Picking system, picking method, and picking program

Abstract

To reduce the time required for order picking operations across multiple stations.SOLUTION: A station with the highest number of placed objects determined by a placed objects count determination process is deemed as the maximum station, and a station with the lowest number of placed objects determined by the placed objects count determination process is deemed as the minimum station, and an allocation correction process includes allocation of part of an order picking work assigned to the maximum station by an initial allocation process to at least the minimum station, for each placed object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a picking system, a picking method, and a picking program for performing picking work to remove an ordered item group consisting of items of a type and number specified by order information from a plurality of mounting objects removed from an automated warehouse. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a facility where such a picking operation is performed is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4048426. In the following, the reference numerals in parentheses in the description of the background art are those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The facility disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an item storage shelf (3) that stores items placed on a pallet (2), and various transport devices that transport the pallet (2). The pallet (2a) on which the items are placed is transported from the item storage shelf (3) to a picking work area (4). At the picking work area (4), as shown in FIG. 3 of the same document, a required number of items are taken out from the multiple pallets (2a) and transferred to an empty pallet (2c). In this way, at the picking work area (4), a picking work is performed in which an ordered item group consisting of items of the type and number specified by the order information is picked out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4048426 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Typically, such a facility has multiple stations where order picking work is performed, such as the above-mentioned picking work location (4). If order picking work is defined as picking work corresponding to a group of ordered items specified by order information, then each station performs a different order picking work. The time required for order picking work depends on the contents of the order information (e.g., the number of items, etc.). Therefore, there is variation in work time among the multiple stations. For example, the time at which picked items are shipped at the station that takes the longest work time among the multiple stations will naturally be the latest.

[0006] In view of the above situation, it is desirable to realize a technology that can reduce the time required for order picking work across multiple stations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The picking system according to the present disclosure includes: an automated warehouse that stores a single group of articles consisting of a single type of multiple articles placed on a placement body; N (a natural number equal to or greater than 2) stations for performing a picking operation of picking out an order item group consisting of the items of the type and number designated by order information from the plurality of storage objects removed from the automated warehouse; A conveying device that conveys the object between the automated warehouse and the N stations; A picking system including: a control device that controls the automated warehouse and the conveying device, and allocates a plurality of the objects removed from the automated warehouse to N of the stations based on the order information, The picking work corresponding to the group of ordered items designated by each of the order information is defined as an order picking work, The control device includes: An initial allocation process that allocates one of the order picking operations to each of the N stations; a number-of-placed-objects determination process for determining the number of the placed objects required for the order picking operation allocated by the initial allocation process in each of the N stations; and an allocation correction process for correcting the allocation of the picking operations to the N stations by the initial allocation process based on a determination result by the placement object number determination process. The station having the largest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the most numerous station, and the station having the smallest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the least numerous station, The allocation correction process includes a process of allocating a portion of the order picking work allocated to the most numerous station by the initial allocation process to at least the least numerous station for each of the storage objects.

[0008] The picking method according to the present disclosure includes: an automated warehouse that stores a single group of articles consisting of a single type of multiple articles placed on a placement body; N (a natural number equal to or greater than 2) stations for performing a picking operation of picking out an order item group consisting of the items of the type and number designated by order information from the plurality of storage objects removed from the automated warehouse; A picking method for performing the picking work in a picking system including a conveying device that conveys the object between the automated warehouse and the N stations, The picking work corresponding to the group of ordered items designated by each of the order information is defined as an order picking work, an initial allocation step of allocating one of the order picking operations to each of the N stations; a number-of-placed-objects determining step of determining the number of the placed objects required for the order picking operation assigned by the initial assignment step in each of the N stations; and an allocation correction step of correcting the allocation of the picking operations to the N stations in the initial allocation step based on a result of the determination step of the number of objects to be placed, The station having the largest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determining step is defined as a most-populated station, and the station having the smallest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determining step is defined as a least-populated station, The allocation correction step includes a step of allocating a portion of the order picking work allocated to the most numerous station by the initial allocation step to at least the least numerous station for each of the storage objects.

[0009] The picking program according to the present disclosure includes: an automated warehouse that stores a single group of articles consisting of a single type of multiple articles placed on a placement body; N (a natural number equal to or greater than 2) stations for performing a picking operation of picking out an order item group consisting of the items of the type and number designated by order information from the plurality of storage objects removed from the automated warehouse; A picking program for performing the picking work in a picking system including a conveying device that conveys the object between the automated warehouse and the N stations, The picking work corresponding to the group of ordered items designated by each of the order information is defined as an order picking work, An initial allocation function that executes an initial allocation process that allocates one of the order picking operations to each of the N stations; a number-of-items determination function for performing a number-of-items determination process for determining the number of the items required for the order picking operation allocated by the initial allocation process in each of the N stations; an allocation correction function that executes an allocation correction process that corrects the allocation of the picking operations to the N stations by the initial allocation process based on a determination result by the placement object number determination process, The station having the largest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the most numerous station, and the station having the smallest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the least numerous station, The allocation correction process includes a process of allocating a portion of the order picking work allocated to the most numerous station by the initial allocation process to at least the least numerous station for each of the storage objects.

[0010] According to this configuration, a part of the order picking work assigned to the station with the most by the initial allocation process (initial allocation step) is assigned to the station with the least by the allocation correction process (allocation correction step). Therefore, the order picking work that takes the longest time among the N order picking works can be shared and performed by the multiple stations. This makes it possible to make the time required for the picking work at each of the N stations closer to equal. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the time required for the order picking work assigned by the initial allocation process (initial allocation step) across the multiple stations. It is also possible to make the time required for the picking work at each of the N stations closer to equal. This makes it possible to avoid, for example, a delay in the shipping time for the multiple ordered item groups as a whole, and to make the shipping times for each of the multiple ordered item groups closer to each other.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the techniques disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the picking system [Diagram 2] A schematic plan view showing some of the N stations. [Diagram 3] Illustration of order picking work [Figure 4]Explanation of allocation correction processing [Diagram 5] Flowchart showing the processing procedure of the control device DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] An embodiment of a picking system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the picking system 100 includes an automated warehouse 1 that stores a single group of items Gs consisting of multiple items W of a single type placed on a mounting object P, N (a natural number greater than or equal to 2) stations ST for picking work to remove an ordered group of items Go consisting of items W of a type and number specified by order information from the multiple mounting objects P released from the automated warehouse 1, a conveying device 2 that transports the mounting objects P between the automated warehouse 1 and the N stations ST, and a control device H that controls the automated warehouse 1 and the conveying device 2 and assigns the multiple mounting objects P released from the automated warehouse 1 to the N stations ST based on the order information.

[0015] 1 illustrates four stations ST (A to D). However, the number of stations ST may be two or more. In this specification, a pallet is illustrated as the placement body P. However, a container such as a folding container or a cardboard box may be used as the placement body P.

[0016] The transport device 2 constitutes a transport route R along which the mounting object P is transported. As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the transport device 2 is constituted by using a conveyor.

[0017] In this embodiment, the conveying route R includes an item supply path R1, which is a path along which a mounting body P carrying a single item group Gs is supplied to each station ST. The item supply path R1 constitutes at least a part of the path connecting the automated warehouse 1 to each station ST. Note that while Fig. 2 shows only station ST(A) out of the N stations ST(A-D), the other stations ST(B, C, D) have a similar configuration.

[0018] In this embodiment, the conveying route R includes a return path R2, which is a path through which the object P returns to the automated warehouse 1 after the necessary items W have been picked up by the picking operation. The return path R2 constitutes at least a part of the path connecting each station ST to the automated warehouse 1. Although detailed illustration is omitted, in this example, the return path R2 is connected to an item supply path R1 arranged corresponding to each station ST. This allows the object P that departs from a specific station ST and moves along the return path R2 to pass through other stations ST before returning to the automated warehouse 1. This configuration is suitable for the case where the object P carrying a single group of items Gs is required for picking operations at multiple stations ST.

[0019] In this embodiment, the conveying route R includes a mount supply path R3, which is a path through which an empty mount P on which no article W is placed is supplied to each station ST. In this embodiment, the picking system 100 includes an empty mount storage unit 3 that stores a plurality of empty mounts P. The mount supply path R3 forms at least a part of the path connecting the empty mount storage unit 3 to each station ST.

[0020] In this embodiment, the transport route R includes an output route R4, which is a route along which the mounting object P on which part or all of the group of ordered items Go is placed upon completion of the picking operation is output. In this embodiment, the picking system 100 includes a shipping section 4 for shipping the group of ordered items Go. In the illustrated example, the shipping section 4 is disposed for each of a plurality of pieces of order information (A to D). The output route R4 forms at least a part of the route connecting each station ST to each shipping section 4.

[0021] The ordered goods Go that have been picked based on the order information are transported to the shipping department 4. In this example, the "order information" includes various information such as the type and number of goods W, as well as the shipping destination and shipping time. The ordered goods Go that have been transported to the shipping department 4 are transported to the intended shipping destination by transportation means such as a vehicle, ship, or aircraft.

[0022] To each station ST, a mount P on which a single group of items Gs is placed is supplied via an item supply path R1, and an empty mount P on which no items W are placed is supplied via a mount supply path R3. Then, at each station ST, picking work is performed based on order information, and the required number of items W are transferred from the mount P on which the single group of items Gs is placed to the empty mount P. FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which a worker is placed at station ST(A). However, this is not limited to this, and a robot that automatically performs picking work may be installed at station ST. Alternatively, picking work may be performed by collaboration between a worker and a robot.

[0023] Usually, at each of the N stations ST, a picking operation based on specific order information is performed. Then, upon completion of the picking operation, the mounting body P on which a part or all of the ordered item group Go is placed is transported to the shipping section 4 corresponding to the specific order information. Specifically, at the station ST(A), a picking operation based on the order information A is performed. That is, a part or all of the ordered item group Go related to the order information A is transferred to an empty mounting body P by the picking operation. Upon completion of the picking operation, the mounting body P on which a part or all of the ordered item group Go related to the order information A is placed is transported to the shipping section 4(A). Similarly, at the station ST(B), a picking operation based on the order information B is performed, at the station ST(C), a picking operation based on the order information C is performed, and at the station ST(D), a picking operation based on the order information D is performed. Then, the ordered item group Go related to the order information B is transported to the shipping section 4(B), the ordered item group Go related to the order information C is transported to the shipping section 4(C), and the ordered item group Go related to the order information D is transported to the shipping section 4(D). The picking system 100 is usually operated as described above.

[0024] The picking work corresponding to the group of ordered items Go specified by each piece of order information (A to D) is defined as an order picking work, and such order picking work is performed in the picking system 100. That is, in this specification, "picking work" means an act of transferring an item W from a placement body P to another placement body P. And, "order picking work" means a set of multiple picking works performed based on one piece of order information.

[0025] 3 is an explanatory diagram of an order picking operation. With reference to FIG. 3, an order picking operation based on order information A will be exemplarily described.

[0026] Station ST(A) is supplied with multiple mounts P carrying a single group of items Gs from the automated warehouse 1, and also with empty mounts P from the empty mount storage section 3. In FIG. 3, the item W marked with "A" constitutes part of the group of ordered items Go related to order information A, and is used for picking work at station ST(A). The item W marked with "B" constitutes part of the group of ordered items Go related to order information B, and is used for picking work at station ST(B). Therefore, the item W marked with "B" is not normally used for picking work at station ST(A). The same applies to the items W marked with "C" and the items W marked with "D".

[0027] In the order picking operation, an item W(A) constituting an ordered item group Go related to the order information A is removed from multiple mounting bodies P on which a single item group Gs is placed, and transferred to an empty mounting body P. In this way, some or all of the ordered item group Go related to the order information A is placed on the destination mounting body P. The mounting body P is transported to the shipping section 4(A) corresponding to the order information A via the discharge path R4.

[0028] Here, in the picking system 100 according to the present disclosure, the control device H (see FIG. 1) is configured to execute various processes.

[0029] To explain further, the control device H is configured to execute an initial allocation process for allocating one order picking task to each of the N stations ST, a number of objects P determination process for determining the number of objects P (also referred to as the "required number of objects") required for the order picking task allocated by the initial allocation process at each of the N stations ST, and an allocation correction process for correcting the allocation of picking tasks to the N stations ST by the initial allocation process based on the determination result of the number of objects determination process. The N order picking tasks that are the subject of these processes are, for example, N order picking tasks corresponding to N pieces of order information having the same shipping time or the same time zone. As described above, in this embodiment, information on the shipping time is included in the order information. The shipping time is, for example, the departure time from the shipping department 4 of a transport means (such as a vehicle) that transports the group of ordered items Go from the shipping department 4 to the shipping destination.

[0030] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control device H executes an initial allocation process to allocate order picking work based on each order information (A to D) to each of the four stations ST (A to D). Then, the control device H executes a number-of-items determination process to determine the number of objects P required for the order picking work at each station ST (A to D). In the example shown in FIG. 4, it is determined that "55" objects P are required for the order picking work at station ST (A). It is determined that "59" objects P are required for the order picking work at station ST (B). It is determined that "38" objects P are required for the order picking work at station ST (C). It is determined that "48" objects P are required for the order picking work at station ST (D).

[0031] The station ST with the largest number of objects P determined by the object number determination process is defined as the most numerous station STmax, and the station ST with the smallest number of objects P determined by the object number determination process is defined as the least numerous station STmin. In this embodiment, the control device H determines the most numerous station STmax and the least numerous station STmin from among the N stations ST (A to D) based on the determination result of the object number determination process. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control device H determines the station ST (B) with the largest number of objects required, "59," among the stations ST (A to D), as the most numerous station STmax. Then, the control device H determines the station ST (C) with the smallest number of objects required, "38," among the stations ST (A to D), as the least numerous station STmin.

[0032] Thereafter, the control device H executes an allocation correction process. The allocation correction process includes a process of allocating a part of the order picking work allocated to the most popular station STmax by the initial allocation process to at least the least popular station STmin for each object P. That is, in the allocation correction process, the order picking work is allocated to other stations ST on a per object P basis. Note that in the allocation correction process, a part of the order picking work allocated to the most popular station STmax may be allocated to other stations ST in addition to the least popular station STmin or instead of the least popular station STmin.

[0033] In this embodiment, the control device H executes an allocation correction process so that the number of objects required at the most numerous station STmax is equal to the number of objects required at the least numerous station STmin. More specifically, in the allocation correction process, the control device H calculates a correction number by dividing the value obtained by subtracting the number of objects required at the least numerous station STmin from the number of objects required at the most numerous station STmax by the number of target stations ST (i.e., "2", which is the sum of the most numerous station STmax and the least numerous station STmin). In the allocation correction process, the control device H allocates objects P according to the correction number calculated above from the most numerous station STmax to the least numerous station STmin.

[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control device H subtracts the number of objects required in station ST(C) "38" from the number of objects required in station ST(B) "59" and divides the result by the number of target stations ST "2" ((59-38) / 2). In this case, the correction number is "10.5". Since the number of objects P is expressed by a natural number, it is preferable to round down or round up the decimal point of the correction number. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control device H executes the allocation correction process to allocate 10 objects P according to the correction number "10" from station ST(B) which is the most numerous station STmax to station (C) which is the least numerous station STmin. As a result, as shown in the center diagram of FIG. 4, the number of objects required in station ST(B) is "49", and the number of objects required in station ST(C) is "48".

[0035] In this embodiment, the control device H executes the allocation correction process multiple times so that the numbers of the objects P allocated to the N stations ST are approximately the same.

[0036] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the number of objects required at each station ST(A to D) after the allocation correction process is executed once is "55" for station ST(A), "49" for station ST(B), "48" for station ST(C), and "48" for station ST(D). Therefore, in the state after the first allocation correction process is executed, the station STmax with the most objects is station ST(A) with the number of objects required being "55". The station STmin with the fewest objects is station ST(C) or station ST(D) with the number of objects required being "48". When the number of objects required is the same, either one may be selected as the station STmin with the fewest objects. The same applies to the case of determining the station STmax with the most objects. Here, station ST(C) is selected as the station STmin with the fewest objects.

[0037] Then, the control device H executes the allocation correction process in the same manner as above. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control device H subtracts the number of objects required in station ST(C) "48" from the number of objects required in station ST(A) "55" and divides the result by the number of target stations ST "2" ((55-48) / 2). In this case, the correction number is "3.5". Since the number of objects P is expressed by a natural number, it is preferable to round down or round up the decimal point of the correction number. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control device H executes the allocation correction process to allocate three objects P according to the correction number "3" from station ST(A) which is the most numerous station STmax to station (C) which is the least numerous station STmin. As a result, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 4, the number of objects required in station ST(A) is "52", and the number of objects required in station ST(C) is "51".

[0038] In this embodiment, the control device H terminates the allocation correction process and starts supplying the objects P to each station ST when the difference between the number of objects required at the most numerous station STmax and the number of objects required at the least numerous station STmin becomes less than a specified percentage of the total number of objects required at the N stations ST.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the total number of required objects in the four stations ST is "200". As a result of performing the allocation correction process twice, the number of required objects in station ST(A) which is the most numerous station STmax is "52", and the number of required objects in station ST(D) which is the least numerous station STmin is "48", and the difference between them is "4". That is, in this example, when the difference "4" between the number of required objects in the most numerous station STmax and the number of required objects in the least numerous station STmin becomes equal to or less than the specified ratio "5" of the total number of required objects in the N stations ST, the allocation correction process is terminated. In this case, the specified ratio "5" is 2.5% of the total number of required objects in the N stations ST which is "200". However, the specified ratio is not limited to this, and may be, for example, 2% to 10% of the total number of required objects in the N stations ST. This value may be appropriately determined according to the scale and requirements of the facility.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control device H executes an allocation correction process so as to minimize the number of stations ST in charge of one order picking task. Normally, when the order picking task related to one order information is shared among different stations ST, a task of joining the groups of items picked up at each station ST, a so-called consolidation task, is required. According to the above configuration, the number of divisions of one order picking task is reduced, so that the load of the consolidation task can be reduced.

[0041] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control device H executes the allocation correction process so that the number of stations ST in charge of one order picking task is two or less. That is, by executing the second allocation correction process, the control device H distributes the order picking task related to order information A to two stations ST, station ST(A) and station ST(C). Also, by executing the first allocation correction process, the control device H distributes the order picking task related to order information B to two stations ST, station ST(B) and station ST(C). Note that the order picking task related to order information C is performed only at station ST(C). Also, the order picking task related to order information D is performed only at station ST(D).

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, of all the objects P required for N order picking operations, the objects P required for multiple order picking operations are referred to as overlapping objects Po, and the objects P required for only one order picking operation are referred to as non-overlapping objects Pn, and the control device H controls the automated warehouse 1 and the conveying device 2 so that the overlapping objects Po are conveyed to one of the stations ST in priority over the non-overlapping objects Pn.

[0043] Although the overlapping objects Po are required at multiple stations ST, the picking operation for one overlapping object Po cannot be performed at multiple stations ST at the same time. Therefore, the picking operation for the overlapping objects Po must be performed at different times for each of the multiple stations ST that require the overlapping objects Po. According to the above configuration, the picking operation for the overlapping objects Po is performed early at one of the stations ST, so that it is easy to ensure room for shifting the timing of the picking operation for the overlapping objects Po. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a period in which the picking operation cannot be performed at any of the stations ST due to the overlapping timing of the picking operations for the same overlapping objects Po. As a result, the efficiency of the picking operation can be improved across the N stations ST.

[0044] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the overlapping bodies Po are the mounting body P (top mounting body P in the figure) carrying the items W (A-D) required for the order picking work based on all the order information A-D, the mounting body P (second mounting body P from the top in the figure) carrying the items W (A, C, D) required for the order picking work based on the order information A, C, D, and the mounting body P (third mounting body P from the top in the figure) carrying the items W (A, B) required for the order picking work based on the order information A and B, which are required for multiple order picking works. The mounting body P (bottom mounting body P in the figure) carrying the item W (A) required only for the order picking work based on the order information A is the non-overlapping body Pn.

[0045] In this embodiment, the control device H executes an overlapping work number determination process to determine the number of overlapping works, which is the number of order picking works required, for each of the objects P required for N order picking operations. Then, for multiple overlapping objects Po, the control device H increases the priority of transporting the objects to any of the stations ST as the number of overlapping works determined by the overlapping work number determination process increases.

[0046] According to this configuration, since the object P with a larger number of overlapping tasks is transported to one of the stations ST earlier, it becomes easier to secure a margin for shifting the timing of the picking work for the object P with a larger number of overlapping tasks. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of the picking work in the whole of the N stations ST.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the item P (top item P in the figure) carrying the items W (A to D) required for the order picking work based on all the order information A to D is required for four order picking works, so the number of overlapping works is "4". The item P (second item P from the top in the figure) carrying the items W (A, C, D) required for the order picking work based on the order information A, C, D is required for three order picking works, so the number of overlapping works is "3". The item P (third item P from the top in the figure) carrying the items W (A, B) required for the order picking work based on the order information A and B is required for two order picking works, so the number of overlapping works is "2". That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the item P at the top in the figure has the most overlapping works and has the highest priority of being transported to one of the stations ST. The second object P from the top in the figure has the second highest number of overlapping tasks and has the second highest priority for being transported to any station ST. Furthermore, the third object P from the top in the figure has the second highest number of overlapping tasks and has the second highest priority for being transported to any station ST.

[0048] Next, the procedure of the process executed by the control device H in the picking system 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0049] 5, first, the control device H executes an initial allocation process (step #1), whereby one order picking task is assigned to each of the N stations ST.

[0050] Next, the control device H executes a process for determining the number of objects to be placed (step #2). This determines the number of objects P (required number of objects) required for the order picking work assigned by the initial assignment process at each of the N stations ST.

[0051] Next, the control device H executes an allocation correction process (step #3). This corrects the allocation of the picking work at the N stations ST based on the result of the process for determining the number of placed objects. In this allocation correction process, a part of the order picking work assigned to the station STmax with the most number of items by the initial allocation process is assigned to at least the station STmin with the fewest items, for each placed object P.

[0052] Thereafter, the control device H judges whether the number of objects (required number of objects) allocated to each of the N stations ST is approximately the same (step #4). As described above, in this example, if the difference between the number of objects required at the most numerous station STmax and the number of objects required at the least numerous station STmin is equal to or less than a specified percentage of the total number of objects required at the N stations ST, it is judged that the number of objects (required number of objects) allocated to each of the N stations ST is approximately the same, and if the difference is greater than the specified percentage, it is judged that the number of objects (required number of objects) allocated to each of the N stations ST is not approximately the same.

[0053] If the control device H determines that the number of objects (required number of objects) allocated to each of the N stations ST is not approximately the same (step #4: No), it repeatedly executes the allocation correction process (step #3). If the control device H determines that the number of objects (required number of objects) allocated to each of the N stations ST is approximately the same (step #4: Yes), it executes the overlapping work number determination process (step #6). This determines the number of overlapping works, which is the number of order picking works required, for each of the objects P required for the N order picking works. After this series of processes is completed, the control device H controls the automated warehouse 1 and the conveying device 2 based on the results of the processes, and starts conveying the objects P to each of the N stations ST.

[0054] [Picking method and picking program] According to the above-described picking system 100, it is possible to reduce the time required for order picking work across a plurality of stations ST. The configuration of the above-described picking system 100 can also be used for a picking method or a picking program.

[0055] In other words, the picking method is a picking method for performing the picking operation in a picking system 100 that includes an automated warehouse 1 that stores a single group of items Gs consisting of multiple items W of the same type placed on a mounting body, N (a natural number greater than or equal to 2) stations ST for performing picking operation to remove an order group of items Go consisting of items W of a type and number specified by order information from multiple mounting bodies P released from the automated warehouse 1, and a conveying device 2 that conveys the mounting bodies P between the automated warehouse 1 and the N stations ST.

[0056] This picking method includes an initial allocation process for assigning one order picking task to each of the N stations ST, with the picking task corresponding to the group of ordered items Go specified by each order information being the order picking task, a loaded object number determination process for determining the number of loaded objects P required for the order picking task assigned by the initial allocation process at each of the N stations ST, and an allocation correction process for correcting the allocation of picking tasks to the N stations ST by the initial allocation process based on the determination result by the loaded object number determination process.

[0057] The station ST with the largest number of objects P determined by the object number determination step is set as the most numerous station STmax, and the station ST with the smallest number of objects P determined by the object number determination step is set as the least numerous station STmin, and the allocation correction step includes a step of allocating a part of the order picking work allocated to the most numerous station STmax by the initial allocation step to at least the least numerous station STmin for each object P. The picking method according to the present disclosure further includes a step of determining the number of overlapping tasks. The overlapping task determination step is a step of determining the number of overlapping tasks, which is the number of order picking tasks required, for each of the objects P required for the N order picking tasks.

[0058] In addition, the picking program is a picking program for performing the picking operation in a picking system 100 which includes an automated warehouse 1 which stores a single group of items Gs consisting of multiple items W of the same type placed on a mounting body P, N (a natural number greater than or equal to 2) stations ST for performing the picking operation of removing an order group of items Go consisting of items W of the type and number specified by order information from the multiple mounting bodies P released from the automated warehouse 1, and a conveying device 2 which conveys the mounting bodies P between the automated warehouse 1 and the N stations ST.

[0059] This picking program causes the computer to realize an initial allocation function that performs an initial allocation process that assigns one order picking task to each of the N stations ST, with the picking task corresponding to the group of ordered items Go specified by each order information being the order picking task; a loaded item number determination function that performs, at each of the N stations ST, a loaded item number determination process that determines the number of loaded items P required for the order picking task assigned by the initial allocation process; and an allocation correction function that performs an allocation correction process that corrects the allocation of picking tasks to the N stations ST by the initial allocation process based on the determination result of the loaded item number determination process.

[0060] The station ST with the largest number of objects P determined by the object number determination process is set as the largest station STmax, and the station ST with the smallest number of objects P determined by the object number determination process is set as the smallest station STmin. The allocation correction process includes a process of allocating a part of the order picking work allocated to the largest station STmax by the initial allocation process to at least the smallest station STmin for each object P. In the picking program according to the present disclosure, the computer is further made to realize an overlapping work number determination function. The overlapping work determination function is a function of executing an overlapping work number determination process that determines the number of overlapping work, which is the number of order picking works required, for each of the objects P required for N order picking works. The picking program is provided, for example, by a recording medium (a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk or a flash memory) on which the picking program is recorded, or is provided via a communication network. The provided picking program is stored in a storage device that can be referenced by the computer. In this embodiment, the control device H (specifically, an arithmetic processing device provided in the control device H) functions as a "computer".

[0061] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the picking system, the picking method, and the picking program will be described.

[0062] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control device H executes the allocation correction process multiple times so that the number of objects P assigned to each of the N stations ST is approximately the same. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and it is sufficient for the control device H to execute the allocation correction process at least once.

[0063] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control device H executes the allocation correction process so as to minimize the number of stations ST responsible for one order picking task. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and the control device H may execute the allocation correction process without considering the number of stations ST responsible for one order picking task.

[0064] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control device H increases the priority of multiple overlapping objects Po to be transported to one of the stations ST as the number of overlapping operations determined by the overlapping operation number determination process increases. However, without being limited to such an example, the control device H may control the automated warehouse 1 and the transport device 2 to transport multiple overlapping objects Po to one of the stations ST prior to non-overlapping objects Pn without assigning a priority order for delivery between the multiple overlapping objects Po.

[0065] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control device H controls the automated warehouse 1 and the conveying device 2 so that overlapping objects Po are conveyed to one of the stations ST in preference to non-overlapping objects Pn. However, without being limited to such an example, the control device H may control the automated warehouse 1 and the conveying device 2 so that each object P is conveyed to one of the stations ST without prioritizing the multiple objects P for delivery.

[0066] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the transport device 2 is configured using a conveyor. However, without being limited to such an example, the transport device 2 may be configured using, for example, an unmanned transport vehicle that travels near the floor or ceiling. Alternatively, the transport device 2 may be configured using multiple types of transport means, such as such an unmanned transport vehicle and the conveyor described in the above embodiment.

[0067] (6) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be combined with configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] [Summary of the above embodiment] The picking system, picking method, and picking program described above will be described below.

[0069] The picking system according to the present disclosure includes: an automated warehouse that stores a single group of articles consisting of a single type of multiple articles placed on a placement body; N (a natural number equal to or greater than 2) stations for performing a picking operation of picking out an order item group consisting of the items of the type and number designated by order information from the plurality of storage objects removed from the automated warehouse; A conveying device that conveys the object between the automated warehouse and the N stations; A picking system including: a control device that controls the automated warehouse and the conveying device, and allocates a plurality of the objects removed from the automated warehouse to N of the stations based on the order information, The picking work corresponding to the group of ordered items designated by each of the order information is defined as an order picking work, The control device includes: An initial allocation process that allocates one of the order picking operations to each of the N stations; a number-of-placed-objects determination process for determining the number of the placed objects required for the order picking operation allocated by the initial allocation process in each of the N stations; and an allocation correction process for correcting the allocation of the picking operations to the N stations by the initial allocation process based on a determination result by the placement object number determination process. The station having the largest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the most numerous station, and the station having the smallest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the least numerous station, The allocation correction process includes a process of allocating a portion of the order picking work allocated to the most numerous station by the initial allocation process to at least the least numerous station for each of the storage objects.

[0070] According to this configuration, a part of the order picking work assigned to the station with the most by the initial allocation process (initial allocation step) is assigned to the station with the least by the allocation correction process (allocation correction step). Therefore, the order picking work that takes the longest time among the N order picking works can be shared and performed by the multiple stations. This makes it possible to make the time required for the picking work at each of the N stations closer to equal. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the time required for the order picking work assigned by the initial allocation process (initial allocation step) across the multiple stations. It is also possible to make the time required for the picking work at each of the N stations closer to equal. This makes it possible to avoid, for example, a delay in the shipping time for the multiple ordered item groups as a whole, and to make the shipping times for each of the multiple ordered item groups closer to each other.

[0071] It is preferable that the control device executes the allocation correction process a plurality of times so that the numbers of the devices allocated to the N stations are approximately the same.

[0072] According to this configuration, the time required for the picking operation at each of the N stations can be made more uniform.

[0073] It is preferable that the control device executes the allocation correction process so as to minimize the number of stations responsible for one of the order picking operations.

[0074] Normally, when the order picking work related to one order is divided among different stations, the work of joining the groups of items picked up at each station, a so-called consolidation work, is required. With this configuration, the number of divisions for one order picking work is reduced, so the burden of the consolidation work can be reduced.

[0075] Among all the objects required for the N order picking operations, the objects required for a plurality of the order picking operations are defined as overlapping objects, and the objects required for only one of the order picking operations are defined as non-overlapping objects. It is preferable that the control device controls the automated warehouse and the conveying device so that the overlapping objects are conveyed to any one of the stations with priority over the non-overlapping objects.

[0076] Although the overlapping objects are required at multiple stations, the picking operation for one overlapping object cannot be performed at multiple stations at the same time. Therefore, the picking operation for the overlapping objects must be performed at different times for each of the multiple stations that require the overlapping objects. According to this configuration, the picking operation for the overlapping objects is performed at an early stage at one of the stations, so that it is easy to ensure room for shifting the timing of the picking operation for the overlapping objects. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a period in which the picking operation cannot be performed at any of the stations due to the overlapping timing of the picking operation for the same overlapping objects. As a result, the efficiency of the picking operation can be improved across the N stations.

[0077] the control device executes an overlapping operation number determination process for determining an overlapping operation number, which is the number of the order picking operations required, for each of the storage objects required for the N order picking operations; It is preferable that the control device increases the priority of transport to any one of the stations as the number of overlapping operations determined by the overlapping operation number determination process increases.

[0078] According to this configuration, since the more overlapping tasks a load has, the earlier it is transported to one of the stations, it becomes easier to secure room to shift the timing of the picking task for the load with the more overlapping tasks, and therefore it is possible to further improve the efficiency of the picking task across the N stations.

[0079] The picking method according to the present disclosure includes: an automated warehouse that stores a single group of articles consisting of a single type of multiple articles placed on a placement body; N (a natural number equal to or greater than 2) stations for performing a picking operation of picking out an order item group consisting of the items of the type and number designated by order information from the plurality of storage objects removed from the automated warehouse; A picking method for performing the picking work in a picking system including a conveying device that conveys the object between the automated warehouse and the N stations, The picking work corresponding to the group of ordered items designated by each of the order information is defined as an order picking work, an initial allocation step of allocating one of the order picking operations to each of the N stations; a number-of-placed-objects determining step of determining the number of the placed objects required for the order picking operation assigned by the initial assignment step in each of the N stations; and an allocation correction step of correcting the allocation of the picking operations to the N stations in the initial allocation step based on a result of the determination step of the number of objects to be placed, The station having the largest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determining step is defined as a most-populated station, and the station having the smallest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determining step is defined as a least-populated station, The allocation correction step includes a step of allocating a portion of the order picking work allocated to the most numerous station by the initial allocation step to at least the least numerous station for each of the storage objects.

[0080] The picking program according to the present disclosure includes: an automated warehouse that stores a single group of articles consisting of a single type of multiple articles placed on a placement body; N (a natural number equal to or greater than 2) stations for performing a picking operation of picking out an order item group consisting of the items of the type and number designated by order information from the plurality of storage objects removed from the automated warehouse; A picking program for performing the picking work in a picking system including a conveying device that conveys the object between the automated warehouse and the N stations, The picking work corresponding to the group of ordered items designated by each of the order information is defined as an order picking work, An initial allocation function that executes an initial allocation process that allocates one of the order picking operations to each of the N stations; a number-of-items determination function for performing a number-of-items determination process for determining the number of the items required for the order picking operation allocated by the initial allocation process in each of the N stations; an allocation correction function that executes an allocation correction process that corrects the allocation of the picking operations to the N stations by the initial allocation process based on a determination result by the placement object number determination process, The station having the largest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the most numerous station, and the station having the smallest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the least numerous station, The allocation correction process includes a process of allocating a portion of the order picking work allocated to the most numerous station by the initial allocation process to at least the least numerous station for each of the storage objects. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a picking system, a picking method, and a picking program for picking work to remove a group of ordered items consisting of items of a type and number specified by order information from multiple loading bodies removed from an automated warehouse. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100: Picking system 1: Automated warehouse 2: Transport device H: Control device ST: Station STmax: Most stations STmin: Minimum number of stations Go: Order items Gs: Single item group P: Placement body Pn: Non-overlapping placement body Po: Overlapping body W:Goods

Claims

1. an automated warehouse that stores a single group of articles consisting of a single type of multiple articles placed on a placement body; N (a natural number equal to or greater than 2) stations for performing a picking operation of picking out an ordered item group consisting of the items of the type and number designated by order information from the plurality of storage objects removed from the automated warehouse; A conveying device that conveys the object between the automated warehouse and the N stations; A picking system including: a control device that controls the automated warehouse and the conveying device, and allocates a plurality of the objects removed from the automated warehouse to N stations based on the order information, The picking work corresponding to the group of ordered items designated by each of the order information is defined as an order picking work, The control device includes: an initial allocation process for allocating one of the order picking operations to each of the N stations; a number-of-placed-objects determination process for determining the number of placed objects required for the order picking operation allocated by the initial allocation process in each of the N stations; and an allocation correction process for correcting the allocation of the picking operations to the N stations by the initial allocation process based on a determination result by the placement object number determination process. The station having the largest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the most numerous station, and the station having the smallest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the least numerous station, A picking system, wherein the allocation correction process includes a process of allocating a portion of the order picking work allocated to the most numerous station by the initial allocation process to at least the least numerous station for each of the placement objects.

2. The picking system described in claim 1, wherein the control device executes the allocation correction process multiple times so that the difference between the number of the containers required at the most numerous station and the number of the containers required at the least numerous station is less than a specified percentage of the total number of the containers required at the N stations.

3. The picking system according to claim 2 , wherein the control device executes the allocation correction process so as to minimize the number of stations responsible for one of the order picking operations.

4. Among all the objects required for the N order picking operations, the objects required for a plurality of the order picking operations are defined as overlapping objects, and the objects required for only one of the order picking operations are defined as non-overlapping objects. The picking system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device controls the automated warehouse and the conveying device so as to convey the overlapping objects to one of the stations in preference to the non-overlapping objects.

5. the control device executes an overlapping operation number determination process for determining an overlapping operation number, which is the number of the order picking operations required, for each of the storage objects required for the N order picking operations; The picking system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device increases a priority of transport to any one of the stations as the number of overlapping operations determined by the overlapping operation number determination process increases.

6. an automated warehouse that stores a single group of articles consisting of a single type of multiple articles placed on a placement body; N (a natural number equal to or greater than 2) stations for performing a picking operation of picking out an ordered item group consisting of the items of the type and number designated by order information from the plurality of storage objects removed from the automated warehouse; A picking method for performing the picking operation in a picking system including a conveying device that conveys the object between the automated warehouse and the N stations, The picking work corresponding to the group of ordered items designated by each of the order information is defined as an order picking work, an initial allocation step of allocating one of the order picking operations to each of the N stations; a number-of-placed-objects determining step of determining the number of the placed objects required for the order picking operation assigned by the initial assignment step in each of the N stations; and an allocation correction step of correcting the allocation of the picking operations to the N stations in the initial allocation step based on a result of the determination step of the number of objects to be placed, The station having the largest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determining step is defined as a most-populated station, and the station having the smallest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determining step is defined as a least-populated station, The allocation correction step includes a step of allocating a portion of the order picking work allocated to the most numerous station by the initial allocation step to at least the least numerous station for each of the placement objects.

7. an automated warehouse that stores a single group of articles consisting of a single type of multiple articles placed on a placement body; N (a natural number equal to or greater than 2) stations for performing a picking operation of picking out an ordered item group consisting of the items of the type and number designated by order information from the plurality of storage objects removed from the automated warehouse; A picking program for performing the picking operation in a picking system including a conveying device that conveys the object between the automated warehouse and the N stations, The picking work corresponding to the group of ordered items designated by each of the order information is defined as an order picking work, An initial allocation function that executes an initial allocation process that allocates one of the order picking operations to each of the N stations; a number-of-placed-objects determination function for executing a number-of-placed-objects determination process for determining the number of the placed objects required for the order picking work assigned by the initial assignment process in each of the N stations; an allocation correction function that executes an allocation correction process that corrects the allocation of the picking operations to the N stations by the initial allocation process based on a determination result by the placement object number determination process, The station having the largest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the most numerous station, and the station having the smallest number of the placed objects determined by the placed object number determination process is defined as the least numerous station, The allocation correction process includes a process of allocating a portion of the order picking work allocated to the most numerous station by the initial allocation process to at least the least numerous station for each of the placement objects.

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