JP5544582B2 - Development process management system and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a development process management system and method for analyzing dependencies and progress between a large number of tasks in a product development project based on daily work reports.

  Work processes in large-scale development projects such as automobiles and shipbuilding are very complicated due to large numbers of drawings, involvement of multiple departments, and rework due to changes in prerequisite information. It is not easy to plan and manage the timing appropriately and to grasp the risk of delay in progress due to reworking in a timely manner. In view of this, an optimum process has been studied using DSM (Design Structure Matrix) that analyzes dependency relationships between operations in a matrix format and can clarify rework operations. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  Hereinafter, a simple example of DSM will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 8, nine work names (Nxxx design, etc.) are displayed in order in the third column and first row of the matrix. Each work row in the third column is looked sideways, and each work row is marked with a circle in the work column for which reference information is obtained (dependent). If the work is performed in the order of No. 1 to 9 from top to bottom, the circle in the upper right corner of the diagonal line will receive information from the subsequent work, and it will be a return work, but as shown in FIG. The minimum work order can be clarified by rearranging without changing itself (this is a known technique called DSM partitioning; see Non-Patent Document 1).

  However, the DSM can be dependent on the number of cells. When the entire process is composed of 100 operations, it is necessary to check and input whether there is a dependency of 100 × 100−100 = 9900. In order to increase the work by one, it is necessary to confirm the dependency relationship with 100 partners, which is a serious work. Non-Patent Document 1 describes that the number of work handled by DSM is about 30-50. In addition, since business specialization is progressing, it is not easy to specify the dependency relationship with the work of other departments. In order to solve this problem, a method of creating a DSM by paying attention to input / output information between operations has been devised (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  JP-A-2005-135323   JP 2007-310642 A

  Toshiki Mori “Design Method for Process / Organization Efficiency” Toshiba Review Vol. 60 No. 1 2005

  It is clear that the method of directly entering the dependency relationship in the DSM cell cannot handle a large-scale process. The method shown in Patent Document 2 does not deal directly with the input / output information, but introduces a concept that is easily influenced by the subjectivity of the influence of information. It must be concentrated on individuals such as project managers, and it seems that considerable effort is required to build a large-scale process DSM. In addition, the number of operations and input / output information changes from day to day as the project progresses and studies become deeper. It is not easy for the project manager to collect information and make the DSM created at the beginning follow the daily changes. In other words, the usefulness of DSM analysis is widely recognized, but there is no method for efficiently constructing a large-scale process DSM involving multiple departments.

  An object of the present invention is to realize a development process management system and method having a DSM analysis function such as a DSM creation function and partitioning that can easily follow a daily work process change, and to solve the above problems. Furthermore, when this type of management system is introduced, there is a problem that the operation cannot be established if a new burden is imposed on the worker. It is also an object to provide the worker with the benefit that the rework of the work is reduced by using the system of the present invention without imposing a new burden on the worker.

  First, a process model assumed by the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Since the KK work receives J2 information output from the JJ work as input information, the KK work depends on the JJ work. Usually, the worker does not always know who is referring to his / her output information as input information, but knows his / her output information name and the input information name to be referred to. Therefore, if the work name and output information name (= input information name) are managed as individually identifiable, the input / output status (inside the broken line) of each work is grasped and aggregated, and the process is based on the information exchange relationship. Dependencies between the entire operations can be understood, and a DSM between operations can be created. Here, there is no change in the dependency relationship, regardless of whether the input information and output information of each work are plural or singular.

  In order to grasp the input / output status (inside the broken line) of each work in FIG. 2, work information, input information, and output information are included in the work report format that the worker inputs to the computer terminal every day. The work information includes a worker name, a man-hour (estimate), a man-hour (actual result), and a work name. The input information includes an input information name, a comment on the left, and a progress level that are referred to when performing the work. In the input information name comment, a parameter that is particularly interesting among the parameters included in the input information name is written. The output information includes the output information name that is the result of the work, the comment on the left, and the degree of progress. In the output information name comment, a characteristic examination point for the output is written.

  Further, a table format expression including the referenced information automatically transferred by the system of the present invention will be described below as an input / output table. The referenced information includes the name of the worker who refers to the output information of the work as an input, the name of the reference work, and a reference comment. The worker name, the work name, and the output information name (= input information name) will be described below as being individually identifiable by an ID number assigned by a naming rule or an identification number assignment rule not described in the present invention. Usually, there are some management methods in which the worker name is an employee number, the work name is a work classification code, and the output information name is a product number.

  The system according to the present invention includes an input / output table accepting unit that accepts registration / change of input / output table information of each worker, an input / output table for all of the project, and the progress of the output information as the progress of the input information. The entire input / output table creation unit that transcribes information into the column and the referenced information, the overall DSM creation unit that creates the DSM between the operations of the entire project from the information transfer relationship obtained in the overall input / output table, and the overall DSM An optimal DSM calculation unit that rearranges (partitions) the tasks in the order with the least amount of rework, an information input / output table that records the entire DSM and the optimal DSM, and a display that displays the information on the computer terminal A part. The progress of each work is also displayed in the overall DSM and the optimum DSM.

  Further, as a second problem solving means, an overall input / output table transfer unit for transferring information of the entire input / output table to a PDM (Product Data Management) system is provided in addition to the above-described units. The PDM system is a system that centrally manages various product information (drawings, reports, cost information, etc.) from development to mass production as attributes of a bill of materials with a hierarchical structure. Much of the output information (delivery product) of each project work, including existing models, is registered in the PDM system, and its editing history is also managed. If the information to be referred to is instructed to the PDM system, there is a function of automatically notifying and distributing if there is a change (update or the like) in the editing history of the information. The information version entered by the operator as input in the input / output table is always distributed to the worker by the automatic notification and distribution function.

  If the method of referring to the information in the PDM system is unified only by writing the input information name in the input / output table (via the development process management system of the present invention), information exchange in the process can be grasped more comprehensively. The present invention is not related to the PDM system itself, but better solves the problems of the present invention by cooperating with the functions already possessed by the PDM system.

  As described above, since the present invention creates a DSM between operations by using an input / output table for a work report and collects information exchange relations in an integrated manner, the number of cells in the DSM does not matter. It can handle a large number of tasks, and differences in departments are not a problem. The work process structure can be viewed from the optimum DSM obtained by partitioning the entire DSM, and the process examination and the progress can be grasped at the same time. Since work reports are made on a daily basis (when progress has been made in the deliverables) or weekly, it is possible to follow changes in the process structure and realize highly accurate management while greatly reducing the man-hours for project managers. Specifically, if a new problem / examination subject emerges while the project is in progress, the work name and input (reference) information will increase or decrease, so the optimal DSM will also change, and the problem / problem occurrence will be visualized. Can be detected. Because the change can be detected from daily work reports, it is possible to respond more flexibly to risks than project management based on milestones such as design review meetings, drawing times, and prototype delivery times. In other words, even in a large-scale development project involving multiple departments, work procedures and decision-making timing can be appropriately planned and managed, and the risk of delay in progress due to rework can be grasped in a timely manner.

  In addition, in the entire input / output table, reference information of output information of each worker is displayed. As a result, the worker in the downstream process, the work name, and the parameter that the worker is interested in can be known. Also, if you look at the output information comment of the upstream process work that is outputting your input information, you can find the examination point of that work and smooth the arrangement with the previous and subsequent work. Optimal DSM reveals more complicated dependency relationships, makes it possible to clarify the counterpart work of the arrangement, and prevent rework due to lack of communication. It is effective as a collaboration mechanism in global development where remote development bases cooperate. Furthermore, the cooperation with the PDM system, which is the second problem solving means, provides the operator with the benefit that the latest version of the information entered as the input information name is always delivered to the worker, and unnecessary work due to old input information can be prevented. Can be provided. Input information collection and work reporting are normal tasks, and performing these operations using the input / output table of the present invention does not impose a new burden on the worker.

    In the present invention, the development process structure is recorded as DSM every day, so at the end of development, it is analyzed which work was reconciled and reworking occurred frequently, and which work had a large gap between estimated man-hours and actual man-hours. And use the experience in the next project plan.

The block diagram of the processing function part of the development process management system which shows embodiment of this invention Relationship between work and input / output information Sample input / output table at the start of the project Definition example of output information progress score The flowchart of the development process management method which shows embodiment of this invention Example of planned bill of materials information at the start of the project Example of overall I / O table in the project Example of overall DSM at the start of the project Example of optimal DSM in a project Example of an input / output table that divides drawing-based work into task-based work Example of optimal DSM that divides drawing-based work into task-based work Implementation type of the present invention

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a process model on which the present invention is predicated, and explains the relationship between work and input / output information. Since the KK work receives J2 information output from the JJ work as input information, the KK work depends on the JJ work. Usually, the worker does not always know who is referring to his / her output information as input information, but knows his / her output information name and the input information name to be referred to. Therefore, if the work name and output information name (= input information name) are managed as individually identifiable, the input / output status (inside the broken line) of each work is grasped and aggregated, and the process is based on the information exchange relationship. Dependencies between the entire operations can be understood, and a DSM between operations can be created. Here, there is no change in the dependency relationship, regardless of whether the input information and output information of each work are plural or singular.

  FIG. 3 is an example of an input / output table used in the work report to grasp the input / output status (inside the broken line) of each work in FIG. The workers X and Y are also shown. The report items include work information 31, input information 32, and output information 33. The work information 31 includes a worker name, a man-hour (estimation), a man-hour (actual result), and a work name. The input information 32 includes an input information name, a comment on the left, and a progress level that are referred to when performing work. In the input information name comment, a parameter that is particularly interesting among the parameters included in the input information name is written. The output information 33 includes an output information name that is a work product, a comment on the left, and a progress degree. In the output information name comment, a characteristic examination point for the output is written. The worker inputs information other than the degree of progress of the input information to the computer terminal as part of the work report. The worker name, work name, output information name (= input information name), and the like will be described below as individually identifiable by an ID number based on a naming rule or an identification number assigning rule not described in the present invention. Usually, there are some management methods in which the worker name is an employee number, the work name is a work classification code, and the output information name is a product number.

  The input / output table further includes an item of the referenced information 34. The referenced information 34 includes a worker name referring to the output information name of the work as an input, a reference work name, and a comment regarding the output information name (input information name for the referrer). The system of the present invention performs transcription based on the total information of the work information 31 and the input information 32.

  FIG. 4 is a definition example of the progress score entered in the progress column of the output information 33. In Example 1, the worker fills in and updates at his own discretion. Example 2 is scoring in conjunction with the drawing status (plan chart registration, provisional drawing, drawing, etc.) in the PDM system. In addition, there can be various score definitions according to project characteristics, but it is desirable that the definition be as difficult as possible to vary among individuals. The following description and figures are based on Example 1. The progress of the output information 33 reported in the input / output table is shown in the progress column of the input information 32 of the worker who has entered the information as input information when creating the entire input / output table described later. Inventive system posts.

  FIG. 1 shows a processing function configuration of a development process management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The input / output table accepting unit 11 that accepts registration / change of the input / output table of each worker and the input / output tables for all of the project are aggregated, and the progress of the output information 33 is transferred to the progress degree column of the input information 32. Based on the information of the work information 31 and the input information 32, the entire input / output table creation unit 12 to be transferred to the referenced information 34, and the DSM between the tasks of the entire project are created from the information transfer relationship obtained from the entire input / output table. An overall DSM creation unit 13, an optimum DSM calculation unit 14 that rearranges (partitions) the entire DSM in an order with the least amount of rework, and an information record that records the overall input / output table, the overall DSM, and the optimum order DSM And a display unit 16 for displaying the information on a computer terminal.

  Further, as a second problem solving means, an overall input / output table transfer unit 17 for transferring information of the entire input / output table to the PDM system is provided in addition to the above-described units. The PDM system is a system that centrally manages various product information (drawings, reports, cost information, etc.) from development to mass production as attributes of a parts table having a hierarchical structure. Most of the output information (deliverables) of each work of the project, including existing models, is registered in the PDM system and has an attribute management unit 21 that manages attributes such as editing history. If the information to be referred to is instructed to the PDM system, when there is a change (update or the like) in the attribute of the information, the PDM system has an automatic distribution unit 22 for automatic notification / information distribution. The information version entered by the operator as input in the input / output table is always distributed to the worker from the automatic distribution unit. Note that the attribute management unit 21 and the automatic distribution unit 22 are known functions of the PDM system and are outside the scope of the claims of the present invention.

  If the means for referring to the information in the PDM system is unified only by writing the input information name in the input / output table (via the development process management system of the present invention), information exchange in the process can be grasped more comprehensively.

  Note that the development process management system of the present invention can be operated independently of the PDM system, that is, without the overall input / output table transfer unit 17, but cooperates with the functions of the PDM system as a second problem solving means. Thus, the problem of the present invention can be solved better. There may be a form in which the present invention is implemented as a function of the PDM system.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an implementation method using the functions of the respective parts 11 to 17 and 21 to 22, and will be described below. In order to simplify the explanation, the workers are X, Y, and Z 3 designers, and one (design) work is a drawing-based work unit that outputs (draws) one figure number.

  Step S01. As shown in FIG. 3, the workers (X and Y are written together, Z is omitted) are updated from the computer terminal in the input / output table of the latest state of their work information 31, input information 32, and output information 33. Register / change. This is done as part of the daily work report. At the start of the project, the planned parts list and new drawing number are usually registered in the PDM system, so each worker enters the following with reference to it. In the work information 31, the operator name, the design work name of the new drawing in charge (Nxx is the new drawing number), and the estimated man-hour are entered. Record the actual man-hours in conjunction with the progress of the work. In the input information 32, the plan parts table and other information in the PDM are viewed, and the input information name (such as a figure number) necessary for the work is entered (Axx is an existing figure number). In the comment on the left, the parameters that are of particular interest are described among the parameters included in the input information name. Progress is blank (existing figure number Axx may be entered as 1). In the output information 33, the output information name (new drawing number Nxx) is entered, and in the comment on the left, the characteristic examination items leading to the output and where the existing parts are likely to change are entered. Enter 0 for the degree of progress at the start of the project.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of information in the planned parts table. For the sake of simplicity of explanation, the part number and the figure number are the same in this example. As a second problem solving means, when the present invention and the PDM system are linked, it is preferable to add the worker name and the degree of progress as attribute information.

  Step S02. The input / output table accepting unit 11 accepts the input / output table, and the entire input / output table creating unit 12 totals and updates all the persons related to the project. The format of the entire input / output table is such that each input / output table is vertically connected as shown in FIG. 7 (the worker Z is omitted). The entire input / output table is recorded in the information recording unit 15 and displayed on the computer terminals of the operator and administrator via the display unit 16. As shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 7, the progress of each output information name is transcribed in the column of the progress of the input information name. FIG. 7 shows a situation where the project has progressed to some extent, and the degree of progress is different from FIG. As a result, a measure of the authenticity of the input information can be obtained, and the operator can determine whether to start work and which part to start from. As shown by the arrow A2 in FIG. 7, the work in which the output information name is entered (referenced) as the input information name in the columns of the worker, the reference work name, and the reference comment, which are small items in the referenced information 34 column. The comment on the left of the person, work name, and input information name is posted.

  Conventionally, an operator does not always know who is referring to his / her output information as an input, but it becomes clear by looking at the column of the referenced information 34. Since a parameter of particular interest to the referrer is posted in the reference comment field, the referrer can be notified of the parameter early. Furthermore, if you look at the output information name comment that you input as input information in the entire input / output table, you can also grasp the points to consider for the work. With the above effects, communication in the assembly development becomes smooth. It is effective as a collaboration mechanism in global development where remote development bases cooperate.

  The entire input / output table is updated with the daily work report, and the latest version is displayed as shown in FIG. After starting the project, look at the entire input / output table and update your own input / output table if there are any additions or changes to the required input information names. That is, after the project starts, steps S01 and S02 go back and forth. The work names and information names that increase and decrease, such as the addition of new figure numbers and input information that occur with the deepening of the study, are also reflected in the respective input / output tables.

  Step S03. The overall DSM creation unit 13 determines the dependency between the operations from the information exchange of the overall input / output table, and creates / updates the overall DSM. FIG. 8 shows the entire DSM at the start of the project. The work names are arranged according to the assignments of the workers X, Y, and Z. The degree of progress is displayed in the first column. In this description, since one (design) work is entered as a drawing-based work unit for outputting (drawing) one figure number, the progress of the output information name is the same as the progress of the work. Since the project is supposed to start, each design work is zero. When a plurality of output information names are entered, the system may average the progress of each output information name and display it as the work progress.

  When the work row in the third column is looked sideways, there is a circle in the work row where the work receives reference (input) information. When the work column in the first row is viewed vertically, there is a circle in the work row where the work passes reference (output) information. The entire DSM is recorded in the information recording unit 15 and is displayed on the computer terminal of the operator and the manager along with the progress of each operation via the display unit 16.

  Step S04. The optimum DSM calculation unit 14 partitions the entire DSM to calculate the optimum DSM with the minimum return. FIG. 9 shows an example in which FIG. 8 is optimized. FIG. 9 shows a situation where the project has progressed to some extent, and the degree of progress is different from FIG. The optimum DSM is recorded in the information recording unit 15 and is displayed on the computer terminal of the worker and the administrator through the display unit 16 together with the progress of each work. The N122, N233, and N220 design work has a rework structure (reference ring), and it is necessary to plan a meeting place and pay particular attention to its progress.

  Step S05. Based on the optimum DSM in FIG. 9, the work process structure is grasped, and measures related to the delayed work are examined by related parties. The overall input / output table facilitates the linkage between each work and the work before and after the work, but an even more complex rework structure (reference ring) can be viewed from the optimal DSM. Workers will be more clear about the position of their work in the development process, the work that affects them, and the parties they should communicate closely with. For the project manager, the rework structure (reference ring) is known, so the priority in progress management and the priority of measures can be determined. In addition, efficient project management becomes possible, for example, design reviews are conducted when design proposals are negotiated between work of rework structure (reference ring).

  Step S06. The entire input / output table transfer unit 17 transfers the entire input / output table to the PDM system.

  Step S07. The attribute management unit 21 updates the progress, which is the product number / drawing number attribute information stored in the PDM system, according to the progress information of the output information name in the entire input / output table. The drawing status attribute is updated by a drawing registration action which is a normal PDM system operation. (See Figure 6)

  Step S08. The automatic distribution unit 22 is the operator who entered the input information name in the input / output table when the drawing status or progress of the part number / drawing number of the input information name (including existing drawings) in the entire input / output table has been updated. The update information is notified to the computer terminal and the latest information (drawing) is automatically distributed.

  In the development process management system of the present invention, the progress of the new drawing work is reflected in the entire input / output table, and functions only in steps S01 to S05. However, there is a case where an operator other than the project is in charge of an existing diagram (Axx) that the worker intends to refer to or adopt, and there may be a design change. As a second problem solving means, by cooperating with the PDM system as in steps S06 to 08, a design change of an existing diagram is automatically notified, and the risk of performing useless work without knowing the change can be avoided.

  In the previous section, for the sake of a simple explanation of the embodiment, one (design) work has been described on the basis of a drawing that outputs (draws) one figure number, but the actual work report is a little more detailed. Conceivable. FIG. 10 is an example of an input / output table in which the N122 design work of the worker Y is divided from the drawing base to the task base. N122 pipe diameter / bending R examination, N122 piping system plan and N122 drawing work are divided into three.

  The operator fills in the input / output table on a task basis, and writes the output information of the other person in the entire input / output table that he / she wants to refer to as his / her own work as the input information. A task-based DSM that follows changes in daily work content can be created, and more detailed management is possible. FIG. 11 shows an example of task-based optimal DSM. When a new problem / examination subject emerges while the project is in progress, a new task occurs and the work name and input (reference) information increase / decrease. Can be detected automatically. Because the change can be detected from daily work reports, it is possible to respond more flexibly to risks than project management based on milestones such as design review meetings, drawing times, and prototype delivery times.

  In carrying out the present invention, there are various types depending on how to set work units and how to define progress (see FIG. 4). FIG. 12 shows examples of these types as AC. In this specification, the explanation was made in the order of types A and B. However, the general manager of the project grasps the progress on the basis of drawings using type C, and the subordinate manager of the project uses type B to provide details on the task basis. It is also possible to use it properly.

  Various applications useful for process management can be considered by utilizing the information collected in the input / output table. For example, it is possible to examine the personnel allocation and development schedule while creating a Gantt chart in the optimum DSM order using the time axis information of the man-hour (estimation) and the man-hour (actual result) to identify the critical path. Furthermore, the process performed by the optimum DSM calculation unit is not limited to partitioning, and does not prevent other DSM analysis methods from being implemented or the project manager from manually operating and analyzing the DSM.

  In the above description, the worker is the designer, but it is a matter of course that workers from the experimental department and the production engineering department may be added. Information such as experiment reports and equipment review documents is also referenced by other departments, and the work of creating them is part of the development process. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the present invention can be applied to any development process that proceeds as a chain of input information, work, and output information, and is not limited to a mechanical system, but is an electric, a software system, and a mixed development thereof. It is also applicable to processes.

10: Development process management system 11: Input / output table reception unit 12: Overall input / output table creation unit 13: Overall DSM creation unit 14: Optimal DSM calculation unit 15: Information recording unit 16: Display unit 17: Overall input / output table transfer unit 31: Work information 32: Input information 33: Output information 34: Referenced information

Claims (2)

A work process in which a plurality of workers' work refers to output information of other work as input information, generates output information of the work, and the output information further proceeds in a chain that becomes input information of other work. A development process management system (10), which is a system for analyzing and managing daily work report information using a computer and comprising the following processing function units.
(B) the operator inputs from the computer terminal, the work information (31), in addition to the output information having the output information name and the comment and progress regarding it is working result (33), the input information required for work name and input-output table receiving unit which receives the input-output table or registration and change of the equivalent of the contents and an input information with a comment about it (32) (11)
(B) To understand the status of information exchange between workers involved in the same project, the I / O tables for all employees are aggregated, the progress of the output information is posted in the progress column of the input information, and the work information ( 31) By extracting the referenced information (34) from the input information (32) and transferring it to the referenced information column of the input / output table, the progress of the input information of each worker and the referenced status of the output information I / O table creation section (12)
(C) An overall DSM creation unit (13) that identifies dependency relations between tasks from the information exchange relationship obtained from the overall input / output table and creates an overall DSM (Design Structure Matrix) between the tasks of the entire project
(2) An optimal DSM calculation unit (14) for calculating an optimal DSM in which work is rearranged (partitioned) in the order of least rework based on the entire DSM
(E) Information recording unit for recording the entire input / output table, the entire DSM, and the optimum DSM (15)
(F) Display unit (16) for displaying the entire input / output table, the entire DSM, and the optimum DSM on the computer terminal A work process in which a plurality of workers' work refers to output information of other work as input information, generates output information of the work, and the output information further proceeds in a chain that becomes input information of other work. A method for analyzing and managing daily work report information using a computer, comprising the following steps.
(G) Step of enabling individual identification of worker name, work name, and output information name (= input information name) by an ID number assigned by a naming rule or an identification number assignment rule. ), In addition to the output information (33), each worker uses the input / output table including the input information (32) or an equivalent method so that each worker can obtain the work information, the output information name that is the work result, and the comment and progress degree. Work report step for registering / changing input information names and comments related to the work via computer terminals. (I) Computers should all be able to grasp the status of information exchange between workers involved in the same project. The input / output table for each minute is aggregated, the progress of the output information is transcribed in the progress column of the input information of the input / output table, and it is referred from the work information (31) and the input information (32). Extracts broadcast (34), created by post to the referenced information field of the input and output tables, progress of input information for each operator, the entire output table referenced conditions can list the output information, Steps displayed on terminals of workers and project managers (n) The computer identifies dependency relations between works from the information transfer relationship obtained in the overall input / output table, and determines the overall DSM (Design) between the works of the entire project. (Structure Matrix) is created, and the progress of each work is displayed along with the progress of each work on the terminal of the worker and project manager. (L) The computer rearranges the work in the least reworking order based on the entire DSM. Create (partitioned) optimal DSM and display it on the operator and project manager terminals along with the progress of each task. -Up

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