Method and device for allocating items

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and device for allocating items, and relates to the field of warehousing and logistics. A specific implementation of the method includes: receiving information on the item demand of a client; generating first allocation information for allocating the in-transit inventory of items based on the received information on the item demand of the client, so as to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety inventory threshold; updating the item demand of the client based on the first allocation information; generating second allocation information for allocating the in-transit inventory of items based on the updated item demand information, so as to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is higher than the safety inventory threshold and lower than the target inventory threshold. Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention can improve work efficiency, save costs, and optimize downstream inventory structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of warehousing logistics, and in particular to a method and device for allocating items. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, in the daily operation and production of regional distribution centers, in order to ensure the spot rate of the areas covered by the downstream urban distribution centers and the smooth production of the regional distribution centers, when the downstream urban distribution centers are out of stock, they are usually filled by the spot inventory of the regional distribution centers. Only when the spot inventory is insufficient, cross-docking will be performed, that is, the supplier's reserved in-transit inventory will be used to meet downstream demand, so as to reduce costs and improve work efficiency. However, this production mode of allocation that prioritizes the spot rate and smooth production greatly limits the use of cross-docking.

[0003] In addition, since the supplier's reliability of fulfillment and the fluctuation of the delivery volume of goods are not taken into account, the triggering conditions of cross-dock transfer are more relaxed than those of spot transfer. For example, if the inventory level of the downstream city distribution center is lower than the target inventory level, cross-dock transfer will be triggered, while spot transfer will be triggered only if it is lower than the safety inventory level. Therefore, this model will raise the average inventory level of the downstream city distribution center, thereby causing the potential risk of unsalable goods in the downstream city distribution center. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method and device for item transfer, which can meet the item demand of the client by utilizing cross-dock transfer of in-transit inventory, thereby improving work efficiency, saving costs and optimizing downstream inventory structure.

[0005] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a method for allocating items is provided, which is characterized by comprising:

[0006] Receive information about item demand from the client;

[0007] generating, based on the received information on the item demand of the client, first allocation information for allocating the in-transit stock of the item to meet the item demand of the client whose stock level is lower than the safety stock threshold;

[0008] updating the item demand of the client according to the first transfer information;

[0009] According to the updated information on the item demand, second allocation information for allocating the in-transit stock of the item is generated to meet the item demand of the client whose stock level is higher than the safety stock threshold and lower than the target stock threshold.

[0010] Preferably, the item allocation method according to the embodiment of the present invention further comprises: before generating the first allocation information, receiving information of the in-transit inventory of the item from the item supply end; and

[0011] Generating the first transfer information based on the received information on the demand for the item includes: when the demand for the item of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold is greater than the in-transit inventory of the item, generating the first transfer information for allocating the in-transit inventory of the item and the in-stock inventory of the upstream distribution terminal.

[0012] Preferably, the item allocation method according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes: before generating the first allocation information, receiving information on the inventory level of the upstream distribution end; and

[0013] When the demand for items by the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold is greater than the in-transit inventory of the items, and the in-stock inventory level of the upstream distribution end is greater than the predetermined in-stock threshold, the first transfer information for transferring the in-transit inventory of the items and the in-stock inventory of the upstream distribution end is generated.

[0014] Preferably, the item allocation method according to the embodiment of the present invention further comprises: before generating the first allocation information, receiving reliability information of the item supply end and / or item delivery quantity information from the upstream distribution end, and

[0015] Generating the first transfer information according to the received information on the item demand includes: generating the first transfer information according to the item demand of the client by referring to the reliability information of the item supplier and / or the delivery quantity information of the item.

[0016] Preferably, the reliability information of the item supply end includes: information of the item supply end wherein the time difference between the scheduled arrival time and the actual arrival time of the item supply end to the upstream distribution end is less than a predetermined value, wherein the time difference is obtained based on the historical reservation and fulfillment data of the item supply end.

[0017] Preferably, the delivery amount information of the item includes: information of the item whose delivery fluctuation amount is greater than a predetermined value, wherein the delivery fluctuation amount of the item is obtained based on the historical delivery fluctuation amount of the item.

[0018] Preferably, the safety stock threshold is obtained based on the safety factor at a predetermined demand service level, the mean of the supply-side delivery lead time, the standard deviation of the supply-side delivery lead time, the mean of the item demand and the standard deviation of the item demand.

[0019] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an item transfer device, characterized in that it includes:

[0020] A receiving unit, used to receive information about the item demand from the client;

[0021] A first allocation unit is used to generate first allocation information for allocating the in-transit stock of the item according to the received information on the item demand, so as to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold;

[0022] an updating unit, configured to update the item demand of the client according to the first allocation information; and

[0023] The second allocation unit is used to generate second allocation information for allocating the in-transit stock of the item according to the updated information of the item demand, so as to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is higher than the safety stock threshold and lower than the target stock threshold.

[0024] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device for item allocation, characterized in that it includes:

[0025] one or more processors; and

[0026] a storage device for storing one or more programs,

[0027] When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement any of the methods described above.

[0028] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored, wherein when the program is executed by a processor, any method described in the above aspects is implemented.

[0029] An embodiment of the above invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects: by considering the cross-docking operation of the reserved in-transit inventory, the downstream demand is met and the unnecessary loading and unloading operations of goods are reduced, thereby improving work efficiency, saving daily operating costs, and optimizing the downstream inventory structure. Moreover, by analyzing and identifying suppliers with higher reservation credibility, the suppliers with higher reservation credibility are put in front, thereby improving the utilization rate of cross-docking transfers and reducing the loss costs caused by unreasonable inventory of items.

[0030] The further effects of the above-mentioned non-conventional optional manner will be described below in conjunction with the specific implementation manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings are used to better understand the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of the main process of the item allocation method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a more specific example of the item transfer method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of main modules of an item transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 is an exemplary system architecture diagram to which embodiments of the present invention may be applied; and

[0036] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system of a terminal device or a server suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following is a description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, including various details of the embodiments of the present invention to facilitate understanding, which should be considered as merely exemplary. Therefore, it should be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Similarly, for clarity and conciseness, the description of well-known functions and structures is omitted in the following description.

[0038] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main process of the item allocation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the item allocation method is characterized by comprising: step S101, receiving the item demand information of the client; step S102, generating first allocation information for allocating the in-transit inventory of the item based on the received item demand information, so as to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold; step S103, the server updates the item demand of the client based on the first allocation information; step S104, generating second allocation information for allocating the in-transit inventory of the item based on the updated item demand information, so as to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is higher than the safety stock threshold and lower than the target stock threshold.

[0039] Preferably, the item allocation method according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include: before step S102, receiving information on the in-transit inventory of items from the item supply end; and in step S102, when the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold is greater than the in-transit inventory of the items, generating first allocation information for allocating the in-transit inventory of the items and the in-stock inventory of the upstream distribution end.

[0040] Preferably, the item allocation method according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include: before step S102, receiving information on the in-stock inventory level of the upstream distribution end; and when the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold is greater than the in-transit inventory of the items, and the in-stock inventory level of the upstream distribution end is greater than the predetermined in-stock threshold, generating first allocation information for allocating the in-transit inventory of the items and the in-stock inventory of the upstream distribution end.

[0041] Preferably, the item allocation method according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes: before step S102, receiving reliability information of the item supply end and / or the delivery quantity information of the item from the upstream distribution end, and in step S102, generating first allocation information based on the item demand quantity information of the client by referring to the reliability information of the item supply end and / or the delivery quantity information of the item.

[0042] The reliability information of the item supply end according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, for example: information of the item supply end where the time difference between the scheduled arrival time and the actual arrival time from the item supply end to the upstream distribution end is less than a predetermined value, wherein the time difference is obtained based on the historical reservation and fulfillment data of the item supply end.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the delivery amount information of items includes, for example, information of items whose delivery fluctuation amount is greater than a predetermined value, wherein the delivery fluctuation amount of the items is obtained based on the historical delivery fluctuation amount of the items.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the safety stock threshold is obtained based on, for example, the safety factor under a predetermined demand service level, the mean of the supply-side delivery lead time, the standard deviation of the supply-side delivery lead time, the mean of the item demand, and the standard deviation of the item demand.

[0045] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the client end includes, for example, a city distribution center or a consumer, and the upstream distribution end includes, for example, a regional distribution center or a city distribution center.

[0046] The following references Figure 2 A more specific example of the item allocation method according to the present invention is described.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, step 1, for example, uses a set expression method to describe relevant input information, and calculates the demand level of each city distribution center for each inventory unit SKU.

[0048] Step 1 specifically includes the following steps:

[0049] Step 1.1, the server obtains the city distribution center set K, SKU set J, and supplier set S.

[0050] Step 1.2, obtain the inventory level and demand information of each SKU in each city distribution center (i.e. the above-mentioned client, which can be a distribution terminal, such as each city distribution center, or a user end, i.e., a terminal consumer). The server obtains the current inventory level inv_cur of SKUj∈J in the city distribution center k∈K jk 、Target inventory level inv_tgt jk and demand qtty_dem jk .

[0051] Step 1.3: Define the set of urban distribution centers where SKU j is below the safety stock level according to the following formulas (1) and (2): The set of urban distribution centers where SKU j is above the safety stock level and below the target stock level Right now:

[0052]

[0053]

[0054] The safety stock level of SKU j in city distribution center k can be calculated by formula (3). For example, for SKU j, if the supplier delivery lead time L j and demand d j If they are independent and all obey Gaussian distribution, the safety stock level can be calculated by the following formula (3):

[0055]

[0056] Among them, z α represents the safety factor under the demand service level α, μ L represents the mean of the lead time, δ L represents the lead time standard deviation, μ D represents the mean demand, δ D represents the standard deviation of demand;

[0057] Step 2, based on historical reservation and fulfillment data, for example, using the exponential smoothing method to predict the time difference between the scheduled arrival time and the actual arrival time in the supplier-regional distribution center dimension, thereby determining the supplier's white list (reliability information on the supply side). For example, based on historical reservation and fulfillment data, if the calculated time difference between the scheduled arrival time and the actual arrival time is less than a specific threshold, it can be judged that the supplier has high reliability. That is, the supplier's white list may include information on suppliers whose time difference between the scheduled arrival time and the actual arrival time is less than a specific threshold.

[0058] Step 2 specifically includes the following steps:

[0059] Step 2.1, in the past period of time (for example, one year), for example, based on the monthly dimension, calculate the time difference between the scheduled arrival time and the actual arrival time in the supplier-regional distribution center dimension, that is, calculate the average time difference between the scheduled arrival time and the actual arrival time of supplier s at the regional distribution center (omit k=0, the same below) in the tth month as follows:

[0060]

[0061] Among them, book_date sti represents the scheduled arrival time of supplier s’s ith appointment at the regional distribution center in the tth month, arr_date sti represents the actual arrival time of supplier s’s ith appointment at the regional distribution center in the tth month, n st Represents the total number of reservations made by supplier s at the regional distribution center in month t.

[0062] Step 2.2: Calculate the predicted time difference value for the first month according to the following formula (5):

[0063]

[0064] Where m represents the constant of the initial prediction value of the calculation time difference, and the recommended value range is [1,2].

[0065] Step 2.3. Calculate the time difference forecast value of the Tth month (i.e. the next month) according to the following iterative formula (6):

[0066]

[0067] Here, α represents the smoothing constant, which ranges from [0,1] and the recommended value is 0.8.

[0068] Step 2.4. Calculate the set of suppliers S′ that are expected to arrive at the regional distribution center on the same day according to the following formula (7):

[0069]

[0070] Among them, t=T represents the current month, and cur_day=0 represents the current time (ie, the current day).

[0071] In addition, in step 2, a SKU blacklist (item delivery information) may be determined based on the historical delivery fluctuation of the SKU. For example, when the delivery fluctuation of the SKU is greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the delivery fluctuation of the SKU is large, and there is a possibility that the SKU cannot be delivered. That is, the SKU blacklist may include SKU information whose delivery fluctuation is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0072] The acquisition of the supplier's white list and SKU black list in step 2 may be performed, for example, in a regional distribution center, and the regional distribution center sends the acquired supplier's white list and / or SKU black list to the server.

[0073] In step 3, the server uses the reserved in-transit inventory to make a forward cross-dock transfer based on the demand of each city distribution center obtained in step 1 (i.e., the server updates the client's item demand based on the first transfer information, sends the update result to the client, and uses the update result to make a forward cross-dock transfer). Preferably, the forward cross-dock transfer is made based on the demand of each city distribution center in step 1 and the supplier whitelist and SKU blacklist obtained in step 2.

[0074] For each SKUj∈J, step 3 executes the following steps in order:

[0075] Step 3.1, for the collection Elements of distribution centers in each city, according to demand qtty_dem jk Sort descending and update the collection

[0076] Step 3.2: Calculate the total scheduled delivery volume qtty_supp of SKU j to the regional distribution center according to the following formula (8): jk :

[0077] qtty_supp j =∑ s∈S 'qtty_supp sj (8)

[0078] Among them, qtty_supp sj It represents the scheduled delivery quantity of SKU j that supplier s has scheduled to deliver to the regional distribution center.

[0079] Step 3.3: Update the total scheduled delivery quantity qtty_supp of SKU j according to the following formulas (9)-(11): j and the demand for SKU j in the regional distribution center qtty_dem j，k＝0 :

[0080] qtty_tmp j =min{qtt y _supp j ,qtty_dem j，k＝0} (9)

[0081] qtty_suppj=qtty_supp j -qtty_tmp j (10)

[0082] qtty_dem j，k＝0 =qtty_dem j，k＝0 -qtty_tmp j (11)

[0083] Step 3.4, if qtty_supp j ≤0, proceed to step 4; otherwise, according to the set Inner city distribution center element, based on the demand for SKU j in the city distribution center qtty_dem jk Sort in descending order and update the collection (requirements have been updated, so re-sorting is required).

[0084] Step 3.5: Update the demand quantity qtty_dem for SKU j at city distribution center k according to the following formulas (12)-(14): jk and the total scheduled delivery quantity qtty_supp for SKU j j :

[0085] qtty_tmp jk =min{qtty_dem jk ,qtty_supp j} (12)

[0086] qtty_dem jk =qtty_dem jk -qtty_tmp jk (13)

[0087] qtty_supp j =qtty_supp j -qtty_tmp jk (14)

[0088] Step 4: Based on the demand of the city distribution center and the inventory level of the regional distribution center updated in step 3, spot transfer is performed using the spot inventory. Preferably, the inventory level information of the regional distribution center is received, and when the inventory level of the regional distribution center is greater than a predetermined inventory threshold, spot transfer of the inventory is performed. The inventory threshold is, for example, greater than the safety inventory level of the regional distribution center.

[0089] For each SKU j, step 4 performs the following steps in order:

[0090] Step 4.1, for the collection Elements of distribution centers in each city, according to demand qtty_dem jk Sort descending and update the collection

[0091] Step 4.2: Update the regional distribution center inventory level inv_cur according to the following formula (15)-(17): j，k＝0 And the demand of distribution centers in each city qtt_dem jk

[0092] qtty_tmp jk =min{qtty_dem jk , inv_cur j，k＝0 -qtty_dem j，k＝0} (15)

[0093] qtty_dem jk =qtty_dem jk -qtty_tmp jk (16)

[0094] inv_cur j，k =0=inv_cur j，k＝0 -qtty_tmp jk (17)

[0095] Step 5: Perform cross-docking transfers using the reserved in-transit inventory according to the demand of each city distribution center. Preferably, perform cross-docking transfers according to the updated regional distribution center inventory level and the demand of each city distribution center in step 4.

[0096] For each SKU j, step 5 performs the following steps in order:

[0097] Step 5.1, for the collection Elements of distribution centers in each city, according to demand qtty_dem jk Sort descending and update the collection (Requirements have been updated, so they need to be reordered).

[0098] Step 5.2: Calculate the total scheduled delivery volume qtty_supp of SKU j to the regional distribution center according to the following formula (18): j :

[0099] qtty_supp j =∑ s∈S′ qtty_supp sj (18)

[0100] Among them, qtty_supp sj represents the scheduled delivery quantity of SKU j of supplier s to the regional distribution center; S′ represents the set of suppliers scheduled to deliver on the same day.

[0101] Step 5.3: Update the total scheduled delivery quantity qtty_supp of SKU j according to the following formulas (19)-(21): j and the demand qtty_dem for SKU j in city distribution center k jk :

[0102] qtty_tmp j =min{qtty_supp j ,qtty_dem j，k} (19)

[0103] qtty_suppj=qtty_supp j -qtty_tmp j (20)

[0104] qtty_dem j，k =qtty_dem j，k -qtty_tmp j (twenty one)

[0105] Step 5.4, if qtty_supp j ≤0, then j=j+1 and go to step 5.1, otherwise continue with the following steps.

[0106] Step 5.5, for the collection The elements of each city distribution center are based on the demand of the city distribution center qtty_dem jk Sorts the collection in descending order and updates it.

[0107] Step 5.6, according to the collection The order of the elements of the inner city distribution center is updated according to the following formulas (22)-(24): jk and the total scheduled delivery quantity qtty_supp for SKU j j :

[0108] qtty_tmp j =min{qtty_supp j ,qtty_dem j，k} (twenty two)

[0109] qtty_supp j =qtty_supp j -qtty_tmp j (twenty three)

[0110] qtty_dem j，k =qtty_dem j，k-qtty_tmp j (twenty four)

[0111] Step 5.7, set j=j+1 and go to step 5.1.

[0112] Step 6: Confirm, issue and execute the above-mentioned transfer plan of the in-transit inventory taking into account the reservation through the server.

[0113] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention are not only applicable to the allocation under the above-mentioned "supplier→regional distribution center→city distribution center" supply chain network relationship, but also applicable to the demand fulfillment under the "supplier→city distribution center→consumer" supply chain network relationship.

[0114] According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, by considering the cross-docking operation of the reserved in-transit inventory, the downstream demand is met and the unnecessary loading and unloading operations of goods are reduced, thereby improving work efficiency, saving daily operating costs, and optimizing the downstream inventory structure. In addition, by analyzing and identifying suppliers with higher appointment credibility, suppliers with higher appointment credibility are put in front, thereby increasing the number of cross-docking opportunities.

[0115] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the main modules of the item transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 As shown, the item allocation device 200 includes: a receiving unit 201, which receives the item demand information of the client; a first allocation unit 202, which generates first allocation information for allocating the in-transit stock of the item based on the received item demand information, so as to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold; an updating unit 203, which updates the item demand of the client based on the first allocation information; and a second allocation unit 204, which generates second allocation information for allocating the in-transit stock of the item based on the updated item demand information, so as to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is higher than the safety stock threshold and lower than the target stock threshold.

[0116] Preferably, the receiving unit 201 of the item allocation device according to the embodiment of the present invention also receives information on the in-transit inventory of items from the item supply end; and the first allocation unit generates first allocation information for allocating the in-transit inventory of items and the in-stock inventory of the upstream distribution end when the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold is greater than the in-transit inventory of items.

[0117] Preferably, the receiving unit 201 of the item allocation device according to the embodiment of the present invention also receives information on the in-stock inventory level of the upstream distribution end; and the first allocation unit 202 generates first allocation information for allocating the in-transit inventory of the item and the in-stock inventory of the upstream distribution end when the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold is greater than the in-transit inventory of the item, and the in-stock inventory level of the upstream distribution end is greater than the predetermined in-stock threshold.

[0118] Preferably, the receiving unit 201 of the item allocation device according to an embodiment of the present invention also receives reliability information of the item supply end and / or delivery quantity information of the item from the upstream distribution end, and the first allocation unit 202 generates the first allocation information based on the information of the client's item demand quantity by referring to the reliability information of the item supply end and / or the delivery quantity information of the item.

[0119] Preferably, the reliability information of the item supply end according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, for example: information of the item supply end that the time difference between the scheduled arrival time and the actual arrival time from the item supply end to the upstream distribution end is less than a predetermined value, wherein the time difference is obtained based on the historical reservation and fulfillment data of the item supply end.

[0120] Preferably, the delivery amount information of items according to the embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, information of items whose delivery fluctuation amount is greater than a predetermined value, wherein the delivery fluctuation amount of the items is obtained based on the historical delivery fluctuation amount of the items.

[0121] Preferably, the safety stock threshold according to an embodiment of the present invention is obtained based on, for example, the safety factor under a predetermined demand service level, the mean of the supply-side delivery lead time, the standard deviation of the supply-side delivery lead time, the mean of the item demand and the standard deviation of the item demand.

[0122] According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, by considering the cross-docking operation of the reserved in-transit inventory, the downstream demand is met and the unnecessary loading and unloading operations of goods are reduced, thereby improving work efficiency, saving daily operating costs, and optimizing the downstream inventory structure. In addition, by analyzing and identifying suppliers with higher appointment credibility, suppliers with higher appointment credibility are put in front, thereby increasing the number of cross-docking opportunities.

[0123] Figure 4 An exemplary system architecture 400 is shown to which the item allocation method or item allocation device according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0124] like Figure 4As shown, system architecture 400 may include terminal devices 401, 402, 403, network 404 and server 405. Network 404 is used to provide a medium for communication links between terminal devices 401, 402, 403 and server 405. Network 404 may include various connection types, such as wired, wireless communication links or optical fiber cables, etc.

[0125] Users can use terminal devices 401, 402, 403 to interact with server 405 through network 404 to receive or send messages, etc. Various communication client applications can be installed on terminal devices 401, 402, 403, such as item allocation applications, data processing applications, social platform software, etc. (only for example).

[0126] The terminal devices 401 , 402 , and 403 may be various electronic devices having a display screen and supporting web browsing, including but not limited to smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and desktop computers.

[0127] The server 405 may be a server that provides various services, such as a backend management server (for example only) that provides support for data processing / item allocation websites browsed by the user using the terminal devices 401, 402, and 403. The backend management server may analyze and process the received data such as the information on the quantity of item demand, and feed back the processing results (such as the first allocation information and the second allocation information - for example only) to the terminal device.

[0128] It should be noted that the item allocation method provided in the embodiment of the present invention is generally executed by the server 405 , and accordingly, the item allocation device is generally disposed in the server 405 .

[0129] It should be understood that Figure 4 The number of terminal devices, networks and servers in the embodiment is only for illustration. Any number of terminal devices, networks and servers may be provided according to implementation requirements.

[0130] Reference below Figure 5 , which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system 500 of a terminal device suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The terminal device shown is only an example and should not bring any limitation to the functions and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0131] like Figure 5As shown, the computer system 500 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 501, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 502 or a program loaded from a storage part 508 into a random access memory (RAM) 503. In the RAM 503, various programs and data required for the operation of the system 500 are also stored. The CPU 501, the ROM 502, and the RAM 503 are connected to each other via a bus 504. An input / output (I / O) interface 505 is also connected to the bus 504.

[0132] The following components are connected to the I / O interface 505: an input section 506 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output section 507 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and a speaker, etc.; a storage section 508 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 509 including a network interface card such as a LAN card, a modem, etc. The communication section 509 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 510 is also connected to the I / O interface 505 as needed. A removable medium 511, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on the drive 510 as needed, so that a computer program read therefrom is installed into the storage section 508 as needed.

[0133] In particular, according to the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, the process described above with reference to the flowchart can be implemented as a computer software program. For example, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention include a computer program product, which includes a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, and the computer program includes a program code for executing the method shown in the flowchart. In such an embodiment, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from the network through the communication part 509, and / or installed from the removable medium 511. When the computer program is executed by the central processing unit (CPU) 501, the above-mentioned functions defined in the system of the present invention are executed.

[0134] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in the present invention may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium or any combination of the above two. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device or device, or any combination of the above. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. In the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in combination with an instruction execution system, device or device. In the present invention, a computer-readable signal medium may include a data signal propagated in a baseband or as part of a carrier wave, which carries a computer-readable program code. This propagated data signal may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination of the above. Computer-readable signal media may also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, which may send, propagate or transmit a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wire, optical cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the above.

[0135] The flow chart and block diagram in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architecture, function and operation of the system, method and computer program product according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each box in the flow chart or block diagram can represent a module, a program segment, or a part of a code, and the above-mentioned module, program segment, or a part of a code contains one or more executable instructions for realizing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the box can also occur in a different order from the order marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two boxes represented in succession can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagram or flow chart, and the combination of the boxes in the block diagram or flow chart can be implemented with a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or operation, or can be implemented with a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0136] The units involved in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by software or hardware. The units described may also be set in a processor. For example, they may be described as: a processor includes a receiving unit, a first allocation unit, an updating unit, and a second allocation unit. The names of these units do not, in some cases, constitute limitations on the units themselves. For example, the receiving unit may also be described as a "unit that receives information on the item demand of a client."

[0137] As another aspect, the present invention also provides a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device described in the above embodiment; or may exist independently without being assembled into the device. The above computer-readable medium carries one or more programs, and when the above one or more programs are executed by a device, the device includes: receiving information on the item demand of a client; generating first allocation information for allocating in-transit inventory of items based on the received information on the item demand of the client to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold; updating the item demand of the client based on the first allocation information; generating second allocation information for allocating in-transit inventory of items based on the updated item demand information to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is higher than the safety stock threshold and lower than the target stock threshold.

[0138] According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, by considering the cross-docking operation of the reserved in-transit inventory, the downstream demand is met, and the unnecessary loading and unloading operations of goods are reduced, thereby improving work efficiency, saving daily operating costs, and optimizing the downstream inventory structure. In addition, by analyzing and identifying suppliers with higher reservation credibility, suppliers with higher reservation credibility are put in front, thereby improving the utilization rate of cross-docking transfers and reducing the loss costs caused by unreasonable inventory of items.

[0139] The above specific implementations do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and substitutions may occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modification, equivalent substitution and improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for allocating items, characterized in that: include: Receive information about the demand for items from the client, information about the in-transit inventory from the supply side, and information about the inventory level from the upstream distribution side; According to the received information on the item demand of the client, first allocation information for allocating the in-transit stock of the item is generated to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold, including: when the item demand of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold is greater than the in-transit stock of the item, and the in-stock level of the upstream distribution end is greater than the predetermined in-stock threshold, according to the information on the item demand, the in-transit stock of the item supply end, and the in-stock level of the upstream distribution end, the first allocation information for allocating the in-transit stock of the item and the in-stock stock of the upstream distribution end is generated; Updating the item demand of the client according to the first transfer information includes: sorting in descending order of demand and updating the set of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold; updating the first transfer information and the item demand according to the updated set of the client; According to the updated information on the item demand, second allocation information for allocating the in-transit stock of the item is generated to meet the item demand of the client whose stock level is higher than the safety stock threshold and lower than the target stock threshold.

2. The method for allocating items according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Before generating the first allocation information, receiving reliability information of the item supply end and / or item delivery quantity information from the upstream distribution end, and Generating the first transfer information according to the received information on the item demand includes: generating the first transfer information according to the item demand of the client by referring to the reliability information of the item supplier and / or the delivery quantity information of the item.

3. The method for allocating items according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reliability information of the item supply end includes: information of the item supply end where the time difference between the scheduled arrival time and the actual arrival time of the item supply end to the upstream distribution end is less than a predetermined value, wherein the time difference is obtained based on the historical reservation and fulfillment data of the item supply end.

4. The method for transferring items according to claim 2, characterized in that: The delivery amount information of the item includes: information of the item whose delivery fluctuation amount of the item is greater than a predetermined value, wherein the delivery fluctuation amount of the item is obtained according to the historical delivery fluctuation amount of the item.

5. The method for allocating items according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The safety stock threshold is obtained based on the safety factor at a predetermined demand service level, the mean of the supply-side delivery lead time, the standard deviation of the supply-side delivery lead time, the mean of the item demand, and the standard deviation of the item demand.

6. An item transfer device, characterized in that: include: A receiving unit, used to receive information on the item demand quantity of the client, information on the in-transit inventory of the item supply end, and information on the inventory level of the upstream distribution end; A first allocation unit is used to generate first allocation information for allocating the in-transit inventory of the item according to the received information on the item demand quantity, so as to meet the item demand quantity of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold, including: when the item demand quantity of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold is greater than the in-transit inventory of the item, and the in-stock inventory level of the upstream distribution end is greater than a predetermined in-stock threshold, the first allocation information for allocating the in-transit inventory of the item and the in-stock inventory of the upstream distribution end is generated according to the information on the item demand quantity, the information on the in-transit inventory of the item supply end, and the information on the in-stock inventory level of the upstream distribution end; an updating unit, configured to update the item demand of the client according to the first allocation information updating unit, comprising: sorting in descending order of demand and updating the set of the client whose inventory level is lower than the safety stock threshold; updating the first allocation information and the item demand according to the updated set of the client; and The second allocation unit is used to generate second allocation information for allocating the in-transit stock of the item according to the updated information of the item demand, so as to meet the item demand of the client whose inventory level is higher than the safety stock threshold and lower than the target stock threshold.

7. An electronic device for transferring items, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; as well as a storage device for storing one or more programs, When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is implemented.

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