Physical distribution system

Abstract

To provide a physical distribution system capable of flexibly corresponding to a request for high-mix low volume delivery.SOLUTION: In a physical distribution system 10, an information processing terminal 2 transmits a request to store unitization information being information obtained by associating unique unit identification information 43 of each commodity group read from unit labels attached to a commodity group 80 including a plurality of types of commodities 8 or arbitrary places of logistics fixtures of various forms of loading or storing the commodity group 80 with commodity identification information 42 of the commodities 8 included in the read commodity group 80 and information related to an amount of the commodities 8 in an information management device 3 to the information management device 3. Also, the information processing terminal 2 reads the unit identification information 43, and transmits a request to output the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification information 43 to the information management device 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a physical distribution system used for the delivery of a wide variety of products in small quantities. [Background technology]

[0002] In the logistics industry, one of the most important social demands is to deliver ordered goods to their destinations in a short time. One task that affects the lead time from order to delivery is the inspection of goods. When inspecting goods at the time of packing, sorting, delivery, etc., workers check whether the goods loaded on logistics fixtures such as pallets are as specified. If workers check each product one by one while checking paper slips at this time, the inspection takes a lot of time, which causes an increase in lead time. Technologies are being developed to reduce the inspection time that occurs in this way and realize deliveries that allow operators to work efficiently.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which a handheld terminal that acquires information about a package to be shipped at a source warehouse transmits the acquired information to a server via a network, and the server allows a vehicle transporting a package with a high priority to reserve a destination berth at a destination warehouse on a priority basis based on the received information about the package. Patent Document 1 also discloses a configuration in which an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag is provided on a pallet on which the package is loaded, and during shipping work at the source warehouse, a handheld terminal generates information linking the package to the pallet on which the package is loaded, stores the information in the RFID tag provided on the pallet, and transmits the information to a server. Then, at the destination warehouse, the RFID tag provided on the delivered pallet is read by the handheld terminal, and information about the package loaded on the pallet is displayed on the display of the handheld terminal. This simplifies the inspection work at the destination warehouse. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-006555 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the logistics industry, especially in the food logistics industry, the mainstream is high-mix low-volume delivery, where a wide variety of products are delivered in small quantities, and the logistics fixtures for loading or storing each product are not limited to pallets, but also include various types such as basket carts and folding containers. In addition, in recent years, measures to address the driver shortage have become a serious issue for the entire logistics industry, and mixed delivery, in which products from multiple manufacturers are loaded onto the same transport vehicle, and multi-site delivery, in which products are delivered to multiple destinations in a single transport, are being promoted. Therefore, it is expected that there will be an increase in the number of tasks in the logistics process in which a wide variety of products loaded onto a logistics fixture are transferred to another logistics fixture, and it is also important to quickly correct the correspondence relationship between the wide variety of products and the logistics fixtures involved in such transfer tasks in the system.

[0006] The present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a logistics system that allows operators to work efficiently while flexibly responding to requests for small-lot, multi-item delivery.

[0007] The logistics system of the present invention includes an issuing device that issues a unique unit label for each of a plurality of types of products, the unique unit label being information for identifying a product group for delivery in a bundle, the unique unit identification information for each of the product groups being displayed, and which can be affixed to any location of the product group or to any of various types of logistics fixtures for loading or storing the product group; an information processing terminal that is capable of reading product identification information that is attached to a plurality of types of products and identifies at least the type of the product and the unit identification information displayed on the unique unit label for each of the product groups affixed to the any location of the product group or to the logistics fixture; and storing the unit identification information. and an information management device that executes processing in response to a request received from the information processing terminal, wherein the information processing terminal transmits a unitization information registration request to the information management device, causing the information management device to store unitization information, which is information that corresponds one of the unit identification information to the product identification information of multiple types of the products included in one of the read product groups and information regarding the quantity of the products, and the information processing terminal reads the unit identification information displayed on the unit label, and transmits a unitization information output request to the information management device to output the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification information.

[0008] According to this configuration, the unique unit label for each product group, which displays the unique unit identification information for each product group, can be issued from an issuing device and affixed, so that it can be affixed to any location of the product group or various types of logistics fixtures on which the product groups are placed. Therefore, the product group can be delivered without using a specific logistics fixture. The information processing terminal can read the product identification information attached to the product and the unit identification information displayed on the unit label, and transmits a unitization information registration request to the information management device to store unitization information, which is information that associates one unit identification information displayed on the unit label with the product identification information and information on the quantity of multiple types of products included in one product group. This makes it possible to associate multiple types of products included in the product group loaded or stored in the logistics fixture with the logistics fixture when multiple types of products are bundled together and delivered as a product group. The information processing terminal also reads the unit identification information displayed on the unit label, and transmits a unitization information output request to the information management device to output the unitization information corresponding to the read unit identification information. Since the information processing terminal can obtain the unitization information by accessing the information management device, in the inspection work such as packing, sorting, and delivery, the multiple types of products and their quantities included in the product group loaded or stored in the logistics fixture can be easily confirmed on the information processing terminal regardless of the form of the logistics fixture and the location such as the starting point, the arrival point, and the relay point. Then, in the inspection work at the arrival point, the multiple types of products and their quantities included in the product group loaded or stored in the logistics fixture can be confirmed on the information processing terminal, so that the inspection work can be completed without inspecting the products included in the product group again. Here, the starting point means the location from which the product group is shipped. The arrival point means the location of the shipping destination where the product group is delivered. The relay point means the relay location where the product group is stopped at before being delivered to the arrival point, and means the shipping destination location where the product group is transferred and sorted by multiple transport vehicles.Furthermore, instead of associating the product groups containing the products with the logistics fixtures after picking up multiple types of products, the product groups and logistics fixtures are associated with the picking up of multiple types of products, so that the association can be performed quickly and the work can be performed efficiently. As a result, operators can work efficiently while flexibly responding to small-lot, high-mix deliveries.

[0009] Moreover, the logistics system of the present invention may have the following configuration. The information processing terminal transmits a unitization information change request to the information management device to change at least one of the product identification information of a product included in the product group that is associated with one of the unit identification information in the unitization information stored in the information management device or information regarding the quantity of the product.

[0010] According to this configuration, the information processing terminal can change (add and delete) the multiple types of products themselves included in the product group associated with one unit identification information by the unit identification information stored in the information management device, or change the quantity of the products, in response to a unitization information change request. As a result, even if the products loaded on a pallet or the like are transferred during packing, sorting, etc., the products can be unitized in the state after the transfer, so that the transfer of products that occurs in the delivery of a wide variety of products in small quantities can be flexibly handled.

[0011] Moreover, the logistics system of the present invention may have the following configuration. The information management device stores at least one of the unit identification information in association with product shipping instruction information, which is information including the product identification information of multiple types of products to be shipped in advance, information regarding the quantity of the products, and information regarding the delivery destination, and in response to a received progress information inquiry request regarding a specific unit identification information, outputs unitization progress information, which is information comparing the unitization information related to the stored specific unit identification information with the product shipping instruction information associated with the specific unit identification information.

[0012] According to this configuration, when the information management device receives a progress information inquiry request for specific unit identification information to be inquired from an information processing terminal, an information management device, an external client terminal, etc., the information management device outputs unitization progress information that compares the unitization information for the specific unit identification information with the product shipping instruction information associated with the specific unit identification information. As a result, the progress of the picking work and the loading work for each product shipping instruction information can be easily confirmed.

[0013] Moreover, the logistics system of the present invention may have the following configuration. The progress information inquiry request is sent to the information management device based on an input operation from the information processing terminal, is sent when the information processing terminal sends a request to store the unitized information in the information management device, or is sent when the information processing terminal sends a request to change the unitized information.

[0014] According to this configuration, the information management device outputs unitization progress information in accordance with the operation of the information processing terminal in the picking work, the arranging work, etc. As a result, the progress status of the picking work and the arranging work can be easily confirmed even at the work site.

[0015] Moreover, the logistics system of the present invention may have the following configuration. The product identification information of at least some of the products further includes information identifying at least one of a unit, a temperature range, and a best-before date of the product.

[0016] According to this configuration, the unitized information output to the information processing terminal includes at least one of the unit, temperature range, and expiration date of the product included in the unit, so that detailed information on the product to be shipped can be easily confirmed.

[0017] Moreover, the logistics system of the present invention may have the following configuration. The information management device is equipped with a unit identification information reading terminal capable of reading the unit identification information displayed on the unit label affixed to the group of products, and the unit identification information reading terminal reads the unit identification information displayed on the unit label and transmits a unitization information output request to the information management device to output the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification information.

[0018] According to this configuration, in addition to the information processing terminal, the unit identification information reading terminal can obtain unitization information by sending a unitization information output request to the information management device. In other words, the multiple types of products and their quantities included in the product group loaded or stored in the logistics fixture can also be easily confirmed on the unit identification information reading terminal. Therefore, during the inspection work at the time of delivery at the arrival point, the multiple types of products and their quantities included in the product group loaded or stored in the logistics fixture can be confirmed on the unit identification information reading terminal using the unit identification information reading terminal, and the inspection work can be completed without re-inspecting the products included in the product group. Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, the physical distribution system of the present invention allows operators to work efficiently while flexibly responding to requests for small-lot, multi-item delivery. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a logistics system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the flow of shipping operations at a departure point in this embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an information processing terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is an explanatory diagram of the correspondence relationship between shipping instruction identification information, unit identification information, and product identification information in this embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a unitization information confirmation screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a progress status confirmation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a progress status confirmation screen for each storage floor in this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a sequence diagram of a process executed between the information processing terminal and the server in a picking operation, a cargo arrangement operation, a delivery operation, and a sorting operation in this embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of a logistics system 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram of the logistics system 10 of the present embodiment. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of an information processing terminal 2 of the present embodiment.

[0022] The logistics system 10 is used in a series of operations from loading a plurality of types of products 8 that have been instructed to be shipped as a product group 80 onto a transport vehicle 5, transporting the products from a departure point 100 to a destination point 200, and delivering the products. At the departure point 100, an operator 9 picks the products 8 to be shipped from the products 8 stored at the departure point 100 based on the shipping instruction. The picked products 8 are loaded or stored in a logistics fixture 7 such as a pallet 71 by the operator 9. The logistics fixture 7 on which the product group 80 for delivering the plurality of types of products 8 together is loaded or stored is collected in one place by the operator 9, inspected, and then loaded onto the transport vehicle 5. When the transport vehicle 5 carrying the logistics fixture 7 on which the product group 80 is loaded or stored arrives at the destination point 200, the logistics fixture 7 is unloaded by the operator 9, and the products 8 included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7 are inspected.

[0023] The logistics system 10 includes an issuing device 1, an information processing terminal 2, and an information management device 3. The issuing device 1 is a device for issuing a unit label 6. The unit label 6 is in the form of a sticker and can be attached to any logistics fixture 7. The unit label 6 displays unit identification information 43. The unit identification information 43 is information for identifying a product group 80 for delivering a plurality of types of products 8 together. The "product group" refers to a collection of a plurality of types of products 8 stored or loaded in the logistics fixture 7. In other words, the unit identification information 43 is information for identifying the product group to which the unit label 6 is attached. In addition to the unit identification information 43, the unit label 6 may display information for identifying the origin 100, information for identifying the type of logistics fixture 7 in which the product group is stored or loaded, and the like. The unit label 6 is displayed as a barcode including these pieces of information. In this embodiment, the barcode is a one-dimensional barcode, but may be a two-dimensional barcode.

[0024] The issuing device 1 is disposed in an office of the originating point 100, a storage floor 110 for the products 8 (see FIG. 2 ), or the like. An operator 9 operates a client terminal such as a computer connected to the issuing device 1, causing the issuing device 1 to output a unit label 6 displaying unit identification information 43 and the like. The operator 9 issues a unit label 6 in advance and carries it with him / her while performing picking work, packing work, sorting work, and the like. The operator 9 may issue a unit label 6 when performing picking work, packing work, sorting work, and the like. The unit label 6 may be affixed to the pallet 71, or may be affixed to a group of products 80 loaded on the pallet 71, or to any one of the products 8 included in the group of products 80.

[0025] The information processing terminal 2 is a terminal capable of reading the product identification information 42. The information processing terminal 2 is provided with a reading unit 25, and is capable of reading the product identification information 42 and the unit identification information 43. The product identification information 42 is information for identifying at least the type of the multiple types of products 8, and is attached to the products 8 as a barcode. Here, the "type of product 8" is information on the attributes of the product 8, such as the name, size, weight, and shape of the product 8. The product identification information 42 includes information for identifying the attributes of the product 8, such as the name of the manufacturer, the unit, the temperature range, and the expiration date, in addition to the type of the product. Here, the "unit" of the product 8 in this embodiment indicates the unit of the product 8 when it is delivered. Examples of units include loose, ball, and case. The loose indicates the smallest unit of the product 8. The ball is a unit in which multiple looses are contained in a plastic container or the like. The case is a unit in which multiple looses or multiple balls are contained in a cardboard case or the like. Note that some of the information in the product identification information 42 is not limited to being set by reading a barcode attached to the product 8, and may be set by inputting the information into the information processing terminal 2. For example, the type of product 8 may be acquired from a barcode, which is product identification information attached to the product 8, and the expiration date of the product 8 may be set by the operator 9 inputting the information into the information processing terminal 2 based on the text information attached to the product 8. The information processing terminal 2 in this embodiment is a hand-sized client terminal that the operator 9 can hold in one hand, but is not limited to this and may be a tablet terminal, an in-vehicle terminal, a computer, or the like.

[0026] In addition, the information processing terminal 2 can be set with shipping instruction identification information 41, which will be described later. Specifically, the information processing terminal 2 is provided with a storage unit 22, which stores the shipping instruction identification information 41. The shipping instruction identification information 41 is information for identifying product shipping instruction information, which is information including product identification information and information about the quantity of the multiple types of products 8 to be shipped, information about the delivery destination, and the like. The information about the delivery destination may include information about the company name, building name, address, and the like of the delivery destination, as well as information about the floor of the building. The shipping instruction identification information 41 is set in the information processing terminal 2 in advance. When the information processing terminal 2 is operated with the shipping instruction identification information 41 set, the operation is processed as an operation for the set shipping instruction identification information 41. The shipping instruction identification information 41 is stored in the storage unit in association with at least one unit identification information 43 when the products are unitized or in advance.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, a reading unit 25, and a communication unit 26. The control unit 21 executes various processes based on information input to the information processing terminal 2. The storage unit 22 stores various information. The display unit 23 is configured as a liquid crystal display, and outputs the results of the processes executed by the control unit 21. The operation unit 24 is an interface for the operator 9 to input information to the information processing terminal 2. In this embodiment, the operation unit 24 is configured as a plurality of physical buttons, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured as a touch panel disposed on the upper surface of the display unit 23. The reading unit 25 reads a barcode displayed on the product 8 or the unit label 6. The reading unit 25 can emit laser light, and reads the barcode by capturing reflected light of the laser light emitted to the barcode with a sensor (not shown) provided in the reading unit 25. However, reading unit 25 is not limited to this, and may be configured as a camera and read the barcode based on an image of the barcode captured by the camera. Communication unit 26 communicates with information management device 3, client terminals, etc. connected to network 900 shown in Fig. 1 by wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication. Communication unit 26 may be capable of infrared communication or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication in addition to wireless LAN communication.

[0028] The information processing terminal 2 of this embodiment is a hand-sized terminal having physical buttons, but is not limited to this and may be a so-called smartphone, tablet, etc. In this case, the display unit 23 is configured as a touch panel, and the reading unit 25 is configured as a camera.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the information management device 3 can communicate with the information processing terminal 2 via a network 900, and executes processing in response to a request received from the information processing terminal 2. The information management device 3 is also provided with a storage unit 31, which stores product identification information 42 and unit identification information 43. The information processing terminal 2 at the originating point 100, the information processing terminal 2 at the destination point 200, and the information management device 3 installed at the installation location 300 are connected via a network 900. The network 900 may be a closed network or the Internet. In the case of communication via the Internet, the communicated information is encrypted based on the TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol or the like.

[0030] The storage unit 31 of the information management device 3 stores the product shipping instruction information. The product shipping instruction information is information including the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 to be shipped and information regarding the quantity of the products 8, which are set in advance based on the shipping instruction, and information regarding the delivery destination. In other words, the product shipping instruction information is information regarding the multiple types of products 8 to be shipped for which a shipping instruction has been given and their delivery destination, etc. The product shipping instruction information includes the shipping instruction identification information 41 that identifies the shipping instruction, and the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 to be shipped. The product shipping instruction information may include information regarding the scheduled shipping date, the delivery route, the storage floor 110 of the products 8, the storage temperature range of the products 8, the license plate of the transport vehicle 5, the driver of the transport vehicle 5, etc., in addition to the shipping instruction identification information 41, the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 to be shipped, and information regarding the quantity of the products 8.

[0031] Furthermore, the information such as the product shipping instruction information stored in the storage unit 31 of the information management device 3 can be referenced from a client terminal such as the information processing terminal 2 or a computer connected to the network 900 within a predetermined scope of authority. For example, at the destination base 200, the computer or information processing terminal 2 connected to the network 900 can acquire information on the product 8, the transport vehicle 5, etc., included in the predetermined product shipping instruction information to be shipped to the destination base 200, from the information management device 3. The method of acquiring such information from the information management device 3 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a method of confirming such information on a screen of dedicated software, or a method of receiving an e-mail containing such information from the information management device 3, etc.

[0032] The location 300 of the information management device 3 is not particularly limited. It may be located in a server room of the originating base 100 or the destination base 200, or may be located in an external data center (including domestic and overseas). The information management device 3 may be a physical server or a virtual server. The number of information management devices 3 is also not particularly limited, and all functions may be installed in one information management device 3, or each function may be distributed and installed in multiple information management devices 3. When each function is distributed and installed in multiple information management devices 3, all the information management devices 3 may be located in one base, or may be distributed and installed in multiple bases.

[0033] The logistics system 1 may include a unit identification information reading terminal 20. The unit identification information reading terminal 20 is a terminal capable of reading the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 affixed to the logistics fixture 7. Like the information processing terminal 2, the unit identification information reading terminal is equipped with a reading section and is capable of reading the unit identification information 43 displayed as a barcode. The operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 affixed to the pallet 71 using the unit identification information reading terminal 20. Then, like the information processing terminal 2, the unit identification information reading terminal 20 may transmit a request to the information management device 3 to output unitization information corresponding to the read unit identification information.

[0034] Next, based on Figure 1, we will explain the series of tasks performed by an operator in the logistics system 10 of this embodiment, from loading multiple types of products 8 that have been instructed to be shipped as a group of products 80 onto a transport vehicle 5, transporting them from the departure point 100 to the destination point 200, and delivering them.

[0035] In the following description, the term "loading onto a pallet 71" may be used. This refers to the case where the pallet 71 is used as the logistics fixture 7 in the shipping operation of the product group 80. The logistics system 10 of this embodiment can be applied to any logistics fixture 7, such as a folding container 72, a basket cart, a cooler box, or a rack, in addition to the pallet 71. That is, the unit label 6 of this embodiment can be attached to any type of logistics fixture 7. For convenience of description, the term "loading onto a pallet 71" may be used, but this is not limited to the pallet 71, and also includes the meaning of loading or storing onto a logistics fixture 7 other than the pallet 71.

[0036] In the following explanation, the phrase "loading onto the pallet 71 is completed" may be used. This means that loading of the group of products 80 onto the pallet 71 is completed for physical or administrative reasons. Products 8 that are picked after "loading onto the pallet 71 is completed" are loaded onto another pallet 71.

[0037] In the following explanation, the term "unitization" may be used. "Unitization" refers to a state in which, on a pallet 71 on which loading or storage of a group of products 80 has been completed, unitization information in which the product identification information 42 of the products 8 included in the group of products 80 loaded or stored and information regarding the quantity of the products 8 correspond to the unit identification information 43 of the unit label 6 affixed to the pallet 71 is stored in the information management device 3.

[0038] At the origin 100, an operator 9 performs a picking operation. The picking operation is an operation of moving the product 8 to be shipped from the product 8 storage floor 110 to a logistics fixture 7 such as a pallet 71 based on a shipping instruction. During the picking operation, shipping instruction identification information 41 is set. The shipping instruction identification information 41 is received, for example, from the information management device 3. The operator 9 reads the product identification information 42 attached to the picked product 8 to be shipped based on the product instruction information including the shipping instruction identification information 41 using the information processing terminal 2. At this time, the operator 9 sets the shipping instruction identification information 41 for issuing a shipping instruction to the information processing terminal 2. The information processing terminal 2 that reads the product identification information 42 transmits a picking product registration request to the information management device 3, which stores the read product identification information 42 of the product 8 and information related to the quantity of the product 8 in the information management device 3. The information management device 3 that has received a picking product registration request associates the product identification information 42 of the product 8 and information regarding the quantity of the product 8 included in the picking registration request with the shipping instruction identification information 41 and stores them in the storage unit 31. The product shipping instruction information including the shipping instruction identification information 41 is stored in advance in the storage unit 31. The shipping instruction identification information 41 may be associated with the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 issued to the information processing terminal 2. In this way, by referring to the product instruction information including the shipping instruction identification information 41, the information management device 3 can identify which products 8 have been picked and to what extent, among multiple types of products 8 to be shipped for which shipping instructions have been issued.

[0039] Through the picking operation, multiple types of products 8 are loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7, and a timing occurs when the loading or storage of the product group 80 including the multiple types of products 8 in the logistics fixture 7 is completed, for example, when the multiple types of products 8 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7 become full. At this time, the operator 9 attaches a unit label 6 to the logistics fixture 7 that has completed loading or storing the product group 80. Next, the operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 using the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3 to store unitization information in the information management device 3, based on the product identification information 42 read for the multiple types of products 8 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7 that has completed loading or storing the product group 80 and the unit identification information 43 read from the unit label 6 attached to the logistics fixture 7. The unitization information is information that associates the product identification information 42 of multiple types of products 8 read as a product group 80, one unit identification information 43, and the product identification information 42 of multiple types of products 8 included in one read product group 80 and information related to the quantity of the products 8. Here, the information related to the quantity of the products 8 may be automatically input according to the number of reading operations in the information processing terminal 2, or may be input by the operator 9 operating the information processing terminal 2. The information management device 3 that has received the unitization information registration request stores the unitization information included in the unitization information registration request in the memory unit 31. If the unit identification information 43 and the shipping instruction identification information 41 are not stored in association with each other in the storage unit 31 of the information management device 3, when a unitization information registration request is sent to the information management device 3, the unit identification information 43, the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 and information regarding the quantities of the products 8, as well as the shipping instruction identification information 41 for shipping the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 are stored in association with each other in the storage unit 31 of the information management device 3. This enables the information management device 3 to identify the product group 80 that has been loaded or stored in a logistics fixture 7 where loading or storage of the product group 80 has been completed.

[0040] It should be noted that the operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 using the information processing terminal 2, but this is not limited to this. Before carrying out the picking work, the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 to be affixed to the logistics fixture 7 may be set in advance in the information processing terminal 2. In this case, when the operator 9 inputs in the information processing terminal 2 that the loading or storage of the product group 80 has been completed, the information processing terminal 2 transmits to the information management device 3 a unitization information registration request for storing the unitization information in the information management device 3.

[0041] In addition, the operator 9 attaches the unit label 6 to the logistics fixture 7 after the loading or storage of the product group 80 has been completed, but this is not limited to the above. The operator 9 may attach the unit label 6 to the logistics fixture 7 before performing the picking operation.

[0042] The pallet 71 unitized by the operator 9 is loaded onto the transport vehicle 5. The driver of the transport vehicle 5 loaded with the unitized pallet 71 drives the transport vehicle 5 to the destination base 200 based on the shipping instruction. After the transport vehicle 5 arrives at the destination base 200, the operator 9 or the like at the destination base 200 performs unloading, inspection, sorting, and the like of the pallet 71 loaded onto the transport vehicle 5. At this time, the operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 attached to the pallet 71 with the information processing terminal 2. Then, the information processing terminal 2 transmits a request to the information management device 3 to output the unitization information corresponding to the read unit identification information 43. For example, the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information acquisition request to the information management device 3 to transmit to the information processing terminal 2 the product identification information of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 that is included in the unitization information associated with the read unit identification information 43 and information regarding the quantity of the products 8. That is, the unitization information acquisition request is a request to acquire from the information management device 3 unitization information on the group of products 80 loaded on the pallet 71 to which the unit label 6 displaying the unit identification information 43 read by the information processing terminal 2 is affixed. The information management device 3 that has received the unitization information acquisition request acquires, from the storage unit 31, the product identification information 42 of the product 8 included in the group of products 80 associated with the unit identification information 43 and information on the quantity of the product 8, based on the unitization information associated with the unit identification information 43 included in the unitization information acquisition request, and transmits the information to the information processing terminal 2. Then, based on the information received from the information management device 3, the information processing terminal 2 displays the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 included in the group of products 80 loaded on the pallet 71 to which the unit label 6 displaying the unit identification information 43 read by the information processing terminal 2 is affixed, and information on the quantity of the product 8. This allows the operator 9 to check the multiple types of products 8 included in the group of products 80 loaded on the pallet 71 on the information processing terminal 2 without checking the actual products.

[0043] The shipping destination of the product group 80 is not limited to the arrival point 200, but may be a relay point. At the relay point, sorting work is performed to transfer the product group 80 loaded on the arriving transport vehicle 5 to another transport vehicle 5.

[0044] Next, with reference to Fig. 2, a shipping operation performed by a plurality of operators using a plurality of information processing terminals 2 at the origin 100 in the logistics system 10 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the flow of the shipping operation at the origin 100. The shipping operation includes picking, packing, transshipment, sorting, and inspection.

[0045] In the following explanation, "unit identification information 43 displayed on unit label 6 affixed to pallet 71" may be referred to as "unit identification information 43 of pallet 71." Additionally, "product identification information 42 of product 8 possessed by unitization information corresponding to unit identification information 43" may be referred to as "product identification information 42 associated with unit identification information 43." Additionally, "pallet 71 to which unit label 6 displaying unit identification information 43 is affixed" may be referred to as "pallet 71 corresponding to unit identification information 43."

[0046] At the origination point 100, an operator 9 performs picking and sorting operations. The picking operation is an operation of moving products 8 included in a group of products 80 to be shipped from a storage location to a pallet 71 based on a shipping instruction. The products 8 included in the group of products 80 to be shipped are stored on multiple storage floors 110, and the picking operation is performed on each storage floor 110. In this embodiment, the storage floor 110 refers to one area out of multiple partitioned areas within the floor, but is not limited thereto, and the storage floor 110 may refer to multiple areas or the entire floor.

[0047] After the picking work, an arranging work is performed. The arranging work is a work of collecting, in one place, a plurality of pallets 71 on which the loading of the group of products 80 has been completed by the picking work on each storage floor 110, and confirming (inspecting) that the group of products 80 loaded on each of the plurality of pallets 71 is in accordance with the shipping instructions. During the arranging work, the operator 9 sets the shipping instruction identification information 41 of the shipment target in the information processing terminal 2, and then reads the unit identification information 43 of the pallet 71 with the information processing terminal 2. As a result, product information regarding the plurality of types of products 8 included in the group of products 80 loaded on the pallet 71 is displayed on the information processing terminal 2 based on the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification information 43 of the pallet 71. After confirming that the group of products 80 loaded on each pallet 71 is in accordance with the shipping instructions based on the product shipping instruction information (including product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 to be shipped and information on the quantity of the products 8, delivery destination, etc.) previously set for the unit identification information 43 of the pallet 71, the operator 9 operates the information processing terminal 2 to transmit an inspection completion registration request to the information management device 3 to change the status of the units corresponding to the pallet 71 for which inspection has been completed to inspected. The inspection completion registration request will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0048] It is noted that "after the picking operation, the sorting operation is performed," but this means that the sorting operation is performed on a pallet 71 after the product groups 80 are loaded onto the pallet, and does not only mean that the sorting operation is performed after the picking operation of all the product groups 80 on each storage floor 110 is completed. For example, the sorting operation may be performed sequentially starting from the pallets 71 on which the loading of the product groups 80 has been completed.

[0049] In addition, in the packing work, the products 8 loaded on the pallet 71 may be transferred. An example of the transfer work is when the total number of the products 8 of the multiple types included in the product group 80 loaded on a certain pallet 71 is small, and the same or different types of products 8 can be additionally loaded on the pallet 71. This allows the number of pallets 71 loaded on the transport vehicle 5 to be reduced. The transfer work causes the addition or deletion of the products 8 included in the product group 80 loaded on the unitized pallet 71. The information processing terminal 2 transmits to the information management device 3 a unitization information change request for changing the product identification information 42 associated with the unit identification information stored in the storage unit 31 of the information management device 3, and the information management device 3 updates the unitization information based on the received unitization change request. The unitization information change request will be described later with reference to FIG. 8. The transfer work of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 loaded on the pallet 71 may also occur during the sorting work of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 at the relay point.

[0050] Next, the correspondence relationship between the shipping instruction identification information 41, the unit identification information 43, and the product identification information 42 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the correspondence relationship between the shipping instruction identification information 41, the unit identification information 43, and the product identification information 42.

[0051] As described above, in the picking operation, the operator 9 reads the commodity identification information 42 attached to the commodity 8 included in the commodity group 80 to be shipped by the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2 in which the shipping instruction identification information 41 is set. The shipping instruction identification information 41 is stored in association with the unit identification information 43 displayed on the issued unit label 6. Then, when the loading of the commodity 8 included in the commodity group 80 onto the pallet 71 is completed, the operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 of the pallet 71 by the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3. The unitization information registration request is a request to associate the unit identification information 43 with the commodity identification information 42 of the multiple types of commodity 8 included in the commodity group 80 and the quantity of the commodity 8. Here, the shipping instruction identification information 41 is stored in association with the unit identification information 43. That is, by being unitized, the shipping instruction identification information 41, the unit identification information 43, and information including the product identification information 42 are associated with each other. Since multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 are loaded onto the pallet 71, there is a one-to-many correspondence between the unit identification information 43 and the product identification information 42. On the other hand, since multiple pallets 71 are used per one shipping instruction, there is a one-to-many correspondence between the shipping instruction identification information 41 and the unit identification information 43.

[0052] The timing at which the shipping instruction identification information 41 and the unit identification information 43 are associated with each other is not limited to the timing at which the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3. For example, the shipping instruction identification information 41 and the unit identification information 43 may be stored in the information management device 3 in a correlated state at the timing at which the issuing device 1 issues a unit label 6.

[0053] Next, an example of unitization information output from the information management device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 5, the unitization information output from the information management device 3 is displayed on the information processing terminal 2. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a unitization information confirmation screen 210 on which unitization information such as product identification information 42 of multiple types of products 8 included in a product group 80 unitized in accordance with unit identification information 43 and the quantity of the products 8 is displayed.

[0054] The unitization information confirmation screen 210 is displayed on the display unit 23 of the information processing terminal 2. When the information management device 3 receives a unitization information output request from the information processing terminal 2, it outputs the unitization information stored in the information processing terminal 2. Based on the unitization information output from the information management device 3, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 displays the unitization information confirmation screen 210 including the unitization information on the display unit 23.

[0055] The unitization information confirmation screen 210 includes a basic shipping information display area 211, a unit identification information display area 212, a product information display area 213, and an inspection completion registration instruction area 214. The basic shipping information display area 211 is an area for displaying at least a part of the product shipping instruction information related to the shipping instruction including the shipping instruction identification information 41 associated with the unit identification information 43. As an example of the product shipping instruction information displayed in the basic shipping information display area 211, a scheduled shipping date and information identifying a delivery route (target course) are displayed. The unit identification information display area 212 is an area for displaying the unit identification information 43. The product information display area 213 is an area for displaying the product identification information 42 of multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 associated with the unit identification information 43 and information regarding the quantity of the products 8 based on the stored unitization information. As an example of the product identification information 42 of the product 8, a product ID, a product name, an expiration date, and a unit are displayed. The inspection completion registration instruction area 214 is an area for registering in the information management device 3 that inspection of multiple types of products 8 included in the unitized product group 80 has been completed. When the operation unit 24 detects that the inspection completion registration instruction area 214 has been selected, the control unit 21 transmits an inspection completion registration request to the information management device 3.

[0056] 5, when the operation unit 24 detects that each product 8 displayed in the product information display area 213 has been selected by the operator 9, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 may transmit to the information management device 3 a unitization information change request for deleting the selected product 8 from the product group 80 stored in association with the unit identification information 43 in the unitization information. Also, for example, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 may transmit to the information management device 3 a unitization information change request for changing information regarding the quantity of the product 8 selected from the product group 80 stored in association with the unit identification information 43, for the stored unitization information. Also, for example, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 may transmit to the information management device 3 a unitization information addition request for adding, to the stored unitization information, the product identification information 42 of a new product 8 not included in the product group 80 stored in association with the unit identification information 43 and information regarding the quantity of the product 8.

[0057] Furthermore, the unitization information confirmation screen 210 is not limited to being displayed on the information processing terminal 2, and may be displayed on the display unit of a client terminal such as a computer or tablet connected to the network 900. The same applies to the following explanations regarding the screen.

[0058] Next, an example of unitization progress information output from the information management device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. In the examples of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the unitization progress information output from the information management device 3 is displayed on the information processing terminal 2. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a progress status confirmation screen 220 on which the progress status of picking work and sorting work for each shipping instruction is displayed in a list. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a progress status confirmation screen 230 for each storage floor on which the progress status of picking work and sorting work in a shipping instruction selected based on the product shipping instruction information is displayed in a list for each storage floor 110.

[0059] As described above, the information management device 3 stores in advance the commodity shipping instruction information including the shipping instruction identification information 41, and the information processing terminal 2 transmits a picking commodity registration request, a unitization information registration request, and an inspection completion request to the information management device 3. This allows the information management device 3 to specify which commodity 8 has been picked and to what extent among the multiple types of commodities 8 to be shipped that are included in the commodity shipping instruction information, or which pallet 71 has been packed with commodities 80 among the unitized pallets 71. Therefore, in response to a progress information inquiry request received from a client terminal such as the information processing terminal 2, the unit identification information reading device 20, or a computer, the information management device 3 can output unitization progress information, which is information comparing the unitization information related to the stored predetermined unit identification information 43 with the commodity shipping instruction information 41 associated with the predetermined unit identification information 43, for example, as a progress status confirmation screen 220 as shown in FIG. 6 or a progress status confirmation screen for each storage floor 230 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0060] 6 includes information regarding the progress of the picking and packing work in each shipping instruction based on the product shipping instruction information. By checking the progress confirmation screen 220, the operator 9 or the manager can grasp the progress of the picking and packing work in each shipping instruction based on the product shipping instruction information and take action according to the progress.

[0061] The progress status confirmation screen 220 includes a picking progress display area 221 and an assortment progress display area 222. The picking progress display area 221 is an area for displaying information (course) that identifies a delivery route in each shipping instruction based on the product shipping instruction information, the quantity of products 8 to be picked in the course (planned) and the quantity of products 8 that have been picked (actual), and the progress rate (progress) of the picking work. The assortment progress display area 222 is an area for displaying the number of pallets 71 to be assorted (number of units) as the product group 80 in each shipping instruction based on the product shipping instruction information, the number of pallets 71 that have been assorted (checked), and the progress rate (progress) of the assortment work.

[0062] When the operation unit 24 detects that information (course) identifying a delivery route included in the picking progress display area 221 has been selected on the progress confirmation screen 220 in Fig. 6, the control unit 21 displays a progress confirmation screen 230 for each storage floor of the shipping instruction corresponding to the information (course) identifying the selected delivery route on the display unit 23 as shown in Fig. 7. By checking the progress confirmation screen 230 for each storage floor of the shipping instruction selected based on the product shipping instruction information, the operator 9 or manager can grasp the progress of the picking work and the assortment work in the shipping instruction selected based on the product shipping instruction information for each storage floor and take action according to the progress.

[0063] The progress status confirmation screen 230 for each storage floor includes a delivery route display area 231, a storage floor picking progress display area 232, and a storage floor sorting progress display area 233. The delivery route display area 231 is an area for displaying information (course) for identifying a delivery route of a shipping instruction selected based on the product shipping instruction information. The storage floor picking progress display area 232 is an area for displaying information (floor) for identifying the storage floor 110 for each storage floor 110, the quantity of products 8 to be picked (planned), the quantity of products 8 already picked (actual), and the progress rate (progress) of the picking work. The storage floor sorting progress display area 233 is an area for displaying the quantity of pallets 71 to be sorted (planned), the quantity of pallets 71 already sorted (checked), and the progress rate (progress) of the sorting work for each storage floor 110.

[0064] The progress information inquiry request is transmitted when the operation unit detects that a predetermined area displayed on the display unit of the information processing terminal 2 has been pressed, but is not limited to this and may be configured to be displayed at a predetermined timing. For example, the progress information inquiry request may be transmitted based on an input operation from the information processing terminal 2, or may be transmitted when the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information registration request for storing the unitization information in the information management device 3, or may be transmitted when the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information change request for changing the unitization information.

[0065] Next, the flow of processing executed between the information processing terminal 2 and the information management device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram relating to processing executed between the information processing terminal 2 and the information management device 3 in a series of operations from picking and sorting work at the originating base 100 to delivery and sorting work at the destination base 200. In the picking and sorting work at the originating base 100, shipping instruction identification information 41 corresponding to the work is set in the information processing terminal 2 operated by the operator 9.

[0066] First, at each commodity storage floor 110 of the originating base 100, the shipping instruction identification information 41 is set in the information processing terminal 2, and the operator 9 performs the picking work according to the shipping instruction based on the commodity shipping instruction information including the shipping instruction identification information 41. When picking, the operator 9 reads the commodity identification information 42 attached to the commodity 8 to be shipped by the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 transmits a picking commodity registration request to the information management device 3 for storing the read commodity identification information 42 of the commodity 8 and the quantity of the commodity 8 in the information management device 3 (S11). The information management device 3 that has received the picking commodity registration request stores the commodity identification information 42 and information on the quantity of the commodity 8 included in the picking commodity registration request in the storage unit 31 in association with the shipping instruction identification information 41 or the unit identification information 43. The shipping instruction identification information 41 included in the commodity shipping instruction information is stored in the storage unit 31 in association with the unit identification information 43. This allows the information management device 3 to identify the products 8 for which picking has been completed in each shipping instruction based on the shipping instruction identification information 41. The picked products 8 are loaded onto a pallet 71, and the products 8 to be shipped are picked by the operator 9 and loaded onto the pallet 71 in sequence.

[0067] The information management device 3 that has received a picking product registration request may be configured to output error information without executing processing based on the picking product registration request if the product identification information 42 and information regarding the quantity of the product 8 included in the picking product registration request are not included in the product shipping instruction information including the shipping instruction identification information 41. At this time, the error information includes the cause of the error, such as "A picking product registration request has been received for a product 8 that is not included in the product shipping instruction information."

[0068] When the loading of the product group 80 including the multiple types of products 8 to be shipped onto the pallet 71 is completed, the operator 9 attaches the unit label 6 that was previously output from the issuing device 1 and that he carries with him to the pallet 71 or the product group 80. Then, the operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 with the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 generates unitization information in which the shipping instruction identification information 41 set in the information processing terminal 2, the unit identification information 43, the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 loaded on the pallet 71, and information on the quantity of the products 8 are associated with each other, and transmits a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3 to store the unitization information in the storage unit 31 of the information management device 3 (S12). The information management device 3 that has received the unitization information registration request stores the unitization information included in the unitization information registration request in the storage unit 31. The unitization information further includes unit shipping instruction identification information and an inspection completion flag, which are used in the sorting work. The unit shipping instruction identification information contains the shipping instruction identification information 41 set in the information processing terminal 2. The processes of steps S11 and S12 are repeated until the picking work for the product group 80 including the multiple types of products 8 to be shipped is completed.

[0069] When the picking work is completed, the pallets 71 on which the product group 80 including the multiple types of products 8 has been loaded on each storage floor 110 are collected in one place, and the operator 9 performs the sorting work. The operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 attached to the pallet 71 to be shipped using the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information output request to the information management device 3 to acquire the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 included in the unitization information corresponding to the read unit identification information 43 and information on the quantity of the products 8 (S13). The information management device 3 that has received the unitization information output request acquires the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 associated with the unit identification information 43 and information on the quantity of the products 8 based on the unit identification information 43 included in the unitization information output request, and transmits the information to the information processing terminal 2 (S14). As a result, the display unit 23 of the information processing terminal 2 displays a unitization information confirmation screen 210 for the pallet 71 corresponding to the read unit identification information 43.

[0070] If the shipping instruction identification information 41 set in the information processing terminal 2 differs from the shipping instruction identification information 41 associated with the unit identification information 43 included in the unitized information output request, the information management device 3 that has received the unitized information output request may be configured to output error information without executing processing based on the unitized information output request. In this case, the error information includes the cause of the error, such as "This unitized information is associated with a different shipping instruction identification information 41."

[0071] When the operation unit 24 detects that the inspection completion registration instruction area 214 on the unitization information confirmation screen 210 has been selected, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 transmits an inspection completion registration request to the information management device 3 (S15). The inspection completion registration request includes unit identification information corresponding to the unitization information confirmation screen 210 displayed on the display unit 23. The information management device 3, which has received the inspection completion registration request, sets the inspection completion flag of the unitization information stored in the storage unit 31 that includes the unit identification information included in the received inspection completion registration request to information indicating that inspection has been completed.

[0072] In addition, during the packing work, a transshipment work may be performed on multiple types of products 8 included in a product group 80 loaded on a unitized pallet 71. At this time, the operator 9 may operate the information processing terminal 2 in accordance with the transshipment work to change the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 included in the unitization information corresponding to the pallet 71 on which the transshipment work was performed or information on the quantity of the products 8. Examples of changes include addition and deletion of the product identification information 42 of a predetermined product 8. When adding the product identification information 42 of a predetermined product 8, the operator 9 reads the product identification information 42 attached to the multiple types of products 8 included in the added product group 80 by the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2, and then reads the unit identification information 43 of the pallet 71 by the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information change request to the information management device 3 to add the product identification information 42 of the read product 8 to the unitization information having the read unit identification information 43 (S16). When deleting the product identification information 42 of a specific product 8, the operator 9 selects the product 8 to be deleted from the unitization information confirmation screen 210 displayed on the display unit 23 of the information processing terminal 2 by the processing of step S14, and then selects the deletion instruction section (not shown) displayed on the display unit 23. When the operation unit 24 detects that the deletion instruction section has been selected, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information change request to the information management device 3 to delete the selected product identification information 42 from the product identification information 42 included in the unitization information having the selected unit identification information 43 (S17). The information management device 3 that has received the unitization information change request adds or deletes the product identification information 42 of the product 8 included in the selected unitization information and the quantity of the product 8 based on the unitization information change request. In addition, the method of adding or deleting product identification information 42 of a specific product 8 included in the unitization information is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the screen displayed on the display unit 23 of the information processing terminal 2 is configured so that the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 can send a unitization information change request to the information management device 3.In addition, in the case where it is desired to increase or decrease the quantity of a specified product 8 included in the unitized information, the unitized information change request may be a request to change information regarding the quantity of the specified product 8 included in the unitized information.

[0073] The pallet 71 after the sorting operation is completed is loaded onto the transport vehicle 5, and the driver of the transport vehicle 5 drives the transport vehicle 5 to the destination base 200. When the transport vehicle 5 arrives at the destination base 200, the operator 9 at the destination base performs the delivery operation of the pallet 71 loaded onto the transport vehicle 5. At this time, the operator 9 reads the unit identification number of the pallet 71 by the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information output request in step S13 and an inspection completion registration request in step S15 to the information management device 3. In this way, at the destination base 200, the operator 9 performs the inspection operation of the product 8 loaded onto the pallet 71. Note that, at the destination base 200, the unit identification information reading terminal 20 may be used instead of the information processing terminal 2. Also, the pallet 71 after the sorting operation is completed is loaded onto the transport vehicle 5, and the driver of the transport vehicle 5 may drive the transport vehicle 5 to the relay base. In this case, at the relay point, a sorting operation is performed in which the products 8 loaded on the pallet 71 are moved to another pallet 71, and the pallet 71 is loaded onto another transport vehicle 5. At this time, the operator 9 operates the information processing terminal 2 according to the content of the sorting operation, and the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 transmits to the information management device 3 a unitization information registration request in step S12, a unitization information change request in steps S16 and S17, etc.

[0074] The logistics system 10 of the present embodiment configured as above has the following advantages.

[0075] In the logistics system 10 of this embodiment, the unique unit label 6 for each product group 80, which displays unique unit identification information for each product group 80, can be issued from the issuing device 1 and affixed, so that it can be affixed to any location of the product group 80 or various types of logistics fixtures 7 that load or store the product group 80. Therefore, the product group 80 can be delivered without using a specific logistics fixture. The information processing terminal 2 can read the product identification information 42 attached to the product 8 and the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label, and transmits a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3 to store unitization information, which is information that associates one unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 with the product identification information 42 and information on the quantity of multiple types of products 8 included in one product group 80. As a result, when multiple types of products 8 are bundled together and delivered as a product group 80, the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7 can be associated with the logistics fixture 7. Furthermore, the information processing terminal 2 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6, and transmits a unitization information output request to the information management device 3 to output unitization information corresponding to the read unit identification information 43. As a result, the information processing terminal 2 can obtain the unitization information by accessing the information management device 3, so that in the inspection work at the time of packing, sorting, delivery, etc., the multiple types of products 8 and their quantities included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7 can be easily confirmed on the information processing terminal 2 regardless of the form of the logistics fixture 7 and the location such as the departure point 100, the arrival point 200, or the relay point. Then, in the inspection work at the time of delivery at the arrival point, by confirming on the information processing terminal 2 the multiple types of products and their quantities included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7, the inspection work can be completed without inspecting the products included in the product group 80 again. Furthermore, instead of having to match the product group 80 containing the products 8 with the logistics fixture 7 after the picking work of multiple types of products 8, by matching the product group 80 with the logistics fixture 7 in conjunction with the picking work of multiple types of products 8, the matching can be made quickly and the work can be carried out efficiently.As a result, work can be carried out flexibly and efficiently even in the case of small-lot, high-mix deliveries.

[0076] Furthermore, the information processing terminal 2 of the logistics system 10 of this embodiment can change (add and delete) the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 or change the quantity of the products 8 by sending a request (unitization information change request) to the information management device 3 to change the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 that are associated with one unit identification information 43 in the unitization information stored in the information management device 3, in response to a unitization information change request. This makes it possible to flexibly respond to the transfer of products 8 that occurs in high-mix, low-volume deliveries, since the products 8 can be unitized in the transferred state even when the products 8 loaded on the pallets 7 or the like are transferred upon assembling, sorting, or the like.

[0077] Furthermore, when the information management device 3 of the logistics system 10 of this embodiment receives a progress information inquiry request related to specific unit identification information 43 from the information processing terminal 2, the information management device 3, an external client terminal, etc., it outputs unitization progress information that compares the unitization information related to the inquired specific unit identification information 43 with the product shipping instruction information associated with the specific unit identification information 43. As a result, it is possible to easily check the progress of the picking work and the packing work for each product shipping instruction information.

[0078] In addition, in the logistics system 10 of this embodiment, the information management device 3 outputs unitization progress information in accordance with the operation of the information processing terminal 2 and the unit identification information reading terminal 20 during picking work, sorting work, etc. As a result, the progress of the picking work and sorting work can be easily confirmed even at the work site.

[0079] The unitized information output to the information processing terminal 2 of the logistics system 10 of this embodiment includes at least one of the unit, temperature range, and expiration date of the products 8 included in the unit. As a result, detailed information on the products 8 to be shipped can be easily confirmed.

[0080] In the logistics system 10 of this embodiment, in addition to the information processing terminal 2, the unit identification information reading terminal 20 can acquire unitization information by sending a unitization information output request to the information management device 3. That is, the multiple types of products 8 and their quantities included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7 can also be easily confirmed on the unit identification information reading terminal 20. Therefore, in the inspection work at the time of delivery at the arrival point, by using the unit identification information reading terminal 20 to confirm the multiple types of products 8 and their quantities included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7 on the unit identification information reading terminal 20, the inspection work can be completed without inspecting the products 8 included in the product group 80 again.

[0081] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and various design modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1: issuing device, 2: information processing terminal, 3: information processing device, 6: unit label, 7: product, 8: baggage, 10: logistics system, 20: unit identification information reading terminal, 41: shipping instruction identification information, 42: product identification information, 43: unit identification information, 80: product group

Claims

1. an issuing device that issues a unique unit label for each of the product groups, the unique unit label being information for identifying a product group for bundling and delivering a plurality of types of products, the unique unit label indicating unique unit identification information for each of the product groups and capable of being affixed to any location of the product group or any of various types of logistics fixtures for loading or storing the product group; An information processing terminal capable of reading product identification information attached to a plurality of types of the products and identifying at least the types of the products and the unit identification information displayed on the unit label unique to each of the product groups attached to the arbitrary location of the product group or the logistics fixture; an information management device that stores the unit identification information and executes a process in response to a request received from the information processing terminal; Equipped with the information processing terminal transmits to the information management device a unitization information registration request for causing the information management device to store unitization information, the unitization information being information that associates one of the unit identification information with the product identification information of the multiple types of the products included in one of the read product groups and information regarding the quantities of the products; A logistics system characterized in that the information processing terminal reads the unit identification information displayed on the unit label and transmits a unitization information output request to the information management device to output the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification information.

2. The logistics system described in claim 1, characterized in that the information processing terminal sends a unitization information change request to the information management device to change at least one of the product identification information of the product included in the product group that is associated with one unit identification information in the unitization information stored in the information management device or information regarding the quantity of the product.

3. the information management device stores at least one of the unit identification information and product shipping instruction information, which is information including the product identification information of the multiple types of products to be shipped that are set in advance, information regarding the quantity of the products, and information regarding a delivery destination; The logistics system described in claim 2, characterized in that in response to a progress information inquiry request regarding a received specific unit identification information, unitization progress information which is information comparing the unitization information regarding the stored specific unit identification information with the product shipping instruction information corresponding to the specific unit identification information is output.

4. The progress information inquiry request is sent to the information management device, Transmitted based on an input operation from the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal transmits the unitized information when transmitting a request to store the unitized information in the information management device, or 4. The physical distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the information processing terminal transmits the information when transmitting a request to change the unitization information.

5. A logistics system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the product identification information for at least some of the products further includes information identifying at least one of the unit, temperature range, and expiration date of the product.

6. a unit identification information reading terminal capable of reading the unit identification information displayed on the unit label attached to the group of products, A logistics system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the unit identification information reading terminal reads the unit identification information displayed on the unit label and transmits a unitization information output request to the information management device to output the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification information.

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