Patent Publication Number: US-2017357925-A1

Title: Production Plan Making Assistance Apparatus and Production Plan Making Assistance Method

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     The present application claims priority from Japanese application JP 2016-116469 filed on Jun. 10, 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in this application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a production plan making assistance apparatus and a production plan making assistance method. 
     As Background Art, it is well-known Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-5032. In Japanese Patent Application Publication NO. 2015-5032, it is described “the engineering schedule control device  10   a  of the embodiment includes a display unit  51 , an engineering schedule DB  41 , a work input unit  12  receiving an input concerning work plan and work contents, a resource input unit  11  receiving an input concerning resource, a work attribute setting unit  6  for setting work attribute, work context setting unit  7  for setting context between works, a PERT execution unit  21  demanding float every work, a priority order evaluation unit  22  for setting priority order based on work float and predetermined evaluation function, a resource leveling execution unit  23  for assigning resources against a plurality of works, an execution ES control unit  33 a for preparing engineering schedule data and registering or renewing the engineering schedule in the engineering schedule DB  41 ”. 
     System products such as control panels and the like is constructed from a plurality of control panels and various units and are the special order products each construction of which is designed according to customer&#39;s order, produced, tested and forwarded. In factory and each process/production site (area), a plurality of products are simultaneously produced parallel. In the various control panels or units, there are mixed those that production resources necessary to produce such as design post in charge of product&#39;s design, production lines and testing facilities according to the kind of products are commonly used and those that such production resources are not commonly used. Therefore, resource competition occurs between each of processes in components of order item. 
     When resource competition occurs, production of any product becomes the deferment. However, in production of control panel, during the intermediate process such as combining units to the control panel, combination test of plural control panels and the like, it is necessitated synchronization of production between components in each order item (putting together starting date of production). 
     Also in a case other than control panels, above variations in combination exist in construction of software function or apparatus in system products. Therefore, in order to observe delivery date of all order items, it is necessary to plan production schedule taking synchronization of production within order item into consideration and produce real products while avoiding resource competition between components mentioned above. 
     Contrarily, production schedule can be planned by utilizing technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-5032. However, it is not necessarily realized that production lead time can be shortened by utilizing the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-5032. Therefore, for example, when units are combined into the control panel, there will occur a problem that only production schedule of units is advanced and units stay as middle work in hand until units are combined. As a result, there will occur a problem that production lead time from customer&#39;s order to forwarding is prolonged. 
     Accordingly, the present invention has an object to provide an apparatus to assist in plan making of production schedule by quantifying non-synchronization degree becoming cause of prolongation of production lead time and indicating it. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To dissolve the above problems, the production plan making assistance apparatus according to the present invention is a production plan making assistance apparatus for a product including a plurality of components, the production plan making assistance apparatus comprising: a storage unit for storing information of lead time in each process of a plurality of processes to produce each component, information of the process synchronizing in production of different component and information of production ability of production resource; an input-output unit for displaying a process result; and an operation unit for processing the information stored in the storage unit; wherein the operation unit reads out the information stored in the storage unit and assigns a start date and a completion date in each process based on a process in which consumption of the production resource lies within the production ability and which synchronizes with the lead time, and wherein the operation unit specifies the completion date assigned to each previous process in a plurality of synchronizing processes, specifies a start date assigned to the process continuing to the specified completion date, calculates a total period between the specified completion date and the specified start date as a total non-synchronization degree and outputs the calculated total non-synchronization degree to the input-output unit. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the non-synchronization degree becoming cause of prolongation of production lead time is quantified and indicated, thereby it can be provided an apparatus to assist in plan making of production schedule. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a figure indicating one example of process flowchart for production schedule making in a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram indicating one example of construction of a production plan making assistance apparatus in the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a figure indicating one example of order information; 
         FIG. 4  is a figure indicating one example of process information; 
         FIG. 5  is a figure indicating one example of process order information; 
         FIG. 6  is a figure indicating one example of production ability information; 
         FIG. 7  is a figure indicating one example of production resource consumption information; 
         FIG. 8  is a figure indicating one example of production schedule plan information; 
         FIG. 9  is a figure indicating one example of production load information; 
         FIG. 10  is a figure indicating one example of non-synchronization degree information in the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a figure indicating one example of input screen; 
         FIG. 12  is a figure indicating one example of the first production schedule plan information and production load information; 
         FIG. 13  is a figure indicating one example of the second production schedule plan information and production load information; 
         FIG. 14  is a figure indicating one example of the third production schedule plan information; 
         FIG. 15  is a figure indicating one example of process flowchart of non-synchronization degree calculation in the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a figure indicating one example of the first output screen in the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a figure indicating one example of the second output screen in the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a figure indicating one example of the third output screen in the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a block diagram indicating one example of construction of production plan making assistance apparatus according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  is a figure indicating one example of production cost price information; 
         FIG. 21  is a figure indicating one example of process flowchart of non-synchronization degree calculation in a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  is a figure indicating one example of non-synchronization degree information in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is a figure indicating one example of output screen in the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 24  is a block diagram indicating one example of construction of production plan making assistance apparatus according to a third embodiment; 
         FIG. 25  is a figure indicating one example of process flowchart of production plan making in the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  is a figure indicating one example of item exchange candidate information; 
         FIG. 27  is a figure indicating one example of the fourth production schedule plan information; 
         FIG. 28  is a figure indicating one example of non-synchronization degree information in the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 29  is a figure indicating one example of the first output screen in the third embodiment; and 
         FIG. 30  is a figure indicating one example of the second output screen in the third embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  indicates one example of process flowchart in the present embodiment and  FIG. 2  is a block diagram indicating one example of construction of a production plan making assistance apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment. In  FIG. 2 , the production plan making assistance apparatus  10  is an apparatus including PC (computer) such as server or terminal and the like and software installed in the PC. The production plan making assistance apparatus  10  includes an input-output unit  100 , a storage unit  200  and an operation unit  300 . 
     The input-output unit  100  is a unit to obtain data necessary for process of the operation unit  300  and to display process result. For example, this input-output unit  100  is constructed so as to include an input device such as keyboard or mouse, a communication device to communicate with the outside, a record-playback device such as disc-type storing medium and an output device such as CRT or liquid crystal monitor. 
     The storage unit  200  includes input information  210  utilized in process of the operation unit  300  and output information  220  storing process result and is constructed from a memory device such as hard disc drive, solid-state drive, memory and the like. The input information  210  includes order information  211 , process information  212 , process order information  213 , production ability information  214  and production resource consumption information  215 . These kinds of information will be described hereinafter. 
     The order information  211  is information to control products concerning orders from customers and delivery data thereof. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the order information  211  includes information of order ID, production group ID, production ID, production number, product code, delivery date. In the order information  211  shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, the order item of order ID “O-01” indicates that it is accepted an order: products (kinds of products) with product code “CA”, “UA”, “CB”, “UB” are respectively accepted by “1 (product)” with production ID “CA-01”, “1 (product)” with production ID “UA-01”, “1 (product)” with production ID “CB-01”, “2 (products)” with production ID “UB-01” and delivery date of “4/21”. 
     Further, it is shown: products with production ID “CA-01”, “UA-01” will be produced in production group ID “G01-1”, products with production ID “CB-01”, “UB-01” will be produced in production group ID “G01-2”. For example, when one product is constructed from more than one housing, one production group is assigned to one housing. Here, production group is not limited to this, and more than one production group may be assigned to one product based on any standard. 
     Here, when the order information  211  is represented as in  FIG. 3 , one line in the table is called as record and combination of “O-01”, “G01-1”, “CA-01”, “1”, “CA” and “4/21” is called as the first record item and combination of “O-01”, “G01-1”, “UA-01”, “1”, “UA”, “4/21” is called as the second record item. As for representation in the other table described hereinafter, the line in the table is called as record. 
     The process information  212  is information to control processes every kind of products and lead time in each of processes. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the process information  212  includes information of product code, process ID, process name, lead time, and synchronization process flag. In the process information  212  shown in  FIG. 4 , products with product code “CA” are produced by six processes of “design” (DSG), “supply” (SPL), “assembly” (ASM), “simple test” (STS), “combination test” (CTS), “forwarding” (FWD) and it is indicated that each lead time is “5 (days)”, “1 (day)”, “3 (days)”, “2 (days)”, “3 (days)”, “1 (day)”. 
     Further, “SG”, “SO” is set as the synchronization process flag of “supply”, “combination test” process. Here, “SG” indicates that start date of the process is synchronized within the same production group ID and “SO” indicates that start date of the process is synchronized within the same order ID. Further, to the synchronized process, the same synchronization process flag is set. 
     The process order information  213  is information to control process order of each kind of product. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the process order information  213  includes information of product code, previous process ID and following process ID. In the process order information  213  shown in  FIG. 5 , production is started from the following process ID in which “S” is set to the previous process ID, next following process is searched by tracing the previous process ID having the above following process and trace is finally conducted to the record in which “E” is set to the following process ID, thereby a series of process order is controlled. 
     For example, the product with the product code “CA” is started to produce from the following process ID “PCA-01 (design)”to the previous process ID of which is set “S”. Thereafter, passing through processes of “PCA-02 (supply)”, “PCA-03 (assembly)”, “PCA-04 (simple test)”, “PCA-05 (combination test)”, production of the product with the product code “CA” is ended at process of “PCA-06 (forwarding)”. 
     The production ability information  214  is information to control production resource necessary in each process and includes information of production resource ID, production resource name, consumption type, production ability and unit. In the production ability information  214  shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, it is indicated that the resource controlled by production resource ID “R-a1” is “combination test area “and production ability is “1 (set)”. In the present embodiment, although production ability is described per one day, production ability may be controlled by time standard necessary for production plan such as per one hour. 
     Here, the resource controlled by production resource ID “R-c1” is “assembly line A” and “14(n)” of production ability indicates the operable time per one day. Further, “consumption type” is information to direct consumption method of each production resource and “occupation” indicates that production load value in some process is continued to consume over lead time. “Proportional distribution” means that production load value is divided by period of lead time and is assigned to each schedule. 
     The production resource consumption information  215  is information to control consumption of resource in some product and in some process and includes information of product ID, process ID, production resource ID, production load and unit. In the production resource consumption information  215  shown in  FIG. 7 , for example, it is indicated in product code “CA”, “process ID “PCA-03” that operation time “21 (h)” is necessitated in the production resource ID “R-c1 (assembly line A)”. In the present embodiment, one production resource is set to one product and one process. Therefore, the operation time “21 (h)” is time per one product and per one process. 
     However, it is not limited to the above and it may be set for one product and one process a plurality of production resources such as operation time by person or operation time by facilities, operation area and the like. Here, in the product code “CA”, process ID “PCA-05”, it is indicated that production load per one day is “1 (set)” in production resource ID “R-a1 (combination test area)”. 
     Further, the output information  220  includes production schedule plan information  221 , production load information  222  and non-synchronization degree information  223 . Each information will be described hereinafter. 
     The production schedule plan information  221  is information to control completion time limit of process in each component of product or unit and includes order ID, production ID, product code, process ID, process start and process time limit. In the production schedule plan information  221  shown in  FIG. 8 , for example, it is indicated that order ID “O-01”, production ID “CA-01”, process ID “PCA-01” indicate the plan in which production is started from “4/5” and completed in “4/9”. 
     The production load information  222  is information to control how each production resource is consumed every day when products are produced corresponding to time limit of each process instructed by the production schedule plan information  221 . The production load information  222  includes information of production resource ID, date, order ID, production ID, process ID, production load and unit. In the production load information  222  shown in  FIG. 9 , for example, it is indicated in production resource ID “R-a1” that operation of order ID “O-01”, production ID “CA-01”, process ID “PCA-05” is executed for “1 (set) over 3 days from “4/18” to “4/20”. 
     The non-synchronization degree information  223  is information to control collection degree of each component in the process that production synchronization of a plurality of control panels or units and the like is necessary. The non-synchronization information  223  includes information of synchronization ID, order ID, production ID, process ID, non-synchronization degree and total non-synchronization degree. Here, the non-synchronization degree is an index indicating estrangement between the process in which production synchronization of products or units is necessary and the previous process of day unit. Here, it is indicated that the production synchronization is obtained so long as the value thereof is smaller. 
     In the non-synchronization degree information  223  shown in  FIG. 10 , for example, it is indicated in synchronization ID “SG-02”, order ID “O-01” that the non-synchronization degree of process ID “PCB-02” in production ID “CB-01” and process ID “PUB-03” in production ID “UB-01” are respectively “0” and “4”, therefore it is indicated that total of non-synchronization degree in the same synchronization ID is “4”. 
     Further, returning to  FIG. 2 , the operation unit  300  is provided to obtain data necessary for operation from the input information  210  of the input-output unit  100  or storage unit  200  and to output process result to the output information  220  of storage unit  200 . The operation unit  300  is constructed from operation process unit  320  actually conducting operation process and memory unit  310  which becomes work area of operation process in the operation process unit  320 . 
     The memory unit  310  is provided to temporarily store data obtained from the input information  210  of the input-output unit  100  and storage unit  200  or result processes by the operation process unit  320 . The operation process unit  320  includes data obtaining unit  321  for obtaining data necessary for operation from the input information  210  and store in the memory unit  310  and process schedule assignment unit  322  for assigning schedule in each process based on the information of delivery date or process order of each product, process lead time. 
     Further, the operation process unit  320  includes production load calculation unit  323  for calculating production load every day from information of schedule of each process and production resource consumption, production ability judgment unit  324  for judging whether or not production load for each day exceeds the production ability and production load leveling unit  325  for changing assignment schedule of production load in a case that production load exceeds production ability. 
     Further, the operation process unit  320  includes non-synchronization degree calculation unit  326  for calculating the non-synchronization degree of production based on a period between start date of the process and time limit of the previous process in the process in which it is necessary to take synchronization of production per order unit or production unit and display control unit  327  for respectively storing information of process time limit every product, process, information production load and ability, calculation result of the non-synchronization degree into the production schedule plan information  221 , production load information  222  and non-synchronization degree information  223  and display on the input-output unit  100 . 
     It will be conceivable that the operation process unit  320  is a processor having memory circuit and each unit may be realized based on that program corresponding to each unit is stored in the memory circuit and the processor executes the stored programs. Further, it will be conceivable that the operation process unit  320  is a processor and program corresponding to each unit is stored in the storage unit  200  or memory unit  310  and the operation process unit  320  may operate as each unit based on that the processor executes the stored programs. 
     Next, according to the process flowchart shown in  FIG. 1 , example of operation of each function (each unit) in the production plan making assistance apparatus  10  of  FIG. 2  will be described. 
     First, for example, the user who is a production manager inputs conditions such as order ID, production ID, product code, time limit becoming plan objects of production schedule in search condition columns on the screen of production schedule plan system shown in  FIG. 11  and clicks. Thereby, the order information  211  corresponding to the order item is output and displayed on the search result columns. 
     Next, the user selects the order item becoming the plan object among the order items output on the search result columns and clicks the execution button. Thereby, process of the production plan making assistance apparatus  10  can be started. Here, the order information  211  and selection information may be received by the input-output unit  100 . In the present embodiment, description will be done hereinafter as the order ID “O-01”, “O-02” displayed on the search result columns of  FIG. 11  are selected. 
     The production plan making assistance apparatus  10  starts processes. Thereby, the data obtaining unit  321  obtains the order information  211  selected by the user and obtains the process information  212 , the process order information  213 , the production ability information  214 , the production resource consumption information  215  concerning the order information (S 100 ). On the screen of the production schedule plan system shown in  FIG. 11 , for example, the information of  1  to  6  record items of the process information  212  shown in  FIG. 4  is obtained corresponding to the product code “CA” of the order ID “O-01” and further the information of 1 to 7 record items of the process order information  213  shown in  FIG. 5  is obtained. 
     Furthermore, corresponding to the process ID “PCA-01” to “PCA-06” of the process information  212  shown in  FIG. 4 , the record items  1  to  3  of the production resource consumption information  215  shown in  FIG. 7  are obtained and the record items  1 ,  2  and  6  of the production ability information  214  shown in  FIG. 6  are obtained corresponding to the production resource ID “R-a1”, “R-b1”, “R-c1” of the production resource consumption information  215 . Here, description will be continued hereinafter as various kinds of input information are obtained, as shown in  FIGS. 3 to 7 . 
     The process schedule assignment unit  322  conducts schedule assignment every product and process based on the time limit of order information  211 , the process order every product code in the process order information  213 , the lead time every process of the process information  212  (S 110 ). In the present embodiment, it will be described the example in which the production schedule is planned according to the order of order items that the delivery date is set to the far-off date. 
     In the order information  211  shown in  FIG. 3 , the delivery dates of two order items “O-01”, “O-02” are respectively set to “4/21”, “4/25” and the delivery date of “O-02” is far-off than the “O-01”. Therefore, schedule assignment every process is conducted from the product (production ID “CA-02”, “UA-02”) of the order item. Here, when the synchronization process flag is set, the schedule assignment may be conducted so that the synchronized process is made the standard. 
     Next, the process schedule assignment unit  322  obtains the final process “PCA-06” (previous process ID of record in which “E” is set to the following process ID) in the product code “CA” of production ID “CA-02”. Further, the lead time “1 (day)” of the product code “CA”, process ID “PCA-06 (forwarding)” is obtained and the lead time is assigned to “4/25” which is the delivery data of product. 
     Thereafter, the production load calculation unit  323  judges whether or not the production resource consumption information  215  exists against the process in which assignment is conducted in the process schedule assignment unit  322  (S 120 ). When judged that the production resource consumption information exists, procedure shifts to S 130 , and on the contrary, when judged that the production resource consumption information does not exist, procedure shifts to S 160 . In the production resource consumption information  215  shown in  FIG. 7 , since data does not exist for the product code “CA”, the process ID “PCA-06”, procedure shifts to process of S 160 . 
     Next, the process schedule assignment unit  322  judges whether or not process schedule assignment of the order items and process becoming plan object of the production schedule is conducted. When judged that the order items and process not assigned exist, procedure returns to S 110  and when judged that the order items and process not assigned does not exist and when schedule assignment in all order items, process is completed, procedure shifts to S 170 . Here, procedure returns to S 110  since assignment is not conducted in the order item “O-02” and process ID “PCA-01” to “PCA-05”. 
     Similar to the above, the process schedule assignment unit  322  obtains the product code “CA” and lead time “3 (days)” of the previous process “PCA- 05  (combination test)” of “PCA-06” (forwarding) and the present process from the process order information  213  shown in  FIG. 5  and the process information  212  shown in  FIG. 4 . The process schedule assignment unit  322  assigns “combination test” process for three days (4/22 to 4/24) from 4/24 which is one day before 4/25 to which “forwarding” process is assigned. 
     Thereafter, since the production load information of the product code “CA”, process ID “PCA-05” exists (third record item) in the production resource consumption information  215  shown in  FIG. 7 , the production load calculation unit  323  conducts addition of production load for the process in which schedule assignment is done in S 110  (S 130 ). Addition method of production load against the present product, process will be described by using an example of  FIG. 12 . 
     The figure (schedule for order ID and the like) described at the upper side in  FIG. 12  is information of production schedule plan in which schedule is assigned every product, process. It is indicated that the schedule in each process is assigned by the period surrounded by the bold line frame. Further, the figure (schedule for production resource ID and the like) described at the lower side in  FIG. 12  is information of production ability for each production resource and production load addition. It is indicated that the bold dot line indicates ability of each production resource, the black cell indicates load added thereto, gray cell indicates load already added in the other order item. 
     First, the production load calculation unit  323  obtains the production resource ID “R-a1” (combination test area)“, the production load “1 (set)” of the product code “CA”, the process ID “PCA-05” from the production resource consumption information  215  shown in  FIG. 7  and obtains the production number “1” of the production ID “CA-02” from the order information  211  shown in  FIG. 3  and integrates. Next, the production load calculation unit  323  obtains the consumption type “occupation” and production ability “1 (set)” of the production resource and respectively adds “1 (set)” during 3 days of 4/22 to 4/24 to which the process is assigned (see black cells of  FIG. 12 ). 
     Further, the production ability judgement unit  324  judges whether or not the load every the production resource added by the production load calculation unit  323  exceeds the production ability in each resource (S 140 ). When judged that the load exceeds the production ability, procedure shifts to S 150  and when judged that the load lies within the production ability, procedure shifts to S 160 . 
     For the production schedule of the production ID “CA-02”, the process ID “PCA-05 (combination test)” shown in  FIG. 12 , since the production load of the production resource “R-a1 (combination test)” lies within the ability (1 set), procedure shifts to S 160 . Here, since the process ID “PCA-01” to “PCA-04” of the order item “O-02” and the production ID “CA-02” are not assigned, procedure returns to S 110  (S 160 ). 
     Next, similar to the above, the process schedule assignment unit  322  obtains the lead time “2 (days)” of the previous process “PCA-04 (simple test)” and the present process of the product code “CA”, “PCA-05 (combination test)” from the process order information  213  shown in  FIG. 5  and the process information  212  shown in  FIG. 4  and assigns “simple test” process during 2 days (4/21 to 4/22) from 4/21 which is one day before the start date of “4/21 to 4/24” to which “combination test” process is assigned. 
     The production load calculation unit  323 , similar to the process in S 130 , obtains the production resource ID “R-b (simple test area)”, the production load “1 (product)” of the present process from the production resource consumption information  215  shown in  FIG. 7  and obtains the production number “1” of the production ID “CA-02” from the order information  211  shown in  FIG. 3 , thereafter integrates. Further, the production load calculation unit  323  obtains the resource consumption type “occupation” and the production ability “1 (product)” from the order information  211  shown in  FIG. 3  and respectively adds “1 (product)” during 2 days of 4/21 to 4/22 to which the present process is assigned. 
     Thereafter, the production ability judgement unit  324 , similar to the process in S 140 , compares the production ability of resource with the load. In the simple test area A shown in  FIG. 12 , the production load of the other item is already added during 4/20 to 4/21 (see gray cells in  FIG. 12 ) and the production load exceeds the production ability, procedure shifts to S 150 . 
     The production load leveling unit  325  shifts the present process to the day that the production load lies within the ability (S 150 ). In the “simple test area A” shown in  FIG. 12 , the production load lies within the ability by moving up the schedule to 4/18 to 4/19, thereby “simple test” is assigned to this date. 
     Processes of S 110  to S 160  described in the above are carried out for the production ID “CA-02”, “UA-02” of the order ID “O-02”, thereby information of the production schedule plan and the production load shown in  FIG. 13  is made. In the upper figure of  FIG. 13 , although supply date of the production ID “CA-02”, “UA-02” are gathered to “4/14”, this is due to the synchronization process flag “SG” of the process ID “PCA-02 (supply)” in the process information  212  of  FIG. 4 . 
     The synchronization flag indicates that the start date of the present process is synchronized with the production ID unit. In the order information  211  shown in  FIG. 3 , since the production group of “production ID “CA-02”, “UA-02” coincides with “G02-1”, supply is assigned to the same day. Further, supposed that the similar processes are carried out for the order ID “O-01”, the production schedule plan shown in  FIG. 14  is made and the production schedule plan information  221  shown in  FIG. 8  and the production load information  222  shown in  FIG. 9  are made, description will be done hereinafter. 
     Thereafter, the non-synchronization degree calculation unit  326  calculates the non-synchronization degree in each process based on the production schedule plan information  221  and information of the synchronization process flag in the process information  212  (S 170 ). The non-synchronization degree is an index representing stay degree of production between the present process and the previous process in the process necessary for production synchronization among a plurality of components. The non-synchronization degree is, for example, calculated as the total of period between the start date of the present process and the completion date of the previous process. 
     In the present embodiment, while making the example of the production schedule plan shown in  FIG. 14  as the object, an example of calculation process of the non-synchronization degree will be described referring to the flowchart shown in  FIG. 15 . First, the non-synchronization degree calculation unit  326  extracts the synchronization process along the plan for each product in the production schedule plan information  221  (S 1710 ). 
     Concretely, the non-synchronization degree calculation unit  326  extracts the process ID of the process information  212  and the synchronization process flag from the product code of the production schedule plan information  221 . In the production schedule plan information shown in  FIG. 14 , for example, the synchronization process of the production ID “CA-01” is “PCA-02 (supply)” and “PCA-05 (combination test)” form the process information  212  shown in  FIG. 4  and obtains the synchronization process flag “SG”, “SO” for these processes. 
     Next, the non-synchronization degree calculation unit  326  obtains the previous processes for the above synchronization processes from the process order information  213  (S 1720 ). In the process order information  213  shown in  FIG. 5 , the previous processes of “PCA-02” and “PCA-05” are respectively “PCA-01” and “PCA-04”. Such information is obtained. 
     Further, the total of period to the previous process every synchronization process extracted in S 1710  is calculated (S 1730 ). 
     For example, in the information of the production schedule plan shown in  FIG. 14 , the start date of “PCA-05 (combination test)” which is the synchronization process of the production ID “CA-01” is specified and the process time limit (completion date) of “PCA-04 (simple test)” which is the previous process is specified. Further, it is calculated that the period of “2 (days)” exists from the process time limit of “PCA-04 (simple test)” which is the previous process against the start date of “PCA-05 (combination test)”. 
     Further, the start date of “PCB-05 (combination test)” which is the synchronization process of the production ID “CB-01” is specified and the process time limit (completion date) of “PCB-04 (simple test)” which is the previous process is specified. Furthermore, it is calculated that the period of “0 (day)” exists from the process time limit of “PCB-04 (simple test)” which is the previous process against the start date of “PCB-05 (combination test)”. “2 (days)” and “0 (day)” are totaled, thereby “2 (days)” is calculated. 
     Thereafter, the non-synchronization degree calculation unit  326  collects the period of the synchronization process and the previous process calculated in S 1730  every component of the product (S 1740 ). In the present embodiment, supposed that the non-synchronization degree information  223  shown in  FIG. 10  is produced from the non-synchronization degree every product calculated in the process of S 1730 , description will be done hereafter. 
     Returning to the flowchart in  FIG. 1 , the display control unit  327  respectively stores the production schedule plan every order item stored in the memory unit  310 , the production load for the production resource every date, the information of the non-synchronization degree calculated in the above into the production schedule plan information  221 , the production load information  222  and the non-synchronization degree information  223  and displays on the input-output unit  100  (S 180 ). 
     An example of output screen in the present embodiment is shown in  FIG. 16 . At the upper side of the screen, the order items and the process table every component are displayed based on the production schedule plan information  221 . Further, on that screen, the non-synchronization period in the synchronization process is displayed by black color based on the non-synchronization degree information  223 , thereby points where production synchronization is not taken can be confirmed in the process table. 
     Furthermore, at the lower side of the screen calculation result of total non-synchronization degree in each synchronization process is displayed. In the table, the result is sorted according to the order in which the total non-synchronization degree becomes larger, thereby filtering corresponding to the value of the total non-synchronization degree is conducted. Further, as shown in the output screen of  FIG. 16 , when the record in the table is selected, item concerning in the process table, process (order ID “O-01”, process name “supply”) are highlighted, thereby points of process improvement corresponding to the total non-synchronization degree can be confirmed. 
     Further, in the present screen, when the “load display” button is clicked under the state that the record of table is selected, information of the production resource and the production load concerning the process of record is displayed as the output screen shown in  FIG. 17 . In  FIG. 17 , it is indicated a state after the first record item of the non-synchronization degree information is selected and “load display” button is clicked. In the present screen, it is displayed an example under the state that the production resource “R-d1 (unit line)” is assigned to the previous process “PUB-02 (assembly)” of the production ID “UB-01”. The assembly date of the present production is 2 days of “4/3 to 4/4 and is highlighted in the production load information column of the present screen by black cells. 
     Further, in the production load information column, the adding state of production load in the schedule before and after the production resource is displayed by gray cells, thereby examination for reduction of middle work in hand, such as whether or not the schedule can be shifted to later date by shortening the lead time and corresponding to over-time work, can be done. 
     As described in the above, the intermediate process in which production does not synchronize can be quantitatively displayed for the order item constructed from a plurality of products or units. Further, based on this display, the user can grasp middle work in hand, thereby it can be made the production schedule plan to effectively reduce middle work in hand in whole factory. 
     Here, in the present embodiment, although total non-synchronization degree is calculated every process in S 1730  and the calculated result is displayed, the non-synchronization degree may be collected every order item in S 1740  and the collected result may be displayed. 
     Instead of the output screen shown in  FIG. 16 , it is shown in  FIG. 18  an example of output screen in which the total non-synchronization degree is collected every order item and the collected result is displayed. 
     Based on that the user sees this display, the object of production schedule plan becomes more, and even if schedule preparation of individual schedule is difficult, review of the production schedule plan can be conducted in a wide viewpoint such as shortening of production lead time, review of production line or outsourcing of order items. 
     Second Embodiment 
     As a second embodiment, when the non-synchronization degree of production is calculated in a plurality of components, it will further indicate an example that production cost price of each component will be integrated and appreciated. The production plan making assistance apparatus  10  of the present embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 19 , is constructed by adding a production cost price information  216  to the input information  210  of the storage unit  200  in the construction of the production schedule plan making apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Further, process of the present embodiment will be described by using the flowchart shown in  FIG. 1 . Here, as for the processes as same as those in the first embodiment, description will be omitted. However, since operation of the non-synchronization degree calculation unit  326  in  FIG. 19  is different from the operation in  FIG. 2 , process contents in S 170  is different. Therefore, such process contents will be described by using  FIG. 21 . 
     The production cost price information  216  is the information to control the production cost price necessary up to each process every kind of product and includes the product code, the process ID and the information of accumulated product cost price. In the product cost price information  216  shown in  FIG. 20 , it is indicated that the production cost price taken until the process ID “PCA-01 (design)” of the product code “CA” is completed is “3 (MY)”. 
     Further, the information of accumulated production cost price indicates accumulation from the first process and it is indicated that the production cost price of “10 (M¥)” is taken until the process ID “PCA-06 (forwarding)” being the final process from the first process of the product code. 
     Next, operation in the production plan making assistance apparatus  10  of  FIG. 19  will be described according to the flowchart shown in  FIG. 1 . First, the data obtaining unit  321  obtains the production cost price information  216  in addition to the order information  211 , the process information  212 , the process order information  213 , the production ability information  214  and the production resource consumption information  215  (S 100 ). Here, supposed that various kinds of information shown in  FIGS. 3 to 7  and  FIG. 20  are obtained, description will be done hereinafter. 
     Here, description of the processes of S 110  to S 160  will be omitted since such processes are as same as those in the first embodiment. Supposed that the production schedule plan shown in  FIG. 14 , the production schedule plan information  221  shown in  FIG. 8  and the production load information  222  shown in  FIG. 9  are produced, description will be done hereinafter. 
     The non-synchronization degree calculation unit  326  calculates the non-synchronization degree in each process based on the production schedule plan information  221  and the synchronization process flag information in the process information  212  (S 170 ). In the present embodiment, by making an example of the production schedule plan shown in  FIG. 14  as the object, the non-synchronization degree calculation process will be described by using the flowchart shown in  FIG. 21 . Here, since processes in S 1710  to S 1730  are as same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted. 
     The non-synchronization degree calculation unit  326  integrates the production cost price necessitated up to the previous process during the period to the previous process every the synchronization process (S 1735 ). For example, in the production schedule plan shown in  FIG. 14 , the start date of the synchronization process “PCA-05 (combination test)”of the production ID “CA-01” is specified and the completion date of the previous process “PCA-04” (simple test)” is specified, thus the period between “PCA-05 (combination test)” and the previous process “PCA-04 (simple test)” is “2 (days)”. 
     Further, from the production cost price information  216  shown in  FIG. 20 , since accumulated value of the production cost price in the previous process “PCA-04 (simple test)” is “7 (MY)”, the non-synchronization degree is integrated as “2 (days)×7 (M¥)=14 (day·M¥) “. Further, as for the production ID “CB-01”, since the non-synchronization degree is “0 (day·M¥)”, “14 (day·M¥)” is totally integrated. 
     The non-synchronization degree calculation unit  326  collects the value every component of the product, the value being obtained by integrating accumulation of the product cost price during the period between each synchronization process and the previous process (S 1745 ). In the present embodiment, supposed that the non-synchronization degree information  223  shown in  FIG. 22  is produced from the non-synchronization degree every component integrated in the process of S 1735 , description will be done hereinafter. 
     Returning to the flowchart shown in  FIG. 1 , the display control unit  327  respectively stores the information of the production schedule plan every order item stored in the memory unit  310 , the production load for the production resource every date, the non-synchronization degree integrated in S 1735  into the production schedule plan information  221 , the production load information  222  and the non-synchronization degree information  223  and displays on the input-output unit  100  (S 180 ). 
     The output screen example in the present embodiment is indicated in  FIG. 23 . Although construction of the output screen is as same as that in the first embodiment, the total value of the non-synchronization degree is represented as “day M¥” and such value is obtained by integrating the period between the synchronization process and the previous process by the production cost price (sum). Based on the output screen, the user can grasp affects for inventory due to staying of middle work in hand, against the process in which production synchronization is not realized. Further, it can be shown the item considering plant management and the priority order of measures of processes. 
     In the present embodiment, although the accumulated value of the production cost price is utilized when the non-synchronization degree is appreciated (S 1735 ), it may be utilized cost of the occupation area (area) of factory or place occurring due to staying of middle work in hand. Thereby, it can be made the priority order of measures considering stock cost against large product or unit in particular. 
     Third Embodiment 
     As a third embodiment, against the process in which synchronization of production in a plurality of components is demanded, it is indicated an example that the other process in which the same production resource as the above process is consumed during some period is extracted and it is exchanged the order of the order item in which the above process is conducted. 
     The production plan making assistance apparatus  10  of the present embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 24 , has construction in which item exchange candidate information  224  is added to the output information  220  of the storage unit  200  in the construction of the production plan making assistance apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 2  and item exchange candidate extraction unit  328  is added to the operation process unit  320  of the operation unit  300 . Further, the processes of the present embodiment will be described by using the flowchart shown in  FIG. 25  and description of the processes as same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. 
     The item exchange candidate information  224  is information to control item candidate having room to improve the total non-synchronization degree by exchanging injection order of each synchronization process and the previous process. The item exchange candidate information  224  includes the information of the synchronization ID, the order ID, the production ID, the process ID, the exchange candidate order ID, the exchange candidate production ID, the exchange candidate process ID. In the item exchange candidate information  224  shown in  FIG. 26 , it is indicated that the order ID “O-03”, the production ID “CD-03”, the process ID “PCD-05 (combination test” exist as the exchange candidate of the order ID “O-02”, the production ID “CA-02”, the process ID “PCA-05 (combination test)” for the synchronization ID “SO-02”. 
     Next, according to the flowchart shown in  FIG. 25 , it will be described operation of each function in the production plan making assistance apparatus  10  in  FIG. 24 . 
     First, the data obtaining unit  321  obtains the order information  211 , the process information  212 , the process order information  213 , the production ability information  214  and the production resource consumption information  215  (S 100 ). Here, supposed that various kinds of information shown in  FIGS. 3 to 7  are obtained, description will be done hereinafter. Processes in S 110  to S 170  are as same as those in the first embodiment, thus description thereof will be omitted. Further, supposed that the production schedule plan shown in  FIG. 27  and the non-synchronization degree information  223  shown in  FIG. 28  are produced, description will be done. 
     The item exchange candidate extracting unit  328  extracts the other order item and process having the common production resource against each synchronization process and the previous process (S 190 ). For example, in the production schedule plan shown in  FIG. 27 , when the process “combination test of the order ID “O-03” shares the production resource “R-a (combination test area)” against the process “combination test) of the order ID “O-02”, it is extracted the information concerning the process (combination test) of the order ID “O-03”. 
     Further, as shown in the first record column of  FIG. 26 , the item exchange candidate extracting unit  328  attaches string to the exchange candidate order ID “O-03”, the exchange candidate production ID “CD-03”, the exchange candidate process ID “PCD-05” against the order ID “O-02”, the production ID “CA-02”, the process ID “PCA-05 (combination test)” concerning the synchronization process “SO-02” and produces the information of the item exchange candidate information  224 . 
     The display control unit  327  respectively stores the information the production schedule plan stored in the memory unit  310  every order item, the production load for production resource every date, the non-synchronization degree and the information of the item exchange candidate within which string is attached into the production schedule plan information  221 , the production load information  222 , the non-synchronization degree information  223  and item exchange candidate information  224  and displays on the input-output unit  100  (S 185 ). 
     The output screen example of the present embodiment is shown in  FIG. 29 . In construction of the output screen, the “item exchange candidate display button” is added to the contents ( FIG. 16 ) of the first embodiment. When the record of the table of the non-synchronization information in  FIG. 29  is selected and the “item exchange candidate display button” is clicked, the information of the order ID, the process name and the process ID is displayed in the item exchange candidate column. Here, although the total of the non-synchronization degree is not sorted in big order so that comparison with  FIG. 30  becomes easily understandable in  FIG. 29 , the total may be sorted. 
     Here, when injection order of “combination test” is exchanged to the order ID “O-03”, “O-02”, the output screen example is shown in  FIG. 30 . In the non-synchronization degree information shown in  FIG. 30 , the total of the non-synchronization degree is changed from “4” to “2” by exchanging the injection order of “combination test”. Thereby, the total of the non-synchronization degree of the order ID O-03”, the process (combination test) is improved from “4” to “2”. 
     Further, comparing the production schedule plan information column in  FIG. 29  with that in  FIG. 30 , the lead time of the order ID “O-03” is shortened from 20 days (4/6 to 4/25) to 15 days (4/11 to 4/25) while not changing the lead time of the order ID “O-02” (days from design to forwarding). 
     As described in the above, the information concerning the other order item consuming the same production resource can be displayed as the item exchange candidate. Based on this display, the user can effectively carry out the production schedule exchange to reduce middle work in hand or to realize shortening of the lead time against the process in which the synchronization of production cannot be done.