JP2008090453A - Management system and management method for parts - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the management system and method of parts for surely grasping the substantial number and the accumulating circumstances and the number of excess and deficiency of parts A, B and C to be delivered, and for automatically determining which of various assemblies can perform an assembly operation. <P>SOLUTION: Under the consideration of attaching an RFID tag 2 to a component and a container in which a plurality of components are stored, and reading the specific information of the component by a radio RFID reader 3, and grasping the substantial number of delivery components based on the read data, a management host computer 4 which performs the integrated circumstance management according to a signal from the RFID reader 3 which communicates with the RFID tag 2 capable of writing and reading information for specifying components is characterized to manage the number of excess and deficiency of components by preparing a necessary component number calculation table 9 for enumerating the necessary number of pieces of components and an excess and deficiency information table 10 for enumerating the real number of components. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a parts management system and management method, and more particularly to a parts management system and management method for managing the state of integration of various parts delivered as needed for production of various products.

Conventionally, when producing various devices (products) such as printers, various necessary parts are produced by each manufacturer and delivered in a container of any form such as a bag or box. Often done.
For the delivered parts, whether the person in charge looks at the display contents such as the part label attached to each container to check the accumulation status, and whether to start the assembly process using each part I was deciding whether or not.
In various types of production management systems that have been developed in the past, it is also possible to check the line supply information of parts, but in such a system, how many parts have flowed on the line. In other words, it is only possible to grasp theoretical values, and at the stage of delivery or receipt of parts, it is common to determine which parts are present and how many are present at the moment. This is done manually.
Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to efficiently grasp the actual number of parts, and it is troublesome to grasp the excess and deficiency with respect to the necessary number.

In addition, confirming the delivery data and documents for each part one by one, identifying and confirming the actual part slip, and proceeding to the assembly process while matching the actual part (or the contents of the original slip) with the data However, there is a problem that it takes time to determine which assembly of the various assemblies (assemblies) of the product can be assembled.
This judgment work can be performed in a relatively short time if it is a worker who is skilled in the work, but because it depends on the skill of each individual worker, the workability is stable. There is a problem that I can not say.

JP 2006-131414 A

    The present invention has been considered in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a component management system and a management method capable of easily grasping the actual number of components delivered.

    It is another object of the present invention to provide a component management system and a management method capable of reliably ascertaining the accumulation status or the excess / deficiency of the delivered components.

    It is another object of the present invention to provide a parts management system and management method that can automatically determine from which assembly assembly work is possible for various assemblies of products.

    That is, the present invention is to attach an RFID tag to each container or a container containing a plurality of parts, to enable reading of specific information of each part from the RFID tag by a wireless RFID reader, and Focusing on grasping the actual number of delivered parts based on the read data, and enabling determination of the transition to the assembly process according to various assembly of the product. A component management system for confirming the state of integration of various components for producing the RFID tag, which is attached to the component or its container, and capable of writing and reading information capable of identifying the component, RFID reader capable of reading the above information of the RFID tag and a signal from the RFID reader A management host computer for confirming the existence of each of the parts and managing the integration status of the parts, and the management host computer lists the required number of parts for producing the product. Prepare a calculation table and an excess / deficiency information table that inputs the required number of the parts in the required component count calculation table and lists the actual number of the delivered parts. It is a part management system characterized in that it can be managed.

    The management host computer can output the information on the operation screen according to the excess or deficiency of the parts.

    The management host computer can manage the required number of the parts for each assembly of the product and can manage the excess and deficiency of the parts for each assembly.

    A second invention is a parts management system for confirming an accumulation state of various parts for producing a product, which is attached to the part or its container and writes information capable of specifying the part and An RFID tag that can be read, an RFID reader that can read the information of the RFID tag, and a management host computer that confirms the presence of the components by signals from the RFID reader and manages the integration status thereof. The management host computer inputs a required number of parts calculation table that lists the required number of parts for producing the product, and the required number of parts in the required number of parts calculation table. An excess / deficiency information table that lists the actual number of parts delivered, and Whether or not it is possible to shift to each assembly process for each assembly by preparing an assembly process information table for managing the actual number and excess / deficiency number by dividing the parts required for each seed assembly into the assembly process This is a parts management system characterized in that it can be managed.

    The management host computer can output information on whether or not it is possible to shift to each assembly process for the assembly on the operation screen according to the excess / deficiency number of the parts.

    The management host computer specifies an assembly absolutely necessary part for the assembly among the parts, and determines whether or not the assembly process can be shifted to the assembly process according to the integration state of the assembly absolutely necessary part. The information can be managed.

    A third invention is a component management method for confirming an integration state of various components for producing a product, wherein an RFID tag capable of writing and reading information capable of specifying the component is connected to the component or A tag attaching process to be attached to the container, a reading process for reading the information of the RFID tag with respect to the delivered part by an RFID reader, and a management host computer based on a signal from the RFID reader, A management step for confirming the existence and managing the accumulation status, and the management host computer includes a necessary part number calculation table that lists the necessary number of parts for producing the product, Enter the required number of parts in the parts count calculation table and That the excess or shortage information table include a substantial number of the component, to prepare the a management method of parts, characterized in that a manageable excess or deficiency number of the component.

    A fourth invention is a component management method for confirming an integration state of various components for producing a product, wherein an RFID tag capable of writing and reading information capable of specifying the component is connected to the component or A tag attaching process for attaching to the container, a reading process for reading the information of the RFID tag with respect to the delivered part by an RFID reader, and a management host computer based on a signal from the RFID reader, A management step for confirming the existence and managing the accumulation status, and the management host computer includes a necessary part number calculation table that lists the necessary number of parts for producing the product, Enter the required number of parts in the parts count calculation table and Prepare an excess / deficiency information table that lists the actual number of parts and an assembly process information table that manages the actual number and excess / deficiency number by dividing the parts required for each assembly of the product into its assembly process. Then, for each assembly, it is possible to manage whether or not it is possible to shift to each assembly process.

In the parts management system and management method according to the present invention, the information about each part of the RFID tag can be read wirelessly, and the management host computer can grasp the actual number of each part. The number of parts can be managed from the data in the table and the excess / deficiency information table.
Therefore, it is possible to smoothly and reliably perform the ordering process and the receiving operation of the parts, and it is easy to efficiently shift to each assembly process (particularly, an assembly process corresponding to each assembly) after the receiving process.

    In particular, according to the first invention, the actual number of components can be grasped by holding the RFID reader over the RFID tag attached to the component itself or the RFID tag of the container in which the component is accommodated, and the necessary number of components is calculated. From the table and the excess / deficiency information table, the excess / deficiency number of parts can be instantly grasped, and the production process can be easily managed.

    In particular, according to the second invention, the assembly process information table is used to grasp the excess or deficiency of parts for each assembly, and this situation is indicated on the operation screen of the management host computer by a circle (with parts) or a cross (without parts). It is possible to promptly determine which assembly is given priority to the assembly process, which assembly can be operated, which assembly is lacking parts, and the like.

In particular, according to the third invention, the receiving department for various parts can immediately confirm the actual number and the excess or shortage of the receiving parts simply by operating the RFID reader.
In addition, since the worker (purchaser) who manages the ordering / ordering of parts can receive the receiving status (receipt status) or supply status of each part as data from the receiving site, the entire order management is efficient. Is possible.

In particular, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the receiving department for various parts can determine the setup in the next assembly process, particularly for each assembly, simply by operating the RFID reader.

    The present invention utilizes an RFID tag and an RFID reader, and at the initial stage of product production from data in a necessary number of parts calculation table and excess / deficiency information table, as well as an assembly process information table in a management host computer. It is possible to automatically grasp the actual number of each part at the receipt stage, and which parts are excessive or insufficient and work is stagnant, or which assembly is preferentially transferred to the assembly process , Etc., and a parts management system and management method that can flexibly change production plans.

Next, a parts management system 1 and a management method thereof according to a first embodiment of the present invention (first and third inventions) will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a parts management system 1. The parts management system 1 includes a plurality of various parts A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and the like for producing a product. .. For confirming the state of accumulation in the receiving department of I,..., And includes an RFID tag 2, an RFID reader 3, and a management host computer 4.

The RFID tag 2 is attached to the part A,... Itself or its container (not shown), and information (at least the type and number) for identifying each part A,. And any form of readable tag.
That is, the RFID tag 2 has an IC chip 6 and an antenna 7 in the tag main body 5, stores specific data necessary for the IC chip 6, and wirelessly communicates data with the RFID reader 3. Writing and reading are possible.
The RFID tag 2 can be individually attached to each part A,... Or can be attached to the container of the parts A,. The RFID tag 2 attached to the container stores the type and number of parts as data.

    The RFID reader 3 has an RFID antenna 8 that can communicate with a plurality of RFID tags 2 (antennas 7), and data communication with the RFID tag 2 of each component A,. The information of the tag 2 (IC chip 6) can be read in a batch, and the read data is transmitted to the management host computer 4 wirelessly or by wire.

The management host computer 4 confirms the presence of the parts A,... By the signal (read data) from the RFID reader 3 and manages the integration status thereof.
That is, the management host computer 4 has various types of software necessary for the above-described integration status management, and prepares a necessary component number calculation table 9, an excess / deficiency information table 10, and an assembly process information table 11.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the required number-of-parts calculation table 9. The required number-of-parts calculation table 9 lists the required number of parts A,... For producing N products. Depending on the product, the necessary number of each part A,... Is input as N and a necessary multiple thereof, for example.
In the illustrated example, the parts A,... Are listed for each assembly (for example, a ribbon assembly and a label assembly in a thermal transfer printer as a product).

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the excess / deficiency information table 10. The excess / deficiency information table 10 shows the required number N of parts A,... In the required component number calculation table 9 (for example, 100 parts A are required). As well as inputting, the real number of parts A,... Delivered (for example, the real number of parts A received is 90).
For each part A,..., The necessary number and substantial number, as well as the presence or absence of parts for assembly in the product, are listed together with the presence or absence of each. The presence / absence of the parts A,... Is indicated by, for example, a circle (with parts) or a cross (without parts).

    The assembly process information table 11 divides the parts A,... Necessary for each assembly of the product into the assembly process and manages the actual number and excess / deficiency number. The assembly process information table 11 These relate to the second embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 17) of the present invention (second and fourth inventions) and will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for managing the parts A,... By the parts management system 1 having such a configuration. First, as the premise of the parts management system 1, the parts A,. Alternatively, the RFID tag 2 is attached in advance to the container (tag attachment process).
In step S 1, the management host computer 4 inputs the number of products, for example, the number of printers produced (N).
In step S2, the required number of components A,... In the required component count calculation table 9 is calculated.
In step S3, the necessary number of parts A,... Calculated by the necessary parts number calculation table 9 is substituted into the item of the required number of parts in the excess / deficiency information table 10.
In step S4, information of the RFID tag 2 is collectively read by the RFID reader 3 for the delivered parts A,... (Reading process).
In step S 5, the read signal is transmitted from the RFID reader 3 to the management host computer 4.
Based on the signal from the RFID reader 3, the management host computer 4 confirms the presence of the parts A,..., That is, grasps the actual number of each component and manages the accumulation status (management). Process).

That is, in step S6, it is determined whether the types of parts A,.
If they are ready, it is determined in step S7 whether there is an excess or deficiency in the number of parts A,..., Whose actual number has been accepted (see the excess / deficiency information table 10 in FIG. 3).

If there is no excess or deficiency in step S7, the information can be output to the operation screen of the management host computer 4 in step S8.
For example, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the corresponding screen in step S8, and shows that all parts are complete (may be excessive) and can be assembled for all assemblies. .

If the types of parts A,... Are not available in step S6, or if there is an excess or deficiency between the actual number and the required number of parts A,. The information can be output to the operation screen of the management host computer 4.
For example, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the corresponding screen in step S9. For example, in the example illustrated in the excess / deficiency information table 10 of FIG. 3, the assembly that can be assembled is a label assembly, In the ribbon assembly, parts C, E, and F are shown as missing parts, respectively.
Further, the excess / deficiency information indicates that there are not enough 10 parts A in the ribbon assembly and 50 more parts I in the label assembly.

    Thus, the reading number of the RFID tag 2 by the RFID reader 3 can be used to grasp the actual number of parts A,. And can be confirmed quickly.

Next, a component management system 20 and a management method thereof according to a second embodiment of the present invention (second and fourth inventions) will be described with reference to FIGS.
The system configuration of the parts management system 20 is the same as that of the parts management system 1 (FIG. 1), but the parts management system 20 has a necessary parts count calculation table 9 and an excess / deficiency information table 10 in the management host computer 4. In addition to the above, there is an assembly process information table 11, and the part management software for each assembly is different in relation to the assembly process information table 11.
That is, the parts management system 20 manages the necessary number and excess / shortage of parts A,... For each assembly of the product, and determines whether or not each assembly is transferred to the assembly process. It is.

7 to 11 are perspective views showing an example of each assembling process when the ribbon assembly is sequentially assembled as an assembly. FIG. 7 shows a part A (ribbon assembly frame) and a part B (ribbon supply shaft). FIG. 8 shows a second assembly process for additionally assembling the part C (ribbon winding shaft), and FIG. 9 shows an additional assembly for the part D (supply side gear). FIG. 10 shows a fourth assembly process for additionally assembling the part E (winding side gear), and FIG. 11 shows a fifth process for additionally assembling the part F (timing belt). The assembly process is shown.
As shown in FIG. 7, the part A is specified as an absolutely necessary part for the ribbon assembly among the various parts A,... (See the assembly process information table 11 in FIG. 13). Unless the goods are received, the assembling work as a ribbon assembly cannot be started. First, as a first assembly process, the part B is assembled in the groove of the part A.

As shown in FIG. 8, the component C is assembled in the groove of the component A in the same manner as the component B as the second assembly step.
As shown in FIG. 9, as a third assembling step, the part D is attached to the outside of the part A by screwing a through hole of the part D around the shaft of the part B.
As shown in FIG. 10, as a fourth assembly step, the part E is attached to the outside of the part A by screwing a through hole of the part E around the shaft of the part C.
As shown in FIG. 11, the part F is hung around the part D and the part E as a 5th assembly process.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the assembly process necessary parts table 21. The assembly process necessary parts table 21 lists parts necessary for the first to fifth assembly processes.
For example, the first process requires part A and part B, and the fifth process requires all parts A, B, C, D, and E, and part A is an absolutely necessary part. is there.
If such an absolutely necessary part is set for each assembly, the RFID tag 2 of a plurality of parts A,... It is possible to grasp the assembly process that can be used, and even if there is a missing part for a certain part, if the process proceeds to the possible assembly process, the waiting state for the missing part (part) is taken. Therefore, the assembly time can be expected to be shortened.

    FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the assembly process information table 11 (see FIG. 1), and the assembly process information table 11 includes necessary parts A,. ..Which assembly process is required, absolutely necessary parts for assembly (part A in the example shown), presence / absence of parts, required number of parts, real number and excess / deficiency, and presence / absence of parts in each assembly It is possible to manage whether or not it is possible to shift to each assembly process for each assembly.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for managing parts A,... By the parts management system 20 having such a configuration. First, in steps S11 to S15, steps S1 to S5 ( Similarly to FIG. 4), the production number of printers is input by the management host computer 4 (step S11), and the required number of parts A,... In the required part number calculation table 9 is calculated (step S12).
The necessary number of components A,... Calculated by the required component count calculation table 9 is substituted into the item of the required number of components in the excess / deficiency information table 10 (step S13), and the RFID tag for the components A,. 2 is read at once by the RFID reader 3 (step S14), and the read signal is transmitted from the RFID reader 3 to the management host computer 4 (step S15).
Based on the signal from the RFID reader 3, the management host computer 4 confirms the presence of the parts A,. That is, the actual number of each is grasped, the accumulation status is managed, and an executable assembly process is determined (management process).

That is, in step S16, it is first determined whether or not there is an absolutely necessary part (part A) to be assembled (whether or not it has been delivered).
If there is an absolutely necessary part (part A), it is determined in step S17 whether or not there is a part B other than the absolutely necessary part.
If there are parts B,..., It is determined in step S18 whether or not there is a required number (planned number) of absolutely necessary parts to be assembled.
If there is a necessary number, in step S19, it is determined whether there is a necessary number of parts B,.
If there is a necessary number of parts B,..., The process that can be assembled at this point is grasped in step S20.
Further, in step S21, the processes that can be assembled are arranged in ascending order and displayed on the operation screen of the management host computer 4.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the corresponding screen in step S21, and all the parts are prepared without deficiency (may be excessive), and for example, all the assembly processes can be executed for the ribbon assembly. Is shown.
It should be noted that by pressing (clicking) the display button 22 on the ribbon assembly screen or the display button 23 on the label assembly screen, the assembling processes are performed in ascending order of numbers, for example, for ribbon assemblies in FIGS. The shown assembly process can be specifically displayed as a manual.

If “NO” in step S18 and step S19, that is, if not all parts are prepared, in step S22, the assembling process and the assembling number are grasped, and in step S23, assembling is performed. The possible processes and the number of pieces that can be assembled are displayed on the operation screen of the management host computer 4 together with the shortage information and the shortage information.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a corresponding screen in step S23. For example, for the ribbon assembly, the assembly possible processes are the first assembly process and the third assembly process, and the number of assemblies that can be assembled is as follows. 90 parts, parts C, E and F are not delivered as missing part information, and 10 parts A are missing as excess / deficiency information.
As for the label assembly, since all the parts A,... Are prepared, all the assembly processes can be performed, and the number of assembling is 100, but 50 parts I are required. It indicates that there is a surplus.

If “NO” in step S16 and step S17, that is, if no parts A,... Are available, it is determined in step S24 that no assembly process can be performed, and step S25 is performed. Then, this is displayed on the operation screen of the management host computer 4.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a corresponding screen in step S25, and shows that, for example, no assembly process can be performed for the ribbon assembly and the label assembly.

Thus, the management host computer 4 can output information on whether or not each assembly process can be transferred to the respective assembly process on the operation screen according to the number of parts A,... Information on whether or not it is possible to shift to the assembly process for each assembly in accordance with the accumulation status of the absolutely necessary parts to be assembled. For each assembly, the items that can be transferred to the assembly process are displayed, and for the assembly that cannot be transferred, which parts are missing, and the number of parts that are insufficient Display and automatically and quickly confirm the integration status of parts A, ... And by carrying out previously, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the whole production process.

Overview of a parts management system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention (first and third inventions) and a parts management system 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention (second and fourth inventions) It is explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing of the required component number calculation table 9 similarly. It is explanatory drawing of the excess / deficiency information table 10 similarly. It is a flowchart figure of the management method of the components A by the component management system 1 by 1st Example of this invention (1st and 3rd invention). It is explanatory drawing of the corresponding | compatible screen of step S8. It is explanatory drawing of the corresponding | compatible screen of step S9. First assembly step of assembling component A (ribbon assembly frame) and component B (ribbon supply shaft) in relation to the component management system 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention (second and fourth inventions) FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd assembly process in which the components C (ribbon winding shaft) are assembled additionally. It is a perspective view which shows the 3rd assembly process of assembling components D (supply side gear) additionally. It is a perspective view which shows the 4th assembly process in which the components E (winding side gear) are assembled additionally. It is a perspective view which shows the 5th assembly process of assembling components F (timing belt) additionally. It is explanatory drawing of the assembly process required component table 21 similarly. It is explanatory drawing of the assembly process information table 11 equally. 2 is a flowchart of a method for managing parts A,... By the parts management system 20. It is explanatory drawing of the corresponding | compatible screen of step S21. It is explanatory drawing of the corresponding | compatible screen of step S23. It is explanatory drawing of the corresponding | compatible screen of step S25.

Explanation of symbols

1 Parts management system (first embodiment, FIGS. 1 and 4)
2 RFID tag 3 RFID reader 4 Management host computer 5 Tag body 6 IC chip 7 Antenna 8 RFID antenna 9 Required component count calculation table (FIG. 2)
10 Excess / deficiency information table (Fig. 3)
11 Assembly process information table (FIG. 13)
20 Parts management system (second embodiment, FIGS. 1 and 14)
21 Assembly Process Necessary Parts Table (Figure 12)
22 Display button (Fig. 16)
23 Display button (Fig. 16)
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, ... Parts

Claims (8)

A parts management system for confirming the accumulation status of various parts for producing products,
An RFID tag that can be attached to the component or its container and can write and read information that can identify the component;
An RFID reader capable of reading the information of the RFID tag;
A management host computer that confirms the presence of each of the components by a signal from the RFID reader, and manages its integration status;
Have
This management host computer
A required number-of-parts calculation table that lists the required number of parts for producing the product;
Input the necessary number of the parts in the necessary part number calculation table, and an excess / deficiency information table that lists the actual number of parts to be delivered,
Prepare
A component management system capable of managing the excess or deficiency of the component. The management host computer is
2. The component management system according to claim 1, wherein the information can be output on the operation screen in accordance with the excess / deficiency number of the component. The management host computer is
Managing the required number of parts for each assembly of the product;
The part management system according to claim 1, wherein the excess / deficiency number of the parts for each of the assemblies is managed. A parts management system for confirming the accumulation status of various parts for producing products,
An RFID tag that can be attached to the component or its container and can write and read information that can identify the component;
An RFID reader capable of reading the information of the RFID tag;
A management host computer that confirms the presence of each of the components by a signal from the RFID reader, and manages its integration status;
Have
This management host computer
A required number-of-parts calculation table that lists the required number of parts for producing the product;
Input the necessary number of the parts in the necessary part number calculation table, and an excess / deficiency information table that lists the actual number of parts to be delivered,
An assembly process information table for managing the actual number and excess / deficiency number by dividing the parts required for each assembly of the product into the assembly process;
Prepare
It is possible to manage whether or not each assembly process can be transferred to each assembly process. The management host computer is
5. The component according to claim 4, wherein information on whether or not it is possible to shift to each assembly process for the assembly can be output on an operation screen in accordance with the excess or deficiency of the component. Management system. The management host computer is
Among the parts, identifying the absolutely necessary parts to be assembled for the assembly,
5. The component management system according to claim 4, wherein the information about whether or not the assembly process can be shifted to the assembly process can be managed in accordance with the state of assembly of the absolutely necessary components. A part management method for confirming the state of accumulation of various parts for producing a product,
A tag attaching step of attaching an RFID tag capable of writing and reading information capable of specifying the component to the component or its container;
Reading the information of the RFID tag for the delivered parts with an RFID reader;
Based on the signal from the RFID reader, a management process for confirming the presence of each of the parts by a management host computer and managing its integration status;
Have
The management host computer is
A required number-of-parts calculation table that lists the required number of parts for producing the product;
Input the necessary number of the parts in the necessary part number calculation table, and an excess / deficiency information table that lists the actual number of parts to be delivered,
Prepare
A method for managing parts, comprising: managing the number of parts in excess or deficiency. A part management method for confirming the state of accumulation of various parts for producing a product,
A tag attaching step of attaching an RFID tag capable of writing and reading information capable of specifying the component to the component or its container;
Reading the information of the RFID tag for the delivered parts with an RFID reader;
Based on the signal from the RFID reader, a management process for confirming the presence of each of the parts by a management host computer and managing its integration status;
Have
The management host computer is
A required number-of-parts calculation table that lists the required number of parts for producing the product;
Input the necessary number of the parts in the necessary part number calculation table, and an excess / deficiency information table that lists the actual number of parts to be delivered,
An assembly process information table for managing the actual number and excess / deficiency number by dividing the parts required for each assembly of the product into the assembly process;
Prepare
It is possible to manage whether or not each assembly process can be transferred to each assembly process.

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