Distribution management apparatus, distribution management system, distribution management method, and program
The logistics management system uses product and quantity tags to verify items before labeling, ensuring accurate shipping and reducing errors without additional staff, thus enhancing delivery efficiency and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024103876
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-16
AI Technical Summary
In mail-order sales, products are sometimes mistakenly shipped to the wrong address or incorrect items are packed due to labeling errors, leading to inefficiencies and increased labor costs when additional staff are employed to prevent these errors.
A logistics management system that uses optically readable product and quantity tags to verify product identity and quantity before affixing shipping labels, ensuring accurate matching of products with their intended destinations.
This system reliably prevents incorrect shipping and addressing without increasing the number of workers, reducing errors and operational costs while maintaining efficient delivery processes.
Smart Images
Figure 2026005492000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a logistics management device, a logistics management system, a logistics management method, and a program. [Background technology]
[0002] BACKGROUND ART When a warehouse ships products ordered by a customer, the products are sometimes shipped in a packaging box (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-160324 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In mail-order sales, where products are sold over the Internet, the products are packed in a shipping box after a label with the address printed on it is affixed to the box in the warehouse, and the box is then closed and shipped. However, this method carries the risk that a product addressed to a different customer may be mistakenly placed in the shipping box, or that a product different from the ordered product may be packed. Increasing the number of staff to prevent such shipping errors and strengthening the checking system to prevent shipping errors would result in transportation costs and labor shortages, making it an unwise solution.
[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a logistics management device, a logistics management system, a logistics management method, and a program that can more reliably prevent incorrect product shipping or incorrect addressing without increasing the number of workers. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The present invention provides the following logistics management device, logistics management system, logistics management method, and program.
[0007] (1) a first receiving unit that receives order item information that identifies one or more ordered items and destination information that identifies the destination of the items and is linked to the order item information; a second receiving unit configured to receive a reading result of an optically readable product tag attached to the product, the product tag storing information for identifying the product; a determination unit, The determination unit is a logistics management device that outputs the destination information linked to the order item information when it determines that there is order item information that identifies a product that matches the product identified by the product tag reading result.
[0008] (2) A third reception unit is further provided to receive the result of reading the number information from a count tag attached to a package containing the product and specifying the number of the product; The logistics management device described in (1), wherein the judgment unit judges that an error has occurred when the number of the products specified on the quantity tag differs from the number of the products specified by the reading result of the product tag.
[0009] (3) The logistics management device described in (2) is configured so that the judgment unit does not make the error judgment if the reading result of the quantity tag is not obtained and the number of the product identified by the reading result of the product tag is 1.
[0010] (4) The logistics management device according to (2) or (3), a reading unit that reads an optically readable sign; the count ticket is a count ticket including an optically readable mark, The reading unit reads both the product tag and the quantity tag, and outputs the reading results to the second reception unit and the third reception unit.
[0011] (5) A logistics management device according to any one of (1) to (3), a conveying line along which packages containing the products are conveyed; a first reading unit that reads the product tag in the package on the conveyor line; a second reading unit that reads the product tag in the package outside the conveying line; A logistics management system that includes:
[0012] (6) a first receiving step of receiving order item information identifying one or more ordered items and destination information identifying a destination of the items, the destination information being linked to the order item information; a second receiving step of receiving a reading result of an optically readable product tag attached to the product, the product tag storing information identifying the product; a determining step, In the determination step, when it is determined that there is order item information that identifies a product that matches the product identified by the product tag reading result, the logistics management method outputs the destination information linked to the order item information.
[0013] (7) If there are multiple products, a number tag identifying the number of products is attached to the package containing the products; If the number of the products is 1, the quantity tag is not attached to the package containing the products, The logistics management method described in (6) above, wherein in the judgment step, when there are multiple items, an error is judged when the number of items specified on the quantity slip differs from the number of items specified by the reading result of the item slip.
[0014] (8) To the computer, a first receiving step of receiving order item information identifying one or more ordered items and destination information identifying a destination of the items, the destination information being linked to the order item information; a second receiving step of receiving a reading result of an optically readable product tag attached to the product, the product tag storing information identifying the product; a determination step; In the determination step, when it is determined that there is order item information that identifies a product that matches the product identified by the product tag reading result, the program outputs the destination information linked to the order item information. [Effects of the Invention]
[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to more reliably prevent incorrect product shipping or delivery to the wrong address without increasing the number of workers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a logistics management system including a logistics management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of ordered product information and destination information used in the logistics management system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the interior of a warehouse to which a logistics management system is applied. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the interior of a warehouse to which a logistics management system is applied. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing examples of signs used as product tags or quantity tags. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process from when an order is placed from a customer terminal to when the product is shipped from a warehouse. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process from when an order is placed from a customer terminal to when the product is shipped from a warehouse. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes a logistics management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] [Summary of the Invention] In this invention, a product tag is attached to an item ordered by a customer. When the product tag is shipped from a warehouse or the like together with the packaged item, the product tag is read by a reader and the product details are verified. Next, the address of the customer who ordered the item that matches the item specified on the product tag is printed (output), and the shipping company delivers the item to this address. In this way, in this invention, the address is attached after the item is packaged, rather than the item being packaged after the address is attached.
[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019] [Overall configuration of logistics management system] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a logistics management system 1 including a logistics management device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of ordered item information D1 and destination information D2 used in the logistics management system 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the interior of a warehouse 30 to which the logistics management system 1 is applied. FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing an example of signs used as product tags 71 or quantity tags 72. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5B, the logistics management system 1 is used, for example, for online shopping. The logistics management system 1 is used to accept a purchase order for a product 60 from a customer terminal 50 and transport the product 60 to a destination specified on the customer terminal 50.
[0020] The customer terminal 50 is a terminal that allows the purchase of a product 60 based on a program presented to the customer terminal 50 via a communication line (whether wired or wireless) such as the Internet 2. The customer terminal 50 is operated by the customer, and allows the customer to specify the type of product 60 to be purchased, the destination, the payment method, etc. Examples of such a customer terminal 50 include a PC (personal computer), a smartphone, a tablet, a feature phone, smart glasses, and smart goggles.
[0021] The product 60 ordered from the customer terminal 50 is shipped, for example, from the warehouse 30. A plurality of products 60 (a plurality of products A to D are shown in FIG. 3) are stored as inventory on the storage shelves 31 of the warehouse 30. Each product 60 stored on the storage shelves 31 is attached in advance with a product tag 71 on which product information for identifying the product 60, such as the name and product number of the product 60, is stored in an optically readable format. The product name, product number, etc. are displayed (printed) on the product tag 71 so as to be optically readable.
[0022] Examples of the product tag 71 include optically (visually) readable signs such as one-dimensional barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes, letters, and numbers as exemplified in Figures 5A and 5B, and other signs with different colors in different parts, such as rainbow colors, but are not limited to these. The product tag 71 only needs to be identifiable by light that reflects or transmits through it. The product tag 71 is photographed (read) by an imaging device such as a camera or a barcode reader, and product information obtained from the reading result is output to the second reception unit 12.
[0023] For example, the product slip 71 of a product 60 (product A) whose product name is A stores data specifying that the product name is A. Similarly, the product slip 71 of a product 60 (product α) whose product name is α (α is an arbitrary product name) stores data specifying that the product name is α.
[0024] The ordered products 60 are shipped from the warehouse 30 in a state in which they are contained in a packing box 32 such as a cardboard box and closed, or in a package wrapped in film and closed. The logistics management system 1 is used to place the products 60 stored on the storage shelf 31 into the packing box 32 and attach a shipping slip 73 indicating the destination of the products 60 to the surface of the packing box 32.
[0025] As clearly shown in Figure 1, the logistics management system 1 includes a logistics management device 10, a reading unit 21 that reads optically readable labels, a printer 22 that prints the destination of the product 60, a conveying line 23 that conveys the product 60 within the warehouse 30, a conveying line control unit 24 that controls the operation of the conveying line 23, and a monitor 25 installed on the conveying line 23.
[0026] The logistics management device 10 is, for example, a server, and includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a storage device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive). The logistics management device 10 is connected to customer terminals 50 via the Internet 2, and receives commands to purchase products 60 from one or more customer terminals 50.
[0027] The logistics management device 10 includes a first reception unit 11, a second reception unit 12, a third reception unit 13, and a determination unit 14.
[0028] The first reception unit 11 receives order item information D1 that identifies one or more products 60 ordered from the customer terminal 50, and destination information D2 that identifies the destination of the products 60 and is linked to the order item information D1.
[0029] As clearly shown in FIG. 2, ordered item information D1 and destination information D2 are linked to each order (each order number). Ordered item information D1 indicates one or more items 60 specified on the customer terminal 50. Destination information D2 indicates the destination specified on the customer terminal 50. FIG. 2 shows an example in which order numbers 1 and 2 indicate the same item 60 but different destinations, and order numbers 3 and 4 indicate only one item 60 but different destinations. Note that ordered item information D1 and destination information D2 are both examples, and the ordered item information D1 may specify the item 60 using a different description method than the above, and the destination information D2 may specify the destination using a different description method than the above.
[0030] The first reception unit 11 outputs the ordered item information D1 and destination information D2 received from the customer terminal 50 to the determination unit 14.
[0031] The second reception unit 12 receives the reading results of the product tags 71 that are attached to the products 60 contained in the packaging box 32 and that store information that identifies the products 60. If there are reading results of the product tags 71 for multiple products 60 for one packaging box 32, the second reception unit 12 receives the reading results from all of the read product tags 71. The second reception unit 12 receives the information stored in the product tags 71 that were read by the reading unit 21, and outputs this information to the determination unit 14.
[0032] The third reception unit 13 receives the result of reading the number information from a count tag that is attached to the packaging box 32 containing the products 60 and specifies the number of products 60. In this embodiment, as will be described later, after the products 60 are contained in the packaging box 32, a count tag 72 is affixed to the packaging box 32. Like the product tag 71, it is preferable that the count tag 72 be displayed in an optically readable format so that it can be read by the reading unit 21.
[0033] Examples of the quantity tag 72 include, like the product tag 71, optically (visually) readable marks such as one-dimensional barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes, letters, and numbers as exemplified in Figures 5A and 5B, and other marks with different colors in different parts, such as rainbow colors, but are not limited to these. The quantity tag 72 only needs to be identifiable by light that reflects or transmits through the quantity tag 72. The quantity tag 72 is photographed (read) by an imaging device such as a camera or a barcode reader, and the product information obtained from the reading result is output to the third reception unit 13.
[0034] When the determination unit 14 determines that there is ordered item information D1 that identifies a product 60 that matches the product 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71, the determination unit 14 outputs destination information D2 linked to this ordered item information D1. More specifically, the determination unit 14 compares the ordered item information D1 received by the first receiving unit 11 with the reading result of the product tag 71 received by the second receiving unit 12.
[0035] For example, if the product 60 identified from the reading of the product tag 71 is product A, B, or C, the determination unit 14 outputs destination information D2 linked to the order item information D1 in which the product 60 is product A, B, or C. If there are multiple pieces of order item information D1 in which the same product 60 (same product name and quantity) is identified in the order item information D1, the determination unit 14 outputs destination information D2 linked to the order item information D1 with the lowest order number, for example. In this way, the determination unit 14 outputs destination information D2 linked to the order item information D1 whose name and quantity match those of the product 60 identified from the reading of the product tag 71 inside the packaging box 32, for example. In this embodiment, the determination unit 14 outputs destination information D2 to the printer 22, but it may also output destination information D2 to a server other than the printer.
[0036] On the other hand, if the product 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71 does not match the product 60 identified in any of the order product information D1, the determination unit 14 makes an error determination.
[0037] Furthermore, when the third reception unit 13 receives the reading result of the quantity tag 72 from the reading unit 21, the determination unit 14 determines whether the number of products 60 specified by the quantity tag 72 matches the number of products 60 specified by the reading result of the product tag 71. This determination prevents incorrect destination information D2 from being output when the product tag 71 is read improperly by the first reading unit 211 (described later) of the reading unit 21, or when some product tags 71 are not read because they are hidden inside the packaging box 32.
[0038] The determination unit 14 does not make an error determination if the number of products 60 specified by the quantity slip 72 matches the number of products 60 specified by the reading result of the product slip 71. On the other hand, the determination unit 14 makes an error determination if the number of products 60 specified by the quantity slip 72 differs from the number of products 60 specified by the reading result of the product slip 71.
[0039] The determination unit 14 is configured not to determine an error if the reading result of the quantity tag 72 is not obtained and the number of products 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 72 is one. This makes it possible, for example, to operate without affixing the quantity tag 72 to the packaging box 32 when the number of products 60 in the order item information D1 is one (one). When the number of products 60 in the order item information D1 is one (one), if the reading of the product tag 71 fails, the determination unit 14 determines that no product 60 is present in the packaging box 32. This makes it possible to detect an error without comparing the number of products 60 identified by the quantity tag 72 with the number of products 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71.
[0040] As clearly shown in FIG. 4 , the conveying line 23 is installed in the warehouse 30. The conveying line 23 is used to convey packing boxes 32 containing products 60 to a shipping position X. When the packing boxes 32 are initially placed on the conveying line 23, the lids 32a of the packing boxes 32 are open. Before being shipped from the conveying line 23, the lids 32a are closed and a shipping slip 73 is attached to the packing boxes 32. The conveying line 23 may be configured to move and stop the packing boxes 32. In this embodiment, the conveying line 23 includes a plurality of rollers and a drive source such as an electric motor for rotating at least some of the rollers. The rollers are rotated by the drive source, and the packing boxes 32 are conveyed. The conveying line 23 is controlled by a conveying line control unit 24.
[0041] The conveyance line control unit 24 is configured with a computer including a CPU, RAM, and ROM, a sequencer, etc., and controls the operation of the drive source of the conveyance line 23. The conveyance line control unit 24 is connected to the logistics management device 10.
[0042] The reading unit 21 is installed in the warehouse 30. The reading unit 21 is an imaging device such as a barcode reader or a camera. The reading unit 21 is preferably a barcode reader when the product tags 71 and the quantity tags 72 are one-dimensional barcodes, and is preferably an imaging device when the product tags 71 and the quantity tags 72 are not one-dimensional barcodes but are, for example, two-dimensional barcodes or signs that visually display information such as letters and numbers. The reading unit 21 reads the product tags 71 and the quantity tags 72 by reading light reflected from or transmitted through the product tags 71 and the quantity tags 72. The reading unit 21 includes a first reading unit 211 that reads the product tags 71 and the quantity tags 72 inside the packing boxes 32 on the conveyor line 23, and a second reading unit 212 that reads the product tags 71 inside the packing boxes 32 outside the conveyor line 23.
[0043] The first reading unit 211 reads the product tag 71 inside a packing box 32 with its lid 32a open as it moves on the conveyor line 23, thereby reading the information stored on the product tag 71, and outputs the reading result to the second reception unit 12 of the logistics management device 10. The first reading unit 211 is also configured to be able to read both the product tag 71 and the quantity tag 72, and outputs the reading result of the quantity tag 72 to the third reception unit 13. The first reading unit 211 is installed to the side or above the conveyor line 23, and is positioned so as to be able to read the product tag 71 inside a packing box 32 with its lid 32a open.
[0044] The second reading unit 212 communicates with the product tag 71 inside the packing box 32 removed from the conveying line 23 to read the information inside the product tag 71 and output the read result to the second reception unit 12 of the logistics management device 10. A packing box 32 removed from the conveying line 23 refers to a packing box 32 that has been removed from the conveying line 23 due to an error determination by the determination unit 14. The second reading unit 212 may be configured to read the product tag 71 but not the quantity tag 72, or may be configured to be able to read both the product tag 71 and the quantity tag 72. The second reading unit 212 outputs the read result of the quantity tag 72 to the third reception unit 13. The second reading unit 212 is, for example, a portable barcode reader or a portable imaging device that can be carried by the worker P.
[0045] The printing machine 22 is installed in the warehouse 30. The printing machine 22 prints the destination on a delivery slip 73 to be affixed to the packing box 32. The printing machine 22 prints the destination information D2 output from the determination unit 14 on the delivery slip 73. The printing machine 22 is installed to the side of the conveying line 23.
[0046] The monitor 25 is installed in the warehouse 30 and is connected to the logistics management device 10 by wire or wirelessly, and displays images based on data provided by the logistics management device 10. For example, the monitor 25 displays ordered item information D1, which can be visually confirmed by the worker P. Note that the monitor 25 may also display destination information D2 in addition to the ordered item information D1.
[0047] The above is the configuration of the logistics management system 1. Next, the process from when an order for the product 60 is received to when it is shipped will be described, including an example of the operation of the logistics management system 1 in this process.
[0048] [An example of the process from receiving an order for product 60 to shipping] 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing from when an order for a product 60 is received from the customer terminal 50 until the product is shipped from the warehouse 30. In the following description, reference will be made to FIGS. 1 to 7 as appropriate. In this embodiment, a logistics management method is implemented by operating the logistics management system 1 (logistics management device 10). Therefore, the description of the logistics management method in this embodiment will be replaced by the following description of the operations.
[0049] In this process, first, a customer operates the customer terminal 50 to place an order for one or more products 60, and the order item information D1 and destination information D2 are provided from the customer terminal 50 to the first reception section 11 of the logistics management device 10 (step S1).
[0050] The first reception unit 11 outputs the ordered item information D1 to the monitor 25 (step S2).
[0051] In accordance with the order information D1 displayed on the monitor 25, the worker P places one or more products 60 shown in the order information D1 into the packing box 32 as shown in Figure 3, with the lid 32a of the packing box 32 open (step S3). At this point, the shipping slip 73 has not been attached to the packing box 32.
[0052] If there are multiple items 60 to be placed in the packing box 32 (multiple in step S4), the worker P attaches a quantity slip 72 to the packing box 32, specifying the number of items 60 in the packing box 32 (step S5). On the other hand, if there is only one item 60 to be placed in the packing box 32 (single in step S4), the worker P does not attach a quantity slip 72 to the packing box 32.
[0053] Next, the worker P places the packing box 32 containing the product 60 and with the lid 32a open (hereinafter simply referred to as the open packing box 32) on the rollers of the conveying line 23 (step S6). On the conveying line 23, the drive source of the conveying line 23 is operating so that the packing box 32 is conveyed, and the open packing box 32 on the rollers of the conveying line 23 is conveyed toward the shipping position X.
[0054] When the packing box 32 passes beside the first reading unit 211, the first reading unit 211 reads only the product tag 71 or both the product tag 71 and the quantity tag 72, and outputs the reading results to the second reception unit 12 and the third reception unit 13 of the logistics management device 10 (step S7).
[0055] When the quantity tag 72 is read (YES in step S8), the judgment unit 14 judges whether the number of products 60 identified in the quantity tag 72 matches the number of products 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71 (step S9).
[0056] If the number of products 60 specified on the quantity slip 72 differs from the number of products 60 specified by the reading result of the product slip 71 (NO in step S9), the determination unit 14 determines that an error has occurred, and displays on the monitor 25 that the numbers do not match (step S10). The processing performed when an error has been determined will be described later.
[0057] On the other hand, if the number of products 60 specified by the quantity tag 72 matches the number of products 60 specified by the reading result of the product tag 71 (YES in step S9), the determination unit 14 performs the process of step S12.
[0058] Furthermore, if the quantity tag 72 is not read in step S8 (NO in step S8), the determination unit 14 determines whether the number of products 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71 is 1 (step S11). If the number of products 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71 is not 1 (NO in step S11), the determination unit 14 determines that the number of products 60 in the packaging box 32 is not 1, and displays on the monitor 25 that the numbers do not match (step S10).
[0059] On the other hand, if the number of products 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71 is one (YES in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12.
[0060] In step S12, the determination unit 14 determines whether or not there is ordered item information D1 that identifies the item 60 that matches the item 60 identified by the reading result of the item tag 71 in the packaging box 32 (step S12). If there is no ordered item information D1 that identifies the item 60 that matches the item 60 identified by the reading result of the item tag 71 in the opened packaging box 32 (NO in step S12), the determination unit 14 determines that there is an error, and displays on the monitor 25 a message that there is no ordered item information D1 that matches the item 60 in the packaging box 32 (step S13). The processing performed when an error is determined will be described later.
[0061] On the other hand, if there is order item information D1 that identifies a product 60 that matches the product 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71 (YES in step S12), the judgment unit 14 outputs destination information D2 linked to this order item information D1 to the printing machine 22 (step S14).
[0062] The printer 22 prints the destination information D2 (address, name, and telephone number) on a shipping slip 73 (step S15). The worker P closes the lid 32a to pack the box, and attaches the printed shipping slip 73 to the box 32 (step S16). The box 32 is then transported on the transport line 23 to the shipping position X (step S17), and is shipped by a deliverer from the warehouse 30 to the destination indicated in the destination information D2.
[0063] As described above, when an error is determined (steps S10, S13), the opened packing box 32 determined to be an error is removed from the conveyor line 23 by a worker P or the like (step S18). Figure 4 illustrates an example in which an error is determined because the number "4" is shown on the count slip 72 but there are only three products 60 inside the open packing box 32.
[0064] The opened packing box 32 removed from the conveyor line 23 is checked and adjusted by the worker P for the products 60 inside the packing box 32 (step S19). Adjustment in this case means that the worker P looks at the monitor 25 and reads the product tag 71 inside the packing box 32 with the second reading unit 212, and removes or refills the products 60 so that the products 60 inside the open packing box 32 match the products 60 identified in the order item information D1. If the products 60 inside the open packing box 32 match the order item information D1 and there is an error in reading the product tag 71 by the first reading unit 211, no adjustment of the products 60 is made.
[0065] After checking and adjusting the product 60 in the opened packing box 32, the worker P reads the product tag 71 in the packing box 32 with the second reading unit 212 (step S20).
[0066] If there is no ordered product information D1 that identifies the product 60 that matches the product 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71 by the second reading unit 212 (NO in step S21), the determination unit 14 causes the monitor 25 to display a message indicating an address error (step S22). In this case, the processes of steps S19 to S21 are repeated.
[0067] On the other hand, if the determination unit 14 determines that there is ordered item information D1 that identifies the item 60 that matches the item 60 identified by the reading result of the item tag 71 (YES in step S21), the processes of steps S14 to S17 are performed. At this time, the output of the destination information D2 and the printing operation in steps S14 and S15 may be performed on a handy printer carried by the worker P, separate from the printing machine 22.
[0068] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, the logistics management device 10 can output to the printer 22 the destination information D2 linked to the order item information D1 for one or more items 60 identified from the reading result of the item tag 71. This makes it possible to attach a shipping slip 73 containing the destination information D2 to the packing box 32. In this way, after the items 60 are placed in the packing box 32, the shipping slip 73 linked to the items 60 inside the packing box 32 can be displayed on the packing box 32. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the items 60 from being shipped incorrectly or addressed incorrectly without increasing the number of workers.
[0069] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to detect a reading error in the product tag 71 by comparing the number of products 60 specified on the quantity tag 72 with the number of products 60 specified by the reading result of the product tag 71. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the printing of incorrect destination information D2 due to such a reading error or the incorrect number of products 60 packed into the packing box 32 with a simple configuration.
[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if a quantity tag 72 is not affixed to the packing box 32 and the number of products 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71 is one, the number of products 60 identified by the quantity tag 72 is not compared with the number of products 60 identified by the reading result of the product tag 71. With this configuration, for example, if there is only one product 60 in the packing box 32 and the likelihood of a reading error of the product tag 71 is low, the effort of affixing the quantity tag 72 to the packing box 32 can be reduced, and unnecessary error determinations due to the number tag 72 not being affixed to the packing box 32 can be reduced. In this way, by determining whether or not to perform verification using the quantity tag 72 depending on the number of products 60 in the order item information D1, it is possible to achieve both the conflicting demands of faster product delivery and prevention of incorrect delivery.
[0071] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, an optically readable label (quantity tag 72) is used as a count tag indicating the number of products 60 in the packing box 32, so that the reading unit 21 can read the product tag 71 and the quantity tag 72 together, thereby reducing the construction cost of the logistics management system 1.
[0072] The reading unit 21 also includes a first reading unit 211 that reads the product tag 71 inside the packing box 32 on the conveying line 23, and a second reading unit 212 that reads the product tag 71 inside the packing box 32 outside the conveying line 23. As a result, if an error is determined to have occurred for a product 60 inside a packing box 32 on the conveying line 23, the packing box 32 can be removed from the conveying line 23 and the product 60 inside the packing box 32 can be verified again by the second reading unit 212. Therefore, even for a packing box 32 that has been determined to have occurred, the packing contents can be adjusted without interfering with the work of attaching a shipping tag 73 to the next packing box 32 to be conveyed.
[0073] [program] An example of the program in this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute steps S1, S2, S7 to S14, and S20 to S22 shown in Figures 6 and 7. By installing and executing this program on a computer, it is possible to realize the logistics management device 10, the logistics management system 1, and the logistics management method. In this case, the processor of the computer functions as the first reception unit 11, the second reception unit 12, the third reception unit 13, and the determination unit 14 and performs processing.
[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, the database that stores the order item information D1 and destination information D2 may be realized by storing the data files that make up these in a storage device such as a hard disk provided in the computer, or may be realized by a storage device of another computer.
[0075] The program in this embodiment may be executed by a computer system constructed by a plurality of computers, in which case, for example, each computer may function as one of the first reception unit 11, the second reception unit 12, the third reception unit 13, and the determination unit 14.
[0076] An example of a computer that implements the logistics management device 10 (logistics management method) by executing a program according to this embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the logistics management device 10.
[0077] 8, the computer 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a main memory 112, a storage device 113, an input interface 114, a display controller 115, a data reader / writer 116, and a communication interface 117. These components are connected to each other via a bus 121 so as to be able to communicate data with each other.
[0078] Furthermore, the computer 110 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) in addition to or instead of the CPU 111. In this aspect, the GPU or FPGA can execute the programs in the embodiments.
[0079] The CPU 111 loads a program in the embodiment, which is composed of a group of codes and stored in the storage device 113, into the main memory 112 and executes each code in a predetermined order to perform various calculations. The main memory 112 is typically a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).
[0080] The program in the embodiment is provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium 120. The program in the embodiment may be distributed over the Internet connected via the communication interface 117.
[0081] Specific examples of the storage device 113 include a hard disk drive and a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory. The input interface 114 mediates data transmission between the CPU 111 and input devices 118 such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display controller 115 is connected to a display device 119 and controls the display on the display device 119.
[0082] Data reader / writer 116 mediates data transmission between CPU 111 and recording medium 120, reads programs from recording medium 120, and writes processing results from computer 110 to recording medium 120. Communication interface 117 mediates data transmission between CPU 111 and other computers.
[0083] Specific examples of the recording medium 120 include general-purpose semiconductor storage devices such as CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) and SD (Secure Digital), magnetic recording media such as flexible disks, or optical recording media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory).
[0084] The logistics management device 10 in this embodiment can be realized not by a computer with a program installed, but by hardware corresponding to each unit, such as an electronic circuit. Furthermore, the logistics management device 10 may be partially realized by a program and the remaining unit by hardware. In the embodiment, the computer is not limited to the computer shown in FIG. 8.
[0085] [Variations] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications of the present invention are possible within the scope of the claims. Below, configurations that differ from the above embodiment will be mainly described, and similar configurations will be denoted by similar reference numerals in the drawings and detailed description will be omitted.
[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the logistics management device 10 is provided with a third reception unit 13, and is configured to compare the number of products 60 specified on the quantity slip 72 with the number of products 60 specified on the product slip 71. However, the logistics management device 10 does not necessarily have to be provided with the third reception unit 13. In this case, regardless of the number of ordered products 60, the quantity slip 72 is not used, and the number of products 60 specified on the quantity slip 72 is not compared with the number of products 60 specified on the product slip 71.
[0087] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which product 60 is shipped from warehouse 30 in a mail-order business. However, this does not have to be the case. For example, in customs (export) procedures, product 60 may be an export product, and destination information D2 may indicate the export destination. In other words, the present invention may be configured to output destination information linked to ordered product information that matches the results of reading the product tag attached to one or more ordered products. [Industrial Applicability]
[0088] The present invention can be applied as a logistics management device, a logistics management system, a logistics management method, and a program. [Explanation of symbols]
[0089] 1 Logistics management system 2. Internet 10 Logistics management equipment 11 Reception Section 1 12 Second Reception Section 13 Third Reception Section 14 Judgment section 21 Reading unit 22 Printing machine 23 Conveyor Line 24 Conveyor line control section 25 monitors 30 Warehouse 31 Storage Shelves 32 Packing box 32a lid 50 customer terminals 60 items 71 Product tag 72 piece count 73 Delivery slip 110 Computer 111 CPU 112 main memory 113 Storage device 114 Input Interface 115 Display Controller 116 Data Reader / Writer 117 Communication Interface 118 Input Devices 119 Display Device 120 Recording Media 211 First reading unit 212 Second reading unit D1 Order information D2 Destination information P worker X Shipping position
Claims
1. a first receiving unit that receives order item information that identifies one or more ordered products and destination information that identifies a destination of the products and is linked to the order item information; a second receiving unit configured to receive a reading result of an optically readable product tag attached to the product, the product tag storing information for identifying the product; a determination unit, The determination unit is a logistics management device that outputs the destination information linked to the order item information when it determines that there is order item information that identifies a product that matches the product identified by the product tag reading result.
2. a third receiving unit configured to receive a result of reading number information from a number tag attached to a package containing the products and specifying the number of the products; The logistics management device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines that an error has occurred when the number of the products specified on the quantity slip differs from the number of the products specified by the product slip reading result.
3. The logistics management device according to claim 2, wherein the judgment unit is configured not to make the error judgment if the reading result of the quantity tag is not obtained and the number of the product identified by the reading result of the product tag is 1.
4. a logistics management device according to claim 2 or 3; a reading unit that reads an optically readable sign; the count ticket is a count ticket including an optically readable mark, The reading unit reads both the product tag and the quantity tag, and outputs the reading results to the second reception unit and the third reception unit.
5. The logistics management device according to claim 1; a conveying line along which packages containing the products are conveyed; a first reading unit that reads the product tag in the package on the conveyor line; a second reading unit that reads the product tag in the package outside the conveying line; A logistics management system that includes:
6. a first receiving step of receiving order item information identifying one or more ordered products and destination information identifying a destination of the products, the destination information being linked to the order item information; a second receiving step of receiving a reading result of an optically readable product tag attached to the product, the product tag storing information identifying the product; a determining step, In the determination step, when it is determined that there is order item information that identifies a product that matches the product identified by the product tag reading result, the logistics management method outputs the destination information linked to the order item information.
7. If there are multiple products, a number tag specifying the number of products is attached to the package containing the products, If the number of the products is one, the quantity tag is not attached to the package containing the products, 7. The logistics management method according to claim 6, wherein in the judgment step, when there are multiple items, an error is judged to have occurred when the number of items specified on the quantity slip differs from the number of items specified by the reading result of the item slip.
8. On the computer, a first receiving step of receiving order item information identifying one or more ordered products and destination information identifying a destination of the products, the destination information being linked to the order item information; a second receiving step of receiving a reading result of an optically readable product tag attached to the product, the product tag storing information identifying the product; a determination step; In the determination step, when it is determined that there is order item information that identifies a product that matches the product identified by the product tag reading result, the program outputs the destination information linked to the order item information.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Package, method and system for managing physical distribution
JP2006160324A