Data management device and data management method

Abstract

To facilitate sharing of data / information between heterogeneous systems having different formats.SOLUTION: A data editing apparatus 100 used in each of heterogeneous systems and for managing a plurality of pieces of heterogeneous information different from each other, comprises: storage section 11 to 13 for storing component information 111 and process information 112 which are heterogeneous information, and a master pattern 113 indicative of a format of the component information; and an input information editing section 22 for creating master data 114 by reading the master pattern 113, inputting the process information 112 to the master pattern 113, and tying the process information 112 with the component information 111, wherein the master data 114 can be shared between the heterogeneous systems.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data management apparatus and method for managing a plurality of data and information.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, data utilization in various fields has been attempted, and the need for data management has been increasing. For example, as technologies for efficiently sharing design information and manufacturing information, BOM (Bill Of Material) editing support systems and BOP (Bill Of Process) editing support systems for managing parts lists and process sheets are known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that while a BOP (process sheet or resource sheet) can be designed independently of a BOM (parts list), integrated management of the BOM and BOP is realized, and a process design support apparatus includes a parts list storage unit that holds a parts list representing parts included in a product, a process sheet storage unit that holds a process sheet representing processes included in a process sequence, and an association unit that associates items included in the parts list with items included in the process sheet.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a manufacturing BOM editing support system comprising: a design BOM import unit that imports a design BOM composed of design information; a manufacturing BOM creation unit that associates the imported design BOM with a template for a manufacturing BOM, searches a manufacturing order master that manages attribute information necessary for manufacturing using the information on the imported design BOM as a key, and creates a manufacturing BOM by setting the retrieved attribute information in the template for the manufacturing BOM; a change information extraction unit that, when the manufacturing BOM creation unit creates a manufacturing BOM based on the design BOM before and after a design change for the same manufactured product, compares the manufacturing BOM before the design change and the manufacturing BOM after the design change and extracts change information indicating the changes; and a manufacturing BOM transfer unit that transfers the change information to a production management system. The manufacturing BOM transfer unit does not transfer the change information to the production management system if the modified design BOM is imported into the design BOM import unit before the change information is transferred to the production management system. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 18 / 088470 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-036899 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a process design support device for linking bills of materials (BOMs) and process schedules, but requires manual modification of the content when editing BOM or BOP information. Similarly, Patent Document 2 includes a manufacturing order master for editing BOMs, but requires manual modification of the content after selecting the master. Therefore, while Patent Documents 1 and 2 allow for editing BOMs and BOPs, manual editing is required when exchanging data between BOM design support systems and process design support systems with different formats. Consequently, sharing data between dissimilar systems remains a challenge in terms of work efficiency. In short, sharing dissimilar information with different formats has been difficult.

[0007] This challenge is not limited to BOMs and the like, but is also common in data management across heterogeneous systems in general. Therefore, the present invention aims to facilitate the sharing of heterogeneous information and enable the utilization of data even across heterogeneous systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention links disparate types of information (data) used in different systems using a master pattern that indicates the format, and creates master data using this result. More preferably, process information and part information are used as the disparate information.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention relates to a data management device used in different systems to manage multiple types of heterogeneous information, which includes a storage unit that stores the heterogeneous information, namely part information and process information, and a master pattern that indicates the format of the part information, and an input information editing unit that reads the master pattern, inputs the process information into the master pattern, and creates master data by linking the process information with the part information, thereby enabling the master data to be shared among the heterogeneous systems. The present invention also includes a data management method using the data management device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to construct a data master format and provide data storage and conversion technology that can also convert to heterogeneous master formats. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram of the data editing device 100 in Example 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows display screen 2-1 showing the master pattern 113 in Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow in Example 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows editing screen 2-2 in Example 1. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram of the data editing device 100 in Example 2. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow in Example 2. [Figure 7] This figure shows editing screen 2-2 in Example 2. [Figure 8] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the data editing device 100 in Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention is described below. In this embodiment, design information and manufacturing information are used as data, and data editing is realized as an example of data management. For this purpose, in this embodiment, a data management device is adopted for managing multiple different types of information used in different systems, which are different from each other. This device includes a storage unit that stores the different types of information, namely part information and process information, and a master pattern that indicates the format of the part information, and an input information editing unit that reads the master pattern, inputs the process information into the master pattern, and creates master data by linking the process information with the part information, and the master data is made shareable between the different systems. As a result, the created master data can be used to facilitate data sharing between different systems. Furthermore, related systems such as production management systems (software) can be made to function. The following describes an embodiment that shows this invention in more detail. [Examples]

[0013] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the data editing device 100 in Embodiment 1. The data editing device 100 in each embodiment, including this embodiment, is one aspect of the data management device of the present invention and includes a master pattern display unit 21, an input information editing unit 22, and various storage units. Here, each storage unit consists of a component information storage unit 11, a process information storage unit 12, a master pattern storage unit 13, and a master data storage unit 14. In addition, the data management device of the present invention may be provided with various functions other than data editing. These units will be described below.

[0014] First, the master pattern display unit 21 displays the master pattern 113 stored in the master pattern storage unit 13 on the display device. To do this, the master pattern display unit 21 creates display data. The display device can be a display or the like and can display information other than the master pattern 113. This display will be described later with reference to Figure 2, along with the contents of the master pattern 113. The display device is connected to the data editing device 100 or configured as an element of the data editing device 100.

[0015] Also, the component information storage unit 11 stores component information 111. Further, the process information storage unit 12 stores process information 112. First, the component information 111 is information about various components used in processes such as production. Therefore, the component information 111 is composed of item No. (item code) for identifying the corresponding component and items such as the type, name, and product of the component. Also, the process information 112 is information related to the process. Therefore, the process information 112 is composed of process No. for identifying the corresponding process, operation procedure name, operation content, drawing number (related drawing), management item, attention point, related device, tool, person in charge, in addition to the item No. of the components used. Note that the item No. may be information for identifying not only components but also semi-finished products and products composed of the corresponding components and created or used in the corresponding process. Further, the component information 111 may include a process No. for identifying the process in the corresponding component.

[0016] Here, the component information 111 and the process information 112 are examples of different types of heterogeneous information used in different systems. And the component information 111 and the process information 112 stored in the component information storage unit 11 and the process information storage unit 12 are stored as information that can be associated with each other. That is, in this embodiment and each of the following embodiments, as heterogeneous systems, a parts list design system (system of parts manufacturers) and a process design support system (system of assembly manufacturers) are exemplified. Also, component information 111 is used as an example of the first information included in the heterogeneous information, and process information 112 is used as an example of the second information. Also, the item No. of the component information 111 and the item No. of the process information 112 are stored in a state where they can be associated with each other. Thus, even when the process information 112 is created first, it is possible to associate the component information 111 later. Note that the process No. may be used for the association.

[0017] Also, the master pattern storage unit 13 stores a master pattern 113. The master pattern 113 indicates a format (template / framework) in the heterogeneous information and is used to create master data by inputting its content.

[0018] Here, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display screen 2-1 for displaying the master pattern 113 in Example 1. Also, using this figure, the content of the master pattern 113 will be described. In FIG. 2, on the display screen 2-1 displayed by the master pattern display unit 21 on the display device, as the master pattern 113, a BOM element 2001 (bill of materials element) and a BOP element 2002 (bill of processes element) are displayed. Here, the BOM element 2001 corresponds to the component information 111, and the BOP element 2002 indicates an element (item) corresponding to the process information 112. Therefore, for example, the component information 111 can be realized by a BOM (information), and the process information 112 can be realized by a BOP (information).

[0019] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the master pattern 113 can be represented in a hierarchical format. That is, the BOP element 2002 exists in the lower hierarchy of the BOM element 2001. Note that this hierarchical relationship is only an example, and the master pattern 113 may be configured in other formats or relationships.

[0020] Here, the BOM element 2001 has a part name and Key1 (item number in this figure), and the user can input these contents. Also, it shows a pattern in which the process information 112 (machining in this figure) is configured in a form linked to the component information 111 corresponding to the BOM element 2001. By having a data structure like that in FIG. 2, as described above, it becomes possible to efficiently manage the process information 112 even when the component information 111 is generated later.

[0021] Also, the master pattern 113 shown in FIG. 2 is in a form that defines the format of a hierarchical structure, and it is possible to convert the work process information described in the hierarchical structure according to the master pattern. Note that the master pattern 113 is preferably hierarchical like the process information 1'12, but there is no problem even if it is relational from the perspective of workability. Furthermore, when it is necessary to modify the process information 112 along the master pattern 113, it is also possible to make it easier to edit by visualizing it into a relational type.

[0022] Furthermore, the input information editing unit 22 links the disparate information, such as part information 111 and process information 112, to construct a master pattern 113, and creates master data 114 in response to the user's input. Details of this process will be described later using Figure 3. Note that the master pattern 113 can be prepared in advance and does not need to be created by the input information editing unit 22.

[0023] Furthermore, the master data storage unit 14 stores the master data 114 created by the input information editing unit 22. This concludes the explanation of the configuration (functional blocks) of Embodiment 1. In addition, the component information storage unit 11, process information storage unit 12, master pattern storage unit 13, and master data storage unit 14 may be implemented as one or more storage units or memory devices. Furthermore, the data editing device 100 has or is connected to an input unit that is operated by the user.

[0024] Next, we will describe the processing flow for creating the master data 114 in Example 1. Figure 3 is a flowchart of the processing flow in Example 1.

[0025] First, in step S1, the input information editing unit 22 reads a schema, which is a master pattern (1), from the master pattern storage unit 13, according to the user's specifications, etc. The read master pattern (1) contains the corresponding part information, or the corresponding part information can be identified.

[0026] Furthermore, in step S2, the input information editing unit 22 reads the process information that it wants to reflect in the read master pattern (1) from the process information storage unit 12. The input information editing unit 22 also inputs the read process information into the master pattern (1) so as to link it with the component information 111 that corresponds to the master pattern (1). In other words, the input information editing unit 22 links the component information and the process information by inputting the process information into the master pattern (1).

[0027] Furthermore, in step S3, the master pattern display unit 21 displays the process information input to the master pattern (1) on the display device. In other words, the display screen 2-1 shown in Figure 2 is displayed. As a result, the user can confirm whether to correct the displayed process information.

[0028] Here, process information 112 includes items such as process number, work procedure name, work content, drawing number, management items, points to note, related equipment, tools, and person in charge, as described above. For example, process information may be implemented as work process information necessary for product assembly or machining. Work process information indicates the processing and assembly sequence of parts, and it is desirable for management efficiency that the work information of the manufacturing procedure is linked to the data while maintaining the relationship between parent and child parts, for example. Therefore, it is desirable that work process information be implemented as hierarchical data. It is more preferable to use XML (Extensible Markup Language) as this hierarchical data.

[0029] Furthermore, the master pattern 113 defines a hierarchical format, and it is possible to convert work process information described in a hierarchical structure according to the master pattern 113. While a hierarchical format is preferable for the master pattern 113, similar to process information such as work process information, a relational format is also acceptable from the standpoint of ease of use. In particular, if it is necessary to modify the work process information according to the master pattern 113, visualizing it in a relational format makes it easier to edit.

[0030] Furthermore, in step S4, the input information editing unit 22 determines whether or not to modify the process information. To do this, the input information editing unit 22 uses user operations on the input unit. More specifically, the input unit accepts modification operations on the editing screen 2-2, and the input information editing unit 22 modifies the displayed process information in response to these operations. This executes the creation of the master data 114. As mentioned above, the master pattern has BOM elements 2001 and BOP elements 2002, so the created master data 114 will include BOM and BOP. In other words, the master data 114 will include bill of materials information and process information corresponding to BOM elements 2001 and BOP elements 2002. These bill of materials elements and process elements may be BOM elements 2001 and BOP elements 2002 themselves, or they may be converted in some way. These are also the same in the embodiments 2 and 3 described later.

[0031] Here, we will describe the display screen (editing screen) for creating master data 114, including the modification of process information in step S4. Figure 4 shows editing screen 2-2 in Example 1. Similar to display screen 2-1, the master pattern display unit 21 will also display information on the display screen for editing screen 2-2. Furthermore, by using editing screen 2-2 shown in Figure 4, BOM / BOP editing and various conversions can be achieved. As an example, in Figure 4, editing screen 2-2 has a master pattern confirmation area 201 and a post-input editing / confirmation area 202, and is a relational type editing screen. This relational type editing screen improves work efficiency.

[0032] Furthermore, Figure 4 includes a "Master Pattern Selection" area 203, a "Load File" area 204, an "Output File Format" area 205, and a "Save Location" area 206. These are used for selecting a master pattern, loading files such as process information, specifying the output format, and selecting the save location, respectively. Specifically, check commands for each area are entered using the input unit, and the input information editing unit 22 executes processing according to the check commands. Then, in accordance with these processes, the master pattern confirmation area 201 displays the formatted master pattern, i.e., the loaded master pattern (1), and the post-input editing / confirmation area 202 displays the process information entered into the master pattern (1).

[0033] If there are any modifications in step S4, the process proceeds to step S3. In other words, the master pattern display unit 21 displays the modified process information on the display screen 2-1 of the display device. If there are no modifications in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0034] Furthermore, in step S5, the master data 114 corresponding to the master pattern (1) in which the process information has been entered and modified is registered in the master data storage unit 14.

[0035] As described above, in Example 1, process information is read in response to input into editing screen 2-2 in Figure 4, and by specifying the format, it becomes possible to modify and output the process information entered into the master pattern (1). In other words, the input information editing unit 22 creates the master data 114 by modifying the mastered process information.

[0036] As a result, master data 114 can be shared across different systems, and especially used seamlessly, leading to increased efficiency in operations within these systems. [Examples]

[0037] Next, we will describe Example 2. In Example 1, one master pattern, that is, master pattern (1), is used as the master pattern, and master data 114 is created using this. In contrast, in Example 2, data can be shared even when there are multiple master patterns. In other words, in Example 2, master data 114 is created so that heterogeneous information can be shared even when heterogeneous master patterns are used in each heterogeneous system.

[0038] In Example 2, as well, the part information 111 and the process information 112 are stored as mutually linkable information. For example, the item number of the part information and the item number of the process information are stored in a way that allows for association. This makes it possible to associate the part information 111 later, even if the process information 112 is created first, just like in Example 1. Furthermore, the master pattern 113 is the same as the hierarchical format shown in Figure 2 in Example 1.

[0039] The following will describe the configuration, focusing on the differences from the configuration of Example 1 (Figure 1). Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the data editing device 100 in Example 2. In Figure 5, the data editing device 100 further includes a master pattern comparison unit 23, a pre-change process information display unit 24, and a post-change process information display unit 25, compared to Figure 1. Here, the pre-change process information display unit 24 and the post-change process information display unit 25 display the pre-change process information and post-change process information, respectively, on the display device, similar to Example 1. Note that Example 1 may also include the master pattern display unit 21 from Example 1, or the pre-change process information display unit 24 and the post-change process information display unit 25 may be used instead.

[0040] Next, we will describe the processing flow for creating the master data 114 in Example 2. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the processing flow in Example 2.

[0041] First, similar to Example 1, in step S1, the input information editing unit 22 reads a schema, which is the master pattern (1), from the master pattern storage unit 13, according to the user's specifications, etc., from among the multiple master patterns 113.

[0042] Furthermore, in step S11, the input information editing unit 22 reads the schema, which is master pattern (2), from the master pattern storage unit 13, according to the user's specifications, etc. This can be achieved with the same processing as in step S1, but the nesting order of BOM element 2001 or BOP element 2002 in Figure 2 differs between master pattern (1) and master pattern (2). Alternatively, the order of the hierarchy or the number of hierarchies may differ. Thus, there are differences in the data hierarchy structure (configuration) itself between master pattern (1) and master pattern (2), and it is desirable that their contents be the same or partially overlapping.

[0043] Here, master pattern (1) and master pattern (2) represent the formats for part information 111 and process information 112, respectively. Alternatively, master pattern (1) and master pattern (2) represent the formats used in systems that handle them. These systems include, for example, the bill of materials design system and the process design support system, such as the xxx system 400 and yyy system 500 in Example 3.

[0044] Furthermore, in step S12, the master pattern comparison unit 23 compares the hierarchical structure (configuration) of the read master pattern (1) and master pattern (2). Then, in step S13, the master pattern comparison unit 23 identifies a master pattern conversion definition for converting the master pattern according to the comparison result in step S12. The master pattern conversion definition is based on the difference between the compared master pattern (1) and master pattern (2), and is defined to convert the data of master pattern (1) to the data of master pattern (2).

[0045] Also, similar to step S2, in step S14, the input information editing unit 22 inputs process information into the read master pattern (1). Then, in step S15, the input information editing unit 22 converts the process information from step S14 using the master pattern conversion definition identified in step S13. Finally, the input information editing unit 22 inputs the converted process information into the master pattern (2).

[0046] Furthermore, in step S16, the pre-change process information display unit 24 and the post-change process information display unit 25 display the process information entered in master pattern (1) and the process information entered in master pattern (2) on the display device. Specifically, the editing screen 2-2 shown in Figure 7, or the pre-change process information area 207 and post-change process information area 208 contained therein, are displayed on the display device. In the example in Figure 7, "Master process information for xxx" is the process information of master pattern (1) that shows the pre-change process information, and "Master process information for yyy" is the process information of master pattern (2) that shows the post-change process information. By using these, the user can confirm whether to modify the displayed process information.

[0047] In Example 2, the pre-change process information display unit 24 displays the process information entered into the master pattern (1), and the post-change process information display unit 25 displays the converted process information entered into the master pattern (2). However, the pre-change process information display unit 24 and the post-change process information display unit 25 may be configured as a single display unit.

[0048] Also, similar to step S4, in step S17, the input information editing unit 22 determines whether or not the process information needs to be modified. To do this, the input information editing unit 22 uses user operations on the input unit. More specifically, the input unit accepts modification operations on the editing screen 2-2, and the input information editing unit 22 modifies the displayed process information in response to those operations. This then executes the creation of the master data 114.

[0049] Here, we will describe the display screen (editing screen) for creating the master data 114, including the modification of process information in step S17. As mentioned above, Figure 7 shows the editing screen 2-2 in Example 2. In this editing screen 2-2, BOM / BOP editing and various conversions can be performed, similar to Example 1. For this reason, as mentioned above, the editing screen 2-2 has a pre-change process information area 207 and a post-change process information area 208. In Figure 7, each of these areas is implemented as a relational display / editing screen, but it may also be a hierarchical screen as shown in Figure 2. Note that, as illustrated, using a relational editing screen improves work efficiency.

[0050] Furthermore, the editing screen 2-2 shown in Figure 7 has a "Load File" area 204, an "Output File Format" area 205, and a "Save Location" area 206, similar to those in Example 1. These have the same functions as those in Example 1. In addition, the editing screen 2-2 has a "Pre-Conversion Master Pattern" area 209 and a "Post-Conversion Master Pattern" area 210. Here, the "Pre-Conversion Master Pattern" area 209 is the area for selecting the pre-conversion master pattern. In Figure 7, the "Pre-Conversion Master Pattern" area 209 selects the master pattern for xxx, which is master pattern (1). Also, the "Post-Conversion Master Pattern" area 210 selects the master pattern for yyy, which is master pattern (2), as the post-conversion master pattern.

[0051] With the above configuration, check commands for each area are entered using the input unit, and the input information editing unit 22 executes the above-mentioned processes in accordance with the check commands. Then, in accordance with these processes, the process information of the master patterns formatted in the master pattern confirmation area 201, i.e., master pattern (1) and master pattern (2), is displayed in the pre-change process information area 207 and the post-change process information area 208. Furthermore, the input information editing unit 22 modifies the content of the process information displayed in the pre-change process information area 207 and the post-change process information area 208 in accordance with the user's modification instructions via the input unit. Then, the pre-change process information display unit 24 and the post-change process information display unit 25 display the modified process information.

[0052] Furthermore, if there are modifications in step S17, the process transitions to step S13. In other words, the master pattern comparison unit 23 modifies the master pattern conversion definition again according to the results of the modifications made in response to the user input in step S17. If there are no modifications in step S17, the process transitions to step S18.

[0053] Furthermore, in step S18, the pre-change process information display unit 24 or the post-change process information display unit 25 displays the process information of the master pattern (2) on the display device. As a result, process information is displayed for both cases where modifications have been made and where they have not.

[0054] The term "process information" here is synonymous with that used in Example 1. In particular, when using work process information, management efficiency can be improved by linking work information of the manufacturing procedure to data while being mindful of the processing and assembly order of parts, for example, while maintaining the relationship between parent and child parts. For this reason, it is desirable to store the process information as hierarchical data, and it is even more preferable to use a hierarchical structure using XML, similar to Example 1.

[0055] Furthermore, the master pattern 113 defines a hierarchical format, and in Example 2, process information can be converted between different master patterns. In addition, while a hierarchical format is preferable for the master pattern 113, similar to the work process information, a relational format is also acceptable from the standpoint of ease of use. Moreover, if it is necessary to modify the work process information according to the master pattern 113, it is possible to make it easier to edit by visualizing it in a relational format. In addition, in Example 2, the master data 114 can be shared across different systems, and especially used seamlessly, thereby improving the efficiency of operations in these systems. This concludes the explanation of Example 2. [Examples]

[0056] Next, we will describe Example 3, which shows an implementation example for realizing Examples 1 and 2. Figure 8 is a hardware configuration diagram of the data editing device 100 in Example 3. In Figure 8, the data editing device 100 can be implemented as a computer such as a server and has a processing unit 101, a communication device 102, a main memory 104, and a sub-memory 105, which are connected to each other via a communication channel 103 such as a bus.

[0057] First, the processing unit 101 can be implemented as a processor such as a CPU and performs calculations according to the data editing program 120 stored in the sub-memory 105, which will be described later. The data editing program 120 will be described later. In addition, the communication device 102 is connected to the network 600 and communicates with other devices and systems.

[0058] Furthermore, the main memory 104 and sub-memory 105 correspond to the component information storage unit 11, process information storage unit 12, master pattern storage unit 13, and master data storage unit 14 in Figures 1 and 5. The main memory 104 is where the data editing program 120 and component information 111 used for processing in the processing unit 101, which are stored in the sub-memory 105, are loaded. The sub-memory 105 can be implemented as a so-called storage device and stores the data editing program 120, component information 111, process information 112, master pattern 113, and master data 114. The sub-memory 105 may also be implemented as an external storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card, or as a separate device from the data editing device 100, such as a file server. For example, in Figure 8, a file server 300 is provided and stores the component information 111, process information 112, master pattern 113, and master data 114. In this case, the secondary memory device 105 can omit storing this information.

[0059] Here, the data editing program 120 consists of a master pattern display module 121, an input information editing module 122, a master pattern comparison module 123, a pre-change process information display module 124, and a post-change process information display module 125. Note that each of these modules may be implemented as an individual program or as a combination of some of them.

[0060] Here, the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 5, which perform the same functions as each module, are as follows: Master pattern display module 121: Master pattern display unit 21 Input Information Editing Module 122: Input Information Editing Section 22 Master pattern comparison module 123: Master pattern comparison unit 23 Pre-change process information display module 124: Pre-change process information display unit 24 Modified process information display module 125: Modified process information display unit 25 Therefore, the processing unit 101 will execute the processing of the master pattern display unit 21, the input information editing unit 22, the master pattern comparison unit 23, the pre-change process information display unit 24, and the post-change process information display unit 25 in accordance with the data editing program 120.

[0061] Furthermore, the communication device 102 also connects to the terminal device group 200, the xxx system 400, and the yyy system 500 via the network 600. The network 600 may be a wide-area network such as the internet, or a limited network such as an intranet.

[0062] Furthermore, the terminal device group 200 can be implemented using computers such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets, and has the display devices and input units of Examples 1 and 2. The terminal device group 200 may also be singular, or it may be connected to the data editing device 100 without going through the network 600. Moreover, the xxx system 400 and the yyy system 500 are examples of bill of materials design systems and process design support systems, and can be implemented as business systems that handle master data for xxx and master data for yyy, respectively. Therefore, these are used by parts manufacturers, assembly manufacturers, etc. Thus, the xxx system 400 and the yyy system 500 can each store their own master patterns 113, parts information 111, and process information 112. In Example 3, the master data 114 can be shared between the different systems (xxx system 400 and yyy system 500), and can be used particularly seamlessly, thereby improving the efficiency of operations in these systems.

[0063] In this embodiment, the yyy system 500 is used as a production system, and the created master data 114 can be used to support product assembly operations. In other words, the production system is made to function using the master data 114. However, the xxx system 400 or the data editing device 100 may also be used as a production system, or the functions of the data editing device 100 may be provided in the xxx system 400 or the yyy system 500.

[0064] This concludes the description of each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments 1 to 3. For example, information other than part information 111 and process information 112 can be used as heterogeneous information, and the present invention can be applied to fields other than manufacturing. Furthermore, the heterogeneous information is not limited to just two types. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 11: Parts Information Storage Unit 12: Process information storage section 13: Master Pattern Storage Unit 14: Master Data Storage Unit 21: Master Pattern Display Section 22: Input Information Editing Department 23: Master Pattern Comparison Section 24: Display section for information on the process before the change 25: Display unit for modified process information 100: Data editing device 101: Processing Unit 102: Communication equipment 103: Communication Channel 104: Main memory 105: Secondary storage device 111: Part Information 111 112: Process information 112 113: Master Pattern 114: Master Data 120: Data editing program 200: Terminal device group 300: File Server 400:xxx system 500: yyy system 600: Network 2001: BOM element 2002: BOP elements

Claims

1. In a data management device used in different systems to manage multiple types of heterogeneous information that are distinct from each other, A storage unit that stores the aforementioned heterogeneous information, namely part information and process information, and a master pattern indicating the format of the part information, The system includes an input information editing unit that reads the master pattern, inputs the process information into the master pattern, and creates master data by linking the process information with the part information. A data management device that enables the sharing of the aforementioned master data among the aforementioned heterogeneous systems.

2. In the data management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned part information and the aforementioned process information each have an item code that identifies the part, The input information editing unit is a data management device that links the part information and the process information using the item code.

3. In the data management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned process information is a data management device that handles hierarchical data.

4. In the data management device according to claim 1, The master pattern includes bill of materials elements and process chart elements, The input information editing unit is a data management device that creates the master data, which includes bill of materials information and process schedule information corresponding to the bill of materials elements and process schedule elements.

5. In the data management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned input information editing unit, A first master pattern corresponding to the aforementioned part information and a second master pattern corresponding to the aforementioned process information are read. The first master pattern and the second master pattern are compared to identify the master pattern conversion definition. A data management device that inputs the process information into the first master pattern and inputs the process information converted according to the master pattern conversion definition into the second master pattern to create the master pattern.

6. In the data management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Furthermore, it has a display unit that displays the master pattern into which the process information has been input, The input information editing unit is a data management device that modifies the master pattern on which the process information has been input, in response to a modification instruction for the display on the display unit.

7. In a data management method for managing multiple different types of information used in different systems, using a data management device, The memory unit stores the aforementioned heterogeneous information, namely part information and process information, and a master pattern indicating the format of the part information. The input information editing department inputs the process information into the master pattern and creates master data by linking the process information with the part information. A data management method that enables the sharing of the aforementioned master data between the aforementioned heterogeneous systems.

8. In the data management method described in claim 7, The aforementioned part information and the aforementioned process information each have an item code that identifies the part, A data management method by which the input information editing unit links the part information and the process information using the item code.

9. In the data management method described in claim 8, The aforementioned process information is a data management method that uses hierarchical data.

10. In the data management method described in claim 7, The master pattern includes bill of materials elements and process chart elements, A data management method in which the input information editing unit creates the master data, which includes bill of materials information and process schedule information corresponding to the bill of materials elements and process schedule elements.

11. In the data management method described in claim 7, The aforementioned input information editing unit will, A first master pattern corresponding to the aforementioned part information and a second master pattern corresponding to the aforementioned process information are read. The first master pattern and the second master pattern are compared to identify the master pattern conversion definition. A data management method for creating a master pattern by inputting the process information into the first master pattern and inputting the process information converted according to the master pattern conversion definition into the second master pattern.

12. In the data management method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, The display unit displays the master pattern on which the process information has been input. A data management method in which the input information editing unit modifies the master pattern on which the process information is entered in response to a modification instruction for the display on the display unit.

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