In logistics systems

Abstract

To provide a physical distribution system capable of flexibly corresponding to a request for high-mix low volume delivery.SOLUTION: In a physical distribution system 10, an information processing terminal 2 transmits a request to store unitization information being information obtained by associating unique unit identification information 43 of each commodity group read from unit labels attached to a commodity group 80 including a plurality of types of commodities 8 or arbitrary places of logistics fixtures of various forms of loading or storing the commodity group 80 with commodity identification information 42 of the commodities 8 included in the read commodity group 80 and information related to an amount of the commodities 8 in an information management device 3 to the information management device 3. Also, the information processing terminal 2 reads the unit identification information 43, and transmits a request to output the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification information 43 to the information management device 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a logistics system used for multi-variety and small-quantity distribution.

Background Art

[0002] In the logistics industry, delivering the ordered goods to the destination within a short time is one of the important social requirements. As an operation that affects the lead time from order to delivery, there is the inspection work of goods. When conducting the inspection work of goods during loading, sorting, delivery, etc., the operator checks whether the goods loaded on logistics equipment such as pallets are as instructed. At this time, if the operator checks each product while confirming the paper slip, it takes time for inspection and becomes a factor in increasing the lead time. Technologies have been developed to reduce the inspection time thus generated and realize a distribution that enables the operator to work efficiently.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that in a shipping warehouse, a handy terminal that acquires information on the goods to be shipped transmits the acquired information to a server via a network, and the server can preferentially reserve a berth where a transport vehicle for high-priority goods enters in the receiving warehouse based on the received information on the goods, etc. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses that an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag is provided on a pallet on which goods are loaded, and at the time of shipping work in the shipping warehouse, information that links the goods and the pallet on which the goods are loaded is generated by a handy terminal, stored in the RFID tag provided on the pallet, and transmitted to the server. Then, in the receiving warehouse, by reading the RFID tag provided on the received pallet with a handy terminal, information on the goods loaded on the pallet is displayed on the display of the handy terminal. Thereby, the inspection work in the receiving warehouse can be simplified.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-006555 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, in the logistics industry, particularly in the food logistics industry, multi-product, small-lot delivery of various goods has become the mainstream. Consequently, the logistics equipment used to load or store each product is not limited to pallets, but also includes various types such as cage trolleys and folding containers. Furthermore, with the shortage of drivers becoming a serious issue for the entire logistics industry, consolidated delivery, where products from multiple manufacturers are loaded onto the same transport vehicle, and multi-location delivery, where goods are delivered to multiple destinations in a single transport, are being promoted. Therefore, it is anticipated that the amount of work required to transfer various goods loaded on logistics equipment to other logistics equipment will increase during the logistics process, and it is important to be able to quickly update the correspondence between various goods and logistics equipment in the system in connection with such transfer operations.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a logistics system that can flexibly respond to the demand for high-mix, low-volume delivery while enabling operators to work efficiently.

[0007] The logistics system of the present invention includes an issuing device that issues a unique unit label for each product group, which is information for identifying a group of products for shipping multiple types of products together, and which displays unique unit identification information for each product group, and which can be affixed to any location on the product group or various types of logistics equipment on which the product group is loaded or stored; an information processing terminal that is attached to multiple types of products and is capable of reading product identification information that identifies at least one type of product, and the unit identification information displayed on the unique unit label for each product group that is affixed to any location on the product group or the logistics equipment; and a device that stores the unit identification information. The system comprises an information management device that performs processing in response to requests received from the information processing terminal, wherein the information processing terminal sends a unitization information registration request to the information management device to store unitization information, which is information that associates one unit identification piece with the product identification pieces and quantity information of multiple types of products included in one product group that has been read, and the information processing terminal sends a unitization information output request to the information management device that reads the unit identification piece displayed on the unit label and outputs the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification piece.

[0008] According to this configuration, a unique unit label for each product group, displaying unique unit identification information for each product group, can be issued and affixed from an issuing device, allowing it to be attached to any location on the product group or various types of logistics fixtures on which the product group is placed. Therefore, product groups can be delivered without using specific logistics fixtures. The information processing terminal can read the product identification information attached to the product and the unit identification information displayed on the unit label, and sends a unitization information registration request to the information management device to store unitization information, which is information that associates one unit identification information displayed on the unit label with the product identification information and quantity information of multiple types of products included in one product group. This makes it possible to associate multiple types of products included in the product group loaded or stored in the logistics fixture with the logistics fixture when delivering multiple types of products together as a product group. In addition, the information processing terminal reads the unit identification information displayed on the unit label and sends a unitization information output request to the information management device to output the unitization information corresponding to the read unit identification information. Since the information processing terminal can obtain unitization information by accessing the information management device, during inspection work such as assembling, sorting, and delivery, the information processing terminal can easily confirm the types of products and their quantities included in the product group loaded or stored in the logistics equipment, regardless of the form of the logistics equipment or the location such as the origin, destination, or transit point. Furthermore, during inspection work at the destination when delivery, by confirming the types of products and their quantities included in the product group loaded or stored in the logistics equipment on the information processing terminal, the inspection work can be completed without having to re-inspect the products included in the product group. Here, the origin means the location from which the product group is shipped. The destination means the location to which the product group is delivered. A transit point means a transit point to which the product group stops before being delivered to the destination, where sorting work such as transshipment of goods by multiple transport vehicles takes place.Furthermore, instead of having to re-associate the product group containing these items with the logistics equipment after the picking of multiple types of products, associating the product group with the logistics equipment in conjunction with the picking of multiple types of products allows for quicker association and more efficient work. As a result, operators can work efficiently while flexibly handling high-mix, low-volume deliveries.

[0009] Furthermore, the logistics system of the present invention may have the following configurations. The information processing terminal transmits a unitization information modification request to the information management device, which modifies at least one of the following: the product identification information of a product included in the product group associated with one of the unit identification information in the unitization information stored in the information management device, or information regarding the quantity of such product.

[0010] In this configuration, the information processing terminal can, in response to a unitization information change request, modify (add or delete) multiple types of products themselves or change the quantity of products included in a product group associated with a single unit identification information, using the unit identification information stored in the information management device. This allows for flexible handling of product transshipment that occurs in multi-product, small-lot deliveries, even when transshipment of goods loaded on pallets, etc., occurs during consolidation, sorting, etc., as the products can be unitized in their transshipped state.

[0011] Furthermore, the logistics system of the present invention may have the following configurations. The information management device stores in association at least one unit identification information and product shipment instruction information, which includes product identification information for a plurality of types of products to be shipped, information regarding the quantity of the products, and information regarding the delivery destination. In response to a received request for inquiry of progress information regarding a predetermined unit identification information, it outputs unitization progress information, which is information obtained by comparing the stored unitization information related to the predetermined unit identification information with the product shipment instruction information associated with the predetermined unit identification information.

[0012] According to this configuration, when the information management device receives a request for inquiry regarding progress information concerning a predetermined unit identification information from an information processing terminal, the information management device itself, or an external client terminal, it outputs unitization progress information that compares the unitization information related to the predetermined unit identification information with the product shipment instruction information associated with the predetermined unit identification information. As a result, the progress status of picking and packing operations for each product shipment instruction can be easily confirmed.

[0013] Furthermore, the logistics system of the present invention may have the following configurations. The progress information inquiry request is transmitted to the information management device based on an input operation from the information processing terminal, when the information processing terminal sends a request to store the unitization information in the information management device, or when the information processing terminal sends a request to change the unitization information.

[0014] In this configuration, the information management device outputs unitization progress information in accordance with the operation of the information processing terminal during picking and packing operations. As a result, the progress of picking and packing operations can be easily checked at the work site.

[0015] Furthermore, the logistics system of the present invention may have the following configurations. The product identification information for at least some of the said products further includes information that identifies at least one of the unit, temperature range, and expiration date of the said products.

[0016] According to this configuration, the unitized information output to the information processing terminal includes at least one of the following: the unit size, temperature range, and expiration date of the products contained within the unit. As a result, detailed information about the products to be shipped can be easily confirmed.

[0017] Furthermore, the logistics system of the present invention may have the following configurations. A unit identification information reading terminal capable of reading the unit identification information displayed on the unit label attached to the product group, and the unit identification information reading terminal reads the unit identification information displayed on the unit label and transmits a request for outputting unitized information corresponding to the unit identification information to the information management device.

[0018] According to this configuration, in addition to the information processing terminal, the unit identification information reading terminal can obtain unitized information by transmitting a request for outputting unitized information to the information management device. That is, it is possible to easily confirm, in the unit identification information reading terminal, a plurality of types of products included in the product group loaded or stored in the logistics equipment and their quantities as well. Therefore, in the inspection work at the time of delivery at the arrival point, by using the unit identification information reading terminal to confirm, on the unit identification information reading terminal, a plurality of types of products included in the product group loaded or stored in the logistics equipment and their quantities, the inspection work can be completed without reinspecting the products included in the product group.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described in the above explanation, according to the logistics system of the present invention, while flexibly responding to the requirements of multi-variety and small-quantity distribution, an operator can perform operations efficiently. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It is an explanatory diagram of the progress status confirmation screen of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram of the progress status confirmation screen for each storage floor of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a sequence diagram of the processes executed between the information processing terminal and the server in the picking work, sorting work, delivery work, and sorting work of the present embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. First, based on FIGS. 1 and 3, the configuration of the logistics system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram of the logistics system 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the information processing terminal 2 of the present embodiment.

[0022] The logistics system 10 is used in a series of operations from loading a plurality of types of shipped products 8 as a product group 80 onto a transport vehicle 5 and transporting them from the departure point 100 to the arrival point 200 until delivery. At the departure point 100, the operator 9 picks the products 8 to be shipped from the products 8 stored at the departure point based on the shipping instructions. The picked products 8 are loaded or stored by the operator 9 into the logistics equipment 7 such as the pallet 71. Then, the logistics equipment 7 loaded or stored with the product group 80 for delivering a plurality of types of products 8 together is collected by the operator at one place, inspected, and then loaded onto the transport vehicle 5. When the transport vehicle 5 loaded with the logistics equipment 7 loaded or stored with the product group 80 arrives at the arrival point 200, the logistics equipment 7 is unloaded by the operator 9, and the products 8 included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics equipment 7 are inspected.

[0023] The logistics system 10 comprises an issuing device 1, an information processing terminal 2, and an information management device 3. The issuing device 1 is a device for issuing unit labels 6. The unit labels 6 are in the form of stickers and can be attached to any logistics equipment 7. Unit identification information 43 is displayed on the unit label 6. The unit identification information 43 is information for identifying a group of goods 80 for shipping multiple types of goods 8 together. A "group of goods" refers to a collection of multiple types of goods 8 stored or loaded in the logistics equipment 7. In other words, the unit identification information 43 is information for identifying the group of goods to which the unit label 6 is attached. In addition to the unit identification information 43, the unit label 6 may also display information for identifying the originating point 100, information for identifying the type of logistics equipment 7 in which the group of goods is stored or loaded, etc. The unit label 6 is displayed as a barcode containing this information. In this embodiment, the barcode is a one-dimensional barcode, but a two-dimensional barcode may also be used.

[0024] The issuing device 1 is located in the office of the issuing base 100 or in the storage floor 110 (see Figure 2) of the goods 8. When the operator 9 operates a client terminal such as a computer connected to the issuing device 1, the issuing device 1 outputs a unit label 6 displaying unit identification information 43, etc. The operator 9 issues the unit label 6 in advance, carries it with them, and then performs picking, packing, sorting, etc. The operator 9 may also issue the unit label 6 when performing picking, packing, sorting, etc. The unit label 6 may be attached to the pallet 71, or it may be attached to any one of the goods 8 from the goods group 80 loaded on the pallet 71 or the goods 8 included in the goods group 80.

[0025] The information processing terminal 2 is a terminal capable of reading product identification information 42. The information processing terminal 2 is equipped with a reading unit 25 that can read product identification information 42 and unit identification information 43. Product identification information 42 is information for identifying at least one type of product 8 from a plurality of types of products 8, and is attached to the product 8 as a barcode. Here, "type of product 8" refers to information about the attributes of product 8, such as the name, size, weight, and form of product 8. In addition to the type of product, product identification information 42 includes information for identifying the attributes of product 8, such as the name of the manufacturer, unit, temperature range, and expiration date. Here, "unit" of product 8 in this embodiment refers to the unit of product 8 when it is delivered. Examples of units include loose, ball, and case. Loose represents the smallest unit of product 8. Ball is a unit in which multiple looses are contained in a plastic container or the like. Case is a unit in which multiple looses or multiple balls are contained in a cardboard case or the like. Furthermore, some of the product identification information 42 is not limited to being set by reading the barcode attached to product 8, but may also be set by inputting it into the information processing terminal 2. For example, the type of product 8 may be obtained from the barcode, which is product identification information attached to product 8, and the expiration date of product 8 may be set by the operator 9 inputting it into the information processing terminal 2 based on the text information attached to product 8. In this embodiment, the information processing terminal 2 is a hand-sized client terminal that the operator 9 can hold in one hand, but is not limited to this, and may be a tablet terminal, an in-vehicle terminal, a computer, etc.

[0026] Furthermore, the information processing terminal 2 can be configured with shipping instruction identification information 41, which will be described later. Specifically, the information processing terminal 2 is equipped with a storage unit 22, which stores the shipping instruction identification information 41. The shipping instruction identification information 41 is information that identifies product shipping instruction information, which includes product identification information and quantity information for multiple types of products 8 to be shipped, as well as information about the delivery destination. Information about the delivery destination may include the company name, building name and address of the delivery destination, as well as information about the floor of the building at the delivery destination. The shipping instruction identification information 41 is configured in the information processing terminal 2 in advance. When the information processing terminal 2 is operated with the shipping instruction identification information 41 configured, the operation is processed as an operation on the configured shipping instruction identification information 41. The shipping instruction identification information 41 is stored in the storage unit in association with at least one unit identification information 43 when it is unitized or in advance.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing terminal 2 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, a reading unit 25, and a communication unit 26. The control unit 21 performs various processes based on the information input to the information processing terminal 2. The storage unit 22 stores various types of information. The display unit 23 is configured as a liquid crystal display and outputs the results of the processes performed by the control unit 21. The operation unit 24 is an interface for the operator 9 to input information to the information processing terminal 2. In this embodiment, the operation unit 24 is configured as a plurality of physical buttons, but is not limited to this, and may be configured as a touch panel located on the top surface of the display unit 23. The reading unit 25 reads the barcode displayed on the product 8 or unit label 6. The reading unit 25 is capable of emitting laser light, and reads the barcode by capturing the reflected light of the laser light emitted onto the barcode with a sensor (not shown) provided in the reading unit 25. The reading unit 25 is not limited to this and may be configured as a camera, reading barcodes based on images of barcodes captured by the camera. The communication unit 26 communicates with the information management device 3, client terminals, etc., connected to the network 900 shown in Figure 1 via wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication. In addition to wireless LAN communication, the communication unit 26 may also be capable of infrared communication or Bluetooth® communication.

[0028] The information processing terminal 2 in this embodiment is a hand-sized terminal with physical buttons, but is not limited to this, and may be a so-called smartphone or tablet. In this case, the display unit 23 is configured as a touch panel, and the reading unit 25 is configured as a camera.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the information management device 3 can communicate with the information processing terminal 2 via the network 900 and executes processing in response to requests received from the information processing terminal 2. The information management device 3 is also equipped with a storage unit 31, which stores product identification information 42 and unit identification information 43. The information processing terminal 2 at the originating point 100, the information processing terminal 2 at the destination point 200, and the information management device 3 installed at the installation location 300 are connected by the network 900. The network 900 may be a closed network or the Internet. In the case of communication via the Internet, the information transmitted is encrypted based on the TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol or the like.

[0030] The storage unit 31 of the information management device 3 stores product shipment instruction information. Product shipment instruction information includes product identification information 42 for multiple types of products 8 that are to be shipped, which are set in advance based on the shipment instruction, information regarding the quantity of the products 8, and information regarding the delivery destination. In other words, product shipment instruction information is information regarding multiple types of products 8 that have been ordered to be shipped and their delivery destinations, etc. Product shipment instruction information includes shipment instruction identification information 41 that identifies the shipment instruction, and product identification information 42 for multiple types of products 8 that are to be shipped. In addition to the shipment instruction identification information 41, product identification information 42 for multiple types of products 8 that are to be shipped, and information regarding the quantity of the products 8, product shipment instruction information may also include information regarding the scheduled shipment date, delivery route, storage floor 110 for the products 8, storage temperature zone for the products 8, license plate of the transport vehicle 5, driver of the transport vehicle 5, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, information such as product shipment instruction information stored in the storage unit 31 of the information management device 3 can be accessed from client terminals such as information processing terminals 2 and computers connected to the network 900, within the scope of predetermined permissions. For example, at the destination 200, computers and information processing terminals 2 connected to the network 900 can obtain information from the information management device 3 regarding products 8 and transport vehicles 5, etc., included in predetermined product shipment instruction information to be shipped to the destination 200. The method of obtaining this information from the information management device 3 is not particularly limited; for example, this information may be viewed on the screen of dedicated software, or it may be received as an email containing this information from the information management device 3, etc.

[0032] The location 300 of the information management device 3 is not particularly limited. It may be located in the server room of the originating base 100 or the destination base 200, or it may be located in an external data center (including domestic and overseas). The information management device 3 may be a physical server or a virtual server. The number of information management devices 3 is also not particularly limited; all functions may be installed in a single information management device 3, or each function may be distributed among multiple information management devices 3. If each function is distributed among multiple information management devices 3, all information management devices 3 may be located at one location, or they may be distributed among multiple locations.

[0033] The logistics system 1 may also include a unit identification information reading terminal 20. The unit identification information reading terminal 20 is a terminal capable of reading unit identification information 43 displayed on a unit label 6 attached to a logistics fixture 7. Similar to the information processing terminal 2, the unit identification information reading terminal is equipped with a reading unit that can read unit identification information 43 displayed as a barcode. The operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 attached to the pallet 71 using the unit identification information reading terminal 20. The unit identification information reading terminal 20 may then send a request to the information management device 3 to output unitization information corresponding to the read unit identification information, similar to the information processing terminal 2.

[0034] Next, based on Figure 1, we will describe the series of operations performed by the operator in the logistics system 10 of this embodiment, from loading multiple types of goods 8 that have been instructed to be shipped as a product group 80 onto a transport vehicle 5, transporting them from the origin 100 to the destination 200, and delivering them.

[0035] In the following explanation, we may use phrases such as "loaded onto pallet 71." This refers to the case where pallet 71 is used as a logistics fixture 7 in the shipping operation of the product group 80. Furthermore, the logistics system 10 of this embodiment can be applied to any logistics fixture 7, including folding containers 72, cage trolleys, insulated boxes, racks, etc., in addition to pallet 71. In other words, the unit label 6 of this embodiment can be attached to any type of logistics fixture 7. For the sake of explanation, we will use phrases such as "loaded onto pallet 71," but this is not limited to pallet 71 and also includes the meaning of loading or storing on logistics fixtures 7 other than pallet 71.

[0036] In the following explanation, phrases such as "loading onto pallet 71 is complete" may be used. This means that the loading of the product group 80 onto pallet 71 has been completed for physical or administrative reasons. Any products 8 picked after "loading onto pallet 71 is complete" will be loaded onto a different pallet 71.

[0037] In the following explanation, the term "unitization" may be used. "Unitization" means that, on a pallet 71 in which the product group 80 has been loaded or stored, unitization information is stored in the information management device 3, which associates the product identification information 42 and information regarding the quantity of the products 8 included in the loaded or stored product group 80 with the unit identification information 43 of the unit label 6 attached to the pallet 71.

[0038] At the originating point 100, operator 9 performs picking. Picking is the process of moving the goods 8 to be shipped from the storage floor 110 of goods 8 to logistics equipment 7 such as pallets 71, based on a shipping instruction. During the picking process, shipping instruction identification information 41 is set. The shipping instruction identification information 41 is received, for example, from the information management device 3. Based on the product instruction information which includes the shipping instruction identification information 41, operator 9 reads the product identification information 42 attached to the picked goods 8 using the information processing terminal 2. At this time, the shipping instruction identification information 41 for issuing a shipping instruction is set on the information processing terminal 2. Having read the product identification information 42, the information processing terminal 2 sends a picking product registration request to the information management device 3 to store the product identification information 42 of the read goods 8 and information regarding the quantity of goods 8 in the information management device 3. When the information management device 3 receives a picking item registration request, it stores the item identification information 42 and quantity information of the item 8 included in the picking registration request in the storage unit 31, associating them with the shipping instruction identification information 41. The item shipping instruction information, including the shipping instruction identification information 41, is stored in the storage unit 31 in advance. The shipping instruction identification information 41 may also be associated with the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 issued to the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the information management device 3 can identify which items 8 have been picked and to what extent among the multiple types of items 8 that are subject to shipping instructions, by referring to the item instruction information that includes the shipping instruction identification information 41.

[0039] During the picking process, multiple types of goods 8 are loaded or stored in the logistics equipment 7. However, there comes a point when the loading or storage of the product group 80, which includes multiple types of goods 8, is complete, such as when the logistics equipment 7 is full. At this point, the operator 9 attaches a unit label 6 to the logistics equipment 7 that has finished loading or storing the product group 80. Next, the operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 using the information processing terminal 2. Based on this, the information processing terminal 2 sends a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3 to store the unitization information, using the product identification information 42 read for the multiple types of goods 8 loaded or stored in the logistics equipment 7 that has finished loading or storing the product group 80, and the unit identification information 43 read from the unit label 6 attached to the logistics equipment 7. The unitization information is information that associates the product identification information 42 of multiple types of products 8 read as a product group 80 with a single unit identification information 43 and information regarding the product identification information 42 of multiple types of products 8 included in the read product group 80 and the quantity of said product 8. Here, the information regarding the quantity of product 8 may be automatically entered according to the number of reading operations performed by the information processing terminal 2, or it may be entered by the operator 9 operating the information processing terminal 2. The information management device 3, upon receiving a unitization information registration request, stores the unitization information included in the unitization information registration request in the storage unit 31. If the unit identification information 43 and the shipping instruction identification information 41 are not stored in association in the storage unit 31 of the information management device 3, when a unitization information registration request is sent to the information management device 3, the unit identification information 43, the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 and information regarding the quantity of said products 8, as well as the shipping instruction identification information 41 that targets the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 for shipment, are stored in association in the storage unit 31 of the information management device 3. This makes it possible for the information management device 3 to identify the product group 80 that is loaded or stored in the logistics equipment 7 in which the loading or storage of the product group 80 has been completed.

[0040] Operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 using the information processing terminal 2, but is not limited to this. Before performing the picking work, the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 to be attached to the logistics equipment 7 may be pre-set in the information processing terminal 2. In this case, when operator 9 inputs in the information processing terminal 2 that the loading or storage of the product group 80 is complete, the information processing terminal 2 sends a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3 to store the unitization information in the information management device 3.

[0041] In addition, operator 9 attaches unit labels 6 to the logistics equipment 7 on which the product group 80 has been loaded or stored, but is not limited to this. Operator 9 may also attach unit labels 6 to the logistics equipment 7 before performing the picking operation.

[0042] The unitized pallets 71, assembled by operator 9, are loaded onto the transport vehicle 5. The driver of the transport vehicle 5, loaded with the unitized pallets 71, drives the transport vehicle 5 to the destination base 200 based on the shipping instructions. After the transport vehicle 5 arrives at the destination base 200, operators 9 and others at the destination base 200 perform loading and unloading, inspection, sorting, etc., of the pallets 71 loaded on the transport vehicle 5. At this time, operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 attached to the pallet 71 using the information processing terminal 2. The information processing terminal 2 then sends a request to the information management device 3 to output the unitization information corresponding to the unitization information 43 that it has read. For example, the information processing terminal 2 sends a request to the information management device 3 to obtain unitization information, which will send to the information processing terminal 2 the product identification information of multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 that the unitization information associated with the unitization information 43 has, and information regarding the quantity of each product 8. In other words, the unitization information acquisition request is a request to acquire unitization information from the information management device 3 regarding the group of goods 80 loaded on a pallet 71 to which a unit label 6 displaying the unit identification information 43 read by the information processing terminal 2 is attached. Upon receiving the unitization information acquisition request, the information management device 3 acquires information regarding the product identification information 42 and quantity of the goods 8 included in the group of goods 80 associated with the unit identification information 43 from the storage unit 31, based on the unitization information associated with the unit identification information 43 included in the unitization information acquisition request, and transmits it to the information processing terminal 2. The information processing terminal 2 then displays information regarding the product identification information 42 and quantity of the various types of goods 8 included in the group of goods 80 loaded on the pallet 71 to which the unit label 6 displaying the unit identification information 43 read by the information processing terminal 2 is attached. This allows the operator 9 to confirm the various types of goods 8 included in the group of goods 80 loaded on the pallet 71 on the information processing terminal 2 without having to physically check the goods.

[0043] Furthermore, the destination for product group 80 is not limited to the arrival point 200, but may also be a transit point. At the transit point, sorting work is carried out, such as transferring product group 80 loaded on an arriving transport vehicle 5 to another transport vehicle 5.

[0044] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the shipping operations performed by multiple operators using multiple information processing terminals 2 at the originating point 100 in the logistics system 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is an overview diagram of the flow of shipping operations at the originating point 100. The shipping operations include picking, packing, transshipment, sorting, and inspection.

[0045] In the following explanation, "unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 attached to the pallet 71" may be referred to as "unit identification information 43 of pallet 71." Also, "product identification information 42 of product 8 that has unitization information corresponding to unit identification information 43" may be referred to as "product identification information 42 associated with unit identification information 43." Furthermore, "pallet 71 to which the unit label 6 displaying unit identification information 43 is attached" may be referred to as "pallet 71 corresponding to unit identification information 43."

[0046] At the shipping base 100, picking and sorting operations are performed by operators 9. Picking is the process of moving items 8 included in the product group 80 to be shipped from storage to pallets 71 based on shipping instructions. The items 8 included in the product group 80 to be shipped are stored in multiple storage floors 110, and picking operations are performed on each storage floor 110. In this embodiment, a storage floor 110 refers to one of multiple partitioned areas within a floor, but is not limited to this; a storage floor 110 may refer to multiple areas or the entire floor.

[0047] After the picking operation, the consolidation operation is performed. The consolidation operation involves gathering multiple pallets 71, on which the product group 80 has been loaded through the picking operation in each storage floor 110, into one location, and then verifying (inspecting) that the product group 80 loaded on each of the multiple pallets 71 is as per the shipping instructions. During the consolidation operation, the operator 9 sets the shipping instruction identification information 41 for the items to be shipped in the information processing terminal 2, and then reads the unit identification information 43 of the pallet 71 using the information processing terminal 2. As a result, based on the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification information 43 of the pallet 71, product information regarding the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 loaded on the pallet 71 is displayed in the information processing terminal 2. Based on the product shipping instruction information (including product identification information 42 for multiple types of products 8 to be shipped, information regarding the quantity of each product 8, and information regarding the delivery destination, etc.) that has been pre-set for the unit identification information 43 of the pallet 71, the information processing terminal 2 confirms that the product group 80 loaded on each pallet 71 is as per the shipping instruction. Then, at the operation of operator 9, the information processing terminal 2 sends an inspection completion registration request to the information management device 3 to change the status of the unit corresponding to the pallet 71 that has been inspected to "inspected". The inspection completion registration request will be described later with reference to Figure 8.

[0048] It should be noted that although it is stated that "the unpacking work is performed after the picking work," this means that the unpacking work is performed on a pallet 71 after the product group 80 has been loaded onto that pallet 71, and does not necessarily mean that the unpacking work is performed only after the picking work for all product groups 80 in each storage floor 110 is completed. For example, the unpacking work may be performed sequentially on pallets 71 as the loading of product groups 80 is completed.

[0049] Furthermore, during the cargo sorting process, transshipment of goods 8 loaded on pallets 71 may occur. One example of a transshipment operation is when the total quantity of multiple types of goods 8 included in a group of goods 80 loaded on a certain pallet 71 is small, and it is possible to load additional goods 8 of the same or different types onto that pallet 71. This reduces the number of pallets 71 loaded onto the transport vehicle 5. Transshipment operations result in the addition or deletion of goods 8 included in a group of goods 80 loaded on unitized pallets 71. The information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information change request to the information management device 3 to change the product identification information 42 associated with the unit identification information stored in the storage unit 31 of the information management device 3. The information management device 3 then updates the unitization information based on the received unitization change request. The unitization information change request will be described later using Figure 8. Note that transshipment of multiple types of goods 8 included in a group of goods 80 loaded on pallets 71 may also occur during the sorting of multiple types of goods 8 included in a group of goods 80 at a transit point.

[0050] Next, the correspondence between the shipping instruction identification information 41, the unit identification information 43, and the product identification information 42 will be explained based on Figure 4. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the correspondence between the shipping instruction identification information 41, the unit identification information 43, and the product identification information 42.

[0051] As described above, during the picking operation, operator 9 reads the product identification information 42 attached to the product 8 included in the product group 80 to be shipped using the reader unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2, which is set to ship instruction identification information 41. The ship instruction identification information 41 is stored in association with the unit identification information 43 displayed on the issued unit label 6. Then, when the loading of the product 8 included in the product group 80 onto the pallet 71 is completed, operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 of the pallet 71 using the reader unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 sends a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3. The unitization information registration request is a request to associate the unit identification information 43 with the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of product 8 included in the product group 80 and the quantity of the product 8. Here, the ship instruction identification information 41 is stored in association with the unit identification information 43. In other words, by unitizing, the information including the shipping instruction identification information 41, the unit identification information 43, and the product identification information 42 is associated. Since multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 are loaded onto the pallet 71, there is a one-to-many correspondence between the unit identification information 43 and the product identification information 42. On the other hand, since multiple pallets 71 are used with a single shipping instruction, there is a one-to-many correspondence between the shipping instruction identification information 41 and the unit identification information 43.

[0052] The timing at which the shipping instruction identification information 41 and the unit identification information 43 are associated is not limited to when the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 sends a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3. For example, the shipping instruction identification information 41 and the unit identification information 43 may be stored in the information management device 3 in an associated state at the time the issuing device 1 issues the unit label 6.

[0053] Next, an example of unitization information output from the information management device 3 will be explained based on Figure 5. In the example in Figure 5, the unitization information output from the information management device 3 is displayed on the information processing terminal 2. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the unitization information confirmation screen 210, which displays unitization information such as product identification information 42 and the quantity of multiple types of products 8 included in the unitized product group 80 corresponding to the unit identification information 43.

[0054] The unitization information confirmation screen 210 is displayed on the display unit 23 of the information processing terminal 2. When the information management device 3 receives a unitization information output request from the information processing terminal 2, it outputs the unitization information stored in the information processing terminal 2. Based on the unitization information output from the information management device 3, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 displays the unitization information confirmation screen 210, which includes the unitization information, on the display unit 23.

[0055] The unitization information confirmation screen 210 includes a basic shipping information display area 211, a unit identification information display area 212, a product information display area 213, and an inspection completion registration instruction area 214. The basic shipping information display area 211 is an area for displaying at least a portion of the product shipping instruction information related to shipping instructions, including the shipping instruction identification information 41 associated with the unit identification information 43. An example of the product shipping instruction information displayed in the basic shipping information display area 211 is the scheduled shipping date and information identifying the delivery route (target course). The unit identification information display area 212 is an area for displaying the unit identification information 43. The product information display area 213 is an area for displaying the product identification information 42 of multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 associated with the unit identification information 43, and information regarding the quantity of each product 8, based on the stored unitization information. An example of the product identification information 42 of product 8 is the product ID, product name, expiration date, and unit. The inspection completion registration instruction area 214 is an area for registering to the information management device 3 that the inspection of multiple types of products 8 included in the unitized product group 80 has been completed. When the operation unit 24 detects that the inspection completion registration instruction area 214 has been selected, the control unit 21 sends an inspection completion registration request to the information management device 3.

[0056] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 5, for example, when the operation unit 24 detects that each product 8 displayed in the product information display area 213 has been selected by the operator 9, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 may send a unitization information change request to the information management device 3 to delete the selected product 8 from the product group 80 stored in association with unit identification information 43 using unitization information. Also, for example, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 may send a unitization information change request to the information management device 3 to change the information regarding the quantity of the product 8 selected from the product group 80 stored in association with unit identification information 43 using the stored unitization information. Also, for example, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 may send a unitization information addition request to the information management device 3 to add product identification information 42 and information regarding the quantity of a new product 8 that is not included in the product group 80 stored in association with unit identification information 43 using the stored unitization information.

[0057] Furthermore, the unitization information confirmation screen 210 is not limited to the information processing terminal 2, but may also be displayed on the display of a client terminal such as a computer or tablet connected to the network 900. The same applies to the following explanations of screens.

[0058] Next, an example of unitization progress information output from the information management device 3 will be explained based on Figures 6 and 7. In the example shown in Figures 6 and 7, the unitization progress information output from the information management device 3 is displayed on the information processing terminal 2. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the progress status confirmation screen 220, which displays a list of the progress status of picking and packing operations for each shipping instruction. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the storage floor progress status confirmation screen 230, which displays a list of the progress status of picking and packing operations for each storage floor 110 in the shipping instructions selected based on the product shipping instruction information.

[0059] As described above, the information management device 3 stores product shipping instruction information, including shipping instruction identification information 41, in advance, and the information processing terminal 2 sends picking product registration requests, unitization information registration requests, and inspection completion requests to the information management device 3. This allows the information management device 3 to identify which of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product shipping instruction information have been picked and to what extent, or which of the unitized pallets 71 have been assembled. Therefore, in response to progress information inquiry requests received from the information processing terminal 2, the unit identification information reader 20, and client terminals such as computers, the information management device 3 can output unitization progress information, which is information comparing the unitization information related to predetermined unit identification information 43 stored in the device with the product shipping instruction information 41 associated with the predetermined unit identification information 43, as, for example, a progress status confirmation screen 220 as shown in Figure 6 or a progress status confirmation screen 230 for each storage floor as shown in Figure 7.

[0060] The progress status confirmation screen 220 shown in Figure 6 contains information regarding the progress of picking and packing operations for each shipping instruction based on the product shipping instruction information. By checking the progress status confirmation screen 220, operators 9 and managers can understand the progress of picking and packing operations for each shipping instruction based on the product shipping instruction information and take appropriate action according to the progress.

[0061] The progress confirmation screen 220 includes a picking progress display area 221 and a packing progress display area 222. The picking progress display area 221 is an area for displaying information that identifies the delivery route (course) for each shipping instruction based on the product shipping instruction information, the quantity of products 8 to be picked (planned) and the quantity of products 8 that have been picked (actual) in that course, and the progress rate of the picking work (progress). The packing progress display area 222 is an area for displaying the number of pallets 71 to be packed as product group 80 for each shipping instruction based on the product shipping instruction information (number of units), the number of pallets 71 that have been packed (checked), and the progress rate of the packing work (progress).

[0062] In the progress confirmation screen 220 of Figure 6, when the operation unit 24 detects that information identifying a delivery route (course) included in the picking progress display area 221 has been selected, the control unit 21 displays the progress confirmation screen 230 for each storage floor of the shipping instruction corresponding to the selected information identifying a delivery route (course), as shown in Figure 7, on the display unit 23. By checking the progress confirmation screen 230 for each storage floor of the shipping instruction selected based on the product shipping instruction information, the operator 9 and the manager can grasp the progress of the picking and packing work for each storage floor in the shipping instruction selected based on the product shipping instruction information, and take appropriate action according to the progress.

[0063] The storage floor progress confirmation screen 230 includes a delivery route display area 231, a storage floor picking progress display area 232, and a storage floor packing progress display area 233. The delivery route display area 231 is an area for displaying information (course) that identifies the delivery route of the shipping instruction selected based on the product shipping instruction information. The storage floor picking progress display area 232 is an area for displaying information (floor) that identifies the storage floor 110, the quantity of products 8 to be picked (planned), the quantity of products 8 that have been picked (actual), and the progress rate of the picking work (progress) for each storage floor 110. The storage floor packing progress display area 233 is an area for displaying the quantity of pallets 71 to be packed (planned), the quantity of pallets 71 that have been packed (checked), and the progress rate of the packing work (progress) for each storage floor 110.

[0064] The progress information inquiry request is transmitted when the operation unit detects that a predetermined area displayed on the display unit of the information processing terminal 2 has been pressed, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to be displayed at a predetermined timing. For example, the progress information inquiry request may be transmitted based on an input operation from the information processing terminal 2, or when the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information registration request to store unitization information in the information management device 3, or when the information processing terminal 2 transmits a unitization information change request to change unitization information.

[0065] Next, the processing flow between the information processing terminal 2 and the information management device 3 will be explained based on Figure 8. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram of the processing performed between the information processing terminal 2 and the information management device 3 in a series of operations from picking and packing operations at the originating base 100 to delivery and sorting operations at the receiving base 200. In the picking and packing operations at the originating base 100, the information processing terminal 2 operated by the operator 9 is set with shipping instruction identification information 41 corresponding to the operation.

[0066] First, at each product storage floor 110 of the originating base 100, shipping instruction identification information 41 is set on the information processing terminal 2, and the operator 9 performs picking work based on shipping instructions that include the shipping instruction identification information 41. During picking, the operator 9 reads the product identification information 42 attached to the product 8 to be shipped using the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 transmits a picking product registration request to the information management device 3 to store the product identification information 42 of the read product 8 and the quantity of the product 8 in the information management device 3 (S11). Upon receiving the picking product registration request, the information management device 3 stores the information regarding the product identification information 42 and the quantity of the product 8 included in the picking product registration request in the storage unit 31, associating it with the shipping instruction identification information 41 or the unit identification information 43. The shipping instruction identification information 41 included in the product shipping instruction information is stored in the storage unit 31 as association with the unit identification information 43. As a result, the information management device 3 can identify the picked goods 8 in each shipping instruction based on the shipping instruction identification information 41. The picked goods 8 are loaded onto the pallet 71, and sequentially, the goods 8 to be shipped are picked by the operator 9 and loaded onto the pallet 71.

[0067] Furthermore, the information management device 3, upon receiving a picking item registration request, may be configured to output error information without executing processing based on the picking item registration request if the product identification information 42 and the information regarding the quantity of the product 8 included in the picking item registration request are not included in the product shipping instruction information, which includes the shipping instruction identification information 41. In this case, the error information may include the cause of the error, such as "A picking item registration request for product 8 that is not included in the product shipping instruction information has been received."

[0068] Once the loading of the product group 80, which includes multiple types of products 8 to be shipped, onto the pallet 71 is complete, the operator 9 attaches the unit label 6, which has been printed in advance from the issuing device 1 and is carried by the operator, to the pallet 71 or the product group 80. The operator 9 then reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 using the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 generates unitization information that associates the shipping instruction identification information 41 set in the information processing terminal 2, the unit identification information 43, and the product identification information 42 and quantity information of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 loaded on the pallet 71, and sends a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3 to store the unitization information in the storage unit 31 of the information management device 3 (S12). Upon receiving the unitization information registration request, the information management device 3 stores the unitization information included in the unitization information registration request in the storage unit 31. Furthermore, the unitization information includes unit shipping instruction identification information and an inspection completion flag, which are used in the packing operation. The unit shipping instruction identification information is set to the shipping instruction identification information 41 set on the information processing terminal 2. The processing in steps S11 and S12 is repeated until the picking operation of the product group 80, which includes multiple types of products 8 to be shipped, is completed.

[0069] Once the picking operation is complete, pallets 71 loaded with product groups 80 containing multiple types of products 8 from each storage floor 110 are gathered in one place, and the operator 9 performs the sorting operation. The operator 9 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 attached to the pallet 71 to be shipped using the reader unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 sends a unitization information output request to the information management device 3 to obtain information regarding the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 and the quantity of those products 8, which are included in the unitization information corresponding to the unitization information 43 that has been read (S13). Upon receiving the unitization information output request, the information management device 3 obtains information regarding the product identification information 42 of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 and the quantity of those products 8, which are associated with the unit identification information 43, based on the unit identification information 43 included in the unitization information output request, and sends it to the information processing terminal 2 (S14). As a result, the display unit 23 of the information processing terminal 2 displays a unitization information confirmation screen 210 related to the pallet 71 corresponding to the read unit identification information 43.

[0070] Furthermore, if the shipping instruction identification information 41 set in the information processing terminal 2 is different from the shipping instruction identification information 41 associated with the unit identification information 43 included in the unitization information output request, the information management device 3 that receives the unitization information output request may be configured not to perform processing based on the unitization information output request, but to output error information. In this case, the error information will include the cause of the error, such as "This unitization information is associated with a different shipping instruction identification information 41."

[0071] When the operation unit 24 detects that the inspection completion registration instruction area 214 on the unitization information confirmation screen 210 has been selected, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 sends an inspection completion registration request to the information management device 3 (S15). The inspection completion registration request includes unit identification information corresponding to the unitization information confirmation screen 210 displayed on the display unit 23. Upon receiving the inspection completion registration request, the information management device 3 sets the inspection completion flag of the unitization information stored in the storage unit 31, which includes the unit identification information contained in the received inspection completion registration request, to information indicating that the inspection has been completed.

[0072] Furthermore, during the cargo sorting operation, transshipment of multiple types of goods 8 included in a group of goods 80 loaded on a unitized pallet 71 may be performed. In this case, the operator 9 may operate the information processing terminal 2 in conjunction with the transshipment operation to change the product identification information 42 or the information regarding the quantity of the multiple types of goods 8 included in the group of goods 80 contained in the unitization information corresponding to the pallet 71 that has been transshipped. An example of such a change is the addition and deletion of the product identification information 42 of a specific product 8. When adding the product identification information 42 of a specific product 8, the operator 9 reads the product identification information 42 attached to the multiple types of goods 8 included in the added group of goods 80 using the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2, and then reads the unit identification information 43 of the pallet 71 using the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 sends a unitization information change request to the information management device 3 to add the product identification information 42 of the read product 8 to the unitization information that has the read unit identification information 43 (S16). When deleting product identification information 42 for a specified product 8, the operator 9 selects the product 8 to be deleted from the unitization information confirmation screen 210 displayed on the display unit 23 of the information processing terminal 2 by the process in step S14, and then selects the delete instruction unit (not shown) displayed on the display unit 23. When the operation unit 24 detects that the delete instruction unit has been selected, the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 sends a unitization information change request to the information management device 3 to delete the selected product identification information 42 from the product identification information 42 included in the unitization information having the selected unit identification information 43 (S17). Upon receiving the unitization information change request, the information management device 3 adds or deletes the product identification information 42 of the product 8 included in the selected unitization information and the quantity of the product 8 based on the unitization information change request. The method for adding or deleting product identification information 42 for a predetermined product 8 included in the unitization information is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the screen displayed on the display unit 23 of the information processing terminal 2 is configured so that the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 can send a request for change of unitization information to the information management device 3.Furthermore, in cases where it is desired to increase or decrease the quantity of a predetermined product 8 included in the unitization information, the unitization information change request may also be a request to change the information regarding the quantity of a predetermined product 8 included in the unitization information.

[0073] The pallets 71, once the packing is complete, are loaded onto the transport vehicle 5, and the driver of the transport vehicle 5 drives the vehicle to the destination 200. When the transport vehicle 5 arrives at the destination 200, the operator 9 at the destination delivers the pallets 71 loaded onto the transport vehicle 5. At this time, the operator 9 reads the unit identification number of the pallets 71 using the reading unit 25 of the information processing terminal 2. As a result, the information processing terminal 2 transmits the unitization information output request in step S13 and the inspection completion registration request in step S15 to the information management device 3. In this way, at the destination 200, the operator 9 inspects the goods 8 loaded on the pallets 71. Alternatively, at the destination 200, the unit identification information reading terminal 20 may be used instead of the information processing terminal 2. In addition, the pallets 71, once the packing is complete, are loaded onto the transport vehicle 5, and the driver of the transport vehicle 5 may drive the vehicle to a relay point. In this case, at the relay station, sorting work is performed in which the goods 8 loaded on pallet 71 are moved to another pallet 71, and that pallet 71 is loaded onto another transport vehicle 5. At this time, the operator 9 operates the information processing terminal 2 according to the content of the sorting work, and the control unit 21 of the information processing terminal 2 transmits the unitization information registration request in step S12, the unitization information change requests in steps S16 and S17, etc. to the information management device 3.

[0074] The logistics system 10 of this embodiment is configured as described above, and has the following advantages.

[0075] In this embodiment, the logistics system 10 displays unique unit identification information for each product group 80. Since the unique unit labels 6 for each product group 80 are issued by the issuing device 1 and can be affixed, they can be affixed to any location on the product group 80 or on various types of logistics fixtures 7 on which the product group 80 is loaded or stored. Therefore, the product group 80 can be delivered without using specific logistics fixtures. The information processing terminal 2 can read the product identification information 42 attached to the product 8 and the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label. It then sends a unitization information registration request to the information management device 3, which stores unitization information, which is information that associates one unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 with the product identification information 42 and quantity information of multiple types of products 8 included in one product group 80. This allows the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7 to be associated with the logistics fixture 7 when delivering multiple types of products 8 together as a product group 80. Furthermore, the information processing terminal 2 reads the unit identification information 43 displayed on the unit label 6 and sends a unitization information output request to the information management device 3, which outputs unitization information corresponding to the read unit identification information 43. As a result, the information processing terminal 2 can obtain unitization information by accessing the information management device 3, so that during inspection work such as packing, sorting, and delivery, the information processing terminal 2 can easily confirm the multiple types of products 8 and their quantities included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics equipment 7, regardless of the form of the logistics equipment 7 or the location such as the originating point 100, destination point 200, or transit point. Then, during the inspection work at the destination when delivery, by confirming the multiple types of products and their quantities included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics equipment 7 on the information processing terminal 2, the inspection work can be completed without having to re-inspect the products included in the product group 80. Furthermore, instead of having to perform the task of associating the product group 80 containing the multiple types of products 8 with the logistics equipment 7 after the picking of the multiple types of products 8, associating the product group 80 with the logistics equipment 7 in conjunction with the picking of the multiple types of products 8 allows for quicker association and more efficient work.As a result, operations can be carried out flexibly and efficiently even in the case of high-mix, low-volume deliveries.

[0076] Furthermore, the information processing terminal 2 of the logistics system 10 in this embodiment can, in response to a unitization information change request, send a request (unitization information change request) to the information management device 3 to change the product identification information 42 or the information regarding the quantity of multiple types of products 8 included in a product group 80 that is associated with a single unit identification information 43 in the unitization information stored in the information management device 3. This allows for changes (addition and deletion) of the multiple types of products 8 included in the product group 80 or changes to the quantity of products 8. As a result, even if transshipment of products 8 loaded on pallets 7, etc., occurs during loading, sorting, etc., the products can be unitized in their transshipped state, thus enabling flexible handling of transshipment of products 8 that occurs in multi-product, small-lot deliveries.

[0077] Furthermore, when the information management device 3 of the logistics system 10 in this embodiment receives a progress information inquiry request regarding a predetermined unit identification information 43 from the information processing terminal 2, the information management device 3, an external client terminal, etc., it outputs unitization progress information that compares the unitization information related to the predetermined unit identification information 43 being inquired about with the product shipment instruction information associated with the predetermined unit identification information 43. As a result, the progress status of picking and packing operations for each product shipment instruction information can be easily confirmed.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the logistics system 10 outputs unitization progress information via the information management device 3 in accordance with the operation of the information processing terminal 2 and the unit identification information reading terminal 20 during picking and packing operations. As a result, the progress of picking and packing operations can be easily checked at the work site.

[0079] The unitization information output to the information processing terminal 2 of the logistics system 10 in this embodiment includes at least one of the unit, temperature range, and expiration date of the product 8 included in the unit. As a result, detailed information about the product 8 to be shipped can be easily confirmed.

[0080] In this embodiment, the logistics system 10 can acquire unitization information by having a unit identification information reading terminal 20 send a unitization information output request to the information management device 3, in addition to the information processing terminal 2. In other words, the unit identification information reading terminal 20 can easily confirm the multiple types of products 8 and their quantities included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7. Therefore, during the inspection work at the destination when goods are delivered, the inspection work can be completed without having to re-inspect the products 8 included in the product group 80 by using the unit identification information reading terminal 20 to confirm the multiple types of products 8 and their quantities included in the product group 80 loaded or stored in the logistics fixture 7 on the unit identification information reading terminal 20.

[0081] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples described above, and various design modifications are possible as long as they are within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1: Issuing device, 2: Information processing terminal, 3: Information processing device, 6: Unit label, 7: Product, 8: Package, 10: Logistics system, 20: Unit identification information reading terminal, 41: Shipping instruction identification information, 42: Product identification information, 43: Unit identification information, 80: Product group

Claims

1. Information for identifying product groups for shipping multiple types of products together, the information displays unique unit identification information for each product group, and the issuing device issues unique unit labels for each product group that can be affixed to any location on the product group or various types of logistics equipment on which the product groups are loaded or stored. An information processing terminal capable of reading product identification information attached to multiple types of the aforementioned products, which identifies at least one type of the aforementioned product, and unit identification information displayed on a unique unit label for each of the aforementioned product groups that is affixed to any location on the aforementioned product group or logistics equipment, An information management device that stores the aforementioned unit identification information and performs processing in response to requests received from the information processing terminal, It is equipped with, The information processing terminal transmits a unitization information registration request to the information management device, which is unitization information that associates one unit identification information read with the product identification information and quantity information of multiple types of products included in one product group read. The information processing terminal reads the unit identification information displayed on the unit label and sends a unitization information output request to the information management device, which outputs the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification information. The information management device stores, in association with at least one unit identification information, product shipping instruction information which includes product identification information for multiple types of products to be shipped, information regarding the quantity of the products, and information regarding the delivery destination. A logistics system characterized by outputting unitization progress information, which is information obtained by comparing the unitization information related to the predetermined unit identification information stored in the system with the product shipping instruction information associated with the predetermined unit identification information, in response to a request for inquiry of progress information regarding a predetermined unit identification information received.

2. The logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information processing terminal transmits to the information management device a unitization information change request that changes at least one of the product identification information or information regarding the quantity of the product included in the product group associated with one of the unit identification information in the unitization information stored in the information management device.

3. The aforementioned progress information inquiry request is made to the information management device, Based on the input operation from the aforementioned information processing terminal, the following is transmitted: When sending a request from the information processing terminal to store the unitized information in the information management device, or, The logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is transmitted when a request to change the unitization information is transmitted from the information processing terminal.

4. A logistics system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the product identification information of at least some of the said products further includes information that identifies at least one of the unit, temperature range and expiration date of the said products.

5. The system includes a unit identification information reading terminal capable of reading the unit identification information displayed on the unit label affixed to the aforementioned product group, The logistics system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the unit identification information reading terminal reads the unit identification information displayed on the unit label and transmits a unitization information output request to the information management device, which outputs the unitization information corresponding to the unit identification information.

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