Management methods, management systems, and programs

Abstract

Understand the impact that changes in warehouse information have on warehouse operations. [Solution] A method for managing warehouse information held by a system that manages warehouse operations, wherein when a change in warehouse information is received, one or more simulations of warehouse operations are performed based on the content of the change and the warehouse information, and the content of the impact of the change on warehouse operations is notified based on the results of the execution of one or more simulations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management method, a management system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system for performing a simulation for managing warehouse operations has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a simulation model generation system including an arithmetic unit communicably connected to a warehouse management system that manages inventory information of articles managed by a warehouse. The arithmetic unit acquires slot information of slots for storing articles stored in a simulation target warehouse from the warehouse management system. Then, the arithmetic unit generates a simulation model for managing operations in the simulation target warehouse based on the slot information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the warehouse information held in a system for managing warehouse operations is changed, it is required to grasp the influence of the change on the warehouse operations. However, the warehouse information may include various information such as the layout or resources of the warehouse. Therefore, the influence of the change in the warehouse information on the warehouse operations may be complicated and difficult to grasp. For example, when the warehouse information is changed, it becomes difficult to grasp whether it is possible to achieve a shipping plan using the changed warehouse information, or whether it is possible to achieve a one-day work plan using the changed warehouse information. There is no means for grasping the influence of such a change in the warehouse information on the warehouse operations.

[0005] This disclosure was devised in light of the aforementioned circumstances and aims to understand the impact that changes in warehouse information have on warehouse operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure provides a method for managing warehouse information held by a system for managing warehouse operations, wherein when a change in the warehouse information is received, one or more simulations of the warehouse operations are performed based on the content of the change and the warehouse information, and the system notifies the user of the impact of the change on the warehouse operations based on the results of the one or more simulations.

[0007] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a management system comprising: a system for holding warehouse information and managing warehouse operations; and a simulation system for performing simulations of the warehouse operations, wherein when the system receives a change in the warehouse information, it transmits the warehouse information to the simulation system based on the content of the change; the simulation system uses the received warehouse information to perform one or more simulations of the warehouse operations; and the system notifies the simulation system of the impact of the change on the warehouse operations based on the results of the one or more simulations.

[0008] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a program that can communicate with a system that holds warehouse information and manages warehouse operations, and that enables a computing device that performs simulations of warehouse operations to receive warehouse information from the system upon receiving a change in the warehouse information, based on the content of the change, to perform one or more simulations of the warehouse operations using the received warehouse information, and to notify the computing device of the content of the impact of the change on the warehouse operations based on the results of the one or more simulations.

[0009] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, storage media, computer programs, etc., are also valid as aspects of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure allows us to understand the impact that changes in warehouse information have on warehouse operations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing an example configuration of the integrated management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Table diagram showing an example of an impact management table according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Sequence diagram showing the warehouse information change process of the integrated management system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Block diagram showing an example configuration of the integrated management system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] Sequence diagram showing the warehouse information change process of the integrated management system according to Embodiment 2 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following explanation are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [System Configuration] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the integrated management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Note that the system configuration shown in Figure 1 is just one example; one system may be divided into multiple parts, or multiple systems may be combined into one. Furthermore, multiple instances of the single system or device shown in Figure 1 may be provided. Moreover, the processing entities shown below are just examples; a part of the function of one system may be implemented as a function of another system.

[0014] The integrated management system 1 comprises a warehouse management system 10, a warehouse operations management system 20, a simulation system 30, and a terminal 40. Each component of the integrated management system 1 is configured to communicate with one another via a network.

[0015] The warehouse management system 10 is a system that manages and controls logistics within a warehouse. For example, the warehouse management system 10 manages inventory management of goods, the inflow and outflow of goods (e.g., receiving and shipping), and the movement of goods within the warehouse. In this specification, "goods" includes merchandise and cargo, and these terms may be used interchangeably. The warehouse management system may be referred to as a Warehouse Management System (hereinafter referred to as "WMS"), etc. The warehouse management system 10 consists of a processor 11 and memory 12. The processor 11 may be configured using, for example, a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU"), a Graphical Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "GPU"), a Micro Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "MPU"), a Digital Signal Processor (hereinafter referred to as "DSP"), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (hereinafter referred to as "FPGA"), etc. The processor 11 implements various functions of the inventory management unit 13 and the shipping plan generation unit 14 by, for example, referring to various data such as inventory information 15 and shipping plans 16 stored in memory 12, or by reading programs. The inventory management unit 13 manages the inventory of goods in the warehouse, for example. The shipping plan generation unit 14 generates a shipping plan 16 based on, for example, order information 54, which will be described later.

[0016] Memory 12 is a storage unit for storing various data and programs. Memory 12 may consist of volatile / non-volatile storage devices such as Random Access Memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM"), Read Only Memory (hereinafter referred to as "ROM"), and Hard Disk Drive (hereinafter referred to as "HDD"). Memory 12 stores and holds inventory information 15 and shipping plans 16. Inventory information 15 is information on the inventory of goods in the warehouse. Shipping plans 16 are plans for which goods to ship, when, and to where.

[0017] The warehouse management system 10 may be configured to communicate with the order receiving management system 50. The order receiving management system 50 includes a processor 51 and a memory 52. Explanation of the processor 51 and the memory 52 is omitted. By the cooperation of the processor 52 and the memory 52, the function of the order management unit 53 is realized. The order management unit 53 may, for example, receive an order for goods from an enterprise or the like, generate order information 54 indicating the content of the order, that is, information indicating when, who, and which goods were ordered, and transmit it to the warehouse management system 10. The order receiving management system 50 may be, for example, a system for supply chain management.

[0018] The warehouse operation management system 20 is a system for managing and controlling operations within the warehouse. The warehouse operation management system 20 may be referred to as, for example, a Warehouse Execution System (hereinafter referred to as "WES"). The warehouse operation management system 20 performs, for example, comprehensive control over the work content of various work entities within the warehouse and the facilities within the warehouse. The warehouse operation management system 20 includes a processor 21 and a memory 22. Explanation of the processor 21 and the memory 22 is omitted. The memory 22 stores and holds resource information 26, location information 27, and work plan 28. The resource information 26 is information about various work entities such as workers and robots within the warehouse, as well as resources such as facilities. The location information 27 is information about the locations within the warehouse, such as goods, shelves for storing goods, and aisles in the warehouse. The work plan 28 is a plan indicating when and which work entity will perform what work. By the cooperation of the processor 21 and the memory 22, various functions of the resource management unit 23, the location management unit 24, and the work plan generation unit 25 are realized. The resource management unit 23, for example, manages and updates the resource information 26. The location management unit 24, for example, manages and updates the location information 27. The work plan generation unit 25, for example, generates the work plan 28 based on the resource information 26, the location information 27, the inventory information 15, the shipping plan 16, and the like.

[0019] The warehouse management system 10 and the warehouse operation management system 20 are systems for managing warehouse operations respectively. Warehouse operations refer to various operations related to the warehouse, for example, operations related to incoming goods and operations related to outgoing goods, etc. Warehouse operations may also include other operations related to the facilities in the warehouse, etc.

[0020] In this specification, various information stored and held in the memory 12 of the warehouse management system 10 and the memory 22 of the warehouse operation management system 20 may be referred to as warehouse information.

[0021] The simulation system 30 is a system that executes simulations of warehouse operations. In this specification, simulations may sometimes be referred to as "SIM". Therefore, the simulation system may sometimes be referred to as the "SIM system". The simulation system 30 may be configured to be communicable with each of the warehouse management system 10 and the warehouse operation management system 20. The simulation system 30 includes a processor 31 and a memory 32. Explanation of the processor 31 and the memory 32 is omitted. The memory 32 stores and holds input data 37, prediction results 38, and an impact management table 39. The input data 37 is data for executing a simulation received by the simulation system 30 from the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20. The input data 37 may include warehouse information. The prediction results 38 may be the execution results of the simulation or the difference between the execution results of the simulation and a specified allowable range. Details of the impact management table 39 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0022] The processor 31 and memory 32 work together to realize various functions of the simulation condition acquisition unit 33, simulation execution unit 34, prediction result output unit 35, and change impact management unit 36. The simulation condition acquisition unit 33 acquires simulation conditions. Simulation conditions may include, for example, the initial conditions of the simulation, environmental conditions, various parameters, and time scale. Initial conditions of the simulation may include, for example, the initial positions of various resources in the warehouse. Environmental conditions of the simulation may include, for example, the temperature inside the warehouse. Various parameters of the simulation may include, for example, the movement speed of workers. The time scale of the simulation may include, for example, how long the simulation will last. The simulation condition acquisition unit 33 may acquire simulation conditions based on, for example, user input.

[0023] The simulation execution unit 34 uses the simulation conditions and input data 37 to perform a simulation of warehouse operations. As will be described later with reference to Figure 2, the simulation execution unit 34 may perform a simulation of one or more warehouse operations (in other words, tasks). Since warehouse operations include various tasks, it is not necessary to perform a simulation of all tasks; it is sufficient to perform a simulation of the tasks that are to be simulated. The simulation execution unit 34 may also perform a simulation based on instructions to perform a simulation from the change impact management unit 36, which will be described later. The simulation execution unit 34 may perform the simulation using known technology, for example, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7493191. The results of the simulation performed by the simulation execution unit 34 are output as prediction results 38 by the prediction result output unit 35 and stored in memory 32.

[0024] The Change Impact Management Unit 36 ​​determines whether it is necessary to run a simulation of warehouse operations using the Impact Management Table 39 when warehouse information held in the warehouse management system 10 or warehouse operation management system 20 is changed. If the Change Impact Management Unit 36 ​​determines that it is necessary to run the simulation, it instructs the Simulation Execution Unit 34 to run the simulation.

[0025] Terminal 40 is an information processing device (processing unit) configured for use by workers both inside and outside the warehouse. Terminal 40 may be a stationary information processing device (processing unit) such as a Personal Computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), or it may be a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal, Point of Sales (hereinafter referred to as "POS") terminal, handheld terminal, or smartphone. Terminal 40 sends and receives data with the warehouse management system 10, warehouse operation management system 20, simulation system 30, etc., and is used to receive notifications from each system and to configure or operate each system. Note that terminal 40 and the simulation system 30 do not necessarily have to be configured to communicate with each other. In this embodiment, an example of terminal 40 sending and receiving data with the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 will be described.

[0026] Terminal 40 comprises a processor 41, memory 42, input device 43, display device 44, and communication device 45. Each component is configured to communicate via an internal interface 46. A description of the processor 41 and memory 42 is omitted.

[0027] The input device 43 receives operations and instructions from warehouse users, such as warehouse managers and workers. The input device 43 may consist of a mouse, keyboard, touch panel display, etc.

[0028] The display device 44 displays various user interfaces to the user. The display device 44 may consist of a liquid crystal display, a touch panel display, or the like.

[0029] The communication device 45 is an interface for communicating with external devices via a network. The communication standards supported by the communication device 45 are not particularly limited and may support either wired or wireless communication standards. Furthermore, the communication device 45 may support multiple communication standards. Therefore, the network used by the communication device 45 may be composed of a combination of networks using multiple communication standards.

[0030] Each of the systems shown in Figure 1, namely the warehouse management system 10, the warehouse operation management system 20, the simulation system 30, and the order management system 50, may have the same hardware configuration as the terminal 40. In other words, each of the warehouse management system 10, the warehouse operation management system 20, the simulation system 30, and the order management system 50 may be equipped with input devices, display devices, communication devices, etc. Furthermore, each of the warehouse management system 10, the warehouse operation management system 20, the simulation system 30, and the order management system 50 may be, for example, a stationary information processing device such as a PC. The integrated management system 1 may be configured as an on-premise server device at the location where the warehouse is established, or it may be configured as a cloud-based system on a network.

[0031] Figure 2 is a table diagram showing an example of an impact management table 39 according to Embodiment 1. Table TBL1 in Figure 2 shows an example of an impact management table 39. Note that the data structure of the impact management table 39 is not limited to the format shown in Figure 2, and may be structured data such as a relational database. The impact management table 39 may be created in advance by the user. Hereinafter, the impact management table may be referred to as a table.

[0032] Table TBL1 contains data for each piece of warehouse information indicating whether or not it will be used in one or more warehouse operation simulations, as well as data for determining whether or not a simulation should be run when the warehouse information is changed. Hereinafter, the conditions for determining whether or not a simulation should be run may be referred to as the simulation execution conditions.

[0033] For example, Table TBL1 indicates that Information I1, which shows the location information of shelves in storage area A within the warehouse, is the subject of the first simulation but not the subject of the second simulation. In this specification, "information is the subject of a simulation" means that the information is used in that simulation. Furthermore, Table TBL1 indicates that if Information I1 is changed, and the difference in shelf positions before and after the change is Xm or more on average, then it is necessary to run a simulation using Information I1 (for example, the first simulation). Note that Storage area A is one of the storage areas for goods within the warehouse and is a name used to distinguish it from storage area B, which will be described later.

[0034] In this specification, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish them from other elements and are not intended to be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, Table TBL1 indicates whether each piece of warehouse information is subject to the first simulation and whether it is subject to the second simulation; however, warehouse operation simulations are not limited to just the first and second simulations. The first simulation might, for example, be a simulation of outbound operations in storage area A. The second simulation might, for example, be a simulation of outbound operations in storage area B. Since warehouse operations involve a wide variety of tasks, it is preferable that simulations of each of these tasks can be performed.

[0035] Furthermore, Table TBL1 indicates that Information I2, which shows the location information of shelves in storage area B, is not the subject of the first simulation, but the subject of the second simulation. Also, Table TBL1 indicates that if Information I2 is changed, and the average distance traveled by the shelves before and after the change is Xm or more, then it is necessary to run a simulation using Information I2 (for example, the second simulation).

[0036] Furthermore, Table TBL1 indicates that Information I3, which shows information about items stored in storage area A, is the subject of the first simulation but not the subject of the second simulation. Table TBL1 also indicates that if Information I3 is changed, and the change is a reduction in the number of items, then the first simulation must be executed. Additionally, Table TBL1 indicates that if Information I3 is changed, and the change is an increase in the number of items, then the tenth simulation must be executed. Thus, the criteria for determining whether a simulation is necessary for a particular piece of warehouse information may be set for each simulation.

[0037] Furthermore, Table TBL1 indicates that Information I4, which shows the location information of the aisle in storage area A, is the subject of the first simulation but not the subject of the second simulation. Also, Table TBL1 indicates that if Information I4 is changed, and the change in Information I4 is a change in the direction restriction of the aisle, then it is necessary to run a simulation using Information I4 (for example, the first simulation).

[0038] Furthermore, Table TBL1 indicates that Information I5, which shows the working hours of workers, is subject to both the first and second simulations. Table TBL1 also indicates that if Information I5 is changed, and the worker whose working hours have been changed is responsible for critical tasks in warehouse operations, then a simulation using Information I5 (e.g., the first and second simulations) must be performed. Note that the information showing the working hours of workers may be separated for each worker.

[0039] Furthermore, Table TBL1 indicates that Information I6, which shows information about a worker's processing capacity, is not the subject of the first simulation, but the subject of the second simulation. Also, Table TBL1 indicates that if Information I6 is changed, and the difference in processing capacity before and after the change is, on average, greater than or equal to X, then a simulation using Information I6 (e.g., the second simulation) needs to be performed. A worker's processing capacity could, for example, be the number of times that worker can complete a specific task within a specified time. Note that the information showing a worker's processing capacity may be separate for each worker.

[0040] Furthermore, Table TBL1 indicates that Information I7, which is the plan for tomorrow's shipping operations, is the subject of the first simulation but not the subject of the second simulation. Also, Table TBL1 indicates that if Information I7 is changed, and the shipping volume after the change exceeds the shipping volume margin set before the change, then it is necessary to run a simulation using Information I7 (for example, the first simulation).

[0041] Furthermore, Table TBL1 indicates that Information I8, which is the shipping plan for the day after tomorrow, is not subject to the first and second simulations. Also, Table TBL1 indicates that if Information I8 is changed, and the shipping volume after the change exceeds the shipping volume margin set before the change, then a simulation using Information I8 is required.

[0042] Furthermore, Table TBL1 indicates that Information I9, which is the plan for tomorrow's receiving operations, is the subject of both the first and second simulations. Table TBL1 also indicates that if Information I9 is ​​changed, and the amount of incoming goods after the change exceeds the margin set for incoming goods before the change, then a simulation using Information I9 is ​​required.

[0043] Furthermore, Table TBL1 indicates that Information I10, which is the plan for receiving operations the day after tomorrow, is not subject to the first and second simulations. Also, Table TBL1 indicates that if Information I10 is changed, and the amount of incoming goods after the change exceeds the margin for incoming goods set before the change, then a simulation using Information I10 is required.

[0044] For example, if multiple types of information are changed, the change impact management unit 36 ​​evaluates the conditions for determining whether or not to run the simulation, which are set for each of the changed types of information, as an OR condition. Specifically, for example, if both information I1 and information I3 are changed, the change impact management unit 36 ​​determines that the first simulation must be run if it determines that either the conditions for determining whether or not to run the simulation, which are set for information I1, or the conditions for determining whether or not to run the simulation, which are set for information I3, are met.

[0045] The change impact management unit 36 ​​may evaluate the determination conditions for whether or not to execute a simulation, which are set for each of the multiple types of information, as an AND condition. A specific example will be explained using information I11 in table TBL1. Information I11 is a combination of multiple pieces of information. Here, information I11 is a combination of the Nth warehouse information and the Mth warehouse information in table TBL1. Note that N and M are both natural numbers greater than or equal to 1, and are different numbers. Table TBL1 indicates that if information I11 is changed, that is, if the Nth warehouse information and the Mth warehouse information are changed, and the content of the change satisfies the determination conditions for whether or not to execute a simulation, which are set for information I11, then it is necessary to execute a simulation using information I11 (for example, the first simulation). The determination conditions for whether or not to execute a simulation, which are set for information I11, are a combination of the determination conditions for whether or not to execute a simulation, which are set for the Nth warehouse information and the Mth warehouse information, respectively. Thus, the determination conditions for whether or not to execute a simulation may be an AND condition of two or more determination conditions that are different from the said determination conditions.

[0046] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the processing of the integrated management system 1 when there is a change in warehouse information will be explained. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the warehouse information change processing of the integrated management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Note that "WMS / WES" in Figure 3 means "WMS or WES". Figure 3 shows the processing when the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 receives an instruction to change the warehouse information it holds. Although some parts are omitted in Figure 3, the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 sends and receives data with the terminal 40. Here, we will explain using the case where the warehouse management system 10 receives an instruction to change the warehouse information as an example. Note that users such as warehouse managers can access the warehouse information held in the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 via the terminal 40, and have already confirmed the warehouse information held in each system at the start of the sequence diagram shown in Figure 3.

[0047] The user sends instructions to the warehouse management system 10 to change warehouse information via terminal 40 (step S100).

[0048] The warehouse management system 10 receives instructions for changing warehouse information (step S101).

[0049] The warehouse management system 10 transmits the details of the warehouse information changes received in step S101 to the simulation system 30 (step S102). The simulation system 30 receives the details of the warehouse information changes. The details of the warehouse information changes may include the changed information within the warehouse information, the information before the change, and the information after the change.

[0050] The change impact management unit 36 ​​of the simulation system 30 determines whether or not to run the simulation using the received warehouse information change details and the impact management table 39 (step S103). Here, the change impact management unit 36 ​​determines whether or not to run each of the one or more simulations of warehouse operations (for example, the first simulation, the second simulation, etc.). However, for the sake of simplicity, the one or more simulations of warehouse operations will simply be referred to as a simulation.

[0051] The simulation system 30 transmits the result of the determination in step S103 regarding whether or not the simulation should be executed to the warehouse management system 10 (step S104). The warehouse management system 10 receives the result of the determination regarding whether or not the simulation should be executed.

[0052] First, we will explain the case where it is not necessary to run a simulation, that is, the case where it is not necessary to run any of the one or more simulations of warehouse operations. Not needing to run a simulation means that none of the conditions for determining whether or not to run a simulation are met, and the possibility that a change in warehouse information will affect warehouse operations is extremely low, or the impact of a change in warehouse information on warehouse operations is extremely small. If it is not necessary to run a simulation (step S105: NO), the warehouse management system 10 reflects the change in warehouse information (step S115). Note that the impact here refers to so-called negative impacts on warehouse operations (for example, delays in work time). If a change in warehouse information has a so-called positive impact on warehouse operations (for example, improved work efficiency), it is preferable that the change be reflected.

[0053] The warehouse management system 10 then sends a notification to the terminal 40 indicating that the changes to the warehouse information have been reflected (step S116). This allows the user to confirm that the changes to the warehouse information have been completed on the display device 44 of the terminal 40. The integrated management system 1 then terminates this processing flow.

[0054] Next, we will explain when it is necessary to run a simulation, that is, when it is necessary to run at least one of the one or more simulations of warehouse operations. If it is necessary to run a simulation, the warehouse management system 10 sends the information necessary to run the simulation to the simulation system 30 (step S106). The simulation system 30 then receives the information necessary to run the simulation. The information necessary to run the simulation may include not only the changed information from the warehouse information, but also other warehouse information, such as warehouse layout information. The simulation system 30 may also receive and acquire the information necessary to run the simulation from the warehouse operation management system 20 as needed.

[0055] The simulation execution unit 34 of the simulation system 30 executes the simulation based on the information necessary for the simulation, namely the changes to the warehouse information and the warehouse information itself (step S107). Note that the changes to the warehouse information and the warehouse information refer to the changed warehouse information and the warehouse information that has not been changed but is necessary for the simulation. The simulation executed may be, for example, a simulation of a day's work in a warehouse.

[0056] The simulation system 30 sends the simulation results to the warehouse management system 10 (step S108). For example, if a simulation of a day's work in the warehouse is performed, one of the simulation results may be the end time of the day's work in the warehouse. In this case, the simulation system 30 sends the results, including the end time of the day's work in the warehouse, to the warehouse management system 10.

[0057] The warehouse management system 10 determines whether the received simulation execution results are acceptable, or in other words, whether the simulation execution results are within a preset acceptable range (step S109). For example, consider the case where the warehouse management system 10 receives the end time of a day's work in the warehouse as one of the simulation execution results. In this case, the acceptable range may be set to, for example, the end time of work. The warehouse management system 10 may determine that the simulation execution results are not within the acceptable range if the end time of the simulation execution results exceeds the preset end time of work. Conversely, the warehouse management system 10 may determine that the simulation execution results are within the acceptable range if the end time of the simulation execution results does not exceed the preset end time of work.

[0058] The warehouse management system 10 may determine whether the results of one or more simulations performed are within an acceptable range. If any of the one or more results are outside the acceptable range, the warehouse management system 10 may proceed to step S110. In other words, if any of the one or more results are outside the acceptable range, the warehouse management system 10 may determine that the simulation results are not within a predetermined acceptable range.

[0059] If the warehouse management system 10 determines that the simulation results are within a pre-set acceptable range (step S109: YES), it reflects the changes to the warehouse information (step S115). Then, the warehouse management system 10 sends a notification to the terminal 40 indicating that the reflection of the changes to the warehouse information is complete (step S116). Then, the integrated management system 1 terminates this processing flow.

[0060] If the warehouse management system 10 determines that the simulation results are outside a preset acceptable range, that is, that the simulation results are outside the acceptable range (step S109: NO), it sends a notification to the terminal 40 regarding the impact on warehouse operations caused by the change in warehouse information (step S110). This allows the user to check the impact on warehouse operations caused by the change in warehouse information on the display device 44 of the terminal 40 and decide whether to reflect the change in warehouse information or cancel the change in warehouse information.

[0061] The impact on warehouse operations resulting from changes in warehouse information may be the results of a simulation, or the difference between the simulation results and the specified acceptable range. For example, an impact on warehouse operations resulting from changes in warehouse information may be that the work time after the change exceeds the pre-set work time. Notification of the impact on warehouse operations resulting from changes in warehouse information may be a message such as, "This change will cause the work completion time to exceed the specified time by 30 minutes. Is this acceptable?"

[0062] Based on user operations, terminal 40 sends an instruction to the warehouse management system 10 indicating whether or not to reflect the changes in warehouse information in the warehouse management system 10, in other words, whether to update the warehouse information or cancel the changes to the warehouse information (step S111).

[0063] The warehouse management system 10 determines whether to reflect or cancel the changes to the warehouse information based on instructions from the user via the terminal 40 (step S112).

[0064] If the warehouse management system 10 reflects the changes in warehouse information (step S112: YES), it reflects the changes in warehouse information (step S115). Then, the warehouse management system 10 sends a notification to the terminal 40 that the reflection of the changes in warehouse information is complete (step S116). Then, the integrated management system 1 terminates this processing flow.

[0065] If the warehouse management system 10 does not want to reflect the changes to the warehouse information, that is, if it wants to cancel the changes to the warehouse information (step S112: NO), it discards the instruction to change the warehouse information received in step S101 (step S113). Then, the warehouse management system 10 sends a notification to the terminal 40 that the changes to the warehouse information have been canceled (step S114). As a result, the user can confirm that the changes to the warehouse information have been canceled on the display device 44 of the terminal 40. Then, the integrated management system 1 terminates this processing flow.

[0066] In the explanation of the sequence diagram in Figure 3, an example is shown in which the warehouse management system 10 sends and receives data to and from the terminal 40 and the simulation system 30, respectively. However, in the explanation of the sequence diagram in Figure 3, the warehouse management system 10 may be read as the warehouse operation management system 20. In other words, the user may change the warehouse information held in the warehouse operation management system 20. In this case, for example, in step S101, the warehouse operation management system 20 receives an instruction to change the warehouse information. The user may also change both the warehouse information held in the warehouse management system 10 and the warehouse information held in the warehouse operation management system 20. In this case, the processes executed by the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20, such as steps S101 and S102 in the sequence diagram of Figure 3, may be performed simultaneously by the warehouse management system 10 and the warehouse operation management system 20, respectively.

[0067] In this way, the integrated management system 1 can manage warehouse information held by the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20, which manages warehouse operations. Specifically, when the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 receives a change in warehouse information, it transmits the warehouse information to the simulation system 30 based on the content of the change. The simulation system 30 uses the received warehouse information to perform one or more simulations of warehouse operations. Based on the results of the execution of one or more simulations, the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 notifies the terminal 40 of the impact of the change in warehouse information on warehouse operations. This allows the user to understand the impact that the change in warehouse information has on warehouse operations.

[0068] Furthermore, the one or more simulations performed by the simulation system 30 may be one or more simulations of warehouse operations that use at least modified information from the warehouse information.

[0069] Furthermore, the execution conditions for the simulation may be defined for each piece of warehouse information. The simulation system 30 may use the impact management table 39 to determine whether the changes to the warehouse information satisfy the execution conditions for the simulation. The simulation system 30 may perform this determination for the execution conditions of the simulation that correspond to the changed information among the warehouse information. If the simulation system 30 determines that the changes satisfy at least one of the execution conditions for the simulation, it may perform one or more simulations of warehouse operations.

[0070] Furthermore, if the simulation system 30 determines that the changes to the warehouse information do not satisfy any of the simulation execution conditions, the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 may reflect the changes to the warehouse information.

[0071] Furthermore, the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 may determine whether each of the results of one or more simulations of warehouse operations performed by the simulation system 30 is within a specified acceptable range. If the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 determines that at least one of the results of one or more simulations of warehouse operations is outside the acceptable range, it may notify the user of the impact of the changes to the warehouse information on the warehouse operations. On the other hand, if the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 determines that each of the results of one or more simulations of warehouse operations is within the acceptable range, it may reflect the changes to the warehouse information.

[0072] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1 described above, the integrated management system 1 is configured such that the simulation system 30 includes an impact management table 39 and determines whether or not to run a simulation. On the other hand, Embodiment 2 describes a configuration in the integrated management system 1A (see Figure 4) in which the warehouse management system 10A (see Figure 4) or the warehouse operation management system 20A (see Figure 4) determines whether or not to run a simulation. In the description of the integrated management system 1A according to Embodiment 2, the same content as the description of the integrated management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be simplified or omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0073] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the integrated management system 1A according to Embodiment 2. The integrated management system 1A has the same configuration as the integrated management system 1 of Embodiment 1. However, the integrated management system 1A includes a warehouse management system 10A instead of the warehouse management system 10, a warehouse operation management system 20A instead of the warehouse operation management system 20, and a simulation system 30A instead of the simulation system 30.

[0074] The warehouse management system 10A is configured to include a processor 11A instead of the processor 11 of the warehouse management system 10 of Embodiment 1, and a memory 12A instead of the memory 12. The memory 12A stores and holds the impact management table 39A. The impact management table 39A may have the same configuration as the impact management table 39 of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the functions of the change impact management unit 36A are realized through the cooperation of the processor 11A and the memory 12A. When warehouse information held in the warehouse management system 10A is changed, the change impact management unit 36A uses the impact management table 39A to determine whether it is necessary to run a simulation of warehouse operations. If the change impact management unit 36A determines that it is necessary to run a simulation, it instructs the simulation system 30A to run the simulation.

[0075] The warehouse operation management system 20A is configured to include a processor 21A instead of the processor 21 of the warehouse operation management system 20 of Embodiment 1, and a memory 22A instead of the memory 22. The memory 22A stores and holds the impact management table 39B. The impact management table 39B may have the same configuration as the impact management table 39. Furthermore, the functions of the change impact management unit 36B are realized through the cooperation of the processor 21A and the memory 22A. When warehouse information held in the warehouse operation management system 20A is changed, the change impact management unit 36B uses the impact management table 39B to determine whether it is necessary to run a simulation of warehouse operations. If the change impact management unit 36B determines that it is necessary to run the simulation, it instructs the simulation system 30A to run the simulation.

[0076] The simulation system 30A is configured to include a processor 31A in place of the processor 31 of the simulation system 30 of Embodiment 1, and memory 32A in place of memory 32.

[0077] Thus, in Embodiment 2, both the warehouse management system 10A and the warehouse operation management system 20A are equipped with an impact management table. The warehouse management system 10A and the warehouse operation management system 20A can determine, based on the impact management table, whether or not it is necessary to run one or more simulations of warehouse operations, using the functions of the change impact management unit.

[0078] Note that impact management tables 39A and 39B may have the same configuration as impact management table 39 of Embodiment 1, but are not limited thereto. For example, information about workers among the warehouse information may be held in the warehouse operation management system 20A but not in the warehouse management system 10A. Information about workers among the warehouse information is, for example, information I5 or information I6 shown in Figure 2. In this case, impact management table 39A provided by the warehouse management system 10A does not need to include information about workers such as information I5 and information I6. On the other hand, information such as shelf location information in the storage area among the warehouse information is often held in both the warehouse management system 10A and the warehouse operation management system 20A. Thus, depending on the type of warehouse information, warehouse information may be held in only one of the warehouse management system 10A or the warehouse operation management system 20A, or it may be held in both the warehouse management system 10A and the warehouse operation management system 20A. Therefore, impact management tables 39A and 39B may be the same or have different configurations. In other words, the warehouse management system 10A and the warehouse operations management system 20A may have the same impact management table, or they may have different impact management tables.

[0079] For example, information related to items, such as items or shelves in which items are stored, as shown in Table TBL1 in Figure 2 (Information I1, Information I2, and Information I3), may be included in either Impact Management Table 39A or Impact Management Table 39B. Also, for example, information related to aisles, resources such as workers, and work-related information such as work plans, as shown in Table TBL1 in Figure 2 (Information I4, Information I5, Information I6, Information I7, Information I8, Information I9, and Information I10), may be included in Impact Management Table 39B.

[0080] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the processing of the integrated management system 1A when there is a change in warehouse information will be explained. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the warehouse information change processing of the integrated management system 1A according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 5, assuming that a user makes a change to the warehouse information held in the warehouse operation management system 20A, the processing flow when the warehouse operation management system 20A receives an instruction to change the warehouse information will be explained. Note that when a change is made to the warehouse information held in the warehouse management system 10A, in the following explanation of Figure 5, the warehouse operation management system 20A will be read as the warehouse management system 10A, the change impact management unit 36B as the change impact management unit 36A, and the impact management table 39B as the impact management table 39A.

[0081] The user sends instructions to the warehouse operation management system 20A to change warehouse information via terminal 40 (step S200).

[0082] The warehouse operations management system 20A accepts instructions for changes to warehouse information (step S201).

[0083] The Change Impact Management Unit 36B of the Warehouse Operations Management System 20A determines whether or not to run a simulation using the details of the changes to the warehouse information and the impact management table 39B (step S202). Here, the Change Impact Management Unit 36B determines whether or not to run each of the one or more simulations of warehouse operations (for example, the first simulation, the second simulation, etc.). However, for the sake of simplicity, the one or more simulations of warehouse operations will simply be referred to as a simulation.

[0084] First, we will explain the case where it is not necessary to run a simulation, that is, the case where it is not necessary to run any of the one or more simulations of warehouse operations. When it is not necessary to run a simulation (step S203: NO), the warehouse operation management system 20A reflects the changes in warehouse information (step S213).

[0085] The warehouse operation management system 20A then sends a notification to the terminal 40 indicating that the changes to the warehouse information have been reflected (step S214). This allows the user to confirm that the changes to the warehouse information have been completed on the display device 44 on the terminal 40. The integrated management system 1A then terminates this processing flow.

[0086] Next, we will explain when it is necessary to run a simulation, that is, when it is necessary to run at least one of the one or more simulations of warehouse operations. If it is necessary to run a simulation, the warehouse operation management system 20A sends the information necessary to run the simulation to the simulation system 30A (step S204). The simulation system 30A then receives the information necessary to run the simulation. The simulation system 30A may also receive and obtain the information necessary to run the simulation from the warehouse management system 10A as needed.

[0087] The simulation execution unit 34 of the simulation system 30A executes the simulation based on the information necessary for the simulation, namely the changes to the warehouse information and the warehouse information itself (step S205).

[0088] The simulation system 30A transmits the simulation results to the warehouse operation management system 20A (step S206).

[0089] The warehouse operation management system 20A determines whether the received simulation execution results are acceptable, or in other words, whether the simulation execution results are within a preset acceptable range (step S207).

[0090] If the warehouse operation management system 20A determines that the simulation results are within a pre-set acceptable range (step S207: YES), it reflects the changes to the warehouse information (step S213). Then, the warehouse operation management system 20A sends a notification to the terminal 40 that the reflection of the changes to the warehouse information is complete (step S214). Then, the integrated management system 1A terminates this processing flow.

[0091] If the warehouse operation management system 20A determines that the simulation results are outside a preset acceptable range, that is, that the simulation results are outside the acceptable range (step S207: NO), it sends a notification to the terminal 40 regarding the impact on warehouse operations caused by the change in warehouse information (step S208). This allows the user to check the impact on warehouse operations caused by the change in warehouse information on the display device 44 of the terminal 40 and decide whether to reflect the change in warehouse information or cancel the change in warehouse information.

[0092] Based on user operations, terminal 40 sends an instruction to the warehouse operation management system 20A indicating whether or not to reflect the changes in warehouse information in the warehouse operation management system 20A, in other words, an instruction to update the warehouse information or to cancel the changes to the warehouse information (step S209).

[0093] The warehouse operation management system 20A determines whether to reflect or cancel changes to warehouse information based on instructions from the user via terminal 40 (step S210).

[0094] If the warehouse operation management system 20A reflects the changes in warehouse information (step S210: YES), it reflects the changes in warehouse information (step S213). Then, the warehouse operation management system 20A sends a notification to terminal 40 that the reflection of the changes in warehouse information is complete (step S214). Then, the integrated management system 1A terminates this processing flow.

[0095] If the warehouse operation management system 20A does not want to reflect the changes to the warehouse information, that is, if it wants to cancel the changes to the warehouse information (step S210: NO), it discards the instruction to change the warehouse information received in step S201 (step S211). Then, the warehouse operation management system 20A sends a notification to the terminal 40 that the changes to the warehouse information have been canceled (step S212). As a result, the user can confirm that the changes to the warehouse information have been canceled on the display device 44 on the terminal 40. Then, the integrated management system 1A terminates this processing flow.

[0096] Thus, either the warehouse management system 10A or the warehouse operations management system 20A may determine whether or not to run the simulation based on the impact management table.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, a user may modify both the warehouse information held only in the warehouse management system 10A and the warehouse operation management system 20A. In this case, the processes executed by either the warehouse management system 10A or the warehouse operation management system 20A, such as steps S201 and S202 in the sequence diagram of Figure 5, may be performed concurrently by both the warehouse management system 10A and the warehouse operation management system 20A. In other words, each process in the sequence diagram shown in Figure 5 may be executed concurrently by multiple warehouse management systems and warehouse operation management systems.

[0098] (Modified example of the embodiment) In Embodiment 1 described above, an example was shown in which the warehouse management system 10 or the warehouse operation management system 20 notifies the user via the terminal 40 of the impact of changes to warehouse information on warehouse operations. In Embodiment 2 described above, an example was shown in which the warehouse management system 10A or the warehouse operation management system 20A notifies the user via the terminal 40 of the impact of changes to warehouse information on warehouse operations. However, the invention is not limited to these examples, and the simulation system 30 (simulation system 30A) may also notify the user via the terminal 40 of the impact of changes to warehouse information on warehouse operations. Similarly, the simulation system 30 (simulation system 30A) may notify the user via the terminal 40 that the changes to warehouse information have been canceled.

[0099] (Summary of the embodiments) The following technologies are disclosed based on the above description of the embodiments. Note that the components etc. in the above embodiments are examples, but are not limited to these.

[0100] (Technology 1) The method for managing warehouse information held by a system that manages warehouse operations (for example, warehouse management system 10, warehouse management system 10A, warehouse operation management system 20, warehouse operation management system 20A) is as follows: when a change in warehouse information is received, the system runs one or more simulations of warehouse operations based on the content of the change and the warehouse information, and based on the results of the one or more simulations, it notifies the user of the impact of the change on warehouse operations.

[0101] This means that if warehouse information is changed, a simulation of warehouse operations will be run that uses the changed warehouse information. Based on the simulation results, the impact of the change in warehouse information on warehouse operations will be notified. This allows users, such as warehouse managers or workers, to understand the impact that changes in warehouse information have on warehouse operations.

[0102] (Technology 2) The management method described in Technology 1 uses a table (e.g., Impact Management Table 39) for determining whether the content of the change satisfies the simulation execution conditions specified for each warehouse information. If it is determined that the content of the change satisfies at least one of the execution conditions, one or more simulations may be executed.

[0103] This means that the simulation will only run if the execution conditions set for the changed warehouse information are met. In other words, simulations that do not meet the execution conditions will not run, thus preventing simulations from running when the change in warehouse information is unlikely to affect warehouse operations, or when the impact of the change in warehouse information on warehouse operations is extremely small. This reduces the processing load.

[0104] (Technology 3) The management method described in Technique 2 allows the system to reflect changes if it is determined, using a table, that the changes do not satisfy any of the execution conditions corresponding to each of the changed pieces of information.

[0105] This means that changes to warehouse information will be reflected in the system without running a simulation if the likelihood of the changes affecting warehouse operations is low, or if the impact of the changes on warehouse operations is extremely small.

[0106] (Technology 4) The management method described in any one of Techniques 1 to 3 involves determining whether each of the results of one or more simulations is within the specified acceptable range, and if it is determined that at least one of the results of one or more simulations is outside the acceptable range, the details of the impact may be notified.

[0107] This allows, for example, users to be notified of the impact of the changes to warehouse information on warehouse operations if the results of a simulation using the modified warehouse information deviate from a pre-set tolerance range.

[0108] (Technology 5) The management method described in Technical 4 may be applied to the system if it is determined that the results of one or more simulations are within an acceptable range.

[0109] This means that if the results of a simulation using the modified warehouse information fall within a pre-set acceptable range, the changes to the warehouse information will be reflected in the system.

[0110] (Technology 6) The management method described in any one of Techniques 1 to 5 may include one or more simulations of warehouse operations that use at least one modified piece of warehouse information.

[0111] This ensures that simulations using the updated warehouse information are executed. Simulators using only the unchanged warehouse information are not run, thus reducing the processing load.

[0112] (Technology 7) In the management methods described in Techniques 1 to 6, warehouse information may include warehouse layout information managed by the system (e.g., location information 27), inventory information of goods stored in the warehouse (e.g., inventory information 15), shipping and receiving plans for goods (e.g., shipping plans 16, work plans 28), and resource information in the warehouse (e.g., resource information 26).

[0113] This means that if information about the warehouse layout, inventory of goods stored in the warehouse, shipping and receiving plans for goods, or resources such as equipment and workers in the warehouse are changed, the impact of those changes on warehouse operations will be notified to the user, for example.

[0114] (Technology 8) In the management method described in Technical 2 or 3, the execution condition may include an AND condition of two or more execution conditions different from the said execution condition.

[0115] This allows the simulation execution conditions to include an AND condition of multiple execution conditions.

[0116] (Technology 9) A management system (for example, integrated management system 1, integrated management system 1A) comprises a system that holds warehouse information and manages warehouse operations (for example, warehouse management system 10, warehouse management system 10A, warehouse operation management system 20, warehouse operation management system 20A), and a simulation system that performs simulations of warehouse operations (for example, simulation system 30, simulation system 30A). When a system receives a change in warehouse information, it transmits the warehouse information to the simulation system based on the content of the change. The simulation system uses the received warehouse information to perform one or more simulations of warehouse operations, and based on the results of the one or more simulations, the system notifies the system of the impact of the change on warehouse operations.

[0117] As a result, the management system can achieve the same effect as Technology 1.

[0118] (Technology 10) The program is capable of data communication with systems that hold warehouse information and manage warehouse operations (e.g., warehouse management system 10, warehouse management system 10A, warehouse operation management system 20, warehouse operation management system 20A), and causes a computing device that performs simulations of warehouse operations (e.g., simulation system 30, simulation system 30A) to receive warehouse information from a system that has received a change in warehouse information, based on the content of the change, to perform one or more simulations of warehouse operations using the received warehouse information, and to notify the system of the impact of the change on warehouse operations based on the results of the execution of one or more simulations.

[0119] This allows the program to achieve the same effect as Technique 1.

[0120] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It will be 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 will also be understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0121] The technology disclosed herein is useful as a management method, management system, and program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 1.1A Integrated Management System 10,10A Warehouse Management System 11,11A,21,21A,31,31A,41,51 processors 12, 12A, 22, 22A, 32, 32A, 42, 52 memory 20,20A Warehouse Operations Management System 30,30A Simulation System 40 devices 43 Input device 44 Display device 45 Communication equipment 50 Order Management System

Claims

1. A method for managing warehouse information held by a system that manages warehouse operations, When a change in the warehouse information is received, one or more simulations of the warehouse operations are performed based on the content of the change and the warehouse information. Based on the results of the above one or more simulations, the details of the impact of the changes on the warehouse operations will be notified. Management method.

2. Using a table for determining whether the content of the change satisfies the execution conditions of the simulation defined for each piece of warehouse information, if it is determined that the content of the change satisfies at least one of the execution conditions, then one or more simulations are executed. The management method described in claim 1.

3. If, using the table, it is determined that the changes do not satisfy any of the execution conditions, the changes are reflected in the system. The management method described in claim 2.

4. Determine whether each of the results of the one or more simulations described above falls within the specified acceptable range. If it is determined that at least one of the results of the one or more simulations described above is outside the acceptable range, the details of the impact will be notified. The management method described in claim 1.

5. If it is determined that each of the results of the one or more simulations described above falls within the acceptable range, the changes are reflected in the system. The management method described in claim 4.

6. Of the warehouse operations simulations, one or more simulations are performed using at least the modified information from the warehouse information. The management method described in claim 1.

7. The warehouse information includes the layout information of the warehouse managed by the system, the inventory information of the goods stored in the warehouse, the shipping and receiving plans for the goods, and resource information in the warehouse. The management method described in claim 1.

8. The execution condition includes two or more AND conditions of the execution condition that are different from the said execution condition. The management method described in claim 2.

9. The system comprises a system for maintaining warehouse information and managing warehouse operations, and a simulation system for performing simulations of the said warehouse operations. When the system receives a change in the warehouse information, it transmits the warehouse information to the simulation system based on the content of the change. The simulation system uses the received warehouse information to perform one or more simulations of the warehouse operations. The system notifies the details of the impact of the change on the warehouse operations based on the results of the execution of one or more simulations. Management system.

10. A system that maintains warehouse information and manages warehouse operations is capable of data communication with a computing device that performs simulations of the said warehouse operations, The system that received the change in the warehouse information receives the warehouse information based on the content of the change. Using the received warehouse information, one or more simulations of the warehouse operations are performed. Based on the results of the above one or more simulations, in order to notify the details of the impact of the changes on the warehouse operations, program.

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