JP2015170154A - Schedule management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a schedule management device which is capable of easily managing a schedule and improving efficiency of manufacturing by printing and processing.SOLUTION: A schedule management device 3 is configured to manage a schedule of printing and processing data to be used for a manufacture system 8 for manufacturing an individual workpiece by continuously implementing at least one step of printing and processing by a corresponding device. The schedule management device 3 is connected to the manufacture system 8 and a printing and processing data device 5 for storing the generated printing and processing data via a dedicated line N1 and includes: a schedule storage part 42 for storing the schedule including a manufacturing order in the manufacture system 8 and a manufacturing ID indicating a manufacture unit; and a printing and processing data transmission instruction part 33 for instructing the printing and processing data device 5 to transmit the printing and processing data corresponding to the manufacturing ID to the manufacture system 8 in accordance with the manufacturing order stored in the schedule storage part 42.

Description

  The present invention relates to a schedule management apparatus that manages a processing order in a system that performs printing processing.

  When manufacturing forms such as invoices based on a large amount of variable individual data, in order to improve work efficiency, a printer process for printing out variable individual data, and perforating the individual data, etc. There is a need to perform processes such as processing in a series of processes.

  On the other hand, a distribution server that receives print content from a transmission terminal and distributes the print content to the print terminal is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition to the print content, this distribution server receives a distribution destination list for specifying a printing terminal and distribution information (for example, forced execution or manual execution) related to printing execution from the transmission terminal. Then, a printing terminal is determined based on the distribution destination list, and distribution information and print content are distributed to the determined printing terminals in order.

JP 2011-48623 A

  Also in the distribution server described in Patent Document 1, in order to efficiently process a plurality of types of data, it is important to manage the schedule by determining the destination of the data processing. In particular, when a printer is used with a large apparatus such as a printing company and processing is performed, the data used in each process is large or various. In such a case, it is not easy to manage the schedule.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a schedule management apparatus that can easily manage a schedule and can improve the efficiency of manufacturing by printing.

  The present invention solves the above problems by the following means. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, although the code | symbol corresponding to embodiment of this invention is attached | subjected and demonstrated, it is not limited to this. In addition, the configuration described with reference numerals may be improved as appropriate, or at least a part thereof may be replaced with another configuration.

In the first invention, at least one step of printing and processing is continuously performed by an apparatus corresponding to the step, and printing processing data used in a printing processing unit (8, 208) for manufacturing individual workpieces. Is a schedule management device (3, 203) for managing the schedule of the print processing unit, the print processing unit for manufacturing the workpiece in response to receiving the print processing data, The print processing data storage unit (56) for storing the generated print processing data is connected to the print processing data storage unit (56) via a communication network (N1). According to the manufacturing order stored in the manufacturing order data storage unit (42, 242) and the manufacturing order data storage unit (42, 242) for storing the manufacturing order data including the identification information. A transmission instruction unit (33) for instructing a data storage unit to transmit the print processing data associated with the manufacturing identification information to the print processing unit. It is a management device.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the schedule management device of the first aspect of the present invention, the schedule management device includes a notification receiving unit that receives a stored notification of print processing data from the print processing data storage unit, and the transmission instruction unit stores the manufacturing order data storage In accordance with the manufacturing order stored in the printing unit, the printing processing data storage unit is instructed to transmit the printing processing data corresponding to the stored notification received by the notification receiving unit to the printing processing unit. This is a schedule management device characterized by the above.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the schedule management device (3, 203) of the first aspect, the printing having the manufacturing identification information corresponding to the manufacturing order stored in the manufacturing order data storage unit (42, 242) An inquiry part (31) for making an inquiry as to whether or not the processed data has been generated and stored is provided to the print processed data storage part, and the transmission instruction part (33) is a result of the inquiry by the inquiry part, The schedule management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the print processing data is stored, a transmission instruction is transmitted to transmit the print processing data to the print processing unit (8, 208).
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the schedule management device (3, 203) of the third aspect of the invention, the schedule management device (3, 203) includes a monitoring unit (32) for monitoring the operating status of the print processing unit (8, 208), and the inquiry unit (31). Is a schedule management device that makes an inquiry when the monitoring unit determines that the print processing unit is stopped.
In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the schedule management devices (3, 203) from the first aspect to the fourth aspect, the manufacturing order stored in the manufacturing order data storage unit (42, 242), A schedule management apparatus comprising: an output unit (46) that outputs a generation storage status in the print processing data storage unit of print processing data for each manufacturing unit corresponding to the manufacturing order.
In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the schedule management devices (203) from the first aspect to the fifth aspect, the print processing unit (208) includes a plurality of print processing units (208), A prediction unit (235) for predicting the manufacturing processing time, and the manufacturing order data storage unit (242) so that the manufacturing processing time in the plurality of printing processing units is equalized according to the prediction result by the prediction unit. And a rearrangement unit (236) for rearranging the manufacturing order of the plurality of print processing units stored in the schedule management device.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the schedule management device (203) of the sixth aspect, the plurality of print processing units (208) are different in at least one of the order of installation of the plurality of devices and the device to be used. The reordering unit (236) is a schedule management device characterized in that the manufacturing order is reconfigured so that the print processing unit and the print processing data correspond to each other.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the management of a schedule is easy and it can provide the schedule management apparatus which can aim at the efficiency of manufacture by printing processing.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing processing system according to a first embodiment and a block diagram of a data management system. It is a figure for demonstrating the printing process data and setting data which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the main process in the schedule management apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the schedule memory | storage part of the schedule management apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display with the schedule management apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the whole block diagram of the printing processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and a data management system. It is a flowchart of the schedule review process in the schedule management apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the schedule memory | storage part of the schedule management apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing processing system 100 according to the first embodiment and a block diagram of a data management system 1.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining print processing data and setting data according to the first embodiment.
A printing processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that manages data necessary for creating a form (individual processed product) and performs printing and processing of the form.
The system management company of the print processing system 100 receives data containing customer information from a client such as a credit card company or a financial institution. Then, an individual processed product addressed to the customer is manufactured from the received data.
The printing processing system 100 includes a data management system 1 and a manufacturing system 8 (printing processing unit).

The data management system 1 is a system that manages data used in the manufacturing system 8.
The data management system 1 includes a schedule management device 3, a print processing data device 5, and a setting data device 6.
The schedule management device 3 manages a schedule that is the order of manufacture (manufacturing order data) in the manufacturing system 8. Then, the schedule management device 3 instructs the printing data device 5 and the setting data device 6 to transmit data to the manufacturing system 8 according to the schedule.
The schedule management apparatus 3 is communicably connected to the print processing data apparatus 5 and the manufacturing system 8 through, for example, a dedicated line N1 (communication network). In addition, the schedule management device 3 is connected to the setting data device 6 and the manufacturing system 8 so that they can communicate with each other by, for example, a dedicated line N2 (communication network).
According to the communication method, the printing data device 5 cannot be directly accessed from the setting data device 6. This is because the print processing data is data including personal information and the like, and high security is required.

The schedule management device 3 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 40, an input unit 45, an output unit 46, and a communication I / F (interface) unit 49.
The control unit 30 is a CPU (central processing unit) that controls the entire schedule management device 3. The control unit 30 executes various functions in cooperation with the hardware described above by appropriately reading and executing an OS (operating system) and application programs stored in the storage unit 40.
The control unit 30 includes a data storage monitoring unit 31 (data detection unit, inquiry unit), an operation monitoring unit 32 (monitoring unit), a print processing data transmission instruction unit 33 (transmission instruction unit), and a setting data transmission instruction unit 34. With.

The data storage monitoring unit 31 monitors the storage status of the print processing data in the print processing data device 5. Specifically, the data storage monitoring unit 31 makes an inquiry to the print processing data device 5 to confirm whether or not the print processing data is stored in the print processing data device 5.
The operation monitoring unit 32 monitors the operation status of the manufacturing system 8. Specifically, the operation monitoring unit 32 makes an inquiry to the controller 81 of the manufacturing system 8 to confirm whether the manufacturing system 8 is operating (manufacturing) or stopped.
The print processing data transmission instruction unit 33 instructs the print processing data device 5 to transmit the print processing data.
The setting data transmission instruction unit 34 instructs the setting data device 6 to transmit setting data.
Details of these processes will be described later.

The storage unit 40 is a storage area such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory element for storing programs, data, and the like necessary for the control unit 30 to execute various processes.
The storage unit 40 includes a schedule storage unit 42 (manufacturing order data storage unit).
The schedule storage unit 42 stores a schedule that is a manufacturing order in the manufacturing system 8 and a manufacturing ID (IDentifier) (manufacturing identification information) in association with each other.
The input unit 45 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The input unit 45 is a device operated by an operator.
The output unit 46 is a display device composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like, for example.
The communication I / F unit 49 is a communication interface for performing communication among the print processing data device 5, the setting data device 6, and the manufacturing system 8.

The print processing data device 5 is a device that stores print processing data. The print processing data device 5 transmits the print processing data to the manufacturing system 8 based on the transmission instruction from the schedule management device 3.
The print processing data device 5 includes a control unit 50, a storage unit 55, and a communication I / F unit 59.
The control unit 50 is a CPU that controls the entire print processing data device 5. The control unit 50 executes various functions in cooperation with the hardware described above by appropriately reading and executing the OS and application programs stored in the storage unit 55.
The storage unit 55 is a storage area such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory element for storing programs, data, and the like necessary for the control unit 50 to execute various processes.
The storage unit 55 includes a print processing data storage unit 56.

The print processing data storage unit 56 is a storage area for storing print processing data.
The print processing data is a general term for printing data, processing data, printing data, and the like. The print processing data is formatted according to each device of the manufacturing system 8.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the print data is data used by the printer 82 of the manufacturing system 8, and is, for example, in the PDF (Portable Document Format) format. The processing data is data used by the processing machine 83, and is in PDF format, for example. The printing data is data used by the printing machine 84, and is a compression of a plurality of data.
In addition, the print processing data includes a manufacturing ID that is a processing unit in the manufacturing system 8 in its data name. The processing unit is a unit in which the manufacturing system 8 can process a continuous sheet to create an individual form (individual processed product). The manufacturing ID includes, for example, identification information of the client, information specifying the type of product such as an item, and information specified for each data unit such as date and branch number. The print processing data is stored in one folder for each processing unit. Therefore, the printing process data storage unit 56 stores a plurality of folders having different manufacture IDs.
The print processing data is generated from the received data received from the client. The received data includes personal information (credit card number, name, etc.) regarding the client of the client. Therefore, the print processing data device 5 including the print processing data storage unit 56 needs to have high security.
Returning to FIG. 1, the communication I / F unit 59 is a communication interface for performing communication between the schedule management device 3 and the manufacturing system 8.

The setting data device 6 is a device that stores setting data for each device of the manufacturing system 8. The setting data device 6 transmits the setting data to the manufacturing system 8 based on the transmission instruction from the schedule management device 3.
The setting data device 6 includes a control unit 60, a storage unit 65, and a communication I / F unit 69.
The control unit 60 is a CPU that controls the entire setting data device 6. The controller 60 performs various functions in cooperation with the hardware described above by appropriately reading and executing the OS and application programs stored in the storage unit 65.
The storage unit 65 is a storage area such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory element for storing programs, data, and the like necessary for the control unit 60 to execute various processes.
The storage unit 65 includes a setting data storage unit 66.

The setting data storage unit 66 is a storage area for storing setting data.
The setting data is data relating to the settings of the printer 82, the processing machine 83, and the printing press 84. The setting data includes, for example, the thickness and size for paper to be printed, the temperature setting for ink, the speed for perforation processing, the speed of movement, the ratio of perforations, and the laser beam for laser processing. It is data including various information to be set for each device, such as strength and speed. The setting data may be JDF (Job Definition Format) (registered trademark) data. JDF refers to an industry standard data conversion format designed to share information between each production process of printed matter.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the setting data is data prepared in advance on the basis of conditions determined with the client before starting the business, having the data in business units. The setting data corresponds to a business ID (business identification information) included as a part of a manufacturing ID that is a processing unit in the manufacturing system 8, and includes the business ID in its data name. A business unit is a unit that can identify a business. The business ID includes, for example, identification information of the client and information specifying the type of product such as an item. The setting data storage unit 66 stores a plurality of folders having different business IDs.
Returning to FIG. 1, the communication I / F unit 69 is a communication interface for performing communication between the schedule management device 3 and the manufacturing system 8.

The manufacturing system 8 is a system for manufacturing individual forms such as invoices, shipments, and slips by printing, processing, and reprinting forms.
The manufacturing system 8 is communicably connected to the schedule management apparatus 3. In addition, the manufacturing system 8 is connected to the printing data device 5 and the setting data device 6 so that they can communicate with each other.
The manufacturing system 8 includes a controller 81, a printer 82, a processing machine 83, and a printing machine 84. The printer 82, the processing machine 83, and the printing machine 84 are connected inline in this order, and in this order. Perform continuous machining. In-line means that the devices are physically connected and interlocked by the controller 81.
The controller 81 is a control device that controls the printer 82, the processing machine 83, and the press machine 84. The controller 81 monitors the operating statuses of the printer 82, the processing machine 83, and the press machine 84 as the respective devices, and responds to the operating status inquiries from the schedule management device 3. Further, the controller 81 receives the printing process data and the setting data, and transmits each data to each corresponding device.

The printer 82 is a device that inputs print data and prints it on a continuous form.
The processing machine 83 is an apparatus that inputs processing data and performs processing such as folding into a continuous form and perforation processing using a laser.
The printing press 84 is a device that inputs printing data, converts functional materials into ink-jet ink, and prints information further inline after form printing. For example, desensitizing ink is applied to a continuous form to make a copy sheet.
The printer 82, the processing machine 83, and the press machine 84 perform setting of each device under the control of the controller 81 based on the received setting data. Thereafter, the printer 82, the processing machine 83, and the press machine 84 perform processing using the print processing data, so that the manufacturing system 8 manufactures a workpiece.

Next, the process of the schedule management device 3 will be described.
First, the main process of the schedule management device 3 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of main processing in the schedule management apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the schedule storage unit 42 of the schedule management device according to the first embodiment.
In S10 of FIG. 3, the control unit 30 of the schedule management device 3 refers to the schedule storage unit 42 and grasps the schedule to be executed.

Here, the contents stored in the schedule storage unit 42 will be described with reference to FIG.
The schedule storage unit 42 stores a schedule in the manufacturing system 8 of print processing data specified by the manufacturing ID, and has the status. The schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 42 is registered in advance by an operator on a screen (not shown) in consideration of the timing at which the print data is stored in the print data device 5. The status “Manufacturing” means that the manufacturing system 8 is manufacturing based on the print processing data indicated by the manufacturing ID. The status “waiting for manufacture” means that the manufacturing system 8 is ready for manufacturing. That is, this is a state in which the printing data is already stored in the printing data device 5. The status “waiting for data” means that the printing data is not stored in the printing data device 5.
Returning to FIG. 3, in S <b> 11, the control unit 30 (operation monitoring unit 32) checks the operation status in the manufacturing system 8 and determines whether or not it is stopped. The operation status in the manufacturing system 8 being stopped means that the manufacturing system 8 has finished manufacturing. When the operation status in the manufacturing system 8 is stopped (S11: YES), the control unit 30 moves the process to S12. On the other hand, when the operation status in the manufacturing system 8 is not stopped (S11: NO), the control unit 30 remains in S11, the manufacturing in the manufacturing system 8 ends, and the manufacturing system 8 stops. wait.

In S12, the control unit 30 (data storage monitoring unit 31) inquires of the print processing data device 5 whether or not the print processing data corresponding to the schedule grasped in S10 is stored in the print processing data storage unit 56. Confirm with that. When the printing process data is stored in the printing process data storage unit 56 (S12: YES), the control unit 30 moves the process to S13. On the other hand, when the printing process data is not stored in the printing process data storage unit 56 (S12: NO), the control unit 30 remains in S12 and the printing process data is stored in the printing process data storage unit 56. Wait for.
In the example of FIG. 4, when the manufacturing system 8 finishes manufacturing the order “001”, the manufacturing system 8 next performs the process of the order “002”. Since the status of “002” in this order is “Waiting for manufacturing”, the control unit 30 selects YES in S12.

In S <b> 13, the control unit 30 (printing processing data transmission instruction unit 33) instructs the printing processing data device 5 to transmit predetermined printing processing data to the manufacturing system 8. Thereby, the control unit 50 of the printing process data device 5 transmits predetermined printing process data to the manufacturing system 8.
In S14, the control unit 30 (setting data transmission instruction unit 34) allows the setting data device 6 to recognize the setting data corresponding to the predetermined print processing data in association with the print processing data. An instruction to transmit the setting data to the manufacturing system 8 is given. The control unit 30 identifies the business ID from the manufacturing ID in the schedule storage unit 42. Then, the control unit 30 instructs the setting data device 6 to transmit predetermined setting data having the specified business ID. Upon receiving the instruction, the control unit 60 (transmission unit) of the setting data device 6 extracts predetermined setting data having the business ID from the setting data storage unit 66 and transmits it to the manufacturing system 8.
Through these processes, in the manufacturing system 8, the controller 81 receives print processing data and setting data corresponding to the print processing data. Then, the manufacturing system 8 manufactures individual workpieces.

In S15, the control unit 30 refers to the schedule storage unit 42 and determines whether or not the next schedule exists. If the next schedule exists (S15: YES), the control unit 30 moves the process to S10. On the other hand, when the next schedule does not exist (S15: NO), the control unit 30 ends this process.
In addition, the process of S13 and S14 may be performed simultaneously, and the process of S14 may be performed before the process of S13.
With this processing, the printing processing system 100 can manufacture a workpiece with the manufacturing system 8 according to the schedule for data whose execution date is today's date.

Next, screen output in the monitoring process will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example in the schedule management device 3 according to the first embodiment.
This is an example of a screen output to the output unit 46 by an operation from the input unit 45 by the operator.
The control unit 30 extracts the schedule for today's date from the schedule storage unit 42. Then, the manufacturing ID and its status are displayed in the order of the schedule.
The control unit 30 outputs such a status confirmation screen to the output unit 46 so that the operator can grasp the manufacturing status in the manufacturing system 8 at any time.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, the data management system 1 has the following effects.
(1) The schedule management device 3 can transmit the setting data possessed by each business unit to the manufacturing system 8 based on the business ID so that the association with the print processing data possessed by the production ID can be understood. Therefore, in the manufacturing system 8, the setting data corresponding to the print processing data can be easily combined. Then, the manufacturing system 8 can automatically set each device (printer 82, processing machine 83, and press machine 84) using both data to manufacture a form as a processed product. Therefore, it is not necessary for an operator or the like to manually set each device, and the work efficiency can be improved.
The setting data can be collectively managed by the setting data device 6. Further, the print processing data can be collectively managed by the print processing data device 5. Therefore, management is easy.
(2) In the manufacturing system 8, the setting data and the print processing data are associated with each other. However, in the data management system 1, both data can be managed separately. Therefore, print processing data including personal information and the like can be managed in a high security environment, and can be managed separately from setting data that does not include personal information and the like.

(3) Since the setting data corresponds to the business ID and is associated with a plurality of manufacturing IDs, a plurality of pieces of print processing data are associated with one setting data. Therefore, when the print processing data is, for example, print data of a card usage statement for each month, the setting data need not be created for each month, and pre-created data can be used for each month. it can.
(4) The transmission timing of the setting data can be performed based on the generation and storage of the print processing data. Therefore, in the manufacturing system 8, it is only necessary to associate already generated data with each other, and the manufacturing can be performed efficiently.

  (5) A plurality of types of printing data can be handled, and even when the manufacturing system 8 is composed of each device configured inline, it can be handled. The setting data can use an industry standard format such as JDF. Therefore, the creation of setting data, the setting in each device using the setting data, and the like can be applied to various devices, for example, even when the manufacturers of each device are different by using an industry standard format.

(6) The setting data can be transmitted to the manufacturing system 8 in such a manner that the association with the print processing data can be recognized according to the schedule. Therefore, the manufacturing system 8 can perform manufacturing using the associated print processing data and setting data according to the schedule.
(7) If the printing data is already stored in the printing data device 5 according to the schedule, the printing data can be transmitted to the manufacturing system 8. Moreover, it can be automatically performed by the schedule management device 3 being driven.

(8) The schedule management device 3 can make an inquiry to the printing data device 5 at any time. Therefore, since the next print processing data can be transmitted when the processing of the print processing data being manufactured in the manufacturing system 8 is completed, the operating rate on the manufacturing system 8 side can be improved and the print processing can be performed efficiently. it can.
(9) By outputting the schedule and the status of the print processing data to the print processing status inquiry screen, the operator can grasp the generation status of the print processing data and the progress status of the schedule at any time.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, one having a plurality of manufacturing systems will be described. In the following description, parts that perform the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals at the end, and redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of the printing processing system 200 and a block diagram of the data management system 201 according to the second embodiment.
The print processing system 200 includes a data management system 201 and a plurality of manufacturing systems 208 (208A to 208C).
The data management system 201 includes a schedule management device 203, a print processing data device 5, and a setting data device 6.

The schedule management device 203 includes a control unit 230, a storage unit 240, an input unit 45, an output unit 46, and a communication I / F unit 49.
The control unit 230 includes a data storage monitoring unit 31, an operation monitoring unit 32, a printing process data transmission instruction unit 33, a setting data transmission instruction unit 34, a prediction unit 235, and a reconfiguration unit 236.
The prediction unit 235 predicts the time required for manufacturing in the manufacturing system 8 from the print processing data stored in the print processing data storage unit 56 of the print processing data device 5.
The rearrangement unit 236 rearranges the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 242 according to the prediction result of the prediction unit 235 so that the time required for manufacturing the manufacturing systems 208A to 208C becomes equal.
Details of these processes will be described later.

The storage unit 240 includes a schedule storage unit 242.
In the manufacturing systems 208A to 208C, the configurations of the devices connected inline are different. In the manufacturing system 208A, a printer 282A, a processing machine 283A, and a printing press 284A are connected inline in this order. The manufacturing system 208B is similar to the manufacturing system 208A. On the other hand, in the manufacturing system 208C, the printer 282C and the processing machine 283C are connected inline in this order, but the printing system is not provided.

Next, the schedule review process of the schedule management apparatus 203 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the schedule review process in the schedule management apparatus 203 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the schedule storage unit 242 of the schedule management apparatus 203 according to the second embodiment.
This schedule review process may be performed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every other hour), or may be performed at an appropriate timing in the main process such as before the process of S10 in the main process (FIG. 3). Good.
In S <b> 220 of FIG. 7, the control unit 230 (prediction unit 235) receives the data volume of the print processing data corresponding to the manufacturing ID stored in the schedule storage unit 242 from the print processing data device 5. And the control part 230 (prediction part 235) calculates the prediction time (manufacturing process time) concerning manufacture in the manufacturing system 8 based on the received data capacity. The calculation of the predicted time is performed for a manufacturing ID that is stored in the schedule storage unit 242 and has not yet instructed the manufacturing system 208 to manufacture.

  In the schedule storage unit 242 shown in FIG. 8, the identification of the manufacturing system and the predicted time are newly added, and the predicted time calculated in S220 is stored. The status is changed at any time. For those for which manufacturing in the manufacturing system 208 has started, the predicted time is expressed in parentheses. Further, when the status is “waiting for data”, that is, when the printing data is not stored in the printing data device 5, the predicted time is blank.

Returning to FIG. 7, in step S <b> 221, the control unit 230 determines which manufacturing system 208 can execute the print processing data for which the predicted time has been calculated. The control unit 230 can specify the setting data based on the business ID (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the manufacturing ID. Then, the control unit 230 determines the manufacturing system 208 that can be manufactured using the specified setting data.
In S <b> 222, the control unit 230 extracts one piece of print processing data for which the predicted time has been calculated, and determines whether or not manufacturing using the print processing data can be executed by a plurality of manufacturing systems 208. . For example, if certain print processing data is to be printed, processed, and reprinted, it can be executed by the manufacturing systems 208A and 208B. However, the manufacturing system 208C cannot be executed because there is no press machine. If it can be executed by a plurality of manufacturing systems 208 (S222: YES), the controller 230 moves the process to S223. On the other hand, when the execution is not possible in the plurality of manufacturing systems 208 (S222: NO), the control unit 230 moves the process to S225.

In S223, the control unit 230 determines whether the processing times of the plurality of manufacturing systems 208 are scheduled to be equal. If the processing times of the plurality of manufacturing systems 208 are scheduled to be equal (S223: YES), the control unit 230 moves the process to S225. On the other hand, when the processing times of the plurality of manufacturing systems 208 are not scheduled to be equal (S223: NO), the control unit 230 moves the process to S224.
In S224, the control unit 230 (recombination unit 236) rearranges the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 242 so that the processing times of the plurality of manufacturing systems 208 are equalized.
In S225, it is determined whether or not all data has been processed. When the process is performed on all data (S225: YES), the control unit 230 ends this process. On the other hand, when the processing has not been performed for all the data (S225: NO), the control unit 230 moves the process to S222.

With reference to FIG. 8, schedule rearrangement will be described.
Since the data (# 1) and the data (# 2) are being manufactured by the manufacturing systems 208A and 208B, the schedule is reviewed from the data (# 3) which is not manufactured.
The data of (# 3) uses the same setting data as the data of (# 1) because the data of (# 1) and the business ID of the manufacturing ID match. Therefore, the data (# 3) is preferably performed by the manufacturing system 208A that is being manufactured using the data (# 1).
The data of (# 5) uses setting data different from the data of (# 1) because the business ID of the manufacturing ID does not match that of the data of (# 1). If the manufacturing system 208A tries to execute the data according to the current schedule, the data (# 5) is scheduled after the data (# 3). Become. On the other hand, the manufacturing system 208B is currently being manufactured using the data of (# 2), but the next schedule is the data of (# 6) and has a higher priority than the data of (# 5). Is low. Therefore, the processing of the manufacturing systems 208A and 208B can be made equal by rearranging the data of (# 5) into the manufacturing system 208B.

Thus, according to the second embodiment, the data management system 201 has the following effects.
(1) The prediction unit 235 of the schedule management apparatus 203 can predict the time required for manufacturing in the manufacturing system 208 based on the data capacity of the print processing data. If there are a plurality of manufacturing systems 208, the operation of each manufacturing system 208 can be leveled as evenly as possible using the predicted time.
(2) It is possible to schedule the devices connected in-line in the manufacturing system 208 and the print processing data having the same installation order of the devices to be manufactured in the same manufacturing system 208. Specifically, when the setting data corresponding to the print processing data is the same, the time for setting each device can be reduced by scheduling the manufacturing with the same manufacturing system 208, and processing Efficiency can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. In addition, although embodiment mentioned above and the deformation | transformation form mentioned later can also be used in combination as appropriate, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Deformation)
(1) In the first embodiment, the schedule management device 3 has been described as inquiring whether the print processing data is stored in the print processing data device 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a stored notification may be transmitted from the print processing data device to the schedule management device when the print processing data device stores the print processing data. In that case, the schedule management device can recognize that the print processing data is stored in the print processing data device by receiving the stored notification.

(2) In the first embodiment, print data, processing data, and printing data have been described as examples of print processing data. However, the print processing data may be a part of these data (for example, only print data and processing data). Thereby, it is possible to target data for creating individual workpieces corresponding to the various needs of the client, such as printing only, printing and processing only, and printing and printing only.
Further, the manufacturing system 8 has been described as including the printer 82, the processing machine 83, and the press machine 84. However, the manufacturing system may include an apparatus for another process related to creation of individual workpieces from continuous paper, an apparatus for inspection such as an inspection machine, or an apparatus that does not.
Furthermore, the configuration of the manufacturing systems 208A to 208C of the second embodiment is merely an example.

(3) In the second embodiment, it has been described that the estimated processing time of the print processing data is performed based on the data capacity. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be performed based on the number of pages included in the data, or may be performed based on the number of data in the data.
(4) In each embodiment, the data management systems 1 and 201 have been described as being configured by the printing processing data device 5, the setting data device 6, and the schedule management devices 3 and 203. However, each device is an example, and all the devices may be included in one device, or a part may be included in one device.

  (5) In each embodiment, the printing data device 5 has been described as storing printing data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a device that generates and stores print processing data based on data received from the client may be used.

1,201 Data management system 3,203 Schedule management device 5 Print processing data device 6 Setting data device 8, 208, 208A, 208B, 208C Manufacturing system 30, 230 Control unit 31 Data storage monitoring unit 32 Operation monitoring unit 33 Printing processing data Transmission instruction unit 34 Setting data transmission instruction unit 40, 55, 65 Storage unit 42, 242 Schedule storage unit 46 Output unit 56 Print processing data storage unit 66 Setting data storage unit 81, 282A, 282B, 282C Controller 82, 282A, 282B, 282C Printer 83, 283A, 283B, 283C Processing machine 84, 284A, 284B Printing machine 100, 200 Printing processing system 235 Prediction unit 236 Reconfiguration unit N1, N2 Dedicated line

Claims (7)

A schedule management device that continuously performs at least one step of printing and processing by a device corresponding to the step and manages a schedule of print processing data used in a print processing unit that manufactures individual workpieces. ,
The printing processing unit manufactures the workpiece in response to receiving the printing processing data,
The print processing unit is connected to a print processing data storage unit that stores the generated print processing data via a communication network,
A manufacturing order data storage unit that stores manufacturing order data including manufacturing order in the print processing unit and manufacturing identification information indicating a manufacturing unit;
In accordance with the manufacturing order stored in the manufacturing order data storage unit, a transmission instruction for transmitting the printing process data associated with the manufacturing identification information to the printing process data storage unit to the printing process data storage unit A transmission instruction unit for performing
Providing
A schedule management device characterized by the above. The schedule management device according to claim 1,
A notification receiving unit for receiving a stored notification of print processing data from the print processing data storage unit;
The transmission instruction unit, according to the manufacturing order stored in the manufacturing order data storage unit, print processing data corresponding to the stored notification received by the notification receiving unit, to the printing processing data storage unit, Performing a transmission instruction to be transmitted to the print processing unit;
A schedule management device characterized by the above. The schedule management device according to claim 1,
An inquiry to the print processing data storage unit for inquiring whether the print processing data having the manufacturing identification information corresponding to the manufacturing order stored in the manufacturing order data storage unit is generated and stored. Part
The transmission instructing unit, as a result of an inquiry by the inquiry unit, when the print processing data is stored, performing a transmission instruction to transmit the print processing data to the print processing unit;
A schedule management device characterized by the above. In the schedule management apparatus according to claim 3,
A monitoring unit for monitoring the operation status of the printing processing unit;
The inquiry unit makes an inquiry when the monitoring unit determines that the printing processing unit is stopped;
A schedule management device characterized by the above. In the schedule management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An output unit that outputs the manufacturing order stored in the manufacturing order data storage unit, and the generation storage status in the printing process data storage unit of the print processing data for each of the manufacturing units corresponding to the manufacturing order;
A schedule management device characterized by the above. In the schedule management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
There are a plurality of print processing sections,
A prediction unit for predicting a manufacturing processing time in the printing processing unit of the printing processing data;
The manufacturing order of the plurality of printing processing units stored in the manufacturing order data storage unit is rearranged so that the manufacturing processing times in the plurality of printing processing units are equalized according to the prediction result by the prediction unit. Reclassification department,
Providing
A schedule management device characterized by the above. The schedule management device according to claim 6,
The plurality of printing processing units are different in at least one of the order of installation of the plurality of devices and the device to be used,
The rearrangement unit rearranges the manufacturing order so that the print processing unit and the print processing data correspond;
A schedule management device characterized by the above.

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