JP2005108026A - Component life planning system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently decrease kinds of repair components which are managed. <P>SOLUTION: At a stage of designing repair components, an integration plan of components indicating which component is stopped from being sold and when the component is stopped from being sold and integrated with other repair component, is settled and saved in a database. At the stage of designing, it is easy to gather information regarding details of the design, the settlement of the integration plan is easily and accurately carried out. When the stored implementation time comes, the contents of the integration plan are automatically sent to a person in charge. The person in charge carries out the integration by using the sent integration plan. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for managing parts. The present invention particularly relates to a technique for managing a large number of repair parts.

  Machine products exemplified by automobiles, motorcycles, and general-purpose machines (products using an internal combustion engine such as a generator, a cultivator, and an outboard motor) are used for a long period of time. Therefore, manufacturers provide long-term support for purchased users. For this support, manufacturers manage parts for repair. The manufacturer creates a parts list indicating a list of parts to be provided to the market as parts for repair, and uses them for browsing by customers or dealers.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a parts list of a key cylinder set used in an automobile is shown. J1, J2,... J18 indicate parts provided individually to the market.

  For example, the user can order the glove box cylinder J12 as a single item. The user can also order the steering lock assembly J2 including the glove box cylinder J12. The user can also order the key cylinder set J1 including the steering lock assembly J2. Thus, the parts are provided to the market in various forms. A data collection corresponding to each of the parts exemplified by the key cylinder set J1, the steering lock assembly J2,... Screw J18 shown in FIG. 1 and used by the manufacturer to manage these parts is described in this specification. It is called a sales account or an account. The manufacturer manages a large number of sales accounts using a database stored in an electronic storage medium.

  A component configuration information change history management apparatus that performs history management by design change of hierarchically configured components, a component information storage unit that stores component information including a component identification code for identifying a component, and a component The component configuration information storage means for storing the component configuration information including the identification code and the component identification code of the child component of the component, and the component identification code, the change history, and the design change time point for each design changed component Component history information storage means for storing component history information, component identification code specifying means for specifying a specific component identification code, and component information having the specified component identification code from the component information storage means. Part information acquisition means to extract, part configuration information acquisition means to extract part configuration information having the specified part identification code from the part configuration storage means, and the part history Change of component configuration information, comprising: component history information acquisition means for extracting component history information having a predetermined design change time from component history information having the specified component identification code stored in the information storage means A history management apparatus is known (see Patent Document 1).

  Configure each model of each specification product and divide and register into multiple units that can be used in at least one model, register at least one part that constitutes the unit below these units, A part management method is known in which, when an order is received, a part model table for a product is created by selecting and combining units according to the contents of the order (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-66139 JP 2003-228408 A

  The number of accounts (ie the number of types of repair parts sold in the market) can be very large. In that case, it is desirable to reduce the number of accounts in order to reduce the cost for managing repair parts such as inventory storage costs.

In order to reduce the number of accounts, it is effective to integrate repair parts. The integration of repair parts refers to a task of reducing the number of accounts by the following means.
(1) When there are several kinds of parts having the same function and different colors, the accounts of one kind of parts are left out of them and other accounts are reduced.
(2) If there is a part that is upward compatible with a certain part, the account for that part is reduced and an account for the upward compatible part is left.
(3) When sales accounts for both a part and a set including the part are set, the sales account for the part is reduced and only the sales account for the set is left.
When the manufacturer receives an order for the reduced account parts, the manufacturer guides the remaining account parts to the orderer. In this specification, the reduced account is referred to as the integration source, the remaining account is the integration destination, and the integration source account is referred to as being integrated into the integration destination account.

In order to control the number of accounts, it is effective to cancel sales. The term “sales cancellation” refers to a task of canceling sales of parts by means such as the following and invalidating the account of the parts.
(4) If the part is a part that can be easily obtained by the user in the market (example: battery, light bulb, seals, vinyl product), the sale of the part is stopped.
(5) For a part that can reduce the number of accounts by changing the configuration of the part, the configuration is changed (hereinafter referred to as sales form change). For example, in a motorcycle, when there are 4 types of cowlings and 5 types of stripes, if all combinations of cowlings with stripes are sold, the number of accounts is 4 × 5 = 20 types. On the other hand, if stripes and cowlings are sold separately, the number of accounts is 4 + 5 = 9. Such parts are preferably supplied as striped cowlings when user needs are high, and stripes and cowlings are sold separately when user needs drop. As a result, the cowling with a large volume can be reduced from 20 types to 4 types, which is preferable in terms of component management.
(6) Parts that are clearly judged not to have the motive to purchase by the age of the vehicle or the user's values (for example, the price of a certain part is equivalent to the vehicle used by the user) If the price is clearly higher than the car price), sales will be discontinued after a year. This is the case for floor panels and motorcycle frames.

An object of the present invention is to provide a parts management system that simplifies the management of repair parts over a long period of time.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a parts management system that facilitates the task of reducing the types of repair parts.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a parts management system for managing a schedule of future parts management determined at the time of part design.

  In the following, means for solving the problem will be described using the numbers used in [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] in parentheses. These numbers are added to clarify the correspondence between the description of [Claims] and [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]. However, these numbers should not be used to interpret the technical scope of the invention described in [Claims].

  The parts management system (49) according to the present invention includes a parts database (22d) that stores a plurality of records (50) corresponding to the types of parts sold in the market. Each of the records (50) includes a component ID (51) that identifies the type. The parts management system (49) further stores an integrated database (54) that stores integrated information (54), which is information for associating the pre-integration part ID (71), the integration destination part ID (81), and the integration conditions (75, 76). 12d). The pre-integration part ID (71) and the integration destination part ID (81) are selected from the part ID (51). When the integration condition (75, 76) is satisfied, the component management system (49) further stops the supply of the component specified by the component ID (71) before integration and corresponds to the integration destination corresponding in the integration information (54). A notification unit (12c) that creates notification information indicating that switching to the component specified by the component ID (81) is made and notifies the notification information to a predetermined terminal (3) is provided.

According to such a parts management system, the task of setting a part integration plan is simplified. When the parts are integrated, for example, it becomes possible to dispose of the mold of the parts, and the labor and cost for managing the parts are reduced.
Such a component management system is particularly useful when it is necessary to manage components over a long period of time. By notifying a predetermined terminal when a preliminarily input condition (integration condition) is satisfied, even in long-term component management, integration is reliably performed with little effort.

  In the component management system (49) according to the present invention, the integrated information (54) is input to the integrated database when a design drawing of the component is issued.

  The integrated information is preferably entered into the integrated database for a short time after the part is designed, for example, for a few days to weeks, or before a product that uses the part is shipped. It is easy to obtain detailed information on the part from the designer or manufacturer for a short time after the part is designed. For this reason, it is easy to examine whether or not the integration of components is technically possible. Therefore, integration of parts to be performed in the future is set in a short time. As a result, the cost for managing parts over a long period of time is reduced. Furthermore, it becomes easy to guarantee high quality for the parts after integration.

  In the parts management system (49) according to the present invention, the parts are parts used for repairing the vehicle.

  Machine products exemplified by automobiles, motorcycles, general-purpose machines (products using internal combustion engines such as generators, cultivators, outboard motors, etc.) support repair parts for a long period of time, for example 10 years or more after mass production ends. It is demanded. Furthermore, the number of parts used is enormous. Furthermore, it is necessary to perform a complicated operation in order to manage which part is used as a repair part according to the function of the part or regulation by law. The parts management system according to the present invention is suitably used for such complicated and long-term maintenance parts management / integration work.

  In the parts management system (49) according to the present invention, the integration condition (75) indicates the time that has elapsed since the mass production of the product in which the part specified by the pre-integration part ID (71) is used.

Demand for repair parts is often high for several years from the time mass production ends (it may change depending on product demand and supplier management policy). Therefore, it is preferable that the integration condition is set to a time when a predetermined number of years have elapsed from the time when mass production is completed.
In this case, it takes about 10 years or more from the time the parts are designed until the parts are integrated. It is difficult to examine the details of the design at this point in order to integrate the parts. However, according to the parts management system of the present invention, the integration plan of the parts prepared at the time of design is notified, so the integration work is easy. And done accurately.

  In the component management system (49) according to the present invention, the notification unit (12c) transmits an input screen for prompting input to the terminal when the integration conditions (75, 76) are satisfied, and uses information input from the input screen. Integration process. The integration process includes the process of invalidating the record (50) including the pre-integration part ID (71), the process of changing the integration condition (75, 76), and deleting the integration information (54) from the integration database (12d). And at least one of the following processes.

  According to such a parts management system, a person in charge is notified when a condition scheduled to integrate parts is satisfied. This ensures that the person in charge knows when the time for integration has arrived. Furthermore, the input screen regarding the integration process is provided to the person in charge, so that the person in charge checks the market needs, laws and regulations, the management policy of the parts supplier, and the integration work is performed.

  When the pre-integration part ID (71) is searched from the user terminal (3, 4) via the communication network (5, 6), the parts management system (49) according to the present invention searches the pre-integration part ID ( 71) includes a switching unit (22a) that transmits the record (50) including the integration destination component ID (81) corresponding to 71) to the user terminal (3, 4).

  According to such a parts management system, when parts are integrated, when there is an inquiry about a part whose supply has been stopped due to user integration, an alternative part to be integrated is automatically guided.

  The method of using the parts management system (49) according to the present invention comprises the steps of creating integrated information (54) and registering it in the integrated database (12d) when a part design drawing is issued, and a predetermined terminal (3 On the basis of the notification information received by), the supply of the component indicated by the pre-integration component ID (71) is stopped.

  When a future sales cancellation plan for a part is created at the time the part drawing is released, it is easy to obtain detailed information about the design of the part from the manufacturer or designer. This can be done easily and while preventing technical problems.

According to the present invention, a parts management system that simplifies management of repair parts over a long period of time is provided.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a parts management system that facilitates the task of reducing the number of repair parts accounts.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a parts management system for managing a schedule of future parts management determined at the time of part design.

  Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an overall view of parts management work performed using the parts management system according to the present invention. The parts management system in the present embodiment is used for managing parts of a specific type of automobile. The parts management system according to the present invention can be used to manage repair parts of products such as motorcycles, general-purpose machines using engines, or home appliances.

  In FIG. 2, the time point at which mass production of the product (automobile) is finished is represented by the origin of time (0Y). The number of years after the end of mass production is represented by a positive number (example: “3Y” in FIG. 1 represents three years after the end of mass production). The number of years before the end of mass production is expressed as a negative number (example: “−4Y” in FIG. 1 represents four years before the end of mass production).

  Design of parts used for the product is completed 4.5 years before the end of mass production of the product (step T2). When the design of the parts is completed, sales form setting and integration examination are performed. With the sales form setting, an account is set to indicate in what form the part is sold. It is examined whether or not a plurality of parts having similar functions and appearances can be combined into one by the integrated study. Alternatively, it is examined whether or not one of the parts sold as a set and a single product is to be discontinued and combined into the other sales (step T4).

  As a result of the integration examination, information relating to the integration is registered in the component lifetime management server 1 for a part that is to be integrated at a predetermined time, for example, five years after the end of mass production. Further, as a result of the integration study, regarding the parts that are decided to be discontinued at a predetermined time, information regarding the discontinuation of sales is registered in the part lifetime management server 1.

  As a result of the integration study, no account will be established for parts that have been integrated into other parts from the time of product launch. As a result, parts with the same specifications arranged by a plurality of manufacturers, parts with the same specifications with different labels, and the like are integrated.

  For other parts, an account is newly established (step T6). The newly established account is registered in the parts management server 2.

  The automobile whose design has been completed is set up for production (step T4) and sold 0.5 years later (−4Y) (step T10). When the automobile is sold, an order for parts used in the automobile starts (step T12).

  The automobile is mass-produced for four years from the release (step T14). While the automobile is mass-produced, it is said that the working period is T20, and the parts used in the automobile are said to be working.

In the active period T20, when a design change occurs in a part, the integrated information stored in the part lifetime management server 1 is changed corresponding to the design change (step T16). Furthermore, when the manufacturing period of the product to which the part is applied changes or the information indicating whether or not the automobile to which the part is applied is actually manufactured, the integration stored in the part lifetime management server 1 Information is changed (step T18).
Four years after the release (0Y), mass production of the car is finished (step T24). Five years from the end of mass production is a semi-working period T26, and the parts used in the automobile are said to be semi-working.

  Three years after the end of mass production (3Y), the parts lifetime management server 1 notifies the person in charge that it is time to change the preset sales form (step T28). The form change refers to, for example, discontinuing sales of one of a set and a single product and integrating them into the other, or canceling sales of assembly parts with low demand.

  The person in charge who has received the notification confirms market needs and determines whether or not to change the sales form based on the amount of demand for the part in the past predetermined period (step T30). The person in charge further determines whether or not to change the sales form by determining whether or not the part is available, the manufacturer's policy, related laws and regulations, market trends, and the like (step T32).

  If the person in charge determines that the sales form may be carried out based on the market needs confirmation T30 and the situation confirmation judgment T32, the person in charge changes the sales form (step T34). If there is a mold that is no longer used after the sales form is changed, the mold is discarded after confirmation (step T36).

  Five years after the end of mass production (0Y), the demand for automotive parts gradually declines. The period from the end of mass production to 15 years later is the old model period T40, and the parts used in the automobile are said to be the old model.

  After a predetermined period after the part becomes the old model, the part lifetime management server 1 notifies the person in charge that the preset integration time has come (step T38). The integration is performed by, for example, leaving only some of the parts when there are a plurality of compatible parts that are different in material and color.

  The person in charge who has received the notification performs the market needs confirmation (step T30) and the situation confirmation judgment (step T32) similar to the form change timing. As a result, if the person in charge determines that the integration may be performed, the integration is performed (step T42). If there is a mold that is no longer used after integration, the mold is discarded after confirmation (step T36).

  After 15 years from the end of mass production (15Y), the demand for repair parts used in the car will be very small. The period from the end of mass production 15 years to the supply period is the oldest type period T48, and the parts used in the automobile are said to be the oldest type.

  When the part becomes the oldest type, the part lifetime management server 1 notifies the person in charge that the preset time to cancel the sales has come (step T44). Sales are discontinued for parts that have no functional or legal problems.

  The person in charge who has received the notification performs the market needs confirmation (step T30) and the situation confirmation judgment (step T32) similar to the form change timing. As a result, if the person in charge determines that the sales can be stopped, the sales are stopped (step T46). If there is a mold that is no longer used after the sale is stopped, the mold is discarded after confirmation (step T36).

  The support period for repair parts guaranteed by the manufacturer ends from the end of mass production to the supply period. Parts for which the number of years that have passed since the end of mass production has exceeded the supply age limit are said to be consulted parts, and if there is an inquiry, the person in charge will respond (step T50).

  The work described above is efficiently performed with the support of the parts management system according to the present invention. The configuration and operation of the component management system that supports the business described above will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration in the best mode for carrying out the parts management system of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the component management system 49 according to the present invention includes a component lifetime management server 1, a component server 2, a terminal 3, an external terminal 4, a LAN (Local Area Network) 5, and a wide area network 6. The The component lifetime management server 1 is an information processing terminal that stores information on components that may be integrated in the future. It is connected to a LAN 5 provided in the parts management facility, and performs information communication with the parts server 2 and the terminal 3 via the LAN 5. The component lifetime management server 1 further includes a processing unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input / output unit 13 for inputting / outputting information, and a communication unit 14 for controlling information communication performed via the LAN 5.

  The processing unit 11 is an arithmetic processing function block provided in the component lifetime management server 1. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is provided to perform information processing in response to input of information transmitted via the LAN 5. The processing unit 11 instructs the storage unit 12 to update information in response to the information processing performed, and the storage unit 12 updates the stored information in response to the instruction.

  The storage unit 12 is an information storage function block provided in the component lifetime management server 1. Built-in or externally connected to the component lifetime management server 1. The storage unit 12 has a magnetic storage medium, a semiconductor memory, or an information storage function similar to them.

  The input / output unit 13 is an information input / output function block provided in the component lifetime management server 1. A keyboard capable of inputting characters, a sound collecting device (microphone) capable of inputting voice, a touch panel provided on a display screen, and a function similar to these. The input / output unit 13 is connected to the processing unit 11, and information input from the input / output unit 13 is output to the processing unit 11. Further, the input / output unit 13 visually, audibly, and tactilely displays predetermined information to a user who uses the component lifetime management server 1 having the information display function provided in the component lifetime management server 1. It has a function to do. In order to display information visually, a display screen such as a CRT is provided. In order to display information audibly, a sound output device such as a speaker is provided. In order to display information tactilely, a vibration generating function is provided. Prepare.

  The communication unit 14 is a communication control function block provided in the component lifetime management server 1. A communication interface for performing information communication via the LAN 5 attached in the parts management facility is provided. The communication unit 14 outputs information for communication using wireless or wired communication from the communication interface. The communication unit 14 receives the information transmitted via the LAN 5 through the communication interface.

  The parts server 2 is an information processing terminal that stores information on all the designed parts and information on whether or not to sell the parts as repair parts. It is connected to a LAN 5 provided in the parts management facility, and performs information communication with the parts lifetime management server 1 and the terminal 3 via the LAN 5. The component server 2 further includes a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input / output unit 23 that inputs / outputs information, and a communication unit 24 that controls information communication performed via the LAN 5.

  The processing unit 21 is an arithmetic processing function block similar to the arithmetic processing function block provided in the component lifetime management server 1. The processing unit 21 provided in the component server 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs information processing in response to input of information transmitted via the LAN 5. The processing unit 21 instructs the storage unit 22 to update information corresponding to the information processing performed, and the storage unit 22 updates the stored information in response to the instruction.

  The storage unit 22 is an information storage function block similar to the information storage function block provided in the component lifetime management server 1. The storage unit 22 provided in the component server 2 is built in or externally connected to the component server 2. The storage unit 22 has a magnetic storage medium, a semiconductor memory, or an information storage function similar to them.

  The input / output unit 23 is an information input / output function block similar to the information input / output function block provided in the component lifetime management server 1. The information input / output function block provided in the component server 2 includes a keyboard capable of inputting characters, a sound collecting device (microphone) capable of inputting voice, a touch panel provided on a display screen, and similar functions. The input / output unit 23 is connected to the processing unit 21, and information input from the input / output unit 23 is output to the processing unit 21. The input / output unit 23 has a function of displaying predetermined information visually, audibly, and tactilely for a user who uses the component server 2 having the information display function provided in the component server 2. . In order to display information visually, a display screen such as a CRT is provided. In order to display information audibly, a sound output device such as a speaker is provided. In order to display information tactilely, a vibration generating function is provided. Prepare.

  The communication unit 24 is a communication control function block similar to the communication control function block provided in the component lifetime management server 1. The communication control function block provided in the component server 2 includes a communication interface for performing information communication via the LAN 5 provided in the component management facility. The communication unit 24 outputs information for communication using wireless or wired communication from the communication interface. The communication unit 24 receives the information transmitted via the LAN 5 via the communication interface.

  The terminal 3 is an information processing terminal capable of information communication with the component lifetime management server 1 and the component server 2. It is connected to a LAN 5 provided in the parts management facility, and performs information communication with a predetermined server and other terminals 3 via the LAN 5. The terminal 3 is installed at an arbitrary base in the parts management facility, and transmits information to be written to the parts lifetime management server 1 and the parts server 2 to each server via the LAN 5. The terminal 3 receives information transmitted from the component lifetime management server 1, the component server 2, and another terminal 3 connected to the LAN 5 via the LAN 5. The terminal 3 further includes a processing unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input / output unit 33 that inputs and outputs information, and a communication unit 34 that controls information communication performed via the LAN 5.

  The processing unit 31 is an arithmetic processing function block provided in the terminal 3. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is provided and performs information processing in response to input of information transmitted via the network. The processing unit 31 instructs the storage unit 32 to update information corresponding to the information processing performed, and the storage unit 32 updates the stored information in response to the instruction.

  The storage unit 32 is an information storage function block provided in the terminal 3. The terminal 3 has a built-in or externally connected magnetic storage medium, semiconductor memory, or similar information storage function. The storage unit 32 updates information stored in response to an instruction from the processing unit 31. The communication unit 34 is a communication control function block provided in the terminal 3. A communication interface for performing information communication via a network attached in the facility is provided.

  The input / output unit 33 is an information input / output function block provided in the terminal 3. A keyboard capable of inputting characters, a sound collecting device (microphone) capable of inputting voice, a touch panel provided on a display unit screen, and a function similar thereto are provided. The input / output unit 33 is connected to the processing unit 31, and information input from the input / output unit 33 is output to the processing unit 31. The input / output unit 33 has an information display function provided in the terminal 3. It has a function of displaying predetermined information visually, audibly and tactilely for facility users using the terminal 3. In order to display information visually, a display screen such as a CRT is provided. In order to display information audibly, a sound output device such as a speaker is provided. In order to display information tactilely, a vibration generating function is provided. Prepare. The communication unit 34 outputs information for communication using wireless or wired communication from the communication interface. Further, the communication unit 34 receives information transmitted via the network via a communication interface.

  The external terminal 4 is an external information processing terminal capable of information communication with a predetermined information processing terminal installed in a parts management facility. It is connected to a wide area network 6 and performs information communication with a predetermined server and an arbitrary terminal 3 via the wide area network 6. The external terminal 4 is installed at a sales base or a distribution base that handles parts to be sold, and is connected to the parts lifetime management server 1 and the parts server 2 via the LAN 5 to transmit / receive information to / from each server. The external terminal 4 further includes a processing unit 41, a storage unit 42, an input / output unit 43 that inputs and outputs information, and a communication unit 44 that controls information communication performed via the wide area network 6.

  The processing unit 41 is an arithmetic processing function block provided in the external terminal 4. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is provided to perform information processing in response to input of information transmitted via the network. The processing unit 41 instructs the storage unit 42 to update information in response to the information processing performed, and the storage unit 42 updates the stored information in response to the instruction.

  The storage unit 42 is an information storage function block provided in the external terminal 4. A magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor memory or an information storage function similar to these is built in or externally connected to the external terminal 4. The storage unit 42 updates information stored in response to an instruction from the processing unit 41. The communication unit 44 is a communication control function block provided in the external terminal 4. A communication interface for performing information communication via a network attached in the facility is provided.

  The input / output unit 43 is an information input / output function block provided in the external terminal 4. A keyboard capable of inputting characters, a sound collecting device (microphone) capable of inputting voice, a touch panel provided on a display unit screen, and a function similar thereto are provided. The input / output unit 43 is connected to the processing unit 41, and information input from the input / output unit 43 is output to the processing unit 41. The input / output unit 43 has an information display function provided in the external terminal 4. It has a function of displaying predetermined information visually, audibly and tactilely for facility users using the external terminal 4. In order to display information visually, a display screen such as a CRT is provided. In order to display information audibly, a sound output device such as a speaker is provided. In order to display information tactilely, a vibration generating function is provided. Prepare. The communication unit 44 outputs information for communication using wireless or wired communication from the communication interface. Further, the communication unit 44 receives information transmitted via the network via a communication interface.

  The LAN 5 is an information communication network attached to the parts management facility. The component lifetime management server 1, the component server 2, and the terminal 3 are connected, and information output from these information processing terminals is transmitted to a predetermined output destination using wired communication or wireless communication. The LAN 5 is connected to the wide area network 6, and transmits information output by designating the external terminal 4 from a predetermined information processing terminal to the external terminal 4 via the wide area network 6.

  The wide area network 6 is an information communication network represented by the Internet. The plurality of external terminals are connected to the LAN 5 via the wide area network 6.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of data stored in the storage unit 12 is shown. The storage unit 12 stores an integrated program 12a that is a program read and executed by the processing unit 11, an update program 12b, and a notification program 12c. The storage unit 12 further stores a component lifetime management database 12d in which data is registered so that the processing unit can search, read and write. The component lifetime management database 12 d stores a table 70, a table 90, and a table 100.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the configuration of data stored in the storage unit 22 is shown. The storage unit 22 stores a component management program 22 a that is a program read and executed by the processing unit 21. The storage unit 22 further stores a design database 22b, an account database 22c, and a parts database 22d in which data is registered so that the processing unit 21 can search, read and write. The component database 22d stores a table 50, a table 60, and a table 80.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the configuration of the table 50 is shown. An account number 51 is stored in each of the plurality of records stored in the table 50. The table 50 further includes, as the contents of the account (sales account) corresponding to the account number 51, the product name 52, the valid / invalid account 53, the integrated information 54, the color code 55, the age division 56, and the current and old division 57. The sales division 58 and the mass production end information 59 are stored in association with each other.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the configuration of the table 60 is shown. The table 60 includes a drawing number 61, a change part number (design change part number) 62, a part name 63, a change number 64, a change outline code 65, a compatibility 66, an HB process 67, The application number 68 is stored in association with it.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the configuration of the table 70 is shown. The table 70 stores the account number 71, the product name 52, the valid / invalid account 53, the integrated information 54, the color code 55, the age division 56, the current / old division 57, and the sales division 58 in association with each other. doing.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the configuration of the table 80 is shown. The table 80 includes an integration destination part number 81, an integration outline code 82, a compatibility 83, a reduction reason code 84, an execution time 85, an execution condition 86, a PC guidance necessity 87, and a technical examination result material 88. Are stored in association with each other.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the configuration of the table 90 is shown. The table 90 stores an account number 71, a reduction reason code 84, and an implementation time 85 in association with each other.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the configuration of the table 100 is shown. The table 100 stores the integration destination part number 81, the compatibility 83, the reduction reason code 84, the execution time 85, and the execution condition 86 in association with each other.

(Operation of implementation)
The operation in the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the integration time setting operation in the parts management system 49 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, the integrated time setting operation starts when a part is designed and the designer outputs the design information.

  In step S102, the component server 2 receives the design information output by the designer in response to the completion of design. The design information includes all information related to a plurality of parts for which design has been completed, and in particular includes identification information indicating whether the part is a newly designed part or a design change of an existing part. . Further, the design information includes a drawing number 61 used when outputting a designed part as a drawing, a design changed part number 62 indicating that the part has been changed, a part name 63 indicating the name of the part, a design In the case of a change, a design change number 64 in which the information of the design change is coded, a design change outline code 65 in which the outline information of the design change is coded, compatibility 66 of each part before and after the design change, Etc. are included. The component server 2 updates the design database 22b based on the received design information.

  In step S104, the component server 2 determines whether the received design information is information regarding a new component or information regarding a design change of an existing component. If the result of the determination is design information relating to a newly designed component, the component server 2 outputs an integration review instruction based on the received design information, and the process proceeds to step S106. As a result of the determination, if the received design information is related to a design change of an existing part, the process proceeds to step S122 and step S130.

  In step S106, the integrated review is performed according to the output integrated review instruction. The examination work is started almost simultaneously with the completion of the part design, and in the event of questions about design specifications, an inquiry is made to the designer at each occurrence, and an integrated examination is performed in response to the answer to the inquiry. .

  In step S108, if there is a set of parts that can be integrated as a result of the integration examination, an examination is made as to which one is the integration destination, and the integration source and integration destination are determined based on the examination result.

  In step S110, a part number indicating the determined integration source / integration destination is input to the part server 2. The parts server 2 searches the account database 22c using the inputted part number as a key, and confirms whether there is a sales account with the parts as components. If there is a corresponding sales account as a result of the search, the parts server 2 outputs information on the sales account to the parts lifetime management server 1.

  In step S112, the component lifetime management server 1 that has received the output account information requests input of information indicated in each item of the table 50. Information shown in each item of the table 50 input in response to the request is output to the component lifetime management database 12d after the input is completed. The component lifetime management server 1 also provides reasons for dealing with the reduction reason code 74 and the reduction reason code 74 in order to quickly and appropriately respond to inquiries made by customers after the integration is implemented. Are associated and output to the component lifetime management database 12d.

  In step S114, the component lifetime management database 12d that has received the output integrated information is stored in the component lifetime management database 12d so that it can be restored temporarily, that is, by a predetermined operation. 80 is updated. The component lifetime management server 1 that has temporarily updated the table 80 generates an integrated approval request in response to the completion of the update. The generated integrated approval request is transmitted to a predetermined terminal 3 via the LAN 5.

  In step S116, each terminal 3 that has received the transmitted integrated approval request displays an answer input screen related to the integrated approval in response to the integrated approval request. The input answer is notified to the component lifetime management server 1 via the LAN 5. If there is an answer indicating that the integration is not approved in the input answer, a review request is output (step S126), and the review for the integration is performed.

  In step S118, if there is no answer indicating non-approval in the answer regarding the approval of integration, the main registration is performed using the contents of the table 80 that has been temporarily updated as the regular information.

  In step S120, the component lifetime management server 1 transmits a registration completion notification and the contents of the table 80 to the component server 2 in response to the completion of the main registration.

  With this operation, when managing repair parts used to repair products supplied to the market, it is possible to schedule future part management schedules when designing the parts, greatly reducing the labor involved in managing repair parts. it can.

  If a design change has occurred, after the determination in step S104, the process proceeds to step S122 and step S130.

  In step S122, the component server 2 updates the design database 22b in response to the received design change information, and outputs the design change information stored in the table 60 to the component lifetime management server 1 in response to the completion of the update. .

  In step S124, the part lifetime management server 1 searches the inside of the part lifetime management database 12d to determine whether information related to integration of the corresponding parts is stored based on the design change part number 62 included in the received design change information. To do. As a result of the search, if integration information related to the part before the corresponding design change is stored, it is determined whether there is a change point that affects the integration. If there is a change point that affects the integration as a result of the determination, a review request is output to a predetermined terminal via the network (step S126). If there is no change point that affects the integration, the component lifetime management server 1 discards the design change information sent from the component server 2 (step S128).

  In step S130, the component server 2 updates the design database 22b in response to the received design change information, outputs the design change information to the component lifetime management server 1 in response to the completion of the update, and receives the received design change information. The account database 22c is updated corresponding to the change information. In response to the completion of the update of the account database 22c, the parts server 2 outputs the sales account information including the changed parts in the component parts to the parts lifetime management server 1, and the parts lifetime management server 1 outputs the information via the network. Receive account information.

  In step S132, the part lifetime management server 1 searches the inside of the part lifetime management database 12d to determine whether information related to integration of the corresponding account is stored based on the design change part number 62 included in the received design change information. To do. As a result of the search, if integration information related to the account before the corresponding design change is stored, it is determined whether there is a change point that affects the integration. If there is a change point that affects the integration as a result of the determination, a review request is output to a predetermined terminal via the network (step S126). If there is no change point that affects the integration, the component lifetime management server 1 discards the design change information sent from the component server 2 (step S134).

  With this operation, even if there is a factor that requires a change in the time to supply the repaired part to the market, the repaired part corresponding to the various factors that occur will occur. The supply time can be changed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation for determining the integration execution date in the parts management system 49 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13, the integrated execution date determination operation starts when the mass production end date of the product is determined.

  In step S <b> 202, the parts server 2 receives the mass production end information including information such as a schedule for completing the mass production of the product via the LAN 5. The component server 2 that has received the mass production end information notifies the component lifetime management server 1 of information such as the mass production end date included in the mass production end information.

  In step S204, based on the notified information, the parts lifetime management server 1 determines a fixed period from the mass production end date corresponding to each of the accounts of the repair parts corresponding to the products whose mass production has been decided to end. An execution time 85, which is information indicating the set integration execution time, is extracted from the component lifetime management database 12d.

  In step S206, an integration implementation date is calculated based on the mass production end date notified from the parts server 2 in each extracted account, and the calculated integration implementation date is temporarily stored in the storage unit as the integration implementation scheduled date. Store.

  In step S208, the component lifetime management server 1 generates an integration execution notification message including the calculated integration execution scheduled date, and transmits the integration execution notification message to a predetermined terminal via the network.

  In step S210, the terminal that has received the integration execution notification message automatically outputs an integration review request screen. The terminal requests input of an answer as to whether there is a great demand in the market related to the account scheduled for integration on the integration review request screen. If the answer input in response to the request is no demand or demand is small, the process proceeds to step S216. If the answer input in response to the request is in demand, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S212, the terminal requests input of an answer as to whether the situation is appropriate for the implementation of the integration, such as the status of laws and regulations and the change of the fashion, regarding the account to be integrated on the integration examination request screen. If a negative answer is entered such that the answer entered in response to the request is not appropriate, the process proceeds to step S216. If the answer input in response to the request is an affirmative answer such as being suitable for integration implementation, the terminal creates an integration approval message and sends the integration approval message to the component lifetime management server via the LAN 5. 1 to send.

  In step S214, the component lifetime management server 1 that has received the integration approval message determines the integration execution scheduled date temporarily stored as the integration execution date and registers it in the component lifetime management database 12d.

  In step S216, the component lifetime management server 1 that has received the integrated disapproval message including a reply that there is no market demand or a small amount, or a reply that the situation is not appropriate for the integrated implementation, Output to the terminal 3 via the LAN 5.

  With this operation, even if there is a factor that requires a change in the time to supply the repaired part to the market, the repaired part corresponding to the various factors that occur will occur. The supply time can be changed. In particular, even if a design change occurs for a repair part scheduled to be supplied in the future, the management schedule of the repair part can be changed following the design change.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the parts management system 49 according to the present invention when a dealer such as a sales / service store that receives an inquiry from a customer for an integrated account responds to the inquiry. . Referring to FIG. 14, the customer service operation starts when an inquiry from a customer is received for an account for which integration has been performed.

  In step S302, a staff member in a sales / service store activates the external terminal 4 installed in the sales / service store when an inquiry from the customer is made to the integrated account, and an account status confirmation screen is displayed. Is displayed. In step S304, the external terminal 4 requests input of the account number for which an inquiry has been made on the account status confirmation screen. The external terminal 4 generates an account status confirmation message including the input account number, and transmits the account status confirmation message to the parts server 2 via the wide area network 6.

  In step S306, the component server 2 that has received the account status confirmation message searches the component database 22d based on the account number included in the message.

In step S308, when the information shown in the table 80 corresponding to the account number transmitted from the external terminal cannot be detected as a result of the search, the parts server 2 generates an account survey request and sends the account survey request. The data is output to a predetermined terminal via the network (step S310). When the information shown in the table 80 corresponding to the account number transmitted from the external terminal 4 is detected, the process proceeds to step S312.
In step S312, the component server 2 transmits the information shown in the detected table 80 to the external terminal via the wide area network. The external terminal updates the account status confirmation screen in response to receiving the information shown in the transmitted table 80, and extracts the reduction reason code 84 in response to the update of the screen. The external terminal 4 displays a customer correspondence manual corresponding to the extraction of the reduction reason code 84 on the screen and performs customer correspondence.

In step S314, it is determined whether or not a more detailed investigation request has occurred. As a result of the determination, if there is no detailed investigation request, the process proceeds to step S316, and the customer service is completed. If there is a detailed survey request, a predetermined operation is performed to display the account detailed survey screen on the external terminal 4 (step S318).
In step S320, the external terminal 4 requests input of the account number inquired on the account detail investigation screen. The external terminal 4 generates an account detailed survey message including the input account number, and transmits the account detailed survey message to the parts server 2 via the wide area network 6.

  In step S322, the component server 2 requests the component lifetime management server 1 to search for data in the component lifetime management database 12d in response to the receipt of the account detail investigation message. The search is performed using the account number included in the account detailed survey message as a key. In response to the search request, the component lifetime management server 1 outputs all the information indicated by the table 80 corresponding to the account number transmitted from the external terminal 4 and notifies the component server 2 of the output information. The component server 2 generates a detailed report message including the notified information, and transmits the detailed report message to the external terminal 4 via the wide area network 6.

  In step S324, the external terminal updates the account detailed survey screen based on the transmitted detailed report message and displays detailed information. Detailed explanation based on the displayed detailed information and customer service. (Step S326)

  This makes it easy to make initial responses to inquiries from customers that were difficult to execute in the past.

  Further, even when there is a request for a more detailed explanation with respect to the outline explanation, it is possible to respond quickly and to increase customer satisfaction.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation when placing an order for an integrated account in the parts management system 49 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15, the ordering operation starts when an order is received from a customer for an integrated account.

  In step S402, a staff member in a sales / service store activates the external terminal 4 installed in the sales / service store and displays a parts order screen when an order is generated from the customer for the integrated account. Let In step S404, the external terminal 4 requests input of the account number of the repaired part that has been ordered on the part ordering screen. The external terminal 4 generates an ordering message including the input account number and transmits the ordering message to the parts server 2 via the wide area network 5.

  In step S406, the parts server 2 that has received the order message searches the parts database 22d based on the account number included in the message.

  In step S408, when the component server 2 cannot detect the account information corresponding to the account number transmitted from the external terminal 4 as a result of the search, the component server 2 generates an account survey request, and the account survey is performed. The request is output to a predetermined terminal via the LAN 5 (similar to step S310). When the account information corresponding to the account number transmitted from the external terminal 4 is detected, the parts server 2 determines whether or not the account is an integrated account. If the account is not an integrated account, the process proceeds to step S410 and parts are ordered. If the account is an integrated account, the process proceeds to step S412, and an integration destination account extraction process is instructed.

  In step S414, the component server 2 determines whether or not the integration destination of the ordered component has been extracted. If the parts server 2 cannot extract the integration destination account, the parts server 2 generates an account investigation request and outputs the account investigation request to a predetermined terminal via the network (step S416). When the parts server 2 extracts the integration destination account of the ordered part, the process proceeds to step S418, and the integration destination part number 81 that identifies the integration destination account is extracted.

  In step S420, it is determined whether or not there is an integrated account in the extracted integration destination account. As a result of the determination, if there is a further integrated account, the flow returns to step S412. As a result of the determination, if there is no further integrated account in the extracted account, the process proceeds to step S422, and an order part is ordered.

  As a result, even when there is a designated integrated account in the account designated as the integration destination, it is possible to provide appropriate repair parts.

  Further, by sequentially extracting the integration destinations, it is possible to provide repair parts that are optimal for customer needs.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an account. FIG. 2 shows an outline of work performed using the parts management system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the parts management system. FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the storage unit of the component lifetime management server. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the storage unit of the component server. FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the table. FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the table. FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the table. FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the table. FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the table. FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the table. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the integration time setting operation. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation for determining the integration execution date. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation for responding to an inquiry to an integrated account. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation when placing an order for an integrated account.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Parts lifetime management server 2 ... Parts server 3 ... Terminal 4 ... External terminal 5 ... LAN
6 ... wide area network 11 ... processing unit 12 ... storage unit 12a ... integrated program 12b ... update program 12c ... notification program 12d ... component lifetime management database 13 ... input / output unit 14 ... communication unit 21 ... processing unit 22 ... storage unit 22a ... component Management program 22b ... design database 22c ... account database 22d ... parts database 23 ... input / output unit 24 ... communication unit 31 ... processing unit 32 ... storage unit 33 ... input / output unit 34 ... communication unit 41 ... processing unit 42 ... storage unit 43 ... Input / output unit 44 ... communication unit 50 ... table 60 ... table 70 ... table 80 ... table 90 ... table 100 ... table

Claims (7)

A parts database that stores a plurality of records corresponding to the types of parts sold in the market, each of the plurality of records includes a part ID that identifies the type;
An integrated database that stores integrated information that is information that associates a pre-integration part ID, an integration destination part ID, and an integration condition, and the pre-integration part ID and the integration destination part ID are selected from the part IDs,
Notification indicating that when the integration condition is satisfied, the supply of the component specified by the pre-integration component ID is stopped and switched to the component specified by the corresponding integration destination component ID in the integration information A component management system comprising: a notification unit that creates information and notifies the notification information to a predetermined terminal. In claim 1,
The integrated information is input to the integrated database when a design drawing of the part is issued. In claim 1 or 2,
The part is a part used for repairing a vehicle. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The integration condition is a component management system that indicates a period of time that has elapsed since mass production of a product in which a component specified by the component ID before integration is used. In any one of Claims 1-4,
The notification unit transmits an input screen that prompts input when the integration condition is satisfied to the terminal, performs an integration process using information input from the input screen,
The integration process includes at least one of a process for invalidating a record including the pre-integration part ID, a process for changing the integration condition, and a process for deleting the integration information from the integrated database. Management system. In any one of Claims 1-5,
Further, when the pre-integration part ID is retrieved from the user terminal via the communication network, the switching unit that transmits the record including the integration destination part ID corresponding to the retrieved pre-integration part ID to the user terminal. A parts management system. A method of using the parts management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Creating the integrated information and registering it in the integrated database when a design drawing of the part is issued;
A method of using a component management system, comprising: stopping supply of a component indicated by the pre-integration component ID based on the notification information received by the predetermined terminal.

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