Flexible warehouse location configuration methods, equipment, and storage media based on warehouse management systems

Abstract

This application provides a flexible storage location configuration method, device, and storage medium based on a warehouse management system. The method includes: acquiring flexible storage location configuration information, wherein the flexible storage location configuration information includes at least: a flexible storage location identifier, used to indicate whether a physical storage location supports flexible storage; and a flexible structural relationship, used to define the spatial association relationship between multiple sub-storage locations into which the physical storage location can be logically divided; and storing the flexible storage location configuration information; wherein the flexible structural relationship is used in warehouse management operations to dynamically associate the physical storage location with one or more suitable sub-storage locations based on the size of the goods to be stored and the current occupancy status of the storage location. This method can improve storage location and space utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated warehousing and logistics technology, and in particular to a flexible warehouse configuration method, equipment and storage medium based on a warehouse management system. Background Technology

[0002] In existing warehousing systems, racking systems are typically designed with fixed-size storage locations for ease of management and improved operational efficiency. Different sizes of bins require different sized storage locations. For example, if there are large, medium, and small bins, the warehousing system needs to be pre-designed and configured with three corresponding storage location types.

[0003] However, because the size and quantity of bins may fluctuate with business operations, fixed-size storage spaces often lead to low space utilization. For example, if the number of bins of a certain size decreases, the corresponding storage space may be left idle, while bins of other sizes cannot make full use of the remaining space due to mismatched storage space sizes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a flexible warehouse configuration method, equipment and storage medium based on a warehouse management system.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a flexible warehouse location configuration method based on a warehouse management system is provided, comprising: Obtain flexible storage space configuration information, wherein the flexible storage space configuration information includes at least: a flexible storage space identifier, used to indicate whether the physical storage space supports flexible storage; and a flexible structure relationship, used to define the spatial association relationship between multiple sub-storage spaces into which the physical storage space can be logically divided; The flexible storage configuration information is stored; The flexible structural relationship is used in warehousing management to dynamically associate the physical warehouse location with one or more suitable sub-warehouse locations based on the size of the goods to be stored and the current occupancy status of the warehouse location.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a flexible warehouse location configuration device based on a warehouse management system is provided, comprising: The acquisition unit is used to acquire flexible storage configuration information, wherein the flexible storage configuration information includes at least: a flexible storage identifier, used to indicate whether the physical storage supports flexible storage; and a flexible structure relationship, used to define the spatial association relationship between multiple sub-storages into which the physical storage can be logically divided; A storage unit is used to store the flexible bay configuration information; The flexible structural relationship is used in warehousing management to dynamically associate the physical warehouse location with one or more suitable sub-warehouse locations based on the size of the goods to be stored and the current occupancy status of the warehouse location.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present application, an electronic device is provided, including a processor and a machine-readable storage medium, the machine-readable storage medium storing machine-executable instructions executable by the processor, the processor being configured to execute the machine-executable instructions to implement the method provided in the first aspect.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this application, a machine-readable storage medium is provided, wherein machine-executable instructions are stored therein, and when the machine-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the method provided in the first aspect is implemented.

[0009] The flexible storage location configuration method based on the warehouse management system in this application embodiment obtains flexible storage location configuration information, which includes at least: a flexible storage location identifier, used to indicate whether the physical storage location supports flexible storage; and a flexible structural relationship, used to define the spatial association between multiple sub-storage locations into which the physical storage location can be logically divided, and stores the flexible storage location configuration information. The flexible structural relationship is used in warehouse management operations to dynamically associate the physical storage location with one or more suitable sub-storage locations based on the size of the goods to be stored and the current occupancy status of the storage location. Without changing the physical storage location layout, the flexible storage location structural configuration allows different sized bins to be adapted to storage locations of different sizes, thereby improving storage location and space utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a flexible warehouse configuration method based on a warehouse management system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a flexible storage configuration interface provided in an embodiment of this application; Figures 3A-3D This is a logical partition diagram of the physical storage space provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a logical partition diagram of a multi-faceted flexible storage space provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a single-sided flexible storage compartment relationship provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a flexible storage relationship provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a typical schematic diagram of basic warehouse operation procedures; Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible warehouse configuration device based on a warehouse management system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0011] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, some technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained below.

[0012] 1. AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot): An automated robot that performs tasks such as picking, placing, and transporting goods within a warehouse. Common types include stealth robots and pick-and-place robots. AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is a type of stealth robot used for shelf handling. CTU (Container Transfer Unit) is a type of pick-and-place robot that can directly pick up, place, and transport containers in the warehouse.

[0013] 2. iWMS (Intelligent Warehouse Management System): A business management system that manages material batches, inventory, inbound and outbound orders, inventory counting, and sorting.

[0014] 3. RCMS (Robot Center Management System): After receiving the task order, the system decomposes the task and instructs the RCS to move the shelf from one location to another. In addition, it manages information such as maps, vehicles, trolleys (charging, alarm statistics, etc.), elevators, and machine peripherals.

[0015] 4. RCS (Robot Control Server): Schedules and controls the movement of AMRs.

[0016] 5. Workstation: A work surface for warehouse operations, where outbound, inbound, inventory, and sorting operations can be performed.

[0017] 6. Bin: A regular container used in warehousing to store goods.

[0018] 7. Storage location: A cell in a warehouse used to store goods, also called a storage location.

[0019] 8. Storage type: Used to distinguish storage compartments of different sizes.

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of the embodiments of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] It should be noted that the sequence number of each step in the embodiments of this application does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Please see Figure 1 The above is a flowchart illustrating a flexible warehouse configuration method based on a warehouse management system, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the flexible storage location configuration method based on the warehouse management system may include the following steps: Step S110: Obtain flexible storage space configuration information, wherein the flexible storage space configuration information includes at least: a flexible storage space identifier, used to indicate whether the physical storage space supports flexible storage; and a flexible structure relationship, used to define the spatial relationship between multiple sub-storage spaces into which the physical storage space can be logically divided.

[0023] For example, flexible position configuration information can be obtained through a configuration file, or flexible position configuration information can be defined for physical positions in response to user input.

[0024] For example, when deploying a system or adjusting its shelving structure, administrators can pre-write configuration files that conform to the system's data exchange format. These configuration files can be text files in XML, JSON, or properties format, or they can be Excel spreadsheets.

[0025] When the system starts up or during operation, it reads this file through the built-in configuration parsing module to obtain the flexible warehouse configuration information.

[0026] For example, the system can provide a visual warehouse configuration interface at the front end. Warehouse managers can access this interface after logging into the system via a handheld terminal (PDA) or workstation computer.

[0027] Users can select a specific storage location (physical storage location) in the shelf simulation diagram on the interface, or locate a specific row (corresponding to a physical storage location) in the table to trigger flexible storage location configuration for the selected physical storage location.

[0028] Once the user completes the input and clicks the "Save" or "Confirm" button, the system can respond to this interaction event, obtain the data entered by the user, and determine the flexible warehouse configuration information.

[0029] For example, the flexible warehouse configuration interface can be found here. Figure 2 ,like Figure 2As shown, the flexible storage configuration interface can include a physical storage information configuration area (which may include information such as number, name, storage depth / height / width, and maximum capacity (i.e., the maximum number of bins that can be stored)) and a flexible storage enable function button (such as...). Figure 2 The "Whether it is a flexible storage space" selection button is used to enable flexible storage space. When enabled, it indicates that the physical storage space supports flexible storage (supports the storage of goods of various different specifications); otherwise, it indicates that the physical storage space does not support flexible storage. There is also a flexible structure editing function area.

[0030] For example, physical storage location information can be automatically determined by reading a configuration file, or it can be manually entered by the user.

[0031] The flexible structure editing area can be displayed when flexible storage is enabled, and users can click on it. Figure 2 The "Edit" function button shown triggers the flexible structure configuration.

[0032] For example, flexible storage configuration information may include at least: a flexible storage identifier, used to indicate whether a physical storage unit supports flexible storage; and a flexible structure relationship, used to define the spatial relationship between multiple sub-storage units into which a physical storage unit can be logically divided.

[0033] For example, any physical storage location can be logically divided into multiple sub-locations of different sizes.

[0034] For example, taking a cargo container with three different sizes (large, medium, and small) as an example, a physical storage location can be logically divided into N1 large storage locations (for storing large containers), N2 medium storage locations (for storing medium containers), or N3 small storage locations (for storing small containers). That is, the physical storage location can store N1 large containers, N2 medium containers, or N3 small containers. Among them, the physical storage location can store multiple different sizes of containers at the same time, N1≤N2≤N3, and N1, N2, and N3 are usually not the same, such as N1<N2<N3.

[0035] For example, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, assuming a physical storage location can hold 2 large bins or 6 small bins, then in the case of mixed storage, this physical storage location can hold 1 large bin and 2 small bins. A schematic diagram can be seen as follows. Figure 3C or Figure 3D As shown.

[0036] For example, for any type of shelving (with the same physical storage space size), the dimensions (such as length, height, and width) of different types of sub-storage spaces (such as large storage spaces, medium storage spaces, or small storage spaces) can be configured.

[0037] Step S120: Store the obtained flexible storage configuration information; wherein, the flexible structure relationship is used in the warehouse management business to dynamically associate physical storage locations with one or more suitable sub-storage locations based on the size of the goods to be stored and the current occupancy status of the storage location.

[0038] For example, the obtained flexible storage configuration information can be stored in a database, utilizing the database's persistence capabilities and data management mechanisms to ensure the stability and reliability of the configuration information; alternatively, it can be stored in other appropriate storage media, such as memory cache or local configuration files, depending on the actual application scenario, to meet different performance requirements or deployment environments.

[0039] For example, in warehouse management, for any goods to be stored (such as a bin), a storage location can be selected for the goods based on their specifications (such as the size of the goods) and the current occupancy status of the storage location. In this way, the physical storage location can be dynamically associated with one or more suitable sub-locations.

[0040] For example, suppose the current storage bin is a large bin, and the storage location selected for the storage bin is a physical storage location that can store one large bin (this physical storage location can be logically divided into one sub-storage location for storing large bins), then the physical storage location can be associated with the one large storage location.

[0041] For example, suppose the current storage bins are one large bin and two small bins, and the selected storage location is a physical storage location that can store either two large bins or six small bins (e.g., Figure 3A or Figure 3B As shown in the figure, this physical position can be associated with 2 large positions and 6 small positions.

[0042] For example, the sub-locations associated with a physical location can be dynamically updated based on the storage status of the goods.

[0043] In some embodiments, there are flexible hierarchical or mutually exclusive relationships between different sub-warehouses of the same physical warehouse location that have overlapping spatial locations.

[0044] For example, when the same physical warehouse is logically divided, the spatial locations of multiple different sub-warehouses divided from the same physical warehouse may overlap.

[0045] by Figure 3C or Figure 3D Taking the physical positions shown as an example, the spatial locations of the large and small positions logically divided into physical positions may overlap, for example, Figure 3C The large position on the left overlaps with the spatial positions of the four smaller positions on the left.

[0046] In one example, consider sub-warehouses of different sizes within the same physical warehouse location that have overlapping spatial positions: When the spatial location of a larger sub-compartment completely covers the spatial location of at least one smaller sub-compartment, the larger sub-compartment and the smaller sub-compartment have a flexible hierarchical relationship. If the spatial location of a larger sub-warehouse does not completely cover the spatial location of a smaller sub-warehouse, the larger sub-warehouse and the smaller sub-warehouse are mutually exclusive.

[0047] For example, Figure 3C The large position on the left and the four smaller positions on the left have a flexible hierarchical relationship.

[0048] by Figure 4 Taking the multi-faceted flexible storage unit (i.e., a physical storage unit that supports flexible storage and allows goods to be stored / retrieved from at least two sides) as an example, assuming that this physical storage unit can be logically divided into three different sizes (or different types) of sub-storage units (which can be referred to as small / medium / large storage units respectively), corresponding to the three sizes of small / medium / large containers respectively ( Figure 4 (Red / Blue / Yellow), and the large material box can be stored from both the left and right sides. Both sides need to maintain the large storage space. The spatial positions of the two large storage spaces overlap and are mutually exclusive.

[0049] In one example, for multiple sub-positions with a flexible hierarchical relationship, if a lower-level sub-position is occupied, the lower-level sub-position and its parent sub-position are locked.

[0050] by Figure 5 Taking the physical warehouse shown (single-sided flexible warehouse) as an example, the entire warehouse is regarded as a whole and then divided into smaller warehouses, which are in a hierarchical relationship. Position B1 is split into two larger positions, B1-02-01 and B1-02-02. Each larger position occupies four smaller positions. For example, B1-02-01 occupies the first column B1-03-01 (inner position B1-03-01-01 and outer position B1-03-01-02) and the second column B1-03-02 (inner position B1-03-02-01 and outer position B1-03-02-02) of the smaller positions. Similarly, B1-02-02 occupies the first column B1-03-02 (inner position B1-03-02-01 and outer position B1-03-02-02) and the second column B1-03-03 (inner position B1-03-03-01 and outer position B1-03-03-02) of the smaller positions.

[0051] When the sub-position B1-03-01-01 is hit, meaning that sub-position B1-03-01-01 is occupied, the next-level sub-position B1-02-1 can be identified, and both sub-position B1-03-01-01 and its next-level sub-position B1-02-1 can be locked.

[0052] For example, a locked sub-storage cannot be selected to store goods of the corresponding specifications for that sub-storage.

[0053] For example, if a large storage space is locked, it cannot be selected to store large containers. However, if the large storage space has multiple lower-level sub-storage spaces (such as small storage spaces), the unoccupied sub-storage spaces of the large storage space can be selected to store goods of the corresponding specifications, such as small containers.

[0054] In one example, for multiple sub-positions with flexible hierarchical relationships, when a lower-level sub-position is locked or unlocked, the upper-level sub-positions of that sub-position are traversed level by level. For each sub-position that has been traversed, if there are no locked sub-positions below it, then the sub-position is locked and unlocked.

[0055] Still with Figure 5 For example, locking and unlocking in sub-bin B1-03-01-01, such as when the material box stored in sub-bin B1-03-01-01 is taken away, in this case, you can traverse the parent sub-bins of sub-bin B1-03-01-01, such as bin B1-02-1, and bin B1-02-1.

[0056] For the traversed sub-position, such as position B1-02-1, we can traverse each of the subordinate sub-positions of position B1-02-1 to determine whether there are any sub-positions in a locked state; if not, we can lock and unlock position B1-02-1; otherwise, we can keep position B1-02-1 in a locked state.

[0057] In one example, for multiple mutually exclusive sub-positions, if one of the sub-positions is occupied, all of the mutually exclusive sub-positions are locked.

[0058] by Figure 4 For example, if one of the sub-positions of two mutually exclusive large positions is occupied, both large positions with a mutual exclusion relationship can be locked.

[0059] In some embodiments, for any sub-compartment of any physical compartment, the identification information of the sub-compartment includes a field for recording the vehicle information to which the sub-compartment belongs, a field for recording the location information of the physical compartment in the vehicle, and a field for recording the location information of the sub-compartment in which the physical compartment is logically divided.

[0060] For example, fields used to record information about the vehicle to which a sub-warehouse belongs may include, but are not limited to, vehicle number (such as shelf number) and orientation (the orientation of the vehicle's access point relative to the vehicle).

[0061] A typical vehicle may have four sides, with one or two sides usually used for storing or retrieving goods.

[0062] For example, the location information of a physical compartment in a vehicle is represented by the row, column, and depth information of the physical compartment in the vehicle.

[0063] For any type of sub-position, the location information of the sub-position in the physical position is determined by the number of flexible partition columns corresponding to that type of sub-position, and the list characteristics to which the sub-position belongs.

[0064] In one example, for any type of sub-position, when a physical position is logically divided into multiple sub-positions of that type in the depth direction, the position information of the sub-position in the physical position may also include the depth information of the sub-position in the physical position.

[0065] by Figure 6 Taking the position shown as an example, the physical position can be logically divided into 1 large position or 2 small positions. In the case that the physical position is a multi-faceted flexible position, the two small positions (A1-01-01-01 and A1-01-01-02) can be inner and outer layers of each other. The last field "01" or "02" in the identification information of the small position records the depth information of the sub-position in the physical position (based on one of the faces). That is, the sub-positions in the same column are divided into 2 sub-positions in the depth direction.

[0066] In one example, when there are multiple different types of sub-positions with the same number of flexible partition columns, the identification information of the sub-position also includes a field for recording the type of the sub-position.

[0067] by Figure 4 Taking the position shown as an example, the number of flexible division columns for medium and small positions is the same (3 columns each). In this case, it is not possible to distinguish between medium and small positions based solely on column information. Therefore, the identification information of sub-positions can also include a field for recording the type of sub-position (e.g., size, such as small / medium / large position).

[0068] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to specific examples.

[0069] The basic warehousing operation process will be explained below with reference to the attached diagram.

[0070] like Figure 7 The diagram shown is a typical basic warehouse operation flow chart. Figure 7 As shown, the basic warehousing operation process can be as follows: Warehouse operations are initiated by the Inventory Management System (IWMS). First, the system generates task assignments based on business needs. These tasks typically include outbound and inbound handling, inventory counting, and sorting. The IWMS then distributes the corresponding handling requirements to a robot scheduling system (such as RCS).

[0071] Upon receiving an instruction, RCS (Regulatory Control System) will dispatch the most suitable automated robot (such as an AMR) to the designated shelving area based on the current warehouse map and robot status. The robot will then perform the transport task, moving the target shelving from the warehouse to a pre-defined workstation area. Once the shelving arrives at the workstation, the client connected to that workstation will automatically obtain and display the task details, such as the types and quantities of goods to be picked or the inventory and stocking operations to be performed. The on-site operators will then execute the specific tasks based on the clear prompts provided by the client.

[0072] After the operator completes all tasks at the workstation, a task completion signal will be automatically triggered via the client or system. RCS then dispatches the same or an idle robot to move the completed shelving from the workstation back to the designated storage location in the warehouse.

[0073] At this point, a complete closed-loop warehousing operation process has been completed, initiated by IWMS, scheduled by RCS, with robots performing handling, and client-side personnel assisting in operation.

[0074] For example, for an inbound task, IWMS can select a storage location for the goods to be stored according to the flexible storage location configuration scheme provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0075] The flexible warehouse configuration scheme based on the warehouse management system provided in this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] In this embodiment, without changing the physical storage layout, the flexible storage structure configuration allows different sized bins to be adapted to different sized storage spaces, enabling a single physical storage space to store one or more large bins as well as multiple small bins (or a mix of large and small bins), thus improving storage space utilization.

[0077] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, when adding position types, add flexible position identifier (whether flexible positions are enabled) and flexible architecture (the same position can adapt to different position types) configuration parameters.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, a physical position can be maintained as 3 sub-positions: a large position A1, and two smaller positions A1-01-01-01 and A1-01-01-02 which are inner and outer layers of each other; among them, the smaller positions inherit from the large position A1 (the large position A1 is the superior sub-position of the smaller positions A1-01-01-01 and A1-01-01-02).

[0079] Based on the identification information of the small position (A1-01-01-01 or A1-01-01-02), it can be determined that it belongs to the lower-level sub-position of the large position A1.

[0080] The following sections explain the implementation of the position logic for single-sided flexible positions and multi-sided flexible positions.

[0081] 1. Single-sided flexible storage.

[0082] Assuming the material bins come in three sizes (large, medium, and small), a single layer of the carrier (one physical compartment) can hold six small bins, two large bins, or one large bin and two small bins. A schematic diagram can be shown below. Figures 3A-3D As shown. Wherein: Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram of a single-sided small storage compartment. The physical storage compartment is logically divided into small storage compartments, which can store 6 small material boxes. Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of a single-sided large storage area. The physical storage area is logically divided into large storage areas, which can store two large material boxes. Figure 3C or Figure 3D This is a schematic diagram of a single-sided mixed storage compartment. The physical compartment can hold one large material bin and two small material bins.

[0083] In this embodiment, for multiple sub-warehouses with a flexible hierarchical relationship, if a lower-level sub-warehouse is occupied, the lower-level sub-warehouse and its parent sub-warehouse are locked.

[0084] by Figure 5Taking the physical warehouse shown (single-sided flexible warehouse) as an example, the entire warehouse is regarded as a whole and then divided into smaller warehouses, which are in a hierarchical relationship. Position B1 is split into two larger positions, B1-02-01 and B1-02-02. Each larger position occupies four smaller positions. For example, B1-02-01 occupies the first column B1-03-01 (inner position B1-03-01-01 and outer position B1-03-01-02) and the second column B1-03-02 (inner position B1-03-02-01 and outer position B1-03-02-02) of the smaller positions. Similarly, B1-02-02 occupies the first column B1-03-02 (inner position B1-03-02-01 and outer position B1-03-02-02) and the second column B1-03-03 (inner position B1-03-03-01 and outer position B1-03-03-02) of the smaller positions.

[0085] When the sub-position B1-03-01-01 is hit, meaning that sub-position B1-03-01-01 is occupied, the next-level sub-position B1-02-1 can be identified, and both sub-position B1-03-01-01 and its next-level sub-position B1-02-1 can be locked.

[0086] For example, a locked sub-storage cannot be selected to store goods of the corresponding specifications for that sub-storage.

[0087] For example, if a large storage space is locked, it cannot be selected to store large containers. However, if the large storage space has multiple lower-level sub-storage spaces (such as small storage spaces), the unoccupied sub-storage spaces of the large storage space can be selected to store goods of the corresponding specifications, such as small containers.

[0088] In one example, for multiple sub-positions with flexible hierarchical relationships, when a lower-level sub-position is locked or unlocked, the upper-level sub-positions of that sub-position are traversed level by level. For each sub-position that has been traversed, if there are no locked sub-positions below it, then the sub-position is locked and unlocked.

[0089] Still with Figure 5 For example, locking and unlocking in sub-bin B1-03-01-01, such as when the material box stored in sub-bin B1-03-01-01 is taken away, in this case, you can traverse the parent sub-bins of sub-bin B1-03-01-01, such as bin B1-02-1, and bin B1-02-1.

[0090] For the traversed sub-position, such as position B1-02-1, we can traverse each of the subordinate sub-positions of position B1-02-1 to determine whether there are any sub-positions in a locked state; if not, we can lock and unlock position B1-02-1; otherwise, we can keep position B1-02-1 in a locked state.

[0091] II. Multi-faceted (e.g., double-faced) flexible positions.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, in the multi-faceted flexible storage structure, red, blue, and yellow represent small, medium, and large bin sizes, respectively. The storage compartments can be arranged in various combinations. For example, they can store 6 small red bins, 6 medium blue bins, 3 small red bins + 2 large yellow bins, 2 small red bins + 2 medium blue bins + 1 large yellow bin, or 4 small red bins + 1 large yellow bin, etc.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown, the large material bin occupies the two blue medium compartments on the left, but does not occupy the small red compartments. With the large yellow compartment on the right storing the material bin, at least one small material bin can be placed on the left.

[0094] Since the number of flexible division columns for medium and small positions is the same, a type field (such as position type number) can be added to the position identifier to distinguish the type of sub-position, such as medium or small position.

[0095] For example, a field can be added to the position relationship to distinguish between flexible hierarchical relationships and mutually exclusive relationships between multiple parties.

[0096] For example, a relationship type ("type") field can be added to the flexible position relationship table in the database. This relationship type field can be used to indicate whether the position relationship is a flexible hierarchical or mutually exclusive relationship.

[0097] For example, if the value of the "type" field is the first value (such as 1), it indicates that the position relationship is a flexible hierarchical relationship; if the value of the "type" field is the second value (such as 2), it indicates that the position relationship is a mutually exclusive relationship.

[0098] For example, if the value of the "type" field is empty, the default position relationship can be a flexible hierarchical relationship.

[0099] For example, the fields recorded in the database flexible warehouse association table may include some or all of the following fields: warehouse number (bin_code), parent warehouse number / mutually exclusive warehouse number (parent_bin_code), root warehouse (root_bin_code), warehouse under which column (col_count), column (col_index), depth (depth), creator (create_user), creation time (create_time), updater (update_user), update time (update_time), relationship type (type), etc.

[0100] In this embodiment, the bay identification information can be as follows: vehicle number + direction + row / column / depth (physical bay location information in the vehicle) + number of columns for flexible bay division + current column.

[0101] For example, for any type of sub-position, when a physical position is logically divided into multiple sub-positions of that type in the depth direction, the position information of the sub-position in the physical position may also include the depth information of the sub-position in the physical position.

[0102] The bay identification information can be as follows: vehicle number + direction + row / column / depth (physical bay location information in the vehicle) + number of columns for flexible bay division + current column + current depth.

[0103] For example, for Figure 6 In the sub-warehouse A1-01-01-02 (assuming the physical warehouse location information in the vehicle is omitted), A can be the vehicle number, 1 can be the vehicle direction (the four faces of the vehicle can be numbered sequentially from 1 to 4, and the direction is 1, indicating that the storage and retrieval operation position is the direction corresponding to face 1 of the vehicle), 01-01 indicates that the physical warehouse is logically divided into 1 column, and the sub-warehouse belongs to the first column, 02 indicates that the physical warehouse is divided into multiple sub-warehouses of this type in the depth direction, and the current sub-warehouse belongs to the second depth in the depth direction (which can be numbered in order from the outside to the inside).

[0104] For example, with Figure 5 For example, for sub-berth B1-02-01, B is the vehicle number, 1 is the vehicle direction, and 02-01 indicates that the physical warehouse is logically divided into 2 columns, and the current sub-berth belongs to the first column. Since this type of sub-berth is not divided in the depth direction, the depth field is not required.

[0105] For sub-berth B1-03-01-01, B is the vehicle number, 1 is the vehicle direction, 03-01 indicates that the physical warehouse is logically divided into 3 columns, and the current sub-berth belongs to the first column. The last 01 indicates that the physical warehouse is divided into multiple sub-berths of this type in the depth direction, and the current sub-berth belongs to the first depth in the depth direction.

[0106] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the small red position on the left and the medium blue position on the left have a flexible hierarchical relationship, while the medium blue position on the left and the large yellow position on the right are maintained in a multi-faceted mutually exclusive relationship.

[0107] If the small red position on the left is locked due to being occupied, then according to the flexible hierarchical relationship, the medium blue position on the left needs to be locked.

[0108] Since the blue medium-sized position is locked based on a flexible hierarchical relationship rather than being locked due to occupation, the yellow large position to its right, which has a mutually exclusive relationship with it, does not need to be locked and can be used normally.

[0109] In one example, when there are multiple different types of sub-positions with the same number of flexible partition columns, the identification information of the sub-position also includes a field for recording the type of the sub-position.

[0110] For example, the bay identification information can be as follows: vehicle number + direction + row / column / depth (the physical bay's position information in the vehicle) + number of columns for flexible bay division + current column + bay type number + depth.

[0111] For example, in order to distinguish different types of sub-positions in the same location within a physical position, an additional digit can be added to differentiate them. The position type is a 1-2 digit number or letter.

[0112] by Figure 5 Taking the warehouse division shown as an example, the left and right storage and retrieval sides are analyzed according to the same rules as the single-sided warehouse. The total number of columns for the flexible warehouse division on the left is 2 sets of 3 columns. Therefore, the red (small warehouse) and blue (medium warehouse) in the same position cannot be distinguished. It is necessary to add warehouse type distinction. The red small warehouse on the left is 3-1-1 and the blue medium warehouse on the left is 3-1-2. The last 1 and 2 are the warehouse type.

[0113] As can be seen, in this implementation, the system's configurable processing provides good flexibility and stronger scalability. Without changing the physical warehouse layout, the flexible warehouse structure configuration allows different sized bins to adapt to different sized warehouses, enabling a single physical warehouse to store one or more large bins, multiple small bins, or a mix of large and small bins, greatly improving warehouse and space utilization.

[0114] The method provided in this application has been described above. The apparatus provided in this application is described below: Please see Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a flexible warehouse configuration device based on a warehouse management system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 As shown, the flexible storage location configuration device based on the warehouse management system may include: The acquisition unit is used to acquire flexible storage configuration information, wherein the flexible storage configuration information includes at least: a flexible storage identifier, used to indicate whether the physical storage supports flexible storage; and a flexible structure relationship, used to define the spatial association relationship between multiple sub-storages into which the physical storage can be logically divided; A storage unit is used to store the flexible bay configuration information; The flexible structural relationship is used in warehousing management to dynamically associate the physical warehouse location with one or more suitable sub-warehouse locations based on the size of the goods to be stored and the current occupancy status of the warehouse location.

[0115] For example, the specific implementation process of the acquisition unit and storage unit to implement flexible warehouse location configuration based on the warehouse management system can be found in the relevant description in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0116] This application provides an electronic device, including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor executes the machine-executable instructions to implement the flexible warehouse configuration method based on the warehouse management system described above.

[0117] Please see Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device may include a processor 901 and a memory 902 storing machine-executable instructions. The processor 901 and the memory 902 can communicate via a system bus 903. Furthermore, by reading and executing the machine-executable instructions in the memory 902 corresponding to the flexible warehouse location configuration logic based on the warehouse management system, the processor 901 can execute the flexible warehouse location configuration method based on the warehouse management system described above.

[0118] The memory 902 mentioned in this document can be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that can contain or store information, such as executable instructions, data, etc. For example, machine-readable storage media can be: RAM (Random Access Memory), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, flash memory, storage drives (such as hard disk drives), solid-state drives, any type of storage disk (such as optical discs, DVDs, etc.), or similar storage media, or combinations thereof.

[0119] In some embodiments, a machine-readable storage medium, such as Figure 9 The memory 902 in the system stores machine-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the flexible warehouse configuration method based on the warehouse management system described above. For example, the storage medium can be ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, or optical data storage device.

Claims

1. A flexible warehouse location configuration method based on a warehouse management system, characterized in that, include: Obtain flexible storage space configuration information, wherein the flexible storage space configuration information includes at least: a flexible storage space identifier, used to indicate whether the physical storage space supports flexible storage; and a flexible structure relationship, used to define the spatial association relationship between multiple sub-storage spaces into which the physical storage space can be logically divided; The flexible storage configuration information is stored; The flexible structural relationship is used in warehousing management to dynamically associate the physical warehouse location with one or more suitable sub-warehouse locations based on the size of the goods to be stored and the current occupancy status of the warehouse location.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, For any given physical location, it can be logically divided into multiple sub-locations of different sizes; There are overlapping spatial locations, and there are flexible hierarchical relationships or mutual exclusion relationships between different sub-warehouses of the same physical warehouse location.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, For sub-warehouses of different specifications within the same physical storage location that have overlapping spatial positions: When the spatial location of a larger sub-compartment completely covers the spatial location of at least one smaller sub-compartment, the larger sub-compartment and the smaller sub-compartment have a flexible hierarchical relationship. If the spatial location of a larger sub-warehouse does not completely cover the spatial location of a smaller sub-warehouse, the larger sub-warehouse and the smaller sub-warehouse are mutually exclusive.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, For multiple sub-positions with a flexible hierarchical relationship, if a lower-level sub-position is occupied, both the lower-level sub-position and its parent sub-position will be locked. And / or, For multiple sub-positions that are mutually exclusive, if one of the sub-positions is occupied, all the mutually exclusive sub-positions will be locked. Among them, a locked sub-storage cannot be selected to store goods of the corresponding specifications for that sub-storage.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, For multiple sub-positions with flexible hierarchical relationships, when a lower-level sub-position is locked or unlocked, the upper-level sub-positions of that sub-position are traversed level by level. For each sub-position that has been traversed, if there are no locked sub-positions below it, then the sub-position is locked and unlocked.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, For any physical warehouse location and any sub-warehouse location, the identification information of the sub-warehouse location includes a field for recording the vehicle information to which the sub-warehouse location belongs, a field for recording the location information of the physical warehouse location in the vehicle, and a field for recording the location information of the sub-warehouse location in the sub-warehouse locations logically divided by the physical warehouse location.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The location information of physical compartments in a vehicle is represented by the row, column, and depth information of physical compartments in the vehicle; For any type of sub-position, the location information of the sub-position in the physical position is determined by the number of flexible partition columns corresponding to that type of sub-position, and the list characteristics to which the sub-position belongs.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, When there are multiple sub-positions with the same number of flexible partition columns, the identification information of the sub-position also includes a field for recording the type of the sub-position; For any type of sub-position, when a physical position is logically divided into multiple sub-positions of that type in the depth direction, the position information of the sub-position in the physical position also includes the depth information of the sub-position in the physical position.

9. A flexible warehouse location configuration device based on a warehouse management system, characterized in that, include: The acquisition unit is used to acquire flexible storage configuration information, wherein the flexible storage configuration information includes at least: a flexible storage identifier, used to indicate whether the physical storage supports flexible storage; and a flexible structure relationship, used to define the spatial association relationship between multiple sub-storages into which the physical storage can be logically divided; A storage unit is used to store the flexible bay configuration information; The flexible structural relationship is used in warehousing management to dynamically associate the physical warehouse location with one or more suitable sub-warehouse locations based on the size of the goods to be stored and the current occupancy status of the warehouse location.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The method includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor, the processor executing the machine-executable instructions to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

11. A machine-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The machine-readable storage medium stores machine-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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