Methods for products to automatically carry and maintain identity information synchronized with logistics.

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for automatically carrying and maintaining synchronized product identity information during logistics: Production instructions are handled by the ERP system, while production planning, task allocation, task execution, monitoring and quantity statistics during production, and data uploading are handled by the MES system. Product identity information, batch size, and quantity are assigned by the ERP system. Throughout the production process, regardless of the product's location, its identity information is continuously tracked by the MES system until the product becomes a finished product and is stored in the warehouse, at which point the product's identity information is transferred to the warehouse management system. Because the product's identity information is automatically maintained in the MES system without manual marking throughout the logistics process, and the logistics system can also upload the product's real-time location along the logistics path to the MES system, this achieves the binding management of product identity information and location information, enabling highly efficient intelligent logistics for multiple products in highly complex environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to product logistics technology in the offset corrugated packaging industry, and more particularly to a method for automatically carrying and maintaining the product's identity information during the product logistics process. Background Technology

[0002] In the offset corrugated packaging industry, workshops typically produce 4-5 products simultaneously, each requiring 6-7 processing steps. Each step involves paper loading, processing, paper output, buffering, transfer, buffering at the next process stage, and then paper loading again. Therefore, each processing step involves 7 transfer processes, totaling 50 transfer processes. If 4 products are produced simultaneously, each process requires at least 4 machines operating concurrently, resulting in over 100 transfer processes running synchronously. During these transfers, data must be collected, updated, and transmitted in real-time for each process.

[0003] In the current logistics model, product identification involves affixing a visible identification label to each product during the logistics process and then using an identification system for physical identification, primarily relying on QR codes or barcodes. This identification method is not only limited to the product having the necessary marking conditions, but also requires labeling systems at the exit of each machine and identification systems at the import end, with information application and scanning repeated at each process step. This identification method is not only cumbersome and inefficient, but also has significant limitations, serving only a very limited range of logistics methods. Furthermore, for products where visible identification information cannot be applied (such as bare products transported directly on paper stacks without pallets), or when there are many semi-finished products to be transported and the logistics process is very complex, the stamped identification method is unsuitable. How to ensure that all product information can be automatically and accurately transmitted during the product logistics process without requiring any physical identification equipment or methods, and adapting to complex production environments, is the technical problem that this application aims to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for automatically carrying and maintaining the identity information of products in the logistics of intelligent workshops, which is designed for complex production environments. It can achieve fully intelligent operation without the need for supporting identity recognition equipment or a specially designed management system. It uses the functions of the natural state to generate naturally achievable goals, thereby achieving ideal logistics efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The present invention discloses a method for automatically carrying and maintaining the identity information of a product in synchronized logistics.

[0007] The original product identification information is sent from the unit's operations department to the MES system in the production workshop through the ERP system. The MES system then sends the product processing technology along with the identification information to the corresponding processing machines through the automatic scheduling system.

[0008] Each machine will receive the product identity information and all data corresponding to the processing task assigned by the MES system and automatically save them in its own production management system. During the processing, the identity information of the processed product assigned by the MES system will be directly and automatically transferred to the paper output end of the machine through the production management system of each machine. The paper output end of the machine will then transfer the processing quantity of the board of products along with the identity information to the logistics management system for storage.

[0009] When the paper output end of the machine sends a shipment request to the logistics management system, the logistics management system establishes a temporary logistics channel between the paper output buffer roller of the machine station and the storage roller corresponding to the storage area where the product needs to be located, based on the product's identity information and processing technology. The product, carrying its identity information and the quantity of the products on this board, will be transferred to the destination roller through a dedicated independent channel. At this time, the product information in the logistics management system is transferred synchronously, and the new product location information is fed back to the MES system through information linkage.

[0010] When the next machine needs to process the product according to the processing task assigned by the MES system, it first sends a pickup request to the logistics management system. Based on the product information requested by the machine, the logistics management system establishes a temporary logistics channel between the corresponding product location in the storage area and the machine. The product, carrying its identification information, then automatically flows along the temporary logistics channel to the paper feed buffer roller of the machine for standby.

[0011] The production plan for all products is scheduled through the MES system, specifying which processes and machines will be used, including when the previous order is completed, when the next order will begin, how each order will be procured, its final destination, and the pickup time for the next process. All of this is then executed by the logistics management system (PLC execution program). In other words, throughout the entire logistics process, the logistics management system arranges production processes according to the unique identity information assigned to each product by the MES system. Therefore, the product's identity information is interdependent with the product itself, moving as a unified whole. This way, when products flow between processes, no manual addition of identity information to the products or semi-finished products is required, ensuring that all product information is automatically and accurately transmitted. Regardless of how many times the products are reprocessed, no special identification equipment is needed, and the product's identity information remains unchanged.

[0012] Furthermore, the method is based on a logistics channel composed of several logistics departments within a static holographic intelligent logistics system laid on the production workshop floor. These logistics departments comprise a hardware logistics system consisting of an outflow buffer roller conveyor, a multi-functional turning conveyor platform, a bridge roller conveyor, a storage roller conveyor, and an inflow buffer roller conveyor. Each corresponding temporary logistics channel formed by these logistics departments is unique and independent. When establishing this temporary logistics channel, the logistics management system is based on the corresponding destination required by the identity information of the product being transported. Therefore, as the product moves along this channel, its identity information is also synchronized with the logistics process.

[0013] The temporary logistics channels established by the intelligent logistics system are all independent and dedicated. Regardless of how many logistics channels are operating simultaneously, the logistics channel will automatically disappear one step for each product that moves forward, and the product information will move one step forward to maintain the uniqueness of the channel. This ensures that the identity information of the product is always carried with it no matter where it goes.

[0014] The original product identification information includes the product name, specifications, materials, process indicators, quality standards, batch quantity, and delivery time. Each time a product passes through a machine, the quantity information of the product will be added to the product output end of the machine. This information will be transferred downward along with other product information.

[0015] The advantages of this invention are:

[0016] It can effectively solve the problem of how to accurately maintain and transfer the identity information of various products in extremely complex logistics processes without the need for ID cards, and the product's identity information can always retain the original data unchanged no matter how many times it is transferred; its biggest technical highlight is that it uses natural factors to produce natural effects.

[0017] In this management model, the ERP system is responsible for issuing production instructions, while the MES system is responsible for production planning, task allocation, task execution, monitoring and quantity statistics during the production process, and data uploading. Therefore, the identity information, batch size, and quantity of all products are assigned by the ERP system. During the production process, no matter where the product is, its identity information is always tracked by the MES system until the product becomes a finished product and is put into the warehouse. At that time, the product's identity information is transferred to the warehouse management system (because the warehouse management system also receives the warehousing instructions and information from the ERP system before production). The warehouse management system only needs to verify the corresponding product and quantity information to complete the warehousing.

[0018] Since the product identification information does not need to be manually marked during the entire logistics process, but is automatically continued from the product identification information in MES, the logistics system can also upload the real-time location of the product moving in the logistics path to the MES system, realizing the binding management of product identification information and location information, which makes it possible to achieve high-efficiency intelligent logistics for multiple products in highly complex environments. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a logistics unit in the static holographic intelligent logistics system used in this invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a static holographic intelligent logistics system in a vertical mode.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a static holographic intelligent logistics system in a horizontal mode. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The method of the present invention will now be described in more detail to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0023] I. The specific implementation of the method for automatically carrying and maintaining the identity information synchronized with logistics of the product according to the present invention is as follows:

[0024] 1. ERP instructions:

[0025] After receiving information about product preparation or mass production, the ERP system will register and save the product's original identity information: the original information includes the product's name, specifications, materials, process indicators, quality standards, batch quantity, delivery time, etc. The product information can be manually entered by the operations center when the product is first produced, and the information for subsequent production can be directly entered into the system by the customer placing the quantity and maintaining the original data.

[0026] 2. Instruction issued:

[0027] After confirming that the product information is correct, the ERP system will send the production preparation instruction to the MES system. Of course, this instruction contains all the product identification information.

[0028] 3. Identity maintenance:

[0029] (1) Issuance of ID card: After receiving the production order, the MES system will schedule production according to the various production process requirements of the product, the equipment indicators and performance of the corresponding production system, and the production status analysis. The production tasks will be directly assigned to each process and the corresponding appropriate machine according to the process steps. In this way, the product's identity information will be brought to each process and the corresponding machine at the same time.

[0030] (2) ID card handover: In the production management system of each machine, when production starts, the execution program of the MES system will be entered first. At this time, the production management system will run the production instruction of the product. The amount of paper fed into the front of the machine and the amount of paper output from the back will be automatically recorded by the machine. Moreover, the product that goes in and the product that comes out are also automatically controlled. As long as there is no new product switch and the production instruction of the product is not completed, the identity of the product that comes out will not change.

[0031] (3) ID card tracking: Products coming out of the equipment in a process are stored in the area designated by the system. At this time, the identity of each product is tracked and taken away when it comes off the machine. That is, the identity will be transferred with the product. Moreover, the product is tracked and monitored wherever it is moved. This monitoring method is carried out through the information transfer process. At the same time, the MES system will monitor and count in real time which products are stored on each roller conveyor in the storage area and how many are stored.

[0032] (4) Closed-loop management of ID cards: From the moment the MES system accepts and assigns tasks, the identity information of each product is distributed to the corresponding machine in each process. Through the identity handover between processes, identity tracking and supervision in the logistics process, until the product is finished and put into storage, the product's ID card is managed in a closed-loop mode. Although no visible identity information is attached to the product, the management mode function of the MES system and the transfer and maintenance of product identity information by the processing equipment ensure that no matter how many products are produced at the same time, there will be no confusion of identity information, including the number of products on each board. At the same time, the entire production system can be kept running efficiently.

[0033] In summary, given the characteristics of this logistics model, product information always moves with the product, no matter where it goes. In other words, the product can move freely within the entire logistics system, but the product's identity information will not be changed by any factors.

[0034] II. The following uses the processing flow of a certain brand of premium milk tea gift boxes to illustrate in detail how products carry and maintain identification information.

[0035] Logistics are carried out simultaneously:

[0036] The customer's technical requirements for the product are as follows: 1. Shape: Hook-bottom gift box with handle; 2. Material: Single corrugated E-flute cardboard; 3. Offset printing; 4. Surface glossy film.

[0037] Processing steps: 1. Corrugated sheet making; 2. Printing; 3. Lamination; 4. Paper mounting; 5. Die cutting; 6. Attaching handles; 7. Gluing boxes; 8. Quality inspection; 9. Finished product warehousing.

[0038] 1. When the ERP system sends a production instruction to the MES system, it simultaneously includes the following information with the product: Name: Moutai Pure Zhen Gift Box; Type: Hook-bottom Gift Box; Batch Number: ********; Product Specifications: 265*12*230mm; Processing Quantity: 200,000; Materials: 300+140+170; Process: E-corrugated, offset printing, glossy lamination, mounting, die-cutting, handle installation, box gluing; Delivery Date: **Month** **Day; Face Paper Specifications: **mm×**mm; Corrugated Paper Specifications: **mm×**mm; Published: 2 sheets per issue; Machine Quantity: 101,000 sheets; Warehouse Quantity: 200,000 sheets, etc. Figure 1 Attached as above;

[0039] 2. After receiving a production order, the MES system will analyze and schedule production based on the various production requirements of the product. For example:

[0040] →Raw paper warehouse:

[0041] (1) Production order: On ** month ** day, the following materials were issued: Corrugated base paper width: *** mm, basis weight: 140 g ** t; inner paper width: *** mm, basis weight: 170 g ** t; face paper: *** brand 300 g *** t.

[0042] (2) Attachment: ERP Indicators: *****;

[0043] →Paper slitting machine:

[0044] (1) Production order): On ** month ** day, 300g of ** brand paper will be distributed, quantity: 101,000 sheets.

[0045] (2) Attachment: ERP Indicators: *****

[0046] →Offset printing machine No. 1:

[0047] (1) Production order: **Month** **Day** **Hour**, Printing machine: Mengniu Chunzhen, Batch number: ********, Quantity: 101,000 sheets, Finished product quantity: 100,600 sheets.

[0048] (2) Attachment: ERP Indicators: *****

[0049] →Laminator No. 2:

[0050] (1) Production order: **Month** **Day** **Hour**: Start Mengniu Pure Milk, Batch No.: ********, Quantity: 100600 sheets, Finished product quantity: 100500 sheets;

[0051] (2) Attachment: ERP Indicators: *****

[0052] →Paper mounting machine No. 3:

[0053] (1) Production order: **Month** **Day** **Hour**: Mengniu Pure Zhen: Batch No.: ********, Quantity: 100,500 sheets, Finished product quantity: 100,400 sheets.

[0054] (2) Attachment: ERP Indicators: *****;

[0055] →Die-cutting machine No. 4:

[0056] (1) Production order: **Month** **Day** **Hour**: Mengniu Pure Zhen: Batch No.: ********, Quantity: 100400 sheets, Finished product quantity: 100300 sheets.

[0057] (2) Attachment: ERP Indicators: *****;

[0058] →Phone your phone on the 3rd:

[0059] (1) Production order: **Month** **Day** **Hour**: Mengniu Chunzhen: Batch No.: **********, Quantity: 200600 pieces, Handle Standard: Chunzhen Special, Finished Product Quantity: 200500 pieces.

[0060] (2) Attachment: ERP Indicators: *****

[0061] →No. 2 gluing machine:

[0062] (1) Production order: **Month** **Day** **Hour**: Mengniu Pure Zhen: Batch No.: ********, Quantity: 200500 pieces, Finished product quantity: 200300 pieces.

[0063] (2) Attachment: ERP Indicators: *****

[0064] → Inspection Station No. 1:

[0065] (1) Production order: **Month** **Day** **Hour**: Mengniu Pure Zhen Gift Box: Batch No.: ********, Quantity: 200300, Qualified Products: 200000 pieces.

[0066] (2) Detection indicators: ERP indicators;

[0067] → Finished Goods Warehouse Zone 3:

[0068] (1) Warehousing indicators: **Month** **Day** **Hour**: Mengniu Pure Zhen Gift Boxes were put into storage: Batch No.: ********, Quantity: 2,000,000 pieces.

[0069] (2) Attachment: ERP Indicators: *****

[0070] In addition to production instructions, the instructions sent from the MES system to the production management system of each machine also include ERP attachments. The attachments include product name, product quantity, various process indicators, various technical indicators, various raw and auxiliary material indicators, and delivery and warehousing time, etc. Each machine only needs to produce in accordance with the schedule of the MES system.

[0071] 3. The logistics system distributed across various processes is on standby 24 / 7, ready to respond as soon as goods are dispatched from the machine.

[0072] Upon receiving a logistics request, the physical management system will immediately activate and, based on the instructions of the request, plan the logistics route accordingly to transport the products to their destination.

[0073] 4. The MES system manages the entire system; upon receiving a production instruction from the ERP system, it immediately searches for the relevant information.

[0074] We need to check whether the raw materials and auxiliary materials required for the production order are in place, whether the warehouse inventory is sufficient for the order, and the on-line production cycle time of each machine that meets the process requirements. Only then will we send the corresponding production instructions.

[0075] 5. The first step in the production process is the printing press. Based on the time instructions from the MES system, the printing press programs the corresponding products into its startup sequence. Upon completion of the previous order, it sends an order change notification to the MES system. The MES system then instructs the paper sorting machine's storage area to immediately transport the necessary paper to the printing press's loading area, where it is automatically loaded into the system to begin automatic paper loading. Simultaneously, the printing press assembles all the required printing plates and inks, ensuring everything is ready, and mass production for this order officially begins.

[0076] 6. During the printing process, the printing press counts one sheet after each print. When the paper receiving height on the receiving table reaches the set height, the automatic plate change function is automatically activated, sending the paper stack out of the printing press's receiving table. The paper stack sent out of the receiving table moves to the output buffer roller conveyor, and the printing press's receiving table simultaneously transfers all the data and quantity of the paper stack to the output buffer roller conveyor. The output buffer roller conveyor sends a logistics request to the logistics management system, which immediately establishes a temporary logistics channel between the printing press's output buffer roller conveyor and the destination based on the product's identification information. The paper stack is then transported to its destination along this channel.

[0077] During the production process, the number of sheets of paper completed on the paper feeding platform of the printing press will be increased by the same number of sheets on the paper output platform. Simultaneously, the order tracking record will show how many sheets have been completed. The paper receiving platform is connected to the MES system. Therefore, if the actual production quantity of a batch of orders does not meet the planned requirements, the missing paper can be made up in time through the replenishment channel before printing.

[0078] 7. The logistics management system follows the order scheduling plan of the MES system. The temporary channels established are planned to transport the printed face paper to the designated storage roller conveyor. Therefore, the printed face paper is transferred to the storage roller conveyor along with the product's identification information. After the product arrives at its destination, the physical management system will feed back the arrival information to the MES system, and the MES system will simultaneously display the identification information and location information of the batch of products.

[0079] 8. Next, machine number 2, which is on standby in the surface treatment laminating process, enters the production process for this order after completing the previous order: According to the planned time and assigned task details in the MES system, the paper loading platform issues a pickup instruction. The logistics management system then establishes a temporary channel between the laminating machine's paper loading platform and the logistics roller conveyor where the batch of products is located, based on the plan and the location of the batch. The batch of products to be produced will then be automatically transported to the machine's paper loading platform along this path. Because this channel is a dedicated channel established by the logistics management system under the arrangement of the MES system for this product, the identity information of this batch of products is simultaneously transferred to the machine's paper loading platform. In addition, since the laminating machine is picking up this batch of products according to the instructions of the MES system, the real-time information of this batch of products will naturally be displayed on the MES system after the paper arrives.

[0080] 9. During the laminating machine's processing of sheet after sheet of face paper, the products and information of that batch of orders are transferred to the next process step, until the entire batch is completed and all products and information of the order are transferred to the next process step. This process is repeated step by step, with all product information transferred simultaneously with the products, until the final process is completed and the products are transported to the finished goods warehouse.

[0081] This invention utilizes the entry and exit management system for each machine, combined with the intelligent management of the logistics system. Under the layout and monitoring of the MES system, all information of the batch of products is always kept in real time. Not only is the real-time information of all products in production displayed on the management platform, but also all products awaiting production, products in production, and completed products, including the planned execution status, can all be displayed dynamically on the platform in real time without any errors.

[0082] Since the entire processing of products from the import end to the export end of each machine is included in the transfer link of the product logistics process, the quantity of products can be counted at the same time as the transfer.

[0083] In summary, the reason why product identity information remains unchanged throughout the entire logistics process is that each product carries its identity information with it during transport. This method prioritizes identity information and utilizes the exclusivity and independence of temporary logistics channels to ensure that the identity information of multiple products remains unchanged and unconfused during simultaneous logistics. This logistics model automatically identifies the product through the transfer of identity information; in other words, what is transferred during logistics is the product's identity information, which implicitly reveals the product's identity.

[0084] To ensure that products can carry identity information during synchronous logistics, this invention can be used in conjunction with a static holographic intelligent logistics system specially designed by the applicant.

[0085] In the static holographic intelligent logistics system adopted in this invention, all logistics departments can be designed as modular structures. Based on the actual area and the specific layout of the workshop workstations, the logistics departments (including the discharge buffer roller conveyor 1, the multi-functional turning conveyor platform 2, the bridge roller conveyor 3, the storage roller conveyor 4, and the feed buffer roller conveyor 5) are first connected to form independent logistics units. The completed logistics unit structure is shown below. Figure 1 As shown; then multiple logistics units with the same structure are combined according to the vertical (or horizontal) logistics mode (both logistics units are connected by a bridge roller conveyor), thus forming a vertical or horizontal logistics system deployed between the upper and lower processes in the workshop.

[0086] Figure 2 For a vertically arranged logistics system, the paper output channels of two adjacent logistics units are connected by a bridge roller conveyor GH, and the paper input channels are connected by a bridge roller conveyor GX, forming the paper output channel CZTD and the paper input channel JZTD of the entire static intelligent logistics system.

[0087] When a product moves from one process to another (performing a logistics task), all logistics departments between the starting point and the destination are linked together into a dedicated temporary logistics channel. The product, carrying identification information, moves along this temporary logistics channel. Each time it reaches a logistics department, the next logistics department is activated. When passing through a logistics department, that department is released from the temporary logistics channel. The distance of the logistics route is continuously shortened until all logistics departments in the temporary logistics channel are released. At this point, the temporary logistics channel naturally disappears, meaning all logistics departments in the process are eliminated, and the task is completed.

[0088] Figure 3The structure of the static intelligent logistics system is based on the horizontal logistics model. Compared with the vertical logistics model, the only difference is that the storage roller conveyor between the upper and lower processes is divided into two storage areas. This results in two additional shared channels and a transfer channel ZC.GD connecting the two shared channels. The outgoing logistics of the upper process and the extraction logistics of the lower process are the same as the vertical logistics model.

Claims

1. A method for automatically carrying and maintaining synchronized identity information in logistics for products, characterized in that: The original product identification information is sent from the unit's operations department to the MES system in the production workshop through the ERP system. The MES system then sends the product processing technology along with the identification information to the corresponding processing machines through the automatic scheduling system. Each machine will receive the product identity information and all data corresponding to the processing task assigned by the MES system and automatically save them in its own production management system. During the processing, the identity information of the processed product assigned by the MES system will be directly transferred to the paper output end of the machine through the production management system of each machine. The paper output end of the machine will then deliver the processing quantity of the processed product along with the identity information to the logistics management system for storage. When the paper output end of the machine sends a shipment request to the logistics management system, the logistics management system establishes a temporary logistics channel between the paper output buffer roller of the machine and the storage roller corresponding to the storage area where the product needs to be located, based on the product's identity information and processing technology assigned by the MES system. The product, carrying its identity information and quantity, is then transferred to the destination roller through the temporary channel. At this time, the product information in the logistics management system is simultaneously transferred, and the new product location information is fed back to the MES system through information linkage. When the machine in the next process needs to process the product according to the processing task assigned by the MES system, it first sends a pickup request to the logistics management system. According to the product information requested by the machine, the logistics management system establishes a temporary logistics channel between the corresponding product location in the storage area and the machine. The product then carries the identification information and automatically flows along the temporary logistics channel to the paper feed buffer roller of the machine for waiting.

2. The method for automatically carrying and maintaining synchronized identity information in logistics according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method is based on a logistics channel composed of several logistics departments in a static holographic intelligent logistics system laid on the floor of the production workshop; the logistics department includes a hardware logistics system consisting of an outflow buffer roller conveyor, a multi-functional turning conveyor platform, a bridge roller conveyor, a storage roller conveyor, and an inflow buffer roller conveyor.

3. The method for automatically carrying and maintaining synchronized identity information in logistics according to claim 2, characterized in that: The static holographic intelligent logistics system operates through a temporary, independent, and dedicated logistics channel. Regardless of how many temporary logistics channels operate simultaneously, the logistics channel will automatically disappear one step for each product that moves forward, while the product information moves one step forward to maintain the uniqueness of the channel. This ensures that the identity information of the product is always carried with it, no matter where it goes.

4. The method for automatically carrying and maintaining synchronized identity information in logistics according to claim 1, characterized in that: The original product identification information includes the product name, specifications, materials, process indicators, quality standards, batch quantity, and delivery time. Each time a product passes through a machine, the quantity information of the product will be added to the product output end of the machine. The quantity information will be transferred down along with other product information.

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