DE10319883A1 - Computer based planning system for the manufacture of complex products such as road vehicles in an automated process. - Google Patents

Abstract

The computer based production planning system has an electronic data base in which all component details are stored that are needed to relate to time and capacity considerations. Ordering data is automatically processed and the processing time determined together with the establishment of the work programme. Comparisons are made to fulfill the criteria established to meet the order.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for order tracking in the manufacture of complex products as well as a corresponding one Computer program product and a corresponding computer readable Storage medium, which can be used in particular to keep the current Order file of a variety of products across the entire order processing process to pursue.

The Possibility, individual orders Tracking in the order flow is made by companies for selected users variously already made available. This job dialog also exists, usually via an APPC interface, to trade. Access via a web browser is already for Individual vehicles realized. Just persecuting an individual Order through the different process stages still brings no gain in efficiency. Also, this doesn't help customer problems proactively solve. To the solution These problems need to be focused on an operational respectively Process level to be shifted.

The Order tracking was developed in the course of technical Progress through which a product order by end consumers per Internet enables has been. Increasing "pipeline" transparency of the individual product development phases for the customer forces manufacturers to first make those processes transparent that are related to achieving the promised delivery times and deadlines. Currently each department optimizes its own process segments based on Performance measurements that are not necessarily compatible with the entire order pipeline.

The supervision and coordination of orders, measured by the predefined process lead times and the one with the customer agreed delivery date, are main criteria to compete to be able to participate; they no longer pose a comparative competitive advantage. Become present the available Systems, processes and organization are not used optionally to this To achieve goal.

It has been found to be historical measurements of delivery reliability are not sufficient to reliably meet delivery dates. proactive Online activity with defined responsibilities throughout the pipeline are not yet available. It is therefore not possible that Manufacturers have a variety of orders spread across the entire pipeline are to monitor are able to. It is therefore not possible to manage orders and proactive on changes to respond, which affect the agreed delivery date.

From the European patent specification EP 0 852 769 B1 a method is known for the situation-dependent automatic disposition about or activation of resources for the completion of orders. The aim of this procedure is to coordinate existing resources - including technical systems and facilities, but also organizational units - and the orders to be processed. It is not intended to track individual orders, nor is it described.

The German patent specification DE 199 02 056 C1 discloses a method for determining an order sequence for manufacturing plants. The aim of this invention is to optimize the overall manufacturing costs. A later influence on the order processing process is no longer considered.

A device for controlling the automatic data flow between data processing devices for operational order processing is described in the German utility model DE 201 19 282 U1 described. With this device, the unification of the information flow is achieved. Communication between different software modules or data processing devices is made possible by assigning a set of product variables to each product and generating specific data sets for each software module or data processing device by the device based on this set of product variables.

• – In den operativen Systemen bestehen zwar vereinzelt Teilfunktionen von T&T (= Track & Trace, Verfolgung), Monitoring, ETA ("Estimated Time of Arrival" = geschätztes Lieferdatum), Search & Locate, aber diese sind nicht einheitlich zu bedienen und nicht durchgängig vorhanden.
• – Eine prozessübergreifende, konsistente Entscheidungsgrundlage ist nicht vorhanden, da sowohl semantische als auch syntaktische Unterschiede in den Teilsystemen bestehen.
• – Die vorhandene Analyse/Messung von Liefertreue ist höchstens tagesaktuell und wird größtenteils nur passiv angewandt.

With regard to order tracking, there is therefore a need for an integrated process in terms of the systems, processes and people who act on and monitor the products in the pipeline. So far, there is no consistent process that makes the entire process from order entry to delivery transparent. The fragmentation of the overall process / breaking down the process into individual fragments leads to a sub-optional attempt to monitor and fulfill the customer's request by receiving the ordered product at the promised delivery time. Proposed solutions in particular have the following disadvantages:

• - In the operative systems there are individual sub-functions of T&T (= Track & Trace, tracking), monitoring, ETA ("Estimated Time of Arrival" = estimated delivery date), Search & Locate, but these cannot be used consistently and are not available consistently ,
• - There is no consistent basis for decision-making across processes, since there are both semantic and syntactic differences in the subsystems.
• - The existing analysis / measurement of delivery reliability is up to date at most and is mostly only used passively.

The The object of the invention is therefore a method and Arrangement for order tracking in the manufacture of complex Products and a corresponding computer program product and to implement a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which solve the named disadvantages of the known solutions and in particular the product order throughput from order acceptance to delivery as well as individual products (for example individual vehicles) as well as for product volume (e.g. vehicle volume) transparent, qualified current Appointment statements within the entire process route with inclusion defined checkpoints to the destination as well as an early, Predictive detection of process disruptions (e.g. capacities / deadlines) enable and a user-friendly, process-oriented and cross-departmental Product tracking and early warning system provide.

This The object is achieved by a method according to the invention, an arrangement according to the invention, an inventive computer program product and a storage medium according to the invention with the in the claims 1, 16, 20 and 21 features resolved. Further preferred configurations the invention result from the remaining, mentioned in the subclaims Features.

• – in wenigstens einer elektronischen Datenbank werden für wenigstens einen Teil der zu fertigenden Produkte Auftragsdatensätze abrufbar gespeichert, welche Parameter umfassen, die der Abbildung des Auftragsabwicklungsprozesses dienen, wie Zeit- und/oder Kapazitätsvorgaben, Kosten und/oder dergleichen,
• – während des Auftragsabwicklungsprozesses werden wenigstens zeitweise
• – Auftragsdatensätze automatisch aktualisiert und/oder ergänzt,
• – zusätzliche, auf den Auftragsabwicklungsprozess Einfluss nehmende Ereignisse beschreibende Daten ausgewertet und anhand der Ergebnisse dieser Auswertung bei Erfüllung vorgebbarer Kriterien erfolgt eine (Neu-)Berechnung von Parametern der Auftragsdatensätze wenigstens eines Teils der zu fertigenden Produkte,
• – Auftragsdatensätze automatisch mit Sollvorgaben wie Zeit, Kapazität, Kosten und/oder vordefinierten Prozessregeln verglichen und Abweichungen von Sollvorgaben in den Auftragsdatensätzen abgespeichert und/oder signalisiert,
• – einzelne Schritte des Auftragsabwicklungsprozesses in Abhängigkeit der Ergebnisse des Vergleichs von Auftragsdatensätzen und Sollvorgaben automatisch neu festgelegt,
• – für alle bei der Auftragsverfolgung berücksichtigten Prozessschritte werden durch die automatische Abarbeitung von Suchanfragen Parameter der Auftragsdatensätze von Einzelaufträgen und/oder Volumen verfügbar gemacht.

A particular advantage of the method according to the invention for order tracking in the manufacture of complex products is that if the method is used, proactive influence can be exerted in every phase of the order processing process, if at least the following steps are carried out:

• - Order data records are stored in at least one electronic database for at least some of the products to be manufactured, which include parameters that serve to map the order processing process, such as time and / or capacity specifications, costs and / or the like,
• - at least temporarily during the order processing process
• - Order data records automatically updated and / or supplemented,
• - additional data describing events influencing the order processing process are evaluated and, based on the results of this evaluation when predefinable criteria are met, (re) calculation of parameters of the order data records of at least some of the products to be manufactured is carried out,
• - Order data records are automatically compared with target specifications such as time, capacity, costs and / or predefined process rules and deviations from target specifications are stored and / or signaled in the order data records,
• - individual steps of the order processing process are automatically redefined depending on the results of the comparison of order data records and target specifications,
• - For all process steps taken into account in order tracking, parameters of the order data records of individual orders and / or volumes are made available through the automatic processing of search queries.

On Such a procedure has the particular advantage that events such as bottlenecks in the delivery of parts, time targets not achieved within the Order throughput or transport problems automatically are evaluated whether they delay the delivery of the Create product to the customer. If this happens, it is done a recalculation of the delivery date. if necessary other dates and processes within the order processing process automatically modified.

A Arrangement, in particular a computer system, for order tracking in the production of complex products, especially motor vehicles, is advantageously set up so that it has at least one Processor comprises, the (the) processor (s) set up in this way is (are) that order tracking in the manufacture of complex products, especially of motor vehicles, according to a of claims 1 to 15 feasible is.

On Computer program for order tracking in the manufacture of complex products, especially of motor vehicles, makes it possible a computer after it is loaded into the computer's memory has been an order tracking in the manufacture of complex Products, in particular motor vehicles, according to one of claims 1 to 15 perform.

For example, such a computer program (for a fee or free of charge, freely accessible or password-protected) can be made available for download in a data or communication network. Computer programs provided in this way can then be used by a method in which a computer program according to An 20 is downloaded from a network for data transmission, such as from the Internet, to a data processing device connected to the network.

Around order tracking in the manufacture of complex products, in particular of motor vehicles, is advantageous a computer-readable storage medium used on which a program is saved, which allows a computer after it is in memory the computer has been loaded, an order tracking at the Manufacture of complex products, in particular motor vehicles, according to one of claims 1 to 15 to perform.

A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that in addition to the phases "order entry", "order planning", "production", "distribution" of the order processing process in particular the process phases "adoption Customer order / sales contract "with Capture the desired and / or promised delivery dates and "handover of the product, especially vehicles, to the customer "through automatic order tracking be recorded.

• – Eingang Kundenbestellung,
• – Bestellerfassung,
• – erstmalige korrekte Baubarkeitsprüfung,
• – erstmalige korrekte Kapazitätsprüfung,
• – aktuelle Neuvergabe der Schauglaswoche beim Hersteller,
• – Eingang Änderungstrichter,
• – Ende Änderungsmöglichkeit Handel,
• – Vergabe einer Kenn-Nummer,
• – Start und/oder Rohbau,
• – Einlauf und/oder Ende Lackiererei,
• – Start Montage,
• – ZP-7 Produktion
• – ZP-8,
• – Verantwortungswechsel,
• – Versand ab Produktionswerk
• – Ankunft/Versand Verschiffungshafen,
• – Ankunft/Versand Zielbahnhof,
• – Eingang Händler,
• – Übergabe Kunde
• – und/oder ähnlichen Checkpoints.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method for order tracking, it is provided that the order tracking takes place on the basis of predefinable points (checkpoints) of the order processing process. This ensures that deviations in order processing are also recognized in special sub-process steps. In particular, the following checkpoints provide important clues for assessing the order processing process:

• - receipt of customer order,
• - order entry,
• - first correct buildability check,
• - correct capacity check for the first time,
• - current new allocation of the sight glass week at the manufacturer,
• - input change funnel,
• - end of change option trade,
• - allocation of an identification number,
• - start and / or shell construction,
• - inlet and / or end of paint shop,
• - start assembly,
• - ZP-7 production
• - ZP-8,
• - change of responsibility,
• - Dispatch from the production plant
• - Arrival / shipping port of shipment,
• - arrival / dispatch destination station,
• - Entrance dealer,
• - Customer handover
• - and / or similar checkpoints.

Of This proves to be an advantage addition, if the order tracking is the continuous tracking of current events related to orders, parts availability, Warehouse situation and / or business processes includes. For Order tracking it is still beneficial when monitoring the order processing process in terms of time, Capacity, Costs and / or predefined process rules are carried out.

On another advantage of the method according to the invention is that that deviations from target specifications such as time, capacities, costs or the like are signaled automatically. In a special embodiment it is provided that the signaling is visual and / or acoustic or by sending e-mail and / or messages via SMS and / or done through other communication techniques. It is also possible that the signaling over a PDA setup or a web page takes place.

In a further preferred embodiment the invention provides that individual orders or groups of orders in particular are marked (flagging) and individual orders marked in this way or Order groups monitored and / or according to specific, specifiable criteria be particularly signaled.

• – das Produktvolumen, insbesondere Fahrzeugvolumen, und/oder Aufträge, insbesondere Fahrzeugaufträge, welche sich innerhalb erlaubter zeitlicher Abweichungen befindet,
• – Produkte, insbesondere Fahrzeuge, die sich außerhalb von definierten Standard-Prozesszeiten befinden,
• – das Produktvolumen, insbesondere Fahrzeugvolumen, für einen oder mehrere Prozessteilstrecken und/oder
• – das Produktvolumen, insbesondere Fahrzeugvolumen, für die Gesamtstrecke.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the following parameters in particular can be queried and / or displayed:

• The product volume, in particular vehicle volume, and / or orders, in particular vehicle orders, which are within permitted time deviations,
• - Products, especially vehicles, which are outside of defined standard process times,
• - The product volume, in particular vehicle volume, for one or more process sections and / or
• - The product volume, in particular vehicle volume, for the entire route.

Furthermore it is an advantage of the method according to the invention that deviations of the parameter "Delivery date to the customer "especially be signaled.

As It also proves advantageous if the evaluation of the events affecting the order processing process, such as Availability of components, usable surface and / or transport capacities, the calculation of expected transport volumes at defined Checkpoints, new time specifications for defined process sections and / or a new delivery date.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention It is intended that the results of a search query are dependent on of access data are issued or provided.

A another preferred embodiment of the The invention provides that data of the order data records is decentralized via Internet and / or intranet are available and / or via internet and / or intranet to be provided.

For order tracking it also proves to be advantageous if the arrangement according to the invention for order tracking, an integrated product database with the data used in the order tracking process. It's about it also advantageous if the arrangement means for data exchange with external databases such as databases for a product order management and comparison system, databases for an integrated product order and management system, databases for a product handling system or The like has to update the in the method for Order tracking data used.

Around efficiently on the order tracking method according to the invention to be able to access generated data, it is also advantageous if the arrangement means for data exchange via a Data and / or communication network such as the Internet and / or has an intranet.

As Another advantage of the invention is that the invention as an order tracking system for a lot of orders is designed. The current order status can thus be used across the entire order processing process to be viewed as. If there is a delay, an early warning system will be set up activated to inform the working level, if necessary management. Since it is not enough to just know that a delay has occurred is a proactive management decision based on information about the reason for the delay, the expected duration of the delay and the number of affected Products supported. A history of known problems helps avoid similar ones Problems for the future.

The In the following, the invention is described in exemplary embodiments on the basis of the associated Drawings closer explained. Show it:

1 a schematic illustration of the phases and dates / parameters of an order processing process for the production of a complex product;

2 a representation of the interaction of the components of an arrangement for performing the method according to the invention and

3 an illustration of the assignment of the most important data sources to the checkpoints of an exemplary embodiment.

The The exemplary embodiment to be described below relates order tracking in the manufacture of a motor vehicle. It builds on existing systems that track individual Vehicles through individual phases in the order pipeline already enable. An integrated process for however, these systems do not enable vehicle tracking. None of these systems provide the required functions / functionalities Available. In particular, existing systems do not allow orders to be replenished Time, capacities, Monitor costs or other business-relevant parameters and therefore only offer functional transparency in isolation. There is beyond that no quality lead-time management in these systems with the customer as a target group. That is why with conventional systems the distribution systems for Order and delivery not taken into account or only insufficiently considered.

To access the order tracking system 101 In an exemplary embodiment, the system is implemented as a web application to enable it to be as universal as possible. The users therefore only need an HTML browser to use the system. A user's requests are processed on an application server. The application server accesses additional databases for processing, or a special database of its own is used to monitor the execution of the order, which is fed by the other databases.

In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement according to the invention comprises a database which integrates the sales and production systems at the manufacturer level. For this exemplary embodiment, this database is to be referred to below as an integrated vehicle database (IFA) 102 be designated. The sales systems for ordering and delivery are also advantageously in the IFA 102 integrated.

• – Online- und Batch-Annahme aller Fahrzeugbestellungen aus der nationalen und internationalen Vertriebsorganisation sowie interner und externer Direktabnehmer,
• – Prüfen der Bestellungen gegen eine Modellbeschreibung auf technische Baubarkeit,
• – Bestellabgleich gegen Mengen- oder Kapazitätsvorgaben (in Schaugläsern),
• – Online- und Batch-Bestätigung des geplanten Produktionstermins erste Schauglaswoche (SGW),
• – bei Nichteinhaltung des Wunschtermins Kommunikation der Fehler beziehungsweise Gründe,
• – Erstellung eines Wochenprogramms gemäß Produktionsprogramm,
• – Bestätigung/Dateninformation des geplanten Wochenprogramms an Vertriebsorganisationen und Auftragsabwicklungsfolgesysteme.

With the IFA database 102 communicate other systems, such as:
Databases for a vehicle order management and matching system (FAVAS) 103 with the functions:

• - Online and batch acceptance of all vehicle names positions from the national and international sales organization as well as internal and external direct customers,
• - Checking the orders against a model description for technical buildability,
• - Order comparison against quantity or capacity specifications (in sight glasses),
• - Online and batch confirmation of the planned production date for the first sight glass week (SGW),
• - Failure to meet the desired deadline for communication of the errors or reasons,
• - Creation of a weekly program according to the production program,
• - Confirmation / data information of the planned weekly program to sales organizations and order processing follow-up systems.

• – Übernahme der Auftragsdaten der zu fertigenden Fahrzeuge aus anderen Datenbanken wie zum Beispiel FAVAS 103,
• – Aufbereitung dieser Daten für Belange der Fertigung, Logistik oder Finanz,
• – Unterstützung der Dispositionssysteme des Teilebedarfs, Beauftragung der Produktionssysteme,
• – Aufnahme von Statusmeldungen zum Produktionsfortschritt der Fahrzeuge, Online-Dialog mit Verwaltungsfunktionen wie "Anzeigen", "Ändern", "Stornieren", "Auszählen" und dergleichen,
• – Übergabe der Daten von fertiggestellten Fahrzeugen an die Abschlusssysteme des Vertriebs, wie zum Beispiel das Automobil-Abwicklungssystem (ATLAS).

Databases for an integrated vehicle order and management system (INFAS) with functions such as:

• - Transfer of the order data of the vehicles to be manufactured from other databases such as FAVAS 103 .
• - preparation of this data for manufacturing, logistics or financial matters,
• - Support of the disposition systems of the parts requirement, commissioning of the production systems,
• - Recording of status reports on the production progress of the vehicles, online dialog with administrative functions such as "display", "change", "cancel", "count" and the like,
• - Transfer of data from finished vehicles to the sales closing systems, such as the automotive processing system (ATLAS).

• – Fahrzeugabwicklung vom Wochensoll nach Tagen bis zur Fahrzeugauslieferung an Händler, Importeure und Direktabnehmer,
• – Versandabwicklung: Übernahme des Fahrzeugstatus aus dem Produktionsbereich, Ermittlung der Versandbereitschaft am ZP-8, Platzverwaltung, Versandziel-Änderungen und Erstellung der Versandunterlagen,
• – Transportabwicklung: Buchung eines Transportvolumens in einen Auftrag für den Transportführer, Übermittlung des Auftrags an den Transportführer, Umsetzung aller Transporte in eine detaillierte Transportkette, Weitergabe aller Transportleistungen an ein Finanzsystem,
• – Erstellung des Fahrzeugbriefes.

Databases for an automotive handling system (ATLAS) with the functions:

• - Vehicle processing from the weekly target by days to vehicle delivery to dealers, importers and direct buyers,
• - Dispatch processing: transfer of the vehicle status from the production area, determination of the readiness for dispatch on the ZP-8, place management, changes to the dispatch destination and preparation of the dispatch documents,
• - Transport processing: booking of a transport volume in an order for the carrier, transmission of the order to the carrier, implementation of all transports in a detailed transport chain, transfer of all transport services to a financial system,
• - Creation of the vehicle registration document.

2 uses an exemplary embodiment to illustrate the interaction of the databases with the order tracking system according to the invention 101 , The order tracking system 101 accesses two databases: the IFA database 102 (hereinafter IFA-DB 102 called) resulting from FAVAS 103 , INFAS 104 and ATLAS 105 feeds and contains the current (vehicle order) data, and to a second database, hereinafter referred to as volume DB 106 indicates the data that is required for a global view of the order processing process.

To the IFA-DB 102 the order tracking system intervenes with the current data 101 when processing individual queries from a user 107 to while the order tracking system 101 for volume queries on the volume DB 106 accesses. (The query results are a report 108 output.)

The IFA-DB 102 writes your data at short intervals (for example 30 minutes) into another database in which the history of IFA is documented. This history DB 109 also contains other data (model texts, model groups, country terms), each in special databases 110 are filed. The volume DB 106 which from the order tracking system 101 used for volume queries is fed from the history DB 109 , whereby the update takes place at larger intervals (about once or twice a day).

2 also shows that FAVAS 103 , INFAS 104 and ATLAS 105 a module 111 to calculate the expected delivery date (ETA) to create your data. The ETA module 111 again accesses another database 112 to, which contains information about the order processing process, such as transport costs, target times, space capacities and the like.

For each vehicle, the checkpoints are written in these databases, which can be used to track the order flow for each vehicle. The assignment of the most important data sources to the checkpoints is in 3 shown.

From the ordering systems 113 of the manufacturer or importer, order or change data are transferred and into the vehicle order management and comparison system (FAVAS 103 ) transfer. FAVAS 103 provides this data for the integrated vehicle database (IFA-DB 102 ) ready, so IFA 102 If necessary, this data can be accessed, for example, in the process sections "Order entry / order entry manufacturer" or "Change vehicle specification". Accordingly, data from the production systems 114 taken over by the registration reports and in INFAS 104 filed where they are for IFA 102 stand by ("start / end of shell", "inlet / end of paint shop", ..., "ZP-8 production").

EDI performance reports 115 the service provider and shipping reports 116 of independent companies go to the ATLAS database 105 on. IFA 102 accesses these in ATLAS 105 stored data, for example in the process sections "ready for dispatch", "change of responsibility", "exit location, mode of transport change" or "entrance location, change location". Importers' incoming and outgoing messages 117 are also in ATLAS 105 and are available, for example, for the sections "Incoming dealer" and "Handing over to the customer".

In 1 a schematic illustration of the order processing process is given. In particular, in 1 the description of the individual phases of the order processing process such as order acceptance, order scheduling, production etc. for the most important parameters or dates such as planning, delivery or handover dates or order or plant throughput times.

A The essential function of the method according to the invention is the ETA determination (Estimated Time of Arrival).

aim is for the entire process from customer order to delivery to determine an expected planned duration for the customer, to give the customer an expected handover date when placing the order to mention, on the other hand also the possibility for process owners to give compliance with the expected, agreed dates to control.

The Calculation of the lead times from the manufacturer's perspective is by the delivering company Factory and the vehicle destination. For this, a table is created, depending on the plant Predefined order processing process target times within the Process. After determining all relevant checkpoints (compare the detailed Description below) can do this Experience has shown that values from historical lead-time data be polished extra.

there differentiated levels for ETA determination are possible:

Level I includes a rough determination:

When ordering a customer, the vehicle must be scheduled in a production plant. The source and sink of the overall process for this order have thus been determined. The overall process will be divided into six sections in stage I:
Section I Customer order / sales contract
Section II Incoming orders / changes (importer / region, manufacturer)
Section III Order Scheduling (Week, Day)
Section IV Manufacturing
Section V Distribution
Section VI Delivery / handover to the customer

The for the Sections required duration (day / week) is shown in tables as average value (from the past). This Set values for each process section represents the target. By adding these An estimated destination delivery date is determined.

Level II fine determination:

• – ZP-8 bis Werkausgang (werk- und Transportträgerart-abhängige Dauer),
• – Werkausgang bis Depot-/Lager-/ZB-Eingang sowie den
• – Prozess von Depot-/Lager-/ZB-Eingang bis -Ausgang beziehungsweise Händlereingang.

For stage II, a detailed definition and modeling of the individual sections is required, as will be illustrated using the example of distribution: In stage II, the distribution section is also divided as follows:

• - ZP-8 up to factory exit (duration depending on the type of carrier and carrier),
• - Factory exit to depot / warehouse / ZB entrance and the
• - Process from depot / warehouse / ZB receipt to exit or dealer receipt.

There in certain circumstances the middle process can occur several times, one must be given when the order is accepted Online plant booking is carried out and the transport route is determined so that the required sections are defined in time. This is implemented automatically in the system, since manual maintenance not possible is.

The inventive method offers the possibility one continuous Order tracking. Level II is due to the diversity of processes can only be implemented with system support. A detailed Pursuit and timely intervention in the process are those Benefits.

ever after use of level I to II the determination of the expected handover time approximately or with a large one Accuracy possible which in turn is the basis for the functions determination, alerting, detection, flagging and intervention or acceleration of late vehicles have to be.

Within of those mentioned six process stages, the checkpoints are compared with their time targets. delays are highlighted in the chart, for example marked in red. Can delays within the subsequent processes / checkpoints cannot be compensated, triggers this is a recalculation of the original delivery date (ETA) off.

The invention presented in an exemplary Embodiment is described, provides an integrated system environment in which measurement and monitoring criteria can be predefined, and which provides the following functionality:
Track & Trace:
Continuous tracking of current events, based on orders, parts availability, storage situation and business processes.
Monitoring:
Five monitoring criteria are shown: quantity, time, capacity (s), costs and predefined process rules.
Early warning against target specifications (warning):
Is directly related to the advertisement; of all key points not reached in terms of time, restrictive capacities, costs - also in combination within the process regulations. Process-related events, such as problems with the PDI, are also pointed out. These warnings can be communicated via PDA setup, SMS, website and email address.
Calculation of target dates ETA (expected delivery date): The expected delivery date is calculated from the time the order is accepted (trading), the time required for planning, including capacity checks, to the average time required per point of delivery and the subsequent process for billing, provision, transport and delivery. The prerequisite for this is that every measurable step in this overall process is defined in terms of time and dependencies and is adjusted if necessary.
Searching and locating:
This central function provides the necessary detailed information. The flexible query options offer the opportunity to transparently display detailed information from all sub-processes of the overall process. The "Search and Find" function represents the possibilities and effectiveness in the virtual market very clearly.
Marking:
With this function, the internal / external authorized user is able to mark individual orders and / or defined order groups and to automatically receive the required information within the ongoing process.
Decentralized access:
Access is via a web page. Immediately available information is the key criterion for transparency and collaboration.

• – Eingang Kundenbestellung (Vertrag)
• – Bestelleingang Händler
• – Bestelleingang Importeur
• – gewünschter Liefertermin des Kunden
• – zugesagter Liefertermin (Datum) an Kunde
• – Fahrzeugeingang beim Händler/Importeur
• – Auslieferung an den Kunden

The entire order processing - from customer (order) to customer (delivery) = KK process - is achieved by evaluating and monitoring the following information in the system in addition to the previously considered order management data, such as order planning, production, distribution:

• - Receipt of customer order (contract)
• - Incoming orders from dealers
• - Order entry importer
• - Desired delivery date of the customer
• - promised delivery date (date) to customer
• - Vehicle receipt at the dealer / importer
• - Delivery to the customer

In order to succeeds in matching the target and actual process flows while of the whole process.

While so far the one requested by the customer Delivery date not taken into account stayed and the delivery dates from the dealer, based on the sight glass week (SGW) from the factory, estimated were, can through the combination of Sight Glass Week (SGW) and the method according to the invention order tracking the desired one The customer's delivery date is transparent throughout the entire process shape. If unpredictable events occur during the order processing process, that affect the promised delivery date, then the desired and the promised delivery date of the customer is taken into account in the process.

Is made possible through tracking and surveillance of all vehicles over the entire order processing process. In addition, by the invention provides active support and operational time management (Determine a new delivery date) provided by vehicles, connected with an early warning system, which signals deviations from target and actual states. this includes for example, displaying the time-critical vehicles as well the reasons for the delay and the responsible contact person to actively intervene if necessary to be able to. supports this is done through a user-friendly information interface (preferably via browser) operational intervention by authorized dispatchers is made possible.

to Determine all of this The necessary process parameters were data from networked databases different systems integrated.

The made available by the system according to the invention Support information create a decision-oriented reporting system for management and the requirements for a process controlling.

For tracking and monitoring (Track & Trace = T & T) of the vehicles, the method / system provides search and monitoring functions in an exemplary embodiment, as well as the possibility of so-called flagging, that is, the possibility of marking important vehicles in order to better track them over the entire or further process progress respectively to be able to monitor.

The Search function allows individual vehicles, PR. (Heavy items) or PR.no. combinations to be tracked within the order processing process. there can search a variety of features / parameters or also Consider combinations of features / parameters, such as Brand, model, commission number, PR number, customer ID, IFA number, Identification number, chassis number, order receipt date, order type, Country, plant, ordering dealer, Service provider, customer or similar.

As well can also search for vehicles in a specific planning country or related to a work.

The Monitoring function allows active monitoring (tracking) and the operational time management of vehicles across the entire order processing process.

On An important aspect of this monitoring function is the display of critical or important sections of the order processing process or deviations from the target specifications. helpful Features include displaying the vehicle volume within permitted temporal deviations and the display of vehicles and / or outside Defined standard process times and / or the display of the vehicle volume within a process section and displaying the vehicle volume distribution over the Total distance.

A another source of information for the active management of the order processing process is through The supervision and reproduction of the reasons for delay under consideration different business rules available made. At least standard delays such as for example FAVAS errors, transport damage, quality problems etc.

factors in case of delays, considering of different business rules, are, for example, customer request dates, quotas, predefined Rules for Special vehicles.

The already mentioned Flagging improves monitoring and tracking important or damaged vehicles. So that can a vehicle-specific signaling of deviations in the order processing process done independently of general guidelines. So can deviations are immediately signaled for marked vehicles if the deviation in the "normal case" is still within the Deviations.

The Flagging is therefore a special case of the general early warning system, in which, for example, target specifications, such as area capacities, transport capacities, capacity limits, target times, Costs, monitored become. An automatic warning function (red traffic light) shows deviations from the planned control process or a proactive notification is made in the event of violations of capacities Limit values (bearings) or business rules.

The automatic alarm is triggered, for example, in the event of deviations from the planned section or in the event of deviations from the planned Delivery date to the customer. Vehicles by target deviate, are shown if necessary.

A there is another important function of the order tracking system in the (re) calculation of target dates during the order processing process. These calculations include the determination of target dates of sub-processes or process steps as well as the determination the delivery date to the customer. This determination includes the comparison of the current order status with the planned delivery date, Customer request date and / or delivery date promised by a dealer.

• – Kundenbestellung/Kaufvertrag
• – Auftragseingang/Änderung (Importeur, Region, Hersteller)
• – Auftragseinplanung
• – Fertigung
• – Distribution
• – Auslieferung

gegliedert. Dabei können diese Teilstrecken durch so genannte Checkpoints weiter untergliedert werden.The calculations of the target dates are carried out on the basis of process modeling both for partial routes and for the overall process. For this is the order processing process in sections

• - Customer order / sales contract
• - Incoming orders / changes (importer, region, manufacturer)
• - Order scheduling
• - manufacturing
• - distribution
• - delivery

divided. These sections can be further subdivided by so-called checkpoints.

A such further subdivision by the checkpoints mentioned is for the reliability of the Early Warning System helpful in order tracking. This detailed breakdown can for example do the following be made:

Customer order / purchase agreement

This stage of the process can be treated very well as a uniform step. The receipt of the customer order (contract date) serves as a checkpoint. At this point, the equipment of the vehicle is determined, the relevant information being entered immediately or at a later date in the System can be entered. This includes, for example, data that occurs exactly once per vehicle, such as: IFA number, ordering company number, commission number, commission number year, chassis number, production plant, model key, interior fittings, color key model group, ordering dealer, delivering dealer, final assembly site, planning responsibility and the like. In addition, data are entered into the system that can occur several times per vehicle, such as PR numbers, ATLAS tax blocking indicators, which still has to be coordinated; possibly controllable via table, error information consisting of error type (for example errors from FAVAS 103 , Manufacturing errors such as ZP-8 not OK, data errors from the ZP-8 completion, errors from the distribution), error keys (for example from the MBV check, damage code from the distribution) and error content / error variable (for Example of faulty element from the MBV check).

New orders / change (Importer / region, manufacturer)

• – Auftragserfassung durch den Besteller,
• – Auftragsprüfung auf formale und technische Gültigkeit sowie Prüfung der verfügbaren Kapazität,
• – Bestätigung der Fertigungswoche, gegebenenfalls Rückbestätigung durch den Händler.

This process section can be divided into three further subsections, namely:

• - Order entry by the customer,
• - Checking the order for formal and technical validity and checking the available capacity,
• - Confirmation of the manufacturing week, if necessary reconfirmation by the dealer.

• – Bestelleingang Händler,
• – Bestelleingang Importeur und
• – Bestätigungseingang Hersteller

unterschieden werden.The three checkpoints can be used for order entry

• - incoming orders from dealers,
• - Order entry importer and
• - Manufacturer's receipt of confirmation

be distinguished.

The Process step of this order entry by the customer covers the events "receipt of the Customer order (contract) "or" order entry / order entry from dealers, Importer or manufacturer ". Data from the order tracking system are essentially the customer's desired date, the customer promised delivery date and the planning week.

As Checkpoint of the section "order review" serves the first time validity and machining test. This refers to the manufacturer's order confirmation.

As Checkpoint of the process section "Confirmation the manufacturing week " the first allocation of the sight glass week (first order confirmation by the manufacturer). This original sight glass week is also handed over to the order tracking system.

Order scheduling (week, Day)

• – Änderungen der Fahrzeugspezifikation durch Wunsch des Kunden nach der Einplanung durch den Hersteller und
• – Einplanung des Auftrages zur Produktion.

The process section of order scheduling can be divided into two subsections:

• - Changes to the vehicle specification at the request of the customer after planning by the manufacturer and
• - Schedule the order for production.

As The checkpoints in the first subsection are the "new allocation of the first SGW" and the "current one Reassignment of the SGW to the manufacturer "is taken into account.

The Checkpoint "reassignment the first SGW " determined by the reassignment of the confirmed production week by change the vehicle specification, the desired planning week or the type of planning by the customer (dealer) or in exceptional cases by Modification by the manufacturer (sales / logistics) in the FAVAS system. This checkpoint contains all orders that have already been booked, but by interference are no longer bookable by the manufacturer.

The Checkpoint "the Sight glass week at the manufacturer "includes all orders, the valid and are capacity checked. It can shift the planned production week by rebooking all assignments come in the FAVAS system. Reasons can be found below other be: changed Land quotas, new or changed Restrictions, postponed deployment dates).

• – Eingang Änderungstrichter (frozen period). Dieser Checkpoint ist durch die Werksvergabe bestimmt. Im System FAVAS wird entsprechend des Produktionsverlaufs (in der Regel fünf Wochen vor ZP-8) das Wochenprogramm erstellt; das heißt die Aufträge sind fest einer Produktionswoche und einem Werk zugeordnet. Es sind Änderungen des Handels im Rahmen definierter Bandbreiten möglich.
• – Ermittlung des Wochentages
• – Ende der Änderungsmöglichkeiten durch den Handel, bestimmt durch die Abgabe des Wochensolls an die Produktion. Die Aufträge der aktuellen Woche werden entsprechend des Produktionsvorlaufs (in der Regel zwei oder drei Wochen vor ZP-8) von FAVAS an INFAS abgegeben. Es sind keine automatischen Änderungen des Handels mehr möglich. Die Aufteilung der Aufträge eines Wochenprogramms auf Tage ist erfolgt und die Produktions-Kenn-Nr. ist vergeben und durch das System INFAS erfasst.

The planning of the order for production includes the following checkpoints:

• - Input funnel (frozen period). This checkpoint is determined by the works contract. The weekly program is created in the FAVAS system in accordance with the production process (usually five weeks before ZP-8); this means that the orders are permanently assigned to a production week and a plant. Trading changes within the scope of defined bandwidths are possible.
• - Determining the day of the week
• - End of the change possibilities through the trade, determined by the delivery of the weekly target to the production. The orders for the current week are submitted by FAVAS to INFAS according to the production lead time (usually two or three weeks before ZP-8). Automatic changes to trading are no longer possible. The orders of a weekly program have been divided into days and the production ID no. is forgiven and by that INFAS system recorded.

If the relevant information is available automatically the dates of the target week, the planned date of ZP-8 and dates for the Sales calculated.

production

• – die Bereitstellung der Aufträge eines Wochensolls aus dem System INFAS an das Produktionssystem der Werke,
• – den Start des Rohbaus, die Erfassungsmeldung aus dem Produktionssystem,
• – das Ende des Rohbaus, Erfassungsmeldung aus dem Produktionssystem,
• – den Einlauf in die Lackiererei (Erfassungsmeldungen aus dem Produktionssystem),
• – das Ende der Lackiererei (Erfassungsmeldungen aus dem Produktionssystem),
• – den Start der Montage,
• – das Ende der Montage,
• – ZP-8

bestimmt sind.The production is divided into the subsections production lead and vehicle completion up to ZP-8. The deadline monitoring in this section of the order process is carried out by checkpoints

• - the provision of orders for a weekly target from the INFAS system to the production system of the plants,
• - the start of the shell, the entry message from the production system,
• - the end of the shell, registration message from the production system,
• - the entry into the paint shop (registration messages from the production system),
• - the end of the paint shop (registration messages from the production system),
• - the start of assembly,
• - the end of assembly,
• - ZP-8

are determined.

Under circumstances can other checkpoints are required, such as the Instrument panel assembly, engine assembly (the so-called Wedding), wheel and disc installation, Seat installation, test benches or the like. With the final check of production as another checkpoint the production ended.

distribution

As Special subsections of the distribution can be passed to the sales department Loading of transport / storage and delivery to the dealer are considered become.

The events that serve as checkpoints during distribution are as follows:
At the beginning there is the handover of the vehicle to the sales department. The dispatch planning begins with this. The next checkpoint is marked by a change of responsibility. This is expressed in the fact that the vehicle is stored on behalf of the dealer or converted by service providers. The other checkpoints relate to loading by train, truck or ship etc. The following dates can be differentiated:
A message is issued when the vehicle has been loaded at the location and when the vehicle has arrived at the next destination.

The Phase of distribution is finished when the vehicle has arrived at the dealer is. This is confirmed to the importer by an incoming message System ATLAS communicated. This input message is the last one Checkpoint of the distribution evaluated by the system, and finally forms the handover the vehicle to the customer the event with which the entire order processing process is completed. This is also evaluated as a checkpoint.

The Allocation of the entire order throughput - from incoming orders to Delivery to the customer - in These checkpoints allow flexible and forward-looking to unforeseen influences on the order processing to react. In particular, based on the known current dates, which are in the checkpoints the following dates are recorded with great accuracy be calculated. In particular can the necessary in terms of experience of the customer delivery date activities be taken.

101

Order Tracking System

102

IFA DB (integrated vehicle database)

103

FIPS-DB (Database for Vehicle order management and matching system)

104

INFAS DB (Database for integrated vehicle order and administration system)

105

ATLAS-DB (Database for Automobile settlement system)

106

Volume-DB (Volume database)

107

user

108

report

109

History-DB (History database)

110

specific Database (for Model texts, model groups, country terms)

111

module for ETA calculation (ETA = estimated Delivery date)

112

Database with data about the order processing process

113

ordering system the manufacturer or importer

114

production system

115

EDI performance reports The service provider

116

Shipping news independent companies

117

Input / output messages of importers

Claims (22)

Process for order tracking in the production of complex products, in particular motor vehicles, with at least the following steps: - In at least one electronic database, order data records are stored for at least some of the products to be manufactured, which include parameters that serve to map the order processing process, such as time and / or capacity specifications, costs and / or the like, - during the order processing process, at least from time to time - order data records are automatically updated and / or supplemented, - additional data describing events influencing the order processing process are evaluated and based on the results of this evaluation when predefined criteria are fulfilled, parameters of the order data records of at least some of the products to be manufactured are (re) calculated , - Order data records are automatically compared with target specifications such as time, capacity, costs and / or predefined process rules and deviations from target specifications are saved and / or signaled in the order data records, - Individual steps of the order processing process are automatically redefined depending on the results of the comparison of order data records and target specifications, - parameters for the order data records of individual orders and / or volumes are made available for all process steps taken into account in order tracking by automatically processing search queries. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that in addition to the phases "order entry", "order planning", "production", "distribution" of the order processing process in particular the process phases "adoption Customer order / sales contract "with Capture the desired and / or promised delivery date and "delivery of the Product, especially vehicles, to the customer "through automatic order tracking become. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that the order tracking based on predeterminable points (Checkpoints) of the order processing process. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that order tracking based on the checkpoints - Entrance Customer order, - order entry, - first time correct buildability test, - first time correct capacity check, - current New allocation of the sight glass week at the manufacturer, - input change funnel, - End of change possibility Trade, - award an identification number, - Begin and / or shell construction, - Enema and / or end of paint shop, - start assembly, - ZP-7 production, - ZP-8, - change of responsibility, - Shipping ex production plant - Arrival / shipping Port, - Arrival / shipping Destination station, - Entrance traders - Handing over customer - and / or similar checkpoints he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that order tracking is continuous Tracking current events related to orders, parts availability, Warehouse situation and / or business processes includes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that monitoring the order processing process in terms of time, Capacity, Costs and / or predefined process rules are carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that deviations from target specifications such as time, capacities, costs or the like are signaled automatically. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the signaling is visual and / or acoustic or by sending of e-mail and / or messages via SMS and / or through other communication technologies he follows. Method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that that signaling over a PDA setup or a web page takes place. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that individual orders or order groups are specially marked (flagging) and such marked individual orders or order groups are monitored and / or according to specific, specifiable criteria be particularly signaled. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in particular the following parameters can be queried and / or displayed: the product volume, in particular vehicle volume, and / or orders, in particular vehicle orders, which occur within the permitted time interval instructions, - Products, in particular vehicles, that are outside of defined standard process times, - the product volume, in particular vehicle volume, for one or more process sections and / or - the product volume, in particular vehicle volume, for the entire route. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized marked that deviations in the parameter "delivery date to the customer "especially be signaled. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that the evaluation of the influence on the order processing process events, such as availability of Components, usable surface and / or transport capacities, the calculation of expected transport volumes at defined Checkpoints, new times for defined process sections and / or a new delivery date includes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that the results of a search query are dependent of access data are issued or provided. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that data of the order data records decentralized via inter- and / or intranet are available and / or via internet and / or intranet to be provided. Arrangement, in particular computer system, with at least a processor, the processor (s) being set up in this way is (are) that order tracking in the manufacture of complex products, especially of motor vehicles, according to a of claims 1 to 15 is feasible. Arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that the arrangement includes an integrated product database with the data used in the order tracking process. Arrangement according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that that the arrangement means for data exchange with external databases like databases for a product order management and matching system, databases for a integrated product order and administration system, databases for a Product Processing System or the like for updating the in the method Data used for order tracking. Arrangement according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that that the arrangement means for data exchange via a data and / or communication network such as the Internet and / or an intranet. Computer program that enables a computer after it has been loaded into the computer's memory, one Order tracking in the manufacture of complex products, in particular of motor vehicles, according to one of claims 1 to 15 perform. Computer-readable storage medium on which a program is saved, which enables a computer after it is in the memory of the Computers has been loaded into manufacturing tracking of complex products, especially motor vehicles, according to one of claims 1 to 15 to perform. Method in which a computer program according to claim 20 from a network for data transmission such as from the Internet to one connected to the network Data processing device is downloaded.