Work plan management method

Abstract

To provide a work plan management method that periodically reviews a work plan on the basis of an actual work result at a work site and efficiently manages work progress.SOLUTION: A work plan management method comprises the steps of: generating a work plan by using a parameter related to a worker, the work plan including an amount of work for a predetermined period longer than a predetermined time based on an amount of work for each predetermined time by one or more workers; acquiring a work result including an amount of work results performed by the worker for every predetermined time; adjusting, on the basis of a difference between the work plan and the most latest N (N: a set value which is an integer equal to or greater than 2) times of work results acquired for every predetermined time, the parameter of the worker; updating the work plan by using adjustment results of the parameter; and outputting updated results of the work plan to a viewer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work plan management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a production planning system that quantitatively calculates personnel capacity taking proficiency into account and makes production plans based on personnel capacity. This production planning system calculates each worker's daily work hours from each worker's daily work schedule information, and calculates each worker's daily personnel capacity expressed as the product of each worker's daily work hours and their proficiency level, which indicates their level of proficiency, calculated by dividing the worker's cumulative standard time, which is the cumulative standard time consumed within a certain period, by the cumulative work hours within the certain period. The production planning system also calculates the daily workload and controls the display of this workload and personnel capacity on the same screen so that they can be compared on a daily basis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-206000 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, production planning can be performed by quantitatively calculating each worker's daily manpower capacity while taking into account the worker's proficiency level. However, in actual work sites such as factories or warehouses where many workers work, the progress of work planned in a pre-planned work plan may not proceed as planned in the actual work site. This is because, unlike proficiency, which is a skill acquired by each worker over a certain period of work experience (e.g., several months or several years), progress may vary depending on variable factors (e.g., the worker's physical condition) on the day of work. In other words, there are on-site circumstances in which there may be a significant discrepancy between the amount of work planned in a work plan that was previously prepared as an ideal work plan and the actual work performance (work volume) at the site. Unless the initially prepared work plan can be revised taking such on-site circumstances into account, it is difficult to make improvements when unexpected work performance occurs.

[0005] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above-described conventional situation, and aims to efficiently manage work progress by periodically reviewing work plans based on actual work performance at the work site. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure provides a work plan management method that generates a work plan including a work amount for a predetermined period longer than a predetermined time based on the work amount for each predetermined time period by one or more workers, using parameters related to the workers; acquires work performance including the work amount of the workers for each predetermined time period; adjusts the parameters of the workers based on a difference between the work plan and the work performance for the most recent N times (N: a default value that is an integer greater than or equal to 2) acquired for each predetermined time period; updates the work plan using the results of the parameter adjustment; and outputs the results of the updated work plan to a viewer.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, work progress can be efficiently managed by periodically reviewing work plans based on actual work results at the work site. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the system configuration of the work plan management system [Figure 2] A diagram showing a schematic example of the main operations of the work plan management method [Figure 3] A graph showing an example of changes over time in work performance for one day's warehouse picking work [Figure 4] An example of a work performance graph in which recovery measures have been implemented for the example of time-varying changes in Figure 3. [Figure 5] A graph showing an example of the change over time in work performance for warehouse picking work at work sites A and B in one day [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows an example of the change over time in the work performance graphs at work sites A and B, where recovery measures have been implemented for the example of change over time. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure for generating a work plan by the work plan management system in chronological order. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing an example of the work management procedure for a work plan by the work plan management system in chronological order. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for rescheduling a work plan using the work plan management system in chronological order. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, a detailed description of an embodiment specifically disclosing a work plan management method according to the present disclosure will be provided. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters and redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying 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 of the claims.

[0011] In the following embodiments, as an example use case of the work plan management method according to the present disclosure, it is assumed that a plurality of workers in a warehouse divide up the work of picking items such as merchandise in accordance with a daily work plan that is generated in advance. Note that the example use case is not limited to the above, and the method may be applied to a location other than a warehouse (for example, a factory).

[0012] 1. Work plan management system configuration First, an example configuration of a work plan management system that executes a work plan management method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a work plan management system 100. The work plan management system 100 includes a warehouse management system 1, a warehouse SIM device 10, an order management system 20, a work manager terminal 30, and a worker terminal 40, and is located in, for example, a warehouse.

[0013] The warehouse management system 1 includes a communication interface 2, a memory 3, and a processor 4. The warehouse management system 1 is a computer device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer or a stationary server computer. However, the warehouse management system 1 is not limited to these computer devices and may also be a portable computer device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The communication interface 2, memory 3, and processor 4 are connected by wiring such as an internal bus so that data can be input and output from each other.

[0014] The communication interface 2 is configured using a communication circuit that controls the communication of data signals (hereinafter abbreviated as "data") with external devices (e.g., warehouse SIM device 10, order management system 20, work manager terminal 30, worker terminal 40), and performs data communication with the above-mentioned external devices.

[0015] The memory 3 includes at least a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM), for example, and temporarily stores programs necessary for the operation of the warehouse management system 1 and data acquired or generated during operation. The RAM is, for example, a work memory used during operation of the warehouse management system 1. The ROM stores and holds, for example, programs for controlling the warehouse management system 1. The memory 3 also stores data such as a shipping plan 3a, a work plan 3b, and work results 3c.

[0016] The outgoing plan 3a is data indicating an outgoing plan for goods, which is generated by the outgoing manager application 4a based on demand information for goods to be outgoing (shipped) and input from the order management system 20 to the warehouse management system 1. The outgoing plan 3a is generated in a data format corresponding to the outgoing amount (in other words, the shipping amount) of goods in a warehouse on a daily basis (an example of a predetermined period). However, the outgoing plan 3a may be generated in a data format different from the above-mentioned data format.

[0017] The work plan 3b is generated by the work manager application 4b based on the shipping plan 3a generated by the shipping manager application 4a, and is data indicating the target workload for picking items scheduled for a target date. The work plan 3b is generated in a data format that includes the target workload for tasks such as picking work for a day (an example of a predetermined period) that is the target day in the warehouse. This data format may include, for example, inventory item location information, work conditions, and a work list that defines the target workload for picking work. However, the work plan 3b may be generated in a data format different from the above-mentioned data format.

[0018] The work results 3c are data that are input from the worker terminal 40 carried by each worker in the warehouse each time the worker completes work such as picking. The work results 3c are data that include, for example, the amount of work (total cost) completed by the worker when the worker completes work such as picking, and the current time (time when the work is completed).

[0019] The processor 4 is configured to include at least one of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and a graphical processing unit (GPU). The processor 4 functions as a controller that manages the overall operation of the warehouse management system 1. The processor 4 performs control processing to oversee the operation of each part of the warehouse management system 1, data input / output processing between each part of the warehouse management system 1, data calculation processing, and data storage processing. The processor 4 operates according to a program stored in the memory 3. The processor 4 cooperates using the memory 3 during operation, and temporarily stores data generated or acquired by the processor 4 in the memory 3.

[0020] The processor 4 also includes a shipping manager application 4a and a work manager application 4b as examples of hardware resources for executing a work plan management method. The processing by each of the shipping manager application 4a and the work manager application 4b is realized based on cooperation between the processor 4 and the memory 3.

[0021] The shipping manager application 4a is mainly used by the shipping manager who uses the warehouse management system 1, and acquires demand information for goods and the like input from the order management system 20. Based on the demand information and operation signals from an input device (not shown) used by the shipping manager, the shipping manager application 4a generates data for a shipping plan 3a and stores it in the memory 3 as new data, or updates the stored shipping plan 3a by modifying it and so on, and then stores it.

[0022] The work manager application 4b is primarily used by the work manager who uses the warehouse management system 1, and executes various processes related to the work plan 3b generated in accordance with the retrieval plan 3a based on operation signals from the work manager terminal 30 used by the work manager. The work manager application 4b functionally comprises a work planning tool 4b1 and a viewer 4b2. The processes performed by the work planning tool 4b1 and the viewer 4b2 are similarly realized based on cooperation between the processor 4 and the memory 3.

[0023] Based on an operation signal from the work manager terminal 30, the work planning tool 4b1 refers to and acquires the work results 3c stored in the memory 3, and sends various processing instructions (see below) to the warehouse SIM device 10. Furthermore, based on an operation signal from the work manager terminal 30, the work planning tool 4b1 updates, such as by reviewing, the work plan 3b stored in the memory 3, using the acquired work results 3c and the output from the warehouse SIM device 10, and stores the updated work plan 3b in the memory 3. Details of this update of the work plan 3b will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0024] The viewer 4b2 generates and outputs a display screen that allows a user of the warehouse management system 1 (e.g., a shipping manager or a work manager) to view the processing results of the work planning tool 4b1. For example, the viewer 4b2 may generate the above-mentioned display screen by referencing and acquiring the work performance 3c stored in the memory 3 and the output from the warehouse SIM device 10 (e.g., SIM results, see below). Although FIG. 1 does not show a display device such as a monitor for the warehouse management system 1, the warehouse management system 1 is connected to a display device (not shown), and the viewer 4b2 outputs the above-mentioned display screen to this display device. This allows a user of the warehouse management system 1 (e.g., a shipping manager or a work manager) to view the display screen of the processing results generated by the work planning tool 4b1, allowing them to efficiently understand the progress of work such as picking work in the warehouse and determine whether recovery, as described below, is required.

[0025] The warehouse SIM device 10 includes a communication interface 11, a processor 12, and a memory 13. The warehouse SIM device 10 is a computer device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer or a stationary server computer. The warehouse SIM device 10 is not limited to these computer devices and may be a portable computer device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The communication interface 11, the processor 12, and the memory 13 are connected by wiring such as an internal bus so that data can be input and output from each other. In the work plan management system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the warehouse management system 1 and the warehouse SIM device 10 may be configured as separate computer devices or may be integrated into a single computer device.

[0026] The communication interface 11 is configured using a communication circuit that controls communication of data signals (data) with an external device (for example, the warehouse management system 1), and performs data communication with the above-mentioned external device.

[0027] The processor 12 is configured to include at least one of, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an FPGA, and a GPU. The processor 12 functions as a controller that manages the overall operation of the warehouse SIM device 10. The processor 12 performs control processing to oversee the operation of each part of the warehouse SIM device 10, data input / output processing between each part of the warehouse SIM device 10, data calculation processing, and data storage processing. The processor 12 operates according to a program stored in the memory 13. The processor 12 cooperates using the memory 13 during operation, and temporarily stores data generated or acquired by the processor 12 in the memory 13.

[0028] The processor 12 also functionally includes a warehouse operation SIM execution unit 12a and an internal parameter adjustment unit 12b as examples of hardware resources for executing the operation plan management method. The processes performed by the warehouse operation SIM execution unit 12a and the internal parameter adjustment unit 12b are realized based on cooperation between the processor 12 and the memory 13.

[0029] The warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a estimates the work time required to complete the target work volume scheduled for a target day in accordance with instructions sent at predetermined intervals (e.g., every hour) from the work planning tool 4b1 of the work manager application 4b of the warehouse management system 1. Specifically, based on the instructions, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a calculates the work efficiency of workers performing work such as picking work on the target day in the warehouse using the simulation model stored in the memory 13, the work plan 3b generated by the warehouse management system 1, and data periodically sent from the worker terminal 40 (in other words, the work results 3c), and then uses the work efficiency to estimate the work time required to complete the target work volume scheduled for the target day.

[0030] Here, the worker's work efficiency refers to the amount of work completed per predetermined time (e.g., one hour), and so on. The work time required to complete the target amount of work scheduled for the target day is the overall finish time (scheduled finish time) required to complete the target amount of work scheduled for the entire day, and so on.

[0031] The warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a reads out the simulation model from the memory 13 and estimates the above-mentioned work efficiency and work time using one or more internal parameters (see below, an example of a parameter) related to the worker (i.e., person) that are difficult to measure as input elements of the simulation model. The warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a sends the work time estimate results to the internal parameter adjustment unit 12b and the work manager application 4b of the warehouse management system 1.

[0032] The internal parameter adjustment unit 12b acquires the estimate results of the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a for each predetermined time period (e.g., one hour) and the actual work results input from the worker terminal 40 to the warehouse management system 1 for each predetermined time period (e.g., one hour). The internal parameter adjustment unit 12b adjusts (updates) the internal parameters 12c used by the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a based on the difference between the actual work results and the estimate results acquired for the most recent N (N: a preset value that is an integer equal to or greater than 2) times, with the current time as the base point. The adjusted internal parameters 12c are referenced and used by the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a. For example, the internal parameter adjustment unit 12b adjusts the internal parameters so that the aforementioned difference (e.g., the difference between the amount of work included in the actual work results and the amount of work estimated at the same time (time period) as the actual work results) is minimized. Specific examples of internal parameter adjustment will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0033] The internal parameter 12c is the value of the internal parameter before being adjusted by the internal parameter adjustment unit 12b (e.g., an initial value) or the value of the internal parameter after being adjusted by the internal parameter adjustment unit 12b. Here, the internal parameter is a parameter related to a worker (i.e., a person) that is difficult to measure and can fluctuate from moment to moment, such as the worker's physical condition, the worker's relationship with other coworkers, the worker's proficiency, or a combination of two or more of these. In other words, in this embodiment, the warehouse SIM device 10 can estimate (predict) the work time using, as internal parameters, parameters related to a worker that are difficult to measure quantitatively and that can fluctuate without always remaining constant.

[0034] The memory 13 includes at least a RAM and a ROM, for example, and temporarily stores programs required for the operation of the warehouse SIM device 10 and data acquired or generated during operation. The RAM is, for example, a work memory used during the operation of the warehouse SIM device 10. The ROM stores and holds, for example, programs for controlling the warehouse SIM device 10. For example, the memory 13 stores data of a simulation model used when the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a performs simulation processing. In this embodiment, this simulation model is a model modeled using discrete event simulation, but it may also be a model using AI (artificial intelligence) obtained by machine learning or other types of model.

[0035] The order management system 20 is connected to the warehouse management system 1 so that data communication is possible, and acquires and stores demand information that quantitatively indicates how many items are requested to be taken out (shipped) from the warehouse on a daily basis (in other words, on a day-by-day basis). The order management system 20 outputs the demand information to the warehouse management system 1.

[0036] The work manager terminal 30 is connected to the warehouse management system 1 so as to be able to communicate data with the warehouse management system 1, and is a handheld terminal that is held and carried by the work manager who uses the warehouse management system 1. The work manager terminal 30 generates operation signals in response to operations by the work manager and sends them to the warehouse management system 1.

[0037] The worker terminal 40 is connected to the warehouse management system 1 so as to be able to communicate data, and is a handheld terminal that is held and carried by a worker who performs work such as picking items in the warehouse. The worker terminal 40 generates an operation signal associated with an operation performed by the worker each time the worker completes work such as picking, and sends the operation signal to the warehouse management system 1. The worker terminal 40 sends to the warehouse management system 1 work completion time data indicating the time when the worker completed work such as picking, as an example of data indicating that the worker has completed work such as picking.

[0038] 2. Overview of the work plan management method Next, an outline of the operation of the work plan management method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an outline of the main operation of the work plan management method. In Fig. 2, for example, seven steps (processes) that are executed in order over time are executed by the work plan management system 100.

[0039] 2, the warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) generates a work plan 3b for a day, for example, the target day of work, based on an operation signal from the work manager terminal 30 (step St1). This work plan 3b includes information such as the inventory arrangement of items in the warehouse, a work list listing the contents of work for the day, the target day of work, and work conditions.

[0040] In the warehouse, which is the work site, workers perform tasks such as picking in accordance with the work plan 3b generated in step St1. During the process of performing this work, internal parameters of the worker that are difficult to measure (e.g., physical condition, interpersonal relationships, and proficiency) may fluctuate rapidly. For example, as fatigue accumulates as the work progresses, physical condition gradually declines. The warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) updates the work performance 3c based on data (e.g., work completion time) sent from the worker terminal 40 every predetermined time (e.g., every hour), adds the updated work performance 3c to the memory 3, and stores it (step St2). In other words, the warehouse management system 1 accumulates data on the work performance 3c from the worker terminal 40 every predetermined time (e.g., every hour).

[0041] The warehouse SIM device 10 (warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a) uses the simulation model stored in memory 13, the work plan 3b generated in step St1, and the data periodically sent from the worker terminal 40 in step St2 (in other words, the work results 3c) to calculate the work efficiency of the worker performing work such as picking work on a target day in the warehouse, and estimates the work time required to perform a predetermined amount of work using the work efficiency (step St3). As a result of the processing of step St3, the warehouse SIM device 10 (warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a) outputs, for example, the work completion time for completing the target amount of work scheduled for that target day (step St4). In addition, the warehouse SIM device 10 (warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a) may calculate and output the amount of work already completed (total cost) at the time the latest work results are acquired (step St4).

[0042] The warehouse SIM device 10 (internal parameter adjustment unit 12b) calculates a difference in the amount of work that indicates the progress of the work based on a comparison of the work performance 3c (e.g., work completion time) periodically acquired in step St2 with the work time (e.g., scheduled end time) and completed amount of work acquired in step St4 (step St5). For example, when the work performance 3c at the latest time T is input to the warehouse management system 1 from the worker terminal 40, the warehouse SIM device 10 (internal parameter adjustment unit 12b) calculates the difference in the amount of work between the work performance at time T and the completed amount of work acquired in step St4 as "difference @T" and temporarily stores it in the memory 13. Note that this difference in the amount of work is calculated and stored in the memory 13 every time the work performance is input to the warehouse management system 1 from the worker terminal 40 (that is, every predetermined time (e.g., every hour)).

[0043] The warehouse SIM device 10 (internal parameter adjustment unit 12b) adjusts the currently used internal parameters 12c based on the most recent N calculated differences (i.e., "difference @T," "difference @T-1," ..., "difference @T-N+1") using the current time as a reference, so that these N differences become their minimum values ​​(step St6). For example, when N=3, the internal parameters are adjusted so that the three most recent differences, "difference @T," "difference @T-1," and "difference @T-2," become their minimum values. The warehouse SIM device 10 (internal parameter adjustment unit 12b) sends the internal parameters 12c adjusted in step St6 to the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a, causing the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a to use the internal parameters 12c in the simulation model. Note that the processing order of steps St3 to St6 is not limited to the above-described order and may be changed to any order as appropriate.

[0044] 3. Example of daily warehouse picking work Next, the progress of warehouse picking work in one day and the corresponding operation of the work plan management system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of change over time in a work performance graph related to warehouse picking work in one day. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a work performance graph in which recovery measures have been taken for the example of change over time in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of change over time in a work performance graph related to warehouse picking work in one day at each of work sites A and B. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a work performance graph in each of work sites A and B in which recovery measures have been taken for the example of change over time in Figure 5.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the work performance graph G1 shows the time progression of the workload (i.e., the shipping volume of inventory items in the warehouse) determined in accordance with the daily work plan at work site A (an example of a first work site) in the warehouse. The graph is generated by the work manager application 4b and displayed on the viewer 4b2. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the shipping volume, as in the other work performance graphs. The work performance graph G1 was generated at 9:00 AM and corresponds to the work plan for that day. The work completion time for the target workload (target shipping volume) is 5:00 PM, the number of workers is 10, and the average physical condition of the workers is 5 as the initial value of an internal parameter. The average physical condition is calculated by adding up the physical condition scores of each worker and dividing it by the number of workers, and so on.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the work performance graph G2 was generated by the work manager application 4b at 10:00 AM, one hour after the work performance graph G1, and displayed on the viewer 4b2. The internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 took into account the work performance input from the worker terminal 40 at 10:00 AM, one hour after 9:00 AM, and upwardly revised (corrected) the internal parameter (i.e., average physical condition) from "5" at 9:00 AM to "5.3." Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimated (calculated) the work completion time for completing the target workload to "4:30 PM" based on the corrected internal parameter and the current number of workers.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the work performance graph G3 was generated by the work manager application 4b at 11:00 AM, one hour after the work performance graph G2, and displayed on the viewer 4b2. At 11:00 AM, one hour after 10:00 AM, the internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 took into account the two most recent work performance data input from the worker terminal 40 at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, and revised (corrected) the internal parameter (i.e., average physical condition) upward from "5.3" at 10:00 AM to "5.5." Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimated (calculated) the work completion time for completing the target workload to "3:15 PM" based on the corrected internal parameter and the current number of workers.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the work performance graph G4 was generated by the work manager application 4b at 12:00 AM, one hour after the work performance graph G3, and displayed on the viewer 4b2. At 12:00 AM (noon), one hour after 11:00 AM, the internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 took into account the three most recent work performance data input from the worker terminal 40 at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:00 AM (noon), and revised (corrected) the internal parameter (i.e., average physical condition) downward from "5.5" at 11:00 AM to "5.1." Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimated (calculated) the work completion time for completing the target workload to "4:40 PM" based on the revised internal parameter and the current number of workers.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the work performance graph G5 was generated by the work manager application 4b at 1:00 PM (1:00 PM), one hour after the work performance graph G4, and displayed on the viewer 4b2. The internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 took into account the three most recent work performance data input from the worker terminal 40 at 1:00 PM (1:00 PM), i.e., at 11:00 AM, 12:00 AM (1:00 PM), and 1:00 PM (1:00 PM), and revised (corrected) the internal parameter (i.e., average physical condition) downward from 5.1 at 12:00 AM (1:00 PM) to 4.8. Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimated (calculated) the work completion time for the target workload to be completed at 6:15 PM based on the revised internal parameter and the current number of workers.

[0050] Here, the work performance graph G5 shows that the work performance as of 1:00 PM (1:00 PM) achieved the initial work plan as of 9:00 AM. However, it also shows that the work performance (performance) for the most recent three hours (e.g., N=3) is on a downward trend. Therefore, based on the output of the warehouse SIM device 10 at 1:00 PM (i.e., the work performance graph G5 showing that the work performance (performance) for the most recent three hours (e.g., N=3) is on a downward trend), the warehouse management system 1 indicates that the target workload at work site A (an example of a first work site) may not be completed by 5:00 PM, as originally planned, and outputs a warning (alert) to this effect via the viewer 4b2. This allows the user to intuitively understand that the work performance for the most recent three hours at work site A (an example of a first work site) has declined, and quickly recognizes the need to take early recovery measures to improve work performance.

[0051] 3, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimates (calculates) the work completion time for the target workload to be "187:15" based on the corrected internal parameters. In response to this, the work manager decides to "add personnel" by adding two workers starting at 3:00 PM (15:00 PM) as an example of a recovery measure.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the work performance graph G6 is generated by the work manager application 4b and displayed on the viewer 4b2 immediately after 1:00 PM (e.g., around 1:10 PM) (1:00 PM) based on the assumption that the work manager receives an alert on the work performance graph G5 and checks whether the target workload at worksite A can be completed before 5:00 PM (5:00 PM) if two workers are added starting at 3:00 PM (3:00 PM). The internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 corrects the internal parameter (i.e., the average physical condition) to "4.7" by taking into account the "average physical condition" of the two workers who will be added starting at 3:00 PM (3:00 PM). Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimates (calculates) the work completion time for the target workload to be completed at "4:40 PM" based on the corrected internal parameter and the current number of workers. Note that while the example here explains what would happen if two workers were added, the work manager could actually try out a simulation of what would happen if one worker were added first, and if the simulation result shows that completion before 5 PM (5 PM) would still not be achieved, then consider adding two workers, and so on. It is also possible to conduct simulations that gradually increase the number of workers, starting with a small increase.

[0053] In other words, the work manager receives work performance graph G5 and makes adjustments such as interdepartmental coordination to enable "addition of personnel" as a recovery measure, which results in, for example, "addition of personnel" by two workers. As a result, the warehouse management system 1, which had issued a warning (alert) at 1:00 PM (1:00 PM) that it would be difficult to complete the target workload by 5:00 PM (5:00 PM), can now implement the recovery measure of "addition of personnel" from 3:00 PM (3:00 PM), and by adjusting internal parameters and re-estimating the work completion time taking the recovery measure into account, can update the work plan to one that will complete the original target workload by 5:00 PM (5:00 PM).

[0054] In Figure 5, work plans for similar picking and other tasks are generated at work sites A and B at 9:00 a.m., and the time series transitions of these work plans as they are reviewed (updated) every hour are shown for comparison. Note that the time series transitions at work site A (i.e., the work performance graphs G1a, G2a, G3a, G4a, and G5a) are the same as the work performance graphs G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5 shown in Figure 3, respectively, so a description of the overlapping content will be omitted.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, the work performance graph G1b shows the time progression of the amount of work (in other words, the shipping volume of inventory items in the warehouse) determined in accordance with the daily work plan at work site B (an example of a second work site) in the warehouse, and is generated by the work manager application 4b and displayed on the viewer 4b2. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the shipping volume, as is the case with other work performance graphs. The work performance graph G1b was generated at 9:00 AM, corresponding to the work plan for that day. The work completion time for completing the target amount of work (target shipping volume) is "5:00 PM," the number of workers is "10," and the average physical condition of the workers is "5" as the initial value of an internal parameter.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the work performance graph G2b was generated by the work manager application 4b at 10:00 AM, one hour after the work performance graph G1b, and displayed on the viewer 4b2. The internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 took into account the work performance input from the worker terminal 40 at 10:00 AM, one hour after 9:00 AM, and maintained the internal parameter (i.e., average physical condition) at "5" at 9:00 AM without correcting it. Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimated (calculated) the work completion time for completing the target workload to "5:00 PM" based on the internal parameter and the current number of workers. Because the internal parameter was not adjusted (corrected), the work performance graphs G1b and G2b are ultimately identical.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the work performance graph G3b was generated by the work manager application 4b at 11:00 AM, one hour after the work performance graph G2b, and displayed on the viewer 4b2. At 11:00 AM, one hour after 10:00 AM, the internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 took into account the two most recent work performance data input from the worker terminal 40 at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, and upwardly revised (corrected) the internal parameter (i.e., average physical condition) from "5" at 10:00 AM to "5.3." Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimated (calculated) the work completion time for completing the target workload to "3:40 PM" based on the corrected internal parameter and the current number of workers.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, the work performance graph G4b was generated by the work manager application 4b at 12:00 AM, one hour after the work performance graph G3b, and displayed on the viewer 4b2. At 12:00 AM (noon), one hour after 11:00 AM, the internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 took into account the three most recent work performance data input from the worker terminal 40 at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:00 AM (noon), and upwardly revised (corrected) the internal parameter (i.e., average physical condition) from 5.3 at 11:00 AM to 5.6. Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimated (calculated) the work completion time for completing the target workload to 2:20 PM based on the corrected internal parameter and the current number of workers.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the work performance graph G5b was generated by the work manager application 4b at 1:00 PM (1:00 PM), one hour after the work performance graph G4b, and displayed on the viewer 4b2. The internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 downwardly corrected (amended) the internal parameter (i.e., average physical condition) from 5.6 at 12:00 AM (1:00 PM) to 5.5 at 1:00 PM (1:00 PM), taking into account the three most recent work performance data input from the worker terminal 40 at 11:00 AM, 12:00 AM (1:00 PM), and 1:00 PM (1:00 PM). Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimated (calculated) the work completion time for the target workload to be completed at 2:40 PM based on the corrected internal parameter and the current number of workers.

[0060] Here, according to the work performance graph G5b, it can be seen that the work performance as of 1:00 PM (1:00 PM) is expected to be achieved with a considerable margin compared to the original work plan as of 9:00 AM. On the other hand, as mentioned above, at Work Site A, another work site in the same warehouse, it is expected that it will be difficult to achieve the original work plan as of 9:00 AM at 1:00 PM (1:00 PM). In other words, as shown in Figure 6, at Work Site A, the number of workers is "10" and the average physical condition is "4.8" at 1:00 PM (1:00 PM), and a warning is issued, while at Work Site B, the number of workers is "10" and the average physical condition is "5.5" at 1:00 PM (1:00 PM), and the completion of the target workload is expected to be achieved ahead of schedule.

[0061] Therefore, as an example of a recovery measure, the work manager decides to exchange (swap) a portion of the ``10 workers'' at work site A, ``5 workers,'' with a portion of the ``10 workers'' at work site B, ``5 workers,'' starting at 2:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m.).

[0062] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the following workers at work site A are swapped: worker (ID "#15", physical condition "5.4"), worker (ID "#16", physical condition "4"), worker (ID "#17", physical condition "3.8"), worker (ID "#18", physical condition "3.5"), and worker (ID "#19", physical condition "3"); and worker at work site B: worker (ID "#20", physical condition "6.2"), worker (ID "#21", physical condition "6"), worker (ID "#22", physical condition "5.9"), worker (ID "#23", physical condition "5.8"), and worker (ID "#24", physical condition "5.8"). As a result, the total number of workers at work site A is "10" and the average physical condition is improved to "5.8", while the total number of workers at work site B is "10" and the average physical condition is revised downward to "4.5". The internal parameter (physical condition) values ​​of each worker at work sites A and B are stored in memory 13 of warehouse SIM device 10.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the work performance graph G6a is generated by the work manager application 4b immediately after 1:00 PM (1:00 PM) (for example, around 1:10 PM (1:00 PM)) and displayed on the viewer 4b2, assuming that the work manager receives an alert on the work performance graph G5a and checks whether the target workload at each of the work sites A and B can be completed before 5:00 PM (5:00 PM) if five workers are "switched" between the work sites A and B starting at 2:00 PM (2:00 PM). The internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 corrects the internal parameter (i.e., the average physical condition) to "5.8" by taking into account the "physical condition" of each worker (10 workers in total) after the "switching" starting at 2:00 PM (2:00 PM). Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimated (calculated) the work completion time for completing the target workload to be "4:40 p.m." based on the corrected internal parameters and the current number of workers.

[0064] 6, the work performance graph G6b is generated by the work manager application 4b immediately after 1:00 PM (1:00 PM) (for example, around 1:10 PM (1:00 PM)) and displayed on the viewer 4b2, assuming that the work manager receives an alert on the work performance graph G5a and checks whether the target workload at each of the work sites A and B can be completed before 5:00 PM (5:00 PM) if five workers are "swapped" between them starting at 2:00 PM (2:00 PM). The internal parameter adjustment unit 12b of the warehouse SIM device 10 corrects the internal parameter (i.e., the average physical condition) to "4.5" by taking into account the "physical condition" of each worker (10 workers in total) after the "swap" starting at 2:00 PM (2:00 PM). Furthermore, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 re-estimated (calculated) the work completion time for completing the target workload to be "16:20" based on the corrected internal parameters and the current number of workers.

[0065] In other words, the work manager receives the work performance graphs G6a and G6b and performs adjustments such as interdepartmental coordination to enable worker "swapping" as a recovery measure, replacing five workers from each of work sites A and B. As a result, the warehouse management system 1 can update the work plan to complete the original target workload by 5:00 PM (5:00 PM) at both work sites A and B after the swap by adjusting internal parameters and re-estimating the work completion times, taking into account the details of the recovery measure.

[0066] 4. Example of operation procedure for work plan management method Next, various examples of operational procedures of the work plan management system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of operational procedures for generating a work plan by the work plan management system 100 in chronological order. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of operational procedures for managing a work plan by the work plan management system 100 in chronological order. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of operational procedures for correcting (rescheduling) a work plan by the work plan management system 100 in chronological order.

[0067] 7, the warehouse management system 1 (the delivery manager application 4a) receives and acquires demand information that quantitatively indicates how many items are requested to be delivered (shipped) from the warehouse on a daily basis (in other words, for each day) from the order management system 20. The warehouse management system 1 (the delivery manager application 4a) generates a delivery plan 3a for the target day in the warehouse based on the acquired demand information (step St11).

[0068] The warehouse management system 1 (work manager application 4b) generates a work plan 3b for one day, for example, the target day of the work, using the shipping plan 3a acquired in step St11 based on the operation signal from the work manager terminal 30 (step St12).

[0069] The warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) requests the warehouse SIM device 10 to verify the work plan 3b generated in step St12. That is, the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 verifies whether the work plan 3b generated in step St12 satisfies the requirements as a work plan based on the request from the warehouse management system 1 (step St13). This verification method may use known technology. For example, data indicating the requirements of the work plan is stored in advance in the memory 13, and the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a can verify whether the work plan 3b generated in step St12 satisfies the requirements as a work plan based on the data indicating the requirements of the work plan stored in the memory 13.

[0070] If the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 determines that the work plan 3b generated in step St12 does not satisfy the requirements for a work plan (step St14, NG), it requests the warehouse management system 1 to regenerate the work plan 3b. The warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) regenerates the work plan 3b by editing part of the content of the work plan 3b generated in step St12 (for example, by increasing the number of workers) based on the request from the warehouse SIM device 10 (step St12). On the other hand, if the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a of the warehouse SIM device 10 determines that the work plan 3b generated in step St12 satisfies the requirements for a work plan (step St14, YES), the processing shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0071] 8, the warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) stores in the memory 3 the work performance data input and reported from the worker terminal 40 every predetermined time period (e.g., every hour) for work such as picking work performed according to the work plan 3b verified in step St13 (step St21). In response to the additional storage of the work performance data in the memory 3 in step St21, the warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) sends instructions to the warehouse SIM device 10 to adjust internal parameters and re-estimate the work completion time. The warehouse SIM device 10 executes a simulation while changing the internal parameters (step St22).

[0072] The warehouse SIM device 10 (internal parameter adjustment unit 12b) calculates the difference in the amount of work that indicates the progress of the work based on a comparison between the work results 3c of the most recent N (e.g., N=3) times based on the current time point, which are periodically acquired in step St21, and the work plan 3b verified in step St13, and adjusts the internal parameters so that the difference is minimized (step St23).The warehouse SIM device 10 (warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a) uses the corrected internal parameters based on instructions from the warehouse management system 1 in step St22 to calculate the work efficiency of workers performing work such as picking work in the warehouse on the target day, and estimates the work time (e.g., scheduled finish time) required to perform a specified amount of work using the work efficiency (step St24), and outputs the result to the warehouse management system 1.

[0073] The warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) receives the estimate output in step St24 and determines whether the scheduled end time will be later than the time when the target workload of the work plan 3b verified in step St13 will be completed (step St25). If the warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) determines that the estimate output in step St24 (scheduled end time) will be later than the time when the target workload of the work plan 3b will be completed (NG in step St25), it issues a warning (alert) to the work manager via the viewer 4b2 or the like, prompting the manager to reconsider recovery (step St26). This recovery will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0074] On the other hand, if the warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) determines that the estimate output (scheduled end time) in step St24 will not be later than the time when the target workload of the work plan 3b is completed (step St25, OK), or after step St26, the warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) determines whether all work, such as picking, for the target day has been completed (step St27). This determination can be made, for example, by determining whether work has been completed based on the work results 3c stored in the memory 3 by the warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) every predetermined time period (e.g., every hour). If all work, such as picking, for the target day has not been completed (step St27, remaining work), the process of the work plan management system 100 returns to step St21. On the other hand, if all work, such as picking, for the target day has been completed (step St27, all work completed), the process of the work plan management system 100 shown in FIG. 8 ends.

[0075] 9, the warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) sets allowable recovery conditions (e.g., the number of additional workers and the timing of the additional workers) in response to an operation signal from the work manager terminal 30 operated by the work manager (step St31). The warehouse management system 1 (the work manager application 4b) instructs the warehouse SIM device 10 to execute a simulation using the recovery conditions set in step St31 and the latest internal parameter values ​​(step St32). In this simulation, the warehouse SIM device 10 (the warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a) calculates the planned end time for completing the target workload for the target day using the recovery conditions set in step St31 and the latest internal parameter values, and determines whether the calculated result is earlier than the planned end time included in the original work plan 3b.

[0076] If it is determined that the scheduled end time for completing the target workload on the target day will be later than the scheduled end time included in the original work plan 3b (step St33, NG), the processing of the work plan management system 100 returns to step St31.

[0077] On the other hand, if the warehouse SIM device 10 (warehouse work SIM execution unit 12a) determines that the planned end time for completing the target workload on the target day can be brought forward from the planned end time included in the original work plan 3b (step St33, YES), it terminates the processing shown in Figure 9.

[0078] Summary of the Disclosure The above description of the embodiments discloses technical concepts corresponding to the following items.

[0079] (Item 1) The work plan management method according to the present disclosure includes: generating a work plan including a work amount for a predetermined period (e.g., one day) longer than a predetermined time (e.g., one hour) based on a work amount for each predetermined time (e.g., one hour) by one or more workers at a first work site (e.g., work site A) using parameters (internal parameters) related to the workers; Acquiring work performance including the amount of work performed by the worker at the first work site for each predetermined time period; adjusting the parameters of the worker based on a difference between the work plan and the most recent N (N: a preset value that is an integer equal to or greater than 2) work performances acquired at each predetermined time; The work plan is updated using the results of the parameter adjustment, and the updated results of the work plan are output to a viewer (viewer 4b2). As a result, according to the work plan management method, the work plan can be periodically reviewed based on the actual work results at the work site, and the progress of the work can be efficiently managed.

[0080] (Item 2) In the work plan management method according to item 1, The work plan for the predetermined period includes a work amount for each predetermined time calculated by a simulation model using initial values ​​of the parameters of the worker. As a result, according to the work plan management method, it is possible to more easily compare the work plan with the work results based on whether or not the amount of work has been completed for each predetermined time period.

[0081] (Item 3) In the work plan management method according to item 1 or 2, The adjustment of the parameters is performed by calculating the difference to minimize it. As a result, the work plan management method can improve the reliability of the parameters used by the simulation model, allowing appropriate estimation of the work plan.

[0082] (Item 4) In the work plan management method according to any one of items 1 to 3, If it is determined based on the update result of the work plan that it will be difficult to achieve the work plan at the end of the predetermined period, an alert notification is output to the viewer when the work plan is updated. As a result, with the work plan management method, the user can intuitively understand that the work performance at the warehouse work site has declined over the past three hours, and can quickly recognize the need to take recovery measures early on to improve work performance.

[0083] (Item 5) Item 4. In the work plan management method according to Item 4, When updating the work plan, the work plan is updated by calculation using a simulation model that uses the current parameters of the worker and a recovery plan (recovery conditions) for increasing the amount of work at the first work site. As a result, according to the work plan management method, it is possible to check each time the work plan is updated whether the recovery plan devised by the work manager will enable the scheduled end time for completing the target workload on the target day to be brought forward.

[0084] (Item 6) Item 5. In the work plan management method according to Item 5, the recovery plan is an increase in the amount of work per predetermined time by adding one or more workers to the first work site; The simulation model updates the work plan based on the number of workers after the increase and the parameters of each worker. As a result, according to the work plan management method, since an increase in the number of workers is expected to result in an increase in the amount of work per specified time, it is possible to update the work plan taking into account the number of workers after the increase and the parameters of each worker, and to determine whether it is possible to advance the scheduled end time for completing the target amount of work on the target day.

[0085] (Item 7) Item 5. In the work plan management method according to Item 5, the recovery plan is a replacement of some of the workers at a first work site with some of the workers at a second work site different from the first work site; The simulation model is updating the work plan based on the number of workers at the first work site after the replacement and the parameters of each worker at the first work site; The work plan is updated based on the number of workers at the second work site after the replacement and the parameters of each worker at the second work site. As a result, according to the work plan management method, by replacing some of the workers at a work site (e.g., work site A) where work progress is slow overall based on the work results of the most recent N work sessions with some of the workers at a work site (e.g., work site B) where work progress is progressing overall based on the work results of the most recent N work sessions, it is expected that the scheduled end time for completing the target workload for the target day at each work site can be brought forward.

[0086] (Item 8) In the work plan management method according to any one of items 1 to 7, The parameter is a value that quantitatively indicates the physical condition of the corresponding worker. As a result, the work plan management method uses the worker's physical condition, which fluctuates from moment to moment as the time spent on work increases, as a parameter that is difficult to measure, and can appropriately update the work plan by taking into account the work results of the previous N times.

[0087] (Item 9) In the work plan management method according to any one of items 1 to 7, The parameter is a value that quantitatively indicates the degree of interpersonal relationship between the corresponding workers. As a result, the work plan management method uses the interpersonal relationships between workers, which fluctuate from moment to moment as the time spent on work increases, as a parameter that is difficult to measure, and can appropriately update the work plan by taking into account the work results of the previous N times.

[0088] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0089] The technology disclosed herein is useful as a work plan management method for efficiently managing work progress by periodically reviewing a work plan based on actual work results at a work site. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Warehouse Management System 2. Communication Interface 3. Memory 3a Shipping Plan 3b Work Plan 3c Work performance 4 processors 4a Shipping Manager Application 4b Work Manager Applications 4b1 Work Planning Tool 4b2 Viewer 10 Warehouse SIM device 11 Communication Interface 12 processors 12a Warehouse Work SIM Execution Department 12b Internal parameter adjustment section 12c Internal Parameters 13. Memory 20 Order Management System 30 Work manager terminal 40 Worker terminal 100 Work Plan Management System

Claims

1. generating a work plan including a work amount for a predetermined period longer than the predetermined time based on a work amount for each predetermined time by one or more workers using parameters related to the workers; Acquiring work performance including the amount of work performed by the worker for each predetermined time period; each time work performance including the amount of work performed by the worker is acquired at the predetermined time interval, the parameters of the worker are adjusted based on a difference between the work plan and only the most recent N (N: a predetermined value that is an integer equal to or greater than 2) work performances acquired at the predetermined time interval, and the work plan is updated using the results of the adjustment of the parameters; outputting the updated work plan to a viewer; Work plan management methods.

2. the work plan for the predetermined period includes a work amount for each predetermined time calculated by a simulation model using initial values ​​of the parameters of the worker; The work plan management method according to claim 1 .

3. The adjustment of the parameters is performed by calculating the difference so as to minimize it. The work plan management method according to claim 1 .

4. when it is determined that it will be difficult to achieve the work plan at the end of the predetermined period based on the update result of the work plan, an alert notification is output to the viewer when the work plan is updated. The work plan management method according to claim 1 .

5. When updating the work plan, the work plan is updated by calculation using a simulation model that uses the current parameters of the worker and a recovery plan for increasing the amount of work. The work plan management method according to claim 4.

6. the recovery plan is an increase in the amount of work per predetermined time by adding one or more workers, the simulation model updates the work plan based on the number of workers after the increase and the parameters of each worker. The work plan management method according to claim 5 .

7. the recovery plan is a replacement of some of the workers at a first work site with some of the workers at a second work site different from the first work site; The simulation model is updating the work plan based on the number of workers at the first work site after the replacement and the parameters of each worker at the first work site; updating the work plan based on the number of workers at the second work site after the replacement and the parameters of each worker at the second work site; The work plan management method according to claim 5 .

8. The parameter is a value that quantitatively indicates the physical condition of the corresponding worker. The work plan management method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The parameter is a value that quantitatively indicates the interpersonal relationship between each of the corresponding plurality of workers. The work plan management method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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