WMS-based batch management system and method
By leveraging dynamic attribute expansion and intelligent strategy decision-making in the batch generation, application, and query modules, the problem of reliance on manual experience and rigid strategies in batch management within WMS warehouse management has been solved. This has enabled efficient batch management and inventory turnover, improving inventory turnover rate and operational efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511664011.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-27
AI Technical Summary
In existing WMS warehouse management systems, batch management relies on manual experience, resulting in rigid strategies and a disconnect between data flow and physical operations. This leads to low inventory turnover efficiency, high expiration risk, inability to implement FIFO, LIFO, and FEFO management, non-expandable batch attribute fields, and a lack of dynamic strategy adjustment capabilities.
The batch generation module uses batch gene coding and batch attribute templates to dynamically expand attributes and generate batches in combination with receiving note details; the batch application module generates shelving and picking tasks based on orders and performs intelligent outbound processing in combination with multimodal strategies; the batch query module performs forward and reverse queries and supports batch traceability management.
It enables batch management with low reliance on human experience, high reusability, customizability, and flexible adjustment, improving inventory turnover and operational efficiency, reducing errors and delays, and ensuring smooth warehouse operations.
Smart Images
Figure CN121581758A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of warehouse management system technology, and in particular to a batch management system and method based on WMS. Background Technology
[0002] The logistics market has a strong demand for intelligent WMS (Warehouse Management System) products. Customers are pursuing more efficient and refined management. Batch management occupies a core position in WMS warehouse management. The core problems of existing WMS batch management technology are: over-reliance on human experience, rigid strategies, and a disconnect between data flow and physical operations, resulting in low inventory turnover efficiency and high risk of expiration. Specifically, the problems are: (1) Most warehouse management systems still only manage the quantity of inventory and cannot implement FIFO (first in first out), LIFO (last in first out), or expiration date management (FEFO), or rely solely on manual identification, which is highly dependent on personal experience and makes it difficult to accumulate and reuse experience.
[0003] (2) The batch attribute fields are fixed and cannot be expanded, and cannot be flexibly adjusted in the face of various changes such as different customers and different batch attributes.
[0004] (3) Lack of dynamic strategy adjustment capability. The existing system relies on fixed strategy templates and cannot analyze data and automatically optimize strategy weights based on the specific circumstances of actual orders. It can balance the priority of urgent orders and the expiration date management. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a batch management system and method based on WMS.
[0006] This invention is implemented using the following technical solution: a batch management system based on WMS, comprising: The batch generation module is used to dynamically expand the attributes of batches through batch gene codes and batch attribute templates, generate batch attribute information, and generate batches by combining the material information in the receiving note details. The batch application module is used to generate putaway tasks and picking tasks based on receiving order information and outbound orders, combined with multimodal strategies and intelligent outbound strategies, to realize the inbound and outbound of materials. The batch query module is used for batch querying and traceability management.
[0007] Furthermore, the batch generation module determines the batch coding rules through batch gene coding, and then defines the name of each custom batch attribute in this project and whether it is required through batch attribute template. When the system receives a new order, the system stores the corresponding batch attribute information in the corresponding field of the material details in the corresponding receiving note. Finally, the system generates a batch by combining the material information in the receiving note details with the above-mentioned batch attribute information.
[0008] Furthermore, the batch application module obtains the material master data information on the receiving note based on the receiving note information, obtains the shelving strategy and batch mixing constraints, generates a shelving task based on the batch information of the materials received this time, and recommends a shelving location based on the constraints and the existing inventory batches in the storage location. When the operator confirms the shelving according to the task, the batch compliance of the material storage location also needs to be verified, and shelving can only be carried out after passing the verification.
[0009] Furthermore, when generating a shelving task, it is also necessary to determine whether the material can be mixed with other batches. If so, the material can be mixed with other batches; if not, the material cannot be mixed with other batches, and in this case, it is necessary to find a storage location for the same batch of materials or an empty storage location.
[0010] Furthermore, based on inventory information, when the system receives a new outbound order, the batch application module obtains the material master data information on the outbound order, as well as the material's turnover basis and outbound rules information. The system allocates inventory according to the outbound strategy combined with the turnover basis and outbound rules. At the same time, based on the urgency of the order and expiration management, it can activate the intelligent strategy weighted algorithm to calculate the optimal outbound batch, generate a picking task, and lock the inventory. When the operator confirms the picking according to the task, the material storage location and batch compliance must also be verified before the outbound can proceed.
[0011] Furthermore, the inventory information includes one or more of the following: warehouse code, supplier code, material code, batch number, quantity, and label number.
[0012] Furthermore, the turnover criteria include batch number, shelf life, and production date; the outbound rules include first-in-first-out, last-in-first-out, and expiration date priority.
[0013] Furthermore, the batch query module is used to perform forward and reverse queries, wherein, Forward query: Retrieve the corresponding batch attribute information based on the batch number. The batch attribute information includes one or more of the following: supplier, material, production date, expiration date, and receipt date. Reverse query: Retrieve batch information based on batch attributes.
[0014] Furthermore, the batch query module is also used for inventory batch information integration: displaying the batch number, inventory quantity, storage age, and expiration date warning status of materials in the current storage location on the inventory management interface, and providing batch status classification and filtering services.
[0015] A batch management method based on WMS, implemented using the aforementioned WMS-based batch management system, includes the following steps: S1: Maintains gene coding; S2: Batch attribute template definition; S3: Dynamic attribute expansion; S4: The system has received a new order; S5: Receive the goods according to the order information; S6: Batch formation; S7: Batch attribute formation; S8: Intelligent storage location decision: Shelving addressing is performed based on the constraints of mixed storage of goods in batches; S9: Inventory Locking Strategy: Implements FIFO, LIFO, and FEFO management based on batches, and combines order urgency and expiration date management rules to realize an intelligent decision engine, supporting priority score weight calculation and soft inventory locking; S10: Outbound Compliance Engine: Verification of validity constraints for outbound batches via barcode scanning; S11: Batch traceability map batch query and traceability management.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention combines batch attribute template definition, dynamic attribute expansion, batch mixed placement constraints, multimodal strategies, and an intelligent strategy decision engine to achieve technical effects such as low dependence on personal experience, high reusability, personalization customization, and flexible adjustment. It can improve inventory turnover, operational efficiency and accuracy, ensure smooth warehouse operations, reduce errors and delays, and thus improve the overall operational efficiency of the warehouse. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 Generate a flowchart for the batch process; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the material receiving process. Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the material outbound process. Figure 5 This is the overall flowchart of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0020] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0021] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.
[0022] See Figure 1 A batch management system based on WMS, comprising: The batch generation module is used to dynamically expand the attributes of batches through batch gene codes and batch attribute templates, generate batch attribute information, and generate batches by combining the material information in the receiving note details. The batch application module is used to generate putaway tasks and picking tasks based on receiving order information and outbound orders, combined with multimodal strategies and intelligent outbound strategies, to realize the inbound and outbound of materials. The batch query module is used for batch querying and traceability management.
[0023] In this embodiment, the specific process of batch generation by the batch generation module is described in [reference needed]. Figure 2 This module first determines the batch coding rules, i.e. the components of the batch, through batch gene coding. Then, it defines the name of each custom batch attribute in this project and whether it is required through batch attribute templates. When the system receives a new order, the system stores the corresponding batch attribute information in the corresponding field of the material details in the corresponding receiving note. Finally, the system generates the batch by combining the material information in the receiving note details with the above batch attribute information.
[0024] In this embodiment, the specific process for the batch application module to perform material receiving operations is described in [link to documentation]. Figure 3This module retrieves the master data of materials on the receiving slip, obtains the shelving strategy and batch mixing constraints, and generates a shelving task based on the batch information of the materials received. It is important to determine whether the material can be mixed with other batches. Based on this constraint and the existing batch inventory in the storage location, a shelving location is recommended and a shelving task is generated. When the operator confirms the shelving according to the task, the batch compliance of the material storage location must also be verified. Shelving can only proceed after the verification is passed.
[0025] In this embodiment, the specific process for the batch application module to perform material outbound operations is described in [link to documentation]. Figure 4 This module uses inventory information, including warehouse code, supplier code, material code, batch number, quantity, and label number. When the system receives a new outbound order, it retrieves the material master data from the outbound order, as well as the material's turnover basis and outbound rules. The turnover basis includes batch number, shelf life, and production date. The outbound rules include FIFO (First In First Out), LIFO (Last In First Out), and FEFO (Expiration Date First Out). The system allocates inventory based on the outbound strategy, turnover basis, and outbound rules. It can also activate an intelligent strategy weighted algorithm based on order urgency and expiration date management to calculate the optimal outbound batch and generate a picking task. The inventory is then locked. When operators confirm picking according to the task, they also need to verify the material location and batch compliance before outbound can proceed. The accuracy of inventory release strategy selection has been greatly improved, avoiding waste of shelf life or order delays due to incorrect strategies; strategy switching is supported, such as LIFO for promotional periods, FIFO for regular periods, or FEFO for the pharmaceutical industry; the response speed of emergency orders has been significantly improved (the latest inbound batches are released first through the LIFO strategy); the inventory loss rate of shelf-sensitive industries has been greatly reduced (FEFO strategy weighted, with the highest priority, automatically locking in batches nearing their expiration date for priority release).
[0026] In this embodiment, the batch query module can perform forward queries, reverse queries, and inventory batch information integration. Forward queries can retrieve corresponding batch attribute information based on the batch number, such as automatically associating core attributes like supplier, material, production date, expiration date, and receipt date upon inputting the batch number. Reverse queries retrieve batch information based on batch attributes. For example, batches can be filtered and matched using combined conditions (such as production date range + supplier code). Inventory batch information integration displays the batch number, inventory quantity, storage age, and expiration date warning status of materials in the current storage location on the inventory management interface, and can be filtered by batch status (normal / near expiration / expired), etc.
[0027] See Figure 5A batch management method based on WMS includes the following steps: S1: Maintaining gene coding; S2: Defining batch attribute templates; S3: Dynamic attribute expansion; S4: The system receives new orders; S5: Receiving goods according to order information; S6: Batch formation; S7: Batch attribute formation; S8: Intelligent storage location decision: Shelving addressing based on mixed storage constraints of goods batches; S9: Inventory locking strategy: Implementing FIFO, LIFO, and FEFO management based on batches, and simultaneously combining rules such as order urgency and expiration date management to realize an intelligent decision engine, supporting priority score weight calculation, and performing soft inventory locking; S10: Outbound compliance engine: Verifying the validity constraints of outbound batches by scanning codes; S11: Batch traceability map: Batch query and traceability management. This method combines batch attribute template definition, dynamic attribute expansion, batch mixed placement constraints, multimodal strategies, and an intelligent strategy decision engine. It can achieve technical effects such as low dependence on personal experience, high reusability, personalization customization, and flexible adjustment. It can improve inventory turnover, operational efficiency and accuracy, ensure smooth warehouse operations, reduce errors and delays, and thus improve the overall operational efficiency of the warehouse.
[0028] Specifically, the specific implementation process of the present invention will be described with reference to the following example: First, the batch coding rules are determined by batch gene coding, for example, the first letter "lot" + year, month, and day + 3-digit serial number, i.e., lot20250526001.
[0029] Then, define batch attribute templates, for example, define batch attribute 1 as project number and batch attribute 2 as workstation number.
[0030] When the system receives a new order, it stores the item number in the order in the batch attribute 1 field, the workstation number in the order in the batch attribute 2 field, and the current system date as the receipt date in the batch attribute 4 field (here, the fixed batch attributes only focus on the specific details of the receipt date; the other two fixed batch attributes are used in the same way). Other core information from the order, such as warehouse, supplier code, and material code, are also stored in the corresponding fields of the material details in the receiving order. When a user receives goods, the system retrieves the material master data information + 3 fixed batch attributes + 7 dynamic batch attributes from the receiving order details and queries the batch attribute table. If a batch number with the same batch attribute is found, it is used directly as the batch number for this receipt. If no batch number with the same batch attribute is found (note that an exact match is required here), the system regenerates a new batch number according to the batch gene coding rules and uses it as the batch number for this receipt. Simultaneously, it stores the 10 batch attribute information and the material master information in the batch attribute table, completing the batch generation process.
[0031] Based on the aforementioned receiving slip information, the material master data information on the receiving slip is obtained. Then, the corresponding material's putaway strategy and batch mixing constraints can be obtained through the material master data. If the material cannot be mixed with other batches, then when searching for a storage location, an empty storage location or a storage location with the same batch of material can be searched. If the material can be mixed with other batches, then when searching for a storage location, an empty storage location or a storage location with inventory can be searched. After finding a suitable storage location, it is necessary to check whether the storage location can be mixed with other batches. If the storage location cannot be mixed with other batches, it is necessary to verify whether the batch currently in inventory at this storage location is the same as the batch received this time. If they are the same, then the storage location is available. If they are not the same, the system continues to search for the next available storage location, skipping the current storage location, until a storage location that meets the conditions is found. If no suitable storage location is found, the system issues an UNKNOWN (overflow storage location) error. The obtained storage location information, material master data information, and batch number information are stored in the putaway task table, and the putaway task is generated. When operators confirm the shelving of materials according to the task, they also need to perform batch compliance verification of the material storage location before the materials can be shelved.
[0032] Priority scores are calculated based on inventory information, including warehouse code, supplier code, material code, batch number, quantity, and label number.
[0033] (1) Dynamic weights: Assign initial weights to FIFO (default weight 0.4), LIFO (default weight 0.3), and FEFO (default weight 0.3), and adjust them in real time according to the urgency of the order and the proximity of the expiration date.
[0034] (2) Priority calculation engine: using a weighted summation formula: Priority score = (FIFO weight × time series score) + (LIFO weight × reverse series score) + (FEFO weight × expiration date urgency score): Specific parameter information is shown in Table 1: Table 1 Parameter Information
[0035] When an emergency rule is triggered, adjust the weights as follows: LIFO weighting is triggered based on the urgency of the order. For example, very urgent orders trigger a LIFO weight of +0.2, and generally urgent orders trigger a LIFO weight of +0.1.
[0036] Incremental allocation: Increase based on urgency level Value (Very urgent +0.2, moderately urgent +0.1).
[0037] Compress other weights proportionally: Maintain + + =1, where Δ=0.2.
[0038] Normalization formula: Adjusted LIFO weights: '= + Δ; Adjusted FIFO weights: ' = × (1 - ') / (1 - ); Adjusted FEFO weights: ' = × (1 - ') / (1 - ); The adjusted weights of each parameter are shown in Table 2: Table 2 Information on adjusted parameters
[0039] Note: (1) When n=1 (only one batch), the time dimension component is fixed. ×1 (FIFO) or ×1 (LIFO); (2) When d>7 days, take 1; when d≤7 days, the score increases dramatically; when the expiration date≤7 days, the score increases non-linearly, ensuring that products nearing their expiration date are released from the warehouse first.
[0040] When the system receives a new outbound order, it implements FIFO (First In First Out), LIFO (Last In First Out), and FEFO (Expiry Date Management) based on the configuration. It can also activate an intelligent strategy decision engine to calculate reasonable batch sizes based on actual business conditions. The system then retrieves material master data, project information, and workstation information from the outbound order, and combines this with the priority score calculated by the intelligent strategy decision engine to allocate inventory and generate a picking task. This inventory is then soft-locked. When operators confirm picking based on the task, they must also perform material location and batch compliance verification before outbound processing can proceed.
[0041] This invention combines batch attribute template definition, dynamic attribute expansion, batch mixed placement constraints, multimodal strategies, and an intelligent strategy decision engine to achieve technical effects such as low dependence on personal experience, high reusability, personalization customization, and flexible adjustment. It can improve inventory turnover, operational efficiency, and accuracy, ensure smooth warehouse operations, reduce errors and delays, and thus enhance overall warehouse operational efficiency.
[0042] For the foregoing embodiments, in order to simplify the description, they are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, because according to this application, some steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions involved are not necessarily essential to this application.
[0043] The above embodiments describe the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A batch management system based on WMS, characterized in that, include: The batch generation module is used to dynamically expand the attributes of batches through batch gene codes and batch attribute templates, generate batch attribute information, and generate batches by combining the material information in the receiving note details. The batch application module is used to generate putaway tasks and picking tasks based on receiving order information and outbound orders, combined with multimodal strategies and intelligent outbound strategies, to realize the inbound and outbound of materials. The batch query module is used for batch querying and traceability management.
2. The batch management system based on WMS as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The batch generation module determines the batch coding rules through batch gene coding, and then defines the name of each custom batch attribute in this project and whether it is required through batch attribute template. When the system receives a new order, the system stores the corresponding batch attribute information in the corresponding field of the material details in the corresponding receiving note. Finally, the system generates the batch by combining the material information in the receiving note details with the above batch attribute information.
3. A batch management system based on WMS as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The batch application module obtains the material master data information on the receiving note, acquires the shelving strategy and batch mixing constraints, and generates a shelving task based on the batch information of the materials received this time. It makes a comprehensive judgment based on the constraints and the existing batch inventory in the storage location and recommends a storage location for shelving. When the operator confirms the shelving according to the task, the batch compliance of the material storage location also needs to be verified. Shelving can only be carried out after the verification is passed.
4. A batch management system based on WMS as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When generating a putaway task, it is also necessary to determine whether the material can be mixed with other batches. If so, the material can be mixed with other batches; if not, the material cannot be mixed with other batches, and in this case, it is necessary to find a storage location for the same batch of materials or an empty storage location.
5. A batch management system based on WMS as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The batch application module, based on inventory information, when the system receives a new outbound order, retrieves the material master data information on the outbound order, as well as the material's turnover basis and outbound rules information. The system allocates inventory according to the outbound strategy, turnover basis, and outbound rules. Simultaneously, based on the urgency of the order and expiration management, it can activate an intelligent strategy weighted algorithm to calculate the optimal outbound batch, generate a picking task, and lock the inventory. When the operator confirms picking according to the task, the material location and batch compliance must also be verified before outbound can proceed.
6. A batch management system based on WMS as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The inventory information includes one or more of the following: warehouse code, supplier code, material code, batch number, quantity, and label number.
7. A batch management system based on WMS as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The turnover criteria include batch number, shelf life, and production date; the outbound rules include first-in-first-out, last-in-last-out, and expiration date priority.
8. A batch management system based on WMS as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The batch query module is used to perform forward and reverse queries, wherein... Forward query: Retrieve the corresponding batch attribute information based on the batch number. The batch attribute information includes one or more of the following: supplier, material, production date, expiration date, and receipt date. Reverse query: Retrieve batch information based on batch attributes.
9. A batch management system based on WMS as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The batch query module is also used for inventory batch information integration: it displays the batch number, inventory quantity, storage age, and expiration date warning status of the materials in the current storage location on the inventory management interface, and provides batch status classification and filtering services.
10. A batch management method based on WMS, implemented based on a batch management system based on any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Maintains gene coding; S2: Batch attribute template definition; S3: Dynamic attribute expansion; S4: The system has received a new order; S5: Receive the goods according to the order information; S6: Batch formation; S7: Batch attribute formation; S8: Intelligent storage location decision: Shelving addressing is performed based on the constraints of mixed storage of goods in batches; S9: Inventory Locking Strategy: Implements FIFO, LIFO, and FEFO management based on batches, and combines order urgency and expiration date management rules to realize an intelligent decision engine, supporting priority score weight calculation and soft inventory locking; S10: Outbound Compliance Engine: Verification of validity constraints for outbound batches via barcode scanning; S11: Batch traceability map batch query and traceability management.