Digital transformation support system, digital transformation support method, and digital transformation support program

Abstract

On the basis of information indicated in a work log recorded for each execution of a work process flow that has been executed one or more times, a risk assessment unit (130) calculates, for each work process of the work process flow, at least one of a bottleneck index value, which is an index value regarding a bottleneck in the work process flow, an individual-dependency index value, which is an index value regarding the degree to which the work process depends on an individual, and a coordination degree index value, which is an index value regarding the coordination of workers, and calculates, for each work process of the work process flow, an evaluation value of the work process using the calculated at least one index value. A recommendation unit (140) presents a work process for which the use of a digital tool is recommended, on the basis of the evaluation value of each work process of the work process flow.

Description

Digital transformation support system, digital transformation support method, and digital transformation support program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to supporting digital transformation.

[0002] Efforts are being made to extract know-how and improve work efficiency on the assumption that manual work by skilled workers is optimal. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for efficiently and reliably accumulating, as knowledge information, information such as the skills and knowledge acquired by skilled workers in work such as maintenance and inspection of various devices. This technology extracts knowledge information common to multiple skilled workers from recordings of video / audio information of the same work so that the knowledge information can be appropriately managed and edited.

[0003] The technology of Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the production system in question is entirely digitalized, and does not disclose or suggest replacing manual work with digital technology.

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 079414

[0005] The present disclosure aims to make it possible to present work processes that recommend the use of digital tools, including work processes that are currently performed manually.

[0006] The digital transformation support system of the present disclosure comprises: a risk assessment unit that calculates, for each work process of the work process flow based on information indicated in a work log recorded for each execution of the work process flow that has been executed one or more times, at least one index value from among a bottleneck index value that is an index value related to the bottleneck of the work process flow, a personal attribute index value that is an index value related to the personal attribute of the work process, and a collaboration index value that is an index value related to collaboration between workers, and calculates, for each work process of the work process flow, an evaluation value of the work process using the calculated index values; and a recommendation unit that presents work processes for which the use of digital tools is recommended based on the evaluation value of each work process of the work process flow.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to present work processes that recommend the use of digital tools, including work processes that are currently performed manually.

[0008] 1 is a block diagram of a digital transformation support system 100 according to a first embodiment. 2 is a functional block diagram of a production system 200 according to the first embodiment. 3 is a functional block diagram of the digital transformation support system 100 according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of a digital transformation support method according to the first embodiment. 5 is a diagram showing items of work process information shown in a work log according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a work process flowchart according to the first embodiment. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of step S130 according to the first embodiment. 8 is a diagram showing a relationship with index values ​​according to the first embodiment. 9 is a diagram showing items of information obtained by the processing from step S131 to step S134 according to the first embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing items of information obtained by step S135 according to the first embodiment. 11 is a diagram showing targets of digital transformation support in the prior art. 12 is a diagram showing targets of digital transformation support according to the first embodiment. 13 is a block diagram of a digital transformation support system 100 according to a second embodiment. 14 is a functional block diagram of a digital transformation support system 100 according to the second embodiment. 15 is a flowchart of improvement evaluation according to the second embodiment. 16 is a diagram showing items of information obtained by step S220 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship with investable costs in embodiment 2. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing items of information obtained in step S230 in embodiment 2. Fig. 12 is a hardware configuration diagram of the digital transformation support system 100 in the embodiment.

[0009] In the embodiments and drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description of elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those already described will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Arrows in the drawings primarily indicate the flow of data or the flow of processing.

[0010] First Embodiment A digital transformation support system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] *** Description of Configuration *** The configuration of the digital transformation support system 100 will be described based on Fig. 1. The digital transformation support system 100 is a computer equipped with hardware such as a processor 101, a memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a communication device 104, and an input / output interface 105. These pieces of hardware are connected to each other via signal lines.

[0012] The processor 101 is an IC that performs arithmetic processing and controls other hardware. For example, the processor 101 is a CPU. IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit.

[0013] The memory 102 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device. The memory 102 is also called a primary storage device or a main memory. For example, the memory 102 is a RAM. Data stored in the memory 102 is saved in the secondary storage device 103 as needed. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

[0014] The auxiliary storage device 103 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the auxiliary storage device 103 is a ROM, a HDD, a flash memory, or a combination of these. Data stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 is loaded into the memory 102 as needed. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive.

[0015] The communication device 104 is a receiver and a transmitter. For example, the communication device 104 is a communication chip or a NIC. Communication in the digital transformation support system 100 is performed using the communication device 104. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card.

[0016] The input / output interface 105 is a port to which an input device and an output device are connected. For example, the input / output interface 105 is a USB terminal, the input devices are a keyboard and a mouse, and the output device is a display. Input and output of the digital transformation support system 100 is performed using the input / output interface 105. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus.

[0017] The digital transformation support system 100 includes elements such as an acquisition unit 110, an extraction unit 120, a risk assessment unit 130, and a recommendation unit 140. These elements are realized by software.

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 103 stores a digital transformation support program for causing the computer to function as the acquisition unit 110, extraction unit 120, risk assessment unit 130, and recommendation unit 140. The digital transformation support program is loaded into the memory 102 and executed by the processor 101. The auxiliary storage device 103 also stores an OS. At least a portion of the OS is loaded into the memory 102 and executed by the processor 101. The processor 101 executes the digital transformation support program while running the OS. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System.

[0019] Input and output data of the digital transformation support program is stored in the storage unit 190. The memory 102 functions as the storage unit 190. However, a storage device such as the auxiliary storage device 103, a register in the processor 101, or a cache memory in the processor 101 may function as the storage unit 190 instead of or together with the memory 102.

[0020] The digital transformation support program can be recorded (stored) in a computer-readable manner on a non-volatile recording medium such as an optical disk or flash memory.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows the functional configuration of a production system 200. The production system 200 is an example of a system (support target system) that receives support from the digital transformation support system 100. The production system 200 includes a product design tool 201, a process / equipment design tool 202, a production management system 203, a production control device 204, production equipment 205, and a data collection system 206. The production system 200 also includes a product design DB 211, a process / equipment design DB 212, a production condition DB 213, and a production record DB 214. DB means database. The product design tool 201 is software used for product design. For example, the product design tool 201 is software such as CAD or CAE. CAD is an abbreviation for Computer Aided Design. CAE is an abbreviation for Computer Aided Engineering. The product design DB 211 stores data obtained from the product design tool 201. For example, the product design DB 211 stores data on drawings drawn using CAD, data on the conditions and results of simulations using CAE, etc. The process / facility design tool 202 is software used to design the overall configuration (layout) of a production process or the assembly / component configuration of individual equipment. For example, the process / facility design tool 202 is software such as CAD. The process / facility design DB 212 stores data obtained from the process / facility design tool 202. For example, the process / facility design DB 212 stores data on drawings drawn using CAD. This data indicates the configuration / dimensions of the production process, the installation position / dimensions of each machine, and equipment specifications (heater capacity, motor capacity, etc.). The production management system 203 is a system that centrally manages production-related operations. For example, the production management system 203 has functions such as sales management, production planning, requirement calculation, purchasing management, inventory management, manufacturing management, shipping management, cost management, and budget management. The production condition DB 213 stores information necessary for manufacturing various products. For example, the production condition DB 213 stores information called BOP, such as work procedures and machine setting conditions. The information necessary for manufacturing various products is managed in association with various production processes (process flows).BOP is an abbreviation for Bill of Process. The production performance DB 214 stores data such as production quantities for each product model and various energy consumption amounts, linked to time information. The production control device 204 is a PLC or DCS. PLC is an abbreviation for Programmable Logic Controller. DCS is an abbreviation for Distributed Control System. The production equipment 205 is equipment used to manufacture products. For example, the production equipment 205 is an assembly machine, a conveying machine, an inspection device, etc. The data collection system 206 is a system that collects and processes (visualizes, analyzes, etc.) production performance data. For example, the data collection system 206 is a SCADA. SCADA is an abbreviation for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.

[0022] Engineers use the production system 200 to perform product design, process equipment design, production condition setting, production improvement work, etc. The work log of the production system 200 is recorded by the acquisition unit 110 of the digital transformation support system 100. Performance data of the production system 200 is recorded by the extraction unit 120 of the digital transformation support system 100.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows the functional configuration of the digital transformation support system 100. The main features of the digital transformation support system 100 are the risk assessment unit 130 and the recommendation unit 140. The engineer uses the acquisition unit 110 to record a work log. The process writer observes the engineer. The process writer also interviews the engineer. Then, the process writer uses a user interface to make changes (corrections, additions) to the data obtained by the extraction unit 120, risk assessment unit 130, and recommendation unit 140.

[0024] ***Description of Operation*** The operation procedure of the digital transformation support system 100 corresponds to a digital transformation support method. Also, the operation procedure of the digital transformation support system 100 corresponds to a processing procedure by a digital transformation support program.

[0025] The digital transformation support method will be explained based on Figure 4. The system to be supported executes a work process flow one or more times. A work log is recorded for each execution of the work process flow. The work process flow consists of multiple work processes that are executed in a predetermined order. The work log indicates information about the executed work process (work process information) for each work process in the executed work process flow.

[0026] In step S110, the acquisition unit 110 acquires one or more work logs corresponding to work process flows that have been executed one or more times.

[0027] Figure 5 shows an example of the data format of each work process information shown in the work log. The work log shows work process information such as "Work Procedure No.," "Work Process Name," "Input Data," "Output Data," "Department," "Worker," "Work Time," "Knowledge Used," "Digital Tools Used," and "Notes." "Work Procedure No." indicates the order of the work process within the work process flow. In other words, the work procedure No. is the serial number of the work process. "Work Process Name" is the name of the work process. The work process name is extracted from video, audio, operation log information, etc. by the process writer or a machine and replaced with text. An example of a machine is an AI chatbot. "Input Data" refers to the input data for the work process. Input data is data required to execute the work process. "Output Data" refers to the output data of the work process. Output data is data obtained as a result of executing the work process. "Department" refers to the name of the department to which the worker belongs. "Worker" refers to the name of the worker. "Work Time" refers to the time the worker spent on the work process. "Knowledge used" indicates the information (knowledge information) used by the worker in the work process. Input data is excluded from the knowledge information. "Digital tools used" indicates the names of the digital tools used by the worker in the work process. Information such as the connection destination for using the digital tool may also be indicated. "Annotations" refers to annotations related to the work process.

[0028] The work log information is obtained as follows: The work log information is recorded by the system to be supported. A camera and a microphone are installed in the system to be supported, and a work process flow is executed. Then, while the work process flow is being executed, image data is obtained by the camera, and audio data is obtained by the microphone. The work log information is obtained by analyzing the image data and audio data. The work log information is written by an engineer of the system to be supported.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 4 , the description will continue from step S120. In step S120, the extraction unit 120 detects multiple work processes that make up the work process flow from one or more work logs (and performance data). Then, the extraction unit 120 extracts work process information from one or more work logs (and performance data) for each work process in the work process flow.

[0030] For example, the extraction unit 120 extracts each piece of work process information by performing process mining in accordance with the definition of a basic process model. The basic process model is a model that defines a basic work process flow and is prepared in advance. Process mining can be performed using an existing method. An example of the existing method is the Alpha algorithm.

[0031] The extracted work process information may be modified manually or mechanically. For example, each work process information is modified as follows: The extraction unit 120 generates a work process flowchart using multiple pieces of work process information in the work process flow and displays the work process flowchart on a display. The work process flowchart illustrates the execution flow of multiple work processes and shows the work process information in association with a figure representing each work process. The process writer selects a work process from the work process flowchart and instructs changes (corrections, additions, etc.) to the work process information of the selected work process. The extraction unit 120 accepts the instruction and modifies the work process information in accordance with the instruction.

[0032] An example of a work process flowchart is shown in Figure 6. The work process flowchart shows the flow of work process No. 1 and work process No. 2. A mark (+) is attached to the shape of each work process to display work process information. When the process writer selects one of the marks (+), the extraction unit 120 displays the work process information of the shape with the selected mark (+). When the process writer edits the displayed work process information, the extraction unit 120 updates the work process information according to the edits.

[0033] 4, the description will continue from step S130. In step S130, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates an assessment value of the work process for digital transformation for each work process in the work process flow based on the work process information.

[0034] The procedure of step S130 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In step S131, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates, for each work process in the work process flow, the average work time per person, the total number of people working, the number of knowledge uses, and the average for related departments, based on the work process information shown in each of one or more work logs.

[0035] The average work time per person is calculated by dividing the total work time by the total number of workers. The total work time is the total "work time" required for the work process. The total number of workers is the total number of "workers" involved in the work process. If the same worker is involved in different work sessions, the same number of people will be counted as each work session in which the same worker was involved. The total number of workers is the number of "workers" involved in the work process. If the same worker is involved in different work sessions, the same worker will be counted as one person. The number of knowledge uses is the number of "knowledge information" used in the work process. The average number of related departments is calculated by dividing the total number of related departments by the number of tasks (number of work process information, number of work logs). The total number of related departments is the total number of "departments" involved in the work process. If the same department is involved in different work sessions, the same number of tasks in which the same department was involved will be counted.

[0036] In step S132, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates a bottleneck index value for each work process in the work process flow based on the average work time per person and the total number of people working. The bottleneck index value is an index value related to the bottleneck of the work process flow.

[0037] Specifically, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates a larger value the longer the average task time per person is and the larger the total number of people performing the tasks. The calculated value is the bottleneck index value. For example, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates the bottleneck index value by multiplying the average task time per person by the total number of people performing the tasks.

[0038] In step S133, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates a personal characteristic index value for each work process in the work process flow based on the total number of people working on the work and the number of knowledge uses. The personal characteristic index value is an index value related to the personal characteristics of the work process.

[0039] Specifically, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates a smaller value as the total number of people performing the task increases, and a larger value as the number of pieces of knowledge used increases. The calculated value is the personal characteristic index value. For example, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates the personal characteristic index value by dividing the number of pieces of knowledge used by the total number of people performing the task.

[0040] In step S134, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates a collaboration index value for each work process in the work process flow based on the total number of workers, the number of knowledge uses, and the average number of related departments. The collaboration index value is an index value related to collaboration between workers.

[0041] Specifically, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates a value that is larger the total number of people working on the task, the greater the number of knowledge users, and the greater the average number of related departments. The calculated value is the collaboration index value. For example, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates the collaboration index value by multiplying the total number of people working on the task by the number of knowledge users and the average number of related departments.

[0042] FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the average work time per person, the total number of people working, the number of knowledge uses, the average number of related departments, and each index value.

[0043] 9 shows a list of information items obtained by the processing from step S131 to step S134. The information obtained by the processing from step S131 to step S134 may be changed manually or mechanically. For example, the information is changed as follows: The risk assessment unit 130 displays a table made up of the items shown in FIG. 9 on a display. The process writer instructs changes (corrections, additions, etc.) to the information shown in the displayed table. The risk assessment unit 130 accepts the instructions and changes the information in accordance with the instructions.

[0044] Returning to Fig. 7, step S135 will be described. In step S135, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates an assessment value for each work process in the work process flow using the bottleneck index value, the personal attribute index value, and the cooperation index value.

[0045] The evaluation value is calculated as follows. First, the risk assessment unit 130 normalizes the bottleneck index, personal attribute index, and collaboration index for each work process. For example, the risk assessment unit 130 normalizes each index using the percentile method to a five-point scale as follows: If the index value of the target work process is in the top 20% of the multiple index values ​​corresponding to the multiple work processes in the work process flow, the normalized index value of the target work process is "5." Similarly, if the index value of the target work process is in the top 20% to top 40% range, the normalized index value of the target work process is "4." Similarly, if the index value of the target work process is in the top 40% to top 60% range, the normalized index value of the target work process is "3." Similarly, if the index value of the target work process is in the top 60% to top 80% range, the normalized index value of the target work process is "2." Similarly, if the index value of the target work process is in the bottom 20% range, the normalized index value of the target work process is "1."

[0046] Then, the risk assessment unit 130 calculates the sum of the normalized bottleneck index value, the normalized personal attribute index value, and the normalized collaboration index value for each work process. The calculated sum is the evaluation value. The risk assessment unit 130 may calculate the evaluation value by weighting each of the normalized bottleneck index value, the normalized personal attribute index value, and the normalized collaboration index value. In this case, the evaluation value is the sum of the weighted normalized bottleneck index value, the weighted normalized personal attribute index value, and the weighted normalized collaboration index value. The weighted normalized index value is a value obtained by multiplying the normalized index value by a weighting coefficient.

[0047] FIG. 10 shows a list of information items obtained in step S135. The information obtained in step S135 may be changed manually or mechanically. For example, the information is changed as follows: The risk assessment unit 130 displays a table consisting of the items shown in FIG. 10 on a display. The process writer instructs changes (corrections, additions, etc.) to the information shown in the displayed table. The risk assessment unit 130 accepts the instructions and changes the information in accordance with the instructions.

[0048] Returning to Fig. 4, step S140 will be described. In step S140, the recommendation unit 140 presents work processes for which the use of digital tools is recommended, based on the evaluation value of each work process in the work process flow.

[0049] For example, the recommendation unit 140 arranges the multiple work processes in the work process flow in descending order of evaluation value and displays a table consisting of the items shown in Fig. 10 on the display. In other words, the recommendation unit 140 presents the priority order of the work processes for which the use of digital tools is recommended.

[0050] The recommendation unit 140 may select work processes whose evaluation values ​​are equal to or greater than a threshold value or a certain number of work processes whose evaluation values ​​are highest, and present the selected work processes. The recommendation unit 140 may exclude work processes whose evaluation values ​​are equal to or less than a threshold value or a certain number of work processes whose evaluation values ​​are lowest, and present the remaining work processes.

[0051] If a work process in which digital tools are not used is presented as a work process in which the use of digital tools is recommended, the use of digital tools in the presented work process is recommended. If a work process in which digital tools are used is presented as a work process in which the use of digital tools is recommended, the use of another digital tool (replacing / updating the digital tool) in the presented work process is recommended.

[0052] The information to be presented or the presented information may be changed manually or mechanically. For example, the information may be changed as follows: The recommendation unit 140 displays the information to be presented on a display. The process writer instructs the change (correction, addition, etc.) to the displayed information. The recommendation unit 140 accepts the instruction and changes the information in accordance with the instruction.

[0053] ***Effects of First Embodiment*** Figure 11 shows the targets of digital transformation support in conventional technology. Conventional technology focuses on extracting know-how and improving operational efficiency in the area of ​​manual work, assuming that the work of skilled workers in manual work (Physical World) is optimized. However, if digital tools (computers) are utilized, it may be possible to further improve operational efficiency. Conventional technology assumes that digital technology (Cyber ​​World) that corresponds to the manual work in the production system has been developed and implemented. However, at the production sites of customers who wish to advance digital transformation (DX), there are many cases in which a production system is used that combines areas that have been converted to digital tools and areas where manual work remains.

[0054] FIG. 12 shows the target of digital transformation support in the first embodiment. The first embodiment aims to realize business efficiency (DX) by making full use of digital technology in a production system where manual work (Physical World) and digital technology (Cyber ​​World) coexist. Business efficiency improvement through digitalization is realized by observing, describing, and evaluating the decision-making process of skilled engineers. Specifically, the first embodiment aims to present to the user areas where replacement / updating with digital technology is recommended.

[0055] The extraction unit 120 creates a work process flow that describes information such as input / output information and used knowledge from work logs showing the production improvement and design work of experts. The risk assessment unit 130 determines work bottlenecks, personal dependency, and the necessity (index value) of (inter-departmental) collaboration based on information such as the time required for each work process, the number of departments involved, and the number of people involved. The recommendation unit 140 then presents locations (work processes) where work standardization through digital tool replacement / update is recommended. If a work process is a bottleneck and is highly personal or requires inter-departmental collaboration, it is determined that the work process has not been standardized or that standardization would be highly effective, and replacement with a digital tool / update of the digital tool is recommended.

[0056] In the first embodiment, risks such as work bottlenecks and personalization are quantitatively presented to users who have not yet achieved DX. Therefore, the first embodiment serves as a guideline that makes it easy to determine where work can be standardized by replacing / updating with digital tools. Thus, the first embodiment increases the possibility of improving work efficiency.

[0057] *** Supplementary Note to First Embodiment *** The digital transformation support system 100 may be configured from multiple devices (computers) that communicate with each other.

[0058] The digital transformation support system 100 may be applied to systems other than the production system 200, such as a supply chain management system or a programming training system. The supply chain management system is a management system that manages the flow of products from supply companies (suppliers) to (end) customers and improves the efficiency of business processes to eliminate waste. The programming training system is a system that provides a programming training environment, for example, online.

[0059] The risk assessment unit 130 may calculate one or two of the bottleneck index value, the personal index value, and the collaboration index value for each work process, and use the calculated index values ​​to calculate an evaluation value for the work process.

[0060] Second Embodiment A form for evaluating the effect of improvements using digital tools will be described below, mainly with respect to differences from the first embodiment, with reference to FIGS.

[0061] ***Description of Configuration*** The configuration of the digital transformation support system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The digital transformation support system 100 further includes an effect evaluation unit 150. The digital transformation support program further causes a computer to function as the effect evaluation unit 150.

[0062] 14 shows the functional configuration of the digital transformation support system 100. The main feature of the digital transformation support system 100 is the effect evaluation unit 150. An engineer uses a user interface to input various setting information into the digital transformation support system 100. A process writer uses the user interface to make changes (corrections, additions) to the data obtained by the effect evaluation unit 150.

[0063] ***Description of Operation*** Improvement evaluation will be described based on FIG. 15. Improvement evaluation is a process of evaluating the effects of improvement implementation after the improvement has been implemented. Improvement implementation means executing a work process flow using a digital tool in the work process presented in step S140 of the first embodiment. A work process in which a digital tool is used through improvement implementation is called an improvement process. An improvement process includes a work process in which a digital tool has been replaced or updated.

[0064] In step S210, the effect evaluation unit 150 receives setting information such as the investment period and the payback period. The "investment period" refers to the investment period for the support target system. The investment period is the period during which an investment is made in the support target system. For example, the investment period is the period during which improvements and designs are reflected in the production system 200. The "payback period" refers to the investment payback period for the support target system. The payback period is the period during which the investment in the support target system is recovered. For example, the payback period is the period from when the improvements and designs have been reflected in the production system 200 and the effects of the improvements begin to be obtained until the investment amount is recovered.

[0065] In step S220, the effect evaluation unit 150 calculates the average effect cost for each improvement process based on the work time of each worker shown in the work log after the improvement was implemented and the effect cost obtained by implementing the improvement. The effect cost is the cost reduced as a result of the improvement implementation. The effect cost may be calculated based on information in the work log or may be included in the setting information. The average effect cost is the effect cost per fixed period in the improvement process.

[0066] A bit more on average benefit costs. Specifically, average benefit costs are the average value of the benefit obtained on an annual basis after the investment period ends. In reality, the benefit amount is not necessarily the same every year. Average benefit costs are a value used to understand how much benefit will be obtained in total up until the investment payback period. With total benefit costs, it is not known how many years the benefit will continue, so average benefit costs are used. The benefit amount is calculated based on actual production results.

[0067] The average effectiveness cost is calculated as follows. First, the effectiveness evaluation unit 150 calculates the total work time by adding up the work time of each worker for each work process in the work process flow. The effect evaluation unit 150 also calculates the total work time by adding up the total work time of each work process. Then, the effect evaluation unit 150 apportions the effectiveness cost proportionally for each work process in the work process flow according to the ratio of the total work time of the improved process to the total work time. Without apportionment, the effectiveness cost would be linked only to the specific work process (improved process) that reflected the measures at the production site. The cost calculated by apportionment for the improved process is the average effectiveness cost.

[0068] FIG. 16 shows a list of information items obtained in step S220.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 15 , the explanation will continue from step S230. In step S230, the effect evaluation unit 150 calculates the investable cost for each improvement process based on the calculated average effect cost, the investment period included in the setting information, and the investment payback period included in the setting information. The investable cost is the cost that can be invested in the improvement process per certain period. Specifically, the investable cost is the cost that can be invested on average per year. It is not necessary to invest the exact same amount every year, but (investable cost) x (investment period) must be the same.

[0070] The investable cost is higher as the average effective cost is higher, and is lower as the investment period is longer, and is higher as the investment payback period is longer. Figure 17 shows the relationship between the average effective cost, the investment period, the investment count period, and the investable cost.

[0071] The investable cost is calculated as follows: The effect evaluation unit 150 multiplies the average effective cost by the value obtained by dividing the investment payback period by the investment period. The calculated value is the investable period.

[0072] The investable cost can be expressed by the following formula: (Investable cost) = (Average effect cost) x (Payback period) / (Investment period)

[0073] FIG. 18 shows a list of information items obtained in step S230.

[0074] In step S240, the effect evaluation unit 150 presents the investable cost of each improvement process. For example, the effect evaluation unit 150 displays a table made up of the items shown in FIG.

[0075] The information to be presented or the information that has been presented may be changed manually or mechanically. For example, the information is changed as follows: The effect evaluation unit 150 displays the information to be presented on a display. The process writer instructs the change (correction, addition, etc.) to the displayed information. The effect evaluation unit 150 accepts the instruction and changes the information in accordance with the instruction.

[0076] ***Effects of Embodiment 2*** In Embodiment 2, the cost of benefits is calculated based on the results obtained when improvement measures and designs are applied to the production site after the evaluation according to Embodiment 1 is performed, and the possible cost of digitalization investment is calculated (by simulation) based on conditions such as the payback period separately set by experts. This allows the effects of replacing / updating digital tools to be evaluated. As a result, the evidence for the recommendation in Embodiment 1 is strengthened.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the effects of improvement measures and design implementation are predicted and evaluated from the perspective of costs, thereby providing users with stronger evidence for replacing / updating digital tools.

[0078] *** Supplementary Note to Embodiment *** The hardware configuration of the digital transformation support system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. The digital transformation support system 100 includes a processing circuit 109. The processing circuit 109 is hardware that realizes an acquisition unit 110, an extraction unit 120, a risk assessment unit 130, a recommendation unit 140, and an effect assessment unit 150. The processing circuit 109 may be dedicated hardware, or may be a processor 101 that executes a program stored in a memory 102.

[0079] When the processing circuit 109 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 109 may be, for example, a single circuit, a multiple circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0080] The digital transformation support system 100 may include multiple processing circuits that replace the processing circuit 109.

[0081] In the processing circuit 109, some functions may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining functions may be realized by software or firmware.

[0082] In this way, the functions of the digital transformation support system 100 can be realized by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0083] Each embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. Each embodiment may be implemented in part or in combination with other embodiments. Procedures described using flowcharts, etc. may be modified as appropriate.

[0084] The "part" of each element of the digital transformation support system 100 may be read as "processing," "step," "circuit," or "circuitry."

[0085] 100 Digital transformation support system, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Auxiliary storage device, 104 Communication device, 105 Input / output interface, 109 Processing circuit, 110 Acquisition unit, 120 Extraction unit, 130 Risk assessment unit, 140 Recommendation unit, 150 Effect assessment unit, 190 Memory unit, 200 Production system, 201 Product design tool, 202 Process / equipment design tool, 203 Production management system, 204 Production control device, 205 Production equipment, 206 Data collection system, 211 Product design DB, 212 Process / equipment design DB, 213 Production condition DB, 214 Production performance DB.

Claims

1. A digital transformation support system comprising: a risk assessment unit that calculates at least one of a bottleneck index value, which is an index value related to a bottleneck of the work process flow, an affiliation index value, which is an index value related to the affiliation of the work process, and a cooperation degree index value, which is an index value related to the cooperation of workers, for each work process of the work process flow based on information shown in a work log recorded for each execution of the work process flow executed one or more times, and calculates an evaluation value of the work process using the calculated index value for each work process of the work process flow; and a recommendation unit that presents a work process for which the use of a digital tool is recommended based on the evaluation value of each work process of the work process flow.

2. The work log shows, for each work process of the work process flow, the work time involved in the work process for each worker involved in the work process as work process information. The risk assessment unit calculates, for each work process of the work process flow, the average work time per person and the total number of workers involved in the work process based on the work process information shown in each of one or more of the work logs, and calculates the bottleneck index value based on the average work time per person and the total number of workers. The digital transformation support system according to claim 1.

3. The risk assessment unit calculates a value that increases as the average work time per person increases and as the total number of workers increases as the bottleneck index value. The digital transformation support system according to claim 2.

4. The work log shows, for each work process of the work process flow, for each worker involved in the work process, the knowledge information used by the worker in the work process as work process information. The risk assessment unit calculates, for each work process of the work process flow, the total number of workers involved in the work process, which is the number of workers shown in each of one or more of the work logs based on the work process information, and the number of knowledge information used in the work process, which is the knowledge usage number, and calculates the affiliation index value based on the total number of workers and the knowledge usage number. The digital transformation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The risk assessment unit calculates a value that is smaller as the total number of workers is larger and larger as the knowledge usage number is larger as the affiliation index value. The digital transformation support system according to claim 4.

6. The work log shows, for each work process of the work process flow, for each worker involved in the work process, the knowledge information used by the worker in the work and the department to which the worker belongs. The risk assessment unit calculates, for each work process of the work process flow, the total number of workers involved in the work process, which is the number of workers shown in each of one or more of the work logs based on the information shown, the number of knowledge information used in the work process, which is the knowledge usage number, and the average number of related departments, which is the average of the number of departments involved in the work process, and calculates the cooperation degree index value based on the total number of workers, the knowledge usage number, and the average number of related departments. The digital transformation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The risk assessment unit calculates a value that is larger as the total number of workers is larger, larger as the knowledge usage number is larger, and larger as the average number of related departments is larger as the cooperation degree index value. The digital transformation support system according to claim 6.

8. The operation process flow is executed in the system to be supported, and the digital transformation support system includes an effect evaluation unit. The effect evaluation unit receives, as setting information, the investment period for the system to be supported and the payback period for the investment in the system to be supported after the implementation of the improvement in which digital tools are used in the presented operation process. For each operation process in which digital tools are used by the implementation of the improvement, based on the working hours of each worker shown in the operation log after the implementation of the improvement and the effect cost obtained by the implementation of the improvement, an average effect cost, which is the effect cost per unit period in the operation process, is calculated. For each operation process in which digital tools are used by the implementation of the improvement, an investable cost is calculated based on the calculated average effect cost, the investment period included in the setting information, and the payback period included in the setting information. The digital transformation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 presents the investable cost of each operation process in which digital tools are used by the implementation of the improvement.

9. Based on the information shown in the operation log recorded for each execution of the operation process flow executed one or more times, for each operation process of the operation process flow, at least one of the following index values is calculated: a bottleneck index value, which is an index value related to the bottleneck of the operation process flow; an affiliation index value, which is an index value related to the affiliation of the operation process; and a cooperation degree index value, which is an index value related to the cooperation of workers. For each operation process of the operation process flow, an evaluation value of the operation process is calculated using the calculated index value. Based on the evaluation value of each operation process of the operation process flow, a method for supporting digital transformation presents an operation process in which the use of digital tools is recommended.

10. Based on the information shown in the work log recorded for each execution of the work process flow that has been executed one or more times, for each work process of the work process flow, at least one of the bottleneck index value, which is an index value related to the bottleneck of the work process flow, the proprietorship index value, which is an index value related to the proprietorship of the work process, and the cooperation degree index value, which is an index value related to the cooperation of workers, is calculated, and for each work process of the work process flow, a risk assessment process for calculating an evaluation value of the work process using the calculated index value, and a recommendation process for presenting a work process for which the use of digital tools is recommended based on the evaluation value of each work process of the work process flow. A digital transformation support program for causing a computer to execute.

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