Process Management Bands for Article Value Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process management methods fail to effectively display retention of articles based on their value, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and increased costs due to the inability to reflect article value in retention visualization.
Innovation Solution
A process management apparatus and method that acquires and displays information using bands representing process regions and retention regions, where the length of the bands corresponds to the value and time period of article processing, allowing for visual representation of retention based on both quantity and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If retention of articles is displayed using only process schedules, then the display is simple, but the value information of articles cannot be reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional timeline display to a two-dimensional display where the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents article value. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous visualization of both temporal schedules and value magnitudes without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the display parameters by introducing value-based visual encodings (color intensity, band height) in addition to time-based positioning. This parameter enrichment enables the display to convey both schedule information and value information through the same visual structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If articles are retained between processes, then process scheduling flexibility is improved, but operation rate decreases and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the visual display shows the relationship between retention periods and article values. This feedback enables managers to identify high-value retention cases and adjust schedules to reduce unnecessary retention, thereby improving operation rate while maintaining necessary scheduling flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color intensity variations in the retention region to visually encode article value magnitude. High-value retentions are displayed with more intense colors, providing immediate visual feedback that guides scheduling decisions to balance flexibility and productivity
3Quantity of substance
If greater quantity or value of articles is handled, then process capacity is improved, but waste due to retention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the visual representation to encode article value through multiple parameters (vertical position, color intensity, band height). This allows the display to simultaneously show quantity handled and potential waste, enabling managers to identify cases where high-value articles are subject to excessive retention
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a process management apparatus, a process management method, and a storage medium that can display retention of articles based on a value of the articles handled in the process in addition to a time period of the process. A process management apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a time period in which a process to handle articles is performed and a value of the articles; a generation unit that generates information used for displaying bands indicating at least two process regions surrounded by two first sides opposed to each other and two second sides connecting endpoints of the two first sides and a retention region connecting the first sides of the two process regions to each other that are temporally adjacent; and a display control unit that performs control to display the bands based on the information used for displaying the bands. The first sides have a length corresponding to the value of articles, and the second sides have a length corresponding to the time period in which a process is performed.