JP2012256276A - Data center navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for achieving enhancement of work efficiency, prevention of omission of work, reduction of man-power and man-hours, improvement of operation level, cost reduction, etc. by guiding a user and providing work support in a data center.SOLUTION: A data navigation system comprises: a portable terminal 5 having a navigation function 50 that is carried by a user (U); means (6, etc.) for grasping a position of the portable terminal 5 and a position of a target server 2 in a data center 1; means (11, etc.) for managing work and an execution state of the work; means (51, etc.) for displaying a route from the current position of the user (U) to a target place in the data center 1 or the like on a screen of the portable terminal 5 to guide the user; means (52, etc.) for guiding the user on the content of work to be done by the user; and means (53, etc.) for detecting a specified state relating to the work on the basis of the location information or the like and outputting an alarm.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology such as an information processing system related to work such as maintenance of a system such as a data center. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique that guides customers / users (customers, maintenance personnel, etc.) to a target location (for example, a target server device) in a data center and enables work support.

  In recent years, with the development of computer network technology, operation technology has become increasingly complex. For this reason, data centers frequently require countermeasures against occurrence of failures in monitoring targets such as server devices and the need for configuration changes such as replacement / version upgrade. When performing maintenance work such as countermeasures against troubles and configuration changes, maintenance personnel (operational SEs, etc.) are in contact with related persons at the site (data center) each time. As a result, there is a situation in which the work load of the person on site increases and the cost increases accordingly.

  As a prior art example for solving such a situation, for example, there is a technique as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-77260 (Patent Document 1) (“Failure Countermeasure Support System”). In Patent Document 1, when a failure report is received from a customer, the system administrator manually inputs the failure occurrence information into the system, and the operation SE takes a countermeasure against the failure based on the output of the processing result of the failure response. Do. In order to prevent work procedure failures and work leaks, the work load of the operation SE can be reduced by performing maintenance work suitable for the failure.

  It is desirable to improve the work efficiency by reducing the differences and variations in the technical ability and trouble countermeasure ability of engineers (maintenance personnel, etc.), eliminating work leakage, etc. by the above-described techniques.

JP-A-8-77260

  However, in the conventional technology that performs the above-described failure countermeasure support, for example, it is possible to enumerate maintenance work, but when performing a maintenance work in a data center, for example, every time a failure (necessity of failure countermeasure) occurs, The system administrator must enter failure information. In addition, there are cases where work support by non-resident (non-resident) maintenance personnel (operational SE, etc.) is necessary, and cases where it is necessary to print a large amount of electronic data such as a checklist and bring it to the site.

  In the above case, there is a problem that failure countermeasures cannot be implemented unless the person such as a data center administrator (system operation person) is on site, or a large number of man-hours are required for maintenance. There is a problem.

  For example, maintenance personnel (operational SE, etc.) may visit a data center at the site to perform maintenance work such as troubleshooting. At that time, on the data center side, working managers, etc. attend the entrances and exits of the maintenance staff, etc. to accompany and guide the target server room and rack in the center, and use various facilities in the center. It is necessary to give explanations and guidance on In other words, the conventional technique has a problem that a lot of manpower is required for work such as maintenance of the data center, and there is room for improvement in work efficiency.

  In view of the above, the main object of the present invention is to support a series of work processes in maintenance work for server equipment and the like by customers / users (including maintenance personnel) in the data center, and customer service work, etc. Work by clearly guiding customers / users within the data center to the target location (for example, a rack or room corresponding to a failed server device), providing work support, etc. It provides technologies that can improve efficiency, prevent work omissions and work mistakes, reduce manpower and man-hours, improve data center operation levels, and reduce costs.

  In order to achieve the above object, a representative embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system (data center navigation system) or the like, and has the following configuration.

  In the present invention, an environment such as an unmanned data center is also assumed, and maintenance and customer support for a large number of server devices by customers and users (including maintenance personnel) in a data center (including corresponding systems and facilities). Provide systems (general tools, etc.) that guide and support a series of work processes in business. The present invention is a configuration in which improvements are made to the prior art part for guiding and supporting work processing.

  (1) The present invention relates to clearly guiding customers / users within a data center to a target location (for example, a rack or room corresponding to a server device in which a failure has occurred), and utilization of facilities in the center. It has a service processing function that systematizes actions such as giving explanations and giving guidance, and navigating in an easy-to-understand manner for customers and users using a portable terminal or the like. The customer / user uses a service provided by the mobile terminal in the data center to perform a series of work processes. This system grasps position information of a customer / user's portable terminal and a server device to be worked on. As a result, customers and users are clearly guided and guided to improve work efficiency.

  (2) In the present invention, when the customer / user performs maintenance of the server device or the like in the data center, the support processing of the work is easily navigated to the customer / user using a mobile terminal or the like. Provide as a service processing function to (guide). For example, when a customer / user arrives at the location of the target server device etc., the work content is automatically transmitted to the portable terminal and data information such as a work procedure manual and a check list related to the work is displayed on the screen. Navigation (guide) in an easy-to-understand manner. By displaying the work procedure manual, for example, it is possible to perform the work of the optimum maintenance response (failure countermeasure proposal etc.) suitable for the failure state of each target server device. In addition, based on the display and confirmation of the checklist, it is possible to prevent work omissions and work mistakes by judging and detecting work procedure omissions and alarms and notifications.

  The present embodiment is, for example, a data center navigation system that performs information processing for supporting and navigating a series of work processes related to work including maintenance for devices performed by a user in a data center, and is provided with the wireless A portable terminal having a communication function and a navigation function; a position management means for grasping position information including a position of the portable terminal held by the user in the data center and a position of the target device; Work management means for managing information including the start / end of work by the user, and a path from the current position of the user in the data center to a target location related to the work on the screen of the mobile terminal held by the user, And guidance means for performing processing for displaying and guiding information including guidance on various facilities, and the user has A work support means for performing a work support process by displaying information for guiding the work content of the user on the screen of the belt terminal, and detecting a predetermined state related to the work based on the position information; And alarm means for outputting an alarm to a portable terminal held by the user in accordance with the state.

  According to a typical embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a technology for supporting a series of work processing in a maintenance work for a server device or the like by a customer / user in a data center or a customer service work. By clearly guiding customers / users to the desired location and providing work support, work efficiency can be improved, work omissions and work mistakes can be prevented, manpower and man-hours can be reduced, and data center operations can be performed. Improve levels and reduce costs.

1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a system (data center navigation system) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of rack information in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of customer information in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the work management information in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the work check information in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the image of the usage example in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process example in this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments (data center navigation system and the like) of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

[Features]
As characteristic components of the present system (FIG. 1 and the like), there are a navigation function 50 of the portable terminal 5, a location information management subsystem 6, a work execution management subsystem 11, and the like. In this system, a mobile terminal 5 or the like is used to construct a comprehensive tool for navigation (guide) related to support of operations (operation / maintenance, etc.) in the data center 1 for customers / users (denoted by U), etc. Provide for. The portable terminal 5 utilizes a portable information processing device that displays information on a screen and can be operated (such a portable terminal is an Apple iPad, for example).

  (1) In the processing of the location information management subsystem 6 and the guidance unit 51, the customer / user U is clearly guided to the target location (target server 2, rack 21, etc.) in the data center 1, and the data center Provides explanations and guidance on the use of various facilities in 1.

  (1A) For this system, based on conventional technology such as server failure detection (for example, by an existing monitoring / failure detection system) or input operation by a customer / user U or an operator, etc. When the target / location of the target server 2 or the like related to the work is designated, the target from the map in the data center 1 and the reception (current position) is displayed on the screen by the navigation function 50 of the mobile terminal 5 of the customer / user U. To the location (server 2, rack 21, etc.), and information on related facilities. This system is linked with a dedicated positioning system (position information management subsystem 6) in the data center 1 to guide the customer / user U from the current position to the destination by using the portable terminal 5. .

  (2) In the processing of the work execution management subsystem 11 and the work support unit 52, the customer / user U performs the maintenance work on the server 2 or the like by the customer / user U in the data center 1. Upon arrival at the position, the mobile terminal 5 automatically transmits the data information such as the work procedure manual 61 and the check list 62 related to the work and displays them on the screen, thereby easily navigating the work contents (guide). To do.

  (2A) In this system, in particular, it is involved in work such as maintenance on a large number of target devices (including the server 2) that are components in the system in the data center 1, and based on the position information of the target device, The system component (work execution management subsystem 11) automatically transmits data information such as a work procedure manual 61 and a check list 62 necessary / useful at the time of work to the mobile terminal 5 of the customer / user U. It is displayed on the screen and can be used. The customer / user U can carry out the work in accordance with the work procedure manual 61 during the work, and can check and input the check items in accordance with the check list 62. The system (work execution management subsystem 11) Understand the situation including the start and end of work by U.

  (3A) In this system, the target device and the mobile terminal 5 (customer / user U) are linked by data communication with the target device (server 2 or the like) and the mobile terminal 5 (using the location information management subsystem 6 or the like). ) Position information and status information as real-time information. Based on this, for example, the start and end time and position of the work, and the state at that time are grasped. And this system, for example, the existence of the target device that is not planned (uncompleted) even though it is planned, or the work (entering) at an unplanned date and place (predetermined conditions) ) Is determined and detected. If detected, the alarm / notification function 17 and the alarm unit 53 are used to display corresponding alarm information on the screen of the mobile terminal 5 of the customer / user U. Furthermore, the corresponding content information is notified to a predetermined destination (for example, an existing monitoring system or an operator) such as a related person or a related department as required.

[Whole system]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the entire system (data center navigation system) includes a data center 1, a radio base station 4, a mobile terminal 5 to be held by a customer / user U, a location information management subsystem 6, and work execution management. It has a system 11 and is configured to communicate and cooperate with each other as shown. The customer / user U includes a customer who visits the data center 1 and maintenance personnel. The following description will be made mainly for the case where maintenance personnel perform maintenance work.

  In particular, the data center 1 is assumed to be an unmanned data center (a type in which a working operational SE or the like is not resident in the center). The data center 1 includes a target server 2, a location information management agent 3, and the like. The rack 21 (server rack) is equipped with a plurality of server devices, for example. For example, a plurality of racks 21 are installed in a server room (not shown). The area and floor in the data center 1 include a plurality of server rooms.

  The server 2 is a plurality of server devices that are targets of monitoring and maintenance work. Note that the present invention is not limited to the server, and other various information processing apparatuses can be applied in the same manner. A location information management agent 3 is connected to the server 2. The location information management agent 3 transmits the location information and status information of the server 2 to the portable terminal 5 via the radio base station 4 and further transmits to the location information collection manager 7 of the location information management subsystem 6.

  The wireless base station 4 is means for enabling wireless data communication between components. Although not shown in the drawings, communication means such as a network between components may be included.

  The portable terminal 5 has a navigation function (navigation function) 50. The navigation function 50 includes a guidance unit 51, a work support unit 52, an alarm unit 53, and the like. Although not shown, the portable terminal 5 includes other elements by known techniques such as a wireless communication function, a GPS function (such as a function for processing position information), and a GUI function (such as a function for displaying and operating information using a touch panel).

  The guiding unit 51 is a service processing function that guides and guides the customer / user U to the target location (the target server 2 or the like) in the data center 1, and cooperates with the subsystems (6, 11) or the like, A map, a route, related information, and the like are displayed on the screen 5, and a process for enabling reference / operation by the customer / user U is performed.

  The work support unit 52 is a service processing function that provides work support for work to be performed by the customer / user U. The work support unit 52 downloads the work procedure manual 61 and the like of the work in cooperation with the subsystems (6, 11) and the like. The information is acquired and displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5, and processing for enabling reference / operation by the customer / user U is performed.

  The alarm unit 53 is a processing function for outputting an alarm to the customer / user U, and corresponds to the case where the above-described undesirable predetermined state is detected in cooperation with the subsystem (6, 11) or the like. The alarm information of the content is displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 5, and processing for enabling reference / operation by the customer / user U is performed.

  The subsystems such as the position information management subsystem 6 and the work execution management subsystem 11 can be configured using information processing technology such as a PC, a server, a network, and a database (DB). A subsystem (6, 11) may be configured in the data center 1. Each unit may be connected to and cooperate with another existing system (for example, a monitoring / failure detection system).

  The location information management subsystem 6 includes a location information collection manager 7, a rack search function 8, rack information 9, customer information 10, and the like. The position information management subsystem 6 grasps and manages the positions of at least the target server 2 and the portable terminal 5 in the data center 1. The location information management subsystem 6 may be configured as a dedicated positioning system in the data center 1 using a positioning system (known technology) such as GPS. In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the position information management subsystem 6 includes a detection function 31 and a customer management function 32.

  The location information collection manager 7 collects location information of the target server 2 from the location information management agent 3 through the portable terminal 5 or the like.

  The rack search function 8 searches and acquires information such as a rack ID and a host name (server name) from the rack information 9 based on the position information of the server 2 obtained by the position information collection manager 7. Further, the rack search function 8 uses the acquired rack server information as an input to search and acquire information such as the customer ID and the number of users of the corresponding customer / user U and mobile terminal 5 from the customer information DB 10. .

  The rack information 9 is a form in which, for example, rack information as shown in FIG. 2 is stored in a DB or the like. The rack information 9 includes rack server information such as a rack ID and a host name (server name) that is a target or candidate of work, and information such as an installation location (position).

  The customer information 10 has a form in which customer information as shown in FIG. 3 is stored in a DB or the like. The customer information 10 includes information on the association between a customer ID (customer ID, maintenance personnel ID, etc.) and a rack server.

  The work execution management subsystem 11 includes a work management function 12, a work check function 13, work management information 14, work check information 15, a summary report 16, a notification function 17, and the like. Note that the work management function 12 and the work check function 13 may be integrated. Each information (DB) may be stored and managed externally.

  The work management function 12 creates and manages work management information 14 for work according to the occurrence of a failure or a plan. Further, the work management function 12 creates and manages data of the work procedure manual 61 and the check list 62 in association with the work management information 14 as necessary. The work check function 13 creates and manages work check information 14 according to the work check status / result using the check list 62. The work procedure manual 61 describes a list of work procedures as work contents. The check list 62 includes a list of a plurality of check items, and has a format in which information can be input by the customer / user U.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the work management information 14 includes work IDs associated with customer IDs, work procedure manuals and checklist information, information about work-target rack servers, work status information, work dates and times. This is a form in which various data information such as information on the data is stored in a DB or the like.

  In the work management function 12, based on information such as the customer ID acquired by the position information management subsystem 6, the work management information 14 is associated with the work ID associated with the customer ID and the work ID. Data information such as work procedure manual 61, check list 62, target rack server (for example, a list of applicable servers (host names), etc.) is created or acquired. Then, data information such as the work procedure manual 61 is automatically transmitted to the portable terminal 5 and displayed on the screen.

  Further, the work management function 12 grasps the state of execution of work such as maintenance on the target server 2 by the customer / user U through the mobile terminal 5 and the location information management subsystem 6, and stores the work state in the work management information 14. (Status) is described.

  The work check function 13 performs the work of the customer / user U by referring to the checklist 62 on the screen of the mobile terminal 5 and confirming / filling it during or after the maintenance such as maintenance by the customer / user U. Enables checks related to The work check function 13 acquires the check status / result from the check list 62 (filled data) through the mobile terminal 5 and the location information management subsystem 6, and writes the work check information 13 based on the information. Further, after the work is completed, the work check function 13 creates a total report 16 based on the contents of the work management information 14 and the work check information 15 and stores / outputs it.

  In the present system, the detection function 31 and the customer management function 32 are included in the position information management subsystem 6 or the work execution management subsystem 11.

  The detection function 31 performs a process of detecting a predetermined state (for example, a state requiring an alarm / notification) in accordance with the work management information 14 based on the position information / state information by the position information management subsystem 6. Do. As examples of the predetermined status, determine the status of the start / end of work, the status of unexecuted / executed work, the omission of work, the work of the server outside the plan / out of plan time, and entering the location. Detect.

  The customer management function 32 performs processing for storing and managing customer / user U information such as a customer ID in the customer information 10. The detection function 31 and the customer management function 32 may be provided in the work execution management subsystem 11.

  The alarm / notification function 17 is based on grasping of the work state by the work execution management subsystem 11 and detection of a predetermined state by the detection function 31 and the like, and through alarm cooperation with the alarm unit 53 of the portable terminal 5, alarm output, notification, etc. Perform the process. The alarm / notification function 17 performs processing for displaying alarm information on the screen in cooperation with the alarm unit 53 of the portable terminal 5 when / when it is determined that alarm output is necessary, for example. If the alarm / notification function 17 determines that cooperation with related parties, related departments, existing systems, etc. is necessary, such as when the alarm is output, information is sent to the corresponding predetermined address by e-mail or the like. To communicate.

  Information such as customer information 10 and work management information 14 is initially registered when a server is installed in the data center 1 (at the start of operation or the like), or is registered as needed for each work that occurs each time. Either is possible.

[Rack information]
FIG. 2 shows an example of information items existing in the rack information 9 of FIG. This table includes a rack ID, a host name, a hardware model number, an OS version, an installation location, and the like. The rack ID is information for uniquely identifying the rack 21 on which the server device (server 2) is mounted. The host name or the like is identification information or attribute information of the server device (server 2). The installation location is information indicating a location (position) where the rack 21 of the server device (server 2) in the data center 1 is installed (for example, a floor, an area, a room, etc.).

[Customer information]
FIG. 3 shows an example of information items existing in the customer information 10 of FIG. This table includes a customer ID, rack ID, customer name, company name, number of users, and the like. The customer ID is identification information of the customer / user U. The customer name, company name, and the like are attribute information of the customer / user U.

[Work management information]
FIG. 4 shows an example of information items relating to maintenance work / status existing in the work management information 14 of FIG. This table includes a customer ID, work ID, work procedure manual name, work status, host name, importance, checklist ID, countermeasure period, and the like. The work procedure manual and check list data (61, 62) are stored separately.

  The work ID (maintenance work ID) is identification information of the work (maintenance work). The work procedure manual name is identification information indicating the data of the work procedure manual 61. The work status indicates the state of the work, and has a value such as “not executed” / “completed”, for example. The host name is information such as a host name of the work target server 2 and a list thereof. The importance indicates the importance (or priority) of the work (for example, high / medium / low). The check list ID is identification information indicating the data of the check list 62 of the work. The countermeasure period is information related to the period and the date and time when the work (such as a countermeasure for trouble) is performed.

[Operation check information]
FIG. 5 shows an example of information items existing in the work check information 15 of FIG. This table includes a customer ID, rack ID, work ID, registration time, check list ID, and the like. The registration time indicates, for example, the date and time of registration by uploading the work of the customer / user U and uploading the check list 62 (completed), or the date and time of registration of the summary report 16.

  The work check function 13 and the work check information 15 check and confirm whether or not the work is performed and completed according to the work procedure manual 61 and the check list 62. For this purpose, the contents of the check list 62 (completed data) are confirmed. As an example of control, the work check function 13 registers the work in the total report 16 when all work is completed according to the check list 62 (check items in the check list 62). When there is a missing part, the alarm is output (for example, a dialog (alarm information) is displayed on the screen) in cooperation with the alarm unit 53 of the mobile terminal 5 without being registered in the total report 16. This causes the customer / user U (maintenance staff) to recheck the work and perform necessary procedures.

[processing]
FIG. 6 shows a series of operation / processing flows in the system of the present embodiment. S1 etc. indicate processing steps.

  (S1) In the navigation function 50 of the portable terminal 5, the guidance unit 51 displays a map in the data center 1, a route from the current position to the destination location (target rack / server, etc.), etc. on the screen of the portable terminal 5. The navigation of the movement of the customer / user U is performed (corresponding to FIG. 7B).

  (S2, S3) In S1, the location information collection manager 7 of the location information management subsystem 6 receives and acquires the location information of the server 2 from the mobile terminal 5 side, and reads and processes this location information. In S3, the rack search function 8 searches the rack information 9 based on the position information read in S2, and performs processing for obtaining the rack ID of the corresponding rack. The corresponding rack is a rack 21 on which the server 2 that is a target of work performed by the customer / user U is mounted. If there is a corresponding rack in S3 (Y), the process proceeds to S6, and if there is no corresponding rack (N), the process proceeds to S4.

  (S4, S5) In S4, the rack information is searched again. As a result, if the corresponding rack is found, the process proceeds to S6, and if not found, the process proceeds to S5. In S5, as a countermeasure, processing for contacting the reception, processing for notifying a predetermined destination, and the like are performed.

  (S6, S7) In S6, customer ID (x and ID) of customer / user U ID information (customer ID in FIG. 3) associated with the relevant rack (target server) from the customer information 10 by the rack search function 8 Search) or maintenance personnel ID (denoted y). Here, the customer and the maintenance staff are separately managed as the customer / user U. However, if the customer and the maintenance staff have the same concept, the ID (customer ID) may be acquired.

  In S7, information such as the name of the customer / user U is specified based on the result (ID) of S6 (for example, customer name, company name, etc.). The information acquired above is linked from the position information management subsystem 6 to the work execution management subsystem 11. The work execution management subsystem 11 performs processing using information from the location information management subsystem 6.

  (S8 to S12) The processing of the work execution management subsystem 11 is repeated for each ID in the following loop of S8 to S12 by the amount of the ID (x, y) searched and applicable in S6.

  In S9, the work management function 12 acquires data information such as a dedicated work procedure manual 61, a check list 62, and target rack / server information associated with the customer / user U whose customer ID is specified in S6 and S7. To do. This process is performed by referring to the work management information 14 (FIG. 4) or the like, based on the “work ID” related to the “customer ID”, “work procedure manual name”, “check list ID”, “rack ID”, “ This is possible by obtaining information such as “host name”. Similar information may be acquired by referring to the rack information 9 and customer information 10 of the position information management subsystem 6.

  In S10, the result of S9 is first notified to the mobile terminal 5 of the customer / user U of the specific ID. For example, information indicating that the work procedure manual 61 or the like related to work performed by the customer / user U can be used / referenced is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5.

  In S11, based on the notification in S10, the customer / user U downloads the work procedure manual 61 and the like by pressing a button on the screen of the mobile terminal 5 to refer to the work procedure manual 61, for example. Can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 5. Correspondingly, the work execution management subsystem 11 transmits data information such as target rack / server information, work procedure manual 61, check list 62, and the like to the mobile terminal 5 (work support unit 52) of the customer / user U. (to download. It is also possible to omit S10 and perform S11.

  (S13, S14) In S13, the customer / user U can perform maintenance work or the like on the target server 2 in accordance with the information in the work procedure manual 61 displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5. The start and end of work (location, state, date and time of work) is grasped by the position information management subsystem 6 acquiring position information and state information from the server 2 and the mobile terminal 5 side. For example, the work management function 12 stores the value of “work status” (unexecuted / executed) in the work management information 14 (FIG. 4).

  In S14, the customer / user U sees the contents of the checklist 62 displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5 (depending on the work contents) after the completion of the above work (or during the work), and checks items (for example, a predetermined item). The check list 62) can be uploaded (sent) to the work execution management subsystem 11 by, for example, pressing a button or the like. The work check function 13 acquires the data of the check list 62 from the mobile terminal 5 side, and stores information indicating the corresponding work check contents and the like in the work check information 15 (FIG. 5).

  (S15 to S17) In S15, the work execution management subsystem 11 determines whether or not all the predetermined work of the customer / user U has been completed. For example, the completion / non-completion of work can be determined by acquiring the data of the check list 62 in S14 and confirming its contents.

  If not completed in S15 (N), in S16, the alarm / notification function 17 is used to transmit the alarm information of the corresponding content to the mobile terminal 5 of the customer / user U and display it on the screen. Give warnings / warnings and instruct rework and rechecks. Thereby, it returns to S13 and the said customer and user U perform a rework and a recheck similarly. At the same time, the alarm / notification function 17 may be used to perform notification processing of information corresponding to a predetermined destination (for example, an operator of an existing system) for cooperation.

  If all of them are completed in S15 (Y), in S17, using the work check function 13, based on the work check information 15, a summary report 16 that summarizes and describes the results of the work is generated and stored. Further, the aggregate report 16 may be linked by performing distribution and notification (work completion notification) processing to a predetermined destination (for example, an operator of an existing system) using, for example, an alarm / notification function 17.

[Usage example]
FIG. 7 shows an image from reception in the data center 1 to guidance to the target location (corresponding rack server) and maintenance work support processing as an example of use of this system. (A) is at the time of reception, (b) is at the time of guidance, and (c) is at the time of work support.

  In (a), in the reception at the time of entering the data center 1 (unmanned data center or the like), the customer / user U (for example, maintenance staff) receives the portable terminal 5 and the rack key from the person in charge. The rack key is a key that opens the corresponding rack 21 and enables the server 2 to be operated. When leaving, the portable terminal 5 and the rack key are returned at the reception.

  In (b), in the data center 1, the customer / user U uses the navigation function 50 (guidance unit 51) of the mobile terminal 5 to refer to the information on the screen and move from the current position to the destination. To be guided and guided. On the screen, the route from the current position to the destination location (server 2 / rack 21 etc.) is displayed on the map in the data center 1, and the location of other facilities (eg cafeteria, toilet, break room) is also displayed. It is possible to search and display information such as routes and related information. For example, when the user U designates / inputs a destination facility on the screen, the route from the current position to the destination is displayed and guided.

  Further, the navigation function 50 relates to the availability time and reservation status in the data center 1 related to the execution of work, the time limit (measure period) to complete the work, and the like based on cooperation with the work execution management subsystem 11 and the like. Information is also displayed on the screen to enable navigation.

  The customer / user U arrives at the target location, such as the server 2 that is the object of maintenance work of the corresponding rack 21 in the server room, according to the navigation information as described above. At that time, the position information management subsystem 6 grasps the position of the target server 2 and the position of the mobile terminal 5 (customer / user U). Further, for example, when it is detected that the customer / user U is at a position different from the destination place (the target rack 21 or the like), an alarm may be displayed on the mobile terminal 5 or the like.

  When the customer / user U arrives at the position of the corresponding rack 21 in the corresponding server room in (c), the customer / user U opens the rack 21 with the rack key, operates the target server 2, and performs maintenance work, etc. (Start). At that time, according to the process of the work support unit 52 of the portable terminal 5 and based on the position information of the rack 21 / server 2, the work execution management subsystem 11 relates to the work of the target server 2 and the customer / user U. Data information such as the work procedure manual 61 and the check list 62 to be downloaded is automatically downloaded (transmitted) to the portable terminal 5 and can be displayed on the screen. The operation of the operation is navigated (guided) by the operation procedure manual 61 and the like. The customer / user U can easily understand which server 2 or part or the like should be operated in what procedure while viewing the screen, and can efficiently perform the work. For example, the customer / user U performs a predetermined procedure such as server login or server reboot with respect to the server 2 to be subjected to the maintenance work, according to the guide on the screen.

  In addition, the check list 62 regarding the work can be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5. The customer / user U refers to, confirms and fills in predetermined check items and the like, which are the contents, on the screen. After completion of all the predetermined work according to the work procedure manual 61 by the customer / user U and after the check list 62 is filled, the data of the completed check list 62 is transferred from the portable terminal 5 to the work execution management subsystem 11. Can be uploaded. Thereby, this system can grasp | ascertain a work completion state and the contents of the check list 62 (work check result).

  Further, for example, the present system determines and detects, from the result of the check list 62, omission of work procedure to be performed, omission of check items to be filled in, and the like. When this leak or the like is detected, the alarm / notification function 17 and the processing of the alarm unit 53 of the mobile terminal 5 are used to display the alarm information of the corresponding content on the screen of the mobile terminal 5, Notify the destination. As a result, a warning / warning can be given to the customer / user U and the like, and forgetting work, work mistakes, and the like can be prevented.

  Further, at the start and end of the above work, data communication is performed through the position information management agent 3 and the portable terminal 5, and the position, date and state are grasped by the position information management subsystem 6 and the like. Thereby, this system (and the existing system, operator, etc. when notification is performed) grasps the situation of the work with respect to the server 2 by the customer / user U.

  In particular, the present system determines whether the mobile terminal 5 of the customer / user U is at the position of the server 2 / rack 21 / room or the like that is the target of the planned work by determining the position (location) information.・ Detect. For example, when the user is at an unplanned position, an alarm or a guide is displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 5 or a predetermined destination (existing system or the like) is notified.

  Further, in particular, the present system determines whether the current date and time is within the date and time of a plan (available, reserved, etc.) related to the maintenance work of the target server 2 by determining the date and time information, and the maintenance work (fault countermeasures). Etc.) is determined / detected (eg, it can be determined with reference to “measure period” in FIG. 4). For example, when it is outside the planned date and time, or when expiration is imminent, the corresponding alarm information is displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 5 or notified to a predetermined destination (existing system or the like).

  In particular, the present system receives and acquires not only the position of the target server 2 but also the status via the location information management agent 3 and the portable terminal 5, and based on this status information, an undesired predetermined Judge and detect the status of And based on the said detection, you may perform the alarm and notification of the corresponding content to the portable terminal 5 of the said customer and user U, an existing system, etc. In this case, for example, the location information management subsystem 6 (location information management agent 3, location information collection manager 7) has a function of monitoring and acquiring the state of the target server 2. The location information management agent 3 acquires and transmits a failure status of the server 2 and a status (normal / abnormal status) such as the presence / absence of temperature abnormality in the server 2, and the location information management subsystem 6 It is possible to grasp and refer to it together with the position. For example, if it is detected that the target server 2 is in a temperature abnormal state, the alarm / notification function 17 and the alarm unit 53 are used to display the server status, alarm information, Display contact information, etc., or notify a predetermined destination. As a result, the customer / user U can recognize the server state and consider countermeasures.

  Further, in the portable terminal 5, not only the display of navigation (guide), the state of the target server 2 and the display of alarms, but also functions such as browsing the Internet (known technology), for example, problems in the state of the server 2 If there is, Internet information can be used (linked) for the investigation. In addition, the Internet information may be linked to provide survey result information by existing systems or related parties. The customer / user U can examine measures on the screen of the mobile terminal 5 by looking at information such as the investigation result of the failure of the target server 2.

[Example]
As a supplement, FIG. 8 shows a processing example related to the display of the work procedure manual 61 and the check list 62 and the alarm display in the present system (5, 6, 11 etc.). a1 and the like indicate operations and processing steps. The work DB 80 is a configuration example related to the work management information 14 and the like. The work DB 80 includes a process table 81, and is associated with the process table 81. The work procedure manual 61, the check list 62, the target rack information 63, and the target customer information 64. The target date / time information 65 and the like are stored. The target rack information 63 is information indicating the rack 21 or the server 2 that is a work target (for example, a rack ID). The target customer information 64 is information indicating a customer / user U who performs work (for example, a customer ID). The target date / time information 65 is information indicating the date / time of the work plan. In addition, various information that defines work based on the process chart is managed.

  (A1) As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, when the customer / user U arrives at the destination rack 21, server 2, etc., the location information of the mobile terminal 5 and the server 2 is stored in this system. Sent to / acquired.

  (A2) This system (location information management subsystem 6) searches the target rack 21, server 2, etc. by referring to the work DB 80 based on the location information of a1 (corresponding to S3).

  (A3) Then, this system determines and confirms the date and time, rack server (position), customer / user U, etc. regarding the target work. Here, for example, when the position / date and time are outside the plan (NG), the alarm / notification function 17 is used for alarm display as described above, and the portable terminal 5 has a work procedure manual 61 and the like. Control not to send / display.

  (A4) If there is no problem in a3 (OK), this system is associated with the work (work ID), customer / user U (customer ID), etc. from the work DB 80, work procedure manual 61, check list 62, etc. Is transmitted to the portable terminal 5 and displayed on the screen (corresponding to S11).

  (B1) On the other hand, the customer / user U performs work and inputs information on the screen of the portable terminal 5 according to the situation. For example, when the customer / user U finishes the predetermined work (process elimination), the customer / user U fills in the checklist 62 and executes upload on the screen. Thereby, the data of the check list 62 is transmitted and acquired from the portable terminal 5 to the present system (work execution management subsystem 11) by data communication. In addition, information such as the state is also acquired from the target server 2.

  (B2) The system determines and confirms whether the predetermined work is completed (completed) or incomplete (not performed) based on the data information of b1. For example, when there is an incomplete target server 2 or an unimplemented procedure, it is detected.

  (B3, b4) When it is determined in b2 that all predetermined work has been normally completed, work result information indicating that is transmitted from the system to the portable terminal 5 and displayed on the screen. If it is determined that the alarm is not completed, alarm information indicating that is transmitted and displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 5 using the alarm / notification function 17 and the alarm unit 53 (corresponding to S16).

[Effects]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in an environment such as an unmanned data center, on the screen of the mobile terminal 5 on the screen of the mobile terminal 5, for example, an object in which a failure has occurred from the current location of the customer / user U The route to the place such as the rack 21 and the server 2 is displayed, and guidance and guidance can be performed accurately. In addition, for example, by providing an optimal work procedure manual 61 or the like suitable for a failure countermeasure plan for each target server 2 in which a failure has occurred, efficient work can be supported. In addition, it is possible to eliminate / reduce work omissions and mistakes by presenting the checklist 62 and outputting an alarm when an omission is detected.

  As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  The present invention can be used for an operation / management system such as a data center.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Data center, 2 ... Target server, 3 ... Location information management agent, 4 ... Wireless base station, 5 ... Portable terminal, 6 ... Location information management subsystem, 7 ... Location information collection manager, 8 ... Rack search function, 9 ... Rack information DB, 10 ... Customer information DB, 11 ... Work execution management subsystem, 12 ... Work management function, 13 ... Work check function, 14 ... Work management information, 15 ... Work check information, 16 ... Total report, 17 ... Notification function, 21 ... rack, 31 ... detection function, 32 ... customer management function, 50 ... navigation function, 51 ... guidance unit, 52 ... work support unit, 53 ... alarm unit, 61 ... work procedure manual, 62 ... checklist.

Claims (4)

A data center navigation system for performing information processing for supporting and navigating a series of work processes related to work including maintenance for equipment by a user in a data center,
A portable terminal having a wireless communication function and a navigation function to be given to the user;
Location management means for grasping location information including the location of the mobile terminal held by the user in the data center and the location of the target device;
Work management means for managing information on the contents of the work and the state including start / end of work by the user;
Guiding means for performing a process of displaying and guiding information including a route from the current position of the user in the data center to a target location related to the work and guidance of various facilities on the screen of the portable terminal held by the user When,
Work support means for performing work support processing by displaying information for guiding the content of work by the user on the screen of the mobile terminal possessed by the user;
And alarm means for performing a process of detecting a predetermined state related to the work based on the position information and outputting an alarm to the mobile terminal held by the user according to the state. Data center navigation system. The data center navigation system according to claim 1, wherein
The work management means creates and manages a work procedure manual and checklist related to the work,
The work support means, when the user starts work on the target device, based on the position information, on the screen of the mobile terminal held by the user, the work procedure manual and checklist data related to the work Send and display
The work management means obtains and grasps the execution status, result, and check list input data of the work according to the work procedure manual and check list by the user, thereby judging a work omission,
The data center navigation system characterized in that the alarm means outputs an alarm to a portable terminal held by the user when the work is omission. The data center navigation system according to claim 1, wherein
The work management means determines whether the status of the work performed by the user based on the position information and date / time information is not a position / date / time status deviating from the work plan,
The data center navigation system, wherein the alarm means outputs an alarm to the screen of the portable terminal when the position or date / time is out of the plan. The data center navigation system according to claim 1, wherein
It has means for acquiring and grasping as a status information a failure status in the target device and a status including normal / abnormal,
The alarm means, based on the state information, outputs the state of the target device and an alarm on the screen of the mobile terminal when the state is the failure state or the abnormal state. Center navigation system.

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