Management systems, production systems, and management methods
The management system optimizes energy use in production lines by predicting arrival times and switching devices to energy-saving modes, achieving energy savings without reducing efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images
Figure 0007867215000001 
Figure 0007867215000002 
Figure 0007867215000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system, a production system, and a management method.
Background Art
[0002] When producing a substrate on which a large number of components are mounted, it is generally common to configure a production line (SMT (Surface Mounting Technology) line). The production line is configured by connecting devices such as a solder printing device, an electronic component mounting device, a reflow device, and a substrate inspection device.
[0003] In recent years, energy saving of such a production line has become an issue, and technologies for shifting the devices to an energy-saving mode have been studied (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] By the way, it is desired to achieve energy saving without reducing the production efficiency.
[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a management system, a production system, and a management method capable of realizing energy saving of a production line while suppressing a decrease in the production efficiency of the production line.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] A management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a management system for managing a plurality of production devices in a production line that performs predetermined work on an object, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires production plan information for the production line and operation information for the plurality of production devices; an analysis unit that analyzes the production status of the production line based on the operation information; a prediction unit that predicts the arrival time of the object at each of the plurality of production devices based on the production plan information and the production status; and an output unit that outputs transition information based on the arrival time to at least one of the plurality of production devices in order to switch that production device to an energy-saving mode.
[0008] A production system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the above-mentioned management system and a plurality of production devices in a production line for mounting components onto an object.
[0009] A management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a management method performed by a management system that manages a plurality of production devices in a production line that performs predetermined work on an object, the management system acquires production plan information for the production line and operation information for the plurality of production devices, analyzes the production status of the production line based on the operation information, predicts the arrival time of the object at each of the plurality of production devices based on the production plan information and the production status, and outputs transition information based on the arrival time to at least one of the plurality of production devices to switch that production device to an energy-saving mode. [Effects of the Invention]
[0010] According to a management system, etc., relating to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to achieve energy savings in the production line while suppressing a decline in the production efficiency of the production line. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a production system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A]Figure 2A is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the production apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the production system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the cycle time of a production line according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the production apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of device information according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a production system according to a modified embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0012] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment described below is either a comprehensive or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps (processes), and the order of steps (processes) shown in each embodiment below are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in each embodiment below that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.
[0013] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for substantially identical components in each figure, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.
[0014] In addition, in this specification, terms indicating the relationship between elements such as the same and the like, as well as numerical values and numerical ranges, are not expressions representing only strict meanings, but are expressions meaning to include substantially equivalent ranges, for example, differences on the order of several percent (for example, on the order of 10%).
[0015] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, the production system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.
[0016] [1. Configuration of Production System] First, the configuration of the production system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2B. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the production system 1 according to this embodiment.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the production system 1 includes a plan generation device 10, a management device 20, and a production line L1. In this embodiment, the production system 1 is a component mounting system for mounting components on a substrate in a factory. The substrate is an example of an object, and mounting is an example of a predetermined operation. Hereinafter, a plurality of production devices including the production devices 30, 40, and 50 constituting the production line L1 are also simply referred to as production devices 30 and the like.
[0018] The plan generation device 10 is communicably connected to the management device 20 and generates production plan information indicating the production plan of the production line L1. The plan generation device 10 generates production plan information based on, for example, information on the substrate to be produced and equipment information of the production line L1, but the method of generating production plan information is not limited to this, and any method may be used. The plan generation device 10 is realized by, for example, a computer. The information on the substrate to be produced includes, for example, information such as the type of the substrate, the type of components to be mounted on the substrate, the number of components, and the arrangement of the components.
[0019] The production plan information includes the production start time, the production end time, information on the substrate to be produced, and the like. The equipment information includes information on the production devices 30 and the like.
[0020] The management device 20 is a management system for managing the production equipment 30 and other components of the production line L1, and is connected to the production generation device 10 and the production equipment 30 and other components in a communicative manner. The management device 20 controls the operation of the production equipment 30 and other components based on the production plan information. The management device 20 also executes a process to switch the production equipment 30 and other components to energy-saving mode. In this embodiment, the management device 20 predicts the arrival time of substrates at each of the production equipment 30 and other components based on the production plan information of the production line L1 and the operation information of the production equipment 30 and other components. Then, it is determined whether or not to switch the production equipment 30 and other components to energy-saving mode according to the predicted arrival time. In other words, the production equipment 30 and other components do not perform a uniform control such as switching to energy-saving mode when no substrates are transported for a certain period of time, but rather the switch to energy-saving mode is performed according to the production situation at that time.
[0021] The energy-saving mode is an operating mode in which some functions or operations of the production equipment 30 are restricted in order to reduce the power consumption of the production equipment 30, and is an operating mode that consumes less power than the normal mode (low power consumption mode). The energy-saving mode is, for example, the operating mode when component mounting is not performed on the production line L1. The normal mode is an operating mode in which the functions or operations of the production equipment 30 are not restricted, and is the operating mode when component mounting is performed on the production line L1.
[0022] The configuration of the management device 20 will now be explained with reference to Figure 2A. Figure 2A is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management device 20 according to this embodiment. Figure 2A illustrates the components necessary to realize the function of the management device 20 that performs processing related to the transition to energy-saving mode.
[0023] As shown in Figure 2A, the management device 20 comprises an acquisition unit 21, an analysis unit 22, a processing unit 23, and an output unit 24. The management device 20 is composed of a microcontroller (i.e., an IC equipped with a processor and memory), and each function of the management device 20 is realized by the processor executing a computer program stored in memory.
[0024] The acquisition unit 21 acquires various information for transitioning to energy-saving mode. Specifically, the acquisition unit 21 acquires production plan information from the plan generation device 10 and operational information from each of the production devices 30, etc. The operational information includes production results (e.g., number of units produced), the time when the circuit boards were brought in (delivery time), the time when the circuit boards were delivered out (delivery time), error information indicating that an error occurred, and recovery information indicating that the device recovered from an error. The operational information may also include information indicating the current operating mode. In other words, the operational information may include information indicating whether the production device is operating in normal mode or energy-saving mode. The acquisition unit 21 is configured to include a communication circuit (communication module).
[0025] The analysis unit 22 analyzes the production status of production line L1 based on the acquired operational information. The production status includes (i) in production, (ii) not in production or in production of the first (e.g., the first) board, (iii) in production of the final board, and (IV) production stopped. Depending on the production status, it is determined whether or not to switch to energy-saving mode.
[0026] (i) "In production" indicates that production is currently underway. Based on the operational information, the analysis unit 22 analyzes whether an error has occurred in any of the production devices, such as the production equipment 30.
[0027] (ii) Not in production indicates that production has not started (the production start time has not passed). Not in production is a state where the next production is waiting to start or the next board is arriving (a standby state). Also, during the first board production indicates that production has just started, for example, that boards are flowing to the upstream production equipment, but boards have not yet arrived at the downstream production equipment.
[0028] (iii) During the final production of the circuit board, it is indicated that the last circuit board in the production plan is flowing through production line L1.
[0029] (IV) "Production suspended" indicates that production is temporarily suspended. During a production suspension, there are no circuit boards in production line L1.
[0030] The processing unit 23 executes various processes to switch the production equipment 30, etc., to energy-saving mode based on the production plan information and the production status. In this embodiment, the processing unit 23 functions as a prediction unit that predicts the arrival time of substrates in each of the production equipment 30, etc., based on the production plan information and the production status.
[0031] As will be described in detail later, the processing unit 23 predicts the arrival time based on production plan information, error information, production time (see Figure 4), etc., if (i) production is in progress. The processing unit 23 also predicts the arrival time based on production plan information including the next production plan, production time, etc., if (ii) production is not in progress, and if the first board is being produced, it predicts the arrival time based on the time it takes for the board to flow into the production equipment (e.g., production time, etc.). The processing unit 23 may also predict the arrival time based on production plan information including the next production plan, production time, etc., if (iii) the final board is being produced and (IV) production is paused. Furthermore, the processing unit 23 may, for example, if (iii) the final board is being produced, switch the entire production equipment to energy-saving mode after the final board has flown through, or if (IV) production is paused, switch the entire production equipment to energy-saving mode.
[0032] The output unit 24 outputs transition information to at least one production device, such as the production device 30, to switch that device to energy-saving mode. The transition information is based on arrival time (e.g., production time) and may include the arrival time itself, or it may include the arrival time calculated using the arrival time. The output unit 24 is configured to include a communication circuit (communication module).
[0033] Referring again to Figure 1, production line L1 is composed of various devices connected together that perform tasks such as supplying substrates, solder printing, component mounting, and reflow soldering. Production equipment 30, etc., includes, for example, production equipment that supplies substrates (substrate supply equipment), production equipment that performs solder printing (solder printing equipment), production equipment that performs component mounting (mounting machine or component mounting equipment), and production equipment that performs reflow soldering (reflow equipment or reflow oven). In production line L1, production equipment 30 is, for example, upstream production equipment, and production equipment 50 is, for example, downstream production equipment. Also, for example, with respect to production equipment 40, production equipment 30 is upstream of production equipment 40, and production equipment 50 is downstream of production equipment 40.
[0034] Here, the configuration of the production apparatus 30 and other components will be explained with reference to Figure 2B. Figure 2B is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment. Figure 2B illustrates the components necessary to realize the function of the production apparatus 30 that performs processing related to transitioning to energy-saving mode. The functional configurations of production apparatuses 40 and 50 are the same as those of production apparatus 30, and their explanation will be omitted.
[0035] As shown in Figure 2B, the production apparatus 30 comprises an acquisition unit 31, a determination unit 32, a mode control unit 33, and a plurality of units 34. The production apparatus 30 is configured to include a microcontroller (i.e., an IC with a processor and memory), and each function of the production apparatus 30 is realized by the processor executing a computer program stored in memory. Furthermore, the number of units 34 in the production apparatus 30 is not particularly limited and may be two or more, or it may be just one.
[0036] The acquisition unit 31 acquires various information related to the transition to energy-saving mode. Specifically, the acquisition unit 31 acquires transition information from the management device 20. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 31 acquires the arrival time as transition information. The acquisition unit 31 is configured to include a communication circuit (communication module).
[0037] The determination unit 32 determines whether to transition the device from normal mode to energy-saving mode based on the transition information, and whether to transition the device from energy-saving mode to normal mode based on the recovery information.
[0038] The mode control unit 33 performs control to switch the operating modes of the multiple units 34 based on the determination result of the determination unit 32.
[0039] Unit 34 is a component for performing predetermined operations on a circuit board within the device. Furthermore, each of the multiple units 34 is configured to have an independently controllable operating mode.
[0040] [2. Operation of the Production System] Next, the operation of the production system 1 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 7. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation (management method) of the production system 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, steps S11 to S15 are a sequence diagram for acquiring the cycle time, and steps S16 to S23 are a sequence diagram for switching other production equipment to energy-saving mode when an error occurs in the production equipment.
[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the plan generation device 10 generates production plan information and outputs the generated production plan information to the management device 20, and the management device 20 acquires the production plan information via the acquisition unit 21 (S11).
[0042] Next, the control device 20 outputs a production instruction to the production equipment 30, etc., based on the production plan information, and the production equipment 30, etc., acquires the production instruction (S12). When the production equipment 30, etc. acquires a production instruction (for example, a production start instruction), it switches from energy-saving mode to normal mode and performs production according to the production instruction.
[0043] Next, the production equipment 30 outputs operational information for the production of the production instructions to the management device 20, and the management device 20 acquires the operational information via the acquisition unit 21 (S13).
[0044] Next, the control device 20 calculates the cycle time of production line L1 based on the operational information (S14) and stores the calculated cycle time in a storage unit (not shown) (S15). The cycle time of production line L1 indicates the time required to produce one circuit board in production line L1 after performing a predetermined operation.
[0045] The control device 20 calculates the cycle time required for each production device 30, etc. to perform work (process work) on one circuit board, based on the loading and unloading times included in the operational information. The cycle time of the production line L1 is calculated by adding the cycle time of each production device 30, etc. and the transport time between the production devices 30, etc. Steps S14 and S15 are performed, for example, by the processing unit 23.
[0046] Figure 4 shows an example of the cycle time of production line L1 according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis in Figure 4 represents the production equipment, and the vertical axis represents time (production time). Equipment A is the upstream production equipment, and equipment L is the downstream production equipment, with substrates being transported sequentially from equipment A to equipment L. Hereafter, cycle time will also be referred to as production time.
[0047] Figure 4 shows the production time required for each of the production devices 30 (devices A, B, C...L, M shown in Figure 4) to perform a process on a single substrate. For example, based on Figure 4, it is possible to calculate the production time from one production device to another. For instance, the production time from when a substrate is brought into device C until it is brought into device M (production time from device C to device L) can be calculated by adding the transport time to the production time from device C to device L. Also, for example, if the time the substrate is brought into device C is known, the time the substrate is brought into device M can be calculated based on that time and the production time from device C to device L.
[0048] Furthermore, the production time for each production device 30 shown in Figure 4 may change if the type of circuit board, the type of components mounted on the circuit board, the number of components, and the arrangement of components change. Therefore, it is preferable to obtain the production time for each type of circuit board, the type of components mounted on the circuit board, the number of components, and the arrangement of components.
[0049] Furthermore, the production time required for each production device 30, etc., is not limited to being calculated based on operational information, but may also be obtained through input from workers, etc.
[0050] Referring again to Figure 3, the next step is for the plan generation device 10 to generate the next production plan information, output the generated production plan information to the management device 20, and the management device 20 to acquire the next production plan information via the acquisition unit 21 (S16).
[0051] Next, the control device 20 outputs a production instruction to the production equipment 30, etc., based on the following production plan information, and the production equipment 30, etc., acquires the production instruction (S17). The production equipment 30, etc., carries out production based on the acquired production instruction.
[0052] Next, the production equipment 30 outputs operational information during production to the management device 20, and the management device 20 acquires the operational information via the acquisition unit 21 (S18).
[0053] Next, the control device 20 determines, based on the operational information, whether or not an error has occurred in any of the production devices 30, etc. (S19). The error here is, for example, an error that stops production on production line L1. When an error occurs, the transport of substrates is stopped in the production devices located upstream of the production device where the error occurred.
[0054] If the control device 20 determines that an error has occurred (Yes in S19), it predicts the arrival time of the substrate (S20). Based on the cycle time (production time) calculated in step S14, the control device 20 predicts (calculates) the production time of the substrate to each of the production devices 30, etc., as the arrival time. The control device 20 may, for example, predict only the production time of the substrate to each of the one or more production devices downstream from the production device where the error occurred. This makes it possible to predict how long it will take for the substrate to be delivered to each of the one or more downstream production devices after the error is cleared.
[0055] Next, the control device 20 outputs the arrival time for each of the production devices 30, and each of the production devices 30 acquires the arrival time corresponding to that production device (S21). Alternatively, the control device 20 may output the arrival time for one or more downstream production devices, and each of the one or more downstream production devices acquires the arrival time corresponding to that production device.
[0056] Next, each of the production devices 30, etc., determines whether it is possible to switch to energy-saving mode based on the arrival time (S22). If it is determined that it is possible to switch to energy-saving mode (Yes in S22), it switches to energy-saving mode (S23). If it is determined that it is not possible to switch to energy-saving mode (No in S22), it remains in normal mode and waits.
[0057] Furthermore, if the control device 20 determines that no error has occurred (No in S19), it will not perform the process of transitioning to energy-saving mode and will continue production in normal mode.
[0058] Next, the operation of the control device 20 and the production device 30 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation (control method) of the control device 20 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 shows a flowchart when the cycle time (production time) of the production line L1 has been acquired and the production device 30, etc., is performing production based on the production instruction.
[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the acquisition unit 21 of the management device 20 acquires operational information from each production device 30, etc. (S101). The timing at which the acquisition unit 21 acquires operational information is not particularly limited. Operational information may be acquired at predetermined time intervals, or it may be acquired when a predetermined event, such as the occurrence of an error, occurs in the production device. The acquisition unit 21 outputs the operational information to the analysis unit 22. Step S101 corresponds to step S18 shown in Figure 3.
[0060] Next, the control device 20 executes the processes in steps S102 to S106 for each production device 30, etc. The nth (n is an integer of 1 or more) production device shown from step S102 onwards is the production device for which the processes in steps S102 to S106 are currently being executed. n is set, for example, to be 1, 2, ... in order from the upstream production devices of the production line L1, with the value increasing as the production devices move downstream, but is not limited to this. Also, in this embodiment, the control device 20 executes the processes in steps S102 to S106 sequentially from the upstream production devices to the downstream production devices, but is not limited to this.
[0061] First, the analysis unit 22 of the control device 20 determines, based on operational information from each production device 30, whether or not substrate production is underway at a production device in a process preceding the nth production device (S102).
[0062] Next, if the analysis unit 22 determines that the production equipment in the preceding process is in the process of producing substrates (Yes in S102), it determines whether or not an error has occurred in the production equipment in the preceding process (S103). Step S103 corresponds to step S19 shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the determinations in steps S102 and S103 are just one example of analyzing the production status.
[0063] The analysis unit 22 determines that an error has occurred in the production equipment of the preceding process if the operational information from any of the production equipment in the preceding process contains error information. The analysis unit 22 also identifies which production equipment in the preceding process caused the error based on the error information. The analysis unit 22 outputs information indicating the production equipment where the error occurred to the processing unit 23.
[0064] Next, if the analysis unit 22 determines that an error has occurred in the production equipment of the previous process (Yes in S103), the processing unit 23 predicts the arrival time of the substrate based on the error information and production plan information (S104). Step S104 corresponds to step S20 shown in Figure 3.
[0065] First, the processing unit 23 reads the production time corresponding to the substrate from the storage unit based on the type of substrate included in the production plan information. The production time is used to predict the arrival time of each production device 30, etc.
[0066] The processing unit 23 then predicts the production time from the production unit where the error occurred to the nth production unit as the arrival time. The arrival time indicates the shortest possible time from when the production unit where the error occurred recovers until the substrate is delivered to the nth production unit.
[0067] The processing unit 23 may, for example, predict the time required for the production equipment that has experienced an error to recover from the error, and based on the production time and the required time, predict the arrival time of the substrate for each of the production equipment 30, or for each of one or more production equipment. For example, the time required to recover from the current error can be predicted from the type of error that occurred and the past required time for the same error (time taken to recover from the error). The prediction of the required time is not limited to the method described above and may be predicted by any method. The processing unit 23 outputs the arrival time predicted in step S104 to the output unit 24.
[0068] Furthermore, if the analysis unit 22 determines that the production equipment in the preceding process is not currently producing substrates (No in S102), and if the analysis unit 22 determines that no errors have occurred in the production equipment in the preceding process (No in S103), the processing unit 23 predicts the arrival time based on the production plan information (S105).
[0069] In step S102, the case of "No" is assumed to be, for example, when the current time has passed the production end time included in the production plan information, that is, when production has ended, or when components have not been mounted on the board in the previous process, but the board is waiting for the next board to arrive (standby state). In this case, the processing unit 23 predicts the arrival time based on the production plan information and the production time. For example, the processing unit 23 may predict the arrival time of the board in the next production of the nth production device as the arrival time, based on the start time of the next production included in the production plan information, the production time of the process preceding the nth production device (an example of one production device), and the transport time.
[0070] Furthermore, the case where No is selected in step S103 is assumed to be, for example, when production based on the production plan is proceeding smoothly. If the substrate has not yet arrived at the nth production device (one example of a production device), the processing unit 23 predicts the arrival time of the substrate at the nth production device based on the production time and transport time of the process prior to the nth production device. For example, the processing unit 23 identifies the current position of the substrate flowing at the front of the production line L1 (for example, which production device it is being processed at) from the operational information, and predicts the arrival time (for example, arrival time) when the substrate will be delivered to the nth production device in the current production based on the production time and transport time from the identified position to the nth production device.
[0071] The processing unit 23 outputs the arrival time predicted in step S105 to the output unit 24.
[0072] Next, the output unit 24 outputs the arrival time to the nth production unit (S106).
[0073] Next, the analysis unit 22 determines whether the processing in steps S102 to S106 has been completed in all production devices (production devices 30, etc.) (S107). If the analysis unit 22 determines that the processing in steps S102 to S106 has been completed in all production devices (Yes in S107), it terminates the process.
[0074] Furthermore, if the analysis unit 22 determines that the processing in steps S102 to S106 has not been completed in all production devices (No in S107), it sets n = n + 1 (S108) and executes the processing from step S102 onwards for the production device one level downstream.
[0075] As a result, the output unit 24 notifies each of the production devices 30, etc., included in the production line L1 of transition information, including arrival time or arrival date, according to the production status. Note that the output unit 24 may output transition information to, for example, only one or more production devices.
[0076] Next, the operation of the production equipment 30, etc., which has acquired the arrival time from the management device 20, will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation (management method) of the production equipment 30, etc., according to this embodiment. Using Figure 6, the operation of one of the production equipment 30, etc., will be explained, but the operations shown in Figure 6 are executed independently of each other in the production equipment 30, etc. Also, Figure 6 shows a flowchart when an error occurs in the production equipment, but the same process may be performed even when no error has occurred (for example, when step S102 or S103 shown in Figure 5 is No).
[0077] As shown in Figure 6, the acquisition unit 31 of the production apparatus 30 acquires the arrival time of the substrate from the management device 20 (S201). The acquisition unit 31 acquires information indicating how much time remains until the substrate arrives as the arrival time. The acquisition unit 31 outputs the acquired arrival time to the determination unit 32.
[0078] Next, the determination unit 32 of the production device 30 determines whether the arrival time is less than or equal to the first threshold (S202). The first threshold is, for example, a threshold for determining whether the entire production device 30 may be switched to energy-saving mode. The first threshold may be determined, for example, according to the time required to switch the production device 30 from energy-saving mode to normal mode (transition time). If the production device 30 comprises a plurality of units 34, the first threshold is, for example, the same as or longer than the longest transition time among the transition times of the plurality of units 34. The first threshold is set in advance and stored in a storage unit (not shown).
[0079] Figure 7 shows an example of equipment information for production line L1 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 shows equipment information for the mounting machine (production equipment that performs component mounting work) and the reflow oven (production equipment that performs reflow work) within production line L1. When production equipment 30 is a mounting machine, only the equipment information for the mounting machine is stored from the equipment information shown in Figure 7.
[0080] As shown in Figure 7, the equipment information is a table that associates production equipment, units, and the time taken from shutdown to startup.
[0081] The production equipment is information used to identify the production equipment within production line L1, and includes the entire equipment, the mounting machine, and the reflow oven.
[0082] The term "unit" refers to a unit within the production equipment. The mounting machine includes a vacuum pump as unit 34, and the reflow oven includes a fan, heater, conveyor, blower, and nitrogen gas supply unit as unit 34. The information in parentheses within the unit entries indicates controllable states, modes, etc. One of the parentheses indicates normal operation, and the other indicates energy-saving operation.
[0083] The time taken from shutdown to startup corresponds to the transition time mentioned above. In the example in Figure 7, it takes 45 seconds to transition the vacuum pump from energy-saving mode to normal mode, and 10 minutes to raise the heater from offset X degrees to the desired temperature.
[0084] For example, if production line L1 has the equipment information shown in Figure 7, the first threshold is set to a time longer than, for example, the heater transition time of 10 minutes. Due to the operational constraints of each unit 34, the reflow oven often takes longer to start up from a stop (the time required to transition from energy-saving mode to normal mode) compared to other production equipment units. Also, reflow ovens often consume more power than other production equipment. Therefore, by setting the first threshold to a time longer than the reflow oven transition time, if the answer in step S202 is No, the reflow oven can be put into energy-saving mode, resulting in a significant energy saving effect, and it is also possible to suppress the accumulation of substrates in the reflow oven when transitioning from energy-saving mode to normal mode.
[0085] Referring again to Figure 6, the determination unit 32 then determines if the arrival time is less than or equal to the first threshold (Yes in S202), that is, if the entire production apparatus 30 cannot be switched to energy-saving mode, it determines whether there is a unit 34 whose arrival time is greater than the second threshold (S203). The second threshold is a time set for each of the multiple units 34, for example, a time set according to the transition time of the unit 34. The second threshold is the same as or longer than the transition time of the unit 34. The second threshold for each of the multiple units 34 is set in advance. In the example of Figure 7, the recovery time of the vacuum pump, which is an example of a unit 34, is 45 seconds, so the second threshold for the vacuum pump may be 45 seconds or longer. Also, the heater, which is an example of a unit 34, has a recovery time of 10 minutes, so the second threshold for the heater is longer than 10 minutes. Note that the second threshold is shorter than the first threshold.
[0086] If the determination unit 32 finds that there is a unit 34 whose arrival time is greater than the second threshold (Yes in S203), it outputs information indicating the corresponding unit 34 to the mode control unit 33.
[0087] Steps S202 and S203 correspond to step S22 shown in Figure 3. If the arrival time includes the required time and production time, for example, in steps S202 and S203, a determination is made regarding the relationship between the total required time and production time and the first or second threshold.
[0088] Next, the mode control unit 33 switches the corresponding unit 34 to energy-saving mode (S204). Step S204 corresponds to step S23 shown in Figure 3.
[0089] This allows only the units 34 whose transition time is shorter than the arrival time among the multiple units 34 to be switched to energy-saving mode when the entire production equipment 30 cannot be switched to energy-saving mode. As a result, it is possible to improve the energy-saving performance of the production line L1 while suppressing a decrease in the production efficiency of the production line L1.
[0090] Furthermore, if the determination unit 32 determines that the arrival time is longer than the first threshold (No in S202), it switches the entire production equipment 30 to energy-saving mode (S205). If the arrival time is longer than the first threshold, for example, if there is no substrate in the production line L1 and a certain period of non-production time occurs, it is possible to take time to return from energy-saving mode to normal mode, so even if the entire production equipment 30 is switched to energy-saving mode, the production efficiency does not decrease easily. Switching the entire production equipment 30 to energy-saving mode means, for example, putting the production equipment 30 into an idling state.
[0091] This allows the entire production equipment 30 to switch to energy-saving mode if the arrival time is longer than the first threshold, thereby further improving the energy-saving performance of the production line L1.
[0092] The entire production apparatus 30 may include components other than units that directly perform production, such as display panels and light-emitting devices. The entire production apparatus 30 may also include components that can be switched ON and OFF instantaneously (e.g., within a few seconds or less), such as conveyors and fans.
[0093] Next, if the error is resolved, the acquisition unit 31 acquires recovery information indicating that the error has been resolved (S206). The recovery information may be acquired, for example, from the control device 20 or from the production device that has recovered. For example, when the control device 20 receives an operation from the operator indicating that the error has been resolved, it may output the recovery information to each of the production devices 30, etc. The recovery information includes information indicating the time when the error was resolved. The time when the error was resolved may be, for example, the time when production resumed. The acquisition unit 31 outputs the recovery information to the determination unit 32.
[0094] If no error has occurred and the system has entered energy-saving mode, the process in step S206 will not be performed.
[0095] Next, the determination unit 32 determines whether the current time is the transition time (S207). The transition time is the time when the system transitions from energy-saving mode to normal mode, and is the time when the unit 34 or the entire system can transition to normal mode before the substrate is loaded into the production device 30. For example, the determination unit 32 determines the transition time for the unit 34 to be the time after the unit 34's transition time (or a time longer than the transition time) has elapsed from the time the error was recovered. For example, if the unit 34 is a vacuum pump, the determination unit 32 determines the transition time for the vacuum pump to be 45 seconds (or a time longer than 45 seconds) after the time the error was recovered. Also, if there is one or more units 34 in energy-saving mode, the determination unit 32 may determine the transition time individually for each of the one or more units 34.
[0096] This prevents the circuit board from arriving prematurely when transitioning unit 34 from energy-saving mode to normal mode after an error has been resolved, thus preventing the circuit board from becoming stuck due to the time required for the transition.
[0097] If no error has occurred and the system has transitioned to energy-saving mode, the determination unit 32 may use the predicted arrival time (if determined to be No in step S102 or S103) as the transition time to perform the determination in step S207.
[0098] If the determination unit 32 determines that the current time is the recovery time (Yes in S207), the mode control unit 33 switches the operating mode of the unit 34 that has been determined to be the recovery time from energy-saving mode to normal mode (S208). The mode control unit 33 may switch one or more units 34 to normal mode individually, or it may switch one or more units 34 to normal mode all at once.
[0099] Furthermore, if the determination unit 32 determines that the current time is not the recovery time (No in S207), the mode control unit 33 returns to step S207 and maintains the energy-saving mode until the recovery time arrives.
[0100] Furthermore, the determination unit 32 terminates processing if there are no units 34 whose arrival time is greater than the second threshold (No in S203).
[0101] Furthermore, the control device 20 may, for example, if a production device that has experienced an error recovers, calculate a transition time for each of the one or more production devices to switch from energy-saving mode to normal mode based on the time the production device recovered and the production time of each of the one or more production devices, and then switch the production device from energy-saving mode to normal mode when the calculated transition time arrives.
[0102] [3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the management device 20 (an example of a management system) according to this embodiment is a management system for managing production equipment 30 etc. (an example of a plurality of production equipment) in a production line L1 that performs component mounting (an example of a predetermined operation) on a substrate (an example of an object), and comprises an acquisition unit 21 that acquires production plan information of production line L1 and operation information of production equipment 30 etc., an analysis unit 22 that analyzes the production status of production line L1 based on the operation information, a processing unit 23 (an example of a prediction unit) that predicts the arrival time of substrates at each of the production equipment 30 etc. based on the production plan information and the production status, and an output unit 24 that outputs transition information based on the arrival time to at least one of the production equipment 30 etc. to switch at least one production equipment to energy-saving mode.
[0103] As a result, the transition to energy-saving mode of the production equipment 30, etc., is performed using the transition information output by the management device 20, so that the transition to energy-saving mode can be performed appropriately according to the production plan information and the production status at that time. For example, if the arrival time of the substrates is long, the production equipment will be switched to energy-saving mode, thereby achieving energy savings. Also, for example, if the arrival time of the substrates is short, the production equipment will not be switched to energy-saving mode, thereby preventing the substrates from accumulating in the production equipment upon arrival. Therefore, with the management device 20, it is possible to achieve energy savings in the production line while suppressing a decrease in the production efficiency of the production line L1.
[0104] Furthermore, if the production status includes an error occurring in any of the production devices such as the production device 30, the processing unit 23 (an example of a prediction unit) predicts the production time of the substrates from the production device where the error occurred to each of the one or more production devices downstream of that production device as the arrival time, and the output unit 24 outputs transition information based on the production time for each of the one or more production devices.
[0105] As a result, for each of the one or more production devices, it is possible to predict how long it will take for the substrates to arrive after the production device that experienced an error has recovered. Based on this time, it is possible to determine whether or not to switch to energy-saving mode, thereby more reliably suppressing the accumulation of substrates in that production device. Therefore, the control device 20 makes it possible to more reliably suppress a decrease in production efficiency on the production line L1.
[0106] Furthermore, the processing unit 23 (an example of a prediction unit) further predicts the time required to recover from an error, and based on the production time and the required time, predicts the arrival time of the substrate for each of the one or more production devices, and the output unit 24 outputs transition information including the arrival time for each of the one or more production devices.
[0107] This allows the time required to be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to switch to energy-saving mode. In other words, it is possible to increase the number of production devices 30 etc. that can switch to energy-saving mode, or the time they operate in energy-saving mode. Therefore, the energy saving rate of the production line L1 can be improved by the control device 20.
[0108] Furthermore, if a production device that has experienced an error recovers, the system calculates the transition time from energy-saving mode to normal mode for each of the one or more production devices based on the time the device recovered and the production time of each of the other production devices. When the calculated transition time arrives, the system switches the production device from energy-saving mode to normal mode.
[0109] This allows the production equipment that has switched to energy-saving mode to be returned to normal mode at a time when no buildup of substrates occurs in the production equipment. Therefore, the control device 20 makes it possible to more reliably suppress a decrease in production efficiency on the production line L1.
[0110] Furthermore, if the current time has passed the production end time included in the production plan information, the processing unit 23 (an example of a prediction unit) predicts the arrival time of the substrate in the next production based on the production plan information and the production time.
[0111] This allows the transition to energy-saving mode to be controlled using the arrival time of the substrate in the next production run, thereby improving the energy efficiency of production line L1 without affecting the next production run.
[0112] Furthermore, the processing unit 23 (an example of a prediction unit) predicts the arrival time of the substrate in the current production based on the current time being past the production start time included in the production plan information, and the position and production time of the substrate flowing at the front of the production line L1.
[0113] This allows the transition to energy-saving mode to be controlled using the arrival time of the substrates in current production, thereby improving the energy efficiency of production line L1 without affecting current production.
[0114] Furthermore, as described above, the production system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a management device 20 and production equipment 30, etc., in a production line for mounting components onto an object. Furthermore, as described above, the management method according to this embodiment is a management method executed by a management system for managing production equipment 30, etc., in a production line L1 for mounting components onto a substrate, and acquires production plan information of production line L1 and operation information of production equipment 30, etc. (S16, S101), analyzes the production status of production line L1 based on the acquired operation information (S102, S103), predicts the arrival time of the substrate at each of the production equipment 30, etc., based on the production plan information and the production status (S104, S105), and outputs transition information based on the arrival time to at least one of the production equipment 30, etc., to switch that production equipment to energy-saving mode (S106).
[0115] This achieves the same effect as the control device 20 described above.
[0116] (Modified example of the embodiment) In the embodiment described, an example was explained in which the production device 30, etc., determines whether or not to switch to energy-saving mode, but it is not limited to the production device 30, etc. making the determination. In this modified example, a production system in which the control device 20 determines whether or not to switch to energy-saving mode will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation (control method) of the production system 1 according to this modified example.
[0117] Note that the functional configuration of the control device 20 may be the same as in the embodiment (Figure 2A), and therefore its explanation is omitted. Also, the production device 30 does not include a determination unit 32.
[0118] In this modified example, the processing unit 23 of the control device 20 has the function of the determination unit 32 of the production device 30 in the embodiment.
[0119] As shown in Figure 8, the processing unit 23 of the management device 20 predicts the arrival time (S20) and, based on the arrival time of each production device 30, determines whether or not each production device 30 can be switched to energy-saving mode (S30). The determination method may be the same as the determination method executed by the determination unit 32. The processing unit 23 outputs the determination result of step S30 to the output unit 24. For example, the processing unit 23 outputs information to the output unit 24 indicating which production devices 30 can be switched to energy-saving mode.
[0120] Next, the output unit 24 outputs a transition instruction to the production equipment 30, etc., that is transitioning to energy-saving mode, and the production equipment 30, etc., receives the transition instruction (S31). The transition instruction is an example of transition information.
[0121] When the mode control unit 33 of the production equipment 30 or the like receives a transition instruction, it switches the target unit or the entire production equipment 30 or the like to energy-saving mode (S23).
[0122] Furthermore, when transitioning from energy-saving mode to normal mode, the processing unit 23 outputs a transition instruction (for example, a transition time) to the production device 30, etc., indicating the transition to normal mode, and in response to the transition instruction, the unit 34 or the entire production device 30, etc., transitions from energy-saving mode to normal mode.
[0123] As described above, the management device 20 (an example of a management system) according to this modified example includes a processing unit 23 (functioning as a determination unit) that determines whether or not to switch at least one production device, such as the production device 30, to energy-saving mode. The processing unit 23, as a prediction unit, predicts the production time of substrates from the production device where the error occurred to one or more production devices downstream of that production device as the arrival time if the production status includes the occurrence of an error in any of the production devices such as the production device 30, and as a determination unit, determines whether or not to switch one or more production devices to energy-saving mode based on the production time. The output unit 24 then outputs information (e.g., a transition instruction) indicating whether or not to switch one or more production devices to energy-saving mode as transition information.
[0124] This allows the control device 20 to centrally manage the transition of production equipment 30 and other devices to energy-saving mode. Therefore, the control device 20 makes it possible to achieve energy savings in the production line while suppressing a decrease in the production efficiency of production line L1.
[0125] Furthermore, at least one production device, such as production equipment 30, is composed of multiple units 34. The processing unit 23 determines, based on the production time and the transition time required for each of the multiple units 34 to transition from energy-saving mode to normal mode, whether to switch the entire production device or one or more of the multiple units 34 to energy-saving mode. The output unit 24 then outputs transition information to each of the at least one production device, indicating that the entire production device or one or more units 34 will be switched to energy-saving mode.
[0126] This allows for individual control of the operating modes of multiple units 34, so even if the entire production system cannot switch to energy-saving mode, some units 34 can be switched to energy-saving mode. Therefore, the control device 20 can improve the energy saving rate of the production line L1.
[0127] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments.
[0128] For example, in the embodiments described above, a circuit board was used as an example of an object, but the object is not limited to a circuit board. The object may be an object other than a circuit board on which components can be mounted. For example, the object may be a component. The production line may be a device for mounting other components on a component.
[0129] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate implementation as an example of a predetermined operation, the predetermined operation is not limited to implementation. The predetermined operation may also be a process that deforms the shape of the object.
[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.
[0131] Furthermore, the order in which each step in the flowchart is performed is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and may be in a different order. Also, some of the above steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps, and some of the above steps may not be performed.
[0132] Furthermore, the general or specific embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. They may also be implemented in any combination of systems, apparatus, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.
[0133] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.
[0134] Furthermore, the management system according to the above embodiments may be implemented as a single device or as a plurality of devices (for example, a management device and a production device). If at least one of the management device and the production device is implemented as a plurality of devices, the components of that at least one may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any way. If at least one is implemented as a plurality of devices, the method of communication between the plurality of devices is not particularly limited and may be wireless communication or wired communication. In addition, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined between the devices.
[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component of the management device and production device may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Also, for example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.
[0136] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to perform each characteristic step included in the management method shown in any of Figures 3, 5, 6, and 8.
[0137] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Also, in one aspect of this disclosure, such a program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or made available. For example, by installing the distributed program on a device having another processor and having that processor execute the program, it becomes possible to have that device perform the above-mentioned processes.
[0138] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms that can be obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments as conceived by those skilled in the art, or forms that can be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.
[0139] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.
[0140] (Technology 1) A management system for managing multiple production devices in a production line that perform predetermined operations on an object, An acquisition unit that acquires production plan information for the production line and operating information for the multiple production devices, Based on the aforementioned operational information, an analysis unit analyzes the production status of the production line, A prediction unit predicts the arrival time of the object at each of the plurality of production devices based on the production plan information and the production status, The system includes an output unit that outputs transition information based on the arrival time to at least one of the plurality of production devices, causing that device to switch to an energy-saving mode. Management system.
[0141] (Technology 2) If the production status includes the occurrence of an error in any of the multiple production devices, the prediction unit predicts the production time of the target object from the production device where the error occurred to each of the one or more production devices downstream of that production device as the arrival time. The output unit outputs the transition information based on the production time to each of the one or more production devices. The management system described in Technology 1.
[0142] (Technology 3) The prediction unit further predicts the time required to recover from the error, and based on the production time and the required time, predicts the arrival time of the object for each of the one or more production devices. The output unit outputs the transition information, including the arrival time, to each of the one or more production devices. The management system described in Technology 2.
[0143] (Technology 4) Furthermore, the system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not to switch at least one of the production devices to an energy-saving mode. If the production status includes the occurrence of an error in any of the multiple production devices, the prediction unit predicts the production time of the target object from the production device where the error occurred to each of the one or more production devices downstream of that production device as the arrival time. The determination unit determines, based on the production time, whether or not to switch each of the one or more production devices to energy-saving mode. The output unit outputs information indicating whether or not to switch to the energy-saving mode for each of the one or more production devices, as transition information. The management system described in Technology 1.
[0144] (Technology 5) The aforementioned at least one production apparatus is composed of multiple units, The determination unit determines, based on the production time and the transition time required for each of the multiple units to transition from energy-saving mode to normal mode, whether to switch the entire production apparatus of at least one of the multiple units to energy-saving mode, or to switch one or more of the multiple units to energy-saving mode. The output unit outputs information, as transition information, to each of the at least one production apparatus, indicating that the entire production apparatus or one or more units of the production apparatus should be switched to the energy-saving mode. The management system described in Technology 4.
[0145] (Technology 6) When the production equipment that experienced the aforementioned error is restored, the transition time from energy-saving mode to normal mode is calculated for each of the one or more production equipment based on the time the production equipment was restored and the production time of each of the one or more production equipment. When the calculated transition time arrives, the production equipment is switched from energy-saving mode to normal mode. The management system described in Technical 4 or 5.
[0146] (Technology 7) If the current time has elapsed beyond the production end time included in the production plan information, the prediction unit predicts the arrival time of the object in the next production based on the production plan information and the production time. A management system as described in any of the technologies 2-6.
[0147] (Technology 8) The prediction unit predicts the arrival time of the target object in the current production based on the current time being past the production start time included in the production plan information, the position of the substrate flowing at the front of the production line, and the production time. A management system described in any of the technologies 2-7.
[0148] (Technology 9) A management system described in any of technologies 1 to 8, The production line comprises multiple production devices for mounting components onto an object. Production system.
[0149] (Technology 10) A management method executed in a management system that manages multiple production devices in a production line that perform predetermined tasks on an object, The production plan information for the production line and the operation information of the multiple production devices are acquired. Based on the aforementioned operational information, the production status of the production line is analyzed, Based on the production plan information and the production status, the arrival time of the object at each of the multiple production devices is predicted. Transition information based on the arrival time is output to at least one of the multiple production devices in order to switch it to energy-saving mode. Management method. [Industrial applicability]
[0150] This disclosure is particularly useful for management systems that manage production equipment. [Explanation of symbols]
[0151] 1. Production System 10. Plan generation device 20 Management device 21, 31 Acquisition Department 22 Analysis Department 23 Processing Unit (Prediction Unit, Determination Unit) 24 Output section Production equipment for 30, 40, and 50 units 32 Judgment section 33 Mode Control Unit 34 units L1 Production Line
Claims
1. A management system for managing multiple production devices in a production line that perform predetermined operations on an object, An acquisition unit that acquires production plan information for the production line and operating information for the multiple production devices, Based on the aforementioned operational information, an analysis unit analyzes the production status of the production line, A prediction unit predicts the arrival time of the object at each of the plurality of production devices based on the production plan information and the production status, The system includes an output unit that outputs transition information based on the arrival time to at least one of the plurality of production devices in order to switch that production device to an energy-saving mode, If the production status includes the occurrence of an error in any of the multiple production devices, the prediction unit predicts the production time of the target object from the production device where the error occurred to one or more production devices downstream of that production device as the arrival time. The output unit outputs the transition information based on the production time to each of the one or more production devices. If the current time has elapsed beyond the production end time included in the production plan information, the prediction unit predicts the arrival time of the object in the next production based on the production plan information and the production time. Management system.
2. The prediction unit further predicts the time required to recover from the error, and based on the production time and the required time, predicts the arrival time of the object for each of the one or more production devices. The output unit outputs the transition information, including the arrival time, to each of the one or more production devices. The management system according to claim 1.
3. Furthermore, the system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not to switch at least one of the production devices to an energy-saving mode. If the production status includes the occurrence of an error in any of the multiple production devices, the prediction unit predicts the production time of the target object from the production device where the error occurred to one or more production devices downstream of that production device as the arrival time. The determination unit determines, based on the production time, whether or not to switch each of the one or more production devices to energy-saving mode. The output unit outputs information indicating whether or not to switch to the energy-saving mode for each of the one or more production devices, as transition information. The management system according to claim 1.
4. The aforementioned at least one production apparatus is composed of multiple units, The determination unit determines, based on the production time and the transition time required for each of the multiple units to transition from energy-saving mode to normal mode, whether to switch the entire production apparatus of at least one of the multiple units to energy-saving mode, or to switch one or more of the multiple units to energy-saving mode. The output unit outputs information, as transition information, to each of the at least one production apparatus, indicating that the entire production apparatus or one or more units of the production apparatus should be switched to the energy-saving mode. The management system according to claim 3.
5. When the production equipment that experienced the aforementioned error is restored, the transition time from energy-saving mode to normal mode is calculated for each of the one or more production equipment based on the time the production equipment was restored and the production time of each of the one or more production equipment. When the calculated transition time arrives, the production equipment is switched from energy-saving mode to normal mode. The management system according to claim 3 or 4.
6. The prediction unit predicts the arrival time of the target object in the current production based on the current time being past the production start time included in the production plan information, the position of the substrate flowing at the front of the production line, and the production time. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
7. A management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The production line comprises multiple production devices for mounting components onto an object. Production system.
8. A management method executed in a management system that manages multiple production devices in a production line that perform predetermined tasks on an object, The production plan information for the production line and the operation information of the multiple production devices are acquired. Based on the aforementioned operational information, the production status of the production line is analyzed, Based on the production plan information and the production status, the arrival time of the object at each of the multiple production devices is predicted. Transition information based on arrival time is output to at least one of the multiple production devices in order to switch it to energy-saving mode. If the production status includes the occurrence of an error in one of the aforementioned production devices, the production time of the object from the production device where the error occurred to one or more production devices downstream of that device is predicted as the arrival time. For each of the one or more production devices, the transition information based on the production time is output. If the current time has passed the production end time included in the production plan information, the arrival time of the object in the next production is predicted based on the production plan information and the production time. Management method.