Storage management system and storage management method

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of improving the storage efficiency of a storage shelf having a plurality of shelves.SOLUTION: A storage management system includes a control device capable of communicating with a mobile body that performs the warehousing and delivery operation of an article. The control device includes: a memory device that stores information on a storage priority associated with a shelf stage; and a processor. The article includes a warehousing scheduled article scheduled to be stored on the shelf stage. The processor is configured to execute a warehousing process for the warehousing scheduled article. In the warehousing process, the processor extracts a candidate shelf stage that satisfies a warehousing condition set for the warehousing scheduled article from among a plurality of shelf stages, and determines as a target shelf stage for storing the warehousing scheduled article of the shelf stage with the highest storage priority from among the candidate shelf stage. Furthermore, the processor transmits a warehousing instruction to the mobile body to store the storage scheduled article on the target shelf stage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage management system that manages the storage of items. [Background technology]

[0002] The parts transport equipment disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an automated rack device. The automated rack device stores trays loaded with parts boxes containing parts (items) to be stored (warehoused) on a shelf (storage shelf) and dispenses them. The shelves that store the trays are divided into a first shelf that can hold items up to a specified weight, and a second shelf that can only hold items lighter than those on the first shelf. With this technology, either the first shelf or the second shelf is selected as the shelf to which the tray is to be loaded based on the total weight of the shelf, including the weight of the tray. This allows the automated rack device to be installed according to parts of the floor with different load-bearing capacities. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-054775 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A storage shelf typically has multiple shelves. In this case, a loading operation is performed to store an item on a specified shelf among the multiple shelves. When performing the loading operation, even if the total weight of the storage shelf, which is the weight of the shelf plus the weight of the items to be loaded, is less than the maximum load capacity, if the specified shelf does not have enough free space to store the item, another shelf is selected. In other words, a shelf is repeatedly selected until a free space large enough to store the item is found, and the loading operation continues during that time, meaning that the next scheduled item has to wait. This increases the time required for the loading operation and may result in a decrease in the storage efficiency of the storage shelf.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a storage management system and a storage management method that can improve the storage efficiency of a storage shelf having multiple shelves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a storage management system that manages the storage of items using one or more storage shelves having multiple shelves installed in a storage area. The storage management system includes a control device capable of communicating with a mobile object that performs operations of storing and retrieving items. The control device includes a memory device that stores information on storage priorities associated with the shelves, and a processor. The items include items scheduled to be stored on the shelves. The processor is configured to execute a storage process for the items scheduled to be stored. In the storage process, the processor extracts candidate shelves from the multiple shelves that satisfy storage conditions set for the items scheduled to be stored. In the storage process, the processor also determines the shelf with the highest storage priority among the candidate shelves as the target shelf for storing the items scheduled to be stored. In the storage process, the processor also generates a storage instruction to store the items scheduled to be stored on the target shelf. In the storage process, the processor also transmits the storage instruction to the mobile object.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure has the following characteristics in addition to the first aspect. The storage device further stores information on a planned outgoing date associated with the item to be stored, and information on a work period indicating a period during which outgoing work will be performed by a mobile object associated with the shelf. In the process of determining the target shelf, the processor further extracts a tentative target shelf from the candidate shelves that corresponds to the work period including the planned outgoing date, based on the information on the planned outgoing date and the information on the work period. In the process of determining the target shelf, the processor also determines the shelf with the highest storage priority among the tentative target shelves as the target shelf for storing the item to be stored.

[0008] A third aspect of the present disclosure has the following characteristics in addition to the first aspect: The storage priority is higher for a shelf level closer to the shipping area, or the lower the number of shelves, or the closer to the shipping area and the lower the number of shelves.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure has the following characteristics in addition to the first aspect: The storage device further stores specification information including the size and weight of the items to be stored, information on the availability of the shelf, and information on the remaining weight that can be loaded on the shelf. The storage conditions include that the size of the items to be stored is smaller than the available space predicted from the availability, and that the weight of the items to be stored is less than the remaining weight.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure has the following characteristics in addition to the fourth aspect: the specification information includes information on the quantity of the items to be stocked; the size of the items to be stocked is determined based on the quantity of the items to be stocked; and the weight of the items to be stocked is determined based on the quantity of the items to be stocked.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure has the following features in addition to the first aspect. The items further include outgoing items that are scheduled to be shipped from a shelf. The storage device further stores first information including a planned shipping time and location of the outgoing items associated with the target shelf, and second information including information on the planned shipping time and predicted location of the incoming items associated with the target shelf. After determining the target shelf, the processor further generates a location plan such that the location of the incoming items is determined taking into account at least the planned shipping times included in the first information and the second information. Furthermore, after determining the target shelf, the processor further generates a storage instruction to store the incoming items on the target shelf based on the location plan.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure has the following features in addition to the first aspect. The items further include items scheduled for shipment that are scheduled to be shipped from the shelf. The processor is further configured to execute a shipping process for the items scheduled for shipment. The storage device further stores third information including information on the actual receipt date, manufacturing date, and inventory quantity of the items scheduled for shipment. In the shipping process, the processor determines a shipping priority for the items scheduled for shipment based on the third information. In the shipping process, the processor also generates a shipping instruction to ship the items scheduled for shipment in accordance with the shipping priority. In the shipping process, the processor also transmits the shipping instruction to a mobile object.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure has the following characteristics in addition to the seventh aspect: The shipping priority is higher the later the actual time of receipt, or the older the manufacturing date, or the lower the inventory quantity.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a storage management method for managing storage of items using one or more storage shelves having multiple shelves installed in a storage area. The items include items scheduled to be stored on the shelves. The storage management method includes a receiving process for the items scheduled to be stored. In the receiving process, the storage management method includes extracting candidate shelves that satisfy the storage conditions of the items scheduled to be stored, determining the shelf with the highest storage priority among the candidate shelves as a target shelf for storing the items scheduled to be stored, generating a receiving instruction to store the items scheduled to be stored on the target shelf, and transmitting the receiving instruction to a mobile object that performs the work of storing and retrieving the items. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a storage management system extracts candidate shelves that satisfy the storage conditions set for items to be stored during the storage process. Furthermore, during the storage process, the storage management system determines the shelf with the highest storage priority among the candidate shelves as the target shelf for storing the items to be stored. Furthermore, during the storage process, the storage management system transmits a storage instruction to a mobile body to store the items to be stored on the target shelf. This uniquely determines the target shelf for storing the items to be stored. In other words, the target shelf is not repeatedly determined. This reduces the time required for the storage operation of items to be stored. Therefore, it is possible to improve the storage efficiency of storage shelves with multiple shelves. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a warehousing operation in the storage management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a warehousing process in the storage management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a warehousing operation in the storage management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a warehousing operation in the storage management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a warehousing process of the storage management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a shipping operation in the storage management system according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The storage management method according to the embodiment is realized by computer processing of a storage management system according to the embodiment. Elements common to the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0018] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Overview of the storage management system 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage management system 1 according to embodiment 1. The storage management system 1 is applied to a logistics warehouse or the like for the purpose of managing the storage of goods, such as merchandise, in the process from when the goods are manufactured until when they are delivered to consumers.

[0019] The storage management system 1 includes a storage area 2 that constitutes, for example, a part of a logistics warehouse. The storage area 2 includes one or more storage shelves 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as storage shelves 3), a mobile object 20, a receiving area 5, and a shipping area 8. The storage shelves 3 have multiple shelf levels 4. The shelf levels 4 may store the same type of item, or may store a mixture of multiple items. Furthermore, the items stored on the shelf levels 4 may be placed directly on the shelf levels 4, or may be placed via storage materials such as pallets.

[0020] The mobile body 20 is a transport machine that performs the work of storing and retrieving items. Examples of the transport machine include a robot that can extend and lower. The transport machine may be capable of autonomous travel. The mobile body 20 performs a storing operation of transporting items that are scheduled to be stored on the shelf 4 (hereinafter referred to as "items to be stored 6") from the storage area 5 to the shelf 4 and storing them on the shelf 4. The mobile body 20 also performs an retrieval operation of removing items that are scheduled to be retrieved from the shelf 4 (hereinafter referred to as "items to be retrieved 7") from the shelf 4 and transporting them from the shelf 4 to the retrieval area 8. However, the storing and retrieval operation performed by the mobile body 20 is not limited to this. The storing and retrieval operation may be performed, for example, limited to within the storage shelf 3. Specifically, the storing and retrieval operation may be an operation in which the mobile body 20 moves the items to be retrieved 7 from one shelf 4 to another shelf 4. The items scheduled for shipment 7 refer to the items scheduled for arrival 6 from the time they are stored on the shelf 4 until they arrive at the outgoing area 8. Items that arrive at the outgoing area 8 are referred to as "completely shipped items 9." The items scheduled for arrival 6, the items scheduled for shipment 7, and the completely shipped items 9 may be storage containers (e.g., cardboard boxes, plastic cases, etc.) containing one or more individual items. The items scheduled for arrival 6, the items scheduled for shipment 7, and the completely shipped items 9 may be available in multiple sizes. Individual items may include multiple items, and a single storage container may contain individual items of the same type. A storage container may also be set with a predetermined rated storage capacity (e.g., 10 items, 100 items, etc.) based on the size of the storage container and the type of individual items stored in the storage container. A storage container containing the rated number of individual items may be called a regular bag, and a storage container containing less than the rated number of individual items may be called a non-regular bag. Examples of individual items include canned drinks, stationery, materials and parts, daily necessities, and other items that can be handled individually.

[0021] The storage management system 1 further includes a control device 10. The control device 10 is a computer that controls the mobile object 20. The control device 10 includes one or more processors 11 (hereinafter simply referred to as "processor 11"), one or more storage devices 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as "storage device 12"), and a communication device (not shown) that can communicate with the mobile object 20. The processor 11 executes various processes. For example, the processor 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage device 12 stores various information. Examples of the storage device 12 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The control device 10 may be installed in a location separate from the storage area 2 and control the mobile object 20 remotely.

[0022] The storage device 12 stores related information 200 of the goods to be stored 6, related information 300 of the goods to be shipped 7, related information 400 of the shelf, and the like.

[0023] The storage management program 100 is a computer program for controlling the mobile object 20. The processor 11 executes the storage management program 100 to realize various processes by the control device 10. The storage management program 100 may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0024] The related information 200 of the items 6 to be stored includes specification information 210 of the items 6 to be stored. The specification information 210 of the items 6 to be stored includes size information 211 of the items 6 to be stored, weight information 212 of the items 6 to be stored, storage container number information 213 of the items 6 to be stored, item information 214 of individual items stored in the items 6 to be stored, and quantity information 215 of individual items stored in the items 6 to be stored. The related information 300 of the items 7 to be shipped includes specification information 310 of the items 7 to be shipped. The specification information 310 of the items 7 to be shipped includes size information 311 of the items 7 to be shipped, weight information 312 of the items 7 to be shipped, storage container number information 313 of the items 7 to be shipped, item information 314 of individual items stored in the items 7 to be shipped, and quantity information 315 of individual items stored in the items 7 to be shipped. The number information 213 of the storage container for the items to be stored 6 and the number information 313 of the storage container for the items to be shipped 7 refer to, for example, the identification number (i.e., serial number) of the storage container. The quantity information 215 of the individual items stored in the items to be stored 6 and the quantity information 315 of the individual items stored in the items to be shipped 7 refer to, for example, information on the quantity of the individual items stored in the storage container. The information on the quantity of the individual items may include information on whether the storage container is a regular bag or a non-regular bag.

[0025] The shelf-related information 400 includes availability information 410, remaining weight information 420, and storage priority information 430. The availability information 410 includes status information 411 indicating whether the shelf 4 is full or empty, and available space prediction information 412 that predicts the available space on the shelf 4. The available space prediction information 412 may be information that predicts the available space on the shelf 4 based on size information 311 of the items 7 scheduled for shipment. Alternatively, it may be information that estimates the available space on the shelf 4 based on information acquired from a sensor (camera, three-dimensional measurement sensor, etc.) mounted on the shelf 4.

[0026] The remaining weight information 420 is information about the remaining weight that can be loaded on the shelf 4. The remaining weight that can be loaded on the shelf 4 may be the weight obtained by subtracting the weight of the items 7 to be shipped that are stored on the shelf 4 from the maximum load weight set on the shelf 4. Alternatively, it may be the weight obtained by subtracting the weight of the items 7 to be shipped that are stored on the storage shelf 3 from the maximum load weight set on the storage shelf 3. Alternatively, it may be a value that is determined by further considering the load-bearing capacity of the floor on which the storage shelf 3 is installed, the weight of the storage shelf 3, and the weight of the items loaded on the storage shelf 3.

[0027] The storage priority information 430 is information in which a storage priority is set for each shelf 4. The closer the shelf 4 is to the delivery area 8, the higher the storage priority, or the lower the number of shelves 4, or the closer the shelf 4 is to the delivery area 8 and the lower the number of shelves 4, the higher the storage priority.

[0028] 1-2.Specific examples FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a warehousing operation in the storage management system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 2, shelf-related information 400 shows the availability status of each shelf 4 ("full" or "vacant" shown in FIG. 2) and the storage priority of each shelf 4. The availability status of each shelf 4 is obtained from status information 411. The storage priority of each shelf 4 is obtained from storage priority information 430. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage management system 1 extracts candidate shelf 30 from among multiple shelf levels 4 (14 in FIG. 2). The candidate shelf 30 is a shelf level 4 that satisfies the warehousing conditions set for the items 6 to be stored. The warehousing conditions include the size of the items 6 to be stored being smaller than the available space on the shelf 4 and the weight of the items 6 to be stored being less than the remaining weight on the shelf 4. In the example shown in FIG. 2, four shelves 4 (S2_1L, S2_2R, S2_4R, S2_4L) whose availability status is "vacant" and which satisfy conditions such as weight are extracted as candidate shelves 30.

[0029] The storage management system 1 also determines a target shelf 40 from among the candidate shelf levels 30. The target shelf 40 is the shelf 4 with the highest storage priority among the candidate shelf levels 30. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the shelf 4 (S2_1L) with the highest storage priority among the four shelf levels 4 (S2_1L, S2_2R, S2_4R, S2_4L) extracted as the candidate shelf levels 30 is determined as the target shelf 40.

[0030] Then, the storage management system 1 stores the item 6 to be stored on the target shelf 40 using the moving body 20.

[0031] In this way, the storage management system 1 according to the first embodiment extracts candidate shelf 30 that satisfies the storage conditions set for the items 6 to be stored. The storage management system 1 also determines the shelf 4 with the highest storage priority among the candidate shelf 30 as the target shelf 40 for storing the items 6 to be stored. The storage management system 1 then stores the items 6 to be stored on the target shelf 40. This uniquely determines the target shelf 40 for storing the items 6 to be stored. In other words, the target shelf 40 is not repeatedly determined. This reduces the time required for the storage operation of the items 6 to be stored. Furthermore, by determining the shelf 4 with the highest storage priority as the target shelf 40, the items 6 to be stored are stored on the shelf 4 closest to the retrieval area 8. This reduces the time required for the retrieval operation. This improves the storage efficiency of a storage shelf 3 having multiple shelves 4.

[0032] 1-3. Processing example 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a warehousing process of the storage management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The routine shown in FIG. 3 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. This routine can be started, for example, when an item 6 to be stored is registered.

[0033] In step S100, the processor 11 acquires various information such as the specification information 210 of the item 6 to be stocked (size information 211 of the item 6 to be stocked, weight information 212 of the item 6 to be stocked), availability information 410, remaining weight information 420, and storage priority information 430 from the storage device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0034] In step S110, the processor 11 sets the storage conditions for the item 6 to be stocked, based on the size information 211 of the item 6 to be stocked acquired in step S100, the weight information 212 of the item 6 to be stocked, the availability information 410, and the remaining weight information 420. Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0035] In step S120, processor 11 determines whether or not there is a candidate shelf 30 among the multiple shelves 4 that satisfies the storage conditions for the item 6 to be stored that was set in step S110. If it is determined that there is a candidate shelf 30 that satisfies the storage conditions (step S120; Yes), the process proceeds to step S130. Otherwise (step S120; No), the process returns to step S120.

[0036] In step S130, processor 11 determines the shelf 4 with the highest storage priority among the candidate shelves 30 as the target shelf 40 for storing the item 6 to be warehoused, based on storage priority information 430. Then, the process proceeds to step S140.

[0037] In step S140, the processor 11 generates a storage instruction to store the item 6 to be stored on the target shelf 40. The processor 11 transmits the generated storage instruction to the mobile body 20.

[0038] 1-4. Variations 1-4-1. First example According to the storage management system 1 of the first embodiment, the warehousing conditions for the items 6 to be stocked are set based on information including size information 211 of the items 6 to be stocked and weight information 212 of the items 6 to be stocked. On the other hand, in the storage management system 1 of the variation of the first embodiment, the specification information 210 of the items 6 to be stocked further includes quantity information (not shown) of the items 6 to be stocked. In this case, the size of the items 6 to be stocked used to set the warehousing conditions for the items 6 to be stocked is a size configured based on the quantity of the items 6 to be stocked. Furthermore, the weight of the items 6 to be stocked used to set the warehousing conditions for the items 6 to be stocked is a weight configured based on the quantity of the items 6 to be stocked. As a result, the storage management system 1 of the variation of the first embodiment can determine whether the warehousing conditions set for the items 6 to be stocked are met even when there are multiple quantities of the items 6 to be stocked. Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0039] 1-4-2. Second example According to the storage management system 1 of the modified example of the first embodiment, the storage priority information 430 may be changed by the specification information 210 of the items 6 to be stored. For example, if there are multiple items 6 to be stored that are storage units containing individual items of the same item, the storage priority may be determined so that they are stored on the same shelf 4. Alternatively, the storage priority may be determined so that the items 6 to be stored that are storage units containing individual items of an item or size that is shipped frequently are stored on a shelf 4 that is close to the retrieval area 8 or on a shelf 4 with a low number of shelves. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for storing and retrieving items.

[0040] 1-4-3. Third example According to the storage management system 1 of the modified example of the first embodiment, the storage priority information 430 may be changed based on the quantity information 215 of the individual items stored in the items to be stored 6, which is included in the specification information 210 of the items to be stored 6, and the quantity information 315 of the individual items stored in the items to be shipped 7, which is included in the specification information 310 of the items to be shipped 7. For example, if the quantity of the individual items stored in the items to be stored 6 is non-standard bags, the storage priority may be determined so that the individual items stored in the items to be stored 6 are preferentially stored on a shelf 4 on which items to be shipped 7, which are the same item type as the individual items stored in the items to be stored 6 and which have a non-standard bag quantity, are stored. This makes it possible to efficiently use the storage space on the shelf 4.

[0041] 2. Second Embodiment The storage management system 1 according to the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the method of determining the target shelf 40 for storing the items 6 to be stored. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a warehousing operation in the storage management system 1 according to the second embodiment. Specifically, after the storage management system 1 extracts the candidate shelf 30, it further extracts a tentative target shelf 35 from the candidate shelf 30. The tentative target shelf 35 is a shelf 4 corresponding to a work period including the scheduled release time of the item 6 to be stored. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when focusing on the item 6 to be stored (item X1), the scheduled release time of the item 6 to be stored (item X1) is "12 / 3." In this case, of the four shelf levels 4 (S2_1L, S2_2R, S2_4R, S2_4L) extracted as the candidate shelf levels 30, the two shelf levels 4 corresponding to the work period including the scheduled release time "12 / 3" are S2_4R and S2_4L. Therefore, these two shelf levels 4 (S2_4R, S2_4L) are extracted as the tentative target shelf levels 35.

[0043] The storage management system 1 also determines a target shelf 40 from among the tentative target shelves 35. The target shelf 40 is the shelf 4 with the highest storage priority among the tentative target shelves 35. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , of the two shelves 4 (S2_4R, S2_4L) extracted as the tentative target shelves 35, the shelf 4 (S2_4R) with the highest storage priority is determined as the target shelf 40.

[0044] Then, the storage management system 1 stores the item 6 to be stored on the target shelf 40 using the moving body 20.

[0045] In this way, the storage management system 1 according to the second embodiment extracts, from among the candidate shelf levels 30, a tentative target shelf level 35 that corresponds to the work period including the scheduled outbound time. Furthermore, the storage management system 1 determines the shelf level 4 with the highest storage priority among the tentative target shelf levels 35 as the target shelf level 40 for storing the items 6 to be stored. This provides the same effect as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, by storing the items 6 to be stored on the shelf level 4 that corresponds to the scheduled outbound time of the items 6 to be stored, the management of the shelf level 4 is made clearer. Therefore, it is possible to improve the storage efficiency of a storage shelf 3 having multiple shelves 4. Below, the control device 10 (processor 11, storage device 12) according to the second embodiment will be described in detail.

[0046] The related information 200 of the items 6 to be stored in the storage device 12 further includes information 220 on the scheduled time of retrieval of the items 6 to be stored in the storage device 12. The related information 400 of the shelf level stored in the storage device 12 further includes information 440 on the work period. The information 440 on the work period is information indicating the period during which the retrieval work by the mobile object 20 will be performed.

[0047] In the process of determining the target shelf 40, the processor 11 extracts a tentative target shelf 35 from the candidate shelves 30 that corresponds to the work period including the planned departure time based on information 220 on the planned departure time of the item 6 to be stored and information 440 on the work period.

[0048] In addition, in the process of determining the target shelf 40, the processor 11 determines the shelf 4 with the highest storage priority among the provisional target shelves 35 as the target shelf 40 for storing the item 6 to be stocked, based on the storage priority information 430.

[0049] 3. Embodiment 3 3-1.Specific examples The storage management system 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the method used after the target shelf 40 is determined. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0050] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the storage management system 1 according to embodiment 3. Specifically, after determining the target shelf 40, the storage management system 1 further generates a layout plan for the target shelf 40.

[0051] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the arrangement of the items 7 to be shipped (items Y1, Y2, Y3) on the target shelf 40 determined before generating the arrangement plan is represented, for example, as "rear left, rear right, front right." Furthermore, the predicted arrangement of the items 6 to be received (item X1) on the target shelf 40 determined before generating the arrangement plan is represented, for example, as "front left." The arrangement of the items 7 to be shipped and the predicted arrangement of the items 6 to be received may be estimated based on information acquired from a sensor (camera, 3D measurement sensor, etc.) mounted on the target shelf 40. Furthermore, the arrangement of the items 7 to be shipped and the predicted arrangement of the items 6 to be received may be represented by a specified location in a section displayed on the target shelf 40, or may be represented by a coordinate position estimated based on information acquired from the above-mentioned sensor.

[0052] The allocation plan is generated based on the location and planned outgoing time of the item 7 to be shipped that is stored on the target shelf 40, and the predicted location and planned outgoing time of the item 6 to be stored on the target shelf 40. Specifically, the allocation plan is generated so that the items 6 to be shipped or the items 7 to be shipped that are scheduled to be shipped later are placed at the back, and the items 6 to be shipped or the items 7 to be shipped earlier are placed at the front. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the items 7 to be shipped earlier (items Y1 and Y2) are placed at the front, and the items 6 to be shipped later (item X1) and the items 7 to be shipped later (item Y3) are placed at the back. It is assumed that the planned outgoing time of the item 6 to be shipped (item X1) is earlier than the planned outgoing times of the items 7 to be shipped (items Y1, Y2, and Y3). In this case, the allocation plan updates only the information on the allocation of the items 6 scheduled to be stocked, without changing the allocation of the items 7 scheduled to be stocked (items Y1, Y2, Y3).

[0053] Then, the storage management system 1 stores the items 6 to be stored on the target shelf 40 using the moving body 20 based on the placement plan.

[0054] In this way, after determining the target shelf 40, the storage management system 1 according to the third embodiment further generates an arrangement plan for the target shelf 40 based on the planned outgoing dates of the items 6 to be stored and the planned outgoing dates of the items 7 to be shipped. Specifically, the storage management system 1 according to the third embodiment generates an arrangement plan so that the arrangement of the items 6 to be stored is achieved taking into consideration the planned outgoing dates of the items 7 to be shipped and the planned outgoing dates of the items 6 to be stored. As a result, the items 6 to be stored or the items 7 to be shipped that are scheduled to be shipped earlier are stored in a location where they can be easily retrieved from the shelf 4. This further reduces the time required for the outgoing operation. This makes it possible to improve the storage efficiency of a storage shelf 3 having multiple shelves 4. The control device 10 (processor 11, memory device 12) according to the third embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0055] The shelf-related information 400 stored in the storage device 12 further includes target shelf-related information 450. The target shelf-related information 450 includes information on the items 7 scheduled for delivery associated with the target shelf 40. The information 451 includes first information 451 of the item 6 to be stocked and second information 452 of the item 6 to be stocked associated with the target shelf 40. The first information 451 further includes information 453 of the scheduled outgoing time of the item 7 to be stocked and location information 454 of the item 7 to be stocked. The second information 452 further includes information 455 of the scheduled outgoing time of the item 6 to be stocked and predicted location information 456 of the item 6 to be stocked. The predicted location information 456 of the item 6 to be stocked is obtained from the empty space prediction information 412. Note that the information 455 of the scheduled outgoing time of the item 6 to be stocked is substantially the same as the information 220 of the scheduled outgoing time of the item 6 to be stocked described above. An example of processing by the control device 10 (processor 11) according to the third embodiment will be described later.

[0056] 3-2. Processing example Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the storage process of the storage management system 1 according to the third embodiment. The routine shown in Fig. 6 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. This routine can be started, for example, when an item 6 to be stored is registered.

[0057] In step S200, the processor 11 acquires various information such as the specification information 210 of the item 6 to be stocked (size information 211 of the item 6 to be stocked, weight information 212 of the item 6 to be stocked), availability information 410, remaining weight information 420, storage priority information 430, first information 451 (information 453 of the scheduled departure time of the item 7 to be stocked, location information 454 of the item 7 to be stocked), second information 452 (information 455 of the scheduled departure time of the item 6 to be stocked, predicted location information 456 of the item 6 to be stocked), etc. Then, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0058] In step S210, the processor 11 sets the storage conditions for the item 6 to be stocked based on the size information 211 of the item 6 to be stocked, the weight information 212 of the item 6 to be stocked, the availability information 410, and the remaining weight information 420. Then, the process proceeds to step S220.

[0059] In step S220, processor 11 determines whether or not there is a candidate shelf 30 among the multiple shelves 4 that satisfies the storage conditions set for the item to be stored 6. If it is determined that there is a candidate shelf 30 that satisfies the storage conditions (step S220; Yes), the process proceeds to step S230. Otherwise (step S220; No), the process returns to step S220.

[0060] In step S230, processor 11 determines the shelf 4 with the highest storage priority among the candidate shelves 30 as the target shelf 40 for storing the item 6 to be warehoused, based on storage priority information 430. Then, the process proceeds to step S240.

[0061] In step S240, the processor 11 generates an arrangement plan based on the first information 451 and the second information 452 so that the arrangement of at least the items 6 scheduled to be stocked takes into account the items 7 scheduled to be shipped out and the scheduled shipping times of the items 6 scheduled to be stocked.

[0062] In step S250, the processor 11 generates a storage instruction to store the item 6 to be stored on the target shelf 40 based on the arrangement plan. The processor 11 transmits the generated storage instruction to the mobile object 20.

[0063] 4. Embodiment 4 The storage management system 1 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further has a function of handling shipments. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0064] Incidentally, it is assumed that a plurality of items 7 scheduled for shipment of the same item are present on a shelf 4. Specifically, it is assumed that a shelf 4 may store items 7 scheduled for shipment with different actual receipt times (actual receipt times) or items 7 scheduled for shipment with different manufacturing times. Therefore, when retrieving items 7 scheduled for shipment from a shelf 4, it is desirable to prioritize retrieval of items 7 scheduled for shipment with an earlier actual receipt time, or an earlier manufacturing time, or items 7 that satisfy both. Furthermore, if items 7 scheduled for shipment with the same actual receipt time and manufacturing time are stored across different shelves 4, it is assumed that the inventory quantity of items 7 scheduled for shipment will differ for each shelf 4. In this case, it is desirable to retrieve items 7 scheduled for shipment with the least inventory quantity first.

[0065] Therefore, the storage management system 1 according to the fourth embodiment determines the outgoing priority of the items 7 scheduled to be shipped based on the actual receipt time of the items 7 scheduled to be shipped, the manufacturing time of the items 7 scheduled to be shipped, and the inventory quantity of the items 7 scheduled to be shipped. Then, the storage management system 1 according to the fourth embodiment ships the items 7 scheduled to be shipped in accordance with the outgoing priority. Below, a specific example of the storage management system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0066] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a shipping operation in the storage management system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Specifically, the items 7 (item Y1) scheduled for shipping are classified by lot. More specifically, the items 7 (item Y1) scheduled for shipping are classified into lots L1, L2, and L3. Furthermore, the items 6 (item Y1) scheduled for shipping in lot L1 are stored across two different shelves 4 (S2_3R, S2_4L). Note that a lot refers to a number used to identify the items 7 scheduled for shipping. The lot may be something like a serial number assigned by the manufacturer, or may be assigned by the storage company at the time of warehousing. When the storage company assigns lots at the time of warehousing, different lots may be assigned for each actual warehousing time, or different lots may be assigned for each manufacturing time.

[0067] Next, a method for determining the outgoing priority will be explained. Specifically, in case (A) shown in FIG. 7, the outgoing priority is determined based on the actual time of receipt of the outgoing scheduled item 7 (item Y1). In this case, the outgoing priority is the highest for the outgoing scheduled item 7 (item Y1) in lot L3. In other words, the outgoing priority is determined based on the actual time of receipt. early In case (B) shown in FIG. 7, the outgoing priority is determined based on the manufacturing date of the item 7 (item Y1) scheduled for shipment. In this case, the item 7 (item Y1) scheduled for shipment in lot L2 has the highest outgoing priority. In other words, the older the manufacturing date, the higher the outgoing priority. In case (C) shown in FIG. 7, the outgoing priority is determined based on the inventory quantity of the item 7 (item Y1) scheduled for shipment. In this case, the item 7 (item Y1) scheduled for shipment in lot L1 and on shelf S2_4L has the highest outgoing priority. In other words, the lower the inventory quantity, the higher the outgoing priority.

[0068] In this way, according to the storage management system 1 of the fourth embodiment, when a plurality of items 7 scheduled for delivery of the same item are stored on the shelf 4, the actual receiving time is early Priority is given to outgoing items 7, or outgoing items 7 with the oldest manufacturing date, or outgoing items 7 with the smallest inventory. early By giving priority to items 7 scheduled for shipment first, the period during which the items 7 scheduled for shipment are stored on the shelf 4 is shortened. Furthermore, by giving priority to items 7 scheduled for shipment that were manufactured earlier, deterioration in quality of the items 7 scheduled for shipment that may be caused by changes or deterioration over time can be minimized. Furthermore, by giving priority to items 7 scheduled for shipment that have fewer stocks first, available free space on the shelf 4 is secured. Therefore, it is possible to improve the storage efficiency of a storage shelf 3 that has multiple shelf 4. Below, the control device 10 (processor 11, memory device 12) according to the fourth embodiment will be described in detail.

[0069] The related information 300 of the items 7 scheduled to be shipped stored in the storage device 12 further includes third information 320 indicating detailed information of the items 7 scheduled to be shipped. The third information 320 includes information 321 on the actual receipt date of the items 7 scheduled to be shipped, information 322 on the manufacturing date of the items 7 scheduled to be shipped, and information 323 on the inventory quantity of the items 7 scheduled to be shipped.

[0070] The processor 11 executes a shipping process for the items 7 scheduled to be shipped. Specifically, in the shipping process, the processor 11 determines the shipping priority of the items 7 scheduled to be shipped based on the third information 320. In addition, in the shipping process, the processor 11 generates a shipping instruction to ship the items 7 scheduled to be shipped in accordance with the shipping priority. Then, in the shipping process, the processor 11 transmits the shipping instruction to the mobile body 20.

[0071] 4-1. Variations According to the storage management system 1 of the modified example of the fourth embodiment, the outgoing priority may be changed depending on whether the quantity information 315 of the individual items stored in the items scheduled for outgoing 7 is a non-standard bag or a standard bag. For example, the outgoing priority may be increased for a shelf 4 on which the quantity of the individual items stored in the items scheduled for outgoing 7 is stored as a standard bag. As a result, if the quantity of the individual items stored in the items scheduled for outgoing 7 at the time of outgoing is not the quantity that would constitute a standard bag, the items scheduled for outgoing 7 with a quantity of non-standard bags are prioritized for outgoing. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the storage space on the shelf 4. Note that when some individual items are removed and shipped from an item scheduled for outgoing 7 with a quantity of standard bags, the weight information 312 of the item scheduled for outgoing 7 and the quantity information 315 of the individual items stored in the item scheduled for outgoing 7 are updated. Furthermore, the quantity information 315 of the individual items stored in the items scheduled for outgoing 7 is updated so that the quantity of the individual items stored in the items scheduled for outgoing 7 is changed from standard bags to standard bags.

[0072] 5. Other embodiments 5-1. First example According to the storage management system 1 of the third embodiment, an allocation plan is generated when an item 6 to be stored is to be stocked. However, the allocation plan may be generated regardless of the stocking of the item 6 to be stocked. Rather, even if an item 6 to be stored is not to be stocked, an allocation plan may be generated so that the allocation of the item 7 to be shipped out stored on the target shelf 40 is periodically optimized, taking into account the fact that an item 7 to be shipped out will be shipped out. Therefore, in the storage management system 1 of the other embodiments, if an item 6 to be stored is not to be stocked, an allocation plan is generated at predetermined intervals. As a result, even if an item 6 to be stored is not to be stocked, the target shelf 40 is periodically optimized, and available free space on the shelf 4 is secured. This makes it possible to improve the storage efficiency of a storage shelf 3 having multiple shelves 4.

[0073] 5-2. Second example According to the storage management system 1 of the first to fourth embodiments, the shelf 4 is configured as a base fixed to the storage shelf 3. However, the shelf 4 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the shelf 4 may be configured as a base having a mechanism that allows it to rotate horizontally. Therefore, in the storage management system 1 of other embodiments, the shelf 4 is rotated so that the free space on the shelf 4 faces the front, that is, so that the items 6 to be stored on the shelf 4 are oriented to be stored on the shelf 4 during storage. This allows the items 6 to be easily stored on the shelf 4 even when the free space on the shelf 4 is at the back, thereby reducing the time required for the storage operation. This improves the storage efficiency of the storage shelf 3 having multiple shelves 4. Furthermore, during retrieval, the shelf 4 is rotated so that the items 7 to be retrieval are oriented to be removed from the shelf 4. This allows the items 7 to be easily removed even when the items 7 to be retrieval are stored at the back of the shelf 4, thereby reducing the time required for the retrieval operation.

[0074] 5-3. Third Example According to the storage management system 1 of the first to fourth embodiments, the control device 10 is a computer that controls the mobile object 20. Furthermore, the computer may be a portable terminal device that can be carried around. Therefore, according to the storage management system 1 of other embodiments, the computer is a portable terminal device, and the portable terminal device has a function of being able to read barcode information. Furthermore, it is assumed that the shelf 4 is provided with a barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark) that has embedded therein information about the item 7 to be shipped that is stored on the shelf 4. In such a case, the storage of the item can be managed by using the portable terminal device. Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0075] 5-4. Fourth Example Each embodiment and its modified examples are not limited to being implemented singly, but may be implemented in combination. This makes it possible to reduce the time required for the storage work of the items to be stored 6 and the time required for the shipping work of the items to be shipped 7. Therefore, it is possible to improve the storage efficiency of the storage shelf 3 having multiple shelves 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1...storage management system, 2...storage area, 3...storage shelf, 4...shelf, 5...receiving area, 6...item to be received, 7...item to be shipped out, 8...shipping area, 9...item to be shipped out, 10...control device, 11...processor, 12...storage device, 20...moving body, 30...candidate shelf, 35...temporary target shelf, 40...target shelf, 100...storage management program, 200...related information of item to be received 6, 210...specification information of item to be received 6, 211...size information of item to be received 6, 212...weight information of item to be received 6, 213...storage body number information of item to be received 6, 214...item information of individual items stored in item to be received 6, 215...quantity information of individual items stored in item to be received 6 220...Information on the scheduled delivery time of the item 6 to be stocked, 300...Related information on the item 7 to be stocked, 310...Specification information on the item 7 to be stocked, 311...Size information on the item 7 to be stocked, 312...Weight information on the item 7 to be stocked, 313...Storage number information on the item 7 to be stocked, 314...Item information on the individual items stored in the item 7 to be stocked, 315...Quantity information on the individual items stored in the item 7 to be stocked, 320...Third information, 321...Information on the actual receipt time of the item 7 to be stocked, 322...Information on the manufacturing time of the item 7 to be stocked, 323...Information on the inventory quantity of the item 7 to be stocked, 400...Related information on the shelf, 410...Availability information, 411...Status information, 412...Predicted information on available space, 420...Remaining weight information, 430...Storage priority information, 440...Information on work period, 450...Related information on target shelf, 451...First information, 452...Second information, 453...Information on planned shipping time of item 7 to be shipped, 454...Location information on item 7 to be shipped, 455...Information on planned shipping time of item 6 to be shipped, 456...Predicted location information on item 6 to be shipped

Claims

1. A storage management system that manages storage of items using one or more storage shelves having multiple shelves installed in a storage area, a control device capable of communicating with a mobile body that performs the warehousing and unloading of the goods; The items include items to be stored on the shelf and items to be shipped from the shelf, the control device includes a memory device that stores information on storage priority levels associated with the shelves and information on actual storage times of the items scheduled to be shipped out, and a processor; The processor is configured to execute an inbound process for the item to be stored and an outbound process for the item to be shipped, In the warehousing process, the processor extracting a candidate shelf that satisfies a storage condition set for the item to be stored from among the plurality of shelves; determining the shelf with the highest storage priority among the candidate shelves as the target shelf for storing the items to be warehoused; generating a warehousing instruction for storing the item to be stored on the target shelf; and transmitting the storage instruction to the mobile unit; the processor is configured to determine, in the outgoing processing, an outgoing priority of the items scheduled to be outgoing based at least on information about the actual receiving time; The earlier the actual time of receipt, the higher the priority of delivery. A storage management system characterized by:

2. The storage management system according to claim 1, The storage device further stores information on a scheduled delivery time associated with the item to be stored, and information on a work period indicating a period during which a delivery work by the moving body associated with the shelf will be performed, In the process of determining the target shelf, the processor Furthermore, based on the information on the scheduled delivery time and the information on the work period, a tentative target shelf corresponding to the work period including the scheduled delivery time is extracted from the candidate shelf, The shelf having the highest storage priority among the provisional target shelves is determined as the target shelf for storing the items to be stored. A storage management system characterized by:

3. The storage management system according to claim 1, The storage priority is higher for shelves closer to the shipping area, or higher for shelves with a lower number of shelves, or higher for shelves closer to the shipping area and with a lower number of shelves. A storage management system characterized by:

4. The storage management system according to claim 1, The storage device further stores specification information including the size and weight of the goods to be stored, information on the availability of the shelf, and information on the remaining weight that can be loaded on the shelf; The storage conditions include that the size of the item to be stored is smaller than the available space predicted from the availability status, and that the weight of the item to be stored is less than the remaining weight. A storage management system characterized by:

5. The storage management system according to claim 4, The specification information includes information on the quantity of the goods to be stocked, The size of the goods to be stocked is determined based on the quantity of the goods to be stocked, and the weight of the goods to be stocked is determined based on the quantity of the goods to be stocked. A storage management system characterized by:

6. A storage management system that manages the storage of goods using one or more storage shelves having multiple shelves installed in a storage area, a control device capable of communicating with a mobile body that performs the warehousing and unloading of the goods; the control device includes a memory device that stores information on storage priorities associated with the shelves, and a processor; The items include items to be stored on the shelf and items to be shipped from the shelf, The processor is configured to execute a stocktaking process for the item to be stocked; In the warehousing process, the processor extracting a candidate shelf that satisfies a storage condition set for the item to be stored from among the plurality of shelves; determining the shelf with the highest storage priority among the candidate shelves as the target shelf for storing the items to be warehoused; generating an arrangement plan so that the arrangement of at least the items to be stored takes into consideration the scheduled outgoing time included in first information including the scheduled outgoing time and arrangement of the items to be stored associated with the target shelf, and second information including information on the scheduled outgoing time and predicted arrangement of the items to be stored associated with the target shelf; generating a warehousing instruction for storing the item to be stored on the target shelf based on the arrangement plan; Transmitting the storage instruction to the mobile unit A storage management system characterized by:

7. The storage management system according to claim 1, The storage device further stores information on the manufacturing date and inventory quantity of the item scheduled for shipment, In the retrieval processing, the processor determining the outgoing priority of the items scheduled for outgoing based on the information on the actual receiving time, the information on the manufacturing time, and the information on the inventory quantity; generating a shipping instruction to ship the items scheduled for shipping in accordance with the shipping priority; Transmitting the retrieval instruction to the mobile unit A storage management system characterized by:

8. A storage management system that manages the storage of goods using one or more storage shelves having multiple shelves installed in a storage area, a control device capable of communicating with a mobile body that performs the warehousing and unloading of the goods; The items include items to be stored on the shelf and items to be shipped from the shelf, the control device includes a storage device that stores information on storage priority levels associated with the shelves and information on inventory levels, and a processor; The processor is configured to execute an inbound process for the item to be stored and an outbound process for the item to be shipped, In the warehousing process, the processor extracting a candidate shelf that satisfies a storage condition set for the item to be stored from among the plurality of shelves; determining the shelf with the highest storage priority among the candidate shelves as the target shelf for storing the items to be warehoused; generating a warehousing instruction for storing the item to be stored on the target shelf; and transmitting the storage instruction to the mobile unit; the processor is configured to, in the outgoing processing, determine an outgoing priority of the items to be outgoing based at least on the information on the inventory quantity; The lower the inventory quantity, the higher the shipping priority. A storage management system characterized by:

9. A storage management method for managing storage of items using one or more storage shelves having a plurality of shelves installed in a storage area, comprising: The items include items to be stored on the shelf and items to be shipped from the shelf, The storage management method includes a warehousing process for the items to be stored and a shipping process for the items to be shipped, In the warehousing process, extracting a candidate shelf that satisfies the storage conditions of the item to be stored; determining a shelf having the highest storage priority among the candidate shelves as a target shelf for storing the items to be warehoused; generating a warehousing instruction to store the item to be stored on the target shelf; transmitting the warehousing instruction to a mobile body that performs warehousing and shipping work for the item; Including, The outgoing processing includes determining an outgoing priority of the items scheduled to be outgoing based on information on actual receipt times of the items scheduled to be outgoing, The earlier the actual time of receipt, the higher the priority of delivery. A storage management method characterized by:

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