Control devices and production systems

Abstract

To provide a management apparatus and a production system capable of suppressing an excessive work load on a specific worker when workers perform work for supporting production of a product in a production line.SOLUTION: A management apparatus 3 is provided with a management unit 31 and a work plan preparation unit 332. The management unit 31 manages work list information J14 showing a work list relating to a list of a plurality of works according to a production plan, and work load information JW2 showing a work load ZA on each worker of the plurality of works. The work plan preparation unit 332 performs work assignment processing S1 for assigning a plurality of works to a plurality of workers, so that a predetermined balance among the plurality of workers is maintained to prevent cumulative work loads ZAA, ZAB and ZAC indicating the sum of work loads ZA to be assigned to the respective workers from becoming excessive for a specific worker.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device that manages the work performed by workers to support the production of products on a production line, and a production system including the same.

Background Art

[0002] In a production line that produces products such as component mounting substrates on which components are mounted using production equipment, the production of products is carried out according to a production plan. When producing products based on a production plan, operations on the production equipment to support the production are carried out by a plurality of workers.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for creating a production plan in consideration of the production time of production equipment and the working time of workers. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a production plan is created based on information on the production status including information on the actual production time of production equipment and information on the actual working time of workers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the work load of each of a plurality of workers when performing each operation is not considered. For this reason, there is a risk that the work load of a specific worker becomes excessive. In this case, for example, a delay may occur in the work by a specific worker whose work load has become excessive, and there is a risk that the production of products does not proceed as planned.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a control device and a production system that can prevent the workload of a particular worker from becoming excessive when workers perform tasks to support the production of products on a production line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A management device according to one aspect of the present invention is a device for managing multiple tasks performed by multiple workers in order to support the production of products based on a production plan on a production line. This management device comprises a management unit that manages a task list showing a list of the multiple tasks according to the production plan, and a workload indicating the degree of burden on each worker for each of the multiple tasks, and a work plan creation unit that creates a work plan for each of the multiple workers by assigning the multiple tasks shown in the task list to the multiple workers. The work plan creation unit then performs a work assignment process to assign the multiple tasks to the multiple workers in such a way that the cumulative workload, which is the sum of the workload amounts of the tasks assigned to each of the multiple workers, is maintained in a predetermined balance among the multiple workers in order to prevent the cumulative workload from becoming excessive for any particular worker.

[0008] According to this management device, the work plan creation unit creates work plans for multiple workers by performing a work assignment process that assigns multiple tasks to multiple workers according to the production plan shown in the work list. In this work assignment process, the work plan creation unit assigns multiple tasks to multiple workers in such a way that the cumulative workload, which represents the sum of the workloads of each worker, maintains a predetermined balance among the workers. This prevents the cumulative workload of any particular worker from becoming excessive when workers perform tasks to support the production of products according to the production plan on the production line.

[0009] In the management device described above, the work plan creation unit may perform a verification process after the work assignment process to verify whether the cumulative workload among the multiple workers maintains the predetermined balance. If the verification process finds that the predetermined balance is not maintained, the work assignment process may be performed again.

[0010] In this embodiment, if the cumulative workload among multiple workers does not maintain a predetermined balance, the work assignment process is repeated. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the cumulative workload of a particular worker from becoming excessive.

[0011] In the management device described above, the management unit may be capable of managing worker attribute information that includes at least one of the following: physical information relating to the physical condition of each of the multiple workers, and indicator time information relating to indicator time which is an indicator of the time each of the multiple workers can engage in work. In this case, the work plan creation unit assigns the multiple tasks to the multiple workers in the work assignment process such that the cumulative workload among the multiple workers is set based on the worker attribute information and maintains the predetermined balance.

[0012] In this embodiment, the work planning unit sets the balance of cumulative workload among multiple workers based on worker attribute information that includes at least one of the following: physical information indicating the worker's physical condition, such as whether or not they are injured or pregnant, and indicator time information indicating the time an indicator of the worker's ability to engage in work, such as working hours. For example, consider a case where the cumulative workload of a worker without injury or pregnancy is set as the standard cumulative workload, and the cumulative workload of a worker with injury or pregnancy, or a worker with short working hours such as a half-day off in the morning, is set as a specific cumulative workload. In this case, the work planning unit sets the balance of cumulative workload among multiple workers so that the specific cumulative workload is, for example, 50% of the standard cumulative workload.

[0013] The work planning unit then assigns multiple tasks to each worker in order to maintain a predetermined balance in the cumulative workload among multiple workers, based on worker attribute information. This allows for the assignment of multiple tasks to each worker while considering the worker's physical condition and indicator time, which is an indicator of the amount of time a worker can dedicate to their work. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cumulative workload of any particular worker from becoming excessive, while taking into account the worker's physical condition and indicator time.

[0014] In the management device described above, the management unit may be capable of managing work capacity information relating to the work capacity of each of the multiple workers for each of the multiple tasks. In this case, the work plan creation unit assigns the multiple tasks to the multiple workers in the work assignment process such that the cumulative workload based on the workload according to the work capacity information maintains the predetermined balance among the multiple workers.

[0015] In this embodiment, the work planning unit sets the workload for each worker according to work capacity information relating to the worker's work ability. For example, if a worker performs a task in which they have low work ability, the workload will be heavy for the worker. In other words, for each task performed by a worker, the lower the worker's work ability, the heavier the workload will be for the worker. Therefore, the work planning unit sets the workload according to work capacity information relating to the worker's work ability.

[0016] The work planning unit then assigns multiple tasks to each worker so that the cumulative workload, based on the workload amount corresponding to the work capacity information, maintains a predetermined balance among multiple workers. This allows for the assignment of multiple tasks to each worker while considering the worker's work capacity for each task. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cumulative workload of any particular worker from becoming excessive, while taking into account the worker's work capacity for each task.

[0017] In the above-described management device, the management unit may be capable of managing fatigue information relating to the fatigue level of each of the multiple workers. In this case, the work plan creation unit, in the work assignment process, assigns the multiple tasks to the multiple workers such that the cumulative workload based on the workload corresponding to the fatigue level information maintains the predetermined balance among the multiple workers.

[0018] In this embodiment, the work planning unit sets the workload for each worker for each task according to fatigue information regarding the worker's fatigue level. For example, if a worker with a high fatigue level and a worker with a low fatigue level perform the same task, the worker with the higher fatigue level will bear a greater burden. In other words, when a worker performs a task, the greater the worker's fatigue level, the greater the workload. Therefore, the work planning unit sets the workload according to fatigue information regarding the worker's fatigue level.

[0019] The work planning unit then assigns multiple tasks to each worker so that the cumulative workload, based on the workload amount corresponding to the fatigue level information, maintains a predetermined balance among multiple workers. This allows for the assignment of multiple tasks to each worker while considering their fatigue level. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cumulative workload of any particular worker from becoming excessive while taking into account the fatigue level of the workers.

[0020] In the management device described above, the work plan creation unit may, in the work assignment process, assign the multiple tasks to the multiple workers such that the difference in the cumulative workload among the multiple workers corresponding to each of the multiple workers falls within a predetermined allowable range, thereby maintaining a predetermined balance in the cumulative workload among the multiple workers.

[0021] In this aspect, the work plan creation unit sets the balance of the cumulative work loads among the plurality of workers such that the difference in the cumulative work loads corresponding to each of the plurality of workers falls within a predetermined allowable range with respect to the balance of the cumulative work loads among the plurality of workers. In this case, the work plan creation unit assigns the plurality of tasks to each worker so that the difference in the cumulative work loads corresponding to each of the plurality of workers falls within a predetermined allowable range. As a result, the plurality of tasks can be assigned to each worker so that the cumulative work loads corresponding to each of the plurality of workers become substantially uniform within a possible range. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the cumulative work load of a specific worker from becoming excessive.

[0022] The above-described management device may further include a display unit that displays work plan information regarding the work plans for each of the plurality of workers created by the work plan creation unit.

[0023] In this aspect, work plan information regarding the work plan for each worker, created by assigning the plurality of tasks to each worker, is displayed on the display unit. By checking the work plan information displayed on the display unit, the worker can grasp the tasks assigned to himself / herself.

[0024] In the above-described management device, the management unit may be able to manage fatigue information regarding the fatigue levels of each of the plurality of workers. In this case, the management device may include a worker monitoring unit that outputs monitoring information indicating that when there is a worker whose fatigue level indicated by the fatigue information is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value.

[0025] In this aspect, based on the monitoring information output from the worker monitoring unit, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of a worker whose fatigue level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value.

[0026] A production system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a production line that produces products based on a production plan, and the above-described management device that manages a plurality of tasks performed by a plurality of workers to support the production of the products based on the production plan in the production line.

[0027] According to this production system, since the above management device is provided, when an operator performs an operation to assist in the production of a product according to the production plan on the production line, it is possible to suppress the cumulative workload of a specific operator from becoming excessive. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of delays or the like in the work performed by a specific operator due to the excessive cumulative workload, so that the production of the product can proceed as planned on the production line.

Effects of the Invention

[0028] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a management device and a production system capable of suppressing the workload of a specific operator from becoming excessive when the operator performs an operation to assist in the production of a product on the production line.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a production system to which a management device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] It is a plan view showing a component mounter as production equipment arranged on a production line provided in a production system. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram of the management device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of production plan information managed by the production information management section of the management device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of work list information managed by the production information management section of the management device. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of workload information managed by the work information management section of the management device. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of work ability information managed by the operator information management section of the management device. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the work plan creation section of the management device, and is a diagram showing a first example of work assignment processing. [Figure 9]This diagram illustrates the process performed by the work plan creation unit of the management device, and shows a second example of the work assignment process. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the process performed by the work plan creation unit of the management device, and shows a third example of the work assignment process. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the process of the work planning unit when the cumulative workload for each worker does not maintain a predetermined balance among the workers. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the process performed by the work plan creation unit of the management device, and shows the fourth example of the work assignment process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Hereinafter, a control device and a production system equipped therewith, according to embodiments of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] [Overall structure of the production system] As shown in Figure 1, production system 1 comprises production lines 2L1 and 2L2 for producing products, and a control device 3. In production system 1, multiple tasks to support product production on production lines 2L1 and 2L2 are performed by multiple workers WA, WB, and WC.

[0032] In production system 1, control device 3 manages the production of products on production lines 2L1 and 2L2, as well as managing multiple tasks performed by multiple workers WA, WB, and WC. In production system 1, control device 3 is connected to production lines 2L1 and 2L2 for data communication, and is also connected to each portable terminal device PT carried by multiple workers WA, WB, and WC for data communication.

[0033] The control device 3 transmits production plan information J13, which shows the production plan for products on production lines 2L1 and 2L2, to production lines 2L1 and 2L2. Upon receiving the production plan information J13, production lines 2L1 and 2L2 produce products according to the production plan indicated in the production plan information J13. The control device 3 also transmits work plan information J6, which shows the work plans for multiple workers WA, WB, and WC, to the respective mobile terminal devices PT of workers WA, WB, and WC. Workers WA, WB, and WC can perform tasks to support product production on production lines 2L1 and 2L2 while checking the display screen of the mobile terminal device PT that has received the work plan information J6.

[0034] [Production line configuration] The number of production lines 2L1 and 2L2 in production system 1 is not particularly limited; there may be one or two or more. In the example in Figure 1, production system 1 is shown which has two production lines, the first production line 2L1 and the second production line 2L2, as production lines for producing products. Furthermore, the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2 may be, for example, production lines that produce component-mounted circuit boards as products, or production lines that assemble and produce electronic devices. In the following explanation, we will use the example that the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2 are production lines that produce component-mounted circuit boards. In this case, the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2 are equipped with at least one component mounting machine 2 as production equipment for mounting components onto the circuit boards.

[0035] Each component mounting machine 2 in the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2 is a production facility that mounts components onto a PP substrate to produce component-mounted substrates. The component mounting machine 2 receives production plan information J13 transmitted from the control device 3 and produces component-mounted substrates according to the production plan indicated in the received production plan information J13. The component mounting machine 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 2 in addition to Figure 1. In the following explanation, directional relationships will be described using mutually orthogonal XY Cartesian coordinates on the horizontal plane. Furthermore, one direction in the X-axis direction will be referred to as the "+X side," and the opposite direction in the X-axis direction will be referred to as the "-X side." Similarly, one direction in the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the "+Y side," and the opposite direction in the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the "-Y side."

[0036] Before the components are mounted by the component mounting machine 2, a solder paste pattern is printed on the PP substrate. In other words, the component mounting machine 2 mounts components onto the PP substrate that has the solder paste pattern printed on it. The component mounting machine 2 comprises a main frame 21, a conveyor 23, a component supply unit 24, a head unit 25, and a substrate support unit 28.

[0037] The main frame 21 is a structure on which the various parts constituting the component mounting machine 2 are arranged, and in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions (vertical direction), it has a roughly rectangular shape. The conveyor 23 extends in the X-axis direction and is arranged on the main frame 21. The conveyor 23 transports the substrate PP in the X-axis direction. The substrate PP being transported on the conveyor 23 is positioned at a predetermined working position (a component mounting position on the substrate PP where components are mounted) by the substrate support unit 28. The substrate support unit 28 positions the substrate PP by supporting it with push-up pins.

[0038] The parts supply unit 24 is positioned in the +Y and -Y regions of the main frame 21 in the Y-axis direction, with the conveyor 23 in between. The parts supply unit 24 is a region on the main frame 21 where multiple feeders 24F are mounted side by side, and the set position of each feeder 24F is demarcated for each part to be held by the mounting head 251 provided in the head unit 25, which will be described later. The feeders 24F are detachably mounted on the parts supply unit 24. The feeders 24F hold multiple parts and supply the held parts to predetermined parts supply positions set within the feeder. The parts supply method of the feeder 24F is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to supply parts. Examples of feeders 24F include tape feeders that supply parts using tape as a carrier, tray feeders that supply parts by moving a tray on which parts are placed, and stick feeders that supply parts by pushing parts stored in a cylindrical stick out of the stick.

[0039] The head unit 25 is held on the movable frame 27. A fixed rail 261 extending in the Y-axis direction and a ball screw shaft 262 rotationally driven by a Y-axis servo motor 263 are arranged on the main frame 21. The movable frame 27 is positioned on the fixed rail 261, and a nut portion 271 provided on the movable frame 27 is screwed onto the ball screw shaft 262. The movable frame 27 is also provided with a guide member 272 extending in the X-axis direction and a ball screw shaft 273 driven by an X-axis servo motor 274. The head unit 25 is movably held on the guide member 272, and a nut portion provided on the head unit 25 is screwed onto the ball screw shaft 273. When the Y-axis servo motor 263 is activated, the movable frame 27 moves in the Y-axis direction, and when the X-axis servo motor 274 is activated, the head unit 25 moves in the X-axis direction relative to the movable frame 27. In other words, the head unit 25 is movable in the Y-axis direction as the moving frame 27 moves, and is also movable in the X-axis direction along the moving frame 27. The head unit 25 is movable between the parts supply unit 24 and a predetermined working position of the substrate PP transported by the conveyor 23.

[0040] The head unit 25 is equipped with multiple mounting heads 251. Each mounting head 251 retrieves components from the component supply unit 24 and performs component mounting operations, including mounting (assembling) the retrieved components onto the substrate PP. The mounting heads 251 are capable of attracting and holding components supplied by feeders 24F arranged in the component supply unit 24. The mounting heads 251 can communicate with a negative pressure generator, a positive pressure generator, or the atmosphere via an electric switching valve. In other words, when negative pressure is supplied to the mounting head 251, it becomes possible for the mounting head 251 to attract and hold components (remove components), and then when positive pressure is supplied, the attraction and holding of the components is released.

[0041] A component recognition camera C1 is installed on the main frame 21 between the component supply unit 24 and the conveyor 23. The component recognition camera C1 is an imaging camera equipped with an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) or a CCD (Charged-coupled device). The component recognition camera C1 acquires a component recognition image by capturing a picture of the component held by the mounting head 251 from below while the head unit 25 is moving from the component supply position of the feeder 24F towards the working position of the substrate PP transported by the conveyor 23. In the component mounting machine 2, the orientation of the component held by the mounting head 251 is determined based on the component recognition image acquired by the component recognition camera C1.

[0042] Furthermore, the main frame 21 is equipped with a touch panel 29 that combines the functions of a display unit for displaying various types of information and an operation unit for receiving various input operations.

[0043] [Configuration of the control device] Returning to Figure 1, the control device 3 manages the production of component-mounted substrates at each component mounting machine 2 on the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2, and also manages multiple tasks performed by multiple workers WA, WB, and WC. In the production system 1, the control device 3 is connected to each component mounting machine 2 on the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2 for data communication, and is also connected to each portable terminal device PT carried by each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC for data communication. The control device 3 transmits production plan information J13, which shows the production plan for component-mounted substrates at each component mounting machine 2, to each component mounting machine 2. Upon receiving the production plan information J13, each component mounting machine 2 produces component-mounted substrates according to the production plan shown in the production plan information J13. The control device 3 also transmits work plan information J6, which shows the work plans of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC, to each of the portable terminal devices PT of the workers WA, WB, and WC. Workers WA, WB, and WC can perform their tasks while checking the display screen of the mobile terminal device PT that received the work plan information J6.

[0044] Tasks performed by multiple workers WA, WB, and WC include, for example, component supply preparation work, component replenishment work, machine operation work, cleaning work, and maintenance work. Component supply preparation work involves moving a trolley BG, on which multiple feeders 24F necessary for the production of component-mounted circuit boards are arranged, along the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2, while replacing the feeders 24F for the component supply unit 24 of each component mounting machine 2. Component replenishment work involves replenishing components in the feeders 24F, and is performed either in a designated work area 2WA away from the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2, or directly on the feeders 24F attached to the component supply unit 24. Machine operation work involves operating the component mounting machine 2 by inputting commands to the touch panel 29 of the component mounting machine 2. Cleaning work involves cleaning the areas around the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2. Maintenance work involves maintaining the component mounting machine 2 and other equipment.

[0045] The management device 3 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer and, as shown in Figure 3, includes a management unit 31, an operator monitoring unit 32, an information processing unit 33, a control unit 34, an input unit 35, a display unit 36, and a communication unit 37 as part of its functional configuration.

[0046] The control unit 34 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), storage areas such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and flash memory for storing control programs, and RAM (Random Access Memory) used as the CPU's workspace. The control unit 34 controls the operation of the management unit 31, the operator monitoring unit 32, the information processing unit 33, the input unit 35, the display unit 36, and the communication unit 37 by having the CPU execute the control programs stored in the HDD and flash memory.

[0047] The input unit 35 accepts input operations for various types of information from the administrator who manages the workers WA, WB, and WC. The display unit 36 ​​is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various types of information. The input unit 35 and the display unit 36 ​​may be composed of a touch panel that combines the function of an input unit that accepts input operations for various types of information from the administrator and the function of a display unit that displays various types of information. The communication unit 37 is an interface circuit that enables data communication with the component mounting machines 2 of the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2, and with the portable terminal devices PT carried by multiple workers WA, WB, and WC.

[0048] (Regarding the Management Department) The management unit 31 includes the production information management unit 311, the work information management unit 312, and the worker information management unit 313.

[0049] <Production Information Management Department> As shown in Figure 3, the production information management unit 311 manages production board information J11, delivery date information J12, production plan information J13, and work list information J14 as information related to the production of component-mounted boards by each component mounting machine 2 in the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2. Production board information J11 includes various information related to the production of component-mounted boards, such as board information related to the board PP, such as the type of board PP used for production; component information related to components, such as the type and number of components mounted on the board PP; mounting position information related to the mounting position of each component on the board PP; feeder arrangement information related to the arrangement of feeders 24F in the component supply unit 24; and cycle time information related to the production cycle time, which indicates the time required to produce one board PP. Delivery date information J12 is information related to the delivery date of the component-mounted board.

[0050] Production plan information J13 is created by the production plan creation unit 331 in the information processing unit 33, which will be described later. Production plan information J13 is information related to the production plan, which shows the production plan for component-mounted boards in each component mounting machine 2 of the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2. As shown in Figure 4, production plan information J13 is information that associates production information JP and production schedule information JPS.

[0051] Production information JP includes production line identification information JP1 for identifying the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2 where component-mounted substrates are produced, and substrate type information JP2 indicating the type of substrate PP used for production. Production schedule information JPS is information indicating the schedule for producing substrate PP of the type indicated by substrate type information JP2 in production lines 2L1 and 2L2 indicated by production line identification information JP1, and includes start time information JPS1 regarding the start time of production and end time information JPS2 regarding the end time of production.

[0052] The work list information J14 is created by the production plan creation unit 331, similar to the production plan information J13. The work list information J14 is information relating to a list of multiple tasks corresponding to the production plan shown in the production plan information J13. As shown in Figure 5, the work list information J14 is information that associates work information JW with work schedule information JWS.

[0053] The work information JW includes work identification information JW1 for identifying the necessary work according to the production plan shown in the production plan information J13, and work target area information JW0 for indicating the area in which the work shown in the work identification information JW1 is to be performed. In the example in Figure 5, the work target areas shown in the work target area information JW0 include the first production line 2L1, the second production line 2L2, and the entire area. The work identification information JW1 corresponding to the work target area information JW0 shows work A such as parts supply preparation work, work B such as parts replenishment work, and work C such as machine operation work as work target areas for the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2, and work D such as cleaning work and work E such as maintenance work as work target areas for the entire area. The work schedule information JWS is information that shows the schedule when workers WA, WB, and WC perform the work indicated by work identification information JW1 in the work area indicated by work area information JW0, and includes start time information JWS1 regarding the start time of the work and end time information JWS2 regarding the end time of the work.

[0054] As described above, the production information management unit 311 manages production board information J11 and delivery date information J12, as well as production plan information J13 and work list information J14 created by the production plan creation unit 331 in the information processing unit 33 described later.

[0055] <Work information management department> As shown in Figure 3, the work information management unit 312 manages work identification information JW1 and work workload information JW2 as information related to each work indicated in the work list information J14. The work identification information JW1 managed by the work information management unit 312 is the same as the work identification information JW1 included in the work information JW of the work list information J14.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the workload information JW2 is information regarding the workload ZA, which indicates the degree of physical burden on workers WA, WB, and WC associated with the performance of each of the multiple tasks indicated in the work identification information JW1. The workload ZA indicated in the workload information JW2 differs for each type of work depending on the load acting on workers WA, WB, and WC, the work time, the distance traveled, etc. For example, for each task indicated in the work identification information JW1, the workload ZA decreases in the order of task A (such as parts supply preparation work), task E (such as maintenance work), task D (such as cleaning work), task B (such as parts replenishment work), and task C (such as machine operation work), with the workload ZA for task A (such as parts supply preparation work) being the largest and the workload ZA for task C (such as machine operation work) being the smallest. The workload ZA corresponding to each of the multiple tasks A to E is set, for example, by an input operation to the input unit 35 of the administrator who manages workers WA, WB, and WC. The work information management unit 312 manages the work workload information JW2, which shows the workload ZA for each of the multiple tasks A to E set by the administrator's input operation to the input unit 35.

[0057] <Worker information management department> As shown in Figure 3, the worker information management unit 313 manages worker identification information J3, worker attribute information J4, fatigue level information J5, and work plan information J6 as information about each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC.

[0058] Worker identification information J3 is information for identifying multiple workers WA, WB, and WC who perform multiple tasks A to E. Fatigue level information J5 is information monitored by the worker monitoring unit 32 described later, and is information regarding the fatigue level of each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC. The fatigue level indicated by fatigue level information J5 is set based on biometric information J8 (Figure 12 described later), such as heart rate, recorded by wearable devices attached to workers WA, WB, and WC. Work plan information J6 is created by the work plan creation unit 332 in the information processing unit 33 described later. Work plan information J6 is information regarding a work plan that shows the plan for each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC to perform multiple tasks A to E.

[0059] Worker attribute information J4 is information that shows the attributes of each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC, and includes physical information J41, indicator time information J42, and work ability information J43.

[0060] Physical Information J41 contains information about the physical condition of each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC. Examples of physical conditions indicated in Physical Information J41 include whether or not workers WA, WB, and WC have injuries or are pregnant. Indicator Time Information J42 contains information about indicator time, which is an indicator of the time that each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC can engage in tasks A to E. Examples of indicator time indicated in Indicator Time Information J42 include the working hours of workers WA, WB, and WC, and non-working time, which indicates non-working time such as meetings or business trips. The physical condition indicated in Physical Information J41 and the indicator time indicated in Indicator Time Information J42 are set, for example, by input operations to the input unit 35 of the administrator who manages workers WA, WB, and WC.

[0061] Work capability information J43 is information regarding the work capabilities of multiple workers WA, WB, and WC for each of multiple tasks A to E. As shown in Figure 7, work capability information J43 is information associated with the work area information JW0, task identification information JW1, and worker identification information J3. In other words, work capability information J43 is information regarding the work capabilities of workers WA, WB, and WC, indicated by worker identification information J3, when performing tasks A to E, indicated by task identification information JW1, in the work area indicated by work area information JW0. The work capabilities of each worker WA, WB, and WC indicated by work capability information J43 are classified for each of the multiple tasks A to E into, for example, rank A, where the work can be performed, and rank B, where the work cannot be performed. Note that the work capabilities indicated by work capability information J43 may be divided into multiple ranks between rank A and rank B. The work capacity indicated in work capacity information J43 is set, for example, by an input operation to the input unit 35 of the administrator who manages workers WA, WB, and WC.

[0062] As described above, the worker information management unit 313 manages worker attribute information J4, including physical information J41, indicator time information J42, and work ability information J43, which are set by input operations to the administrator's input unit 35, in association with worker identification information J3. It also manages fatigue level information J5, which is monitored by the worker monitoring unit 32 (described later), and work plan information J6, which is created by the work plan creation unit 332 in the information processing unit 33, in association with worker identification information J3.

[0063] (Regarding the Worker Monitoring Department) The worker monitoring unit 32 monitors the degree of fatigue of each worker WA, WB, and WC as they perform each task A to E. By monitoring biometric information J8 (Figure 12 below), such as heart rate, recorded on wearable devices attached to workers WA, WB, and WC, the worker monitoring unit 32 outputs fatigue level information J5 regarding the fatigue level of workers WA, WB, and WC, as well as monitoring information J51.

[0064] The fatigue level information J5 output from the worker monitoring unit 32 is managed by the worker information management unit 313.

[0065] The worker monitoring unit 32 outputs monitoring information J51 if there is a worker whose fatigue level, as indicated by fatigue level information J5, exceeds a predetermined threshold. The monitoring information J51 output from the worker monitoring unit 32 is input to, for example, the terminal device of the administrator who manages workers WA, WB, and WC. In this case, the administrator can confirm the existence of workers whose fatigue level exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the monitoring information J51.

[0066] (Regarding the Information Processing Department) The information processing unit 33 is a processing unit that processes various types of information managed by the production information management unit 311, the work information management unit 312, and the worker information management unit 313 of the management unit 31. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing unit 33 includes the production plan creation unit 331 and the work plan creation unit 332.

[0067] <Production Planning Department> The production plan creation unit 331 creates a production plan showing the production plan for component-mounted boards at each component mounting machine 2 of the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2, based on the production board information J11 and delivery date information J12 managed by the production information management unit 311, and outputs the production plan information J13 shown in Figure 4 described above, which shows the created production plan. The production plan creation unit 331 also creates a work list showing a list of multiple tasks A to E corresponding to the production plan shown in the production plan information J13, and outputs the work list information J14 shown in Figure 5 described above, which shows the created work list. The production plan information J13 and work list information J14 output from the production plan creation unit 331 are managed by the production information management unit 311.

[0068] The production plan information J13 managed by the production information management unit 311 is transmitted via the communication unit 37 to each component mounting machine 2 in the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2. Upon receiving the production plan information J13, each component mounting machine 2 produces component-mounted boards according to the production plan indicated in the production plan information J13.

[0069] <Work Planning Department> As shown in Figure 8, the work plan creation unit 332 creates work plan information J6 based on at least two pieces of information: work list information J14 managed by the production information management unit 311 and work load information JW2 managed by the work information management unit 312. The work plan information J6 is information that shows the work plan for each of the multiple workers WA, WB, WC, and is information that associates the tasks A to E performed by each worker WA, WB, WC with a work schedule that includes the start and end times of each task. The work plan information J6 created by the work plan creation unit 332 is managed by the worker information management unit 313.

[0070] The work plan information J6 managed in the worker information management unit 313 is transmitted via the communication unit 37 to the mobile terminal devices PT of each worker WA, WB, and WC, and to each component mounting machine 2. Upon receiving the work plan information J6, each mobile terminal device PT displays the work plan information J6 on its display screen, and upon receiving the work plan information J6, each component mounting machine 2 displays the work plan information J6 on its touch panel 29. Workers WA, WB, and WC can perform their assigned tasks A to E while checking the work plan information J6 displayed on the display screen of their mobile terminal device PT or on the touch panel 29 of each component mounting machine 2.

[0071] Furthermore, the work plan information J6 managed in the worker information management unit 313 may be displayed on the display unit 36 ​​of the management device 3 under the control of the control unit 34. That is, the display unit 36 ​​displays the work plan information J6 based on the control of the control unit 34. Workers WA, WB, and WC can understand the tasks A to E assigned to them by checking the work plan information J6 displayed on the display unit 36 ​​of the management device 3.

[0072] The work plan creation unit 332 creates work plan information J6, which shows the work plan for each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC, by assigning the multiple tasks A to E shown in the work list information J14 to multiple workers WA, WB, and WC. Specifically, the work plan creation unit 332 creates the work plan information J6 by performing the work assignment process S1, the balance monitoring process S2, and the verification process S3.

[0073] In the work assignment process S1, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to multiple workers WA, WB, and WC so as to maintain a predetermined balance among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC, in order to prevent the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC for each worker WA, WB, and WC, which represent the sum of the workload amounts ZA shown in the workload information JW2, from becoming excessive for a particular worker. In other words, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to multiple workers WA, WB, and WC so as to maintain a predetermined balance between the cumulative workload amount ZAA of worker WA, the cumulative workload amount ZAB of worker WB, and the cumulative workload amount ZAC of worker WC.

[0074] The work plan creation unit 332 performs a balance monitoring process S2 during the processing of the work assignment process S1. In the balance monitoring process S2, the work plan creation unit 332 monitors whether the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC maintain a predetermined balance. That is, while monitoring whether the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC maintain a predetermined balance, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to multiple workers WA, WB, and WC.

[0075] The work plan creation unit 332 performs a verification process S3 after the work assignment process S1 has been completed. In the verification process S3, the work plan creation unit 332 verifies whether the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC maintain a predetermined balance. If the verification result in the verification process S3 indicates that the predetermined balance is not maintained, the work plan creation unit 332 performs the work assignment process S1 again.

[0076] As described above, the work plan creation unit 332 creates work plan information J6 showing the work plan for each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC by performing a work assignment process S1 which assigns multiple tasks A to E according to the production plan shown in the work list information J14 to multiple workers WA, WB, and WC. In this work assignment process S1, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to multiple workers WA, WB, and WC such that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC, which represent the sum of the workload amounts ZA for each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC, maintain a predetermined balance among the workers WA, WB, and WC. This prevents the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC for a particular worker from becoming excessive when each worker WA, WB, and WC performs tasks A to E to support the production of component-mounted boards according to the production plan in each component mounting machine 2 of the first and second production lines 2L1 and 2L2.

[0077] Furthermore, if the verification process S3 indicates that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC are not in a predetermined balance, the work plan creation unit 332 repeats the work assignment process S1. This allows for more accurate suppression of the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC becoming excessive for a particular worker.

[0078] In the example shown in Figure 8, during the work assignment process S1, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to multiple workers WA, WB, and WC such that the difference in cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC between workers corresponding to each worker falls within a predetermined allowable range, thereby maintaining a predetermined balance among the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 8, the work plan creation unit 332 sets the balance of cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC such that the difference in cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among the workers corresponding to each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC falls within a predetermined allowable range. In this case, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, and WC such that the difference in cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among the workers corresponding to each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC falls within a predetermined allowable range. As a result, multiple tasks A to E can be assigned to each worker WA, WB, and WC such that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC corresponding to each of the multiple workers WA, WB, and WC are approximately uniform as far as possible. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the excessive cumulative workload of specific workers (ZAA, ZAB, ZAC).

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, the work plan creation unit 332 may create work plan information J6 based on physical information J41 and indicator time information J42 managed by the worker information management unit 313, in addition to the work list information J14 and the workload information JW2. In this case, in the work assignment process S1, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to multiple workers WA, WB, WC so as to maintain a predetermined balance in which the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, WC are set based on the physical information J41 and indicator time information J42.

[0081] In the example shown in Figure 9, the work plan creation unit 332 sets the balance of cumulative workloads ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC based on at least one of the following pieces of information: physical information J41 indicating the physical condition of workers WA, WB, and WC, such as whether they are injured or pregnant, and indicator time information J42 indicating indicator time, such as working hours, which is an indicator of the time that workers WA, WB, and WC can engage in tasks A to E. For example, regarding the balance of cumulative workloads ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC, the cumulative workloads ZAA and ZAC of workers WA and WC who are not injured or pregnant are set as the standard cumulative workloads, and the cumulative workload ZAB of worker WB who is injured or pregnant, or worker WB with short working hours such as taking a half-day off in the morning, is set as a specific cumulative workload. In this case, the work plan creation unit 332 sets the balance of cumulative workloads ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC so that a specific cumulative workload ZAB is, for example, 50% of the standard cumulative workloads ZAA and ZAC.

[0082] Then, in the work assignment process S1, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC so as to maintain a predetermined balance in which the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, WC are set based on physical information J41 and indicator time information J42. This allows for the assignment of multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC while considering the physical condition of the workers WA, WB, WC and the indicator time which serves as an indicator of the time that workers WA, WB, WC can engage in tasks A to E. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC for a particular worker from becoming excessive, while considering the physical condition of the workers WA, WB, WC and the indicator time.

[0083] As shown in Figure 10, the work plan creation unit 332 may create work plan information J6 based on work capacity information J43 managed by the worker information management unit 313, in addition to work list information J14 and workload information JW2. In this case, in the work assignment process S1, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to multiple workers WA, WB, WC such that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC based on the workload amount ZA corresponding to the work capacity information J43 maintain a predetermined balance among multiple workers WA, WB, WC.

[0084] In the example shown in Figure 10, the work plan creation unit 332 sets the workload ZA for each worker WA, WB, WC for each task A to E, according to the work capacity information J43 regarding the work capacity of the workers WA, WB, WC. For example, if workers WA, WB, WC perform a task for which they have low work capacity, the workload will be heavy for them. In other words, for each task A to E for each worker WA, WB, WC, the lower the work capacity of the worker WA, WB, WC, the heavier the workload will be for them.

[0085] Therefore, the work plan creation unit 332 sets the workload ZA according to the work capacity information J43 relating to the work capabilities of workers WA, WB, and WC. In this case, the work plan creation unit 332 sets the workload ZA for each worker WA, WB, and WC according to the work capacity information J43, based on the workload coefficient information J7 shown in Figure 10, for example. The workload coefficient information J7 includes worker identification information J3 and work identification information JW1, and is information that shows the workload coefficient ZAK for each of the multiple tasks A to E shown in work identification information JW1 for each worker WA, WB, and WC shown in worker identification information J3. The workload coefficient ZAK shown in the workload coefficient information J7 has a correlation with the work capacity shown in work capacity information J43, and for each of the multiple tasks A to E, the lower the work capacity of worker WA, WB, and WC, the larger the value of the workload coefficient ZAK is set to. The work plan creation unit 332 sets the workload ZA for each worker WA, WB, WC according to the work capacity information J43 by multiplying the workload ZA indicated by the workload information JW2 managed by the work information management unit 312 by the workload coefficient ZAK indicated by the workload coefficient information J7. The work information management unit 312 may also manage the workload information JW2 which indicates the workload ZA according to the work capacity information J43. In this case, the work plan creation unit 332 can obtain the workload ZA for each worker WA, WB, WC according to the work capacity information J43 from the work information management unit 312 without using the workload coefficient information J7.

[0086] The work plan creation unit 332 then assigns multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC so that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC based on the workload amount ZA corresponding to the work capacity information J43 maintain a predetermined balance among multiple workers WA, WB, WC. This allows for the assignment of multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC while considering the work capacity of each task A to E for each worker WA, WB, WC. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC for a particular worker from becoming excessive while considering the work capacity of each task A to E for each worker WA, WB, WC.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 10, the work plan creation unit 332 may create work plan information J6 based on work capacity information J43, physical information J41, and indicator time information J42, in addition to work list information J14 and workload information JW2. In this case, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC so that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC based on the workload amount ZA corresponding to the work capacity information J43 maintain a predetermined balance set among multiple workers WA, WB, WC based on physical information J41 and indicator time information J42. This makes it possible to assign multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC while considering the physical condition and indicator time of each worker WA, WB, WC, and the work capacity of each worker WA, WB, WC for each task A to E.

[0088] For example, suppose the work capacity information J43 indicates that the production lines on which each worker WA, WB, WC can perform their work are limited, and the work list information J14 shows that a large workload ZA is concentrated on one production line. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, in the verification process S3 after the work assignment process S1, the work plan creation unit 332 is more likely to obtain a verification result that the cumulative workload ZAA, ZAB, ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, WC does not maintain a predetermined balance. If the verification result indicates that the predetermined balance is not maintained, the work plan creation unit 332 sends a production plan revision request signal SG to the production plan creation unit 331.

[0089] Upon receiving the request signal SG, the production planning unit 331 reviews the production plan from the perspective of whether it is possible to produce component-mounted boards on other production lines, while satisfying the constraint of meeting the delivery date indicated by the delivery date information J12, and considering whether it is possible to produce component-mounted boards on other production lines where tasks with a large workload ZA are concentrated. The production planning unit then creates production planning information J13 showing the revised production plan. Furthermore, the production planning unit 331 creates a list of tasks A to E corresponding to the production plan indicated by the revised production planning information J13, which is called revised task list information J14. The revised production planning information J13 and task list information J14 are managed by the production information management unit 311.

[0090] The work plan creation unit 332 performs the work assignment process S1 again based on the revised work list information J14 managed by the production information management unit 311. That is, if the verification process S3 determines that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC do not maintain a predetermined balance, the work plan creation unit 332 performs the work assignment process S1 again based on the revised work list information J14 created by the production plan creation unit 331. This allows multiple tasks A to E to be assigned to each worker WA, WB, and WC, while considering the work capacity of each worker WA, WB, and WC for each task A to E, in order to maintain a predetermined balance among multiple workers WA, WB, and WC in order to prevent the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, and ZAC from becoming excessive for a particular worker.

[0091] As shown in Figure 12, the worker monitoring unit 32 monitors biometric information J8, such as heart rate, recorded on wearable devices attached to workers WA, WB, and WC, and outputs fatigue level information J5 regarding the fatigue level of workers WA, WB, and WC, as well as monitoring information J51. As previously described, if there is a worker whose fatigue level, as indicated in the fatigue level information J5, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the worker monitoring unit 32 outputs monitoring information J51 indicating that fact.

[0092] The work plan creation unit 332 may create work plan information J6 based on fatigue level information J5 and monitoring information J51, in addition to the work list information J14 and workload information JW2. In this case, in the work assignment process S1, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to multiple workers WA, WB, WC such that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC based on the workload amount ZA corresponding to the fatigue level information J5 and monitoring information J51 maintain a predetermined balance among multiple workers WA, WB, WC.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 12, the work plan creation unit 332 sets the workload ZA for workers WA, WB, and WC for each task A to E, according to fatigue information J5 regarding the fatigue level of workers WA, WB, and WC, or monitoring information J51 when the fatigue level exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, if workers with high fatigue levels and workers with low fatigue levels perform the same tasks A to E, the workers with high fatigue levels will bear a greater workload. In other words, when workers WA, WB, and WC perform tasks A to E, the greater the fatigue level of workers WA, WB, and WC, the greater the workload.

[0094] Therefore, the work plan creation unit 332 sets the workload ZA according to the fatigue level information J5 and monitoring information J51 regarding the fatigue levels of workers WA, WB, and WC. In this case, the work plan creation unit 332 performs a workload coefficient update process SA before processing the work assignment process S1. In the workload coefficient update process SA, the work plan creation unit 332 updates the workload coefficient ZAK shown in the workload coefficient information J7 in Figure 10 according to the fatigue level shown in the fatigue level information J5 and monitoring information J51. The work plan creation unit 332 updates the workload coefficient ZAK so that the workload coefficient ZAK increases as the fatigue level of workers WA, WB, and WC increases. The work plan creation unit 332 sets the workload ZA for each worker WA, WB, and WC according to the fatigue level information J5 and monitoring information J51 by multiplying the workload ZA indicated by the workload information JW2 managed by the work information management unit 312 by the workload coefficient ZAK indicated by the updated workload coefficient information J7 according to the fatigue level of the workers WA, WB, and WC. The work information management unit 312 may also manage the workload information JW2 which indicates the workload ZA according to the fatigue level of the workers WA, WB, and WC. In this case, the work plan creation unit 332 can obtain the workload ZA for each worker WA, WB, and WC according to the fatigue level information J5 and monitoring information J51 from the work information management unit 312 without using the workload coefficient information J7.

[0095] The work plan creation unit 332 then assigns multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC so that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC based on the workload amount ZA corresponding to the fatigue level information J5 and monitoring information J51 maintain a predetermined balance among multiple workers WA, WB, WC. This allows for the assignment of multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC while considering their fatigue levels. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC for any particular worker from becoming excessive, while taking into account the fatigue levels of workers WA, WB, WC.

[0096] In the example shown in Figure 12, the work plan creation unit 332 may create work plan information J6 based on fatigue level information J5 and monitoring information J51, as well as physical information J41 and indicator time information J42, in addition to work list information J14 and workload information JW2. In this case, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC so that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC based on the workload amount ZA corresponding to the fatigue level information J5 and monitoring information J51 maintain a predetermined balance set based on physical information J41 and indicator time information J42 among multiple workers WA, WB, WC. This makes it possible to assign multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC while considering the physical condition and indicator time of the workers WA, WB, WC, and the fatigue level of the workers WA, WB, WC.

[0097] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in the example of Figure 12, the work plan creation unit 332 may create work plan information J6 based on fatigue level information J5, monitoring information J51, and work capacity information J43, in addition to work list information J14 and workload information JW2. In this case, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC such that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC based on the workload amount ZA corresponding to the work capacity information J43, fatigue level information J5, and monitoring information J51 maintain a predetermined balance among multiple workers WA, WB, WC. This makes it possible to assign multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC while considering the work capacity of each worker WA, WB, WC for each task A to E and the fatigue level of the workers WA, WB, WC.

[0098] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in the example of Figure 12, the work plan creation unit 332 may create work plan information J6 based on fatigue level information J5 and monitoring information J51, physical information J41 and indicator time information J42, and work capacity information J43, in addition to work list information J14 and workload information JW2. In this case, the work plan creation unit 332 assigns multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC so that the cumulative workload amounts ZAA, ZAB, ZAC based on the workload amount ZA corresponding to the work capacity information J43, fatigue level information J5, and monitoring information J51 maintain a predetermined balance set based on physical information J41 and indicator time information J42 among multiple workers WA, WB, WC. This makes it possible to assign multiple tasks A to E to each worker WA, WB, WC while considering the physical condition and indicator time of the worker WA, WB, WC, the work capacity of each worker WA, WB, WC for each task A to E, and the fatigue level of the worker WA, WB, WC. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1. Production System 2L1, 2L2 production line 3 Management device 31 Management Department 32 Worker Monitoring Department 33 Information Processing Department 331 Production Planning Department 332 Work Planning Department 36 Display section J13 Production Plan Information J14 Work List Information J4 Worker attribute information J41 Physical information J42 Index time information J43 Work Capacity Information J5 Fatigue Level Information J51 Monitoring Information J6 Work Plan Information JW2 Workload Information WA, WB, WC worker ZA workload ZAA, ZAB, ZAC Cumulative workload

Claims

1. A control device that manages multiple tasks performed by multiple workers in order to support the production of products based on a production plan on a production line, A management unit manages a work list showing a list of the multiple tasks in accordance with the production plan, and a workload indicating the degree of burden on each worker for each of the multiple tasks. The system includes a work planning unit that creates a work plan for each of the multiple workers by assigning the multiple tasks shown in the work list to the multiple workers, The aforementioned work plan creation unit, In order to prevent the cumulative workload, which represents the sum of the workload amounts of the tasks assigned to each of the aforementioned workers, from becoming excessive for any particular worker, a work assignment process is performed to assign the aforementioned tasks to the aforementioned workers in order to maintain a predetermined balance among the aforementioned workers. A management device that, if the cumulative workload among the multiple workers cannot maintain the predetermined balance, outputs a signal requesting a revision of the production plan, and when the revised work list, which has been revised according to the revised production plan corresponding to the request signal, is managed by the management unit, performs the work assignment process again based on the revised work list.

2. The management unit is capable of managing worker attribute information that includes at least one of the following: physical information relating to the physical condition of each of the multiple workers, and indicator time information relating to indicator time which is an indicator of the time each of the multiple workers can engage in work. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the work plan creation unit, in the work assignment process, assigns the multiple tasks to the multiple workers in such a way that the cumulative workload among the multiple workers is set based on the worker attribute information.

3. The management unit is capable of managing work capacity information relating to the work capacity of each of the multiple workers for each of the multiple tasks. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the work plan creation unit, in the work assignment process, assigns the plurality of tasks to the plurality of workers such that the cumulative workload based on the workload according to the work capacity information maintains a predetermined balance among the plurality of workers.

4. The aforementioned management unit is capable of managing fatigue level information relating to the fatigue level of each of the aforementioned workers, The management device according to claim 1, wherein the work plan creation unit, in the work assignment process, assigns the plurality of tasks to the plurality of workers such that the cumulative workload based on the workload corresponding to the fatigue level information maintains a predetermined balance among the plurality of workers.

5. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the work plan creation unit, in the work assignment process, assigns the multiple tasks to the multiple workers such that the difference in the cumulative workload among the multiple workers corresponding to each of the multiple workers falls within a predetermined allowable range, thereby maintaining a predetermined balance among the multiple workers.

6. The management device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying work plan information relating to the work plans for each of the multiple workers created by the work plan creation unit.

7. The aforementioned management unit is capable of managing fatigue level information relating to the fatigue level of each of the aforementioned workers, The management device according to claim 1, further comprising a worker monitoring unit that outputs monitoring information indicating that there is a worker whose fatigue level, as indicated by the fatigue level information, exceeds a predetermined threshold.

8. A production line that produces products according to the production plan, A production system comprising a management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which manages a plurality of tasks performed by a plurality of workers in order to support the production of a product based on the production plan in the production line.

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