Work-in-Case Tracking for Individual Process History Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current production management systems struggle to manage the process history of individual works when multiple works with different production processes are held in a single container, as existing technologies either require direct ID tagging of objects like cells or microorganisms, or manage information only at the pallet level, failing to handle cases where each work within a pallet undergoes distinct processes.
Innovation Solution
A production management system that associates a work ID with a holding position within a case capable of holding multiple works, using a case ID tag to identify the case and manage process history databases, allowing for the tracking of each work's history through a database that updates holding positions and process information accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an ID tag is applied to a container holding multiple works, then the container can be identified and managed, but individual work history within the container cannot be tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the identification system into two levels: container-level ID tags for locating the container, and work-level ID tags for identifying individual works within the container. This segmentation allows both container management and individual work tracking to coexist without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested identification structure where work ID tags are contained within container ID tags. The system first identifies the container through its ID tag, then identifies individual works within that container through their respective ID tags, creating a hierarchical tracking system.
2Loss of information
If one container per work is used, then individual work history can be managed, but storage space is wasted and handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple works into a single container for efficient handling and storage, while simultaneously maintaining individual identification for each work through separate ID tags. This allows the system to benefit from both consolidated handling and individual tracking.
3Measurement precision
If ID tags are applied to each work, then individual work can be identified, but works like cells and microorganisms cannot be directly tagged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the container as an intermediary carrier that can be tagged when the actual work (such as cells or microorganisms) cannot be directly tagged. The container ID tag serves as a proxy for managing works that are difficult to tag directly, while still enabling individual work identification through additional work-level tags.
4Ease of operation
If pallet-level information management is used, then handling is simplified, but individual work process history cannot be tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information management system into pallet-level information for handling efficiency and work-level information for detailed process history tracking. This allows the system to maintain both simplified handling procedures and comprehensive individual work records.
Data Source
AI summary
A production management system includes a storage unit and a controller. The storage unit is configured to store a holding position at which a first work is held among holding positions of the holding unit including first and second cases respectively capable of holding a plurality of works and a work ID identifying the first work in such a manner that the holding position and the work ID of the first work are associated each other. The controller configured to change information of the holding position associated with the work ID of the first work in the storage unit from a first position to a second position if, within the first case, the first work held at the first position is held anew in the second position different from the first position.