Picking system

Abstract

To provide a picking system capable of improving the efficiency of picking work.SOLUTION: A control system executes batch generation processing in which a set number of pieces of order information are aggregated and picking work corresponding to the aggregated order information is regarded as one piece of batch work. The control part performs the batch generation processing such that when an overlap risk batch work number Nc can be decreased to a total shippable number Nb or less as the total number of object mount bodies which can be shipped from an automatic warehouse, the order information is so aggregated that the overlap risk batch work number Nc is equal to or less than the total shippable number Nb, but when the overlap risk batch work number Nc cannot be decreased to the total shippable number Nb or less, the order information is so aggregated that the overlap risk batch work number Nc is minimized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a picking system comprising: an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of mounting bodies, each mounting a plurality of items, a plurality of work areas in which picking work is performed to remove, from the mounting bodies released from the automated warehouse, items of the type and number specified by order information based on order information specifying the type and number of items required for each shipping destination, a transport system that transports the mounting bodies between the automated warehouse and the plurality of work areas, and a control system that controls the automated warehouse and the transport system. [Background technology]

[0002] In a picking system used in a logistics center or the like, a carrier carrying an item of a type specified in order information is transported from an automated warehouse to a work area. Then, in the work area, a picking operation is performed to pick out the item of a type and number specified in the order information. A plurality of picking operations occurring as tasks in the picking system are assigned to each of a plurality of work areas. An example of such a picking system is disclosed in JP 2015-199562 A. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-199562 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, there are various types of goods stored in the automated warehouse of the picking system, and different types of goods have different needs (e.g., shipping frequency and number of goods shipped). Inventory management in the automated warehouse is usually performed according to needs, but needs for goods can change according to changes in the market environment. For example, if needs arise that exceed what was originally expected, the supply of goods from the automated warehouse to the work area may be delayed, and picking work may not be able to be carried out smoothly in the work area.

[0005] In view of the above situation, it is desirable to realize a picking system that can improve the efficiency of picking operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of mounting bodies, each mounting a plurality of articles; a plurality of work areas in which a picking operation is performed to pick out the items of the type and number designated by order information from the storage objects delivered from the automated warehouse based on order information designating the type and number of the items required for each shipping destination; A transport system that transports the object between the automated warehouse and a plurality of the work areas; A picking system including a control system that controls the automated warehouse and the conveying system, The control system includes: a batch generation process for aggregating a set number of pieces of order information and forming the picking operations corresponding to the aggregated order information into one batch operation; a task allocation process for allocating each of the plurality of batch tasks generated by the batch generation process to any of the plurality of task areas; a transport process for transporting the objects required for the batch work assigned by the work allocation process to each of the plurality of work areas; and an index calculation process for calculating, for each of the plurality of types as a target type, an overlap risk index indicating the likelihood that the number of target receivers on which the items of the target type are placed will be insufficient for the number of work areas in which the picking operation of the items of the target type is performed, for all of the types; The type in which the overlap risk index is less than a predetermined judgment threshold value is defined as an overlap risk type, and the number of overlap risk batch operations that is the batch operation including the picking operation corresponding to the order information that specifies the overlap risk type is defined as the number of overlap risk batch operations, In the batch production process, the control system When the number of duplicate risk batch operations can be made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped, which is the total number of the target objects that can be shipped from the automated warehouse, consolidating the order information so that the number of duplicate risk batch operations is equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped; When the number of duplicate risk batch operations cannot be reduced to or below the total number that can be shipped, the order information is consolidated so as to minimize the number of duplicate risk batch operations.

[0007] According to this configuration, by aggregating order information specifying a duplicate risk type that may result in a shortage of the total number of items that can be shipped relative to the number of orders, it is easy to reduce the number of work areas in which picking work is performed for items of the duplicate risk type. This reduces the possibility of waiting for work in each work area to arrive at the target objects required for the picking work due to a shortage of the number of objects relative to the number of work areas. This makes it easy to reduce work waiting times in each work area and improve work efficiency.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the techniques disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Plan view of the picking system [Diagram 2] Picking system control block diagram [Diagram 3] Illustration of picking work [Figure 4] Batch work illustration [Diagram 5] A diagram showing an example of the number of orders for each type of item. [Figure 6] Explains the calculation of the primary overlap risk index and secondary overlap risk index [Figure 7] Time chart showing working time in the work area [Figure 8] Time chart showing working time in the work area [Figure 9] Time chart showing working time in the work area [Figure 10] Illustration of the process for increasing the total number of items that can be shipped [Figure 11] Diagram of the similarity index calculation [Figure 12] Illustration of sorting order information based on similarity index [Figure 13] Diagram of consolidating multiple order information through batch generation processing [Figure 14] Time chart showing work time in a work area according to another embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a picking system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the picking system 100 includes an automated warehouse 1 that stores multiple mounting objects 5, each with a multiple number of items W placed on them, multiple work areas 2 in which picking work is performed to remove items W of the type and number specified by order information In, which specifies the type and number of items W required for each shipping destination, from the mounting objects 5 released from the automated warehouse 1, based on order information In, a transport system 7 that transports the mounting objects 5 between the automated warehouse 1 and the multiple work areas 2, and a control system 3 that controls the automated warehouse 1 and the transport system 7.

[0012] The goods W include industrial products, daily necessities, food, etc. They may also include finished products and semi-finished products. The goods W are stored in the automated warehouse 1 while being placed on the placement body 5, and are transported to various locations by the transport system 7.

[0013] The mounting body 5 includes containers and pallets. Moreover, containers include folding containers and cardboard boxes. In this embodiment, the mounting body 5 is configured using a storage container for storing items in the automated warehouse 1 (see FIG. 3). In this example, a single type of item W is placed on the mounting body 5. However, multiple types of items W may be placed on the mounting body 5.

[0014] Although detailed illustration is omitted, the automated warehouse 1 includes a storage shelf for storing the objects 5, and an in-shelf transport device for transporting the objects 5 within the automated warehouse 1. Examples of the in-shelf transport device include a stacker crane, a lifter, a transport cart arranged on each level of the storage shelf, and a conveyor. The in-shelf transport device constitutes a part of the transport system 7. In this embodiment, the picking system 100 includes a plurality of such automated warehouses 1. Note that, when the automated warehouse 1 includes a conveyor as the in-shelf transport device, the automated warehouse 1 may be configured to store the objects 5 on the conveyor. In this case, the automated warehouse 1 may be configured not to include a stacker crane or a transport cart.

[0015] In this embodiment, the conveying system 7 includes a conveyor 70. The conveying path of the conveyor 70 for the mounting object 5 is formed to connect the plurality of automated warehouses 1 and the plurality of work areas 2. The mounting object 5 taken out from any one of the plurality of automated warehouses 1 is conveyed to any one of the plurality of work areas 2 through the conveying path of the conveyor 70. The mounting object 5 from which the necessary item W has been taken out by the picking operation in the work area 2 is conveyed to any one of the plurality of automated warehouses 1 through the conveying path of the conveyor 70 and stored. The conveying system 7 may include other types of conveying devices such as an automated guided vehicle instead of or in addition to the conveyor 70. As described above, the conveying system 7 includes an intra-shelf conveying device that conveys the mounting object 5 in the automated warehouse 1.

[0016] In this embodiment, the conveying system 7 has a first conveying path 71 for conveying the loaded object 5 between the automated warehouse 1 and a plurality of work areas 2, and in addition to the first conveying path 71, has a second conveying path 72 for conveying the loaded object 5 between the plurality of work areas 2.

[0017] The second transport path 72 is a path that does not connect to each automated warehouse 1. In this example, the second transport path 72 is a path that connects only a plurality of work areas 2. As described below, the second transport path 72 is a path used in a direct transport process that does not go through the automated warehouse 1.

[0018] 2, the control system 3 is configured to control the automated warehouse 1, the work area 2, and the transport system 7 based on the order information In. The control system 3 also controls a work instruction output device (such as a monitor) and a picking robot arranged in the work area 2.

[0019] The order information In is information that specifies the type and number of goods W required for each shipping destination. The order information In is information that is generated based on customer needs, and is stored in the server 4. The control system 3 obtains the order information In from the server 4.

[0020] The control system 3 is configured to perform inventory management of the items W in the automated warehouse 1. The control system 3 is configured to manage at least the type and number of the items W placed on each of the placement bodies 5 stored in the automated warehouse 1.

[0021] The control system 3 selects multiple or a single object 5 required for the picking operation in each work area 2 based on the order information In, and transports the selected object 5 to each work area 2 using the transport system 7. The transport of the object 5 from the automated warehouse 1 to the work area 2 is performed using the first transport path 71 described above.

[0022] The control system 3 can be configured using multiple pieces of hardware and multiple pieces of software. The control system 3 includes, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, and peripheral circuits such as a memory. Each function is realized by cooperation between the hardware and a program executed on a processor such as a computer.

[0023] Next, the picking work performed in work area 2 will be described.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the picking work is performed based on the order information In. In the picking work, multiple or a single item W specified in the order information In is collected. For example, the order information In is generated for each shipping destination. Therefore, the picking work can be said to be a task of collecting the items W requested for each shipping destination.

[0025] Multiple or a single mounting body 5 carrying items W of the type and number specified in the order information In is transported to a specific work area 2, and in the picking operation, the items W related to the order information In are removed and collected in a shipping container 6.

[0026] When all the articles W placed on the mounting body 5 are removed by the picking operation, the mounting body 5 becomes empty. In this embodiment, the work area 2 is provided with an empty mounting body holding section 20 that holds empty mounting bodies 5 generated by the picking operation. This allows the empty mounting bodies 5 to be stored in the work area 2. When the mounting body 5 is configured using a folding container, stacking a plurality of mounting bodies 5 in a folded state can improve space efficiency. As will be described later, in this example, the empty mounting bodies 5 stored in the work area 2 are used in a mounting body division operation.

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order information In specifies three items W of type A (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "item A"), two items W of type B (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "item B"), and one item W of type C (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "item C"). In this example, each of the mounting bodies 5 is configured to mount a single type of item W, and a mounting body 5 for mounting at least three or more items A, a mounting body 5 for mounting at least two or more items B, and a mounting body 5 for mounting at least one or more items C are transported to the work area 2. Then, in the picking work in the work area 2, three items A, two items B, and one item C are collected in a shipping container 6. The picking work may be performed by a worker, or may be performed unmanned by a picking robot or the like. Alternatively, it may be performed by both a worker and a picking robot.

[0028] 3, the same number of items C (one item C in the illustrated example) as the number specified in the order information In is placed on the placement body 5 that transports the items C. Therefore, when a picking operation is performed on this placement body 5, the placement body 5 becomes empty and is held by the empty placement body holding unit 20.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the control system 3 (see FIG. 2) is configured to execute a batch generation process that aggregates a set number of order information In and treats picking work corresponding to the aggregated order information In as one batch work, a work assignment process that assigns each of the multiple batch works generated by the batch generation process to one of multiple work areas 2, and a transport process that transports a mounting body 5 required for the batch work assigned by the work assignment process to each of the multiple work areas 2.

[0030] The batch work includes a set number of picking operations related to the order information In. That is, the batch work includes a set number of picking operations. In this embodiment, this "set number" is the maximum number of picking operations that can be included in one batch work. In this example, the set number is set to 4. That is, in this case, the number of picking operations that can be included in one batch work is 1 to 4. However, the set number may be other than "4", for example, it may be "1". Thus, in this embodiment, the set number is a fixed value, but it may be a value that changes depending on the situation.

[0031] In the example shown in FIG. 4, four batch operations are illustrated. Each of the four batch operations includes four picking operations. Each of the four batch operations is assigned to one of the four work areas 2 by the operation allocation process. However, as described above, the number of picking operations included in one batch operation does not have to exceed a set number, and in this example, it may be 1 to 3.

[0032] Here, the types of goods W stored in the automated warehouse 1 of the picking system 100 are various, and the needs vary depending on the type of goods W.

[0033] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, assume that the types of items W range from A to Z. The right column of the table shows the number of order information In to be processed within a unit period (hereinafter referred to as "order number Na") for each type of item W. In other words, the order number Na indicates the number of order information In to be processed within a unit period in which a specific type of item W is involved. In the example shown, type A is included in each of the 200 pieces of order information In. In other words, item W of type A is requested in the picking work related to each of the 200 pieces of order information In. For types X, Y, and Z, the order number Na is relatively small, being "6," "5," and "16," respectively.

[0034] The picking system 100 performs inventory management in the automated warehouse 1. In this inventory management, the inventory quantity of items W of high demand types that tend to have a relatively large number of order numbers Na (i.e., the number of items W stored in the automated warehouse 1) is increased, and the inventory quantity of items W of low demand types that tend to have a relatively small number of order numbers Na is decreased. This makes it easier to improve the storage efficiency of items W in the automated warehouse 1.

[0035] Here, each of the multiple types is referred to as a target type, a mounting body 5 on which an item W of a target type is placed is referred to as a target mounting body 5, and the total number of target mounting bodies 5 that can be shipped from the automated warehouse 1 is referred to as the total number that can be shipped Nb. The total number that can be shipped Nb is, for example, the total number of target mounting bodies 5 currently stored in the automated warehouse 1. Note that the "target type" refers to some or all of the types handled by the picking system 100 that are subject to the batch generation process and the total number that can be shipped increase process described later.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the control system 3 is configured to perform an index calculation process to calculate a primary duplication risk index N1 (equivalent to the "duplication risk index") for all types of items, which indicates the likelihood that the number of target mounting bodies 5, which are mounting bodies 5 on which items W of the target type are placed, will be insufficient relative to the number of work areas 2 in which picking work of the target type of items W is performed.

[0037] In this embodiment, the number of order information In that specify the target type of item W among the multiple order information In to be processed within a unit period is defined as the number of target orders Na, and the primary duplication risk index N1 is defined as the value obtained by dividing the total number of items that can be shipped Nb by the number of target orders Na.

[0038] The control system 3 determines a type for which the primary overlap risk index N1 is less than a predetermined primary judgment threshold (corresponding to a "judgment threshold") as an overlapping risk type. In this embodiment, the primary judgment threshold is set to "1.00". However, the primary judgment threshold can be set arbitrarily. The control system 3 calculates the primary overlap risk index N1 for all types, and recognizes a type for which the primary overlap risk index N1 is less than "1.00" as an overlapping risk type.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows an example in which types X, Y, and Z are each considered to be overlapping risk types.

[0040] For type X, the total number Nb that can be shipped is "2", and when this is divided by the number of target orders Na of "6", the primary overlap risk index N1 becomes "0.33", which is less than the primary judgment threshold value of "1.00". Therefore, the control system 3 extracts type X from all types as a overlap risk type.

[0041] For type Y, the total number Nb that can be shipped is "1", and when this is divided by the number of target orders Na of "5", the primary overlap risk index N1 becomes "0.20", which is less than the primary judgment threshold value of "1.00". Therefore, the control system 3 extracts type Y from all types as a overlap risk type.

[0042] For type Z, the total number Nb that can be shipped is "1", and when this is divided by the number of target orders Na of "16", the primary overlap risk index N1 becomes "0.06", which is less than the primary judgment threshold value of "1.00". Therefore, the control system 3 extracts type Z from all types as a overlap risk type.

[0043] Next, the control system 3 calculates the number of overlap risk batch jobs Nc for each of the extracted overlap risk types, taking the number of overlap risk batch jobs, which are batch jobs including picking jobs corresponding to the order information In specifying the overlap risk type, as the overlap risk batch job number Nc. Here, the overlap risk batch job number Nc is the number of batch jobs required to handle all orders in which the target type of item W is specified. The overlap risk batch job number Nc is a value obtained by dividing the target order number Na by a set number ("4" in this example). If the divided value includes a decimal point, the divided value is rounded up to obtain a value with the decimal point rounded up in order to ensure the number of batch jobs required to handle all orders in which the target type of item W is specified.

[0044] To explain this with reference to Figure 6, for type X, the number of target orders Na is "6", which is divided by the set number "4" and rounded up to the nearest whole number, resulting in the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc being "2". In other words, the number of batch jobs required to handle all orders that specify item W of type X is "2".

[0045] For type Y, the number of target orders Na is "5", which is divided by the set number "4" and rounded up to the nearest whole number, resulting in the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc being "2". In other words, the number of batch jobs required to handle all orders that specify item W of type Y is "2".

[0046] For type Z, the number of target orders Na is "16", and when this is divided by the set number "4", the number of duplicate risk batch operations Nc becomes "4". In other words, the number of batch operations required to handle all orders that specify item W of type Z is "4".

[0047] Here, the control system 3 is configured to increase or decrease the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc by changing the number of order information In to be aggregated (hereinafter referred to as the "aggregated order number") within a range that does not exceed a set number. As shown in the following formula (1), the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc is calculated by dividing the number of target orders Na by the aggregated order number. Number of duplicate risk batches Nc = Number of target orders Na / Number of aggregated orders (1) *Order aggregation number is less than or equal to the set number Therefore, the larger the order aggregation number, the smaller the duplicate risk batch work number Nc becomes, and the smaller the order aggregation number, the larger the duplicate risk batch work number Nc becomes. By controlling the increase or decrease in the duplicate risk batch work number Nc, the control system 3 can set an appropriate duplicate risk batch work number Nc for the total number of possible deliveries Nb.

[0048] In the batch generation process, when the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc can be made equal to or less than the total number of target objects 5 that can be shipped from the automated warehouse 1, which is the total number of target objects 5 that can be shipped from the automated warehouse 1, the control system 3 consolidates the order information In so that the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc is equal to or less than the total number of target objects 5 that can be shipped. In other words, the control system 3 sets the order consolidation number so that the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc is equal to or less than the total number of target objects 5 that can be shipped. This reduces the possibility of waiting for work (hereinafter simply referred to as "waiting for work") to wait for target objects 5 required for picking work in each work area 2 due to an insufficient number of target objects 5 relative to the number of work areas 2. Note that the case where the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc can be made equal to or less than the total number of target objects 5 that can be shipped refers to the case where the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc can be made equal to or less than the total number of target objects 5 that can be shipped by increasing the order consolidation number to the limit of the set number and decreasing the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc.

[0049] In the batch generation process, if the control system 3 cannot reduce the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc to the total number of available shipments Nb or less, it aggregates the order information In to minimize the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc. In other words, the control system 3 minimizes the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc by setting the number of order aggregations to a preset number that is the maximum number that can aggregate the order information In.

[0050] In this embodiment, the control system 3 further calculates a secondary overlap risk index N2 for the extracted overlap risk type, which indicates the likelihood of a shortage in the number of work areas 2 in which the picking work of items W of the overlap risk type is performed.

[0051] The secondary overlap risk index N2 is calculated by dividing the total number of items that can be shipped Nb by the number of overlap risk batch jobs Nc. The control system 3 recognizes overlap risk types for which the secondary overlap risk index N2 is less than the secondary judgment threshold as types that require action. In this example, the secondary judgment threshold is set to "1.00." However, the secondary judgment threshold can be set arbitrarily.

[0052] 6 as an example, for type X, the total number of items that can be shipped Nb is "2", and when this is divided by the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc of "2", the secondary duplicate risk index N2 becomes "1.00". Therefore, since the secondary duplicate risk index N2 of type X is not less than the secondary judgment threshold value of "1.00", the control system 3 does not recognize type X as a type requiring action.

[0053] For type Y, the total number Nb that can be shipped is "1", and when this is divided by the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc of "2", the secondary duplicate risk index N2 becomes "0.50". Therefore, since the secondary duplicate risk index N2 of type Y is less than the secondary judgment threshold value of "1.00", the control system 3 recognizes type Y as a type requiring action.

[0054] For type Z, the total number Nb that can be shipped is "1", and when this is divided by the number of duplicate risk batch jobs Nc of "4", the secondary duplicate risk index N2 becomes "0.25". Therefore, since the secondary duplicate risk index N2 of type Z is less than the secondary judgment threshold value of "1.00", the control system 3 recognizes type Z as a type requiring action.

[0055] The case where the secondary overlap risk index N2 is less than the secondary judgment threshold value of "1.00" can be rephrased as the case where the overlap risk batch work count Nc exceeds the total number of batches that can be shipped Nb.

[0056] In this embodiment, when the number of overlap risk batch jobs Nc exceeds the total number that can be shipped Nb, the control system 3 sets the number of work areas 2 to which overlap risk batch jobs are assigned in the work allocation process to be equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped Nb. In other words, when the secondary overlap risk index N2 is less than the secondary judgment threshold value "1.00", the control system 3 sets the number of work areas 2 to which overlap risk batch jobs are assigned to be equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped Nb.

[0057] For example, when focusing on type Y in FIG. 6, the number of duplicate risk batch tasks Nc is "2", which exceeds the total number of items that can be shipped Nb of "1". The secondary duplicate risk index N2 is "0.50", which is less than the secondary judgment threshold value of "1.00". In other words, type Y is recognized as a type that requires action. Therefore, in such a case, the control system 3 allocates two duplicate risk batch tasks, including a picking task for type Y, to one work area 2 in order to make the number of work areas 2 to which duplicate risk batch tasks are assigned equal to or less than the total number of items that can be shipped Nb.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the control system 3 executes a work assignment process so that the expected time from the start to the end of a plurality of overlapping risk batch operations performed in each work area 2 does not exceed a predetermined limit time T. Note that the "limit time T" is based on, for example, the time when the article W is shipped from the picking system 100, and the picking operation related to each order information In needs to be completed within the limit time T.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows an example in which the control system 3 assigns two overlapping risk batch operations including a picking operation for the type Y to the first work area 2 which is one of the plurality of work areas 2. The strip-shaped display in the figure indicates one overlapping risk batch operation. Each of the two strip-shaped displays is divided into four parts. This represents that one overlapping risk batch operation includes four picking operations. And among the four picking operations, the operation shown in black represents the picking operation for the type Y which is the overlapping risk type.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the total time of the expected time T1 required for one of the two overlapping risk batch operations and the expected time T2 required for the other one does not exceed the limit time T (T1 + T2 < T). Therefore, the control system 3 can assign the two overlapping risk batch operations including the picking operation for the type Y to the first work area 2.

[0061] If the expected time from the start to the end of a plurality of overlapping risk batch operations does not exceed the limit time T, the control system 3 may assign the plurality of overlapping risk batch operations to the plurality of work areas 2.

[0062] 8, in this embodiment, when the number of overlap risk batch tasks Nc exceeds the total number of items that can be shipped Nb, and when the overlap risk batch tasks are assigned to multiple work areas 2 in the task allocation process, the control system 3 assigns the overlap risk batch tasks to each work area 2 so that at least the picking tasks for the items W of the overlap risk type are performed in different time periods. This makes it possible to prevent the timing of the picking tasks for the items W of the overlap risk type from overlapping, even when overlap risk batch tasks for a specific overlap risk type are performed in multiple work areas 2. This makes it possible to avoid situations in which tasks have to be waited for.

[0063] 8 shows an example in which the control system 3 assigns two overlap risk batch tasks, each including a picking task for type Y, to a first work area 2 and a second work area 2. As shown in FIG. 8, in this example, the control system 3 assigns the overlap risk batch tasks to each work area 2 such that the overlap risk batch task performed in the first work area 2 and the overlap risk batch task performed in the second work area 2 are performed in different time periods. Since the total number Nb that can be shipped for type Y is "1" (see FIG. 6), the same target placement object 5 on which the item W of type Y is placed is provided to the first work area 2 and the second work area 2 at different times.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 8, a target object 5 having an item W of type Y placed thereon is first provided to the first work area 2, and then provided to the second work area 2. When the control system 3 allocates overlap risk batch tasks to multiple work areas 2, the condition is that the overlap risk batch task in the work area 2 to which the target object 5 is provided last among the multiple work areas 2 can be completed within the time limit T. In the example shown in the figure, the expected time T2 required for the overlap risk batch task in the second work area 2 falls within the time limit T. Therefore, the control system 3 is able to allocate two overlap risk batch tasks including a picking task for type Y to the first work area 2 and the second work area 2.

[0065] In this embodiment, when the control system 3 assigns multiple overlap risk batch tasks to multiple work areas 2, it maximizes the mutual shift in the periods in which picking tasks for overlap risk types are performed in each overlap risk batch task.

[0066] 8, the control system 3 controls the picking operation for type Y, which is a duplicate risk type, in the duplicate risk batch work performed in the first work area 2, to be performed first among the four picking operations constituting the duplicate risk batch work. The control system 3 controls the picking operation for type Y, which is a duplicate risk type, in the duplicate risk batch work performed in the second work area 2, to be performed last among the four picking operations constituting the duplicate risk batch work. With this configuration, it is easy to ensure time for transporting the item W of the duplicate risk type (type Y) that is common to the duplicate risk batch work in the first work area 2 and the duplicate risk batch work in the second work area 2, from the first work area 2 to the second work area 2.

[0067] In the example shown in Fig. 6, the number of overlap risk batch tasks Nc for type Z is "4" and the total number of items that can be shipped Nb is "1." Fig. 9 shows a time chart for a case in which four overlap risk batch tasks, including a picking task for type Z, are performed. In the figure, a portion of the band-shaped display divided into four is shown with hatching, and this portion represents the picking task for type Z, which is a overlap risk type.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 9, if all four overlap risk batch tasks are performed in series along the time axis, the expected time from start to finish of the four overlap risk batch tasks exceeds the time limit T. In the illustrated example, the number of overlap risk batch tasks that can be completed within the time limit T is limited to "3." In this case, for example, by allocating the remaining overlap risk batch task that does not fit within the time limit T to another work area 2, this remaining overlap risk batch task can also be completed within the time limit T. However, since the total number Nb that can be shipped for type Z is "1" (see FIG. 6), the overlap risk batch task that includes the picking task for type Z can only be physically performed in one work area 2.

[0069] 9, in this embodiment, the control system 3 executes a total output number increase process for increasing the total output number Nb when a predicted time from the start to the end of multiple overlap risk batch operations performed in each work area 2 exceeds a predetermined time limit T. This makes it possible to increase the number of target objects 5 required for the overlap risk batch operations in the work area 2.

[0070] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the control system 3 assigns three of the four overlap risk batch tasks for type Z to the first work area 2, and the remaining one to the second work area 2. However, the number of overlap risk batch tasks to be assigned to each work area 2 can be set arbitrarily. Then, the control system 3 provides the target object 5 on which the item W of type Z is placed to the first work area 2, and provides another target object 5 increased by the outgoing item increase process to the second work area 2. This allows different overlap risk batch tasks to be performed simultaneously in different work areas 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the four overlap risk batch tasks that would exceed the time limit T if performed only in the first work area 2 can be distributed to the second work area 2, and as a result, the four overlap risk batch tasks for type Z can be completed within the time limit T.

[0071] The above-mentioned processing for increasing the total number of items that can be shipped will now be explained. Here, the explanation will continue by taking type Z as an example.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the process of increasing the total number of items that can be shipped includes a load body division task, which is a task of dividing multiple items W of the target type placed on one target load body 5 and placing them across multiple load bodies 5.

[0073] In this embodiment, the placement object division work is performed in one of a plurality of work areas 2. The control system 3 designates one of the plurality of work areas 2, and issues instructions to a worker or a picking robot working in the designated work area 2. For example, the control system 3 issues instructions to a worker using a work instruction output device (monitor, etc.) provided in the work area 2. For the picking robot, an instruction signal is sent to a control device that controls the picking robot. Hereinafter, the work area 2 in which the placement object division work is performed may be referred to as a target work area 2.

[0074] As described above, in the target work area 2, empty mounts 5 generated by the picking operation are held by the empty mount holder 20 (see FIG. 3). In the mount division operation, multiple items W of the target type placed on the target mount 5 are distributed to empty mounts 5 held by the empty mount holder 20.

[0075] In the example shown in Fig. 10, in addition to the first work area 2 where picking work for items W of type Z is performed, there is a second work area 2 where picking work for items W of type Z should be performed. In the first work area 2 where a target mounting body 5 for placing items W of type Z is provided, a mounting body division work is performed, and some of the multiple items W placed on the target mounting body 5 are transferred to an empty mounting body 5 that was held in the first work area 2. As a result, the number of mounting bodies 5 for placing items W of type Z, which had a total number Nb that can be taken out of stock of "1", increases to two.

[0076] In this embodiment, after the placement body division work is completed in the first work area 2, the control system 3 controls the conveying system 7 to convey at least one of the placement bodies 5 on which the target type of item W is placed, using the second conveying path 72, to a second work area 2 other than the first work area 2 where a batch work in which the target type of item W is included in the picking work is performed. The control system 3 conveys the placement body 5 generated by the placement body division work along the second conveying path 72 by executing a direct conveying process for conveying the placement body 5 between different work areas 2 without going through the automated warehouse 1.

[0077] In the example shown in FIG. 10, one of two receivers 5 on which an article W of type Z is placed is transported from the first working area 2 to the second working area 2 via the second transport path 72.

[0078] In this embodiment, in the placement body division work, a required number of articles W of a target type are transferred to the placement body 5 in another work area 2 (second work area 2) other than the target work area 2 (first work area 2).

[0079] In the example shown in FIG. 10, two items W of type Z are specified by the order information In in the second working area 2. That is, the number of items W of type Z required in the second working area 2 is "2". Therefore, in the placement body division work performed in the first working area 2, two items W are transferred from the target placement body 5 on which ten items W of type Y are placed to an empty placement body 5. The placement body 5 on which the two items W of type Z are placed is transported from the first working area 2 to the second working area 2 through the second transport path 72. With this configuration, it is possible to simultaneously perform picking work for items W of type Z in both the first working area 2 and the second working area 2 (see FIG. 9).

[0080] As described above, in the batch generation process, the control system 3 executes a process of aggregating order information In that specifies a duplicate risk type (types X, Y, and Z in this example). In this specification, the process of aggregating order information In related to such a duplicate risk type is referred to as a first aggregation process. In this embodiment, the control system 3 is configured to execute a second aggregation process that aggregates order information In that specifies a type that is not subject to the first aggregation process (types other than types X, Y, and Z in this example). That is, in the batch generation process, after the first aggregation process that aggregates order information In that specifies a duplicate risk type as the target of the picking work, the control system 3 executes a second aggregation process that aggregates order information In that was not subject to the first aggregation process among multiple order information In to be processed within a unit period in order of similarity index Ex (described later).

[0081] The second aggregation process will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 11, the control system 3 is configured to calculate a similarity index Ex indicating the degree to which each of the multiple pieces of order information In is similar to one another in the index calculation process.

[0083] In this embodiment, in addition to calculating the above-mentioned primary overlap risk index, the control system 3 assigns a type value Va to the types of objects to be handled (here, types other than overlap risk types) to rank the types. Then, in the index calculation process, the control system 3 sets the type values ​​Va of all types to be handled so that the type value Va of the object type is greater than the sum of the type values ​​Va of all types lower than the object type.

[0084] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that there are types of items W, A to F, and the ranks of each type are 1 to 6. When focusing on type A, the type value Va of type A is "32", and the sum of the type values ​​Va of the lower types B to F is "31 (=16+8+4+2+1)" which is smaller than "32". Also, when focusing on type D, for example, the type value Va of type D is "4", and the sum of the type values ​​Va of the lower types E and F is "3 (=2+1)" which is smaller than "4". That is, the control system 3 sets the type value Va of the type to be handled as the target type (the type being focused on) such that the type value Va of the target type is larger than the sum of the type values ​​Va of all types lower than the target type.

[0085] In this embodiment, the type value Va is set to the Nth power (N is an integer equal to or greater than 0) of M (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2), where N is a value according to the ranking order. This makes it possible to easily set type values ​​Va such that the type value Va of each of the multiple types is greater than the total of the type values ​​Va of all types lower than that type. In this example, M is set to "2". N is set to a larger value as the ranking order of the type increases, and is set to "0 to 5" in this example. That is, the type value Va of each type is expressed as 2 to the 0th power to 2 to the 5th power.

[0086] In this embodiment, the ranking is performed in order of shipping frequency, which is the frequency specified by the order information In. The higher the shipping frequency, the higher the ranking, and the lower the shipping frequency, the lower the ranking. In other words, the ranking is performed in order of increasing need, so the higher the need, the higher the ranking, and the lower the need, the lower the ranking.

[0087] In the index calculation process, the control system 3 calculates the sum of the type values ​​Va for all types included in each piece of order information In as the similarity index Ex for each piece of order information In. Since the type values ​​Va are decimal values, the sum of the type values ​​Va is also a decimal value.

[0088] In this embodiment, the control system 3 sets the similarity exponent Ex to a binary value in the exponent calculation process. That is, in this embodiment, the control system 3 executes a process of converting the sum of the type values ​​Va expressed in decimal numbers into a binary number. This simplifies the calculation process of the similarity exponent Ex, making it easier to reduce the calculation process load of the control system 3.

[0089] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the order information In specifies four items W of type A, two items W of type C, and one item W of type D. In this case, the types of items W included in the order information In are "A", "C", and "D". Based on the table at the top of FIG. 11, the type value Va of type A is "32", the type value Va of type C is "8", and the type value Va of type D is "4", so the sum of these type values ​​Va is "44". The control system 3 converts this sum into a binary number to obtain a six-digit similarity index Ex of "101100". In this example, since N is set to 0 to 5, the value converted into a binary number is a six-digit value.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, in the batch generation process, the control system 3 performs stable sorting of the binary similarity exponents Ex for multiple order information In to be processed within a unit period, in ascending order of the number of digits.

[0091] 12 shows an example in which the number of order information In to be processed within a unit period is seven. The control system 3 executes an exponential calculation process to calculate a binary similarity exponent Ex for each of the seven order information In. Then, the similarity exponent Ex of each order information In, which in this example is a six-digit binary similarity exponent Ex, is compared in order starting from the first digit, with the larger values ​​being moved to the top, and this is continued up to the final sixth digit.

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 12, when comparing the first digits of the similarity indexes Ex related to the seven order information In, the similarity index Ex related to the second order information In (the order information In indicated by a circle 2 in the figure) has the largest value and is shifted to the top digit.

[0093] Next, when the second digits are compared, the similarity index Ex related to the fourth order information In (order information In indicated by a circle 4 in the figure) and the similarity index Ex related to the fifth order information In (order information In indicated by a circle 5 in the figure) have the largest values, and these similarity indexes Ex are shifted to the top while keeping the order of these similarity indexes Ex unchanged.

[0094] In the example shown, when this process is performed up to the sixth digit, the similarity index Ex relating to the fifth order information In will ultimately be the highest, and the similarity index Ex relating to the third order information In (order information In indicated by a circle 3 in the figure) will be the lowest.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 13, in the batch generation process, the control system 3 aggregates multiple pieces of order information In (in this example, the first to seventh order information In) to be processed within a unit period in order of similarity index Ex. In this embodiment, the control system 3 aggregates multiple pieces of order information In that are close in order obtained by stable sorting. The picking tasks related to each of the aggregated multiple pieces of order information In are treated as one batch task by the batch generation process.

[0096] In this embodiment, in the batch generation process, the control system 3 aggregates order information In whose rankings of the similarity index Ex are adjacent to each other, and treats the picking work related to each order information In as one batch work. Then, the control system 3 executes a work allocation process to allocate the batch work to one of the multiple work areas 2.

[0097] In the example shown in Figure 13, the fifth order information In and the sixth order information In (order information In indicated by a circle 6 in the figure) are adjacent to each other in terms of the ranking of the similarity index Ex, and the picking work related to each of these order information In is treated as one batch work and assigned to the third work area 2.

[0098] In addition, the seventh order information In (order information In indicated by a circle 7 in the figure) and the second order information In are adjacent to each other in terms of the ranking of the similarity index Ex, and the picking work related to each of these order information In is treated as one batch work and assigned to the fourth work area 2.

[0099] In this manner, a plurality of batch jobs generated by the batch generation process are assigned to any one of a plurality of work areas 2 by the work assignment process.

[0100] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0101] (1) In the above embodiment, when multiple overlap risk batch tasks are assigned to multiple work areas 2, the control system 3 assigns the overlap risk batch tasks to each work area 2 so that each overlap risk batch task is performed in a different period (see FIG. 8). However, without being limited to such an example, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the control system 3 may perform some of the overlap risk batch tasks in the same period. In this case, the control system 3 performs picking tasks for items W of a common overlap risk type among the multiple overlap risk batch tasks in different periods. This makes it possible to secure time for transporting the overlap risk type items W between the multiple work areas 2. In the illustrated example, the period in which the overlap risk batch tasks are performed in the first work area 2 and the period in which the overlap risk batch tasks are performed in the second work area 2 overlap. However, in the first work area 2, the picking work for type Y, which is a duplicate risk type, is performed first among the four picking works that make up the duplicate risk batch work, and in the second work area 2, the picking work for type Y, which is a duplicate risk type, is performed last among the four picking works that make up the duplicate risk batch work. As a result, both picking works are performed in different periods.

[0102] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control system 3 executes a process for increasing the total number of available shipments Nb when the predicted time from the start to the end of multiple overlap risk batch tasks performed in each work area 2 exceeds a predetermined time limit T. However, without being limited to this example, the control system 3 may extend the time limit T instead of executing the process for increasing the total number of available shipments so that multiple overlap risk batch tasks are completed within the time limit T.

[0103] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control system 3 calculates the primary overlap risk index N1 and then the secondary overlap risk index N2 in the index calculation process. However, without being limited to such an example, the control system 3 may execute at least one of the calculation of the primary overlap risk index N1 and the calculation of the secondary overlap risk index N2 in the index calculation process. For example, when calculating the secondary overlap risk index N2, this secondary overlap risk index N2 corresponds to the "overlap risk index."

[0104] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which an empty load object 5 held by the empty load object holder 20 in the target work area 2 in which the load object division work is to be performed is used in the load object division work. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the empty load object 5 used in the load object division work may be transported to the target work area 2 from a location different from the target work area 2 (for example, an empty space in the automated warehouse 1, etc.).

[0105] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the total number Nb that can be taken out is increased by dividing the object. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the total number Nb that can be taken out may be increased by replenishing the target object 5 on which the target type of item W is placed from a location other than the automated warehouse 1 (e.g., an auxiliary warehouse) to the automated warehouse 1.

[0106] (6) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the types of goods W are ranked in order of shipping frequency, which is the frequency specified by the order information In. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the ranking may be based on the uniqueness (shape or packaging style) of the goods W.

[0107] (7) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the more frequently shipped a type is ranked higher and the less frequently shipped a type is ranked lower. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the ranking may be the opposite to the above, in which the more frequently shipped a type is ranked lower and the less frequently shipped a type is ranked higher.

[0108] (8) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0109] [Summary of this embodiment] The following is a summary of this embodiment.

[0110] an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of mounting bodies, each mounting a plurality of articles; a plurality of work areas in which a picking operation is performed to pick out the items of the type and number designated by order information from the storage objects delivered from the automated warehouse based on order information designating the type and number of the items required for each shipping destination; A transport system that transports the object between the automated warehouse and a plurality of the work areas; A picking system including a control system that controls the automated warehouse and the conveying system, The control system includes: a batch generation process for aggregating a set number of pieces of order information and forming the picking operations corresponding to the aggregated order information into one batch operation; a task allocation process for allocating each of the plurality of batch tasks generated by the batch generation process to any of the plurality of task areas; a transport process for transporting the objects required for the batch work assigned by the work allocation process to each of the plurality of work areas; and an index calculation process for calculating, for each of the plurality of types as a target type, an overlap risk index indicating the likelihood that the number of target receivers on which the items of the target type are placed will be insufficient for the number of work areas in which the picking operation of the items of the target type is performed, for all of the types; The type in which the overlap risk index is less than a predetermined judgment threshold value is defined as an overlap risk type, and the number of overlap risk batch operations that is the batch operation including the picking operation corresponding to the order information that specifies the overlap risk type is defined as the number of overlap risk batch operations, In the batch production process, the control system When the number of duplicate risk batch operations can be made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped, which is the total number of the target objects that can be shipped from the automated warehouse, consolidating the order information so that the number of duplicate risk batch operations is equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped; When the number of duplicate risk batch operations cannot be reduced to or below the total number that can be shipped, the order information is consolidated so as to minimize the number of duplicate risk batch operations.

[0111] According to this configuration, by aggregating order information specifying a duplicate risk type that may result in a shortage of the total number of items that can be shipped relative to the number of orders, it is easy to reduce the number of work areas in which picking work is performed for items of the duplicate risk type. This reduces the possibility of waiting for work in each work area to arrive at the target objects required for the picking work due to a shortage of the number of objects relative to the number of work areas. This makes it easy to reduce work waiting times in each work area and improve work efficiency.

[0112] The number of order information items that specify the target type of item among the plurality of order information items to be processed within a unit period is defined as the number of target orders, The duplication risk index is preferably set to a value obtained by dividing the total number of items that can be shipped by the number of target orders.

[0113] According to this configuration, an overlap risk index, which indicates the likelihood that the number of target mounting bodies on which items of the target type are placed will be insufficient relative to the number of work areas in which picking work of the target type of items is performed, can be calculated through simple calculation processing.

[0114] It is preferable that, when the number of overlap risk batch jobs exceeds the total number that can be shipped, the control system, in the job allocation process, sets the number of job areas to which the overlap risk batch jobs are assigned to equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped.

[0115] According to this configuration, multiple overlap risk batch jobs for a specific overlap risk type of item can be assigned to one work area, and the multiple overlap risk batch jobs can be processed serially in one work area. Therefore, the above-mentioned situation of waiting for work can be avoided. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the waiting for work in each work area and improve work efficiency.

[0116] When the number of duplicate risk batch tasks exceeds the total number that can be shipped, and when the duplicate risk batch tasks are assigned to multiple work areas in the work allocation process, the control system preferably assigns the duplicate risk batch tasks to each of the work areas so that the picking work for at least the items of the duplicate risk type is performed in different time periods.

[0117] According to this configuration, even if overlap risk batch work for a specific overlap risk type of item is performed in multiple work areas, it is possible to prevent the timing of picking work for the overlap risk type of item from overlapping. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the above-mentioned situation where work waiting occurs. Therefore, it is easy to keep work waiting in each work area to a minimum and improve work efficiency.

[0118] It is preferable that the control system executes a total number of available shipments increase process to increase the total number of available shipments when a predicted time from the start to the end of multiple overlap risk batch operations performed in each of the work areas exceeds a predetermined time limit.

[0119] According to this configuration, if the time from the start to the end of multiple overlap risk batch tasks exceeds a predetermined time limit, the number of items containing overlap risk types that can be released from the automated warehouse is increased, thereby preventing significant delays in each of the multiple overlap risk batch tasks as a whole system.

[0120] The control system, in the exponential calculation process, Calculating a similarity index indicating the degree to which each of the plurality of pieces of order information is similar to each other; In addition to calculating the overlap risk index, a type value is assigned to the type of object to rank the types; set the type values ​​of all of the types to be handled such that the type value of the object type is greater than the sum of the type values ​​of all of the types lower than the object type; A sum of the type values ​​for all the types included in each of the order information is calculated as the similarity index for each of the order information; In the batch generation process, it is preferable that, after a first aggregation process of aggregating the order information that specifies the duplicate risk type as the target of the picking operation, the control system aggregates, among the multiple order information to be processed within a unit period, the order information that was not subject to the first aggregation process, in order of proximity of the similarity index.

[0121] According to this configuration, by aggregating order information that specifies a duplicate risk type, the possibility of the above-mentioned waiting for work can be reduced, while by aggregating order information that does not specify a duplicate risk type and has a similar similarity index, the possibility of consolidating multiple picking operations performed for the same type of item into the same batch operation can be increased. If multiple picking operations performed for the same type of item can be consolidated into the same batch operation, these multiple picking operations can be performed together in one work area. Therefore, the efficiency of transporting the objects in the transport process can be improved, and the efficiency of work in the work area can also be improved. [Industrial Applicability]

[0122] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a picking system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 100: Picking system 1: Automated warehouse 2:Work area 3: Control system 5: Placement body 7: Transport system W:Goods In :Order Information Na: Number of orders Nb: Total number of items available for shipment Nc: Number of duplicate risk batch operations T: Time limit Va : Type value Ex: Similarity index

Claims

1. an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of mounting bodies, each mounting a plurality of articles; a plurality of work areas in which a picking operation is performed to pick out the items of the type and number designated by order information from the storage objects delivered from the automated warehouse based on order information designating the type and number of the items required for each shipping destination; A transport system that transports the object between the automated warehouse and a plurality of the work areas; A picking system including a control system that controls the automated warehouse and the conveying system, The control system includes: a batch generation process for aggregating a set number of pieces of order information and forming the picking operations corresponding to the aggregated order information into one batch operation; a task allocation process for allocating each of the plurality of batch tasks generated by the batch generation process to any of the plurality of task areas; a transport process for transporting the objects required for the batch work assigned by the work allocation process to each of the plurality of work areas; and an index calculation process for calculating, for each of the plurality of types as a target type, an overlap risk index indicating the likelihood that the number of target receivers on which the items of the target type are placed will be insufficient for the number of work areas in which the picking operation of the items of the target type is performed, for all of the types; The type in which the overlap risk index is less than a predetermined judgment threshold value is defined as an overlap risk type, and the number of overlap risk batch operations that is the batch operation including the picking operation corresponding to the order information that specifies the overlap risk type is defined as the number of overlap risk batch operations, In the batch production process, the control system: When the number of duplicate risk batch jobs can be made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped, which is the total number of the target objects that can be shipped from the automated warehouse, consolidating the order information so that the number of duplicate risk batch jobs is equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped; When the number of duplicate risk batch operations cannot be reduced to or below the total number that can be shipped, the picking system consolidates the order information so as to minimize the number of duplicate risk batch operations.

2. The number of order information items that specify the target type of item among the plurality of order information items to be processed within a unit period is defined as the number of target orders, The picking system according to claim 1 , wherein the duplication risk index is a value obtained by dividing the total number of items that can be shipped by the number of target orders.

3. The picking system according to claim 1, wherein, when the number of duplicate risk batch tasks exceeds the total number that can be shipped, the control system, in the task allocation process, sets the number of task areas to which the duplicate risk batch tasks are assigned to equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped.

4. The picking system of claim 1, wherein when the number of overlap risk batch tasks exceeds the total number that can be shipped and when the overlap risk batch tasks are assigned to multiple work areas in the work allocation process, the control system assigns the overlap risk batch tasks to each of the work areas so that the picking tasks for at least the items of the overlap risk type are performed in different periods.

5. 4. The picking system according to claim 1, wherein the control system executes a total number of items that can be shipped to increase the total number of items that can be shipped when a predicted time from the start to the end of multiple overlap risk batch operations performed in each of the work areas exceeds a predetermined time limit.

6. The control system, in the exponential calculation process, Calculating a similarity index indicating the degree to which each of the plurality of pieces of order information is similar to each other; In addition to calculating the overlap risk index, a type value is assigned to the type of object to rank the types; set the type values ​​of all of the types to be handled such that the type value of the object type is greater than the sum of the type values ​​of all of the types lower than the object type; A sum of the type values ​​for all the types included in each of the order information is calculated as the similarity index for each of the order information; 4. The picking system according to claim 1, wherein in the batch generation process, after a first aggregation process of aggregating the order information for which the duplicate risk type is specified as a target for the picking work, the control system aggregates, among the plurality of order information to be processed within a unit period, the order information that was not subject to the first aggregation process in order of proximity of the similarity index.

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