How to assist in picking ordered items

Abstract

To provide a method for supporting work such as picking of ordered commodities by shop workers in a simple manner that minimizes work errors.SOLUTION: A method for supporting picking of ordered commodities is provided. A control unit of a server terminal transmits, to a shop terminal, a picking list of commodities that require picking; receives information identifying the commodities from the shop terminal; and causes a storage unit of the server terminal to update information indicating that picking of the commodities has been completed. The picking list of the commodities displayed on the shop terminal is displayed together with a scan area for scanning identification codes that correspond to the information identifying the commodities and are attached to the commodities.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assisting in picking ordered products and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Normally, for the products in a store that has received an order via an application such as an online supermarket, the products stored in the store's product shelves or warehouses are picked, the picked products are packed, the packed products are loaded onto a delivery means such as a delivery truck, and at the delivery destination, the loaded products are unloaded to complete the delivery of the ordered products.

[0003] As a method for assisting in picking and packing ordered products, for example, in Patent Document 1, a method is disclosed in which an operator who packs the products delivered from an operator in charge of picking scans a product identification code (for example, a JAN code) attached to the product to perform the packing operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 discloses a system that allows packing workers to identify products to be packed by reading product identification codes using a packing device and to confirm the completion of the packing work. However, if the presence of incompletely picked products is found during the packing work, the picking worker must be asked to pick the products again, resulting in rework. On the other hand, workers who perform tasks such as picking and packing ordered products have a need for a simpler method of picking and other tasks that reduces work errors. Furthermore, when picking and packing products is performed via an application installed on a general-purpose terminal such as a smartphone, the scan area is not displayed on the screen for confirming the products to be picked. As a result, when switching from the product confirmation screen to the scan screen, workers may not know which product to scan, leading to the problem of rework.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above problems and needs, the present invention aims to provide a method for supporting picking that enables store workers to perform picking and other tasks in a simple manner and with minimal work errors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A method for assisting in the picking of ordered goods according to one aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit of a server terminal transmits a picking list of goods that need to be picked to a store terminal, receives information identifying the goods from the store terminal, updates the storage unit of the server terminal with information indicating that the picking of the goods has been completed, and the picking list displayed on the store terminal is displayed together with a scan area for scanning an identification code corresponding to the information identifying the goods attached to the goods. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for supporting picking that enables store workers to perform picking and other tasks in a simple manner and with minimal work errors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing a system that supports tasks such as product picking, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the server terminal 100. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the store terminal 200. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of user data stored in server terminal 100. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of product data stored in server terminal 100. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of order data stored in server terminal 100. [Figure 7] This figure shows another example of order data stored in server terminal 100. [Figure 8] This figure shows yet another example of order data stored in server terminal 100. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of a method for assisting product picking according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an example of a user interface screen displayed on a store terminal to assist with picking. [Figure 11] This is another example of a user interface screen that assists with picking, displayed on a store terminal. [Figure 12] This is yet another example of a user interface screen displayed on a store terminal to assist with picking. [Figure 13] This is yet another example of a user interface screen displayed on a store terminal to assist with picking. [Figure 14]Another example of a user interface screen for assisting picking, which is displayed on a store terminal. [Figure 15] Another example of a user interface screen for assisting picking, which is displayed on a store terminal. [Figure 16] An example of a label required for the delivery of goods. [Figure 17] A flowchart showing an example of a method for assisting in packing goods according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] An example of a user interface screen for assisting packing, which is displayed on a store terminal. [Figure 19] [[ID=十五]]Another example of a user interface screen for assisting packing, which is displayed on a store terminal. [Figure 20] Another example of a user interface screen for assisting packing, which is displayed on a store terminal. [Figure 21] An example of a user interface screen for assisting in counting the number of servings, which is displayed on a store terminal. [Figure 22] Another example of a user interface screen for assisting in counting the number of servings, which is displayed on a store terminal. [Figure 23] A flowchart showing an example of a method for assisting in the delivery of goods according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] An example of a user interface screen for assisting in delivery, which is displayed on a delivery service provider's terminal. [Figure 25] Another example of a user interface screen for assisting in delivery, which is displayed on a delivery service provider's terminal. [Figure 26] Another example of a user interface screen for assisting in delivery, which is displayed on a delivery service provider's terminal. [Figure 27] Another example of a user interface screen for assisting in delivery, which is displayed on a delivery service provider's terminal. [Figure 28]This is yet another example of a user interface screen that assists with delivery, displayed on a delivery company's terminal. [Figure 29] This is yet another example of a user interface screen that assists with delivery, displayed on a delivery company's terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] <Structure> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a system that performs a method to support delivery operations such as picking, packing, loading, and unloading, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This system 1 consists of, for example, a server terminal 100 that performs a method to support operations such as picking, and store terminals 200A, 200B, etc., used by store workers such as supermarkets who perform operations such as picking. For the sake of explanation, each terminal is described as a single or specific number, but there is no limit to the number of each.

[0012] Server terminal 100 and store terminals 200A and 200B are connected to each other via network NW1. Network NW consists of the Internet, intranet, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc.

[0013] The server terminal 100 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or personal computer, or it may be logically implemented through cloud computing.

[0014] Store terminals 200A and 200B are, for example, information processing devices such as personal computers or tablet terminals, but they may also be composed of smartphones, mobile phones, PDAs, etc. For the sake of explanation, store terminals 200A and 200B will be collectively referred to as store terminal 200 below.

[0015] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the server terminal 100 shown in Figure 1. The server terminal 100 comprises a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0016] The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for communicating with the store terminal 200 via the network NW1, and communication is performed using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

[0017] The storage unit 120 stores programs for executing various control processes and functions within the control unit 130, input data, etc., and is composed of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit 120 also has a user data storage unit 121 that stores various data related to users who order products sold or stored as inventory in stores such as supermarkets via applications such as online supermarkets, a product data storage unit 122 that stores various data related to products sold or stored in the stores, and an order data storage unit 123 that stores various data related to orders by the users. A database (not shown) storing various data may be built outside of the storage unit 120 or the server terminal 100.

[0018] The control unit 130 controls the overall operation of the server terminal 100 by executing programs stored in the memory unit 120, and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The functions of the control unit 130 include an information receiving unit 131 that receives instructions and information from each store terminal, a user information processing unit 132 that refers to and processes various data related to the user, a product information processing unit 133 that refers to and processes various data related to products, and an order information processing unit 134 that refers to and processes various data related to orders. The information receiving unit 131, user information processing unit 132, product information processing unit 133, and order information processing unit 134 are started by programs stored in the memory unit 120 and executed by the server terminal 100, which is a computer (electronic computer).

[0019] The information receiving unit 131 receives information from the store terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. For example, it receives information such as identifying the items to be picked from the store terminal 200 via a predetermined user interface screen displayed on the store terminal 200.

[0020] The user information processing unit 132 refers to various data related to the user ordering products from the store (for example, user data 1000 described later) and performs predetermined processing.

[0021] The product information processing unit 133 refers to various data related to information about the store's products (for example, product data 2000 described later) and performs predetermined processing.

[0022] The order information processing unit 133 refers to various data related to the information regarding the user's order for products at the store (for example, order data 3000 described later) and performs predetermined processing.

[0023] Furthermore, the control unit 130 may also have a screen generation unit (not shown), which generates screen information to be displayed via the user interfaces of store terminals 200A and 200B as needed. For example, using image and text data (not shown) stored in the storage unit 120 as material, the user interface is generated by arranging various images and text in predetermined areas of the user interface according to predetermined layout rules. Processing related to the image generation unit can also be performed by a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0024] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the store terminal 200 in Figure 1. The store terminal 200 comprises a communication unit 210, a display and operation unit 220, a storage unit 230, a camera 240, and a control unit 250.

[0025] The communication unit 210 is a communication interface for communicating with the server terminal 100 via the network NW, and communication is performed using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP.

[0026] The display operation unit 220 is a user interface used to display text, images, etc., in response to user input and input data from the control unit 250. If the store terminal 200 is a personal computer, it consists of a display and a keyboard or mouse; if the store terminal 200 is a smartphone or tablet, it consists of a touch panel, etc. This display operation unit 220 is activated by a control program stored in the storage unit 230 and executed by the store terminal 200, which is a computer (electronic calculator).

[0027] The memory unit 230 stores programs for executing various control processes and functions within the control unit 250, input data, etc., and is composed of RAM, ROM, etc. The memory unit 230 also temporarily stores the contents of communications with the server terminal 100.

[0028] Camera 240 reads product and order identification information by capturing (scanning) identification codes associated with information identifying the ordered product (e.g., JAN code) and identification codes associated with information identifying the order (e.g., QR code®).

[0029] The control unit 250 controls the overall operation of the store terminal 200 by executing programs stored in the memory unit 230, and is composed of a CPU, GPU, and other components.

[0030] Figure 4 shows an example of user data stored in the server terminal 100.

[0031] The user data 1000 shown in Figure 4 stores various data related to users who order products from a store. As shown in Figure 4, the user data 1000 may include, but is not limited to, a user ID that identifies each user, the user's name, address, contact information, and an order ID that identifies the user's order.

[0032] Figure 5 shows an example of product data stored on the server terminal 100.

[0033] Product data 2000 stores various data related to the products in the store. As shown in Figure 5, product data 2000 may include, but is not limited to, a product ID that identifies each product, product name, price, storage method (room temperature, frozen, refrigerated, etc.), information that identifies the sales location, and an identification code (e.g., JAN code) associated with the information that identifies the product.

[0034] Figures 6 to 8 show examples of order data stored in the server terminal 100.

[0035] Order data 3000 stores various data related to product orders placed by users. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, order data 2000 may include, but is not limited to, an order ID to identify each order, a user ID to identify the user who placed the order, the date and time of the order, the desired delivery date and time for the ordered products, a product ID to identify the ordered products, the quantity of the ordered products, the picking status (completed, incomplete), the type of container (or plastic bag, etc.) (room temperature, refrigerated, frozen), the label printing status (completed, incomplete), the packing status (completed, incomplete), the number of packages (completed, incomplete), the loading status onto the delivery truck (completed, incomplete), and the delivery status (completed, incomplete). Here, the order ID is assigned, for example, to correspond to the time of delivery of the products (for example, an order corresponding to products to be loaded onto the 4th delivery truck between 13:00 and 15:00 on the same day is assigned the number "004", and each order is assigned a number such as "001", "002", etc.), but the method of assignment is not limited to this. Furthermore, after the number of packages has been counted for delivery, the data may be managed separately from the order ID unit as package count data (data for managing individual packages (container boxes)).

[0036] <Processing flow> Referring to Figure 9, the flow of a method for assisting in the picking of ordered goods performed by System 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for assisting in the picking of ordered goods according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] First, as a prerequisite, store workers access the server terminal 100 via a user interface screen for picking tasks, etc., displayed on the store terminal 200's web browser or application, and refer to a menu screen as shown in Figure 10. The menu screen consists of a picking menu for picking ordered items from the sales floor, a packing menu for packing items according to each order, a delivery menu for delivering items to the ordering user, etc., and the necessary tasks are selected. Here, multiple workers can refer to the same menu screen using their respective store terminals 200A, 200B, etc., and in this example, a so-called total quantity picking method can be adopted, in which each worker picks items corresponding to multiple orders to be delivered at the same time in the order of work.

[0038] Next, when a store worker selects a picking menu from the menus displayed on the store terminal 200, as the process of step SQ101, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives a request from the store terminal 200 via the communication unit 110 to display a picking list of ordered items that need to be picked. Then, as the process of step SQ102, the order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130 refers to the order data 3000 stored in the order data storage unit 123 of the storage unit 120 in response to the received request to display the picking list, and as the process of step S103, transmits information regarding the picking list to the store terminal 200. For example, as the picking list, the order corresponding to order ID "004-001", which will be loaded onto the fourth delivery truck to be delivered between 13:00 and 15:00 on that day, is referred to, and a picking list corresponding to that order is generated. As shown in Figure 11, the picking operation screen 1100 is displayed via the user interface screen of the store terminal 200. The picking operation screen 1100 consists of a picking list display area 1101 that lists the items to be picked, and a scan area 1102 for scanning product identification codes (e.g., JAN codes) associated with information identifying the items to be picked. This allows the worker to scan the identification codes of the items while referring to the information about the items to be picked displayed on the picking list, enabling a simple, quick, and error-free operation. In particular, even with general-purpose terminals that do not have a dedicated barcode reader, such as smartphones, displaying the scan area and the picking list on the same screen can improve the efficiency of reading products. This configuration can also be applied to dedicated terminals that do not have a barcode reader.

[0039] Next, the worker performs the product picking operation, and while referring to the picking operation screen, aligns the identification code of the unpicked product listed in the picking list display area 1101 with the frame that guides the reading of the product identification code set in the scan area 1102. The identification code is then scanned by the camera 240 built into the store terminal 200, and as the process of step S104, the store terminal 200 transmits product identification information associated with the scanned identification code to the server terminal 100. Here, for example, as shown in Figure 12(a), in the case of a fruit product such as an apple that does not have a JAN code, the JAN code cannot be read by scanning, so the worker performs an operation to manually input the picking on the picking operation screen and performs an operation to select the number of picks, as shown in Figure 12(b). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(b), the screen for selecting the number of items to pick displays only numerical options with the maximum order quantity (in the example in Figure 12(b), "0" or "1"), thus preventing operators from making mistakes in manually selecting the number of items to pick (for example, mistakenly selecting "2"). For products with a specified origin, such as apples, operators can input the origin on the picking screen. When inputting the origin, operators can select or manually enter "Domestic," "Overseas," or, in the case of domestic products, the prefecture. For variable-weight products, the lower and upper limits of the picking quantity can be set in advance, allowing picking only within the set range. If the selection is outside the set range, an error message such as "The specified range has been exceeded. Please select a product within the range." will be displayed.

[0040] Next, as part of step SQ105, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives information identifying the picked items and information regarding the number of items picked from the store terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. The order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130 then refers to the order data 3000 in the order data storage unit 123 of the storage unit 120 and updates the order data 3000 to indicate that the picking of the corresponding items has been completed, based on the received information regarding the picked items and quantities. Next, as part of step SQ106, the order information processing unit 134 transmits the updated picking list information to the store terminal 200. Here, as shown in Figure 13, information indicating that the picking of items has been completed can be displayed via the user interface screen of the store terminal 200, and items that have been picked and items that have not yet been picked can be displayed in a way that allows for identification.

[0041] Next, in step S107, similar to step S104, the store terminal 200 transmits information identifying the items and the number of items picked for items that have not yet been picked to the server terminal 100. In step S108, similar to step S105, the order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 updates the order data 3000 for items that have been picked. Once it confirms that the picking of all items associated with the order is complete, in step S109, it transmits information to the store terminal 200 indicating that the picking of the items has been completed. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the user interface screen of the store terminal 200 displays that the picking of all items has been completed, allowing the worker to confirm the completion. At the same time, information regarding items that could not be picked and were determined to be out of stock can also be displayed. This allows the worker to confirm that the items have been picked (or that there were any shortages).

[0042] Once all items have been picked, in step S110, the order information processing unit 134 sends information to the store terminal 200 to instruct it to print shipping labels for the items in order to proceed to packing. For example, as shown in Figure 15(a), information for printing labels for the picked ordered items is displayed on the user interface screen of the store terminal 200. When the worker selects "Print Labels," a confirmation screen is displayed for printing labels according to the storage method of the ordered items ("Room Temperature," "Refrigerated," "Frozen"), as shown in Figure 15(b). In step S111, the worker can print the labels via a printer connected to the store terminal 200 by selecting the "Print" button.

[0043] The storage unit 120 of the server terminal 100 stores order data 3000 in the order data storage unit 123, including customer information (user ID), delivery address (user address information obtained via user ID), order identification information (order ID), storage method for ordered products ("room temperature", "refrigerated", "frozen"), packing information, and delivery information (loading, unloading (delivery) information). When an operator prints a label, a label is printed with a QR code that reads link information (URL, etc.) to access this information. As shown in Figure 16, the label has the customer's last name, order ID, product storage method, and the QR code printed on it. Here, the operator can have only the minimum information necessary for the work, such as the customer's last name, order ID, and storage method, printed on the label so that the customer's personal information cannot be identified.

[0044] Referring to Figure 17, the flow of a method for assisting in the packing of ordered goods, as performed by System 1 of the second embodiment, will be described. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for assisting in the packing of ordered goods according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] First, store workers attach the printed labels mentioned above to boxes prepared according to the storage method (room temperature, refrigerated, frozen), and then place the picked items into containers, storing them in their respective boxes.

[0046] Referring to Figure 17, the flow of a method for assisting in the packing of ordered goods, as performed by System 1 of the second embodiment, will be described. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for assisting in the packing of ordered goods according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] First, store workers attach the printed labels mentioned above to the containers and shipping boxes prepared for each storage method (room temperature, refrigerated, frozen), and then place the picked items into the respective containers and boxes.

[0048] First, the store worker starts the packing work by selecting the packing work menu on the menu screen shown in Figure 10. Following the predetermined instructions via the user interface screen displayed on the store terminal 200, the worker scans, for example, the QR code printed on the label corresponding to the ordered product for room temperature use with the camera built into the store terminal 200. As the process of step SQ201, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives a request from the store terminal 200 via the communication unit 110 to display a packing list of ordered products that need to be packed. Then, as the process of step SQ202, the order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130, in response to the received request to display the packing list, refers to the order data 3000 stored in the order data storage unit 123 of the storage unit 120, and as the process of step S203, transmits information regarding the packing list to the store terminal 200. For example, a packing list is generated for items picked in association with the above order ID "004-001" that require storage at room temperature. As shown in Figure 18, a packing work screen 1800 is displayed via the user interface screen of the store terminal 200. The packing work screen 1800 consists of a packing list display area 1801 that lists the items that need to be packed, and a scan area 1802 for scanning product identification codes (e.g., JAN codes) associated with information that identifies the items to be packed. This allows the worker to scan the identification codes of the items while referring to the information about the items that need to be packed displayed on the packing screen, enabling a simple, quick, and error-free operation. In particular, even with general-purpose terminals that do not have a dedicated barcode reader, such as smartphones, displaying the scan area and the packing list on the same screen can improve the efficiency of reading products. This configuration can also be applied to dedicated terminals that do not have a barcode reader.

[0049] Next, the worker performs the packing work of placing the products into the containers, and while referring to the packing work screen, aligns the identification code of the unpacked products listed in the packing display area 1801 with the frame that guides the reading of the product identification code set in the scan area 1802. The camera 240 built into the store terminal 200 scans the identification code, and as the process of step S204, the store terminal 200 transmits product identification information associated with the scanned identification code to the server terminal 100.

[0050] Next, as part of step SQ205, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives information identifying the packed items and information regarding the number of packed items from the store terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. The order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130 then refers to the order data 3000 in the order data storage unit 123 of the storage unit 120 and updates the order data 3000 to indicate that the packing of the corresponding items has been completed, based on the received information regarding the packed items and quantities. Next, as part of step SQ206, the order information processing unit 134 transmits the updated packing list information to the store terminal 200. Here, as shown in Figure 19, information indicating that the packing of the items has been completed can be displayed via the user interface screen of the store terminal 200, and the items that have been packed and those that have not yet been packed can be displayed in a way that allows for identification.

[0051] Next, in step S207, similar to step S204, the store terminal 200 transmits information identifying the products and the number of products that have been packed for products that have not yet been packed. In step S208, similar to step S205, the order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 updates the order data 3000 for products that have been packed. Once it confirms that packing of all products associated with the order is complete, in step S209, it transmits information to the store terminal 200 indicating that the packing of the products is complete. In particular, in this embodiment, since the worker repeats the packing work based on the above method for each product storage method (room temperature, refrigerated, frozen), this system is characterized by repeating the packing support process for each storage method. For example, as shown in Figure 20, a message indicating that packing of all products is complete is displayed on the user interface screen of the store terminal 200, allowing the worker to confirm the completion. This allows workers to confirm that products are properly packed according to their storage method. Furthermore, if additional packages are needed during the packing process, workers can print additional labels via a designated print screen.

[0052] Once all products have been packed, in step S210, the worker sends a request to the server terminal 100 via the user interface screen displayed on the store terminal 200 to count the number of individual packages in order to determine the number of Ori-con containers containing the products and the boxes that contain the Ori-con containers. In step SQ211, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives the package count request from the store terminal 200 via the communication unit 110, and the order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130, in response to the received package count request, refers to the order data 3000 stored in the order data storage unit 123 of the storage unit 120 and sends information regarding the package count list to the store terminal 200. For example, as shown in Figure 21, a list is generated as the package count list that displays the number of labels issued for Ori-con containers that are suitable for storage at room temperature, in relation to the order ID "004-001".

[0053] Next, the worker, referring to the individual package counting screen shown in Figure 21, aligns the identification code (QR code) attached to the container with the frame that guides the reading of the identification code set in the scanning area for scanning the identification code printed on the label. The camera 240 built into the store terminal 200 scans the identification code, and as part of step S212, the store terminal 200 transmits information to the server terminal 100 that identifies the packed product (in this example, a product that is stored at room temperature, i.e., the container in which the product is contained) associated with the scanned identification code.

[0054] Next, as part of step SQ213, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives information identifying the packed goods (i.e., information identifying the container) from the store terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. The order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130 then refers to the order data 3000 in the order data storage unit 123 of the storage unit 120 and updates the order data 3000 to indicate that the count of the number of packages for the corresponding goods has been completed (incrementing the package count by "1"). By repeating the same process for the number of labels, as part of step SQ214, the order information processing unit 134 sends information to the store terminal 200 indicating that the count of the number of packages has been completed. As shown in Figure 22, the user interface screen of the store terminal 200 can display information indicating that the number of packages has been confirmed and that packing for the delivery vehicle (e.g., vehicle 1 of the 4th delivery) has been completed. The worker hands over the packed goods (container containers or boxes containing the containers) to the delivery company, thus transitioning to the delivery process by the delivery company.

[0055] Referring to Figure 23, the flow of a method for supporting the delivery of ordered goods, as performed by System 1 of the third embodiment, will be described. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for supporting the delivery of ordered goods according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Here, since the third embodiment involves work performed by a delivery company, the store terminal 200 will be replaced with a delivery company terminal for explanation. If the store itself, rather than a delivery company, is responsible for delivering the goods, then "delivery company" should be replaced with "delivery person in charge" and "delivery company terminal" should be replaced with "store terminal" for interpretation.

[0056] First, the delivery worker starts the delivery work by selecting the delivery work menu ("Delivery of goods to customers") on the menu screen shown in Figure 10. In step S301, the worker sends a request to the server terminal 100 to display the loading list by selecting the loading work from the list of delivery work tasks via the user interface screen displayed on the delivery company terminal, for example, as shown in Figure 24. Then, in step SQ302, the order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130 refers to the order data 3000 and / or package count data stored in the order data storage unit 123 of the storage unit 120 in response to the received request to display the loading list, and in step S303, sends information regarding the loading list to the delivery company terminal. For example, as a loading list, a loading list of Oricon containers corresponding to the storage methods of room temperature, refrigeration, and freezing is generated for the goods (Oricon) packed in association with the above order ID "004-001". As shown in Figure 25, the loading operation screen 2500 is displayed via the user interface screen of the delivery company terminal. The loading operation screen 2500 consists of a container display area 2501 that lists the containers to be loaded, and a scan area 2502 for scanning identification codes (e.g., QR codes) associated with information identifying the containers to be loaded. This allows workers to scan the identification codes of the containers while referring to information about the containers to be loaded, enabling them to perform the task quickly and with fewer errors in a simple manner.

[0057] Next, the worker loads the containers, and while referring to the loading screen, aligns the identification code printed on the label attached to the container with the frame that guides the reading of the container identification code set in the scan area 2502 for the unloaded containers listed in the container display area 2501. The camera 240 built into the delivery company terminal scans the identification code, and as part of step S304, the delivery company terminal transmits information identifying the container associated with the scanned identification code to the server terminal 100.

[0058] Next, as part of step SQ305, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives information identifying the container from the delivery company terminal via the communication unit 110. The order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130 then refers to the loading status information of the order data 3000 and / or the number of packages in the order data storage unit 123 of the storage unit 120. Based on the received information about the container, it updates the loading status information of the order data 3000 and / or the number of packages to indicate that the loading of the corresponding container is complete. The same process is repeated for each container, and as part of step SQ306, the order information processing unit 134 sends information that loading is complete to the delivery company terminal. Here, as shown in Figure 26, the information that loading of the container is complete can be displayed on the delivery company's user interface screen. The server terminal 100 can also send the information that loading is complete to the customer terminal via push notification.

[0059] Next, the delivery company's workers deliver the loaded containers to the delivery destination using a delivery vehicle. In step S307, at the delivery destination, the workers, for example, select a delivery task from the list of delivery tasks via the user interface screen displayed on the delivery company's terminal as shown in Figure 26, and then select "Start Loading / Unloading" from the detailed delivery information screen shown in Figure 27, thereby sending a request to the server terminal 100 to display the loading / unloading list. Then, in step SQ308, the order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130, in response to the received request to display the loading / unloading list, refers to the order data 3000 and / or package count data stored in the order data storage unit 123 of the storage unit 120, and in step S309, sends information regarding the loading / unloading list to the delivery company terminal. For example, as a loading / unloading list, a loading / unloading list is generated for the goods (containers) loaded in association with the above order ID "004-001", corresponding to the storage methods of room temperature, refrigeration, and freezing. As shown in Figure 28, the loading and unloading screen 2800 is displayed via the user interface screen of the delivery company terminal. The loading and unloading screen 2800 consists of a container display area 2801 that lists the containers to be loaded and unloaded, and a scan area 2802 for scanning identification codes (e.g., QR codes) associated with information identifying the containers to be loaded and unloaded. This allows workers to scan the identification codes of the containers while referring to information about the containers to be loaded and unloaded, enabling them to perform the task quickly and with fewer errors in a simple manner.

[0060] Next, the worker loads and unloads the containers, and while referring to the loading and unloading screen, aligns the identification code printed on the label attached to the container with the frame that guides the reading of the identification code of the container set in the scanning area 2802 for the unloaded containers listed in the container display area 2801. The camera 240 built into the delivery company terminal scans the identification code, and as part of the process in step S310, the delivery company terminal transmits information identifying the container associated with the scanned identification code to the server terminal 100.

[0061] Next, as part of step SQ311, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives information identifying the container from the delivery company terminal via the communication unit 110. The order information processing unit 134 of the control unit 130 then refers to the unloading status information of the order data 3000 and / or the number of packages in the order data storage unit 123 of the storage unit 120. Based on the received information about the container, it updates the unloading status information of the order data 3000 and / or the number of packages to indicate that the unloading of the corresponding container has been completed. The same process is repeated for each container, and as part of step SQ312, the order information processing unit 134 sends information to the delivery company terminal indicating that the unloading has been completed. Here, as shown in Figure 29, the information indicating that the unloading of the container has been completed can be displayed on the user interface screen of the delivery company terminal. Subsequently, when the delivery company hands over the container to the customer, the worker presses a button on the delivery company's terminal's user interface screen to indicate that the delivery is complete, and information that the delivery is complete is sent to the server terminal 100. The server terminal 100 can also send information that the delivery is complete to the customer's terminal via push notification. In this way, the status information of the product delivery can also be sent to the customer's terminal via push notification whenever it is updated.

[0062] In each of the picking, packing, and delivery operations described in the first to third embodiments, a list of goods or containers requiring picking, packing, loading, or unloading is provided to the worker's terminal. By providing a common work method and user interface for each process, allowing the worker to scan the identification code attached to the goods or containers on the screen displaying the list, simple and intuitive work can be performed by any worker in any work process, thereby enabling work support with fewer errors.

[0063] Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, these can be implemented in various other forms, and can be carried out by various omissions, substitutions, and modifications. These embodiments and variations, as well as those with omissions, substitutions, and modifications, are included within the technical scope of the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 System: 100 Server terminals, 110 Communication unit, 120 Storage unit, 130 Control unit, 200 Store terminals, NW1 Network

Claims

1. A method for assisting in the picking of ordered items, The control unit of the server terminal is: Send a picking list of items that need picking to the store terminal. The server terminal receives information identifying the product from the store terminal and updates the storage unit of the server terminal with information indicating that the picking of the product has been completed. A method for assisting in product picking, wherein the picking list displayed on the picking screen of the store terminal is displayed on the same screen of the store terminal along with a scan area, which is a screen for reading identification codes corresponding to information identifying the products attached to the products by imaging with a camera mounted on the store terminal.

2. A method according to claim 1, comprising receiving information identifying the product and information regarding the quantity of the product from the store terminal by manual input.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the number of items is determined by accepting a selection from a number whose maximum value is the number of items that need to be picked.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein information relating to the product is stored in the storage unit in association with information relating to a method for storing the product.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the server terminal stores information about the customer, information about the product, and information about a method for storing the product in the storage unit as information to be printed on a label necessary for delivering the product, and the information of the customer is displayed on the label in a form that does not identify the personal information of the customer.

6. A program that enables a computer to assist in picking ordered items, Send a picking list of items that need picking to the store terminal. The system receives product identification information from the store terminal and updates the storage unit of the server terminal with information indicating that the picking of the product has been completed. The picking list displayed on the picking screen of the store terminal is a program that is displayed on the same screen of the store terminal, along with a scan area which is a screen for reading identification codes corresponding to information that identifies the products attached to the products by imaging with a camera mounted on the store terminal.

7. A program according to claim 6, which causes the store terminal to receive information identifying the product and information regarding the quantity of the product by manual input.

8. A program according to claim 6, wherein the number of items is determined by accepting a selection from a number whose maximum value is the number of items that need to be picked.

9. A program according to claim 6, wherein information relating to the product is associated with information relating to a method for storing the product and stored in the storage unit.

10. A program according to claim 1, wherein information relating to the customer, information relating to the product, and information relating to the method of storing the product are stored in the storage unit as information to be printed on a label necessary for delivering the product, and the customer information is displayed on the label in a form that does not identify the customer's personal information.

11. A system for assisting in the picking of ordered goods, comprising a server terminal and a store terminal connected to the server terminal via a network, The aforementioned server terminal is The control unit transmits a picking list of items that need to be picked to the store terminal, It has a storage unit that stores information identifying the product received from the store terminal, along with information indicating that the picking of the product has been completed. The aforementioned store terminal has a display unit that displays a screen for picking operations, The picking list displayed on the picking screen of the store terminal is displayed on the same screen of the store terminal, along with a scan area which is a screen for reading identification codes corresponding to information identifying the products attached to the products by imaging with a camera mounted on the store terminal.

12. A system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the server terminal receives information identifying the product and information regarding the quantity of the product from the store terminal by manual input.

13. A method according to claim 2, wherein the number of items is determined by accepting a selection from a number whose maximum value is the number of items that need to be picked.

14. A system according to claim 1, wherein information relating to the product is stored in the storage unit in association with information relating to a method for storing the product.

15. A system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the server terminal stores information about the customer, information about the product, and information about how to store the product in the storage unit as information to be printed on a label necessary for delivering the product, and the label displays the customer's information in a form that does not identify the customer's personal information.

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