Work planning support device, work planning support method, and work planning support program

Abstract

Considering the storage and management costs associated with goods within the warehouse, and while prioritizing operational efficiency, we aim to improve the efficiency of moving goods to different storage locations within the warehouse. [Solution] The work planning support device in the logistics warehouse acquires current inventory location data, destination location data, an evaluation index related to work costs, and an evaluation index related to storage costs for each candidate inventory item to be moved within the warehouse. Using the evaluation index related to work costs, it calculates the work costs for both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the work cost evaluation value. Using the evaluation index related to storage costs, it calculates the storage costs for both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the storage cost evaluation value. Using the work cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value, it selects candidate move operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory items to be moved within the warehouse, and outputs the candidate move operations to the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work plan support device, a work plan support method, and a work plan support program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1, as a product placement planning system, generates a product placement change plan, and generates first virtual work instruction data reflecting the predicted shipping frequency of products for work instruction data related to past product shipments and second virtual work instruction data in the product placement reflecting the product placement change plan. Then, it calculates a predicted reduction value of the shipping work time from the first and second virtual work instruction data, calculates the placement change work time associated with the product placement change plan, and subtracts the placement change work time from the predicted reduction value of the shipping work time. If the difference that satisfies a predetermined threshold value that is positive, the product placement change plan is adopted. If it does not satisfy, the product placement change plan is reviewed. In Patent Document 1, a placement change plan is determined from the predicted reduction value of the shipping work time and the placement change work time associated with the product placement change plan.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, considering the operations in an actual warehouse, it is preferable to consider not only the predicted reduction value of the shipping work time and the placement change work time associated with the product placement change plan but also the storage cost and management cost of the articles in the warehouse.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of improving the efficiency of the movement of the storage location of articles in a warehouse while considering the storage cost or management cost of the articles in the warehouse and considering the efficiency improvement of operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A work planning support device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a work planning support device for a logistics warehouse, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor cooperates with the memory to acquire, for each candidate inventory item to be moved within the warehouse, current inventory location data, destination location data, an evaluation index for work costs, and an evaluation index for storage costs, the work planning support device calculates the work costs for the current location and destination and the difference between them, which is the work cost evaluation value, using the evaluation index for work costs, the storage costs for the current location and destination and the difference between them, which is the storage cost evaluation value, using the evaluation index for storage costs, selects candidate operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory items to be moved within the warehouse, and outputs the candidate operations to a display unit.

[0007] A work planning support method according to one aspect of this disclosure is a work planning support method for a logistics warehouse, wherein for each candidate inventory item to be moved within the warehouse, current inventory location data, destination location data, an evaluation index for work costs, and an evaluation index for storage costs are acquired; the work costs for the current location and destination, and the work cost evaluation value which is the difference between them, are calculated using the evaluation index for work costs; the storage costs for the current location and destination, and the storage cost evaluation value which is the difference between them, are calculated using the evaluation index for storage costs; candidate move operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory item to be moved within the warehouse are selected using the work cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value, and the candidate move operations are output to a display unit.

[0008] A planning analysis program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a work planning support program for a logistics warehouse, which instructs a computer to acquire, for each candidate inventory item to be moved within the warehouse, current inventory location data, destination location data, an evaluation index for work costs, and an evaluation index for storage costs; to calculate the work costs for the current location and destination and the difference between them, which is the work cost evaluation value, using the evaluation index for work costs; to calculate the storage costs for the current location and destination and the difference between them, which is the storage cost evaluation value, using the evaluation index for storage costs; to select candidate move operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory items to be moved within the warehouse, using the work cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value; and to output the candidate move operations to a display unit.

[0009] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media, or as any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to improve the efficiency of moving items to different storage locations within a warehouse, while taking into account operational efficiency, and considering the storage or management costs of items within the warehouse. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the work planning support system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the case in which a waiting time occurs according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the detection of waiting time according to this embodiment, (a) work plan before update, (b) work plan after update [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the work costs, storage costs, and management costs related to this embodiment. [Figure 5]This figure shows an example of data to be acquired and an example of data to be created according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating an example of narrowing down potential inventory for transfer from inventory data according to this embodiment, (a) data of potentially transferable inventory before narrowing down, (b) data of potential inventory for transfer after narrowing down. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a candidate plan according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of cost comparison of candidate plans according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing an example of a work plan support method according to this embodiment [Figure 10] Sequence diagram showing an example of the work planning support method according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below, with appropriate reference to the drawings. However, descriptions that are unnecessarily detailed may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims. Furthermore, the functions of one configuration shown in this embodiment may be realized by two or more physical configurations, or the functions of two or more configurations may be realized by, for example, one physical configuration.

[0013] (Embodiment) <About the work planning support system> First, the work plan support system 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the work plan support system according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the case in which waiting time occurs according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the case in which waiting time is detected according to this embodiment, showing (a) the work plan before update and (b) the work plan after update. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of work cost, storage cost, and management cost according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of data to be acquired and an example of data to be created according to this embodiment.

[0014] The work planning support system 1 includes a work planning support device 100, a transportation management device 200, a warehouse management device 300, a forecasting system 400, multiple worker terminals 500, and multiple base / headquarters terminals 600. The work planning support device 100, transportation management device 200, warehouse management device 300, forecasting system 400, multiple worker terminals 500, and multiple base / headquarters terminals 600 can send and receive information and data to and from each other via wired cables or a communication network. Examples of wired cables include HDMI® cables and USB cables. Examples of communication networks include wired LAN, wireless LAN, LTE, 4G, 5G, the internet, and VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0015] The work plan support system 1 supports the work plans of employees in warehouses that store inventory, such as logistics bases and retail stores. Here, the assumption is for a company in the logistics industry, etc., that has multiple warehouses and a headquarters that manages each store. The work plan support can be carried out individually for each warehouse or by the headquarters while managing multiple bases. The work plan support system 1 uses information such as arrival time prediction information of trucks, etc., by the transportation management device 200, performance information input by workers and supervisors into the warehouse management device 300, and demand prediction information output by the prediction system 400, etc., for the work plan support device 100 to generate a plan for the movement of inventory in the warehouse. The work plan considering this plan is displayed on the display units of the worker terminal 500 and the base / headquarters terminal 600. The work plan support device 100, the transportation management device 200, the warehouse management device 300, the prediction system 400, the multiple worker terminals 500, and the multiple base / headquarters terminals 600 are each electronic devices such as personal computers, servers, smartphones, tablets, etc. Employees include full-time employees, contract employees, part-timers, part-time workers, etc., regardless of the contract form. In the case of the logistics industry, for example, the target company has multiple transportation bases and a headquarters that manages each transportation base.

[0016] The transportation management device 200 manages the generation, update of the transportation plan of transportation trucks and the transportation progress. The warehouse management device 300 creates, updates the work plans of employees in the warehouse and manages the progress thereof.

[0017] The work plan support device 100 includes a processor 110, a memory 120, and a display unit 130. As functions, the processor 110 realizes a free time detection unit 111, a work cost evaluation value calculation unit 112, a storage cost evaluation value calculation unit 113, a management cost evaluation value calculation unit 114, a total evaluation value calculation unit 115, and a movement work candidate determination unit 116. The memory 120 stores, as data or information, inventory data 121, inventory position data 122, destination position data 123, work cost evaluation indicators 124, storage cost evaluation indicators 125, management cost evaluation indicators 126, and the work plan 127, specifically the pre-update work plan 1271 and the post-update work plan 1272 as the work plan 127.

[0018] The processor 110 implements various functions by executing programs stored in the memory 120. The processor 110 calculates various correlation values ​​and outputs corresponding information, although details will be described later. Examples of the processor 110 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), controller, LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The processor 110 may also include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and / or an NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit). The transportation management device 200, warehouse management device 300, forecasting system 400, multiple worker terminals 500, and multiple base / headquarters terminals 600 may also be equipped with similar processors.

[0019] The idle time detection unit 111 detects idle time from the work plan 127 that has already been created. Figure 2 illustrates waiting time as an example of idle time. In warehouse operations, there are mainly four patterns in which waiting time can occur, as shown in Figure 2. The first is when incoming goods are delayed. Delays in trucks transporting the scheduled incoming goods create a gap between the scheduled arrival time and the actual arrival time. This gap becomes waiting time. Similarly, if an incoming shipment is canceled, waiting time will also occur.

[0020] Next, waiting time also occurs if receiving operations are completed early. In other words, if receiving operations include receiving, moving, loading, and storage, and these operations are completed earlier than scheduled, a gap will be created between the planned completion time and the actual completion time. This gap constitutes waiting time.

[0021] Furthermore, waiting time also occurs if shipping operations are completed early. Specifically, if shipping operations include picking, moving, loading, and storage, and these operations are completed earlier than planned, a gap will arise between the planned completion time and the actual completion time. This gap constitutes waiting time. Similarly, waiting time also occurs if a shipping order is cancelled.

[0022] If waiting time occurs for these reasons, the work plan created and updated by the warehouse management device 300 will change. In other words, Figure 3(a) is the original work plan. For example, if the work with work ID 1 is "receiving," it is thought to be in a state like the receiving delay at the top of Figure 2. It can be seen that the "receiving" work is delayed by 1 hour, so a 1-hour waiting time has occurred. In this way, the idle time detection unit 111 of the processor 110 detects the idle time in the work plan based on the difference between the work plan before the update and the work plan after the update.

[0023] The work cost evaluation unit 112 calculates the work costs for both the current location and the destination, as well as the work cost evaluation value, which is the difference between them. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the work cost evaluation unit 112 uses work cost evaluation indicators 124 related to the work, such as receiving frequency, travel distance, and picking man-hours, to calculate the work costs for both the current location and the destination, as well as the work cost evaluation value, which is the difference between them.

[0024] The storage cost evaluation unit 113 calculates the storage costs for both the current location and the destination, as well as the storage cost evaluation value, which is the difference between them. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the storage cost evaluation unit 113 uses storage cost evaluation indicators 125 related to storage, such as storage density, storage period, case density, and occupied volume, to calculate the storage costs for both the current location and the destination, as well as the storage cost evaluation value, which is the difference between them.

[0025] The management cost evaluation unit 114 calculates the management costs for the current location and the destination, as well as the management cost evaluation value, which is the difference between them. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the management cost evaluation unit 114 uses management cost evaluation indicators 126 related to management, such as the period until inventory and the inventory frequency, to calculate the management costs for the current location and the destination, as well as the management cost evaluation value, which is the difference between them.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the operational cost evaluation unit 112, the storage cost evaluation unit 113, and the management cost evaluation unit 114 acquire various data from the transportation management device 200, the warehouse management device 300, and the forecasting system 400, and calculate each cost evaluation value (for example, man-hours, inbound / outbound frequency, deadline, storage days, inventory timing, and period until shipment).

[0027] The total evaluation value calculation unit 115 calculates the total evaluation value using at least the work cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value. However, the total evaluation value calculation unit 115 may also use the management cost evaluation value, and for example, it may calculate the total evaluation value by weighting the work cost evaluation value, the storage cost evaluation value and the management cost evaluation value.

[0028] The movement work candidate determination unit 116 uses the total evaluation value to select movement work candidates to be included in the work plan from the movement work candidate inventory in the warehouse, and outputs the movement work candidates to the display unit 130.

[0029] Memory 120 stores computer programs and data handled by the processor 110. Memory 120 may consist of volatile and / or non-volatile storage media and may include Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM). The transport management device 200, warehouse management device 300, forecasting system 400, multiple worker terminals 500, and multiple base / headquarters terminals 600 may also be equipped with similar memory.

[0030] Inventory data 121 is data about the inventory stored in the warehouse. For example, inventory data 121 includes various data such as the inventory ID, size, and type, and also includes product information as shown in Figure 5.

[0031] The inventory location data 122 includes the current location information of the inventory stored in the warehouse. For example, the inventory location data 122 includes location information in Figure 5.

[0032] The destination location data 123 is the location data of a candidate destination for each inventory item. For example, the destination location data 123 may be based on the information included in the location shown in Figure 5.

[0033] The work cost evaluation index 124 is an index for the work category shown in Figure 4, which quantifies factors such as the frequency of incoming goods, the distance to the loading location, and the picking man-hours, and is indexed on a scale of approximately 5 levels.

[0034] The storage cost evaluation index 125 is an index for the storage category shown in Figure 4, which quantifies the amount of available space divided by the total amount of inventory, the storage period of that inventory, the occupancy rate, etc., and is indexed on a scale of approximately 5 levels.

[0035] The management cost evaluation index 126 is an index for the management category in Figure 4, which quantifies the period (number of days) until inventory count, the frequency of inventory counts, etc., and is indexed on a scale of approximately 5 levels.

[0036] Work plan 127, as shown in Figure 3, is a plan of work in the warehouse, including the work ID, assigned work team ID, scheduled start time, and scheduled end time for each task. Since the work plan is updated as needed, the date of creation is also recorded, such as the work plan before the update (1271) and the work plan after the update (1272).

[0037] The forecasting system 400 generates information such as freight volume forecast data, receiving and shipping plans, and picking plans.

[0038] The worker terminal 500 is a terminal used by each worker among the employees of each store. The branch / headquarters terminal 600 is a terminal installed at each branch and headquarters. For example, if a company operating in the logistics industry uses this work planning support system 1, the work planning support device 100, warehouse management device 300, forecasting system 400, and branch / headquarters terminal 600 may be installed at headquarters or some stores. The transportation management device 200 may be owned by the company that provides the transportation.

[0039] <Regarding inventory candidates for relocation and potential relocation tasks> Next, we will explain the candidate inventory for movement and the candidate movement operations. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of narrowing down candidate inventory for movement from inventory data according to this embodiment, and shows (a) data of potentially movable inventory before narrowing down, and (b) data of candidate inventory for movement after narrowing down. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a plan candidate according to this embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a cost comparison of plan candidates according to this embodiment.

[0040] In logistics warehouses, a significant portion of employees' working hours is spent moving inventory to different storage locations. This is because there may be other items (inventory) blocking the path of goods that need to be moved, or because identical items are scattered around and need to be consolidated into one place. In some cases, this inventory relocation work can account for as much as 40% of an employee's working hours. Therefore, efficiently and effectively managing inventory relocation is crucial in warehouse operations. However, until now, when time was allocated for inventory relocation, it was left to the discretion of the on-site staff to decide what to do with that time.

[0041] Therefore, as shown in Figure 6(a), first, items in the warehouse inventory that are deemed suitable (or potentially suitable) for relocation are extracted. The ID is an ID that identifies the inventory item. Figure 6(b) then lists the inventory items that meet specific conditions, extracted from Figure 6(a). The specific conditions here are that the work time is less than 4 minutes, the frequency of incoming goods is more than 3 times / week, the inventory expiration date is less than 180 days, and the period until shipment is less than 7 days. The conditions are not limited to these, but it is good to list conditions necessary to streamline warehouse operations. For example, it is good to move items with high demand to an easily accessible location.

[0042] The inventory items to be moved within the warehouse should ideally be those requiring less work time (man-hours) than the work time that can be included in the work plan, and whose receiving frequency is greater than a threshold. Furthermore, the inventory should ideally have an expiration date shorter than a threshold and a period shorter than a threshold until shipment. The processor 110 may also select the items to be moved if the work time is shorter than the available time, based on the free time detection unit 111 detecting free time in the work plan.

[0043] Furthermore, it's a good idea to consider the skills of the employees working at that time. In other words, even if the time conditions are met, if the employees who can handle the item do not have sufficient skills, it should be excluded from the list of items to be moved.

[0044] Figure 7 shows the storage location relocation plans for the candidate inventory items in Figure 6(b). Two plans are extracted in Figure 7. The first plan (plan ID 1) includes only one task. The second plan (plan ID 2) includes three tasks.

[0045] Figure 8 shows the evaluation of each plan. In Figure 8, the evaluation indicators for operational costs are the frequency of incoming goods and the picking man-hours, as shown in Figure 4. The evaluation indicators for storage costs are the storage density and the number of days (storage period), as shown in Figure 4. The evaluation indicator for management costs is the time until inventory, as shown in Figure 4. Of course, other indicators shown in Figure 4 may be used, or other indicators may be used as well.

[0046] For each evaluation metric, compare the state before and after implementing each plan, and quantify the comparison results in terms of operational costs, storage costs, and management costs. You may then select the plan with the highest overall score. Alternatively, you may assign weights to each metric. That is, in the case of Figure 8, you may multiply each of the following by the same or different weights: receiving frequency, picking effort, storage density, storage days, and days until inventory count, and use the sum of these as the total evaluation value. Also, as with Plan 3, the overall evaluation score is not necessarily high, but it has the highest evaluation value for storage density, so if you want to prioritize storage density, you may choose Plan 3.

[0047] In this way, by using evaluation indicators related to work costs to calculate the work costs at both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them (work cost evaluation value), using evaluation indicators related to storage costs to calculate the storage costs at both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them (storage cost evaluation value), and using evaluation indicators related to management costs to calculate the management costs at both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them (management cost evaluation value), and outputting evaluation values ​​for each evaluation indicator, it is possible to make an overall selection or a selection based on evaluation values ​​that are important to you.

[0048] Note that the candidate for movement work refers to the work included in the work plan displayed on the display unit 130. Furthermore, the evaluation indicators for work costs should include at least one of the following: an indicator for the work time required for picking, an indicator for the frequency of incoming goods, and an indicator for the distance traveled. The evaluation indicators for storage costs should include at least one of the following: an indicator for storage density, an indicator for storage period, an indicator for case density, an indicator for occupied volume, and an indicator for inventory frequency. The evaluation indicators for management costs should include at least one of the following: an indicator for inventory period, and an indicator for inventory frequency.

[0049] The processor 110 may also output at least one of the following to the display unit 130: a work cost evaluation value, a storage cost evaluation value, and a total evaluation value based on the work cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value. Furthermore, this total evaluation value may be calculated by weighting the work cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value, respectively.

[0050] <Regarding work plan support methods and work plan support programs> Next, the flow of the work planning support method will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the work planning support method according to this embodiment. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the work planning support method according to this embodiment. The order of the flow may be changed unless there are constraints. The following flow may be executed by the computer running the program.

[0051] First, the flowchart will be explained with reference to Figure 9. For each candidate inventory item to be moved in the warehouse, the processor 110 obtains inventory data 121, current inventory location data 122, destination location data 123, work cost evaluation index 124, and storage cost evaluation index 125 from the memory 120 (ST1). Then, the processor 110 uses the inventory data 121, current inventory location data 122, destination location data 123, and work cost evaluation index 124 to calculate the work costs for both the current location and the destination, and the work cost evaluation value which is the difference between them (ST2). Then, the processor 110 uses the inventory data 121, current inventory location data 122, destination location data 123, and storage cost evaluation index 125 to calculate the storage costs for both the current location and the destination, and the storage cost evaluation value which is the difference between them (ST3). Furthermore, the processor 110 may then use the inventory data 121, the current inventory location data 122, the destination location data 123, and the management cost evaluation index 126 to calculate the management costs for the current location and the destination, as well as the difference between them, which is the management cost evaluation value.

[0052] Next, the processor 110 uses the work cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value to select candidate movement operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory in the warehouse (ST4). As mentioned above, the candidate movement operations may be the same as the candidate inventory, or they may simply be included in the candidate inventory. Then, the processor 110 outputs the candidate movement operations to the display unit 130 (ST5). As an example of the display method, they may be displayed as shown in Figure 8.

[0053] Next, the sequence of the work planning support system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 10. First, the work planning support device 100 requests a reference work plan (support target, work plan before update) from the warehouse management device 300 and obtains it from the warehouse management device 300 (ST11). Next, the work planning support device 100 requests a reference transportation plan from the transportation management device 200 and obtains it from the transportation management device 200 (ST12). Next, the work planning support device 100 requests the latest work plan (support target, work plan after update) from the warehouse management device 300 and obtains it from the warehouse management device 300 (ST13). The work planning support device 100 requests the latest transportation plan from the transportation management device 200 and obtains it from the transportation management device 200 (ST14). Steps ST13 and ST14 are repeated. The work planning support device 100 calculates the work time (ST15). The working time should ideally be calculated from factors such as idle time and waiting time, as explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0054] Then, the work planning support device 100 requests the inventory location from the warehouse management device 300 and obtains it from the warehouse management device 300 (ST16). The inventory location may include inventory location data 122 and destination location data 123. The work planning support device 100 requests the shipment schedule from the transportation management device 200 and obtains it from the transportation management device 200 (ST17). Then, the work planning support device 100 requests the demand forecast from the forecasting system 400 and obtains it from the forecasting system 400 (ST18).

[0055] Then, as explained in ST1 to ST4 in Figure 9, candidate inventory for movement and candidate movement operations are extracted (ST19). The work planning support device 100 then creates a new work plan (ST20). Note that in order to reduce the number of processing steps and create working time, ST16 to ST20 may be performed only once before the start of the operation. In that case, feasibility within the waiting time must be considered. The work planning support device 100 then evaluates and outputs the created work plan (ST21). The work planning support device 100 then transmits the newly generated work plan to the warehouse management device 300, so that the warehouse management device 300 also updates the work plan (ST22).

[0056] (Summary of this embodiment) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0057] <Technology 1> In one embodiment, a work planning support device (100) for a logistics warehouse comprises a processor (110) and a memory (120). The processor (110) works in cooperation with the memory (120) to acquire, for each candidate inventory item to be moved within the warehouse, current inventory location data (122), destination location data (e.g., destination location data 123), an evaluation index related to work costs (e.g., work cost evaluation index 124), and an evaluation index related to storage costs (e.g., storage cost evaluation index 125). Using the evaluation index related to work costs, it calculates the work costs for both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the work cost evaluation value. Using the evaluation index related to storage costs, it calculates the storage costs for both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the storage cost evaluation value. Using the evaluation value related to work costs and the evaluation value related to storage costs, it selects candidate operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory items to be moved within the warehouse, and outputs the candidate operations to the display unit. This allows for improved efficiency in moving items to different storage locations within the warehouse, while also considering operational efficiency, by taking into account storage and management costs associated with items within the warehouse.

[0058] <Technology 2> In the work planning support device described in Technology 1, the candidate inventory for movement within the warehouse is, at a minimum, inventory for which the work time is shorter than the work time that can be included in the work plan, and whose arrival frequency is greater than a predetermined first threshold. This allows for the selection of optimal items and improved efficiency in moving items within the warehouse, while considering operational efficiency and taking into account storage or management costs for items within the warehouse.

[0059] <Technology 3> In the work planning support device described in Technology 2, the processor detects the available time in the work plan, and the candidate for the move is one with a work time shorter than the available time. This allows for the effective use of idle time, consideration of storage or management costs for items within the warehouse, and improved operational efficiency, while also enhancing the efficiency of moving items to different storage locations within the warehouse.

[0060] <Technology 4> In the work planning support device described in any one of technologies 1 to 3, the evaluation index for work costs includes at least one of the following: an index for the work time required for picking, an index for the frequency of incoming goods, and an index for the distance traveled. This allows for improved efficiency in moving items to different storage locations within the warehouse, while also considering operational efficiency in detail, taking into account storage and management costs for items within the warehouse.

[0061] <Technology 5> In the work planning support device described in any one of technologies 1 to 4, the evaluation indicator for storage costs includes at least one of the following: an indicator for storage density, an indicator for storage period, an indicator for case density, an indicator for occupied volume, and an indicator for inventory frequency. This allows for improved efficiency in moving items to different storage locations within the warehouse, while also considering operational efficiency in detail, taking into account storage and management costs for items within the warehouse.

[0062] <Technology 6> In the work planning support device described in any one of technologies 1 to 5, the processor further outputs at least one of the work cost evaluation value, the storage cost evaluation value, and a total evaluation value based on the work cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value to the display unit. This allows for improved efficiency in moving items to different storage locations within the warehouse, while also considering the storage and management costs associated with the items within the warehouse and comprehensively and meticulously optimizing operations.

[0063] <Technology 7> In the work planning support device described in Technology 6, the total evaluation value is calculated by weighting the work cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value, respectively. This allows for improved efficiency in moving items to different storage locations within the warehouse, while optimally considering operational efficiency by taking into account storage and management costs for items within the warehouse.

[0064] <Technology 8> In the work planning support device described in any one of technologies 2 to 7, the candidate inventory for movement in the warehouse is further defined as inventory whose expiration date is shorter than a predetermined second threshold and whose period until shipment is shorter than a predetermined third threshold. This allows for the selection of the most suitable items and improved efficiency in moving items within the warehouse, while considering the storage and management costs of items within the warehouse and taking operational efficiency into account.

[0065] <Technology 9> In the work planning support device described in any one of technologies 3 to 8, the processor detects the idle time in the work plan based on the difference between the work plan before the update and the work plan after the update. This allows for the effective use of idle time, consideration of storage or management costs for goods within the warehouse, and improved operational efficiency, while also enhancing the efficiency of moving goods to different storage locations within the warehouse.

[0066] <Technology 10> One embodiment of a work planning support method in a logistics warehouse involves obtaining, for each candidate inventory item to be moved within the warehouse, current inventory location data (122), destination location data (e.g., destination location data 123), an evaluation index related to work costs (e.g., work cost evaluation index 124), and an evaluation index related to storage costs (e.g., storage cost evaluation index 125). Using the evaluation index related to work costs, the method calculates the work costs for both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the work cost evaluation value. Using the evaluation index related to storage costs, the method calculates the storage costs for both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the storage cost evaluation value. Using the evaluation value of work costs and the evaluation value of storage costs, the method selects candidate move operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory items within the warehouse, and outputs the candidate move operations to the display unit. This allows for improved efficiency in moving items to different storage locations within the warehouse, while also considering operational efficiency and taking into account storage or management costs associated with the items within the warehouse.

[0067] <Technology 11> In one embodiment, a work planning support program for a logistics warehouse acquires, for each candidate inventory item to be moved within the warehouse, current inventory location data (122), destination location data (e.g., destination location data 123), an evaluation index related to work costs (e.g., work cost evaluation index 124), and an evaluation index related to storage costs (e.g., storage cost evaluation index 125). Using the evaluation index related to work costs, it calculates the work costs for both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the work cost evaluation value. Using the evaluation index related to storage costs, it calculates the storage costs for both the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the storage cost evaluation value. Using the evaluation value related to work costs and the evaluation value related to storage costs, it selects candidate move operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory items within the warehouse, and instructs the computer to output the candidate move operations to the display unit.

[0068] This allows for improved efficiency in moving items to different storage locations within the warehouse, while also considering operational efficiency, by taking into account storage and management costs associated with items within the warehouse.

[0069] While embodiments have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the embodiments described above may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0070] The technology disclosed herein can improve the efficiency of moving items to different storage locations within a warehouse, while taking into account operational efficiency and considering storage or management costs for items within the warehouse. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1. Work Planning Support System 100 Work Planning Support Device 110 processors 111 Free time detection unit 112. Work Cost Evaluation Value Calculation Unit 113 Storage Cost Evaluation Value Calculation Unit 114 Management Cost Evaluation Value Calculation Unit 115 Total Evaluation Value Calculation Unit 116 Mobile Work Candidate Selection Department 120 memory 121 Inventory Data 122 Inventory Location Data 123 Destination location data 124. Operation Cost Evaluation Indicators 125 Storage Cost Evaluation Indicators 126 Management Cost Evaluation Indicators 127 Work Plan 1271 Work plan before update 1272 Updated work plan 130 Display section 200 Transport management equipment 300 Warehouse management equipment 400 Prediction Systems 500 worker terminals 600 locations / headquarters terminals

Claims

1. A work planning support device for a logistics warehouse, Equipped with a processor and memory, The aforementioned processor cooperates with the memory, For each of the inventory items in the warehouse that are candidates for relocation, The current inventory location data, destination location data, evaluation metrics related to operational costs, and evaluation metrics related to storage costs are obtained. Using the aforementioned evaluation indicators for work costs, calculate the work costs for the current location and the destination, and the work cost evaluation value which is the difference between them. Using the aforementioned storage cost evaluation indicators, the storage costs at the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the storage cost evaluation value, are calculated. Using the aforementioned work cost evaluation value and the aforementioned storage cost evaluation value, select candidate movement operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory for movement within the warehouse, and output the candidate movement operations to the display unit. Work planning support device.

2. The inventory in the aforementioned warehouse that is a candidate for relocation is At a minimum, the work is shorter than the work time that can be included in the work plan, and the inventory has a receiving frequency greater than a predetermined first threshold. The work planning support device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, The available time in the aforementioned work plan is detected, The aforementioned candidate for mobile work is one that requires a shorter work time than the aforementioned free time. The work planning support device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned evaluation indicator for work costs includes at least one of the following: an indicator for the work time required for picking, an indicator for the frequency of incoming goods, and an indicator for the distance traveled. A work planning support device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aforementioned evaluation indicators for storage costs include at least one of the following: an indicator for storage density, an indicator for storage period, an indicator for case density, an indicator for occupied volume, and an indicator for inventory frequency. A work planning support device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned processor further, The display unit outputs at least one of the following: the work cost evaluation value, the storage cost evaluation value, and the total evaluation value based on the work cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value. A work planning support device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned total evaluation value is calculated by weighting the operational cost evaluation value and the storage cost evaluation value, respectively. The work planning support device according to claim 6.

8. The inventory items in the aforementioned warehouse that are candidates for relocation are further... This refers to inventory whose expiration date is shorter than a predetermined second threshold, and whose time to shipment is shorter than a predetermined third threshold. The work planning support device according to claim 2.

9. The aforementioned processor, The free time in the work plan is detected based on the difference between the work plan before the update and the work plan after the update. The work planning support device according to claim 3.

10. A method for supporting work planning in a logistics warehouse, For each of the inventory items in the warehouse that are candidates for relocation, The current inventory location data, destination location data, evaluation metrics related to operational costs, and evaluation metrics related to storage costs are obtained. Using the aforementioned evaluation indicators for work costs, calculate the work costs for the current location and the destination, and the work cost evaluation value which is the difference between them. Using the aforementioned storage cost evaluation indicators, the storage costs at the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the storage cost evaluation value, are calculated. Using the aforementioned work cost evaluation value and the aforementioned storage cost evaluation value, select candidate movement operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory for movement within the warehouse, and output the candidate movement operations to the display unit. Work planning support methods.

11. A work planning support program for logistics warehouses, For each of the inventory items in the warehouse that are candidates for relocation, The current inventory location data, destination location data, evaluation metrics related to operational costs, and evaluation metrics related to storage costs are obtained. Using the aforementioned evaluation indicators for work costs, calculate the work costs for the current location and the destination, and the work cost evaluation value which is the difference between them. Using the aforementioned storage cost evaluation indicators, the storage costs at the current location and the destination, and the difference between them, which is the storage cost evaluation value, are calculated. Using the aforementioned work cost evaluation value and the aforementioned storage cost evaluation value, select candidate movement operations to be included in the work plan from the candidate inventory for movement within the warehouse, and output the candidate movement operations to the display unit. To instruct the computer to do this, Work planning support program.

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