JP5854745B2 - DATA INTERFACE DEVICE, DATA INTERFACE METHOD, DATA INTERFACE PROGRAM, AND PROCESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PROCESS MANAGEMENT TOOL - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a data interface technique of a process management tool for updating desired management data among project management data managed by the process management tool.

  Generally, software called a process management tool is used to manage the progress of processes in a project. In order to use this process management tool, first, the following preparation steps are required.

  That is, the process management tool creates a work breakdown structure (WBS) based on data input from the user. The WBS is a hierarchical structure structured by decomposing work and deliverables necessary for a project into fine units. A unit of work in the WBS is called an activity.

  Then, the process management tool creates an activity list (see the left column in FIG. 10). The activity list displays a scheduled start date, a scheduled end date, a start actual date, an end actual date, a progress rate, an estimated man-hour, an actual man-hour, and the like in a list format for each activity.

  Further, the process management tool creates a Gantt chart, which is a kind of bar chart (bar graph, line table), for the period of these activity plans and results (see the right column in FIG. 10). The Gantt chart is a table with each activity on the vertical axis and the period on the horizontal axis. In this Gantt chart, a bar or line indicating the plan of each activity and a bar or line indicating the results are displayed in comparison.

In addition, the context (dependency) between tasks can be displayed with an arrow or the like. For example, the following relationship is included in the context.
[FF: Finish to Finish]
If the preceding work is not finished, the succeeding work is not finished.
[FS: Finish to Start]
If the preceding work is not finished, the succeeding work will not start.
[SS: Start to Start]
If the preceding work is not started, the subsequent work is not started.
[SF: Start to Finish]
If the preceding work has not started, the succeeding work will not end.

  In each activity, points that become important milestones can be set as milestones. For example, when hearing, review, verification, or the like is set as a milestone, it can be clearly indicated by displaying a symbol such as ▼ on the bar.

  The constraint information in each activity is also necessary data. For example, if there is a person in charge who concurrently serves multiple activities, they cannot be executed simultaneously. Also, there is a usable period for equipment and facilities.

  Note that data used by the process management tool (hereinafter referred to as management data) is stored in a database. In the database, management data is managed by a DBMS (DataBase Management System). The process management tool exists in a form that functions as one of the user interfaces above the DBMS. The management data managed by the DBMS includes various data as described above.

  Through the above preparation steps, the process management tool can be used as follows.

  First, the process management tool manages the progress of the project. For example, when a project is started, data on the results of each activity is input to the process management tool by a user such as a worker. The process management tool performs a calculation process on the input result, and displays the progress as a numerical value.

  Here, the process management tool can also display a plurality of work flows. For example, the process management tool can display each activity together with the time required for the schedule and the actual results based on the defined context by ADM (Arrow Diagram Method).

  In this arrow diagram, the critical path can be displayed by calculating the delay of the actual result with respect to the plan, forming the allowance days between the processes. As a result, it is possible to clearly indicate which activity delay is an obstacle to the progress of the project, and to promote the examination of countermeasures.

  Furthermore, the process management tool has a simulation function. This is a function that supports a user's decision making by, for example, simulating and presenting a future process for recovering from a delay.

  In addition, the current process management tool can manage not only the process table but also who performs each activity, how much the budget is, and how much the actual cost is.

JP 10-11507 A

  By the way, in order to use the process management tool as described above, it is necessary for the user to input management data one by one in an interactive manner on an input interface screen prepared by the process management tool. However, as the scale of the project managed by the process management tool increases, the number of activities increases. For this reason, in a large project, the amount of daily input / output data is enormous.

  For example, a large project can have tens of thousands of activities. In addition, the number of workers is very large and everyone is very busy. In such a situation, it is unrealistic for each worker to regularly access the process management tool and perform work such as checking the progress status and changing all management data.

  Here, it is also practiced that each worker adds or deletes an activity through a process management tool using spreadsheet software installed in his / her personal computer. That is, it is also possible to import and export the activity list from the outside of the process management tool using spreadsheet software.

  However, with respect to various data items included in each activity, the process management tool may impose restrictions on external changes. For example, information regarding dates such as the start record date, the end record date, the planned start date, the planned end date, and the like is frequently updated. And date changes affect a wide variety of locations in the database.

  For this reason, in the process management tool, for extremely general items, the date cannot be changed even if data import from the outside is permitted. For this reason, such data has to be manually input from the screen provided by the process management tool by an operator directly accessing the process management tool.

  The input work for the process management tool is basically a work in which a large number of activities and related information are referred to one by one on the provided screen. For this reason, it cannot be said that the user-friendly operability like the spreadsheet software is realized, and it takes time to input.

  Embodiments of the present invention have been proposed to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object is to update management data managed by a process management tool with an interface that is easy to use by the user. It is to provide a technology that can do.

In order to achieve the above object, the data interface apparatus according to the embodiment includes a process management tool that references and updates the management data from outside the process management tool that manages project management data stored in a database. A data interface device,
It has the following structure.

(1) Among the management data, in order to display the management data to be updated in a tabular format, a data item that is input as data necessary for each user, and specifies a data item to be referred to Reference data storage unit storing reference data
(2) A display screen in a tabular format including the data items whose update is restricted by the process management tool and including only data items necessary for the user is displayed on the display device based on the reference data. Display control unit
(3) Among the data items on the display screen in the table format, a data reception unit that receives update data to be updated input from the input device
(4) Update data storage unit for storing the update data received by the data reception unit
(5) Related data determination unit for determining related data related to the update data in the database
(6) Based on the update data and the related data, an update instruction unit that instructs the database to update the management data without using the process management tool
(7) A confirmation display control unit that displays on the display device a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to update the update data before the update instruction by the update instruction unit
(8) A request unit that requests the management data corresponding to the reference data to the process management tool.
(9) Acquisition unit for acquiring the management data requested by the request unit
(10) A comparison unit that compares the management data acquired by the acquisition unit and the update data to determine whether they are different
(11) The confirmation display control unit compares the management data and the update data different from the management data and displays the comparison data on the display device.

  In addition, as another aspect, it can also be grasped as a method for realizing the processing of each unit by a computer and a program to be executed by the computer. Moreover, it can also be understood as a system including the above-described apparatus.

  In the above-described aspect, even if the management data has the update restricted by the process management tool, the display control unit displays the desired management data in a table format, and the update data receiving unit receives the update data. Data related to the received update data is determined by the related data determination unit. The update instructing unit directly instructs the database to update the update data and related data without using the process management tool. As a result, the management data can be reliably updated by a user-friendly tabular interface.

The block diagram which shows an example of the process management system of 1st Embodiment The figure which shows an example of the data item of management data Diagram showing an example of management data Diagram showing an example of reference data Figure showing a display example of update data The flowchart which shows an example of the update process of 1st Embodiment The block diagram which shows an example of the process management system of 2nd Embodiment Figure showing a display example of update data The flowchart which shows an example of the update process of 2nd Embodiment Diagram showing the management screen of a general process management tool

[A. First Embodiment]
[1. Overview]
First, an outline of the present embodiment will be described. In the interface apparatus according to the present embodiment, the user inputs update data with reference to a tabular screen with items specified by reference data. In this embodiment, the update by the input update data is directly instructed to the database that manages the management data without using the process management tool.

  As a result, for example, even if there is a restriction on the update of the management data related to the date in the process management tool, the management data in the database can be directly updated without going through the process management tool.

  The management data update related to such date extends to various parts of the database. In the present embodiment, related data related to update data in the database is determined, and these are also automatically updated.

[2. Constitution]
[2-1. overall structure]
Next, the overall configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The process management system 1 of the present embodiment includes a database 100, a process management tool 210, an input device 220, a display device 230, a data interface device 300, an input device 340, a display device 350, and the like.

  The database 100, the process management tool 210, and the data interface device 300 are typically realized by software installed on a server or a personal computer.

  That is, this embodiment can be realized by controlling a computer with a predetermined program. The program in this case realizes processing of each unit as described below by physically utilizing computer hardware.

  Note that a method, a program, and a recording medium on which a program for executing the processing of each unit described below is also an aspect of the embodiment. However, how to set the range to be processed by hardware and the range to be processed by software including a program is not limited to a specific mode. Details of each part will be described below.

[2-2. Database 100]
The database 100 is a processing unit that stores and manages project management data. The database 100 includes a data storage unit 110, a DBMS 120, and the like. The data storage unit 110 is a storage unit that stores project management data managed by the process management tool 210.

  An example of data items included in the management data is shown in FIG. An example in which management data is displayed in a table format is shown in FIG. However, this embodiment is not limited to these items.

(a) Project ID (information identifying the project)
(b) WBS name (information identifying the WBS)
(c) Activity ID (information identifying the activity)
(d) Activity name (same as above)
(e) Activity type (same as above)

(f) Plan start date (start date of each activity in the plan)
(g) Plan end date (end date of each activity in the plan)
(h) Actual start date (actual start date of each activity)
(i) Actual end date (actual end date of each activity)
(j) Planning period (required period for planning each activity)

(k) Status (status of each activity start / end / in progress)
(l) Progress rate (information on how far each activity has progressed)
(m) Responsible department (name of department in charge)
(n) Person in charge (name of person in charge)
(o) Effort (required number of people x required period)

(p) Expense (Amount required for work)
(q) Preceding activity (activity ID that should precede)
(r) Subsequent activity (activity ID to be followed)
(s) Required resources (equipment necessary for work)

  The DBMS 120 is a processing unit that manages management data stored in the data storage unit 110. For example, it has functions such as external query processing, data consistency management, data security protection, concurrent execution control, and failure recovery processing.

  In the present embodiment, the data storage unit 110, an aggregate of data (including management data) stored in the data storage unit 110, and the DBMS are referred to as the database 100. However, the data storage unit 110 and a collection of data stored in the data storage unit 110 may be referred to as a database, and may be distinguished from a DBMS that manages the database. For example, an embodiment in which the process management tool 210 includes a DBMS function and the database 100 is configured as a data storage unit 110 and a collection of data stored in the data storage unit 110 is also included in the present embodiment.

[2-3. Process management tool 210]
The process management tool 210 is a processing unit that performs process management of a project using management data. The process management tool 210 basically has the functions described in the background art. In particular, the process management tool 210 of this embodiment includes a data search unit 211, a data output unit 212, an update unit 213, a restriction unit 214, and the like.

  The data search unit 211 is a processing unit that searches for necessary management data from the database 100 in response to a request from the data interface device 300. The data output unit 212 is a processing unit that outputs the management data searched by the data search unit 211 to the data interface device 300.

  The update unit 213 is a processing unit that updates management data in the database 100. The restriction unit 214 is a processing unit that imposes a predetermined restriction on management data update. This restriction is such that, even if an update instruction is given from the outside (for example, the data interface device 300), updating of specific management data is not permitted.

  An example of management data on which restrictions are imposed is information regarding dates. As for the information regarding the date, as shown in the above (f) to (j), the change of some information affects other wide-ranging information. For example, if there is a change in the actual start date, the plan end date also needs to be changed. Then, it is necessary to change the plan start date of the subsequent work that has an FS relationship with respect to this work.

  Further, for example, due to a change of a certain date, the earliest start date and the latest start date in the critical path may need to be changed. For this reason, in order to prevent that only the information regarding a specific date is updated and the information related to this is not changed, the restricting unit 214 imposes a restriction on the change of the information.

[2-4. Input device 220, display device 230]
The input device 220 is a component that inputs information necessary for the process management tool 210, processing selections, and instructions. In response to an input from the input device 220, a search process by the data search unit 211, an update process by the update unit 213, and the like are performed.

  The display device 230 is a component that outputs the management data stored in the database 100 so that the user can recognize the data in the display format provided by the process management tool.

  The input device 220 and the display device 230 can be configured by a terminal or the like that can directly access the process management tool 210, for example. When inputting using the input device 220 via the display format of the process management tool displayed on the display device 230, the restriction by the restriction unit 214 as described above is not imposed. However, in this case, it is necessary to input information to be changed and related information one by one while checking the display screen.

[2-5. Data interface device 300]
The data interface device 300 is a processing unit that refers to, updates, and the like of management data from outside the process management tool 210. The data interface device 300 includes a storage unit 310, a data processing unit 320, and the like.

  The storage unit 310 is a storage unit that stores information necessary for the data interface device 300. The storage unit 310 includes a reference data storage unit 311, an update data storage unit 312, a management data storage unit 313, a mapping data storage unit 314, and the like.

  The reference data storage unit 311 is a storage unit that stores reference data. The reference data is information for specifying a data item to be referred to in order to display management data to be updated in a table format. The reference data is expressed as tabular data used for screen display of spreadsheet software or the like.

  An example of this reference data is shown in FIG. The “project ID” shown in FIG. 4 is information for specifying a project to be updated. In FIG. 4, the project name “Apro” described in the A column of FIG. 3 is described. The “data start line” is information indicating the number of lines and subsequent lines displayed in a table format that are data portions in the management data. In FIG. 4, “3” is described to indicate that the third and subsequent lines from the top of FIG. 3 are data portions. The other information is contrast information between the data item name for displaying the update data in a tabular format and the column symbol (alphabet) of the management data item.

  That is, “WBS” is information for specifying a WBS to be updated. In FIG. 4, “B” is described to indicate that the B column in FIG. 3 is the WBS name “WBS1”. “Activity ID” and “activity name” are information for identifying an activity to be updated. In FIG. 4, “C” and “D” are described to indicate that the C column in FIG. 3 is “activity ID” and the D column is “activity name”. “Result start date”, “result end date”, “status (start / end / in progress)” and “progress rate” are data to be updated. In FIG. 4, the H column in FIG. 3 is “actual start date”, the I column is “actual end date”, the K column is “status (start / end / in progress)”, and the L column is “progress rate”. “H”, “I”, “K”, and “L” are respectively described.

  The update data storage unit 312 is a storage unit that stores update data. The update data is data including data to be updated and information for identifying the data. This update data is also expressed as tabular data used for screen display of spreadsheet software or the like.

  Note that “update” in the present embodiment is a broad concept including adding, deleting, and changing data. For this reason, a case where a data item that already exists and its content are deleted or changed, and a case where a data item that does not exist and its content are added are included.

  An example of the update data is shown in FIG. In the figure, shaded portions correspond to data to be updated. In the example of FIG. 5, the result end date, status, progress rate, A0020 status, progress rate, activity start date, status, and progress rate of A0030 of the activity ID A0010 are data to be updated. In FIG. 5, for example, it is assumed that the current update date is February 8, 2011 and the previous update date is February 2, 2011. A0010 has already started work on January 2, 2011, prior to the previous update date, and A0020 has started work on the previous update date (see FIG. 3). For this reason, also in FIG. 5, A0010 is recorded as January 2, 2011, and A0020 is recorded as February 2, 2011, as the actual start date. Then, A0010 has completed the actual work on February 5, 2011 after the previous update date. Therefore, on the current update date, A0010 is updated with the status “completed” and the progress rate “100%”. In addition, on the update date this time, A0020 has not yet completed the work, and has progressed only 20%. Therefore, on the current update date, A0020 is updated with the status “incomplete” and the progress rate “20%”. In addition, A0030 starts actual work on the current update date and is progressing 15% on this date. Therefore, on the current update date, the status of A0030 is updated to “start” and the progress rate is “15%”.

  The management data storage unit 313 is a storage unit that stores management data acquired from the process management tool 210. The mapping data storage unit 314 is a storage unit that stores mapping data related to locations where update data affects the database 100.

  This mapping data is data about which data in the database 100 is related to which description. As the mapping data, for example, a result obtained by an administrator or operator using analysis software or the like is input in advance via an input device 340 described later.

  The data processing unit 320 includes a data display control unit 321, a data reception unit 322, a request unit 323, an acquisition unit 324, a reference data interpretation unit 325, an update data determination unit 326, a related data determination unit 327, an update instruction unit 328, and the like. doing.

  The data display control unit 321 is a processing unit that displays reference data, update data, management data, and the like on a display device 350 (to be described later) as tabular data used for screen display such as spreadsheet software.

  The data receiving unit 322 is a processing unit that receives reference data, update data, mapping data, and the like input from an input device 340 described later. The request unit 323 is a processing unit that requests management data necessary for the data processing unit 320 to the process management tool 210. The acquisition unit 324 is a processing unit that acquires management data from the process management tool 210.

  The reference data interpretation unit 325 is a processing unit that interprets the reference data stored in the reference data storage unit 311 and identifies data items necessary for display. The update data determination unit 326 is a processing unit that identifies update data stored in the update data storage unit 312.

  The related data determination unit 327 is a processing unit that determines related data related to the update data in the database 100 based on the mapping data stored in the mapping data storage unit 314. The related data includes both related management data and storage data of related management data. The update instruction unit 328 is a processing unit that outputs update data and an instruction to update the description related to the update data to the database 100.

[2-6. Input device 340 and display device 350]
The input device 340 is a component that inputs information necessary for the data interface device 300, processing selection, and instructions. The user can input reference data, update data, mapping data, and the like using the input device 340.

  The display device 350 is a component that displays reference data, update data, mapping data, and the like so that the user can recognize them. Information displayed on the display device 350 is controlled by the data display control unit 321.

[3. Action]
The operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described.
[3-1. Preparation process]
First, the user inputs reference data using the input device 340 in advance. The reference data is input so that each user can target necessary data items in consideration of projects, activities, and the like that he / she is responsible for. The input reference data is received by the data receiving unit 322 and stored in the reference data storage unit 311.

  Then, the user inputs update data using the input device 340. The input update data is received by the data reception unit 322 and stored in the update data storage unit 312.

  The update data is input as follows, for example. First, the user activates the data interface device 300 using the input device 340 periodically or at a desired opportunity. Then, the data display control unit 321 causes the display device 350 to display a tabular display screen based on the data items described in the reference data.

  The user who refers to the tabular display screen uses the input device 340 to input data of the data item to be updated. The update data storage unit 312 stores the update data including the data to be updated input in this way in a table format.

  The update data can be input as follows. First, the user activates the data interface device 300 using the input device 340 periodically or at a desired opportunity.

  Then, the request unit 323 requests management data from the process management tool 210 based on the reference data. Then, the acquisition unit 324 acquires the current management data. The data display control unit 321 causes the display device 350 to display the acquired management data in a table format.

  The user who refers to the tabular display screen uses the input device 340 to input data of the data item to be updated. The update data storage unit 312 stores the update data including the data to be updated input in this way in a table format.

[3-2. Update process]
Next, management data update processing by the data interface apparatus 320 that has undergone the above-described preparation processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the user activates the data interface device 320 or its update processing function periodically or at a desired opportunity. Then, the reference data interpretation unit 325 reads the reference data stored in the reference data storage unit 311 (step 01), and specifies the update target project ID (step 02). Further, the update data determination unit 326 reads the update data stored in the update data storage unit 312 (step 03), and specifies the activity ID in the project ID to be updated (step 04).

  The related data determination unit 327 determines related data related to the data to be updated based on the update data stored in the update data storage unit 312 and the mapping data stored in the mapping data storage unit 314 (step 05). ). The update instruction unit 328 instructs the database 100 to update data to be updated and data related thereto (step 06).

  If the data to be updated still remains (NO in step 07), the update instruction unit 328 issues an instruction to update the remaining update data (step 06). When an update instruction is output for all data to be updated, the process ends (YES in step 07).

[4. effect]
According to the present embodiment as described above, a complicated input operation on the display screen provided by the process management tool 210 is not necessary. That is, the management data can be updated using a tool familiar to the user on a daily basis, such as spreadsheet software of a personal computer. For this reason, work efficiency is improved and erroneous input can be reduced.

  In addition, for each user, data items necessary for updating can be registered in the reference data. Therefore, the user can easily input data to be updated on a tabular screen on which only necessary information is displayed. In addition, since the management data of the database 100 including the data to be updated and the data related thereto is directly updated, data consistency is ensured. Moreover, the update in the database 100 is finally reflected in the process management tool 210.

[B. Second Embodiment]
[1. Overview]
First, an outline of the present embodiment will be described. This embodiment basically has the same configuration as the above-described embodiment. However, the data interface device of the present embodiment has a function of updating the user after confirming with the user whether update data needs to be updated.

[2. Constitution]
Next, the overall configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In addition to the configuration described in the above embodiment, the data processing unit 320 of the present embodiment includes a comparison unit 329, an error determination unit 330, a confirmation display control unit 331, a necessity reception unit 332, a necessity determination unit 333, and the like. Have. The storage unit 310 includes an error determination criterion storage unit 315 and the like.

  The comparison unit 329 is a processing unit that compares the update data with the existing management data. The error determination unit 330 is a processing unit that determines an error in update data. The criterion for determining this error is stored in advance in the error determination criterion storage unit 315.

Examples of error determination criteria include the following, but the present embodiment is not limited to these.
(1) Corresponding data does not exist in management data
(2) Start / end dates are reversed
(3) Inconsistency in date data
(4) Data items that should be dates contain kanji

  The confirmation display control unit 331 is a processing unit that causes the display device 350 to display a confirmation display for confirming to the user whether update is necessary. The confirmation display control unit 331 includes a comparison display control unit 331a, an error display control unit 331b, a necessity display control unit 331c, and the like.

  The comparison display control unit 331a is a processing unit that controls display indicating comparison between update data and existing management data. The error display control unit 331b is a processing unit that controls display of a portion having an error. The necessity display control unit 331c is a processing unit that controls display indicating whether updating is necessary.

  The necessity acceptance unit 332 is a processing unit that accepts the necessity of update input from the input device 340. The necessity determination unit 333 is a processing unit that determines whether update by update data is necessary according to the necessity of update received by the necessity reception unit 332.

[3. Action]
The operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. First, the preparation process is the same as in the above embodiment.

  Next, update processing by the data interface apparatus 300 that has undergone the above-described preparation processing will be described with reference to the display screen example of FIG. 8 and the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the user activates the data interface device 300 or its update processing function periodically or at a desired opportunity. Then, as in the above embodiment, the reference data is read, the project ID is specified, the update data is read, and the activity ID is specified (steps 11 to 14).

  Next, the request unit 323 requests existing management data corresponding to each activity of the update data from the process management tool (step 15). The data search unit 211 of the process management tool searches for management data via the DBMS 120 using the activity ID as a key. The data output unit 212 outputs the searched management data to the data interface device 300. The management data is acquired by the acquisition unit 324 (step 16). The management data storage unit 313 stores the acquired management data (step 17).

  The comparison unit 329 compares the information on the update data side with the information on the process management tool side for each item of the activity, and determines whether there is a difference (step 18). Further, the error determination unit 330 determines whether or not there is an error in the update data based on the error determination criterion (step 19).

  The data display control unit 321 displays the update data on the display device 350 (step 20). The confirmation display control unit 331 displays a confirmation display on the display device 350 (step 21).

  In this confirmation display, the comparison display control unit 331a displays that there is an update for the activity determined by the comparison unit 329 to have a difference, and displays a marking for each item having the difference. Further, the comparison display control unit 331a displays both the current management data and the contents of the update data.

  For example, in FIG. 8, an asterisk (*) is displayed in the first column of the corresponding activity as an indication that there is an update. An activity without any mark at the beginning of the line indicates that no processing is performed because there is no difference as a result of the comparison. As a comparative display, marking (）) is displayed for each item having a difference, and a shaded display is made.

  Further, as the comparison display, the management data of the current process management tool is displayed as “comment” corresponding to the cell of each item having a difference. For example, FIG. 8 shows an example of “comments” displayed when the current management data is updated as shown in FIG. 5 from the case where the current management data is as shown in FIG. The previous update date, the current update date, and the data to be updated are as described with reference to FIG. First, since the actual work of A0010 was completed on February 2, 2011 after the previous update, the actual end date was still blank. For this reason, the comment of the actual end date of A0010 is blank. Also, since the status of A0010 was still “incomplete” at the time of the previous update, “incomplete” is displayed in the comment. Since the progress rate of A0010 was 50% at the previous update, “50%” is displayed. Since A0020 was in the start state at the time of the previous update, “start” is displayed in the status comment. Since the progress rate of A0020 was 5% at the time of the previous update, “5%” is displayed in the comment. In A0030, the actual work was not started at the time of the previous update, so the comment is blank. Since A0030 has not started at the time of the previous update, “not started” is displayed in the status comment. Since the progress rate of A0030 has not progressed at the time of the previous update, the comment is blank. Thereby, the user can compare the updated content with the current content (before update). This “comment” may be displayed simultaneously with the tabular display. However, “comment” may be displayed in accordance with a predetermined display operation by the input device 340 such as placing the cursor or clicking a predetermined position. Whether to display the updated contents or the current contents in the “comment” or in the table is also free.

  Moreover, according to the error determination result by the error determination part 330, the error display control part 331b displays an error in a location with an error. For example, in FIG. 8, the activity represented by activity ID A0065 does not exist in the management data, and the update data does not have a plan start date and a plan end date. For this reason, these data cannot be reflected on the function of the process management tool. Therefore, an error (E) is displayed in the activity. This can warn the user before updating.

  The necessity determination unit 333 waits for the user to input the necessity of update using the input device 340 via the display screen (NO in Step 22). When there is a necessity input from the input device 340 (YES in Step 22), the necessity determination unit 333 determines that the data need not be updated (Step 23).

For example, the data can be excluded from the update target by the following method.
(a) Delete the leading asterisk (*) for activities that are not updated.
(b) If you do not want to update only a specific item in the activity, delete the comment for that item.

  In addition, the display for necessity of an update is not limited to these. A mode may be employed in which data that needs to be updated or unnecessary data is checked. Display control for checking whether update is necessary is performed by the necessity display control unit 331c.

  When there is update data whose necessity has not been confirmed (NO in step 24), the processes in steps 22 and 23 are repeated. When all the update data has been confirmed (YES in step 24), the update target is determined.

  After the update target is determined, the related data determination unit 327 determines data related to the data to be updated based on the determined update data and the mapping data stored in the mapping data storage unit 314 (step 25). The update instruction unit 328 instructs the database 100 to update data to be updated and data related thereto (step 26).

  If the data to be updated still remains (NO in step 27), the update instruction unit 328 issues an update instruction for the remaining update data (step 26). When an update instruction is output for all data to be updated, the process ends (YES in step 27).

[4. effect]
According to the present embodiment, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the update is performed after confirming whether or not the update is necessary after confirming the display, so that the data can be updated accurately.

  In particular, since the comparison target data and the existing management data are compared and displayed, and the comparison display is performed, the user can easily determine whether or not the update is actually allowed. Further, the error display can prevent the user from updating with incorrect data.

  As described above, the efficiency of the input work is improved, and it is possible to reduce the time required for identifying and re-inputting the error location after updating with incorrect data.

[C. Other Embodiments]
(1) The date and the related management data are typical as data for which the restriction is imposed by the process management tool. However, it is not necessarily limited to these data. For example, there is a need to manage process management tools by adding special data depending on the organizational structure, project characteristics, special circumstances, and the like. Such special data may also be configured so that it can be updated only on the interface side by limiting the update with the process management tool.

  (2) As an input device, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel (including one configured in a display device), a switch, and the like are conceivable. However, all input devices available now or in the future are included. The input device also includes an interface for receiving input from the communication network. That is, as described above, an input device that inputs update data from another database via a communication network can also be configured.

Therefore, data may be input from an external database via the input device. In other words, if there is data that is already managed by a database of another system and can be used as update data, it can be input from the input device as update data. Thereby, the effort of manual operation input can be saved and input efficiency can be improved.
(3) Display devices also include any output device available now or in the future. For example, a printer or the like is also included in the display device.

  (4) The database, the process management tool, the data interface device, the input device, the display device, and the like may be realized by a common computer or by a plurality of computers connected by a communication network. For example, the input device and the display device may be realized by a terminal. The database and the process management tool may be realized by a common server.

  The data interface device, the input device, and the display device may be realized in each worker's personal computer. The data processing unit and the storage unit may be configured separately. Each unit of the data processing unit may be distributed among a plurality of computers. The storage unit may be realized by a distributed storage medium.

  (5) The storage unit can typically be configured by various built-in or externally connected memories, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like, but any storage medium that can be used now or in the future can be used. A register or the like used for calculation can also be regarded as a storage unit. A mode in which the storage contents can be used for various processes by mounting a storage medium in which information has already been stored in a reading device may be employed. The mode of storage includes not only a mode in which memory is stored for a long time, but also a mode in which data is temporarily stored for processing and deleted or updated in a short time.

  (6) The communication network widely includes a transmission path capable of transmitting and receiving information. As the transmission path, any wired or wireless transmission medium can be applied, and it does not matter what LAN or WAN is used. Any communication protocol that can be used at present or in the future can be applied.

  (7) Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

100 ... Database 110 ... Data storage unit 120 ... DBMS
210 ... Process management tool 211 ... Data search unit 212 ... Data output unit 213 ... Update unit 214 ... Restriction unit 220, 340 ... Input device 230, 350 ... Display device 300 ... Data interface device 310 ... Storage unit 311 ... Reference data storage unit 312 ... Update data storage unit 313 ... Management data storage unit 314 ... Mapping data storage unit 315 ... Error determination reference storage unit 320 ... Data processing unit 321 ... Data display control unit 322 ... Data reception unit 323 ... Request unit 324 ... Acquisition unit 325 ... reference data interpretation unit 326 ... update data determination unit 327 ... related data determination unit 328 ... update instruction unit 329 ... comparison unit 330 ... error determination unit 331 ... confirmation display control unit 331a ... comparison display control unit 331b ... error display control unit 331c ... Necessity display control unit 332 ... Necessity reception unit 333 ... Necessity determination unit

Claims (8)

A data interface device for a process management tool for referring to and updating the management data from outside the process management tool for managing project management data stored in a database,
Among the management data, in order to display the management data to be updated in a tabular format, the data items input as data necessary for each user, and reference data for specifying the data item to be referred to A stored reference data storage unit;
A data display for causing a display device to display a display screen in a tabular format including the data items that are restricted by the process management tool and including only data items necessary for the user based on the reference data A control unit;
Among the data items of the tabular display screen, a data receiving unit that receives update data to be updated input from an input device;
An update data storage unit for storing the update data received by the data reception unit;
A related data determination unit for determining related data related to the update data in the database;
Based on the update data and the related data, an update instruction unit that instructs the database to update the management data without going through the process management tool;
A confirmation display control unit for displaying on the display device a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to update the update data before the update instruction by the update instruction unit;
A requesting unit for requesting the management data corresponding to the reference data to the process management tool;
An acquisition unit for acquiring the management data requested by the request unit;
A comparison unit that compares the management data acquired by the acquisition unit with the update data to determine whether they are different;
Have
The data interface device for a process management tool, wherein the confirmation display control unit includes a comparison display control unit that displays the management data and the update data different from the management data on the display device. An error determination unit for determining an error in the update data;
The confirmation display control unit, the data interface device of the process management tool of claim 1, wherein it has an error display control unit that displays an error on the display device of the update data. A necessity acceptance unit for accepting information on necessity of updating the update data;
A necessity determination unit that determines whether or not there is an update instruction by the update instruction unit, based on the information regarding the necessity of update received by the necessity reception unit;
The data interface device of the process management tool according to claim 1, further comprising: A data interface method of a process management tool for referring to and updating the management data by a computer from outside the process management tool for managing project management data stored in a database,
The computer is
Among the management data, in order to display the management data to be updated in a tabular format, the data items input as data necessary for each user, and reference data for specifying the data item to be referred to A reference data storage process to be stored;
Display control for displaying on the display device, based on the reference data, a display screen in a tabular format that includes the data items that are restricted from being updated by the process management tool and includes only the data items necessary for the user Processing,
Among the data items on the tabular display screen, a data reception process for receiving update data to be updated input from an input device;
An update data storage process for storing the update data received by the data reception process;
Related data determination processing for determining related data related to the update data in the database;
Based on the update data and the related data, an update instruction process for instructing the database to update the management data without going through the process management tool;
A confirmation display control process for displaying on the display device a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to update the update data before the update instruction by the update instruction process;
Request processing for requesting the management data corresponding to the reference data to the process management tool;
An acquisition process for acquiring the management data requested by the request process;
A comparison process in which the management data acquired by the acquisition process is compared with the update data to determine whether they are different;
Have
The process display tool data interface method, wherein the confirmation display control unit includes a comparison display control process for comparing the management data and the update data different from the management data and displaying the comparison data on the display device . A data interface program for a process management tool for causing a computer to execute reference and update of the management data from outside the process management tool for managing project management data stored in a database,
In the computer,
Among the management data, in order to display the management data to be updated in a tabular format, the data items input as data necessary for each user, and reference data for specifying the data item to be referred to A reference data storage process to be stored;
Display that displays on the display device a display screen in a tabular format that includes the data items that are restricted from being updated by the process management tool based on the reference data, and that includes only the data items necessary for the user. Control processing,
Among the data items on the tabular display screen, a data reception process for receiving update data to be updated input from an input device;
An update data storage process for storing the update data received by the data reception process;
Related data determination processing for determining related data related to the update data in the database;
Based on the update data and the related data, an update instruction process for instructing the database to update the management data without going through the process management tool;
A confirmation display control process for displaying on the display device a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to update the update data before the update instruction by the update instruction process;
Request processing for requesting the management data corresponding to the reference data to the process management tool;
An acquisition process for acquiring the management data requested by the request process;
A comparison process in which the management data acquired by the acquisition process is compared with the update data to determine whether they are different;
Have
A data interface program for a process management tool, wherein the confirmation display control unit executes a comparison display control process for comparing the management data and the update data different from the management data and displaying the comparison data on the display device . In the computer,
Causing an error determination process to determine an error of the update data,
6. The data interface program for a process management tool according to claim 5, wherein the confirmation display control process includes an error display control process for displaying an error of the update data on a display device. In the computer,
Necessity acceptance processing for accepting information on necessity of updating the update data;
Necessity determination processing for determining presence / absence of an update instruction by the update instruction process based on information on necessity of update received by the necessity reception process;
6. A data interface program for a process management tool according to claim 5, wherein: A database for storing management data for managing the project;
A process management tool for managing the process of the project based on the management data in the database;
A data interface device connected to the database and the process management tool, for referring to and updating the management data from outside the process management tool;
Have
The process management tool has a restriction unit that restricts updating by the data interface device for some data items,
The data interface device includes:
Among the management data, in order to display the management data to be updated in a tabular format, the data items input as data necessary for each user, and reference data for specifying the data item to be referred to A stored reference data storage unit;
A data display for causing a display device to display a display screen in a tabular format including the data items whose update is restricted by the restriction unit based on the reference data and including only data items necessary for the user A control unit;
A data receiving unit that receives the update data of the data item to be updated out of the tabular display screen;
An update data storage unit for storing the update data received by the data reception unit;
A related data determination unit for determining related data related to the update data in the database;
Based on the update data and the related data, an update instruction unit that instructs the database to update the management data without going through the process management tool;
A confirmation display control unit for displaying on the display device a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to update the update data before the update instruction by the update instruction unit;
A requesting unit for requesting the management data corresponding to the reference data to the process management tool;
An acquisition unit for acquiring the management data requested by the request unit;
A comparison unit that compares the management data acquired by the acquisition unit with the update data to determine whether they are different;
Have
The process control system, wherein the confirmation display control unit includes a comparison display control unit that displays the management data and the update data different from the management data on the display device .

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