System for a sharing factory and operation method thereof

Abstract

A shared factory system and a method of operation thereof are provided. The shared factory system includes: an order input unit configured to perform an order transaction for at least one product among products manufactured by multiple manufacturers; a work scheduler configured to perform production process scheduling for operating a shared factory facility for the multiple manufacturers according to the order transaction; and a shared factory resource allocation unit configured to allocate resources for producing the product based on the result of the production process scheduling and to issue work orders to the shared factory facility based on the result of the resource allocation.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shared factory, and more specifically, to a shared factory system for multiple manufacturers and a method of operation thereof. Background Technology

[0002] The sharing economy proposed a philosophy of temporary sharing of resources or assets for a reasonable price, and it is expanding to various scopes, including housing, automobiles, and bicycles. However, most goods traded within the sharing economy are targeted at consumers who hold ownership or exclusive usage rights. Furthermore, in the existing sharing economy, suppliers and intermediary platforms are completely separated, leading to a persistent possibility of disputes over liability in the event of problems.

[0003] Furthermore, this sharing economy presents an approach targeting consumers, but does not offer an approach from the producer's perspective. Generally, existing production facilities are implemented in a form owned by specific manufacturers, and production lines are dependent on them. As consumers seek products with diversity and individuality, producers are motivated to adopt multi-product, small-batch production; consequently, facilities and lines for mass production of a limited variety of products are still necessary. Recently, clothing and fashion businesses have been providing consumers with options to choose from for specific products, commercializing and selling them.

[0004] However, the products they sell are produced in facilities owned by the business operator and carry the potential for market cannibalization. Furthermore, since investment in building new factory facilities (construction of facilities, securing of land, etc.) is required to meet the needs for diversity, this provides a fundamental reason why manufacturers cannot proactively adopt a multi-product, small-batch production method.

[0005] Recently, the fields of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, manufacturing innovation, and smart factories are being newly proposed and researched. However, these merely pursue manufacturing process innovation and production automation for a single operator.

[0006] Therefore, a method of approaching the sharing economy from the producer's perspective for multiple manufacturers is required. The problem to be solved

[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a shared factory system in which product production is carried out using flexible production facilities for multiple manufacturers, and a method of operation thereof. means of solving the problem

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a shared factory system is provided. The shared factory system comprises: an order input unit configured to perform an order transaction for at least one product among products manufactured by multiple manufacturers; a work scheduler configured to perform production process scheduling for operating a shared factory facility for the multiple manufacturers according to the order transaction; and a shared factory resource allocation unit configured to allocate resources for producing the product based on the result of the production process scheduling and to issue work orders to the shared factory facility based on the result of the resource allocation. Effects of the invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the following differentiated effects can be provided.

[0010] First, while conventional methods have been limited to the collection and analysis of factory information, automation, and process improvement from the perspective of individual manufacturers or business operators, an embodiment of the present invention proposes the concept of a shared factory for multi-product, small-batch production of multiple manufacturers, and provides a system and method of operation for this purpose. Accordingly, manufacturers can sell personalized and differentiated products to consumers without the need for new multi-product, small-batch production facilities, and can satisfy consumers' needs for personalized and differentiated products.

[0011] Second, most manufacturers adhere to a production-then-sales method for a limited variety of products, making it impossible to avoid issues such as inventory management costs and problems securing production materials due to the uncertainty of demand forecasting. However, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the shared factory system adopts a production-after-order method, inventory management costs are not incurred. Furthermore, statistical information on collective demand, which is difficult to ascertain from the perspective of individual businesses, can be checked in real time, and since the shared factory operator supplies the materials necessary for production, the problem of material shortages can be avoided.

[0012] Third, existing contract manufacturing methods require guaranteeing a certain level of production quantity and conducting contracts for each product, making the contracting process complex; however, through the shared factory system according to the embodiment of the present invention, individual manufacturers are freed from these problems.

[0013] Fourth, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide not only cost reduction but also increased consumer benefits that accommodate the diversity of demand.

[0014] Fifth, product production basically requires data necessary for product production (materials, design, etc.), and according to an embodiment of the present invention, the creation of a prosumer-based ecosystem in which consumers become direct producers can be realized through the expansion of the concept of a shared factory.

[0015] Sixth, in the existing sharing economy, suppliers and intermediary platforms are completely separated, so the possibility of disputes over liability persists in the event of problems; however, according to the embodiment of the present invention, suppliers can own the intermediary platform, making the locus of liability clearer. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of the sharing economy. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the concept of a shared factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a shared factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation method of a shared factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to another example of the operation method of a shared factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a figure showing an example of production dynamic scheduling according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of a shared factory system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0018] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0019] Expressions described in the singular in this specification may be interpreted as singular or plural unless explicit expressions such as "one" or "single" are used.

[0020] Hereinafter, a shared factory system and a method of operation according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0021] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of the sharing economy.

[0022] As shown in the attached Figure 1, in the sharing economy, resource holders (suppliers) and resource users (consumers) participate in transactions through a sharing economy platform, and an intermediary mediates the transaction. The consumer requests a short-term rental, etc., from the intermediary, and accordingly, a transaction is concluded between the supplier and the consumer, and the supplier's idle resources are provided to the consumer. The consumer pays a rental fee for the use of the idle resources, the supplier obtains rental income from the idle resources, and the intermediary obtains a brokerage fee.

[0023] In such a sharing economy, suppliers and intermediary platforms are completely separated, so the possibility of disputes over liability exists in the event of problems.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, a sharing economy is incorporated from the producer's perspective to provide a sharing economy system for multiple producers, namely multiple manufacturers.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the concept of a shared factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] As shown in the attached FIG. 2, consumers (2) and multiple manufacturers (3) participate in a shared factory transaction through a shared factory platform (1). The multiple manufacturers (3) share the shared factory equipment (4) provided by the shared factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multiple manufacturers (e.g., A, B, C) are companies that produce goods that can be manufactured through the shared factory equipment (4). These multiple manufacturers (3) may be manufacturers producing products in the same field and may be in a competitive relationship.

[0027] Multiple manufacturers (3) provide information about the goods they manufacture, i.e., products, to the shared factory platform (1). The shared factory platform (1) mediates transactions between consumers (2) and manufacturers based on product information provided by multiple manufacturers (3) that is stored and managed through a product database.

[0028] When a consumer (2) requests an order for at least one of the products produced by multiple manufacturers (3) through the shared factory platform (1), a transaction is concluded between the manufacturer processing the order and the consumer (2). Information on the products produced for the order concluded through the shared factory platform (1) is provided to the shared factory facility (4), and production of the products according to the order takes place at the shared factory facility (4). Subsequently, the produced products are provided to the consumer (2).

[0029] In the shared factory system according to this embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturers acting as suppliers may own the intermediary platform. That is, multiple manufacturers in a competitive relationship may participate and share equipment, and since this group may jointly establish, manage, and operate the platform (shared factory platform), the manufacturers and the intermediary platform are not separated. In this case, the locus of responsibility is clear in the event of a problem, thereby reducing the likelihood of disputes.

[0030] Furthermore, in the shared factory system according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the manufacturer, consumer, and shared factory owner (referring to the entity that owns or manages the shared factory facilities) are separated in the context of the sharing economy, the production of products using facilities for multi-product, small-batch production, which are difficult for the manufacturer to invest in directly, can be entrusted to the shared factory owner, thereby increasing the potential for commercialization.

[0031] Next, we will explain the specific structure for implementing a shared factory system based on this concept.

[0032] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a shared factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] As illustrated in the attached FIG. 3, a shared factory system (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an order input unit (10), a product registration database management unit (20), a shared factory data collection unit (30), a work scheduler (40), a shared factory resource allocation unit (50), and a shared factory data storage (60). A shared factory system (100) with such a structure operates in conjunction with a shared factory facility (200). The shared factory facility (200) is configured to include various facilities for product manufacturing.

[0034] The order input unit (10) is configured to perform the function of allowing a consumer to view products that can be produced and to enter a product order. The order input unit (10) visualizes product information and creates a product order by drawing in a portion of product information registered in the product registration database management unit (20). For example, a product order can be created by referencing order, process, parts, and product standard data. Additionally, through the order input unit (10), the consumer can select or add order elements that match their preferences. Data related to the created product order is provided to the task scheduler (40).

[0035] The product registration database management unit (20) is configured to store and manage information related to products that manufacturers intend to sell. In addition to information related to products, the product registration database management unit (20) registers, stores, and manages information related to product orders (e.g., orders, processes, parts, product standard data) and data required for product production. Since product-related information from multiple manufacturers is stored in the product registration database management unit (20), information sharing between manufacturers is not permitted, and exclusive data creation and access rights may be granted to each manufacturer. Data required for product production may include materials, designs, basic process sequences, and special notes, and such data may be registered in a standardized form.

[0036] The shared factory data collection unit (30) is configured to collect data related to the shared factory equipment (200). The collected data is transferred to the shared factory data storage (60) for storage and management, and for convenience of explanation, this collected data is hereinafter referred to as equipment data. Equipment data includes work data indicating whether the equipment is performing work, what kind of work the equipment is performing, and data generated according to the work performance (or production process) (e.g., temperature, humidity, motor RPM, etc.). Through this equipment data, the current operating status and any abnormalities of the equipment can be checked. In addition, data generated during the production process is collected to track intermediate products, input materials, etc., so the responsibility for problems that may occur during the production process can be clarified based on this data.

[0037] The work scheduler (40) is configured to receive traded order information, establish a work plan to produce products, and assign tasks to the shared factory equipment (200) according to the work plan. To produce multi-variety, small-batch products, the flexible production equipment, i.e., the shared factory equipment (200), is dynamically scheduled. To this end, when product order-related data is entered from the order input unit (10), production process scheduling is performed to complete production for the corresponding order within the delivery period. Specifically, the overall process sequence and production volume are dynamically determined according to the product order-related data, and the equipment to be operated in the shared factory equipment (200), the operating time of the equipment, and the driving data of the equipment are determined according to the equipment data collected from the shared factory data collection unit (30), the data required for product production by the manufacturer producing the product, and the overall process sequence and production volume determined according to the order. The overall process sequence, production volume, operating equipment, operating time of the equipment, and driving data of the equipment determined according to the production process scheduling can be referred to as a work plan. The work scheduler (40) of this structure may be an MES (Manufacturing Execution System) based scheduler.

[0038] The shared factory resource allocation unit (50) is configured to optimally allocate resources required for product production. For product production, 4M resources—namely, people, machines, materials, and methods—are required. The shared factory resource allocation unit (50) performs optimal allocation of 4M resources according to the work plan generated by the work scheduler (40). To this end, the shared factory resource allocation unit (50) manages the status of each individual resource and optimizes the resources by allocating them individually for the execution of the work plan based on the status and the estimated values ​​according to the work plan. For example, in the case of materials, the remaining materials are checked per unit of time by reflecting the collective demand of multiple manufacturers, and resources are supplied to ensure there are no problems with material supply through the prediction of material consumption. In addition, since the responsibility for product defects must be clear in the shared factory, the shared factory resource allocation unit (50) can manage and monitor the resources input into product production.

[0039] The shared factory data storage (60) is configured to store equipment data collected by the shared factory data collection unit (30). Data collected by equipment can be stored and managed.

[0040] Next, a method of operation of a shared factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation method of a shared factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] As illustrated in the attached FIG. 4, a consumer makes an order transaction for a desired product through a shared factory platform provided by a shared factory system (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. To this end, the product registration database management unit (20) of the shared factory system (100) receives, stores, and manages product characteristics and production information, etc. (S10), and provides product information for sale in response to an information request from an order input unit (10) (S11, S12). Based on this product information, an order transaction with the consumer is concluded (S13).

[0043] When an order transaction is generated, the order input unit (10) requests the product registration database management unit (20) to provide production basic information to the work scheduler (40) (S14), and accordingly, the product registration database management unit (20) provides production basic information to the work scheduler (40) (S15).

[0044] Accordingly, the work scheduler (40) establishes a work plan by performing production process scheduling to complete production for the corresponding order within the delivery period based on basic production information (S16). Then, according to the work plan, it instructs the production process and work to the shared factory resource allocation unit (50) (S17).

[0045] The shared factory resource allocation unit (50) allocates available resources, such as people, machines, materials, and methods, for manufacturing products according to the instructions of the work scheduler (40) (S19). Accordingly, the shared factory equipment (200) operates the production equipment according to the allocated resources to perform product manufacturing (S20). As the shared factory equipment (200) performs manufacturing, the shared factory data collection unit (30) collects relevant data and stores it in the shared factory data storage (60) (S21).

[0046] When product production is completed (S22), resource information regarding the completion of work for resources including equipment is transmitted to the shared factory resource allocation unit (50) (S23), and the shared factory resource allocation unit (50) updates resource information including resource status based on the received information (S24). The shared factory resource allocation unit (50) also transmits work information including work completion based on the received resource information to the work scheduler (40) (S25), and the work scheduler (40) updates the work information based on the received information (S26). Based on the updated work information, the work scheduler (40) notifies the order input unit (10) of order production processing indicating that product production is completed (S27).

[0047] The order input unit (10) completes the order processing (S28) and can provide the sales processing data to the manufacturer (e.g., a shared factory settlement system) (S29).

[0048] When operating such a shared factory system, scheduling can be performed in the following way.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to another example of the operation method of a shared factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] As illustrated in the attached FIG. 5, the consumer makes an order transaction for a desired product through the shared factory platform provided by the shared factory system (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention (S100).

[0051] When an order transaction is generated, the order input unit (10) of the shared factory system (100) transmits the product order-related data to the work scheduler (40) (S110).

[0052] When the work scheduler (40) receives product order data, it performs production process scheduling to complete production for the order within the delivery period (S120). Specifically, based on the product order data, it determines the processes required to manufacture the order, the order in which the processes must be performed, and the production quantity (S130).

[0053] Then, the work scheduler (40) obtains data required for product production, which is a condition required by the manufacturer to manufacture the product, from the product registration database management unit (20) (S140), and obtains equipment data related to the equipment used in the process to be performed during product manufacturing from the shared factory data storage (60) (S150). Based on the equipment data, the work scheduler (40) can check the current operating status and whether there are any abnormalities of the equipment, such as whether the equipment is currently operating, whether there are any abnormalities, what work is being performed, and how much work needs to be performed.

[0054] The work scheduler (40) determines the equipment to be operated in the shared factory equipment (200), the operating time of the equipment, and the driving data of the equipment, according to the data required for product production, equipment data, and the overall process sequence and production volume determined by the order. A work plan is established according to this production dynamic scheduling (S160).

[0055] The work scheduler directs the process to the shared factory resource allocation unit (50) according to the work plan established by the production dynamic scheduling, and the shared factory resource allocation unit (50) allocates resources, namely people, machines, materials, and methods, to manufacture the product based on the work plan (S170). For example, regarding the work plan, equipment (machines) to perform the process, a manager (people) to operate the equipment, materials supplied to the equipment, and methods to operate the equipment (operating time, motor RPM, etc.) are each allocated. Then, work orders are provided to the shared factory equipment (200) according to the allocated resources (S180). For example, the work orders can be transmitted to the equipment controller, the manager's terminal, the material supply controller, etc., through a communication network. Since the subsequent process can be performed as shown in FIG. 4, a detailed description is omitted here.

[0056] The method of operation illustrated in FIG. 5 is merely one example and does not limit the invention.

[0057] Meanwhile, when scheduling production processes, since some of the intermediate products required for the production of finished goods can be shared by multiple manufacturers, scheduling can be performed from a collective perspective. To minimize the production time of the ordered product, tasks and resources can be dynamically scheduled and allocated from a collective perspective.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a figure showing an example of production dynamic scheduling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, it is assumed that parts A, B, C, and D are required to produce an ordered product X, and that the final assembly process must be completed. Here, parts may represent the equipment that manufactures the corresponding parts. Also, Job (Job2) and Job (Job3) are sequential tasks.

[0060] Therefore, considering sequential work, the process sequence can be a combination of A-BC-D, BC-AD, D-BC-A, AD-BC, BC-AD, and DA-BC. To minimize production process time, the work scheduler (40) can determine the process sequence based on the cumulative order quantity and work estimate among the possible process sequences.

[0061] Resource allocation can be performed according to the determined process sequence. In this case, the shared factory resource allocation unit (50) can select available resources A1 and A2 to perform the work (Job1) in FIG. 6, and in particular, can select and allocate resources based on the status and estimates of individual resources.

[0062] According to these embodiments, a shared factory system having flexible production facilities for multiple manufacturers and a method of operation thereof can be provided.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of a shared factory system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] As illustrated in the attached FIG. 7, a shared factory system (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a processor (310), a memory (320), an input interface device (330), an output interface device (340), a network interface device (350), and a storage device (360), which can communicate through a bus (370).

[0065] The processor (310) may be configured to implement the methods described above based on FIGS. 2 through 6. For example, the processor (310) may be configured to perform the functions of an order input unit, a job scheduler, and a shared factory resource allocation unit.

[0066] The processor (310) may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that executes instructions stored in memory (320) or a storage device (360).

[0067] The memory (320) is connected to the processor (310) and stores various information related to the operation of the processor (310). The memory (320) may store instructions to be executed by the processor (310) or temporarily store instructions loaded from the storage device (360). The processor (310) may execute instructions stored or loaded in the memory (320). The memory may include ROM (321) and RAM (322).

[0068] In an embodiment of the present invention, the memory (320) / storage device (360) may be located inside or outside the processor (310) and may be connected to the processor (310) through various known means. Additionally, the memory (320) / storage device (360) may be configured to perform the functions of, for example, shared factory storage and product registration database management units.

[0069] The input interface device (330) may be configured to receive input data and transmit it to the processor (310). The output interface device (330) may be configured to output the processing result of the processor (310).

[0070] The network interface device (350) may be configured to receive data input through the network and transmit it to the processor (310), or to transmit the processing result of the processor (310) to another device through the network. For example, the network interface device (350) may be configured to transmit work commands to the equipment controller, the manager's terminal, the material supply controller, etc., and may also be configured to receive data from the equipment controller, the manager's terminal, the material supply controller, etc.

[0071] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to being implemented only through the apparatus and / or methods described above, but may also be implemented through a program for realizing a function corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present invention, a recording medium on which the program is recorded, etc., and such implementation can be easily achieved by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description of the embodiments described above.

[0072] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A shared factory system comprising: an order input unit configured to perform an order transaction for at least one product among products manufactured by multiple manufacturers; a work scheduler configured to perform production process scheduling for operating a shared factory facility for the multiple manufacturers according to the order transaction; and a shared factory resource allocation unit configured to allocate resources for producing the product based on the result of the production process scheduling and to issue work orders to the shared factory facility based on the result of the resource allocation, wherein the work scheduler is configured to determine at least one process required to manufacture the corresponding product according to the order transaction, the order in which the at least one process must be performed, and the production quantity. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A shared factory system according to claim 1, further comprising a shared factory data storage configured to store data related to the shared factory equipment, wherein the work scheduler acquires equipment data related to the equipment used in the process from the shared factory data storage, and is configured to determine a work plan based on the equipment data, data required for the production of the product, and the order of processes and production volume determined according to the order transaction. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the above work plan includes equipment to be operated in the above shared factory equipment, the operating time of the equipment, and the operation data of the equipment, and the equipment data includes whether the equipment performs work, work data indicating what kind of work the equipment is performing, and data generated as a result of the work performance, a shared factory system. Claim 5 In paragraph 3, the shared factory resource allocation unit is configured to allocate resources for manufacturing the product based on the work plan, and the resources include a machine which is equipment for performing a process, a person who is a manager for operating the equipment, materials supplied to the equipment, and a method for operating the equipment, and the method for operating the equipment includes at least one of operating time and motor RPM, a shared factory system. Claim 6 A shared factory system according to paragraph 3, wherein the work scheduler is configured to determine the order among the combinationable process sequences of at least one process based on the cumulative order quantity and the work estimate, and the shared factory resource allocation unit is configured to allocate resources based on the individual status of each resource and the estimate used based on the work plan. Claim 7 In claim 6, the shared factory resource allocation unit is configured to check remaining materials per unit of time by reflecting the collective demand of multiple manufacturers in the case of materials, and to allocate said materials based on a prediction of material consumption, in a shared factory system. Claim 8 A method of operation of a shared factory system, wherein the shared factory system acquires an order transaction for at least one product among products manufactured by multiple manufacturers; wherein the shared factory system performs a production process scheduling to operate a shared factory facility for the multiple manufacturers according to the order transaction; and wherein the shared factory system allocates resources to produce the product based on the result of the production process scheduling and directs a work order to the shared factory facility based on the result of the resource allocation, and wherein the step of performing the production process scheduling includes determining at least one process required to manufacture the corresponding product according to the order transaction, the order in which the at least one process must be performed, and a production quantity. Claim 9 In claim 8, the step of performing the production process scheduling comprises: a step of acquiring equipment data related to equipment used in the process; and a step of determining a work plan based on the equipment data, data required for the production of the product, and the order of processes and production volume determined according to the order transaction, and the step of directing a work order to the shared factory equipment comprises a step of allocating resources for manufacturing the product based on the work plan. Claim 10 In claim 9, the above work plan includes equipment to be operated in the above shared factory equipment, the operating time of the equipment, and the driving data of the equipment, the equipment data includes whether the equipment performs work, work data indicating what kind of work the equipment is performing, and data generated as a result of the work performance, and the above resources include a machine which is equipment for performing a process, a person who is a manager who drives the equipment, materials supplied to the equipment, and a method of driving the equipment, the method of driving the equipment includes at least one of the driving time and motor RPM.

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