JP7372304B2 - Storage search method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a storage retrieval method.

The storage search method searches for a predetermined item from a plurality of storages that store a plurality of types of parts that can be supplied to a production line that produces board products by mounting components on circuit boards. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that when there is a request to replenish parts of a predetermined type while a production process is being performed on a production line, the operator is guided to take out the requested parts from storage. A configuration is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-182246

In production management, regardless of the scale of factory equipment including production lines and storage, there is a need to provide more appropriate guidance for the delivery of parts when there is a request to replenish parts.
An object of the present specification is to provide a warehouse search method that allows multiple production lines and multiple warehouses to cooperate to more appropriately guide the delivery of parts.

This specification specifies the requirements for a predetermined production line selected from among a plurality of storage warehouses each storing a plurality of types of parts that can be supplied to a plurality of production lines that respectively produce circuit board products by attaching parts to circuit boards. A storage storage search method for searching for the storage area from which the parts are shipped, the method comprising: associating each of the plurality of production lines with one or more storage areas for storing the parts used in production; a step in which there is a request to supply the parts of a predetermined type to any one of the plurality of production lines, and the parts according to the request are supplied in the storage warehouse corresponding to the production line that has made the request; Disclosed is a storage warehouse search method comprising the step of searching for another storage facility from which the parts that meet the request can be delivered when the inventory of the parts is insufficient.

According to this configuration, if the storage corresponding to the production line that requested parts replenishment does not have enough stock of the requested parts, other storages are searched for parts that can be supplied. be done. This makes it possible to extract and replenish parts according to the request from one of the detected storages. In this way, the storage search method can manage the inventory of parts as a whole by linking multiple production lines and multiple storages. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately guide the delivery of parts.

It is a diagram showing a management system in an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a production control device, a production line, and a storage. It is a table showing section information according to the location of a production line and a storage. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for responding to a request for parts replenishment. 5 is a flowchart showing a search process for alternative candidates in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first aspect of the guidance process in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a second aspect of the guidance process in FIG. 4. FIG.

1. Embodiment 1-1. Overview of Management System 1 The production control device manages multiple production lines that produce circuit board products by mounting components on circuit boards, and multiple storage warehouses that store multiple types of components supplied to the production lines. . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the production management device 50 cooperates by being communicatively connected to other production management devices 50 to constitute a management system that collectively manages production. The management system 1 allows a plurality of production control devices 50 forming a network to use mutual information. Note that hereinafter, the "circuit board" will be simply referred to as "substrate."

1-2. Configuration of Production Line 10 As shown in FIG. 2, the production line 10 is configured by installing a plurality of production devices in the substrate conveyance direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2). Each of the plurality of production devices is communicably connected to each other and to a host computer (hereinafter referred to as "host PC") in which the production management device 50 is installed. The production line 10 includes a printing machine 11, a plurality of component mounting machines 14, and a reflow oven 16.

The printing machine 11 prints paste-like solder at the mounting position of the component on the board that has been carried in. Each of the plurality of component mounting machines 14 mounts a component onto the solder of the board conveyed from the upstream side of the production line 10. The mounting process by the component mounting machine 14 will be described later. The reflow furnace 16 heats the substrates transported from the upstream side of the production line 10 to melt the solder on the substrates and perform soldering.

In this manner, the production line 10 sequentially transports the substrates to each production device, executes production processing including inspection processing, and produces substrate products. Note that the configuration of the production line 10 may be appropriately added to or changed depending on, for example, the type of board product to be produced. For example, the production line 10 is appropriately equipped with a buffer device for temporarily holding substrates being transported, a substrate supply device, a substrate reversing device, various inspection devices, a shield mounting device, an adhesive coating device, an ultraviolet irradiation device, etc. can be done.

1-3. Mounting Process by Component Mounting Machine 14 The component mounting machine 14 executes a mounting process for mounting components onto a board as a production process. In the mounting process, the component mounting machine 14 controls the operation of the mounting head that holds the component based on a control program generated in advance, information output from various sensors, and the results of recognition processing performed by image processing. . The control program used for the mounting process is generated based on the production plan M1 (see FIG. 2) and product information M2.

Furthermore, the component mounting machine 14 manages the remaining number of the plurality of components that are supplied to the component mounting machine 14, so that component shortages do not occur during the mounted mounting process. For example, when the remaining number of components of a predetermined type falls below a certain level, the component mounting machine 14 requests the host PC to replenish components. The operator replenishes parts accordingly, thereby continuing the mounting process in the component mounting machine 14.

In addition, the above-mentioned parts can be supplied with a carrier tape containing a large number of parts at predetermined intervals, with a stick containing a plurality of parts arranged in a line in a linear body, or with a stick containing a plurality of parts arranged in a row. This includes replacing bulk cases that were stored in pieces. Note that replenishment of carrier tape includes splicing, which connects the tip of the replenishment carrier tape to the rear end of the carrier tape currently in use, and replacing or replenishing the replenishment reel on which the carrier tape is wound. .

1-4. Configuration of storage 20 The storage 20 stores many types of parts according to the storage format of the parts. The storage format for parts includes reels, sticks, bulk cases, etc. as described above. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage 20 includes a storage shelf 21, a work table 22, a transport device 23, and a control device 24. The storage shelf 21 is formed according to the storage form of parts. The storage shelf 21 is configured to be able to separate individual reels and the like, and holds the reels in an array.

On the work table 22, parts to be stored or taken out from the storage 20 are temporarily placed. The transport device 23 transports parts between a predetermined storage position on the storage shelf 21 and the work table 22. When taking out parts, the conveyance device 23 grasps a reel or the like at a predetermined storage position and, for example, reads an identification code affixed to the reel or the like to confirm whether the part is correct or not. Thereafter, the transport device 23 places the held reel and the like on the work table 22.

The control device 24 displays storage information indicating the storage position of each component on the storage shelf 21, as well as component information such as identification code, component type, remaining quantity, storage format, expiration date, etc. for the components stored in the storage warehouse 20. have The control device 24 controls the operation of the transport device 23, and updates component information and storage information as appropriate, in order to, for example, take out parts of a predetermined type or store parts that are scheduled to be used later.

The storage 20 described above has a function of automatically storing and unloading parts as described above, and is of a type with a high level of automation. On the other hand, there are other types of storage warehouses that do not have the function of transporting parts and have a low level of automation. Types of storage with a low level of automation include those that guide the storage location and update various information based on parts information and storage information, and those that only determine the presence or absence of parts but do not have a function to recognize the storage location. and is included.

Here, the production line 10 is associated with one or more storages 20 that store parts used in production by the production line 10. In other words, when a plurality of production lines 10 and a plurality of storages 20 are both installed in the same building, parts scheduled to be supplied to each of the plurality of production lines 10 are mixedly stored in the plurality of storages 20. Instead, they are stored in a storage 20 that is associated with the production line 10 on a one-to-one or one-to-many basis. Such correspondence is set in advance in consideration of convenience based on the distance between the production line 10 and the storage 20 and the manageability of parts in the control device 24 of the storage 20.

Further, the storage 20 is installed, for example, on the same floor or building as the associated production line 10. The plurality of storage warehouses 20 are appropriately replenished with parts from, for example, a parts warehouse (not shown) that stores a large amount of parts purchased from parts suppliers. When replenishing the storage 20 from the parts warehouse, the replenishment timing and types of parts to be replenished are specified based on the production plan M1, product information M2, inventory information of the parts warehouse, etc., and the operator enters the storage into the storage 20. done by doing.

1-5. Overview of Production Management Device 50 In this embodiment, the production management device 50 constitutes the management system 1 together with other production management devices 50 as described above. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the production management device 50 manages a plurality of production lines 10 and a plurality of storage warehouses 20 installed on the same floor, and controls a host communicably connected to these. Built into the PC.

When there is a request to supply parts of a predetermined type to any one of the plurality of production lines 10, the production control device 50 responds to the request from the storage 20 corresponding to the production line 10 that made the request. Manage the issue of parts. Specifically, the production control device 50 first inquires about the number of parts in stock of a predetermined type in the corresponding storage 20. Next, the production control device 50 confirms that the storage 20 is sufficiently replenished with parts and has enough inventory to meet the required number, and instructs the storage 20 to take out the parts.

As described above, in the normal operating state, the production control device 50 checks the inventory in the associated storage 20 and issues a parts delivery command in response to a request for parts replenishment from the production line 10. . However, due to reasons such as the storage 20 not being sufficiently replenished with parts, the associated storage 20 may not have the parts in stock that meet the request or may not be able to satisfy the required number. In this case, in conventional production management, the operator is required to take measures such as replenishing the associated storage 20 with parts or directly replenishing the parts to the production line 10 that made the request.

Incidentally, even when different types of board products are produced on a plurality of production lines 10, the types of parts used for production may be common. In this case, for example, the requested parts may be stored in the storage 20 installed on the same floor, although they are not associated with the production line 10 that requested parts supply.

Maintaining the relationship between the storage 20 associated with the production line 10 is important from the perspective of production management. On the other hand, under the above-mentioned situation, it may be more effective from the viewpoint of maintaining production efficiency to have the production line 10 that made the request receive the parts from the storage 20 that is not compatible. Therefore, the production control device 50 of this embodiment employs the following configuration in order to coordinate the plurality of production lines 10 and the plurality of storages 20 and more appropriately guide the delivery of parts.

1-6. Location of Production Lines 10 and Storage Warehouses 20 Each of the plurality of production lines 10 and the plurality of storage rooms 20 has a plurality of different sections (N1, N2, N3,... ). Each of the multiple divisions (N1, N2, N3, ...) is a country (A, B, ...), a region in the country (C1, C2, C3, ...), or a facility established in the region. (PL1, PL2, PL3,...), buildings that constitute the facility (B11, B12, B13,...), floors in the building (F1, F2,...), and installation areas on the floors (D11 , D12, D13, . . . ).

For example, the first section N1 in which the production line 10 having the identification code (La11) is installed is, as shown in the top row of FIG. It is indicated by six location sections such as the installation area D11. Here, the "facilities" provided in the area include factories, manufacturing facilities, etc., and are composed of one or more buildings. The above division is an arbitrary setting value, and for example, when a "facility" is composed of one building, either the facility or the building may be included as the location classification.

The production management device 50 quantifies the location of the production line 10 and the storage 20 by setting the division information M3 as described above for each country, for example. Thereby, it is possible to evaluate the commonality of the location categories of the production line 10 and the storage 20. In addition, by setting the relationship between each element in each location category, for example, by setting the distance between each element (B11, B12, B13, ...) of "building" as a relationship, you can It becomes possible to determine the distance between the installed production line 10 and the storage 20.

In the following, the widest category among the plurality of location categories ("Country (A, B, . . . )" in the above example) is assumed to be the highest location category. Furthermore, the plurality of location divisions become narrower from left to right in FIG. 3 . Among the plurality of location sections, the installation area (D11, D12, D13, . . . ) is the narrowest section and is located at the lowest position of the location sections.

Note that the thick frame in FIG. 3 indicates a combination of the associated production line 10 and storage 20. For example, on floor F1 of building B11 of facility PL1, there are storage 20 (Sa13) associated with two production lines 10 (La11, La12), and storage 20 (Sa13) associated with one production line 10 (La14). A storage 20 (Sa15) is installed. Under normal operating conditions, parts are supplied to the production line 10 and parts left over from production processing by the production line 10 are stored between the production line 10 and the storage 20, which are surrounded by a thick frame in FIG. The process is completed by exchanging parts.

1-7. Configuration of Production Control Device 50 The production control device 50 includes a storage section 51, a search section 52, and a guide section 53, as shown in FIG. The storage unit 51 includes a hard disk, flash memory, and the like. The storage unit 51 stores setting data such as a production plan M1, product information M2, and section information M3 (see FIG. 3). The production plan M1 is information indicating the target production quantity for each product type scheduled to be produced. The product information M2 is information in which the type and number of parts required for producing a board product are recorded for each product type.

By recognizing the progress of production processing in the production line 10, the production control device 50 can grasp the remaining number of parts supplied to the plurality of component mounting machines 14 on the production line 10. Further, the production management device 50 can estimate when parts will be out of stock based on the product type scheduled to be produced and the number of parts required for the product type. Therefore, in addition to being requested by the component mounting machine 14 of the production line 10 to the host PC as described above, requests for parts supply may also be made by the production control device 50 built into the host PC as necessary. be.

The search unit 52 receives a request to supply parts of a predetermined type to any one of the plurality of production lines 10, and searches the stock of the requested parts in the storage 20 corresponding to the production line 10 that has made the request. If the parts are not sufficient, one or more storages 20 from which the requested parts can be delivered are searched. In other words, when there is a shortage of parts in the storage 20 associated with the production line 10 that has requested parts replenishment, the search unit 52 searches, for example, for an incompatible storage 20 installed on the same floor or An attempt is made to detect a storage 20 from among unsupported storages 20 installed in another building that is capable of discharging parts in response to a request.

Here, all the storages 20 that constitute the management system 1 and are communicably connected to the production control device 50 can be searched by the search unit 52. In the present embodiment, when searching for a storage 20 from which a requested part can be delivered, the search unit 52 uses a location classification that is common to a plurality of location classifications indicating the section where the requested production line 10 is installed. A search is performed for the storage warehouses 20 from which parts can be delivered in accordance with the request, starting from one or more storage warehouses 20 with the highest number of items. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the processing load such as search processing performed by the search unit 52.

Here, if the parts supplied from the storage 20 to the production line 10 are left over after being used for production processing, they are removed from the feeder or the like and returned to the storage 20 again. In this way, the remaining parts used in the production process that has already been completed on the production line 10 or the remaining parts used in the production process that is scheduled to be completed at a certain time are currently being supplied to the production line 10. However, there is a possibility that it will be stored in the storage 20 associated with the production line 10.

Furthermore, the production management device 50 is capable of recognizing the progress of production processing in the production line 10, etc., as described above. Utilizing this, the search unit 52 searches for a storage 20 from which parts can be delivered in accordance with a request. The remaining parts supplied to the production line 10 are considered as parts stored in a plurality of storages 20 corresponding to each of the plurality of production lines 10, and included in the search target.

Note that the above-mentioned state in which the production line 10 is "supplied" includes a state in which parts are loaded into a feeder etc. and set in the component supply device of the component placement machine 14, and a state in which the above-mentioned feeder etc. are set in the component supply device. This includes a state in which a plurality of feeders, etc., are loaded on a delivery cart, and a state in which a plurality of feeders, etc. are set on a device pallet that holds feeders, etc. so that they can be set all at once on a parts supply device. By regarding such remaining parts as parts in a preliminary storage state and using them as search targets, it is possible to perform a wider search for parts of a predetermined type.

The guide section 53 guides one or more storages 20 based on the search results by the search section 52. Various aspects are assumed for the guidance processing of the storage 20 based on the search results by the guidance section 53. Details of each aspect of the guidance process will be described later. In addition, in the present embodiment, the guide unit 53 is configured to handle a case where a storage 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "alternative storage 20T") from which parts are to be delivered in accordance with a request is designated among the plurality of storages 20. If the automation level of the alternative storage 20T is high and it is possible to automatically take out parts, the alternative storage 20T is instructed to take out parts according to the request.

According to such a configuration, since the guide unit 53 automatically sends out the unloading command to the alternative storage 20T, the start time of the unloading operation in the alternative storage 20T is brought forward. Further, the operator can omit the task of sending a retrieval command to the designated storage 20, and can head to the designated storage 20 as a storage 20 from which parts can be retrieved.

1-8. Processing for responding to a request for parts replenishment The processing for responding to a request for parts replenishment by the production control device 50 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. Here, it is assumed that each production line 10 executes production processing to produce various board products. Further, it is assumed that component information and storage information are appropriately updated in each storage warehouse 20 each time a component is received or taken out.

When there is a request to supply parts of a predetermined type to any one of the plurality of production lines 10, the production control device 50 executes a process for responding to the parts supply request, as shown in FIG. do. Note that the request for parts supply is made by the parts mounting machine 14 of the production line 10 or the production control device 50 that monitors the progress of production processing. Hereinafter, the production line 10 that made the request for parts supply will be referred to as the "request line 10R."

The production control device 50 first determines whether or not there is enough stock of the requested parts in the storage 20 associated with the request line 10R (step 10 (hereinafter referred to as "step"). )). If the parts inventory is sufficient (S10: Yes), the production control device 50 skips the search process (S20), which will be described later, and executes the storage 20 guidance process (S30). On the other hand, if the inventory of parts is insufficient (S10: No), the search unit 52 searches for one or more storages 20 that are candidates for the alternative storage 20T (hereinafter also referred to as "alternative candidates 20H"). A search process for attempting detection is executed (S20).

In the present embodiment, the search process (S20) by the search unit 52 adopts a method of gradually expanding the search target until the alternative candidate 20H is detected. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the search unit 52 first obtains the section where the request line 10R is installed (S21). For example, when the request line 10R is the first production line (La11) shown in the top row of FIG. D11).

Next, the search unit 52 executes search target setting processing (S22). Specifically, the search unit 52 sets the variable K indicating the search target range from the lowest position (installation area D11) to the next higher location division (floor F1) in the division N1 of the request line 10R as an initial value. Substitute. As a result, the variable K indicates the floor F1 as the current value as the range to be searched.

Subsequently, the search unit 52 searches for the alternative candidate 20H in the set search target (S23). Specifically, it is determined whether the parts type according to the request is stored in the storage 20 installed in the search target range (floor F1) indicated by the variable K. In other words, since the variable K indicates the floor F1 as the search target range, it is determined whether the requested part type is stored in the storage 20 (Sa15) installed on the same floor F1. .

The search unit 52 determines whether one or more alternative candidates 20H are detected (S24). For example, the storage 20 (Sa15) installed in the search target range (floor F1) does not store the parts that meet the request, and the parts cannot be delivered. In this way, if the alternative candidate 20H is not detected (S24: No), the search unit 52 executes the search target setting process again (S22). Specifically, the search unit 52 substitutes the location category (building B11) one higher than the current value (floor F1) in the section N1 of the request line 10R. As a result, the current value of the variable K indicates the building B11 as the search target range.

Subsequently, the search unit 52 searches again for the alternative candidate 20H in the set search target (S23). Specifically, since the variable K indicates the building B11 as the search target range, the search unit 52 determines that the requested part type is stored in the storage 20 (Sa22) installed in the same building B11. Determine whether or not. To be precise, the storage 20 installed in the same building B11 includes the storage 20 (Sa15) installed on the same floor F1 that was previously set as the search target range, but the storage 20 installed in the same building B11 (Sa15) has already been searched (S23). ) is excluded.

As described above, the search target range is set one by one to the higher location categories until the alternative candidate 20H is detected (S22). Then, the search unit 52 selects the alternative candidate 20H based on whether or not the requested part type is stored in one or more storages 20 newly added to the search target by the search target setting process. is searched (S23). By repeating the above-described process, the search unit 52 detects alternative candidates 20H in order from one or more storage units 20 having the most common location categories with the plurality of location categories indicating the section where the request line 10R is installed. try.

If one or more alternative candidates 20H are detected (S24: Yes), the search unit 52 ends the search process for the alternative candidates 20H. Note that the parts stored in the storage 20 installed in the set search target range include production processes that have been completed or production scheduled to be completed in one or more production lines 10 that are associated with the storage 20. The remaining parts used for processing and supplied to the production line 10 are included.

Specifically, when searching for alternative candidates 20H, the search unit 52 first obtains the progress of production processing in one or more production lines 10 installed in the search target range, and searches for each remaining part. Figure out. Then, the search unit 52 performs a search assuming that the remaining parts are stored in the storage 20 (S23).

Note that when determining remaining parts, the search unit 52 may first determine whether the requested part type has been used in production processing in one or more production lines 10. When the search unit 52 determines that the requested part type has been used in production processing, it may be configured to determine whether the part of that type corresponds to the remaining parts. Thereby, the search unit 52 can efficiently determine remaining parts.

As shown in FIG. 4, after the search process for the alternative candidate 20H (S20) is executed as described above, the guide process by the guide unit 53 is executed (S30). The guide unit 53 guides one or more storages 20 (alternative candidates 20H) based on the search results by the search unit 52. Here, the guide unit 53 can apply a plurality of types of modes as the guide process. Here, two types of modes of guidance processing are illustrated.

1-8-1. First Aspect of Guidance Process In the first aspect of the guide process, as shown in FIG. 6, the guide unit 53 first determines the number of alternative candidates 20H in the result of the search process (S20) (S311). If the number of alternative candidates 20H in the search process result is plural (S311: plural), the guide unit 53 designates the alternative candidate 20H with the highest priority to the alternative storage 20T (S312).

The above-mentioned "priority" is the priority of guidance set for each of the plural storages 20 for the production line 10 that made the request. Specifically, the priority is determined based on at least one of the following: the distance between the request line 10R and each of the plurality of storages 20, the number of parts in stock or expiration date in the storages 20, and the automation level of the shipping process in the plurality of storages 20. Set based on

More specifically, for example, if the priority is set based on the distance between the request line 10R and each of the storages 20, the alternative candidate 20H with the shortest distance from the request line 10R is the alternative storage 20T. specified. For example, if a plurality of storages 20 (Sb12, Sc12) installed in different buildings (B12, B13) of the same facility (PL1) are replacement candidates 20H, the building where the request line 10R is installed The storage 20 (Sb12) installed in the building (B12) closer to (B11) is designated as the alternative storage 20T.

Further, when the priority is set based on the number of parts in stock, an alternative candidate 20H that stores a larger number of parts in stock or one closer to the requested number of parts is designated as the alternative storage 20T. When the priority is set based on the expiration date of the component, the alternative candidate 20H that stores the one with the nearer expiration date is designated as the alternative storage 20T.

If the priority is set based on the automation level of the retrieval process in a plurality of storages 20, an alternative candidate 20H with a high automation level and capable of automatically retrieving parts is designated as the alternative storage 20T. . The priority of guidance may be set by taking into consideration various factors such as the distance and the number of items in stock as described above. The priority of guidance is set in advance by, for example, the administrator of the production control device 50, and is recorded in the priority information M4 (see FIG. 2).

On the other hand, if the number of alternative candidates 20H in the search process (S20) is 1 (S311:1), this alternative candidate 20H is designated as the alternative storage 20T (S313). Subsequently, the guide unit 53 guides the user to the alternative storage 20T specified in S312 and S313 (S314). Specifically, the guide unit 53 provides guidance by displaying on a terminal that the operator can view that the parts that meet the request are stored in the alternative storage 20T. Further, if there is sufficient inventory in the storage 20 associated with the request line 10R (S10: Yes), the search process (S20) is omitted, and the alternative candidate 20H is 0 (S311 :0), guides the storage 20 associated with the request line 10R (S314).

In addition, when guiding the alternative storage 20T as described above, the guide unit 53 determines the installation position of the alternative storage 20T and the travel route to the installation position based on the location classification where the alternative storage 20T is installed. You may also be provided with information on how long it will take to pick it up. Further, in the above-mentioned guidance, the guide unit 53 may also provide information on the number of parts in stock, expiration date, appearance of the parts (reels, etc.) of the requested parts in the alternative storage 20T.

After that, if the alternative storage 20T etc. can automatically take out parts (S315: Yes), the guidance unit 53 provides the alternative storage 20T etc. guidance (S314) as described above. A command is given to the storage warehouse 20T and the like to deliver the parts according to the request (S316). As a result, for example, the guiding unit 53 automatically sends out a delivery command to the alternative storage 20T, so that the start time of the delivery operation in the alternative storage 20T is brought forward. Furthermore, the operator can omit the task of sending out a retrieval command to the designated alternative storage 20T.

On the other hand, if the automation level of the alternative storage 20T etc. is low and parts cannot be automatically delivered (S314: No), the guide unit 53 skips sending the delivery command to the alternative storage 20T etc. and performs the guidance process. finish. According to the configuration of the first aspect of the guidance process as described above, even if there are multiple alternative candidates 20H that can issue the parts according to the request (S311: Yes), the parts are automatically processed according to the preset priority. One alternative candidate 20H is designated and guided (S312, S313). This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the operator and speed up the supply of parts.

1-8-2. Second Aspect of Guidance Process In the second aspect of the guide process, as shown in FIG. 7, the guide unit 53 first determines whether or not there is an alternative candidate 20H in the result of the search process (S20) (S321). If there is one or more alternative candidates 20H as a result of the search process (S321: Yes), one or more alternative candidates 20H are guided so as to be selectable (S322). Specifically, the guide unit 53 displays a list of alternative candidates 20H on a terminal that can be viewed by the operator. At this time, if the result of the search process (S20) includes a plurality of alternative candidates 20H, the guide unit 53 displays a list according to their respective priorities. That is, the guide unit 53 sorts and displays the plurality of alternative candidates 20H in descending order of priority, or displays the plurality of alternative candidates 20H together with their priorities.

In addition, in displaying a list of the plurality of alternative candidates 20H, the guide unit 53 displays the installation position of the alternative candidate 20H, the travel route to the installation position, and the route to take, based on the location classification in which each of the plurality of alternative candidates 20H is installed. You may also be provided with information on how long it will take to go there. Furthermore, in the above list display, the guide unit 53 may also provide information such as the number of parts in stock, the expiration date, and the appearance of the parts (reel, etc.) corresponding to the request in the alternative candidate 20H.

Next, upon receiving the selection of the alternative candidate 20H by the operator, for example (S323), the guide unit 53 designates the selected alternative candidate 20H to the alternative storage 20T (S324). Note that even when there is only one alternative candidate 20H included in the search process (S20), the guide unit 53 may similarly display the alternative candidate 20H (S322) and designate it as the alternative storage 20T. The selection is accepted so that the operator confirms whether or not it is selected (S323).

Subsequently, the guide unit 53 guides the user to the alternative storage 20T specified in S324 (S325). Specifically, the guide unit 53 provides guidance by displaying on a terminal that the operator can view that the parts that meet the request are stored in the alternative storage 20T. At this time, the guide unit 53 may also guide the installation position of the alternative storage 20T, the travel distance to the installation position, etc. as various information regarding the alternative storage 20T. Further, if there is sufficient stock in the storage 20 associated with the request line 10R (S10: Yes), the search process (S20) is omitted, and the alternative candidate 20H is 0 (S321 :No), the storage 20 associated with the request line 10R is guided (S325).

After that, if the guided storage 20 such as the alternative storage 20T is capable of automatically retrieving parts (S326: Yes), the guide unit 53 is set to automatically send out a retrieval command. It is determined whether there is one (S327). Whether the delivery command is to be sent automatically or manually is set in advance by, for example, the administrator of the production control device 50, and is stored in the storage unit 51 as setting information. If the setting is made to automatically send out the delivery command (S327: Yes), the guide unit 53 instructs the alternative storage 20T, etc. to deliver the parts according to the request (S328). .

On the other hand, if the automation level of the alternative storage 20T etc. is low and the parts cannot be automatically dispatched (S326: No), or if the setting is made to manually send the dispatch command (S327: No), The guide unit 53 ends the guide process by omitting the sending of the exit command to the alternative storage 20T and the like. According to the configuration of the second aspect of the guidance process as described above, it is possible to allow the operator to specify the alternative storage 20T while guiding the alternative candidates 20H reflecting the priority. Thereby, an alternative storage 20T can be specified according to the production situation etc. according to the operator's judgment.

In the first and second aspects described above, it is assumed that one or more alternative candidates 20H are detected in the search results of the search process (S20). On the other hand, if the alternative candidate 20H is not detected even though the search process (S20) has been executed, the guide unit 53 may, for example, provide a guide to that effect and select a candidate that is associated with the request line 10R. The user is guided to replenish the storage 20 with parts or to directly replenish the parts to the request line 10R.

In addition, in the process of responding to a request for parts replenishment as described above, the stock of parts is insufficient in the storage 20 associated with the request line 10R (S10: No), and the parts are removed from the guided alternative storage 20T. When the parts are replenished, the parts that were scheduled to be used in the alternative storage 20T will be used for unscheduled production processing. In this case, it is predicted that there will be a shortage of parts in the alternative storage 20T in the future.

Therefore, when parts replenishment is performed using the alternative storage 20T, the production control device 50 records this, for example, and replenishes the parts shipped to the alternative storage 20T from the parts warehouse at an appropriate timing. You can also guide them to do so. Thereby, it is possible to suitably restore the storage state of the alternative storage 20T while preventing production from being stopped due to parts being out of stock.

2. Effects of Configuration of Embodiment According to the above-described production control device 50, when there is not enough stock of parts in response to the request in the storage 20 corresponding to the request line 10R that requested replenishment of parts (S10: No), etc. The storage 20 associated with the production line 10 is searched for alternative candidates 20H (S20).

Thereby, one of the detected replacement candidates 20H can be designated as the alternative storage 20T, and the parts according to the request can be delivered and replenished from the alternative storage 20T. In this way, the production management device 50 can manage the inventory of parts as a whole by coordinating the plurality of production lines 10 and the plurality of storages 20. Therefore, the production control device 50 can more appropriately guide the delivery of parts.

3. Modifications of the Embodiment In the embodiment, the production control device 50 is installed in a host PC provided on each floor. On the other hand, the production management device 50 may be an external device of the host PC. For example, the production management device 50 may be configured as a dedicated device that is communicably connected to a plurality of production devices that make up the existing production line 10 and a host PC. Thereby, the production control device 50 may be installed for each building, facility, region, or country, and may be configured to centrally manage the production line 10 and storage 20 for each of these categories.

1: Management system, 10: Production line, 10R: Request line, 14: Component placement machine, 20: Storage, 20T: Alternative storage, 50: Production control device, 51: Storage unit, 52: Search unit, 53: Information department, M1: Production plan, M2: Product information, M3: Section information, M4: Priority information

Claims (9)

From among a plurality of storages, each of which stores a plurality of types of parts that can be supplied to a plurality of production lines that produce circuit board products by attaching parts to circuit boards, and automatically releases the parts based on a delivery command. A storage warehouse search method for searching the storage warehouse from which the parts required by the predetermined production line are shipped, the method comprising:
an associating step of associating each of the plurality of production lines with a plurality of storages that store the parts used in production as corresponding storages in a one-to-many manner;
There is a request to supply the parts of a predetermined type to any one of the plurality of production lines, and the parts are supplied in response to the request in the plurality of storage warehouses corresponding to the production line that has made the request. a search step of searching for a storage other than the corresponding storages among the plurality of storages that can issue the parts in response to the request if the inventory is not sufficient;
Equipped with
In the search step, when searching the other storage, residual parts that have been used in production processing that has been completed or scheduled to be completed in the plurality of production lines and that have been supplied to the plurality of production lines are searched. , a storage warehouse search method in which the parts are considered to be stored in a plurality of storage warehouses corresponding to each of the plurality of production lines and included in the search target. From among a plurality of storages, each of which stores a plurality of types of parts that can be supplied to a plurality of production lines that produce circuit board products by attaching parts to circuit boards, and automatically releases the parts based on a delivery command. A storage warehouse search method for searching the storage warehouse from which the parts required by the predetermined production line are shipped, the method comprising:
an associating step of associating each of the plurality of production lines with a plurality of storages that store the parts used in production as corresponding storages in a one-to-many manner;
There is a request to supply the parts of a predetermined type to any one of the plurality of production lines, and the parts are supplied in response to the request in the plurality of storage warehouses corresponding to the production line that has made the request. a search step of searching for a storage other than the corresponding storages among the plurality of storages that can issue the parts in response to the request if the inventory is not sufficient;
If a plurality of said storages are included in the search result in said search step, a guiding step of selecting said plurality of said storages as alternative storages from which said parts in accordance with said request are to be delivered;
A storage search method comprising: From among a plurality of storages, each of which stores a plurality of types of parts that can be supplied to a plurality of production lines that produce circuit board products by attaching parts to circuit boards, and automatically releases the parts based on a delivery command. A storage warehouse search method for searching the storage warehouse from which the parts required by the predetermined production line are shipped, the method comprising:
an associating step of associating each of the plurality of production lines with a plurality of storages that store the parts used in production as corresponding storages in a one-to-many manner;
There is a request to supply the parts of a predetermined type to any one of the plurality of production lines, and the parts are supplied in response to the request in the plurality of storage warehouses corresponding to the production line that has made the request. a search step of searching for a storage other than the corresponding storages among the plurality of storages that can issue the parts in response to the request if the inventory is not sufficient;
Equipped with
Each of the divisions where the production line and the storage are installed is indicated by a plurality of location classifications,
In the searching step, the parts corresponding to the request are stored in order from the storage warehouse having the most location classifications common to the plurality of location classifications indicating the division where the production line that made the request is installed. A storage search method that searches by determining whether or not there is a storage. In the searching step, when there is a request to supply the parts of a predetermined type to any one of the plurality of production lines, the retrieval step includes searching a plurality of corresponding storage warehouses corresponding to the production line that has made the request. An inquiry is made as to the number of parts in stock that corresponds to the request, and if the number of parts in stock in a plurality of corresponding storage warehouses does not satisfy the required number of parts, the parts other than the corresponding storage warehouses among the plurality of storage warehouses are inquired. 4. The storage warehouse search method according to claim 1, further comprising searching for another storage facility from which the parts that meet the request can be delivered. The production line and the storage are installed on multiple floors,
Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the searching step, the search is performed with priority given to the storage warehouses installed on the same floor than the storage warehouses other than the floor where the production line that made the request is installed. The storage search method described in item (1) above . Claim further comprising a guiding step of specifying the other storage found in the search step as an alternative storage and instructing the alternative storage to release the parts in accordance with the request. The storage search method described in 1 or 3 . In the guidance step, when a plurality of storages are included in the search result, the storage is selected according to a guidance priority set for each of the storages for the production line that has made the request. 7. The storage storage search method according to claim 6 , wherein the storage storage is designated as the alternative storage. 8. The storage storage search method according to claim 7 , wherein, in the guiding step, when a plurality of storage storages are included in the search result, the storage storage with the highest priority is designated as the alternative storage storage. The priority includes the automation level of the shipping process in the plurality of warehouses, the distance between the production line that made the request and each of the plurality of warehouses, and the number of parts in stock or expiration date of the parts in the warehouse. The storage search method according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the storage search method is set based on at least one.

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