Sewing management system

Abstract

A sewing management system (1) comprises a sewing machine (2) and a management device (3) that manages the sewing machine (2). The management device (3) comprises: an information acquisition unit (11) that acquires, from the sewing machine (2), operation information (31) for calculating a net processing time (BPT); a setting unit (12) that accepts settings for the allowance rate (AR) with respect to the net processing time (BPT) and for a target processing time (SAM); a calculation unit (13) that calculates, on the basis of the operation information (31) and the allowance rate (AR), the net processing time (BPT) and the allowance time (AT); and an output unit (14) that outputs the target processing time (SAM) and the actual standard time (AST), which is the total of the net processing time (BPT) and the allowance time (AT).

Description

Sewing Management System

[0001] The present invention relates to a sewing management system.

[0002] In the technical field related to sewing machines, there is known a sewing management system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, a production target rate, which is the number of sewn items to be produced per predetermined time, can be set.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-214511

[0004] In the production management of sewn products, a target processing time (SAM: Standard Allotted Minutes) is set. The target processing time is used as an index for evaluating productivity by comparing it with the actual processing time at a sewing factory or the like. It is desirable to be able to easily compare the target processing time with the actual value in the sewing management system.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a sewing management system that can easily compare a target processing time with an actual result.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sewing management system for managing the production of sewn goods using a sewing machine, comprising: the sewing machine; and a management device for managing the sewing machine, wherein the management device comprises: an information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information from the sewing machine for calculating a net processing time; a setting unit for accepting settings of a margin rate for the net processing time and a target processing time; a calculation unit for calculating the net processing time and margin time based on the operation information and the margin rate; and an output unit for outputting the target processing time and an actual standard time which is the sum of the net processing time and the margin time.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sewing management system that can easily compare a target processing time with an actual value.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a sewing management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a management device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to control of a sewing machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a performance screen according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining a display mode of the performance screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining a setting screen for setting a margin rate and a target processing time. FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining a setting display screen displaying setting contents for each process. FIG. 8 is a graph explaining a method for calculating a net processing time. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management device according to an embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present technology is not limited to the embodiments. Components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] [Sewing Management System] Fig. 1 is a diagram that schematically shows a sewing management system 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram that shows a management device 3 according to an embodiment. The sewing management system 1 is a system that manages the production of sewn products using a sewing machine 2. The sewing management system 1 includes a sewing machine 2 and a management device 3 that manages the sewing machine 2. The sewing machine 2 is installed in a sewing factory. The sewing machine 2 operates in the sewing factory. The sewing machine 2 is an industrial sewing machine. A plurality of sewing machines 2 are installed in the sewing factory. A sewn product is produced by the sewing machine 2 sewing an object with thread. An example of the sewing object is fabric. An example of the sewn product is clothing. The management device 3 is installed in the same facility as the facility where the sewing machine 2 is installed. In other words, the management device 3 is installed in the sewing factory.

[0011] In a sewing factory, sewn products are produced using a plurality of sewing machines 2. A sewing factory is equipped with a plurality of types of sewing machines 2 according to their intended use. A sewing factory is equipped with a plurality of types of sewing machines 2 corresponding to each of a plurality of processes for producing sewn products. Examples of the types of sewing machines 2 include a lockstitch sewing machine for sewing together body parts, a button sewing machine for attaching buttons to body parts, and a pocket sewing machine for attaching pockets to body parts. A single sewing factory is equipped with many different types of sewing machines 2. For ease of explanation, three sewing machines 2 are shown in FIG. 1. A first sewing machine 2A is used in a first process for producing sewn products. A second sewing machine 2B is used in a second process for producing sewn products. A third sewing machine 2C is used in a third process for producing sewn products. A sewing factory may be equipped with a plurality of sewing machines 2 of the same type.

[0012] A manager and an operator work in a sewing factory. The manager manages the operators and the sewing machines 2. The operators operate the sewing machines 2 to perform sewing processing. The manager and the operators are users of the sewing machines 2. There may be one manager or multiple managers. There may be one operator or multiple operators. For example, one operator may operate multiple sewing machines 2.

[0013] The management device 3 has a display device 4 and an input device 5. The display device 4 displays display data. The display device 4 includes a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input device 5 generates input data when operated by an administrator. The input device 5 may also be operated by an operator. The input device 5 includes a touch panel (touch sensor) arranged on the display screen of the display device 4. The input device 5 may be a computer keyboard, a mouse, or a voice input device.

[0014] The sewing machine 2 has an operation panel 7 and a control device 8. The operation panel 7 includes a display device, an operating device, and a microcomputer. The display device includes a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operating device includes a touch panel (touch sensor) disposed on the display screen of the display device. The microcomputer has at least one processor and a main memory that stores computer programs executable by the processor. The operation panel 7 accepts input operations when an operator or manager inputs settings and the like into the control device 8 of the sewing machine 2, and displays information related to the control of the sewing machine 2.

[0015] The control device 8 includes a computer system. The control device 8 has at least one processor and a main memory that stores computer programs executable by the processor. The control device 8 receives operation data generated by operating the operation panel 7 connected to the control device 8, and controls the sewing machine 2.

[0016] The management device 3 is shared by multiple sewing machines 2 in a sewing factory. The number of management devices 3 is smaller than the number of sewing machines 2. The management device 3 is capable of communicating with each of the multiple sewing machines 2. The management device 3 of the management device 3 communicates with the control device 8 of the sewing machine 2. The management device 3 and the control device 8 communicate with each other via a network NW (see FIG. 2) by wired or wireless means. The management device 3 and the control device 8 communicate with each other wirelessly via a network NW such as a local area network (LAN). An example of a wireless LAN is Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0017] The management device 3 manages the production results of the sewn products produced by the sewing machine 2. The management device 3 can output statistical information calculated from the production results. The manager can evaluate the production status and productivity of the sewing factory using the information output from the management device 3, and can use the evaluation results in factory management.

[0018] The management device 3 collects operation information 31 (see FIG. 2) of each of the plurality of sewing machines 2. The management device 3 calculates performance information 33 indicating the production performance of sewn products from the operation information 31 of each of the plurality of sewing machines 2, and displays the performance information 33 on the display device 4. The performance information 33 includes a net processing time BPT, a surplus time AT, and a performance standard time AST, which will be described later.

[0019] (Configuration of the Management Device) As shown in FIG. 2 , the management device 3 includes a computer system. The management device 3 includes at least one processor 10A, a storage device 10B that stores computer programs executable by the processor 10A, and an interface 10C that allows the processor 10A to communicate with various devices. The processor 10A is a computing element such as a central processing unit (CPU). The storage device 10B includes a main memory including non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM) and volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM), and storage such as a hard disk drive or solid-state drive. The interface 10C includes an input / output circuit that inputs and outputs signals to and from the display device 4 and the input device 5, and a communication controller that communicates with the control device 8 of each sewing machine 2 via the network NW.

[0020] The management device 3 includes an information acquisition unit 11, a setting unit 12, a calculation unit 13, and an output unit 14. The information acquisition unit 11, the setting unit 12, the calculation unit 13, and the output unit 14 are functional blocks realized by the processor 10A executing a program stored in the storage device 10B. In other words, the processor 10A functions as the information acquisition unit 11, the setting unit 12, the calculation unit 13, and the output unit 14 by executing the program.

[0021] The information acquisition unit 11 acquires operation information 31 for calculating the net processing time BPT from the sewing machines 2. The information acquisition unit 11 acquires the operation information 31 from each sewing machine 2 through communication via the interface 10C and the network NW. The operation information 31 of the sewing machines 2 includes, for example, input data of the operation switch 6 described below and operation data of the thread cutting mechanism.

[0022] The setting unit 12 accepts settings of the margin rate AR and the target machining time SAM relative to the net machining time BPT. The setting unit 12 accepts the settings of the margin rate AR and the target machining time SAM via the input device 5. The setting unit 12 also accepts settings of process information 32 indicating the processes to be executed by each sewing machine 2 via the input device 5. In the example of FIG. 1 , the process information 32 includes a first process, a second process, and a third process. Each process set by the setting unit 12 is assigned to the sewing machine 2 that will execute that process. For example, the example of FIG. 1 indicates that the first process is assigned to the first sewing machine 2A, the second process is assigned to the second sewing machine 2B, and the third process is assigned to the third sewing machine 2C. The administrator inputs the settings of the margin rate AR and the target machining time SAM and the contents of the process information 32 via the input device 5.

[0023] The calculation unit 13 generates performance information 33 for managing production performance of sewn products based on the operation information 31. Specifically, the calculation unit 13 calculates a net processing time BPT and a margin time AT based on the operation information 31 and the margin rate AR. The calculation unit 13 calculates a performance standard time AST from the net processing time BPT and the margin time AT.

[0024] The output unit 14 outputs information generated by the calculation unit 13 and information set in the setting unit 12. The output unit 14 outputs a display screen of various information to the display device 4 via the interface 10C. Specifically, the output unit 14 outputs the target machining time SAM and the actual standard time AST, which is the sum of the net machining time BPT and the slack time AT.

[0025] The storage device 10B stores the programs executed by the processor 10A, as well as information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 and setting information for the setting unit 12. The storage device 10B stores operation information 31 of each sewing machine 2, process information 32 of each sewing machine 2, performance information 33 of each sewing machine 2, and setting information for the target processing time SAM and the allowance rate AR.

[0026] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the control of the sewing machine 2 according to the embodiment. The mechanical configuration (structure) of the sewing machine 2 is similar to that of known sewing machines, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The sewing machine 2 includes a control device 8, an actuator 21, sensors 22, a communication unit 23, an operation panel 7, and operation switches 6.

[0027] The control device 8 outputs control signals for controlling the sewing machine 2. The control device 8 is composed of a computer system. That is, the control device 8 has a control unit 8A including a processor such as a CPU, and a storage unit 8B including storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 8B also stores programs for causing the processor to function as the control unit 8A. The storage unit 8B also stores operation information 31 acquired from the actuator 21, sensors 22, operation switches 6, etc. The storage unit 8B also stores setting data input from the operation panel 7, etc.

[0028] The control device 8 transmits the setting data of the sewing machine 2 and operation information 31 of the sewing machine 2 to the management device 3 via the communication unit 23. The setting data of the sewing machine 2 includes information specifying the process (first process, second process, third process, etc.) to be executed by the sewing machine 2 and setting values ​​of the operating conditions of the sewing machine 2.

[0029] The actuator 21 includes a main drive unit 21A, a presser foot drive unit 21B, a thread cutting drive unit 21C, etc. These drive units include actuators such as electric motors and solenoids. The main drive unit 21A is the main drive source of the sewing machine 2 for reciprocating the needle bar of the sewing machine 2, rotating the shuttle and performing feed operations, etc. The presser foot drive unit 21B is a drive source for operating the cloth presser foot mechanism of the sewing machine 2. The thread cutting drive unit 21C is a drive source for operating the thread cutting mechanism of the sewing machine 2. The thread cutting mechanism cuts off the thread from the sewing material set in the sewing machine 2 at the timing when a sewing operation by the sewing machine 2 ends.

[0030] The sensors 22 may include, for example, a drive amount sensor that detects the drive amount of the main drive unit 21A, a sensor that detects the drive amount of the presser foot drive unit 21B, a sensor that detects the drive amount of the thread cutting drive unit 21C, and sensors that detect the operation of other movable parts. The sensors include an encoder that detects the rotation amount of the motor, a position sensor that detects the displacement of the movable member, etc. The detection data of these sensors 22 are output to the control device 8.

[0031] The operation switch 6 receives operation inputs associated with sewing work by the sewing machine 2. The sewing machine 2 operates when the operator operates the operation switch 6. The operator inputs an operation to the operation switch 6, for example, when one sewing process is completed.

[0032] The operation panel 7 accepts the selection of a process to be executed by the sewing machine 2 and the selection of setting data for the sewing work to be performed in the selected process. Using the operation panel 7, the manager or operator selects a process to be executed by the sewing machine 2 from the process information 32 set in the management device 3. As a result, in the example of Fig. 1, for example, the first sewing machine 2A, the second sewing machine 2B, and the third sewing machine 2C are assigned to the first process, the second process, and the third process, respectively.

[0033] The communication unit 23 includes a network controller for connecting the control device 8 to the network NW. The control device 8 communicates with the management device 3 via the communication unit 23 and the network NW. The control device 8 transmits input data of the operation switch 6 and operation data of the thread cutting mechanism to the management device 3 as operation information 31. The input data of the operation switch 6 is, for example, log data recording the input time of the operation switch 6. The operation data of the thread cutting mechanism is log data recording the operation time of the thread cutting drive unit 21C.

[0034] In this way, the operation information 31 includes the input time of the operation switch 6. The operator inputs the operation switch 6 at the timing when one sewing process is completed. Therefore, the time (processing time) required to complete one process (process for one sewing product) can be obtained from the time from one input of the operation switch 6 to the next input of the operation switch 6.

[0035] The operation information 31 also includes the operation time of the thread cutting drive unit 21C. The number of thread cuts performed during a process is determined depending on the content of the process performed by the sewing machine 2. Therefore, if the number of thread cuts performed during one process is N, the time (processing time) required to complete one process (a process for one sewn product) can be obtained from the time from the first operation time of the thread cutting drive unit 21C to the time of the (N+1)th operation time.

[0036] Therefore, the calculation unit 13 of the management device 3 calculates the above-described processing time based on the operation information 31 acquired from each sewing machine 2. From the obtained processing time data, the net processing time BPT is calculated by the process described below.

[0037] (Processing of Management Device 3) Next, a description will be given of processing of the management device 3. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a performance screen 40 according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of the performance screen 40.

[0038] The output unit 14 can output the performance information 33 to the display device 4. In the embodiment, the output unit 14 outputs a performance screen 40 to the display device 4, as shown in Fig. 4. The performance screen 40 shown in Fig. 4 displays the target machining time SAM and the performance standard time AST, which is the sum of the net machining time BPT and the slack time AT, in a graph format. In the example of Fig. 4, the output unit 14 displays the target machining time SAM and the performance standard time AST side by side in a bar graph format on the performance screen 40.

[0039] In Fig. 4, the output unit 14 outputs the target machining time SAM and actual standard time AST for each process. In Fig. 4, the vertical axis represents time, and the horizontal axis represents the type of process. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 13 calculates the net machining time BPT and slack time AT for each process based on the process information 32. As a result, the output unit 14 outputs the target machining time SAM and actual standard time AST calculated for each process. In the example of Fig. 4, pairs of the target machining time SAM and actual standard time AST are displayed for each of the first process, second process, third process, fourth process, and fifth process. The manager can grasp the relationship between the target machining time SAM and actual standard time AST for each process at a glance.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the target processing time SAM and the actual standard time AST for one process are displayed side by side.

[0041] The target processing time SAM is set as "the time required for a worker with standard proficiency to perform a task using standard work procedures, methods, and conditions, plus some leeway." The target processing time SAM is a target value (ideal value) calculated under conditions set in production management.

[0042] The actual standard time AST is a performance value calculated by statistical processing of the operation information 31 collected over a certain period of time. The actual standard time AST is defined as the sum of the net processing time BPT and the slack time AT.

[0043] The net processing time BPT is the time that the operator actually sews the sewing material, i.e., the net processing time BPT corresponds to the time that is required to operate and drive the sewing machine 2.

[0044] Slack time AT is the time during which an operator interrupts sewing work while performing a process. Slack time AT is classified into, for example, slack time based on equipment factors, slack time based on work factors, and slack time based on human factors depending on the cause of the interruption. Slack time based on equipment factors includes time incurred for replacing parts of the sewing machine 2, replacing needles, replenishing thread, etc. Slack time based on work factors includes time incurred for waiting for the replenishment of the sewing material (fabric) to be sewn, time for overall activities in the factory (cleaning, morning meetings, etc.), etc. Slack time based on human factors includes interruption time due to physiological phenomena of operators engaged in the sewing process, break times, etc.

[0045] Therefore, the actual standard time AST, which is the sum of the net processing time BPT and the slack time AT, represents the actual value corresponding to the target processing time SAM. By comparing the height of the graph of the target processing time SAM with the height of the graph of the actual standard time AST, the manager can easily visually grasp how the actual value of the actual standard time AST compares with the set target processing time SAM.

[0046] In this embodiment, the output unit 14 outputs a performance screen 40 in which the target processing time SAM, net processing time BPT, and slack time AT are displayed in different, easily distinguishable ways. In the example of FIG. 5 , the output unit 14 displays the target processing time SAM, net processing time BPT, and slack time AT in different colors. In FIG. 5 , the differences in display color are represented by different hatching. In one example, the bar graph for the target processing time SAM is gray (achromatic), the bar graph for the net processing time BPT is blue, and the bar graph for the slack time AT is light blue. By using different display colors in this way, the manager can grasp the breakdown of the net processing time BPT and slack time AT that make up the performance standard time AST. The performance standard time AST can be grasped by the overall height of the bar graph including the net processing time BPT and slack time AT.

[0047] 5, the output unit 14 displays, together with graphs, numerical information on the target machining time SAM, net machining time BPT, allowance time AT, and actual standard time AST on the performance screen 40. In the example of FIG. 5, the numerical information indicates that the target machining time SAM is "100 seconds," the net machining time BPT is "90 seconds," the allowance time AT is "30 seconds," and the actual standard time AST is "120 seconds." Note that the numerical information in FIG. 5 is set for the sake of convenience and does not match that in FIG. 4.

[0048] Next, the calculation of the actual standard time AST will be described.

[0049] First, the setting of the target machining time SAM and the margin rate AR will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen 50 for the margin rate AR and the target machining time SAM. The setting unit 12 accepts the setting of the margin rate AR and the target machining time SAM via the setting screen 50 shown in Fig. 6. The setting screen 50 is output to the display device 4 by the output unit 14.

[0050] The setting screen 50 includes a first input area 51 for receiving input of the target processing time SAM, a second input area 52 for receiving input of the margin rate AR, and a process selection area 53 for selecting a process for which the target processing time SAM and margin rate AR are to be set. By selecting the process to be set in the process selection area 53, the setting unit 12 can receive settings of the target processing time SAM and margin rate AR for each process to be executed by the sewing machine 2.

[0051] A set value (seconds) of the target machining time SAM can be input in the first input area 51. In the example of FIG. 6, "100 (seconds)" is set. A set value (seconds) of the margin rate AR can be input in the second input area 52. In the embodiment, the setting unit 12 accepts settings of multiple types of margin rates AR, and the calculation unit 13 calculates the margin time AT based on each of the multiple types of margin rates AR and the net machining time BPT.

[0052] Specifically, the multiple types of margin rates AR include a first margin rate AR1 based on equipment factors, a second margin rate AR2 based on work factors, and a third margin rate AR3 based on human factors. The first margin rate AR1 indicates the percentage of margin time based on the above-mentioned equipment factors. The second margin rate AR2 indicates the percentage of margin time based on the above-mentioned work factors. The third margin rate AR3 indicates the percentage of margin time based on the above-mentioned human factors. The setting unit 12 can set the values ​​of the first margin rate AR1, the second margin rate AR2, and the third margin rate AR3 separately. Therefore, the second input area 52 is provided with an input field 54A for the first margin rate AR1, an input field 54B for the second margin rate AR2, and an input field 54C for the third margin rate AR3, respectively. A user such as a manager inputs the values ​​of the first margin rate AR1, the second margin rate AR2, and the third margin rate AR3 in accordance with the working conditions and labor conditions of the sewing factory into the input fields 54A, 54B, and 54C, respectively, using the input device 5. In the example of Fig. 6, the first margin rate AR1, the second margin rate AR2, and the third margin rate AR3 are set to "7.5(%)", "10(%)", and "15(%)", respectively.

[0053] The calculation unit 13 calculates the margin time AT based on the margin rate AR and the net machining time BPT received by the setting unit 12. The actual standard time AST is calculated by the following formula (1): actual standard time = net machining time + margin time = net machining time × {1 + (first margin rate + second margin rate + third margin rate) / 100} ... (1)

[0054] In addition, if it is not necessary to consider any of the margin rates in formula (1), the input field 54A, the input field 54B, and the input field 54C may be left blank or "0" may be entered in that field.

[0055] 7 is a diagram illustrating a setting display screen 60 that displays setting contents for each process. The setting unit 12 outputs the setting display screen 60 to the display device 4 via the output unit 14 in response to an operation from the user. The setting display screen 60 is a screen that displays a list of setting contents for each process accepted by the setting screen 50. In the example of FIG. 7, the setting display screen 60 displays a list of setting contents in a table format (matrix format). The setting display screen 60 includes a process display column 61, a first setting display column 62, and a second setting display column 63.

[0056] The process display column 61 displays the name of each process set as the process information 32. In the example of FIG. 7 , the first to sixth processes are displayed. The first setting display column 62 displays the set value of the target processing time SAM for each process. The second setting display column 63 displays the set value of the margin rate AR for each process. The second setting display column 63 includes a display column for the first margin rate AR1, a display column for the second margin rate AR2, and a display column for the third margin rate AR3.

[0057] The setting display screen 60 allows a user such as a manager to view the settings of the target processing time SAM and the allowance rate AR for each process at a glance.

[0058] Next, the calculation of the net processing time BPT will be described. FIG. 8 is a graph for explaining a method for calculating the net processing time BPT. In the graph of FIG. 8, the vertical axis represents the number of times a sewing process was performed, i.e., the number of sewn products processed in any one process. In the graph of FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents the processing time (seconds) required to perform the sewing process, which is divided into predetermined time intervals (10-second intervals). In other words, the graph of FIG. 8 represents the frequency distribution of the number of times a process was performed for each processing time interval. For example, the graph of FIG. 8 shows that of the total number of times a certain process was performed in a certain period of time, approximately 30 times were completed within the processing time interval of 100 to 110 seconds.

[0059] As described above, the calculation unit 13 of the management device 3 calculates the processing time based on the operation information 31 acquired from each sewing machine 2. The processing time is calculated based on the input data of the operation switch 6 or the operation data of the thread cutting mechanism.

[0060] The calculation unit 13 calculates the net processing time BPT based on the distribution of processing times calculated from the operation information 31 acquired by the information acquisition unit 11. First, the calculation unit 13 excludes outliers in the graph from the calculation. For example, the calculation unit 13 excludes data belonging to the 0-10 second range from the calculation. Data belonging to the 0-10 second range corresponds to, for example, a case in which the operator unintentionally inputs (mis-inputs) the operation switch 6 repeatedly. Next, the calculation unit 13 excludes data belonging to ranges (ranges 72 and 73) that deviate by a certain amount from the most frequent value of the processing time from the calculation. For example, range 72 is a range that is α times or less (α<1) the most frequent value of the processing time. Range 73 is a range that is β times or more (β<1) the most frequent value of the processing time. The purpose of excluding data belonging to ranges 72 and 73 is to exclude cases where the machining time is significantly longer due to, for example, meetings, support from other operators, replenishing or replacing the sewing machine 2, or where the operation switch 6 is re-input to start the process again. The calculation unit 13 further extracts data belonging to range 71 based on the frequency distribution of machining time from the remaining range 74. The range 71 based on the frequency distribution is, for example, a range of ±1σ (σ is the standard deviation) from the average value of the data belonging to range 74. In this way, data in which the machining time has become longer or shorter due to some irregular factor is excluded.

[0061] The calculation unit 13 calculates the average value of the data belonging to the range 71 as the net processing time BPT. Note that the set values ​​(α, β, ±1σ) of the ranges 71, 72, and 73 are not limited to the above-mentioned examples. The ranges 71, 72, and 73 are determined as statistically appropriate ranges taking into consideration data on a large number of processing times and the actual conditions of the sewing work. The calculation unit 13 calculates the slack time AT based on the net processing time BPT and the slack rate AR obtained in this way, and calculates the actual standard time AST from the slack time AT and the net processing time BPT.

[0062] (Operation) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management device 3 according to the embodiment.

[0063] The management device 3 acquires operation information 31 for calculating the net processing time BPT from the sewing machines 2 (step S10). Specifically, the information acquisition unit 11 acquires the operation information 31 from each sewing machine 2 by communication via the network NW. The information acquisition unit 11 acquires the operation information 31 as time-series data over a certain period of time and records it in the storage device 10B.

[0064] The management device 3 accepts settings of the margin rate AR for the net processing time BPT and the target processing time SAM (step S20). Specifically, the setting unit 12 causes the output unit 14 to display a setting screen 50 on the display device 4, and accepts input of set values ​​for the margin rate AR and the target processing time SAM via the input device 5. The setting unit 12 accepts input of set values ​​for the target processing time SAM and the margin rates AR (first margin rate AR1, second margin rate AR2, third margin rate AR3) for each process on the setting screen 50. The setting unit 12 records the accepted set values ​​in the storage device 10B.

[0065] Steps S10 and S20 are preparatory steps for calculating the performance information 33 (net processing time BPT, slack time AT, performance standard time AST), and may be performed in any order. Step S20 may be performed as an initial setting before step S10. The input of the setting value in step S20 needs to be performed only once unless an administrator or the like changes the setting.

[0066] The management device 3 calculates the net processing time BPT and the slack time AR (step S30). Specifically, the calculation unit 13 calculates the net processing time BPT using the method shown in Fig. 8 based on the operation information 31. Then, the calculation unit 13 calculates the slack time AR using formula (1) based on the net processing time BPT and the set values ​​of the slack rates AR (first slack rate AR1, second slack rate AR2, third slack rate AR3). The calculation unit 13 calculates the net processing time BPT and the slack time AR for each process from the operation information 31 for each process.

[0067] The management device 3 outputs the target machining time SAM and the actual standard time AST, which is the sum of the net machining time BPT and the slack time AT (step S40). Specifically, the output unit 14 outputs a performance screen 40 including the target machining time SAM and the actual standard time AST to the display device 4. The display device 4 presents the performance screen 40 to a user, such as an administrator. The output unit 14 may transmit data of the performance screen 40 to a specified destination via the interface 10C and the network NW. The destination may be, for example, an information terminal (such as a tablet terminal, smartphone, or personal computer) used by the administrator. This allows the administrator to easily compare the target machining time SAM and the actual standard time AST at a glance.

[0068] [Effects] As described above, the sewing management system 1 according to the embodiment is a sewing management system 1 that manages the production of sewn products using the sewing machine 2, and includes the sewing machine 2 and the management device 3 that manages the sewing machine 2. The management device 3 includes an information acquisition unit 11 that acquires operation information 31 for calculating the net processing time BPT from the sewing machine 2, a setting unit 12 that accepts settings of the margin rate AR for the net processing time BPT and the target processing time SAM, a calculation unit 13 that calculates the net processing time BPT and the margin time AT based on the operation information 31 and the margin rate AR, and an output unit 14 that outputs the target processing time SAM and the actual standard time AST, which is the sum of the net processing time BPT and the margin time AT.

[0069] According to the embodiment, by calculating the net processing time BPT and the allowance time AT based on the operation information 31 and the allowance rate AR, the actual standard time AST, which is an actual value corresponding to the target processing time SAM, is obtained as the sum of the net processing time BPT and the allowance time AT. By outputting the target processing time SAM and the actual standard time AST, a user such as an administrator can compare both the target processing time SAM and the actual value of the actual sewing work (actual standard time AST) on the display device 4 or an information terminal. This provides the sewing management system 1, which allows easy comparison between the target processing time SAM and the actual value (actual standard time AST).

[0070] In the embodiment, the setting unit 12 accepts the setting of multiple types of margin rates AR, and the calculation unit 13 calculates the margin time AT based on each of the multiple types of margin rates AR and the net processing time BPT. This makes it possible to set a margin rate AR for each cause of the margin time AT. In the embodiment, the multiple types of margin rates AR include a first margin rate AR1 based on equipment factors, a second margin rate AR2 based on work factors, and a third margin rate AR3 based on human factors. This makes it possible to set the margin rate AR in detail by classifying it into equipment factors, work factors, and human factors.

[0071] In the embodiment, the information acquisition unit 11 further acquires process information 32 indicating the process executed by the sewing machine 2, the calculation unit 13 calculates the net processing time BPT and the slack time AT for each process based on the process information 32, and the output unit 14 outputs the target processing time SAM and the actual standard time AST for each process. This allows the manager to compare the target processing time SAM with the actual value (actual standard time AST) for each sewing process, and the above configuration can provide an index for evaluating the productivity of each process and considering improvements.

[0072] In the embodiment, the output unit 14 outputs to the display device 4 a performance screen 40 that displays, in a graph format, the target processing time SAM and the performance standard time AST, which is the sum of the net processing time BPT and the slack time AT. This makes it easy to compare the target processing time SAM with the performance value (performance standard time AST) at a glance. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the output unit 14 outputs the performance screen 40 in which the target processing time SAM, the net processing time BPT, and the slack time AT are displayed in different, easily distinguishable ways. This allows the manager to distinguish and grasp the net processing time BPT and the slack time AT as components of the performance value (performance standard time AST) of the sewing work. This makes it easy to grasp, at a glance, information such as the proportion of the net processing time BPT in the performance standard time AST.

[0073] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. (1) A sewing management system for managing production of sewn products using a sewing machine, comprising: the sewing machine; and a management device for managing the sewing machine, wherein the management device comprises: an information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information from the sewing machine for calculating a net processing time; a setting unit for accepting settings of a margin rate for the net processing time and a target processing time; a calculation unit for calculating the net processing time and margin time based on the operation information and the margin rate; and an output unit for outputting the target processing time and an actual standard time which is the sum of the net processing time and the margin time. (2) The sewing management system described in (1) above, wherein the setting unit accepts settings of a plurality of types of margin rates, and the calculation unit calculates the margin time based on each of the plurality of types of margin rates and the net processing time. (3) The sewing management system described in (2) above, wherein the plurality of types of margin rates include a first margin rate based on an equipment factor, a second margin rate based on an operation factor, and a third margin rate based on a human factor. (4) The sewing management system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the information acquisition unit further acquires process information indicating processes executed by the sewing machine, the calculation unit calculates the net processing time and slack time for each process based on the process information, and the output unit outputs the target processing time and the actual standard time for each process. (5) The sewing management system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, further comprising a display device, and the output unit outputs a performance screen that displays the target processing time and the actual standard time in a graph format to the display device. (6) The sewing management system according to (5) above, wherein the output unit outputs the performance screen in which the display modes of the target processing time, the net processing time, and the slack time are different so that they can be distinguished from one another.

[0074] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-008468 filed on January 24, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A sewing management system for managing the production of sewn products using sewing machines, comprising: the sewing machine; and a management device for managing the sewing machine, wherein the management device includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires operation information for calculating the net processing time from the sewing machine; a setting unit that accepts setting of a margin rate for the net processing time and a target processing time; a calculation unit that calculates the net processing time and a margin time based on the operation information and the margin rate; and an output unit that outputs the target processing time and an actual standard time that is the sum of the net processing time and the margin time. A sewing management system.

2. The setting unit accepts setting of a plurality of types of the margin rates, and the calculation unit calculates the margin time based on each of the plurality of types of the margin rates and the net processing time. The sewing management system according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of types of the margin rates include a first margin rate based on equipment factors, a second margin rate based on work factors, and a third margin rate based on human factors. The sewing management system according to claim 2.

4. The information acquisition unit further acquires process information indicating a process executed by the sewing machine, the calculation unit calculates the net processing time and the margin time for each process based on the process information, and the output unit outputs the target processing time and the actual standard time for each process. The sewing management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Further comprising a display device, wherein the output unit outputs, to the display device, an actual result screen that displays the target processing time and the actual standard time in a graph format. The sewing management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The output unit outputs the actual result screen in which display modes of the target processing time, the net processing time, and the margin time are made to be distinguishable from each other. The sewing management system according to claim 5.

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