Tidal flexible control scheduling method and system for cigarette carton cache channel

Abstract

The invention discloses a cigarette carton cache channel tide type flexible control scheduling method and system, and belongs to the technical field of cigarette carton channel control scheduling. A part of cache channels are used as flexible dynamic channels, and a system takes over brand allocation decisions of the part of channels; carrying out wave treatment on the replenishment demand; in the wave time, according to the demand quantity of replenishment of the channel type cache system for the sorting line, the number of cache channels matched with the demand is dynamically distributed for each brand; the warehouse-in and warehouse-out processes of the cache channel are managed, and warehouse-in locking is carried out on the dynamic channel in good time so as to ensure that the inventory of the dynamic channel is emptied when the replenishment wave is finished, automatic recovery of the channel is realized, the brand of the channel is redistributed for the subsequent replenishment wave, and the configuration of the cache channel of the brand and the tide-type following change of the replenishment demand are realized on the whole. After the method is applied to control scheduling of the channel type cache, the resource utilization rate of the cache channel can be improved, human intervention is reduced, and the workload and management difficulty of manual control are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tidal flexible control and scheduling method and system for cigarette pack buffer channels, belonging to the field of cigarette pack buffer control and scheduling technology. Background Technology

[0002] In cigarette distribution centers, near-expiry stock buffers are typically configured to replenish the sorting system. For replenishing Class A brand materials, which constitute a larger proportion of the inventory, channel-type buffers, such as double-speed chain conveyors or dense gravity conveyors, are generally used. These channel-type buffers feature high storage density, pre-stocking capability, rapid replenishment and unloading, and high overall throughput, making them suitable for replenishing Class A brand materials.

[0003] Traditional control and scheduling models for channel-based buffering have shortcomings and pain points. Traditional control methods or models typically assign fixed material brands to channels, meaning one or more buffer channels consistently store a particular brand of cigarettes, maintaining this consistency throughout operations. The channel brand setting is completed by operators before operations begin, based on experience. After brand setting, buffer channels generally adopt a "fill if available" stocking model, keeping channel inventory consistently full. In the initial stages of system construction or after manual adjustments to brand settings, this control and scheduling model shows a high degree of matching between the number of buffer channels for each brand and its replenishment demand, effectively meeting replenishment needs. However, as time progresses and the structure of cigarette sales orders changes, the replenishment demand for Category A brands may structurally change, or even the entire Category A brand list may be altered. This can lead to a significant deviation between the number of buffer channels for a brand and its replenishment demand, directly resulting in a mismatch between buffer channel resource allocation and replenishment needs. This, in turn, leads to reduced replenishment efficiency and wasted buffer capacity and operational capabilities; the greater the deviation, the greater the impact. Meanwhile, under the traditional control and scheduling model, even if the number of buffer channels matches the overall replenishment demand, during operation, there will still be periodic imbalances between buffer resources and replenishment demand due to structural differences and fluctuations in brand replenishment demand within specific time periods, leading to fluctuations and instability in operational capacity. With the diversification of cigarette consumption and the advancement of regional integration of cigarette distribution centers, the structure and differences in cigarette retail orders have become significantly larger; the various drawbacks of the fixed-brand control and scheduling model for buffer channels will gradually emerge and deepen. In short, when the replenishment system faces the dual challenges of shifts in replenishment demand between brands over a large timescale of the sales cycle and differences in demand between different order batches within a small timescale during the replenishment process, using the traditional fixed-brand channel control model often results in a bottleneck of low configuration for high demand and waste of high configuration for low demand, leading to a significant reduction in system resource utilization and unstable and unbalanced system operational capacity.

[0004] Furthermore, manually adjusting brand settings in channel-based buffers, a traditional method for handling order changes and discrepancies in the scheduling model, requires first reclaiming channels with a higher number of channels than needed for replenishment, clearing the existing brand material inventory within those channels, and then manually calculating and deciding to allocate the reclaimed channels to brands with increased replenishment demand. This process can only be performed during system downtime before operations begin, making real-time adjustments impossible. On one hand, clearing the original brand material inventory incurs additional operational costs and workload; on the other hand, operators manually calculating replenishment demand and adjusting channel configurations based on experience suffers from low accuracy, computational complexity, and susceptibility to personnel skill issues, resulting in poor adjustment effectiveness, long adjustment times, high labor costs, and is complex, inefficient, demanding on human expertise, and unsustainable. An ideal control and scheduling scheme should avoid or minimize manual brand adjustments. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved The technical problem to be solved by this invention is that the traditional control and scheduling mode of channel-based buffering leads to a significant reduction in system resource utilization, unstable and unbalanced system operation capabilities, and high operation overhead and workload for personnel; it is also greatly affected by the quality of personnel.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a tidal flexible control and scheduling method for cigarette buffer channels, comprising the following steps: S1. Configure dynamic cache channels: Determine the list of brands to be replenished, set at least one fixed channel for each brand, and set the remaining channels as dynamic cache channels. S2. Divide the replenishment queue into waves: Obtain the replenishment queue data and divide it into multiple groups, each group being a wave, and record the wave number to which each replenishment request belongs; S3. Implement dynamic channel allocation based on wave demand: dynamically allocate brands to dynamic channels based on wave replenishment demand; S4. Execute inventory preparation and warehousing and assist channel recovery: Request materials from the upstream warehouse and prepare inventory for the buffer channel. During the process, control the channels that have already triggered wave clearing or are locked for warehousing to perform warehousing. S5. Respond to replenishment and release and realize channel recovery: When there are unresponsive replenishment queue items and there is available inventory of the required brand in the cached channel, execute replenishment and release. During the process, lock the dynamic channel for inbound and clear the inventory to recover the channel as appropriate.

[0007] Furthermore, step S3 includes the following steps: S3-1. Filter to obtain the complete list of dynamic channels, calculate and remove channels in the list of dynamic channels whose theoretical inventory is not 0 or whose actual inventory is not 0, and add the remaining channels to the list of allocable dynamic channels. S3-2. When there is an allocable dynamic channel, perform the detection of the remaining replenishment demand of the wave to determine whether there is a demand for allocating a dynamic channel. If there is, add the brand of that wave to the list of unmet replenishment demand of the wave. S3-3. When there are dynamic channels that can be reallocated and there is an unmet replenishment demand list, first sort the demand list, then allocate the demand list item by item in a loop until the loop is completed or the available dynamic channels are exhausted.

[0008] Furthermore, in step S3-2, the rule for determining the allocation is: load the number of cache channels already allocated for the current brand, and mark it as Q. 已分配通道数 Load the current brand's single-channel storage amount in the cache channel and mark it as Q. 单通道存量 The replenishment demand gap is marked as Q. 缺口 Q 缺口 Q 已分配通道数 ×Q 单通道存量 If so, there is a need for allocation.

[0009] Furthermore, in step S3-3, the cyclic process is as follows: S3-3-1. Determine if there are still any allocable channels in the list of allocable dynamic channels; S3-3-2. Determine whether the current replenishment demand item needs to be allocated a dynamic channel; S3-3-3: Based on the judgment result, skip if it is not needed; continue processing if it is needed. S3-3-4. Filter the dynamic channels to be assigned, remove the channel from the list of assignable dynamic channels and add it to the list of channels to be assigned; S3-3-5. Cycle through the list of channels to be allocated, update their brand settings to the brand corresponding to the current replenishment demand item, mark their corresponding replenishment wave number, update their allocation status, and indicate that they have been allocated; initialize and reset to clear their inbound lock status. Furthermore, in step S4, the following operations are performed periodically to initiate and control the preparation and receipt of goods into inventory: S4-1. Load the cache channel list; if not found, end. S4-2. Compile a list of available channels for each brand; S4-3. Calculate the warehousing conditions for each brand in a loop according to the list of available channels for each brand. If the conditions for stock preparation are met, add the brand to the list of stock preparation. S4-4. Generate material requests to the upstream warehouse based on the material preparation list, execute the material preparation and warehousing operation, and update the channel inventory in real time.

[0010] Furthermore, in step S5, the following operations are performed periodically to control replenishment and outbound allocation and the outbound process: S5-1. Monitor the number of cigarettes on the replenishment line in real time. When the online quantity is less than the capacity of the replenishment line, replenish the goods and send them out of the warehouse. S5-2. Summarize the sorting lines with replenishment needs. If there are unresponsive replenishment requests, continue processing; otherwise, end the process. S5-3, Check if there is any unallocated inventory in the cache channel; if no available inventory is found, end the process. S5-4. Select an outbound channel from the channels that store the corresponding brand and have available inventory, and assign it to the replenishment request. S5-5. After allocating the outbound channel, check the relative replenishment demand of the brand's theoretical inventory to the wave, and determine whether the dynamic channel allocated to the brand for this wave should be set to clearing status and locked into inbound status. S5-6. For replenishment requests that have been allocated outbound channels and inventory, respond to and process them, generate replenishment tasks, issue them to the equipment to perform outbound and replenishment operations, and update the channel inventory in real time.

[0011] Furthermore, in S5-4, the channel list for the corresponding brand is loaded, the channel list is sorted, and the channel with the highest order is selected as the outbound channel. The sorting rules include: if there is a dynamic channel in the channel list that has entered the wave clearing state and is locked by the inbound, its sorting is higher than other channels; the channel with fewer outbound tasks that have been assigned but not executed takes priority; the channel with fewer online tasks in its layer takes priority.

[0012] Furthermore, in S5-5, the determination steps are as follows: S5-5-1. Check if dynamic channel clearing is triggered. If triggered, add the dynamic channel number of the current wave for the corresponding brand to the list of channels to be locked. S5-5-2. Process the dynamic channels in the lock list in a cyclical manner, update their entry lock flag, and indicate that they have entered the wave clearing state. S5-5-3 After the dynamic channel is updated with the inbound lock flag, when responding to subsequent replenishment requests, allocating outbound channels and inventory, the inventory in the dynamic channel will be allocated first, thereby performing dynamic channel clearing.

[0013] Furthermore, in S5-5-1, the inventory data within the corresponding brand's fixed channel and the dynamic channel allocated for the current wave is loaded, its theoretical inventory is calculated, and marked as Q. 理论库存量 Calculate the replenishment demand gap for the corresponding brand in the current wave, i.e., the number of unanswered replenishment requests, and mark it as Q. 补货需求缺口 If Q 理论库存量 ≥Q 补货需求缺口 This triggers the clearing condition for the current wave's dynamic channel.

[0014] Based on the above flexible control scheduling method, the present invention also provides a tidal flexible control scheduling system for cigarette buffer channels, which includes: Channel configuration module: used to configure dynamic cached channels and fixed channels; Wave Management Module: Used to divide the replenishment queue into waves and manage the wave execution process; Inventory Management Module: Used for inventory management of cigarette pack channels and their inbound and outbound processes; Dynamic channel allocation module: used to dynamically allocate channels according to wave demand; Inventory preparation and warehousing management module: Used to control the inventory preparation and warehousing process of the buffer channel, and to help realize channel recycling; Replenishment and Outbound Management Module: Used to respond to replenishment and outbound requests and to reclaim channels.

[0015] (III) Beneficial Effects The above-described technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages: This invention utilizes a portion of the cached channels as flexible dynamic channels, with the system taking over the brand allocation decisions for these channels. Replenishment demands are processed in waves. Within each wave, the system dynamically allocates a matching number of cached channels to each brand based on the replenishment demand of the channel-based cache system for the sorting line. The system manages the inbound and outbound processes of the cached channels, locking dynamic channels at appropriate times to ensure that the dynamic channel inventory is cleared at the end of each replenishment wave, enabling automatic channel recovery and reallocation of brands for subsequent replenishment waves. Overall, this achieves a tidal-like adaptation of brand cached channel configuration to replenishment demand changes.

[0016] This invention automatically and in real-time adjusts the brand settings of cache channels, dynamically and flexibly allocating cache channels to brands according to replenishment needs. This achieves tidal utilization of cache channels, resulting in balanced allocation and dynamic optimization of channel resources. It adapts in real-time to the differences and fluctuations in replenishment needs brought about by sales orders, thereby achieving the goal of sustainable, efficient, and stable system operation. When applied to the control and scheduling of channel-based caching, this invention can significantly improve the resource utilization rate of cache channels, reduce human intervention, and lower the workload and management difficulty of manual control. Through the mechanism of dynamic channel allocation and reclamation on demand, this invention effectively realizes that channel resources follow changes in demand.

[0017] In addition to the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical features of the technical solutions constituted by the present invention, and the advantages brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions as described above, other technical features of the present invention and the advantages brought about by these technical features will be further explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a single-layer top view of the channel-type caching system in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the preparation and warehousing operation process and key points in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the replenishment and outbound operation process and key points in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art, as long as their control scheme principles and ideas adopt the category of "dynamic allocation and automatic adaptation on demand," are implementations and applications of the present invention and fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Example 1 This embodiment discloses a tidal flexible control and scheduling method for a cigarette buffer channel, which specifically includes the following five aspects: 1.1 Configure dynamic caching channel Perform channel configuration settings without executing the cache channel for inventory preparation and when all channels are empty.

[0024] Configure the channel-based caching system to list brands. First, determine the list of Category A brands for which replenishment will be performed by the channel-based caching system. This can be done by summarizing and analyzing the replenishment demand of each brand and sorting them from highest to lowest. Select the brands that rank highest in the list to determine the list. Set up one or more fixed channels for each brand. By setting fixed channels, the brand is identified as being listed on the channel-based caching system.

[0025] Configure dynamic caching channels. Set the remaining channels as dynamic caching channels so that the system can identify and manage them, dynamically assign brands to them, and manage their inventory preparation, warehousing, and replenishment processes.

[0026] 1.2 Divide the replenishment queue into waves Perform this step before starting the replenishment operation for each work date.

[0027] Obtain replenishment queue data for each sorting line.

[0028] Divide the replenishment queue into waves. Divide the replenishment queue into multiple groups, each group constituting a wave. This identifies the differences in brand replenishment needs between groups, facilitating dynamic configuration of caching channels based on the wave's demand structure. After wave division, record the wave number to which each replenishment request belongs. The number of replenishment requests in each wave can be configured using parameters to control the wave size.

[0029] The wave list has a two-layer data structure. The upper layer is the wave, and the lower layer is the brand replenishment demand list for that wave, including brand number, name, replenishment demand quantity, sequence number, demand percentage, etc., sorted from high to low demand quantity.

[0030] 1.3 Implement dynamic channel allocation based on wave demand After a replenishment operation for a given work date begins, the system continuously monitors and executes this step.

[0031] 1.3.1 Loading an empty dynamic channel "Empty" means that both the theoretical and actual inventory levels of a channel are zero. Load the cached channel list, filter for data of the dynamic channel type, and obtain the complete list of dynamic channels. Loop through each channel, calculate its theoretical inventory, and determine if the channel is empty. The theoretical inventory calculation needs to consider the actual inventory Q. r 、Adding inbound quantity Q in Unexecuted outbound quantity Q out The calculation method is as follows: Q 理论库存量 =Q r +Q in -Q out Based on the calculation results, channels with theoretical or actual inventory levels not equal to zero are removed from the dynamic channel list. The remaining channels are empty dynamic channels that can be reassigned to brands, and these are added to the "List of Assignable Dynamic Channels".

[0032] 1.3.2 Detecting Remaining Replenishment Needs for Each Wave When there is an allocatable dynamic channel, the remaining replenishment demand of the wave is checked to determine whether there is a demand for allocating a dynamic channel. If so, the wave number is determined.

[0033] Load the replenishment wave list and process them cyclically by wave number. Load the brand replenishment demand list for the current wave and check each demand item in turn to see if it has been met. The method for determining whether a replenishment demand item has been met is: first calculate the demand gap, then determine whether it is necessary to allocate new channels. Load the number of cached channels already allocated to the current brand and mark it as Q. 已分配通道数 Load the current brand's single-channel storage amount in the cache channel and mark it as Q. 单通道存量 The replenishment demand gap is marked as Q. 缺口 Calculation method: Q 缺口 =Q 需求量 -Q 已响应量 The rule for determining the necessity of allocation is: Q 缺口 >0 and Q 缺口 >(Q 已分配通道数 ×Q 单通道存量 If there is a need for allocation, add that brand for that wave to the list of unmet wave replenishment requirements.

[0034] 1.3.3 Assign dynamic channels to wavelet brands If there is a dynamic channel that can be reassigned and there is a list of unmet replenishment needs for a wave, then the brand allocation for the dynamic channel will be processed.

[0035] Dynamic channels are allocated to unmet replenishment needs from different waves. First, the demand list is sorted, prioritizing waves with smaller wave numbers and larger demand gaps. Then, the demand list is iteratively allocated item by item until the entire cycle is completed or all available dynamic channels are exhausted. The following is the iterative processing procedure: 1) Check if there are any more allocable channels in the list of allocable dynamic channels. If not, end the process.

[0036] 2) Determine whether the current replenishment demand item needs to be allocated a dynamic channel. First, summarize the total replenishment demand for the current wave and mark it as Q. 波次需求量 Take the current replenishment demand quantity and label it as Q. 品牌需求量 Calculate the proportion (R) of brand replenishment demand within a wave to the total demand of that wave. 需求占比 Calculation method: R 需求占比 =Q 品牌需求量 / Q 波次需求量 ×100%. Total number of cached channels loaded, denoted as Q. 总通道数 Load the number of cache channels currently allocated to the brand and mark them as Q. 已分配通道数 ; Calculate the number of channels for brand replenishment demand within a wave, Q 需求通道数 Calculation method: Q 需求通道数 =Roundup(Q 总通道数 ×R 需求占比Considering that the number of channels allocated to a single brand has a non-linear relationship with the growth of replenishment capacity, and that the marginal effect of replenishment capacity growth becomes apparent after a certain number of channels is reached, an upper limit parameter is set for the number of channels per brand, denoted as P. 通道数上限 Determine if the number of required channels exceeds the limit. If Q 需求通道数 >P 通道数上限 Then Q 需求通道数 =P 通道数上限 Calculate the gap Q in the number of brand replenishment channels within each wave. 通道数缺口 Calculation method: Q 通道数缺口 =Q 需求通道数 -Q 已分配通道数 Determine whether a dynamic channel needs to be reallocated: If Q 通道数缺口 If the value is greater than 0, then allocation is required.

[0037] 3) Based on the judgment result, skip if it is not needed; continue processing if it is needed.

[0038] 4) Filter the dynamic channels to be allocated. First, adjust the execution quantity of the allocated channels according to the actual situation, and mark it as Q. 分配通道数 Summarize the number of allocatable channels from the list of allocatable dynamic channels and label it as Q. 可分配通道数 If Q 通道数缺口 Q 可分配通道数 Then Q 分配通道数 =Q 可分配通道数 Otherwise Q 分配通道数 =Q 通道数缺口 Press Q 分配通道数 Circularly search for channels and select suitable channels: Consider the inter-layer balance with already assigned channels and the inter-layer balance among high-percentage brands, and filter channels; after selection, remove the channel from the list of available dynamic channels and add it to the "list of channels to be assigned".

[0039] 5) Assign brands to the selected channels. Loop through the list of channels to be assigned, update their brand settings to the brand corresponding to the current replenishment demand item, mark their corresponding replenishment wave number, update their assignment status, and mark them as assigned; initialize and reset to clear their inbound lock status.

[0040] 1.4 Execute inventory preparation and warehousing, and auxiliary channel recycling. After a replenishment operation for a given work date begins, the system continuously monitors and executes this step.

[0041] When a brand is assigned to the cache channel and there is an unmet replenishment demand list, the operation of requesting materials from the upstream warehouse (usually a cigarette warehouse storing cigarettes by pallet) and preparing and storing the goods in the cache channel can be performed.

[0042] The key to controlling the stock preparation and warehousing is to prevent the stock from being put into storage through channels that have already triggered wave clearing and are locked in storage. These channels are those where the brand's inventory has met the wave replenishment requirements and needs to be cleared, recycled, and redistributed. The storage lock status is calculated and marked in the subsequent steps, i.e. when the channel responds to replenishment and outbound.

[0043] Continuously monitor the real-time inventory of all cache channels and detect the material preparation trigger conditions in real time. Periodically perform the following operations to initiate and control the process of material preparation and warehousing.

[0044] 1.4.1 Loading the list of cached channels Load the list of cached channels that have already been assigned brands. Filter out channels that have already triggered wave clearing or are locked for inbound processing; the remaining channels are the list of channels to be used for inventory preparation and inbound calculation. If none are found, the process ends.

[0045] 1.4.2 Compile a list of available channels for each brand A list of available channels for each brand is compiled. The number of channels for each brand is also listed, marked with a "Q". 品牌通道数 ;Associate the single-channel storage capacity of this brand and mark it as Q. 品牌单通道存量 Load the total number of individual pallets storing this brand of cigarettes in the upstream storage area, marked as Q. 整托盘数量 .

[0046] 1.4.3 Check whether the conditions for preparing and storing goods are met. Check if the inventory receipt conditions are met. Calculate the receipt conditions for each brand iteratively based on the available channel list. First, calculate the theoretical inventory for each brand, marked as Q. 品牌理论库存量 The calculation method is the same as described above, taking into account actual inventory, inbound shipments, and outbound shipments not yet executed. Then, calculate the brand's current available warehouse capacity for inbound shipments, denoted as Q. 可入库量 Calculation method: Q 可入库量 =Q 品牌通道数 ×Q 品牌单通道存量 -Q 品牌理论库存量 Check if the material preparation requirements are met: Q 可入库量 ≥Q 整托盘数量 If the condition is met, add it to the "Stocking Material List".

[0047] 1.4.4 Execution of material requests and control of inventory preparation and warehousing Execute material requests and inventory preparation and warehousing. Generate material requests to upstream warehouses based on the "Material Preparation and Warehousing List". The system controls the execution of upstream outbound, depalletizing, and buffer channel inventory preparation and warehousing operations, and updates the channel inventory in real time.

[0048] 1.5 Respond to replenishment and outbound shipments and realize channel recovery. After a replenishment operation for a given work date begins, the system continuously monitors and executes this step.

[0049] When there are unresponsive replenishment queue items and available inventory of the required brand in the cache channel, perform cache channel outbound allocation, respond to replenishment queue outbound requests, and replenish the sorting line.

[0050] The key to managing replenishment and outbound shipments is to lock the dynamic channels for inbound shipments at opportune times and clear the inventory recovery channels during the outbound process. Specifically, after each replenishment queue item is responded to and the wave's responded quantity is updated, it is checked whether the theoretical inventory of the corresponding brand has met the remaining demand of the wave. If it has, the dynamic channel allocated for that wave needs to be locked for inbound shipments and marked as entering the wave clearing mode. This prevents further inbound shipments and prioritizes outbound shipments, ensuring that the dynamic channels are cleared and can be reallocated after the wave ends.

[0051] Perform the following operations periodically: replenishment and outbound allocation, and outbound process control.

[0052] 1.5.1 Conditions for Replenishment and Outbound Inspection A channel-type buffer system replenishes the sorting line, typically by connecting multiple independent replenishment lines to achieve the conveying. After replenishment begins, the control system issues items out of the warehouse according to the replenishment order determined by the replenishment queue, filling the replenishment line. After the sorting line consumes a batch of cigarettes, the replenishment line conveys the cigarettes forward sequentially, the control system controls the issuance of new batches of cigarettes, and the replenishment line is replenished again.

[0053] The system checks whether a new replenishment order is permitted. The control system processes orders cyclically along the sorting line, monitoring the number of cigarette items on the replenishment line in real time. If the online quantity is detected to be less than the replenishment line's capacity, a new replenishment order is permitted. Otherwise, the process terminates.

[0054] 1.5.2 Loading unresponsive items in the replenishment queue Load the replenishment queue data for unresponsive sorting lines. Summarize the sorting lines with replenishment needs and process them cyclically by sorting line. If there are unresponsive replenishment requests, continue processing; otherwise, terminate.

[0055] Take the first replenishment request from each sorting line and respond to them in sequence.

[0056] 1.5.3 Check cache channel inventory Load the inventory data of the brand corresponding to the replenishment request in the channel, calculate its theoretical inventory, and use the same calculation method as described above.

[0057] Check if the theoretical inventory of the cached channel is greater than or equal to the quantity required by the replenishment request, i.e., whether there is any unallocated inventory. If no available inventory is found, the process ends.

[0058] 1.5.4 Allocation of cache channels for outbound data Assign cache channels for outbound shipments. Select and assign channels from those storing the corresponding brand with available inventory.

[0059] Load the channel list for the corresponding brand. Exclude channels that are already used and out of stock.

[0060] Select the outbound channel. Sort the channel list and select the channel with the highest order. The sorting rules include: 1. If there are dynamic channels in the channel list that have entered the wave clearing state and are locked by the inbound system, their order takes precedence over other channels to ensure that dynamic channels can be cleared; 2. Channels with fewer assigned but unexecuted outbound tasks are prioritized to achieve traffic balance between channels; 3. Channels with fewer online tasks in their respective layers are prioritized to achieve balance between replenishment line layers.

[0061] Assign an outbound channel to the replenishment request. Assign the selected outbound channel to the replenishment request, and update information such as the channel number and channel inventory; simultaneously update the responded quantity for the current wave and brand.

[0062] 1.5.5 Detect and process dynamic channel clearing After allocating an outbound channel for the replenishment request in the previous step, the theoretical inventory of that channel will change. At this point, we check the relationship between the brand's theoretical inventory and the remaining replenishment demand for that wave to determine whether the dynamic channel allocated to that wave and brand should be set to a clearing state and locked for inbound replenishment. The steps are as follows: 1) Check if dynamic channel clearing has been triggered. Load inventory data from the corresponding brand's fixed channel and the dynamic channel allocated for the current wave, calculate its theoretical inventory, and mark it as Q. 理论库存量 The calculation method is the same as described above. Calculate the replenishment demand gap for the corresponding brand in the current wave, i.e., the number of unresponded replenishment requests, denoted as Q. 补货需求缺口 The calculation method is the same as described above. The rule for determining the current wave's dynamic channel clearing is: Q. 理论库存量 >=Q 补货需求缺口 If the determination is true, it means that the channel inventory can meet the replenishment needs of the corresponding brand in the current wave, and the clearing condition of the current wave dynamic channel has been triggered. The dynamic channel should be locked for warehousing and no longer be put into storage to ensure that the dynamic channel can be cleared when the wave of replenishment ends. If the determination is false, exit and do not proceed with the next two steps.

[0063] If the determination is successful, the dynamic channel number of the current wave for the corresponding brand will be added to the list of channels to be locked.

[0064] 2) Mark dynamic channel entry lock For dynamic channels in the locked list, process them cyclically, update their entry lock flag, and indicate that they have entered the wave clearing state.

[0065] 3) Perform dynamic channel clearing. Once the dynamic channel's inbound lock flag is updated, it will prioritize allocating inventory within the dynamic channel when responding to subsequent replenishment requests, allocating outbound channels and inventory, thereby performing dynamic channel clearing.

[0066] 1.5.6 Respond to replenishment and outbound shipments and implement process control. For replenishment requests that have been allocated outbound channels and inventory, the system responds, generates replenishment tasks, issues them to the equipment to perform outbound and replenishment operations, and updates the channel inventory in real time.

[0067] Example 2 This embodiment discloses a tidal flexible control and scheduling system for cigarette buffer channels, which includes: Channel configuration module: used to configure dynamic cached channels and fixed channels; Wave Management Module: Used to divide the replenishment queue into waves and manage the wave execution process; Inventory Management Module: Used for inventory management of cigarette pack channels and their inbound and outbound processes; Dynamic channel allocation module: used to dynamically allocate channels according to wave demand; Inventory preparation and warehousing management module: Used to control the inventory preparation and warehousing process of the buffer channel, and to help realize channel recycling; Replenishment and Outbound Management Module: Used to respond to replenishment and outbound requests and to reclaim channels.

[0068] Example 3 This embodiment is based on a channel-type caching system with the following configuration: 3 layers with a total of 36 channels, 12 channels per layer, 1 inbound conveyor line for stock preparation, and 1 outbound conveyor line for replenishment; each channel stores 40 cases of standard cigarettes. A single-layer plan view is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the remaining layers are the same. The specific implementation method of this embodiment is as follows.

[0069] 3.1 Configure dynamic caching channel The cache channel configuration results for the embodiment are shown in Table 1.

[0070]

[0071] The channel configuration results show that 13 brands were configured as online brands through fixed channels, occupying 15 fixed channels, while the remaining 21 channels were configured as dynamic channels. The online brands are shown in Table 2.

[0072] 3.2 Divide the replenishment queue into waves In this embodiment, the replenishment queue for the selected work date includes 5188 replenishment queue items from 13 brands that have been added using channelized caching. These are divided into four waves according to wave rules, as shown in Table 3.

[0073] The brand replenishment needs list for each wave is shown in Table 4:

[0074] As a result of this embodiment, Table 4 shows that the replenishment wave list effectively identified the changes in brand replenishment demand throughout the entire replenishment process. Taking the Nanjing (Hard Red) brand as an example, its demand ranking and percentage in each wave are as follows: Wave 1, 1st, accounting for 24.1%; Wave 2, 2nd, accounting for 13.2%; Wave 3, 12th, accounting for 1.7%; Wave 4, 11th, accounting for 2.3%. This clearly shows that the Nanjing (Hard Red) brand was a top-tier brand in Waves 1 and 2, but had become a C-level brand in Waves 3 and 4. Similarly, for the Nanjing (Hard Forest) brand, the data in each wave are as follows: Wave 1, 11th, accounting for 1.1%; Wave 2, 3rd, accounting for 11.2%; Wave 3, 1st, accounting for 20.8%; Wave 4, 1st, accounting for 21.1%. This clearly shows that the Nanjing (Hard Forest) brand was a C-level brand in Wave 1, but had become a top-tier A-level brand in Waves 2, 3, and 4.

[0075] 3.3 Implement dynamic channel allocation based on wave demand Based on the replenishment wave demand in this embodiment, and according to the control and scheduling scheme described in this invention, the resource usage of dynamic channels is continuously monitored and scheduled. During the operation, the dynamic channel data allocated to different waves is shown in Table 5. This table selects some representative process data to illustrate the effect of the application of this invention.

[0076]

[0077] As a result of the implementation of this embodiment, the data in Table 5 reflects the following application characteristics.

[0078] 1. More dynamic channels were allocated to brands with a high proportion of demand within a wave, while fewer dynamic channels were allocated to brands with a low proportion.

[0079] 2. Brands that allocated fewer dynamic channels in the preceding waves dynamically increased the number of channels they used as demand and proportion increased in the subsequent waves.

[0080] 3. Brands that allocated more dynamic channels in the preceding waves dynamically reclaimed the channels they used when the demand and proportion decreased in the subsequent waves.

[0081] 4. The mechanism of dynamic channel allocation and recycling on demand effectively achieves the expected goal of channel resources following changes in demand. This is the core innovation of this invention.

[0082] 3.4 Execute inventory preparation and warehousing, and auxiliary channel recycling. As a key process in this embodiment, the inventory preparation and warehousing operation of the channel-type buffer enables the system to selectively request materials from the upstream warehouse and control the entry of materials into the channel. According to the control and scheduling scheme described in this invention, the system continuously monitors and schedules the inventory preparation and warehousing operation, integrates the management of inventory preparation decisions and execution processes for fixed and dynamic channels, adopts an "enter if available" inventory preparation mode, replenishes channel inventory in real time, keeps the channel constantly full, and establishes an inventory buffer for replenishment and outbound needs.

[0083] The preparation and warehousing process is an inherent flow of the channel-type buffer system. This embodiment describes its control process in detail and focuses on the key points in the preparation and warehousing process that are used to support the dynamic allocation and recycling of channels on demand. Specifically, the control does not include channels that have triggered wave clearing and are locked for warehousing in the preparation and material calculation, and does not allocate warehousing quantity to channels in this state, so as to realize the recycling of dynamic channels at the end of the batch.

[0084] The inventory preparation and warehousing process is monitored and managed in real time by an independent process. The process is as follows: Figure 2 As shown.

[0085] 3.5 Respond to replenishment and outbound shipments and realize channel recovery. As a key process in this embodiment, the replenishment and outbound operations, which supply materials to the sorting line from the channel-type buffer, realize the functions of allocating inventory and outbound channels within the channels, responding to sorting replenishment requests, and controlling channel outbound operations. According to the control and scheduling scheme described in this invention, the system continuously monitors and schedules replenishment and outbound operations, integrating and managing the replenishment allocation strategies and execution processes of fixed and dynamic channels, responding to replenishment and outbound demands in real time, and completing timely sorting and replenishment. Simultaneously, during the replenishment response process, through automatic calculation, dynamic channels requiring recycling are locked into storage and placed into a recycling clearing mode to achieve wave-based dynamic channel recycling.

[0086] The replenishment and outbound operation is an inherent process of the channel-type buffer system. This embodiment describes its control process in detail and focuses on the key points in the replenishment and outbound operation process that help realize the dynamic channel allocation on demand and recycling after use. That is, real-time tracking and calculation, identifying the events that trigger wave clearing, locking the channels that need to be recycled and cleared, and coordinating with the preparation and warehousing process to ensure that the dynamic channels are cleared and can be reallocated after the wave ends.

[0087] The replenishment and outbound process is monitored and managed in real time by an independent process. The basic flowchart is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0088] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tidal flexible control scheduling method for cigarette buffer channels, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: ‌ S1. Configure dynamic cache channels: Determine the list of brands to be replenished, set at least one fixed channel for each brand, and set the remaining channels as dynamic cache channels. S2. Divide the replenishment queue into waves: Obtain the replenishment queue data and divide it into multiple groups, each group being a wave, and record the wave number to which each replenishment request belongs; S3. Implement dynamic channel allocation based on wave demand: dynamically allocate brands to dynamic channels based on wave replenishment demand; S4. Execute inventory preparation and warehousing and assist channel recovery: Request materials from the upstream warehouse and prepare inventory for the buffer channel. During the process, control the channels that have already triggered wave clearing or are locked for warehousing to perform warehousing. S5. Respond to replenishment and release and realize channel recovery: When there are unresponsive replenishment queue items and there is available inventory of the required brand in the cached channel, execute replenishment and release. During the process, lock the dynamic channel for inbound and clear the inventory to recover the channel as appropriate.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S3 includes the following steps: S3-1. Filter to obtain the complete list of dynamic channels, calculate and remove channels in the list of dynamic channels whose theoretical inventory is not 0 or whose actual inventory is not 0, and add the remaining channels to the list of allocable dynamic channels. S3-2. When there is an allocable dynamic channel, perform the detection of the remaining replenishment demand of the wave to determine whether there is a demand for allocating a dynamic channel. If there is, add the brand of that wave to the list of unmet replenishment demand of the wave. S3-3. When there are dynamic channels that can be reallocated and there is an unmet replenishment demand list, first sort the demand list, then allocate the demand list item by item in a loop until the loop is completed or the available dynamic channels are exhausted.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step S3-2, the allocation rule is: load the number of cache channels already allocated for the current brand and mark it as Q. 已分配通道数 Load the current brand's single-channel storage amount in the cache channel and mark it as Q. 单通道存量 The replenishment demand gap is marked as Q. 缺口 Q 缺口 Q 已分配通道数 ×Q 单通道存量 If so, there is a need for allocation.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step S3-3, the loop process is as follows: S3-3-1. Determine if there are still any allocable channels in the list of allocable dynamic channels; S3-3-2. Determine whether the current replenishment demand item needs to be allocated a dynamic channel; S3-3-3: Based on the judgment result, skip if it is not needed; continue processing if it is needed. S3-3-4. Filter the dynamic channels to be assigned, remove the channel from the list of assignable dynamic channels and add it to the list of channels to be assigned; S3-3-5. Cycle through the list of channels to be allocated, update their brand settings to the brand corresponding to the current replenishment demand item, mark their corresponding replenishment wave number, update their allocation status, and indicate that they have been allocated; initialize and reset to clear their inbound lock status.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, the following operations are performed periodically to initiate and control the preparation and receipt of goods into inventory: S4-1. Load the cache channel list; if not found, end. S4-2. Compile a list of available channels for each brand; S4-3. Calculate the warehousing conditions for each brand in a loop according to the list of available channels for each brand. If the conditions for stock preparation are met, add the brand to the list of stock preparation. S4-4. Generate material requests to the upstream warehouse based on the material preparation list, execute the material preparation and warehousing operation, and update the channel inventory in real time.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S5, the following operations are performed periodically to control replenishment and outbound allocation and the outbound process: S5-1. Monitor the number of cigarettes on the replenishment line in real time. When the online quantity is less than the capacity of the replenishment line, replenish the goods and send them out of the warehouse. S5-2. Summarize the sorting lines with replenishment needs. If there are unresponsive replenishment requests, continue processing; otherwise, end the process. S5-3, Check if there is any unallocated inventory in the cache channel inventory; If no available inventory is found, the process ends. S5-4. Select an outbound channel from the channels that store the corresponding brand and have available inventory, and assign it to the replenishment request. S5-5. After allocating the outbound channel, check the relative replenishment demand of the brand's theoretical inventory to the wave, and determine whether the dynamic channel allocated to the brand for this wave should be set to clearing status and locked into inbound status. S5-6. For replenishment requests that have been allocated outbound channels and inventory, respond to and process them, generate replenishment tasks, issue them to the equipment to perform outbound and replenishment operations, and update the channel inventory in real time.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that: In S5-4, load the channel list for the corresponding brand, sort the channel list, and select the channel with the highest order as the outbound channel. The sorting rules include: if there is a dynamic channel in the channel list that has entered the wave clearing state and is locked by the inbound, its sorting takes precedence over other channels; the channel with fewer outbound tasks that have been assigned but not executed takes precedence; the channel with fewer online tasks in its layer takes precedence.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that: In S5-5, the determination steps are as follows: S5-5-1. Check if dynamic channel clearing is triggered. If triggered, add the dynamic channel number of the current wave for the corresponding brand to the list of channels to be locked. S5-5-2. Process the dynamic channels in the lock list in a cyclical manner, update their entry lock flag, and indicate that they have entered the wave clearing state. S5-5-3 After the dynamic channel is updated with the inbound lock flag, when responding to subsequent replenishment requests, allocating outbound channels and inventory, the inventory in the dynamic channel will be allocated first, thereby performing dynamic channel clearing.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that: In S5-5-1, load the inventory data from the fixed channel and the dynamic channel allocated to the current wave for the corresponding brand, calculate its theoretical inventory, and mark it as Q. 理论库存量 Calculate the replenishment demand gap for the corresponding brand in the current wave, i.e., the number of unanswered replenishment requests, and mark it as Q. 补货需求缺口 If Q 理论库存量 ≥Q 补货需求缺口 This triggers the clearing condition for the current wave's dynamic channel.

10. A tidal flexible control and scheduling system for a cigarette buffer channel, characterized in that, include: ‌ Channel configuration module: used to configure dynamic cached channels and fixed channels; Wave Management Module: Used to divide the replenishment queue into waves and manage the wave execution process; Inventory Management Module: Used for inventory management of cigarette pack channels and their inbound and outbound processes; Dynamic channel allocation module: used to dynamically allocate channels according to wave demand; Inventory preparation and warehousing management module: Used to control the inventory preparation and warehousing process of the buffer channel, and to help realize channel recycling; Replenishment and Outbound Management Module: Used to respond to replenishment and outbound requests and to reclaim channels.

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