JP2003316861A - Process management device and process tracking device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique capable of tracking information for a process through which a product processed in a distribution process is passed in real time. <P>SOLUTION: This process management device reads, when a product is inputted to its own process, the product identification information and communication designation address information recorded in a tag attached to the product and reports the input of the product designated by the product identification information to a device designated by the communication designation address information while relating it to its own identification information. When the product is outputted from its own process, the device reads the product identification information and communication designation address information recorded in the tag attached to the product, and reports the output of the product designated by the product identification information to the device designated by the communication designation address information while relating it to its own identification information. By collecting the reports, this process tracking device can grasp the distributing state of individual products in real time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is a process used in a process such as a distribution process or a manufacturing process to enable real time tracking of information such as a process through which a product processed in the process passes. The present invention relates to a management device and a process tracking device that tracks the management device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, from the viewpoint of quality assurance and the like, what kind of processing each product put into a manufacturing process or a distribution process is currently undergoing and in what kind of state it has been. There has been a demand for real-time acquisition of what kind of processing and what kind of state it was in.

In the case of a process in which the flow of steps is fixed and the velocity of the flow is constant, it is relatively easy to obtain such information.

For example, in the manufacturing process, the process flow is fixed and the flow speed is constant, and the product is processed while controlling the temperature and the like in each process. Obtaining such information in real time is relatively easy.

However, in a process in which the flow of the process dynamically changes depending on the type of product or the state of the process, or the speed of the flow dynamically changes, it is very difficult to obtain such information. It is very difficult, and much less possible to obtain in real time.

[0006] For example, in a distribution process handling frozen products that are shipped all over the country, in order to grasp the frozen state of each product, what distribution route each product followed? , It is necessary to understand the temperature control information (temperature control information of trucks and warehouses) in each process along those distribution routes, but the process flow dynamically changes depending on the product type and process state. It is very difficult to obtain such information, and much less to obtain it in real time, because it changes and the speed of the flow changes greatly depending on traffic conditions.

From the above, at present, in a process in which the flow of the process dynamically changes depending on the type of product or the state of the process, or the speed of the flow dynamically changes, the input individual What kind of processing is this product currently undergoing and what kind of state it is in, and what kind of processing it has been undergoing and what kind of state it was in so far? The reality is that it cannot be acquired in real time.

[0008]

Problems to be solved by the Invention From now on, the process flow is dynamically changed depending on the type of the product or the state of the process, or the speed of the flow is dynamically changed. Can obtain information about what kind of processing the product is currently undergoing, what kind of state it is in, and what kind of processing has been done so far and what kind of state it was in. The construction of the technology to

Against this background, the applicant of the present application filed Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-154929 and attached a readable / writable recording medium to the product to be put into the process. By recording the paired data of the input date / time information to the process, the output date / time information from the process, and the identification information of the process control apparatus that manages the process on each recording step of the process. The present invention discloses that the processing history of a product that has been subjected to a process in which the flow of a process dynamically changes depending on the type of the product or the state of the process can be collected.

In the invention disclosed by the applicant, a product information collecting device provided at the final stage, for example, is recorded on the recording medium according to the information recorded on the readable / writable recording medium attached to the product. By specifying the date and time information and inquiring to the process control device recorded on the recording medium, it becomes possible to collect the processing history for the product, and each process control device can obtain the date and time information recorded on the recording medium. By designating and inquiring to the process control device of the previous process recorded on the recording medium, the processing history of the product applied in the previous process can be collected.

Further, according to the invention disclosed by the applicant,
By adopting a configuration in which each process management device stores paired data of product identification information recorded on a recording medium and date and time information recorded on the recording medium in a storage device of its own device,
By the process tracking device provided as a center mechanism, by inquiring to each process management device by specifying product identification information,
It is possible to collect whether or not the product indicated by the product identification information has been processed, and also to collect the processing history for the product.

According to the invention disclosed by the applicant of the present invention, it is true that the process history for a product applied in a process in which the flow of the process dynamically changes depending on the type of the product or the state of the process. However, the process tracking device cannot acquire in real time what kind of process is being followed and its processing history unless all process control devices are inquired. There is room for improvement.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is used in a process such as a distribution process or a manufacturing process, and tracks in real time information such as a process through which a product processed in the process passes. The purpose is to provide a new process control technology that will enable this.

[0014]

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a product to which the present invention is applied. A tag 2 is attached to the product, and the flow of the process dynamically changes depending on the type of the product or the state of the process, and the speed of the flow. Is input to the process 10 in which
A process management device including the present invention is provided with a plurality of steps 20 included in the process 10, and 3 is a process management apparatus provided in association with each process 20 included in the process 10. 20 performs processing for enabling collection of processing information applied to the product 1, 4 is a process tracking device equipped with the present invention, and is connected to the process management device 3 via a communication line, The process for tracking the process 20 through which the product 1 has passed is performed.

Here, a specific device is assumed as the process tracking device 4 for the sake of convenience of drawing creation, but the process tracking device 4 does not need to be prepared as a specific device, and, for example, the product 1 is delivered. It may be a terminal operated by the final user. Also, this process tracking device 4 has
Instead of one, a plurality may be prepared.

The tag 2 attached to the product 1 in order to realize the present invention is made of a recordable data such as a recording medium or a paper, which can be read. And the communication destination address information (for example, e-mail address) of one or more devices including the process tracking device 4 (which may include the subsequent process control device 3).

The process control device 3 of the present invention is used in the own process 20.
"Input detection means" for detecting that product 1 is input to
And "output detecting means" for detecting that the product 1 is output from the own process 20, and "reading means" for reading the product identification information and the communication destination address information recorded on the tag 2 attached to the product 1. , With respect to the process tracking device 4 and the like indicated by the communication destination address information read by the reading means,
It is provided with “notification means” for notifying the input / output of the product 1 indicated by the product identification information read by the reading means while corresponding to the identification information of the own device.

When this configuration is adopted, the notification means is in the process tracking device 4 or the like indicated by the communication destination address information read by the reading means at a predetermined timing until the product 1 is input and output. In contrast, GPS (global posi
The processing may be performed so as to notify the position information of the own process 20 acquired by the motion control system).

Further, when adopting this configuration, the notifying means is the process tracking device 4 indicated by the communication destination address information read by the reading means at a predetermined timing until the product 1 is input and output. For your own process 20
Processing may be performed so as to notify the processing information of.

On the other hand, the process tracking device 4 of the present invention includes a "reception means" for receiving information about the product identification information and the device identification information notified from the process management device 3, and the device identification information received by the reception means. Based on the time-series data of the paired data of the product identification information received by the receiving means and the date / time information sent in association with the product identification information or the date / time information of receiving the product identification information, A "tracking means" for tracking the process through which the product indicated by the product identification information passes.

When adopting this configuration, when the positional information is sent from the process control device 3, the tracking means processes the movement route of the product 1 according to the time-series data of the positional information. Sometimes.

Further, when adopting this configuration, when the processing information is sent from the process control device 3, the tracking means tracks the processing content applied to the product 1 according to the time series data of the processing information. May be processed as follows.

Next, the processing of the present invention having such a configuration will be described.

When the product 1 is input to the process 20, the process control device 3 of the present invention reads the product identification information and the communication destination address information recorded in the tag 2 attached to the input product 1. , The process tracking device 4 or the like indicated by the read communication destination address information is notified of the input of the product 1 indicated by the read product identification information in correspondence with the identification information of the own device, and the own process Product 1 from 20
Is output, the product identification information and communication destination address information recorded in the tag 2 attached to the output product 1 is read, and the process tracking device 4 and the like indicated by the read communication destination address information are read. , The product indicated by the read product identification information while corresponding to the identification information of its own device 1
Notify the output of.

Upon receiving this notification, the process tracking device 4 of the present invention set as the communication destination in the tag 2 can know which process 20 each product 1 is currently undergoing. It becomes possible and, according to the time-series data of this notification, the process 20 that has been processed so far.
You will be able to find out what it is like.

Here, in order to enable this process tracking, the process control device 3 of the present invention needs to notify the process tracking device 4 of the present invention also about the date and time information of the input / output of the product 1. However, the date and time information can be acquired by the process tracking device 4 of the present invention in synchronization with the reception of the notification, so that the notification can be omitted.

When this process is performed, the process control device 3 of the present invention waits until the product 1 is input and output, when the process 20 is mounted on a vehicle and moves. At a predetermined timing, for example, periodically, the position tracking information of the own process 20 acquired by GPS or the like is notified to the process tracking device 4 or the like indicated by the communication destination address information recorded in the tag 2.

Upon receipt of this notification, the process tracking device 4 of the present invention can also track the movement route of each product 1.

When performing this process, the process control device 3 of the present invention, at a predetermined timing such as a periodical time or a failure occurrence time, until the product 1 is input and output. For the process tracking device 4 or the like indicated by the communication destination address information recorded in the tag 2,
Notify the processing information of.

Upon receiving this notification, the process tracking device 4 of the present invention can know what kind of processing each product 1 is currently undergoing, and
According to the time-series data of this notification, it becomes possible to know what kind of processing has been received so far.

As described above, according to the present invention, the process flow is dynamically changed depending on the type of the product or the process state, or the process speed is dynamically changed. What kind of processing each product is currently undergoing and what kind of state it is in, and what kind of processing has been done so far and what kind of state it was in. You will be able to get about in real time.

As a result, in the post-process, it becomes possible to grasp in real time what kind of situation each product is in, and it becomes possible to efficiently implement preparations for product acceptance.

Next, an example of a physical distribution tracking system that can be realized by the present invention having the above-described structure will be described. Here, in this physical distribution tracking system, it is assumed that a tag such as a readable / writable recording medium is used as the tag attached to the package.

According to the configuration of the present invention, this physical distribution tracking system comprises a data collection terminal arranged in a distributed manner, a display terminal, a tag attached to luggage, a GPS for acquiring position information, a map database, and a transportation means. It consists of a database that provides information such as estimated arrival time and traffic congestion status, and the Internet, and is characterized by low cost and easy construction from small to large scale in an open environment. .

That is, as a basic configuration, it is composed of a tag attached to a package, a decentralized data collection terminal for reading and writing tag information, and a display terminal for acquiring or receiving tracking information.

The data collection terminal includes a baggage collection / delivery base, transportation trucks, containers, vehicles,
It is installed on ships, airplanes, etc. and has a GPS antenna that acquires its own position on the earth. Further, it has a communication means such as a telephone line that enables communication with the Internet. Further, a sensor for detecting the environment of the place, a tag / reader / writer for reading / writing tag information, etc. are connected.
In addition, the data indicating the characteristics of the terminal are also saved.

On the other hand, the display terminal has a communication means such as a telephone line that enables communication with the Internet and the like, a means for acquiring data from the data collection terminal, and map information for displaying the data in an easy-to-understand manner. And a means for acquiring data for estimating the arrival time. Further, it has a tag reader for acquiring the data stored in the tag attached to the package, which shows the route, the time when the route has passed, and the property of the package. Here, for map information, GPS information, information for estimating the arrival time in transportation, etc., information operated by another system is used via the Internet.

The constituents of this distribution tracking system are the shipper who ships the package, the collector who receives the package,
It consists of a person who moves the parcel, a person who temporarily stores the parcel, a person who accepts the parcel, and a carrier who undertakes the parcel delivery business.

An ID that can be identified by each constituent
Assign (eg email address). Each constituent may be a real person, a mechanical vehicle, or a warehouse, but the result is a specific location within the associated information device such as a computer. Therefore,
The ID indicates a location to be identified in each information device.

At the time of shipment of the package, the package shipper uses a tag attached to the package to identify his / her own ID, data showing his / her property, data showing the property of the package, and ID / data for identifying the address of the other party. , Write the time data you want to reach the other party.

The package collector receives the package and writes the ID of the packager, the collection time, the data for identifying the packager, etc. on the tag attached to the package to confirm that the package has been collected. At the same time, the data written in the tag is read. At this time, the collector sends the time when the package was received and the data with the content written on the tag to the recipient who receives the package via the Internet. Then, the same information is sent to the parties involved in the transportation of the package.

Based on the information, the persons involved in the transportation of the luggage make preparations for optimal transportation according to their respective roles. This preparation is to predict transportation means, routes, prices, arrival times, etc. according to the wishes of the shipper (cost, time, transportation quality, etc.). Based on the results, the stakeholders prepare for their respective roles.
Based on their respective roles, the parties concerned notify the shipper of information such as transportation price and estimated arrival time, and notify the receiver of information such as expected arrival time and package contents.

Further, the moving person prepares a vehicle and the like, the custody person prepares a space and the like, and the delivery person prepares for the transportation quality tracking.

Next, when the package is handed over from the collector to the mover, the collector reads the information of the tag and records the time when the collector releases the hand in the data collection terminal. At the same time, the fact that the player has let go is sent as information to related parties.

On the other hand, the moving person records the time when the package is received in the tag, and writes the moving person's ID, the receiving time, the data for specifying the moving person, etc. to confirm the acceptance of the moving person. At the same time, the data written in the tag is read. At this time, the mover sends the time when the package was accepted and the data with the content written on the tag to the person concerned with the package.

When the migrant arrives at the destination, the temporary storage person, a different migrant person, and a person receiving the goods exchange data in the same manner as the migrant person. These processes are continued until it reaches the recipient.

In this way, since the latest arrival time is always known to the persons concerned and the person receiving the goods, it is possible to prepare for acceptance in advance.

Here, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001 previously filed by the applicant.
-When using the invention disclosed in -154929, while writing the route information actually moved to the tag, it is possible that it will be tampered with, but when the recipient receives the package, it will be tampered with. By reading the data and checking whether the contacted information and the route information written on the tag match, you can check the tampering, and the delivered package can be checked for yourself. You will be able to confirm that it has arrived from a different shipper.

At the same time as reading the tag information, the completion of the transportation can be notified by sending the information that the receiver has received to the related persons such as the shipper, and the processing is completed. Will be able to.

Furthermore, if the position information is obtained, it will be displayed on the map.
It becomes possible to display the route and the current position of the package. At this time, by mounting the GPS on the moving data collection terminal, it becomes possible to grasp the current position of the transported object. Further, when combined with a traffic information system such as VICS or a traffic route prediction system (transfer guidance etc.), it becomes possible to predict the arrival time of a package.

The package tracking system that can be realized by the present invention described above has the following features.

That is, since the system is very simple, the system can be constructed at low cost. Also,
Since the transportation route can be surely grasped, it is possible for the parties concerned to make preparations in advance, and the cost for delivery is minimized. In addition, since the transportation route is secured and the responsibilities of the parties concerned are clarified, the responsibility for troubles during transportation is clarified. Also, as customer service, you can know when the package will arrive, and you will not receive suspicious packages. This has similar advantages for transportation personnel.

In addition, if there is a trouble in transporting the luggage,
Since the person in charge is clear, it is easy to handle complaints. In addition, since the route and the position during transportation can be known, it is possible to know where the luggage addressed to oneself is, and how long it will be delayed even if delay occurs due to trouble such as traffic jam. In addition, it becomes possible to prevent the trouble of loss.

[0055]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail according to embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 30 is a distribution case of fruits and vegetables shipped from producers, 40-i (i = 1 to p) is a distribution base (sometimes trucks, etc.), which is distributed to consumers. 50-i (i = 1 to q) is a quality control center that stores the distribution case 30 under the air-conditioning suitable for its storage. 60-i (i = 1 to 1)
r) is a client terminal that performs processing for tracking the distribution status of the specified distribution case 30; 70-i
(I = 1 to s) is a distribution management center for performing processing for tracking the distribution status of each distribution case 30 in real time, and 80 is a network, which is a distribution base 40-i and a quality management center 50- i, the client terminal 60-i, and the distribution management center 70-i are connected to each other.

Here, the quality control center 50-i includes the distribution base 40-i, the client terminal 60-i, and the distribution management center 7.
It may be installed in parallel with 0-i. Further, the distribution management center 70-i may be provided in a form of being installed side by side with the distribution base 40-i, the client terminal 60-i, or the quality management center 50-i.

In this embodiment, the distribution case 30 of fruits and vegetables shipped from the producer is distributed to the consumer through the distribution base 40-i having an air conditioning function suitable for storage. It is supposed to be applied to.

At this time, all the distribution cases 30 are not distributed to consumers via the same distribution base 40-i, but as shown in FIG.
-i will be distributed to consumers via different distribution bases 40-i depending on the storage status of the i.

In this embodiment, the collection of the air-conditioning history information during storage of the distribution case 30, which is required for managing the quality of the distribution case 30 that follows such a distribution process, is realized. Further, in this embodiment example, the distribution case 30
It is possible to monitor in real time what kind of distribution base 40-i, through which distribution base 40-i is currently stored.

In order to collect this air-conditioning history information and monitor the distribution route in real time, an ID tag 300 composed of a readable / writable recording medium (for example, a magnetic card) is attached to the distribution case 30. Will be done.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of data recorded in the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30.

As shown in this figure, the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30 is the I of the distribution case 30.
A case ID that is D, quality control information such as fruits and vegetables stored in the distribution case 30 (various information regarding the quality of stored items such as article name, producer name, product rank, and designated distribution route). Distribution management information about the distribution case 30 (various information regarding distribution such as final arrival distribution base 40-i, destination information, estimated arrival time, etc.), and an electronic mail address of a device set as a notification destination (hereinafter, For convenience of explanation, assume an electronic mail address of one of the distribution management centers 70-i),
ID of the distribution base 40-i in which the distribution case 30 is stored
And enumeration data of records including arrival date and time when the item is delivered to the distribution base 40-i and shipping date and time when the item is shipped from the distribution base 40-i (arranged in the order of storage. ) And are recorded.

Here, as will be seen later,
It is preferable to use the electronic mail address of the distribution base 40-i as the ID of the distribution base 40-i.

It is preferable that the data recorded on the ID tag 300 be encrypted based on the ID and password of the shipper of the distribution case 30. In this case, the shipper notifies the relevant person who has a legitimate right of the ID and password, and uses this to decrypt the encrypted record data. As a result, it is possible to prevent anyone other than the related party having the right to read / write the data recorded in the ID tag 300.
It becomes possible to prevent illegal acts.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the device configuration of the distribution base 40-i for realizing the present invention.

As shown in this figure, in the distribution base 40-i, the air conditioning equipment 400-i for adjusting the temperature and humidity in the distribution base 40-i and the distribution base 40-i by controlling the air conditioning equipment 400-i. Air conditioning controller 4 for controlling temperature and humidity inside 40-i
01-i, an air-conditioning information storage unit 402-i that stores air-conditioning information such as temperature and humidity in the distribution base 40-i controlled by the air-conditioning controller 401-i, and an ID controller 403 that reads / writes the ID tag 300. -i and distribution case 30
Distribution management unit 404-i that performs a process for enabling collection of air conditioning history information during storage of an item, a distribution information storage unit 405-i that stores information processed by the distribution management unit 404-i, and an e-mail A distribution notification unit 406 that has a transmission / reception function of and performs processing for enabling real-time monitoring of distribution channels.
-i and the distribution base 40-i are installed when the
A GPS processing unit 407-i having an S function and acquiring position information of the distribution base 40-i is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the quality control center 50-i has a quality control section 500-i for collecting air-conditioning history information during storage of the distribution case 30, and an ID tag 3.
An ID controller 501-i for reading / writing 00 is provided.

In addition, the client terminal 60-i is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a distribution tracking unit 600-i is provided that performs processing for tracking the distribution status of the specified distribution case 30.

In the distribution management center 70-i, as shown in FIG. 2, a distribution tracking unit 700-i for performing a process of tracking the distribution status of each distribution case 30 in real time and a distribution tracking unit 700-. A distribution information storage unit 701-i for storing the information collected by i is provided.

The air-conditioning information storage unit 402-i provided in the distribution base 40-i, as shown in FIG.
-Saving the air conditioning information in the distribution base 40-i such as temperature and humidity trend data in i.

The distribution information storage unit 405-i provided in the distribution base 40-i stores the case ID of the distribution case 30 stored in the own distribution base 40-i, as shown in FIG. 6B.
The enumeration data of a record including the arrival date and time when the distribution case 30 is received and the shipping date and time when the distribution case 30 is shipped is stored.

The distribution information storage unit 701-i provided in the distribution management center 70-i indicates which distribution base 40-i stores which distribution case 30, and which distribution base 40-i. It manages which distribution case 30 is currently being stored, and as shown in FIG. 7, the distribution case pointed to by the paired data of the case ID and the distribution base ID is used as a key. Quality control information such as fruits and vegetables stored in 30, distribution management information about the distribution case 30, arrival date and time when the product is received at the distribution base 40-i, and shipping from the distribution base 40-i. Shipping date and time and distribution base 4 during storage
The time series data of the position information of 0-i and the time series data of the air conditioning information controlled by the distribution base 40-i during the storage thereof are stored.

8 to 10 illustrate an example of an embodiment of a processing flow executed by the distribution management unit 404-i provided in the distribution base 40-i, and FIGS.
0-i illustrates an example of a processing flow executed by the distribution notification unit 406-i, and FIG. 13 illustrates a processing flow executed by the quality control unit 500-i included in the quality control center 50-i. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by the distribution tracking unit 600-i provided in the client terminal 60-i, and FIG. 15 illustrates a distribution management center 70- 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a distribution tracking unit 700-i included in i.

Next, the processing of the embodiment thus configured will be described in detail according to these processing flows.

(A) Processing of the distribution management unit 404-i (a-1) When the distribution case 30 is received at the distribution base 40-i, which describes the processing flow of FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b),
The receipt of the distribution case 30 is detected by the ID controller 403-i reading the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30 (for example, the operator inputs and reads that the product is in stock). become.

Distribution management unit 4 provided in distribution base 40-i
04-i received the arrival of this distribution case 30,
As shown in the processing flow of FIG. 8A, first, in step 1, the record information of the ID tag 300 read by the ID controller 403-i is input.

Then, in step 2, the input ID
The case ID of the distribution case 30 to be received is extracted from the record information of the tag 300, and in the subsequent step 3, date and time information which is the arrival date and time of the distribution case 30 to be received is acquired.

Then, in step 4, by instructing the ID controller 403-i, the ID of the own distribution base 40-i is set at the last recording position of the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30 to be received. It is possible to use an email address) and the acquired arrival date and time.

Then, in step 5, the distribution information storage unit 4
The correspondence between the extracted case ID and the acquired arrival date and time is saved in 05-i, and the process ends.

The ID tag 300 records the electronic mail address of the device set as the notification destination, and the process using this electronic mail address will be described later. Further, the quality control information and the distribution control information recorded in the ID tag 300 are passed to a program that uses them so that the processing such as displaying them can be performed.

When the received distribution case 30 is shipped, the ID controller 403-i reads the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30 (for example, the operator inputs and reads that the shipment is a shipment). Therefore, the shipment of the distribution case 30 is detected.

The distribution management unit 404-i uses this distribution case 3
Upon detection of the shipment of 0, as shown in the processing flow of FIG. 8B, first, in step 1, the record information of the ID tag 300 read by the ID controller 403-i is input.

Then, in step 2, the input ID
The case ID of the distribution case 30 to be shipped is extracted from the record information of the tag 300, and in the subsequent step 3, the date and time information which is the shipping date and time of the distribution case 30 to be shipped is acquired.

Subsequently, in step 4, by instructing the ID controller 403-i, the acquired shipping date and time is written in the last recording position of the ID tag 300 attached to the shipping distribution case 30.

Then, in Step 5, the case I extracted
Case I stored in the distribution information storage unit 405-i having D
Search the correspondence data between D and the arrival date and time, add the acquired shipping date and time to the searched correspondence data,
The process ends.

In this way, the distribution management unit 404-i
When the distribution case 30 is received, stored and shipped,
As shown in FIG. 16, at the end of the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30, a record including the ID of the own distribution base 40-i, its arrival date and time and its shipping date and time is recorded, and the distribution information is also recorded. The storage unit 405-i performs processing so as to store records including the case ID of the distribution case 30, the arrival date and time, and the shipping date and time.

From now on, the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30 that distributes from the distribution base 40-i to another distribution base 40-i becomes a storage location as shown in FIG. Distribution base 40-i ID and its distribution base 40-i
The enumeration data of the record composed of the arrival date and time and the shipping date and time from the distribution base 40-i is recorded.

(A-2) Description of the processing flow of FIG. 9 When the distribution case 30 is received at a certain distribution base 40-i, the air conditioning controller 40 provided in the distribution base 40-i.
1-i obtains the air conditioning information when it was stored at the immediately preceding distribution base 40-i, and according to it, own distribution base 40
-You may want to decide the target temperature in i.

When the distribution management unit 404-i issues a request for obtaining the air conditioning information stored in the immediately preceding distribution base 40-i in accordance with such a request, the distribution management unit 404-i executes the processing flow shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, first, in step 1, from the record information of the ID tag 300 read when the distribution case 30 is received, the ID of the distribution base 40-i one before and the distribution base 40-one before that. The arrival date / time / shipment date / time at i is extracted.

Then, in step 2, the distribution base 40-i (the distribution base 40 immediately before the distribution base 40-i indicated by the extracted distribution base ID is indicated.
-i) is requested to specify the extracted arrival date / time / shipping date / time and transmit the air-conditioning information from the arrival date / time to the shipping date / time.

In response to this transmission request, the distribution management unit 404-i provided in the immediately preceding distribution base 40-i is shown in FIG.
According to the processing flow of 0 (a), the air conditioning information from the arrival date and time to the shipping date and time is read out and returned.

Now, in the following step 3, wait for the air conditioning information to be sent from the immediately preceding distribution base 40-i,
When it is detected that the air conditioning information is sent, step 4
Then, the received air-conditioning information is received, passed to the air-conditioning controller 401-i, and the process ends.

According to the processing of this distribution management unit 404-i,
The air conditioning controller 401-i is the previous distribution base 40-i.
It becomes possible to obtain the air conditioning information when it was stored in and to control the air conditioning in the own distribution base 40-i according to the information.

Incidentally, here, the distribution base 40-i one before is used.
Although the example of obtaining the air conditioning information when it was stored in the above was explained, the processing such as obtaining the air conditioning information at all the distribution bases 40-i where it was stored can also be realized by the same processing. Is.

(A-3) Description of Process Flow of FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b) The distribution management unit 404-i follows another process of step 2 of the process flow of FIG. When an air-conditioning information provision request is issued by the air conditioner, as shown in the processing flow of FIG. 10A, first of all, in step 1, the arrival of the delivery request transmitted from the distribution base 40-i which is the source of the provision request. Receive date / time / shipping date / time information.

Then, in step 2, the air conditioning information storage unit 4
The air conditioning information between the received arrival date and time and shipping date and time is read from 02-i. That is, the air conditioning information storage unit 402
As shown in FIG. 6A, -i stores the history of the air conditioning information in the distribution base 40-i. Therefore, from the stored air conditioning information, the received arrival date and time and shipping date and time The air conditioning information between them is read out.

Then, in step 3, the read air-conditioning information is returned to the distribution base 40-i which issued the supply request,
The process ends.

According to the processing flow of FIG. 10 (a),
The air conditioning controller 401-i of each distribution base 40-i is shown in FIG.
As described in the processing flow of FIG.
-It becomes possible to obtain the air conditioning information when it was stored in i or the like and control the air conditioning in the own distribution base 40-i according to it.

On the other hand, as will be described later, the distribution tracking unit 600-i included in the client terminal 60-i is provided with
Specify the case ID of the distribution case 30 for -i,
An inquiry is issued regarding the storage history of the distribution case 30.

When the distribution management unit 404-i included in each distribution base 40-i receives the storage history inquiry from the client terminal 60-i, as shown in the processing flow of FIG. 10B, First, in step 1, the case ID of the distribution case 30 transmitted from the client terminal 60-i of the inquiry source is received.

Then, in step 2, the distribution information storage unit 4
It is searched whether or not the received case ID is registered in 05-i. That is, it is searched whether or not the distribution case 30 indicated by the received case ID has been stored.

Then, in Step 3, the case I received is received.
If it is determined whether or not the search result that D is registered in the distribution information storage unit 405-i is obtained, and if it is not obtained, the process proceeds to step 4 and the inquiry source The client terminal 60-i is returned to the effect that the distribution case 30 indicated by the transmitted case ID has not been stored, and the processing ends.

On the other hand, the case ID received in step 3
When it is determined that the search result indicating that is registered in the distribution information storage unit 405-i is obtained, the process proceeds to step 5 and the distribution information storage unit 405-i adds the case ID to the transmitted case ID. The associated arrival date / shipment date / time is read out and returned to the client terminal 60-i that made the inquiry, and the process ends.

As will be described later, upon receiving this reply result,
Distribution tracking unit 600-i included in the client terminal 60-i
Can perform the process of tracking the distribution status of the specified distribution case 30.

(B) Processing of distribution notifying section 406-i (b-1) When the distribution case 30 is received at the distribution base 40-i which describes the processing flow of FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b),
The receipt of the distribution case 30 is detected by the ID controller 403-i reading the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30 (for example, the operator inputs and reads that the product is in stock). become.

Distribution notification unit 4 provided in distribution base 40-i
06-i receives the arrival of this distribution case 30,
As shown in the processing flow of FIG. 11A, first,
In step 1, the record information of the ID tag 300 read by the ID controller 403-i is input.

Then, in step 2, the input ID
From the record information of the tag 300, the case ID of the distribution case 30 to be received and the e-mail address of the notification destination (in the case of this embodiment, the e-mail address of any distribution management center 70-i) are extracted. To do.

Subsequently, in step 3, the ID of the distribution base 40-i is added to the input ID tag information, and the distribution management center 70-i indicated by the extracted e-mail address is added to the distribution base 40-i. While transmitting the ID tag information to which the ID of 40-i has been added, the fact that the distribution case 30 indicated by the extracted case ID has arrived at the own distribution base 40-i is notified, and the processing ends.

When the received distribution case 30 is shipped, the ID controller 403-i reads the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30 (for example, an operator inputs and reads that the shipment is a shipment). Therefore, the shipment of the distribution case 30 is detected.

The distribution notifying unit 406-i uses this distribution case 3
Upon detection of the shipment of 0, as shown in the processing flow of FIG. 11B, first, in step 1, the record information of the ID tag 300 read by the ID controller 403-i is input.

Then, in step 2, the input ID
From the record information of the tag 300, the case ID of the shipping distribution case 30 and the e-mail address of the notification destination (in the case of this embodiment, the e-mail address of any distribution management center 70-i) are extracted. To do.

Subsequently, in step 3, the distribution case 30 pointed to by the extracted case ID is notified to the distribution management center 70 pointed to by the extracted mail address while notifying the ID of the distribution base 40-i. The shipment from 40-i is notified (the ID tag information is transmitted at the time of arrival, so there is no need to transmit at this time), and the process is terminated.

As will be described later, in response to the notification transmitted according to the processing flow of FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), the distribution tracking unit 700-i of the distribution management center 70-i causes the distribution tracking unit 700-i to It becomes possible to perform a process of tracking the distribution status of 30 in real time.

(B-2) Description of Process Flow of FIGS. 12 (a) (b) (c) The distribution notifying unit 406-i provided in the distribution base 40-i stores the GPS information defined in a prescribed cycle. When the transmission cycle is reached, as shown in the processing flow of FIG. 12A, first, in step 1, GPS information at that time is acquired from the GPS processing unit 407-i, and in subsequent step 2, it is being stored. To the distribution management center 70 pointed to by the email address read from the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30, the acquired GPS information is transmitted while the ID of the own distribution base 40-i is added, The process ends.

When the distribution notification unit 406-i reaches the air-conditioning information transmission cycle defined by the prescribed cycle, the distribution notification section 406-i of FIG.
As shown in the processing flow of (b), first, in step 1, air conditioning information at that time is acquired from the air conditioning controller 401-i, and in subsequent step 2, the ID attached to the distribution case 30 being stored. The acquired air conditioning information is transmitted to the distribution management center 70 pointed to by the e-mail address read from the tag 300 while the ID of the own distribution base 40-i is added, and the process ends.

Further, when a failure occurs in the air conditioning control, the distribution notifying unit 406-i first, at step 1, first, at the step 1, in the air conditioning controller 4 as shown in the processing flow of FIG.
The air conditioning information at that time is acquired from 01-i, and in the subsequent step 2, the ID tag 3 attached to the distribution case 30 being stored.
The acquired air-conditioning information is transmitted to the distribution management center 70 pointed to by the e-mail address read from 00 while adding the ID of the own distribution base 40-i, and the process ends.

As will be described later, this FIG. 12 (a) (b)
Upon receiving the notification transmitted according to the processing flow of (c), the distribution tracking unit 700-i included in the distribution management center 70-i.
Can perform a process of tracking the distribution status of each distribution case 30 in real time.

(C) The quality control unit 500-i provided in the processing quality control center 50-i of the quality control unit 500-i.
Collects the air-conditioning information in which the distribution case 30 has been stored by targeting the distribution case 30 designated by the quality manager or the like, so that the quality manager or the like can perform quality control of the distribution case 30. Perform the process of presenting the necessary information.

That is, the quality control unit 500-i designates, for example, the distribution case 30 stored in the distribution base 40-i which is the final storage location and displays the air-conditioning information in which the distribution case 30 is stored. When the collection request is issued,
As shown in the processing flow of No. 3, first, step 1
Then, by issuing a read instruction to the ID controller 501-i, the record information of the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30 to be processed is read and input.

Then, in step 2, the input ID
From the record information of the tag 300, the enumeration data of the record including the distribution base ID, the arrival date and time, and the shipping date and time is extracted.
That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the ID tag 300 records the enumeration data of records including the distribution base ID, the arrival date and time, and the shipping date and time, and thus all the records are extracted.

Then, in step 3, if it is judged whether all the extracted records are selected and it is judged that all the records are not selected, step 5
Then, one unprocessed record is selected from the extracted records.

Subsequently, in step 6, the air-conditioning information is transmitted to the distribution base 40-i indicated by the distribution base ID of the selected record by designating the arrival date / shipment date / time of the selected record. Request to do.

Here, if a distribution base ID, such as a mail address, indicating a destination is used, the transmission request of this air conditioning information can be immediately issued using the destination. When the one indicating the destination such as a mail address is not used, the distribution base 40 to which the air conditioning information is issued is indexed by indexing the address book that manages the correspondence between the distribution base ID and the destination. -i
The request for transmission of this air-conditioning information will be issued for the destination.

The distribution management unit 404-i of the distribution base 40-i which has received the request for transmitting the air-conditioning information has the above-mentioned FIG. 10 (a).
In accordance with the processing flow of (1), the air conditioning information between the designated arrival date and time and shipping date and time is read out and returned.

Next, in the following step 7, after waiting for the air-conditioning information to be sent and detecting that the air-conditioning information is sent, the process proceeds to step 8 to receive the sent air-conditioning information. Then return to step 3 to process the next record.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 3 that all the extracted records have been selected, the process proceeds to step 4, the air-conditioning information received in step 8 is output in an organized form, and the process ends.

In this way, the quality control section 500-i
As shown in FIG. 17, the distribution case 30 is stored from the distribution base 40-i that has stored the distribution case 30 according to the record information of the ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30 to be processed. By collecting the air-conditioning information at that time, it is processed so as to present the information necessary for the quality control of the distribution case 30 to the quality manager or the like.

(D) Processing of distribution tracking section 600-i Distribution tracking section 600 provided in client terminal 60-i
-i designates a distribution case 30 designated by a distribution manager or the like as a processing target, and the distribution case 30 is currently in which distribution base 4;
0-i is stored and what kind of distribution base 40-i is used for distribution to detect the distribution case 30 to the distribution manager or the like. The process of presenting information on the distribution status of is performed.

That is, the distribution tracking unit 600-i specifies the case ID of the distribution case 30 from the distribution manager or the like,
When a request for tracking the distribution status of the distribution case 30 is issued, as shown in the processing flow of FIG. 14, first, in step 1, in the case I of the distribution case 30 of the tracking request.
Enter D.

Then, in step 2, the network 70
The input case ID is specified for all distribution bases 40-i via the
Queries the storage history of 0.

Upon receipt of this storage history inquiry request, the distribution management unit 404-i included in each distribution base 40-i
As described in the processing flow of FIG. 10B, if the distribution case 30 indicated by the designated case ID has not been stored, a reply to that effect is returned, and if it has been stored, the distribution case 30 is returned. Returns the arrival date / shipment date indicating the storage period.

Then, subsequently, in step 3, the information returned from each distribution base 40-i in response to the inquiry of the storage history is received, and in the following step 4, all the distribution bases that have made the inquiry are received. The information returned is received until it is confirmed that the reply from 40-i is received.

Then, in step 5, the distribution base 40-i which has returned the arrival date / shipment date is set as a sort target,
The distribution base 40-i that has returned the arrival date / shipment date and time is sorted in the order of arrival date / shipment date and time, and the subsequent step 6
Then, output the sorting result.

In accordance with this sort output, the distribution manager or the like who has issued the distribution status tracking request determines, as shown in FIG.
-i (it is stored in the distribution base 40-i where the arrival date and time is stored and the shipping date and time is not stored) can be grasped, and the tracking request distribution case 30 It becomes possible to grasp what kind of distribution base 40-i is distributed through.

In the processing flow of FIG. 14, the distribution tracking unit 600-i sends air-conditioning information when the distribution case 30 to be processed is stored from the distribution base 40-i which has returned the arrival date / shipment date. Is not processed to collect,
It goes without saying that this air conditioning information can also be collected.

(E) Processing of distribution tracking unit 700-i Distribution tracking unit 600 provided in the client terminal 60-i
-i makes an inquiry to all distribution bases 40-i to determine which distribution base 4 the tracking case distribution case 30 is.
It tries to detect whether it is distributed via 0-i, but this cannot execute the tracking processing in real time.

On the other hand, the distribution tracking unit 700-i provided in the distribution management center 70-i receives and monitors the information sent from the distribution notification unit 406-i provided in the distribution base 40-i. Then, it has a function of allowing the real-time monitoring through which distribution base 40-i each distribution case 30 is distributed.

That is, as described in the processing flow of FIGS. 11 and 12, the distribution notifying unit 406-i provided in the distribution base 40-i is used when the distribution case 30 arrives at the own distribution base 40-i. , Its distribution case 30 is its own distribution base 40
-When shipping from i, the information is transmitted, and while the distribution case 30 is stored in the own distribution base 40-i, for example, GPS information and air conditioning information are periodically transmitted. By monitoring these pieces of information, the distribution tracking unit 700-i monitors in real time what kind of distribution base 40-i the distribution case 30 of the tracking request is distributed through. I have to.

In order to realize this monitoring processing, the distribution tracking unit 700-i has the distribution notifying unit 4 provided in the distribution base 40-i.
When the above information is sent from 06-i, as shown in the processing flow of FIG. 15, first, in step 1, date and time information at the time of reception is acquired.

Subsequently, in step 2, it is judged whether or not the received information is the arrival notice (notified according to the processing flow of FIG. 11A), and when it is judged that it is the arrival notice, Proceeding to step 3, the case ID of the distribution case 30 and the I of the distribution base 40-i that have been sent.
Corresponding to D, the sent record information of the ID tag 300 and the date and time information (which becomes the arrival date and time) acquired in step 1 are saved in the distribution information storage unit 701-i, and the process is ended. .

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 2 that the received information is not the arrival notification, the process proceeds to step 4 and the received information is the shipping notification (notified according to the processing flow of FIG. 11B). If it is determined that it is a shipping notification, the process proceeds to step 5, and the step 1 is performed while corresponding to the case ID of the distribution case 30 and the ID of the distribution base 40-i that have been sent. The date and time information (which is the shipping date and time) acquired in step S1 is stored in the distribution information storage unit 701-i, and the process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 4 that the received information is not a shipping notification, the process proceeds to step 6 and the received information is GPS information (notified according to the processing flow of FIG. 12A). Judge whether or not,
When determining that the information is GPS information, step 7
Then, the stored GPS information and the date and time information acquired in step 1 are stored in the distribution information storage unit 701-i in correspondence with the ID of the distribution base 40-i that has been sent,
The process ends.

Here, since the GPS information is unique information about the distribution base 40-i and not the information about each distribution case 30, the case ID of the distribution case 30 is not sent. From now on, the GP sent from the distribution base 40-i in correspondence with the ID sent from the distribution base 40-i
The S information is saved.

On the other hand, in step 6, the received information is GP
When it is determined that the received information is not the S information, that is, when the received information is the air conditioning information (notified according to the processing flow of FIGS. 12B and 12C), the process proceeds to step 8 and is sent. The sent air-conditioning information and the date and time information acquired in step 1 are stored in the distribution information storage unit 701-i in correspondence with the ID of the distribution base 40-i, and the process ends.

Here, since the air conditioning information is unique information about the distribution base 40-i and not the information about each distribution case 30, the case ID of the distribution case 30 is not sent. From now on, the sent air-conditioning information is stored while being associated with the sent ID of the distribution base 40-i.

In this way, the distribution tracking unit 700-i provided in the distribution management center 70 receives the information sent from the distribution notification unit 406-i provided in the distribution base 40-i, and thereby the distribution information is obtained. The information is stored in the storage unit 701-i as shown in FIG.

According to the information stored in the distribution information storage unit 701-i, the distribution tracking unit 700-i, as shown in FIG. 19, shows in real time which distribution base 40-i each distribution case 30 is currently in. It is possible to immediately obtain information on whether each distribution case 30 is stored in the distribution base (currently stored in the distribution base 40-i where the arrival date and time is stored and the shipping date and time is not stored). It becomes possible to immediately acquire whether or not the product is distributed via the distribution base 40-i.

Further, the distribution base 40-i which was the storage destination
When the distribution base 40-i currently stored moves, the moving route can be immediately obtained according to the GPS information sent periodically.

Moreover, the distribution base 40 that was the storage destination
-i and the distribution base 40-i currently stored are periodically acquired, so that the storage history of the air conditioning information can be immediately acquired.

Then, the distribution tracking unit 700-i presents the acquired result by displaying it on a map, for example, in response to the user's request, and thereby the distribution status of the distribution case 30 required by the user. Can be presented to the user in real time.

The functions of the distribution management center 70-i described above can be provided in the distribution base 40-i, the client terminal 60-i, or the quality management center 50-i. It is possible to prepare for i. Also,
A plurality of email addresses may be recorded in the ID tag 300.

From now on, according to the processing of monitoring the distribution status to be realized by the function of the distribution management center 70-i, the distribution base 40 which is the final destination of the distribution case 30.
In -i, it becomes possible to grasp to which position the distribution case 30 is currently reaching, and in the distribution base 40-i which is located in the subsequent process, it is possible to accurately judge whether or not to prepare for acceptance. Like

(F) Verification processing of distribution route data recorded in the ID tag 300 The ID tag 300 attached to the distribution case 30 that distributes from the distribution base 40-i to another distribution base 40-i. As shown in FIG. 16, data about the distribution route will be recorded.

On the other hand, according to the electronic mail address recorded in the ID tag 300, the data regarding the distribution route will be reported to the distribution management center 70-i in real time.

From now on, by checking whether the distribution route data recorded by these two methods match, it becomes possible to check whether any fraud was made during distribution.

In the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 16, the ID tag 300 is associated with the ID of the distribution base 40-i which is the storage location of the distribution case 30,
The configuration is such that the arrival date / shipment date / time indicating the storage period is recorded, but the arrival date / shipment date / time is stored in the distribution information storage unit 405-i of the distribution base 40-i. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, the present invention can be realized by recording information such as a record number indicating the storage position instead of the arrival date / time / shipping date / time.

In this case, the quality control unit 500-i requests the distribution base 40-i to send the air-conditioning information by designating the record number and other information.

Further, although the present invention has been described assuming the distribution process in the embodiment described above, the present invention can be applied to processes other than the distribution process.
For example, it can be directly applied to a manufacturing process such as a semiconductor as shown in FIG.

Even in such a manufacturing process, there is a case where the process device in the subsequent stage is selected dynamically depending on the waiting state or the like, which process device in the subsequent stage may be dynamically changed. In this case, the present invention is particularly suitable.

The present invention is also effective when applied to a production line such as an automobile. For example, in the production of automobiles, when an order is received from a customer, the order number and data are reported to the production control department of the factory. The production control department adds the customer's property, desired delivery date, information on the store, etc. to the production line.

A data collection terminal is installed in each process, and an ID tag is attached to each car produced.

At this time, similar to the situation as the shipper of the physical distribution tracking system described above, the fact that the product is put into the production line is notified to the subsequent process of the production line. Furthermore,
Notify related departments such as parts manufacturers. At the same time, contact the shipper, retailer, and customer. Similarly, when the car is put into each process, in the same way,
The post-process, delivery vehicle, dealer, customer, etc. are notified so that these persons can easily grasp the process and prepare.

Even in each process, if the scheduled time is assumed, the preparation can be performed according to the predicted time. Even if a trouble occurs on the way, if the information is sent in the same manner, it becomes possible to deal with each response in real time.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform tracking from the manufacturing line to the arrival at the customer.
The present invention can be applied to various production methods such as a build-to-order manufacturing method and a single-piece production method. By applying the present invention, it becomes possible to dramatically improve quality and The cost can be dramatically reduced.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated embodiment examples, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example,
In the embodiment, the present invention has been described by taking the collection of air conditioning information as a specific example, but the application of the present invention is not limited to the collection of air conditioning information.

Further, in the embodiment, the present invention has been described according to the application example to the process in which the process flow dynamically changes depending on the type of the product and the process state, but the present invention does not change the process flow. It goes without saying that it can be applied to the process as it is.

[0169]

As described above, according to the present invention,
What kind of processing is currently performed on individual products for products that have been introduced into processes in which the flow of processes dynamically changes depending on the type of product or the state of processes, or the speed of the flow changes dynamically? What kind of processing have you received so far,
It becomes possible to acquire in real time what kind of state it was.

As a result, in the post-process, it is possible to grasp in real time what kind of situation each product is in, and it is possible to efficiently implement preparations for product acceptance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of distribution channels.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of data recorded in an ID tag.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus configuration of a distribution base.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of information stored in an air conditioning information storage unit / distribution information storage unit of a distribution base.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of information stored in a distribution information storage unit of a distribution management center.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a distribution management unit of a distribution base.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a distribution management unit of a distribution base.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a distribution management unit of a distribution base.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a distribution notification unit of a distribution base.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a distribution notification unit of a distribution base.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a quality management unit of a quality management center.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a distribution tracking unit of a client terminal.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a distribution tracking unit of a distribution management center.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a process executed by a distribution management unit of a distribution base.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a process executed by a quality management unit of a quality management center.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a process executed by a distribution tracking unit of a client terminal.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a process executed by the distribution tracking unit of the distribution management center.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a process executed by a distribution management unit of a distribution base.

FIG. 21 is an example of a manufacturing process to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 product 2 tags 3 process control equipment 4 process tracking device 10 processes 20 steps

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A process control device provided in association with a process of inputting a product, performing a predetermined process and outputting the process, and means for detecting that the product is input to the own process, and the product from the own process. Means for detecting that the product is output, a means for reading the identification information of the product recorded on the tag attached to the product and the address information of the communication destination, and one or more devices indicated by the communication destination address information. And a means for notifying the input / output of the product indicated by the product identification information while corresponding to the identification information of the device itself. 2. The process control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies the device indicated by the communication destination address information at a predetermined timing until a product is input and output. A process control device characterized by notifying the position information of its own process. 3. The process control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies the device indicated by the communication destination address information at a predetermined timing until a product is input and output. A process control device characterized by notifying processing information of its own process. 4. A process tracking device for tracking a product passing through a plurality of processes, the identification information of the product recorded on a tag attached to the product and the communication destination provided in association with each process. Is connected to a process control device that notifies the input / output of the product indicated by the product identification information according to the communication destination address information via a communication line, and is notified from the process control device. The means for receiving the product identification information and the information about the identification information of the device, the device identification information, the product identification information, and the date and time information or the product identification information sent in association with the product identification information. A process tracking device, comprising means for tracking a process through which a product indicated by the product identification information passes, based on time series data of paired data with the received date and time information. 5. The process tracking device according to claim 4, wherein, when the position information is sent from the process control device, the tracking means follows the movement route of the product according to the time series data of the position information. A process tracking device characterized by tracking. 6. The process tracking device according to claim 4, wherein when the process information is sent from the process control device, the tracking means is applied to the product according to the time-series data of the process information. A process tracking device characterized by tracking processing contents.