Method for operating a system comprising multiple subsystems, computer program product, and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for operating a system (1) comprising multiple subsystems (2), wherein multiple process modules (10) are predefined, these each comprising functions (11) allowing the subsystems (2) to carry out subprocesses, wherein the method (100) comprises: receiving (101) a first interaction (20) to start a first process (200) for processing goods (4) in the system (1), defining (102) a modular first process sequence (202) for carrying out the first process (200) on the basis of the first interaction (20), wherein the first process sequence (202) is assigned a plurality of the process modules (10), which form a first subset (10.1) of the process modules (10). The invention furthermore relates to a computer program product and to a system (1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for operating a system with multiple subsystems, computer program product and system

[0003] The invention relates to a method for operating a system with several subsystems, a computer program product and a system.

[0004] It is a known practice to centrally manage and control processes for the production and / or provision of goods. For this purpose, so-called Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are used, which provide the involved parties with information about steps to be carried out and / or data to be collected. In this way, such ERP systems can initiate and / or control subprocesses in IT systems in the areas of finance, human resources, manufacturing, logistics, services, and / or procurement.

[0005] Well-known ERP systems are typically designed for a wide variety of processes, meaning that the goals of individual subprocesses can be achieved in different ways, particularly through the use of different functions. However, this can complicate process standardization, as individual departments may deviate from any standardization at any time. As a result, the optimal or desired level of automation for a given process may not be achieved. Furthermore, using different functions can generate data that is disadvantageous for subsequent processes and / or does not meet their initial requirements. This can lead to increased coordination and / or communication efforts. The numerous available functions can also result in increased maintenance costs for the system and / or process definition.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve the efficiency of operating a system with several subsystems for carrying out at least one first process and / or to simplify the, preferably central, control of the subsystems.

[0007] The foregoing problem is solved by a method with the features of claim 1, a computer program product with the features of claim 9, and a system with the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the computer program product and / or the system according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always includes, or allows for, reciprocal reference.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for operating a goods processing system with several subsystems is provided. Several process modules are predefined, each comprising functions for carrying out subprocesses by the subsystems. The method comprises, in particular in the form of process steps:

[0009] - Receiving an initial interaction at the start of an initial process for processing goods, particularly within the system and / or through a control unit of the system,

[0010] - Defining a modular first process flow for carrying out the first process depending on the first interaction, whereby several of the process modules are assigned to the first process flow, forming a first subset of the process modules, in particular by the control unit; - Sending an interlock message to prevent access by the subsystems to the functions of a second subset of the process modules, which differs from the first subset, for the first process, in particular by the control unit.

[0011] - Sending access information for access of the subsystems to the functions of the first subset of the process modules to execute the first process based on the first process flow, in particular by the control unit.

[0012] The process can preferably be executed by a central server and / or at least one of the subsystems. The goods can preferably comprise technical devices, in particular in the form of pumps and / or valves. During the processing of the goods, they can be processed, transported, and / or analyzed. Furthermore, product data of the goods can be recorded, in particular documented, during the processing of the goods. The subsystems can preferably comprise IT systems, in particular in the form of computing units. Furthermore, the subsystems can comprise machines for the manufacture, production, and / or transport of goods and / or user interfaces. The system can thus be a distributed system. Preferably, the system comprises an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

[0013] The first process can be composed of several subprocesses. The process modules can include data for the subsystems to execute their functions. In particular, the process modules can form a data structure for operating the system and / or be provided in the form of data packages. The functions can include, for example, at least partially or fully automated process steps of the subprocesses, data transmissions, output of instruction data, and / or data fields for receiving user input.

[0014] The first interaction can preferably be an initial user interaction and / or an automated interaction, e.g., in the form of automatically transmitted request data. The first interaction can be obtained directly or indirectly at the beginning of the first process. The first interaction can, for example, involve input, particularly in the form of data input, into a subsystem. For instance, an operator might activate a switch and / or button at the start of the first process as the first interaction. However, it is equally conceivable that the operator reads process data into one of the subsystems, which then records the process data as an interaction. To obtain the first interaction, the first interaction itself and / or information about the first interaction can be recorded.

[0015] The modular first process flow can be understood as a compilation of the process modules of the first subset. The first subset can comprise an initial number of predefined and, in particular, available process modules. The second subset can comprise a second number of predefined process modules, especially the remaining process modules not included in the first subset. Preferably, the second subset lies entirely outside the first subset, such that all process modules of the first subset are not included in the second subset, and vice versa.

[0016] The interlock information can be sent only to a subset of the subsystems that are configured to execute the function of the second subset of process modules and / or are assigned to the second subset of process modules, preferably not configured to execute the function of the first subset of process modules and / or are not assigned to the first subset of process modules. It can be provided that the subsystems of the second subset can independently block access to the functions of the second subset of process modules. For example, interfaces, particularly user interfaces, for executing the functions and / or for data input can be deactivated and / or blocked. The interlock information can be visualized for an operator of the respective subsystem.

[0017] Access information can be sent only to a subset of subsystems that are configured to execute the function of the first subset of process modules and / or are assigned to that subset. The access information can include a request and / or an access right for the subsystems to access the functions. Access can thus be enabled, and in particular, granted, through the access information. For example, access to the functions of the first subset of process modules can be enabled by activating and / or unlocking interfaces, especially user interfaces, for executing the functions and / or for data input. Furthermore, the access information can include a data request. The access information can be visualized for an operator of the respective subsystem.Preferably, the first process can be performed multiple times, depending on the access information.

[0018] By sending the access information, the subsystems assigned to the first subset of process modules can execute the functions for the subprocesses. Furthermore, by sending the interlock information, it can be prevented that the functions of the second subset of process modules are executed within the first process. Thus, within the scope of the present invention, it has been found that the functions of the subprocesses can be grouped into the process modules, and the process modules can be assembled modularly for the first process flow in order to enable standardization of the first process. Standardization allows for the centralization and thereby reduction of system maintenance efforts. The interlock information and the additional information can enforce and / or utilize this standardization in an intuitive manner.Thus, the operation of the system can be carried out efficiently and securely using this method.

[0019] Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the process modules have predefined input interfaces and predefined output interfaces, wherein, to determine the first process sequence, the process modules of the first subset are combined, preferably automatically, based on the input and output interfaces, and / or the process modules of the second subset are excluded from the first subset, preferably automatically, based on the input and output interfaces. The input and output interfaces can comprise different interface types, e.g., in the form of communication and / or data standards. It can be provided that the determination of the first process sequence is carried out depending on the interface types.Preferably, when defining the first process flow, input and output interfaces of the same type can be combined. For example, a first process module can comprise an output interface of a first interface type, and a second process module can comprise an input interface of the first interface type. The first and second process modules can be connected, in particular chained, to define the first process flow. This allows suitable process modules to be combined and unsuitable process modules to be excluded, thereby simplifying the definition of the first process flow and / or preventing errors in the first process flow.

[0020] Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it is conceivable that the process modules each have a classification based on an assignment to the subsystems, wherein, when defining the first process sequence, a process path for executing the subprocesses of the first subset of process modules is determined depending on the classification, so that the process path represents the first process. The process path can be understood as a grouping, particularly in the form of a sequence, of the process modules of the first subset. In particular, the processing and / or manufacturing of the goods can be carried out in the system according to the process path. The process path can define a logical and / or temporal sequence of the subprocesses. Process classes can be predefined for classifying the process modules. The classification can include an assignment of the respective process module to one of the process classes.In particular, the process classes can include processing classes for handling goods and / or finishing classes for processing goods. For example, the process classes can include development, sales management, production, purchasing management, logistics, service management, and / or documentation. Through these classifications, the initial process flow can easily represent the flow of a value chain.

[0021] Preferably, a method according to the invention may include the following: to determine the first process sequence, a user selection is displayed to present several predefined reference sequences, and information about a selection from the user selection is captured based on the first interaction; and / or process data of the first process is captured based on the first interaction, with the first process sequence being determined based on the process data. The user selection may include information about the reference sequences in the form of a text output, a list, and / or a graphic. The user selection can be displayed, in particular by one of the subsystems, to present the predefined reference sequences.Reference flows can comprise predefined sets of process modules, enabling an operator to define the initial process flow, particularly through selection and / or interaction. The process data can include, for example, the type of goods to be handled and / or processed by the initial process, customer requirement data, and / or similar information. This process data allows the system to identify which process modules are required to execute the initial process. Reference flows can be managed centrally, simplifying standardization. Furthermore, defining the initial process flow based on the process data simplifies or even eliminates the need for a user to choose from the reference flows. This allows for an intuitive and efficient definition of the initial process flow.

[0022] Preferably, a method according to the invention may include a calibration process for defining modular reference sequences, in particular the modular reference sequences, for the first process sequence, in which a reference path is defined for each process sequence, in particular wherein defining the first process sequence includes selecting one of the reference sequences depending on the first interaction, and / or wherein the calibration process is preferably carried out depending on the input interfaces and the output interfaces. Each reference sequence can define an individual process path. Preferably, the calibration process can be carried out centrally in the system, in particular for all subsystems. Furthermore, the calibration process can be carried out at least partially or completely automatically.For example, reference sequences, particularly depending on the degree of automation of the subprocesses, can be created using the input and output interfaces of the process modules to connect compatible process modules. Standardization can be simplified through the calibration process. Furthermore, many different goods can be processed and / or handled along the process paths defined by the reference sequences.

[0023] Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it is conceivable that the subsystems for the at least partially or fully automated execution of the first process are controlled based on the first process sequence. For example, the access information can be part of a control signal for the at least partially or fully automated execution of the functions of the first subset of the process modules for executing the first process. During the at least partially or fully automated execution of the first process, process data can be automatically collected and / or inserted into a database. Furthermore, during the at least partially or fully automated execution of the first process, machines for the production and / or further processing of the goods can be controlled based on the process modules. This allows the first process sequence to be centrally controlled.Furthermore, automated functions can be executed automatically, thus enabling an efficient execution of the first process, particularly due to time savings for operators.

[0024] Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it is conceivable that a modular second process sequence for carrying out a second process for processing goods, particularly within the system, is defined depending on a second interaction, wherein several of the process modules are assigned to the second process sequence, forming a third subset of the process modules, the third subset comprising process modules from the first and second subsets. The second interaction can preferably be a second user interaction and / or an automated interaction, which is obtained directly or indirectly. The first process can, for example, be assigned to a first type of goods and the second process to a second type of goods. In particular, the third subset can have overlaps with the first and second subsets.Thus, certain process modules from the first subset can be reused for the second process. However, the third subset can differ from the first based on the process modules of the second subset. For example, the first and second process flows can each be defined using one of the reference flows. Therefore, with a high reuse rate, different process flows can be defined for the first and second process flows. This increases standardization and simplifies system maintenance.

[0025] Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it is conceivable that the degree of automation of the first subset of process modules is determined based on the functions of the first subset, in particular wherein information about the degree of automation is output and / or the first process sequence is determined as a function of the degree of automation. For example, during the calibration process and / or when defining the first process sequence based on the degree of automation, an iterative process for creating the process path can be carried out. The iterative process can, for example, be carried out to optimize the degree of automation. Furthermore, the degree of automation of the second process sequence can be determined based on the functions of the third subset of process modules.The degree of automation of the first and / or second process flow can, for example, include an evaluation of the first subset, particularly in the form of a number and / or a percentage of the automated functions within the first subset. The degree of automation can simplify the definition of the first process flow. In particular, the degree of automation can provide a comparison criterion for comparing the reference flows and / or an evaluation criterion for assessing the first process flow. This allows for the continuous improvement of the first process flow and / or the reference flows.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product comprises instructions which, when executed by a control unit, cause the control unit to execute a method according to the invention.

[0027] Thus, a computer program product according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention. The method can, in particular, be a computer-implemented method. The computer program product can be implemented as computer-readable instruction code. Furthermore, the computer program product can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a data disk, a removable drive, volatile or non-volatile memory, or an embedded memory / processor. Furthermore, the computer program product can be made available or provided in a network such as the Internet, from which it can be downloaded or executed online by a user as needed. The computer program product can be implemented using software as well as one or more special electronic circuits, i.e.,It can be implemented in hardware or in any hybrid form, i.e., using software components and hardware components.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, a system is provided. The system comprises several subsystems and a control unit for carrying out a method according to the invention.

[0029] Thus, a system according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to a method and / or a computer program product according to the invention. The system is, in particular, a distributed system. The control unit can comprise a processor and / or a microprocessor. Furthermore, the control unit can be at least partially or completely integrated into a central server. However, it is also conceivable that the control unit comprises one or more decentralized computing units.

[0030] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings schematically show:

[0031] Figure 1 shows a system according to the invention with several subsystems,

[0032] Figure 2 shows a process of a method according to the invention for operating the system,

[0033] Figure 3 Reference flows with different reference paths,

[0034] Figure 4 shows part of a first and a second process, and

[0035] Figure 5 Functions of one of the subsystems.

[0036] In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a system 1 with several subsystems 2 in a first embodiment. Each of the subsystems 2 is configured to perform subprocesses specific to that subsystem 2 for processing goods 4. The subsystems 2 can, for example, preferably include IT systems, particularly in the form of computing units. Furthermore, the subsystems 2 can include machines for manufacturing, producing, and / or transporting goods 4 and / or user interfaces. The functions 11 are also assigned to predefined process modules 10, which represent and / or standardize the subprocesses. Several of the process modules 10 are shown in Figure 4 and have predefined input interfaces 12 and predefined output interfaces 13.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the system 1 comprises a control unit 3 for executing a method 100 according to the invention for operating the system 1. For this purpose, a computer program product may be provided which includes instructions which, when executed by the control unit 3, cause the control unit 3 to execute the method 100.

[0039] A schematic representation of the process 100 is shown in Figure 2. First, a calibration process 110 is performed, preferably centrally within system 1, to define modular reference sequences 202.1. The reference sequences 202.1 are shown in Figure 3 and each comprises a reference path 204 for defining a process path. As shown in Figure 3, the process modules 10 also each have a classification 203 based on their assignment to the subsystems 2.

[0040] At the beginning of a first process 200 for processing goods 4 in system 1, a first interaction 20 is received, in particular in the form of a first user interaction. Depending on the first interaction 20, a modular first process flow 202 is defined. Several of the process modules 10 are assigned to the first process flow 202, forming a first subset 10.1 of the process modules 10, as shown in Figure 4. The first interaction 20 can preferably be received by a process module 10 and / or a subsystem 2 at an end-side starting point of the first process flow 202, as shown in Figure 3. Additionally or alternatively, the first interaction 20 can be received, for example, by another process module 10 and / or subsystem 2 within the first process flow 202, thereby defining a starting point for the first process flow 202.Furthermore, when defining the first process flow 202, a process path for executing the subprocesses of the first subset 10.1 of the process modules 10 is determined based on the classification 203, such that the process path represents the first process 200. For example, the process modules 10 of the first subset 10.1 can be combined to define the first process flow 202 based on the input interfaces 12 and the output interfaces 13. Furthermore, the remaining process modules 10, which are not included in the first subset 10.1, form a second subset 10.2 of the process modules 10, which differs from the first subset 10.1. For example, the process modules 10 of the second subset 10.2 can be excluded from the first subset 10.1 based on the input interfaces 12 and the output interfaces 13.In particular, the calibration process 110 can be performed depending on the input interfaces 12 and the output interfaces 13. The first and second subsets 10.1 and 10.2 are shown in Figure 4.

[0041] Furthermore, to define the first process flow 202, a user selection 21 can be displayed to present the reference flows 202.1, and information about a selection from the user selection 21 can be captured based on the first interaction 20. Thus, defining the first process flow 202 can include selecting one of the reference flows 202.1 depending on the first interaction 20. Additionally or alternatively, process data 22 of the first process 200 can be captured to define the first process flow 202 based on the first interaction 20. In this case, the first process flow 202 is defined depending on the process data 22.

[0042] Subsequently, an interlock information 24 is sent (103) to prevent access by subsystems 2 to functions 11 of the second subset 10.2 of the process modules 10 for the first process 200, as shown in Figure 5 for one of the subsystems 2. For example, the functions 11 of the second subset 10.2 can be deactivated. Furthermore, access information 25 is sent (104) to allow access by subsystems 2 to functions 11 of the first subset 10.1 of the process modules 10 for executing the first process 200 based on the first process sequence 202. This allows the first process 200 to be guided by the first process sequence 202, as the interlock information 24 makes deviations from the first process sequence 202 more difficult and / or prevents them.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, a modular second process flow 205 is preferably defined for carrying out a second process 206 depending on a second interaction 23. Several of the process modules 10 are assigned to the second process flow 205, forming a third subset 10.3 of the process modules 10. The third subset 10.3 comprises process modules 10 from the first and second subsets 10.1 and 10.2.

[0044] Furthermore, it can be provided that the subsystems 2 are controlled for the at least partially automated execution of the first process 200 based on the first process flow 202. This allows a high degree of automation 210 to be achieved. In particular, the degree of automation 210 of the first subset 10.1 of the process modules 10 can be determined using the functions 11 of the first subset 10.1. Information about the degree of automation 210 can also be output and / or the first process flow 202 can be determined as a function of the degree of automation 210.

[0045] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, within the scope of protection defined by the claims, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0046] Reference sign l list

[0047] 1 system

[0048] 2 subsystems

[0049] 3 Control unit

[0050] 4 goods

[0051] 10 process modules

[0052] 10.1 first subset

[0053] 10.2 second subset

[0054] 10.3 third subset

[0055] 11 Function

[0056] 12 input interfaces

[0057] 13 output interfaces

[0058] 20 first interaction

[0059] 21 User selection

[0060] 22 Process data

[0061] 23 second interaction

[0062] 24 Locking information

[0063] 25 Access information

[0064] 100 procedures

[0065] 101 Receipt of 20

[0066] 102 Setting of 202

[0067] 103 Sending from 24

[0068] 104 Sending from 25

[0069] 110 Calibration process

[0070] 200 first trial

[0071] 202 first process flow

[0072] 202.1 Reference processes

[0073] 203 Classification Reference path Second process flow Second process Degree of automation

Claims

Patent claims Method for operating a system with multiple subsystems, computer program product and system 1. Method (100) for operating a system (1 ) with several subsystems (2), wherein several process modules (10) are predefined, each comprising functions (11 ) for carrying out subprocesses by the subsystems (2), wherein the method (100) comprises: - Receipt (101 ) of an initial interaction (20) to begin an initial process (200) for processing goods (4), - Defining (102) a modular first process flow (202) for carrying out the first process (200) depending on the first interaction (20), wherein several of the process modules (10) are assigned to the first process flow (202), forming a first subset (10.1) of the process modules (10), - Sending (103) a locking information (24) to prevent access by the subsystems (2) to the functions (11) of a second subset (10.2) of the process modules (10), which differs from the first subset (10.1), for the first process (200), - Sending (104) an access information (25) for access of the subsystems (2) to the functions (11) of the first subset (10.1) of the process modules (10) to execute the first process (200) based on the first process flow (202).

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the process modules (10) have predefined input interfaces (12) and predefined output interfaces (13), wherein the process modules (10) of the first subset (10.1) are used to define (102) the first process sequence (202). based on the input interfaces (12) and the output interfaces (13) are combined and / or the process modules (10) of the second subset (10.2) are excluded from the first subset (10.1) based on the input interfaces (12) and the output interfaces (13).

3. Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the process modules (10) each have a classification (203) based on an assignment to the subsystems (2), wherein when defining (102) the first process sequence (202) a process path for executing the subprocesses of the first subset (10.1) of the process modules (10) is determined depending on the classification (203), so that the process path represents the first process (200).

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, to determine (102) the first process sequence (202), a user selection (21) is output to present several predefined reference sequences (202.1), and information about a selection from the user selection (21) is captured based on the first interaction (20), and / or that, to determine (102) the first process sequence (202), process data (22) of the first process (200) are captured based on the first interaction (20), wherein the first process sequence (202) is determined depending on the process data (22).

5. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a calibration process (110) is performed to define modular reference sequences (202.1 ) for the first process sequence (202), in each of which a reference path (204) is defined for the process path, wherein the determination (102) of the first process sequence (202) comprises a selection of one of the reference sequences (202.1 ) depending on the first interaction (20), in particular wherein the calibration process (110) is performed depending on the input interfaces (12) and the output interfaces (13).

6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the subsystems (2) are controlled for the at least partially automated execution of the first process (200) based on the first process sequence (202).

7. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a modular second process sequence (205) for carrying out a second process (206) for processing goods (4) is defined depending on a second interaction (23), wherein several of the process modules (10) are assigned to the second process sequence (205), which form a third subset (10.3) of the process modules (10), wherein the third subset (10.3) comprises process modules (10) of the first and second subsets (10.1, 10.2).

8. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, based on the functions (11) of the first subset (10.1) of the process modules (10), a degree of automation (210) of the first subset (10.1) is determined, in particular wherein information about the degree of automation (210) is output and / or the first process sequence (202) is determined as a function of the degree of automation (210).

9. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a control unit (3), cause the control unit (3) to execute a method (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

10. System (1) comprising several subsystems (2) and a control unit (3) for performing a method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images