Assignment management device, assignment management method, and assignment management program

Abstract

An assignment management device (100) according to the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition unit (131) that acquires the time frame for a task designated by a consigning company; and an assignment unit (132) that assigns a task worker to the task of the time frame, on the basis of an index that is information indicating the burden of the task in relation to task workers.

Description

Allocation Management Device, Allocation Management Method, and Allocation Management Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an allocation management device, an allocation management method, and an allocation management program.

[0002] In recent years, technologies have been developed in which an operator remotely operates an object to be operated such as a robot to perform work (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such technologies are easily applicable to a business model in which a worker (business operator) belonging to a contractor performs the business of a consigning business operator. In that case, a worker manager of the contractor assigns (assigns) the business within the time frame commissioned by the consigning business operator to each worker, and manages the performance of the entire commissioned business.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-36909

[0004] However, there is a risk that an assignment error may occur in which a worker manager forgets to assign a business within a certain time frame, assigns it at the wrong time, or makes an inefficient assignment. For example, when assigning a single worker to multiple time frames, assignment errors are likely to occur.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an allocation management device, an allocation management method, and an allocation management program that can prevent assignment errors.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an allocation management device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a time frame of a business specified by a consigning business operator, and based on an index that is information representing the workload of a business for each business operator, an allocation unit that allocates business operators to the business within the time frame.

[0007] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the assignment management device according to the embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the assignment management device according to the embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the worker DB, task DB, and worker task DB. This is a diagram illustrating the processing of the assignment unit. This is a diagram illustrating the processing of the assignment unit. This is a diagram illustrating the processing of the presentation unit. This is a diagram illustrating the processing of the presentation unit. This is a diagram illustrating the processing of the presentation unit. This is a diagram illustrating the processing of the presentation unit. This is a diagram illustrating the processing of the presentation unit. This is a diagram illustrating the processing of the presentation unit. This is a flowchart showing the processing flow in an example configuration of the assignment management device. This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the assignment management device.

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each of the following embodiments, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant descriptions.

[0009] This disclosure will be described in the following order of items: 1. Embodiments 1-1. Overview of the allocation management process according to the embodiment 1-2. Configuration of the allocation management device according to the embodiment 1-3. Flow of the allocation management process according to the embodiment 2. Other embodiments 3. Effects of the allocation management device and allocation management method according to this disclosure 4. Hardware configuration

[0010] (1. Embodiments) (1-1. Overview of the allocation management process according to the embodiment) First, an overview of the allocation management process according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the allocation management process according to the embodiment.

[0011] As illustrated in Figure 1, the assignment management device 100 is built as a cloud system. First, the contractor registers the time slots for the tasks to be outsourced in the contractor account. The worker manager of the contractor assigns each of the time slots for the tasks registered in the worker manager account to the workers under their management. At that time, the assignment management device 100 assigns the tasks so that the minimum number of workers can perform the maximum number of tasks (time slots) based on the assignment index of each worker.

[0012] Here, the assignment index is information that represents the workload of each worker for each task, and includes, for example, information representing the difficulty level of each task, information representing the amount of experience with each task, and information representing the time assigned to each task.

[0013] Furthermore, in a task where an automated robot is monitored using time-sharing technology and remotely operated to respond to emergencies where automated processing stops, each time-slot task refers to monitoring the automated robot during that time slot. Responding to emergencies that occur during a task by performing temporary work such as remote operation is called a mission. In other words, each worker performs temporary work when a mission arises while performing the task for their assigned time slot.

[0014] The worker manager can specify conditions to be considered when assigning tasks. For example, they can promptly input considerations such as "For training purposes, prioritize assigning workers with less experience in task A to task A" or "Prioritize assigning worker B to the morning time slot" into the assignment management device 100.

[0015] Furthermore, the assignment management device 100 presents the results of assigning tasks for each time slot to each worker, allowing the worker manager to change the correspondence between workers and time slots.

[0016] Thus, the assignment management process of the assignment management device 100 makes it possible to prevent and manage assignment errors for outsourced tasks. Furthermore, it enables assignments that take into account aspects such as personnel development.

[0017] Furthermore, the assignment management process described below optimizes the process of assigning tasks with multiple time slots to each worker (associating workers with tasks in a one-to-many (multiple) relationship).

[0018] (1-2. Configuration of the allocation management device according to the embodiment) Next, the configuration of the allocation management device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the allocation management device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the allocation management device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, a control unit 130, an input unit 140, and a display unit 150. The allocation management device 100 may also have an input unit (e.g., a touch panel) for receiving various operations from a user operating the allocation management device 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0020] The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N (Internet, NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth®, etc.) by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with external devices via the network N.

[0021] The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. As shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 120 has a worker DB 121, a task DB 122, and a worker task DB 123.

[0022] Here, the data structure of the worker DB 121, task DB 122, and worker task DB 123 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the worker DB 121, task DB 122, and worker task DB 123.

[0023] Worker DB 121 is a database that stores information about each worker, and corresponds to the personnel information exemplified in Figure 1. As exemplified in Figure 3, Worker DB 121 includes information on items such as worker ID, username, worker task ID, total assignment time, and total operation time.

[0024] The worker ID is information that identifies each worker, and "123" is shown as an example in Figure 3. The username is the name of each worker, and "Kenichi Matsumoto" is shown as an example in Figure 3.

[0025] The worker task ID is information that identifies each record in the worker task DB123, which will be described later. Figure 3 shows "5" and "23" as examples.

[0026] The total assigned time is the sum of the assigned time for each task assigned to the worker, and 1200 hours is shown as an example in Figure 3. Here, "assigned" means, for example, being prepared to respond to any remote operation tasks that may arise on an ad-hoc basis, such as visual inspection of a robot operated by a contracted company that is autonomously running.

[0027] Total operation time is the sum of the actual operation time spent by workers performing remote operation tasks for each task, with 400 hours shown as an example in Figure 3. Here, "operation" refers to the actual performance of any temporary tasks such as remote operation tasks that arise.

[0028] Task DB122 is a database that stores information representing the actual details of each task, and as illustrated in Figure 3, it includes information on the following items: task ID, task name, contractor, target time, difficulty of execution, total order time, and total operation time.

[0029] The Task ID is information that identifies each task, and "101" is shown as an example in Figure 3. The Task Name is the name of the task, and "Visual Inspection" is shown as an example in Figure 3. The Contractor indicates the company that orders the task, and "AAA Industries Co., Ltd." is shown as an example in Figure 3.

[0030] The target time refers to the target time set by the contracting company for the occurrence and completion of an emergency task. Figure 3 shows 120 seconds as an example. This means that the emergency task, such as remote operation work, must be completed within 120 seconds of the emergency task occurring and the worker receiving notification.

[0031] The difficulty level represents the difficulty of performing the temporary work in the task set by the contracting company. Figure 3 shows an example where the difficulty level is "3" on a scale of 10 in ascending order.

[0032] The total ordered time is the sum of the time spent on tasks ordered by the contractor, and 1020 hours is shown as an example in Figure 3. This total ordered time corresponds to the sum of the total assignment times for those tasks in the worker task DB123, which will be described later.

[0033] The total operation time is the sum of the time spent on temporary work for each task, and 400 hours is shown as an example in Figure 3. This total operation time corresponds to the sum of the total operation times for the relevant tasks in worker task DB123.

[0034] Worker Task DB 123 is a relational database with Worker DB 121 and Task DB 122, and stores information on which workers performed remote operations for each task, to what extent, and how their skills were evaluated. Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 3, it includes information such as worker task ID, task ID, total assigned time, total operation time, average response time, target time achievement rate, and evaluation items.

[0035] The worker task ID is information that identifies the combination of worker and task, and "5" is shown as an example in Figure 3.

[0036] The task ID is the same as the task ID in task DB122.

[0037] The total assigned time is the sum of the time assigned to each worker for each task, and 200 hours is shown as an example in Figure 3. As mentioned above, this total assigned time corresponds to the time that the target worker was assigned to out of the total order time for Task DB122.

[0038] The total operation time is the sum of the time spent on temporary work for each task, and 20 hours is shown as an example in Figure 3. As mentioned above, this total operation time corresponds to the time spent by the target worker out of the total operation time of task DB122.

[0039] The average response time is the average time taken for a series of response tasks, from receiving notification of the occurrence of a remote operation task for the target task until the completion of that remote operation task. Figure 3 shows an example where this time is 132 seconds.

[0040] The target time achievement rate is the ratio of each worker's average response time to the target time set by the contracting company for Task DB122, and Figure 3 shows an example where it is 90%.

[0041] The evaluation shows each worker's assessment of the task, determined based on factors such as the percentage of time achieved to the target time. Figure 3 illustrates an example where the evaluation is "A".

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the worker DB 121, task DB 122, and worker task DB 123 are linked via the worker task ID and task ID of the worker task DB 123.

[0043] Furthermore, the worker database 121 may include each worker's shift time (available hours). The task database 122 may include the time slots for the tasks to be outsourced, as registered by the outsourcing company. The worker task database 123 may also include information on the planned execution of each task for each worker.

[0044] The control unit 130 is realized, for example, by a program (for example, the allocation management program according to the present disclosure) stored inside the allocation management device 100 being executed using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a work area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like. Further, the control unit 130 is a controller and may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The specific configuration of the control unit 130 will be described in detail below.

[0045] The input unit 140 receives the input of various information. For example, the input unit 140 receives input from a commissioning contractor, a worker manager, or the like via an input device such as a UI (User Interface) operable by the user or a keyboard.

[0046] The display unit 150 displays the information output by the allocation management device 100. For example, the display unit 150 is a liquid crystal display or the like built into the allocation management device 100 or connected to the allocation management device

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, an allocation unit 132, a presentation unit 133, and a notification unit 134, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. The internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and may be any other configuration as long as it performs the information processing described later.

[0048] The acquisition unit 131 acquires the time frame of the work specified by the commissioning contractor. For example, the commissioning contractor registers in advance the time frame of the task to be commissioned in, for example, the task DB 122 of the storage unit 120. Then, the acquisition unit 13

[0049] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information about workers subject to assignment management processing. For example, a worker manager registers information such as the available hours (shift information) and task experience for each worker belonging to the contracting company in the storage unit 120, for example, the worker DB 121. The acquisition unit 131 then acquires information from the storage unit 120 about workers who can engage in the commissioned task. Note that a worker who can engage in the task means, for example, that the worker's shift time is included in the time frame of the commissioned task, and that the worker is able to engage in the task after completing training, etc.

[0050] The assignment unit 132 assigns workers to tasks within time slots based on an index that represents the workload of each worker. For example, the assignment unit 132 assigns workers to tasks within each acquired time slot based on each worker's assignment index.

[0051] Here, the assignment index includes information representing the difficulty of the task, information representing the amount of experience in the task, and information representing the time spent on the task. For example, the assignment index is calculated for each worker over a predetermined period, such as one month, as shown in equation (1) below, by multiplying the difficulty of the task, the experience coefficient of the task, and the time spent on the task.

[0052]

[0053] The difficulty level of each task is represented by a numerical value, with higher values ​​indicating greater difficulty. For example, this value is set in the task DB 122 of the storage unit 120 by the contracted service provider.

[0054] Furthermore, the work experience coefficient is expressed as a numerical value for each worker, decreasing as the worker gains more work experience. For example, it is set in the worker DB 121 of the memory unit 120 by the worker manager. This experience coefficient reflects quantitative evaluations such as work experience time and accuracy, as well as skill evaluations, worker evaluations by the worker manager, and evaluations by the contracting company.

[0055] Assignment time is aggregated for each worker and each task, and is set, for example, in the worker task DB 123 of the storage unit 120 by the worker manager.

[0056] Then, each time an assignment management process is performed, the assignment unit 132 refers to the storage unit 120 and calculates the assignment index using the above formula (1).

[0057] The assignment unit 132 assigns workers to tasks within a time frame in a way that minimizes the number of workers required for each task while maximizing the total number of tasks. In other words, the assignment unit 132 optimizes worker assignments to tasks within each time frame by maximizing the number of tasks that can be performed with the minimum number of workers.

[0058] For example, the assignment unit 132 assigns workers in such a way that the variance of each worker's assignment index is less than a predetermined threshold. In other words, the assignment unit 132 optimizes the number of workers by reducing the variance of each worker's assignment index to less than a predetermined threshold and distributing the workload among workers.

[0059] Alternatively, the assignment unit 132 assigns workers in such a way that the sum of the assignment indices of all workers falls below a predetermined threshold. In other words, the assignment unit 132 maximizes the number of tasks that can be performed by reducing the workload on all workers by making the sum of the assignment indices of all workers fall below a predetermined threshold.

[0060] The assignment unit 132 assigns workers using a model that takes a time frame and the assignment index of each worker as input and outputs the workers to be assigned to each time frame.

[0061] This model is an interactive language model fine-tuned to the tasks subject to assignment management processing using RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), etc. In other words, this model accepts input of timeframes and assignment indices for each task worker through dialogue with the operator, and outputs the task workers to be assigned.

[0062] Here, Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating the processing of the assignment unit. For example, Figure 4 displays a list of time slots for tasks to be outsourced (area 150b) and a list of available workers (area 150a). Area 150b in Figure 4 displays the list of time slots for tasks to be outsourced, acquired by the acquisition unit 131, in a tiled layout. Area 150a displays a list of available workers, acquired by the acquisition unit 131, in a single vertical column. Each worker in the column displays the assignment index calculated by the assignment unit 132. Area 150a also displays the average assignment index of all workers.

[0063] When the display unit 150 shows a list of time slots for the tasks to be outsourced and a list of available workers, the worker manager can press the "AI Automatic Assignment" button 150c to instruct the assignment unit 132 to perform the assignment.

[0064] In this case, the assignment unit 132 may accept input of conditions for each task worker and then assign the task worker to the task within the time slot according to these conditions. For example, the assignment unit 132 accepts input specifying conditions to be considered for workers, such as "For task x, I would like to prioritize assigning it to person A, who has little experience, for training purposes," or "I would like to prioritize assigning worker A to the morning time slot." In this case, the assignment unit 132 changes the weight of each term in the assignment index according to the input conditions and performs the assignment.

[0065] For example, when the "AI Auto Assign" button 150c, illustrated in Figure 4, is pressed, a screen that accepts interactive prompt input, illustrated in area 150d of Figure 5, is displayed as a floating screen. The assignment unit 132 then accepts input from the worker manager specifying conditions via the input window 150e. In the example shown in Figure 5, for example, conditions such as "reduce Mori D.M.'s workload" and "consider assigning Harada E.M. to the morning shift" are specified.

[0066] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the presentation unit 133 presents the correspondence between time slots and the workers assigned to those time slots. Here, Figures 6 to 13 are diagrams illustrating the processing of the presentation unit. For example, as illustrated in Figure 6, the presentation unit 133 presents the correspondence between the assigned workers and the task time slots. In the example shown in Figure 6, the assigned workers are displayed for each task time slot in area 150b shown in Figure 4. For example, it can be seen that Ichiro Yamamoto has been assigned to the time slot "9 / 6 9:00-12:00" for task A.

[0067] The display unit 133 receives instructions to change the mapping and displays the details of the requested change. For example, a worker manager can switch to manual adjustment mode, which allows manual changes to the mapping, by pressing the "manual adjustment" button 150f shown in Figure 6. In this case, the worker manager can instruct a change to the mapping by dragging the worker they want to change from area 150a and dropping it into the target time slot in area 150b. Area 150g in Figure 7 shows an instruction to change the worker for task B's time slot "9 / 7 13:00-17:00" from Mori D. to Harada E.

[0068] In that case, the display unit 133 displays a screen that reflects the changes, as illustrated in Figure 8. In the example shown in Figure 8, the time slot for Task B, "9 / 7 13:00-17:00", has been changed to Harada Eiko.

[0069] The display unit 133 may also display a message notifying the user of the changes. For example, the display unit 133 may display a message such as "The time slot for Task B, '9 / 7 13:00-17:00', has been changed to Ms. Harada Eiko," which notifies the user of the changes illustrated in Figure 8.

[0070] The display unit 133 may further notify the user of the changes by changing the color. For example, the display unit 133 may display the changes illustrated in Figure 8, changing the time frame for Task B, "9 / 7 13:00-17:00", and "Harada Eiko", to red or bold red text.

[0071] The display unit 133 may display a message notifying the user of a change in the time slot. For example, if the designated time slot is changed by the contractor, the display unit 133 displays a message 150h notifying the user of the change, as illustrated in Figure 9. In the example shown in Figure 9, the message 150h is displayed stating, "September 6th: Confirmed order for Task C from 18:00 to 20:00, Reason: Ordered working hours have been shortened," and the changed time slot 150i is displayed with a thick border.

[0072] Similarly, in the example shown in Figure 10, the message 150h is displayed, stating, "September 7th: Confirmed order for Task B from 18:00 to 23:00, Reason: Ordered work hours have been added," and the added time slot 150i is displayed with a thick border.

[0073] In either case, the worker manager presses the "AI Automatic Assignment" button 150c to instruct the assignment unit 132 to execute the assignment process again, and the presentation unit 133 presents the execution result. In the example shown in Figure 11, as a result of the reassignment, Ms. Mori D. is assigned to the added time slot 150i' "September 7th: Task B 18:00-23:00".

[0074] The display unit 133 may display a message notifying the user of a change in the time slot when the person assigned to that time slot becomes unavailable. For example, in the example shown in Figure 12, when the available shift time for Mori D-mi has changed, the message 150h is displayed for the time slot to which Mori D-mi is assigned, stating, "September 6th: Task B assignment confirmed from 13:00 to 17:00." The corresponding time slot 150j is also displayed with a thick border.

[0075] In that case as well, the worker manager presses the "AI Automatic Assignment" button 150c to instruct the assignment unit 132 to execute the assignment process again. The presentation unit 133 may then display a message indicating the changes. In the example shown in Figure 13, the message 150h is displayed, which reads, "September 6th: Task B assignment confirmed from 13:00 to 17:00, Mori D. Mi's work schedule has changed." The corresponding time slot 150j is also displayed with a thick border.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the notification unit 134 notifies an external party of a change when a time slot or a worker assigned to a time slot becomes unavailable for assignment. For example, if the time slot designated by the contractor is changed, or if a worker's shift time is changed, the notification unit 134 notifies the terminal used by the worker manager via the communication unit 110. The notification unit 134 may also notify workers whose assignment time has been changed as a result of a reassignment. For example, the notification unit 134 notifies the terminal used by the worker via the communication unit 110.

[0077] (1-3. Flow of the allocation management process according to the embodiment) Next, the processing of each part constituting the allocation management device 100 described above will be explained in detail using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in an example configuration of the allocation management device 100.

[0078] The acquisition unit 131 of the assignment management device 100 acquires the time slots for the tasks specified by the contractor and information on the workers subject to assignment management processing (step S1). For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the time slots for the tasks to be outsourced, registered by the contractor, from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires information on workers who can engage in the outsourced tasks from the storage unit 120.

[0079] The assignment unit 132, if there are conditions for each worker (step S2, Yes), accepts input of the conditions via prompt input or the like (step S3), and assigns workers to the tasks within the time frame according to these conditions (step S4).

[0080] In step S4, for example, the assignment unit 132 assigns workers to tasks in each acquired time slot based on each worker's assignment index. At that time, the assignment unit 132 assigns workers to tasks in a time slot in a way that minimizes the number of workers required for the task and maximizes the total number of tasks. In other words, the assignment unit 132 optimizes the assignment of workers to tasks in each time slot by maximizing the number of tasks that can be performed with the minimum number of workers.

[0081] For example, the assignment unit 132 assigns workers in such a way that the variance of each worker's assignment index is less than a predetermined threshold. In other words, the assignment unit 132 optimizes the number of workers by reducing the variance of each worker's assignment index to less than a predetermined threshold and distributing the workload among workers.

[0082] Alternatively, the assignment unit 132 assigns workers in such a way that the sum of the assignment indices of all workers falls below a predetermined threshold. In other words, the assignment unit 132 maximizes the number of tasks that can be performed by reducing the workload on all workers by making the sum of the assignment indices of all workers fall below a predetermined threshold.

[0083] For example, the assignment unit 132 assigns workers using a model that takes a time frame and the assignment index of each worker as input and outputs the workers to be assigned to each time frame.

[0084] The worker manager then verifies the correspondence between the worker and the task in each time slot, which is the assignment result. If the worker manager's verification of the assignment results indicates that manual adjustment is necessary (step S5 → S6, Yes), the assignment unit 132 accepts the instruction to change and modifies the correspondence (step S7). As a result, the assignment unit 132 finalizes the assignment results (step S8) and terminates the series of assignment management processes.

[0085] On the other hand, if the worker manager confirms the assignment results and no manual adjustments are made, and the assignment is to be executed again with different conditions (step S6, No → S9, No), the assignment unit 132 returns to step S3, for example, to accept prompt input and executes the assignment again (steps S3 to S4). On the other hand, if no manual adjustments are made and the assignment is to be executed again under the same conditions (step S6, No → S9, Yes), the assignment unit 132 returns to step S4 to execute the assignment again.

[0086] Then, if no adjustments are needed after confirming the assignment results (Step S5, Yes), the assignment results are finalized (Step S8), and the series of assignment management processes are terminated.

[0087] (2. Other Embodiments) The processes according to each of the embodiments described above may be carried out in various other forms besides those described above.

[0088] Furthermore, among the processes described in each of the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0089] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0090] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0091] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting; other effects may also occur.

[0092] (3. Effects of the allocation management device relating to this disclosure) As described above, the allocation management device relating to this disclosure has an acquisition unit and an allocation unit. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the time slots for work designated by the contracting company. The allocation unit allocates workers to the work within the time slots based on an index (assignment index in the embodiment) which is information representing the workload for each worker (in the embodiment).

[0093] Thus, the assignment management device described herein can reliably associate time slots with available workers. Therefore, the assignment management device makes it possible for worker managers to prevent assignment errors such as forgetting to assign tasks for a certain time slot, assigning tasks at the wrong time, or making inefficient assignments.

[0094] Furthermore, the assignment index includes information representing the difficulty of the task, the amount of experience with the task, and the time required for the task. This allows the assignment management system to effectively match time slots with workers.

[0095] Furthermore, the allocation unit assigns workers to tasks within a time frame in a way that minimizes the number of workers required for each task while maximizing the total number of tasks. This allows the allocation management device to efficiently match time frames with workers.

[0096] Furthermore, the allocation unit assigns workers in such a way that the variance of each worker's index is less than a predetermined threshold. This allows the allocation management device to associate time slots with workers while considering the balance of worker workload.

[0097] Furthermore, the allocation unit assigns workers in such a way that the sum of the indices of all workers is less than a predetermined threshold. This allows the allocation management device to associate time slots with workers in a way that reduces the workload on all workers and increases the number of tasks that can be completed.

[0098] Furthermore, the allocation unit assigns workers using a model that takes a time slot and an index for each worker as input and outputs the workers to be assigned to each time slot. This allows the allocation management device to efficiently associate time slots with workers.

[0099] Furthermore, the model accepts input of time slots and the indices of each worker through interaction with the operator (in this embodiment, the worker manager), and outputs the workers to be assigned. This allows the assignment management device to efficiently associate time slots with workers.

[0100] Furthermore, the assignment unit accepts input of conditions for each worker and then assigns workers to time slots according to those conditions. This allows the assignment management device to appropriately associate time slots with workers according to the situation, taking into account factors such as personnel development.

[0101] Furthermore, the display unit presents the correspondence between time slots and the workers assigned to those time slots. This makes it easy for the assignment management device to verify the correspondence between time slots and workers.

[0102] Furthermore, the display unit receives instructions for changes to the mapping and displays the details of the requested changes. This allows the allocation management device to more appropriately map time slots and workers according to the situation.

[0103] The display unit further shows a message notifying the user of the changes. This allows the assignment management device to more reliably and appropriately associate time slots with workers.

[0104] Furthermore, the display unit notifies users of the changes by changing the color, which allows the allocation management device to more reliably and appropriately associate time slots with workers.

[0105] Furthermore, the display unit will show a message notifying users of any changes to the time slot. This allows the allocation management device to more reliably and appropriately associate time slots with workers.

[0106] Furthermore, the display unit shows a message notifying users of a change in the workforce assigned to a time slot if that worker becomes unavailable. This allows the assignment management device to more reliably and appropriately associate time slots with workers.

[0107] Furthermore, the notification unit notifies external parties of any changes to the time slot or the worker assigned to that time slot if it becomes unavailable. This allows the assignment management device to more reliably and appropriately associate time slots with workers.

[0108] (4. Hardware Configuration) The information devices such as the allocation management device 100 according to each embodiment described above are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 15. The following will be explained using the allocation management device 100 according to the embodiment as an example. Figure 15 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 1000 that realizes the functions of the allocation management device 100. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM (Read Only Memory) 1300, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1400, communication interface 1500, and input / output interface 1600. The parts of the computer 1000 are connected by a bus 1050.

[0109] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400 and controls each part. For example, the CPU 1100 loads the programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400 into the RAM 1200 and executes processing corresponding to various programs.

[0110] ROM 1300 stores boot programs such as the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) that are executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0111] The HDD 1400 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily stores programs executed by the CPU 1100 and data used by such programs. Specifically, the HDD 1400 is a recording medium that stores a conversion program according to this disclosure, which is an example of program data 1450.

[0112] The communication interface 1500 is an interface for the computer 1000 to connect to an external network 1550 (e.g., the Internet). For example, the CPU 1100 can receive data from other devices or transmit data it has generated to other devices via the communication interface 1500.

[0113] The input / output interface 1600 is an interface for connecting the input / output device 1650 and the computer 1000. For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from input devices such as a keyboard or mouse via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also transmits data to output devices such as a display, speaker, or printer via the input / output interface 1600. The input / output interface 1600 may also function as a media interface for reading programs recorded on a predetermined recording medium (media). Examples of media include optical recording media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) and PDs (Phase Change Rewritable Disks), magneto-optical recording media such as MOs (Magneto-Optical Disks), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory.

[0114] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as an allocation management device 100 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 realizes functions such as the control unit 130 by executing an allocation management program loaded on the RAM 1200. The HDD 1400 stores the allocation management program according to this disclosure and data in the storage unit 120. The CPU 1100 reads and executes the program data 1450 from the HDD 1400, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via an external network 1550.

[0115] Furthermore, this technology can also be configured as follows: (1) An assignment management device having an acquisition unit that acquires time slots for work designated by a contractor, and an assignment unit that assigns workers to the work within the time slots based on an index which is information representing the workload of each worker. (2) The assignment management device according to (1), wherein the index includes information representing the difficulty of the work, information representing the amount of experience in the work, and information representing the time of the work. (3) The assignment management device according to any one of (1) to (2), wherein the assignment unit assigns workers to the work within the time slots in such a way that the number of workers is minimized and the total number of work is maximized. (4) The assignment management device according to (3), wherein the assignment unit assigns workers in such a way that the variance of the index for each worker is less than a predetermined threshold. (5) The assignment management device according to (3), wherein the assignment unit assigns workers in such a way that the sum of the indices for all workers is less than a predetermined threshold. (6) The assignment management device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the assignment unit assigns workers using a model that takes the time frame and the index of each worker as input and outputs the workers to be assigned to each time frame. (7) The assignment management device according to (6), wherein the model receives input of the time frame and the index of each worker through dialogue with an operator and outputs the workers to be assigned. (8) The assignment management device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the assignment unit receives input of conditions relating to each worker and further assigns workers to the work in the time frame according to the conditions. (9) The assignment management device according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising a presentation unit that presents the correspondence between the time frame and the workers to be assigned to the time frame. (10) The assignment management device according to (9), wherein the presentation unit receives an instruction to change the correspondence and presents the content of the instructed change. (11) The assignment management device according to (10), wherein the display unit further displays a message notifying the details of the change.(12) The assignment management device according to (10) or (11), wherein the display unit further notifies the content of the change by changing the color. (13) The assignment management device according to (9), wherein the display unit displays a message notifying the change when the time frame is changed. (14) The assignment management device according to (9), wherein the display unit displays a message notifying the change when the person assigned to the time frame is changed to unavailable. (15) The assignment management device according to any one of (1) to (9), further comprising a notification unit that notifies the outside of the change when the time frame or the person assigned to the time frame is changed to unavailable. (16) An assignment management method, comprising a computer acquiring time frames for work specified by a contractor and assigning workers to the work in the time frames based on an index which is information representing the workload for each worker. (17) An assignment management program for causing a computer to function as an assignment management device having: an acquisition unit that acquires time slots for work designated by a contractor; and an assignment unit that assigns workers to the work within the time slots based on an index which is information representing the workload of each worker.

[0116] 100 Assignment management device 110 Communication unit 120 Storage unit 121 Worker DB 122 Task DB 123 Worker task DB 130 Control unit 131 Acquisition unit 132 Assignment unit 133 Presentation unit 134 Notification unit

Claims

1. An assignment management device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires time slots for tasks designated by a contracting company; and an assignment unit that assigns workers to tasks within the time slots based on an index that represents the workload of each worker.

2. The assignment management device according to claim 1, wherein the index includes information representing the difficulty level of the task, information representing the amount of experience in the task, and information representing the time spent on the task.

3. The assignment unit assigns workers to tasks within the time frame in such a way that the number of workers is minimized and the total number of tasks is maximized, as described in claim 1.

4. The assignment unit assigns workers such that the variance of the index for each worker is less than a predetermined threshold, as described in claim 3.

5. The assignment management device according to claim 3, wherein the assignment unit assigns workers such that the sum of the indices of all workers is less than a predetermined threshold.

6. The assignment management device according to claim 1, wherein the assignment unit assigns workers using a model that takes the time frame and the index of each worker as input and outputs the workers to be assigned to each time frame.

7. The assignment management device according to claim 6, wherein the model receives input of the time frame and the index of each worker through interaction with an operator, and outputs the workers to be assigned.

8. The assignment management device according to claim 1, wherein the assignment unit receives input of conditions relating to each worker and further assigns workers to the work within the time frame according to said conditions.

9. The assignment management device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the correspondence between the time slot and the person assigned to the time slot.

10. The assignment management device according to claim 9, wherein the display unit receives an instruction to change the correspondence and displays the content of the instructed change.

11. The assignment management device according to claim 10, wherein the display unit further displays a message notifying the details of the change.

12. The assignment management device according to claim 10, wherein the display unit further notifies the content of the change by changing the color.

13. The assignment management device according to claim 9, wherein the display unit displays a message notifying the change when the time frame is changed.

14. The assignment management device according to claim 9, wherein the display unit displays a message notifying the change when a person assigned to the time slot becomes unavailable for assignment.

15. The assignment management device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies an external party of a change when the time slot or the person assigned to the time slot becomes unavailable for assignment.

16. A method for managing assignments, comprising: a computer acquiring time slots for tasks designated by a contractor; and assigning tasks to tasks within those time slots based on an index that represents the workload of each task worker.

17. An assignment management program for causing a computer to function as an assignment management device having: an acquisition unit that acquires time slots for tasks designated by a contractor; and an assignment unit that assigns workers to tasks within the time slots based on an index that represents the workload of each worker.

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