Production control apparatus and computer implemented method for a production system, in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a production control apparatus (100) for a production system (10), in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, comprising: input means (102) configured to input predefined product parameters and to input quality step process information; processing means (106) configured to perform a quality process (112) having a plurality of quality steps (114-122) associated with the predefined product features, wherein said quality steps (114-122) are to be selected by an input command, the processing means (106) being configured to determine a sequence of the quality steps (114-122), in which the quality steps (114-122) are to be accomplished, and to link the product parameters to the quality steps (114-122), said quality process further comprising execution steps (124-130), said execution steps (124-130) being executed for each quality step (114-122) and beginning with a first quality step, the execution steps (124-130) comprising: granting access (124) to the respective quality step, accomplishing (126) the respective quality step by processing the quality step process information for said respective quality step, and monitoring (128) the progress of the respective quality step; output means (108) configured to output at least one production control signal (132), in particular to the production system (10), for producing the product after the selected quality steps (114-122) are accomplished.

Description

[0001] HEESCHEN.PULTZ

[0002] PATENTANWALTE

[0003] Hamburg, 2 September 2024

[0004] Our ref.: P-2024-033 WO DH / db

[0005] Applicant / Holder: iqs Software GmbH, ErlenstraBe 13c, 77815 Buhl,

[0006] Germany

[0007] Office ref.: New application

[0008] Production control apparatus and computer implemented method for a production system, in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, and computer program product

[0009] The invention relates to a production control apparatus and a computer implemented method for a production system, in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, and to a computer program product.

[0010] Production control apparatuses for production systems, in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, are generally known. Products can be produced with a wide variety of machines, for example milling, turning, and drilling machines as well as machines with modern technologies, e.g., selective laser melting. Most products are produced on more than one machine, in particular on many machines in a defined sequence. Every machining process, handling process, clamping process, and support process has the potential to cause a lack of quality. Therefore, intensive quality processes were implemented, which shall avoid a lack of quality for each produced product. The quality processes are executed before, during, and after a product is produced. In particular, product and process data acquired during the production of the product is used in quality processes afterwards, in particular for the product after its production and / or for further products to be produced before and during its production.

[0011] Executing the quality processes is an essential step in today's production process. First, it is necessary to ensure that the product can be produced with its complex and demanding predefined product features defined by the customer. Without the quality processes it would not be possible to ensure the fulfilment of these product features for each produced product as too many quality influencing factors would not have been considered. Second, customers are demanding a thorough quality process with a corresponding documentation.

[0012] Today’s production companies are faced with such a complex production due to the manifold quality processes, that said quality processes may be a bottleneck of their production. Consequently, due to the quality processes, the production capacity is limited, and it is an object of production companies to execute the quality processes with a higher efficiency.

[0013] The US11900321 B2 discloses a system and a method for controlling product quality by comparing predefined product features and sensor data. A disadvantage of this system and method is that the time-consuming quality processes prior the production are not optimized.

[0014] The US8606624B2 discloses a method for generating an alert and a risk report that indicates the activities that are at risk for a plurality of projects based on a measurement criterion and based on a level of project risk associated with a corresponding activity. The disadvantage of this method is that there is no approach to use it into a real production for dozens or hundreds of product features.

[0015] The EP3270249B1 discloses a computer-based method for generating a component fault tree for a technical system. The EP3599565B1 discloses a risk analysis support device. The EP4057091 B1 discloses a computer-implemented method for generating a Component Fault and Deficiency Tree of a Machine Learning (ML)-based system with safety-critical functionalities. These methods have different advantages, but the disadvantage of these methods is that their focus is on a single quality process. Since there are dozens of these quality processes necessary for modern products, these methods lack a system to use them in real production.

[0016] It is a requirement for said production control apparatus and computer implemented methods that a technical system realizes the quality processes, with which the manifold quality processes are used for the product to be produced.

[0017] The technical problem of the invention is to provide a production control apparatus and a computer implemented method for a production system, in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, and a computer program product which reduce or eliminate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is a problem of the invention to provide a solution which enables a systematic accomplishment of the manifold quality steps for a complex product.

[0018] This problem is solved with a production control apparatus and a computer implemented method for a production system, in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, and a computer program product according to the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of these aspects are given in the respective dependent patent claims. The features listed individually in the patent claims and the description can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way, with further embodiments of the invention being shown.

[0019] According to a first aspect, the problem is solved by a production control apparatus for a production system, in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, comprising: input means configured to input predefined product parameters and to input quality step process information; processing means configured to perform a quality process, which is preferably predefined, having a plurality of quality steps associated with the predefined product features, wherein said quality steps are to be selected by an input command, the processing means being configured to determine a sequence of the quality steps, in which the quality steps are to be accomplished, and to link the product parameters to the quality steps, said quality process further comprising execution steps, said execution steps being executed for each quality step and beginning with a first quality step, the execution steps comprising: granting access to the respective quality step, accomplishing the respective quality step by processing the quality step process information for said respective quality step, and monitoring the progress of the respective quality step, preferably whether the respective quality step is accomplished in terms of predefined requirements, and preferably barring access to the respective quality step when the respective quality step is accomplished; preferably allowing access to a further quality step, when the respective quality step is accomplished and its access is barred; output means configured to output at least one production control signal, in particular to the production system, for producing the product after the selected quality steps are accomplished; preferably production means configured to produce the product with its product features in accordance with the selected and accomplished quality steps after the production control signal is output.

[0020] The invention was based on the finding that the separate accomplishing of quality steps is not sufficient for a modern production. Thus, the inventor developed the production control apparatus and the corresponding method which ensure the accomplishing of the quality steps in a coordinated manner and in which failures are reduced or avoided. The prior art requires that the quality steps are accomplished one by one, without considering the technical requirements of the production system and / or the interconnections between the quality steps. This resulted in the fact that there was no overview of the dozens or hundreds of quality steps with no control of their accomplishment. The execution steps enable the production control apparatus to control the fulfilment of the quality steps and subsequently to control the production system with the accomplished quality steps. Moreover, the production control apparatus enables a data consistency to avoid or reduce failures in the production.

[0021] The production control apparatus is configured to be used with a production system. Preferably, the production system is a single production device, for example a milling machine. Alternatively, it is preferred that the production system comprises two or more production devices and / or support process machines, for example measurement devices and the like.

[0022] Preferably, the production control apparatus may be integrated into the production system, for example into a production control system. It is preferred that the production control apparatus is configured to receive data from the production system as it is described in more detail afterwards.

[0023] The input means are configured to input predefined product parameters. The product parameters may be input by a user and / or by an electronic data transfer, for example with a data connection. Preferably, the input means have a data interface configured to connect the input means to other means which provide the product parameters and / or from which the product parameters are accessible. Preferably, the input means may have a Human-Machine-Interface configured to receive inputs from the user, wherein the inputs representing the product parameters.

[0024] Preferably, the production control apparatus is an apparatus that performs an Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process. It is further preferred that the quality process is or comprises an Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process.

[0025] The input means are further configured to input quality step process information. The quality step process information may comprise information necessary to accomplish a quality step, for example causes of errors, types of errors and consequences of errors, a risk assessment, proposed measures and solutions for prioritized risks in relation to the product to be produced and / or to the process with which the product is to be produced.

[0026] The predefined product parameters are preferably parameters in relation to the product. For example, the predefined product parameters may be dimensions, tolerances, surface quality, materials, and the like. Consequently, the content of the predefined product parameters and of the quality step process information interchanged with the user relates to an internal state prevailing in the production system and / or the production control apparatus enabling the user to properly operate the production system and / or the production control apparatus.

[0027] The production control apparatus further comprises processing means. Preferably, the processing means and / or the production control apparatus comprises a storage unit, in particular a non-volatile storage unit, which is configured to store data, in particular the product parameters, associated with the product and / or any means of the production control apparatus or, in other words, data representing the product parameters. It is further preferred that the storage unit is configured to store computer executable instructions. It is preferred that the storage unit, the input means, the processing means, and / or the output means are connected with each other, so that data can be transferred between them.

[0028] Preferably, the storage unit is configured to store a computer program product, comprising instructions representing the execution steps and / or the quality steps. The instructions may comprise one or more of the steps of the computer implemented method for a production system described in the following. Preferably, the computer program product describes afterwards may be stored in the storage unit.

[0029] The production control apparatus and / or the processing means may comprise at least one processor. Preferably, the processor is configured to control one or more units, in particular the input means, the processing means and / or the output means, of the production control apparatus.

[0030] The processing means are configured to perform the quality process. The quality process has the plurality of quality steps associated with the predefined product features. A quality step may be or comprise a Requirements Analysis, a Model Based Systems Engineering, a Feasibility Study, a Self-Assessment, a Functional Safety Analysis, a Fault Tree, a P-Diagram, a Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, also called D-FMEA, a Design Verification Plan and Report, a Process Flow Chart, a process P-FMEA, a Control-Plan, an Inspection plan, Inspection equipment requirements, a Design Review Based on Failure Mode, a Production Part Approval Process, a Report and / or an Audit, a Reverse FMEA, a Statistical Process Control, including incoming and outcoming inspection, a control center, an Initial Sample Inspection Report, an Inspection Equipment Management, a Competence Management, a Non-Conformity Management, an Action Management, a Supplier Evaluation, an Analysis Center, and / or a Document Center. Additionally, it may comprise a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) or similar systems.

[0031] The quality steps necessary for a specific product are selected by an input command, which can be received from a user and / or from quality step selection means which are configured to select the necessary quality steps, preferably based on the product parameters and / or another information. The input command may be received via the input means.

[0032] The processing means are configured to determine the sequence of the quality steps, in which the quality steps are to be accomplished. The sequence may be determined based on a sequence information. Preferably, for each quality step, there is an information available about which other quality step should be completed before it. In addition, the sequence of the quality steps may be changed or defined by a user input received by the input means.

[0033] The quality process further comprises the execution steps that are preferably dependent on each other and on the quality steps. The execution steps are preferably interdependent, so that the sequence of the execution steps is preferably fixed. It is preferred that a subsequent execution step can only be started once the previous execution step has been completed. The accomplishing and the monitoring may be executed, at least in part, in parallel.

[0034] The execution steps control the accomplishment of the quality steps in a technically necessary order to allow production of the product in a way that it has the predefined product parameters. The execution steps are executed for each quality step and beginning with the first quality step. The execution steps comprise granting access to the respective quality step. Granting access to the respective quality step guarantees that the determined sequence in which the quality steps are to be accomplished is adhered to. It is possible that two or more quality steps can be accomplished, at least in part, in parallel. In particular, if the quality steps do not have interconnections, a parallel accomplishment may be preferred.

[0035] After the access is granted, the respective quality step is accomplished by processing the quality step process information for said respective quality step. Preferably, the accomplishment also comprises processing the product parameters. Processing the quality step process information and preferably the product parameters may include a further user input, for example further quality step process information.

[0036] The execution steps also comprise a monitoring of the progress of the respective quality step, preferably whether the respective quality step is accomplished in terms of predefined requirements. The execution steps may be understood as a higher-level control and / or monitoring tool for the quality steps necessary to produce the product. It is therefore an essential feature to monitor the progress of the single quality steps and of the overall progress considering the whole number of quality steps. The monitoring may ensure that the product is produced within a predefined time frame.

[0037] It is preferred that the monitoring comprises identifying all the quality steps being at risk in terms of a completion date. The monitoring may comprise compiling an alert information and / or a risk report indicating all the activities that are at risk for the plurality of quality steps based on a state of the accomplishment and preferably on the level of a quality step risk. The monitoring provides a real-time evaluation of the quality process, in particular in terms of the timeline and / or the required capacity within the production system.

[0038] Once the respective quality step is accomplished, its access is preferably barred. This may mean or may comprise that a first final version of the respective quality step document is ready. Preferably, after the access is barred, no further changes or inputs to the respective quality step are possible. It may be preferred that after the access is barred the access to a further quality step, which may be interdependent of the respective quality step, is granted. Barring of a respective quality step may comprise, that changes may still be made on the respective quality step. This supports accomplishing the quality steps in a coordinated manner ensuring or improving data consistency for the product to be produced.

[0039] The production control apparatus comprises the output means. The output means are configured to output at least one production control signal for producing the product after the selected quality steps are accomplished. The production control signal may be a release signal, which controls a production device in a way that it starts the production of the product after receiving the signal. Preferably, the production control signal may be an indirect release signal indicating that the product is ready for production.

[0040] Preferably, the output means comprise a communication interface to communicate with the production system, for example to transfer the production control signal to a production device. It is preferred that the output means are configured to communicate with the production system. Preferably, the output means comprise a display signaling that the product is ready for production. Preferably, the output means are a technical system which process, store, and / or transmit the production control signal.

[0041] Preferably the production control apparatus comprise production means configured to produce the product with its product features in accordance with the selected and accomplished quality steps after the production control signal is output.

[0042] A preferred embodiment of the production control apparatus is characterized in that the input means are connected to a measurement device and configured to receive measurement data from the measurement device with which the product with the predefined product features was measured.

[0043] Such a production control apparatus may process measurement data for example within the quality steps. Consequently, a more accurate and / or realistic accomplishment of the quality steps may be possible. Moreover, quality steps explicitly focused on data from the production may be accomplished with less manual data input. Such a quality step might be a Reverse FMEA. A further preferred embodiment of the production control apparatus is characterized in that the processing means are configured to compare the measurement data with the predefined product features.

[0044] A further preferred embodiment of the production control apparatus is characterized in that the input means are configured to receive a production accessibility information, in particular a production device capacity information, from the production system, and the processing means are configured to determine a start of a production time based on a duration of each quality step.

[0045] The start of production may depend on the machine availability and on the duration of accomplishing the selected quality steps. Thus, with processing the accessibility information and the duration of each quality step, it is possible to determine the start of production time. It is preferred that the processing means are configured to determine the duration of each quality step, for example by an estimator process and / or with an artificial intelligence tool.

[0046] A further preferred embodiment of the production control apparatus is characterized in that the processing means are configured to determine a resource requirement based on the accomplished quality steps and to provide a resource requirement signal to the output means, the output means are configured to output the resource requirement signal, in particular to the production system.

[0047] The resource requirement may be the time and / or the capacity the product requires on and / or for each required production device. Based on the resource requirement signal, the production system may determine whether the product can be produced starting at a defined start of production time.

[0048] A further preferred embodiment of the production control apparatus is characterized in that the processing means are configured to recalculate, preferably constantly recalculate, the start of production time based on a time at which at least one of the quality steps is accomplished, and to compare the recalculated start of production time with a predefined start of production time, and to communicate a production time information to the output means, the production time information characterizing a start of production time delay signal if the recalculated start of production time is later than the predefined start of production time, the output means are configured to output the production time information.

[0049] Recalculating the start of production time based on a time at which at least one of the quality steps is accomplished also means that the recalculation can be done before the quality step is accomplished but a delay in the accomplishing time of the respective quality step is likely.

[0050] The predefined start of production time may be input by a user with the input means. Preferably, the production control apparatus receives the predefined start of production time from the production system or another production related device, for example a production planning device.

[0051] A further preferred embodiment of the production control apparatus is characterized in that the processing means are configured to perform a respective quality step of the quality steps, said respective quality step comprising: generating a first failure mode document based on the predefined product features; receiving failure mode parameter input related to the first failure mode document; initiating a failure mode analysis tool based on the first failure mode document; receiving a problem parameter input related to the failure mode analysis tool; determining at least one output using the failure mode analysis tool; wherein the output defines whether a production change is necessary.

[0052] With such a configured production control apparatus it is possible to integrate an FMEA into the production system. The first quality step may be at any position of the number of quality steps. Preferably, the first failure mode document is stored as a template, in particular with the storage unit. A production change can be a change of the product itself and / or a change of the production processes. A further preferred embodiment of the production control apparatus is characterized in that the processing means are configured to perform a consistency check on the product parameter data and the quality step process information received from the input means, and to output an inconsistency signal to the output means if the consistency check reveals an inconsistency between the inputs, the output means are configured to output the inconsistency signal.

[0053] Preferably, the inconsistency signal is output to the production system and / or to a user. It is preferred that the consistency check comprises an evaluation whether the product parameter data and / or the quality step process information have an inconsistency. For example, an inconsistency may occur if a similar parameter of the product parameter data and / or of the quality step process information is different. Moreover, an inconsistency may occur if at least two different numbers result in an unrealistic scenario, for example that a product with defined dimensions can be produced in an unrealistically short time.

[0054] A further preferred embodiment of the production control apparatus is characterized in that the production control apparatus comprises a non-volatile storage unit, wherein the processing means are configured to store the quality step process information, in particular after the consistency check, within the nonvolatile storage unit, wherein the processing means are configured to provide the stored quality step process information to the further selected quality steps for accomplishing the same.

[0055] The non-volatile storage unit may be the storage unit mentioned above. Such a storage unit has the advantage that the same data and / or information may be processed in any of the quality steps. In current production control apparatus, the information and / or data is often used for a single quality step, so that it has to be input for each quality step. That results in mistakes and inconsistencies.

[0056] A further preferred embodiment of the production control apparatus is characterized in that the input means comprise a network interface, which is configured to provide access to the quality steps for accomplishing the same by a user via a network, for example the internet. An advantage of this embodiment is that third parties may use the production control apparatus by accessing the input, output, and / or processing means via the network interface. For example, a supplier would be in the position to perform an FMEA for a supplied part of the product with the production control apparatus. Consequently, this FMEA is already done, and the result may be stored with the storage unit so that is does not have to accomplished outside of the production control apparatus.

[0057] A further preferred embodiment of the production control apparatus is characterized in that the input means are configured to provide access to the quality steps for two or more users so that the quality steps can be accomplished in parallel by said two or more users.

[0058] According to another aspect, the problem is solved by a computer implemented method for a production system, in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, comprising the steps of: performing, preferably by processing means, a quality process having a plurality of quality steps associated with the predefined product features, wherein said quality steps are to be selected by an input command; determining, preferably by the processing means, a sequence of the quality steps, in which the quality steps are to be accomplished; linking, preferably by the processing means, the product parameters to the quality steps; said quality process further comprising execution steps, said execution steps being executed, preferably by the processing means, for each quality step and beginning with a first quality step, the execution steps comprising: granting access to the respective quality step, accomplishing the respective quality step by processing quality step process information for said respective quality step, and monitoring the progress of the respective quality step, preferably whether the respective quality step is accomplished in terms of predefined requirements, and preferably barring access to the respective quality step when the respective quality step is accomplished; preferably allowing access to the further quality step, when the respective quality step is accomplished and its access is barred; output, preferably by output means, at least one production control signal for producing the product after the selected quality steps are accomplished; preferably producing, preferably by production means, the product with its product features in accordance with the selected and accomplished quality steps after the production control signal is output.

[0059] A preferred embodiment of the method is characterized by the steps of receiving measurement data, in particular from a measurement device, with which the product with the predefined product features were measured and comparing the measurement data with the predefined product features.

[0060] A further preferred embodiment of the method is characterized by the steps of receiving a production accessibility information, in particular a production device capacity information, preferably from the production system, and determining a start of a production time based on a duration of each quality step.

[0061] A further preferred embodiment of the method is characterized by the steps of determining a resource requirement based on the accomplished quality steps and providing a resource requirement signal to the output means and outputting the resource requirement signal, in particular to the production system.

[0062] A further preferred embodiment of the method is characterized by the steps of recalculating the start of production time based on a time at which at least one of the quality steps is accomplished, comparing the recalculated start of production time with a predefined start of production time, and communicating a production time information, in particular to the output means, wherein the production time information characterizing a start of production time delay signal if the recalculated start of production time is later than the predefined start of production time, and outputting the production time information.

[0063] A further preferred embodiment of the method is characterized by the steps of: generating a first failure mode document based on the predefined product features; receiving failure mode parameter input related to the first failure mode document; initiating a failure mode analysis tool based on the first failure mode document; receiving problem parameter input related to the failure mode analysis tool; determining at least one output using the failure mode analysis tool; wherein the output defines whether a production change is necessary.

[0064] A further preferred embodiment of the method is characterized by the steps of: performing a consistency check on the product parameter data and the quality step process information received from the input means, and outputting an inconsistency signal, preferably to the output means, if the consistency check reveals an inconsistency between the inputs, and preferably outputting the inconsistency signal.

[0065] A further preferred embodiment of the method is characterized by the steps of: storing the quality step process information, in particular after the consistency check, with the non-volatile storage unit, and providing the stored quality step process information to the further selected quality steps for accomplishing the same.

[0066] A further preferred embodiment of the method is characterized by the step of: providing access to the quality steps for accomplishing the same by a user via a network, for example the internet.

[0067] A further preferred embodiment of the method is characterized by the step of: providing access to the quality steps for two or more users, so that the quality steps can be accomplished in parallel by said two or more users.

[0068] According to another aspect, the problem is solved by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a production control apparatus according to any of the embodiments described before, cause the production control apparatus to carry out the steps of the method described before.

[0069] For further advantages, embodiment variants and embodiment details of the further aspects and their possible embodiments, reference is also made to the previous description of the corresponding features and embodiments of the computer-implemented method. Preferred embodiments are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures show

[0070] Figure 1 : a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a production system with a production control apparatus;

[0071] Figure 2: a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a computer implemented method for a production system;

[0072] Figure 3: a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a computer implemented method for a production system;

[0073] Figure 4: a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of execution steps of a computer implemented method for a production system.

[0074] The embodiment examples described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment examples, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention which are to be considered independently of each other, which also further form the invention independently of each other and are also to be regarded as part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0075] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a production system 10 with a production control apparatus 100. The production control apparatus 100 comprises input means 102 configured to input predefined product parameters and to input quality step process information. The input means 102 comprises a network interface 104, which is configured to provide access to the quality steps for accomplishing the same by a user via a network, for example the internet.

[0076] The production control apparatus 100 further comprises the processing means 106. The processing means 106 are configured to perform a quality process 112 having a plurality of quality steps 114-122 associated with the predefined product features. The quality steps 114-122 are to be selected by an input command, in particular via the input means 102. The processing means 106 are configured to determine a sequence of the quality steps 114-122, in which the quality steps 114- 122 are to be accomplished. It is preferred that there are many more possible quality steps than the quality steps 114-122 shown in Figure 2, but the shown quality steps 114-122 are the selected ones.

[0077] The production control apparatus 100 further comprises a non-volatile storage unit 110. The non-volatile storage unit 110 is optional and thus indicated with a dashed box in figure 1 . The processing means 106 are configured to store the quality step process information in the non-volatile storage unit 110. The processing means 106 are configured to provide the stored quality step process information to the further selected quality steps 114-122 for accomplishing the same.

[0078] The quality process 112 further comprises execution steps 124-130 that are preferably dependent on each other and on the quality steps 114-122. The execution steps 124-130 are executed for each quality step 114-122. The specific functionality of the execution steps is described in the following in connection with Figure 2.

[0079] The production system 10 further comprises a measurement device 12 and a production device 14. The production device 14 is connected to the output means 108. The output means 108 are configured to output at least one production control signal 132 to the production device 12 for producing the product after the selected quality steps 114-122 are accomplished.

[0080] The input means 102 are connected to the measurement device 12 in a way that measurement data generated by the measurement device 12 may be received by the input means 102. For example, the measurement data may be transferred with a measurement data signal 134.

[0081] As shown in Figure 2, the quality process 112 comprises the quality steps 114-122 and execution steps 124-130. More in detail, only the execution steps 124-130 in connection to quality step 114 are shown. Not indicated with a reference sign are the execution steps in connection to the quality steps 126, 128, 130. Representing for any quality step, the execution steps 124-130 in connection with the quality step 114 are explained in detail in the following. In execution step 124, access to the quality step 114 is granted. For example, it may be preferred that the access to quality step 124 was blocked before in order that no changes or the like were possible.

[0082] After the access is granted, quality step 114 is accomplished by processing the quality step process information in execution step 126. This may be done with or without further data input via the input means 102. For example, accomplishing quality step 114 may comprise or be a preparing of a product or a process FMEA. Preferably in parallel, the progress of quality step 114 is monitored in a way, whether quality step 114 is accomplished in terms of predefined requirements, which is done in execution step 128. The last execution step 130 is barring the access to quality step 114 when the quality step 114 is accomplished.

[0083] The same execution steps 124-130 are executed in connection to the further quality steps 126, 128, 130.

[0084] Figure 3 illustrates a computer implemented method for a production system 10. The steps described in the following may be executed subsequently and / or in parallel, for example partially in parallel. In step 200, the quality process 112 is performed. The quality process 112 has the plurality of quality steps 114-122 associated with the predefined product features. The quality steps 114-122 are to be selected by an input command.

[0085] In step 202, a sequence of the quality steps 114-122 is determined. The sequence describes in which order the quality steps are to be accomplished. Furthermore, the product parameters are linked to the quality steps.

[0086] The quality process 112 further comprises the execution steps 124-130. The execution steps 124-130 are executed for each quality step 114-122 beginning with the first quality step 114. The execution steps 124-130 are described in more detail in connection with Figure 4. As a last step 206, the at least one production control signal 132 for producing the product is output after the selected quality steps 114-122 are accomplished.

[0087] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of execution steps of a computer implemented method for a production system. In step 204a, access to the respective quality step 114-122 is granted. In step 204b, the respective quality step 114-122 is accomplished by processing the quality step process information for said respective quality step 114-122.

[0088] In step 204c, the progress of the respective quality step 114-122 is monitored. In step 204d, access to the respective quality step 114-122 is barred, when the respective quality step 114-122 is accomplished. Preferably, in a further step access to a further quality step 114-122 is allowed, when the respective quality step 114-122 is accomplished, and its access is barred.

[0089] REFERENCE SIGNS

[0090] 10 Production system

[0091] 12 Measurement device

[0092] 14 Production device

[0093] 100 Production control apparatus

[0094] 102 Input means

[0095] 104 network interface

[0096] 106 Processing means

[0097] 108 Output means

[0098] 110 Storage unit

[0099] 112 Quality process

[0100] 114-122 Quality steps

[0101] 124 Granting access

[0102] 126 Accomplishing

[0103] 128 Monitoring

[0104] 130 Barring access

[0105] 132 Production control signal

[0106] 134 Measurement data signal

[0107] 200 Process step

[0108] 202 Process step

[0109] 204 Process step

[0110] 204a Process step

[0111] 204b Process step c Process stepd Process step

[0112] Process step

Claims

- 22 -CLAIMS1. A production control apparatus (100) for a production system (10), in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, comprising: input means (102) configured to input predefined product parameters and to input quality step process information; processing means (106) configured to perform a quality process (112) having a plurality of quality steps (114-122) associated with the predefined product features, wherein said quality steps (114-122) are to be selected by an input command, the processing means (106) being configured to determine a sequence of the quality steps (114- 122) in which the quality steps (114-122) are to be accomplished, and to link the product parameters to the quality steps (114-122), said quality process further comprising execution steps (124-130), said execution steps (124-130) being executed for each quality step (114- 122) and beginning with a first quality step, the execution steps (124- 130) comprising: o granting access (124) to the respective quality step, accomplishing (126) the respective quality step by processing the quality step process information for said respective quality step, and monitoring (128) the progress of the respective quality step; output means (108) configured to output at least one production control signal (132), in particular to the production system (10), for producing the product after the selected quality steps (114-122) are accomplished.

2. The production control apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein- the input means (102) are connected to a measurement device (12) and configured to receive measurement data from the measurementdevice (12) with which the product with the predefined product features were measured.

3. The production control apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the processing means (106) are configured to compare the measurement data with the predefined product features.

4. The production control apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the input means (102) are configured to receive a production accessibility information, in particular a production device (14) capacity information, from the production system (10), and- the processing means (106) are configured to determine a start of a production time based on a duration of each quality step.

5. The production control apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the processing means (106) are configured to determine a resource requirement based on the accomplished quality steps (114-122) and to provide a resource requirement signal to the output means (108),- the output means (108) are configured to output the resource requirement signal, in particular to the production system (10).

6. The production control apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the processing means (106) are configured to recalculate the start of production time based on a time at which at least one of the quality steps (114-122) is accomplished, and to compare the recalculatedstart of production time with a predefined start of production time, and to communicate a production time information to the output means (108), the production time information characterizing a start of production time delay signal if the recalculated start of production time is later than the predefined start of production time,- the output means (108) are configured to output the production time information.

7. The production control apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means (106) are configured to perform a respective quality step of the quality steps (114-122), said respective quality step comprising: generating a first failure mode document based on the predefined product features; receiving failure mode parameter input related to the first failure mode document; initiating a failure mode analysis tool based on the first failure mode document; receiving a problem parameter input related to the failure mode analysis tool; determining at least one output using the failure mode analysis tool; wherein the output defines whether a production change is necessary.

8. The production control apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the processing means (106) are configured to perform a consistency check on the product parameter data and the quality step process information received from the input means (102), and to output an inconsistency signal to the output means (108) if the consistency check reveals an inconsistency between the inputs,- 25 -- the output means (108) are configured to output the inconsistency signal.

9. The production control apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a non-volatile storage unit (110),- wherein the processing means (106) are configured to store the quality step process information, in particular after the consistency check, in the non-volatile storage unit (110),- wherein the processing means (106) are configured to provide the stored quality step process information to the further selected quality steps (114-122) for accomplishing the same.

10. The production control apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the input means (102) comprise a network interface (104), which is configured to provide access to the quality steps (114-122) for accomplishing the same by a user via a network, for example the internet.

11. The production control apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the input means (102) are configured to provide access to the quality steps (114-122) for two or more users, so that the quality steps (114- 122) can be accomplished in parallel by said two or more users.

12. A production system (10), configured, comprising: a production control apparatus (100) according to any of the claims 1-11 , and- 26 - production means (14), configured to receive the production control signal (132) and to produce a product with predefined product features.

13. A computer implemented method for a production system (10), in which a product with predefined product features is to be produced, comprising the steps of: performing (200) a quality process having a plurality of quality steps (114-122) associated with the predefined product features, wherein said quality steps (114-122) are to be selected by an input command; determining (202) a sequence of the quality steps (114-122), in which the quality steps (114-122) are to be accomplished; linking the product parameters to the quality steps (114-122); said quality process further comprising execution steps (124-130) (114-122), said execution steps (124-130) being executed (204) for each quality step and beginning with a first quality step, the execution steps (124-130) comprising: o granting access (204a) to the respective quality step, accomplishing (204b) the respective quality step by processing the quality step process information for said respective quality step, and monitoring (204c) the progress of the respective quality step; output (206) at least one production control signal for producing the product after the selected quality steps (114-122) are accomplished.

14. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a production control apparatus (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11 or a production system (10) according to claim 12, cause the production control apparatus (100) to carry out the steps of the method of claim 13.

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