Warehouse storage visualization system, warehouse storage visualization method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a warehouse storage visualization system, a warehouse storage visualization method, and a program for visualizing the arrangement status of articles stored in a warehouse. [Solution] Provided is a warehouse storage visualization system 1 that visualizes the arrangement status of articles stored in a warehouse, the warehouse storage visualization system comprising: an information acquisition unit 13 that acquires incoming and outgoing delivery information of the articles; a determination unit 14 that determines a destination area on the basis of the incoming and outgoing delivery information and area information of the warehouse stored in advance; and a calculation unit 15 that calculates an arrangement status when the articles have been moved to the determined destination area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a warehouse storage visualization system, a warehouse storage visualization method, and a program for visualizing the arrangement status of articles stored in a warehouse.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, regarding the method of storing articles in a warehouse, the number of days of occupancy when an article is stored is predicted, the priority of the storage location is determined from the shipping frequency and the replenishment frequency, and based on the priority, the shipping record, and the estimated number of days of occupancy, a warehouse management system is known that determines the storage location where the incoming article is to be stored, thereby realizing an inventory arrangement with high work efficiency in the storage area (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, although the storage method of each article could be managed, the movement of the incoming and outgoing operations of the entire warehouse could not be grasped and managed. If the movement of the goods in the entire warehouse cannot be grasped, problems such as congestion of warehouse workers near the berth, collision of limited movement resources, and overflow of goods in some storage areas on the floor occur, and there is a problem that the incoming and outgoing operations in the warehouse are delayed.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a warehouse storage visualization system, a warehouse storage visualization method, and a program for visualizing the arrangement status of articles stored in a warehouse.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is a warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes the first capacity rate of stored items for each area of ​​the warehouse, and the 1st Capacity Rate This is the value obtained by dividing the amount of goods stored in an area by the allowable amount of goods that the area can store and multiplying by 100, and the information acquisition unit acquires the inbound and outbound information of the goods, the determination unit determines the destination area for the inbound and outbound goods based on the inbound and outbound information and the area information of the warehouse that is stored in advance, and the inventory amount of the destination area, the amount of goods that have been moved to the destination area and the amount of goods that have been moved from the destination area based on the inbound and outbound information, 1st Capacity Rate A calculation unit that calculates the above for each area of ​​the warehouse 1st Capacity Rate We provide a warehouse storage visualization system that includes an output unit that visualizes and outputs the data.

[0007] Furthermore, in the present invention, the determination unit determines the movement resource based on the inbound / outbound information and the warehouse area information, the calculation unit calculates the time it takes for the incoming goods to reach the destination area according to the movement resource and the inbound / outbound information, and based on the arrival time, 1st Capacity Rate We provide a warehouse storage visualization system that calculates [value]. Furthermore, in the present invention, the determination unit determines the movement resource based on the inbound / outbound information and the warehouse area information, and the calculation unit calculates the time when the shipped goods depart from the destination area according to the movement resource and the inbound / outbound information, and based on the departure time, 1st Capacity Rate We provide a warehouse storage visualization system that calculates [value].

[0008] Furthermore, in the present invention, the calculation unit is the 1st Capacity Rate The output unit calculates the amount for each area of ​​the warehouse calculated at predetermined intervals, and the output unit outputs the amount for each area of ​​the warehouse calculated at predetermined intervals. 1st Capacity Rate We provide a warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes and outputs data.

[0009] Furthermore, in the present invention, the determination unit determines the movement resources based on the inbound / outbound information and the warehouse area information, and the calculation unit performs a simulation of moving the inbound / outbound items using the movement resources according to the movement resources and the inbound / outbound information, and calculates the inbound / outbound items in each area. 1st Capacity Rate The output unit calculates the amount for each area of ​​the warehouse calculated at predetermined intervals, and the output unit outputs the amount for each area of ​​the warehouse calculated at predetermined intervals. 1st Capacity Rate We provide a warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes and outputs data.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the incoming and outgoing articles in each of the areas. 1st Capacity Rate A first threshold is set in advance for each of the areas for which the incoming and outgoing goods are calculated at predetermined intervals. 1st Capacity Rate The above First The present invention provides a warehouse storage visualization system that includes a determination unit that determines whether a threshold is exceeded, and the output unit outputs a notification when the determination unit determines that the first threshold has been exceeded. Furthermore, if the determination unit determines that the first threshold has been exceeded, the present invention will determine that the first threshold has been exceeded. 1st Capacity Rate The present invention provides a warehouse storage visualization system equipped with a proposal unit that outputs an alternative plan so that the first threshold is not exceeded.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention, the calculation unit is the value obtained by dividing the amount of articles occupying the moving resource during movement by the allowable amount of articles that can occupy the said moving resource and multiplying by 100. Second capacity rate Based on the amount of goods moved to the destination area by the moving resource and the amount of goods moved from the destination area by the moving resource, which are obtained from the incoming and outgoing information, the output unit calculates this at predetermined intervals, and the output unit outputs the amount of goods in each area at the calculated predetermined intervals. 1st Capacity Rate , and / or the number of the articles for each of the moving resources calculated for each predetermined time interval. Second capacity rate We provide a warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes this data.

[0012] This invention relates to the process of moving articles within a warehouse, where each moving resource is used to move articles, and the articles occupying that moving resource... Second capacity rate A warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes Second capacity rate , comprising Second capacity rate which is a value obtained by multiplying the amount of goods occupying a moving resource during movement by 100 and dividing by the allowable capacity of goods that can occupy the moving resource, an information acquisition unit that acquires the inbound and outbound information of the goods, and based on the inbound and outbound information and the area information of the warehouse stored in advance, determines the destination area of the inbound and outbound goods and the Inbound and outbound goods moving resource to be used for the inbound and outbound of Inbound and outbound goods , and based on the amount of goods to be moved to the destination area by the moving resource and the amount of goods to be moved from the destination area by the moving resource, which are obtained based on the inbound and outbound information, Second capacity rate a calculation unit that calculates Second capacity rate , and an output unit that visualizes and outputs Second capacity rate for each moving resource in the warehouse calculated, provides a warehouse storage visualization system.

[0013] Further, in the present invention, the calculation unit calculates the time for which the inbound and outbound goods occupy Move resources until the inbound and outbound goods move to the destination area according to the moving resource and the inbound and outbound information, and based on the occupying time, calculates Second capacity rate , provides a warehouse storage visualization system.

[0014] Further, in the present invention, the calculation unit calculates Second capacity rate every predetermined time, and the output unit visualizes and outputs Second capacity rate for each moving resource in the warehouse calculated every predetermined time, provides a warehouse storage visualization system. Further, in the present invention, the calculation unit executes a simulation of moving the inbound and outbound goods with the moving resource according to the moving resource and the inbound and outbound information, calculates Second capacity rate of the inbound and outbound goods for each moving resource every predetermined time, and the output unit visualizes and outputs Second capacity rate for each area of the warehouse calculated every predetermined time, provides a warehouse storage visualization system. <00,00088>

[0015] Further, in the present invention, Second capacity rate of the inbound and outbound goods for each moving resource​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Second capacity rate A second threshold is set in advance for each of the moving resources for each of the calculated predetermined times, and for each of the moving resources for each of the calculated predetermined times, the Second capacity rate of the incoming and outgoing goods is provided with a determination unit that determines whether it exceeds the second threshold, and when the determination unit determines that it exceeds the second threshold, the output unit outputs a notification. A warehouse storage visualization system is provided. Further, in the present invention, when the determination unit determines that it exceeds the second threshold, the Second capacity rate is provided with a proposal unit that outputs an alternative plan so that it does not exceed the second threshold. A warehouse storage visualization system is provided. [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The steps include determining the movement resources to be used for receiving and shipping, and determining the amount of goods to be moved to the destination area by the movement resources and the amount of goods to be moved out of the destination area by the movement resources, based on the receiving and shipping information obtained, Second capacity rate The steps of calculating the above for each of the moving resources in the warehouse Second capacity rate This provides a method that includes the steps of visualizing and outputting the data.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention provides a warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes the first capacity rate of stored items for each area of ​​the warehouse, as described above. 1st Capacity Rate This is the value obtained by dividing the amount of goods stored in an area by the allowable amount of goods that the area can store and multiplying by 100, and the information acquisition unit acquires the inbound and outbound information of the goods, the determination unit determines the destination area for the inbound and outbound goods based on the inbound and outbound information and the area information of the warehouse that is stored in advance, and the inventory amount of the destination area, the amount of goods that have been moved to the destination area and the amount of goods that have been moved from the destination area obtained based on the inbound and outbound information, 1st Capacity Rate A calculation unit that calculates the above for each area of ​​the warehouse that has been calculated 1st Capacity Rate This program provides a function as an output unit that visualizes and outputs the data. Furthermore, the present invention provides for each movement resource used to move articles within a warehouse, and for each movement resource, the articles occupying that movement resource Second capacity rate A warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes the above Second capacity rate This is the value obtained by dividing the amount of goods occupying the moving resource during movement by the allowable amount of goods that can occupy the moving resource and multiplying by 100. The information acquisition unit acquires the inbound and outbound information of the goods, and based on the inbound and outbound information and the warehouse area information stored in advance, the destination area of ​​the inbound and outbound goods and Said shipping goods Determine the movement resources to be used for receiving and shipping. Decision section, Based on the aforementioned shipping and receiving information, the amount of goods that move to the destination area by the moving resource and the amount of goods that move out of the destination area by the moving resource are determined as follows: Second capacity rate A calculation unit that calculates the amount of each of the moving resources in the warehouse that has been calculated Second capacity rate This program provides a function as an output unit that visualizes and outputs the data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, the arrangement of items stored in a warehouse can be visualized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an overview of a warehouse storage visualization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the functional configuration of a warehouse storage visualization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure schematically shows area information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure schematically shows the inbound and outbound information acquired by a warehouse storage visualization device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure schematically shows inventory information acquired by a warehouse storage visualization device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the arrangement of simulation results using a warehouse storage visualization device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a floor map illustrating the arrangement of articles according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the warehouse storage visualization process of a warehouse storage visualization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the following drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same numbers or reference numerals throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0021] [Basic concept / basic configuration] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the outline of a warehouse storage visualization system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The warehouse storage visualization system 1 includes a warehouse storage visualization device 10 that visualizes the arrangement of goods handled in a warehouse, and a warehouse management device 20 that is connected to the warehouse storage visualization device 10 via a network and manages the goods handled in the warehouse. Here, the goods handled in the warehouse include both goods inside the warehouse and goods outside the warehouse.

[0022] In the warehouse storage visualization system 1, the warehouse management visualization device 10 is a cloud server in this embodiment and is managed, for example, by a warehouse manager (such as a logistics company). The warehouse management device 20 is called a WMS (Warehouse Management System).

[0023] The warehouse storage visualization device 10 visualizes and outputs the warehouse layout status of items handled by the warehouse management device 20 at predetermined intervals. Specifically, first, the warehouse storage visualization device 10 obtains inbound and outbound information of items handled in the warehouse from the warehouse management device 20. Next, the warehouse storage visualization device 10 calculates the layout status when items are moved to a destination area based on the inbound and outbound information and the warehouse area information it has previously stored. Then, the warehouse storage visualization device 10 creates a warehouse layout status table that visualizes the calculated layout status at predetermined intervals.

[0024] Inbound and outbound information holds information about goods scheduled to arrive at the warehouse or goods that have been decided to be shipped from the warehouse. Specifically, inbound and outbound information holds information such as item ID, origin area, arrival date and time, and cut date and time. Area information holds information about areas where goods handled by the warehouse are stored or temporarily stored (hereinafter, storage in this specification includes temporary storage). Specifically, it holds information such as area name and area capacity.

[0025] The warehouse storage visualization device 10 outputs a warehouse layout status table. The warehouse layout status table contains information such as the storage capacity and the occupancy rate of goods for each area. Here, the occupancy rate is the ratio of the volume occupied by stored goods to the storage capacity of the area. In addition to the occupancy rate, the information may also indicate a general occupancy status such as "empty space," "little empty space," or "no empty space," or simply whether or not goods can be stored.

[0026] This warehouse storage visualization system 1 can calculate the arrangement of goods in each area. Furthermore, it can output the arrangement of goods in the warehouse at predetermined intervals based on the calculation results. Therefore, it can visualize the movement of goods in the warehouse, allowing operations managers to understand the overall situation and instruct efficient receiving and shipping operations.

[0027] (Functional configuration of warehouse storage visualization device) Figure 2 shows the functional configuration of a warehouse storage visualization device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The warehouse storage visualization device 10 includes a communication unit 11 that communicates with a warehouse management device 20 via a network, a storage unit 12, an information acquisition unit 13, a determination unit 14, a calculation unit 15, a judgment unit 16, a proposal unit 17, an output unit 18, and an input unit 19 that directly receives input from warehouse managers, work managers, etc. In this embodiment, the warehouse storage visualization device 10 is a cloud server, but it may also be on-premise.

[0028] The storage unit 12 pre-stores information such as warehouse area information, an area map showing the location of each area in the warehouse, the capacity for each type of mobile resource, the number of operational mobile resources, the time required for each mobile resource between each area, and the mobile resources for each package type. In this embodiment, since the warehouse storage visualization device 10 is a cloud server, it is desirable that the storage unit 12 be constructed using cloud storage or a distributed ledger.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing area information acquired by the warehouse storage visualization device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. One record of area information includes information such as the area name, the capacity of the area, the name of the items to be stored in the area, and the packaging type to be stored in the area.

[0030] The area name field records data indicating the name of the area in the warehouse. In this embodiment, the area name consists of an area ID that includes the floor number of the area and the type of area. The type of area is represented by "Berth" (area for shipping goods), "temporary yard" (area for temporary storage of goods), and "storage" (area for storing goods). The capacity field records data indicating the maximum amount of goods that the area can store, for example, in volume. Note that the area information only needs to include at least the area name and the area's capacity information.

[0031] The information acquisition unit 13 acquires daily inbound and outbound information from the warehouse management device 20. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the inbound and outbound information acquired by the information acquisition unit 13. One record of inbound and outbound information includes information such as the item name, source area name, packaging, size, receiving time, and cut-off time. The item name field records data indicating the name of the item being inbound or outbound. The source area name field records data indicating the area in the warehouse where the item was received. For example, if an item is received at the loading dock on the first floor, it will be recorded as 1F-Berth.

[0032] The "Packaging" field records data indicating the appearance and shape of the goods in their packaged state. In this embodiment, it records either a pallet, case, material handling unit, or loose goods, which are the units of incoming and outgoing shipments. For example, if one pallet of goods is received, it is recorded as a pallet. The "Size" field records data indicating the dimensions of the goods. For example, it may be expressed as volume or dimensions such as length, width, and height.

[0033] The "Inbound Time" field records the time an item enters its source area. For example, if an item is unloaded at the loading dock at 9:00 AM, 9:00 will be recorded. The "Cut-off Time" is the shipping deadline set for each item. In other words, it is the time limit that, if exceeded, will result in a delivery delay.

[0034] The inbound and outbound information includes daily inbound and outbound information, but it is possible to distinguish between inbound and outbound information depending on whether the information is stored in the inbound time or cut-off time. Inbound and outbound information may also include information on goods moving between areas. In this embodiment, the movement of goods between areas is also considered as inbound or outbound, and the inbound time or cut-off time is stored in the information on goods moving between areas.

[0035] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 13 may acquire inventory information for each area at the time of acquiring the inbound and outbound information from the warehouse management device 20, along with the inbound and outbound information. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the inventory information acquired by the information acquisition unit 13. One record of inventory information includes information such as the area name, item name, packaging, and quantity. The quantity is the number of items stored in that area, i.e., the inventory count.

[0036] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 13 acquires the input information received by the input unit 19. Specifically, warehouse managers and work managers can directly input reserved inbound and outbound information, which is used to reserve the inbound and outbound of items that have not yet been acquired as inbound and outbound information from the warehouse management device 20 due to a sudden request, and modified inbound and outbound information, which is used by warehouse managers to specify a particular area for storing specific items. Hereafter, inbound and outbound information will also include the above input information.

[0037] The determination unit 14 determines the destination area and resource for moving goods, which are used for receiving and shipping goods, based on the acquired receiving and shipping information and pre-held area information. The determination unit 14 may also use inventory information acquired in conjunction with the receiving and shipping information to determine the destination area and resource for moving goods.

[0038] In detail, the decision unit 14 determines the destination area based on the area information, the item name and / or packaging of the incoming information, and predetermined conditions. Specifically, the decision unit 14 extracts one or more areas as first candidates from the area information based on whether the incoming / outgoing information includes either the receiving time or the cut-off time. That is, if the receiving / outgoing information includes the receiving time, it extracts areas whose area name in the area information includes "temporary yard" or "storage" as first candidates. On the other hand, if the receiving / outgoing information includes the cut-off time, it extracts areas whose area name in the area information includes "Berth" as first candidates. If only one area is extracted as a first candidate, the decision unit 14 determines that to be the destination area.

[0039] Next, the determination unit 14 compares the first candidate item name and / or packaging with the item name and / or packaging in the inbound / outbound information and extracts one or more matching destination areas from the area information as second candidates. If only one area is extracted as a second candidate, that area is determined to be the destination area.

[0040] The decision unit 14 then selects an area from among the second candidate destination areas that satisfies predetermined conditions as the destination area. Here, predetermined conditions include prioritizing areas with a similar number of floors in the area information, prioritizing areas with a small capacity, and prioritizing areas with a small inventory based on inventory information. The predetermined conditions are set in advance, and from among the multiple second candidate areas extracted, the area that best suits these conditions is selected as the destination area.

[0041] The determination unit 14 then determines the movement resources based on the determined destination area and the package type and source area from the inbound / outbound information. More specifically, the determination unit 14 refers to the movement resources for each package type pre-stored in the storage unit 12, based on the floor relationship between the determined destination area and the source area, and the package type from the inbound / outbound information, and acquires the movement resources.

[0042] Here, the moving resources include horizontal moving resources such as forklifts, hand lifts, cage carts, and people (hereinafter referred to as horizontal moving resources in this specification) and vertical moving resources such as vertical conveyors and elevators (hereinafter referred to as vertical moving resources in this specification). The moving resources for each package type that are pre-stored in the storage unit 12 include both horizontal and vertical moving resources.

[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, the determination unit 14 refers to the number of floors included in the area ID of the area information, and if the source area and the destination area are on different floors, it determines both horizontal and vertical movement resources as movement resources. On the other hand, if the source area and the destination area are on the same floor, it determines only horizontal movement resources as movement resources.

[0044] The calculation unit 15 calculates the arrangement of items in each area at predetermined intervals when each item is moved from the source area to the destination area using the movement resources determined by the determination unit 14. In addition, the calculation unit 15 may also calculate the arrangement of items in each movement resource at predetermined intervals when each item is moved from the source area to the destination area using the movement resources determined by the determination unit 14.

[0045] In detail, the calculation unit 15 refers to the required time for each movement resource between each area, which is stored in advance in the storage unit 12, and obtains the movement time for each item in the inbound / outbound information based on the destination area, the source area, and the movement resource. Next, the calculation unit 15 calculates the time at which each item arrives at the destination area based on the obtained movement time and inbound time. Next, the calculation unit 15 calculates the amount of items moved to each area at predetermined intervals based on the arrival time or cut-off time for each item in the inbound / outbound information calculated for each item, and the size of each item.

[0046] Furthermore, the calculation unit 15 calculates the time each item departs from the source area based on the acquired travel time and cut-off time. Next, the calculation unit 15 calculates the amount of items moved from each area at predetermined intervals based on the departure time or receiving time from the source area of ​​each item calculated for each item in the inbound / outbound information, and the size of each item.

[0047] The calculation unit 15 calculates the quantity of goods in each area at predetermined intervals based on the quantity of goods moved to each area and / or the quantity of goods moved to each area, calculated at predetermined intervals. The calculation unit 15 also calculates the quantity of goods in each area at predetermined intervals based on the quantity of goods moved to each area and / or the quantity of goods moved to each area and the quantity of inventory information acquired by the information acquisition unit 13. The calculation unit 15 may use the capacity rate obtained by dividing the calculated quantity of goods for each area by the area's capacity and multiplying by 100 as the item placement status, or it may use the calculated quantity of goods as the item placement status. In this specification, the item placement status will be referred to as the capacity rate.

[0048] Furthermore, the calculation unit 15 calculates the time each item occupies the movement resource until it moves to its destination, based on the acquired movement time and the receiving time or cut-off time. Next, the calculation unit 15 calculates the amount of items occupying each movement resource at predetermined intervals, based on the time calculated for each item in the receiving / shipping information and the size of each item. Then, the calculation unit 15 divides the amount of items calculated for each movement resource by the allowable capacity of the movement resource and multiplies it by 100 to obtain the capacity rate, which represents the arrangement status of the items.

[0049] Furthermore, the calculation unit 15 calculates the arrangement of items in each area at predetermined intervals by performing a simulation. Specifically, the calculation unit 15 performs a simulation of moving each item on the warehouse area map from the source area to the destination area based on the receiving time or cut-off time of each item in the aforementioned receiving and shipping information, a predetermined order, and the movement time acquired by the calculation unit 15. The dynamic simulation results are then calculated as the arrangement of items in each area at predetermined intervals.

[0050] Here, the predetermined order refers to the order in which the items move, for example, in order of arrival time or cut-off time. In addition to the arrival time or cut-off time, the predetermined order, and the movement time, the calculation unit 15 can use the number of movement resources to reflect the departure waiting time due to insufficient movement resources for the items being moved in the simulation results.

[0051] The determination unit 16 compares a preset threshold with the item placement status at predetermined time intervals calculated by the calculation unit 15 for each area and / or each mobile resource, and determines whether the placement status exceeds the threshold. Specifically, the determination unit 16 determines whether the capacity rate at predetermined time intervals for each area and / or each mobile resource exceeds a threshold (e.g., 80%). This makes it possible to identify the times when congestion occurs, and the areas or mobile resources where congestion occurs.

[0052] The proposal unit 17, when the judgment unit 16 determines that the arrangement status exceeds a threshold, proposes an alternative plan to prevent the arrangement status from exceeding the threshold. For example, it proposes changing some of the incoming information that moves items to areas and / or moving resources with an arrangement status exceeding the threshold to areas or moving resources with a lower capacity rate at the same predetermined time interval. It also proposes changing a predetermined order or starting the movement of items to destination areas and / or resources with an arrangement status exceeding the threshold after a predetermined time has elapsed from the receiving time.

[0053] The output unit 18 outputs the arrangement status of items at predetermined intervals, calculated by the calculation unit 15, that is, the capacity rate at predetermined intervals in each area and / or each moving resource, as a warehouse arrangement status table (see Figure 1).

[0054] Furthermore, the output unit 18 displays the dynamic simulation results calculated by the calculation unit 15 at predetermined time intervals as the arrangement status of items in each area at predetermined time intervals. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement status of simulation results by the warehouse storage visualization device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 6, the situation at a certain time on the second floor is shown, where each item is being moved from the source area to the destination area by the movement resources determined by the determination unit 14.

[0055] The solid lines on the forklifts indicate the position of the forklift at a given time. The dashed lines on the forklifts indicate the position of the solid forklifts after a predetermined time. The dashed lines drawn from the solid forklifts to the dashed forklifts indicate the trajectory of the forklifts. In Figure 6, forklift 100 is shown loading incoming goods, moving from the berth on the first floor to the second floor via a vertical conveyor, and then moving to the destination area.

[0056] The solid line on the cart 101 indicates the position of the cart at a given time. The dashed line on the cart indicates the position of the solid cart after a predetermined time. In Figure 6, the cart 101 is shown carrying goods to be shipped, moving from the source area to the elevator on the second floor, and then moving to the berth on the first floor via the elevator.

[0057] Furthermore, the output unit 18 statically overlays the arrangement of items at predetermined time intervals, calculated by the calculation unit 15, onto the warehouse area map stored in the storage unit 12. In this case, the quantity of items is used for the arrangement. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of an area map illustrating the arrangement of items according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] In Figure 7, the area map shows each item that has been moved to a destination area as a black circle, and the size of the black circle indicates the quantity of each item. This allows for a quick overview of the item placement and immediate identification of areas experiencing congestion. In addition, inventory information may be displayed in the area map. The small squares in the figure represent shelves where items are stored, and the darker the black, the more inventory a shelf has.

[0059] The output unit 18 displays the entire warehouse area map on a single screen, allowing for a quick overview of the arrangement of goods throughout the warehouse. Furthermore, the area map is created at predetermined intervals, and by adding a time to the area map (shown as 13:00 in the upper right corner of the diagram) and displaying it at these intervals, changes in the arrangement of goods can be observed, and times of congestion can be easily identified.

[0060] Furthermore, the output unit 18 notifies the system of areas and moving resources whose placement status has been determined by the judgment unit 16 to exceed a threshold. For example, in the table shown in Figure 1 or the area maps shown in Figures 5 and 6, the system notifies the system of areas and moving resources whose placement status has been determined to exceed a threshold by highlighting them with a red frame. The output unit 18 may also notify the system of the time at which the placement status was determined to exceed a threshold, in addition to the areas and moving resources.

[0061] The functional configuration of this system described above is merely an example, and a single functional block (database and functional processing unit) may be divided, or multiple functional blocks may be combined into a single functional block. Each functional processing unit is realized by a computer program (for example, core software or an application that causes the CPU to execute the various processes described above) stored in a storage device (storage unit) such as ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), or hard disk, which is read by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) built into the device or terminal, and executed by the CPU. In other words, each functional processing unit is realized by this computer program reading and writing necessary data such as tables from a database (DB) stored in the storage device or from a storage area in memory, and, if necessary, controlling related hardware (for example, input / output devices, display devices, communication interface devices). Furthermore, the database (DB) in the embodiments of the present invention may be a commercial database, but it also means a mere collection of tables and files, and the internal structure of the database itself is not specified.

[0062] [Warehouse storage visualization process] Using Figure 8, the warehouse storage visualization process of the warehouse storage visualization system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained. This process is performed by the warehouse storage visualization device 10.

[0063] First, the information acquisition unit 13 acquires a day's worth of inbound and outbound information from the warehouse management device 20, as shown in Figure 4 (S1). Next, the decision unit 14 determines the destination area and movement resources for the goods to be used for inbound and outbound shipments, based on the inbound and outbound information acquired in S1 and the area information held in advance (S2).

[0064] Next, the calculation unit 15 calculates the arrangement of items in each area at predetermined intervals, assuming that each item is moved from the source area to the destination area using the moving resources determined in S2 (S3). In addition, the arrangement of the moving resources may also be calculated in S3.

[0065] Next, the determination unit 16 compares a pre-set threshold with the arrangement status of items at predetermined time intervals calculated in S3 for each area, and determines whether the arrangement status exceeds the threshold (S4). If the arrangement status exceeds the threshold, the process proceeds to S5; on the other hand, if the arrangement status does not exceed the threshold, the process proceeds to S6. In addition, in S4, it may also be determined whether the arrangement status of the moving resources exceeds a pre-set threshold.

[0066] Next, if the proposal unit 17 determines in S4 that the placement status exceeds the threshold, it proposes an alternative plan to prevent the placement status from exceeding the threshold (S5). Note that the processing in S4 and S5 may be omitted.

[0067] The output unit 18 then displays the item placement status at predetermined time intervals calculated in S3. If processing S4 and S5 is executed, the output unit 18 displays the areas and moving resources that were determined in S4 to exceed a threshold, along with the item placement status at predetermined time intervals calculated in S3 (S6).

[0068] As explained above, the warehouse storage visualization system 1 calculates the arrangement of goods in each area at predetermined intervals and outputs a dynamic simulation result by statically overlaying the calculated arrangement at predetermined intervals onto an area map. This makes it possible to visualize the movement of goods throughout the entire warehouse, allowing operations managers to understand the overall situation of the warehouse and instruct efficient receiving and shipping operations.

[0069] Furthermore, if the arrangement of goods exceeds a predetermined threshold, a notification can be issued. Since exceeding this threshold indicates congestion and a decrease in work efficiency, an alternative plan to alter the movement of goods within the warehouse can be proposed to alleviate the congestion. This prevents delays in warehouse receiving and shipping operations.

[0070] In this embodiment, the warehouse storage visualization device 10 may also include a learning unit. The learning unit stores in the storage unit 12 the actual travel time when an item is actually moved to a destination area by a moving resource, as determined by the decision unit 14, and performs AI learning to improve the accuracy of the required time for each moving resource between each area, which is stored in the storage unit 12. In addition, the learning unit stores in the storage unit 12 the alternative plans proposed by the proposal unit 17 and their actual results, and performs AI learning to improve the accuracy of the proposals and the accuracy of the destination areas and moving resources determined by the decision unit 14.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the warehouse storage visualization device 10 may calculate the arrangement status based on the receiving time of the receiving and shipping information. Specifically, in this embodiment, the warehouse storage visualization device 10 estimates the time when an item arrives in an area based on the receiving time and the travel time for each moving resource, but it may also determine the destination area based on the item name, packaging, or size, and reflect this in the arrangement status of each area according to the receiving time. That is, if the destination area for an item that was received at 9:00 is determined to be the storage area of ​​Company A, this means that it will be reflected in the capacity rate of that area at 9:00.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, it is clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention. In the above embodiments, the present invention was described as a product invention, specifically a warehouse storage visualization system, but the present invention can also be considered as an invention of a method for the warehouse storage visualization system to be executed, or an invention of a program that enables the warehouse storage visualization system to function as various means. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Warehouse Storage Visualization System 10 Warehouse storage visualization device 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Information acquisition department 14. Decision-making section 15 Calculation Section 16 Judgment Department 17 Proposal Department 18 Output section 20 Warehouse management equipment

Claims

1. A warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes the first capacity rate of stored goods for each area of ​​the warehouse, The first capacity ratio is the value obtained by dividing the amount of goods stored in the area by the allowable amount of goods that the area can store and multiplying by 100. An information acquisition unit that acquires information on the receipt and shipment of the aforementioned goods, A determination unit that determines the destination area for incoming and outgoing goods based on the aforementioned incoming and outgoing shipping information and the warehouse area information stored in advance, A calculation unit that calculates the first capacity rate based on the inventory level of the destination area, the quantity of goods moved to the destination area and the quantity of goods moved from the destination area, obtained based on the inbound and outbound information, An output unit that visualizes and outputs the first capacity rate for each area of ​​the warehouse calculated, A warehouse storage visualization system equipped with the following features.

2. The determination unit determines the movement resources based on the incoming / outgoing information and the warehouse area information, The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the time it takes for incoming goods to reach the destination area according to the moving resources and the inbound / outbound information, and calculates the first capacity rate based on the arrival time.

3. The determination unit determines the movement resources based on the incoming / outgoing information and the warehouse area information, The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the time at which the shipped goods depart from the destination area according to the moving resources and the inbound / outbound information, and calculates the first capacity rate based on the departure time.

4. The calculation unit calculates the first capacity rate at predetermined intervals, The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit visualizes and outputs the first capacity rate for each area of ​​the warehouse calculated at predetermined intervals.

5. The determination unit determines the movement resources based on the incoming / outgoing information and the warehouse area information, The calculation unit, in accordance with the moving resource and the inbound / outbound information, performs a simulation of moving the inbound / outbound goods using the moving resource, and calculates the first capacity rate of the inbound / outbound goods in each area at predetermined intervals. The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit visualizes and outputs the first capacity rate for each area of ​​the warehouse calculated at predetermined intervals.

6. A first threshold is set in advance for the first capacity rate of incoming and outgoing goods in each area, and the system includes a determination unit that determines whether the first capacity rate of incoming and outgoing goods in each area at predetermined intervals exceeds the first threshold. The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 5, wherein the output unit outputs a notification when the determination unit determines that the first threshold has been exceeded.

7. The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 6, further comprising a proposal unit that, when the determination unit determines that the first threshold has been exceeded, outputs an alternative plan so as not to exceed the first threshold.

8. The calculation unit calculates a second capacity rate, which is the value obtained by dividing the amount of items occupying the moving resource while it is in motion by the allowable amount of items that can occupy the moving resource and multiplying the result by 100, at predetermined intervals based on the amount of items moving to the destination area by the moving resource and the amount of items moving out of the destination area by the moving resource, which are obtained based on the inbound and outbound information. The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit visualizes the first capacity rate of the items in each area for each predetermined time interval calculated, and / or the second capacity rate of the items in each moving resource for each predetermined time interval calculated.

9. A warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes the second capacity rate of the goods occupying each movement resource used to move goods within a warehouse, The second capacity ratio is the value obtained by dividing the amount of items occupying the moving resource during transit by the allowable amount of items that can occupy the said moving resource and multiplying by 100. An information acquisition unit that acquires information on the receipt and shipment of the aforementioned goods, A determination unit that determines the destination area for incoming and outgoing goods and the movement resources to be used for incoming and outgoing goods, based on the aforementioned incoming and outgoing shipping information and the warehouse area information stored in advance, A calculation unit that calculates the second capacity rate based on the amount of goods moved to the destination area by the moving resource and the amount of goods moved from the destination area by the moving resource, obtained based on the aforementioned inbound and outbound information, An output unit that visualizes and outputs the second capacity rate for each moving resource within the warehouse, A warehouse storage visualization system equipped with the following features.

10. The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 9, wherein the calculation unit calculates the time that the moving resources occupy until the moving goods move to the destination area, in accordance with the moving resources and the inbound / outbound information, and calculates the second capacity rate based on the time of occupancy.

11. The calculation unit calculates the second capacity rate at predetermined intervals, The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 9, wherein the output unit visualizes and outputs the second capacity rate for each moving resource in the warehouse, calculated at predetermined intervals.

12. The calculation unit, in accordance with the moving resource and the inbound / outbound information, performs a simulation of moving the inbound / outbound goods using the moving resource, and calculates the second capacity rate of the inbound / outbound goods for each moving resource at predetermined intervals. The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 9, wherein the output unit visualizes and outputs the second capacity rate for each area of ​​the warehouse calculated at predetermined intervals.

13. A second threshold is set in advance for the second capacity rate of incoming and outgoing goods for each of the aforementioned moving resources, and the system includes a determination unit that determines whether the second capacity rate of incoming and outgoing goods for each of the aforementioned moving resources at predetermined intervals exceeds the second threshold. The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 9, wherein the output unit outputs a notification when the determination unit determines that the second threshold has been exceeded.

14. The warehouse storage visualization system according to claim 13, further comprising a proposal unit that, when the determination unit determines that the second threshold has been exceeded, outputs an alternative plan so as not to exceed the second threshold.

15. A method for a warehouse storage visualization system to visualize the first capacity rate of stored goods for each area of ​​the warehouse, The first capacity ratio is the value obtained by dividing the amount of goods stored in the area by the allowable amount of goods that the area can store and multiplying by 100. A step of obtaining information on the receipt and shipment of the aforementioned goods, A step of determining the destination area for incoming and outgoing goods based on the aforementioned incoming and outgoing goods information and the warehouse area information stored in advance, A step of calculating the first capacity rate based on the inventory level of the destination area, the quantity of goods moved to the destination area and the quantity of goods moved from the destination area, obtained based on the inbound and outbound information, A step of visualizing and outputting the first capacity rate for each area of ​​the warehouse calculated, A method that includes this.

16. A method implemented by a warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes the second capacity rate of the goods occupying each movement resource used to move goods within a warehouse, The second capacity ratio is the value obtained by dividing the amount of items occupying the moving resource during transit by the allowable amount of items that can occupy the said moving resource and multiplying by 100. A step of obtaining information on the receipt and shipment of the aforementioned goods, A step of determining the destination area for the incoming and outgoing goods and the movement resources to be used for the incoming and outgoing goods, based on the aforementioned incoming and outgoing shipping information and the warehouse area information stored in advance, A step of calculating the second capacity rate based on the amount of goods moved to the destination area by the moving resource and the amount of goods moved from the destination area by the moving resource, obtained based on the aforementioned inbound and outbound information, The steps include visualizing and outputting the second capacity rate for each moving resource within the warehouse, A method that includes this.

17. A warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes the first capacity rate of stored items for each area of ​​the warehouse. The first capacity ratio is the value obtained by dividing the amount of goods stored in the area by the allowable amount of goods that the area can store and multiplying by 100. Information acquisition unit that acquires information on the receipt and shipment of the aforementioned items, A determination unit determines the destination area for incoming and outgoing goods based on the aforementioned incoming and outgoing goods information and the warehouse area information stored in advance. A calculation unit calculates the first capacity rate based on the inventory level of the destination area, the quantity of goods moved to the destination area and the quantity of goods moved from the destination area, obtained based on the inbound and outbound information. An output unit that visualizes and outputs the first capacity rate for each area of ​​the warehouse calculated above. A program that makes it function as such.

18. A warehouse storage visualization system that visualizes the second capacity rate of items occupying each movement resource used to move items within a warehouse. The second capacity rate is the value obtained by dividing the amount of items occupying the moving resource during transit by the allowable amount of items that can occupy the said moving resource and multiplying by 100, and the information acquisition unit that acquires the inbound and outbound information of the said items, A determination unit determines the destination area for incoming and outgoing goods and the movement resources to be used for incoming and outgoing goods, based on the aforementioned incoming and outgoing shipping information and the warehouse area information stored in advance. A calculation unit calculates the second capacity rate based on the amount of goods that move to the destination area by the moving resource and the amount of goods that move out of the destination area by the moving resource, which are obtained based on the aforementioned inbound and outbound information. An output unit that visualizes and outputs the second capacity rate for each moving resource within the warehouse, calculated above. A program that makes it function as such.

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