shown in Figures 7 to 10.

[0057] (2-2) Visualization of individual tasks The individual task visualization process performed in step S33 of Figure 4 will be explained in detail. In the individual task visualization process, the individual task visualization unit 12 analyzes the task information data to generate individual task visualization data for visualization for each task.

[0058] One of the characteristics of individual task visualization processing is that even when "generational development" is carried out in any of the tasks constituting the target tasks (a series of tasks targeted for visualization), where deliverables from the previous generation (e.g., documents) are reused to revise newly developed or modified parts, it is possible to analyze and visualize the relationships (causal relationships) that are affected by the progress of tasks, such as overtaking, skipping, and waiting. Therefore, we will first explain the relationships that are affected by the progress of tasks.

[0059] In a workflow involving multiple dependencies, the subsequent workflow generally begins only after the preceding workflow has passed a predetermined checkpoint (i.e., after the formal deliverable is completed). The same applies if a single workflow has multiple preceding workflows. Multiple checkpoints for outputting formal deliverables may be set. Specifically, for example, in the case of version-controlled documents, formal versions output at default checkpoints can be assigned major versions such as "1.0" or "2.0," while unofficial versions output outside of checkpoints can be assigned minor versions such as "0.1" or "1.2," thereby distinguishing between formal and unofficial deliverables. Furthermore, the deliverables from preceding workflows used in subsequent workflows are referred to as "prerequisites" or "prerequisite information" in the subsequent workflow.

[0060] When a subsequent process begins only after waiting for deliverables (prerequisite information) from multiple preceding processes to be completed, if at least one of the preceding processes is progressing slowly, the subsequent process may not be able to complete its tasks even as time passes, resulting in a lack of progress. This situation in the subsequent process is called "waiting."

[0061] On the other hand, in cases where there is a need to expedite subsequent processes, as mentioned above, there are instances where work on subsequent processes is started prematurely using unofficial deliverables (such as test versions) from the preceding process, without waiting for the final or formal deliverables of the preceding process to be completed. This situation in subsequent processes is called "overtaking."

[0062] Another case where a subsequent process is started prematurely is when, even though the preceding process is complete, the subsequent process begins using unofficial deliverables (such as test versions of documents) without using any of the formal deliverables from that process. This also applies to cases where the subsequent process begins without the prescribed checkpoints (such as deliverable reviews) being carried out in the preceding process. This situation in which a subsequent process is being started is called "skipping" or "skipping."

[0063] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for individual task visualization that can determine whether tasks are being overtaken or skipped.

[0064] In the individual task visualization process, the individual task visualization unit 12 divides the multiple task information contained in the task information data 200 acquired from the recording device 30 into predetermined classification units (for example, the classification units of item classification 204 or item 205), and in subsequent processing, each is treated as a single task.

[0065] Step S101 is the start step of a loop process that ends at step S114, and the individual business visualization unit 12 repeats the processing in steps S102 to S113 for all of the "businesses" divided into the predetermined classification units described above. Specifically, the "businesses" divided into the predetermined classification units correspond to each business (business A to business I) shown in the analysis result graphs shown in Figures 7 to 10, which will be described later.

[0066] In step S102, the individual task visualization unit 12 selects one task to be processed from among the "tasks" into which the task information data 200 has been divided according to the predetermined classification units described above, and proceeds to step S103. The one task selected in step S102 is one of several tasks that make up the target task, and will be referred to as the "selected task" in the following explanation.

[0067] Step S103 is the start step of a loop process ending in step S108. The individual task visualization unit 12 selects the time to be processed for each predetermined unit of time within the time period in which the task information is recorded in the task information data 200, for the selected task selected in step S102, and repeats the process in steps S104 to S107. Specifically, the "time to be processed" corresponds to the time (times t1 to t8) in the process progress graph of each task included in the analysis result graph shown in Figures 7 to 10, which will be described later.

[0068] In step S104, the individual task visualization unit 12 calculates the progress rate of the selected task at the time selected in step S103 and uses this as the progress rate data for the selected task at that time in the individual task visualization data. Specifically, the "progress rate" calculated in step S104 is output as the progress rate at each time in the process progress graph of each task included in the analysis result graph shown in Figures 7 to 10 later. The method for calculating the progress rate is the same as the method for calculating the progress rate 211 explained in Figure 2. Alternatively, the individual task visualization unit 12 may instead use the value of the progress rate 211 from the task information data 200 instead of calculating the progress rate.

[0069] The next step, S105, is the start step of a loop process that ends with step S108. The individual task visualization unit 12 selects one task at a time from the tasks connected to the selected task (i.e., tasks from the previous process, which are referred to as "prerequisite tasks" for simplicity) and repeats the process of step S106 for all prerequisite tasks of the selected task.

[0070] In step S106, the individual task visualization unit 12 obtains the status of updates or references to prerequisite documents in the selected task by referencing and analyzing the task information corresponding to the prerequisite tasks in the task information data 200. In this explanation, deliverables are referred to as documents, and when the deliverables (documents) of prerequisite tasks are used in subsequent selected tasks, these deliverables are referred to as prerequisite documents.

[0071] The process in step S106 will be explained in detail.

[0072] The individual task visualization unit 12 first refers to the process status 213, etc., of the task information data 200 to confirm the deliverables of the prerequisite tasks at the time selected in step S103.

[0073] If deliverables for prerequisite tasks exist at the relevant time, the individual task visualization unit 12 compares them with the task information of the selected task to confirm whether the deliverables of the previous process are used in the selected task (i.e., whether the deliverables of the previous process are prerequisite information for the selected task).

[0074] Furthermore, if the deliverables of the prerequisite tasks are prerequisite information (prerequisite documents) for the selected tasks, then, since these prerequisite documents are referenced or updated in the selected tasks, this prerequisite information (prerequisite documents) will be used as data indicating the update or reference status of the prerequisite information of the selected tasks in the individual task visualization data.

[0075] Furthermore, if the deliverables of the prerequisite task do not exist at that time, or if they exist but are not used in the selected task, the individual task visualization unit 12 refers to the task information of the selected task (process status 213, etc.) to check whether the deliverables of the previous generation prerequisite task (previous generation document) are being used in the selected task (i.e., whether the previous generation document is prerequisite information for the selected task). If the previous generation document is being used in the selected task, the individual task visualization unit 12 uses this previous generation document as data indicating the update or reference status of the prerequisite information of the selected task in the individual task visualization data.

[0076] The background information obtained in step S106 as described above is specifically output to the background information history table for each task, which is included in the analysis result graphs shown in Figures 7 to 10 later.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, once the loop processing in steps S105 to S107 is completed, data is obtained showing the update or reference status of all prerequisite information (prerequisite documents) at the time of processing target selected in step S103 for the one task (selected task) selected in step S102.

[0078] Next, once the loop processing in steps S103 to S108 is completed, data showing the progress rate at all predetermined time intervals within the time period in which the business information data 200 contains recorded business information, and data showing the update or reference status of all prerequisite information (prerequisite documents) are obtained for the one business selected in step S102 (selected business). Using this data, it is possible to create a process progress graph of the selected business, a prerequisite information history table, and strings indicating specific relationships in the analysis result graph described later.

[0079] Next, once the loop processing up to S108 is complete, the individual business visualization unit 12 determines, based on the business information data 200 and the information calculated or acquired in the processing from steps S102 to S108, whether one of two conditions is met: that there is no release of deliverables (including not only prerequisite documents but also previous generation documents) that serve as prerequisite information for the selected business, or that the progress rate of the prerequisite business is not 100% or less (step S109). If a positive result is obtained in step S109 (YES in step S109), the process proceeds to step S110; if a negative result is obtained (NO in step S109), the process proceeds to step S112.

[0080] In step S110, the individual task visualization unit 12 determines whether the selected task (its own process) has been started or not. If the own process has been started in step S110 (YES in step S110), the individual task visualization unit 12 determines that the work status of its own process is "overtaking" and adds data to the individual task visualization data to output the string "overtaking" to the node of the selected task in the analysis result graph (step S111). After processing in step S111, the process proceeds to step S114, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the own process has not been started in step S110 (NO in step S110), the process in step S111 is not performed and the process proceeds to step S114.

[0081] In step S112, the individual task visualization unit 12 determines whether a review of the prerequisite information used by the selected task (the current process) has been conducted in the prerequisite task with a progress rate of 100%. Conducting a review is a condition for passing a checkpoint, and prerequisite information that has been reviewed means that it is a formal deliverable. If the prerequisite review has not been conducted in step S112 (NO in step S112), it means that the selected task (the current process) proceeded with the current process using unformal prerequisite information (e.g., a test version of a document) in a situation where a formal deliverable has not been produced despite the prerequisite task having a progress rate of 100%. Therefore, the individual task visualization unit 12 determines that the current process's work status is "skipped" and adds data to the individual task visualization data to output the string "skipped" to the node of the selected task in the analysis result graph (step S113). The data added in step S113 may also include information that can identify the prerequisite task that caused the skip (i.e., the prerequisite task that outputted prerequisite information that had not been reviewed). After processing in step S113, the process proceeds to step S114, which will be described later. On the other hand, if a review of the background information has been performed in step S112 (YES in step S112), the process in step S113 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S114.

[0082] Furthermore, the processing in steps S109 to S113 is performed for each of the time periods (for example, time periods t1 to t8) that were designated as target times in step S103. As a result, the individual business visualization unit 12 can associate the time period t at which the "overtaking" or "skipping" occurred with the data added to the individual business visualization data in step S111 or step S113.

[0083] In step S114, the individual task visualization unit 12 determines whether the loop processing termination condition is met. The loop processing termination condition in step S114 is that the processing in steps S102 to S113 has been completed for all of the multiple tasks that make up the target task. If the termination condition is not met, the unit returns to step S101 and continues the loop processing; if the termination condition is met, the unit exits the loop processing and terminates the individual task visualization process.

[0084] As described above, by performing the individual task visualization process shown in Figure 5, the individual task visualization unit 12 can analyze the detailed progress status of each task (progress rate per unit time, background information) and its relationship to the progress of other tasks (overtaking, skipping) for all tasks that constitute a series of tasks (target tasks) designated by the user as the target of visualization, and generate individual task visualization data for visualizing these analysis results.

[0085] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for individual task visualization that can determine the timing of meetings between tasks. Note that, for illustrative purposes, this explanation separates the process into Figure 5 and Figure 6; however, the actual individual task visualization unit 12 may perform the individual task visualization process using a combined processing procedure that integrates the steps shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0086] Of the individual business process visualization processes shown in Figure 6, steps S201 to S208 are the same as steps S101 to S108 of the individual business process visualization process shown in Figure 5, so the explanation is omitted. Also, terms such as selected business, prerequisite business, and prerequisite information (prerequisite documents) are the same as in the explanation in Figure 5.

[0087] In step S209, the individual task visualization unit 12 determines, based on the task information data 200 and the information calculated or acquired in steps S102 to S108, whether or not there is a prerequisite task among the prerequisite tasks of the selected task that has a completion rate of 100%. If an affirmative result is obtained in step S209 (YES in step S209), the process proceeds to step S210; if a negative result is obtained (NO in step S209), the process proceeds to step S213. Note that, similar to the processing in steps S109 to S113 in Figure 5, the processing in steps S209 to S212 is performed for each of the time periods designated as target times in step S203 (for example, time periods t1 to t8).

[0088] In step S210, the individual business visualization unit 12 determines whether there is any incomplete prerequisite information other than the target of determination in step S209. If there is incomplete prerequisite information (YES in step S210), the process proceeds to step S211. If there is no incomplete prerequisite information (NO in step S210), the process proceeds to step S213.

[0089] In step S211, the individual task visualization unit 12 checks whether there has been no progress in the selected task since the previous time (selected time). Note that the condition "no progress since the previous time" may be replaced with the condition "no progress since the previous time for a predetermined number of consecutive times or more". If there is no progress in the selected task (YES in step S211), the individual task visualization unit 12 determines that the task status of its own process is "waiting" and adds data to the individual task visualization data to output the string "waiting" to the node of the selected task in the analysis result graph (step S212). After processing in step S212, the process proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, if there is progress in the selected task in step S211 (NO in step S211), the process in step S212 is not performed and the process proceeds to step S213.

[0090] In step S213, the individual task visualization unit 12 determines whether the loop processing termination condition is met. The loop processing termination condition in step S213 is that the processing in steps S202 to S212 has been completed for all of the multiple tasks that make up the target task. If the termination condition is not met, the unit returns to step S201 and continues the loop processing; if the termination condition is met, the unit exits the loop processing and terminates the individual task visualization process.

[0091] As described above, by executing the individual task visualization process shown in Figure 6, the individual task visualization unit 12 can analyze the detailed progress status (progress rate per unit time, background information) and the relationship with the progress of other tasks (waiting) for all tasks that constitute a series of tasks (target tasks) designated by the user as the target of visualization, and generate individual task visualization data for visualizing these analysis results.

[0092] Then, as explained in step S35 of Figure 4, the state transition diagram synthesis unit 13 creates individual task visualization graphs from individual task visualization data that show the detailed progress status of each task and specific relationships with the progress of other tasks, and creates a state transition diagram from business process data that shows the connections between tasks in chronological order. By integrating the individual task visualization graphs and the state transition diagram, the unit can create an analysis result graph to be provided to the user 2.

[0093] (2-3) Analysis Result Graph This section will explain in detail, using several specific examples, the analysis result graphs that the business status analysis system 1 outputs to user 2's terminal as a result of performing business status visualization processing upon receiving a visualization instruction.

[0094] Figure 7 illustrates the overall image of the analysis results graph. The analysis results graph 300 shown in Figure 7 is an example of an analysis results graph output when a business status visualization process is performed on a series of business processes consisting of business processes A to I.

[0095] The analysis results graph 300, as a whole, is composed of a state transition diagram in which one node 310 (individually, node 310A for task A, node 310B for task B, etc.) corresponding to each task is connected by an edge 320. The edge 320 connects two nodes 310 with a one-way arrow and represents the relationship between the preceding and succeeding processes between tasks corresponding to the nodes 310. In this state transition diagram, similar to the business process 42 shown in Figure 3, the corresponding node 310 is displayed chronologically according to the time period or process classification in which each task is performed. Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 7, the process classification corresponding to the time series (design, procurement, manufacturing, inspection, shipping, etc.) may be displayed at the bottom of the state transition diagram.

[0096] In other words, the state transition diagram shown in the analysis results graph 300 represents the connections between multiple tasks that constitute a series of tasks in chronological order, and can be created by the state transition diagram synthesis unit 13 based on the business process data (business process data) generated by the business process generation device 40. Specifically, the analysis results graph 300 in Figure 7 visualizes the relationships between tasks, for example, that tasks B, C, D, and E are performed with task A as the preceding process, or that task G is performed with tasks C and D as the preceding processes.

[0097] Furthermore, in the analysis results graph 300, each node 310 corresponding to each task displays an individual task visualization graph generated based on the individual task visualization data generated by the individual task visualization unit 12. In other words, node 310 is the individual task visualization graph 310.

[0098] The individual task visualization graph 310 includes a process progress graph 311 showing the time-series progress of the task, and a prerequisite information history table 312 showing the prerequisite information for the task and the timing of its updates or references. Furthermore, if the individual task visualization process described above analyzes that the task has a specific relationship (overtaking, skipping, waiting) with a prerequisite task that is affected by the progress of the prerequisite task, a relationship string 313 indicating the above specific relationship as a string is also included in the individual task visualization graph 310. The prerequisite information history table 312 and the relationship string 313 are shown in the analysis result graphs 300 in Figures 8 to 10, which will be described later. For illustrative purposes, the display of the process progress graph 311 is also omitted for nodes 310 corresponding to tasks A, B, E, and I. Note that if the above specific relationship (overtaking, skipping, waiting) occurs, the prerequisite task that caused the relationship is listed on the same time-series in the state transition diagram of the analysis result graph 300. The term "displaying data on the same time series" here refers to, for example, the notation of task C (node ​​310C) and task D (node ​​310D) in Figure 7. Furthermore, by creating process progress graphs 311 for each node 310 with aligned time series for each unit of time, it is possible to easily compare the changes in the progress rate of each task across tasks.

[0099] By providing User 2 with the analysis results graph 300 configured as described above, User 2 can easily identify what kind of tasks make up a series of tasks, what kind of background information each task uses and how it is progressing, and furthermore, if specific relationships such as overtaking, skipping, or waiting occur, what causes those relationships to occur.

[0100] Below, we will illustrate the visualization process by illustrating Graph 300, which shows the results of analyses conducted across various business processes.

[0101] Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of an example of the analysis result graph 300 when an overtake occurs in task G of the design process. In Figure 8, tasks C, D, and G are shown, and from the connection relationships in the state transition diagram, it can be seen that tasks C and D are prerequisite tasks that are treated on the same timeline for task G. As mentioned above in the explanation of Figure 7, the node (individual task visualization graph) 310 corresponding to each task displays the process progress graph 311 and the prerequisite information history table 312 related to that task. Furthermore, the node 310G for task G displays the relationship string 313G consisting of the string "overtake".

[0102] This section will explain in detail what user 2 can glean from the visualization displayed in Figure 8.

[0103] First, at time t1, in task G, according to prerequisite information history table 312G, work began by reusing the previous generation documents (the official documents for tasks C and D in the previous generation). However, since the progress rate remained at 0% between times t1 and t3 in the process progress graph 311G, it can be seen that it was actually impossible to start work by reusing the previous generation documents. On the other hand, in the case of tasks C and D, work began at time t1 by reusing the previous generation documents (see prerequisite information history tables 312C and 312D), and since the progress rate increased between times t1 and t3, although it did not reach 100% (see process progress graphs 311C and 311D), it can be seen that tasks C and D were able to start work by reusing the previous generation documents. More specifically, in task C, the progress rate was 50% at time t1 and 80% at time t4, indicating that generational development using previous generation documents worked well in this process. Task D's progress rate remains at 10% at time t1 and 40% at time t4, indicating that progress will be slow until the official document is provided by the prerequisite task (Task A according to the state transition diagram in Figure 7).

[0104] Next, at time t4, according to prerequisite information history table 312G, the prerequisite information for task G has been updated to include the informal document for task C (version C_0.1) and the informal document for task D (version D_0.1). As a result, the progress rate for task G is 20%.

[0105] Here, task G at time t4, as described above, has started its own process without waiting for the receipt of the official deliverable (version 1.0 document) from the prerequisite tasks (tasks C and D). Therefore, in step S110 of the individual task visualization process shown in Figure 5, the situation is judged as YES, and the individual task visualization unit 12 analyzes it as "overtaking". Accordingly, the relationship string 313G "overtaking" is displayed in the individual task visualization graph 310G for task G. If the progress rate of the prerequisite tasks (tasks C and D) at time t4 was 100%, the requirement for skipping (NO in step S112 of Figure 5) would be met, and the relationship string 313G of the individual task visualization graph 310G would display the string "skipped".

[0106] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged view of an example of the analysis result graph 300 when a waiting occurs in task G of the design process. Tasks C, D, and G shown in Figure 9 are the same as in Figure 8, so explanations of common items will be omitted. A major difference from Figure 8 is that node 310G of task G in Figure 9 displays a relationship string 313G consisting of the string "waiting".

[0107] In Figure 9, task C (node ​​310C) started work at time t1 by reusing the previous generation document of the prerequisite task (task A), and at time t4, the prerequisite information of task A was updated to the official deliverable (A_1.0 version), resulting in a progress rate of 100%. Furthermore, from task C to task G, an unofficial deliverable (C_0.1 version) was output at the latest at time t4, and the official deliverable (C_1.0 version) was output at time t6. Task D started work at time t1 by reusing the previous generation document of the prerequisite task (task A), but there was no progress until time t4 when the progress rate gradually increased. Furthermore, from task D to task G, an unofficial deliverable (D_0.1 version) was output at the latest at time t4.

[0108] Regarding tasks C and D as described above, task G, a subsequent task, started work at time t1 by reusing the previous generation documents of tasks C and D, but made no progress. At time t4, the prerequisite information was updated to the informal deliverables of tasks C and D (version C_0.1 and version D_0.1), resulting in a progress rate of 20%. However, at times t5 and t6, the progress rate of task G remained at 20%, indicating stagnation.

[0109] Here, in the case of task G at time t6 as described above, at least one of the prerequisite tasks (task C) is 100% completed, but the formal deliverables from the other prerequisite tasks (task D) are incomplete, and the progress rate of task G has not progressed for the specified time. Therefore, the situation is judged as YES in step S211 of the individual task visualization process shown in Figure 6, and the individual task visualization unit 12 analyzes it as "waiting". Accordingly, the relationship string 313G "waiting" is displayed in the individual task visualization graph 310G of task G.

[0110] The analysis result graphs 300 in Figures 8 and 9 above were examples of displays when the target task (at least task G) was a task in the design process. However, the task status analysis system 1 according to this embodiment can also be applied to tasks belonging to process classifications other than the design process, and in that case, it is possible to display the results according to the process classification.

[0111] Figure 10 is a partially enlarged view of an example of analysis result graph 300 when the target business is a manufacturing process.

[0112] In a series of manufacturing processes, the manufacturing of subsequent processes (e.g., assembly) is carried out using the deliverables (e.g., parts) produced in the preceding processes. In such manufacturing processes, the costs required to carry out each process (e.g., assembly costs) vary depending on the time taken, and storage costs for storing the deliverables from the prerequisite processes may also be incurred. Therefore, it is conceivable to include data on the various costs mentioned above in the business information entered from the input terminal 51 and recorded in the business information data 200. Specifically, for example, if assembly costs or storage costs exceed the budgeted amount, the excess costs may be recorded as unexpected costs, or the budgeted amount and the actual amount may be recorded so that the individual business visualization unit 12 calculates the excess amount.

[0113] Figure 10 shows an example of an analysis result graph 400 that the business status analysis system 1 can output when the business information data 200 is recorded in a format suitable for the manufacturing process as described above, with the business C, D, and G portions extracted. The basic structure of the analysis result graph 400 (individual business visualization graph 410, process progress graph 411, and prerequisite information history table 412) is the same as the structure of the same name in the analysis result graph 300 explained in Figures 7 to 9, so the explanation is omitted. The main difference is that the analysis result graph 400 can display unexpected costs 413 in the individual business visualization graph 410 for the business in question if an overrun of the budget is analyzed.

[0114] This section will explain in detail what User 2 can glean from the visualization shown in Figure 10.

[0115] Task C started manufacturing parts at time t1 and completed manufacturing all parts at time t4, sending the deliverables to process G (see individual task visualization graph 410C). Task D started manufacturing parts at time t1 and completed manufacturing all parts at time t6, sending the deliverables to process G (see individual task visualization graph 41DC).

[0116] Then, in order to smooth the manufacturing process, task G began the first half of production in its own process at time t4 upon arrival of the deliverable (parts for process C) of task C, one of the prerequisite tasks. Subsequently, at time t6, task G also began the second half of production in its own process upon arrival of the deliverable of task D, the remaining prerequisite task (see prerequisite information history table 412G in individual task visualization graph 410G). As a result, the progress rate of task G reached 100% at time t7 (see process progress graph 411G in individual task visualization graph 410G). The progress of task G as described above corresponds to overtaking task D. Therefore, the individual task visualization graph 410G in Figure 10 may be configured to display the string "overtake".

[0117] In this particular task G, the storage costs for parts that arrived sequentially from task C during the period from time t4 to the start of the first half of production (for example, from time t2 to t4) became an unexpected cost. Furthermore, in the first half of production, which took place from time t4 to t6, the assembly costs exceeded the budget and also became an unexpected cost. The occurrence of these unexpected costs can be analyzed by the individual task visualization unit 12 from the task information data 200, and based on the individual task visualization data including the results of this analysis, the state transition diagram synthesis unit 13 can display information on the unexpected costs 413G of the individual task visualization graph 410G, as shown in Figure 10, regarding the unexpected costs incurred during the execution of task G.

[0118] As explained above with reference to Figures 7 to 10, the business status analysis system 1 outputs analysis result graphs 300 and 400, which allows user 2 to visualize how a series of tasks are composed of different tasks, what background information each task uses and how it is progressing, and even the specific relationships that the progress of each task has with other tasks.

[0119] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the business status visualization device 10. As shown in Figure 11, the business status visualization device 10 includes a processor 101 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) with computing power, a main memory (memory) 102 such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) which is a volatile temporary storage area that can be read and written at high speed, an auxiliary storage device 103 which is a persistent storage area using an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, a communication I / F 104 such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) for communicating with the outside world, and an input / output device 105 that inputs and outputs signals or data, each connected via a communication line 106. The input / output device 105 includes an input device (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) that accepts human operation and inputs signals or data, and an output device (e.g., a monitor or printer) that outputs signals or data in response to the execution of a program by the processor 101.

[0120] In the business status visualization device 10, the processor 101 reads a program recorded in the auxiliary storage device 103 or the main storage device 102 into the main storage device 102 and executes it, thereby realizing the individual business visualization unit 12 and the state transition diagram synthesis unit 13. The communication unit 11 is realized when the communication I / F 104 performs communication according to the execution of the program by the processor 101. Furthermore, visualization instructions by the user 2 (step S21 in Figure 2) are made by operating the input device of the input / output device 105, and in the result output (step S34 in Figure 2), an image is displayed on the output device of the input / output device 105.

[0121] Furthermore, the configuration management system 20, the business process generation device 40, and the input terminal 51 can also be assumed to be implemented using a computer with the same hardware configuration as shown in Figure 11. In addition, the recording device 30 is implemented using a recording medium capable of non-temporarily recording data, such as the auxiliary storage device 103 shown in Figure 11, but it may also be a computer with the same hardware configuration as shown in Figure 11.

[0122] As described above, in the business status analysis system 1 according to this embodiment, business status visualization processing is performed using business information data that stores business information input from business personnel and business processes generated by the business process generation device 40, and an analysis result graph is output. As a result, for a series of target business consisting of multiple dependent business processes, the time-series relationships of multiple business processes within the target business are visualized in a state transition diagram. Furthermore, at each node of this state transition diagram (i.e., the node corresponding to an individual business process), not only are the time-series progress, prerequisite information, and deliverables visualized as detailed progress status of each business process, but specific relationships with the progress of other dependent business processes (specifically, causal relationships such as skipping, overtaking, and waiting) are also visualized. In other words, according to the business status analysis system 1 according to this embodiment, the progress status of each business process and its relationship with the progress of other business processes can be visualized for multiple dependent business processes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 1. Business Status Analysis System 2 users 10. Business status visualization device 11 Communications Department 12 Individual business visualization department 13. State Transition Diagram Synthesis Unit 20 Configuration Management Systems 30 Recording device 40 Business Process Generation Device 50 locations 51 Input terminals 60 Network 60 101 Processors 102 Main storage 103 Auxiliary storage device 104 Communication I / F 105 Input / Output Devices 106 Communication lines 200 Business Information Data 300,400 Analysis Results Graph 310,410 nodes (individual task visualization graph) 311,411 Process progress graph 312,412 Prerequisite Information History Table 313 Relationship strings 413 Unexpected costs

Claims

1. A business status analysis system that analyzes a series of tasks consisting of multiple tasks with dependencies and visualizes the status of each task, A configuration management system, which is a computer that stores business information related to the business records and deliverables of each of the aforementioned tasks as business information data in a recording device, A business status visualization device is a computer having an individual business visualization unit and a state transition diagram synthesis unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned business information data includes data representing at least the date and time of execution, progress rate, and deliverables of the multiple business operations. In processes with dependencies between them, deliverables created in the preceding process are used in the subsequent process. The individual task visualization unit creates individual task visualization data for each task from the task information data stored in the recording device, showing the progress rate of the task per unit time, the deliverables of the preceding task used as prerequisite information when performing the task, and the relationship with the progress of other tasks. The state transition diagram synthesis unit, For each task in the aforementioned series of tasks, represented by the business process data that represents the business processes of the aforementioned series of tasks, an individual task visualization graph representing the time-series progress rate of the said task is created from the individual task visualization data. A state transition diagram is created from the business process data, where each of the multiple tasks in the business process represented by the business process data is a node, and the relationship between preceding and succeeding processes in the business process is represented by arrows. By incorporating the individual task visualization graph corresponding to each node in the state transition diagram, an analysis result graph is created that shows the progress of each task in the series of tasks and its relationship with other tasks. Output the analysis result graph mentioned above. A business status analysis system characterized by the following features.

2. For each of the above tasks, the individual task visualization graph for the task includes a process progress graph showing the progress rate of the task in a time series for each unit of time, and a background information history table showing the background information of the task and the timing of its updates or references. The business status analysis system according to feature 1.

3. For each of the above tasks, the individual task visualization graph for that task represents a specific relationship, The aforementioned specific relationships include overtaking, speeding, or waiting, The individual task visualization unit determines whether or not the specific relationship exists for each task, and includes the determination result in the individual task visualization data. The business status analysis system according to feature 1.

4. The individual task visualization unit determines, for each task, that if a subsequent task is performed using the informal deliverables of the preceding task as prerequisite information without waiting for the completion of the formal deliverables of the preceding task, the status of the subsequent task is considered to have overtaken the previous task. The business status analysis system according to feature 3.

5. The individual task visualization unit determines that a task is skipped if, for each task, the subsequent task is performed without using the formal deliverables of the preceding task as prerequisite information, even though the preceding task has been completed. The business status analysis system according to feature 3.

6. The individual task visualization unit waits for each task to have deliverables from multiple preceding tasks to be completed before starting the subsequent task. However, if the progress of the subsequent task is stalled because the deliverables from any of the preceding tasks are not completed, the unit determines the status of the subsequent task to be in a state of waiting. The business status analysis system according to feature 3.

7. If the individual task visualization data includes information representing a specific relationship as a result of the determination, the state transition diagram synthesis unit will clearly indicate the specific relationship represented by that information in the individual task visualization graph corresponding to the subsequent task. A business status analysis system according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. The aforementioned business information includes the budget and actual amounts related to the implementation of each business. The aforementioned individual task visualization unit, for each of the aforementioned tasks, if the actual amount in the implementation of the task exceeds the budgeted amount, includes information representing the excess cost in the individual task visualization data. The state transition diagram synthesis unit, for each of the aforementioned tasks, if the individual task visualization data includes information representing the excess cost of that task, will explicitly display the excess cost represented by that information in the individual task visualization graph for that task. The business status analysis system according to feature 1.

9. A business status analysis method using a business status analysis system that analyzes a series of tasks consisting of multiple tasks with dependencies and visualizes the status of each task, The configuration management system, which is a computer in the aforementioned business status analysis system, stores business information relating to the business records and deliverables of each of the aforementioned business operations as business information data in a recording device. The aforementioned business information data includes data representing at least the date and time of execution, progress rate, and deliverables of the multiple business operations. In processes with dependencies between them, deliverables created in the preceding process are used in the subsequent process. The business status visualization device, which is another computer in the aforementioned business status analysis system, creates individual business visualization data for each business from the business information data stored in the recording device, showing the progress rate of the business per unit time, the deliverables of the preceding business used as prerequisite information when performing the business, and the relationship with the progress of other businesses. The aforementioned business status visualization device includes the step of creating an individual business visualization graph representing the time-series progress rate of each business in the series of business represented by the business process data representing the business processes of the series of business, from the individual business visualization data. The business status visualization device includes the step of creating a state transition diagram from the business process data, in which each of the multiple tasks in the business process represented by the business process data is a node, and the relationship between preceding and succeeding processes in the business process is an arrow; The business status visualization device creates an analysis result graph that shows the progress of each business in the series of business and its relationship with other business by incorporating the individual business visualization graph of the business corresponding to each node in the state transition diagram. The aforementioned business status visualization device includes the step of outputting the analysis result graph, A method for analyzing business conditions, characterized by comprising the following features.

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