Simulation method and simulation program

Abstract

Run simulations more efficiently. [Solution] The simulation method stores data stored in the database of the warehouse management system that manages warehouse operations in the database of the warehouse management system in the simulation environment. Transaction data that is updated by the execution of the warehouse operations simulation from the data stored in the database of the simulation environment is saved as initial transaction data. When the warehouse operations simulation is executed, the transaction data stored in the database of the simulation environment is restored to its initial state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a simulation method and a simulation program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for simulating a work site such as a warehouse has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a simulation model generation method executed by an arithmetic unit communicably connected to a management system for managing the inventory status of articles. The arithmetic unit acquires slot information including the positions of slots for storing articles from the management system, and generates a simulation model based on the slot information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The data used in the simulation can be changed by the execution of the simulation. For example, when a simulation of the outgoing operation of articles stored in a warehouse is executed, the data indicating the inventory quantity of the articles is changed before and after the execution of the simulation. However, for example, there may be cases where a comparison of multiple execution results of the simulation, or a re - execution of the simulation under different conditions is performed. In such cases, each time the simulation is executed, it is required to reset the changed data to the initial state, that is, to return it to the data before the change. Conventionally, each time the simulation is executed, the entire management system storing the data used in the simulation has been reset. Therefore, time cost and computational cost are incurred for the execution of the simulation.

[0005] This disclosure was devised in light of the conventional circumstances described above and aims to perform simulations more efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure is, A simulation method executed by a computing device, wherein it accepts input from a user for the purpose of improving a warehouse, sets the type of warehouse operation simulation corresponding to the purpose of improving the warehouse based on the purpose of improving the warehouse, and The data stored in the database of the warehouse management system that manages warehouse operations is stored in the database of the warehouse management system in the simulation environment. Based on the type of warehouse operation simulation to be performed, Of the data stored in the database of the simulation environment, transaction data that is updated by the execution of the warehouse operations simulation choose , Selected transaction data It is saved as initial transaction data, and when running the warehouse operations simulation, choose The present invention provides a simulation method for restoring the transaction data to its initial state.

[0007] Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a computing device, The system accepts user input regarding the purpose of improving the warehouse, and based on the purpose of improving the warehouse, it sets the type of warehouse operation simulation corresponding to the purpose of improving the warehouse. The data stored in the warehouse management system database that manages warehouse operations is stored in the warehouse management system database of the simulation environment. Based on the type of warehouse operation simulation to be performed, Of the data stored in the database of the simulation environment, transaction data that is updated by the execution of the warehouse operations simulation Let them choose , The selected transaction data The initial transaction data is saved, and when running the warehouse operations simulation, choose The present invention provides a simulation program that restores the transaction data to its initial state.

[0008] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media, or as any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, simulations can be performed more efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing an example configuration of the simulation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram illustrating an example of transaction data according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Schematic diagram illustrating an example of master data according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Schematic diagram illustrating an example of master data according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Sequence diagram showing the simulation process of the simulation system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] Sequence diagram showing the simulation process of the simulation system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 8] Sequence diagram showing the simulation process of the simulation system according to Embodiment 1 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes in detail embodiments of the simulation method and simulation program disclosed herein, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following explanation are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [System Configuration Example] First, referring to FIG. 1, an example of the system configuration of the simulation system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the work site to be simulated is a warehouse, and the description will be made on the premise that the simulation of warehouse operations is performed. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the simulation system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] The simulation system 1 includes a warehouse management system 11, a database 12, a simulation application 21, a simulation warehouse management system 22, a simulation database 23, and initial state transaction data 24.

[0014] The warehouse management system 11 is a system for managing operations in the warehouse. Specifically, the warehouse management system 11 manages the incoming of goods into the warehouse, the outgoing of goods from the warehouse, the inventory of goods in the warehouse, the layout of the warehouse, the personnel arrangement in the warehouse, and various work procedures, etc. However, these management targets are just examples. The warehouse management system 11 may be configured using, for example, one or more personal computers or server computers. The warehouse management system is also referred to as a Warehouse Manegement System (hereinafter referred to as "WMS").

[0015] The database 12 is the database of the warehouse management system 11, and stores various data related to goods, orders for goods, inventory of goods, locations such as shelves in the warehouse, equipment provided in the warehouse, operations in the warehouse, and workers (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 5). The database 12 may be configured integrally with the warehouse management system 11, or may be configured independently and connected to the warehouse management system 11 in a data communication-capable manner. The database 12 may be configured using a non-volatile storage medium.

[0016] The warehouse management system 11 updates the data stored in the database 12 based on the execution of warehouse operations. In this embodiment, changes to the data stored in the database 12, additions to new data in the database 12, and deletions of data stored in the database 12 are collectively referred to as updating the data stored in the database 12. The same applies to updating the data stored in the simulation database 23.

[0017] Hereinafter, the environment in which the warehouse management system 11 and the database 12 are installed may be referred to as the production environment 10. This is because the warehouse management system 11 and the database 12 are used for actual, or production, warehouse operations. In contrast to the production environment 10, the environment in which warehouse operations are simulated for purposes such as considering improvements to warehouse operations may be referred to as the simulation environment 20.

[0018] The simulation environment 20 may be configured as an on-premise server device (for example, see the information processing device 100 shown in Figure 2), or it may be configured as a cloud-based system on a network.

[0019] The simulation application 21 is an application for running simulations. The simulation warehouse management system 22 is installed in the simulation environment 20 as the same system as the warehouse management system 11. For simulating warehouse operations, a system for managing warehouse operations is used. However, the warehouse management system 11 is used for actual warehouse operations. Therefore, a separate simulation warehouse management system 22 is used for running simulations, in addition to the warehouse management system 11. The simulation application 21 works in conjunction with the simulation warehouse management system 22 to run simulations of warehouse operations. Hereinafter, the simulation warehouse management system may be referred to as the SIM WMS.

[0020] The simulation database 23 is the database for the simulation warehouse management system 22. The simulation database 23 stores a snapshot of database 12. That is, the simulation database 23 stores the data stored in database 12 at the time the snapshot of database 12 was created. The data stored in the simulation database 23 can be updated by the simulation warehouse management system 22 when the simulation is run.

[0021] As described above, the simulation database 23 stores the data stored in database 12 at the time a snapshot of database 12 was created. The data stored in the simulation database 23 includes transaction data that is updated in accordance with the execution of warehouse operations and master data that is not updated even when warehouse operations are executed. Here, the execution of warehouse operations is synonymous with the execution of a simulation of warehouse operations. Of the data stored in the simulation database 23, the transaction data is saved as initial state transaction data 24.

[0022] When a warehouse operations simulation is executed, transaction data stored in the simulation database 23 is updated. In some cases, for example, the results of multiple warehouse operations simulations may be compared, or simulations may be re-executed under different conditions. In such cases, it becomes necessary to reset, or in other words restore, the updated transaction data to its state before the update. In this embodiment, the transaction data stored in the simulation database 23 and updated in response to the execution of the warehouse operations simulation is restored based on the saved initial state transaction data 24.

[0023] [Example Hardware Configuration] Next, with reference to Figure 2, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100 that constitutes the simulation system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1. The information processing device 100 shown in Figure 2 can be applied as the respective configurations of the warehouse management system 11, database 12, and simulation environment 20 shown in Figure 1.

[0024] The information processing device 100 comprises, as hardware, a processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, input device 104, display device 105, and communication device 106. The information processing device 100 may be read as a computer or arithmetic unit.

[0025] The processor 101 realizes the functions of the information processing device 100 by reading a predetermined program from the memory 102 and executing it. The processor 101 may be read as a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU"), controller, control device, Large Scale Integration (hereinafter referred to as "LSI"), etc. Furthermore, the processor 101 may also include a Graphics Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "GPU") and / or a Neural Network Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "NPU").

[0026] Memory 102 stores programs and data, etc., for realizing the functions of the information processing device 100. Memory 102 may be composed of a volatile storage medium and / or a non-volatile storage medium.

[0027] The storage device 103 stores programs and data necessary to realize the functions of the information processing device 100. The storage device 103 may be composed of a non-volatile storage medium. Examples of the storage device 103 include a Hard Disk Drive (hereinafter referred to as "HDD"), a Solid State Drive (hereinafter referred to as "SSD"), and flash memory.

[0028] For example, the database 12 and the simulation database 23 described above may each be configured using storage 103.

[0029] The input device 104 is a device that receives input from the user. Examples of the input device 104 include a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touch panel, and microphone.

[0030] The display device 105 is a device that displays characters, images, etc. Examples of the display device 105 include liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays.

[0031] The communication device 106 is a device that connects the information processing device 100 to a predetermined communication network. Examples of communication networks include wired LANs such as Ethernet®, wireless LANs such as Wi-Fi®, the Internet, mobile communication networks such as 4G and 5G, and Bluetooth®.

[0032] [Transaction data and master data] Next, transaction data and master data will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 5. First, an example of transaction data is shown with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of transaction data according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] Each data set shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5 includes the following items: data type, data name, and data content. In this embodiment, the data type item is one of the following: "string" indicating that the data is a string, "number" indicating that the data is a number, or "datetime" indicating that the data is a date and time. The data name item indicates what the data represents, and the data content item indicates the content of the data. In Figures 3, 4, and 5, detailed descriptions of the data content for each data set are omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0034] The order data D1, inventory data D2, and work data D3 shown in Figure 3 are all transaction data. For example, the order status shown in order data D1 is updated when an outbound operation is performed in the warehouse. Similarly, the inventory quantity of a certain product shown in inventory data D2 is updated when an outbound or inbound operation is performed in the warehouse. Furthermore, the status of an operation shown in work data D3 is updated when that operation is performed.

[0035] For example, the simulation warehouse management system 22 can search for inventory data D2, which shows the inventory of goods in the warehouse, in order to respond to the order indicated by order data D1. The simulation warehouse management system 22 can also generate work data D3, which shows the work to be performed in response to the order indicated by order data D1. In this case, the simulation warehouse management system 22 can assign inventory data D2 to work data D3, so that the inventory indicated by inventory data D2 can be used as the target of the work indicated by work data D3. Such work may be, for example, picking, packing, and shipping.

[0036] Next, an example of master data is shown with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of master data according to Embodiment 1. The product data D4 and location data D5 shown in Figure 4 are each master data. For example, in this embodiment, the product ID, product name, category, weight, and size of the product included in product data D4 do not need to be updated as warehouse operations are performed. Location data D5 indicates the location ID for identifying a location within the warehouse, the zone in which the location is contained, the area in which the location is contained, the racks installed at the location, the shelves installed at the location, and the storage capacity of the location. In this embodiment, these data included in location data D5 also do not need to be updated as warehouse operations are performed.

[0037] For example, the warehouse management system 22 for simulation can generate inventory data D6 based on product data D4 and location data D5.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of master data according to Embodiment 1. The worker data D7 and equipment data D8 shown in Figure 5 are master data. For example, in this embodiment, the worker ID, worker name, skill level, and shift of a worker included in the worker data D7 do not need to be updated when warehouse operations are performed. Also in this embodiment, the equipment ID, equipment name, equipment type, and maximum processing capacity of equipment included in the equipment data D8 do not need to be updated when warehouse operations are performed.

[0039] For example, the simulation warehouse management system 22 can assign a worker, indicated by worker data D7, to a task, indicated by work data D9. Also, for example, the simulation warehouse management system 22 can determine whether equipment, indicated by equipment data D8, will be used in that task.

[0040] Furthermore, the master data described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 may be treated as transaction data depending on the purpose of the simulation. For example, if the simulation is repeatedly performed to examine the impact of changes in the warehouse layout, the location data D5 will be treated as transaction data rather than master data. Therefore, which of the various data stored in the simulation database 23 is transaction data may be set, for example, by user operation, or the information processing device 100 may set it according to the purpose of the simulation.

[0041] [Processing Sequence] Next, the simulation process flow of the simulation system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 6, 7, and 8. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the simulation process of the simulation system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the simulation process of the simulation system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the simulation process of the simulation system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Note that "A" in Figure 7 corresponds to "A" in Figure 8. Also, for the sake of explanation, the simulation application 21, the simulation warehouse management system 22, and the warehouse management system 11 will each be described as executing their respective processes. More precisely, for example, the processor 101 of the information processing device 100 that constitutes the simulation environment 20 may execute the respective processes of the simulation application 21 and the simulation warehouse management system 22 shown in the sequence diagram. Also, the processor 101 of the information processing device 100 that constitutes the warehouse management system 11 may execute the respective processes of the warehouse management system 11 shown in the sequence diagram.

[0042] The simulation application 21 accepts input for the purpose of improving warehouse operations (step S200). The purpose of improving warehouse operations may be entered into the simulation application 21 by user operation, for example. Examples of the purpose of improving warehouse operations include improving work efficiency, optimizing the layout, improving personnel allocation, and eliminating bottlenecks.

[0043] The simulation application 21 sets the simulation mode (step S201) based on the warehouse operation improvement objectives received in step S200. For example, simulation presets corresponding to various warehouse operation improvement objectives, such as improving work efficiency, optimizing the layout, improving personnel allocation, or eliminating bottlenecks, may be pre-configured. The simulation mode may be one of these pre-configured simulation presets. The simulation mode can also be interpreted as the type of simulation.

[0044] The simulation application 21 requests the simulation warehouse management system 22 to create a snapshot of the database 12 (step S202).

[0045] When the simulation warehouse management system 22 receives a snapshot creation request from the simulation application 21 in step S202, it requests the warehouse management system 11 to send all the data from the database 12 (step S203).

[0046] When the warehouse management system 11 receives a request from the simulation warehouse management system 22 to transmit all data from the database 12 in step S203, it transmits all data stored in the database 12 at the time the request was received to the simulation warehouse management system 22 (step S204). This allows the simulation warehouse management system 22 to create a snapshot of the database 12.

[0047] The simulation warehouse management system 22 stores the data stored in database 12 in the simulation database 23 based on a snapshot of database 12 (step S205). As a result, the simulation database 23 stores the data currently stored in database 12. In other words, a replica of database 12 is built in the simulation environment 20.

[0048] The simulation warehouse management system 22 notifies the simulation application 21 that the creation of a snapshot of the database 12 is complete (step S206).

[0049] When the simulation application 21 receives notification in step S206 that the snapshot creation is complete, it requests the simulation warehouse management system 22 to select transaction data according to the simulation mode set in step S201 (step S207). As described above, in step S201, a simulation mode is set that corresponds to the objective of improving warehouse operations, such as improving work efficiency, optimizing the layout, improving personnel allocation, and eliminating bottlenecks. Also, as described above, if the simulation is performed repeatedly to examine the impact of changes in the warehouse layout, that is, if a simulation mode corresponding to layout optimization is set, location data (e.g., location data D5) is treated as transaction data.

[0050] When the simulation warehouse management system 22 receives a request from the simulation application 21 to select transaction data according to the simulation mode set in step S201, it selects the transaction data necessary for that simulation mode (step S208). Note that which data constitutes transaction data may be pre-configured for each simulation mode, and the simulation warehouse management system 22 may select the transaction data based on this configuration.

[0051] If the warehouse management system 22 for simulation selects transaction data in step S208, it notifies the simulation application 21 that the selection of transaction data is complete (step S209).

[0052] When the simulation application 21 receives notification that the selection of transaction data is complete, it requests the simulation warehouse management system 22 to save the transaction data selected in step S208 as the initial state transaction data 24 (step S210).

[0053] When the simulation warehouse management system 22 receives a request from the simulation application 21 to save initial state transaction data 24, it saves the transaction data selected in step S208 as initial state transaction data 24 (step S211).

[0054] If the simulation warehouse management system 22 saves the initial state transaction data 24 in step S211, it notifies the simulation application 21 that the saving of the initial state transaction data 24 is complete (step S212).

[0055] When the simulation application 21 receives notification that the initial state transaction data 24 has been saved, it accepts the setting of improvement proposals for warehouse operations (step S213). The setting of improvement proposals for warehouse operations may be entered into the simulation application 21 by user operation, for example. The setting of improvement proposals for warehouse operations may be, for example, a setting for layout changes, a setting for personnel allocation changes, a setting for work procedure changes, and a setting for adding or changing equipment.

[0056] If the simulation application 21 receives the settings for warehouse operation improvement proposals in step S213, it reflects the settings for those improvement proposals necessary for the simulation in the simulation warehouse management system 22 (step S214). This allows the simulation warehouse management system 22 to modify, for example, the master data stored in the simulation database 23.

[0057] The simulation application 21 requests the simulation warehouse management system 22 to reset the transaction data to its initial state (step S215).

[0058] When the simulation warehouse management system 22 receives a request from the simulation application 21 to reset the transaction data to its initial state, it resets the transaction data based on the initial state transaction data 24 saved in step S211 (step S216).

[0059] If the simulation warehouse management system 22 completes the reset of transaction data in step S216, it notifies the simulation application 21 of the completion of the transaction data reset (step S217).

[0060] Note that the processes from steps S215 to S217 may be omitted if the simulation process performed in subsequent steps S218 and beyond has not been carried out. This is because, at the stage when the simulation is not being performed, the transaction data selected in step S208 has not been updated and is the same as the initial state transaction data 24. If the processes from steps S215 to S217 are omitted, the simulation application 21 may perform the process in step S218 after the process in step S214.

[0061] When the simulation application 21 receives notification that the transaction data reset is complete, it sets the simulation execution period (step S218). The simulation execution period may be, for example, one hour, one day in real time, or one hour, one day, etc. in the simulation, in other words, in the virtual space.

[0062] The simulation application 21 requests the simulation warehouse management system 22 to send details of the warehouse operations to be performed in the simulation (step S219).

[0063] When the simulation warehouse management system 22 receives a request from the simulation application 21 to send work details, it sends the work details (step S220). The work details may include, for example, the work content, the worker, the work location, etc. Note that the explanation of how the simulation application 21 actually performs the simulation is omitted here. The simulation application 21 may perform the warehouse operation simulation using known technology.

[0064] This allows the simulation application 21 to perform a simulation of the task based on the acquired task details. The simulation application 21 then runs the simulation and calculates the work time for the task (step S221).

[0065] The simulation application 21 updates the simulation time based on the work time calculated in step S221 (step S222). Specifically, the simulation application 21 adds the work time calculated in step S221 to the simulation time. For example, if the simulation time is 0 hours and the work time calculated in step S221 is 1.5 hours, the simulation time will be updated to 1.5 hours in the process of step S222.

[0066] The simulation application 21 notifies the simulation warehouse management system 22 that the work in the simulation has been completed (step S223).

[0067] When the simulation warehouse management system 22 receives a notification of work completion from the simulation application 21, it updates the transaction data (step S224). For example, consider a case where the work details sent by the simulation warehouse management system 22 to the simulation application 21 in step S220 are for issuing 5 units of inventory goods. In this case, the simulation warehouse management system 22 may decrease the inventory quantity indicated by the inventory data (e.g., inventory data D2) as transaction data by 5 units in the process of step S224. In this way, when the simulation is executed, the simulation warehouse management system 22 can update the transaction data based on the work details sent to the simulation application 21.

[0068] After updating the simulation time in step S222, the simulation application 21 calculates and updates the warehouse performance indicators (step S225). Warehouse performance indicators may include, for example, warehouse throughput, congestion level, etc. For example, the warehouse performance indicators calculated in step S225 may be determined according to the warehouse operation improvement objectives entered into the simulation application 21 in step S200. For example, if the improvement objective is to improve work efficiency, warehouse throughput may be calculated in step S225.

[0069] The simulation application 21 determines whether the simulation was performed for a period longer than the specified execution period, based on the simulation execution period set in step S218 and the simulation time updated in step S222 (step S226).

[0070] If the simulation application 21 determines that the simulation has not been performed for longer than the set execution period (step S226: NO), it returns to step S218 and repeats the process.

[0071] If the simulation application 21 determines that the simulation has been performed for longer than the set execution period (step S226: YES), it analyzes the improvement plan accepted in step S213 based on the simulation results (step S227). The simulation application 21 analyzes the warehouse operation improvement plan accepted in step S213 based on the performance indicators calculated and updated in step S225. Specifically, the simulation application 21 analyzes the degree of improvement in work efficiency, cost reduction effect, feasibility, risk assessment, etc. The simulation application 21 may use known Artificial Intelligence (hereinafter referred to as "AI") technology to analyze the improvement plan. For example, the simulation application 21 may generate the analysis results using a large-scale language model.

[0072] The simulation application 21 notifies the user of the results of the improvement plan analysis in step S227 (step S228). The simulation application 21 may notify the user, for example, by displaying the results of the improvement plan analysis on the display device 105.

[0073] This allows the user to review the suitability of the warehouse operation improvement plan entered into the simulation application 21 in step S213.

[0074] The simulation application 21 accepts user input regarding the pass / fail status of the improvement proposal (step S229).

[0075] If the simulation application 21 receives confirmation in step S229 that the proposed improvement is unacceptable (step S230: NO), it returns to step S213 and repeats the process. This allows the user to input settings for the improved proposal, after further consideration, into the simulation application 21. Furthermore, the transaction data updated in step S224 is reset in steps S215 and S216, so the simulation is repeated under the same conditions except for the setting changes reflected in step S214.

[0076] If the simulation application 21 accepts that the improvement proposal is acceptable in step S229 (step S230: YES), it terminates the process.

[0077] The warehouse management system 11 accepts the application of improvement proposals (S231). In step S231, the warehouse management system 11 may accept input of improvement proposals by user operation. In this way, if the user determines that the analysis results of the improvement proposal set in the simulation environment 20 are acceptable, the improvement proposal can be applied to the production environment 10. Alternatively, in step S231, the simulation application 21 or the simulation warehouse management system 22 may apply the improvement proposal that the simulation application 21 accepted in step S213 to the warehouse management system 11.

[0078] Then, this processing sequence ends. In this way, the simulation system 1 can create a snapshot of the database 12 of the production environment 10 at a specific point in time. Based on this snapshot, the simulation system 1 can build a simulation database 23 in the simulation environment 20 that is similar to the database 12 at that specific point in time. The simulation database 23 stores transaction data that can be updated by the execution of the simulation, in other words, the execution of warehouse operations, and master data that is not updated even when the simulation is executed. The simulation system 1 saves the transaction data as initial state transaction data 24 and resets the updated transaction data to the initial state when the simulation is executed. As a result, the simulation system 1 can achieve a significant reduction in time cost and computation cost compared to resetting all data, including master data, stored in the simulation database 23, and also compared to resetting all data plus the simulation warehouse management system 22.

[0079] (Summary of the embodiments) The following technologies are disclosed based on the above description of the embodiments. Note that the components etc. in the above embodiments are examples, but are not limited to these.

[0080] <Technology 1> The simulation method involves storing data from the database (e.g., database 12) of a warehouse management system (e.g., warehouse management system 11) that manages warehouse operations in a database (e.g., simulation database 23) of a warehouse management system (e.g., simulation warehouse management system 22) in a simulation environment (e.g., simulation environment 20). Transaction data (e.g., order data D1, inventory data D2, work data D3) that is updated by the execution of the warehouse operations simulation from the data stored in the simulation environment's database is saved as initial transaction data (e.g., initial transaction data 24). When the warehouse operations simulation is executed, the transaction data stored in the simulation environment's database is restored to its initial state.

[0081] This allows the simulation method to create a database in the simulation environment that stores data similar to that of the actual production environment by, for example, creating a snapshot of the warehouse management system database in the production environment. The simulation method can then extract transaction data that may be updated by the execution of the simulation and save it as initial state transaction data. Furthermore, each time the simulation is executed, the simulation method can restore only the transaction data to its initial state without resetting any data other than the transaction data in question. This allows the simulation method to perform warehouse operations more efficiently compared to cases where all data stored in the warehouse management system database is reset each time the simulation is executed.

[0082] <Technology 2> The simulation method described in Technique 1 selects transaction data from the data stored in the simulation environment's database based on the type of simulation to be performed, and saves the selected transaction data as the initial transaction data.

[0083] This allows the simulation method to select transactional data from the data stored in the database based on the type of simulation being performed.

[0084] <Technology 3> The simulation method described in Technique 2 restores the selected transaction data to its initial state when running a simulation of warehouse operations.

[0085] This allows the simulation method to restore only the selected transaction data to its initial state each time the simulation is run.

[0086] <Technology 4> The simulation method described in Technology 2 or 3 accepts user input regarding the warehouse improvement objective and sets the type of simulation corresponding to the warehouse improvement objective based on that objective.

[0087] This allows the simulation method to be configured based on the warehouse improvement objectives, or in other words, the purpose of the simulation.

[0088] <Technology 5> The simulation method described in any one of Techniques 1 to 4 obtains the work details of warehouse operations from the warehouse management system of the simulation environment, runs a simulation of warehouse operations based on the obtained work details, and updates the transaction data stored in the database of the simulation environment based on the work details when the warehouse operations simulation is run.

[0089] This allows the simulation method to retrieve details of the work to be simulated from the warehouse management system built in the simulation environment, and then execute the simulation based on those details. Furthermore, the simulation method can update transaction data when the simulation is executed.

[0090] <Technology 6> In the simulation method described in any one of Techniques 1 to 5, the transaction data includes data on the inventory of goods stored in the warehouse (e.g., inventory data D2, inventory data D6), data on orders for goods (e.g., order data D1), and data on work performed in the warehouse (e.g., work data D3, work data D9).

[0091] This means that transaction data will include either inventory data, order data, or work data.

[0092] <Technology 7> The simulation program causes a computing device (e.g., an information processing device 100) to store data stored in the database of a warehouse management system that manages warehouse operations in the database of the warehouse management system in the simulation environment. It also stores transaction data from the database of the simulation environment that is updated by the execution of the warehouse operations simulation as initial transaction data, and when the warehouse operations simulation is executed, it restores the transaction data stored in the database of the simulation environment to its initial state.

[0093] As a result, the simulation program can achieve the effects described in Technique 1.

[0094] The functions of the above-described embodiment can also be realized by supplying programs and applications for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device using a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the programs.

[0095] Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a circuit that implements one or more functions (for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (hereinafter referred to as "ASIC") or an FPGA).

[0096] While embodiments have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the embodiments described above can be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0097] The technology disclosed herein is useful as a simulation method and a simulation program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1. Simulation System 10 Production Environment 11. Warehouse Management System 12 Databases 20 Simulation Environment 21 Simulation Apps 22. Warehouse Management System for Simulation 23 Simulation Database 24. Initial State Transaction Data 100 Information Processing Devices 101 Processors 102 memory 103 Storage 104 Input device 105 Display device 106 Communication equipment D1 Order Data D2, D6 Inventory Data D3, D9 Working Data D4 Product Data D5 Location Data D7 Worker Data D8 Equipment Data

Claims

1. A simulation method performed by a computing device, We accept user input for the purpose of improving the warehouse. Based on the aforementioned warehouse improvement objectives, the types of warehouse operation simulations corresponding to the aforementioned warehouse improvement objectives are set. The data stored in the database of the warehouse management system that manages the aforementioned warehouse operations is stored in the database of the warehouse management system in the simulation environment. Based on the type of warehouse operation simulation to be performed, select transaction data from the data stored in the database of the simulation environment that will be updated by the execution of the warehouse operation simulation. The selected transaction data is saved as the initial transaction data. When performing the simulation of the warehouse operations, the selected transaction data is restored to the initial state. Simulation method.

2. The details of the warehouse operations are obtained from the warehouse management system of the simulation environment. Based on the acquired work details, a simulation of the warehouse operations is performed. When the warehouse operations simulation is performed, the transaction data stored in the database of the simulation environment is updated based on the work details. The simulation method according to claim 1.

3. The transaction data includes any of the following: data on the inventory of goods stored in the warehouse, data on orders for the goods, and data on operations at the warehouse. The simulation method according to claim 1.

4. In the computing unit, We will accept user input for the purpose of improving the warehouse. Based on the aforementioned warehouse improvement objectives, the type of warehouse operation simulation corresponding to the aforementioned warehouse improvement objectives is set. The data stored in the database of the warehouse management system that manages the aforementioned warehouse operations is stored in the database of the warehouse management system in the simulation environment. Based on the type of warehouse operation simulation to be performed, the system selects transaction data from the data stored in the database of the simulation environment that will be updated by the execution of the warehouse operation simulation. The selected transaction data is saved as the initial transaction data. When performing the simulation of the warehouse operations, the selected transaction data is restored to its initial state. Simulation program.

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