Simulation model generation method, simulation model generation program, and simulation model generation system

Abstract

To automatically generate a simulation model for managing warehouse operation in accordance with a warehouse to be simulated, so as to improve convenience of the warehouse operation.SOLUTION: An arithmetic unit which is connected to a warehouse management system that manages inventory states of articles respectively stored in a plurality of warehouses so as to be able to perform data-communication therewith: receives a designation of the warehouse to be simulated, by user operation; obtains, from the warehouse management system, slot information including positions and sizes of slots for storing the articles stored in the warehouse to be simulated, in accordance with the designation; and generates a simulation model for managing operation in the warehouse to be simulated, on the basis of the slot information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a simulation model generation method, a simulation model generation program, and a simulation model generation system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in warehouses such as distribution centers for goods, a large number of goods are managed, and tasks such as picking of goods are performed according to request. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for optimizing pallet transport allocation by executing a simulation in order to improve the performance of a transport cart system in an automated warehouse that receives and delivers goods. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-111455 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to optimize warehouse operations such as picking, a simulation model for managing warehouse operations is considered to be effective. However, in order to generate a simulation model for managing warehouse operations, it is necessary to investigate the layout of the warehouse, the amount and type of shelves or items in the warehouse, etc., according to the warehouse to be simulated. However, the amount and type of shelves or items in the warehouse may be enormous, and investigating them manually may be time-consuming.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the amount and type of shelves or items in the warehouse to be simulated are not taken into consideration, and a simulation model corresponding to each warehouse to be simulated is not generated.

[0006] The present disclosure has been devised in consideration of the above-described conventional situation, and aims to improve the convenience of warehouse operations by automatically generating a simulation model for managing warehouse operations in accordance with the warehouse to be simulated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure provides a simulation model generation method executed by a computing device connected to a management system for managing the inventory status of items so as to enable data communication, the simulation model generation method obtaining slot information including the positions of slots for storing items from the management system, and generating a simulation model based on the slot information.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a program for causing a computing device connected to a management system that manages inventory information of items to communicate data with the management system to obtain slot information including the positions of slots for storing items from the management system, and to generate a simulation model based on the slot information.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides a simulation model generation system including a management system that manages the inventory status of items and a computing device connected for data communication, wherein the computing device acquires slot information including the positions of slots for storing items from the management system, and generates a simulation model based on the slot information. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a simulation model for managing warehouse operations can be automatically generated according to the warehouse to be simulated, thereby improving the convenience of warehouse operations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a simulation model generation system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a calculation device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram of a process of a simulation model generation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a table showing data before and after conversion processing by the arithmetic device according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a simulation model according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] Flowchart of processing of the warehouse management system according to the first embodiment [Figure 7] Flowchart of data conversion processing according to the first embodiment [Figure 8] Flowchart of slot information conversion process according to the first embodiment [Figure 9] Flowchart of path information generation process according to the first embodiment [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a path information generating process according to the first embodiment; [Figure 11] Flowchart of area information generation processing according to the first embodiment [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a region information generating process according to the first embodiment; [Figure 13] Flowchart of wall information generation processing according to the first embodiment [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a wall information generation process according to the first embodiment; [Figure 15] Flowchart of pick list generation processing according to the first embodiment [Figure 16] Flowchart of inventory information generation process according to the first embodiment [Figure 17] Flowchart of simulation model generation and simulation execution processing according to the first embodiment [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a simulation result according to the first embodiment; [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a simulation result according to the first embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment specifically disclosing a simulation model generation method, a simulation model generation program, and a simulation model generation system according to the present disclosure. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters and duplicated description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> [System Configuration] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a simulation model generation system 1 according to a first embodiment. The simulation model generation system 1 includes a calculation device 2 and at least one warehouse management system 3-1, ..., 3-s (s: an integer equal to or greater than 2). The simulation model generation system 1 is a system that supports consideration of optimization of operations by having the calculation device 2 automatically generate a simulation model for managing warehouse operations based on warehouse information stored in the warehouse management systems 3-1 to 3-s.

[0014] The arithmetic device 2 is configured using a general-purpose computer device (e.g., a personal computer, a server computer). The arithmetic device 2 is connected to one or more warehouse management systems 3 so as to enable input and output of data. The arithmetic device 2 may be connectable to a user terminal (e.g., a PC) (not shown).

[0015] The warehouse management system 3-1 is a system for managing the inventory status of items managed in a warehouse and the loading and unloading of items from the warehouse. The warehouse management system 3-1 may be referred to as a Warehouse Management System (hereinafter referred to as "WMS"). The warehouse management system 3-1 may be capable of managing one or more warehouses and may be connectable to warehouse personal computers (hereinafter referred to as "PCs") 4-1-1, ..., 4-1-m (m: integer of 2 or more) for managing the warehouses. Other warehouse management systems are similar to the warehouse management system 3-1. For example, the warehouse management system 3-s may be connectable to warehouse PCs 4-s-1, ..., 4-sn (n: integer of 2 or more).

[0016] The warehouse PC 4-1-1 is installed, for example, in a warehouse (not shown) and records the inventory status of items managed in the warehouse. The warehouse PC 4-1-1 may record the inventory status in real time by receiving various data from a terminal such as a handy terminal. The warehouse PC 4-1-1 can be connected to the warehouse management system 3-1 and can transmit the inventory status of items managed in the warehouse to the warehouse management system 3-1. The other warehouse PCs are similar to the warehouse PC 4-1-1. For example, the warehouse PC 4-s-1 may be connected to the warehouse management system 3-s. The warehouse PCs 4-1-1 to 4-1-m and the warehouse PCs 4-s-1 to 4-sn may be installed in different warehouses. In the following description, when the warehouse management system and the warehouse PC need to be described individually, the warehouse management system 3-1 and the warehouse PC 4-1-1 are used, and when they are described together, the reference numerals are omitted.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the arithmetic device 2 according to embodiment 1. The arithmetic device 2 includes a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU") 5, a memory 6, a storage device 7, an input / output unit 8, a communication unit 9, and an external interface unit 10. The components of the arithmetic device 2 are connected to each other via an internal bus 11 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0018] The CPU 5 realizes various functions by reading and executing various data and programs stored in the memory 6 or the storage device 7. The CPU 5 may be another arithmetic circuit such as a Micro Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "MPU"), a Digital Signal Processor (hereinafter referred to as "DSP"), a Graphical Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "GPU"), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (hereinafter referred to as "FPGA"), or may be used in combination with another arithmetic circuit.

[0019] The memory 6 is configured using volatile / non-volatile storage devices such as Random Access Memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM") and Read Only Memory (hereinafter referred to as "ROM"), and temporarily stores programs and data required for executing the operation of the arithmetic device 2, as well as data or information generated during operation. The RAM is, for example, a work memory used during the operation of the arithmetic device 2. The ROM stores and holds in advance, for example, programs and data for controlling the control device 2.

[0020] The storage device 7 is a storage area for storing and holding various data and programs, and is configured, for example, by a Hard Disk Drive (hereinafter referred to as "HDD") or a Solid State Drive (hereinafter referred to as "SSD").

[0021] The input / output unit 8 receives instructions from a user via, for example, a keyboard and a mouse (not shown), etc. The input / output unit 8 also outputs various information via, for example, a display (not shown), etc.

[0022] The communication unit 9 communicates with an external device such as a warehouse management system or a user terminal (not shown) via a network (not shown) to transmit and receive various data or signals. The communication unit 9 may support both wired and wireless communication. The communication method used by the communication unit 9 may be, for example, a Wide Area Network (hereinafter referred to as "WAN"), a Local Area Network (hereinafter referred to as "LAN"), Long Term Evolution (hereinafter referred to as "LTE"), mobile communication such as 5G, power line communication, short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a combination of these.

[0023] The external interface unit 10 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device. The warehouse management system may also be realized by the same hardware configuration as the arithmetic device 2.

[0024] [Processing sequence] A process sequence of the simulation model generation system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Each process sequence is performed by the calculation device 2 and the warehouse management system in cooperation with each other. However, some processes of the sequence may be performed based on a user's operation.

[0025] The calculation device 2 receives an input from a user specifying a warehouse to be simulated (step St21). The input may be, for example, the name, address, or an identification number such as an ID of the warehouse to be simulated. The input may be made directly to the calculation device 2, or may be made from a user terminal (not shown). Here, it is assumed that a warehouse PC 4-1-1 is installed in the warehouse to be simulated, and that the warehouse to be simulated is managed by a warehouse management system 3-1.

[0026] Based on the input of step St21, the calculation device 2 inquires of the warehouse management system 3-1 about the warehouse to be simulated (step St22). The inquiry requests information required for automatic generation of a simulation model. The information will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0027] In response to an inquiry from the computing device 2, the warehouse management system 3-1 acquires information about the warehouse to be simulated that is stored in the warehouse management system 3-1 (step St23). There are no particular limitations on the method by which the warehouse management system 3-1 acquires the information. For example, when the warehouse management system 3-1 acquires the information, it may retrieve the information by searching a storage device of the warehouse management system 3-1. Furthermore, if the warehouse management system 3-1 cannot find the necessary information, it may acquire the information by inquiring of the warehouse PC 4-1-1 of the warehouse to be simulated. Hereinafter, the warehouse information acquired by the warehouse management system 3-1 may be referred to as "warehouse information."

[0028] The warehouse management system 3-1 transmits the warehouse information acquired in step St23 to the arithmetic device 2 (step St24).

[0029] When an instruction is received from the user, the arithmetic device 2 executes a data conversion process on the warehouse information acquired in step St24 (step St25). The instruction from the user may be input directly to the arithmetic device, or may be input from a user terminal (not shown) or the like. This also applies to the processes in steps St26 and St28 below. Hereinafter, the converted information obtained by this data conversion process may be referred to as "converted warehouse information." The converted warehouse information will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. The details of the data conversion process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16.

[0030] When instructed by the user, the arithmetic device 2 automatically generates a simulation model for virtually managing warehouse operations in the simulation target warehouse based on the converted warehouse information obtained by the conversion process in step St25 (step St26). The simulation model is generated in, for example, a cyberspace.

[0031] When the generation of the simulation model is completed, the arithmetic device 2 notifies the user of the completion (step St27). The arithmetic device 2 may notify the user through the input / output unit 8 such as a display (not shown).

[0032] When instructed by the user, the arithmetic unit 2 executes a simulation based on the generated simulation model (step St28).

[0033] When the executed simulation is completed, the arithmetic device 2 outputs the simulation result (step St29). The arithmetic device 2 may display the simulation result on a display (not shown), for example. The arithmetic device 2 may also output the simulation result as a text file, for example.

[0034] [Warehouse information] FIG. 4 is a table diagram showing warehouse information before data conversion processing by the calculation device 2 and converted warehouse information after data conversion processing. The warehouse information acquired by the warehouse management system 3-1 in the processing of step St23 in FIG. 3 is slot information for each slot constituting all the slots possessed by the warehouse to be simulated. In this specification, a slot refers to the smallest unit of storage space for items, divided by partitions or shelves, etc., on a shelf installed in the warehouse. Therefore, one shelf may include multiple slots. Slot information corresponding to one slot in the warehouse is provided, regardless of whether or not an item is stored therein.

[0035] The slot information includes data such as a slot ID, a slot position, a slot size, a pick position, a pick order, and a pick zone ID. The slot ID is an identifier of the slot, and a different slot ID is assigned to each slot. The slot position indicates the three-dimensional position of the slot in the warehouse, and is expressed, for example, by using three-dimensional coordinates. The slot size indicates the size of the slot, and is expressed, for example, by using the distance between two points in a three-dimensional coordinate space. The pick position indicates the three-dimensional position when the worker picks the item stored in the slot, and is expressed, for example, by using three-dimensional coordinates. The pick order indicates the order in which the worker picks the items stored in the slot, and is expressed, for example, by numbers. The worker performs work (e.g., picking an item placed in the slot) on slots that are assigned the same pick zone ID.

[0036] In this specification, the slot information is described as including a slot ID, a slot position, a slot size, a pick position, a pick order, and a pick zone ID. However, the data structure and the data name of the slot information may differ for each warehouse management system. For example, even if the warehouse management system 3-1 and the warehouse management system 3-s store the same type of information, the data structure and the data name of the information stored by both of them may be different. Since warehouse management systems are provided by various companies, the data format may differ for each warehouse management system. Similarly, the data structure of the slot information of the warehouse managed by the warehouse PC may differ for each warehouse PC managed by the same warehouse management system. Therefore, there is no intention to limit the data structure and the data name of the slot information transmitted from the warehouse management system to the calculation device 2 to the slot ID, the slot position, the slot size, the pick position, the pick order, and the pick zone ID, as long as the data corresponding to these is included.

[0037] The converted warehouse information obtained by the data conversion process executed in the process of step St25 in Fig. 3 includes converted slot information, aisle information, wall information, area information, pick list, and inventory information. The slot information transmitted from the warehouse management system to the calculation device 2 may have a different data structure for each warehouse management system or each warehouse PC. Therefore, when automatically generating a simulation model, the calculation device 2 generalizes (in other words, standardizes) the information by the data conversion process. This makes it possible to automatically generate a simulation model based on the generalized information from any of the information obtained from the warehouse management systems 3-1 to 3-s.

[0038] The converted slot information includes converted slot ID, converted slot position, converted slot size, and converted pick position as data. The converted slot ID is an anonymized slot ID. The anonymization process is a process that prevents information about a customer, etc. from being obtained from the slot ID. An example of a converted slot ID is an integer value such as "00001". The converted slot position is a slot position that has been modified for automatic generation of a simulation model. The converted slot size is a slot size expressed in a unit system of distance used in the simulation model. For example, the converted slot size is expressed in meters. The converted pick position is a pick position that has been modified in accordance with the modification of the slot position to the converted slot position.

[0039] The aisle information includes data such as an aisle ID, start and end positions, aisle width, and whether or not there is a one-way restriction. Workers move through the aisles that exist within the warehouse to perform work. The aisle ID is an identifier for the aisle. The start and end positions indicate the start and end points of the aisle, and are expressed, for example, in two-dimensional coordinates. The aisle width indicates the width of the aisle. The presence or absence of a one-way restriction indicates whether the aisle is one-way or not.

[0040] The wall information includes data such as a wall ID, start and end point positions, wall height, and visibility. The wall ID is an identifier for a wall that exists within the warehouse. The start and end point positions indicate the positions of the ends corresponding to the horizontal start and end points of the wall, and are expressed, for example, in two-dimensional coordinates. The wall height indicates the height of the wall. The visibility indicates whether the wall is visible or not.

[0041] The area information further includes three pieces of information: a waiting area, a loading area, and a warehouse area, and each of these three pieces of information includes the start and end points as data. The warehouse area defines the area of ​​the entire warehouse to be simulated that is generated as a simulation model. The waiting area is an area where workers wait before starting work. The loading area is an area where workers perform loading work to ship one or more items picked by the worker from the warehouse to be simulated. The waiting area and loading area are each part of the warehouse area.

[0042] A pick list contains the following data: pick list ID, conversion slot ID, item ID, and number of pick items. Here, an item refers to an item stored in a slot. A pick list contains information about which item a worker should pick from which shelf (slot). Workers perform picking work based on the pick list. A pick list ID is an identifier for the pick list. An item ID is an identifier for the item. The number of pick items indicates the quantity of items to be picked.

[0043] The inventory information includes the conversion slot ID, item ID, and the number of inventory items. The number of inventory items indicates the number of items in stock before the simulation is run.

[0044] [Simulation model example] FIG. 5 shows a 3D model 30 of a warehouse generated in cyberspace based on the converted warehouse information. The 3D model 30 is a visualization of the warehouse to be simulated as a simulation model. The 3D model 30 includes a plurality of shelves 31, a plurality of aisles 32, a waiting area 33, a loading area 34, a warehouse area 35, walls 36-1, 36-2, 36-3, 36-4, and a worker 37. In the 3D model 30, the shelves 31 are generated based on slot information. The shelves 31 include a plurality of slots, and items are stored in each slot based on inventory information. The aisles 32 are generated based on the aisle information. The waiting area 33, the loading area 34, and the warehouse area 35 are generated based on area information. The walls 36-1 to 36-4 are generated so as to surround the entire warehouse based on the wall information. The workers 37 work based on a pick list when the simulation is performed. The workers 37 may be represented by a person, or may be represented by a loading and transporting vehicle such as a forklift as shown in FIG. 5. Note that the 3D model 30 shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and is not limited thereto. In addition, in this specification, a three-dimensional coordinate system consisting of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis is used for explanation, and the orientation of the three-dimensional coordinate system in each drawing corresponds to each other. In each drawing, the direction of the arrow of the coordinate system shown in the drawing is positive, and the opposite direction of the arrow is negative. Note that the configuration of each axis is an example, and is not limited thereto.

[0045] [Warehouse Management System Processing] The process flow of the warehouse management system according to the embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The warehouse management system receives an inquiry about the warehouse to be simulated from the computing device 2 (step St41).

[0046] The warehouse management system acquires a slot ID for a slot included in the warehouse to be simulated (step St42). The slot ID may be assigned to the slot by the warehouse management system.

[0047] The warehouse management system acquires slot positions for slots included in the warehouse to be simulated (step St43). The slot position acquired here may be, for example, the three-dimensional coordinates of the center of the slot if the slot is a rectangular parallelepiped, or may be the three-dimensional coordinates of one of the six vertices of the slot. Alternatively, it may be the three-dimensional coordinates of each of the six vertices of the slot. Which position of the slot is acquired as the slot position may be preset by the warehouse management system.

[0048] The warehouse management system acquires the slot sizes for the slots included in the warehouse to be simulated (step St44). The slot sizes may be predefined according to the type of shelf, etc. For example, they may be predefined based on the size of the shelf, the size of the shelf partitions, and the size of the shelf boards. The slot sizes may also be calculated by calculation based on the coordinates of the slot. For example, if the slot is a rectangular parallelepiped, the length of each side of the slot may be calculated based on the three-dimensional coordinates of the six vertices of the slot.

[0049] The warehouse management system acquires pick positions for slots included in the warehouse to be simulated (step St45). The pick positions may be predefined for the slots. The pick positions may also be determined, for example, according to the slot positions. For example, a position that is a predetermined distance away from the slot position in the positive / negative direction of the Y axis may be determined as the pick position.

[0050] The warehouse management system acquires the pick order for the slots included in the warehouse to be simulated (step St46). The pick order is predefined for the slots.

[0051] The warehouse management system acquires pick zone IDs for slots included in the warehouse to be simulated (step St47). Pick zone IDs are predefined for slots. Through the processing from step St42 to step St47, the warehouse management system can acquire slot information for each slot included in the warehouse to be simulated.

[0052] The warehouse management system excludes slot information whose data contains NULL (step St48). NULL data means that no value is entered in the data. Here, excluding means that the data is not sent to the calculation device 2. If at least one of the data of the slot ID, slot position, slot size, pick position, pick order, and pick zone ID of any slot is NULL, the slot information of that slot is excluded.

[0053] The warehouse management system executes the processes of steps St42 to St48 for all slots in the warehouse to be simulated, and transmits the slot information of all slots obtained as warehouse information to the calculation device 2 (step St49). Then, this process flow ends.

[0054] [Data conversion process] The flow of the data conversion process executed by the arithmetic device 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. At the start of the process flow shown in Fig. 7, the process of step St49 of the warehouse management system shown in Fig. 6 has been completed. The arithmetic device 2 acquires warehouse information (see step St49 in Fig. 6) transmitted from the warehouse management system (step St51).

[0055] The arithmetic unit 2 converts the slot information for each slot constituting the warehouse information acquired in step St51, and generates converted slot information (step St52). Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0056] The arithmetic unit 2 generates aisle information of the aisles existing in the warehouse to be simulated based on the converted slot information generated in step St52 (step St53). Details of this process will be described later with reference to Figs. 9 and 10.

[0057] The arithmetic device 2 generates area information of various areas existing in the warehouse to be simulated based on the conversion slot information generated in step St52 and the passage information generated in step St53 (step St54). Details of this process will be described later with reference to Figs. 11 and 12.

[0058] The arithmetic device 2 generates wall information for one or more walls existing in the warehouse to be simulated based on the area information generated in step St54 (step St55). Details of this step will be described later with reference to Figs. 13 and 14.

[0059] The arithmetic device 2 generates a pick list consisting of one or more slots to be picked by the worker in the simulation target warehouse based on the converted slot information generated in step St52 (step St56). Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0060] The arithmetic device 2 generates inventory information of the items stored in the slots constituting the pick list of the simulation target warehouse based on the pick list generated in step St56 (step St57). Then, this processing flow ends. The details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG. 16.

[0061] (Slot information conversion) A flow of the slot information conversion process executed by the arithmetic device 2 according to the embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. At the start of the process flow shown in Fig. 8, the arithmetic device 2 has already acquired the warehouse information transmitted from the warehouse management system.

[0062] The arithmetic unit 2 performs anonymization processing of the slot ID in the slot information for each slot constituting the warehouse information acquired in step St51 (step St61). Through the anonymization processing, the slot ID becomes a converted slot ID. The slot ID may be converted so that an integer value such as "00001", "00002", "00003", etc. becomes a consecutive number.

[0063] The calculation device 2 converts data including a unit of distance from the slot information for each slot constituting the warehouse information acquired in step St51 into a unit system of distance used in the simulation model (see 3D model 30 in FIG. 5) (step St62). For example, if the slot size is expressed in inches and meters are used in the simulation model, the unit of the slot size is converted to meters by the processing of step St62. As a result, the slot size becomes a converted slot size. At the completion of the processing of step St62, the slot information includes a converted slot ID, a slot position, a converted slot size, a pick position, a pick order, and a pick zone ID.

[0064] The arithmetic device 2 extracts only the slot information of the slots included in the pick zone in the warehouse to be simulated from the slot information for each slot constituting the warehouse information acquired in step St51 (step St63). For example, assume that the pick zone ID of the slot in the pick zone to be simulated is "0001". If the warehouse information transmitted from the warehouse management system includes slot information with a pick zone ID of "0001" and slot information with a pick zone ID of "0002", only the slot information with a pick zone ID of "0001" is extracted. Extraction refers to being handled in the subsequent processing of the arithmetic device 2. The pick zone to be simulated may be set in advance by a user or the like.

[0065] The arithmetic unit 2 sorts the slot information extracted in the process of step St63 in pick order (step St64). In the subsequent processes of the arithmetic unit 2, the slot information is sorted in pick order.

[0066] The arithmetic unit 2 corrects the slot positions to match the reference point in the simulation model (step St65). For example, when the origin of the three-dimensional coordinate system is the reference point, the arithmetic unit 2 corrects the slot positions of all the slots to be simulated so that the slot position of the slot that is the shortest distance from the origin among the slots to be simulated is located at the origin. For example, when the slot position of the slot that is the shortest distance from the origin has an X coordinate of 100, a Y coordinate of 200, and a Z coordinate of 0, the X coordinate of the slot positions of all the slots to be simulated is corrected to -100 and the Y coordinate to -200. As a result, the slot positions become the converted slot positions.

[0067] The arithmetic unit 2 also performs the same correction on the pick position as the correction on the slot position performed in step St65 (step St66). As in the example in the explanation of step St65, when the arithmetic unit 2 corrects the X coordinate of the slot position to -100 and the Y coordinate to -200, it also corrects the X coordinate of the pick position to -100 and the Y coordinate to -200. As a result, the pick position becomes the converted pick position. Then, this processing flow ends.

[0068] At the time when the processing from step St61 to step St66 is completed, the slot information includes a conversion slot ID, a conversion slot position, a conversion slot size, a conversion pick position, a pick order, and a pick zone ID. In the subsequent processing, the calculation device 2 generates information required for automatic generation of a simulation model and execution of a simulation based on the conversion slot information including the conversion slot ID, the conversion slot position, the conversion slot size, and the conversion pick position. Note that the conversion slot information is sorted in pick order.

[0069] The conversion slot information may be generated, for example, as a Comma Separated Values ​​(hereinafter, referred to as "CSV") file. The CSV file may include data for each slot (each conversion slot ID).

[0070] (Aisle information generation) The path information generating process executed by the arithmetic device 2 according to the embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the path information generating process.

[0071] The arithmetic unit 2 generates a passage ID (step St71). The passage ID may be a consecutive integer value such as "00001", "00002", or "00003".

[0072] The arithmetic device 2 sets the start and end positions of the passage based on the pick order of the slot and the converted pick position acquired in step St66 (step St72). The start and end positions refer to the coordinates of the start and end points, respectively. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of generation of passage information. An example of setting the start and end positions of the passage will be explained using FIG. 10. Here, the start and end positions of the passage connecting the slot 81 and the slot 82 shown in FIG. 10 are set. The passage connecting the slot 81 and the slot 82 is a passage through which a worker or the like can move to perform work in the slot 81 and the slot 82. The pick orders of the slot 81 and the slot 82 are consecutive. For example, the pick order of the slot 81 is 1, and the pick order of the slot 82 is 2.

[0073] In the example of FIG. 10, the start point SP1 and end point EP1 of the passage are set to the XY coordinates of the converted pick position of slot 81 and the XY coordinates of the converted pick position of slot 82, respectively. The converted pick position of slot 81 has an X coordinate of 10 and a Y coordinate of 10. The converted pick position of slot 82 has an X coordinate of 12 and a Y coordinate of 10. In this way, the start point is set based on the converted pick position of the slot with the earlier pick order among the slots with consecutive pick orders, and the end point is set based on the converted pick position of the slot with the later pick order. For example, the end point of the passage with passage ID "00001" and the start point of the passage with passage ID "00002" may be at the same position, and the passages are connected in this way to generate the passages of the entire warehouse. The passages may be set in advance by a user or the like so that they are generated on an XY plane whose Z coordinate is equal to the Z coordinate of the reference point in the simulation model. The Z coordinate of the XY plane on which the passages are generated may also be set in advance by a user or the like. The calculation device 2 associates the start and end points of the set passage with the passage ID generated in step St71.

[0074] The arithmetic device 2 sets the width of the passage based on the converted slot position acquired in step St65 and the start and end points of the passage set in step St72 (step St73). The width of the passage may be set to the distance between the slots sandwiching the start or end point set in step St72, for example. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, the distance L between the slot 81 and the slot 85 facing the slot 81 is set to the width of the passage. Here, the distance between the slot 81 and the slot 85 is equal to the distance between the point 83 and the point 84. The point 83 is one of the vertices of the slot 81, and the point 84 is one of the vertices of the slot 85. The points 83 and 84 are on the same XY plane. For example, if the X coordinate of the point 83 is 9 and the Y coordinate is 11, and the X coordinate of the point 84 is 9 and the Y coordinate is 9, the distance between the point 83 and the point 84 is 2. In this case, the width of the passage may be set to 2 meters.

[0075] The calculation device 2 sets whether or not there is a one-way restriction for each passage generated by executing the processes of steps St71 to St73 (step St74). In a passage where a one-way restriction is set, the passage is one-way from the start point to the end point. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, if a passage consisting of a start point SP1 and an end point EP1 is one-way restricted, a worker or the like can move from the start point SP1 to the end point EP1, but cannot move in the opposite direction. If the passage is not one-way restricted, a worker or the like can move from the end point EP1 to the start point SP1.

[0076] The calculation device 2 deletes paths whose length is 0 from among all paths generated by executing the processes of steps St71 to St74 (step St75). Here, the length refers to the distance between the start point and the end point. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, the distance between the start point SP1 and the end point EP1 is 2. An example of a case where the length of a path is 0 is a case where the start point and the end point are set to the same position (more specifically, a position where the picking direction is different but the X coordinate and the Y coordinate are the same) based on the converted pick position and the pick order, such that the pick order of slot 81 is 1 and the pick order of slot 85 is 2. When the calculation device 2 completes the process of step St75, it ends this processing flow.

[0077] Unlike the example shown in Fig. 10, there may be cases where the position is set such that the worker cannot move on the straight line connecting the start point and the end point. For example, there may be a case where a slot exists on the straight line connecting the start point and the end point. In this case, a passage is generated so as to avoid the slot. In this way, the length does not have to be the shortest distance between the start point and the end point.

[0078] The passage information may be generated, for example, as a CSV file. The CSV file may include data for each passage (each passage ID).

[0079] (Area information generation) The region information generating process executed by the arithmetic device 2 according to the embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a flowchart of the region information generating process.

[0080] The calculation device 2 sets the start and end points of the waiting area (step St91). FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the generation of area information. For example, the calculation device 2 sets the start point SP2 and the end point EP2 as the start point and the end point of the waiting area, respectively. At this time, an area 101 inside a rectangle having the start point SP2 and the end point EP2 as opposite vertices may be defined as the waiting area. The area 101 may also include the sides of the rectangle. For example, when the X coordinate of SP2 is 10 and the Y coordinate is 20, and the X coordinate of EP2 is 60 and the Y coordinate is 40, the XY plane from 10 to 60 and from 20 to 40 in the Y coordinate is defined as the waiting area. The Z coordinate of the waiting area may be set in advance by a user or the like. For example, the waiting area may be set in advance as an area on the XY plane with the Z coordinate being 0, and the Z coordinate of the waiting area may be set in advance as equal to the Z coordinate of the reference point of the simulation model. The same applies to the loading area and warehouse area described below.

[0081] The calculation device 2 sets the start and end points of the loading area in the same manner as in the process of step St91 (step St92). By setting the start and end points of the loading area, the loading area is defined.

[0082] The arithmetic device 2 sets a path between the waiting area and the slot based on the conversion slot position acquired in step St65 and the waiting area defined in step St91 so that the worker or the like can move from the waiting area to the slot to be worked on to start work such as picking (step St93). The path may be set to connect the waiting area to the slot with the shortest distance between the waiting area and the slot, or may be set to connect the waiting area to the slot that is first in the pick order. The path may be set by a series of processes shown in FIG. 9.

[0083] The arithmetic device 2 sets a path between the loading area and the slots based on the converted slot position acquired in step St65 and the loading area defined in step St92 so that the worker who has completed the work such as picking can move to the loading area to prepare for shipment (step St94). The path may be set to connect the loading area to the slot with the shortest distance between the loading area and the slot, or may be set to connect the loading area to the slot with the last pick order. The path may be set by the series of processes shown in FIG. 9.

[0084] The calculation device 2 sets the start and end positions of the warehouse area in the same manner as in the processing of step St91 (step St95). The warehouse area is an area that is the base of a simulation model generated in cyberspace. Therefore, the range of the X and Y coordinates that define the warehouse area includes slots, aisles, waiting areas, and loading areas. When the calculation device 2 completes the processing of step St95, it ends this processing flow.

[0085] The area information may be generated, for example, as a CSV file. The CSV file may include the start and end positions of the waiting area, the loading area, and the warehouse area. In addition, the data of the aisles set in the processes of steps St93 and St94 may be added to a file (for example, a CSV file) including the aisle information.

[0086] (Wall information generation) The wall information generating process executed by the arithmetic device 2 according to the embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the wall information generating process.

[0087] The arithmetic device 2 generates a wall ID (step St201). The wall ID may be a consecutive integer value such as "00001", "00002", or "00003".

[0088] The arithmetic device 2 sets the start and end points of the four walls surrounding the entire warehouse based on the warehouse area defined in step St95 (step St202). FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of generation of wall information. Here, the area 211 is the warehouse area. The four vertices of the area 211 are points 221, 222, 223, and 224. At this time, the start and end points of the wall 231 may be set to points 221 and 222, respectively. The start and end points of the wall 232 may be set to points 222 and 223, respectively. The start and end points of the wall 233 may be set to points 223 and 224, respectively. The start and end points of the wall 234 may be set to points 224 and 221, respectively. Note that the points 221, 222, 223, and 224 are points on the same XY plane. The start and end positions of the wall are set to define the wall. For example, if the X and Y coordinates of point 221 are 0 and 0, and the X and Y coordinates of point 222 are 60 and 0, the wall 231 is defined as an XZ plane with an X coordinate ranging from 0 to 60 and a Y coordinate of 0. At the time of setting the start and end positions of the wall, the Z coordinate of the wall does not need to be limited. The calculation device 2 links the set start and end positions of the wall to the wall ID generated in step St201.

[0089] The arithmetic device 2 sets the height of the wall defined in step St202 (step St203). The arithmetic device 2 may set the height of the wall to, for example, 1 meter. In the example of FIG. 14, the heights of the walls 231, 232, 233, and 234 may be set to 1 meter. For example, the heights of the four walls may be set separately or collectively. The relationship between the height of the wall and the coordinates may be set in advance by a user or the like. For example, 1 meter may be set to correspond to 1 in the amount of change in the coordinates. In addition, the Z coordinate of the wall may also be set by setting the height of the wall. For example, when the height of the wall 231 is set to 1 meter, the wall 231 may be defined as an XZ plane with an X coordinate from 0 to 60, a Y coordinate from 0, and a Z coordinate from 0 to 100. The Z coordinate of the bottom of the wall may be set to 0, or the Z coordinate of the reference point in the simulation model may be set to the Z coordinate of the bottom of the wall.

[0090] The arithmetic device 2 sets the visibility of the wall defined in step St202 (step St204). If the wall is set as visible, the user can visually recognize the wall in the generated simulation model. When the arithmetic device 2 completes the process of step St204, it ends this processing flow.

[0091] The wall information may be generated, for example, as a CSV file, which may include data for each of the four walls surrounding the entire warehouse.

[0092] (Picklist Generation) 15 is a flowchart of a pick list generation process executed by the arithmetic device 2 according to the embodiment 1. The pick list is the minimum information required to execute a simulation using the generated simulation model.

[0093] The arithmetic unit 2 generates a picklist ID (step St301). The picklist ID may be a consecutive integer value such as "0001", "0002", or "0003".

[0094] The arithmetic device 2 generates an item ID (step St302). The item ID may be a consecutive integer value such as "0001", "0002", or "0003". For example, the arithmetic device 2 associates the item ID "0002" with the pick list ID "0001".

[0095] The calculation device 2 assigns a conversion slot ID to each pick list ID generated in step St301 (step St303). Here, the conversion slot ID may be assigned randomly. By randomly assigning the conversion slot ID, optimization of warehouse operations can be considered by executing a simulation. For example, the calculation device 2 assigns the conversion slot ID "00001" to the pick list ID "0001". At this time, since the pick list ID "0001" is linked to the item ID "0002", when the simulation is executed, an item with the item ID "0002" will be picked from the slot with the conversion slot ID "00001".

[0096] The arithmetic device 2 sets the number of pick items for each pick list ID generated in step St301 (step St304). For example, the arithmetic device 2 sets the number of pick items to 10 corresponding to the pick list ID "0001". When the arithmetic device 2 completes the process of step St304, it ends this process flow.

[0097] A picklist is generated by the series of processes shown in Figure 15. One picklist contains one each of a picklist ID, conversion slot ID, item ID, and number of pick items. For example, if the picklist ID, conversion slot ID, item ID, and number of pick items contained in a picklist are "0001", "00001", "0002", and 10, respectively, the picklist has the following meaning: That is, a worker picks 10 items with item ID "0002" stored in the slot of conversion slot ID "00001" based on the picklist with picklist ID "0001".

[0098] All generated picklists may be compiled into a picklist file, which may be, for example, a CSV file.

[0099] (Inventory information generation) FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the inventory information generation process executed by the arithmetic device 2 according to the first embodiment. The arithmetic device 2 generates inventory information based on the pick list generated by the series of processes shown in FIG. 15. This flow makes it possible to generate the number of items stored in each slot. In the explanation of this flow, inventory information is generated based on the pick list with the pick list ID "0001" given as an example in the explanation of FIG. 15.

[0100] The arithmetic device 2 refers to the pick list ID corresponding to the conversion slot ID (step St401). For example, the arithmetic device 2 refers to the pick list ID "0001" corresponding to the conversion slot ID "00001". This allows the arithmetic device 2 to obtain the item IDs and the number of items included in the pick list with the pick list ID "0001".

[0101] The arithmetic device 2 acquires an item ID corresponding to the pick list ID referred to in step St401 (step St402). For example, the arithmetic device 2 acquires an item ID "0002" corresponding to the pick list ID "0001". The arithmetic device 2 sets the acquired item ID as data of the inventory information.

[0102] The arithmetic device 2 sets the number of stock items for each item ID acquired in step St402 (step St403). For example, the arithmetic device 2 sets the number of stock items of the item ID "0002" to 10. When a simulation is performed according to the pick list of the pick list ID "0001" given as an example in the description of FIG. 15, the number of items of the item ID "0002" stored in the slot of the conversion slot ID "00001" is as follows. That is, the number of stock items before the simulation is performed is 10, and only 10 are picked in the simulation, so that the remainder after the simulation is completed is 0. The arithmetic device 2 may set the number of stock items to prevent an error due to a shortage of stock when the simulation is performed. For example, the number of stock items of a certain conversion slot ID may be set by the user in advance so as to be set to be equal to or less than the number of pick items of the conversion slot ID. When the processing of step St403 is completed, the arithmetic device 2 ends this processing flow.

[0103] The inventory information may be generated as, for example, a CSV file. The CSV file may include the inventory quantity for each slot (each conversion slot ID).

[0104] [Simulation model generation, simulation execution] Fig. 17 is a flowchart of a simulation model generation and simulation execution process executed by the arithmetic device 2 according to the first embodiment. At the start of this flow, the arithmetic device 2 has completed the series of processes shown in Fig. 7. That is, the data conversion process has been completed. In addition, the arithmetic device 2 has received an instruction for automatic generation of a simulation model from a user.

[0105] The arithmetic device 2 generates a warehouse layout based on the conversion slot information, the passage information, the wall information, and the area information (step St501). As a result, a 3D model that imitates the warehouse is generated in the cyberspace (see FIG. 5).

[0106] The arithmetic device 2 sets the initial stock of the item stored in the slot based on the stock information (step St502). Depending on the stock information of the slot, nothing may be stored in the slot. Also, depending on the stock information and the pick list, nothing may be stored in the slot after the simulation is executed. The display mode of the slot generated in the cyberspace may be set in advance so that the user can visually recognize that some item is stored in the slot. For example, a slot in which an item is stored and a slot in which an item is not stored may be displayed in different colors, or the number of items in stock may be displayed in the slot.

[0107] The arithmetic device 2 sets one or more pick lists to be followed by the worker or the like in the simulation (step St503). Here, the arithmetic device 2 may set the pick list to be simulated by reading a pick list file in which a plurality of pick lists are compiled.

[0108] When the automatic generation of the simulation model is completed, the arithmetic device 2 notifies the user of the completion (step St504).

[0109] When the arithmetic device 2 receives an instruction to execute a simulation from the user, the arithmetic device 2 executes the simulation (step St505). During the execution of the simulation, for example, the user may be able to confirm how a worker or the like moves or performs a picking operation on the simulation model.

[0110] When the simulation is completed, the calculation device 2 outputs the simulation result (step St506). Then, this processing flow ends. The output simulation result will be described later with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0111] [Example of simulation results] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a simulation result according to the first embodiment. A window 600 shown in Fig. 18 is displayed on, for example, a display (not shown). A simulation model is displayed in the window 600. Also displayed in the window 600 are layout conditions 601, execution conditions 602, execution results 603, and a simulation execution button 604. Here, "SIM" means simulation. Note that the window 600 shown in Fig. 18 is merely an example of a simulation result, and is not intended to limit the output contents of the simulation result.

[0112] Layout conditions 601 indicate layout conditions. In the example of Fig. 18, slots are generated based on a CSV file called "slot.csv". Also, aisles are generated based on a CSV file called "aisle.csv". Also, each area is generated based on a CSV file called "region.csv". Also, walls are generated based on a CSV file called "wall.csv".

[0113] Execution conditions 602 indicate execution conditions for the simulation. In the example of Fig. 18, the simulation is executed based on a CSV file called "picklist.csv". In addition, the initial stock quantity of items to be stored in each slot is set based on a CSV file called "stock.csv".

[0114] An execution result 603 indicates the result of the simulation execution. Here, the pick distance indicates the distance traveled by the worker in the simulation. The pick time indicates the time from when the worker starts the work to when he or she finishes the work in the simulation.

[0115] The user may execute the simulation by, for example, using a mouse (not shown) to click the simulation execution button 604. Alternatively, the user may execute the simulation by operating a keyboard (not shown) or the like.

[0116] 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a simulation result according to embodiment 1. The arithmetic device 2 may output the simulation result as a text file 700 shown in FIG.

[0117] 19, a text file 700 contains a simulation execution date and time 701, a simulation execution condition 702, and a simulation execution result 703. Note that the text file 700 shown in FIG 19 is merely an example of a simulation result, and is not intended to limit the output contents of the simulation result.

[0118] The simulation execution date and time 701 describes the date and time when a button for executing a simulation was pressed, such as the simulation execution button 604 shown in Fig. 18. Also, the simulation execution date and time 701 describes the date and time when the simulation was completed.

[0119] The simulation execution conditions 702 describe a file for executing a simulation. In the example of FIG. 19, it is shown that a simulation was executed using an ALP file called "***.alp". The type of the simulation execution file is not limited to this. In addition to descriptions corresponding to the layout conditions 601 and execution conditions 602 shown in FIG. 18, the simulation execution conditions 702 describe the number of pick lists.

[0120] In the simulation execution result 703, the distance traveled by the worker in the simulation is recorded as the total travel distance. Also, the time from when the worker starts the work in the simulation to when he or she finishes it is recorded as the work time. Furthermore, the travel distance and work time for each pick list and the inventory status for each slot after the simulation are recorded.

[0121] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, a pick list with a pick list ID of "0001", a conversion slot ID of "00001", an item ID of "0002", and 10 pick items has been described as an example. In this case, the item ID of a pick list different from the pick list may be "0002". For example, a pick list with a pick list ID of "0002", a conversion slot ID of "00002", an item ID of "0002", and 10 pick items may be generated. The maximum number of identical item IDs that are allowed to exist may be set in advance by a user, etc.

[0122] This allows a simulation to be performed that takes into account the case where the same item is stored in multiple slots.

[0123] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which a 3D model of a warehouse is generated in a cyberspace by visualizing a simulation model. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the calculation device 2 may generate a 3D model of a warehouse in a cyberspace regardless of the generation of a simulation model. In this case, the calculation device 2 may generate a 3D model of a warehouse based on, for example, a conversion slot position, a conversion slot size, area information, and wall information excluding a wall ID.

[0124] This makes it possible to consider, for example, the layout of a warehouse with a lower processing load compared to automatic generation of a simulation model.

[0125] The concept of the above embodiment may also be applied to factories, retail stores, and the like.

[0126] Summary of the Disclosure The above description of the first embodiment discloses the following technology.

[0127] <Technology 1> A computing device connected to a warehouse management system that manages the inventory status of items stored in each of a number of warehouses and capable of data communication accepts designation of a warehouse to be simulated via user operation, and in response to the designation, obtains slot information from the warehouse management system, including the positions and sizes of the slots that store the items stored in the warehouse to be simulated, and generates a simulation model for managing operations in the warehouse to be simulated based on the slot information.

[0128] This makes it possible to automatically generate a simulation model for managing warehouse operations depending on the warehouse being simulated, thereby improving the convenience of warehouse operations.

[0129] <Technology 2> The computing device described in the above technology may generate converted slot information by performing data conversion processing on the slot information to standardize slot information that is used identically or differently for each warehouse managed by the warehouse management system, and may generate a simulation model based on the converted slot information.

[0130] This makes it possible to standardize the slot information even if the slot information differs for each warehouse management system or warehouse.

[0131] <Technology 3> The calculation device according to at least one of the above techniques may generate aisle information of aisles existing in the warehouse to be simulated based on the conversion slot information.

[0132] This makes it possible to generate the aisles that exist within the warehouse to be simulated as part of the simulation model.

[0133] <Technology 4> The calculation device described in at least one of the above techniques may generate area information for at least one predetermined area existing within the warehouse to be simulated based on the conversion slot information and the aisle information.

[0134] This makes it possible to generate at least one specified area within the warehouse to be simulated as part of the simulation model.

[0135] <Technology 5> The calculation device according to at least one of the above techniques may generate wall information of walls existing within the warehouse to be simulated based on the area information.

[0136] This makes it possible to generate walls that exist within the warehouse to be simulated as part of the simulation model.

[0137] <Technology 6> The computing device described in at least one of the above techniques may generate a layout of a simulated warehouse based on conversion slot information, aisle information, area information, and wall information.

[0138] This allows the layout of the warehouse to be simulated to be generated as part of the simulation model.

[0139] <Technology 7> The computing device according to at least one of the above techniques may use the slot identifier to generate a pick list, which is an execution condition for the simulation.

[0140] This makes it possible to consider optimizing warehouse operations by running simulations.

[0141] <Technology 8> The computing device described in at least one of the above techniques may generate inventory information for the items stored in the slots based on the picklist.

[0142] This can prevent inventory status errors, for example.

[0143] <Technology 9> The program causes a computing device connected for data communication with a warehouse management system that manages inventory information for items stored in each of a number of warehouses to accept, via user operation, the designation of a warehouse to be simulated, and, in response to the designation, to obtain from the warehouse management system slot information including the positions and sizes of the slots that store the items stored in the warehouse to be simulated, and generates a simulation model for managing operations in the warehouse to be simulated based on the slot information.

[0144] This makes it possible to automatically generate a simulation model for managing warehouse operations depending on the warehouse being simulated, thereby improving the convenience of warehouse operations.

[0145] <Technology 10> In a simulation model generation system including a warehouse management system that manages the inventory status of items stored in each of a number of warehouses, and a computing device connected for data communication, the computing device accepts designation of a warehouse to be simulated by user operation, and in response to the designation, obtains slot information including the positions and sizes of slots for storing items stored in the warehouse to be simulated from the warehouse management system, and generates a simulation model for managing operations in the warehouse to be simulated based on the slot information.

[0146] This makes it possible to automatically generate a simulation model for managing warehouse operations depending on the warehouse being simulated, thereby improving the convenience of warehouse operations. [Industrial Applicability]

[0147] The technology disclosed herein is useful as a simulation model generation method, a simulation model generation program, and a simulation model generation system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1 Simulation model generation system 2 Arithmetic unit 3-1, 3-s Warehouse Management System 4-1-1, 4-1-m, 4-s-1, 4-sn Warehouse PC 5 CPU 6. Memory 7 Storage device 8 Input / output section 9. Communications Department 10 External interface section 30 3D models 31 Shelf 32 Passage 33 Standby area 34 Loading area 35 Warehouse area 36-1, 36-2, 36-3, 36-4 Wall 37 Workers 600 Window 700 Text files

Claims

1. A simulation model generation method executed by a calculation device connected to a warehouse management system capable of data communication with the warehouse management system, the calculation device comprising: Obtaining slot information including the positions of slots for storing items stored in the warehouse to be simulated from the warehouse management system; generating a simulation model for managing operations in the simulation target warehouse based on the slot information; A method for generating a simulation model.

2. The warehouse management system manages the inventory status of items stored in each of a plurality of warehouses, The simulation model generating method includes accepting a designation of a warehouse to be simulated by a user operation; In response to the designation, slot information for storing items stored in the warehouse to be simulated is acquired from the warehouse management system. The method of generating a simulation model according to claim 1 .

3. The calculation device performs a data conversion process on the slot information to standardize slot information that is used in the same or different manner for each warehouse managed by the warehouse management system, thereby generating converted slot information; generating the simulation model based on the conversion slot information; The method of generating a simulation model according to claim 1 .

4. generating aisle information of aisles existing in the warehouse to be simulated based on the conversion slot information; The method for generating a simulation model according to claim 3 .

5. generating area information for at least one predetermined area existing in the warehouse to be simulated based on the conversion slot information and the passage information; The method for generating a simulation model according to claim 4.

6. generating wall information of walls existing in the warehouse to be simulated based on the area information; The method for generating a simulation model according to claim 5.

7. generating a layout of the warehouse to be simulated based on the conversion slot information, the aisle information, the area information, and the wall information; The method for generating a simulation model according to claim 6.

8. generating a pick list, which is a condition for executing the simulation, using the identifier of the slot; The method of generating a simulation model according to claim 1 .

9. generating inventory information for the items stored in the slots based on the picklist; The method for generating a simulation model according to claim 8.

10. The slot information includes a pick order indicating an order in which the items are to be picked. The method of generating a simulation model according to claim 1 .

11. A warehouse management system that manages inventory information of items stored in a warehouse and a computing device connected to the warehouse so as to be capable of data communication; Obtaining slot information including the positions of slots for storing items stored in the warehouse to be simulated from the warehouse management system; generating a simulation model for managing operations in the simulation target warehouse based on the slot information; Program for.

12. A simulation model generation system including a warehouse management system that manages an inventory status of items stored in a warehouse and a calculation device connected to the warehouse for data communication, The computing device in which the simulation target warehouse is stored acquires slot information including the positions of slots for storing items from the warehouse management system, and generates a simulation model for managing operations in the simulation target warehouse based on the slot information. Simulation model generation system.

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