Inventory management device, inventory management method, and inventory management program

Abstract

This invention provides an inventory management device, an inventory management method, and an inventory management program that enable "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) inventory management and lot tracing of shipped goods. [Solution] The inventory management device of this embodiment includes a storage unit 106 which stores a system inventory table 106b including shelf codes, product codes, lot numbers, and arrival dates; a control unit 102 which includes an arrival allocation transfer processing unit 102a which extracts shelves capable of storing incoming goods, assigns the product codes, lot numbers, etc. of the incoming goods to the extracted shelves while allowing input of lot numbers different from the lot numbers of the goods actually stored on the shelves, and updates the system inventory table 106b; an order processing unit 102b which allocates ordered goods in order from the oldest arrival dates in the system inventory table 106b; and a shipping processing unit 102c which generates shipping data including shipping product codes, lot numbers, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inventory management device, an inventory management method, and an inventory management program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inventory management device including: an input unit that, when inventory is received, generates an in-house lot number including the receipt date for the received product, and registers the received product, the generated in-house lot number, and the quantity in inventory information; and an inventory allocation unit that, when shipping the target product, refers to the inventory information and allocates the shipped quantity in the order of the receipt dates of the in-house lot numbers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the inventory management device according to the present invention is an inventory management device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores a system inventory table including a storage area code assigned to a storage area for which an upper limit on the storage quantity of goods has been set, a product code relating to the goods, a lot number relating to the goods, and an arrival date which is the date on which the goods were stored in the storage area; the control unit is characterized by comprising: an arrival allocation transfer processing unit that extracts storage areas capable of storing the received goods from the system inventory table, assigns and inputs data including the product code, lot number, and arrival date of the received goods to the extracted storage area, while allowing input of a lot number different from the lot number of the goods actually stored in the storage area, and updates the system inventory table; an order processing unit that allocates the ordered goods in the system inventory table in order from the oldest arrival date; and a shipping processing unit that generates shipping data including the product code of the goods to be shipped, the storage area in which the goods to be shipped were stored, the lot number obtained by a reading operation on the goods to be shipped, and the shipping date.

[0007] Furthermore, the inventory management method according to the present invention is an inventory management method performed by an inventory management device equipped with a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores a system inventory table including a storage area code assigned to a storage area for which an upper limit on the storage quantity of goods has been set, a product code relating to the goods, a lot number relating to the goods, and an arrival date which is the date on which the goods were stored in the storage area, and the control unit extracts the storage areas capable of storing the received goods from the system inventory table, assigns and inputs data including the product code, lot number, and arrival date of the received goods to the extracted storage areas, while allowing input of a lot number different from the lot number of the goods actually stored in the storage area, and updates the system inventory table, an arrival allocation transfer processing step, an order processing step that allocates the ordered goods in the system inventory table in order from the oldest arrival date, and a shipping processing step that generates shipping data including the product code of the goods to be shipped, the storage area in which the goods to be shipped were stored, the lot number obtained by a reading operation on the goods to be shipped, and the shipping date.

[0008] Furthermore, the inventory management program according to the present invention is an inventory management program executed by an inventory management device equipped with a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores a system inventory table including a storage area code assigned to a storage area for which an upper limit on the storage quantity of goods has been set, a product code relating to the goods, a lot number relating to the goods, and an arrival date which is the date on which the goods were stored in the storage area, and causes the control unit to execute an arrival allocation transfer process which extracts from the system inventory table the storage areas capable of storing the received goods, assigns and inputs data including the product code, lot number, and arrival date of the received goods to the extracted storage areas, while allowing input of a lot number different from the lot number of the goods actually stored in the storage area, and updates the system inventory table; an order processing process which allocates the ordered goods in the system inventory table in order from the oldest arrival date; and a shipping processing process which generates shipping data including the product code of the goods to be shipped, the storage area in which the goods to be shipped were stored, the lot number obtained by a read operation on the goods to be shipped, and the shipping date. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to perform "first-in, first-out" on inventory goods and also to perform lot tracing of shipped goods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an example of the configuration of an inventory management device according to an embodiment, in the form of a block diagram. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a shelf master included in the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a priority shelf classification master included in the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a part number master included in the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a system inventory table included in the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processes performed by the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processes performed by the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a system inventory table included in the inventory management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a system inventory table provided by an inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a shelf number allocation table generated by the inventory management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the source shelf number and the destination shelf number according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of comparing the system inventory table provided by the inventory management device according to this embodiment with the actual shelf inventory status. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processes performed by the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of data compiled for shipment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a system inventory table included in the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram summarizing the products allocated by the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of a picking list generated by the inventory management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processes performed by the inventory management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal read data table generated by reading a lot number by a terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a shipping table included in an inventory management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a system inventory table included in an inventory management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison between an actual shelf inventory status according to an embodiment and a system inventory table included in an inventory management device. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a system inventory table included in an inventory management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison between an actual shelf inventory status according to an embodiment and a system inventory table included in an inventory management device. [Embodiments of the Invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of an inventory management device, an inventory management method, and an inventory management program according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

[0012] [1. Configuration] An example of the configuration of the inventory management device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an example of the configuration of an inventory management device in a block diagram.

[0013] The inventory management device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a commercially available desktop personal computer. Note that the inventory management device 100 is not limited to a stationary information processing device such as a desktop personal computer, and may be a portable information processing device such as a commercially available notebook personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a smartphone, or a tablet personal computer.

[0014] The inventory management device 100 comprises a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a storage unit 106, and an input / output interface unit 108. Each component of the inventory management device 100 is connected to communicate via any communication path.

[0015] The communication interface unit 104 connects the inventory management device 100 to the network 300 via a communication device such as a router and a wired or wireless communication line such as a dedicated line. The communication interface unit 104 has the function of communicating data with other devices and via the communication line. Here, the network 300 has the function of connecting the inventory management device 100 and the server 200 so that they can communicate with each other, and is, for example, the internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The data stored in the storage unit 106 may be stored in, for example, the server 200.

[0016] The input / output interface unit 108 is connected to an input device 112 and an output device 114. The output device 114 can be a monitor (including a home television), a speaker, or a printer. The input device 112 can be a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a monitor that works in conjunction with the mouse to provide pointing device functionality. In the following, the output device 114 may be referred to as the monitor 114, and the input device 112 may be referred to as the keyboard 112 or mouse 112.

[0017] The storage unit 106 stores various databases, tables, and files. The storage unit 106 also stores computer programs that work in cooperation with the OS (Operating System) to give instructions to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform various processes. The storage unit 106 can be, for example, a memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, or an optical disk. The storage unit 106 stores a master table 106a, a system inventory table 106b, an order data table 106c, and a shipping data table 106d.

[0018] In this embodiment, the storage area of ​​the warehouse where the goods are actually stored is provided with shelves. In this embodiment, the goods stored on the shelves are wheelchairs. These shelves are a finite space, and each shelf (i.e., each shelf code described later) has an upper limit set on the number of goods (product codes described later) that can be stored. Note that the shelves as a storage area are just one example, and other forms of storage areas are also possible.

[0019] Master table 106a includes shelf master M1 (see Figure 2) as a storage area master, priority shelf classification master M2 (see Figure 3) as a priority storage area classification master, and part number master M3 (see Figure 4).

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the shelf master M1, which serves as the storage area master, assigns the same shelf classification to multiple shelves of the same type, which are storage areas. The shelf code is a code assigned to each shelf classification name (i.e., the name of the shelf). For example, shelf codes "1-0001" to "1-0004" (shelf classification names "1st floor-0001" to "1st floor-0004") are shelves located on the first floor of the same warehouse, and the maximum number of items they can store is the same, so they are considered the same type of shelf and are assigned the same shelf classification "1".

[0021] Shelf code "0-0000" (shelf classification name "Shelf for receiving work") is a shelf used as a storage area for temporarily placing goods upon arrival. Shelf code "9-9999" (shelf classification name "Shelf for immediate shipment after purchase") is a shelf used as a storage area for goods that are to be shipped immediately without being stored as inventory. The shelf classification for these items is set to "0".

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the priority shelf classification master M2 has a set order of priority for each priority symbol. For example, priority symbol "1" means that shelf classification "1" is the first priority (priority 1), followed by shelf classification "2" and then shelf classification "3". Further details will be described later.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the product code master M3 has priority symbols for each product type and maximum storage quantities for each shelf classification for each product type. For example, product code "S001" has the product name "Wheelchair001" and the priority symbol is set to "1". For priority symbol "1", the priority shelf classification master M2 (Figure 3) mentioned above sets the shelf classification in which it should be stored first. In the aforementioned priority shelf classification master M2 (Figure 3), priority symbol "1" is set to be stored in the shelf classifications "1", "2", and "3" in that order. Also, for product code "S001", the shelf classification number is set to "6". That is, up to 6 units of product code "S001" can be stored on shelf classification "1". Similarly, up to 10 units of product code "S001" can be stored on shelf classification "2".

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the system inventory table 106b is an inventory table on the system that is recorded as data in the inventory management device 100. The system inventory table 106b includes the shelf code assigned to each shelf, the product code associated with the product, the lot number associated with the product, and the arrival date (shelf arrival date), which is the date the product was placed on the shelf. Here, the system inventory table 106b allows for the input (recording) of lot numbers that are different from the lot numbers of the products actually stored on each shelf. Details on this point will be described later.

[0025] The order data table 106c, which includes the order data table TA1 (see Figure 14) and the order shelf number allocation data table TA2 (see Figure 16), and the shipping data table 106d (see Figure 20), which are stored in the memory unit 106, will be described in detail later.

[0026] Returning to Figure 1, the control unit 102 is a CPU or similar component that comprehensively controls the inventory management device 100. The control unit 102 has internal memory for storing control programs such as the OS, programs that define various processing procedures, and required data, and executes various information processing based on these stored programs. The control unit 102 comprises an incoming inventory allocation and transfer processing unit 102a, an order processing unit 102b, and a shipping processing unit 102c.

[0027] The incoming goods allocation and movement processing unit 102a generates an incoming goods shelf number allocation table P1 (see Figure 10), which is an instruction sheet for actually storing incoming goods in the storage area, and includes the shelf code of the shelf where the incoming goods will be stored, the product code corresponding to the shelf code, and the number of products to be stored on the shelf, but does not include the lot number.

[0028] The order processing unit 102b generates a picking list P2, which is an instruction sheet for actually picking the ordered products from the shelves, and includes the shelf code for the shelf to which the ordered products are assigned, the product codes of the products stored on the shelf to which the ordered products are assigned, and the number of products to be taken from the shelf to which the ordered products are assigned.

[0029] The shipping processing unit 102c subtracts the quantity shipped from the inventory of the product in the system inventory table 106b corresponding to the shelf code and lot number of the product allocated to the ordered product, adds the quantity to the inventory of the lot number for which the inventory became negative so that it becomes 0, and subtracts the quantity added from the inventory of other lot numbers for the shelf code corresponding to the added lot number.

[0030] [2. Processes performed by the inventory management system] Next, the actual registration process performed by the inventory management device 100 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart outlining the processes performed by the inventory management device 100. The inventory management device 100 performs the following steps: an incoming goods allocation transfer process (step S10) in which it extracts shelves capable of storing incoming goods from the system inventory table 106b, assigns and inputs data including the product code, lot number, and arrival date of the incoming goods to the extracted shelves, while allowing input of lot numbers different from the lot numbers of the goods actually stored on the shelves, and updates the system inventory table; an order processing process (step S2) in which it allocates ordered goods in order from the oldest arrival date in the system inventory table 106b; and a shipping processing process (step S3) in which it generates shipping data including the product code of the goods to be shipped, the shelf in which the goods to be shipped were stored, the lot number obtained by a read operation on the goods to be shipped, and the shipping date. Steps S10 to S30 will be described in detail below.

[0031] [3. Incoming Delivery Allocation and Transfer Processing] Next, the incoming inventory allocation and transfer process (step S10) will be explained in detail according to the flowchart in Figure 7. In the incoming inventory allocation and transfer process (step S10), the incoming inventory processing (step S11), the shelving processing (step S12), and the system inventory transfer processing (step S13) are executed by the incoming inventory allocation and transfer processing unit 102a.

[0032] Receiving Processing (Step S11); For example, suppose eight units of product code "S001" (wheelchairs), six units of product code "S002", and six units of product code "S003" are received. These received goods are first temporarily placed on the shelf with shelf code "0-0000" (shelf classification name "Shelf number for receiving work") (see Figure 2). The receiving allocation and transfer processing unit 102a inputs and registers the data of the received goods into the existing system inventory table 106b (Figure 5). Figure 8 shows the system inventory table 106b with the received goods registered. The received goods are shown in shaded area. Here, each received item is assigned a lot number.

[0033] Shelf placement processing (step S12): The incoming shelf allocation and movement processing unit 102a creates an incoming shelf allocation table P1 (see Figure 10), which is an instruction sheet specifying which product should be stored on which shelf in the warehouse. First, the incoming shelf allocation and movement processing unit 102a extracts which shelves have available space to store incoming products. For example, in this example, as shown in Figure 9, shelf code "1-0001" has an inventory quantity of "0", so products can be stored there. According to the shelf master M1 (Figure 2) and product number master M3 (Figure 4), shelf code "1-0001" can store 6 units of product code "S001".

[0034] Furthermore, only one product code can be stored on a shelf using a single shelf code. Additionally, only one arrival date (the date the product was stored on the shelf, hereinafter also referred to as the "shelf arrival date") is assigned to each shelf code. For example, in the example in Figure 9, five units of product code "S001" are already stored on shelf code "1-0002". Here, according to shelf master M1 (Figure 2) and product number master M3 (Figure 4), shelf code "1-0002" can store six units of product code "S001". Therefore, although it is physically possible to store one more unit of product code "S001" on shelf code "1-0002", for inventory management purposes, this system processes it as if there is no space available (the product cannot be stored) because the shelf arrival date has already been assigned.

[0035] In this way, the incoming goods allocation and movement processing unit 102a extracts shelves that can store the incoming goods. The incoming goods allocation and movement processing unit 102a then generates the incoming shelf number allocation table P1 shown in Figure 10. This incoming shelf number allocation table P1 contains the shelf code (represented as "shelf number" in the incoming shelf number allocation table P1), the product code of the product to be stored in that shelf code (represented as "product S001," etc. in the incoming shelf number allocation table P1), and the quantity. The incoming shelf number allocation table P1 does not show the lot number. This is because, for large products such as wheelchairs, they may be stacked on pallets, and in such cases, checking the lot number of the product located on the upper shelves would significantly reduce work efficiency, such as requiring climbing a ladder to check. Therefore, the incoming shelf number allocation table P1 does not include the lot number, so that it is not used to specify the lot number.

[0036] System inventory transfer processing (step S13): The incoming inventory allocation transfer processing unit 102a moves the shelf code for incoming goods (see Figure 8) that had the shelf code "0-0000" entered for the receiving work shelf number in the system inventory table 106b to a shelf code assigned to shelf classification "1" to "3". Here, the system inventory table 106b requires the input of a lot number. However, it is not known which lot number the goods with which products are actually stored on the shelves. Therefore, the incoming inventory allocation transfer processing unit 102a accepts the input of a lot number different from the lot number of the product that is actually stored, allocates the incoming goods to the extracted shelves, and updates the system inventory table 106b.

[0037] For example, in the shelving process (step S12), instructions are given to store 6 units of the 8 received units of product "S001" at shelf code "1-0001" and 2 units at shelf code "1-0003" (generation of the receiving shelf number allocation table P1). As shown in Figure 11, in the system inventory table 106b, the 6 units of product "S001" from the source shelf number with shelf code "0-0000" are entered at the destination shelf number with shelf code "1-0001," and the 2 units of product "S001" are entered at the source shelf number with shelf code "1-0003." At this time, the lot number associated with product "S001" is also entered as is from the receiving data. In other words, regardless of the actual lot number stored on the shelf, the lot number based on the receiving data is entered. Six units of product "S002" were received, and instructions were given to store five units on shelf number "2-0003" and one unit on shelf number "2-0004". Therefore, the destination shelf number (destination shelf code) should be entered accordingly, and the lot number should be entered based on the data at the time of arrival, regardless of which lot number is actually stored on the shelf.

[0038] In other words, the products (product codes) and quantities stored for a specific shelf number match the actual condition of the shelves in the warehouse, but the lot numbers may differ. However, looking at the warehouse as a whole (all shelves), since the data is entered based on the lot numbers at the time of arrival, the total quantity of products (product codes) and the entered lot numbers in system inventory table 106b match the total quantity and lot numbers of the products (product codes) actually stored in the warehouse.

[0039] For example, as shown in Figure 12, in the actual shelf inventory situation (table on the left), shelf code "1-0001" stores lot numbers "777" and "888" of product "1-001" enclosed in a thick border, and shelf code "1-0003" stores lot numbers "111" and "222". However, in the system inventory table 106b, lot numbers "777" and "888" are stored in shelf code "1-0003", and lot numbers "111" and "222" are stored in shelf code "1-0001".

[0040] [4. Order Processing] Next, the order processing (step S20) will be explained in detail according to the flowchart in Figure 13. In order processing (step S20), the order acceptance processing (step S21), order shelf number allocation processing (step S22), and picking list generation processing (step S23) are executed by the order processing unit 102b.

[0041] Order acceptance processing (step S21); The order processing unit 102b performs order acceptance processing to receive data such as the shipping date, the ordered product code, and the number of orders, as shown in the order data table TA1 of Figure 14.

[0042] Order shelf allocation processing (step S22): The order processing unit 102b extracts the ordered quantity of the ordered product code from the system inventory table 106b in the order data table TA1 for shipment. At this time, the order processing unit 102b allocates the ordered products in the system inventory table 106b in order from the oldest shelf arrival date. For example, in the order data table TA1 for shipment shown in Figure 14, 10 units of product code "S001" were ordered, so as shown in the system inventory table 106b shown in Figure 15, 10 units of product "S001" are allocated in order from the oldest shelf arrival date. For example, 5 units each of product "S001" with shelf arrival dates of "2024 / 9 / 20" and "2024 / 10 / 1", enclosed in the thick border in Figure 15, are allocated.

[0043] In this way, as shown in Figure 16, the order processing unit 102b calculates the shelf code and quantity of the product to be assigned to the order number and item number, as shown in the order shelf number allocation data table TA2.

[0044] Picking list generation process (step S23); The order processing unit 102b generates a picking list P2 shown in Figure 17 based on the order shelf number allocation data table TA2. The picking list P2 is an instruction sheet for actually picking the ordered goods from the storage area, and includes the shelf code for the shelf to which the ordered goods are allocated, the product code of the goods stored on the shelf to which the ordered goods are allocated, and the number of items to be taken from the shelf to which the ordered goods are allocated. The worker takes the goods from the actual warehouse shelves for shipment based on the picking list P2.

[0045] [5. Shipping Processing] Next, the shipping process (step S30) will be explained in detail according to the flowchart in Figure 18. In the shipping process (step S30), the terminal reading process (step S31), shipping data generation process (step S32), and system inventory adjustment process (step S33) are executed by the shipping processing unit 102c.

[0046] Terminal reading process (step S31): Products picked from the shelves according to the picking list P2 have tags such as barcodes attached to their packaging materials, and these tags are read by a terminal device. This allows information such as product codes and lot numbers of products lined up in the shipping area, i.e., products to be shipped, to be read. For example, Figure 19 shows an example of a terminal reading data table TA3, which is the result of reading by the terminal.

[0047] Shipping data generation process (step S32): The shipping processing unit 102c generates a shipping data table 106d that includes the product code of the product to be shipped, the shelf in which the product was stored, the lot number obtained by the reading operation on the product to be shipped, and the shipping date. For example, the shipping data table 106d is generated as shown in Figure 20. This shipping data table 106d enables lot tracing.

[0048] System inventory adjustment process (step S33); The shipping processing unit 102c reduces the inventory quantity of the product in the system inventory table 106b corresponding to the shelf code and lot number of the product allocated to the ordered product by the quantity shipped. For example, five units of product "S001" with shelf code "1-0001" have been shipped, and their lot numbers are "444", "555", "666", "777", and "888" (see Figure 20). Therefore, in the system inventory table 106b, the inventory quantity corresponding to the lot number of product "S001" with shelf code "1-0001" is reduced by the number of units shipped (i.e., "1") (Figure 21). However, in the system inventory table 106b, product "S001" with lot numbers "777" and "888" does not exist under shelf code "1-0001", and is stored under shelf code "1-0003". Therefore, as shown in Figure 21, the shipping processing unit 102c inputs "-1" into the shelf code "1-0001" so that the stock quantity of product "S001" with lot numbers "777" and "888" becomes "-1". Looking at the warehouse as a whole, as shown in Figure 22, the stock quantity and lot number of product "S001" in the system inventory table 106b are identical to the actual stock quantity and lot number stored in the warehouse.

[0049] Here, there are cases where we want to resolve the issue of "-1" being entered in the inventory quantity of the system inventory table 106b. In such cases, the shipping processing unit 102c adds up the inventory quantity for the lot number with the negative inventory quantity so that it becomes 0, and then subtracts the amount obtained by adding up the inventory quantity for other lot numbers in the shelf code corresponding to the added lot number. That is, as shown in Figure 23, for the inventory quantities of lot numbers "777" and "888" (shelf code "1-0001"), which have an inventory quantity of "-1", the inventory quantity is set to "0" by "-1+1". Then, the amount obtained by adding up the inventory quantities for other lot numbers in the shelf code corresponding to the added lot number, i.e., for other lot numbers in the shelf code "1-0001" corresponding to "777" and "888", namely "111" and "222", is subtracted by "1" (=1-1). Note that since this is a process to resolve the "-1" inventory quantity, the inventory quantity for product codes with an inventory quantity of "1" is also subtracted by the amount obtained by adding up.

[0050] In this way, the inventory quantity for each lot number in the system inventory table 106b can all be set to "1". As shown in Figure 24, the lot numbers stored in the shelf codes will differ from the actual shelf inventory.

[0051] According to the embodiment described above, the system inventory table 106b is updated by assigning incoming goods to the system inventory table 106b while allowing the input of lot numbers that differ from those of the goods actually stored on the warehouse shelves. Then, when shipping, goods are extracted from the system inventory table 106b in order of oldest arrival date and shipping data including lot numbers is generated. Therefore, even in cases where it is difficult to input the lot number of each product when storing large items such as wheelchairs in the warehouse, first-in, first-out (FIFO) and lot tracing based on lot numbers can be performed.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by setting up shelf master M1, priority shelf classification master M2, and part number master M3, it is possible to respond to product discontinuation and new product sales simply by changing the settings of each master.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the incoming goods allocation and movement processing unit 102a generates an incoming goods shelf number allocation table P1, so that workers can easily store the incoming goods on the designated shelves.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the order processing unit 102b generates a picking list P2, so that the worker can easily pick the ordered quantity of products from the designated shelf.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the shipping processing unit 102c can adjust the inventory count in the system inventory table 106b to remove the "-1" display which indicates an inconsistent inventory count.

[0056] [6. Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This embodiment can contribute to improving operational efficiency and promoting appropriate management decisions within companies, thereby enabling contributions to SDGs Goals 8 and 9.

[0057] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and digital processes, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 12, 13, and 15.

[0058] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, thereby enabling contributions to SDG Goal 16.

[0059] [7. Other Embodiments] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

[0060] For example, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods.

[0061] Furthermore, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registration data and search conditions for each process, screen examples, and database configuration shown in this specification and in the drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified.

[0062] Furthermore, with respect to the inventory management device 100, each component shown in the illustration is a functional concept and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown.

[0063] For example, the processing functions of the inventory management device 100, particularly those performed by the control unit, may be implemented entirely or partially by a CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or they may be implemented as wired logic hardware. The program is recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium containing programmed instructions for the information processing device to execute the processing described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by the inventory management device 100 as needed. That is, a storage unit such as ROM or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) stores a computer program that works in cooperation with the OS to give instructions to the CPU and perform various processing tasks. This computer program is executed by being loaded into RAM and works in cooperation with the CPU to form the control unit.

[0064] Furthermore, this computer program may be stored on an application program server connected to the inventory management device 100 via any network, and it is possible to download all or part of it as needed.

[0065] Furthermore, the program for executing the processing described in this embodiment may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, or it may be configured as a program product. Here, "recording medium" includes any "portable physical medium" such as memory cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, SD (Secure Digital) cards, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROMs (Registered Trademark) (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), MOs (Magneto-Optical disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), and Blu-ray (Registered Trademark) Discs.

[0066] Furthermore, "program" refers to a data processing method described in any language or writing method, regardless of its format, such as source code or binary code. Note that "program" is not necessarily limited to a single, monolithic structure; it also includes distributed structures consisting of multiple modules or libraries, and those that work in cooperation with other programs, such as an operating system, to achieve their functions. Regarding the specific configuration and reading procedures for reading the recording medium in each device shown in the embodiments, as well as the installation procedures after reading, well-known configurations and procedures can be used.

[0067] The various databases stored in the memory unit are memory devices such as RAM and ROM, fixed disk devices such as hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks, and store various programs, tables, databases, and web page files used for various processes and website provision.

[0068] Furthermore, the inventory management device 100 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, or as an information processing device to which any peripheral devices are connected. Alternatively, the inventory management device 100 may be implemented by installing software (including programs or data, etc.) on the device that enables the processing described in this embodiment.

[0069] Furthermore, the specific forms of distribution and integration of the devices are not limited to those shown in the figures, and all or part of them can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit according to various additions or functional loads. In other words, the embodiments described above may be implemented in any combination, or the embodiments may be implemented selectively. [Industrial applicability]

[0070] This invention is useful in the logistics industry, for example, in industries that handle wheelchairs. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 100 Inventory Management Devices 102 Control Unit 102a Incoming Delivery Assignment and Transfer Processing Unit 102b Order Processing Unit 102c Shipping Processing Unit 104 Communication Interface Section 106 Storage section 106a Master Table 106b System Inventory Table 106c Order Data Table 106d Shipping Data Table 108 Input / Output Interface Section 112 Input device 114 Output device 200 servers 300 Networks

Claims

1. An inventory management device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, The aforementioned storage unit is The system stores an inventory table that includes a storage area code assigned to a storage area with a set upper limit on the amount of goods that can be stored, a product code relating to the goods, a lot number relating to the goods, and the arrival date, which is the date the goods were stored in the storage area. The control unit, A receiving allocation and transfer processing unit extracts the storage areas capable of storing the received goods from the system inventory table, assigns and inputs data including the product code, lot number, and arrival date of the received goods to the extracted storage areas, while allowing input of lot numbers different from the lot numbers of the goods actually stored in the storage areas, and updates the system inventory table. An order processing unit that allocates the ordered product in order from the oldest arrival date in the system inventory table, A shipping processing unit generates shipping data including the product code of the product to be shipped, the storage area in which the product to be shipped was stored, the lot number obtained by a reading operation on the product to be shipped, and the shipping date. An inventory management device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned storage unit is A storage area master, which sets the same storage area classification for each of the aforementioned storage areas of the same type, A priority storage area classification master that sets the order of priority for each priority symbol of the storage area classification, A product code master that sets priority symbols for each type of product and the maximum storage quantity of each product in the storage area classification for each type of product, Remember this, The inventory management device according to claim 1, wherein the incoming goods allocation and transfer processing unit allocates the incoming goods to the selected storage areas based on the storage area master, the priority storage area classification master, and the product number master.

3. The inventory management device according to claim 1, wherein the incoming goods allocation and movement processing unit generates an incoming goods storage area allocation table which is an instruction sheet for actually storing the received goods in the storage area, the storage area code of the storage area in which the received goods are stored, the goods code corresponding to the storage area code, and the number of goods to be stored in the storage area, but does not include the lot number.

4. The inventory management device according to claim 1, wherein the order processing unit generates a picking list, which is an instruction sheet for actually picking the ordered goods from the storage area, and includes the storage area code relating to the storage area to which the ordered goods are assigned, the product code of the goods stored in the storage area to which the ordered goods are assigned, and the number of the goods to be taken out from the storage area to which the ordered goods are assigned.

5. The aforementioned system inventory table includes the inventory quantity corresponding to the lot number, The inventory management device according to claim 1, wherein the shipping processing unit subtracts the quantity of stock of the product in the system inventory table corresponding to the storage area code and lot number of the product assigned to the ordered product by the quantity shipped, adds the stock quantity for the lot number whose stock quantity became negative so that it becomes 0, and subtracts the quantity of stock for other lot numbers in the storage area code corresponding to the added lot number by the amount added.

6. An inventory management method performed by an inventory management device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, The aforementioned storage unit is The system stores an inventory table that includes a storage area code assigned to a storage area with a set upper limit on the amount of goods that can be stored, a product code relating to the goods, a lot number relating to the goods, and the arrival date, which is the date the goods were stored in the storage area. The control unit, A receiving allocation transfer processing step includes extracting the storage areas capable of storing the received goods from the system inventory table, assigning and inputting data including the product code, lot number, and receiving date of the received goods to the extracted storage areas, while allowing input of lot numbers different from the lot numbers of the goods actually stored in the storage areas, and updating the system inventory table; A sales order processing step in which the ordered product is allocated in order from the oldest arrival date in the system inventory table, A shipping processing step that generates shipping data including the product code of the product to be shipped, the storage area in which the product to be shipped was stored, the lot number obtained by a reading operation on the product to be shipped, and the shipping date. To do, An inventory management method characterized by the following.

7. An inventory management program executed by an inventory management device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, The aforementioned storage unit is The system stores an inventory table that includes a storage area code assigned to a storage area with a set upper limit on the amount of goods that can be stored, a product code relating to the goods, a lot number relating to the goods, and the arrival date, which is the date the goods were stored in the storage area. The control unit, The incoming goods are extracted from the system inventory table to storage areas that can accommodate the incoming goods, and data including the product code, lot number, and arrival date of the incoming goods are assigned to the extracted storage areas, while allowing input of lot numbers different from the lot numbers of the goods actually stored in the storage areas, thereby updating the system inventory table. The order processing involves allocating the ordered product in order from the oldest arrival date in the system inventory table, A shipping process that generates shipping data including the product code of the product to be shipped, the storage area in which the product to be shipped was stored, the lot number obtained by a reading operation on the product to be shipped, and the shipping date. To make it happen An inventory management program featuring the following characteristics.

Images