Goods storage management system and goods storage management method

Abstract

To provide an article storage management system and an article storage management method capable of appropriately managing the storage of articles whose storage locations are set each time according to their dimensions. [Solution] In one embodiment of an item storage management system, before an item is placed in a storage location, the storage location is defined on a management unit according to the dimensions of the item, and the management unit issues location information to be attached to the defined storage location.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an item storage management system and an item storage management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for managing items by linking each item, to which a two-dimensional code is attached, with the shelf on which the item is stored. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-207950 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The method disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot be applied to, for example, large items that cannot be stored on shelves and for which storage locations are set each time according to their dimensions. Other objects and novel features will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment of an item storage management system, before an item is placed in a storage location, the storage location is defined on a management unit according to the dimensions of the item, and the management unit issues location information to be attached to the defined storage location.

[0006] In one embodiment of an item storage management method, before an item is placed in a storage location, the storage location is defined on a computer according to the dimensions of the item, and the computer issues location information to be attached to the defined storage location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide an item storage management system and an item storage management method that can appropriately manage the storage of items whose storage locations are set each time according to their dimensions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an item storage management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a flowchart showing an item storage management method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an item storage management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an image diagram of a map displayed on a user terminal 300. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an item storage management method according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Specific embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been simplified as appropriate.

[0010] (First embodiment) <Configuration of the goods storage management system> First, the configuration of an item storage management system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an item storage management system according to the first embodiment.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the item storage management system according to the first embodiment includes a reader 100, a management unit 200, and a user terminal 300. Fig. 1 shows items to be managed stored in a storage location. Although not particularly limited, the item storage management system according to this embodiment is suitable for storing items of various dimensions that are too large to fit on a shelf and whose storage location is set each time depending on the dimensions. Examples of such items include items in the middle of manufacturing whose dimensions change with each manufacturing process.

[0012] The reader 100 reads the identification information ID attached to the item to be managed, and also reads the location information LI attached to the storage location of the item, and transmits them to the management unit 200. Here, the identification information ID and the location information LI are, for example, two-dimensional codes, barcodes, RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier), characters, symbols, etc., and are attached directly or indirectly to the stored item and the storage location. Therefore, the reader 100 is a variety of readers according to the type of the identification information ID and the location information LI.

[0013] The identification information ID and the location information LI may be different types of information (for example, one may be a two-dimensional code and the other a barcode), and the reader that reads the identification information ID and the reader that reads the location information LI may be different readers. In other words, the reader 100 may be composed of multiple readers. However, as shown in FIG. 1, if the identification information ID and the location information LI are the same type of information, they can be read by a single reader 100, which is highly convenient.

[0014] 1, the identification information ID and the location information LI are both two-dimensional codes, and paper labels on which the identification information ID and the location information LI are printed are directly attached to the goods and storage locations. When the identification information ID and the location information LI are both two-dimensional codes, a mobile terminal with a camera, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, can be used as the reader 100, which is highly convenient.

[0015] The management unit 200 manages the storage status of the item by linking the item identification information ID read by the reader 100 with the location information LI. The management unit 200 shown in Fig. 1 includes a storage unit 201, a storage location definition unit 202, and a location information issuing unit 203. The management unit 200 is, for example, a server (including a cloud server).

[0016] The storage unit 201 is configured with a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). As shown in Fig. 1, the storage unit 201 stores the identification information ID and location information LI of the item that are read by the reader 100 and transmitted from the reader 100, in association with each other. The associated identification information ID and location information LI are then transmitted from the storage unit 201 to the user terminal 300. This allows the user to check the storage status of the item on the user terminal 300.

[0017] 1, the storage location definition unit 202 determines and defines a storage location for an item based on the identification information ID of the item that is stored in advance in the storage unit 201. More specifically, the identification information ID includes dimensional information of the item, and the storage location definition unit 202 determines and defines a storage location for the item based on the dimensional information of the item.

[0018] Here, the identification information ID of the item that the storage location definition unit 202 acquires from the memory unit 201 does not have to be the same as the identification information ID attached to the item. For example, the identification information ID attached to the item does not have to include dimensional information of the item. The storage location definition unit 202 may define a location specified by the user on the user terminal 300 as the storage location.

[0019] 1, the location information issuing unit 203 issues location information LI to be attached to the storage location defined by the storage location defining unit 202. The issued location information LI is printed on a paper label via a printer (not shown), for example, based on a user operation via the user terminal 300. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the location information LI is attached to the actual storage location by, for example, the user.

[0020] Although not shown, the management unit 200 includes a calculation unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit such as a RAM or ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs, data, etc. In other words, the management unit 200 has the functions of a computer and performs various processes based on the various programs, etc.

[0021] Therefore, the storage location definition unit 202 and the location information issue unit 203 can be configured in terms of hardware by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and other circuits, and can be realized in terms of software by a program loaded into memory, etc. In other words, the storage location definition unit 202 and the location information issue unit 203 can be realized in various forms by computer hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0022] The user terminal 300 is a communication terminal that is connected by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with the management unit 200. The user terminal 300 is not particularly limited as long as it is able to communicate with the management unit 200, and may be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The user can check the storage status of the items to be managed on the user terminal 300. The user terminal 300 may be the same as the reader 100 .

[0023] In the item storage management system according to this embodiment, before an item is placed in a storage location, the storage location is defined on the management unit 200 according to the dimensions of the item. The management unit 200 then issues location information LI to be attached to the defined storage location. This makes it possible to appropriately manage the storage of items of various dimensions, such as items that are too large to fit on a shelf and for which storage locations are set each time according to their dimensions.

[0024] <Article storage management method> Next, an item storage management method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 in addition to Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the item storage management method according to the first embodiment.

[0025] First, as shown in Fig. 2, a storage location is defined on a computer, i.e., on a management unit 200, according to the dimensions of an item to be managed (step ST1). In the item storage management system shown in Fig. 1, a storage location definition unit 202 determines and defines a storage location for the item based on the item's identification information ID stored in a memory unit 201. Here, the item's identification information ID stored in the memory unit 201 includes the item's dimensional information.

[0026] Next, as shown in Fig. 2, location information LI to be attached to the defined storage location is issued (step ST2). In the item storage management system shown in Fig. 1, the location information issuing unit 203 issues location information LI to be attached to the storage location defined by the storage location defining unit 202. The issued location information LI is printed on a paper label via a printer (not shown), for example, based on a user operation via the user terminal 300. Then, as shown in Fig. 1, the location information LI is attached to the actual storage location by, for example, the user.

[0027] Next, as shown in Fig. 2, when storing an item in a storage location, the identification information ID of the item attached to the item and the location information LI attached to the storage location are read by the reader 100 (step ST3). In the item storage management system shown in Fig. 1, the identification information ID and location information LI of the item read by the reader 100 are transmitted to the management unit 200.

[0028] 2, the computer, i.e., management unit 200, associates the item's identification information ID read by the reader with the location information LI, and manages the storage status of the item (step ST4). In the item storage management system shown in FIG. 1, the item's identification information ID and location information LI, which are associated and stored in memory 201 of management unit 200, are transmitted to user terminal 300. Therefore, the user can check the storage status of the item on user terminal 300.

[0029] As described above, in the item storage management method according to this embodiment, before an item is placed in a storage location, the storage location is defined on the management unit 200 according to the dimensions of the item. The management unit 200 then issues location information LI to be attached to the defined storage location. This makes it possible to appropriately manage the storage of items of various dimensions, such as items that are too large to fit on a shelf and for which storage locations are set each time according to their dimensions.

[0030] (Second embodiment) <Configuration of the goods storage management system> Next, the configuration of an item storage management system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an item storage management system according to the second embodiment.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, the item storage management system according to the second embodiment includes a reader 100, a management unit 200, and a user terminal 300, similar to the item storage management system according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, in the item storage management system shown in Fig. 3, the management unit 200 includes a mapping unit 204 in addition to the memory unit 201, storage location definition unit 202, and location information issuer 203 shown in Fig. 1.

[0032] The mapping unit 204 generates a map showing the items and storage locations based on the item identification information ID and location information LI associated with the items and stored in the storage unit 201. The map generated by the mapping unit 204 is transmitted to the user terminal 300. On the user terminal 300, the user can check the map showing the items and storage locations as a storage status, and the map makes it easier for the user to understand the items and storage locations. The storage location shown on the map is not limited to indoors, but may be outdoors. The scale of the map generated by the mapping unit 204 can also be set appropriately.

[0033] Here, FIG. 4 is an image diagram of a map displayed on the user terminal 300. FIG. 4 is a map of a factory for manufacturing goods, and shows an example of the progression of the map. The map at the top of FIG. 4 shows storage locations P1 to P8, processing machines M1 and M2, and storage-prohibited locations (locations marked "prohibited" in the figure). The map at the top of FIG. 4 schematically shows that goods A1 to A8 are stored in storage locations P1 to P8, respectively. Although not particularly limited, goods A1 to A8 shown at the top of FIG. 4 are goods in the middle of being manufactured in the manufacturing factory.

[0034] It should be noted that the map shown in Fig. 4 is, of course, merely a schematic diagram. There are no limitations on the shape or number of storage locations. Processing machines M1 and M2 and storage-prohibited locations are not required. In the map at the top of Fig. 4, items A1 to A8 are stored in all storage locations P1 to P8, but there may be empty space.

[0035] As an example, consider the case where item A5 is moved from storage location P5 and processed into item A5a by processing machine M2, as shown in the second map in Figure 4. In this case, the user reads, for example, the identification information ID attached to item A5 using reader 100, and selects the "Move" button displayed on user terminal 300. By performing this operation, item A5 is deleted from storage location P5, as shown in the second map in Figure 4. In the top and second maps in Figure 4, the storage location P5 of interest is displayed as a dot.

[0036] Next, as shown in the third map in Fig. 4, in storage location P5, which is an empty space, the storage location definition unit 202 determines and defines storage location P5a according to the dimensions of item A5a processed from item A5 by processing machine M2. At this stage, item A5a is not stored in storage location P5a, so item A5a is not displayed in storage location P5a on the map.

[0037] In the third and bottom maps of Fig. 4, the storage location P5a of interest is displayed as a dot. In addition, storage location P5b in the third and bottom maps of Fig. 4 remains empty space, so other items can be stored therein. Furthermore, the storage location definition unit 202 may define a location specified by the user on the map displayed on the user terminal 300 as a storage location.

[0038] 4, the location information issuing unit 203 issues location information LI to be attached to the newly defined storage location P5a, and the location information LI is attached to the actual storage location P5a. In addition, a new identification information ID different from that of the item A5 is also attached to the item A5a processed by the processing machine M2 from the item A5.

[0039] Next, as shown in the map at the bottom of Fig. 4, the item A5a is actually stored in storage location P5a. At this time, the identification information ID attached to the item A5a and the location information LI attached to the storage location P5a are read by the reader 100. The identification information ID attached to the item A5a and the location information LI attached to the storage location P5a read by the reader 100 are linked and stored in the memory unit 201 shown in Fig. 3. As a result, the mapping unit 204 shown in Fig. 3 displays the item A5a in the storage location P5a on the map as shown in the map at the bottom of Fig. 4.

[0040] As described above, in the item storage management system according to this embodiment, the mapping unit 204 generates a map showing items and storage locations based on the item identification information ID and location information LI associated with the items and stored in the storage unit 201. The user can check the map generated by the mapping unit 204 on, for example, the user terminal 300, and the map makes it easier for the user to understand the items and storage locations. The other configurations are the same as those of the item storage management system according to the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0041] <Article storage management method> Next, an item storage management method according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the item storage management method according to the second embodiment. Steps ST1 to ST4 shown in FIG. 5 are the same as steps ST1 to ST4 shown in FIG. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] In the item storage management method according to this embodiment, after step ST4, a map showing the items and storage locations is generated as shown in FIG. 5, and the map is displayed on a user terminal 300 having a display unit (step ST5).

[0043] 3, the mapping unit 204 generates a map showing the items and storage locations based on the item identification information ID and location information LI associated with the items and stored in the storage unit 201. The user can check the map generated by the mapping unit 204 on, for example, the user terminal 300, and the map makes it easier for the user to understand the items and storage locations. The other configurations are the same as those of the item storage management method according to the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described further.

[0044] The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment already described, and various modifications are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 100 Leaders 200 management units 201 Storage section 202 Storage location definition section 203 Location Information Publishing Department 204 Mapping Department 300 User Terminals A1~A8, A5a items ID Identification Information LI Location Information M1, M2 processing machine P1~P8, P5a, P5b storage locations

Claims

1. a reader that reads identification information attached to an item to be managed and also reads location information attached to a storage location of the item; a management unit that links the identification information read by the reader with the location information and manages the storage state of the item, Before placing the item in the storage location, The storage location is defined on the management unit according to the size of the item; the management unit issues the location information attached to the defined storage location; Goods storage management system.

2. Further provided is a display unit that displays the storage status of the item, the management unit generates a map showing the items and the storage locations, and displays the map on the display unit; The goods storage management system according to claim 1 .

3. The management unit defines a location specified by the user on the map as the storage location. The goods storage management system according to claim 2 .

4. The management unit determines and defines the storage location based on the dimensional information of the item. The goods storage management system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the reader is a mobile terminal with a camera; The identification information and the location information read by the reader are both two-dimensional codes. The goods storage management system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. (a) when placing an item to be managed in a storage location for the item, reading, by a reader, identification information of the item attached to the item and location information attached to the storage location; (b) a computer-implemented method for managing the storage status of the item by linking the identification information read by the reader with the location information, Before placing the item in the storage location, The storage location is defined on the computer according to the dimensions of the item; The computer publishes the location information associated with the defined storage location. How to manage the storage of goods.

7. the computer generates a map showing the items and the storage locations and displays the map on a display unit; The article storage management method according to claim 6.

8. The computer defines a location specified by the user on the map as the storage location. The article storage management method according to claim 7.

9. the computer determines and defines the storage location based on dimensional information of the item; The article storage management method according to claim 6 or 7.

10. the reader is a mobile terminal with a camera; The identification information and the location information read by the reader are both two-dimensional codes. The article storage management method according to claim 6 or 7.

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