Patent ID: 7209859
Filing Date: 2007-04-24
Classification: G05B,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising the steps of: collecting real time material information from a production line; analyzing the real time material information to determine a material cost; collecting real time operator information from the production line; analyzing the real time operator information to determine an operator cost; collecting real time equipment information from the production line; analyzing the real time equipment information to determine an equipment cost; collecting real time indirect cost information from the production line; analyzing the real time indirect cost information to determine an indirect cost; determining an actual production cost as a function of the material cost, the operator cost, the equipment cost and the indirect cost; and generating cost comparison data as a function of the actual production cost and a scheduled production cost; wherein the real time equipment information includes equipment failure data, and further comprising the steps of: transmitting the equipment failure data to a maintenance post; determining a response time for maintenance personnel to respond to the equipment failure data as a function of the transmitted equipment failure data and a repair time entered by the maintenance personnel in response to the equipment failure data.