Planning system, planning method, and program

Abstract

This planning system comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring a sequence representing the order of execution of culture procedures of a project, as well as a start time or end time for the project; a creation unit for creating a proposed schedule that has an established start day and end day for the project as well as an execution period for each of the culture procedures; a calculation unit for calculating a predicted value for a total used quantity, per unit time, of resources for the project and another project; a modification unit for modifying the proposed schedule by moving the execution period of a subject step ahead or behind so as to satisfy a first constraint condition; and an output unit for outputting the proposed schedule for the project.

Description

Planning system, planning method, and program

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-219133, filed on December 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] In a cell culture system, cell culture operations are automatically performed for each project. Therefore, adjustments such as staggering the implementation period of the project must be made so as not to exceed the resource limits of the cell culture system. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that calculates and outputs the busy periods for each task when multiple tasks are performed in parallel.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-043740

[0004] However, because cell culture projects involve the handling of live cells, too short or too long an interval between culture operations can have an impact. Furthermore, cell culture projects can sometimes be carried out over a long period, such as a year. In this case, simply creating a culture schedule that starts a new project after the end date of an existing project may not meet customer needs, resulting in lost opportunities for orders.

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a planning system, planning method, and program that, when accepting an order for a new project, can propose a culture schedule that does not exceed the resource limit of a cell culture system, has appropriate operation intervals for culture operations, and matches customer needs.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a planning system is a planning system that plans a culture schedule for a project to culture cells using a cell culture system, and includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a sequence representing the order in which multiple culture operations will be performed in the project and a start or end time of the project; a creation unit that creates a proposed schedule that defines the start and end dates of the project and the duration of each of the culture operations based on the sequence and the start or end time; a calculation unit that calculates a predicted total resource usage per unit time of the project and other projects based on the proposed schedule, culture schedules of other projects, and resource information that defines predetermined expected resource usage for each culture operation; a modification unit that, if there is a period in the proposed schedule during which the predicted total usage does not satisfy a first constraint that defines an upper limit on resource usage in the cell culture system, modifies the proposed schedule by moving the implementation period of the target process, which is a culture operation of the project to be performed during that period, earlier or later so that the first constraint is satisfied; and an output unit that outputs the proposed schedule for the project.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a planning method is a planning method for planning a culture schedule for a project in which cells are cultured using a cell culture system, the planning method comprising the steps of: acquiring a sequence representing an order in which multiple culture operations to be performed in the project will be performed and a start time or an end time of the project; creating a proposed schedule that defines start and end dates for the project and implementation periods for each of the culture operations based on the sequence and the start time or the end time; calculating a predicted total resource usage per unit time for the project and the other projects based on the proposed schedule, culture schedules of other projects, and resource information that defines predetermined expected resource usage for each culture operation; if there is a period in the proposed schedule during which the predicted total usage does not satisfy a first constraint that defines an upper limit on resource usage in the cell culture system, modifying the proposed schedule by setting a culture operation of the project to be performed during that period as a target process and moving the implementation period of the target process earlier or later so that the first constraint is satisfied; and outputting the proposed schedule for the project.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a program causes a planning system that plans a culture schedule for a project to culture cells using a cell culture system to execute the following steps: acquire a sequence that represents the order in which multiple culture operations will be performed in the project and a start time or an end time of the project; create a proposed schedule that defines the start date and end date of the project and the duration of each of the culture operations based on the sequence and the start time or the end time; calculate a predicted total resource usage per unit time of the project and the other projects based on the proposed schedule, culture schedules of other projects, and resource information that defines predetermined expected resource usage for each culture operation; if there is a period in the proposed schedule during which the predicted total usage does not satisfy a first constraint that defines an upper limit on resource usage in the cell culture system, modify the proposed schedule by setting the culture operations of the project to be performed during that period as target processes and moving the implementation period of the target processes earlier or later so that the first constraint is satisfied; and output the proposed schedule for the project.

[0009] According to the above aspect, when accepting an order for a new project, it is possible to propose a culture schedule that does not exceed the resource limit of the cell culture system, has appropriate operation intervals for culture operations, and matches the customer's needs.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a schematic configuration of a cell culture system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a first flowchart showing an example of a process of the planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a second flowchart showing an example of a process of the planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a first diagram showing an example of a second constraint condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of resource information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a first diagram for explaining functions of the planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing an example of a proposal screen of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a second diagram for explaining functions of the planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a third diagram for explaining functions of the planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a second diagram showing an example of a proposal screen of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a fourth diagram for explaining functions of the planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a fifth diagram for explaining functions of the planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a sixth diagram for explaining functions of the planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 is a seventh diagram for explaining the function of the planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a second diagram showing an example of a second constraint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 is an eighth diagram for explaining the function of the planning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the cell culture system 100 of this embodiment is a system that performs unmanned and automatic cell culture and analysis of the cultured cells, using a workpiece W as a processing unit.

[0013] (Configuration of Cell Culture System) As shown in FIG. 1, the cell culture system 100 includes a stocker 110, a cell storage booth 120, an incubator 130, a clean bench 140, a pass box 150, a measuring device 160, a culture medium supply device 161, and a waste liquid tank 162.

[0014] <Stocker> The stocker 110 is a facility for storing a plurality of workpieces W to be used in the incubator 130 and the clean bench 140. The workpiece W has a flask therein that contains a culture medium. The stocker 110 forms a workpiece storage area R1 inside. A workpiece storage device 112 is arranged in the workpiece storage area R1 of the stocker 110. The workpiece storage device 112 is capable of storing a plurality of workpieces W. The stocker 110 is also provided with a door 110a for transporting the workpiece W to the clean bench 140 by a transport device (not shown).

[0015] <Cell Storage Booth> The cell storage booth 120 is a facility for storing cultured cells. The cell storage booth 120 forms a cell storage area R2 inside. A storage container 122 is disposed in the cell storage area R2 of the cell storage booth 120 for freezing and storing a portion of the culture solution in which cells have proliferated. The cell storage booth 120 is also provided with a door 120a for carrying in and out the workpiece W to and from the clean bench 140 using a transport device (not shown).

[0016] <Incubator> The incubator 130 is a facility for growing cells in a culture solution. The incubator 130 forms a culture area R3 in which the temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration are controlled to be suitable for cell culture. The culture area R3 of the incubator 130 is provided with, for example, multiple shaking stages 132, which are configured to be able to shake multiple workpieces W. The incubator 130 has a transport device (not shown) for automatically transporting the workpieces W within the culture area R3.

[0017] <Clean bench> The clean bench 140 performs various operations and processes on the workpiece W, such as dispensing operations, removal of waste liquids, and labeling. A liquid handling area R4, which is a highly clean and sterile space, is formed within the clean bench 140. A plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 1 ) dispensing devices 142 are arranged in the liquid handling area R4 of the clean bench 140. The dispensing devices 142 perform operations such as dispensing onto the workpiece W. The clean bench 140 also has a transport device (not shown) for automatically transporting the workpiece W within the liquid handling area R4.

[0018] <Pass Box> Pass box 150 is provided between incubator 130 and clean bench 140. Workpieces W are transferred between culture area R3 and liquid handling area R4 via pass box 150. Pass box 150 has a first door 150a and a second door 150b. First door 150a switches between a communication state and an open state between the space within pass box 150 and culture area R3. Second door 150b switches between a communication state and an open state between the space within pass box 150 and liquid handling area R4. These first door 150a and second door 150b are never open at the same time, which prevents direct communication between culture area R3 and liquid handling area R4.

[0019] <Measuring Device> The measuring device 160 is disposed adjacent to the clean bench 140. The measuring device 160 is a device capable of measuring and analyzing the number of cells in the culture solution dispensed from the dispensing device 142.

[0020] <Culture Medium Supplying Device> The culture medium supplying device 161 is disposed adjacent to the clean bench 140. The culture medium supplying device 161 is a device capable of supplying the culture medium contained in the work W (flask) via the dispensing device 142.

[0021] <Waste Liquid Tank> The waste liquid tank 162 is disposed adjacent to the clean bench 140. Waste liquid is transferred to the waste liquid tank 162 from a waste liquid extractor (not shown) disposed on the clean bench 140.

[0022] (Operation of Cell Culture System) In the cell culture system 100 configured as described above, cell proliferation is promoted by agitating the culture medium in the workpiece W in the agitation stage 132 of the incubator 130. The workpiece W in which cell proliferation has progressed is transferred to the liquid manipulation area R4 via the pass box 150. The culture medium in the workpiece W transferred to the liquid manipulation area R4 is dispensed, and the culture medium is supplied to the workpiece W.

[0023] On the other hand, when cell proliferation is performed using a new workpiece W, the following procedure is performed, for example. First, a transport device in stocker 110 retrieves the new workpiece W from workpiece storage device 112 and transports it into liquid handling area R4. In liquid handling area R4, culture medium is supplied to the new workpiece W, which does not contain culture medium, and culture medium is dispensed from the workpiece W transferred from liquid handling area R4, which contains culture medium where cell proliferation has progressed, to the new workpiece W. This completes the cell subculture (passage) operation into the new workpiece W. After the subculture operation, the new workpiece W is transferred to incubator 130, where cell proliferation is performed, and the above process is repeated. Furthermore, during the subculture operation, if necessary, a portion of the culture medium is dispensed into the workpiece W for frozen storage, and the workpiece W is transferred to cell storage booth 120 for frozen storage.

[0024] (Configuration of Management System) The management system 200 is a system that controls and monitors the cell culture system 100, and creates a culture schedule required for the control. As shown in FIG. 2 , the management system 200 includes a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 20 and a management device 30.

[0025] <PLC> The PLC 20 automatically controls the operation of each device in the cell culture system 100 according to a culture schedule for each project (for each cell type requested by a customer).

[0026] <Management Device> The management device 30 is communicably connected to the PLC 20. The management device 30 transmits a culture schedule for each project created in response to a user's operation to the PLC 20, allowing the PLC 20 to automatically perform the culture operation for each project. The management device 30 also monitors the PLC 20 and the cell culture system 100 for abnormalities, etc.

[0027] <Planning System> The planning system 40 is communicably connected to the management device 30 and the terminal device 50. When receiving an order for a new project from a customer, a proposed culture schedule for the new project is created. The planning system 40 receives inputs such as the start and end dates of the new project and a sequence that defines the order in which multiple culture operations will be performed, and outputs a culture schedule that includes the start and end dates of the new project and the duration of each culture operation. The planning system may also output forecasts of consumable consumption, expected dates for manual work, and rough estimates. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the planning system 40 is configured with a single computer (server). In other embodiments, the planning system 40 may be configured with multiple cloud servers.

[0028] <Terminal Device> The terminal device 50 is a PC, smartphone, tablet, etc. carried by a user (salesperson). Information regarding a new project is input by the user, for example, information obtained from a customer, through the terminal device 50 and transmitted to the planning system 40. The terminal device 50 also displays the culture schedule, consumable consumption forecast, rough estimate, etc. received from the planning system 40 and presents them to the user.

[0029] (Functional Configuration of Planning System) As shown in FIG. 3 , the planning system 40 includes a processor 41 , a memory 42 , a storage 43 , and a communication interface 44 .

[0030] The processor 41 operates in accordance with a predetermined program to function as an acquisition unit 411, a creation unit 412, a calculation unit 413, a change unit 414, and an output unit 415.

[0031] The acquisition unit 411 acquires a sequence that indicates the order in which a plurality of culture operations to be performed in a project will be performed, and the start or end time of the project.

[0032] The creation unit 412 creates a schedule proposal that defines the start and end dates of the project and the implementation period of each of the culture operations based on the sequence and the start or end time.

[0033] The calculation unit 413 calculates a predicted value of the total usage per unit time of resources for the project and other projects based on the proposed schedule, the culture schedules of other projects, and resource information that predetermines the expected usage of resources for each culture operation.

[0034] If there is a period in the proposed schedule in which the predicted value of total usage does not satisfy the first constraint condition that sets the upper limit of resource usage in the cell culture system, the modification unit 414 modifies the proposed schedule by moving the implementation period of the target process earlier or later, with the culture operation of the project to be carried out during that period as the target process, so that the first constraint condition is satisfied.

[0035] The output unit 415 outputs the proposed schedule for the project to the terminal device 50. The user can view the proposed schedule created by the planning system 40 through the terminal device 50.

[0036] The predetermined program executed by the processor 41 is stored on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories. The computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives the distribution may execute the program. The program may also be a program for implementing some of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0037] The memory 42 has a memory area necessary for the operation of the processor 41 .

[0038] The storage 43 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage 43 stores data that each part of the processor 41 acquires, generates, and refers to during processing (e.g., the culture schedule of each project, resource information, the created culture schedule, etc.).

[0039] The communication interface 44 is an interface for transmitting and receiving various data, control signals, and the like between the management device 30 and the terminal device 50 .

[0040] (Processing Flow) Next, the flow of the culture schedule creation process of the planning system 40 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[0041] First, the user asks the customer for requests regarding the start or end date of a new project, requests regarding the sequence, etc., and inputs the information into the terminal device 50. The acquisition unit 411 then acquires this information from the terminal device 50 (step S11). For example, the user asks the customer for a desired end date for the new project and inputs the end date (end month or end date). Furthermore, if the desired end date has not been decided or if the user wishes to complete the project as soon as possible, the user may input, for example, the earliest start month or start date that allows for the completion of preparation of consumables, etc., as the start date.

[0042] A sequence defines the order in which each culture operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 7 illustrates sequences for several projects. As shown in FIG. 7 , there are many variations in the types and order of culture operations to be performed depending on the cells to be cultured in the project, the person in charge of the project, the customer, etc. The user may input and set a sequence obtained from the customer into the terminal device 50, or, if the same sequence as in a previously implemented project is available, may read and set a registered sequence (e.g., one of the sequences shown in FIG. 7 ) from the planning system 40 via the terminal device 50. The user may also partially change the registered sequence in response to customer requests.

[0043] Next, the creation unit 412 creates a proposed schedule that defines the start and end dates of the new project and the implementation periods of each culture operation based on the sequence and the start and end times acquired by the acquisition unit 411 (step S12). At this time, the creation unit 412 determines the planned implementation periods of each culture operation so as to satisfy the second constraint condition that defines the time constraint on the operation intervals between the culture operations, as shown in FIG.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 8 , the second constraint specifies that when a certain culture operation (step) is N, the operation interval between the previous step N−1 and the next step N+1 must be in the range of 1 to 3 days, and the operation interval between the next step N+1 and the next step N must be in the range of 1 to 5 days. The second constraint may also specify a standard interval (e.g., 2 days) for each operation. For example, the creation unit 412 determines the planned implementation period for each culture operation (steps 1 to 7) included in the sequence, starting from a start date specified by the customer and using the operation interval for each culture operation as the standard interval. The creation unit 412 may create a standard plan in which the operation interval is the standard interval, an earliest plan in which the operation interval is the minimum interval, and a latest plan in which the operation interval is the maximum interval. Furthermore, if the customer specifies an end date, the creation unit 412 creates a schedule proposal calculated backward from the end date. Note that, although the second constraint is common to all culture operations in the example of FIG. 8 , different second constraints may be preset depending on the combination of culture operations performed before and after each other (e.g., seeding and passaging, passaging and measurement).

[0045] Furthermore, although the cell culture system 100 automatically performs the culture operation, tasks such as emptying the trash can into which used flasks are disposed are performed manually. Therefore, the creation unit 412 may set dates (estimated dates) for performing such manual tasks and include them in the proposed schedule.

[0046] The calculation unit 413 predicts the total resource usage per unit time of the project and other projects based on the proposed schedule, the culture schedules that have been created in advance for other projects (existing projects), and resource information that predetermines the expected resource usage for each culture operation, and creates a rough estimate of the project costs (step S13).

[0047] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the resource information is a predetermined expected amount of resource usage per unit time for each culture operation. The culture operations include, for example, seeding, passaging, and fed-batch (FB) culture. As shown in the example of Figure 9, each culture operation (seeding, passaging, and FB culture) may be further subdivided according to the operation content and assigned an individual code. In this embodiment, the resource usage amount is the number of flasks used in each culture operation.

[0048] The resource information may also include information such as the type and amount of other consumables (culture media, chemicals, etc.) expected to be used in each culture operation, the amount of waste liquid, whether or not frozen storage is required, the unit price of these consumables, and the costs of waste liquid treatment and frozen storage. Based on the resource information, the calculation unit 413 predicts the consumption of each consumable, including resources (flasks), and creates a rough estimate for a new project. Note that the culture schedules and resource information for other projects may be stored in advance in the storage 43 or may be obtained from the management device 30 via a communication line.

[0049] Next, the change unit 414 determines whether the proposed schedule created by the creation unit 412 satisfies a first constraint (step S14). The first constraint defines an upper limit on resource usage (number of flasks) of the cell culture system 100. For example, in this embodiment, the upper limit on resource usage is an upper limit on the number of flasks that can be operated simultaneously in the incubator 130.

[0050] If the predicted total resource usage (number of flasks) is equal to or less than the upper limit for all periods of the proposed schedule, the change unit 414 determines that the first constraint is satisfied (step S14). In this case, the output unit 415 outputs the proposed schedule created by the creation unit 412 and the rough estimate created by the calculation unit 413 to the terminal device 50 (step S16).

[0051] On the other hand, if there is a period in which the predicted resource usage (number of flasks) exceeds the upper limit, the modification unit 414 determines that the first constraint is not satisfied (step S14; NO). Figure 10 shows an example of a time series of predicted resource usage for existing projects PJ1 and PJ2 and new project PJ3. As shown in the example of Figure 10, if the first constraint is not satisfied during the implementation period of step 3 of new project PJ3 (the predicted total number of flasks is greater than the upper limit), the modification unit 414 determines that the proposed schedule for new project PJ3 does not satisfy the first constraint. In this case, the planning system 40 modifies the proposed schedule according to the flowchart shown in Figure 5.

[0052] If the proposed schedule does not satisfy the first constraint, the output unit 415 first outputs a warning (step S101). In the example of Fig. 10, the output unit 415 outputs a warning indicating that process 3 will exceed the resource upper limit to the terminal device 50. At this time, the output unit 415 outputs the proposed schedule, a rough estimate, etc. together with the warning.

[0053] In response, the terminal device 50 displays a proposal screen D1, such as that shown in FIG. 11 . The proposal screen D1 displays project information D11, a warning D12, and a proposed schedule D13. The proposal screen D1 may also display a consumable consumption forecast D14 and a predicted manual work date D15. The project information D11 displays the name of the new project, the start and end dates of the proposed schedule, and a rough estimate. The warning D12 displays a warning regarding a process that does not satisfy the first constraint (resource upper limit). The proposed schedule D13 may display a graph showing the implementation period of each culture operation as the total resource usage (predicted value), as in the example of FIG. 11 , or may display a timeline (not shown) showing the implementation period of each culture operation. The consumable consumption forecast D14 displays information such as the total flask usage amount, total medium volume, total waste liquid volume, and frozen stock quantity calculated by the calculation unit 413. The predicted manual work date D15 displays the planned date for performing the manual work.

[0054] Next, the modification unit 414 selects the culture operation that does not satisfy the first constraint as the target process and moves the implementation period of this target process forward or backward. Furthermore, the modification unit 414 modifies the proposed schedule by moving the implementation period of at least one of the processes preceding and succeeding the target process as necessary (step S102). Note that if the creation unit 412 has created multiple schedule proposals (standard proposal, fastest proposal, and slowest proposal), the creation unit 412 similarly modifies each of these proposals that do not satisfy the first constraint.

[0055] For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the implementation period of step 3 of new project PJ3 does not satisfy the first constraint (the predicted total number of flasks is greater than the upper limit). In this case, the modification unit 414 first shifts the implementation period of step 3 so that the total number of flasks used in all projects is equal to or less than the upper limit. Furthermore, if the shifting of target step 3 (N) results in the operation intervals between the target step 3 and the preceding step 2 (N-1) and the following step 4 (N+1) not satisfying the second constraint, the modification unit 414 also shifts the implementation periods of these preceding steps 2 and 4. In the example of FIG. 12 , the modification unit 414 shifts the implementation period of target step 3 so that it is after step 3 of existing project PJ2. Even if the shifting of target step 3 is performed, if the operation interval between target step 3 and the preceding step 2 satisfies the second constraint, the modification unit 414 does not shift the preceding step 2 and the steps preceding it. Furthermore, if the operation interval between the target process 3 and the subsequent process 4 no longer satisfies the second constraint (becomes shorter than the minimum period) due to the movement of the target process 3, the change unit 414 moves the implementation period of the subsequent process 4 later so that the operation interval between the target process 3 and the subsequent process 4 is equal to or greater than the minimum period and equal to or less than the maximum period, as shown in Fig. 13. If the operation interval between the target process 3 and the subsequent process 5 no longer satisfies the second constraint due to the movement of the subsequent process 4, the change unit 414 also moves the implementation period of process 5. The same applies to the subsequent processes.

[0056] 4, the output unit 415 outputs the proposed schedule changed by the change unit 414 and the rough estimate created by the calculation unit 413 to the terminal device 50 (step S16). At this time, the output unit 415 may also output information indicating which process the change unit 414 has changed.

[0057] In response to this, the terminal device 50 presents the revised schedule proposal in the schedule proposal D13 on the proposal screen D1, as shown in FIG. 14 . The warning D12 displays information indicating which process's implementation period has been changed. The estimated manual work dates D15 are updated based on the revised schedule proposal. Furthermore, the proposal screen D1 may be configured to switch between displaying the pre-change schedule proposal ( FIG. 11 ) and the post-change schedule proposal ( FIG. 14 ) in accordance with a user's operation, so that the schedule proposals before and after the change can be compared. Alternatively, the pre-change schedule proposal ( FIG. 11 ) and the post-change schedule proposal ( FIG. 14 ) may be simultaneously displayed on the proposal screen D1.

[0058] Furthermore, if the planning system 40 is unable to obtain a proposed schedule that satisfies the first and second constraints through the process of Fig. 5, the planning system 40 may further modify the proposed schedule according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the planning system 40 may execute the flowchart of Fig. 6 instead of the flowchart of Fig. 5.

[0059] First, the output unit 415 outputs a warning (step S201). In the example of Fig. 15, the output unit 415 outputs a warning to the terminal device 50 indicating that steps 5 and 8 will exceed their resource upper limits. At this time, the output unit 415 outputs a schedule proposal, a rough estimate, etc. together with the warning. The terminal device 50 displays this information on a proposal screen D1 as shown in Fig. 15.

[0060] Next, the modification unit 414 modifies the proposed schedule by performing the following processes: (1) delaying the start date and end date, (2) adding frozen storage of cells, (3) adding resources (relaxing the first constraint), and (4) changing the operation interval (relaxing the second constraint). Note that in another embodiment, the modification unit 414 may be configured to perform only the processes selected by the user from (1) to (4).

[0061] (1) The process of delaying the start date and end date will be described. The change unit 414 delays the entire schedule of the new project PJ3 until the first constraint condition is satisfied (step S202). For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the change unit 414 moves the entire schedule of the new project PJ3 back by unit time until the first constraint condition is satisfied.

[0062] (2) The process of adding cell cryopreservation will be described. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the modification unit 414 adds a cell cryopreservation task to process 4, which is immediately before target process 5, which does not satisfy the first constraint (step S203). Furthermore, the modification unit 414 moves target process 5 and subsequent processes to a time when the first constraint can be satisfied (step S204). The cryopreserved cells can be used for the culture operation in the next process even after the preset operation interval has elapsed. Therefore, when moving the implementation period of target process 5 in step S204, the modification unit 414 does not need to consider the maximum operation interval between previous process 4 and target process 5 (the second constraint). Furthermore, if there is another target process that does not satisfy the first constraint, the modification unit 414 similarly adds a cryopreservation task to the previous process.

[0063] (3) The process of adding resources (relaxing the first constraint) will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 19 , the change unit 414 increases the upper limit of resource usage (the upper limit of the number of flasks that can be operated simultaneously in the incubator 130) for the start date of the target process 5 that does not satisfy the first constraint (step S205). For example, the upper limit of resource usage is increased by adding an additional shaking stage 132 to the incubator 130.

[0064] (4) The process of changing the operation interval (relaxing the second constraint) will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 20 , the change unit 414 changes the operation interval (standard period, minimum period, maximum period) of the culture operation to relax the second constraint (step S206). The user may specify the amount of change to the operation interval via the terminal device 50, for example. The change unit 414 also identifies a culture operation that does not satisfy the first constraint as a target process and moves the implementation period of this target process forward or backward. If necessary, the change unit 414 moves the implementation period of at least one of the processes preceding and following the target process to change the proposed schedule (step S207). By relaxing the second constraint, the change unit 414 can more flexibly move the implementation period of each process.

[0065] Next, the calculation unit 413 recalculates the rough estimate etc. based on the revised schedule proposal (step S208). For example, the calculation unit 413 adds costs according to the number of frozen storages added by the process (2). If an agitation stage 132 is added by the process (3), the calculation unit 413 adds costs for that additional installation. Furthermore, if the end date of project PJ3 is delayed by the process (1) or (4), the calculation unit 413 may discount the costs by the amount of the delay.

[0066] 4 , the output unit 415 outputs the schedule proposals changed by the change unit 414 and the rough estimates created by the calculation unit 413 to the terminal device 50 (step S16). The user checks the schedule proposals changed by the processes (1) to (4) through the terminal device 50 and adopts one of the schedule proposals depending on the customer's requirements, such as the completion date and budget. At this time, the output unit 415 displays the information of (A) and the information of each proposal (B) on the proposal screen D1 in a switchable display mode or a simultaneous display mode, so that the user can compare (A) information including the schedule proposal created by the creation unit 412, its rough estimate (first rough estimate), the amount of consumables consumed, and the scheduled dates of manual work, with (B) information including the schedule proposals changed by the change unit 414, its rough estimate (second rough estimate), the amount of consumables consumed, and the scheduled dates of manual work. This allows the user to easily compare and consider how the proposed schedule, rough estimate, etc. will change before and after the changes made by each of the processes (1) to (4).

[0067] In another embodiment, the acquisition unit 411 may acquire customer requirements, such as the completion date and budget, in advance in step S11. In this case, the output unit 415 may not output to the terminal device 50 any schedule proposals modified in the processes (1) to (4) that do not meet the customer requirements. Narrowing down the schedule proposals in advance in this manner allows the user to easily understand what schedules can be proposed to the customer. The output unit 415 may display this schedule proposal on the proposal screen D1 together with a warning D12 indicating that the customer requirements are not met (the end date or budget has been exceeded).

[0068] (Effects) As described above, the planning system 40 according to the present embodiment includes an acquisition unit 411 that acquires a sequence representing the order in which a plurality of culture operations to be performed in a new project will be performed and the start or end time of the new project; a creation unit 412 that creates a proposed schedule that defines the start and end dates of the new project and the implementation periods of each culture operation based on the sequence and the start or end time; a calculation unit 413 that calculates a predicted value of the total resource usage per unit time of the new project and the other projects based on the proposed schedule, the culture schedules of the other projects, and resource information that defines in advance the predicted resource usage amount for each culture operation; a modification unit 414 that, when there is a period in the proposed schedule during which the predicted value of the total usage amount does not satisfy a first constraint that defines an upper limit on resource usage in the cell culture system 100, modifies the proposed schedule by moving the implementation period of the culture operation of the new project to be performed during that period forward or backward so as to satisfy the first constraint; and an output unit 415 that outputs the proposed schedule for the new project.

[0069] In this way, when accepting an order for a new project, the planning system 40 can propose a culture schedule that does not exceed the resource limit of the cell culture system, has appropriate operation intervals for culture operations, and matches the customer's needs.

[0070] Furthermore, when the implementation period of the target process is moved, if a second constraint condition that defines a time constraint on the operation interval predetermined for each combination of consecutive culture operations cannot be satisfied, the modification unit 414 moves the implementation period of at least one of the preceding process that is performed before the target process and the subsequent process that is performed after the target process so as to satisfy the second constraint condition.

[0071] In this way, when the implementation period of the target process is changed, the planning system 40 can also maintain an appropriate length of operation interval between the preceding and following processes.

[0072] Furthermore, if the change unit 414 is unable to create a proposed schedule that satisfies both the first constraint and the second constraint, the change unit 414 delays the start date and end date of the proposed schedule until the first constraint is satisfied.

[0073] In this way, the planning system 40 can present a schedule proposal that satisfies the constraints while minimizing delays in the overall schedule.

[0074] Furthermore, if the modification unit 414 is unable to create a proposed schedule that satisfies both the first constraint and the second constraint, it adds the task of freezing and storing cells to the previous process that is carried out immediately before the target process, and moves the implementation period of the target process, allowing the operation interval between the previous process and the target process to not satisfy the second constraint.

[0075] In this way, the planning system 40 can more flexibly adjust the proposed schedule by relaxing the constraints on operation intervals due to frozen storage.

[0076] Furthermore, when the change unit 414 is unable to create a proposed schedule that satisfies both the first constraint and the second constraint, the change unit 414 relaxes the first constraint based on the predicted value of the total usage amount per unit time.

[0077] In this way, the planning system 40 can propose a schedule that minimizes delays in the start and end dates, thereby meeting, for example, a customer's request to complete a project as soon as possible.

[0078] In addition, if the change unit 414 is unable to create a proposed schedule that satisfies both the first constraint and the second constraint, it relaxes the second constraint and moves the implementation period of the target process so that the relaxed second constraint is satisfied.

[0079] In this way, the planning system 40 can relax the constraints on operation intervals and adjust the proposed schedule more flexibly. In addition, since there is no need for additional costs such as equipment or work, it is possible to meet customer demands for keeping costs low.

[0080] Furthermore, the calculation unit 413 calculates the predicted consumption amount of the consumables based on the resource information and the proposed schedule, and the output unit 415 outputs the predicted consumption amount of the consumables together with the proposed schedule.

[0081] In this way, the planning system 40 can allow the user to easily understand how much of the consumable item is expected to be consumed in the proposed schedule.

[0082] The creation unit 412 also creates a proposed schedule including the scheduled dates of manual work, and the output unit 415 outputs the scheduled dates of manual work together with the proposed schedule.

[0083] In this way, the planning system 40 can allow the user to easily understand when and how much manual work will occur in the proposed schedule.

[0084] Furthermore, if the proposed schedule created by the creation unit 412 includes a period that does not satisfy the first constraint, the output unit 415 outputs a warning indicating that the proposed schedule does not satisfy the first constraint together with the proposed schedule.

[0085] In this way, the planning system 40 can easily let the user understand that there will be a shortage of resources if the proposed schedule is not changed.

[0086] Furthermore, when the change unit 414 changes the proposed schedule, the output unit 415 displays a warning indicating the changed parts of the proposed schedule together with the changed proposed schedule.

[0087] In this way, the planning system 40 can allow the user to easily understand which parts (processes) of the proposed schedule need to be changed.

[0088] Furthermore, the calculation unit 413 creates a rough estimate based on the resource information and the proposed schedule, and the output unit 415 outputs the rough estimate together with the proposed schedule.

[0089] In this way, the planning system 40 can immediately present the user with an approximate cost of the project, for example, during a meeting between the user and a client.

[0090] In addition, the calculation unit 413 creates a first rough estimate based on the resource information and the proposed schedule created by the creation unit 412, and a second rough estimate based on the resource information and the proposed schedule changed by the change unit 414, and the output unit 415 outputs the proposed schedule and first rough estimate before the change and the proposed schedule and second rough estimate after the change in a manner that allows them to be compared.

[0091] In this way, the planning system 40 can provide the user with information that allows them to easily compare how the proposed schedule, rough estimate, etc. changes before and after the change.

[0092] In addition, the acquisition unit 411 acquires the end date or budget desired by the customer, and the output unit 415 does not output the proposed schedule if the end date of the proposed schedule is later than the end date or if the rough estimate exceeds the budget, or outputs the proposed schedule together with a warning indicating that the proposed schedule does not meet the customer's request.

[0093] In this way, the planning system 40 can allow the user to easily understand what kind of schedule can be proposed to the customer as a schedule proposal that satisfies the customer's requests.

[0094] Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design modifications are possible. That is, in other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, some processes may be executed in parallel.

[0095] <Additional Notes> The above-described embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0096] (1) According to a first aspect, the planning system 40 is a planning system 40 that plans a culture schedule for a project to culture cells using the cell culture system 100, and includes: an acquisition unit 411 that acquires a sequence that represents the order in which multiple culture operations are to be performed in the project and a start time or an end time of the project; a creation unit 412 that creates a proposed schedule that defines the start date and end date of the project and the implementation period of each culture operation based on the sequence and the start time or the end time; a calculation unit 413 that calculates a predicted value of the total resource usage per unit time of the project and other projects based on the proposed schedule, culture schedules of other projects, and resource information that defines in advance the expected resource usage amount for each culture operation; a modification unit 414 that, when there is a period in the proposed schedule during which the predicted value of the total usage amount does not satisfy a first constraint that defines an upper limit of resource usage in the cell culture system 100, modifies the proposed schedule by moving the implementation period of the target process, which is a culture operation of the project to be performed during that period, earlier or later so as to satisfy the first constraint; and an output unit 415 that outputs a proposed schedule for a new project.

[0097] In this way, when accepting an order for a new project, the planning system 40 can propose a culture schedule that does not exceed the resource limit of the cell culture system, has appropriate operation intervals for culture operations, and matches the customer's needs.

[0098] (2) According to the second aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to the first aspect, when the implementation period of the target process is moved and a second constraint condition that defines a time constraint on the operation interval predetermined for each combination of consecutive culture operations cannot be satisfied, the modification unit 414 moves the implementation period of at least one of the preceding process that is performed before the target process and the subsequent process that is performed after the target process so as to satisfy the second constraint condition.

[0099] In this way, when the implementation period of the target process is changed, the planning system 40 can also maintain an appropriate length of operation interval between the preceding and following processes.

[0100] (3) According to the third aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to the second aspect, if the change unit 414 cannot create a proposed schedule that satisfies both the first constraint and the second constraint, it delays the start date and end date of the proposed schedule until the first constraint is satisfied.

[0101] In this way, the planning system 40 can present a schedule proposal that satisfies the constraints while minimizing delays in the overall schedule.

[0102] (4) According to the fourth aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to the second or third aspect, when the modification unit 414 cannot create a schedule proposal that satisfies both the first constraint and the second constraint, it adds the work of freezing and storing cells to the previous process that is carried out immediately before the target process, and moves the implementation period of the target process, allowing that the operation interval between the previous process and the target process does not satisfy the second constraint.

[0103] In this way, the planning system 40 can more flexibly adjust the proposed schedule by relaxing the constraints on operation intervals due to frozen storage.

[0104] (5) According to the fifth aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to any one of the second to fourth aspects, when it is not possible to create a proposed schedule that satisfies both the first constraint and the second constraint, the modification unit 414 relaxes the first constraint based on the predicted value of the total usage per unit time.

[0105] In this way, the planning system 40 can propose a schedule that minimizes delays in the start and end dates, thereby meeting, for example, a customer's request to complete a project as soon as possible.

[0106] (6) According to the sixth aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to any one of the second to fifth aspects, when it is not possible to create a schedule proposal that satisfies both the first constraint and the second constraint, the modification unit 414 relaxes the second constraint and moves the implementation period of the target process so as to satisfy the relaxed second constraint.

[0107] In this way, the planning system 40 can relax the constraints on operation intervals and adjust the proposed schedule more flexibly. In addition, since there is no need for additional costs such as equipment or work, it is possible to meet customer demands for keeping costs low.

[0108] (7) According to the seventh aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the resource information includes the amount of consumables expected to be used in each culture operation, the calculation unit 413 calculates the predicted amount of consumables consumed based on the resource information and the proposed schedule, and the output unit 415 outputs the predicted amount of consumables consumed together with the proposed schedule.

[0109] In this way, the planning system 40 can allow the user to easily understand how much of the consumable item is expected to be consumed in the proposed schedule.

[0110] (8) According to the eighth aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the creation unit 412 creates a proposed schedule including a scheduled date for manual work, and the output unit 415 outputs the scheduled date for manual work together with the proposed schedule.

[0111] In this way, the planning system 40 can allow the user to easily understand when and how much manual work will occur in the proposed schedule.

[0112] (9) According to the ninth aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to any one of the first to eighth aspects, if the schedule proposal created by the creation unit 412 includes a period in which the first constraint condition is not satisfied, the output unit 415 outputs a warning indicating that the first constraint condition is not satisfied along with the schedule proposal.

[0113] In this way, the planning system 40 can easily let the user understand that there will be a shortage of resources if the proposed schedule is not changed.

[0114] (10) According to the tenth aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to any one of the first to ninth aspects, when the change unit 414 changes the proposed schedule, the output unit 415 displays a warning indicating the changes to the proposed schedule along with the revised proposed schedule.

[0115] In this way, the planning system 40 can allow the user to easily understand which parts (processes) of the proposed schedule need to be changed.

[0116] (11) According to the eleventh aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the resource information includes the usage amount and unit price of consumables predicted to be used in each culture operation, and the processing and costs required for each culture operation, the calculation unit 413 creates a rough estimate based on the resource information and the proposed schedule, and the output unit 415 outputs the rough estimate together with the proposed schedule.

[0117] In this way, the planning system 40 can immediately present the user with an approximate cost of the project, for example, during a meeting between the user and a client.

[0118] (12) According to the twelfth aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to the eleventh aspect, the calculation unit 413 creates a first rough estimate based on the resource information and the proposed schedule created by the creation unit 412, and a second rough estimate based on the resource information and the proposed schedule changed by the change unit 414, and the output unit 415 outputs the proposed schedule and the first rough estimate before the change and the proposed schedule and the second rough estimate after the change in a manner that allows them to be compared.

[0119] In this way, the planning system 40 can provide the user with information that allows them to easily compare how the proposed schedule, rough estimate, etc. changes before and after the change.

[0120] (13) According to the thirteenth aspect, in the planning system 40 relating to the eleventh aspect, the acquisition unit 411 acquires the end date or budget requested by the customer, and the output unit 415 does not output the proposed schedule if the end date of the proposed schedule is later than the end date or if the rough estimate exceeds the budget, or outputs the proposed schedule together with a warning indicating that the proposed schedule does not meet the customer's request.

[0121] In this way, the planning system 40 can allow the user to easily understand what kind of schedule can be proposed to the customer as a schedule proposal that satisfies the customer's requests.

[0122] (14) According to a fourteenth aspect, a planning method is a planning method for planning a culture schedule for a project for culturing cells using the cell culture system 100, the planning method comprising the steps of: acquiring a sequence representing an order of execution of a plurality of culture operations to be executed in the project and a start time or an end time of the project; creating a proposed schedule that defines a start date and an end date of the project and an execution period for each culture operation based on the sequence and the start time or the end time; calculating a predicted value of total resource usage per unit time of the project and the other projects based on the proposed schedule, the culture schedules of the other projects, and resource information that defines in advance the predicted resource usage amount for each culture operation; if there is a period in the proposed schedule during which the predicted value of total usage does not satisfy a first constraint that defines an upper limit of resource usage in the cell culture system 100, modifying the proposed schedule by setting the culture operations of the project to be executed during that period as target processes and moving the implementation period of the target processes earlier or later so as to satisfy the first constraint; and outputting a proposed schedule for the new project.

[0123] (15) According to the fifteenth aspect, the program causes a planning system 40, which plans a culture schedule for a project to culture cells using the cell culture system 100, to execute the following steps: acquiring a sequence representing the order in which multiple culture operations to be performed in the project will be performed and a start time or an end time for the project; creating a proposed schedule that defines the start date and end date of the project and the duration of each culture operation based on the sequence and the start time or the end time; calculating a predicted value of the total resource usage per unit time of the project and the other projects based on the proposed schedule, the culture schedules of the other projects, and resource information that defines in advance the expected resource usage for each culture operation; if there is a period in the proposed schedule during which the predicted value of the total usage does not satisfy a first constraint that defines an upper limit on the resource usage of the cell culture system 100, modifying the proposed schedule by moving the implementation period of the target process, which is a culture operation of the project to be performed during that period, earlier or later so as to satisfy the first constraint; and outputting a proposed schedule for the new project.

[0124] According to the above aspect, when accepting an order for a new project, it is possible to propose a culture schedule that does not exceed the resource limit of the cell culture system, has appropriate operation intervals for culture operations, and matches the customer's needs.

[0125] 100 Cell culture system 110 Stocker 112 Work storage device 120 Cell storage booth 122 Storage container 130 Incubator 132 Shaking stage 140 Clean bench 142 Dispensing device 150 Pass box 160 Measuring device 161 Culture medium supply device 162 Waste liquid tank 200 Management system 30 Management device 40 Planning system 41 Processor 411 Acquisition unit 412 Creation unit 413 Calculation unit 414 Change unit 415 Output unit 42 Memory 43 Storage 44 Communication interface 50 Terminal device

Claims

1. A planning system for planning a culture schedule of a project for culturing cells using a cell culture system, the system comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a sequence representing an execution order of a plurality of culture operations to be performed in the project, and a start time or an end time of the project; a creation unit configured to create a schedule draft that determines a start date and an end date of the project and an execution period of each of the culture operations based on the sequence and the start time or the end time; a calculation unit configured to calculate a predicted value of a total usage amount per unit time of resources of the project and other projects based on the schedule draft, a culture schedule of another project, and resource information in which a predicted usage amount of resources for each culture operation is determined in advance; a change unit configured to, when there is a period in the schedule draft in which the predicted value of the total usage amount does not satisfy a first constraint condition that defines an upper limit of the resource usage amount of the cell culture system, change the schedule draft by moving the execution period of the culture operation of the project to be performed in the period forward or backward so as to satisfy the first constraint condition, with the culture operation to be performed in the period as a target process; and an output unit configured to output the schedule draft of the project.

2. The planning system according to claim 1, wherein when the change unit cannot satisfy a second constraint condition that defines a time constraint of a predetermined operation interval for each combination of consecutive culture operations before and after moving the execution period of the target process, the change unit moves the execution period of at least one of a previous process that is performed before the target process and a subsequent process that is performed after the target process so as to satisfy the second constraint condition.

3. The planning system according to claim 2, wherein when the change unit cannot create a schedule draft that satisfies both the first constraint condition and the second constraint condition, the change unit delays the start date and the end date of the schedule draft until the first constraint condition is satisfied.

4. The changing unit, when unable to create a schedule plan that satisfies both the first constraint condition and the second constraint condition, adds an operation of cryopreserving cells to a previous process that is performed one process before the target process, allows the operation interval between the previous process and the target process not to satisfy the second constraint condition, and moves the execution period of the target process. The planning system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The changing unit, when unable to create a schedule plan that satisfies both the first constraint condition and the second constraint condition, relaxes the first constraint condition based on the predicted value of the total usage per unit time. The planning system according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The changing unit, when unable to create a schedule plan that satisfies both the first constraint condition and the second constraint condition, relaxes the second constraint condition, and moves the execution period of the target process so as to satisfy the relaxed second constraint condition. The planning system according to claim 2 or 3.

7. The resource information includes the usage amount of consumables predicted to be used in each culture operation. The calculating unit calculates the consumption amount of consumables predicted based on the resource information and the schedule plan. The output unit outputs the consumption amount of the consumables predicted together with the schedule plan. The planning system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The creating unit creates a schedule plan including the scheduled date of manual work. The output unit outputs the scheduled date of the manual work together with the schedule plan. The planning system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The output unit, when there is a period in the schedule plan created by the creating unit that does not satisfy the first constraint condition, outputs a warning indicating that the first constraint condition is not satisfied together with the schedule plan. The planning system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The output unit, when the changing unit changes the schedule plan, displays a warning indicating the changed location of the schedule plan together with the changed schedule plan. The planning system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The resource information includes the usage amount and unit price of consumables predicted to be used in each culture operation, and the processes and costs required for each culture operation. The calculation unit creates a rough estimate based on the resource information and the schedule plan, and the output unit outputs the rough estimate together with the schedule plan. The planning system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The calculation unit creates a first rough estimate based on the resource information and the schedule plan before modification created by the creation unit, and a second rough estimate based on the resource information and the schedule plan after modification by the modification unit. The output unit outputs the schedule plan before modification and the first rough estimate, and the schedule plan after modification and the second rough estimate in a comparable manner. The planning system according to claim 11.

13. The acquisition unit acquires the end time or budget desired by the customer. When the end date of the schedule plan is later than the end time, or when the rough estimate exceeds the budget, the output unit does not output the schedule plan, or outputs the schedule plan together with a warning indicating that the customer's request is not satisfied. The planning system according to claim 11.

14. A planning method for planning a culture schedule of a project for culturing cells using a cell culture system, the method comprising: obtaining a sequence representing an execution order of a plurality of culture operations to be performed in the project, and a start time or an end time of the project; creating a schedule proposal that determines a start date and an end date of the project and an execution period of each of the culture operations based on the sequence and the start time or the end time; calculating a predicted value of a total usage amount per unit time of resources of the project and other projects based on the schedule proposal, a culture schedule of another project, and resource information in which a predicted usage amount of resources for each culture operation is determined in advance; when there is a period in the schedule proposal in which the predicted value of the total usage amount does not satisfy a first constraint condition that defines an upper limit of the resource usage amount of the cell culture system, changing the schedule proposal by moving the execution period of the target process, which is the culture operation of the project to be performed in that period, forward or backward so as to satisfy the first constraint condition; and outputting the schedule proposal of the project.

15. A planning system for planning a culture schedule of a project for culturing cells using a cell culture system, the steps of obtaining a sequence representing the order of execution of a plurality of culture operations to be performed in the project and the start time or end time of the project; creating a schedule proposal that determines the start date and end date of the project and the implementation period of each of the culture operations based on the sequence and the start time or the end time; calculating a predicted value of the total usage amount per unit time of the resources of the project and other projects based on the schedule proposal, the culture schedule of other projects, and resource information in which the predicted usage amount of resources for each culture operation is determined in advance; when there is a period in the schedule proposal that does not satisfy a first constraint condition that defines the upper limit of the resource usage amount of the cell culture system, using the culture operation of the project to be performed in that period as a target process, changing the schedule proposal by moving the implementation period of the target process forward or backward so as to satisfy the first constraint condition; and outputting the schedule proposal of the project. A program for executing the above steps.

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