Method for operating an automated warehouse, control unit for controlling an automated warehouse and automated warehouse

Abstract

Method for operating an automated warehouse (1) for storing and processing packages of goods, wherein the warehouse has a process area (8) and a racking area (9), the method comprising: a) processing at least one package of goods in the process area (8) to obtain at least one single item of goods (10), b) determining or obtaining product information of the at least one item of goods (10), c) storing the item of goods (10) in the racking area (9) based on the product information, wherein step c) comprises individually storing the item of goods (10) in the racking area (9), wherein in the individual storage each item of goods is transported individually into the racking area, and wherein the item of goods (10) is moved between the process area (8) and the racking area (9) by means of a shuttle (5).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for operating an automated warehouse for storing and processing packages of goods, a control unit for controlling an automated warehouse for storing and processing packages of goods, and an automated warehouse for storing and processing packages of goods. In the prior art, warehouses are known to serve as intermediate storage for packages of goods. Packages of goods can be transport units, which can be transported, for example, on trucks, trains, or other means of transport. A package of goods is, for example, a pallet full of goods. Furthermore, a package of goods can be a container or transport box containing different or identical goods. In conventional warehouses, these goods are stored in the form of packages. When needed, individual items are removed from the package and stored. Alternatively, the packages are broken down in the warehouse and then stored in other storage boxes or other packages. This often requires manual labor. These processing methods require a high degree of manual labor, making the storage of individual items expensive and time-consuming. In particular, storing goods individually is labor-intensive. DE 10 2018 127 567 A1 shows a method for automating the flow of goods in a warehouse. DE 10 2019 130 519 A1 shows a system for automating selection-related goods flows. WO 2018 / 144622 A1 shows a system for picking non-perishable goods in an automated storage and retrieval system. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device which enable efficient storage and automated handling of individual goods. The problem is solved by a method for operating an automated warehouse with the features of claim 1 and by devices with the features of claims 11 and 12. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for operating an automated warehouse for storing and processing packages of goods is provided. The warehouse can comprise a processing area and a racking area. The method can a) process at least one package of goods in the processing area to obtain at least one single item. Furthermore, the method can b) determine or obtain product information for the at least one item. In addition, the method can c) store the item in the racking area based on the product information. Compared to the known state of the art, the present method allows for the processing of goods packages in such a way that only individual items need to be stored. In other words, the package delivered to the warehouse can be processed in the process area so that only a single item can be stored in the storage area. Furthermore, the individual item can be stored in the shelving area based on product information. The present method can individually obtain product information for each item, thus ensuring that the individual item can be stored efficiently and safely in the shelving area. In other words, the product information for at least one item enables particularly efficient storage of the goods.This can mean that goods can be stored more efficiently in certain positions in the warehouse than others due to specific characteristics and / or requirements. According to one embodiment of the present invention, goods are stored individually in their smallest packaging form (i.e., not multiple goods in one package). To enable individual storage, product information about the goods to be stored may be required. The method can include determining this product information. Often, only the containers are labeled with the relevant information, but the individual goods are not. In the present invention, the warehouse itself can determine or obtain this product information and store the goods individually based on it. This allows for a fully automated warehouse that can receive packages containing multiple goods as goods receiving and provide individual goods as goods issuing. The warehouse can be located in a building or enclosed area. The processing area and the racking area can be directly adjacent. In other words, the warehouse can be designed as a black box system, receiving packages of goods on one side and making individual items available on one side. The processing area can be the area where step a) is carried out. The racking area can be the area where step c) is carried out. Furthermore, the warehouse can have a control unit that can execute step b) (see below for more information). A goods container can be a packaging unit in which one or more goods can be transported. The goods container can ensure that the individual goods are not damaged or shift during transport. Furthermore, a goods container can contain identical or different goods. A goods container can, for example, be a pallet of goods. It can also be a transport box or similar container filled with goods. The goods container can be delivered to the warehouse, for example, by truck. In step a), the goods container can be processed to obtain individual goods. In other words, processing can include unpacking the goods container. The processing of the goods container can be done automatically or manually. After processing, the individual goods can be transferred to an analysis area or similar.Step b) can then be performed to analyze each individual item. This allows product information to be assigned to each item. It can be determined whether the item is a known or unknown product. If it is a known product, its information can be retrieved from a database and assigned to the respective item. For an unknown product, the information can be obtained individually through an analysis process. Once step b) is completed, the individual item can be stored in the designated shelf area in step c). Storage can be based on the previously determined or obtained product information. In other words, individual characteristics and / or requirements of the product can be taken into account during individual storage.For example, particularly sensitive goods can be stored in a specially designated storage area. This storage can involve individual placement, where goods can be placed freely on shelves or similar surfaces without specific compartments or dividers. In other words, the shelving area can be an undivided or continuous storage area that can be individually stocked with goods. Thus, goods can be stored individually based solely on the product information, without having to adhere to specific shelf layout requirements. This product information can include product attributes or properties. It can also be computer-readable data, such as text and / or a table.Such files contain printable characters. These can be subdivided by control characters such as line and page breaks. Furthermore, the product information can also be in binary form. With a binary file, any other interpretation of the content is possible (for example, by a computer). Individual items are moved between the processing area and the storage area using a shuttle (also known as a storage and retrieval machine). In other words, the shuttle can individually transport each item to the storage area. The shuttle travels along a track. It can be configured to place the item, in its smallest packaging unit, at a predetermined storage location. This location can be determined based on the product information before the item is placed. Preferably, step a) comprises receiving pre-shipment information and marking the goods package based on this pre-shipment information, wherein the pre-shipment information preferably includes the supplier's identity. The pre-shipment information can be obtained before processing of the at least one goods package. Furthermore, the pre-shipment information can be known before the goods arrive at the warehouse. For example, the supplier delivering the goods package to the warehouse can transmit the pre-shipment information to the warehouse. The pre-shipment information can, for example, include information about the quantity and / or type of goods. Furthermore, the pre-shipment information can define the supplier. Based on the pre-shipment information, the warehouse can transmit unloading instructions to the supplier. This ensures that the supplier unloads the goods package at the correct location in the warehouse.For example, the warehouse might have multiple receiving areas (such as loading bays) where packages of goods can be unloaded. Unloading instructions allow the supplier to drive directly to the correct loading bay, thus increasing the overall efficiency of the process. Once the package is unloaded and transferred to a receiving area of ​​the warehouse, it can be marked (e.g., with a label) for easy identification. This marking could include information about the packaging and the individual items within. Based on this marking and preliminary information, the package can then proceed to the first processing step in the relevant area. Early identification of the packages ensures an efficient workflow. Preferably, step a) comprises singulating the product containers to obtain individual items. Preferably, this singulation is based on marking the product containers. The marking allows the product container to be directed to a specific singulation area designed for singulating specific types of product containers. For example, one singulation station could be specifically for chilled goods, and another for goods delivered in containers. The prior marking allows the appropriate singulation stations to be supplied with product containers in a targeted manner, preventing the unnecessary movement of product containers within the process area. This increases the overall process efficiency. Furthermore, automated singulation is possible because the product containers have been assigned or identified beforehand. Preferably, step b) includes checking the goods to determine whether they are known or unknown. In other words, after step a), an automated inspection or analysis of the goods thus obtained can be carried out. Checking the goods could, for example, involve scanning a marking, such as a barcode, or visually identifying the goods based on their external appearance (e.g., shape, color, etc.). Furthermore, it is conceivable that the goods are photographed and the image compared with images in a database. This allows for a determination of whether the goods are known or unknown. A known good can be defined as one in which product information is available in a database. The goods may also be located in another warehouse (e.g.,If a product has already been processed at another location, then the product information is also available. In such a case, it can be a known product. Product information can therefore even be synchronized across different locations. Conversely, an unknown product may be new to the system and being processed at the warehouse for the first time. In other words, no product information may be available in a database for an unknown product. Preferably, obtaining product information involves querying a database to retrieve the product information for a known product. If a comparison of the product with a database yields a match (i.e., the product in stock is known), the corresponding product information for that product can be automatically retrieved from the database without having to collect this information again. This enables particularly efficient goods handling. The database can, for example, contain a large number of entries, each assigned to a specific product. By checking the product, a comparator unit can determine, for example, whether the product is available in the database. If so, the product information associated with the respective entry in the database can be assigned to that specific product. This enables rapid goods handling. Preferably, step b) includes a validation to determine whether the obtained product information corresponds to the known product. In other words, following the comparison between the product and the database, an additional validation or check can be performed to verify that the product actually corresponds to the entry in the database. Depending on the previously performed check, this may involve a further examination of the product. For example, if the external appearance was checked by visual inspection during the previous check, the product can be weighed during the validation process to verify whether the weight recorded in the database under the relevant entry corresponds to the weight of the actual product. Furthermore, other characteristics of the product information retrieved from the database can be compared with the actual product.For example, a dimension can be measured in a specific direction and compared to the database entry. The validation of the goods performed after the inspection ensures that an item identified as a known item is indeed the known item. This prevents malfunctions or incorrect operation of the warehouse. Furthermore, it prevents goods from being damaged due to improper storage or processing. If the validation of the goods yields the same result as the preceding inspection, the goods can then be fed into a distribution system. Preferably, validation includes a visual inspection of the goods and / or weighing them. This provides an additional verification mechanism to prevent misinterpretations of the goods. More precisely, during validation, some or all of the information contained in the goods information can be verified against the actual goods. For this purpose, a sensor system designed to determine the goods information can be provided within the process area. Preferably, determining product information includes an analysis of the product. Particularly in cases where it is not established that the product in question is a known product, it can be individually analyzed. This analysis allows the product information associated with the product to be obtained. This product information can be a product attribute and characterize the product. Compared to the prior art, this product analysis offers the advantage that any type of product can be individually handled (i.e., stored, processed, etc.) based on the analysis results. Furthermore, it is not necessary to rely on external information such as delivery notes or other data provided by third parties; instead, the characteristic properties of the product itself can be analyzed to ensure its correct storage and / or processing.Furthermore, it is possible to provide a wide variety of different goods at a single receiving area of ​​the warehouse, as the individual product information for each item can be determined or obtained separately. This allows the warehouse itself to be integrated into diverse and complex supply chains and to operate efficiently within them. Preferably, the analysis of the goods includes optical scanning and / or weighing. For example, the goods can be visually recorded by one or more cameras. The image information obtained in this way can be evaluated to determine the goods' properties. Visual scanning can, for example, determine the dimensions and shape of the goods. Furthermore, the surface properties of the goods can be determined. For instance, the goods could be illuminated with a light source and the reflection measured. This allows, for example, the determination of the surface properties of the goods. Additionally or alternatively, the goods can be weighed to determine their weight. In particular, when both the external shape and the weight of the goods are considered, a detailed characterization of the goods can be achieved. Specifically, the density of the goods can be determined in this way.Thus, for example, it can be determined that a product with relatively large dimensions but low weight can be identified. From this, it can be concluded that the product is fragile. This conclusion can then be stored in the product information. Furthermore, in step b), the preliminary product information can be used to obtain further product information in conjunction with the individual product analysis. It is also conceivable that a pre-selection could be made based on the product analysis, which could then be further refined by a human. In this way, it is possible to provide a learning algorithm that can recognize the type of product based on its specific characteristics (such as size and / or weight).For example, the learning algorithm can consider the obtained physical quantities as input data and the products later selected by a human user as the desired output data. The more such training datasets the learning algorithm processes, the more accurately it can make a statement about the product in question. Furthermore, it is conceivable to use a neural network for this purpose, which continuously learns and thus improves its recognition accuracy. Preferably, the product information includes details such as fragility, load-bearing capacity, dimensional stability, surface finish, porosity, sensitivity, potential hazards posed by the product, refrigeration requirements, incompatibilities, state of matter, shelf life, odor information, and / or a serial number for at least one item. Furthermore, the product information can include batch and / or manufacturing batch information. This facilitates, for example, the easy implementation of a product recall. Thus, the product information can reflect a wide range of different product properties. This allows the product to be processed and stored optimally to ensure that the product or other equipment is not damaged. For example, the product's fragility might mean that heavy objects must not be placed on it.The load-bearing capacity of a product defines the weight it can support. This is important, for example, when determining whether products can be stacked and, if so, which products can be stacked on top of each other. The dimensional stability of a product defines its resistance to unintentional deformation. The surface texture defines how porous, wrinkled, or uneven a product's surface is. This can be important for subsequent processing, as it determines whether the product can be gripped with a suction device. The sensitivity of a product generally defines the environment in which it can be located without sustaining damage. Conversely, hazards emanating from the product define potential risks to nearby goods.Thus, it may be necessary, for example, to transport and / or store goods at a specific distance from other goods. A product's cooling requirements can define the climatic environment in which it may remain and for how long. Incompatibilities, such as incompatibility with magnetic fields, can be a factor. This ensures that, for example, electrical devices are not damaged. A product's state of matter primarily indicates whether it is a solid or a liquid. This determines the subsequent processing or storage of the product. A product's shelf life indicates how long it can be stored. This can be important when determining the order in which goods are stored in and / or retrieved from a shelf area.Odor information can indicate whether or not a product emits unpleasant odors. This can be crucial in determining where and with which other goods the specific product is stored or transported. The serial number can be a manufacturer-applied serial number in the form of a barcode or QR code. This can be used for further product identification. Additionally or alternatively, an OCR system can be used for product identification. This system is designed to recognize and read characters (numbers and / or letters) affixed to the product. This allows a product to be identified even if it does not have a standardized barcode or similar marking. Step c) involves individually storing the goods in the shelving area. Individual storage in this context means that each item is transported to the shelving area individually. The goods information can be used to determine the transport and storage location of each item. This individual handling and processing of goods can lead to particularly efficient warehouse operation. Preferably, step c) includes determining a storage location and location information for that storage location, wherein the location information preferably identifies the storage location within the shelf area where the goods are to be stored or are to be stored. The storage location can be determined based on the goods information. This allows consideration of the aforementioned characteristics of the goods and the selection of a suitable storage location. Furthermore, the storage location can be selected with regard to the efficiency of the overall system. For example, a storage location at a lower position within the shelf area can be selected if the goods are particularly heavy. This prevents the heavy goods from having to be transported far against the direction of gravity, thus saving energy.Furthermore, storage locations can have specific properties, such as cooling or isolation from the rest of the storage area. The storage area can also include an EX zone, where particularly hazardous goods can be stored. This can be used as a basis for determining a storage location. The location information can identify the storage location within the racking area. For example, the X, Y, Z coordinates can define a point in space. It is also conceivable that the location information includes a level, a row of shelves, and a distance along the length of the row of shelves to uniquely identify a storage location. In other words, the location information enables the individual storage of goods within the racking area. As mentioned above, the racking area can be completely undivided, allowing goods to be stored individually within it.Therefore, the shelf area can be filled particularly efficiently, as the goods can be arranged next to each other based on their respective product information (such as their dimensions) and pre-made storage areas do not need to be filled. Preferably, step c) comprises storing the goods in the racking area using a shuttle. The shuttle can be an automated vehicle, in particular an automated storage and retrieval system, which can enter the racking area. The shuttle can have a transport area onto which the goods can be transported. The shuttle can travel back and forth between the process area and the storage area. The shuttle can pick up the goods at a pickup point in the process area and automatically travel to the storage location in the racking area and automatically place the goods there. The shuttle can have a conveying device designed to grip the goods and transport them onto the shuttle's transport area. The goods information can be used to ensure reliable gripping of the goods.For example, the dimensions of the goods can be known, allowing the conveyor system to be used precisely to grip and transport them. Furthermore, the conveyor system can be designed to grip the goods being stored or retrieved by the shuttle based on the goods' dimensions. This allows for particularly gentle handling of the goods. Preferably, step c) includes determining the shortest route for the shuttle from a goods picking point to the storage location. This route can follow a rail system (e.g., track sections) on which the shuttle can travel. Alternatively, the route can be a free path between the goods picking point and the storage location (i.e., without a rail, allowing the shuttle to move freely on a surface or through the air). In other words, the shortest route does not refer to the direct, straight line between the goods picking point and the storage location, but rather the shortest possible path for the shuttle along a surface. This ensures that even in very large racking areas with numerous shelves and levels, the shuttle does not travel unnecessarily long distances, but instead delivers the goods efficiently and directly to the desired storage location.Preferably, the shortest route is determined before the shuttle departs. Consequently, the shuttle can be informed of its intended route before it starts moving. This is particularly advantageous when communication with the shuttle is difficult or impossible within the warehouse. This might be the case, for example, if the warehouse is heavily shielded to protect goods. Furthermore, contact-based data transmission can be provided to the shuttle, which can increase transmission reliability. For instance, the storage location can be transmitted to the shuttle via an electronic contact at the goods receiving point. Therefore, no wireless data exchange with the shuttle is necessary during its journey. Preferably, step c) includes determining the shortest route for the shuttle from the storage location to the goods receiving point. In other words, the shuttle's return route from the storage location to the goods receiving point can be determined directly during the goods storage process. This is particularly useful if one-way traffic is implemented on the rail system in the racking area and / or the processing area. This prevents the shuttle from taking the same route back to the goods receiving point as it did to the storage location. In this case, it is also advantageous to inform the shuttle at the beginning of order processing (e.g., at the goods receiving point) which route it should take back from the racking area. This prevents the shuttle from becoming stranded in the racking area without being able to find its way back. Preferably, as the shuttle moves through the racking area, it detects the racking area and / or stored goods to obtain current status information of the racking area and / or the goods. The method preferably includes comparing the current status information with the stored status information to determine change information. The shuttle can include sensors designed to detect its surroundings. Thus, as the shuttle travels from the goods pickup point to the storage location or vice versa, it can detect its surroundings. This allows it to detect goods already stored in the racking area. The method can check in the background whether the actual measured storage locations of the goods correspond to the stored storage locations. Therefore, each time a shuttle passes a product, it can be checked whether the product is in the desired position.Consequently, shifts in the shelf area can be detected and corrected. For example, if a storage location for an item is determined to differ from the stored location, a service shuttle can be activated to move the item to the desired location. The change between the stored storage location (i.e., the location previously assigned to the item) and the actual, now recorded storage location can be stored in a change information log. This change information could, for example, be a percentage deviation between the target position and the actual, recorded position. If a certain percentage deviation threshold is exceeded, the system can trigger a correction of the item's actual storage location.This ensures that goods are always located in the correct position within the storage area, preventing any gradual shifting. Furthermore, the threshold at which the system is activated ensures that service shuttle deployments are not unnecessarily frequent. Preferably, the change information includes a change in the storage location of goods and / or a change in the condition of the racking area. The change in the condition of the racking area could, for example, be damage to the racking. The shuttle could, for instance, monitor specific distances within the racking area. It is conceivable that the shuttle could measure the distance between two rack uprights and / or between rail sections. If such a measurement deviates from a target value, an inspection can be initiated. Thus, the condition of the racking can be monitored during each shuttle run, allowing even minor damage to be detected early. This can extend the service life of the racking area and, consequently, the entire warehouse. Preferably, step c) includes checking the state of charge of an energy storage device used for storing and retrieving goods in a shuttle. For example, the planned route for a shuttle can be compared with the available energy in the shuttle's energy storage device. Based on this, it can be determined whether the shuttle can transport the goods to or from the storage location without running out of energy. The energy storage device could, for example, be a battery. The state of charge check can be performed, for example, at the goods receiving point. In particular, this can be done in parallel with a wired data exchange. Preferably, step b) includes the output of the goods information. This allows a third party outside the warehouse to access the goods information. For example, an inventory list can be maintained for goods located in the process area and / or warehouse. Furthermore, it is conceivable that, for instance, return shipments could be sent directly to the warehouse, with this recorded in the goods information. This allows third parties to access this information. In other words, a bidirectional flow of information into and out of the warehouse can be established. In returns management, the manufacturer of the returned goods can be provided with the relevant goods information. The manufacturer can then decide what should be done with the goods. All this information can be stored in the goods information for the respective item.This can prevent a product from having to be processed multiple times, which can increase efficiency. Preferably, the method further comprises: d) receiving a retrieval order, and e) retrieving the goods from the storage area. The retrieval order can, for example, be an order for one or more goods. Accordingly, if the goods are present in the storage area, a shuttle can be instructed to transport the goods from the storage area to a goods delivery point. For example, this order can be combined with a putaway order, so that the shuttle travels from the goods receiving point to a storage location, deposits one item there, and on the return trip picks up another item and transports it to the goods delivery point. Therefore, particularly efficient warehouse operation can be ensured. Furthermore, unnecessary empty shuttle trips can be avoided. The goods delivery point can be located within the process area. Preferably, the retrieval order includes a storage location for at least one item.A warehouse control unit can convert an order into a retrieval command, where the retrieval command specifies the exact location of the desired goods in the shelf area. Preferably, the method further comprises: f) packaging the outbound goods based on the goods information of the outbound goods. In other words, the outbound goods can be packaged at the goods issue point, for example, for shipment. The packaging can be carried out based on the goods information. For example, a characteristic of the outbound goods may require specific packaging. For instance, particularly fragile goods can be packaged with additional padding to ensure safe shipment. Furthermore, it is conceivable that several items of goods are outbound and are to be packed in the same package. It is important that fragile or delicate goods are not placed at the bottom of a package.Therefore, the packaging of outsourced goods is preferably carried out based on the product information for each item, in order to ensure particularly gentle packaging. Furthermore, certain goods may require refrigeration and therefore appropriate packaging. Since the product information is readily available, all packaging requirements can be met. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a control unit is provided for controlling an automated warehouse for storing and processing packages of goods, wherein the warehouse comprises a process area and a racking area, and wherein the control unit is preferably configured to perform the above method. The control unit can be a computer-like device capable of receiving, processing, and outputting signals. Preferably, the control unit can issue control commands that can control individual units of the warehouse. In particular, the control unit can control the shuttles that travel between the process area and the racking area. Furthermore, the control unit can receive and process product information. According to a further aspect of the present invention, an automated warehouse is provided for storing and processing packages of goods, wherein the warehouse preferably comprises a process area with a goods receiving area and a racking area with a plurality of storage locations. Furthermore, the automated warehouse can include a rail system extending between the process area and the racking area, configured to allow a shuttle to travel on it. Preferably, at least one shuttle is provided in the warehouse, configured to transport goods between the process area and the racking area. The warehouse also preferably includes the control unit described above. Individual features or embodiments can be combined with other features or embodiments to form new embodiments. The features and advantages mentioned in connection with the features or embodiments also apply analogously to the new embodiments. Features and advantages mentioned in connection with the method also apply analogously to the devices, and vice versa. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Identical features are consistently designated by the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a bearing according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of a bearing according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective and schematic view of a warehouse 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The warehouse 1 is divided into a process area 8 and a racking area 9. Shelves 2 with shelves 3 are arranged in the racking area. The shelves 3 each define different racking levels in the vertical direction V. Rail sections 4 (not shown in Fig. 1) run between the shelves 2, on which a shuttle 5 can travel. To enable the shuttle 5 to reach the different racking levels in the vertical direction V, the racking area 9 includes a platform 6. Using this platform 6, the shuttle 5 can independently reach different racking levels within the racking area 9. Furthermore, the warehouse 1 has a rail system 7, which is formed from a plurality of rail sections 4. The rail system 7 connects the process area 8 with the racking area 9.A large number of shuttles 5 (also known as storage and retrieval machines) can travel on the rail system 7. In the process area 8, packages of goods can be delivered and the individual items 10 made available. The individual items 10 can then be picked up by the shuttle 5 and individually transported to the storage area 9. More precisely, the items 10 can be placed on the shelves 3 without any structurally predefined storage locations being defined in the storage area. In other words, the items 10 can be placed individually next to and / or on top of each other in the shelf 2 of the storage area 9. If an item 10 is requested from storage 1, one or more shuttles 5 can travel to the storage area 9, pick up the selected item individually, and transport it to a storage location (not shown in Fig. 1) and place it there.From there, the item 10 can be packed and transported from warehouse 1. Alternatively, the item 10 can be collected and packed together with other items 10. Thus, warehouse 1 can handle the picking of multiple items 10. Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of a warehouse 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, the process area 8 is shown on the left and the racking area 9 on the right. Packaged goods can be fed into the warehouse as input products. In the present embodiment, packages are fed into the warehouse 1 at a plurality of receiving stations 11. After delivery, the packages are labeled based on the suppliers or distributors. Depending on the labels, the packages are fed to a specific processing station 12. There, the packages are separated (i.e., unpacked), thus obtaining a plurality of individual goods 10 (i.e., the smallest possible packaging unit of a product). The individual goods 10 are then identified, and it is determined whether the product is a known or unknown product.If item 10 is a known item, product information is assigned to it from a database. If item 10 is an unknown item, product information is determined directly at processing station 12. Alternatively or additionally, the product information is then recorded at another, specially equipped station (i.e., not at the storage station or goods receipt station 13). The obtained product information can include attributes of item 10. This product information includes fragility, load-bearing capacity, dimensional stability, surface properties (e.g., porosity), sensitivity, refrigeration requirements, incompatibility, state of matter, shelf life, odor, and / or a serial number.For goods defined as known, a validation check is performed to verify that the goods are indeed the known goods 10. If the validation check reveals that the goods 10 initially defined as known goods 10 are actually unknown, they are transferred to the goods information capture area. Subsequently, goods to which goods information has been assigned or for which goods information has been determined are transferred to a goods receiving station 13. From this goods receiving station 13, the goods 10 are picked up by one or more shuttles 5 and transported to the shelf area. Here, the goods are individually placed in shelf area 9 based on the goods information assigned to each item. When goods 10 are requested, they are retrieved from shelf area 9 by a shuttle 5 and transferred to a goods issue station 14. At the goods issue station 14, multiple items can be collected for subsequent packaging.In other words, goods issue 14 can provide order picking for various goods. This is particularly advantageous when multiple items are ordered. From goods issue 14, the packaged goods are then transported to dispatch terminal 15. From the dispatch terminals, the goods can be picked up by external third parties and transported further. Fig. 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the process according to one embodiment of the present invention. In a first step S1, a supplier of goods packages registers the goods with warehouse 1. This information is stored in the same step. In another embodiment, the warehouse sends information to the supplier indicating at which unloading terminal 11 the supplier should unload the goods package. In a second step S2, the packages are received in warehouse 1 and marked. The mark (also referred to as a label) is assigned to a package. Thus, preliminary product information can be assigned to the package. This preliminary product information identifies, for example, the retailer. Subsequently, in step S3, the package is fed to a processing station 12. The processing station 12 is determined by the mark assigned to the package.This ensures that packages from the same retailers are always processed at the same processing station 12. This simplifies the processes, as the goods or packages are always packaged in the same way. In step S4, the packages of goods are unpacked and the individual items are separated. The individual items are then available. Furthermore, step S4 determines whether each item is known or unknown. Unknown items are then subjected to attribute or information capture. This process identifies the properties of the goods. According to another embodiment, the individual items can be assigned to specific product classes with the same attributes or information. If the product is known, step S4 verifies whether it is indeed a known product or whether the initial identification is incorrect. This involves validation in step S4. For example, an optical scan of the goods can be used, which is then compared with stored information about the product. If there are any discrepancies, the goods are subjected to attribute capture.If the goods validation matches the stored goods properties, the goods are fed into goods receiving area 13 in step S5. Similarly, in step S5, goods to which goods information is assigned are also fed into goods receiving area 13. Furthermore, in step S5, the location where the goods should be placed in shelf area 9 is determined. In other words, a storage location is determined that meets the requirements of the goods. The storage location is also defined to enable the most efficient operation of the warehouse (i.e., heavier items are placed lower down, lighter items higher up in the warehouse). In step S6, shuttle 5 is instructed to pick up a specific item from receiving area 13 and transport it to a specific storage location in shelf area 9.For this purpose, the shuttle is directly assigned the shortest possible route, so that no communication with the shuttle is necessary while it is traveling in racking area 9. Furthermore, a return route is also directly assigned to the shuttle, enabling it to return to process area 8 of warehouse 1 as quickly and efficiently as possible. For example, the shuttle is controlled so that it executes a picking order when returning from racking area 9. Thus, when returning from a putaway order, the shuttle can pick goods from racking area 9. When shuttle 5 reaches the designated storage location, step S6 checks whether the storage location is empty or occupied. If the storage area is empty, the shuttle places the goods there.If the storage area is occupied by other goods or other items, the shuttle reports an error to the control unit and moves the goods to an alternative storage location. Furthermore, a service shuttle is dispatched to check the incorrectly determined storage position in shelf area 9. In step S7, the shuttle checks whether shelves 2 are empty or occupied as it passes by. To do this, shuttle 5 can scan the shelf surfaces as it passes along shelves 2, thus creating a kind of shelf map. This map shows where each item is located and how it is positioned in shelves 2. This information can be compared with the database to verify whether the actual occupancy of shelf area 9 matches the stored occupancy data. In step S8, the shuttle checks the state of an internal energy storage device (i.e., within the shuttle itself) and decides, based on this, whether to proceed to a deployment or return to the battery for a change. This actively ensures that the shuttle can process new orders efficiently and reliably. According to another embodiment, the shuttle uses sensors to continuously check whether or not goods are present on its loading area. This ensures that goods are properly arranged on the shuttle and do not extend beyond its outer dimensions. Furthermore, any goods unintentionally left on the shuttle's loading area can be detected, thus preventing malfunctions in warehouse 1. Reference symbol list: 1 Storage 2 Shelves 3 Shelves 4 Rail section 5 Shuttle 6 Access area 7 Rail system 8 Process area 9 Shelving area 10 Goods 11 Goods receiving 12 Processing station 13 Goods receipt 14 Goods issue 15 Dispatch terminal V Vertical direction

Claims

Method for operating an automated warehouse (1) for storing and processing packages of goods, wherein the warehouse has a process area (8) and a racking area (9), the method comprising: a) processing at least one package of goods in the process area (8) to obtain at least one single item of goods (10), b) determining or obtaining product information of the at least one item of goods (10), c) storing the item of goods (10) in the racking area (9) based on the product information, wherein step c) comprises individually storing the item of goods (10) in the racking area (9), wherein in the individual storage each item of goods is transported individually into the racking area, and wherein the item of goods (10) is moved between the process area (8) and the racking area (9) by means of a shuttle (5). Method according to claim 1, wherein step a) comprises receiving advance product information and marking the product container based on the advance product information, and wherein the advance product information includes the identity of the supplier. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein step a) comprises singling the packages of goods to obtain individual goods (10), and wherein the singling is preferably based on a marking of the packages of goods. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein step b) comprises examining the goods (10) to determine whether the goods (10) are known goods (10) or unknown goods (10). Method according to claim 4, wherein step b) comprises a validation to determine whether the obtained product information matches the known product (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein determining the product information comprises an analysis of the product (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the product information includes fragility, load-bearing capacity, dimensional stability, surface texture, porosity, sensitivity, possible hazards emanating from the product, cooling requirements, incompatibilities, state of matter, durability, odor information and / or a serial number of the at least one product (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein step b) further comprises outputting the product information. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: d) receiving a removal order, and e) removing the goods (10) from the shelf area (9). Method according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises: f) packaging the outsourced goods (10) based on the goods information of the outsourced goods. Control unit for controlling an automated warehouse (1) for storing and processing packages of goods, wherein the warehouse (1) has a process area (8) and a racking area (9), wherein the control unit is designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims. Automated warehouse (1) for storing and processing packages of goods, wherein the warehouse (1) comprises: a process area (8) with a goods receiving area (13) and a racking area (9) with a plurality of storage locations, a rail system (7) which extends between the process area (8) and the racking area (9) and is designed to allow a shuttle (5) to travel on it, at least one shuttle (5) which is designed to transport goods (10) between the process area (8) and the racking area (9), and a control unit according to claim 11.

Images