Schedule Management Apparatus for Worker-Production Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production schedule management systems struggle to effectively integrate and display the relationship between production schedules and the number of workers employed in preparation work, particularly in production lines producing multiple models of products.
Innovation Solution
A schedule managing method and apparatus that includes inputting the number of workers involved in arrangement work, adjusting the start or end time points of preparation and production schedules based on work quantity and worker numbers, and displaying these schedules and worker numbers along a production time point, using a managing computer with inputters, changers, and display processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a production schedule and preparation schedule are managed separately without integrating worker information, then the scheduling system is simple to operate, but it becomes difficult to know the relationship between production schedule and number of workers employed in preparation work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the production schedule management and preparation schedule management into a single integrated system. The Gantt chart display combines both schedules and worker information in one unified interface, allowing users to view the relationships between production activities, preparation activities, and worker allocation simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate management systems while preserving ease of operation through a single comprehensive display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the traditional Gantt chart by incorporating worker information as a additional layer of data. Instead of only showing time-based production and preparation schedules, the system now displays worker allocation along the same time axis, creating a multi-dimensional view that includes schedule and resource allocation. This allows users to see how many workers are employed at each time point without complicating the basic interface.
2Loss of time
If the number of workers in preparation work is increased to complete arrangement work faster, then the preparation work can be completed sooner, but the cost of labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows flexible adjustment of worker numbers to match the actual needs of preparation work. Instead of employing a fixed number of workers, the schedule can be optimized to use the minimum necessary workers at each time point. The Gantt chart display shows the exact worker requirements for each preparation task, enabling managers to allocate workers partially or excessively based on real-time needs rather than maintaining a constant workforce.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic worker allocation where the number of workers assigned to preparation work can vary over time according to the schedule requirements. The system calculates and displays the optimal number of workers needed at each time point based on the preparation work quantity and duration. This dynamic approach allows the workforce size to fluctuate - increasing workers when preparation work intensity is high and decreasing them when it is low - thereby optimizing both time completion and labor cost.
3Productivity
If the preparation work schedule is adjusted to accommodate changes in worker availability, then worker utilization is optimized, but the production schedule may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where changes in the preparation schedule are immediately reflected in the production schedule display. When worker availability changes or preparation work duration is adjusted, the Gantt chart automatically recalculates and shows the impact on subsequent production activities. This real-time feedback allows managers to see the ripple effects of worker utilization changes on production timelines, enabling informed decisions about whether to maintain worker optimization or prioritize production deadlines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for preliminary adjustment of preparation schedules before production activities begin. By planning and displaying the preparation work schedule in advance with associated worker allocation, the system enables managers to identify potential delays before they affect production. The integrated Gantt chart shows the critical path and dependencies, allowing proactive adjustments to worker allocation or preparation timing to prevent production delays while maintaining optimal worker utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A schedule managing method includes: a number-of-worker inputting step of inputting the number of workers who perform arrangement work of arranging the members to arrangement means, in association with a production time point for producing products; a preparation time point changing step of changing a start time point or an end time point of the arrangement work in a preparation work schedule based on a work quantity of the arrangement work and the number of workers; a production time point changing step of changing a start time point or an end time point of production of the products in a production schedule based on a start time point or an end time point of the changed arrangement work; and a displaying step of displaying the production schedule, the preparation work schedule, and the number of workers along the production time point.