Shelf number allocation device, shelf number allocation method, and shelf number allocation program

Abstract

To perform location number reservation by the first-in first-out method before performing picking operations to reduce operational errors and operational load in the picking operations, when employing free location in which fixed location numbers are not set for commodities and the location numbers of the commodities are changed according to a congestion state of shelves in inventory control in a warehouse.SOLUTION: A location number reservation device of the present embodiment comprises: order reception input means that, when receiving orders, performs inventory reservation in every warehouse, and inputs order reception data including the order reception number, order reception date, shipping date, warehouse, commodity, number of received orders, and number of inventory reservations in the warehouse in inventory data; and location number reservation means that acquires the details of reservation objects in order from the earliest shipping date in the order reception data so as to perform inventory reservation for every location number, for the acquired details of the reservation objects, acquires the latest arrival date for the location numbers in arrival data and reserves the inventory data from the location number with the earliest arrival, and generates location reservation data including the warehouses, location numbers, order reception numbers, row numbers, shipping dates, commodities, and number of reservations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shelf number allocation device, a shelf number allocation method, and a shelf number allocation program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, when managing inventory in a warehouse, products may be stored on shelves, but instead of setting fixed shelf numbers for each product part number, a free location system may be adopted in which the shelf number for a product is changed depending on the shelf's congestion. Conventionally, warehouse staff would search for shelf numbers with older arrivals and pick products based on a picking list, which is a shipping instruction for the field, which resulted in tasks that depended on individual skills, leading to issues of operational errors and a high workload. Conventional systems for managing product shipments in a warehouse include, for example, Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-239337 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not state anything about reducing work errors and workload during picking work by allocating product shelf numbers on a first-in, first-out basis before picking work when managing inventory in a warehouse using free location, where fixed shelf numbers are not set for each product but product shelf numbers are changed depending on the congestion of the shelves.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a shelf number allocation device, shelf number allocation method, and shelf number allocation program that can reduce work errors and workload during picking work by allocating shelf numbers for products on a first-in, first-out basis before picking work is performed, in cases where inventory management in a warehouse employs free location, where fixed shelf numbers are not set for each product but product shelf numbers are changed depending on the congestion status of the shelves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a shelf number allocation device equipped with a control unit, the control unit being configured to be able to access inventory data including warehouses, shelf numbers, products, and inventory quantities, and incoming data including arrival dates, warehouses, shelf numbers, products, and arrival quantities, and is characterized by comprising: order input means for allocating inventory on a warehouse-by-warehouse basis when an order is received, and inputting order data including order number, order date, shipping date, warehouse, product, order quantity, and the inventory allocation quantity for that warehouse in the inventory data; and shelf number allocation means for acquiring details of the order data to be allocated in order of earliest shipping date, acquiring the latest arrival date for each shelf number in the arrival data for the acquired details to be allocated, allocating the inventory data starting with the shelf number with the oldest arrival, and creating shelf number allocation data including warehouses, shelf numbers, order numbers, line numbers, shipping dates, products, and allocation quantities, in order to allocate inventory on a shelf number basis.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, the shelf number allocation data may include a status.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, when the shelf number allocation unit allocates the shelf number, the shelf number allocation unit may set the status of the shelf number allocation data to "allocated."

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit may be provided with a picking list issuing means that issues a picking list including an order number, shelf number, row number, product, and an instruction number that is the allocation quantity based on the shelf number allocation data, and updates the status of the shelf number allocation data to "pickling list issued."

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to update the status of the shelf number allocation data to shipped after picking, and may also include a shipping input means for updating the inventory data.

[0011] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a shelf number allocation method executed by an information processing device equipped with a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to access inventory data including warehouses, shelf numbers, products, and inventory quantities, and incoming data including arrival dates, warehouses, shelf numbers, products, and arrival quantities, and the method includes an order input process executed by the control unit to allocate inventory on a warehouse-by-warehouse basis when an order is received, and input order data including the order number, order date, shipping date, warehouse, product, order quantity, and the inventory allocation quantity for that warehouse in the inventory data; and a shelf number allocation process to allocate inventory on a shelf number basis, acquiring details of the order data in order of earliest shipping date, acquiring the latest arrival date for each shelf number in the arrival data for the acquired details of the allocation, allocating the inventory data starting with the shelf number with the oldest arrival, and creating shelf number allocation data including the warehouse, shelf number, order number, line number, shipping date, product, and allocation quantity.

[0012] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a shelf number allocation program to be executed by an information processing device having a control unit, the control unit being configured to be able to access inventory data including warehouses, shelf numbers, products, and inventory quantities, and incoming data including arrival dates, warehouses, shelf numbers, products, and arrival quantities, and the control unit is characterized in that the shelf number allocation program executes: an order input process in which, when an order is received, the control unit performs inventory allocation on a warehouse-by-warehouse basis, and inputs order data including the order number, order date, shipping date, warehouse, product, order quantity, and the inventory allocation quantity for that warehouse in the inventory data; and a shelf number allocation process in which, in order to perform inventory allocation on a shelf number-by-shelf number basis, the control unit obtains details of the order data to be allocated in order of earliest shipping date, obtains the latest arrival date for each shelf number in the arrival data for the obtained details to be allocated, allocates the inventory data starting with the shelf number with the oldest arrival, and creates shelf number allocation data including the warehouse, shelf number, order number, line number, shipping date, product, and allocation quantity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, when inventory management is performed in a warehouse, if a fixed shelf number is not set for each product but free location is adopted in which the shelf number of a product is changed depending on the congestion of the shelf, by allocating the shelf number of the product on a first-in, first-out basis before the picking work is performed, it is possible to reduce the work errors and workload of the picking work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the shelf number allocation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the shelf number allocation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the overall processing of the shelf number allocation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a specific process of the shelf number allocation process of FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the processing of the shelf number allocation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the processing of the shelf number allocation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the processing of the shelf number allocation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the processing of the shelf number allocation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the processing of the shelf number allocation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the processing of the shelf number allocation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the processing of the shelf number allocation device according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0016] [1. Overview] For example, when storing products on shelves in a warehouse, instead of setting fixed shelf numbers for each product part number, a free location system is sometimes adopted, where the shelf number for a product changes depending on the shelf's congestion.In the past, warehouse staff would use the picking list, which is the shipping instruction for the field, to determine which shelf number had the oldest stock and pick the product, which resulted in tasks that depended on the individual, leading to issues of operational errors and a high workload.

[0017] In this embodiment, before picking work is performed, the system calculates the first-in, first-out order of the shelf numbers of the products, and prints the shelf numbers of the items to be picked on a picking list.

[0018] According to this embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time required for picking work and shorten delivery times to customers. Furthermore, even if there is a change in the person in charge, the picking work does not depend on one person, and work errors can be reduced.

[0019] In the previous system, inventory allocation was handled by product and warehouse personnel based on the total inventory quantity, and allocation logic for each shelf number was not implemented. Here, "inventory allocation" refers to allocation for the total inventory quantity. "Shelf number allocation" refers to allocation for inventory for each shelf number.

[0020] 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the shelf number allocation device of this embodiment. The outline of the shelf number allocation device of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0021] (T1) For example, in the sales department, in response to an order from a customer, an order entry is made, a transfer instruction is entered for a request to transfer goods to another warehouse, and inventory is allocated.

[0022] (T2) In the logistics department, before issuing a picking list, the "shelf number allocation process" allocates inventory by shelf number for the order or movement instruction data for which inventory has already been allocated. To select the shelf numbers to be allocated, the latest arrival date for each shelf number is obtained, and the shelf number allocation data is created by allocating the oldest shelf number first.

[0023] (T3) By referring to the storage number allocation data, a picking list is issued and the storage numbers of the items to be picked are printed.

[0024] (T4) The warehouse staff picks the goods from the location of the shelf number printed on the picking list. After picking, they input the shipment at the time of shipping and update the shelf number allocation data to indicate that the goods have been shipped.

[0025] The shelf number allocation device of this embodiment performs shelf number management in a warehouse and is widely applicable to industries that require first-in, first-out management (for example, machinery, food, chemicals, etc.).

[0026] [2. Configuration] An example of the configuration of the shelf number allocation device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the shelf number allocation device 100.

[0027] The shelf number allocation device 100 is a commercially available desktop personal computer. Note that the shelf number allocation device 100 is not limited to a stationary information processing device such as a desktop personal computer, but may also be a portable information processing device such as a commercially available notebook personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a smartphone, or a tablet personal computer.

[0028] The shelf number allocation device 100 includes a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a memory unit 106, and an input / output interface unit 108. The units included in the shelf number allocation device 100 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via any communication path.

[0029] The communication interface unit 104 communicably connects the shelf number allocation device 100 to a 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 a function of communicating data with other devices via the communication line. Here, the network 300 has a function of connecting the shelf number allocation 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).

[0030] An input device 112 and an output device 114 are connected to the input / output interface unit 108. The output device 114 may be a monitor (including a home television), a speaker, or a printer. The input device 112 may be a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a monitor that cooperates with a mouse to achieve a pointing device function. Note that, hereinafter, 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 the mouse 112. Displaying information on the monitor 114 and the user operating the input device 112 may be referred to as a "user operation via a UI."

[0031] The storage unit 106 stores various databases, tables, files, etc. The storage unit 106 stores computer programs that work in conjunction with an OS (Operating System) to issue commands to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform various processes. The storage unit 106 may be, for example, a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, or an optical disk. The storage unit 106 includes a data table 106a, etc.

[0032] The data table 106a is a table for storing various data such as inventory data, inventory allocation data, incoming data, order data, shelf number allocation data, and picking lists.

[0033] The inventory data may include a warehouse CD, shelf number CD, product CD, and inventory quantity. The inventory allocation data may include a warehouse CD, product CD, and inventory allocation quantity. The arrival data may include an arrival date, warehouse CD, shelf number CD, product CD, and arrival quantity. The order data may include an order number, line number, order date, shipping date, warehouse CD, product CD, order quantity, and allocation quantity.

[0034] The shelf number allocation data may include the warehouse CD, shelf number CD, order number, line number, shipping date, product CD, allocation quantity (shelf number allocation quantity), and status. The picking list may include the order number, shelf number CD, line number, product CD, and instruction number which is the allocation quantity.

[0035] The control unit 102 is a CPU or the like that performs overall control of the shelf number allocation device 100. The control unit 102 has an internal memory for storing control programs such as an OS, programs that define various processing procedures, required data, etc., and executes various information processing operations based on these stored programs.

[0036] The control unit 102 is configured to be able to access the data table 106a stored in the storage unit 106. The data table 106a may be provided in another location (for example, the server 200) as long as it is accessible by the control unit 102.

[0037] The control unit 102 conceptually includes a data registration unit 102a, an order input unit 102b, a shelf number allocation unit 102c, a picking list issuing unit 102d, a shipment input unit 102e, and a screen display control unit 102f.

[0038] The data registration unit 102a inputs and updates inventory data in response to, for example, an operator's operation on an inventory input screen (not shown) displayed on the monitor 114, and registers and updates the data in the data table 106a. Also, the data registration unit 102a inputs and updates inventory allocation data in response to, for example, an operator's operation on an inventory allocation screen (not shown) displayed on the monitor 114, and registers and updates the data in the data table 106a. Also, the data registration unit 102a inputs and updates incoming data in response to, for example, an operator's operation on an incoming input screen (not shown) displayed on the monitor 114, and registers and updates the data in the data table 106a.

[0039] When an order is received, the order input unit 102b allocates inventory on a warehouse-by-warehouse basis, and inputs order data including the order number, order date, shipping date, warehouse, product, order quantity, and the amount of inventory data allocated at the warehouse for the order quantity in response to, for example, an operator's operation on an order input screen (not shown) displayed on the monitor 114, and registers the data in the data table 106a. When the order input unit 102b allocates inventory at a warehouse, it updates the inventory allocation data.

[0040] In order to allocate inventory by shelf number, the shelf number allocation unit 102c acquires the details (rows) of the order data to be allocated in order of earliest shipping date, acquires the latest arrival date for each shelf number in the arrival data for the acquired details to be allocated, allocates inventory data starting from the shelf number with the oldest arrival, creates shelf number allocation data including the warehouse, shelf number, order number, row number, shipping date, product, and allocation quantity, and registers it in the data table 106a.

[0041] The shelf number allocation data may include a status. When the shelf number allocation unit 102c allocates a shelf number, the status of the shelf number allocation data may be set to "allocated."

[0042] The picking list issuing unit 102d creates (issues) a picking list including the order number, shelf number, row number, product, and instruction number as the allocation quantity based on the shelf number allocation data, prints it out from the printer 114, and also registers it in the data table 106a. The person in charge picks items from the warehouse shelves while looking at the picking list.

[0043] After picking, the shipment input unit 102e inputs the shipping data and registers it in the data table 106a, updates the status of the shelf number allocation data to "shipped", and further updates the inventory data.

[0044] The screen display control unit 102f controls the display of various screens (for example, an order entry screen, an inventory allocation screen, an inventory entry screen, a stock entry screen, etc.) displayed on the monitor 114 and the input therefor.

[0045] [3. Specific Examples] 2 to 11, a specific example of the processing of the control unit 102 of the shelf number allocation device 100 in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the overall processing of the shelf number allocation device 100 in this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a flow illustrating detailed processing of the shelf number allocation processing in Fig. 3.

[0046] (3-1. Overall processing) 3, the order input unit 102b executes an order input process (step S1). Specifically, in the order input process, when an order is received, the order input unit 102b allocates inventory on a warehouse-by-warehouse basis, and inputs order data including the order number, order date, shipping date, warehouse, product, order quantity, and the amount of inventory data allocated at the warehouse for the order quantity in response to, for example, an operator's operation on an order input screen (not shown) displayed on the monitor 114, and registers the data in the data table 106a. In addition, when the order input unit 102b allocates inventory at a warehouse, it updates the inventory allocation data.

[0047] The shelf number allocation unit 102c executes shelf number allocation processing (step S2). Specifically, in the shelf number allocation processing, in order to perform inventory allocation (shelf number allocation) on a shelf number basis, the shelf number allocation unit 102c acquires details (rows) of the order data to be allocated in order of earliest shipping date, acquires the latest arrival date of each shelf number in the arrival data for the acquired details of the allocation target, allocates inventory data starting from the shelf number with the oldest arrival, creates shelf number allocation data including the warehouse, shelf number, order number, row number, shipping date, product, and allocation quantity, and registers it in the data table 106a.

[0048] More specifically, in the shelf number allocation process (S2), as shown in Figure 4, the order data is referenced to obtain the allocation target slips (details) in order of earliest shipping date (step S11), the inventory data is referenced to obtain the inventory quantity per shelf number (step S12), the most recent arrival date per shelf number is obtained from the arrival data linked to the inventory data (step S13), inventory data is allocated to the obtained allocation target slips (details) starting from the shelf number with the oldest arrival (shelf number allocation) (step S14), and shelf number allocation data is created based on the allocation results (step S15).

[0049] The shelf number allocation data may include a status. When the shelf number allocation unit 102c allocates a shelf number, the status of the shelf number allocation data may be set to "allocated."

[0050] 3, the picking list issuing unit 102d executes a picking list issuing process (step S3). Specifically, in the picking list issuing process, the picking list issuing unit 102d creates (issues) a picking list including the order number, shelf number, row number, product, and instruction number that is the allocation quantity based on the shelf number allocation data, prints out the picking list from the printer 114, and also registers the list in the data table 106a. The person in charge picks the products from the warehouse shelves for shipping while looking at the picking list.

[0051] The shipment input unit 102e executes a shipment input process (step S4). Specifically, in the shipment input process, after picking, the shipment input unit 102e inputs the shipping data and registers it in the data table 106a, updates the status of the shelf number allocation data to "shipped," and further updates the inventory data.

[0052] (3-2. Sample data) 5 to 11 are diagrams showing sample data for explaining a specific example of the processing by the control unit 102 of the shelf number allocation device 100 in this embodiment. A specific example of the processing by the shelf number allocation device 100 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11.

[0053] (Prerequisite data) Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of inventory data. The inventory data has the following fields: Warehouse CD, Shelf Number CD, Product CD, and Stock Quantity. In the example shown in the figure, the first line has Warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", Shelf Number CD "A1", Product CD "X", and Stock Quantity "10", while the second line has Warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", Shelf Number CD "A2", Product CD "X", and Stock Quantity "30".

[0054] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of inventory allocation data. The inventory allocation data has the following fields: Warehouse CD, Product CD, and Inventory Allocation Quantity. In the example shown in the figure, the first line has Warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", Product CD "X", and Inventory Allocation Quantity "0", while the second line has Warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", Product CD "Y", and Inventory Allocation Quantity "0".

[0055] Figure 7 shows an example of arrival data. The arrival data has the following fields: arrival date, warehouse CD, shelf number CD, product CD, and arrival quantity. In the example shown in the figure, the first line has arrival date "3 / 2", warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", shelf number CD "A1", product CD "X", and arrival quantity "10", while the second line has arrival date "3 / 4", warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", shelf number CD "A1", product CD "X", and arrival quantity "10".

[0056] (S1: Order entry processing) The order entry process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8. When an order is received, the order entry unit 102b performs inventory allocation on a warehouse-by-warehouse basis. For example, in response to an operator's operation on an order entry screen (not shown) displayed on the monitor 114, the order entry unit 102b inputs order data including the order number, order date, shipping date, warehouse, product, order quantity, and the allocation quantity of inventory data at the warehouse for the order quantity, and registers the input data in the data table 106a. That is, the order entry data is registered and inventory allocation is performed. Inventory allocation here refers to allocation for the total inventory quantity. "Shelf number allocation" refers to allocation for inventory on a shelf number basis. When warehouse inventory is allocated, the order entry unit 102b updates the inventory allocation data based on the allocation quantity in the order data.

[0057] 8A is a diagram showing an example of order data. The order data includes the following fields: order number, line number, order date, shipping date, warehouse CD, product CD, order quantity, and allocation quantity. In the example shown in the figure, the first line has order number "JU0001," line number "1," order date "3 / 15," shipping date "3 / 26," warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse," product CD "X," order quantity "40," and allocation quantity "35." The second line has order number "JU0001," line number "2," order date "3 / 15," shipping date "3 / 26," warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse," product CD "Y," order quantity "30," and allocation quantity "30." The third line has order number "JU0002," line number "1," order date "3 / 15," shipping date "3 / 22," warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse," product CD "X," order quantity "15," and allocation quantity "15."

[0058] Figure 8(B) shows the updated inventory allocation data, where the inventory allocation quantity for product CD "X" in the first row is updated to "50 (=35+15)", and the inventory allocation quantity for product CD "Y" in the second row is updated to "30".

[0059] (S2: Storage number allocation process) The shelf number allocation process will be described in detail with reference to Figure 9. In order to allocate inventory by shelf number (shelf number allocation), the shelf number allocation unit 102c acquires the details (rows) of the order data to be allocated in order of earliest shipping date, acquires the latest arrival date for each shelf number in the receipt data for the acquired details to be allocated, allocates inventory data starting with the shelf number with the oldest arrival, creates shelf number allocation data including the warehouse, shelf number, order number, row number, shipping date, product, and allocation quantity, and registers this in the data table 106a. "Shelf number allocation" allocates inventory by shelf number. For order data, the shelf number with the nearest shipping date is processed with priority, and for receipt data, the latest arrival date for each shelf number is acquired and allocation is prioritized starting with the shelf number with the oldest arrival date.

[0060] 9A shows an example of inventory data, and FIG. 9B shows an example of arrival data.

[0061] In the order data of Figure 8(A), shelf number allocation is first performed for product CD "X" and allocation quantity "15" for order number "JU0002" on the third line with a shipping date of "3 / 22", and then shelf number allocation is performed for product CD "X" and allocation quantity "35" and product CD "Y" and allocation quantity "30" for order number "JU0001" on the first and second lines with a shipping date of "3 / 26".

[0062] In Figure 9(B), the latest arrival date for each shelf number in the arrival data is obtained, and the shelf number with the oldest arrival date is given priority for allocation. The hatched details show the latest arrival data for each shelf number. Priority is determined based on the latest arrival date.

[0063] As shown in Figures 9(A) and (B), the priority order for each product is as follows: for product X, shelf number CD "A1" with arrival date "3 / 4" is priority 1, shelf number CD "B1" with arrival date "3 / 8" is priority 2, and shelf number CD "A2" with arrival date "3 / 10" is priority 3. For product Y, shelf number CD "A3" with arrival date "2 / 27" is priority 1, and shelf number CD "B2" with arrival date "3 / 6" is priority 2. Shelf number allocation data is created based on the priority order.

[0064] 9(C) shows an example of shelf number allocation data. The shelf number allocation data has the following fields: warehouse CD, shelf number CD, order number, line number, shipping date, product CD, allocation quantity (shelf number allocation quantity), and status.

[0065] For the order data in Figure 8(A), for the product CD "X" and allocation quantity "15" for order number "JU0002" on the third line with a shipping date of "3 / 22", the inventory "10" for shelf number CD "A1" and the inventory "5" for shelf number CD "B1" in the inventory data are allocated in order of priority, and the shelf number allocation data is as shown in Figure 9(C), with the first line being warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", shelf number CD "A1", order number "JU0002", line number "1", shipping date "3 / 22", product CD "X", allocation quantity "10", status "0: Allocated", and the second line being warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", shelf number CD "B1", order number "JU0002", line number "1", shipping date "3 / 22", product CD "X", allocation quantity "5", status "0: Allocated".

[0066] Next, for the allocation quantity of "35" for product CD "X" for order number "JU0001" with a shipping date of "3 / 26", the inventory quantity of "5" for shelf number CD "B1" and "30" for shelf number CD "A2" in the inventory data are allocated in order of priority, and the shelf number allocation data is as shown in Figure 9(C): Line 3: Warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", shelf number CD "B1", order number "JU0001", line number "1", shipping date "3 / 26", product CD "X", allocation quantity "5", status "0: Allocated", Line 4: Warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", shelf number CD "A2", order number "JU0001", line number "1", shipping date "3 / 26", product CD "X", allocation quantity "30", status "0: Allocated".

[0067] Furthermore, for the allocation quantity of "30" for product CD "Y" for order number "JU0001" with a shipping date of "3 / 26", the inventory quantity of "20" for shelf number CD "A3" and the inventory quantity of "10" for shelf number CD "B2" in the inventory data are allocated in order of priority, and the shelf number allocation data is as shown in Figure 9(C): Line 5: Warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", shelf number CD "A3", order number "JU0001", line number "2", shipping date "3 / 26", product CD "Y", allocation quantity "20", status "0: Allocated", Line 6: Warehouse CD "Kanto Warehouse", shelf number CD "B2", order number "JU0001", line number "2", shipping date "3 / 26", product CD "Y", allocation quantity "10", status "0: Allocated".

[0068] (S3: Picking list issuing process) The picking list issuing process will be described in detail with reference to Figure 10. The picking list issuing unit 102d creates (issues) a picking list including the order number, shelf number, row number, product, and instruction number which is the allocation quantity based on the shelf number allocation data, prints it out from the printer 114, and also registers it in the data table 106a. The person in charge picks the products from the warehouse shelves for shipping while looking at the picking list.

[0069] Figures 10(A) and (B) show examples of picking lists, where Figure 10(A) shows an example of a picking list for order number "JU0002" and Figure 10(B) shows an example of a picking list for order number "JU0001".

[0070] A picking list has the following fields: order number, shelf number CD, row number, product CD, and instruction quantity, which is the allocation quantity. In the example shown in Figure 10(A), the order number is "JU0002", the first row has shelf number CD "A1", row number "1", product CD "X", and instruction quantity "10", and the second row has shelf number CD "B1", row number "1", product CD "X", and instruction quantity "5".

[0071] When a picking list is issued, the status of the shelf number allocation data is changed (updated) to "1: List issued" as shown in FIG. 10(C).

[0072] (S4: Shipping input processing) The shipment input process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 11. After picking, the shipment input unit 102e inputs the shipping data based on the shelf number allocation data and registers it in the data table 106a, updates the status of the shelf number allocation data to "shipped," and updates the inventory data by subtracting the allocation quantity from the inventory quantity, thereby updating the allocated inventory quantity in the inventory allocation data.

[0073] Figure 11(A) shows an example of inventory data, where the inventory quantity is updated by subtracting the allocated quantity from the stock quantity. Figure 11(B) shows an example of inventory allocation data, where the allocated inventory quantity is updated to "0". Figure 11(C) shows an example of shelf number allocation data, where the status is changed (updated) to "2: Shipped".

[0074] As described above, according to this embodiment, when an order is received, inventory is allocated on a warehouse-by-warehouse basis, and the order input unit 102b inputs order data including the order number, order date, shipping date, warehouse, product, order quantity, and the amount of inventory allocated at the warehouse in the inventory data; and, in order to allocate inventory on a shelf number basis, the shelf number allocation unit 102c acquires the details of the order data in order of earliest shipping date, acquires the latest arrival date of each shelf number in the arrival data for the acquired details of the allocation target, allocates inventory data starting with the shelf number with the oldest arrival, and creates shelf number allocation data including the warehouse, shelf number, order number, line number, shipping date, product, and amount of allocation. Therefore, when inventory is managed at a warehouse, if a free location system is adopted in which fixed shelf numbers are not set for each product but product shelf numbers are changed depending on the shelf congestion situation, it is possible to reduce work errors and workload in picking by allocating shelf numbers for products on a first-in, first-out basis before picking.

[0075] [4. Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This embodiment can contribute to improving business efficiency and promoting appropriate management decisions by companies, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDGs Goals 8 and 9.

[0076] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and electronic systems, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDGs Goals 12, 13, and 15.

[0077] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, which can contribute to Goal 16 of the SDGs.

[0078] 5. Other Embodiments The present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments other than those described above within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims.

[0079] 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 using known methods.

[0080] Furthermore, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registered data and search conditions for each process, screen examples, and database configurations shown in this specification and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified.

[0081] Furthermore, with regard to the shelf number allocation device 100, the components shown in the figures are functional concepts, and the device does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figures.

[0082] For example, all or any part of the processing functions of the shelf number allocation device 100, particularly the processing functions performed by the control unit, may be implemented by a CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or may be implemented as hardware using wired logic. The program is recorded on a non-transitory, computer-readable recording medium containing programmed instructions for causing the information processing device to execute the processes described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by the shelf number allocation device 100 as needed. That is, a computer program for issuing instructions to the CPU in cooperation with the OS and performing various processes is recorded in a storage unit such as a ROM or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). This computer program is executed by being loaded into RAM and cooperates with the CPU to form the control unit.

[0083] This computer program may also be stored in an application program server connected to the shelf number allocation device 100 via any network, and all or part of it may be downloaded as needed.

[0084] Furthermore, the program for executing the processes described in this embodiment may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium or configured as a program product. Here, the term "recording medium" includes any "portable physical medium" such as a memory card, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)), a Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Magneto-Optical disk (MO), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), and a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc.

[0085] Furthermore, a "program" is a data processing method written in any language or description method, regardless of the format, such as source code or binary code. Note that a "program" is not necessarily limited to a single structure, but also includes a structure that is distributed as multiple modules or libraries, or a structure that achieves its function by cooperating with a separate program, such as an OS. Note that the specific configuration and reading procedure for reading a recording medium in each device shown in the embodiments, as well as the installation procedure after reading, can use well-known configurations and procedures.

[0086] The various databases stored in the memory unit are storage means such as 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 providing websites.

[0087] The shelf number allocation device 100 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, or may be configured as the information processing device to which any peripheral device is connected. The shelf number allocation device 100 may also be realized by installing software (including programs, data, etc.) that causes the device to perform the processing described in this embodiment.

[0088] Furthermore, the specific form of distribution and integration of the devices is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of them can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit depending on various additions or functional loads. In other words, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in any combination, or embodiments can be implemented selectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100 Storage number allocation device 102 Control section 102a Data Registration Section 102b Order entry section 102c Shelf No. Allocation Department 102d Picking List Issuance Department 102e Shipping Input Section 102f Screen display control unit 104 Communication interface unit 106 Storage section 106a Data Table 108 Input / Output Interface Section 112 Input Device 114 Output Device 200 servers 300 Network

Claims

1. A bin location allocation device including a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to access inventory data including a warehouse, bin location, product, and inventory quantity, incoming shipment data including an incoming shipment date, warehouse, bin location, product, and incoming shipment quantity, and when there is an order, performs inventory allocation by warehouse unit, and an order input means for inputting order data including an order number, order date, shipment date, warehouse, product, order quantity, and the allocated quantity of inventory in the warehouse in the inventory data; in order to perform inventory allocation by bin location unit, obtains details of allocation targets in ascending order of the shipment date of the order data, obtains the latest incoming shipment date of each bin location in the incoming shipment data for the obtained details of allocation targets, allocates the inventory data from the bin location with the oldest incoming shipment, and creates bin location allocation data including a warehouse, bin location, order number, line number, shipment date, product, and allocated quantity; A bin location allocation device characterized by comprising the above.

2. The bin location allocation device according to claim 1, wherein the bin location allocation data includes a status.

3. The bin location allocation device according to claim 2, wherein when allocating a bin location, the bin location allocation means sets the status of the bin location allocation data to allocated.

4. The control unit is provided with picking list issuing means for issuing a picking list including an order number, bin location, line number, product, and an instructed quantity which is the allocated quantity based on the bin location allocation data, and updating the status of the bin location allocation data to issued picking list, according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The bin location allocation device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit is provided with shipment input means for updating the status of the bin location allocation data to shipped after picking and updating the inventory data.

6. A bin location allocation method executed by an information processing device including a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to access inventory data including a warehouse, bin location, product, and inventory quantity, incoming shipment data including an incoming shipment date, warehouse, bin location, product, and incoming shipment quantity, and in the control unit, when there is an order, performs inventory allocation by warehouse unit, and an order input step for inputting order data including an order number, order date, shipment date, warehouse, product, order quantity, and the allocated quantity of inventory in the warehouse in the inventory data; In order to make inventory allocations in unit of bin numbers, details of the items to be allocated are obtained in the order of the earliest shipping dates of the said order receiving data. For the obtained details of the items to be allocated, the latest receiving date of each bin number of the said receiving data is obtained, and the inventory data is allocated starting from the bin numbers with the oldest receiving dates, and a bin number allocation process for creating bin number allocation data including warehouse, bin number, order receiving number, line number, shipping date, product, and allocation quantity is performed. A bin number allocation method characterized by including the above.

7. A bin number allocation program for execution by an information processing apparatus provided with a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to access inventory data including warehouse, bin number, product, and inventory quantity, and receiving data including receiving date, warehouse, bin number, product, and receiving quantity, and in the control unit, when an order is received, an order receiving input process for making inventory allocations in unit of warehouses, and inputting order receiving data including order receiving number, order receiving date, shipping date, warehouse, product, order receiving quantity, and the allocated quantity of the inventory in the said warehouse of the said inventory data is performed; In order to make inventory allocations in unit of bin numbers, details of the items to be allocated are obtained in the order of the earliest shipping dates of the said order receiving data. For the obtained details of the items to be allocated, the latest receiving date of each bin number of the said receiving data is obtained, and the inventory data is allocated starting from the bin numbers with the oldest receiving dates, and a bin number allocation process for creating bin number allocation data including warehouse, bin number, order receiving number, line number, shipping date, product, and allocation quantity is performed. A bin number allocation program for performing the above.

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