EP4630986A1

EP4630986A1 - A method for monitoring a process

Info

Publication number: EP4630986A1
Application number: EP23817468.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Harry Libutzki; Viktor GEIST; Georg Wigger; Paul Hamm
Original assignee: BASF Coatings GmbH
Current assignee: BASF Coatings GmbH
Priority date: 2022-12-09
Filing date: 2023-12-06
Publication date: 2025-10-15
Also published as: CN120344984A; JP2025541185A; WO2024121211A1

Abstract

The invention refers to a method (100) for monitoring a process, e.g. a drying process. Based on an order, an order number is determined (110). Further a unique object identifier of an object for the process is determined (122). Also a unique device identifier of a device for the process is determined (124). Moreover, at least one parameter of the process is obtained (130). A set of data about the process is then provided (130). The set of data including the order number, the unique object identifier, the unique device identifier and the parameter of the process. Thus, a method for tracking and/or monitoring an object during a process is provided. In particular, a method for monitoring a drying process of a coated panel is provided.

Description

A method for monitoring a process

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to method for monitoring a process, in particular a drying process, preferably of a panel or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the coating industry, many different devices are used to process different kind of objects, such as panels or the like. For example, lab ovens are used to dry panels having a liquid coating. In order to dry the liquid coating, the panels are placed, for example, into a chamber of an oven. After a predetermined time in the chamber, the liquid coating becomes solid and the panel is pulled out of the chamber. In some cases, however, the solid coating reveals damages, such as popping, cracks or the like, resulting in an unusable panel. However, the reason for those damages is mostly unclear. The damages may be caused by a wrong mixture of the liquid coating, a wrong handling of the panel during the drying process, or even the process or the laboratory oven itself may have caused the damages. Therefore, a method for monitoring such a process would be advantageous, in particular to improve the quality of the process. Preferably, it would be advantageous to provide a seamless method for monitoring and/or tracking a coated panel during a drying process or the like. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for monitoring a process, in particular a drying process, is provided, comprising the steps of: determining, based on an order, an order number; determining a unique object identifier of an object for the process; determining a unique device identifier of a device for the process; obtaining at least one parameter of the process; and providing a set of data about the process, the set of data including the order number, the unique object identifier, the unique device identifier and the parameter of the process.

Thus, a method for tracking and/or monitoring an object during a process is provided. In particular, a method for monitoring a drying process of a coated panel is provided. Preferably, the method is designed for seamless tracking of an object during a process within coating industries.

In a first step, an order number is determined based on an order. For this, an order comprising the order number may be received a previous step. The order may be received manually or electronically, and is processed accordingly. The order may be any kind of order. Preferably, the order is an order for a specific process, in particular a process within coating industry, such as a drying process of a panel or the like. The order may be provided and/or received in any kind of way and/or form. For example, the order is manually received as a physical document or electronically received as a digital image via an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system or the like. The order may comprise any kind of data, such as an order number, a process information or the like. The data and/or the order itself may be in encoded or decoded form, e.g. encoded as a matrix barcode, such as an QR code, or the like. Preferably, the order comprises a plurality of data defining a process and/or objects to be used and/or devices to be used or the like. Preferably, the order requests a specific execution for a specific process, in particular a drying process, preferably for drying a coated panel or the like.

The order number may be any kind of data string or the like. Also, the order number may have any amount of digits. The order number may comprise numbers, letters, symbols or the like. Preferably, the order number is unique, only referring to one specific order. If the order is provided in form of a physical or electronic document, the order number may be encoded as a matrix barcode, such as a QR code or the like. In this case, the order number needs to be decoded first. The order number may also comprise additional data, such as the type of object to be used, the type of device to be used, the type of process to be used or the like. The additional data may also be encoded within the order number by using a specific type of label, such as a matrix barcode. In this case, the order consists only of an encoded order number. However, the order number itself comprises a plurality instructions and/or requirements for the process.

In a next step, a unique object identifier is determined. Preferably, the unique object identifier is a unique identifier of an object to be used in the process. For this, an object according to the order may be provided in a previous step. The object may already have a unique object identifier, e.g. in form of a label or the like. If the object does not already have a unique object identifier, a unique object identifier may be specified for the object, e.g. by using a database, which is designed to provide unique identifier. For example, an order is received, which comprises an order number, e.g. AB123F, the type of process, e.g. drying process Type B, and the type of the object to be used for the process, e.g. a constant coated panel, 10 inch x 10 inch, Type 1 . The constant coated panel may already have an unique object identifier. If it does not, the coated panel will be labelled with a unique object identifier accordingly. The unique object identifier allows the object to be monitored and/or tracked throughout the process. The unique object identifier may be of any kind of shape and/or form, e.g. encoded as a matrix barcode, such as a QR code, or the like. The unique object identifier is designed to identify one specific object. The unique object identifier may already be part of the object, or be labelled onto the object before or after the process. For example, the object is labelled with a string before the process, e.g. 01/01/2023g1 b1 , providing a consecutive unique number, thereby marking and identifying the object uniquely. Moreover, the unique object identifier may also comprise further data about the object, such as size, material or the like. The object itself may be any kind of object. Preferably, the object is used within coating industries. Preferably, the object is a panel or the like. Preferably, the object has a liquid coating on the surface, such as a constant coating, a wedge coating or the like.

In a next step, a unique device identifier is determined. Preferably, the unique device identifier is a unique identifier of a device to be used for the process. For this, a specific device may be determined in a previous step. For example, an order is received, which comprises an order number, e.g. AB123F, and the type of process, e.g. drying process Type B. Then, a device is determined according to the type of process, for example laboratory oven 4. In this case, the number “4” is then the unique device identifier.

The unique device identifier may be of any kind of identifier, in particular in any shape and/or form, such as a number, a matrix barcode or the like. Preferably, the unique device identifier is attached to the device, e.g. in form of a label or the like. In this case, the unique device identifier can be determined by scanning the label on the device, thereby identifying the device and collecting data accordingly.

The device itself may be any kind of apparatus, instrument, machine or the like. Preferably, the device is designed to perform a drying and/or heating process. However, the device may also be used and/or designed for annealing, die-bond curing, dehydrating, polyimide baking, sterilizing, evaporating or the like. Preferably, the device is an oven, in particular a laboratory oven, for example an analog laboratory oven.

In a next step, at least one parameter of the process is obtained. For this, the process is to be started and performed. The process can be started manually or automatically. Preferably, at least one set point of the process is set according to the order, such as the duration of the process, the temperature within the chamber of the oven or the like. After the process is started, the parameter is obtained, e.g. by measuring or the like. The parameter may be any kind of process parameter. The parameter may be obtained in different way, such as estimating, measuring or the like. Preferably, a plurality of parameters is obtained, e.g. a temperature within the device, a position of the object or the like.

In a next step, a set of data about the process is provided, the set of data comprising at least the order number, the unique object identifier, the unique device identifier and the parameter of the process. The set of data may be provided in any kind of way or form. For example, the set of data is transmitted to an enterprise resource planning system and/or stored in a database and/or visualised on a screen or the like. By doing so, a method for seamless tracking of an object in a process within coating industries is provided. In particular, the set of data comprises the type of process, the object processed, the device, which has performed the process, and any data about the process needed, in order to monitor every step of the process.

In a preferred embodiment, the set of data is provided to at least one of: a screen, a computing device, a database, a cloud, an enterprise resource planning system. The screen may be any kind of screen, such as a computer screen or the like. Preferably, the screen is part of or connect to an apparatus as described herein. Preferably, the screen is designed to visualize the set of data.

The computing device may be any kind of computing device. Preferably, the computing device is a stationary computer, a hand-held device or the like. Preferably, the computing device is designed to visualize the set of data and/or connected to a screen in order to visualize the set of data. Preferably, the computing device is part of or connect to an apparatus as described herein.

The database may be any kind of data storage, such as a computer memory, a server, a cloud or the like. Preferably, the database is part of a decentralized cloud computing system and/or an enterprise resource planning system. Preferably, the database is part of or connect to an apparatus as described below. Preferably, the database is part of a cloud and/or an enterprise resource planning system, in particular as described below.

In a preferred embodiment, the parameter is at least one of: a set temperature, a set temperature curve, an measured temperature, a measured temperature curve, a position, a drying parameter, a processing duration, presence or absence of recirculated air or fresh air in the process, humidity condition. The set temperature may be any kind of set process temperature. Preferably, the set temperature is set to be provided within a chamber of a laboratory oven, in particular as described herein. In some cases, the set temperature can be set as a temperature curve in which for different times during the process different temperatures are set, in particular, in constant time steps. The measured temperature may be any kind of process temperature. Preferably, the temperature is measured within a chamber of a laboratory oven, in particular as described herein. Preferably, the temperature is measured a plurality of times during the process, in particular in constant time steps. Preferably, the temperature is logged as a measured temperature curve.

Additionally or alternatively, also other parameters of the process, such as humidity, pressure or other drying parameters may be determined, e.g. by observing, measuring or the like. Additionally or alternatively, also other parameters may be determined, such as position of the object or the like.

For example, the object is a panel having a liquid coat, the device is an analog laboratory oven and the process is a drying process for drying the liquid coat of the panel. In this case, the panel may be put into the chamber of the analog laboratory oven for a predefined time in order to dry the coating, and during this time, the humidity, the pressure and the temperature within the chamber are measured over the time, in particular during the entire drying process.

In a preferred embodiment, the parameter is observed during the process. For this, the parameter may be measured a plurality of times during the process. Thus, the parameter is determined more than once during the process. For example, the process is a drying process of 20 minutes and the temperature of the process is measured over the entire process every 10 seconds. Thus, the parameter may be, for example, measured overtime, tracked, traced or the like during the process.

In a preferred embodiment, the parameter is determined based on the order. For example, the parameter is already part of the order. Thus, the order may, for example, comprise an order number, a process to be performed and a parameter to be observed during the process. In another example, the parameter may be determined based on the order number, e.g. by using a database, in particular as described herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the process is determined based on the order, e.g. the type of process or the like. For this, the order may also comprise the process and/or the type of process to be performed. The process and/or type of process may be explicitly or implicitly part of the order. For example, the order may comprise a separate row or column requesting a specific process or type of process. In another example, the process may be encoded within the order number or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the unique object identifier and/or the unique device identifier are determined based on the order. For this, the order may also comprise the unique object identifier and/or the unique device identifier. For example, the order may comprise a separate row or column requesting a specific object and/or device. In another example, the unique object identifier and/or the unique device identifier may be encoded within the order number.

In another embodiment, the type of process and/or the parameters of the process and/or the object for the process and/or the device for the process are automatically or semi-au- tomatically determined based on the order. For example, the order is received as a physical document. Then, the physical document may be scanned with an OCR scanner or a barcode scanner, preferably using a software as described herein, thereby providing any information needed to perform the process, such as the object, the device, the type of process and the parameters of the process.

In another example, the order is electronically received via software, preferably as described herein. In this case, the software automatically extracts the data needed for the process from the order and may render the required information, such as the type of process and/or the parameters of the process, on a screen. For this, the software may also use the assistance of a database and/or may be connected to an enterprise resource planning system. For example, the order comprises the type of process in form of a number, e.g. “1 ”. By using data matching with the database or the enterprise resource planning system, the software determines that the type of process is a drying process for a panel.

In a preferred embodiment, the object is panel. The panel may be any kind of panel. Generally, the panel can be made of any material, for example, metal, plastic, aluminium and the like. The panel can also have any kind of form, for example, the panel can be a 2D panel, for instance, a folded panel, or a 3D panel, for instance contoured, like a door, cowl or fender. Preferably, the panel has a coating, in particular a liquid coating. The coating may be any kind of coating. Preferably, the coating is a liquid or semi-liquid coating. Moreover, the coating can refer to one or more layers of a coating, for example can refer to a primer, a first coating or a second coating or a combination of those, wherein after the each layer of coating is applied a drying process can be performed or wherein each layer can be applied any then all layers are dried together.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is a laboratory oven. The laboratory oven may comprise housing with a door and a chamber within the housing, which accessible via the door. Preferably, the laboratory oven comprises a temperature control, preferably a pinpoint temperature control, in particular to provide a uniform temperature within the chamber of the laboratory oven throughout the process. Preferably, the laboratory oven has a size between 0.5 to 4 cubic meters, for example about 0.9 or 1 .0 cubic meters. Preferably, the laboratory oven is designed to reach a temperatures of 300 degrees Celsius or higher. Preferably, the laboratory oven is an analog laboratory oven. Alternatively, the oven can also be a feed oven orthe like. In this case the object moves through the oven, for instance, on a conveyer belt or attached to a chain, and is dried during the movement through the oven. These kinds of ovens can be configured to receive the object at one side of the oven chamber and to discharge the object at another side or at the same side, for instance, through the same opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises generating control data based on the provided data set for controlling a process, in particular, a drying process, of an object. Generally, the control data can be any data that can be utilized for controlling a process, for instance, via an enterprise recourse planning system, or a process control system installed to control the process. The generating of the control data can comprise, for example, comparing the provided data set with information provided with the order for the process and in case of determining a difference, in particular in the parameters, generating the control data such that the difference is minimized, i.e. the parameter are utilized in the process that are determined by the order. Moreover, the generating of the control data can also comprise receiving a measure of the success of the process, for instance, a quality measure and generating the control data based on the measure and the data set. For example, the measure can be received from a quality control measurement of the processed object and can be indicative of whetherthe object has been processed successfully, i.e. fulfils predetermined target characteristics within predetermined limits. In case, the measured indicates that the process has not been successful the control data can be generated by analysing the data set utilizing predetermined rules. For example, the rules can determined that first the data set is analysed to determined differences to an ordered process, for example, if a temperature curve in the oven deviates from the ordered temperature curve due to opening the oven door at an unscheduled time. In case a deviation is determined the control data can then be generated in order to enforce the process parameters provided by the order, for instance, by prioritizing the order during the next processing. In case no deviations are found the rules can comprise amending the process parameters of the process incrementally, for instance, based on predetermined algorithms that can be based on experience or knowledge, but also on empirical measurements, and the control data are then generated to enforce the new process parameters during the next c of the order.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to carry out a method for monitoring a process as described herein.

Preferably, the computer program product is a software, in particular a cloud-based software, such as a service software or an on-premises software or the like. Hence, the method for monitoring a process proposed herein may be performed decentralized and from any location. For example, an order is received via email. The order is then fetched and uploaded into a cloud. Within the cloud the order is converted into a digital image, e.g. by an OCR or the like, and the information in the order is extracted and visualized on a screen and/or provided to a device, performing the ordered method.

According to a third aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising an interface for determining and an interface for providing. Preferably, the interface for determining is designed to determine at least one of: an order number of an order, a parameter of a process, a unique device identifier of a device, a unique object identifier of an object. The interface for determining may, for example, be provided by a scanner orthe like. Preferably, the interface for providing is designed to provide a set of data to a screen, a computing device, a database, a cloud, an enterprise resource planning system or the like. The interface for providing may, for example, be provided by a data bus or the like. Preferably, the interface for providing is designed to transmit data. Preferably, the apparatus also comprises a database and/or is designed to be connected to a database, in particular via the interface for providing.

In a preferred embodiment, the interface for determining is designed to be connected to another device, which is designed to provide the order number and/or a parameter of the process and/or the unique device identifier and/or a unique object identifier. For example, the apparatus is a computer, which can be connected to a scanner, and the scanner is used to determine the unique device identifier and/or the unique object identifier.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a database and/or is designed to be connected to database, in particular wherein the database is cloud-based and/or is connect to an enterprise resource planning system or a part thereof. Thus, the set of data provided by the method for monitoring as described herein may be stored in a database. The database may be any kind of data storage, such as a computer memory, a server, a cloud or the like. Preferably, the database is part of a decentralized cloud computing system and/or an enterprise resource planning system. Preferably, the database may be a centralised or decentralised database or comprise additional data. A centralized database is a database that is located, stored, and maintained in a single location, e.g. a computer or a server. A decentralized database splits the workload up among multiple machines and uses sophisticated algorithms to balance the incoming and outgoing requests for the best response time, e.g. a cloud running on a plurality of servers.

In a further aspect of the invention a method is presented for processing, in particular, drying, an object, wherein the method comprises the steps of a) receiving an order for processing, in particular coating and drying, an object, b) determining, based on the order, an object to be processed, a process to be performed on the object and a device performing the process, c) performing the process utilizing the determined object and the determined device, d) generating a data set for monitoring the process utilizing the method as described above. In particular, the order number can be determined based on the received order, the unique object identifier can be determined based on the order and/or based on the utilized object, the unique device identifier can be determined based on the order and/or based on the utilized device and the at least one parameter can be determined, in particular measured, based on the performed process. It shall be understood that the methods and systems as described above and the computer program product as described above have similar and/or identical preferred embodiments, in particular, as defined in the respective dependent claims.

It shall also be understood that a preferred embodiment of the present invention can also be any combination of the dependent claims or above embodiments with a respective independent claim.

It shall also be understood that any connection of units or systems herein is to be understood as a data connection or data communication system that transfers, e.g. sending and receiving, data between the units and/or systems, e.g. a wire, a bus, a circuitry or the like. However, the data communication may also be wireless.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings:

Fig. 1 shows schematically and exemplarily a flowchart of a method for monitoring a process; and

Fig. 2 shows schematically and exemplarily an apparatus for monitoring the process, and

Fig. 3 shows schematically and exemplarily a method for processing, in particular, drying, an object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows schematically and exemplarily a method 100 for tracking and/or monitoring a process, in particular a drying process. In a first step 110, an order number is determined. For this, an order for a process may be received, the order comprising at least an order number. The order may then be manually or automatically be scanned, e.g. with a scanner or the like, in order to determine the order number. For example, the order is for a drying process of a panel having a liquid coating. Based on the order, an object and a device are determined, to be used in the process. In this case, a panel having a liquid coating and a proper device for performing a drying process, such as an analog laboratory oven. The object and/or the device may already have a unique identifier, e.g. in form of a label, such as a barcode, orthe like. If the object and/or the device do not have any unique identifier, a unique identifier may be specified for the object and/or the device, e.g. by using a database, which is designed to provide unique identifier.

In a next step 120, the unique identifier of the object and the device are determined. In particular, the unique object identifier is determined in one step 122 and the unique device identifier is determined in another step 124. Both steps 122, 124 may be performed separately and/or simultaneously and/or sequentially. Preferably, the unique identifier are determined by scanning.

After the unique identifier are determined, a process with the device and the object is performed, preferably according to the order. In this case, the panel is put into the chamber of the analog laboratory oven and the analog laboratory oven is performing a heating process, thereby drying the liquid coating of the panel. Preferably, the drying process and/or the heating process is performed according to the order. For example, the order comprises a specific type of device, drying process, duration, temperature or the like.

In a next step 130, and preferably during the process, a parameter of the process is obtained. This parameter may be any kind of process data, such as the duration of the process, the temperature within the chamber of the analog laboratory oven or the like. Preferably, the parameter is monitored over the time of the process, in particular stepwise.

In a next step 140, the parameter, e.g. the temperature within the chamber of the analog laboratory oven, and the unique identifier are transmitted to and/or stored in a database. The database may be connected or part of an enterprise resource planning system. Thus, the essential data of the process is archived, including the order number, the unique object identifier, the unique device identifier and a parameter of the process. By doing so, the entire process is documented.

Fig. 2 shows schematically and exemplarily an apparatus 200 for monitoring a process 100, in particular as shown in fig. 1 . The apparatus 200 basically comprises a computer 240 with a scanner 242 and a database 250. However, in this embodiment the order number 212 of the order 210, the unique object identifier 222 of the object, the unique device identifier 232 of the device are also part of the apparatus 200, which is connected to an enterprise resource planning system 260 via a cloud-based database 250.

The order 210 comprises an order number 212, which is scanned by the scanner 242 of the computer 240 and stored in the database 250. The object 220 comprises a unique object identifier 222, which is also scanned by the scanner 242 of the computer and stored in the database 250. The device 230 comprises a unique device identifier 232, which is scanned by the scanner 242 of the computer and also stored in the database. Also, a plurality parameters p of the process is stored in the database. Thus, the database 250 comprises a set of data, including the order number 212, the unique object identifier 222, the unique device identifier 232 and the parameter p.

Fig. 3 shows schematically and exemplarily a method for processing, in particular, drying, an object. In a first step an order for processing, in particular coating and drying, an object, e.g. a panel, is received. Preferably, the order is received in form of a barcode or other digital identifier. Based on the barcode a respective order number can be determined and order details can be accessed. The order details can refer to details of the process, for instance, to panel details, oven details, process parameters, etc. Thus, in a second step, based on the order, an object to be processed, a process to be performed on the object and a device performing the process are determined and the utilized object and device are uniquely identified. For example, the to be utilized panel and oven can comprise a barcode uniquely identifying the used panel and oven when scanned. Thus this step can also comprise determining the identifier for the object and the identifying of the device, for instance, by scanning the respective barcode. Further the process parameter are determined from the order and set for the performance of the device. In a third step the process is then performed utilizing the determined object and the determined device and also the set process parameters. In this step the process parameters can also be measured during the performing of the process. This allows to determine the actual process parameters that might differ from the set process parameters. For example, if the oven is opened before the due time to add or remove another panel, the actual temperature curve can deviate from the set temperature curve. In the fourth step the method as described above is utilized for monitoring the process. In particular, the data set is generated comprising at least the order number, the unique object identifier, the unique device identifier and at least one process parameter.

Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. For the processes and methods disclosed herein, the operations performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined operations are only provided as examples, and some of the operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, supplemented with further operations, or expanded into additional operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

A single unit or device may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Procedures like the determining of the order number, the determining of a unique object identifier, the determining of a unique device identifier of a device, the obtaining of at least one parameter of the process, the providing of a set of data about the process, etc. performed by one or several units or devices can be performed by any other number of units or devices. These procedures can be implemented as program code means of a computer program and/or as dedicated hardware.

A computer program product may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

Any units described herein may be processing units that are part of a classical computing system. Processing units may include a general-purpose processor and may also include a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other specialized circuit. Any memory may be a physical system memory, which may be volatile, non-volatile, or some combination of the two. The term “memory” may include any computer-readable storage media such as a non-volatile mass storage. If the computing system is distributed, the processing and/or memory capability may be distributed as well. The computing system may include multiple structures as “executable components”. The term “executable component” is a structure well understood in the field of computing as being a structure that can be software, hardware, or a combination thereof. For instance, when implemented in software, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the structure of an executable component may include software objects, routines, methods, and so forth, that may be executed on the computing system. This may include both an executable component in the heap of a computing system, or on computer- readable storage media. The structure of the executable component may exist on a computer-readable medium such that, when interpreted by one or more processors of a computing system, e.g., by a processor thread, the computing system is caused to perform a function. Such structure may be computer readable directly by the processors, for instance, as is the case if the executable component were binary, or it may be structured to be interpretable and/or compiled, for instance, whether in a single stage or in multiple stages, so as to generate such binary that is directly interpretable by the processors. In other instances, structures may be hard coded or hard wired logic gates, that are implemented exclusively or near-exclusively in hardware, such as within a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other specialized circuit. Accordingly, the term “executable component” is a term for a structure that is well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of computing, whether implemented in software, hardware, or a combination. Any embodiments herein are described with reference to acts that are performed by one or more processing units of the computing system. If such acts are implemented in software, one or more processors direct the operation of the computing system in response to having executed computer-executable instructions that constitute an executable component. Computing system may also contain communication channels that allow the computing system to communicate with other computing systems over, for example, network. A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computing systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection, for example, either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless, to a computing system, the computing system properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media can include a network and/or data links which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general-purpose or specialpurpose computing system or combinations. While not all computing systems require a user interface, in some embodiments, the computing system includes a user interface system for use in interfacing with a user. User interfaces act as input or output mechanism to users for instance via displays.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that at least parts of the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computing system configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, main-frame computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, datacenters, wearables, such as glasses, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computing system, which are linked, for example, either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links, through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that at least parts of the invention may be practiced in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing environments may be distributed, although this is not required. When distributed, cloud computing environments may be distributed internationally within an organization and/or have components possessed across multiple organizations. In this description and the following claims, “cloud computing” is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources, e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services. The definition of “cloud computing” is not limited to any of the other numerous advantages that can be obtained from such a model when deployed. The computing systems of the figures include various components or functional blocks that may implement the various embodiments disclosed herein as explained. The various components or functional blocks may be implemented on a local computing system or may be implemented on a distributed computing system that includes elements resident in the cloud or that implement aspects of cloud computing. The various components or functional blocks may be implemented as software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The computing systems shown in the figures may include more or less than the components illustrated in the figures and some of the components may be combined as circumstances warrant.

Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

The invention refers to a method for monitoring a process, e.g. a drying process. Based on an order, an order number is determined. Further a unique object identifier of an object for the process is determined. Also a unique device identifier of a device for the process is determined. Moreover, at least one parameter of the process is obtained. A set of data about the process is then provided. The set of data including the order number, the unique object identifier, the unique device identifier and the parameter of the process. Thus, a method for tracking and/or monitoring an object during a process is provided. In particular, a method for monitoring a drying process of a coated panel is provided.

Claims

Claims Method (100) for monitoring a process, in particular a drying process, comprising the steps of: determining (110), based on an order (210), an order number (212); determining (122) a unique object identifier (222) of an object (220) for the process; determining (124) a unique device identifier (232) of a device (230) for the process; obtaining (130) at least one parameter (p) of the process; and providing (140) a set of data about the process, the set of data including the order number (212), the unique object identifier (222), the unique device identifier (232) and the parameter (p) of the process. A method (100) for monitoring a process according to claim 1 , wherein: the set of data is provided to at least one of: a screen; a computing device; a data base (250); a cloud; an enterprise resource planning system (260). A method (100) for monitoring a process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the parameter (p) is at least one of: a set temperature, a set temperature curve, an measured temperature, a measured temperature curve, a position, a drying parameter, a processing duration, presence or absence of recirculated air or fresh air in the process, humidity condition.

4. A method (100) for monitoring a process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter (p) is observed during the process.

5. A method (100) for monitoring a process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter (p) is determined based on the order.

6. A method (100) for monitoring a process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the process is determined based on the order, e.g. the type of process.

7. A method (100) for monitoring a process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the unique object identifier (222) is determined based on the order.

8. A method (100) for monitoring a process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the unique device identifier (232) is determined based on the order. 9. A method (100) for monitoring a process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the object is a panel.

10. A method (100) for monitoring a process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is a laboratory lab oven.

11. A computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer (240), causes the computer (240) to carry out a method according to any of claims 1 to 10.

12. An apparatus (200) for monitoring a process, in particular a drying process, comprising: an interface for determining at least one of: an order number (212) of an order; a parameter of a process; a unique device identifier (232) of a device; a unique object identifier (222) of an object; and an interface for providing a set of data set.

13. An apparatus (200) according to claim 12, wherein: the interface for determining is designed to be connected to a another device providing the order number (212) and/or a parameter of the process (p) and/or the unique device identifier (232) and/or a unique object identifier (222).

14. An apparatus (200) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: comprises a database (250) and/or is designed to be connected to database (250), in particular wherein the database (250) is cloud-based and/or is connect to an enterprise resource planning system (260) or a part thereof. 15. A method for processing, in particular, drying, an object, wherein the method comprises the steps of: receiving an order for processing, in particular coating and drying, an object, determining, based on the order, an object to be processed, a process to be performed on the object and a device performing the process, - performing the process utilizing the determined object and the determined device, generating a data set for monitoring the process utilizing the method as described above.