JP2004234681A - Operating condition management using large display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To share information in a factory, and to improve production efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: Large displaying of management information is carried out by using a liquid crystal projector PRJ in a factory. A screen SCR is set to a position where objects utilizing the display contents(the storage conditions of products in a storehouse) can be simultaneously visualized. Therefore, (1) the storage instructions and actual conditions of the products in the storehouse, and (2) component requests from an assembly line to a component warehouse and component shipping conditions in the component warehouse or the like are displayed according to the set place. The uppermost process(the warehousing conditions of components and materials from the outside) and lowermost process(shipping conditions) of the whole factory are displayed in parallel in a staff room. Thus, it is possible for the operators and managers of each department to accurately grasp the conditions in the factory in real time from the display, and to realize smooth operations and the improvement of production efficiency. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for managing the operation status of factories and warehouses using a large display device.

  In factories and warehouses, a large number of workers often work scatteredly in an extensive area. Under such circumstances, in order to improve work efficiency, it is important to accurately communicate work plans, the current state of work, work instructions, and other information. It is desirable that the information to be transmitted be consistent, that the latest information be obtained without delay in changes in the situation, and that many people be able to share the information. One way to satisfy these conditions is to display information in real time using a large display device connected to a computer.

  Conventionally, the installation location of the large-sized display device is determined based on the fact that the display content can be checked without the worker moving, that is, only on the visibility of the display content. For this reason, it may not be easy for the worker to confirm the display contents while working, and the displayed information may not sufficiently contribute to the improvement of the work efficiency. In particular, a display position effective for work involving movement has not been sufficiently studied.

  Conventionally, information displayed on a large-sized display device in a factory mainly includes a management target value and a current value. In a factory, it is necessary to accurately transmit information between departments involved in production in order to improve productivity. For example, there is a case where parts are supplied from a parts warehouse to an assembly line in accordance with the progress of the assembly work. In the conventional display contents, the advantage of the large display device cannot be fully utilized for such information transmission between departments.

  In a factory, it is often necessary to closely communicate information between departments separated from each other by a wall or the like, such as the above-mentioned request for parts. Conventionally, such information transmission between departments is often performed individually by some persons in charge, and it has been difficult for all the persons involved in each department to obtain consistent information without delay. Such inadequate information transmission sometimes impaired the smooth operation of each department.

  Usually, factories have a management department that controls production, but in the past, such departments did not use large display devices, but instead used computers prepared for each manager to provide information on the current status of the production line, etc. Display and production control. In this method, the information actually viewed by each manager is limited to a part, and various information may not be sufficiently used for production management. On the other hand, since the information used by the administrator is diversified, it is impractical and inefficient to display all of them on a large display device. The conventional management system has room for improvement in sharing information between managers in the management department.

  An object of the present invention is to improve workability by sharing information using a large display device in factories and warehouses.

In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, according to the present invention, as a first configuration, in a management system for managing factory production or warehouse distribution,
An input terminal for inputting at any time an instruction and a current state of at least one of storage or shipment of articles in a predetermined storage,
A storage device for storing the input instruction and the current state;
A large display device that displays the instruction and the current state stored in the storage device in a known manner without delay in the storage,
The large-sized display device was installed at a position where the displayed contents and the stored articles could be visually recognized simultaneously on any of the worker's flow lines in the storage. The instruction includes, for example, a work plan for a storage place, a storage target, and a storage number. The storage status includes, for example, the current status of these.

  The input terminal is a terminal to which predetermined management information can be input at any time, and for example, a general-purpose computer can be used. “Large size” is not necessarily limited to a size that allows all members of the installation section to easily view the display content, but may be a size that can be viewed by most people. Naturally, the size can be set arbitrarily according to the installation department of the display device.

  According to the first configuration, it is possible to perform the storage operation or the shipping operation while checking the instruction and the current state regarding at least one of the storage and the shipping. Therefore, these operations can be performed efficiently. When there is a difference between the instruction and the current state, there is an advantage that the manager can easily understand the cause.

  When a delay occurs in the work, the large-sized display device also plays a role in notifying the delay. This is a motivation for the worker to try not to delay the work, so that the work efficiency can be improved.

  The first configuration is a mode in which both the instruction and the current state of storage and shipping are collectively displayed on one large display device, a mode in which the instruction and the current state of one of storage and shipping are displayed, the instruction of storage and the current state. Either the shipping instruction or the current state may be displayed on a separate large-sized display device.

  When the first configuration is applied to a storage in which a plurality of storage lanes of articles are prepared according to a shipping destination, it is desirable to display an instruction and the current state in association with the storage lane. This is because the storage lane is usually the most important information when managing the distribution in the warehouse. Further, since the storage lane is information common to the storage operation and the shipping operation, displaying the information using this as a key has an advantage that the information of both operations can be easily compared.

The display contents can be set variously,
For example, the information on the storage operation includes an instruction on the type of article to be stored, an instruction on the quantity to be stored, and the current state. It corresponds to the most important information in the storage operation.

  Examples of the information on the shipping operation include an instruction on a shipping destination of an article to be shipped, an instruction on a quantity to be shipped, and a current state on a shipped quantity. It corresponds to the most important information in shipping work.

  When displaying information related to the storage operation, the large-sized display device can be visually recognized from at least one of a pre-processing area for performing a predetermined pre-processing required before storage of articles in the storage and a loading port to the storage. It is more preferable to install it at a position. The pre-processing includes, for example, packing of a product, registration of a serial number of a product to be shipped, and the like. If a large-sized display device is installed so as to be visible from the pre-processing area, the work content and the current state can be confirmed during the waiting time for performing the pre-processing, and the workability can be improved. If a large display device is installed so that it can be seen from the entrance, the work content and the current status can be checked when the equipment is carried into the storage, so that unnecessary movements in the subsequent storage work can be further suppressed, and workability can be improved. it can.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a management system for managing factory production,
In the case where there is a first department for producing products and a second department for supplying parts or materials used for the production in the factory,
A first input terminal for inputting request information of the part or material at any time in the first section;
A second input terminal for inputting the requested part or material shipping status in the second section;
A storage device for storing the input information,
A large-sized display device for displaying the request information and the shipping status stored in the storage device in at least one of the first section and the second section so as to be able to disseminate without delay is provided.

  According to such a configuration, a worker in a section provided with the large-sized display device can share request information on parts and the like and information on the shipping status. By displaying the request information and the shipping status together, it is possible to accurately grasp the status regarding the supply of parts or materials between the two departments. As a result, based on the displayed information, it is possible to adjust the work of sending out parts or materials and the production of products, thereby improving production efficiency.

  The second configuration is highly effective when the first section and the second section are provided in an arrangement where it is difficult to visually confirm the work status of the other section, and in this case, the large section The display device is desirably installed in one of the departments where the visual confirmation is difficult. A location where it is difficult for both departments to visually check each other is when the two departments are separated by walls or other obstacles, or when the two departments are located in different buildings. In such a case, it is desirable that both departments are provided with large display devices, respectively. An arrangement in which it is difficult for only one department to visually check the other department is, for example, a situation in which workers work in one direction and work behind one department. "Other department" is allocated to the other. Workers of the "other department" can easily visually check the state of the "one department" arranged in front, but the reverse is difficult. In such a case, by providing a large-sized display device on the “one department” side, it is easy to grasp the situation with each other. Of course, a large-sized display device may be provided also in the “other department” disposed behind.

  When the second configuration is applied to a factory where a plurality of lines for producing products are prepared in the first department, the large display device associates the request information and the shipping information with the line. It is desirable to display. This is because the line is an important and smallest unit for managing production.

As a third configuration, in a management system for managing production in a factory,
An input terminal for an upstream process for inputting the current state of a specific process upstream of a production process in the factory at any time,
A shipping input terminal for inputting a product shipping status at any time;
A storage device for storing the input information,
A management unit that manages the production process and displays the current status and the shipping status of the upstream specific process stored in the storage device in parallel so as to be widely known without delay.

  The ultimate goal of factory production control is to ship from the factory, which is the most downstream process, as planned. Information on the shipment status is the most important information in production management. On the other hand, the shipping process is naturally closely related to the status of the upstream process. Processes that have a significant effect on the shipping status, such as processes in which it is not expected that other processes can recover delays in progress, are narrowed down to a specific number of processes. For example, the one that can have the most serious impact is the procurement process of materials and components from the outside, which is the most upstream process. If materials and parts are not supplied from other companies, no matter how much the production line is modified, shipping as planned cannot be realized. According to the above configuration, in the management section, all of the important information can be shared in real time by the manager. Therefore, it is possible to promptly take a flexible measure according to the situation such as a change in the production plan. As a result, it is possible to avoid an extreme delay in shipping, stop of the production line, and the like, and it is possible to operate the factory efficiently. As the simplest mode, it is also preferable to adopt a mode in which two types of information on the current state of the most upstream process and the shipping status are displayed in parallel.

  In the third configuration, a large-sized display device for displaying the current status of the specific process upstream and the large-sized display device for displaying the shipment status may be provided at each site. Either one of the large-sized display devices may be provided, or both may be provided. By doing so, the workers at the site can also accurately grasp the situation. Therefore, the situation can be independently improved at each site.

  In the third configuration, in addition to the above two pieces of information, information on main intermediate steps may be displayed together. As an example, the assembly status on the assembly line may be displayed together. By displaying information on the intermediate process, it is possible to easily understand the current situation and change the production plan according to the situation.

  In the present invention, the storage device can be a server capable of providing stored information to the client via the Internet in response to a request from the client connected to the Internet. By installing a browser or other information browsing software on the client, it is possible to easily browse the information of the storage device at a remote place. For example, it is possible to easily grasp the production status of overseas factories. As a result, information can be easily shared between departments separated from each other. In addition, there is an advantage that the client can use a general-purpose computer and can realize such sharing at low cost.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as a fourth configuration, at least three areas of a product storage area for storing products, an assembly area for products, and a supply storage area for storing materials or parts supplied to the assembly area are arranged in a mutually different state. In the management system that manages the production of the factory equipped with the arrangement where the
At least each of the areas is provided with an input terminal for inputting a work status of the area, and a large display device for displaying the work status in accordance with the input,
Further, a network for transmitting information on the work status in any one of the areas to any other area present in the factory,
A large display device for displaying the transmitted information in the area. The information transmitted and displayed may be the information itself input in the above-mentioned area, or may be a result of some processing performed by the input terminal.

  The configuration is such that important information can be shared in other areas in the factory while sharing information with the large-sized display device individually in each of the above areas. The assembly area is not limited to the main assembly of the product. When the assembly area is divided into a plurality including the sub-assembly of parts, the input terminal and the large-sized display device may be provided in at least one of these areas. Of course, it is preferable to provide it in an area that has the greatest effect on overall productivity.

  The other areas are not limited to the above three areas. For example, another area may be a management department that manages the production process of the factory. As described in the third configuration, by displaying important information in the factory together with the management department, it is possible to quickly manage production in response to the situation.

  Further, the other area may be any area corresponding to the upstream process, rather than the area corresponding to the transmitted work situation. By displaying the work status of the downstream process in the upstream process, the production of the entire factory can be performed more smoothly. For example, consider a situation in which the shipment of a certain type of product is delayed, that is, the product is not shipped for some reason even though the number of shipments is complete. If such a situation is displayed in the upstream process such as the assembly area as information from the product storage area, in each area of the upstream process, prepare in advance in anticipation of a change instruction of the production plan according to the change of the shipping plan. be able to. Further, it is possible to respond to a change instruction of the production plan without confusion. In this way, the display of information in the upstream process enables the upstream process to respond quickly and smoothly in response to a change in the situation, thereby increasing the flexibility of production.

  When displaying information in an upstream process, information input in the supply storage area corresponding to the most upstream process is excluded from the transmitted information, and information relating to the work status in at least one of the remaining two areas is transmitted. Will be. The area corresponding to the upstream process is not limited to the above three areas. For example, when there are processes such as component processing and sub-assembly in addition to the supply of parts or materials as the upstream process of product assembly, the status of the assembly area may be displayed in these processes.

  In the fourth configuration, the transmitted information may be displayed on a separately prepared large-sized display device, but the information is transmitted to an area where a large-sized display device for displaying the current state of each area is prepared. In such a case, the large-sized display device of the area to which the information has been transmitted may display the information of the area and the transmitted information together. For example, this corresponds to a case where the information on the work situation in one of the above three areas is transmitted to at least one of the other two areas. Of course, they may be displayed individually.

  The display of the transmitted information does not necessarily have to be the same as the display in the area where the information has been input. A part of the information in the input area may be extracted and displayed.

  As the large display device of the present invention, for example, a projection type liquid crystal display device can be applied. The display device can be installed at a relatively low cost, and the size of the display screen can be flexibly adjusted. Since the display screen of the general-purpose computer can be displayed as it is, there is an advantage that the display content can be flexibly changed. The large-sized display device is not limited to this, and an electric display panel, a display, and other devices can be applied. Not only a device for displaying information using light but also a digital display plate for switching a display content by mechanically driving a large number of display plates may be applied.

  The present invention can be configured in various modes more limited than a management system such as a component distribution management system and a warehouse distribution management system, in addition to the above-described systems. The present invention can also be configured as a management method realized by these management systems.

  In the case where these management systems are constructed using a computer, the present invention provides a program for realizing the function, various signals which can be regarded as the program, and a recording in which the program is recorded in a computer-readable manner. It is also possible to configure in a mode such as a medium. Examples of the recording medium include a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punched card, a printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed, an internal storage device of a computer (a memory such as a RAM or a ROM), and the like. Various computer-readable media such as an external storage device can be used.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following sections.
A. First Embodiment Example of application to storage:
A1. Modification Modification of display:
B. Example 2 Example of application to parts distribution:
C. Third embodiment Application example to management department:
C1. Modifications Modifications of information sharing:
D. Fourth embodiment Information providing example to upstream process:

A. First Embodiment Example of application to storage:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the management system as the first embodiment. An example is shown in which the present invention is applied to a storage for storing products produced in a factory. It may be applied to warehouses other than factories.

  The product placed on the pallet PLT1 is carried into the storage from the carry-in entrance by the carry-in worker WK1. The carry-in worker WK1 arranges the pallet PLT1 in any of the lanes 1 to 8 according to the type of the product, as planned in advance. Lanes 1-8 each correspond to eight shipping containers. For the lane in which the planned number of products have been prepared, the unloading worker WK2 unloads the pallet PLT2 arranged in the lane from the unloading port A or the unloading port B. At each exit, trucks with containers are waiting. The pallet PLT2 is mounted on a container corresponding to each lane and shipped.

  The management system according to the first embodiment is a system that manages work performed by a carry-in worker WK1 and a carry-out worker WK2 in a storage. The management system includes a computer PC, a liquid crystal projector PRJ, and a screen SCR. The liquid crystal projector PRJ projects and displays the same image as the screen displayed on the display of the computer PC on the screen SCR.

  A general-purpose personal computer can be applied to the computer PC. The computer PC plays a role as an input terminal for planning and current work of loading and unloading work in the storage, a storage device for storing such information, and a control device for controlling the display of the liquid crystal projector PRJ.

  The display screen SCR is provided in consideration of the visibility of the carry-in worker WK1 and the carry-out worker WK2 during work. That is, as shown below, the screen SCR is installed at a position where the carry-in worker WK1 and the carry-out worker WK2 can visually recognize the display screen and the lane simultaneously.

  The carry-in worker WK1 enters the storage from the carry-in entrance as shown by an arrow in the figure, and draws a flow line that moves through the passage in the storage to each lane. The carry-in worker WK1 can see the display contents of the screen SCR on this flow line as shown by the arrow LOS1 in the figure. At this time, the storage status of the product in each lane can be visually recognized simultaneously with the display contents. The unloading worker WK2 draws a flow line connecting the lanes 1 to 8 and the unloading ports A and B. The unloading worker WK2 can see the display contents of the screen SCR on this flow line as shown by the arrow LOS2 in the figure. At this time, the shipment status of each of the lanes 1 to 8 can also be confirmed.

  Regarding the screen SCR, various installation positions where the above-described visibility can be ensured can be considered. In the first embodiment, as an example, the screen SCR is installed on an extension connecting a predetermined position on each flow line and a lane. Further, the screen SCR was installed at a position sufficiently higher than the product so that the product stored in the storage did not hinder visibility. The size of the screen SCR may be set to a size that allows each worker to sufficiently recognize the display content in consideration of the size of the storage.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contents of a display screen by the liquid crystal projector. The plan and current status of loading and unloading work are displayed. The lane, product code, shipping schedule, number of shipments, current number, vehicle number, estimated arrival time, arrival time, number of pallets, number of completions, and shipping status are displayed. “Lane” is a lane number (1 to 8 in this embodiment) in the storage. "Product code" is a code number of a product to be arranged in each lane. “Scheduled shipment” is the scheduled shipping time. The “shipment number” is the number of products to be shipped. The “current number” is the number of products that have been stored in the storage. The "vehicle number" is a code number of a truck on which a container is mounted at the time of shipment. “Scheduled arrival” is the estimated arrival time of the truck for shipment, and “arrival time” is the actual arrival time. "Number of pallets" is the number of pallets mounted on the truck. The number of pallets is a value obtained by converting the number of shipments into pallets. "Completion number" is the number of pallets that have been mounted on the truck. “Shipment status” is the progress of the shipping operation.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the product of the product code “AAA” is to be arranged in the lane 2. Since the number of products to be shipped is 966, and the current number is 966, the production has already been completed. The truck has arrived at 9:30 and has just finished loading 18 of the 20 pallets to be loaded. That is, the shipment status is “mounted”. Lanes 6 and 1 indicate that the product is being manufactured, and lanes 3 and 8 indicate that the shipment has already been completed.

  The lane, the product code, the shipping schedule, and the number of shipments are information corresponding to a plan or an instruction of the carry-in work in the storage, and the current number is information corresponding to the current state of the carry-in work. The lane, product code, arrival schedule, arrival time, and number of pallets are information corresponding to the plan or instruction of unloading work, and the number of completions and shipping status are information corresponding to the current state. The information to be handled is not limited to these, and can be set arbitrarily according to the purpose of management.

  Information corresponding to the plan or instruction has been input to the computer PC in advance by the administrator. Information on the current situation is input to the computer PC by the manager or the worker according to the progress of the work, and is updated as needed. These pieces of information may be input from another computer connected to the computer PC via a network.

  This shows the steps of loading and unloading work involving updating of information. FIG. 3 is a process chart of a loading process into the warehouse. When carrying in the product to the storage, the carry-in worker WK1 inputs the correspondence between the product number and the pallet (step S2). Since a plurality of products are packed together on the pallet, the identification number assigned to each pallet is associated with the serial number of the packed product. This operation may be performed when the product is packed on a pallet, or may be performed when the product is loaded. As an input method, the identification number of the pallet or the serial number of the product may be manually input, or may be read by a bar code reader or the like. Since the serial number of the product is input according to the number of packed products, this input also serves as the input of the number of products carried in. The information thus input is stored in the computer PC as one of the information indicating the current state of the carrying-in work.

  Next, the carry-in worker WK1 checks the storage status of each lane by displaying the screen SCR (step S4). By looking at the lanes, the product code, the number of shipments, and the current number, it is possible to easily recognize in which lane the pallet being transported should be placed. Since the storage status of the lane at the placement destination can be visually checked at the same time, whether or not the self-recognition is correct can be instantaneously and visually confirmed. For example, if the product code is overlooked and the destination lane is misjudged based only on the number of shipments and the current number, the packaging box of the product stored in the destination lane and the packaging box of the product being transported are different, so an error is immediately made. You can notice. As for the quantity, it is possible to easily judge the correctness of the self-recognition based on the quantitative feeling empirically developed. If an erroneous judgment is noticed, the recognition can be easily revised by checking the display again. Since the information is displayed on the large screen SCR, these can be confirmed while carrying out the work of transporting the product. The working efficiency can be improved as compared with the case where the information is displayed only on the display of the computer PC.

  When the destination lane is confirmed in this way, the carry-in worker WK1 moves the pallet and inputs the destination lane number to the computer PC (step S6). The input may be performed by the carry-in worker WK1 itself, or may be performed by a dedicated manager. The input lane number is stored in the computer PC as one of the information indicating the current state of the loading operation. A system may be used in which a sensor is provided for each lane and the destination is automatically input. Since the size of the pallet is constant, an automatic input system can be easily constructed by arranging optical sensors and other sensors that can detect the presence or absence of the pallet at regular intervals in each lane and wiring them so that the detection signal is transmitted to the computer PC. can do. In order to strictly associate the pallet with the arranged lanes, a sensor that automatically reads a bar code or other identification information attached to the pallet or the product may be provided in each lane. The computer PC can determine, based on the input destination information and the previously input product number, how many new products have been loaded into which lane. Based on this determination, the computer PC updates the “current number” display on the display screen. Along with the carrying-in work, the carrying-in worker or the like may directly input the “current number”.

  The information update of the unloading work is performed in the next step. FIG. 4 is a process chart of the unloading process from the storage. The unloading worker WK2 checks the shipment status by displaying the screen SCR (step S12). By looking at the lane, arrival time, number of pallets, and number of completions, it is easy to determine which lane product should be loaded on the truck. Since the shipment status of each lane can be visually checked at the same time, it is possible to visually judge whether or not the self-recognition is correct, as in the case of the loading operation.

  Based on this recognition, the unloading worker WK2 moves the pallet (step S14), and inputs information on which pallet has been moved from which lane to which track to the computer PC (step S16). The carry-out worker WK2 may input the information itself, or the administrator may input the information. The unloading of the pallet may be automatically detected by a sensor provided in each lane. Although the computer PC is installed near the entrance in FIG. 1, it may be installed between the entrance and the exit for convenience of information input at the time of unloading. A computer for inputting the information on the loading operation and a computer for inputting the information on the unloading operation may be separately provided, and connected via a network to share the information.

  According to the management system of the first embodiment described above, by displaying large-sized information on the liquid crystal projector PRJ, it is possible to confirm the displayed contents while working. Since the display and the lane can be visually recognized at the same time, the correctness of the recognition of the displayed content can be instantaneously and visually determined. Therefore, the operation can proceed smoothly and efficiently.

  The large display of the information allows the worker to easily share the information in real time in the storage. When a carry-in work and a carry-out work are performed by a plurality of persons, each person can accurately grasp the work instruction and the current state, and can proceed independently.

  The large display is different from the case where information is displayed only on the display of the computer PC, and it is easy to make the work delay and its cause known. This is a disgrace for the worker who caused the work delay. The large display provides one motivation for each worker to work without delay due to such a psychological effect. By such an operation, the large-sized display contributes to improvement of the working efficiency in the storage.

  During the storage operation, as described in the loading step, preprocessing such as input of a product number is performed before storage. In the first embodiment, it is preferable that the position of the screen SCR be set so that the operator can visually recognize the display content and the lane simultaneously during the preprocessing. In this way, the worker can confirm the storage instruction and the situation during the waiting time until the completion of the preprocessing, and the working efficiency can be further improved.

A1. Modification of display:
In the management system of the first embodiment, various modified examples can be applied to the display position of the information. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a management system as a first modification. Here, the case where the liquid crystal projector PRJ1 and the screen SCR1 are provided at a display position where the carry-in worker WK1 can more easily utilize is exemplified. As shown in the figure, a screen SCR1 is provided in front of the entrance. In the example shown in the figure, the screen SCR1 is installed above the carry-out ports A and B because the carry-in port and the carry-out port are located opposite to each other. At this position, the carry-in worker WK1 can check the display contents as shown by the arrow LOS3 in the figure when entering the storage from the carry-in entrance, and can also visually check the storage status of each lane at the same time. it can.

  The installation position of the screen is not limited to the wall. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a management system as a second modification. As shown, the screen SCR2 and the liquid crystal projector PRJ2 may be suspended and displayed. Here, the case where the screen SCR2 is installed in front of the loading entrance is illustrated. In the second modification, since the position of the screen SCR2 is close to the flow line of the carry-in worker WK1, there is an advantage that the carry-in worker WK1 can easily confirm the display.

  In the first and second modified examples, it is difficult for the unloading worker WK2 to confirm the displayed information, and thus it is desirable to separately provide a display for the unloading worker WK2. In such a case, different information may be displayed for the carry-in worker WK1 and for the carry-out worker WK2. That is, only the plan or instruction related to each operation and the current state may be displayed. When the display for the carry-in worker and the display for the carry-out worker are separated, both are not necessarily provided, and only one of them may be provided in consideration of the advantage of the large display.

B. Example 2 Example of application to parts distribution:
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the management system as the second embodiment. A plan view of the factory was shown. In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which a large display is applied to information transmission between a parts warehouse A1 of a factory and an assembly area A2.

  The illustrated factory has two areas, a parts warehouse A1 and an assembly area A2. Both areas are arranged with a passage therebetween, and it is difficult to visually check the status of the other area from each area. A plurality of assembly lines L1 and L2 are provided in the assembly area A2, and a product of a specific model is produced for each line. In the assembly area A2, there is a distribution worker for distributing parts to each line, and this worker monitors the consumption of parts and requests the parts warehouse A1 to distribute parts as necessary.

  Parts corresponding to each model produced in the assembly area A2 are stored in the parts warehouse A1. The production of parts may be performed at the same time. The parts warehouse A1 has an operator for distributing parts, and distributes parts in response to a request from the assembly area A2. The requested parts are mounted on the AGV and delivered to the assembly area A2. In the assembly area A2, the distribution worker receives this part and distributes it to each assembly line.

  The management system of the second embodiment is responsible for transmitting information between the parts warehouse A1 and the assembly area A2 in the above-described operation. As a management system, the parts warehouse A1 is provided with a computer PC10, a liquid crystal projector PRJ10, and a screen SCR10 as a management system. In the assembly area A2, a computer PC11, a liquid crystal projector PRJ11, and a screen SCR11 are provided. The computers PC10 and PC11 serve as input terminals for inputting request information and delivery information of parts, storage devices for storing these information, and control devices for controlling display of the liquid crystal projectors PRJ10 and PRJ11, respectively. The computers PC10 and PC11 are connected by a network, and can share information between them.

  When the distributor of the assembly area A2 inputs a request for parts to the computer PC11, the request information is transmitted to the computer PC10 of the parts warehouse A1 via the network. The request information is displayed on the screen SCR10 by the liquid crystal projector PRJ10. When the worker of the parts warehouse A1 inputs information to the effect that the requested parts have been placed on the automatic guided vehicle AGV and delivered to the computer PC10, the delivery information is transmitted to the computer 11. The delivery information is displayed on the screen SCR11 by the liquid crystal projector PRJ11.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing display contents in the second embodiment. As described above, the request information of parts and the delivery status are displayed. In this embodiment, the information of both the assembly area A2 and the parts warehouse A1 are displayed in parallel. Only the parts delivery status may be displayed in the assembly area A2, and only the parts request information may be displayed in the parts warehouse A1.

  As the part request information, a line number, a model name, a part number, a part name, a date, a time, and a quantity are displayed. "Line number" is the number of the assembly line requesting a part. "Model name" is the type of product manufactured in the line. "Part number" is the code of the requested part. "Part name" is the name of the requested part. "Date" and "Time" are the date and time when the part was requested. "Quantity" is the requested quantity. The component request information is not limited to these, and any information required for work in the component warehouse A1 can be set.

  As information indicating the part delivery status, a part number, a part name, a quantity, a shipping destination, a date, and a time are displayed. The part number, the part name, and the quantity have the same meanings as the part request information. The “shipping destination” corresponds to the “line number” of the component request information, and indicates to which assembly line the component has been sent. “Date” and “time” are the date and time of shipment of the part, respectively. The parts delivery status is not limited to these, and any information can be set.

  According to the management system of the second embodiment, information can be smoothly transmitted between the parts warehouse A1 and the assembly area A2, and the production efficiency can be improved. In the parts warehouse A1, the parts requirement information and the parts delivery status are displayed in a large size, so that the display contents can be easily checked at any position of the worker, and the parts to be delivered can be easily and accurately grasped in real time. And parts can be efficiently delivered. If the screen SCR 10 is installed at a position where the displayed contents and the stored components can be simultaneously viewed, the working efficiency can be further improved by the same operation as described in the first embodiment. When a delivery operation is performed by a plurality of workers, there is also an advantage that each worker can accurately grasp the required information and the delivery status of the parts and can work independently. By the same psychological action as described in the first embodiment, it is also motivated to proceed with the work so as not to cause a delay.

  In the assembly area A2, the delivery status of the requested part can be easily and accurately grasped in real time by the large display. The distribution worker can make an adjustment such as requesting the component early according to the delivery status of the component. The large-sized display has an advantage that the operator can easily confirm the request and delivery status of the parts because the operator can check the display content regardless of the position of the operator, thereby improving the smoothness of the operation. Each worker and manager of the assembly line can adjust the production plan. By making these adjustments flexibly, production efficiency can be improved.

  As described above, by using the large display for information transmission between departments in the factory, many workers and managers can accurately grasp each other's situation among a plurality of departments, and facilitate each work. be able to.

  In the second embodiment, information may be transmitted between three or more departments. The large displays of the parts warehouse A1 and the assembly area A2 do not necessarily have to include both, and may include only one of them in consideration of the effectiveness by sharing information. The second embodiment is applicable not only to a plurality of areas arranged with a passage therebetween, but also to various areas where it is difficult for one to visually confirm the situation of the other. The present invention can be applied to a case where it is difficult to visually check the distance between a plurality of areas that are not partitioned by walls or the like, for example, when the distance between the two is large.

C. Third embodiment Application example to management department:
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the management system as the third embodiment. The layout in the factory is shown schematically. In the third embodiment, an example of application to information transmission between a production site of a factory, that is, a parts warehouse A11, an assembly line A12, a finished goods warehouse A13, and the management department SR will be described.

  At the production site of the factory, parts are loaded into the parts warehouse A11 and assembled on the assembly line 12. The produced product is stored in the finished product warehouse A13 and shipped when a predetermined quantity is reached. Therefore, loading into the parts warehouse A11 is a specific step upstream of production in the factory, and shipping from the finished goods warehouse A13 is the lowest step. The assembly line is an intermediate step between the two. In some cases, materials are carried into a factory and parts are produced in the factory. In such a case, the loading of the material is a specific upstream process.

  Computers PC21, PC22, and PC23 are installed in each section of the production site. These computers serve as input terminals for inputting the current state of each department. The stock status of parts is input to the computer PC21 of the parts warehouse A11, the assembly state is input to the computer PC22 of the assembly line A12, and the shipment state is input to the computer PC23 of the finished goods warehouse A13. Each computer is connected to a local area network NE in the factory, and can transmit the information to a server SV also connected to the network.

  The management section SR is a staff room where managers who manage production of the entire factory gather. As schematically shown in FIG. 9, the management section SR is provided on a floor or a building different from the production site. The management section SR is provided with three computers PC31, PC32, PC33, liquid crystal projectors PRJ31, PRJ32, PRJ33, and screens SCR31, SCR32, SCR33. Each computer is connected to the network NE. Each computer has a function of inputting information from the server SV and displaying the information on the respective liquid crystal projectors. The computer PC31, the liquid crystal projector PRJ31, and the screen SCR31 are used for displaying the stock status of parts. The computer PC32, the liquid crystal projector PRJ32, and the screen SCR32 are used for displaying the assembly status. The computer PC33, the liquid crystal projector PRJ33, and the screen SCR33 are used for displaying a shipping status. In the management section SR, as shown, three types of information are displayed in parallel in the order of steps.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing display contents of the parts stock status. Here, it is assumed that the display is made specifically for the part shortage state. The display contents include a model name, a part number, a part name, a supplier, a request destination, a request date, a request time, a situation, and a delivery schedule. The “model name” is a production model in which a shortage of parts has occurred. The “part number” and “part name” are the codes of the missing parts and their names. "Supplier" is the name of the company that supplies the part. The “request destination” is the number of the department requesting the part, for example, the assembly line. The “request date” and “request time” are the date and time when the distribution of the part was requested. “Status” is the status of handling the missing parts. For example, a status such as a status where the order is completed with the supplier, a status where the supplier has contacted the supplier and is waiting for delivery, etc. is displayed. “Scheduled delivery” is the scheduled delivery date and time from the supplier. The display contents of the stock status are not limited to these, and can be set arbitrarily according to the management purpose.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing display contents of the assembly status. As the assembly status, the cumulative result and the result of today are displayed in a graph. As the cumulative result, the planned value and the actual value of the number of products for each model are displayed in a band graph format. For example, when the production number is planned on a weekly basis, the planned value on a weekly basis and the cumulative production result are obtained. As for today's performance, the transition of the production number according to time and the planned value are displayed in the form of a line graph. The display contents are not limited to these, and can be set arbitrarily according to the management purpose. The assembly status may be displayed not only in the graph format but also in a table format. Such a display may be provided for each assembly line or for each process of the assembly line. Further, information related to quality, such as the occurrence rate of a defect in each line, may be displayed.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the shipping status. As the shipping status, the gate, the model name, the quantity, the destination, and the progress of the shipping operation are displayed. “Gate” is the number of the carry-out port. The “model name” and “quantity” are the model and quantity to be shipped. “Destination” is a shipping destination. The progress is divided into columns for product preparation, packing, preparation of necessary documents, shipping procedure, and shipping. When each operation is completed, the cells are filled. This is a display for visually grasping the detailed progress of the shipping operation. The display content and format are not limited to these, and can be set arbitrarily according to the management purpose.

  The server SV provides these management information in HTML format. The server SV is connected to the Internet INT, and also functions as a Web server that provides management information in HTML according to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) from any computer PC 41 connected to the Internet. However, a predetermined password is required for access for security. In the computer PC 41, the management information can be browsed by a browser. Since the access is via the Internet, the computer PC41 does not need to be installed in the factory, and may be installed beyond the border BDR. With this function, the operation status of the factory can be grasped in real time from outside the factory, including overseas departments. As an example, if the computer PC41 is installed in a parts supply company, the supply company can easily grasp the consumption state of the parts and can avoid a supply shortage. Moreover, such information can be shared at low cost. Provision of information via the Internet INT is also applicable to the first and second embodiments described above. The server SV may be provided in the configuration of each embodiment, or a computer that stores each information may perform the function of the server SV.

  According to the management system of the third embodiment, the current status of the production site can be easily and accurately grasped in real time by the management section SR. Also, all the managers of the management section SR can share this information. The ultimate goal of production control is to ship from the factory, which is the most downstream process, as planned. The most influential on production is the loading of components from the outside, which is the most upstream process. Here, a plurality of managers of the management department SR have different management responsibilities, and therefore, important information for each person is different, but the current state of the most upstream process and the most downstream process is determined by the manager from the above viewpoint. Is important information to share. In the management system according to the third embodiment, the administrator can accurately share this important information in real time. Therefore, production management can be performed smoothly.

  In the third embodiment, the assembly status, which is important information of the intermediate process, is also displayed. The information on the intermediate process can be used for changing the production plan according to the situation. In the third embodiment, since three pieces of information are displayed in parallel in the order of steps, there is an advantage that the entire situation can be easily grasped.

C1. Modifications Modifications of information sharing:
In the third embodiment, only the display of the management section SR has been described, but a display device for management information may be provided at the production site. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management system as a modification of the third embodiment. As shown, liquid crystal projectors PRJ51, PRJ52, PRJ53 and screens SCR51, SCR52, SCR53 are provided in a parts warehouse, an assembly line, and a finished goods warehouse, respectively. Each of the liquid crystal projectors PRJ51, PRJ52, and PRJ53 displays a component stock status, an assembly status, and a shipment status in each area according to output signals from the computers PC21, PC22, and PC23. These pieces of information are also displayed in the management section SR as in the third embodiment.

  The display of each area of the production site may be the same as the display contents (FIGS. 10 to 12) in the management section SR, or may be different. At the production site, it is preferable to display the information in a form suitable for the work, and for the management section SR to display the information in a form suitable for management. A description will be given taking a parts warehouse as an example.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating display contents in the parts warehouse. In the parts warehouse, information useful for procurement of parts from the outside is displayed separately for “parts order” and “delivery status”. As “parts order”, a model name, a part number, a part name, a supplier, a required date, a required time, and a delivery schedule are displayed. As the “delivery status”, a model name, a part number, a part name, a supplier, a delivery schedule, a delivery date, and a delivery time are displayed. The “delivery date” and “delivery time” indicate the date and time when the part was actually delivered. Other items have the same meaning as in FIG. The display content and format are not limited to these, and can be set arbitrarily according to the management purpose.

  In a parts warehouse, it is effective to display such detailed ordering and delivery status in order to smoothly and reliably procure parts from outside. On the other hand, it is important for the management department to grasp information that affects overall productivity such as a shortage of parts without omission and without delay. Displaying overly detailed information can contribute to overlooking such critical information. From this viewpoint, the management department SR displays only the missing parts as the parts warehouse status (see FIG. 10). In the parts warehouse, information necessary for the detailed display of FIG. 14 is input to the computer PC21. In the management section SR, only information indicating a shortage of parts is picked up and displayed from the information.

  Similarly, the display contents can be changed between the production site and the management department SR in the assembly area and the finished product warehouse. For example, in the assembly area, the production status may be displayed for each assembly line or each process, and in the management section SR, the production status (see FIG. 11) of the entire assembly area may be displayed. In the finished goods warehouse, detailed information of the shipping work (see FIG. 12) is displayed, and in the management section SR, the status is displayed in three stages of “unshipped”, “shipping in progress”, and “shipped”. Is also good. Of course, it is not always necessary to change the display of the production site and the management department SR, and a common display may be used. In particular, since the shipment of products is the most important item in managing production, it is highly effective to display the same detailed information as the production site at the management department regarding the shipment status.

  According to the system of the modified example, necessary information can be shared by the management section SR while smoothing and improving the efficiency of the operation by utilizing the display of the large display device in each area of the production site. By transmitting information using a network and performing display using a liquid crystal projector, input information can be processed and displayed in a form corresponding to each area, and information can be shared more effectively.

  In the modified example, the case where the information of the three areas of the production site is displayed on the management section SR is illustrated, but the information of only a part of the area may be displayed.

D. Fourth embodiment Information providing example to upstream process:
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the management system as the fourth embodiment. Similar to the third embodiment, an example of application to a production site in a factory will be described. The third embodiment (see FIG. 9) and the modification (see FIG. 13) exemplify a case where the management department grasps the status of the production site. The fourth embodiment exemplifies a case in which information is shared between each area of a production site.

  The management system of the fourth embodiment comprises computers PC21, PC22, PC23, liquid crystal projectors PRJ51, PRJ52, PRJ53 and screens SCR51, SCR52, SCR53 provided in each area of a parts warehouse, an assembly line, and a finished goods warehouse. . Each of the computers PC21, PC22, and PC23 is connected to the network NE and can transmit information. Each of the computers PC21, PC22, and PC23 may be capable of transmitting information to and from an area other than the management department.

  The work status of each area is input to the computers PC21, PC22, and PC23. Information to be input is the same as in the third embodiment and the modification. In the fourth embodiment, the status of shipment in the finished product warehouse at the lowermost stage is transmitted to the parts warehouse and the assembly line corresponding to the upstream process via the network.

  The input information is displayed on screens SCR51, SCR52, and SCR53 by liquid crystal projectors PRJ51, PRJ52, and PRJ53, respectively. The display status in each area is schematically shown on the left side of FIG. In the finished product warehouse, the shipment status is displayed on the screen SCR53. The display screen is the same as the shipping status (see FIG. 12) in the third embodiment.

  In the assembly line and the parts warehouse, the assembly state and the parts stock state are displayed on the screens SCR52 and SCR51, respectively, with the shipping state imposed. The hatched part in FIG. 15 is the display part of the shipment status. In this embodiment, the contents of the screen SCR 53 are displayed in a reduced size in this portion. The same display as in the third embodiment (FIGS. 10 and 11) and the modification (FIG. 14) can be applied to the assembly status and the parts stock status, respectively.

  According to the management system of the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the display by the large-sized display device can be used in each area of the production site, and the work can be performed smoothly and efficiently. Furthermore, by displaying the shipping status, which is the downstream process, in each area of the upstream process, it is possible to easily grasp the shipping status in each area of the parts warehouse and the assembly line. Therefore, it is possible to respond autonomously and flexibly according to the shipping situation. For example, when a change in the production plan is expected, for example, when the shipment is behind the plan, an instruction from the management section can be predicted and prepared in advance. Further, even when a change in the production plan is instructed, it is possible to quickly respond without confusion. As a result, the production flexibility of the entire factory can be improved.

  In the fourth embodiment, various modifications of the display mode are possible. For example, a dedicated liquid crystal projector for displaying the shipping status on an assembly line or parts warehouse may be separately prepared. The display contents of each area and the shipping status may be displayed alternately in a time-sharing manner. The shipping status displayed on the assembly line or parts warehouse may be different from the shipping status displayed on the finished product warehouse. For example, a part of the shipping status information may be displayed in a simplified manner. The assembly status on the assembly line may be displayed in the parts warehouse. The shipment status may be displayed in an upstream process other than the assembly line and the parts warehouse. If there is a benefit from sharing information, the status of the upstream process may be displayed in the downstream process. For example, the parts stock status in the parts warehouse may be displayed on the assembly line.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments at all, and can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course. For example, in the embodiment, a large-sized display using a liquid crystal projector has been exemplified. In addition to the above, an electric light display panel, a display, and other devices can be applied for the display. Not only a device for displaying information using light but also a digital display plate for switching a display content by mechanically driving a large number of display plates may be applied.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a management system as a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating contents of a display screen by a liquid crystal projector. It is a process drawing of a carrying-in process into a warehouse. It is a process figure of the unloading process from a storage. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a management system as a first modification. It is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a management system as a second modification. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a management system as a second embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing display contents in a second example. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a management system as a third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display content of a parts stock status. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display content of an assembly status. It is an explanatory view showing display contents of a shipment situation. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a management system as a modification example in the third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the display content in a parts warehouse. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a management system as a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of reference numerals

PC, PC1, PC2 ... Computer PRJ, PRJ1, PRJ2 ... Liquid crystal projector SCR, SCR1, SCR2 ... Screen A1 ... Parts warehouse A2 ... Assembly area PC10, PC11 ... Computer PRJ10, PRJ11 ... LCD projector SCR10, SCR11 ... Screen AGV ... Automatic guided vehicle A11 ... Parts warehouse A12 ... Assembly line A13 ... Completed product warehouse PC31, PC32, PC33 ... Computer PRJ31, PRJ32 , PRJ33 ... Liquid crystal projector SCR31, SCR32, SCR33 ... Screen SR ... Management department NE ... Local area network SV ... Server INT ... Internet PC41 ... Computer PRJ51, PRJ52, PRJ53 ... LCD projector SCR51, SCR52, SCR5 ... screen

Claims (12)

A management system for managing production in a factory,
An input terminal for an upstream process for inputting the current state of a specific process upstream of a production process in the factory at any time,
A shipping input terminal for inputting a product shipping status at any time;
A storage device for storing the input information,
A management system comprising: a large-scale display device that displays the current status and shipping status of the specific upstream process stored in the storage device in a management section that manages the production process in a parallel manner so as to be known without delay.   The management system according to claim 1, wherein the specific process is a process of carrying in materials or components from outside. The management system according to claim 1, wherein
A management system further comprising a large-sized display device for displaying the current state of the upstream specific process stored in the storage device in a department corresponding to the process so as to be widely known without delay. The management system according to claim 1, wherein
A management system further comprising a large-sized display device for displaying the shipping status stored in the storage device in a department corresponding to the process so as to be widely known without delay.   The management system according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a server that can provide stored information to the client via the Internet in response to a request from a client connected to the Internet. A management system for managing production in a factory,
The factory has an arrangement in which at least three areas, a product storage area for storing products, an assembly area for products, and a supply storage area for storing materials or parts supplied to the assembly area, cannot visually confirm each other's situation. Provided,
At least each of the areas is provided with an input terminal for inputting a work status of the area, and a large display device for displaying the work status in accordance with the input,
Further, a network for transmitting information on the work status in any one of the areas to any other area present in the factory,
And a large display device for displaying the transmitted information in the area.   7. The management system according to claim 6, wherein the other area is a management section that manages a production process of the factory. The management system according to claim 6, wherein
The information transmitted through the network is information relating to the work status of at least one of the two areas except the supply storage area,
The management system, wherein the other area is any area corresponding to an upstream process than an area to which the transmitted information is input. The management system according to claim 6, wherein
Information on the work situation in one of the three areas is transmitted by the network to at least one of the other two areas,
A management system, wherein the large-sized display device of the area to which the information has been transmitted is a device that displays the information of the area and the transmitted information together.   10. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the large-sized display device is a projection-type liquid crystal display device. A management method for managing factory production,
On a large display device installed in the management department that manages the production process of the factory, a step of displaying the current state of the specific process upstream and the shipping status of the product in the production process,
Updating the display without delay in response to the current input from a terminal installed in the specific process section upstream and the shipment status input from a terminal installed in a product warehouse. Management method. The factory has an arrangement in which at least three areas, a product storage area for storing products, an assembly area for products, and a supply storage area for storing materials or parts supplied to the assembly area, cannot visually confirm each other's situation. A management method for managing the production of an equipped factory,
(A) displaying on a large-sized display device installed in each of the areas while appropriately updating the work status of the area;
(B) displaying at least one of the work statuses in each area on a large-sized display device installed in any other area in the factory, while appropriately updating and displaying the work status.

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