Environmental improvement support device, environmental improvement support method, and environmental improvement support program

Abstract

A request reception unit (21) receives a request indicating a condition index and a subject index and designating a value of the condition index. Here, one of the condition index and the subject index is an index relating to environmental load reduction, and the other is an index relating to economic effect. When the degree of maturity of productivity improvement is represented by a combination of a maturity level, which is the maturity level of automation, and a scale level, which is the scale level of a management target, an index calculation unit (223) sets each of at least some combinations of the maturity level and the scale level as a target combination. The index calculation unit (223) calculates the value of the subject index where a target combination is achieved and the designated value of the condition index indicated by the request is satisfied.

Description

Environmental improvement support device, environmental improvement support method, and environmental improvement support program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to technology for supporting reduction of environmental impact.

[0002] Conventional environmental management support evaluates the environmental improvement effect by calculating the costs required to achieve targets for reducing the environmental impact of a company's business activities. A specific example of environmental impact reduction is the reduction of CO2 emissions. CO2 is carbon dioxide. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for prioritizing environmental improvement effects by comparing with industry averages, and formulating countermeasures.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-041705

[0004] Conventional environmental management support has not been able to mutually evaluate the managed objects and environmental improvement effects of the managed objects that should be considered in reducing environmental impact, and the economic and production improvement effects. As a result, there have been issues in implementing environmental management, such as the following (a) to (d): (a) There is a possibility that environmental improvement requirements may be overlooked. (b) It is not possible to grasp objective environmental improvement effects. (c) It is difficult to formulate an effective environmental improvement PDCA cycle. PDCA stands for Plan, Do, Check, Action. (d) It is difficult to identify the impact of environmental improvements on production improvement. The purpose of this disclosure is to make it easier to implement environmental management effectively.

[0005] The environmental improvement support device according to the present disclosure includes a request receiving unit that receives a request indicating a condition index and a target index, with a value of the condition index specified, where one of the condition index and the target index is an index related to a reduction in environmental load and the other is an index related to an economic effect; and an index calculation unit that, when the maturity of productivity improvement is expressed by a combination of a maturity level, which is the level of maturity of automation, and a scale level, which is the level of the scale of the managed object, sets at least some combinations of the maturity level and the scale level as target combinations, realizes the target combination, and calculates the value of the target index when the value specified for the condition index is satisfied.

[0006] In this disclosure, indicators related to environmental impact reduction, indicators related to economic effects, and the maturity of productivity improvement are correlated and evaluated. This can help resolve issues in the implementation of environmental management. As a result, it becomes easier to implement environmental management effectively.

[0007] 1 is a configuration diagram of an environmental improvement support device 10 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an SMKL matrix according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of calculation processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of service processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of Example 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a map of Example 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a comparison table of Example 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of Example 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a map of Example 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a comparison table of Example 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of an environmental improvement support device 10 according to a first modification. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an environmental improvement support device 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of Example 3 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a map of Example 3 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a comparison table of Example 3 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of an environmental improvement support device 10 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of Example 4 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a map of Example 4 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of an environmental improvement support device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0008] Embodiment 1. ***Description of Configuration*** The configuration of an environmental improvement support device 10 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The environmental improvement support device 10 is a computer. The environmental improvement support device 10 includes the following hardware components: a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, and a communication interface 14. The processor 11 is connected to other hardware components via signal lines and controls these components.

[0009] The processor 11 is an IC that performs processing. IC stands for Integrated Circuit. Specific examples of the processor 11 include a CPU, a DSP, and a GPU. CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. DSP stands for Digital Signal Processor. GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit.

[0010] The memory 12 is a storage device that temporarily stores data. Specific examples of the memory 12 include SRAM and DRAM. SRAM stands for Static Random Access Memory. DRAM stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory.

[0011] The storage 13 is a storage device that stores data. A specific example of the storage 13 is an HDD. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. The storage 13 may also be a portable recording medium such as an SD (registered trademark) memory card, CompactFlash (registered trademark), NAND flash, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, or a DVD. SD is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. DVD is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disk.

[0012] The communication interface 14 is an interface for communicating with external devices. Specific examples of the communication interface 14 include Ethernet (registered trademark), USB, and HDMI (registered trademark) ports. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0013] The environment improvement support device 10 is connected via a communication interface 14 to a terminal 141 or the like used by a user.

[0014] The environmental improvement support device 10 includes, as functional components, a request receiving unit 21, a calculation unit 22, and a service unit 23. The calculation unit 22 includes a level identification unit 221, an effect calculation unit 222, an index calculation unit 223, and an evaluation unit 224. The service unit 23 includes a map generation unit 231 and a comparison table generation unit 232. The functions of each functional component of the environmental improvement support device 10 are realized by software. The storage 13 stores programs that realize the functions of each functional component of the environmental improvement support device 10. These programs are loaded into the memory 12 by the processor 11 and executed by the processor 11. In this way, the functions of each functional component of the environmental improvement support device 10 are realized.

[0015] 1 shows only one processor 11. However, there may be a plurality of processors 11, and the plurality of processors 11 may cooperate to execute programs that realize the respective functions.

[0016] ***Explanation of Operation*** The operation of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 10. The operating procedure of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the first embodiment corresponds to the environmental improvement support method according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the program that realizes the operation of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the first embodiment corresponds to the environmental improvement support program according to the first embodiment.

[0017] The processing flow of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. (Step S11: Request Receiving Process) The request receiving unit 21 receives a request from a user. The requests include diagnostic requests and management requests. A diagnostic request is a request for information that can be used as a reference when planning environmental management. Specific examples of diagnostic requests include a request for an investment amount estimate for a CO2 emission reduction target, a request for a CO2 emission reduction amount prediction for an investment amount, and a request for selection of an execution path. A management request is a request for information that can be used as a reference when carrying out environmental management. Specific examples of management requests include a request for step-up monitoring of an execution path and a case search request.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the request receiving unit 21 receives a diagnosis request. Specifically, the request receiving unit 21 receives a diagnosis request indicating a condition index and a target index, where the value of the condition index is specified and the value of the target index is requested to be calculated. Here, one of the condition index and the target index is an index related to environmental load reduction, and the other is an index related to economic effect. In other words, the request receiving unit 21 receives diagnosis requests such as a request for estimating the investment amount for a CO2 emission reduction target and a request for predicting the amount of CO2 emission reduction for the investment amount.

[0019] (Step S12: Calculation Process) The calculation unit 22 calculates the value of the target index requested in step S11. At this time, the calculation unit 22 uses SMKL. SMKL is an abbreviation for Smart Manufacturing Kaizen Level. SMKL is described in International Publication No. 2020 / 161841. As shown in FIG. 3, SMKL represents the maturity of productivity improvement by combining a maturity level, which is the level of maturity of automation, and a scale level, which is the level of the scale of the managed object. Here, the maturity level has five levels, from the lowest level a to the highest level e. The scale level has four levels, from the lowest level 1 to the highest level 4. The calculation unit 22 sets at least some combinations of the maturity level and the scale level as target combinations, and calculates the value of the target index when the target combination is realized and the value specified for the condition index is satisfied.

[0020] (Step S13: Service Processing) The service unit 23 organizes the values ​​of the target indexes calculated in step S12 and provides them to the user.

[0021] The calculation process (step S12 in FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. (Step S121: Level Identification Process) The level identification unit 221 identifies a combination of maturity level and size level in the SMKL that can satisfy the value specified in the condition index. Specifically, the level identification unit 221 sets a reference combination. Here, it is assumed that the reference combination is set in advance. For each combination of maturity level and size level, the level identification unit 221 determines whether the value specified in the condition index can be satisfied based on the relationship with the reference combination. In this way, the level identification unit 221 identifies a combination that can satisfy the value specified in the condition index.

[0022] (Step S122: Effect Calculation Process) The effect calculation unit 222 calculates the effect obtained by each of the one or more combinations identified in step S121 as a target combination. The effect is the value of the condition index when the target combination is realized. At this time, the effect calculation unit 222 may also calculate the value of an index related to the condition index as the effect.

[0023] (Step S123: Index Calculation Process) The index calculation unit 223 calculates the value of a target index for each of the one or more combinations identified in step S121 as a target combination. At this time, the index calculation unit 223 may also calculate the value of an index related to the target index.

[0024] (Step S124: Evaluation Process) The evaluation unit 224 evaluates the values ​​of the target indicators calculated in step S123 to identify an appropriate combination. At this time, the evaluation unit 224 may identify an appropriate combination by taking into consideration the effect calculated in step S122. In the first embodiment, the evaluation unit 224 prioritizes the target combinations according to the values ​​of the target indicators calculated in step S123. Then, the evaluation unit 224 identifies, as appropriate combinations, the combination with the highest priority among combinations with the highest maturity level and the combination with the highest priority among combinations with the lowest scale level.

[0025] The service processing according to the first embodiment (step S13 in FIG. 2) will be described with reference to FIG. 5. (Step S131: Map Generation Processing) The map generation unit 231 generates a map showing the appropriate combinations identified in step S124 in an SMKL matrix. The SMKL matrix is ​​a matrix in which one of the vertical and horizontal axes represents maturity level and the other represents size level, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0026] (Step S132: Comparison Table Creation Process) The comparison table creation unit 232 creates a comparison table that summarizes the values ​​of the target indexes and the like for the appropriate combinations identified in step S124.

[0027] (Step S133: Output Process) The service unit 23 outputs the map generated in step S131 and the comparison table generated in step S132 and presents them to the user.

[0028] (Step S134: Storage Process) The service unit 23 stores the request accepted in step S11, the map generated in step S131, and the comparison table generated in step S132 in the storage 13 in association with each other.

[0029] ***Explanation of a specific example*** An example (Example 1) of the case where a request for investment amount estimation for a CO2 emission reduction target is received will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. In step S11, the request receiving unit 21 receives a request for investment amount estimation for a CO2 emission reduction target. That is, the condition index is the amount of CO2 emission reduction, and the target index is the investment amount. As shown in Figure 6, a target value is specified for the amount of CO2 emission reduction, which is the condition index. In this case, the overall production energy consumption is also included in the request. The overall production energy consumption is the amount of energy purchased in production activities.

[0030] In step S121, as shown in FIG. 6 , the level identification unit 221 identifies a combination of maturity level and scale level that can achieve the target value of the CO2 emission reduction amount. Specifically, the level identification unit 221 identifies a combination that can achieve the target value of the CO2 emission reduction amount by determining whether or not each combination is a combination that can achieve the target value of the CO2 emission reduction amount. First, the level identification unit 221 sets each combination as a processing target. The level identification unit 221 calculates the CO2 emission reduction amount when the processing target combination is achieved using equations (1) to (3). Equation (1): BASE emission amount = total production energy consumption amount × emission intensity Equation (2): AFTER emission amount = energy use efficiency factor coefficient × BASE emission amount Equation (3): emission reduction amount = BASE emission amount − AFTER emission amount Here, BASE emission amount is the CO2 emission amount for a reference combination. Here, it is assumed that a combination in which the maturity level is level a and the scale level is level 3 is set as the reference combination. The AFTER emissions are the CO2 emissions for the combination of treatment targets. Energy utilization efficiency factor coefficient = (maturity level x scale level x measurable energy loss) - 1. Also, measurable energy loss = Σ(1 + R) 1 / N. Here, R is the effect coefficient. N is the number of losses. The level identification unit 221 determines whether the CO2 emission reduction amount calculated for the combination of treatment targets is equal to or greater than the target value for the CO2 emission reduction amount. If the calculated CO2 emission reduction amount is equal to or greater than the target value, the level identification unit 221 determines that the combination of treatment targets is a combination that can achieve the target value for the CO2 emission reduction amount.

[0031] 6, in step S122, the effect calculation unit 222 calculates the CO2 emission reduction amount for each of the one or more combinations identified in step S121 as a target combination. The method for calculating the CO2 emission reduction amount is the same as in step S121. Therefore, the effect calculation unit 222 may obtain the CO2 emission reduction amount calculated for the target combination by the level identification unit 221. Alternatively, in step S121, the effect calculation unit 222 may calculate the CO2 emission reduction amount.

[0032] In step S123, as shown in FIG. 6, the index calculation unit 223 calculates the investment amount, which is the target index, for each of the one or more combinations identified in step S121 as a target combination. Specifically, it is assumed that a list of products to be introduced necessary to realize each combination has been created in advance. It is also assumed that the amount required to introduce each product has been identified. The index calculation unit 223 calculates the investment amount when the target combination is realized using formula (4). The index calculation unit 223 also calculates the payback period using formula (5). Formula (4): Investment amount = Σ (amount of products introduced) Formula (5): Payback period = investment amount / monetary conversion of emission reduction amount

[0033] In step S124, the evaluation unit 224 prioritizes the target combinations according to the values ​​of the target indexes calculated in step S123. Here, the evaluation unit 224 prioritizes the target combinations in ascending order of investment amount. Then, the evaluation unit 224 identifies, as appropriate combinations, the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the highest maturity level and the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the lowest scale level. Here, it is assumed that a combination with a maturity level of level e and a scale level of level 2 is identified as the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the highest maturity level. It is also assumed that a combination with a maturity level of level b and a scale level of level 1 is identified as the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the lowest scale level.

[0034] In step S131, as shown in FIG. 7 , the map generation unit 231 generates a map showing the appropriate two-combination combinations identified in step S124 in an SMKL matrix. At this time, the map generation unit 231 sets each of the appropriate two-combination combinations identified in step S124 as a specific combination, and displays a rectangle 31 on the map that surrounds the specific combination and the reference combination in the SMKL matrix. In other words, the map generation unit 231 displays a rectangle 31 on the map whose diagonal line connects the bottom right corner of the square of the reference combination and the top left corner of the square of the specific combination. Note that the map generation unit 231 may change the color or line type, etc., of the rectangle 31 for each specific combination.

[0035] In step S132, the comparison table generator 232 generates a comparison table that summarizes the values ​​of the target index for each of the two appropriate combinations identified in step S124, as shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, a comparison table is generated that shows the amount of CO2 emission reduction, the estimated investment amount, the payback period, and the combinations in the SMKL.

[0036] In step S133, the map generated in step S131 and the comparison table generated in step S132 are output. In addition, in step S134, the request accepted in step S11, the map generated in step S131, and the comparison table generated in step S132 are stored in association with each other.

[0037] 9 to 11, an example (Example 2) of a case where a request for a CO2 emission reduction prediction for an investment amount is received will be described. In step S11, the request receiving unit 21 receives a CO2 emission reduction prediction request for an investment amount. That is, the condition index is the investment amount, and the target index is the CO2 emission reduction amount. As shown in FIG. 9, an upper investment limit is specified for the investment amount, which is the condition index. In this case, the overall production energy consumption is also included in the request.

[0038] In step S121, as shown in FIG. 9 , the level identification unit 221 identifies combinations of maturity levels and scale levels that can be realized with the investment upper limit. Specifically, the level identification unit 221 identifies combinations that can be realized with the investment upper limit by determining whether each combination is a combination that can be realized with the investment upper limit. First, the level identification unit 221 sets each combination as a processing target. As in step S123 of example 1, the level identification unit 221 calculates the investment amount that would be required to realize the combination to be processed using equation (4). The level identification unit 221 determines whether the investment amount calculated for the combination to be processed is equal to or less than the investment upper limit. If the calculated investment amount is equal to or less than the investment upper limit, the level identification unit 221 determines that the combination to be processed is a combination that can be realized with the investment upper limit.

[0039] 9 , in step S122, the effect calculation unit 222 calculates the investment amount for realizing each of the one or more combinations identified in step S121 as a target combination. The method for calculating the investment amount is the same as in step S121. Therefore, the effect calculation unit 222 may obtain the investment amount calculated for the target combination by the level identification unit 221. Alternatively, in step S121, the effect calculation unit 222 may calculate the investment amount.

[0040] In step S123, as shown in Fig. 9, the index calculation unit 223 calculates the CO2 emission reduction amount, which is the target index, for each of the one or more combinations identified in step S121 as a target combination. Specifically, similar to step S121 in example 1, the index calculation unit 223 calculates the CO2 emission reduction amount when the target combination is realized using equations (1) to (3). In addition, the index calculation unit 223 calculates the payback period for achieving the CO2 emission reduction amount using equation (6). Equation (6): Payback period for achieving CO2 emission reduction = CO2 emission reduction target / annual CO2 emission reduction amount

[0041] In step S124, the evaluation unit 224 prioritizes the target combinations according to the values ​​of the target indexes calculated in step S123. Here, the evaluation unit 224 prioritizes the target combinations in descending order of CO2 emission reduction amount. The evaluation unit 224 then identifies, as appropriate combinations, the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the highest maturity level and the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the lowest scale level. Here, it is assumed that a combination with a maturity level of level e and a scale level of level 2 is identified as the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the highest maturity level. It is also assumed that a combination with a maturity level of level b and a scale level of level 1 is identified as the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the lowest scale level.

[0042] In step S131, as shown in FIG. 10 , the map generation unit 231 generates a map showing the appropriate two-combination combinations identified in step S124 in an SMKL matrix. At this time, the map generation unit 231 shows each of the appropriate two-combination combinations identified in step S124 as a specific combination on the map showing a rectangle 31 that surrounds the specific combination and the reference combination in the SMKL matrix. In other words, the map generation unit 231 shows on the map a rectangle 31 whose diagonal line connects the bottom right corner of the square of the reference combination and the top left corner of the square of the specific combination. Note that the map generation unit 231 may change the color or line type of the rectangle 31 for each specific combination.

[0043] In step S132, the comparison table generator 232 generates a comparison table that summarizes the values ​​of the target index for each of the two appropriate combinations identified in step S124, as shown in Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, a comparison table is generated that shows the investment amount, the amount of CO2 emission reduction, the payback period for achieving the CO2 emission reduction, and the combination in SMKL.

[0044] In step S133, the map generated in step S131 and the comparison table generated in step S132 are output. In addition, in step S134, the request accepted in step S11, the map generated in step S131, and the comparison table generated in step S132 are stored in association with each other.

[0045] ***Effects of First Embodiment*** As described above, the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the first embodiment uses SMKL to correlate and evaluate indicators related to environmental load reduction, indicators related to economic effects, and the maturity of productivity improvement. This makes it possible to objectively grasp the effects through evaluation based on the perspective of ROI, for example. ROI stands for Return On Investment. This makes it possible to support the resolution of issues in the implementation of environmental management. As a result, it becomes possible to facilitate the implementation of environmental management effectively.

[0046] In particular, the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the first embodiment identifies the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the highest maturity level and the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the lowest scale level as appropriate combinations. This allows the scope of improvement and the technologies or facilities that should be introduced to be properly understood when implementing environmental management. As a result, it becomes easier to implement environmental management effectively.

[0047] ***Other Configurations*** <Modification 1> In the first embodiment, each functional component is realized by software. However, in Modification 1, each functional component may be realized by hardware. The differences between Modification 1 and the first embodiment will be described below.

[0048] The configuration of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. When each functional component is realized by hardware, the environmental improvement support device 10 includes an electronic circuit 15 instead of the processor 11, memory 12, and storage 13. The electronic circuit 15 is a dedicated circuit that realizes the functions of each functional component, the memory 12, and the storage 13.

[0049] The electronic circuit 15 may be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, a logic IC, a GA, an ASIC, or an FPGA. GA stands for Gate Array. ASIC stands for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA stands for Field-Programmable Gate Array. Each functional component may be realized by a single electronic circuit 15, or each functional component may be distributed across multiple electronic circuits 15.

[0050] <Modification 2> As a modification 2, some of the functional components may be realized by hardware, and other functional components may be realized by software.

[0051] The processor 11, the memory 12, the storage 13, and the electronic circuit 15 are collectively referred to as a processing circuit. In other words, the functions of the respective functional components are realized by the processing circuit.

[0052] Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in that a request to identify an execution path for environmental management, which is a diagnostic request, is received. In embodiment 2, this difference will be explained, and explanation of the same points will be omitted.

[0053] ***Description of Configuration*** The configuration of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. The environmental improvement support device 10 differs from the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include an evaluation unit 224 as a functional component.

[0054] ***Description of Operation*** The processing flow of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the evaluation processing (step S124 in FIG. 4) is not executed in the calculation processing (step S12 in FIG. 2). Note that in the second embodiment, in step S11, the request receiving unit 21 receives a diagnosis request in which a value of a condition index, which is an index related to the reduction of environmental load, is specified and which requests the identification of an execution path.

[0055] ***Explanation of a Specific Example*** An example (Example 3) of receiving a request to identify an execution path will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 16. In step S11, the request receiving unit 21 receives a request to identify an execution path in which a value for a condition index is specified. Here, as shown in Figure 14, it is assumed that a CO2 emission reduction amount is specified as the condition index. Note that the request to identify an execution path may specify an index related to economic effect or production improvement effect as a target index. Furthermore, a target value for the target index may be set. In this case, the request to identify an execution path may specify a map showing an SMKL matrix for describing the execution path.

[0056] In step S121, the level identification unit 221 identifies a combination of maturity levels and scale levels that can achieve the target value of the CO2 emission reduction amount, as shown in Fig. 14. The method for identifying the combination that can achieve the target value of the CO2 emission reduction amount is the same as that in step S121 of example 1.

[0057] In addition, when a target index and a target value of the target index are specified in the execution path identification request, the level identification unit 221 may identify a combination that satisfies the target value of the target index from among combinations that can achieve the target value of the CO2 emission reduction amount. Specifically, the level identification unit 221 identifies a combination that satisfies the target value of the target index by determining whether each combination that can achieve the target value of the CO2 emission reduction amount satisfies the target value of the target index. For example, assume that an investment upper limit is specified as the target value of the target index. In this case, the level identification unit 221 sets each combination that can achieve the target value of the CO2 emission reduction amount as a processing target. As in step S123 of Example 1, the level identification unit 221 calculates the investment amount that would be required to achieve the combination to be processed using equation (4) and determines whether the investment amount is equal to or less than the investment upper limit.

[0058] In step S122, similarly to example 1, one or more combinations identified in step S121 are each set as a target combination, and the amount of CO2 emission reduction when the target combination is realized is calculated.

[0059] 14, in step S123, the index calculation unit 223 calculates the expected effect when the target combination is realized, with each of the one or more combinations identified in step S121 being a target combination. The expected effect is the value of the target index if the target index is specified in the specific request for the execution path. If the target index is not specified in the specific request for the execution path, the expected effect is the value of an index of some economic effect or production improvement effect.

[0060] 15, the map generation unit 231 generates a map showing the combinations identified in step S121 in the SMKL matrix. At this time, the map generation unit 231 sets each of the combinations identified in step S121 as a target combination, and displays on the map the shortest path 32 from the reference combination to the target combination. The map generation unit 231 also calculates the distance 33 from the reference combination to the target combination and displays it on the map. Specifically, the distance 33 is the number of combinations passed through on the shortest path 32.

[0061] In step S132, the comparison table generator 232 generates a comparison table that summarizes the values ​​of the target index for each combination identified in step S121, as shown in Fig. 16. In Fig. 16, a comparison table is generated that shows the amount of CO2 emission reduction, the combination, the introduced product, the index such as the investment amount, the shortest path 32, and the distance 33. Furthermore, the comparison table shown in Fig. 16 shows the effect of using the shortest path 32.

[0062] In step S133, the map generated in step S131 and the comparison table generated in step S132 are output. In addition, in step S134, the request accepted in step S11, the map generated in step S131, and the comparison table generated in step S132 are stored in association with each other.

[0063] ***Effects of the Second Embodiment*** As described above, the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the second embodiment identifies an execution path to a combination that satisfies the target value of an index related to the reduction of environmental load. This makes it possible to facilitate the effective implementation of environmental management. For example, by periodically identifying an execution path from the current value, it is possible to perform a step-by-step improvement PDCA cycle.

[0064] Embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 differs from embodiments 1 and 2 in that a step-up monitoring request for an execution path, which is a management request, is accepted. In embodiment 3, this difference will be explained, and explanation of the same points will be omitted.

[0065] ***Description of Configuration*** The configuration of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The environmental improvement support device 10 differs from the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include the index calculation unit 223 and the comparison table generation unit 232 as functional components.

[0066] ***Description of Operation*** The processing flow of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the index calculation processing (step S123 in FIG. 4) is not executed in the calculation processing (step S12 in FIG. 2). The processing flow of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the third embodiment also differs from that of the first embodiment in that the comparison table generation processing (step S132 in FIG. 6) is not executed in the service processing (step S13 in FIG. 2). In step S11 of the third embodiment, the request receiving unit 21 receives a management request in which an execution path is specified and which requests step-up monitoring.

[0067] ***Explanation of a Specific Example*** An example (Example 4) of when a step-up monitoring request is received will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. In step S11, the request receiving unit 21 receives a step-up monitoring request in which an execution path is specified. In addition, the step-up monitoring request specifies an index related to environmental load reduction as a condition index, and specifies a target value for the condition index. Here, as shown in Figure 18, it is assumed that the amount of CO2 emission reduction is specified as the condition index. In this case, the step-up monitoring request may specify a map showing an SMKL matrix for describing the execution path.

[0068] In step S121, the level specifying unit 221 specifies a combination through which the execution path specified in the step-up monitoring request passes.

[0069] In step S122, as in Example 1, one or more combinations identified in step S121 are each set as target combinations, and under the assumption that the combinations are realized in the order of the execution paths, the amount of CO2 emission reduction, which is the value of the condition index when the target combination is realized, is calculated.

[0070] Thereafter, when environmental management is implemented, the processing from step S124 onwards is executed. In step S124, the evaluation unit 224 acquires the current combination and the measured effect, which is the actual measured value of the CO2 emission reduction amount. The evaluation unit 224 compares the measured effect with the predicted effect, which is the predicted value of the CO2 emission reduction amount for the current combination calculated in step S122. If the measured effect is greater than the predicted effect by a standard value or more, the evaluation unit 224 determines that the target has been achieved early. If the measured effect is smaller than the predicted effect by a standard value or more, the evaluation unit 224 determines that the improvement effect is weak. In all other cases, the evaluation unit 224 determines that the progress is as planned.

[0071] If it is determined that the improvement effect is weak, the level identification unit 221 identifies a combination that can achieve the target value of the CO2 emission reduction amount, based on the currently measured effect and the current combination. The level identification unit 221 identifies the shortest path 32 from the current combination to the identified combination as the execution path. Then, similar to step S121, the level identification unit 221 identifies a combination through which the execution path passes. Furthermore, similar to step S122, the effect calculation unit 222 sets each of the one or more combinations identified by the level identification unit 221 as a target combination, and calculates the CO2 emission reduction amount, which is the value of the condition index, when the target combination is realized.

[0072] In step S131, as shown in FIG. 19 , the map generator 231 generates a map showing the execution path 34 specified in the step-up monitoring request in the SMKL matrix. At this time, the map generator 231 displays on the map combinations that have been realized so far and new execution paths 35 that have been identified when it has been determined that the improvement effect is small. The map generator 231 may display combinations that have been realized so far and that have been determined to have a small improvement effect, distinguishing them from other combinations. In FIG. 19 , the map generator 231 marks combinations that have been realized so far with a circular mark, and marks combinations that have been determined to have a small improvement effect with a dashed circular mark.

[0073] In step S133, the map generated in step S131 is output. In step S134, the request accepted in step S11 and the map generated in step S131 are stored in association with each other.

[0074] Thereafter, once the environmental management is implemented, the process returns to step S124.

[0075] ***Effects of Embodiment 3*** As described above, the environmental improvement support device 10 according to Embodiment 3 determines whether the planned improvement effects are being achieved as environmental management is implemented. If the improvement effects are weak, the environmental improvement support device 10 identifies and presents execution paths that can be reviewed. This makes it possible to implement environmental management appropriately.

[0076] Embodiment 4. Embodiment 4 differs from embodiments 1 to 3 in that a case search request, which is a management request, is accepted. In embodiment 4, this difference will be explained, and explanation of the same points will be omitted.

[0077] ***Description of Configuration*** The configuration of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. The environmental improvement support device 10 differs from the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a case search unit 233 as a functional component.

[0078] ***Explanation of Operation*** The processing flow of the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 21. As a premise for the processing of Figure 21, it is assumed that a plurality of environmental management examples are stored in the storage 13. The environmental management examples include information such as the combinations realized, the effects obtained, and the implementation details. The implementation details are information indicating specific products to be introduced, etc.

[0079] (Step S21: Request Receiving Process) The request receiving unit 21 receives a case search request indicating a combination of a target maturity level and a target scale level.

[0080] (Step S22: Case Search Process) The case search unit 233 searches the storage 13 for cases that achieve the combination indicated by the case search request received in step S21. The case search unit 233 sorts the found cases in descending order of the effect obtained and outputs them.

[0081] ***Effects of the Fourth Embodiment*** As described above, the environmental improvement support device 10 according to the fourth embodiment extracts examples of environmental management that have achieved a combination of goals, and outputs them in order of greatest effect. This makes it easy to identify examples that can serve as references.

[0082] In addition, the word "unit" in the above description may be read as a "circuit," "step," "procedure," "process," or "processing circuit."

[0083] The embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure have been described above. Some of these embodiments and modifications may be combined and implemented. Furthermore, one or more of them may be implemented partially. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible as needed.

[0084] 10 Environmental improvement support device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Storage, 14 Communication interface, 15 Electronic circuit, 21 Request reception unit, 22 Calculation unit, 23 Service unit, 221 Level identification unit, 222 Effect calculation unit, 223 Index calculation unit, 224 Evaluation unit, 231 Map generation unit, 232 Comparison table generation unit, 233 Case search unit.

Claims

1. An environmental improvement support device comprising: a request receiving unit that receives a request indicating a condition index and a target index, with the value of the condition index specified, one of the condition index and the target index being an index related to environmental load reduction and the other being an index related to economic effect; and an index calculation unit that, when the maturity of productivity improvement is expressed by a combination of a maturity level that is the level of maturity of automation and a scale level that is the level of the scale of a managed object, realizes the target combinations by setting at least some combinations of the maturity level and the scale level as target combinations, and calculates the value of the target index when the value specified for the condition index indicated by the request received by the request receiving unit is satisfied.

2. The environmental improvement support device according to claim 1, further comprising an evaluation unit which prioritizes at least some of the combinations based on the values ​​of the target indexes calculated by the index calculation unit, and which identifies the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the highest maturity level and the combination with the highest priority among the combinations with the lowest scale level.

3. The environmental improvement support device according to claim 2, further comprising: a map generation unit that generates a map showing two combinations identified by the evaluation unit in a matrix, one of the vertical and horizontal axes representing the maturity level and the other representing the scale level.

4. The environmental improvement support device according to claim 3, wherein the map generation unit generates the map by treating each of the two combinations as a specific combination and showing a rectangle in the matrix that encloses the specific combination and a reference combination.

5. An environmental improvement support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the condition index is the amount of CO2 emission reduction and the target index is an investment amount, and the index calculation unit determines a combination that can achieve an amount of CO2 emission reduction equal to or greater than a specified value as the target combination, and calculates the investment amount for realizing the target combination.

6. An environmental improvement support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the condition index is an investment amount and the target index is a reduction amount of CO2 emissions, and the index calculation unit calculates the reduction amount of CO2 emissions when the target combination is realized, by setting a combination that can be realized with an investment amount equal to or less than a specified value as the target combination.

7. The environmental improvement support device according to claim 1, further comprising a level identification unit that identifies a combination that can satisfy a value specified for the condition index, and the index calculation unit calculates a value of the target index for a target combination, the combination identified by the level identification unit being a target combination.

8. The environmental improvement support device according to claim 7, further comprising: a map generation unit that generates a map showing each combination identified by the level identification unit in a matrix in which one of the vertical and horizontal axes represents the maturity level and the other represents the scale level.

9. The environment improvement support device according to claim 8, wherein said map generating section regards each combination identified by said level identifying section as a target combination and identifies the distance of each target combination from a reference combination.

10. The environmental improvement support device according to claim 1 further comprises: an effect calculation unit which calculates a predicted value of an index relating to environmental load reduction for each combination on a path connecting a reference combination to a specified combination in a matrix, one of the vertical and horizontal axes representing the maturity level and the other representing the scale level; and an evaluation unit which compares the predicted value calculated by the effect calculation unit with an actual measured value of the index relating to environmental load reduction.

11. An environmental improvement support method in which a computer receives a request indicating a condition indicator and a target indicator, with the value of the condition indicator specified, one of the condition indicator and the target indicator being an indicator related to environmental load reduction and the other being an indicator related to economic effect, and when the computer expresses the maturity of productivity improvement by a combination of a maturity level, which is the level of maturity of automation, and a scale level, which is the level of the scale of a managed object, the computer realizes the target combinations by setting at least some combinations of the maturity level and the scale level as target combinations, and calculates the value of the target indicator when the value specified for the condition indicator indicated by the received request is satisfied.

12. An environmental improvement support program that causes a computer to function as an environmental improvement support device that performs a request reception process that indicates a condition indicator and a target indicator, and receives a request in which a value of the condition indicator is specified, one of the condition indicator and the target indicator being an indicator related to environmental load reduction and the other being an indicator related to economic effect; and an index calculation process that, when the maturity of productivity improvement is expressed by a combination of a maturity level that is a level of maturity of automation and a scale level that is the level of the scale of a managed object, realizes the target combinations by setting at least some combinations of the maturity level and the scale level as target combinations, and calculates the value of the target indicator when the value specified for the condition indicator indicated by the request received by the request reception process is satisfied.

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