JP3982026B2 - Workflow management system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a workflow management system for managing a plate making process such as ordering of a printed matter, submission, plate making, and leaving a school.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the advance of electronic technology, various devices have been digitized, and the price and performance of these digital devices have been reduced. In addition, the Internet, intranet, and DTP (desktop publishing), in which this type of digital device is connected via a network, are becoming more popular.
[0003]
Such a situation also affects customers who order printed materials and printing companies that produce printed materials in the field of printed material production. For example, in customers and design companies, these digital devices are introduced with a small investment, and a part of the plate making work is started by each digital device. Also, this type of customer often submits original analog data such as texts and photographs, as well as manuscripts converted into digital data for each part, to a printing company's printing factory on-line or on a storage medium such as an FD. is there. In this case, in the printing company, because the digital data is submitted from the customer, the plate making process is performed by the cooperative work with the customer of the submission source. When analog data is submitted, the printing company converts it into digital data.
[0004]
By the way, since digital data from the customer is used in the plate making process, the convenience of the customer's production affects the work setup. Also, when a digitalized manuscript is submitted from a customer for each part via a network, there is a problem that the manuscript submission and processing flow is opaque and difficult to grasp until the film for plate making is completed. .
[0005]
Furthermore, in a printing company, digital data and analog data are mixed at the time of submission, so that the business contents of sales, production management, and the site change to contents different from conventional ones. For example, the flow of work (hereinafter also referred to as a work flow or a workflow) is completely different for each item, so that there is a problem that the frequency of confirmation work increases and internal management work increases. Note that this type of confirmation work increases in frequency due to the opacity of the flow of processing and the like described above.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the field of printed matter production, there is a problem that the production efficiency of the plate making process from the order of sales to the lower plate is lowered due to the increase in confirmation work and management work under the progress of digitization. . For this reason, realization of some means that can at least prevent a decrease in the production efficiency of the plate making process is desired.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a workflow management system capable of maximizing the production efficiency of the plate making process from the order of sales to the lower plate.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The invention corresponding to claim 1 is a workflow management system for producing a printed matter comprising a plurality of types of processes.At least processing amount information and schedule information related to the printed matter, time per unit A, preparation time B, work parameter of each step consisting of the ratio C and magnification x between the first school and the back school, and the date of each step , An approximate schedule corresponding to the identification information of the printed matter, and a detailed schedule corresponding to the identification information of the work unit of the printed matter for each time zone within the date of each device used for each step of the approximate schedule, , And a database device that is readable / writable, andAt least processing amount information and schedule information about the printed matterIn the database devicePrior information input means for inputting,Based on the setting means for setting the work parameter in the database device and the work parameter in the database device, the standard work time of each step = (A · x + B) × C is calculated and each step obtained A frame with the start date and time added to the standard work time is created for each process, and each frame obtained is stored in the database device.Based on throughput information and schedule information,In order not to exceed the processable amount indicated in the processing amount information,For each date of each process, draft a rough schedule that matches the identification information of the printed matterAnd write this rough schedule to the database device.Rough scheduling means,
  When submitting a manuscript used for the printed matter, the processing amount information and the schedule information regarding the printed matter are definitely determined.In the database deviceInput means for input and input by the input meansIn the database deviceBased on the processing amount information and schedule information, it was designed by the rough schedule planning means.In the database deviceDetailed schedules are detailed, and detailed schedules are created that correspond to the identification information of the unit of work of the printed matter for each time zone within the date of each device used in each process.And write this detailed schedule to the database device.Designed by detailed schedule planning means and the detailed schedule planning meansIn the database deviceA workflow management system including work instruction means for outputting a work instruction based on a detailed schedule.
[0009]
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the workflow management system corresponding to the first aspect, when the processing amount information and the schedule information are input by the prior information input means, the planning of the rough schedule is started. Planning request means for inputting a request command to the rough schedule planning means, and the rough schedule planning meansIn the database deviceWhen an approximate schedule is output and an approval notification is received for this approximate schedule, the approximate schedule isConfirm and delete the rough schedule in the database device when you receive a non-approval notice for the rough scheduleA workflow management system including a schedule approval means.
[0012]
(Function)
  Therefore, the invention corresponding to claim 1 has taken the above-described means, so that the prior information input means at least provides the processing amount information and schedule information regarding the printed matter.In the database deviceInput and setting means,The work parameters are set in the database device, and the rough schedule planning means calculates the standard work time of each process = (A · x + B) × C based on the work parameters in the database device, and the obtained standard of each process. Create a scene with the start date and time added to the work time for each process, and obtain each scene in the database device.Based on throughput information and schedule information,In order not to exceed the processable amount indicated in the processing amount information,Establish a rough schedule for each date of each process, corresponding to the identification information of the printed matterAnd write this rough schedule to the database device,When the submission means submits a manuscript used for printed matter, the processing amount information and schedule information regarding the printed matter are definitely determined.In the database deviceThe detailed schedule planning means is entered by the trafficking meansIn the database deviceBased on throughput information and schedule informationIn the database deviceDetailed schedules are detailed and detailed schedules are created that correspond to the identification information of the work units of printed materials for each time zone within the date of each device used in each process.And write this detailed schedule to the database device,The work instruction means was drafted by the detailed schedule drafting meansIn the database deviceSince the work instruction is output based on the detailed schedule, manual confirmation work and management work can be reduced, so that the production efficiency of the plate making process from the order of sales to the lower plate can be maximized.In addition, since the rough schedule is planned so as not to exceed the applicable processable amount for each date of each step, it is possible to improve the reliability of the rough schedule without planning an unreasonable rough schedule.
[0013]
  Further, according to the second aspect, when the plan request means inputs the processing amount information and the schedule information by the prior information input means, the plan request instruction for starting the planning of the rough schedule is input to the rough schedule planning means. However, the schedule approval means was designed by the general schedule planning means.In the database deviceWhen a rough schedule is output and an approval notification is received for this rough schedule,Confirm and delete the rough schedule in the database device when you receive a non-approval notice for the rough scheduleTherefore, in addition to the operation corresponding to the first aspect, the plan requester can approve the rough schedule, and thus the validity of the rough schedule can be improved.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an order manufacturing management system including a workflow management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a terminal connection configuration for the workflow management system and plate making work. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the workflow management system.
[0018]
Here, the order manufacturing management system includes, for example, a management host 1, a plurality of factory hosts 2, a sales terminal 3, a submission terminal 4, a scheduler terminal 5, a subcontracting terminal 6, a data direction server 7, and a field terminal. 8 are connected to the workflow management system 10 via the network 9, respectively.
[0019]
The management host 1 is for managing orders and transmission processing of printed matter, and the workflow management system for managing plate making production activities has a database defined by the hierarchical schema shown in FIG. Order information d4 of printed matter, breakdown information d5 of order received, breakdown information (work unit information) d6, fold d7, page d8 and practical version d9, and further, for each batch information d6, parts information d10, large Schedule flow d11, schedule schedule work date d12 for large schedule, schedule member d13 for large schedule, small schedule flow d14, schedule date and time d15 for small schedule, small schedule member d16, work schedule information d17 for small schedule, advance information d18, car layout information d19, maintenance utility (pattern dictionary d20a, member dictionary d20b, flow dictionary d20c and work parameters Dictionary including D 20 d) d20, large date d21, small dates d22, trafficking information d23, progress information of a large date and small dates d24, but is provided so as to be read / write by the workflow management system 10.
[0020]
The large schedule d21 is an approximate schedule in date units, and specifically a processing schedule for each process. The small schedule d22 is a detailed schedule including a time zone within each date, and specifically, is a processing schedule for each device in each process. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the large schedule member d13 indicates each process such as disassembly, and the small schedule member d16 indicates each apparatus such as the scanner A1.
[0021]
Each factory host 2 is for managing printing / processing schedules and FA (factory automation) after plate making in each printing factory. Printing process schedules and plate making times in conjunction with a small schedule d22 of plate making and after plate making An amount that can be processed for each date of each step (a daily amount that can be processed in each step; production capacity) is provided in a readable / writable manner.
[0022]
The sales terminal 3 uses the function of inputting the advance information d18 to the workflow management system by the operation of the operator and the workflow of the large schedule d21 based on the advance information d18 by the frame acquisition request (process reservation request) shown in FIG. The management system 10 has a function of making a plan and confirming the large schedule d21 by the approval of the large schedule d21. Prior information d18 includes schedule information shown in FIG. 7, order information shown in FIG. 8, breakdown information shown in FIG. 9, summary information shown in FIG. 10, submission information shown in FIG. 11, school departure information shown in FIG. There is.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 7, the schedule information indicates an event (return to school, return, etc.) date of exchange with the customer for each group as a work unit of printed matter. The order information is bibliographic information about orders for printed materials, corresponds to the “table splitting test” i1 in FIG. 7, and includes a customer, product name, and other attribute information as shown in FIG. The breakdown information is information relating to the printed matter itself and corresponds to “Cleaving Ice” i2 in FIG. 7, and includes items such as the number of copies, size, and finishing form as shown in FIG. The group information is information indicating a group (unit of work) in making a printed material and corresponds to “back of cover” i3 in FIG. 7, and as shown in FIG. 10, by component information such as a page and the number of colors. Detailed. The submission information indicates the scheduled submission date and contents of the manuscript to be used for the printed matter, and the scheduled date is shown corresponding to “Submission” i4 in FIG. 7, and as shown in FIG. Data and other points are also described. The school entry information indicates the planned school entry date and contents of the printed sample of the printed matter, and the planned date is shown in correspondence with “going to school” i5 in FIG. 7. Also, as shown in FIG. And processing, foil stamping, etc. are also described.
[0024]
Further, the sales terminal 3 has a function of inputting bookbinding information for creating a table to the workflow management system 10 by an operation of the operator. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the bookbinding information includes, for example, simple binding (bookbinding form), right binding (opening), case cover (backing), paper size and type, and the like.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, the submission terminal 4 has a function of displaying an unsubmitted list and a submission list, and processing amount information related to the printed material when the manuscript used for the printed material is submitted. The workflow management system 10 includes a function for definitely inputting the submission information d23 including the schedule information and the layout information (“pattern” in FIGS. 19 and 20; the number of the pattern book p shown in FIG. 21). It has a function to input to. It should be noted that the submission terminal 4 is not limited to the submitted manuscript, but also for the manuscript to be submitted later, other post-transmission information such as “scheduled date” can be input to input other processing amount information. Input is possible.
[0026]
The scheduler terminal 5 has a function of outputting the large schedule d21 and the small schedule d22 obtained from the workflow management system 10, and a function of completely editing and outputting the satisfaction status of the schedules d21 and d22 by the operation of the operator. .
[0027]
The subcontracting terminal 6 is used when the workflow management system 10 drafts a large schedule d21, and when the processing cannot be performed only by internal production, the subcontracting is arranged and the processing amount by subcontracting is included in the processing amount on the day. Yes, as shown in FIG. 22, by managing the subcontract satisfaction status by the items of the subcontracting company name, item name, plate making specification, and framing work amount, as shown in FIG. In addition, a function is provided for allocating outsourced outlines for each group of submitted manuscripts.
[0028]
The digital direction server (DDS) 7 in FIG. 2 has a function of allocating all necessary printing material data based on the schedule / start / end signals of the workflow management system 10 and the on-site terminal 8. In addition, the digital direction server 7 is linked to work instructions received from the workflow management system 10 and related printing material data (digital data of a submitted manuscript (text (character string), image, figure, photograph, etc.)). Is read from the material database (DB) 11 that stores the print material data, and the print material data is transmitted to the data servers 7A and 7B to the operator's terminal.
[0029]
As shown in FIGS. 24 to 28, the work instruction list indicates, for example, items to be processed for each process along time (by process → search result list), or processes for each item along time. If you double-click any item in the process-specific list, the display switches to the item-specific list, and if you double-click any process in the item-specific list The display is switched to the process-specific list.
[0030]
Although not shown in the drawing, these work instruction lists are filled with a color region in proportion to the elapsed time in the column of “scheduled start and end schedule” of the group being worked on based on the work results and the current time. Colored display is possible. The work record d17 can be input, for example, by reading the barcode of the document bag with a barcode reader at the start and end of the work.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 29, the progress information (related process progress) d24 is for comparing and showing a small schedule (planned) d21 and work results d17 for each group. Note that “mamari” is the concept of a unit of work from submission to school that includes the entrance to school in the plate making process. For example, as shown in FIG. Are created as “text 5 / 6-text-first school” and “text 5 / 6-poster-first school”, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 31, the group d6 includes component information d10 in the lower layer, and as shown in FIG. 32, the first school to the second school are individually operated, but they are collected in the lower version.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 3, the workflow management system 10 includes a prior information management unit 11, a large schedule management unit 12, a submission management unit 13, a small schedule management unit 14, and a work instruction management unit 15. Each management unit 11 to 15 is realized by application software.
[0033]
The prior information management unit 11 is based on the prior information input from the business terminal 3, layout layout, output of various forms, acquisition of order numbers (acquisition of approval), creation of a rough set (work setup), etc. As shown in Fig. 33, “Scheduled (black letters)” means that documents that have been submitted according to the large schedule and assembled with the small schedule are submitted earlier than the large schedule. “Scheduled to go to school (blue text)” as a result of a small schedule, and “Scheduled to go back to school (red text)” for a short schedule that was submitted later than a large schedule. It has a function that makes progress inquiry possible.
[0034]
The large schedule management unit 12 has a function of executing flow selection, load prediction calculation, large schedule (rough schedule) d21 planning and the like based on the prior information d18 received from the prior information management unit 11.
[0035]
The submission management unit 13 has a function of executing various forms output and accurate collection creation based on the submission information d23 that is definitely input from the submission terminal 4.
[0036]
The small schedule management unit 14 has a function of planning a small schedule (detailed schedule) d22 based on the submission information d23 received from the submission management unit 13.
[0037]
The work instruction management unit 14 digitally directs a work result d17 including a function of outputting a work instruction list to the digital direction server 7 based on the small schedule d22 planned by the small schedule management unit 13 and a start report or an end report. It has a function of receiving from the server 7 and managing the progress of the small schedule d22, creating progress information d24 and outputting it to the digital direction server 7.
[0038]
Next, the operation of the order manufacturing management system including such a workflow management system will be described. In this description, as shown in FIG. 34 along the time series, prior information input (ST10) based on an order received, large schedule planning based on the prior information (ST20), and the creation of a table with finalization of the order contents ( ST30), actual manuscript submission process (ST40), small schedule planning based on the contents of submission (ST50), work instruction based on small schedule (ST60), and small schedule correction process due to work delay (ST70). Do.
[0039]
(Advance information input; ST10)
Assume that a sales representative receives a new print order. In the sales terminal 3, the prior information management unit 11 of the workflow management system 10 is activated by an operation of the operator, and a file corresponding to the ordered item is displayed as a schedule screen as shown in FIGS. 35 and 7 ( ST11).
[0040]
Here, the schedule screen has an icon portion i1 corresponding to an order information screen, a breakdown information screen, a group information screen, a submission information screen, and a school information screen as shown in FIGS. The window can be displayed by double-clicking on i5.
[0041]
For example, in FIG. 7, when the “table splitting test” i1 is double-clicked, the order information screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, and when “Kakigori” i2 is double-clicked, the breakdown information screen shown in FIG. When double-clicking “back of cover” i3, a group information screen of FIG. 10 is displayed. Further, when the “input” i4 is double-clicked, the input information screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, and when the “exit” i5 is double-clicked, the entry information screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.
[0042]
Therefore, the advance information d18 is input to the workflow management system 10 by the operation of the operator according to the items on each information screen (ST12). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the sales terminal 3 displays a frame request screen as shown in FIG. 6 by the operation of the operator. By double-clicking “Send”, the advance information d18 and the frame request command are sent to the workflow management. Input to the system 10 (ST13).
[0043]
In the present embodiment, the case where the prior information d18 is input from the sales terminal 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a form such as a “preliminary information / special delivery date review request card” is created and this form is created. May be passed to the operator of the scheduler terminal 5 and the prior information d18 may be input to the workflow management system 10 from another terminal such as the scheduler terminal 5.
[0044]
(Large schedule planning; ST20)
In the workflow management system 10, when the large schedule management unit 12 receives the prior information d18 and the frame acquisition request command via the prior information management unit 11, the prior information is registered in the frame acquisition request list shown in FIG. Then, a large schedule d21 is planned based on the prior information in the frame removal request list.
[0045]
In planning, the large schedule management unit 12 shifts to the flow candidate selection mode as shown in FIG. 37 (ST21), and refers to the flow dictionary d20c as shown in FIG. A window is displayed on the business terminal 3. In the business terminal 3, when any flow candidate is selected from the flow candidate list FL by the operation of the operator, based on the selection result and prior information, the process workload (hereinafter referred to as standard work time) is selected. Is calculated predictively (ST22). Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 39, the load can be calculated when the work parameters A to C, x are set in the following equation (1) indicating the standard work time.
[0046]
  Standard working time = (A · x + B)*C ... (1)
  However, A: time per unit (one image), B: time for preparation, etc. C: ratio of first school to second school, x: multiple. The ratio C is “0” at the first school, and is set to “arbitrary numerical value” after the second school. The set work parameters are displayed as shown in FIG. 40 and registered in the work parameter dictionary d20d. The items in each column in the column direction in FIG. 40 (color classification; no pattern, text; raw document,...) Are registered in the pattern dictionary d20a, and the items in each column in the row direction in FIG. The composition camera, ...) is registered in the member dictionary d20b.
[0047]
When the standard work time of each work is calculated, a frame obtained by adding the start date / time to the standard work time is created for each process. Next, each frame is assigned to each date (ST23), and a large schedule d21 is planned. However, at the time of planning, the processable amount is read from the factory host 2 for each date of each process, and the allocation is adjusted so that the result of allocating each frame does not exceed the processable amount (ST24). ).
[0048]
Here, as a result of the allocation while adjusting, if all the frames can be processed by each process by the delivery date (ST25), the large schedule d21 is completed (ST26). Note that when processing by outsourcing is also included in the processable amount, step ST24 has the procedure shown in FIG. Further, the allocation result may be displayed in any format, for example, not limited to a simple schedule format, but may be displayed together with detailed information as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43.
[0049]
Next, the tentatively planned large schedule d21 is sent to the sales terminal 3 and reported to the sales staff via the screen display. As shown in FIG. 44, the sales terminal 3 displays an approval screen as shown in FIG. 44, and an approval process in which approval / non-approval is input to the large schedule management unit 12 is executed. (ST27).
[0050]
The large schedule management unit 12 holds (reserves) the large schedule d12 in a fixed manner when the approval is received, and deletes the large schedule d12 when the approval is received and ends the process. In addition, when the above steps ST21 to ST27 are shown by operation images of the terminals 3 and 5, FIG. 45 is obtained.
[0051]
On the other hand, if it is impossible in step ST25 to make an allocation in time for the delivery date, the creation of a large schedule is stopped and a message “review” is output to the sales terminal 3 (ST28). ), The process is terminated.
[0052]
In addition, regarding the order contents in which the large schedule is fixedly held in this way, for example, by operating the entrance / exit schedule output screen shown in FIG. 46, the entrance schedule list, exit schedule list, return schedule list, etc. are operated. Can be output to the terminal. In addition, the submission schedule list, the school departure schedule list, and the school return schedule list may be displayed on the sales terminal 3, for example, at a predetermined time the day before the scheduled date, or at the time of display, the sales terminal Music may be played from the 3 speakers.
[0053]
(Create table layout; ST30)
As shown in FIG. 47, a table layout is created at an arbitrary time from the planning of a large schedule to the submission of a manuscript. That is, in the sales terminal 3, the table layout editing screen shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 is displayed (ST31), and bookbinding information is input to the prior information management unit 11 along each item in the screen (ST32). ), A table layout is created (ST33). Further, when the table layout is created, imposition is performed based on the table layout as shown in FIG. 16 (ST34). Needless to say, the table allocation is not limited to the sales terminal 3 but may be generated using another terminal such as the submission terminal 4.
[0054]
(Submission process; ST40)
When the manuscript is submitted, a submission process is performed as shown in FIG. During the submission process, the submission terminal 4 displays an unsubmitted list list as shown in FIG. 17 or 18 through the submission management unit 13 by the operation of the operator (ST41). ). When a desired item in the unsubmitted list is clicked, a submission process screen for the item is displayed as shown in FIG. 19 or 20 (ST42). FIG. 19 shows a submission processing screen related to power planting, and FIG. 20 shows a submission processing screen related to plate making. The submission information d23 is input along each item in the screen (ST43), and the submission process is completed.
[0055]
When the submission process is not completed by the deadline indicated in the large schedule (that is, when the submission process is not completed), the item or part is handled as a submission delay. The submission delay is indicated by, for example, a predetermined color display on the schedule screen of a large schedule.
[0056]
(Small schedule planning; ST50)
When the submission process is completed, it is possible to plan a small schedule d22 for the printed matter on the required review list shown in FIG. 49, and a small schedule d22 for actually allocating various apparatuses for plate making is planned. That is, as shown in FIG. 50, as described above, when a flow candidate is selected via the sales terminal 3 (ST51), the load is calculated (ST52), and the standard work time and startable date and time for each device are calculated. A frame to be shown is created (ST53). However, unlike the large schedule d21 described above, each frame is created for each device in each process. In this business terminal 3, when each frame is arranged on the Gantt chart as shown in FIG. 51 by the operation of the operator (ST54), the planning of the small schedule d21 is completed (ST55). It should be noted that the above-described submission process ST40 to small schedule planning process ST55 are conceptually shown in FIG. 52 (note that the work record d17 is shown, but does not exist at the time of planning). .
[0057]
In addition, after the completion of the planning of the small schedule d21, the small schedule management unit 14 outputs the school entry date of the item to the business terminal 3 (ST56).
[0058]
(Work instruction; ST60)
The small schedule d22 for which the planning has been completed is converted into a work instruction list shown in any of FIGS. 24 to 28 by the work instruction management unit 15, and is linked to the current date and work distribution as shown in FIG. The data is output to the digital direction server 7 (ST61). In the digital direction server 7, based on the work instruction list output from the work instruction management unit 15, the corresponding print material data in the material database 21 is read out and sent to the data servers 7A and 7B. Here, in the digital direction server 7, a bar code previously attached to a document bag or the like is read by a bar code reader or the like each time corresponding to the start / end of the process from the lower plate making systems A and B. Thus, the start report or the end report is input to the work instruction management unit 15 (ST62).
[0059]
Based on each of these reports, the work instruction management unit 15 generates a work record d17 in proportion to the frame length and the elapsed time, and progress information obtained by comparing the work record d17 and the small process d22. The data is output to the digital direction server 7 (ST63). In the digital direction server 7, as shown in FIG. 29, the work record d17 and the small schedule d22 are displayed in parallel as progress information. As a result, the site manager or the like can compare the small schedule (planned) d22 with the work record d17.
[0060]
(Correction process; ST70)
Further, as shown in FIG. 54, the work instruction management unit 15 monitors whether or not there is a delay in the work performance d17 (ST71), and when there is a delay in the work performance of the current process, the subsequent process starts. The possible date is changed (ST72). However, in this case, since the completion date and time of the current process is unclear, it is changed without performing a correction operation, that is, the startable date and time of the subsequent process is uniquely changed to the startable date and time of the current process. .
[0061]
Further, the work instruction management unit 15 determines whether this change is significant (exceeds a predetermined value) (ST73), and when the startable date / time is significantly changed, the assignment of the small schedule d22 is changed ( ST74). Also at the time of this change, as described above, the allocation is performed so as not to exceed the processable amount of the process corresponding to each date. Note that the amount that can be processed varies depending on the worker's attendance system, so even for the same device, the amount varies depending on the date.
[0062]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the prior information management unit 11 inputs the processing amount information and schedule information related to the printed matter, and the large schedule management unit 12 performs the process of each process based on the processing amount information and the schedule information. For each date, a large schedule d21 corresponding to the identification information of the printed matter is drafted, and the submission management unit 13 determines the processing amount information and the schedule information related to the printed matter when submitting the manuscript used for the printed matter. The small schedule management unit 14 refines the large schedule d21 based on the processing amount information and schedule information input by the submission management unit 14, and each time zone within the date of each device used for each process In addition, a small schedule d22 corresponding to the group (work unit) information of the printed matter is formulated, and the work instruction management unit 15 outputs a work instruction based on the small schedule, thereby reducing manual confirmation work and management work. Yes, so It can be improved to maximize the production efficiency of the plate making process to lower plate from the order.
[0063]
In addition, when the processing amount information and the schedule information are input, the advance information management unit 11 issues a framing request command for starting the planning of the large schedule d21 by the operation of the operator on the framing request screen. 12 when the large schedule management unit 12 outputs a large schedule and receives an approval notification for this large schedule, the sales person can approve the large schedule to make a reservation for the large schedule. The validity of large schedules can be improved.
[0064]
Further, the large schedule management unit 12 refers to the processable amount from the factory host 2 in which the processable amount for each process date is registered, and exceeds the processable amount for each process date. Since a large schedule is planned so as not to occur, it is possible to improve the reliability of the large schedule without planning an excessively large schedule.
[0065]
Further, the data direction server 7 reads out the corresponding print material data in the material database 21 based on the work instruction list output from the work instruction management unit 15 and sends it to the data servers 7A and 7B. Can be automatically executed, and work efficiency can be further improved.
[0066]
(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the case where the single management host 1 and the workflow management system 10 are used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of workflow management systems 10a and 10b are used as shown in FIG. Even if the plate making process is managed between a plurality of printing factories (between other business departments), the present invention can be similarly implemented to obtain the same effect.
[0067]
Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the quantity which can be processed for every date of each process was read, not only this but a worker's attendance system is registered into this workflow management system 10, and a large schedule Even if the management unit 12 calculates the amount that can be processed for each date of each process based on this attendance system, the present invention can be implemented in the same manner to obtain the same effect.
[0068]
In addition, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist thereof.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a workflow management system capable of maximizing the production efficiency of the plate making process from sales orders to lower plates.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an order manufacturing management system including a workflow management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection configuration of each on-site terminal in the order manufacturing management system according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a workflow management system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schema in the embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a large schedule member and a small schedule member in the embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a frame request screen in the embodiment
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a schedule information display screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen for order information in the embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a breakdown information display screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen of group information according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen of submitted information in the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a school information display screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a table layout editing screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an imposition edit screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a table layout editing screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an imposition edit screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen of an unsubmitted list in the embodiment;
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen of an unsubmitted list in the embodiment;
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a submission process screen in the embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a submission process screen in the embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining allocation information in the embodiment;
FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining management of the satisfaction status of subcontracting in the embodiment;
FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of the outsourcing terminal in the embodiment;
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a work instruction / report screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a work instruction / report screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a work instruction / report screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a work instruction item search screen in the embodiment;
FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a work instruction / report screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing progress information in the embodiment;
FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram for explaining the concept of unity in the embodiment;
FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram for explaining the concept of unity in the embodiment;
FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram for explaining the concept of unity in the embodiment;
FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing a progress inquiry screen in the embodiment;
FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the embodiment;
FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the embodiment;
FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram showing a frame removal request list display screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 37 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the embodiment;
FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram showing a flow candidate list display screen in the embodiment;
FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram showing a work parameter setting screen in the embodiment;
FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram showing a work parameter display screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an operation when outsourcing is considered in the embodiment;
FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram showing a detailed display screen for a large schedule according to the embodiment.
FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram showing a detailed display screen for a large schedule according to the embodiment;
44 is a schematic diagram showing a large schedule approval screen in the embodiment; FIG.
FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram showing a planning operation for a large schedule according to the embodiment as an operation image of each terminal;
FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram showing an entrance / exit output screen in the embodiment;
FIG. 47 is a flowchart for explaining a table creation operation in the embodiment;
FIG. 48 is a flowchart for explaining the submission processing operation in the embodiment;
FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen of a small schedule required examination list in the embodiment;
FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram showing a planning operation for a small schedule according to the embodiment;
FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram showing a small schedule display screen according to the embodiment;
FIG. 52 is a schematic diagram showing a concept of drafting processing to small schedule planning processing in the embodiment;
FIG. 53 is a flowchart for explaining a work instruction operation in the embodiment;
FIG. 54 is a flowchart for explaining the correction processing operation in the embodiment;
FIG. 55 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Management host
2 ... Factory host
3 ... Sales terminal
4 ... Draft terminal
5 ... Scheduler terminal
6 ... Outsourcing terminal
7 ... Digital direction server
8 ... Terminal terminal
9 ... Network
10 ... Workflow management system
11 ... Advance Information Management Department
12 ... Large Schedule Management Department
13 ... Submission Management Department
14 ... Schedule Management Department
15 ... Work instruction management unit
21 ... Material database
d4 ... Order information
d5 ... Breakdown information
d6 ... Summary information
d7 ... Fold
d8 ... page
d9 ... Practical version
d10 ... Part information
d11 ... Large schedule flow
d12 ... Large schedule scheduled work date
d13 ... Large schedule member
d14 ... Small schedule flow
d15 ... Schedule top scheduled date and time
d16 ... small schedule member
d17 ... Result information
d18 ... Prior information
d19 ... table allocation information
d20: Maintenance utility
d20a ... Pattern dictionary
d20b ... Member dictionary
d20c ... Flow dictionary
d20d ... Work parameter dictionary
d21 ... Large schedule
d22 ... Small schedule
d23 ... Submission information
d24 ... Progress information

Claims (2)

In a workflow management system for manufacturing printed materials consisting of multiple types of processes,
At least processing amount information and schedule information related to the printed matter, time per unit A, preparation time B, work parameter of each step consisting of the ratio C and magnification x between the first school and the back school, and the date of each step , An approximate schedule corresponding to the identification information of the printed matter, and a detailed schedule corresponding to the identification information of the work unit of the printed matter for each time zone within the date of each device used for each step of the approximate schedule, , And a database device that is readable / writable, and
Prior information input means for inputting at least processing amount information and schedule information related to the printed matter to the database device ;
Setting means for setting the work parameter in the database device;
Based on the work parameters in the database device, a standard work time of each process = (A · x + B) × C is calculated, and a frame obtained by adding a startable date and time to the obtained standard work time for each process Created and based on each piece obtained and the processing amount information and schedule information in the database device, for each date of each step so as not to exceed the processable amount indicated in the processing amount information, An approximate schedule planning means for planning the approximate schedule corresponding to the identification information of the printed matter and writing the approximate schedule to the database device ;
A submission means for deterministically inputting processing amount information and schedule information related to the printed matter to the database device when the manuscript used for the printed matter is submitted;
Based on the processing amount information and schedule information in the database device inputted by the submission means , the rough schedule in the database device planned by the rough schedule planning means is detailed and used for each step. Detailed schedule planning means for planning a detailed schedule corresponding to the identification information of the work unit of the printed matter for each time zone within the date of the apparatus, and writing the detailed schedule to the database device ;
A workflow management system comprising: work instruction means for outputting a work instruction based on the detailed schedule in the database device planned by the detailed schedule planning means. The workflow management system according to claim 1,
A plan requesting unit for inputting a plan request command to start the planning of the rough schedule when the processing amount information and the schedule information are input by the prior information input unit;
When the rough schedule in the database device planned by the rough schedule planning means is output, and when the approval notification for the rough schedule is received, the rough schedule is confirmed, and when the non-approval notification for the rough schedule is received, A workflow management system comprising: schedule approval means for deleting a rough schedule in the database device .

Images