Management device, management system, management method, and management program

Abstract

A management device according to the present invention comprises a control unit. The control unit executes processing that acquires resource information that stipulates remaining amounts of resources needed to process a workpiece for respective processing systems, processing that, when input of a production plan that stipulates at least a type of workpiece to be produced and a quantity for the workpiece to be produced has been received, allocates processing of the relevant quantity of the workpiece to a plurality of processing systems and transmits a processing order that designates the type of workpiece to be processed and the quantity of the workpiece to the processing systems that are to do the processing, and processing that determines whether the resources at the processing systems that are to do the processing are insufficient on the basis of the processing order and the remaining amounts of the resources at the processing systems that are to do the processing and, when it has been determined that the resources are insufficient, outputs a warning that indicates that the resources are insufficient.

Description

Management device, management system, management method, and management program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a management system, a management method, and a management program.

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-129161 (Patent Document 1) discloses a "work support system capable of realizing rapid recovery from multiple abnormalities when they occur." The work support system changes the assignment of workers based on progress.

[0003] FIG. 13 of Patent Document 1 shows a progress management screen for a work supervisor. The progress management screen includes a line column, a process column, a worker column, a planned required time column, a progress column, and a Gantt chart column. The Gantt chart displays, for each process, a plan chart, a chart of completed treatment procedures, a chart of processing procedures that are progressing without delay, and a chart of processing procedures that are behind schedule, in a manner that allows the work supervisor to distinguish between them. By checking this progress management screen, the work supervisor can grasp the overall progress of the recovery work.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-129161

[0005] In a machining system, it is desirable to manage a machining schedule for workpieces. In the machining system, workers perform various tasks. For example, the workers replenish the machining system with resources consumed in machining the workpieces.

[0006] If the replenishment of resources for a machining system is delayed, the machining of workpieces will be halted. As a result, the workpiece production plan may fall behind schedule. Therefore, a technology for predicting resource shortages in a machining system is desired.

[0007] In one example of the present disclosure, a management device for managing processing schedules for multiple processing systems is provided. The management device includes a control unit. The control unit executes the following processes: acquiring resource information specifying, for each of the multiple processing systems, the remaining amount of resources required for processing workpieces; when receiving an input of a production plan specifying at least the type of workpieces to be produced and the quantity of the workpieces to be produced, allocating the processing of the quantity of the workpieces to the multiple processing systems and transmitting a processing order specifying the type and quantity of the workpieces to be processed to the processing destination processing system; and determining whether the resource is insufficient in the processing destination processing system based on the remaining amount of the resource in the processing destination processing system and the processing order, and, if it is determined that the resource is insufficient, outputting a warning indicating the resource shortage.

[0008] In one example of the present disclosure, the transmitting process is performed before the outputting process.

[0009] In one example of the present disclosure, the warning includes at least an identifier indicating a processing system in which the resource shortage will occur and a time when the resource shortage is expected to occur.

[0010] In one example of the present disclosure, the resources include at least one of a tool used to machine a workpiece, a raw workpiece before machining, and a coolant that is discharged onto the workpiece during machining.

[0011] In one example of the present disclosure, the multiple machining systems include a first machining system that is responsible for machining a first workpiece but not a second workpiece, and a second machining system that is responsible for machining the first workpiece and the second workpiece. The resource information defines at least a first remaining amount of a resource held by the first machining system and consumed when machining the first workpiece, and a second remaining amount of a resource held by the second machining system and consumed when machining the first workpiece. The production plan includes the quantity of the first workpieces and the quantity of the second workpieces. When the first remaining amount and the second remaining amount are depleted in the process of machining the quantity of the first workpieces defined in the production plan, the control unit outputs the warning for the first machining system that is not responsible for machining the second workpiece.

[0012] In another example of the present disclosure, a management system for managing processing schedules for multiple processing systems is provided. The management system includes a management device and multiple processing systems capable of communicating with the management device. The management device executes the following processes: acquiring resource information specifying, for each of the multiple processing systems, the remaining amount of resources required for processing workpieces; when receiving an input of a production plan specifying at least the type of workpiece to be produced and the quantity of the workpieces to be produced, allocating the processing of the quantity of the workpieces to the multiple processing systems and transmitting a processing order specifying the type and quantity of the workpieces to be processed to the processing destination processing system; and determining whether the resource will be insufficient in the processing destination processing system based on the remaining amount of the resource in the processing destination processing system and the processing order, and, if it is determined that the resource will be insufficient, outputting a warning indicating the resource shortage.

[0013] In another example of the present disclosure, a management method for managing machining schedules in a plurality of machining systems is provided, the management method comprising the steps of: acquiring resource information specifying, for each of the plurality of machining systems, a remaining amount of a resource required for machining workpieces; receiving an input of a production plan specifying at least the type of workpiece to be produced and the quantity of the workpieces to be produced, allocating the machining of the quantity of the workpieces to the plurality of machining systems and transmitting a machining order specifying the type and quantity of the workpieces to be machined to the machining system; and determining, based on the remaining amount of the resource in the machining system and the machining order, whether the resource will be insufficient in the machining system; and, if it is determined that the resource will be insufficient, outputting a warning indicating the resource shortage.

[0014] In another example of the present disclosure, a management program for managing machining schedules in a plurality of machining systems is provided. The management program causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire resource information specifying, for each of the plurality of machining systems, a remaining amount of resources required for machining workpieces; when receiving an input of a production plan specifying at least the type of workpiece to be produced and the quantity of the workpieces to be produced, allocate the machining of the quantity of the workpieces to the plurality of machining systems and send a machining order specifying the type and quantity of the workpieces to be machined to the machining system; and determine, based on the remaining amount of the resource in the machining system and the machining order, whether the resource will be insufficient in the machining system, and, if it is determined that the resource will be insufficient, output a warning indicating the resource shortage.

[0015] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a machining system. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of data flow between an information processing device, a management device, a machining system, and a user terminal. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output screen for notifying a user of a resource shortage. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the management device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a production plan. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of work information. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of resource information. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a machining schedule generated by a schedule generation unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a management device. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing in step S101. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing in step S102 following step S101. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing in step S103 following step S102. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an output screen according to the present modified example. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an output screen according to the present modified example.

[0017] Hereinafter, each embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Note that each embodiment and each modified example described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0018] <A. Management System 5> First, the device configuration of the management system 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the management system 5.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , the management system 5 includes an information processing device 10 , a management device 100 , a processing system 200 , and a user terminal 300 .

[0020] The information processing device 10 is, for example, a notebook or desktop personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, or any other computer equipped with a communication function.

[0021] Although one information processing device 10 is shown in the example of FIG. 1, the number of information processing devices 10 constituting the management system 5 may be two or more.

[0022] The management device 100 is configured to be able to communicate with the information processing device 10 via the network NW1. The management device 100 is, for example, a notebook or desktop PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a wearable terminal, or any other computer with a communication function.

[0023] The management device 100 is configured to be able to communicate with the processing system 200 through a network NW2. The network NW2 may be a network different from the network NW1, or may be the same network as the network NW1.

[0024] The management device 100 is, for example, a notebook or desktop PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a wearable terminal, or any other computer with a communication function.

[0025] Although one management device 100 is shown in the example of FIG. 1, the number of management devices 100 constituting the management system 5 may be two or more.

[0026] The machining system 200 is configured to be able to communicate with the management device 100 via the network NW2. The machining system 200 is a system capable of machining a workpiece. The machining system 200 includes at least one machine tool. The machining system 200 may also include a workpiece transport robot, a cleaning machine, and the like. Specific examples of the machining system 200 will be described later.

[0027] The processing system 200 is configured to be able to communicate with the management device 100 through a network NW2. The network NW2 may be a network different from the network NW1, or may be the same network as the network NW1.

[0028] In addition, in the example of Figure 1, three processing systems 200A to 200C are shown as objects to be managed by the management device 100, but the number of processing systems 200 that make up the management system 5 may be one or two or more.

[0029] Hereinafter, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the machining systems 200A to 200C, the machining systems 200A to 200C will also be referred to as machining system 200.

[0030] The machining system 200 is a system having a function of machining a workpiece. The devices constituting the machining system 200 are not particularly limited. In the example of Fig. 1, the machining systems 200A and 200B each include a controller, a machine tool, a robot, and a cleaning machine. The machining system 200C includes a machine tool.

[0031] The controllers provided in the machining systems 200A and 200B control subordinate devices such as machine tools, robots, and cleaning machines. The controllers periodically send information such as the status of each subordinate device to the management device 100.

[0032] The user terminal 300 is, for example, a notebook or desktop PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a wearable terminal, or any other computer with a communication function.

[0033] The user terminal 300 is configured to be able to communicate with the management device 100 and the processing system 200 through the network NW2. As an example, a worker can access the management device 100 via the user terminal 300 and check the progress status of the processing system 200.

[0034] The number of user terminals 300 constituting the management system 5 may be one or more. The user terminals 300 are used according to the number of managers and workers, for example.

[0035] <B. Machining System 200> Next, an example of the machining system 200 shown in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the machining system 200 as an example.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, processing system 200 includes one or more storage units 220 , one or more transport devices 230 , one or more machine tools 240 , and one or more work stations 250 .

[0037] The storage unit 220 is one of the destinations to which the pallet PT is transported by the transport device 230, and is a place for storing the pallet PT. A pallet PT is a platform on which a workpiece to be machined is fixed. The storage unit 220 can store multiple pallets PT. The storage unit 220 stores empty pallets PT before a workpiece is attached, pallets PT on which a workpiece is attached before machining, pallets PT on which a workpiece is being machined, and pallets PT on which a workpiece that has completed machining is attached.

[0038] The transport device 230 transports a designated pallet PT to a designated location. More specifically, the transport device 230 includes rails 232 and a dolly 234. The dolly 234 has a fork unit 236 configured to be drivable in a direction perpendicular to the rails 232 (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the dolly 234). The dolly 234 is configured to be movable along the rails 232 by a drive mechanism such as a servo motor. The dolly 234 moves along the rails 232 to the position of the pallet PT to be transported and uses the fork unit 236 to place the pallet PT to be transported onto the dolly 234. The dolly 234 then moves along the rails 232 to the designated destination and uses the fork unit 236 to carry the pallet PT to the destination.

[0039] 2 shows the transport device 230 moving on rails 232, but the example of the transport device 230 is not limited to this. As an example, the transport device 230 may be a Cartesian robot (autoloader) driven on two or three axes, a multi-joint robot driven on four to seven axes, or a self-propelled robot.

[0040] The machine tool 240 is one of the destinations to which the pallet PT is transported by the transport device 230. The machine tool 240 processes the workpiece attached to the transported pallet PT according to a pre-designed machining program. Once the machining of the workpiece is complete, the pallet PT in the machine tool 240 is transported by the transport device 230 to the storage unit 220 or the work station 250.

[0041] Although the example in FIG. 2 shows an example in which the machining system 200 is configured with one machine tool 240 , the machining system 200 may be configured with a plurality of machine tools 240 .

[0042] The work station 250 is one of the destinations to which the pallet PT is transported by the transport device 230. At the work station 250, a worker performs various operations on the pallet PT that has been brought in so as not to stop processing in the processing system 200.

[0043] As one example, a worker attaches a workpiece to be machined to a pallet PT that has been carried in at the work station 250. As another example, the worker changes the attachment position of the workpiece on the pallet PT, or removes a workpiece from the pallet PT after machining has been completed. As yet another example, when the worker completes work on the pallet PT, the worker performs an operation on a terminal (not shown) in the work station 250 to indicate that the work is complete.

[0044] As another example, a worker performs an operation to replenish resources required for machining a workpiece in the machining system 200. A resource is, for example, an object that is consumed by machining a workpiece with the machine tool 240.

[0045] An example of a resource consumed in machining a workpiece is a tool used in machining the workpiece. The tool wears out as the workpiece is machined. Therefore, when an old tool reaches the end of its life, the worker must replace it with a new tool.

[0046] Another example of a resource consumed by processing a workpiece is a raw material workpiece. The raw material workpiece is the raw material from which the product workpiece is produced. An operator needs to replenish the raw material workpieces required to produce the product workpieces in the processing system 200.

[0047] Another example of a resource consumed by machining a workpiece is coolant. When machine tool 240 machines a workpiece, heat is generated. To suppress this heat generation, machine tool 240 discharges coolant onto the workpiece. The coolant discharged onto the workpiece evaporates, so the coolant inside machine tool 240 gradually decreases. Therefore, an operator needs to replenish coolant in machine tool 240.

[0048] Note that the term "resource" as used in this specification is not limited to objects consumed in machining a workpiece. The concept of resource includes various objects necessary for machining a workpiece. Resources may include not only tools, raw workpieces, and coolant, but also the above-mentioned pallets PT.

[0049] <C. Sequence Flow> If the resource replenishment work for the machining system 200 is delayed, the machining of the workpieces will come to a halt. As a result, the workpiece production plan may fall behind schedule. Therefore, the management system 5 notifies the worker of a resource shortage in the machining system 200. This allows the worker to replenish the machining system 200 with new resources before the resources run out. As a result, the workpiece production plan proceeds as scheduled.

[0050] The resource shortage warning function will be outlined below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of data flow between the information processing device 10, the management device 100, the processing system 200, and the user terminal 300.

[0051] In step S10, the manager inputs a production plan for the workpieces via the information processing device 10. The production plan includes at least the type of workpieces to be produced and the quantity of the workpieces to be produced. The information processing device 10 transmits the production plan input by the manager to the management device 100.

[0052] In step S12, the management device 100 receives resource information from each of the processing systems 200 to be managed based on the production plan received from the information processing device 10. The resource information is data including at least the resources held by the processing system 200 and the remaining amounts of the resources. Specific examples of the resource information will be described later. In the example of FIG. 3, the management device 100 receives resource information from each of the processing systems 200A and 200B.

[0053] In step S20, the management device 100 allocates processing tasks for the quantity of workpieces specified in the production plan to the processing systems 200A and 200B. As an example, the management device 100 preferentially allocates processing tasks to the processing system 200 that has sufficient resources necessary to produce the quantity of workpieces. Next, the management device 100 generates processing orders for each allocated processing task. The processing order specifies, for example, the type of workpiece to be processed and the quantity of the workpiece. Note that the information specified in the processing order is not limited to this and may also include the time when processing of the workpieces should begin.

[0054] In step S22, the management device 100 transmits the processing order generated in step S20 to the processing destination processing system 200. The processing system 200 that has received the processing order processes the workpiece in accordance with the processing order.

[0055] In step S30, the management device 100 determines whether the resources are insufficient in the destination processing system 200 based on the remaining amount of resources in the destination processing system 200 and the processing order generated in step S20.

[0056] In step S32, if the management device 100 determines that the processing system 200 at the processing destination has a resource shortage, the management device 100 outputs a warning indicating the resource shortage in association with the processing schedule related to the production plan. The warning may be output to any destination. In the example of FIG. 3, the warning is sent to the user terminal 300.

[0057] In step S40, the user terminal 300 displays the warning received from the management device 100. Fig. 4 shows an example of an output screen IM1 that notifies users of a resource shortage.

[0058] The output screen IM1 includes a processing schedule SCA related to the production plan input in step S10. The processing schedule SCA is displayed in association with an identifier indicating the processing system 200 at the processing destination. In the example of Fig. 4, the identifier indicates the processing system 200A. In addition, in the example of Fig. 4, the processing schedule SCA indicates a time period TA1 during which a worker is scheduled to mount a workpiece on a pallet, and a time period TA2 during which the processing system 200A is scheduled to process the workpiece.

[0059] The output screen IM1 also includes a resource bar RB. As an example, the resource bar RB indicates a time period TR1 in which resources are sufficient and a time period TR2 in which a resource shortage will occur. The time period TR2 in which a resource shortage will occur is displayed as a warning WR, thereby indicating the time when the resource shortage is scheduled to occur.

[0060] The warning WR is displayed in a state associated with an identifier indicating the processing system 200 in which a resource shortage occurs. "Displayed in an associated state" refers to an output mode that allows the worker to recognize that the warning WR is linked to the processing system 200 in which a resource shortage occurs. In the example of FIG. 4, the warning WR is associated with the processing system 200A. This allows the worker to know when the resource will run out in the processing system 200A and to replenish new resources in advance. When the worker replenishes the resource, the display of the warning WR disappears.

[0061] Preferably, the output screen IM1 displays a time bar CT indicating the current time. The time bar CT is configured to be linked to the current time. This allows the worker to recognize how much time there is before a resource shortage occurs.

[0062] As described above, the management device 100 transmits a processing order to the destination processing system 200 regardless of whether a resource shortage occurs. In other words, the management device 100 executes the processing order transmission process in step S22 before the warning output process in step S32. As a result, the destination processing system 200 temporarily starts processing the workpiece according to the processing order. Therefore, the stop of processing is postponed as long as possible. Meanwhile, by checking the warning WR, the worker can recognize that the destination processing system 200 will experience a resource shortage while proceeding with the production plan.

[0063] <D. Functional Configuration of Management Device 100> Next, the functional configuration of the management device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 9. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management device 100.

[0064] 5, the management device 100 includes, as functional components, a schedule generating unit 152 and an output unit 160. These components will be described below in order.

[0065] In the example of Figure 5, the schedule generation unit 152 and the output unit 160 are shown implemented in the management device 100, but at least one of the schedule generation unit 152 and the output unit 160 may be implemented in another device.

[0066] (D1. Schedule Generator 152) First, the function of the schedule generator 152 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] The schedule generation unit 152 generates the processing schedules SCA and SCB shown in FIG. 9 based on the production plan 123 shown in FIG. 6, the work information 124 shown in FIG. 7, and the resource information 125 shown in FIG. 8.

[0068] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the production plan 123. The production plan 123 is registered by an administrator in, for example, the above-mentioned information processing device 10 or the above-mentioned management device 100. The contents registered by the administrator include, for example, the type of work to be produced and the quantity of work to be produced.

[0069] 6, a production plan PP1 for two works WA and a production plan PP2 for two works WB are registered. The production plan PP1 and the production plan PP2 may be registered at the same time or at different times.

[0070] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the work information 124. The work information 124 defines requirements for producing a product work.

[0071] As an example, the work information 124 associates product work information 124A, raw work information 124B, machining program information 124C, machining time information 124D, tool information 124E, mounting time information 124F, and removal time information 124G.

[0072] The product work information 124A defines the type of the product work. The product work is a work that is a product after processing. The type of the product work is defined by an identifier such as a work name or ID (Identification), for example.

[0073] The raw workpiece information 124B specifies the type of raw workpiece required to produce the associated product workpiece. A raw workpiece is a workpiece before or during processing. The type of raw workpiece is specified by an identifier such as a workpiece name or ID. The raw workpiece information 124B is registered by an operator in, for example, the above-mentioned management device 100 or the above-mentioned processing system 200.

[0074] The machining program information 124C specifies the machining program to be executed when machining the associated material workpiece. The method for generating the machining program is arbitrary. As an example, some machining systems 200 have a function that automatically generates a machining program by having an operator answer questions in an interactive format. The machining program is generated, for example, by this function. Alternatively, the machining program may be designed by an operator writing program code.

[0075] The processing time information 124D specifies the time required to process the associated material workpiece. The processing time may be input in advance by the worker, or may be calculated from past processing results of the material workpiece.

[0076] The tool information 124E specifies the type of tool used to machine the associated raw workpiece. One or more tools may be associated with the raw workpiece. The type of tool is specified by an identifier such as the tool name or ID. The type of tool may be input in advance by the operator or extracted from a description in the machining program.

[0077] The mounting time information 124F specifies the time required to mount the associated material workpiece on the pallet. The mounting time may be input in advance by the worker, for example. Alternatively, the mounting time may be calculated from the past performance data required to mount the material workpiece on the pallet.

[0078] The removal time information 124G specifies the time required to remove a machined workpiece from a pallet. The removal time is input in advance by, for example, an operator. Alternatively, the mounting time may be calculated from past performance data required to mount and remove a workpiece from a pallet.

[0079] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the resource information 125. The resource information 125 is information that defines the resources held by the machining system 200 and the remaining amounts of the resources for each machining system 200. The resource information 125 includes, for example, tool information 126A, raw workpiece information 126B, and coolant information 126C.

[0080] Tool information 126A specifies the type of tool held by machining system 200 and the lifespan of each tool. Tool life is monitored, for example, by machining system 200. More specifically, machining system 200 monitors machining program 422 of machine tool 400 and counts the amount of use of each tool in machine tool 400 from when it was new to the present. "Amount" here is a concept that includes the number of times, time, and distance. "Tool usage amount" includes, for example, the total number of times a tool has been used in machining from the new state to the present, the total time it has been used in machining from the new state to the present, and the total distance traveled during machining from the new state to the present.

[0081] The machining system 200 reduces the tool life based on the counted usage amount. The tool life is periodically transmitted to the management device 100. The management device 100 updates the tool information 126A defined in the resource information 125 based on the tool life received from the machining system 200.

[0082] The material work information 126B specifies the types of material work held by the processing system 200 and the remaining amount of each material work. The remaining amount of material work is monitored, for example, by the processing system 200. The remaining amount is periodically transmitted to the management device 100. The management device 100 updates the material work information 126B specified in the resource information 125 based on the remaining amount received from the processing system 200.

[0083] The coolant information 126C defines the remaining amount of coolant held by the machining system 200. The remaining amount of coolant is detected, for example, by a liquid level sensor provided in the machining system 200. The detected remaining amount of coolant is periodically transmitted to the management device 100. The management device 100 updates the material workpiece information 126B defined in the resource information 125 based on the remaining amount received from the machining system 200.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the processing schedules SCA and SCB generated by the schedule generating unit 152.

[0085] The machining schedules SCA and SCB are generated based on the production plans PP1 and PP2 (see FIG. 6 ). More specifically, the schedule generation unit 152 first refers to the work information 124 to identify the raw workpiece W1 and tool T1 required to produce the workpiece WA specified in the production plan PP1. Next, the schedule generation unit 152 refers to the resource information 125 to determine, as the machining destination, the machining system 200A that possesses the identified raw workpiece W1 and tool T1.

[0086] Similarly, the schedule generation unit 152 refers to the work information 124 to identify the raw workpiece W2 and the tool T2 required to produce the workpiece WB defined in the production plan PP2. Next, the schedule generation unit 152 refers to the resource information 125 to determine the machining system 200A that has the identified raw workpiece W2 and the tool T2 as the machining destination.

[0087] Thereafter, the schedule generating unit 152 refers to the work information 124 to identify the processing time and operation time required to produce the two workpieces WA, and also identify the processing time and operation time required to produce the two workpieces WB. Then, the schedule generating unit 152 generates processing schedules SCA and SCB that enable the two workpieces WA and the two workpieces WB to be produced efficiently.

[0088] 9, the processing schedule SCA includes time periods TA1 to TA6. Time periods TA1, TA3, TA4, and TA6 indicate time periods during which workers are scheduled to perform work. Time periods TA2 and TA5 indicate time periods during which processing is scheduled by the processing system 200A.

[0089] More specifically, time period TA1 indicates the time period during which the worker is scheduled to load the first workpiece WA into location α of the pallet PT. Time period TA2 indicates the time period during which the processing system 200A is scheduled to process the first workpiece WA. Time period TA3 indicates the time period during which the worker is scheduled to remove the first workpiece WA from location α of the pallet PT. Time period TA4 indicates the time period during which the worker is scheduled to load the second workpiece WB into location β of the pallet PT. Time period TA5 indicates the time period during which the processing system 200A is scheduled to process the second workpiece WA. Time period TA6 indicates the time period during which the worker is scheduled to remove the second workpiece WA from location β of the pallet PT.

[0090] The processing schedule SCB includes time periods TB1 to TB6. Time periods TB1, TB3, TB4, and TB6 indicate work time periods by workers. Time periods TB2 and TB5 indicate time periods during which processing is scheduled by the processing system 200A.

[0091] More specifically, time period TB1 indicates the time period during which the worker is scheduled to load the first workpiece WB at location α on the pallet PT. Time period TB2 indicates the time period during which the processing system 200A is scheduled to process the first workpiece WB. Time period TB3 indicates the time period during which the worker is scheduled to remove the first workpiece WB from location α on the pallet PT. Time period TB4 indicates the time period during which the worker is scheduled to load the second workpiece WB at location β on the pallet PT. Time period TB5 indicates the time period during which the processing system 200A is scheduled to process the second workpiece WB. Time period TB6 indicates the time period during which the worker is scheduled to remove the second workpiece WB from location β on the pallet PT.

[0092] Preferably, the schedule generation unit 152 generates the machining schedules SCA and SCB so that the work times of the workers are continuous. In the example of Fig. 9, the machining schedules SCA and SCB are generated so that the time periods TA3 and TA4 for work on the workpiece WA are continuous with the time period TB1 for work on the workpiece WB. Also, in the example of Fig. 9, the machining schedules SCA and SCB are generated so that the time period TA6 for work on the workpiece WA is continuous with the time periods TB3 and TB4 for work on the workpiece WB. This allows the work processes performed by the workers to be consolidated, improving work efficiency.

[0093] (D2. Output Unit 160) Next, still referring to FIG. 9, the function of the output unit 160 shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

[0094] The output unit 160 outputs the processing schedules SCA and SCB generated by the schedule generating unit 152 in various forms.

[0095] As an example, the output unit 160 outputs the generated processing schedules SCA and SCB in a screen format. The screen output destination may be a display of the information processing device 10, a display of the management device 100, a display of the processing system 200, or a display of the user terminal 300.

[0096] As another example, the output unit 160 transmits the processing order OD1 related to the processing schedule SCA and the processing order OD2 related to the processing schedule SCB to the processing system 200A at the processing destination.

[0097] The processing orders OD1 and OD2 only need to specify the type of workpiece to be processed and the quantity of the workpiece, and do not need to be exactly the same as the processing schedules SCA and SCB. Preferably, the processing orders OD1 and OD2 further specify the start time of processing.

[0098] <E. Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Device 10> Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 shown in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10.

[0099] The information processing device 10 includes a control circuit 11, a read-only memory (ROM) 12, a random access memory (RAM) 13, a communication interface 14, a display interface 15, an input interface 17, and an auxiliary storage device 21. These components are connected to a bus BS.

[0100] The control circuit 11 is configured, for example, by at least one integrated circuit, which may be configured, for example, by at least one central processing unit (CPU), at least one graphics processing unit (GPU), at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof.

[0101] The control circuit 11 controls the operation of the information processing device 10 by executing various programs such as a display program 22. The display program 22 is a program for displaying a screen for accepting work production plans. Upon receiving an execution command for one of the various programs, the control circuit 11 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 21 or the ROM 12 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data required for executing the various programs.

[0102] A LAN (Local Area Network), an antenna, etc. are connected to the communication interface 14. The information processing device 10 exchanges data with external devices via the communication interface 14. The external devices include, for example, the management device 100 and other communication devices.

[0103] A display 16 is connected to the display interface 15. The display interface 15 sends an image signal for displaying an image to the display 16 in accordance with instructions from the control circuit 11 or the like. The display 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or other display device. The display 16 may be configured integrally with the information processing device 10 or may be configured separately from the information processing device 10.

[0104] An input device 18 is connected to the input interface 17. The input device 18 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or any other device capable of receiving user operations. The input device 18 may be configured integrally with the information processing device 10 or may be configured separately from the information processing device 10.

[0105] The auxiliary storage device 21 is, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or other storage medium. The auxiliary storage device 21 stores the display program 22 and the like. The storage location of the display program 22 is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 21, and may be stored in a storage area of ​​the control circuit 11 (for example, a cache memory), the ROM 12, the RAM 13, an external device, or the like.

[0106] <F. Hardware Configuration of Management Device 100> Next, the hardware configuration of the management device 100 shown in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 100.

[0107] The management device 100 includes a control circuit 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a communication interface 104, a display interface 105, an input interface 107, and an auxiliary storage device 120. These components are connected to a bus BS1.

[0108] The control circuit 101 is configured, for example, by at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be configured, for example, by at least one CPU, at least one GPU, at least one ASIC, at least one FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0109] The control circuit 101 controls the operation of the management device 100 by executing various programs such as a management program 122. Upon receiving an execution command for the management program 122, the control circuit 101 reads the management program 122 from the ROM 102 or the auxiliary storage device 120 into the RAM 103. The RAM 103 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data required for the execution of the management program 122.

[0110] A LAN, an antenna, and the like are connected to the communication interface 104. The management device 100 exchanges data with external devices via the communication interface 104. The external devices include, for example, the information processing device 10, the processing system 200, the user terminal 300, and other communication devices.

[0111] A display 106 is connected to the display interface 105. The display interface 105 sends an image signal for displaying an image to the display 106 in accordance with commands from the control circuit 101 or the like. The display 106 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other display device. The display 106 may be configured integrally with the management device 100 or may be configured separately from the management device 100.

[0112] An input device 108 is connected to the input interface 107. The input device 108 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or any other device capable of accepting user operations. The input device 108 may be configured integrally with the management device 100 or may be configured separately from the management device 100.

[0113] The auxiliary storage device 120 is, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, an SSD, or other storage medium. The auxiliary storage device 120 stores a management program 122, the above-mentioned production plan 123, the above-mentioned work information 124, the above-mentioned resource information 125, and the above-mentioned machining schedules SCA, SCB, SCP, etc. The storage location of these is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 120, and may be stored in a storage area (e.g., cache memory, etc.) of the control circuit 101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, another device, etc.

[0114] The management program 122 is a program for realizing some or all of the functional configuration shown in FIG. 5 above. The management program 122 may be provided not as a standalone program but as part of an arbitrary program. In this case, the transport control process by the management program 122 is realized in cooperation with the arbitrary program. Even a program that does not include some of these modules does not deviate from the spirit of the management program 122 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, some or all of the functions provided by the management program 122 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the management device 100 may be configured in the form of a so-called cloud service in which at least one server executes part of the processing of the management program 122.

[0115] <G. Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 300> Next, the hardware configuration of the user terminal 300 shown in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 300.

[0116] The user terminal 300 includes a control circuit 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a communication interface 304, a display interface 305, an input interface 307, and an auxiliary storage device 320. These components are connected to a bus BS3.

[0117] The control circuit 301 is configured, for example, by at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be configured, for example, by at least one CPU, at least one GPU, at least one ASIC, at least one FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0118] The control circuit 301 controls the operation of the user terminal 300 by executing various programs such as a display program 322. The display program 322 is a program for displaying the above-mentioned output screen IM1 (see FIG. 4 ) and the like. Upon receiving an execution command for one of the programs, the control circuit 301 reads the program from the ROM 302 or the auxiliary storage device 320 into the RAM 303. The RAM 303 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data required for executing the various programs.

[0119] A LAN, an antenna, and the like are connected to the communication interface 304. The user terminal 300 exchanges data with external devices via the communication interface 304. The external devices include, for example, the management device 100, the processing system 200, and other communication devices.

[0120] A display 306 is connected to the display interface 305. The display interface 305 sends an image signal for displaying an image to the display 306 in accordance with commands from the control circuit 301 or the like. The display 306 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other display device. The display 306 may be configured integrally with the user terminal 300 or may be configured separately from the user terminal 300.

[0121] An input device 308 is connected to the input interface 307. The input device 308 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or any other device capable of receiving user operations. The input device 308 may be configured integrally with the user terminal 300 or may be configured separately from the user terminal 300.

[0122] The auxiliary storage device 320 is, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, an SSD, or other storage medium. The auxiliary storage device 320 stores a display program 322 and the like. The storage location of the display program 322 is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 320, and may be stored in a storage area of ​​the control circuit 301 (for example, a cache memory), the ROM 102, the RAM 103, an external device, or the like.

[0123] <H. Specific Examples> Next, specific examples of cases in which a warning about a lack of resources is output will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0124] 13 is a diagram illustrating the process in step S101. In step S101, it is assumed that a production plan 123A is input to the management device 100. The production plan 123A specifies that 30 workpieces WA should be produced.

[0125] Based on the receipt of the production plan 123A, the management device 100 acquires the resource information 125 of the subordinate processing system 200. In the example of Fig. 13, resource information 125A related to the processing system 200A and resource information 125B related to the processing system 200A are shown.

[0126] The resource information 125A defines the types of resources held by the machining system 200A and the remaining amounts of the resources. In the example of Fig. 13, the resource information 125A indicates that the machining system 200A holds tools T1 and T2 and raw workpieces W1 and W2.

[0127] The remaining amount of resources for the tools T1 and T2 is indicated, for example, by the remaining number of times they can be used. In the example of Fig. 13, the remaining number of times the tool T1 held in the machining system 200A can be used is 50. The remaining number of times the tool T2 held in the machining system 200A can be used is 80.

[0128] The remaining amount of resources related to the raw material workpieces W1 and W2 is indicated, for example, by the remaining number. In the example of Fig. 13, the remaining amount of raw material workpieces W1 held in the processing system 200A is 150. The remaining amount of raw material workpieces W2 held in the processing system 200A is 100.

[0129] The resource information 125B specifies the types of resources held by the machining system 200B and the remaining amounts of the resources. In the example of Fig. 13, the resource information 125B indicates that the machining system 200B holds tools T1 and T3 and raw workpieces W1 and W3 as resources.

[0130] 13, the remaining number of times that tool T1 held in machining system 200B can be used is 25. The remaining number of times that tool T3 held in machining system 200B can be used is 150. The remaining number of raw material workpieces W1 held in machining system 200B is 100. The remaining number of raw material workpieces W3 held in machining system 200B is 200.

[0131] The management device 100 refers to the above-described workpiece information 124 (see FIG. 7 ) and identifies the raw workpieces W1 and the tool T1 as resources required to produce the workpieces WA specified in the production plan 123A. Next, the management device 100 calculates the amount of resources required to produce the 30 workpieces WA specified in the production plan 123A. In this example, the amount of resources required is 30 or more times for the remaining number of uses of the tool T1 and 30 or more for the number of raw workpieces W1.

[0132] Since the remaining number of times that the tool T1 held by the machining system 200B can be used is less than 30, the management device 100 determines the machining system 200A, which has sufficient remaining resources, as the machining destination for the workpieces WA. Next, the management device 100 generates a machining order ODA for instructing the machining of the 30 workpieces WA, and transmits the machining order ODA to the machining system 200A that is the machining destination.

[0133] 13, the management device 100 predicts that the remaining number of times that the tool T1 held in the processing system 200A can be used will decrease from 50 to 20, and predicts that the remaining number of raw material workpieces W1 held in the processing system 200A will decrease from 150 to 120. In this case, because the remaining amount of each resource is equal to or greater than zero, the management device 100 determines that the processing order ODA will not cause a resource shortage.

[0134] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the process in step S102 following step S101.

[0135] In step S102, it is assumed that the production plan 123B is input to the management device 100. The production plan 123B specifies that 10 workpieces WB and 50 workpieces WC should be produced.

[0136] The management device 100 refers to the work information 124 and identifies the raw workpieces W2 and the tool T2 as resources required to produce the workpieces WB specified in the production plan 123B. Next, the management device 100 calculates the amount of resources required to produce 10 workpieces WB. In this example, the amount of resources required is 10 or more times the remaining number of times the tool T2 can be used, and 10 or more raw workpieces W2.

[0137] Since the processing system 200B does not have the resources necessary to process the workpiece WB, the management device 100 determines the processing system 200A, which has the resources necessary to process the workpiece WB, as the processing destination of the workpiece WB. Then, the management device 100 generates a processing order ODB for instructing the processing of 10 workpieces WA and transmits the processing order ODB to the processing system 200A.

[0138] 14, the management device 100 predicts that the remaining number of times that the tool T2 held in the machining system 200A can be used will decrease from 80 to 70, and predicts that the remaining number of raw material workpieces W2 held in the machining system 200A will decrease from 100 to 90. In this case, since the remaining amount of each resource is equal to or greater than zero, the management device 100 determines that the machining order ODB will not cause a resource shortage.

[0139] Furthermore, the management device 100 refers to the above-mentioned work information 124 and identifies the raw workpieces W3 and the tool T3 as resources required to produce the workpieces WC specified in the production plan 123B. Next, the management device 100 calculates the amount of resources required to produce 50 workpieces WC. In this example, the amount of resources required is 50 or more times for the remaining number of uses of the tool T3 and 50 or more for the number of raw workpieces W3.

[0140] Because the processing system 200A does not have the resources necessary to process the workpieces WC, the management device 100 determines the processing system 200B as the processing destination of the workpieces WC. Then, the management device 100 generates a processing order ODC for instructing the processing of 50 workpieces WC and transmits the processing order ODC to the processing system 200B.

[0141] 14 , the management device 100 predicts that the remaining number of times that tool T3 held in the processing system 200B can be used will decrease from 150 to 100, and predicts that the remaining number of raw material workpieces W3 held in the processing system 200B will decrease from 200 to 150. In this case, because the remaining amount of each resource is equal to or greater than zero, the management device 100 determines that the processing order ODC will not cause a resource shortage.

[0142] FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the process in step S103 following step S102.

[0143] In step S103, it is assumed that the production plan 123C is input to the management device 100. The production plan 123C specifies that 50 workpieces WC and 80 workpieces WA should be produced.

[0144] The management device 100 refers to the work information 124 and identifies the raw workpieces W3 and the tool T3 as resources required to produce the workpieces WC specified in the production plan 123C. Next, the management device 100 calculates the amount of resources required to produce 50 workpieces WC. In this example, the amount of resources required is 50 or more times the remaining number of times the tool T3 can be used, and 50 or more raw workpieces W3.

[0145] Because the processing system 200A does not have the resources necessary to process the workpieces WC, the management device 100 determines the processing system 200B as the processing destination of the workpieces WC. Then, the management device 100 generates a processing order ODD for instructing the processing of 50 workpieces WC and transmits the processing order ODD to the processing system 200B.

[0146] 15 , the management device 100 predicts that the remaining number of times that tool T3 held in the processing system 200B can be used will decrease from 100 to 50, and predicts that the remaining number of raw material workpieces W3 held in the processing system 200B will decrease from 150 to 100. In this case, because the remaining amount of each resource is equal to or greater than zero, the management device 100 determines that the processing order ODD will not cause a resource shortage.

[0147] Furthermore, the management device 100 refers to the above-mentioned work information 124 and identifies the raw workpieces W1 and the tool T1 as resources required to produce the workpieces WA specified in the production plan 123C. Next, the management device 100 calculates the amount of resources required to produce 80 workpieces WA. In this example, the amount of resources required is 80 or more times for the remaining number of uses of the tool T1 and 80 or more for the number of raw workpieces W1.

[0148] Here, processing system 200A has resources remaining to process 20 workpieces WA, and processing system 200B has resources remaining to process 25 workpieces WA. At this time, processing system 200B has already been assigned a processing order ODD to process workpieces WC, so processing system 200A will become available before processing system 200B. Therefore, management device 100 assigns processing of 55 workpieces WA, including the missing 35 (= 80 - 20 - 25), to processing system 200A. As a result, management device 100 generates a processing order ODE to instruct processing system 200A to process 55 workpieces WA and a processing order ODF to instruct processing system 200B to process 25 workpieces WA. Then, management device 100 transmits the processing order ODE to processing system 200A and the processing order ODF to processing system 200B.

[0149] The management device 100 then determines whether the processing order ODE will cause a resource shortage. In the example of FIG. 15 , the management device 100 predicts that the remaining number of times the tool T1 held in the processing system 200A can be used will decrease from 20 to -35, and predicts that the remaining number of raw material workpieces W1 held in the processing system 200A will decrease from 120 to 65. In this case, since the remaining number of times the tool T1 can be used will be less than zero, the management device 100 determines that the processing order ODE will cause a resource shortage. In this case, the management device 100 outputs a warning indicating a resource shortage, in association with the processing order ODE.

[0150] Preferably, the management device 100 predicts when a resource shortage will occur in the processing system 200A. More specifically, the management device 100 refers to the work information 124 described above to identify the processing time per workpiece WA. Next, the management device 100 multiplies the identified processing time by the number of workpieces WA that can be processed with the current remaining resource amount of the processing system 200A (i.e., 20 pieces). Thereafter, the management device 100 adds the result of this multiplication to the start time of the processing order ODE, and predicts the time indicated by the addition result as the time when a resource shortage will occur.

[0151] The management device 100 also determines whether a resource shortage will occur due to the processing order ODF. In the example of FIG. 15, the management device 100 predicts that the remaining number of times that tool T1 held in processing system 200B can be used will decrease from 25 to 0, and predicts that the remaining number of raw material workpieces W1 held in processing system 200A will decrease from 100 to 75. In this case, the remaining number of times that tool T1 can be used will become zero, but processing system 200B will not stop until a new processing order using tool T1 is input to processing system 200B. Therefore, the management device 100 determines that a resource shortage will not occur due to the processing order ODF.

[0152] As described above, assume that both processing systems 200A and 200B are responsible for processing workpiece WA (first workpiece), and processing system 200B is responsible for processing workpiece WC (second workpiece), and production plan 123C is input to produce workpieces WA and WC. In this case, if the remaining resources of processing system 200A and processing system 200B are both depleted during the process of processing the quantity of workpiece WA indicated in production plan 123C, management device 100 outputs a resource shortage warning for processing system 200A, which is not responsible for processing workpiece WC. In other words, management device 100 does not output a resource shortage warning for processing system 200B.

[0153] Although the above description has been given of an example in which no warning is output when the remaining amount of resources is zero, the manner in which a warning is output is not limited to this. When the remaining amount of resources is zero, the management device 100 may output a warning indicating a shortage of resources. Furthermore, when the remaining amount of resources is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the management device 100 may output a warning indicating that the remaining amount of resources is low.

[0154] <I. First Modification> Next, a management system 5 according to a first modification will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an output screen IM2 according to this modification.

[0155] In the above-described output screen IM1 (see FIG. 4), a warning WR indicating a resource shortage is displayed as a resource bar RB. In contrast, in the output screen IM2 according to this modification, a warning WRA indicating a resource shortage is displayed as a character string.

[0156] The warning WRA shown in this modification includes, for example, an identifier of the machining system 200 in which a resource shortage will occur, an identifier of the resource in shortage, the expected date and time of the resource shortage, and the remaining time until the resource shortage will occur. By checking the warning WRA, the worker can easily recognize what, where, and when the shortage will occur.

[0157] The output screens IM1 and IM2 may be configured to be transitionable between each other. In this case, the user can switch the display from the output screen IM1 to the output screen IM2 by pressing a predetermined button provided on the output screen IM1. Also, the user can switch the display from the output screen IM2 to the output screen IM1 by pressing a predetermined button provided on the output screen IM2.

[0158] <J. Second Modification> Next, a management system 5 according to a second modification will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an output screen IM3 according to this modification.

[0159] The output screen IM1 (see FIG. 4) described above displays the machining schedule SCA and the resource bar RB. In contrast, the output screen IM3 according to this modification further displays performance information XA indicating the machining performance and the work performance.

[0160] The performance information XA indicates performance related to the workpiece machining process. As an example, the management device 100 periodically acquires performance related to the machining process from the machining system 200 that executes the production plan. The performance includes, for example, information on the actual machining time period during which the machining system 200 machined the workpiece and information on the actual work time period during which the worker worked on the pallet. The performance also includes stop performance information indicating that machining in the machining system 200 has stopped. The stop performance information is issued, for example, based on the occurrence of some kind of abnormality in the machining system 200.

[0161] The performance information XA is updated in conjunction with the time bar CT, which indicates the current time. Performance information XA1 included in the performance information XA indicates the work performance corresponding to time period TA1 in the processing schedule SCA. As described above, time period TA1 was the time period during which the worker was scheduled to mount the first workpiece WA at location α on the pallet PT, and the example in FIG. 17 shows that the mounting work was completed as scheduled.

[0162] The actual result XA2 included in the actual result information XA indicates the processing actual result corresponding to the time period TA2 in the processing schedule SCA. As described above, the time period TA2 was the time period during which the processing system 200A was scheduled to process the first workpiece WA mounted on the pallet PT, but the example in Figure 17 shows that the processing system 200A is proceeding with the processing of the workpiece WA as scheduled.

[0163] By checking the warning WR indicating a resource shortage while taking into consideration the performance information XA, the worker can more accurately estimate the timing at which a resource shortage will occur.

[0164] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0165] 5 Management system, 10 Information processing device, 11 Control circuit, 12 ROM, 13 RAM, 14 Communication interface, 15 Display interface, 16 Display, 17 Input interface, 18 Input device, 21 Auxiliary storage device, 22 Display program, 100 Management device, 101 Control circuit, 102 ROM, 103 RAM, 104 Communication interface, 105 Display interface, 106 Display, 107 Input interface, 108 Input device, 120 Auxiliary storage device, 122 Management program, 123 Production plan, 123A Production plan, 123B Production plan, 123C Production plan, 124 Work information, 124A Product work information, 124B Material work information, 124C Machining program information, 124D Machining time information, 124E Tool information, 124F Mounting time information, 124G Removal time information, 125 Resource information, 125A resource information, 125B resource information, 126A tool information, 126B material work information, 126C coolant information, 152 schedule generation unit, 160 output unit, 200 machining system, 200A machining system, 200B machining system, 200C machining system, 220 storage unit, 230 conveying device, 232 rail, 234 carriage, 236 fork unit, 240 machine tool, 250 work station, 300 user terminal, 301 control circuit, 302 ROM, 303 RAM, 304 communication interface, 305 display interface, 306 display, 307 input interface, 308 input device, 320 auxiliary storage device, 322 display program, 400 machine tool, 422 machining program, BS bus, BS1 bus, BS3 bus, CT Time bar, IM1 output screen, IM2 output screen, IM3 output screen, NW1 network, NW2 network, OD1 processing order, OD2 processing order, ODA processing order, ODB processing order, ODC processing order, ODD processing order, ODE processing order, ODF processing order, PP1 production plan, PP2 production plan, PT pallet, RB resource bar, SCA processing schedule, SCB processing schedule, SCP processing schedule, T1 tool, T2 tool, T3 tool,W1 material work, W2 material work, W3 material work, WA work, WB work, WC work, WR warning, WRA warning, XA performance information, XA1 performance, XA2 performance.

Claims

1. A management device for managing processing schedules in a plurality of processing systems, comprising a control unit, the control unit performing the following processes: acquiring resource information that specifies, for each of the plurality of processing systems, the remaining amount of resources required for processing workpieces; when receiving input of a production plan that specifies at least the type of workpiece to be produced and the quantity of the workpiece to be produced, allocating the processing of the quantity of the workpiece to the plurality of processing systems and sending a processing order that indicates the type of workpiece to be processed and the quantity of the workpiece; and determining, based on the remaining amount of the resource in the processing system and the processing order, whether the resource will be insufficient in the processing system at the processing destination, and if it is determined that the resource will be insufficient, outputting a warning indicating that the resource will be insufficient.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission process is executed before the output process.

3. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning indicates at least an identifier indicating the processing system in which the resource shortage will occur and the time when the resource shortage is expected to occur.

4. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the resources include at least one of a tool used to machine a workpiece, a raw workpiece before machining, and a coolant that is discharged onto the workpiece during machining.

5. The management device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the multiple processing systems include a first processing system that is responsible for processing a first workpiece but is not responsible for processing a second workpiece, and a second processing system that is responsible for processing the first workpiece and the second workpiece, the resource information specifies at least a first remaining amount of a resource held by the first processing system that is consumed when processing the first workpiece, and a second remaining amount of a resource held by the second processing system that is consumed when processing the first workpiece, the production plan includes the quantity of the first workpieces and the quantity of the second workpieces, and the control unit outputs the warning regarding the first processing system that is not responsible for processing the second workpiece when the first remaining amount and the second remaining amount become depleted in the process of processing the quantity of the first workpieces specified in the production plan.

6. A management system for managing processing schedules in a plurality of processing systems, comprising: a management device; and a plurality of processing systems capable of communicating with the management device, wherein the management device performs the following processes: acquires resource information that specifies, for each of the plurality of processing systems, the remaining amount of resources required for processing workpieces; when receiving input of a production plan that specifies at least the type of workpiece to be produced and the quantity of the workpiece to be produced, allocates the processing of the quantity of the workpiece to the plurality of processing systems and sends a processing order to the destination processing system that indicates the type of workpiece to be processed and the quantity of the workpiece; and determines, based on the remaining amount of the resource in the destination processing system and the processing order, whether the resource will be insufficient in the destination processing system, and if it is determined that the resource will be insufficient, outputs a warning indicating that the resource will be insufficient.

7. A management method for managing processing schedules in a plurality of processing systems, comprising the steps of: acquiring resource information that specifies, for each of the plurality of processing systems, the remaining amount of resources required for processing workpieces; when receiving input of a production plan that specifies at least the type of workpiece to be produced and the quantity of the workpiece to be produced, allocating the processing of the quantity of the workpiece to the plurality of processing systems and sending a processing order that indicates the type of workpiece to be processed and the quantity of the workpiece; and determining, based on the remaining amount of the resource in the processing system and the processing order, whether the resource will be insufficient in the processing system at the processing destination, and if it is determined that the resource will be insufficient, outputting a warning indicating that the resource will be insufficient.

8. A management program for managing processing schedules in a plurality of processing systems, the management program causing a computer to execute the following processes: a process for acquiring resource information specifying the remaining amount of resources required for processing workpieces for each of the plurality of processing systems; a process for, when receiving input of a production plan specifying at least the type of workpiece to be produced and the quantity of the workpiece to be produced, allocating the processing of the quantity of the workpiece to the plurality of processing systems and sending a processing order indicating the type of workpiece to be processed and the quantity of the workpiece; and a process for determining whether the resource is insufficient in the processing system at the processing destination based on the remaining amount of the resource in the processing system and the processing order, and if it is determined that the resource is insufficient, outputting a warning indicating that the resource is insufficient.

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