Abstract: A work flow system (15) comprises a controller (20) and a work flow processor (40). An indexing user interface (21) and a work flow processing user interface (22) interact with work flow processor interface components (23). An administration setup user interface (25) and an integration setup user interface (26) are linked to setup components (27) which generate and access a reference database (28) and a transaction database (29). The reference database (28) stores an organization model and a process model and an interface (23) controls the work flow processor (4) according to these models.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing schedules for a wafer in a multichamber semiconductor wafer processing tool comprising the steps of providing a trace defining a series of chambers that are visited by a wafer as the wafer is processed by the tool; initializing a sequence generator with a vertex defining initial wafer positioning within the tool; generating all successor vertices to produce a series of vectors interconnecting the vertices that, when taken together produce a cycle that represents a schedule. All the possible schedules are analyzed to determine a schedule that produces the highest throughput of all the schedules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for improving the handling of notification items related to the execution of process model instances and/or activity instances within a Workflow Management System (WFMS) or a computer system with comparable functionality. A notification group definition associates a notification group with at least one process model and/or at least one activity. The process model and/or the activity are associated with a notification specification referring to an addressee, for whom the WFMS creates and to whom the WFMS sends a notification item if an instance of the associated process model and/or an instance of the associated activity is not completed according to certain conditions. The WFMS is responsive to the notification group definition by sending a notification group item to the addressee as representative of one or many created notification items of associated process models and/or associated activities.

Abstract: A method for use in a CAN device (e.g., a CAN microcontroller) that includes a processor core, for automatically transmitting an acknowledge message. The method includes the steps of receiving a frame of a multi-frame fragmented message, and automatically transmitting an acknowledgment message without requiring any intervention of the processor core, in response to the receiving step. The automatically transmitting step is preferably performed by hardware external to the processor core, e.g., a CAN/CAL module of the CAN device.

Abstract: A method for providing a displayable task schedule of tasks to be performed on behalf of specific service tasks such as individuals by a particular worker of a plurality of workers is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving worker identification information; compiling a list of tasks to be performed by a worker in response to the received identification information based on a continuing role assigned to the worker and a list of service tasks; and initiating display of the compiled list of tasks.

Abstract: A method of scheduling a multi-task project includes identifying critical and para-critical tasks of the project. The critical tasks are ranked in a chronological order and displayed. The para-critical tasks are displayed adjacent to the displayed critical tasks. Target finish dates are established for the displayed critical tasks and the displayed critical tasks are monitored. Actual completion dates of the displayed critical tasks are displayed adjacent to the displayed critical tasks. The target finish dates for all subsequent displayed critical tasks are adjusted to reflect any variance between the target finish dates and actual finish dates.

Abstract: When content of a production slot database indicates that there is no free production slot which can be allocated to an ordered vehicle designated in received order information, a production management section exchanges a production slot assigned to a potential vehicle so that the ordered vehicle can be delivered by the desired date. When no potential vehicle slot is available, a production slot for an ordered vehicle can be exchanged with that for another ordered vehicle for which a production slot has been secured, and the production slot date of the other vehicle is postponed to another day before the desired delivery date. When a production slot is secured before the desired delivery date but the production slot for a part required for producing the ordered vehicle cannot be secured, management of exchange is performed for the part according to a parts production slot database to enable delivery of as many vehicles by the delivery dates desired by customers as possible.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, including computer program product for customizing a process flow. The product includes instructions to cause a processor to receive a process flow description, receive a first resource description from a first remote system, customize the process flow description to the first resource description, receive a second resource description from a second remote system, and customize the process flow description to the second resource description. The process flow description describes a process flow. The first resource description describes resources deployable by the first remote system and the second resource description describes resources deployable by the second remote system. The product is tangibly stored on machine readable media.

Abstract: The present invention optimizes shop floor operations by generating production schedules that respect the complex manufacturing rules of specified production operations. The invention utilizes attribute-sensitive changeover models that consider both the duration and cost of each changeover. Since the invention considers more than just the item, changeover models can be based at the item level and the item attribute level. The invention includes realistic models that simulate operations for a variety of process and discrete manufacturing work centers and departments. These models support reusable and auxiliary resources, resource groups, user-defined units of measure, detailed bills of material (BOMs), production rate models, and production method models. The sequencing invention can be integrated with other planning optimization systems, including planning and scheduling engines, to provide further shop floor optimization to productively drive the sequencing of a complex business.

Abstract: A manufacturing optimization and synchronization process is provided in which data records for incomplete orders in the manufacturing and shipping facility are collected and sorted on a priority basis such that orders that have the fewest number of incomplete orders and that have the most total number of units ordered have the highest priority in the sorting process. This data is then displayed for the users on a real-time basis to identify those orders that, when completed, will have the greatest effect on the throughput and efficiency of the manufacturing and shipping process.

Abstract: In order to perform smooth scheduling and optimize job scheduling in the whole system, in a print system for processing print jobs inputted to a queue on the basis of priorities, upon proxy printing, the priority of the job is raised and this job is preferentially processed rather than other jobs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prioritizing the use of multifunctional printing system's basic processing resources to allow a high priority job to gain immediate access to a shared resource. The printing system employs a controller with an improved job contention manager (JCM). A plurality of basic resources of the printing system are provided with a queue. One or more job services, at desired times, provides a first signal to the JCM to carry out a sub-job of a given job. The signal for each of the sub-jobs includes information about the respective sub-job and its priority. Responsive to the signal from the job service the JCM adds a corresponding basic resource sub-job to the queues of each basic resource which the added sub-job will require to perform the sub-job. The resources are reassigned by the JCM according to the priority of the added sub-job in the queues.

Abstract: An algorithm can be performed to control the dispatch of products in a fabrication or manufacturing facility. The queue time constraint tolerances and tool throughput are initialized for each product. Next the multiple processing demand time can be calculated for each product. The aggregating queue time constraint can then be calculated for each product. If the multiple processing demand time is less than the aggregating queue time constraint for each queue time limit tool, then any lot can be selected to be processed. Otherwise, the product at the given tool should be further processed.

Abstract: Shortening TAT for processing express lots without reducing the utilization rate of manufacturing apparatuses for semiconductor device. When the number of vacant ports LPOT of a manufacturing apparatus EQ3 used in a next step is only one at the of time of completing a process for a normal lot LA by a manufacturing apparatus EQ1 and when there is a possibility that processes for an express lot LB performed by a manufacturing apparatus EQ2 will be completed before a remaining processing time period for a lot LC performed by the manufacturing apparatus EQ3 reaches a predetermined set value, the lot LA is transferred to a lot stocker LS for securing a vacant port LPOT and as soon as the processes for the express lot LB performed by the manufacturing apparatus EQ2 are completed, the express lot LB is transferred to the vacant port LPOT in the manufacturing apparatus EQ3.

Abstract: Calculate the WIPi for a stage STkk for each lot Li in a queue of lots being processed in a production line between the stage STkk and an end point, where “i” is a positive integer representing the position of the lot Li in the queue, and where “kk” is a positive integer indicating the sequential position of the stage STkk (location along the production line) from the beginning to the end of a predetermined portion of the production line. Calculate remaining scheduled cycle time (RCTi) for each lot Li. Calculate consumed scheduled cycle time (CSTi) for each lot Li. Calculate (WIPi*RCTi) for each lot Li. Calculate (WIP*CSTi) for each lot Li. Sum WIPi*RCTi for all lots Li of a stage. Sum WIPi*CST for all lots Li of a stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of production control that is preferably used for manufacture of electronic apparatus such as liquid crystal displays and provides a method of production control that makes it possible to set a feasible quantity to be processed. In a method of production control for a production line having a plurality of production steps, a tentative target quantity to be processed is set for a major production step; the tentative target quantity to be processed is set as a target quantity to be processed when the quantity of work in process that can be actually processed is equal to or greater than the tentative target quantity to be processed; and the quantity of work in process that can be processed is set as the target quantity to be processed when the quantity of work in process that can be processed is smaller than the tentative target quantity to be processed.

Abstract: A self-adjusting prediction system that provides for the transmission and storage of push lots of work. It uses an adaptive control algorithm in it's methodology to improve Automated Material Handling Systems (AMHS) transmissions. The method of prediction is greatly enchanted to reduce overall cycle time, incorrect transmission of work lots, and idle manufacturing tools. It provides real-time updating that enables a complex manufacturing Fab to process work with optimum movement between tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated tracking system and method for providing a company and its customers with information about part and repair status. The tracking system broadly comprises a central processing unit for receiving data about a plurality of parts to be tracked. The central processing unit includes a staging table module for receiving and gathering the inputted data, a master table module for receiving the inputted data from the staging table module and for analyzing, organizing, and standardizing the inputted parts data, and a temporary table module for aggregating transactional records about the parts, which transactional records contain performance metrics on the parts.

Abstract: Control for a production line that queues work-in-process (WIP) prior to a re-entrant bottleneck processing node, such as a photolithography device in a semi-conductor fabrication line. For each WIP, a determination is made as to whether a cleared trajectory is available through all processing nodes subsequent to the bottleneck processing node and back to the re-entrant node or to exit of the production line. If a cleared trajectory is available, the subsequent processing nodes are reserved for the WIP. The WIP is then injected into the process flow, with the result that secondary bottlenecks at downstream processing nodes are largely avoided because the nodes have been pre-reserved. If a cleared trajectory for more than one WIP is available, selection of one WIP for injection into the workflow can be made based on a queuing or priority based selection process.

Abstract: In a semiconductor manufacturing system, operations of a plurality of processing apparatuses are controlled so as to efficiently manufacture semiconductor devices. The semiconductor manufacturing system having at least one processing apparatus for applying a process to semiconductor substrates. A memory part (5) stores priority-level data which indicates a priority level of the process to be applied to each of the semiconductor substrates on an individual semiconductor substrate basis.

Abstract: For a final product a processing flow has a predetermined sequence of processing steps, each mapped on a particular capacity source that may be applied one or more times in the flow. In particular, various control capacity sources are assigned at relative priorities to their control processing steps according to a relatively weighted set of at least two of the following relative ranked priorities: a. a priority-raising ranked relative Backlog Level for such control processing step with respect to the product in question; b. a priority-raising ranked Relative Load scarcity for such control processing step with respect to the next applicable control processing step; c. a priority-raising ranked Relative Load level for the actual processing step; d. a priority-raising ranked processing step number or nearness of the processing step in question to the end of its process flow.

Abstract: A Virtual Server Farm (VSF) is created out of a wide scale computing fabric (“Computing Grid”) which is physically constructed once and then logically divided up into VSFs for various organizations on demand. Allocation and control of the elements in the VSF is performed by a control plane connected to all computing, networking, and storage elements in the computing grid through special control ports. The control plane is comprised of a control mechanism hierarchy that includes one or more master control process mechanisms communicatively coupled to one or more slave control process mechanisms. The one or more master control process mechanisms instruct the slave control process mechanisms to establish VSFs by selecting subsets of processing and storage resources.

Abstract: A method and system for scheduling lots for semiconductor manufacturing. The method and system comprising: determining a goal weighing factor (502); calculating the bottleneck feed factor for each lot in a tool queue (514); calculating the critical ratio for said each lot in a tool queue (516); calculating the relative rank of each lot in a tool queue; displaying the relative rank of each lot in a tool queue, for each tool queue; and selecting the lots in each tool queue for tooling according to said relative rank.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and medium is provided for increasing the efficiency with which wafers are transferred among different processing chambers in a wafer processing facility. A multi-slot cooling chamber allows multiple wafers to be cooled while other wafers are subjected to processing steps in other chambers. Each wafer in the processing sequence is assigned a priority level depending on its processing stage, and this priority level is used to sequence the movement of wafers between chambers. A look-ahead feature prevents low-priority wafer transfers from occurring if such transfers would occur just prior to the scheduling of a high-priority wafer transfer.

Abstract: A factory for manufacturing customized products in response to customer orders includes pre-packaging facilities and packaging facilities. Components are converted into completed products in the pre-packaging facilities, and the completed products are packaged in the packaging facilities. The factory also includes an order management system that associates individually identified products among the completed products with a customer order. Product release logic in the order management system accumulates the individually identified products in the pre-packaging facilities. The product release logic releases the individually identified products for transport from the pre-packaging facilities to the packaging facilities only after determining that substantially all of the individually identified products for the customer order have been completed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prioritizing the use of multifunctional printing system's basic processing resources to permit job streaming. The printing system employs a controller with an improved job contention manager (JCM). A plurality of basic resources of the printing system are provided with a queue. One or more job services, at desired times, signals the JCM to carry out a sub-job of a given job. The signal for each of the sub-jobs includes information about the respective sub-job's, job service and its priority. Responsive to the signal from the job service the JCM adds a corresponding basic resource sub-job to the queues of each basic resource which the sub-job will require to perform the sub-job. A first of the sub-jobs is placed in an “Active” state ready for processing, if the first sub-job is at the top of all of the queues, of all the basic resources, required to perform the first sub-job.

Abstract: A production planning system includes a equipment information data base, a product information data base, a quality historical information data base, an equipment priority calculation section, a line priority calculation section, a production history data base, and a production planning section. The equipment priority calculation section calculates priorities of kinds of equipment based on equipment information from the equipment information data base and product information from the product information data base. The line priority calculation section calculates priorities of production lines based on the product information and yields from the quality historical information data base. The production planning section arranges a production plan based on the priorities of kinds of equipment, the priorities of production lines, a delivery time of products and statuses of the production lines. As a result, a production plan in a production line for a wide variety of products can be arranged easily.

Abstract: In a production schedule planning device, a schedule planning unit 4 recognizes a previous schedule as a prerequisite without obtaining a current progress and information of initial setups of processing devices by the schedule planning unit 4, whereby a schedule of a newly thrown lot can be planned without modifying and/or changing the previous schedule.

Abstract: A method for sequencing and scheduling vehicles for manufacture. The method considers the characteristics, options, and/or accessories of the vehicles to be manufactured and determines the most efficient schedule or sequence in which the vehicles may be assembled or built.

Abstract: In a process control method, when T1+Tw+T2<Td is satisfied, where a time obtained by adding a conveyance time from a hold stocker to the pre-treatment processing equipment to a waiting time until start of a pre-treatment is T1, treatment time in the pre-treatment processing equipment is Tw, storage time from completion of the process in the pre-treatment processing equipment to starting of charging into a post-treatment is T2, and treatment time in the post-treatment equipment is Td, a point of time TR1 when the treatment of a lot 1 is started in the post-treatment equipment is utilized as a trigger, and a lot 2 is charged after a predetermined standby time Ta1 so that a point of time when the treatment time Td of the lot 1 has been completed in the post-treatment equipment may almost coincide with the point of time when the treatment time Td of the lot 2 is started in the post-treatment equipment.

Abstract: A method for providing a displayable task schedule of tasks to be performed on behalf of specific service tasks such as individuals by a particular worker of a plurality of workers is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving worker identification information; compiling a list of tasks to be performed by a worker in response to the received identification information based on a role assigned to the worker and a list of service tasks; and initiating display of the compiled list of tasks. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing schedules for multi-cluster tools that are used in semiconductor wafer processing and similar manufacturing applications. The method and apparatus comprise a schedule analyzer and a pass-through chamber manager. The apparatus allows the user to analyze N! possible scheduling routines (algorithms) for a given multi-cluster tool configuration and a given N-step process sequence. The invention derives a plurality of possible scheduling algorithms for a given set of input parameters and then compares the algorithms by allowing either the user or an automated process to assign each processing step within the proposed schedule a rank ordered priority. Other process or wafer movement parameters may also be given ranges such that the invention can automatically derive optimal schedules with respect to various parameter values.

Abstract: A method and a system for immediately issuing a production plan are proposed, in which a production plan is transmitted by a network to a production-line host, so as to allow the production-line host to access the production plan and allow a production-associated department to monitor an operational status in production in real time. First, the production plan is transmitted through the network to a first database for storage, allowing the production-line host to access the production plan for performing the production. Moreover, the production-line host transmits the operational status in the production to a second database for storage, allowing the production-associated department to read the operational status for monitoring the production in real time. In addition, material data stored in the first and second databases are integrated by the system to be used as a material stock reference for next production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling priority of lots employed in a MES, and more particularly, to a method for controlling priority of lots employed in a MES, wherein the priority of the lots provided by the MES can be automatically set up depending on a processing cycle time.

Abstract: An assembly line control system, and more particularly, an automotive assembly line storage and lot controlled system is disclosed. A communications network is overlaid onto a manufacturing assembly line. The assembly line includes a number of readers and processing stations to determine and confirm the identity of vehicles passing proximate to the readers and processing stations, and the vehicles' build instructions, status, position, condition, defect and repair history, etc. This information is stored in a computer database. Based on the information stored about the vehicles, the status of inventories, production schedules and the like, a routing of the vehicles through the manufacturing process is determined and implemented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing schedules for a wafer in a multichamber semiconductor wafer processing tool comprising the steps of providing a trace defining a series of chambers that are visited by a wafer as the wafer is processed by the tool; initializing a sequence generator with a value of a variable defining initial wafer positioning within the tool; generating all successor variables for the initial variable value to produce a series of values of the variable that represent a partial schedule; backtracking through the series of variables to produce further partial schedules; and stopping the backtracking when all possible variable combinations are produced that represent all possible valid schedules for the trace. All the possible schedules are analyzed to determine a schedule that produces the highest throughput of all the schedules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing order control, in which a load of an examination work to review a processing order of lots is reduced and all the lot flows are conditioned so as to move at an almost constant speed with the result that not only can accuracy in scheduling of delivery and so on be improved but degradation of the lot flows is also prevented from occurring in advance. A proper number R of in-process lots and others are obtained and lots are stacked before each of apparatuses so as to be equal in number to the proper number R of in-process lots, thereby a target of the number Cg of processing processes can be achieved.

Abstract: In a production schedule planning device, a schedule planning unit 4 recognizes a previous schedule as a prerequisite without obtaining a current progress and information of initial setups of processing devices by the schedule planning unit 4, whereby a schedule of a newly thrown lot can be planned without modifying and/or changing the previous schedule.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and medium is provided for increasing the efficiency with which wafers are transferred among different processing chambers in a wafer processing facility. A multi-slot cooling chamber allows multiple wafers to be cooled while other wafers are subjected to processing steps in other chambers. Each wafer in the processing sequence is assigned a priority level depending on its processing stage, and this priority level is used to sequence the movement of wafers between chambers. A look-ahead feature prevents low-priority wafer transfers from occurring if such transfers would occur just prior to the scheduling of a high-priority wafer transfer.

Abstract: In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure, a method, system and logic are described for simulating production within a build to order manufacturing environment. According to one aspect, a system for allocating resources within the manufacturing environment is disclosed. The system includes a control center operably coupled to one or more databases having associated work in process profile information for selective portions of a manufacturing facility. A simulator may be communicatively coupled to the control center to simulate allocation of resources based on real-time acquisition of information associated with the WIP information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of planning, scheduling and control of the tasks of all members of an organization by an overall manager of the organization through a computer program. In this program, the overall manager feeds in the tasks all of members with each task having parameters that include member's name, start date, estimated time, priority number and weightage number. At the start of any working day, the program processes the tasks of each member in the order of decreasing priority and produces a complete schedule of all uncompleted tasks of the member starting from the same working day. The process also allows new tasks to be added or the parameters of any incomplete previous task of any member to be altered at the start of any subsequent working day before obtaining a complete schedule starting from this subsequent working day.

Abstract: A method/system for performing dynamic re-scheduling of priorities of work-in-process in a fabrication plant for manufacturing of a product is provided. It reads a key stage report for the work-in-process and a master production schedule for the work-in-process from stored data. It generates a master production schedule report from the key stage report and the master production schedule following only Due_Date data for the work-in-process, and generates a work-in-process distribution matrix for integrating the master production schedule report with work-in-process quantity data within a deliverable cycle time; allocates selected lots from the work-in-process distribution matrix using a snake pattern method to allocate the selected lots from the matrix, and changes the due date for the selected lots of the work-in-process selected by the snake pattern method. It generates a final re-scheduling table for the work-in-process including the selected lots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sequencing the assembly and test production of products in a manufacturing environment. The disclosed production sequencer compares the composition of each order to available inventory levels to identify and prioritize the quantity of each product that must be manufactured. The present invention increases on-time deliveries, constrains the level of the finished goods inventory, referred to herein as the final output buffer (FOB), of each product to a specified maximum FOB size, and levels the load on the warehousing operation to ensure that products that are manufactured on time also get shipped on time. The present invention may be utilized in a build-to-stock environment with pull production control, in a pure assemble-to-order (ATO) environment with no finished goods inventory, or in a hybrid environment where some of the daily demand is satisfied through stock and some is satisfied through ATO.

Abstract: A supply chain system including a first interface operable to allow a first individual to input first information associated with an item and a second interface operable to allow a second individual to input second information associated with a first processing of the item, wherein the first interface and the second interface are coupled to each other via a network connection. Further, a method for tracing an item as the item progresses along a supply chain including associating first information with the item at a stage in the supply chain and associating second information and the first information with another item including the item at another stage in the supply chain.

Abstract: A lot supply system includes a plurality of processing units, a supply unit, a plurality of counters, and a supply controller. The processing units output a lot supply request and perform a predetermined process for a lot supplied to them. The supply unit supplies a lot stored in it to requesting processing units in response to the lot supply request from the processing units. The counters count product lots supplied to the requesting processing units at least in units of the requesting processing units. When counts of the counters reach preset values set in units of the requesting processing units, the supply controller supplies measurement lots stored in advance to the requesting processing unit and initializes counts of the counters. A lot supply method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for integrating a number of automation components into an industrial controller with a uniform running level model of the runtime system. The basic clock of the running level model is devised from either an internal timer, an internal clock of a communication medium, an external device or from a variable (TG) which belongs to the technological process (P1, P2).

Abstract: A system and method for remote monitoring of material storage levels for dry bulk goods, wherein an independent entity, such as a transportation carrier, can continuously monitor raw material supply levels at a remote manufacturing plant, and, based on projected usage rates, place timely orders on behalf of the plant, with preselected vendors, to replenish depleted raw materials. The transportation carrier can then coordinate material shipments from the vendor to the manufacturing site using its own trucks. In this manner, the task of maintaining sufficient on site raw material storage levels is completely removed from the manufacturing plant.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling the flow of wafer lots in a semiconductor fabrication facility having multiple storage locations and a fabrication facility employing such techniques are provided. A process and system for controlling the flow of wafer lots within a semiconductor fabrication facility, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, includes determining a first storage location for a wafer lot, determining, prior to moving the wafer lot, an availability condition of the first storage location based on a condition level of the first storage location and a priority of the wafer lot, and storing the wafer lot in the storage location if the location is available and storing the wafer lot in an alternate location if the storage location is unavailable. The storage location may, for example, be a stocker.

Abstract: An injection mold design system for correcting a profile of a product to be fabricated into a releasable profile from a mold to design an injection mold based on a corrected product shape, comprising storing information of product shape and mold profile, displaying the product shape or the mold profile on a screen based on the information read from the storing, inputting designation information necessary for correction of the product shape or the mold profile, and unloading information of lines or planes being obstructive to correction of the product shape and the mold profile into the storing in response to the designation information input removing the lines or the planes from the screen, and replotting the line or the planes on the screen in terms of the information of lines or planes unloaded into the storing after the correction operation of the product shape or the mold profile is completed.

Abstract: A production system wherein productagents are provided for products on a one-to-one basis and machine agent are provided for manufacturing equipment on a one-to-one basis, with the product agents and machine agents coordinating with each other to select a manufacturing equipment and cause manufacturing work to be done thereby; wherein the order of product manufacturing is changed depending on the priority of the product in the production system, with manufacturing work by a failed manufacturing equipment by suppressed, and another manufacturing equipment being substituted for the failed manufacturing equipment; wherein a precedence agent is provided that selects a manufacturing equipment ahead of a current manufacturing work and a backward agent is provided that remains backward and double manages working history along with the product agent; and wherein the machine agent manages depreciation information regarding the manufacturing equipment that the machine agent manages and measures the time the manufacturi