Generation device and generation method

Abstract

To provide a shelf allocation pattern generating device and a generating method that can contribute to improving sales. [Solution] The generation device 20 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 21 that acquires multiple types of shelf allocation patterns, a list of products designated for deletion, and a list of products designated for addition, a generation unit 22 that generates a new shelf allocation pattern by sequentially executing a deletion process that deletes products specified in the list of products designated for deletion, a temporary addition process that temporarily adds products specified in the list of products designated for addition to an additional position according to the product type, a movement process that moves the position of the products for zoning adjustment, and a final addition process that finally adds products specified in the list of products designated for addition to an additional position according to the product type in an edited shelf allocation pattern that is in the process of generating a new shelf allocation pattern that is generated based on multiple types of shelf allocation patterns, and an output unit 23 that outputs the new shelf allocation pattern.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a generating device and a generating method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for determining shelf allocation patterns in consideration of product purchasing information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-278997 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the past, when periodically replacing products to take seasonal demand into account, it was necessary to appropriately prevent popular products from being accidentally deleted, disrupt the zoning of products from the same category or brand being displayed together, and create empty spaces on shelves, thereby increasing sales.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a generation device and a generation method that are capable of generating shelf allocation patterns that can contribute to improving sales. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A generation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires multiple types of shelf allocation patterns, a list of products designated for deletion, and a list of products designated for addition, and a generation unit that generates a new shelf allocation pattern by sequentially executing the following processes in an edited shelf allocation pattern that is in the process of generating a new shelf allocation pattern that is generated based on the multiple types of shelf allocation patterns: a deletion process that deletes products specified in the list of products designated for deletion; a temporary addition process that temporarily adds products specified in the list of products designated for addition to an addition position according to the product type; a movement process that moves the position of the products for zoning adjustment; and a final addition process that finally adds products specified in the list of products designated for addition to an addition position according to the product type; and an output unit that outputs the new shelf allocation pattern.

[0007] In a generation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a new planogram is generated by sequentially deleting designated products, provisionally adding designated products, moving products to adjust zoning, and finally adding designated products from an edited planogram while generating a new planogram based on multiple types of planograms. By referring to a previously prepared planogram, the system can easily and appropriately generate a planogram by referring to, for example, past (previous period) planograms. Furthermore, deleting products before adding them reduces the chance of overflow on the shelves and avoids situations in which unintended products are cut (deleted) due to overflow. Furthermore, rather than simply adding products after deletion, the process is performed in the order of provisionally adding products, adjusting zoning, and finally adding products. This process determines how many products can be added based on the product type through provisional addition, then adjusts zoning, and finally adds products, thereby preventing zoning disruptions. This generation device can generate a planogram that contributes to increased sales by preventing unintended product cuts and zoning disruptions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a generation device and a generation method capable of generating a shelf planogram that can contribute to an increase in sales. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the generation of a shelf planogram. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a table illustrating the generation of a shelf planogram. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the device configuration of the shelf layout pattern generation system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the generating device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the deletion process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the temporary addition process. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the additional position specifying process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the movement processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing this addition process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the overflow elimination process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the adjustment process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] 1 is a diagram illustrating the generation of a shelf planogram pattern. The shelf planogram generation system according to this embodiment uses AI or the like to automatically and instantaneously (for example, within several tens of seconds) generate shelf planograms (shelf planograms for each pattern) for each store based on previously created shelf planograms, for example.

[0012] There are three types of businesses involved in shelf allocation: manufacturers that produce products, wholesalers, and retailers. Manufacturers may be, for example, manufacturers of consumer goods such as beverages, food, and daily necessities. Wholesalers may be specialized trading companies or wholesalers, etc. Retailers may be, for example, supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores, etc.

[0013] Plano refers to the display layout of product shelves (hereafter simply referred to as shelves) in retail stores. Rather than lining up products randomly, it is important to, for example, stock a solid selection of best-selling products, to zone (divide) products by category or price range so that they are easy for customers to select and purchase, and to regularly (such as once every six months) rotate products with seasonal demand in mind. Generally, rotation occurs in the spring / summer (March to September) and fall / winter (September to March). Because an inappropriate plano display in stores directly leads to a drop in sales, it is extremely important for manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to create appropriate plano.

[0014] Shelf allocation can be performed by manufacturers or wholesalers on behalf of retailers, or by retailers themselves. When manufacturers or wholesalers are delegated by retailers to perform inventory, they face challenges, such as being overwhelmed with a huge amount of work in a limited amount of time, being unable to provide sophisticated proposals that differentiate them from their competitors, not having the time to analyze and propose specific stores, and having different skills among team members, making the handover process difficult. In this regard, the introduction of a shelf allocation pattern generation system (described below) significantly reduces work time, freeing up the time to consider advanced proposals. AI automatically generates optimal shelf allocation patterns, facilitating analysis by store, and ensuring the quality of analysis and proposals remains consistent even when personnel change. Furthermore, when retailers perform shelf allocation analysis and creation, they face challenges, such as the heavy workload of analyzing and evaluating the appropriateness of shelf allocation proposals from suppliers, not having the time to optimize inventory by store and its characteristics, and not having enough time to analyze and prepare materials. In this regard, the introduction of the shelf allocation pattern creation system described below has the following advantages: it will be possible to easily analyze and understand sales trends before shelf allocation review meetings, etc., allowing the company to take the lead in negotiations with business partners; the AI ​​will automatically generate the optimal shelf allocation for each store, allowing the company to carefully create shelf allocations for stores other than major stores; and it will allow data-based decision-making in shelf allocation negotiations and shelf allocation review meetings with business partners, which previously relied on intuition.

[0015] For example, the typical flow of shelf allocation work performed by a sales representative at a major manufacturer is as follows: First, an analysis of the current situation of the entire category at the responsible company (POS data analysis) is conducted. Next, issues with the sales floor are identified and information on new products, including those from other companies, is collected. Next, a new shelf allocation plan and proposal materials are created, and a shelf allocation presentation is made to retail buyers and others. Next, a selection meeting is held to determine the basic shelf allocation pattern. Then, based on the determined basic shelf allocation pattern, derived shelf allocation patterns are created for each store. The shelf allocation pattern generation system, described below, is used to create these derived shelf allocation patterns. Next, new cut lists and rating sheets are created and distributed, actual shelf changes are carried out at each store, and POS analysis and research are conducted after the shelf allocation changes, etc.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the generation of planogram patterns by a planogram pattern generation system, which will be described later. The planogram pattern generation system generates multiple types of new (current period) planogram patterns based on multiple types of planogram patterns, specifically, multiple types of past (e.g., previous period) planogram patterns and a new (current period) basic planogram pattern. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the reference shelf is planogram pattern A. Planogram data for each pattern, such as planogram patterns A, B, C, D, E, F, etc., is acquired as multiple types of planogram patterns for the previous period. Note that differences between these patterns refer to planograms that differ in either shelf size (number of gondolas on the shelf, width, etc.), product lineup (displayed products), or display position. Furthermore, among the new (current period) planogram patterns, the basic planogram pattern is created manually.The planogram pattern generation system then uses AI to automatically generate new planogram patterns other than the basic planogram pattern for the current period based on the multiple planogram patterns acquired for the previous period and the manually created basic planogram pattern for the current period.The planogram pattern generation system will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 12.

[0017] 3 is a diagram showing the device configuration of the shelf allocation pattern generation system 1 according to this embodiment. The shelf allocation pattern generation system 1 includes a generation device 20, a product DB 30, a sales DB 40, and a shelf allocation DB 50.

[0018] The generating device 20 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. A user of the generating device 20 is, for example, a sales representative working for a manufacturer that produces products sold at retail stores. The workplace of the user of the generating device 20 may be, for example, a beverage manufacturer that produces and sells beverages such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, a food manufacturer that produces and sells food products, or a daily necessities manufacturer that produces and sells daily necessities.

[0019] An example of sales activity by a user of the generation device 20 is the proposal of a shelf allocation pattern for a specific product category including the company's own products. The generation device 20 is a device for supporting users in proposing shelf allocation patterns. A shelf allocation pattern refers to variations such as the number of shelf gondolas and shelf width depending on the sales floor area of ​​each retail store, the product lineup and display order of each product displayed on each of multiple shelves arranged in a retail store, and the ratio of space area allocated to each product. The generation device 20 generates a shelf allocation pattern in response to instructions (input) from the user.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the generating device 20 includes an acquiring unit 21, a generating unit 22, and an output unit 23.

[0021] The acquisition unit 21 reads in multiple input files to acquire multiple pieces of information related to creating a shelf allocation pattern. The acquisition unit 21 acquires a list of products designated for addition, a list of products designated for deletion, a product information list, a product sales list, and multiple types of shelf allocation patterns (current period sample shelf allocation, past sample shelf allocation, and past shelf allocation of each pattern).

[0022] The acquisition unit 21 acquires a list of products designated to be added, a list of products designated to be deleted, and a product information list from the product DB 30. The product DB 30 may store this information for each retail store. The list of products designated to be added is a list that contains at least a list of products to be added. The list of products designated to be deleted is a list that contains at least a list of products to be deleted. The product information list is a list that associates at least a classification indicating the type of product (major category, medium category, minor category), a brand (manufacturer), and a size.

[0023] The acquisition unit 21 acquires the product sales list from the sales DB 40. The sales DB 40 may store a product sales list for each retail store. Furthermore, the product sales list is not limited to sales at a specific retail store, and may include sales data from multiple retail stores. The product sales list is a list that records at least the sales of each product for a predetermined period.

[0024] The acquisition unit 21 acquires from the allocation DB 50 multiple types of allocation patterns (current sample shelving planograms, past sample shelving planograms, and past shelving planograms for each pattern) for the store for which a new shelving planogram is to be created. The allocation DB 50 may store multiple types of allocation patterns for each retail store. The multiple types of allocation patterns for the store for which a new shelving planogram is to be created may be multiple types of allocation patterns for the store, or multiple types of allocation patterns for stores similar to the store (the same or similar retailer with similar demand, etc.). The current sample shelving planogram is a specific reference shelving planogram (basic shelving planogram). The specific reference shelving planogram (basic shelving planogram) here may be the largest expected shelf size (with the largest number of items). The past sample shelving planogram is a past (e.g., previous period) shelving planogram (basic shelving planogram) for the same pattern as the current sample shelving planogram. The past shelving planogram for each pattern is a past shelving planogram for a pattern different from the current sample shelving planogram and the past sample shelving planogram. The past planograms for each pattern may contain only one size of planogram pattern, or may contain planogram patterns of multiple sizes. It is preferable that the past planograms for each pattern contain at least past planogram patterns of the same size (including the number of gondolas on the shelf, shelf width, number of tiers, etc.) as the new planogram pattern to be created.

[0025] The acquisition unit 21 may further acquire a replacement table that defines products before and after replacement from the product DB 30. In this case, the product DB 30 may store the replacement table for each retail store or for each pattern. Replacement refers to replacing an existing product with a specific product (a successor product with changed packaging, etc.) when, for example, the existing product is discontinued or the contents or packaging is changed. The replacement table may define at least the product to be replaced. For products defined in the replacement table, the replacement relationship described in the replacement table is reflected when a shelf planogram is created.

[0026] The generation unit 22 generates a new planogram pattern by sequentially executing all or part of the deletion process, temporary addition process, movement process, and final addition process in this order on an edited planogram pattern in the middle of generating a new planogram pattern that is generated based on multiple types of planogram patterns. The generation unit 22 generates an edited planogram pattern in the middle of generating a new planogram pattern (a specific planogram pattern other than the basic pattern for the current period) by taking into consideration, for example, the difference between a past sample planogram (a basic planogram pattern for the previous period) and a past basic planogram (a basic planogram pattern for the previous period). The edited planogram pattern can be rephrased as a current period pattern-specific planogram that is being edited. The generation unit 22 generates a final new planogram pattern by performing the above-mentioned processes on the edited planogram pattern.

[0027] The deletion process is a process of deleting products designated in the list of products designated for deletion acquired by the acquisition unit 21 in the planogram pattern being edited.

[0028] The temporary addition process is a process executed after the deletion process, and is a process of temporarily adding the products designated in the list of designated additional products to the addition position according to the product type.

[0029] The movement process is a process executed after the temporary addition process, and is a process for moving the position of a product to adjust zoning. In the movement process, the generation unit 22 moves the position of the product so as to reflect changes in zoning due to changes in shelf size, deletion of a product by the deletion process, and temporary addition of a product by the temporary addition process (so as to correct any disruption in zoning).

[0030] The addition process is executed after the movement process, and is a process for adding the products designated in the list of designated additional products to the addition position according to the product type.

[0031] If, after this addition process, there is a shelf on which the total width of the lined products exceeds the shelf width, causing overflow, the generation unit 22 may further execute an overflow resolution process of moving the products added to the shelf on which the overflow occurs to another shelf according to the product type. A product overflow refers to a state in which the display space on a certain shelf is full of products. A product overflow occurs, for example, when a new product that has not previously been displayed on a shelf is added. If the overflow cannot be resolved by moving the added product to another shelf during the overflow resolution process, the generation unit 22 may delete products in order of lowest sales amount based on the product sales list acquired by the acquisition unit 21.

[0032] After this addition process (specifically, after the overflow resolution process), the generation unit 22 may further execute an adjustment process to adjust the product positions by referring to the current term's shelf allocation pattern in the basic pattern.

[0033] The generating unit 22 may generate a new planogram so that the replaced product defined in the replacement table acquired by the acquiring unit 21 is not deleted.

[0034] The output unit 23 outputs the new shelf allocation pattern generated by the generation unit 22. The new shelf allocation pattern output by the output unit 23 is visually recognized by a user. In addition, the new shelf allocation pattern output by the output unit 23 is stored in the shelf allocation DB 50.

[0035] Next, the processing executed by the generating device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the generating device 20.

[0036] 4, first, the generation device 20 acquires necessary information by reading an input file (step S1). Specifically, a list of products designated for addition, a list of products designated for deletion, a product information list, a product sales list, a current sample shelf planogram, a past sample shelf planogram, and past shelf planograms for each pattern are acquired.

[0037] Next, the generation device 20 acquires a replacement list (step S2). The additional products included in the replacement list are excluded from the targets of moving to the temporary storage area and deletion.

[0038] Next, in the planogram pattern being edited while a new planogram pattern is being generated, products to be deleted are deleted based on the list of products designated for deletion (step S3, deletion process).

[0039] Next, in the planogram pattern being edited, additional products are provisionally added based on the list of products designated for addition (step S4, provisional addition process).

[0040] Next, in the planogram pattern being edited, the product positions are moved for zoning adjustment (step S5, movement processing).

[0041] Next, in the planogram pattern being edited, the additional products are officially added based on the list of products designated for addition (step S6, official addition process).

[0042] Next, in the planogram pattern being edited, shelves where overflow has occurred are eliminated (step S7, overflow elimination process).

[0043] Next, in the planogram pattern being edited, the product positions are adjusted with reference to the current planogram pattern in the specific planogram pattern (basic planogram pattern) that serves as a reference (step S8, adjustment process).

[0044] The edited planogram pattern that has undergone the above processing is set as the new planogram pattern, and the new planogram is completed (step S9).

[0045] Next, detailed processing flows of the above-mentioned processes will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 11. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing deletion processing. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing temporary addition processing. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing addition position identification processing. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing movement processing. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing main addition processing. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing overflow resolution processing. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing adjustment processing.

[0046] In the deletion process, first, a list of products designated for deletion and the planogram pattern being edited (reduced planogram being edited) are obtained (step S31), as shown in Fig. 5. Next, the products designated for deletion in the planogram pattern being edited are deleted (step S32), and the planogram pattern being edited after the deletion process is returned for the next process (step S33).

[0047] In the temporary addition process, as shown in Fig. 6, first, a list of products designated for addition, a currently edited planogram (reduced planogram being edited), and a product information list are obtained (step S41). Next, an addition position is identified for each product to be added (step S42). The process of identifying the addition position will be described later. Next, the products designated for addition are temporarily added (added with a temporary addition status) to the shelf for which the addition position has been identified (step S43). Finally, the currently edited planogram after temporary addition is returned for the next process (step S44).

[0048] 7, the process of specifying the addition position first obtains the product code (JAN code, etc.) of the added product, the current season's sample shelf planogram, the edited shelf planogram (reduced shelf planogram being edited), and the product information list (step S101). Next, a list of candidate shelves with available space is created (step S102), and shelves on which products of the same large, medium, or small classification, brand, and size as the added product are present are added to the candidate shelf list (step S103).

[0049] Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S104), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S118, and if there is not, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, shelves on which products of the same large, medium, or small category / brand as the added product are present are added to the candidate shelf list. Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S106), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S118, and if there is not, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0050] In step S107, shelves on which the product is located on the same shelf as the added product in the current season's sample shelf allocation are added to the candidate shelf list. Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S108). If there is, the process proceeds to step S118, and if there is not, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0051] In step S109, the shelf on which the large, medium, or small classification exists on the shelf one level above (or below) the added product in the current season's sample shelf planogram is added to the candidate list. Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S110), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S118, and if there is not, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0052] In step S111, shelves on which products of the same large and medium classification as the added product exist are added to the candidate shelf list. Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S112), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S118, and if there is not, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0053] In step S113, shelves on which products of the same large, medium, and small classification as the added product exist are added to the candidate shelf list. Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S114), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S118, and if there is not, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0054] In step S115, shelves on which products of the same major category as the added product exist are added to the candidate shelf list. Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S116), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S118, and if there is not, the process proceeds to step S117.

[0055] In step S117, if there is no candidate shelf list, all shelves are set as candidate shelves. Finally, information indicating the shelf with the largest blank space (space without products) in the candidate shelf list is returned as information indicating the addition position (step S118).

[0056] In the movement process, as shown in Fig. 8, first, the currently edited planogram pattern (reduced planogram currently being edited) and product information list are acquired (step S51). Next, one of the gondolas before selection is selected (step S52), and the top and bottom shelves for each category are identified (step S53).

[0057] Then, one of the categories is selected (step S54), and the total width (width A) of the product placed one level above the bottom row and the temporarily added product is obtained (step S55). Also, the total width (width B) of the products on the bottom row is obtained (step S56).

[0058] Next, it is determined whether width A + width B fits within the gondola width (step S57), and if it does not, the process proceeds to step S59; if it does fit, all products on the bottom shelf are moved up one shelf (step S58), and then the process proceeds to step S59.

[0059] In step S59, the total width (width C) of the product placed one level below the top shelf and the temporarily added product is obtained (step S59). Also, the total width (width D) of the products on the top shelf is obtained (step S60).

[0060] Next, it is determined whether width C + width D fits within the gondola width (step S61), and if it does not, the process proceeds to step S63; if it does fit, all products on the top shelf are moved down one shelf (step S62), and then the process proceeds to step S63.

[0061] In step S63, it is determined whether the transfer process has been completed for all of the multiple categories. If there is an incomplete category, the process is executed again from step S54. If the transfer process has been completed for all categories, it is determined whether the transfer process has been completed for all gondolas (step S64). If there is an incomplete gondola, the process is executed again from step S52. If the transfer process has been completed for all gondolas, the planogram pattern being edited after the transfer process is returned for the next process (step S65).

[0062] In this addition process, as shown in Fig. 9, first, a list of products designated for addition, the currently edited planogram (reduced planogram being edited), and a product information list are obtained (step S66). Next, an addition position is identified for each product to be added (step S67). The process of identifying the addition position is as described above. Next, the products designated for addition are officially added (added with a placed status) to the shelf for which the addition position has been identified (step S68). Finally, the currently edited planogram after the official addition is returned for the next process (step S69).

[0063] In the overflow resolution process, as shown in Fig. 10, a list of additional designated products, a shelf allocation pattern being edited (reduced shelf allocation being edited), a product sales list, and a product information list are acquired (step S71). Next, shelves on which the total width of the products placed on them exceeds the shelf width (overflowing shelves) are identified (step S72).

[0064] Next, for each overflowing shelf, additional products are moved to other shelves until the shelf is no longer overflowing (step S73). Here, products can only be moved to shelves that have products of the same large, medium, or small category or brand.

[0065] Next, for each shelf that is still overflowing, existing products are moved to other shelves until the shelves are no longer overflowing (step S74). Here, products can only be moved to shelves that have products of the same large, medium, or small category or brand.

[0066] Next, for each shelf that is still overflowing, additional products are deleted until there is no more overflow (step S75). Furthermore, for each shelf that is still overflowing, existing products are deleted until there is no more overflow (step S76). Here, products may be deleted in ascending order of sales amount. Finally, the planogram pattern being edited after the overflow elimination process is returned for the next process (step S77).

[0067] In the adjustment process, as shown in Figure 11, the edited planogram pattern (reduced planogram being edited), the current season's sample planogram, and the product information list are acquired (step S81). Next, while referring to the current season's sample planogram on each shelf, the products are rearranged so that they resemble the current season's sample planogram (step S82). Then, products of the same large, medium, and small categories and brands are grouped together (step S83), and finally the edited planogram pattern after the adjustment process is returned (step S84).

[0068] Next, the effects of the generating device 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0069] The generation device 20 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 21 that acquires multiple types of shelf allocation patterns, a list of products designated for deletion, and a list of products designated for addition; a generation unit 22 that generates a new shelf allocation pattern by sequentially executing the following processes in an edited shelf allocation pattern in the middle of generating a new shelf allocation pattern generated based on multiple types of shelf allocation patterns: a deletion process that deletes products specified in the list of products designated for deletion; a temporary addition process that temporarily adds products specified in the list of products designated for addition to additional positions according to the product type; a movement process that moves the position of the products for zoning adjustment; and a final addition process that finally adds products specified in the list of products designated for addition to additional positions according to the product type; and an output unit 23 that outputs the new shelf allocation pattern.

[0070] In the generation device 20 according to this embodiment, a new planogram pattern is generated by sequentially deleting designated products, provisionally adding designated products, moving products to adjust zoning, and finally adding designated products from an edited planogram pattern while a new planogram pattern is being generated based on multiple types of planogram patterns. By referring to a previously prepared planogram pattern, for example, a past (previous period) planogram can be referenced to easily and appropriately generate a planogram pattern. Furthermore, deleting products before adding them reduces the chance of overflow on the shelves and avoids situations in which unintended products are cut (deleted) due to overflow. Furthermore, rather than simply adding products after deletion, the process is performed in the order of provisionally adding products, adjusting zoning, and finally adding products. This process determines how many products can be added based on the product type through provisional addition, then adjusts zoning, and finally adds products, thereby preventing zoning disruptions. This generation device can generate planogram patterns that contribute to increased sales by preventing unintended product cuts and zoning disruptions.

[0071] The acquisition unit 21 acquires, as multiple types of planogram patterns, planograms for the current period and past periods that have a specific reference pattern, and past planogram patterns that have patterns different from the reference pattern, and the generation unit 22, in a deletion process, deletes products specified in the list of products designated for deletion in a planogram pattern currently being edited that is being generated as a new planogram pattern for the current period, which is generated based on the basic patterns for the current period and past periods, and the past planogram patterns, and in a movement process, may move the positions of products to reflect changes in zoning that correspond to changes in shelf size (number of gondolas and shelf width) and number of shelves, deletion of products by the deletion process, and temporary addition of products by the temporary addition process. With this configuration, product positions are moved while taking into account changes in shelf size and number of shelves for each past planogram pattern, making it possible to appropriately generate a new planogram pattern while suppressing disruptions to zoning.

[0072] If there is an overflow on a shelf where the total width of the products lined up after this addition process exceeds the shelf width, the generation unit 22 may further execute an overflow resolution process to move the products added to the shelf where the overflow is occurring to another shelf according to the product type. This makes it possible to generate a new shelving planogram that can reliably resolve the overflow caused by this addition.

[0073] The acquisition unit 21 may further acquire a sales list for each product, and in the overflow elimination process, if the overflow cannot be eliminated even by moving the added product to another shelf, the generation unit 22 may delete the product in the sales list for each product in order from the product with the smallest sales amount. In this way, if the overflow cannot be eliminated by moving the product and it is necessary to delete the product, the product with the lowest contribution to sales can be preferentially deleted, and a new shelf allocation pattern that contributes to increasing sales can be generated.

[0074] After this addition process, the generation unit 22 may further execute an adjustment process to adjust the product positions by referring to the current season's planogram in the basic pattern. With this configuration, it is possible to generate a new planogram for each planogram pattern while maintaining the zoning, etc. in the basic pattern.

[0075] The acquisition unit 21 may further acquire a replacement table that defines products before and after replacement, and the generation unit 22 may generate a new planogram so that the replaced products defined in the replacement table are not deleted. This makes it possible to appropriately prevent products that have simply had their packaging changed from being mistakenly deleted at the time of shelving.

[0076] The generating device and generating method of the present disclosure have the following configuration.

[0077] [1] an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of types of shelf allocation patterns, a list of products designated for deletion, and a list of products designated for addition; a generation unit that generates the new planogram by sequentially executing a deletion process that deletes products specified in the list of products specified for deletion, a temporary addition process that temporarily adds products specified in the list of products specified for addition to positions corresponding to the product type, a movement process that moves product positions for zoning adjustment, and a final addition process that finally adds products specified in the list of products specified for addition to positions corresponding to the product type in an edited planogram that is in the process of generating a new planogram that is generated based on the plurality of types of planogram patterns; an output unit that outputs the new shelf allocation pattern.

[0078] [2] the acquisition unit acquires, as the plurality of types of planogram patterns, planograms of a reference pattern for the current term and past planograms, and past planograms of a derived pattern different from a basic pattern; and the generation unit, in the deletion process, deletes products specified in the list of products specified for deletion in the planogram pattern being edited while the new planogram pattern is being generated, the planogram pattern being a planogram of the current term in the derived pattern generated based on the planogram patterns of the basic pattern for the current term and past planograms, and past planograms of the derived pattern; The generation device described in [1], wherein the movement process moves the position of the product so as to reflect changes in zoning in response to the change from the basic pattern to the derived pattern, the deletion of the product by the deletion process, and the temporary addition of the product by the temporary addition process.

[0079] [3] The generation unit of the generation device described in [1] or [2] further performs an overflow elimination process in which, if an overflow occurs on a shelf where the total width of the products lined up after the addition process exceeds the shelf width, the products added to the shelf where the overflow occurs are moved to another shelf according to the product type.

[0080] [4] The acquisition unit further acquires a sales list of each product, The generation device described in [3], wherein if the overflow cannot be resolved by moving the added products to another shelf during the overflow resolution process, the generation unit deletes the products in the sales list for each product in order of lowest sales amount.

[0081] [5] The generation device described in [2], wherein the generation unit further performs an adjustment process after the main addition process to adjust product positions by referring to the current shelf allocation in the basic pattern.

[0082] [6] The acquisition unit further acquires a replacement table that specifies the products before and after the replacement, The generating device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the generating unit generates the new planogram so that the replaced product defined in the replacement table is not deleted.

[0083] [7] A generation method performed by a generation device, Acquiring multiple types of shelf allocation patterns, a list of products designated for deletion, and a list of products designated for addition; generating the new planogram pattern by sequentially executing a deletion process for deleting products specified in the list of products specified for deletion, a temporary addition process for temporarily adding products specified in the list of products specified for addition to positions corresponding to the product type, a movement process for moving product positions for zoning adjustment, and a final addition process for finally adding products specified in the list of products specified for addition to positions corresponding to the product type in an edited planogram pattern in the middle of generating a new planogram pattern generated based on the plurality of types of planogram patterns; and outputting the new shelf planogram.

[0084] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are connected directly or indirectly (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining the single device or multiple devices with software.

[0085] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, judgment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, election, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocation, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0086] For example, the generating device 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the control method of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the generating device 20 according to this embodiment. The generating device 20 described above may be physically configured as a computer including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like. Note that the generating device 20 may be configured as a computer including at least one processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or may be configured as a computer including multiple processors, or may be configured to include multiple computer devices.

[0087] In the following description, the term "apparatus" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the generation apparatus 20 may be configured to include one or more of the apparatuses shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the apparatuses.

[0088] Each function in the generating device 20 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via the communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0089] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the above-mentioned acquisition unit 21, generation unit 22, output unit 23, etc. may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0090] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the acquisition unit 21, the generation unit 22, and the output unit 23 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and similar implementations may be made for other functional blocks. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0091] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured, for example, by at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing a control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be, for example, at least one of an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray disc), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0093] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. to realize at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the above-mentioned acquisition unit 21, output unit 23, etc. may be realized by the communication device 1004.

[0094] The input device 1005 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (for example, a touch panel).

[0095] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0096] Furthermore, the generating device 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0097] The notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described in the present disclosure and may be performed using other methods. For example, the notification of information may be performed by physical layer signaling (e.g., Downlink Control Information (DCI), Uplink Control Information (UCI)), higher layer signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, broadcast information (Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB))), other signals, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the RRC signaling may be referred to as an RRC message, and may be, for example, an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, or the like.

[0098] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0099] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be sent to another device.

[0100] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0101] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Furthermore, notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may be done implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the predetermined information).

[0102] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0103] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0104] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0105] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0106] Note that terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of a channel and a symbol may be a signal (signaling). Furthermore, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, a cell, a frequency carrier, etc.

[0107] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in the present disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information. For example, a radio resource may be indicated by an index.

[0108] The names used for the above-described parameters are not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, the mathematical expressions using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. The various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements may be identified by any suitable names, and therefore the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0109] In this disclosure, the terms "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," "terminal," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0110] A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology.

[0111] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0112] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0113] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0114] Any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0115] When used in this disclosure, the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0116] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0117] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different." [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 20...Generation device, 21...Acquisition section, 22...Generation section, 23...Output section.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of types of shelf allocation patterns, a list of products designated for deletion, a list of products designated for addition, and sales information for each product; a generation unit that generates the new planogram by sequentially executing all or part of the following processes in an edited planogram pattern that is being generated based on the plurality of types of planogram patterns: a deletion process that deletes products specified in the list of products specified for deletion, a temporary addition process that temporarily adds products specified in the list of products specified for addition to addition positions according to the product type, a movement process that moves product positions for zoning adjustment, and a final addition process that finally adds products specified in the list of products specified for addition to addition positions according to the product type; an output unit that outputs the new shelf allocation pattern, the acquisition unit acquires, as the plurality of types of shelf allocation patterns, shelf allocations for the current period and past periods in a basic pattern serving as a reference, and shelf allocations for past periods in derived patterns different from the basic pattern, In the deletion process, the generation unit deletes products specified in the list of products specified for deletion in the planogram pattern being edited while the new planogram pattern is being generated, the planogram pattern being a planogram pattern for the current period in the derived pattern generated based on the planograms for the current period and past periods in the basic pattern and the past planograms in the derived pattern, A generation device that, in the movement process, moves the position of the product so as to reflect changes in zoning in response to the change from the basic pattern to the derived pattern, the deletion of the product by the deletion process, and the temporary addition of the product by the temporary addition process.

2. The generation device of claim 1, wherein the generation unit further performs an overflow elimination process in which, if an overflow occurs on a shelf where the total width of the products lined up after the addition process exceeds the shelf width, the products added to the shelf where the overflow occurs are moved to another shelf according to the product type.

3. The acquisition unit further acquires a sales list of each product, The generation device of claim 2, wherein the generation unit deletes products in the sales list of each product in order of lowest sales amount if the overflow is not resolved even by moving the added products to another shelf during the overflow resolution process.

4. The generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the generating unit further executes, after the main adding process, an adjustment process for adjusting product positions by referring to a current season's shelf planogram in the basic pattern.

5. The acquisition unit further acquires a replacement table that specifies the products before and after the replacement, The generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the generating unit generates the new planogram so that the replaced product defined in the replacement table is not deleted.

6. A generation method performed by a generation device, Acquiring multiple types of shelf allocation patterns, a list of products designated for deletion, and a list of products designated for addition; generating the new planogram pattern by sequentially executing a deletion process for deleting products specified in the list of products specified for deletion, a temporary addition process for temporarily adding products specified in the list of products specified for addition to positions corresponding to the product type, a movement process for moving product positions for zoning adjustment, and a final addition process for finally adding products specified in the list of products specified for addition to positions corresponding to the product type in an edited planogram pattern in the middle of generating a new planogram pattern generated based on the plurality of types of planogram patterns; outputting the new shelf planogram; As the plurality of types of shelf allocation patterns, shelf allocations for the current period and past periods in a basic pattern serving as a reference, and shelf allocations for past periods in derived patterns different from the basic pattern are acquired, In the deletion process, in the planogram pattern being edited while the new planogram pattern is being generated, the planogram pattern being a planogram pattern for the current term in the derived pattern generated based on the planograms for the current term and past terms in the basic pattern and the past planograms in the derived pattern, the product designated in the list of products designated for deletion is deleted; A generation method in which, in the movement process, the position of the product is moved to reflect changes in zoning in accordance with the change from the basic pattern to the derived pattern, the deletion of a product by the deletion process, and the temporary addition of a product by the temporary addition process.

Images